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Chinese FM urges respect for Gulf states' sovereignty, protection of civilians and shipping lanes

Xinhua) 14:07, April 03, 2026

BEIJING, April 2 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday that the sovereignty and security of the Gulf states should be respected, and civilians and non-military targets must receive the necessary protection.

The safety of shipping lanes, as well as energy and infrastructure facilities, should also be safeguarded, said Wang during a phone conversation with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul over the current situation in the Middle East.

The current situation in Iran is severe and complex, and has a serious impact on global economic, energy and food security, Wadephul said, noting that ending the conflict as soon as possible is in the common interests of the international community.

Germany supports the United Nations in playing its due role and attaches importance to the five-point initiative for restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and Middle East region that was put forward by China and Pakistan, said the minister, adding that his country is ready to continue to maintain communication and cooperation with China.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, elaborated on China's principled position, saying that the military strikes launched by the United States and Israel against Iran were not authorized by the UN Security Council and clearly violated international law.

As responsible major countries, China and Germany should uphold an objective and impartial stance, play a constructive role, and promote the quick calming of the war and the restoration of regional peace and stability, Wang said.

During the phone conversation, the two sides also exchanged views on bilateral relations and agreed to implement the outcomes of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's visit to China, enhance strategic communication, increase strategic mutual trust, and promote greater development of the all-round strategic partnership between China and Germany.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Burnout and depression are often mentioned together, but they describe different patterns of distress. Burnout usually stems from longterm work stressfeeling drained, cynical, and disconnected from a job or caregiving role.

What Is Burnout?

Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by chronic stress, most often in the workplace. The World Health Organization describes it in the ICD11 as an occupational phenomenon resulting from poorly managed workplace stress. People with burnout often feel depleted, detached, and unable to meet their usual responsibilities, even after rest or time off. Mental health experts at major organizations like the World Health Organization note that untreated burnout can raise the risk of developing depression, which is why it matters to distinguish between them while also spotting their overlap.

Common triggers include long hours, high pressure, unrealistic expectations, and low support from managers or colleagues. Unlike a busy season that passes, burnout tends to linger and can affect how a person views their work and even their sense of self. It is not a formal psychiatric diagnosis in the same way depression is, but it can still seriously impact health, performance, and relationships.

What Is Depression?

Depression is a mood disorder marked by persistent sadness, low energy, and a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. It can change sleep, appetite, concentration, and selfesteem and may appear without an obvious external cause. Clinical guidelines generally require symptoms lasting at least two weeks and causing noticeable problems in daily life to consider a diagnosis.

Treatment often involves psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, and sometimes medication. Unlike burnout, which is usually tied to a specific context, depression can affect mood and behavior at home, at work, and in social settings. That broad impact is one reason people look up burnout vs depression when they are unsure whether what they feel is jobrelated stress or something more serious.

Burnout vs Depression Key Differences

Source and context: Burnout is typically linked to work or caregiving stress, while depression can arise from a mix of biological, psychological, and social factors and affect many areas of life.

Burnout is typically linked to work or caregiving stress, while depression can arise from a mix of biological, psychological, and social factors and affect many areas of life. Scope: Burnout mainly affects job performance and satisfaction; depression often changes mood, thinking, and behavior across personal, social, and professional domains.

Burnout mainly affects job performance and satisfaction; depression often changes mood, thinking, and behavior across personal, social, and professional domains. Emotional tone: Burnout may feel more like frustration, cynicism, and emotional detachment; depression often involves deeper feelings of hopelessness, guilt, or worthlessness.

Burnout may feel more like frustration, cynicism, and emotional detachment; depression often involves deeper feelings of hopelessness, guilt, or worthlessness. Response to change: Burnout symptoms may ease if work conditions improve or workload is reduced; depression usually requires more structured treatment even when external stressors shift.

How Burnout and Depression Overlap

Despite their differences, burnout and depression can feel similar enough to be confusing. People experiencing burnout may notice:

Persistent fatigue that does not fully lift with rest Trouble concentrating or making decisions Irritability or emotional numbness Changes in sleep, such as insomnia or oversleeping Loss of interest in work or hobbies

These symptoms mirror many of the markers of depression, which is why clinicians and occupationalhealth researchers often describe burnout as a form of workrelated distress that can slide into clinical depression if it is not addressed. When the exhaustion and negativity spread beyond the job and start affecting relationships, personal goals, and daily functioning, the pattern may line up more closely with depression than with burnout alone.

Workplace Burnout Symptoms to Watch For

Spotting workplace burnout symptoms early can help prevent more serious mental health issues. Common signs include:

Feeling exhausted even after days off or vacations

Dreading work tasks that used to feel manageable or rewarding

Becoming more cynical or negative about colleagues, clients, or the organization

Making more mistakes or missing deadlines more often

Physical complaints like headaches, stomach problems, or muscle tension

Withdrawing from coworkers or avoiding social interactions at work

These are not just signs of being "overworked." They can signal that stress has become chronic and may be beginning to strain both mental and physical health.

Can Burnout Lead to Depression?

Experts at global health and psychology bodies such as the American Psychological Association emphasize that while burnout is not the same as depression, it can create conditions that make depression more likely. When stress at work is constant and there is little time or space to recover, it can disrupt sleep, weaken emotional resilience, and strain relationships. Over time, this can increase vulnerability to depressive symptoms.

Research from occupationalhealth institutions has found a strong link between emotional exhaustiona core feature of burnoutand later depressive episodes, especially in people who face high job demands and low support. Some researchers even suggest that burnout may be a specialized form of workrelated depression in certain cases. This does not mean every burnedout person will develop depression, but it highlights why burnout should be taken seriously rather than brushed off as a temporary phase.

Risk Factors That Make Burnout More Dangerous

Several factors can raise the chances that burnout will evolve into or coexist with depression. These include:

Long hours, intense pressure, and little control over workload

Lack of recognition or support from supervisors or colleagues

Poor worklife balance, such as constant emails or messages after hours

Preexisting mental health conditions or a family history of mood disorders

Major life stressors, such as financial strain or relationship problems

When these conditions combine, it becomes harder for people to "bounce back" on their own, which can lead to a spiral of exhaustion, negativity, and functional decline that overlaps with depression.

Burnout vs Depression: When to Talk to a Professional

Because burnout vs depression can be hard to tell apart, it helps to know when to seek professional support. People should consider reaching out to a mental health clinician if they notice:

Symptoms lasting more than a few weeks or getting worse

Trouble managing basic responsibilities at work or home

Persistent feelings of hopelessness, guilt, or worthlessness

Marked loss of interest in activities once enjoyed

Thoughts of selfharm or suicide

A clinician can help determine whether someone is dealing with burnout, depression, or both and recommend a plan that may include therapy, lifestyle changes, or medication. This kind of assessment is especially useful when workplace burnout symptoms have started to affect personal life and selfesteem.

Managing Burnout and Lowering Depression Risk

Addressing burnout early can reduce the risk it will turn into or trigger depression. Practical steps include:

Setting boundaries around work hours and avoiding constant connectivity

Discussing workload or adjustments with supervisors

Prioritizing rest, quality sleep, nutritious meals, and regular physical activity

Staying connected with friends, family, or support networks

Using relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or short meditations

When these changes are not enough, mental health professionals can offer deeper support, including therapy tailored to stress, burnout, or depression. Recognizing that burnout is not a sign of personal failurejust a signal that the environment or habits need adjustmentcan make it easier to seek help without shame.

Understanding Burnout vs Depression for Better Mental Health Care

Understanding the relationship between burnout and depressionespecially through burnout vs depression and workplace burnout symptomshelps people respond with compassion instead of selfcriticism. Burnout is not a character flaw; it is a response to sustained stress that can affect anyone, regardless of job title or experience. When burnout lingers without support, it can open the door to depression, particularly in highpressure environments. Recognizing early warning signs, setting boundaries, and knowing when to seek professional care are key steps toward protecting both mental health and longterm wellbeing.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can burnout turn into depression?

Yes. Research suggests that prolonged or untreated burnout can increase the risk of developing depression, especially when emotional exhaustion spreads beyond work and affects personal life, sleep, and relationships.

2. What is the main difference between burnout and depression?

Burnout is usually tied to work or caregiving stress and tends to center on exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced performance at work. Depression is a clinical condition that can affect mood, thinking, and daily functioning in all areas of life, not just the workplace.

3. What are common workplace burnout symptoms?

Frequent workrelated burnout symptoms include constant fatigue, loss of motivation, cynicism toward work or colleagues, difficulty concentrating, physical complaints (like headaches or stomach issues), and making more mistakes or missing deadlines.
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There are few more obvious winners amid the destruction of America's war in the Gulf than the influential gang of Remainers who dominate public life  in parliament and beyond.

Chief among them is the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, who this week used the cover of global chaos to make his feelings clear: in a 'volatile' world, he said, 'our long-term national interest requires closer partnership with our allies in Europe and with the European Union (EU).'

Labour has been unpicking Brexit for some time, not least with a limited 'reset' of relations aimed, for example, at smoothing cross-Channel trade in food, electricity and carbon emissions, and visits for young people.

Now, Starmer has gone a decisive step further, telling a news conference on Tuesday that, 'We want to be more ambitious, closer economic cooperation, closer security cooperation, a partnership that recognises our shared values, our shared interest and our shared future, a partnership for the dangerous world that we must navigate together.'

It's true that the world is 'volatile', but I'm in no doubt about what is really playing out  which is a coup by an anti-Brexit Establishment which has never accepted the verdict of the 2016 referendum and has been working to undermine it ever since.

I'm talking here about Britain's professional classes, the well-paid, well-connected metropolitan types  lawyers, bankers, consultants, civil servants  who run much of Britain yet have more in common with Paris and Berlin than Barnsley. They hold millions of their fellow citizens in contempt.

To the Euro-obsessives, the Brexit vote was a personal affront, a shocking challenge not just to their inflated self-regard but to a globalist, anti-patriotic outlook in which any form of national affiliation is an affront.

Starmer hasn't yet gone so far as some Labour figures, such as London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who have demanded that we rejoin the EU wholesale. Yet we should be under no doubt as to what 'closer cooperation' would mean in practice for Britain, or how disastrous it would prove.

Frank is talking about Britain's professional classes, the well-paid, well-connected metropolitan types  lawyers, bankers, consultants, civil servants

It would mean, for example, accepting ever-greater oversight from the European Court of Justice (ECJ), a intrusive body already determined to interfere in any trade deal we try to reach, and which imposes itself across the board  from industry to agriculture  whenever possible. Britain's interests rarely come first.

It would be expensive, too. If we want smoother trading arrangements, the EU will naturally demand we pay billions of Euros in return - to help shore up its own budget, now in serious deficit.

We've already seen Brussels demand a punitive E4- E6billion-euro contribution (3.5-5.2billion) merely to take part in a scheme for EU-wide defence procurement, despite the fact that our participation would benefit everyone concerned.

A closer relationship with Europe would mean thousands of young Europeans coming to live and work in Britain under a new youth mobility scheme, not to mention the thousands more arriving through the Erasmus scheme for students and young entrepreneurs.

I'm in little doubt that Europe would eventually require us to accept the wholesale free movement of EU citizens across our borders  something that the British people comprehensively rejected in 2016.

As for the dead hand of European bureaucracy, millions of us will get a personal taste of it when we go on holiday this summer and are forced through the new regime of EU border checks, complete with mandatory fingerprints and photographs  a painful hour or two we will never get back.

Perhaps that's that point. I spend half my year working in Brussels and am in no doubt how the EU Commission (effectively the EU government) and those who work for it like to think. Their position is crystal clear: 'You British might well want to cooperate, but don't for a moment think we're going to make life easy.'

Sadly, it's all too true that Trump's actions  the insults to longstanding allies, the economic chaos  have left the door wide open for Labour's Remain insurgents. Worse, the president's unpredictable behaviour has camouflaged the sheer irrationality of what they are proposing.

Starmer has gone a decisive step further, telling a news conference that, 'We want to be more ambitious'

I had a depressing insight into their demented, dogmatic commitment soon after first arriving in Brussels. Chatting to a colleague in a bar, I was overheard by Commission officials from Italy and Germany  who proceeded to yell abuse at me for Britain's 'criminal' actions in leaving the EU!

I fear their sympathisers in London and our university towns think much the same.

Yet the vote for Brexit was not 'knee-jerk xenophobia', or a 'roll of the dice' or merely a failed gamble on America as some dismissively suggest. Rather, the decision to leave the sclerotic embrace of Eurocracy was a hard-nosed recognition that the world has changed.

Beset by energy shortages, cripplingly low productivity, chronic bureaucracy and endemic welfarism, the EU has been failing for decades. It was crucial that we left and is essential that we do not rejoin  even partially.

The Remainer supposition that accepting Brussels's rules will somehow rescue and recharge the British economy is absurd, not least because France and Germany - the dominant forces in the bloc  have national interests which are quite different from our own.

Why clamber aboard a sinking ship, or pay billions for the privilege of roping ourselves to the mast as she sinks beneath the waves? Brexit has set us free to chart our own course  and that is exactly what we must do.

My concerns are not just economic, they are strategic, too.

Today, we find ourselves in a new world, in which resilience and self-sufficiency are key. Tying ourselves to the apron strings of the EU or America might seem the 'safe' option, yet quite the opposite is true. We need nimble, sophisticated decision making with our own national self-interest at the heart of it.

Now more than ever, our priorities must be to ensure Britain's economic well-being (which, above all, means reducing energy prices) and to exploit our international autonomy so as secure the very best deals for our people.

Trump will not last for ever, after all. Current US polling suggests his formidable powers might not even last beyond November's mid-term elections.

Yet our alliance with America will endure, as must our relationships with Australia, India and the many other nations around the globe with which we have such strong historical ties.

Yes, let's take a realistic view of the position in which we find ourselves, warts and all. But we must take a clear-eyed view of Britain's strengths and freedoms, too - and act upon them.

Dragging us back into a failing EU bloc amid the fog of war is a tawdry, underhand piece of opportunism - a chronic misreading of the past and a horrendous betrayal of what future prospects still remain.
Listen to the new episode of The Trial USA

It began with a haunting 911 call one night in May 2010.

Shannan Gilbert, a 23-year-old woman terrified for her life, begged for help after going to visit a sex work client in Oak Beach on Long Island, New York.

Her subsequent disappearance prompted a huge search in the dense brush along Ocean Parkway - and led to the discovery of a serial killers graveyard.

Within months, the remains of 11 victims had been found along Ocean Parkway, a stretch of highway close to Gilgo Beach.

For more than a decade the case went cold and the identity of the Gilgo Beach serial killer remained a mystery.

That is until 2023 when Rex Heuermann, an architect and married father-of-two who lived on Long Island and commuted into Manhattan each day, was suddenly arrested as the suspected killer.

Rex Heuermann, a 62-year-old architect from Long Island, is accused of being the notorious Gilgo Beach serial killer

The backyard of Rex Heuermann's home in Massapequa Park during a search in June 2024

Now, Heuermann is charged with the murders of seven women - Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, Amber Costello, Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Sandra Costilla, Jessica Taylor and Valerie Mack - between 1993 and 2010.

Since his bombshell arrest, the 62-year-old architect has fought the charges and pleaded not guilty.

But now, months before his trial is set to get underway, there has been a shock development in the case.

In an upcoming court hearing, Heuermann is expected to plead guilty to all charges - in a move that could finally bring justice to the victims families and an end to an alleged three-decade reign of terror.

Melissa Barthelemy (top left), Amber Costello (top right), Megan Waterman (bottom left), and Maureen Brainard-Barnes (bottom right) became known as the 'Gilgo Four'

Sandra Costilla (left), Valerie Mack (center) and Jessica Taylor (right). Heuermann is charged with the murders of seven women

In this new episode of The Trial USA, Crime Correspondent Rachel Sharp and Senior Reporter Ruth Bashinsky unpack every twist and turn of the case that they have reported on for years, from the young victims stories to the moment police realized they were dealing with a serial killer and the evidence that ultimately led them to the suspect.

The team also takes listeners inside the chaotic scenes outside Heuermanns home after his arrest and into the courtroom as the case headed to trial - as well as everything in between.

And they break down what a guilty plea could now mean - for the case, for the families, and for other potential victims still out there waiting to be found.

Rex Heuermann returns to court in Riverhead, Long Island, on April 8.
A doctor who tried to push his nuclear engineer wife off a Hawaii cliff was probed about their sex life and her extramarital affair during his attempted murder trial.

Gerhardt Konig, 47, last had sex with his nuclear engineer wife Arielle, 37, on Christmas Eve 2024 he testified Thursday.

The pair decided to stop being intimate after Konig confronted Arielle about her affair with her colleague Jeff Miller and called her a 'lying bitch and whore', the jury heard.

Arielle and Miller were involved in a three-month-long 'emotional affair' in which they exchanged 'flirty texts,' she testified last week. She denied being physical with Miller.

Konig, while on the stand Thursday, admitted to contacting Miller's wife Andrea to inform her about the 'inappropriate relationship' between their spouses.

In an email to Andrea that was shown to the jury, Konig provided Miller's wife with Arielle's cellphone number and personal email address and urged her to reach out.

Prosecutor Joel Garner accused Konig, an anesthesiologist, of wanting Andrea to contact Arielle so she could 'punish and humiliate her.' The doctor testified: 'That is absolutely not true.'

Konig has admitted to bashing Arielle over the head with a rock at an Oahu beauty spot in March 2025, but claims he did so in an act of self-defense after she shoved him and struck him with a rock.

Gerhardt Konig, pictured in court Thursday, called his wife Arielle a 'lying b***h and whore' after confronting her about her affair with her colleague, his attempted murder trial heard

A new photo presented to a courtroom in Hawaii on Thursday showed the extent of Arielle's injuries after the attack

Konig has admitted to bashing his nuclear engineer wife Arielle, 37, over the head with a rock at an Oahu beauty spot in March 2025, but claims he did so in an act of self-defense

Konig grew suspicious of Arielle after she was constantly on her phone and hiding her screen from him, the court heard earlier this week.

He told jurors how he 'unlocked her phone while she was sleeping' and discovered her months-long text thread with Miller.

The thread - which saw the pair exchange photographs of themselves - appeared fragmented, so he believed Arielle was deleting her messages, Konig said.

'I had a lot of different feelings, suspicious, not happy. Fair to say, upset,' he testified Thursday, sharing for the first time his reaction to the affair.

Konig decided to go into 'detective mode' and monitored their communications in live time from his laptop over a period of 48 hours, the jury heard.

He kept a Microsoft Word document of Arielle and Miller's messages, noting which ones she would delete from the app, he told the court.

Among the deleted messages were texts where Miller wished her 'good morning,' asked about her sleep and if she was a fan of the band Blues Traveler.

'There's nothing sexual in these messages, is there, Dr Konig?' Garner asked. Konig replied: 'No.'

This is the message Konig sent to the wife of the man his spouse Arielle confessed to having an 'emotional affair' with

Another photo shown in court Thursday depicting Arielle Konig's injuries

'This is two people saying good morning to each other, right?' the prosecutor continued. Konig agreed.

'And you were upset because in your mind, this is what spouses do, right?'

'I wasn't upset that they were saying good morning to each other. I was upset about the entire relationship that they had,' the doctor testified.

Konig further admitted to disclosing Arielle's affair to their best friends, a married couple, before the four of them went on a couples trip to California.

The prosecution argued he wanted to 'isolate Arielle from her best friend,' but Konig said he merely wanted to prepare them ahead of him confronting her - which he did while they were on the group trip.

'And in this confrontation, you called Arielle a lying bitch and a whore?' Garner asked.

Konig said 'I did call her that at some point,' but claims it was not in the initial confrontation.

He then encouraged Arielle to move out of their familial home while they were 'dealing with the aftermath of her having an affair,' Konig said.

The court was shown photographs of the contents of Gerhardt Konig's medical bag on Thursday - which included a syringe and a generic form of Propofol, the powerful anesthetic that caused Michael Jackson's fatal overdose

The jury on Thursday was shown a photograph of the injuries that Gerhardt Konig sustained after the incident on the Nu'uanu hiking trail near the Pali Lookout on March 24, 2025

The court was also shown Konig's booking photograph. He was arrested in Maui after having fled the scene of the assault

Their young sons were only four and 18 months at the time.

'No mother would want to move out of the house with kids that young, would they?' Garner questioned.

Konig, who let out a light chuckle before answering, said: 'I wanted her to move out of the house for us to deal with the affair and I didn't want her to move out of the house and harm our children. I wanted both.'

He further admitted that he wanted Arielle to leave her job as a nuclear engineer to focus on their marriage.

'If she quit her job, she would have been 100 percent dependent on you and your salary?' Garner asked. 'Correct?'

'We had shared assets,' Konig replied.

'She would be dependent on you and your goodwill to keep a roof over her kids' heads, right?' the prosecutor berated.

'She'll be dependent on you and your paycheck to keep her kids fed, right?'

Arielle Konig, 37, was captured on police body camera footage moments after her husband, Gerhardt, allegedly tried to push his wife off a ledge on the trail and attempted to stab her with a syringe before beating her with a jagged rock

Konig kept a Microsoft Word document of Arielle and Jeff Miller's messages, noting which ones she would delete from the app, the court heard Thursday

The prosecutor, when questioning Konig about the WhatsApp messages, noted how there was 'nothing sexual in these messages'

Konig denied the allegations, but Garner continued: 'You want to make sure she never had contact with Jeffrey Miller ever again? You wanted control of her phone at all times?'

'That was my strong preference for her to not have contact with Mr. Miller ever again,' the doctor admitted.

On Thursday, it was also revealed that Konig stood to gain $250,000 from a life insurance policy in the event of Arielle's death.

He denied trying to kill her to get at that money and to have to avoid paying her spousal support in the event of a divorce.

Konig has suggested Arielle attacked him first and that a $1.5 million life insurance policy taken out in his name was the reason she did so.

Konig admitted to bashing Arielle over the head with a rock on the Nu'uanu hiking trail near the Pali Lookout on March 24, 2025, but claims she attacked him first.

He told the jury on Wednesday that his wife pushed him from behind after they had an argument about her affair. He then put his hands on her arms, but Arielle grabbed his wrist and threw herself to the ground, the court heard.

She wrapped her legs around his, grabbed him by the testicles and struck him in the head with a rock, Konig testified. He wrestled the rock away from her and hit her in the head with it twice.

Arielle testified last week that Konig 'forcefully' grabbed her by her arms and pushed her toward a cliff before trying to inject her with a syringe and striking her on the head with a jagged rock.

His defense has noted that police never found a syringe at the scene or evidence that he tried to inject his wife with any substance.

Konig feeds Arielle cake on their wedding day in 2018. The couple met on a dating app in 2016 and were married two years later. They now have two young sons

But the court on Thursday was shown photographs of the contents of his medical bag which included a syringe and a generic form of Propofol, the powerful anesthetic that caused Michael Jackson's fatal overdose.

His attorney, who previously argued the incident was a 'human reaction' to Arielle's three-month-long affair, also alleged that the nuclear engineer tried to kill him.

Konig has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder. His trial is expected to continue through mid-April.
Donald Trump's bizarre speech to the American people in the early hours of yesterday revealed what a terrible mess he has backed himself into with this war  and how difficult it will now be to get out of it.

At one moment the President was threatening to bomb Iran 'back to the Stone Age' while in the next he was claiming the gallant US military had already won.

Meanwhile Tehran has closed the Strait of Hormuz, cutting off much of the world's oil supply, with governments from Europe to Asia and beyond facing a forthcoming crisis likely to dwarf the crippling oil shocks of the 1970s.

Yes, the American military performance has been outstanding, with 11,000 targets struck, the enemy leadership decimated and its navy destroyed. But there has been no regime change in Tehran, and the mullahs keep fighting.

Yet, that may soon change, as Trump has in recent history reserved his boldest military actions for the weekend. This is when the markets are closed and stock prices at their least volatile. It was in the early hours of a Saturday that the President began his assault on Tehran that killed Ayatollah Khamenei, as was his capture of Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro. To that end, as the three-day Easter break begins, some experts are predicting a similarly bold strike.

Trump was elected promising to end foreign wars  but now he must fear that he has started one, and without getting allies on side beforehand, that risks making Uncle Sam's recent misadventures in Iraq and Afghanistan look like Scout jamborees. The truth is he has zero good options  so what can and should he do?

Your browser does not support iframes.

Trump previously promised to end foreign wars  but now he must fear that he has started one, and without getting allies on side beforehand

Declare victory and leave

This is what Trump's core supporters would prefer: a quick withdrawal, with the President likely claiming 'total victory'. It would stop the immediate bloodshed, but the rest of the world would be left to restore some semblance of order to the region.

The problem is everyone would also see an obvious truth: that America, for all its power and bravado, would have effectively lost the war to a fourth-rate military power with a failed economy. Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping would relish the humiliation and factor it into their strategies for the months and years ahead.

Trump would leave Iran in control of the Strait of Hormuz, which would likely become a pay-for-passage maritime tollbooth for the mullahs, netting them millions of dollars a day.

The regime would still be in control, its terrorist proxies Hezbollah and the Houthis still armed and dangerous, the people of Iran still subject to arbitrary torture and death from the religious police.

There's nothing Trump hates more than a 'loser'.

Walking away from this ill-conceived conflict would see him ridiculed as one by history, which means he will do everything he can to avoid doing so.

Likelihood: 2/5

Invade mainland Iran

A full-scale invasion of Iran would theoretically allow Trump to achieve several key objectives: fully destroying the regime, seizing its nuclear materials and perhaps harnessing its resources to recoup some of the costs of the war he started. But the operation would be an enormous undertaking with a terrible price in blood and treasure.

Tehran has closed the Strait of Hormuz, cutting off much of the world's oil supply, with governments from Europe to Asia and beyond facing crisis

Iran is essentially a vast mountain fortress with a young, well-armed and belligerent population of 83million. Though its military has been degraded, it retains a chilling capacity for guerilla warfare and drone attacks. This conflict has so far cost American taxpayers about $35billion, with 15 US troops killed and several hundred wounded.

A full invasion would cost hundreds of billions, even more than $1trillion. At heart, Trump surely knows he needs to end the war, not inflame it.

Likelihood: 1/5

Cease fire... negotiate

Trump knows this is his best option. A ceasefire and one of his beloved 'deals' would allow him to save face and spin a victory to his followers. But America and Iran could not be further apart.

It's now obvious Tehran has been planning for an attack like this for decades. The mullahs know they have several advantages over America's awesome military machine, not least their stranglehold over much of the global oil supply and the vulnerability of the US's regional allies in the Gulf, who have been hit hard by Iranian strikes.

Tehran has thus set tough, probably impossible conditions even for talks to take place. A cessation of hostilities and an end to the killing of Iranian officials are reasonable enough demands, but 'reparations' for damage caused by US bombing and a guarantee of Iranian sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz will be too much for Washington to stomach.

Again, Trump cannot agree to Iran's terms without being seen as a loser  so he would only take this step if backed into a corner.

Likelihood: 1/5

Take Strait of Hormuz

Currently, any ships passing through the Strait are vulnerable to land-based missiles and shore-launched drones. Realistically, therefore, any military operation to assume control of the Strait would require America to seize a foothold along the Iranian coastline. Thousands of troops would be needed to take and hold 100 miles of shoreline  and thousands more to push ten, 20 or 30 miles inland. This could swiftly become a bloodbath.

Iran is the source of the Shahed-136 kamikaze drones with which Russia has terrorised Ukraine. These unmanned aircraft carry a 50kg explosive payload and can fly, often in horrifying swarms, for more than 1,000 miles to their target. Russia has been supplying Iran with new drones boasting a 90kg payload.

I know that when US generals have war-gamed conflicts with Iran over the past 20 years, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has been a central feature of every scenario. I also have it on good authority that concerns about this chokehold were ignored or overruled by America's gung-ho Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine.

Likelihood: 4/5

Block Persian Gulf

Theoretically, with a vast navy and air support, it should be possible to mount a blockade of the entire Persian Gulf, striking a hammer blow to Iran's oil exports and further crippling the regime's finances.

Yet the global oil crisis would escalate to levels unseen in at least a century. Prices could soar to $200 per barrel and beyond.

At heart, Trump surely knows he needs to end the war, not inflame it  but at the same time he cannot agree to Iran's terms without being seen as a loser

China, Japan, Australia and much of Asia depend on Middle Eastern oil, while Europe, though less exposed, remains highly sensitive to a spike in oil prices. Nor would a blockade reassure Gulf states to resume shipping through the Strait, keeping the world starved of its exports of oil and liquified natural gas  the latter being crucial to the manufacture of fertilisers that US farmers rely on. This would be an expensive escalation for little gain.

Likelihood: 1/5

Invade Kharg Island

It seems to me all too likely that the next phase of this conflict will see America try to seize Iran's biggest oil-export hub by force. Once again, the biggest problem is the Strait of Hormuz, where drones and missiles render an amphibious landing impossible.

That means America would likely have to take the island with paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division, more than 2,500 of whom have been flown to the region.

The Iranians will defend the island to the death  and defenders in war always enjoy advantages over the attacker. Yes, after several days or weeks, American firepower is likely to prevail but dozens, even hundreds, of American soldiers will inevitably come home in body bags.

Once taken, the island would have to be resupplied by air rather than sea, preventing the installation of the bulky air-defence systems needed to secure it.

And if America takes the island and the Iranians still don't surrender, what then? How long will US troops stay there under constant barrage? Would a further stalemate make an American invasion of the mainland more likely? The conclusions are chilling.

Likelihood: 3/5

Sir Richard Shirreff is former Nato deputy supreme allied commander Europe
Where was Britain? That is the question people are asking themselves today  in the US and the Gulf, and around the world.

Where was Britain back in January and February of this year?

It was clear that the US was building a huge Armada off Iran though it was of course far from clear, at that stage, what the plan was.

We have a vast Embassy in Washington. We have peerless security and intelligence services.

Did they discover what was going on? Did Starmer have the guts to ask Donald Trump? If not, it shows a disastrous lack of curiosity.

There is a world of difference between a few tactical strikes against Iranian military facilities  as a way of encouraging the nuclear negotiations  and an all-out assault aimed at killing scores of regime figures.

If we had only involved ourselves in what was going on, we could have asked some useful questions, ones that maybe War Secretary Pete Hegseth hadnt thought of. We could have helped shape Trumps thinking, because we know the Gulf well.

It was the British who helped to create most of those Gulf monarchies, one way or the other; and in some of them we were, in living memory  the early 1970s  the colonial authority.

For better or worse, the UK played a huge role in the birth of modern Iran. Our understanding of the culture and politics of the Middle East is  or was  one of the glories of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. We certainly know the basic facts of geography.

In its response to Donald Trump's war, the Labour government showed the bollard-like passivity that is the hallmark of the PM, writes Boris Johnson

We have belatedly got four Typhoons up in the skies, shooting down Iranian drones from our base in Cyprus. But as far as I can make out, we still havent sent any anti-aircraft defences

If we had been in the room  which we should have been  we could have asked: what is the plan if, as has long been predicted, the Iranians respond to a large-scale attack by closing the Strait of Hormuz? Are you ready for boots on the ground?

What if, to quote an adviser to a notorious former Republican president, you find that you have got your tits in the wringer?

We are the second most important player in Nato. We pride ourselves, not without reason, on being the closest, most long-term and most dependable ally of the US. But we seem to have done nothing to attempt to influence the American approach to Iran  though there were obvious and serious risks to Britain and to the world economy.

Let me put it this way: Margaret Thatcher and Tony Blair were intimately involved in preparations for both previous Gulf wars, in 1991 and 2003.

Whatever you say about those wars they were both immediate military successes, with clear goals that were publicly explained and rapidly achieved.

Where was Britain this time? Why wasnt Starmer in the room? Even if he wasnt invited it was his duty to get in there.

Instead, we left it entirely to Bibi Netanyahu to whisper exclusively in Trumps ear, when the Israeli leader clearly has an agenda of his own.

That was a colossal failure of statecraft and diplomacy.

I now look back at that period earlier this year and wonder what happened in UK/US relations. Was it some post-Mandelson chaos?

The Labour Government showed the bollard-like passivity that is the hallmark of the PM and that continued, I am afraid, when the war broke out. We were pathetically slow to respond to the Iranian bombardment of UK bases in Cyprus and Diego Garcia.

More significantly, we failed to come to the aid fast enough of some of our best friends and allies in the world. Saudi, Qatar, Kuwait, the Emirates, Bahrain, Oman  they have all come under highly destructive attacks from Iranian drones.

We have belatedly got four Typhoons up in the skies, shooting down Iranian drones from our base in Cyprus. But as far as I can make out, we still havent sent any anti-aircraft defences and we have chosen this moment to run down our naval base in Bahrain, so that the British ships and sailors have all gone home  just when the Bahrainis feel most in need of support.

Worse, when Trump asked for allied help in opening the Strait of Hormuz, Starmer offered that immortal and imbecilic judgment that: This is not our war.

I am afraid Tony Blair is right, writes Boris. We should have immediately offered our bases. We should immediately have offered to help clear the Strait with what ships we have

Starmer says this is not our war... Not our war? When energy prices are spiralling and Britons are already being pounded at the pumps?

Not our war? When energy prices are spiralling and Britons are already being pounded at the pumps?

Not our war when, compounded by Labours awful policies, this conflict threatens economic pain for every family in the land?

Not our war when some of our most important friends are getting bombarded every day?

Has Starmer any idea who actually invests in this country? Get out on to the roof of No 10, Sir Keir, and take a look at the billions the Gulf has poured into our capital alone. Will things still be the same, after the way we have behaved?

We can all understand why so many people  in this country and around the world  are secretly or openly gloating at Trumps discomfiture. He has relentlessly trolled the Europeans, over Greenland, over tariffs, our military valour and so on.

I can understand why so many people feel that Trump has made his bed and can now lie on it; that he can stew in his own juice; and that having broken the jug in the pottery barn he has now bought it and owns it; and so on.

I can understand people in the Labour Party wanting to stick two fingers up to Trump. Apart from anything else, Starmer is now clearly a prisoner of the Muslim vote in this country.

But it is a huge long-term strategic mistake for our nation to distance itself from America.

This war could still end well, in spite of current difficulties, with the real prospect of change for the better in Iran. But we would be in a much better position to help, and to prevent further mistakes, if we occupied our traditional position of being a loyal and dependable ally.

I am afraid Blair is right. We should have immediately offered our bases. We should immediately have offered to help clear the Strait with what ships we have. We would then be better placed to bring this war to an end soon and persuade Trump to declare victory now, because the Iranians would see that the US could actually count on its allies when the going gets tough.

It is a delusion to think we can stick our heads in the sand, as Starmer has tried to do, and it is an absolute delusion to think there is some European-only substitute for Nato. The transatlantic alliance has been the most important geo-strategic fact of the last 150 years and it relies on a basic principle of mutuality.

Starmer says this is not our war, and it is certainly not one we in the UK would have launched or advised, had we been in the room from the outset. But we cannot now escape its consequences; and we should remember the sheer scale of the American commitment to us and to our security.

How did we win the Falklands? How did we save Bosnia and Kosovo? With American help  and the Americans certainly werent responsible for the genesis of either conflict.

Go to the graves of the thousands of Americans who died on the beaches of Normandy in 1944, kids from Kansas who had never been to Europe before.

Plenty of isolationist Americans said it wasnt their war. But they helped bring it to an end  and thank God for that.
A new variant of Covid could soon become the dominant strain in the UK, officials have warned, prompting experts to call for Covid vaccines to be included in preschool immunisation programmes.

Dubbed the 'Cicada' variant, the BA.3.2 virus is already rapidly spreading across the US, with cases now having been detected in 23 other countries including the UK.

UKHSA bosses have not revealed how many cases of the strain have been detected in the UK so far, but experts are concerned that the mutations it carries will allow it to sidestep immune defenses provided by existing vaccines.

Symptoms remain similar to that of the original virus including extreme fatigue, fever and body aches, but school-aged children seem to be more susceptible to the strain.

According to Professor Stephen Griffin, viral oncologist at the University of Leeds, this is partly the fault of 'short-sighted' advice forwarded by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) to make vaccines 'optional' for children.

He said: 'At present the dynamics of this virus don't appear consistent with a fast-growing epidemic wave, more of a slow-building one we saw last year.

'Nevertheless, more infection means more rolls of the dice and a greater chance that more advantageous changes may occur.

'The risk of reinfection and juvenile long Covid were not taken into account back then and as such we must remember that many people remain relatively unprotected by vaccines.

Virologists have raised concerns over the catalogue of mutations the new strain carries

'In my view, regular boosters should have expanded eligibility and Covid vaccines should be included in the preschool regimens, with boosters as per influenza,' he concluded.

The variant's spike protein, which vaccines train the body to recognise and attack, has now undergone around 75 mutations, analysis suggests, making it an entirely new threat to the immune system.

But, as Professor Paul Hunter, a microbiologist at the University of East Anglia, explains, this does not necessarily mean we will see an increase in deaths.

'It is not surprising that a new variant has been described,' he said.

'The issue is whether the new variant poses a significant increased risk to public health.

'It is likely that any new variant that is able to out-compete the other variants will increase infection rates but that does not mean that this will necessarily lead to substantial additional burden of the disease.'

This is partly due to the fact that mutations such as these don't help the virus to spread. The issue is that vaccination rates are continuing to fall, the experts say.

'We must remember that severe acute Covid is far less likely nowadays thanks to our vaccines, but this protection will be best when that vaccination is recent,' Prof Griffin said.

Your browser does not support iframes.

Experts say vaccinations against the virus should be introduced to childhood vaccination programmes

'Yes, there will be a high degree of 'mismatch' between BA.3.2.2 and current vaccines, which is unfortunate, and may mean the population as a whole experience more infections.

'However, at present we don't seem to be on the brink of a pandemic.'

Offering the Covid jabs to children during the pandemic was itself controversial at the time.

Some studies suggested two doses of the jabs offered just 10 per cent protection against catching certain strains.

Initially, the JCVI ruled against offering the vaccines to certain groups of healthy children, arguing that these children faced a vanishingly low risk severe illness from the virus.

But the JCVI's position later evolved, with the reason given for approving the jabs, to protect their schooling and prevent further disruptions to their education.

Since then ministers have repeatedly said they won't resort to imposing lockdowns unless a doomsday Covid variant appears.

A wall of immunity among the populationbuilt up by repeated waves of infection and vaccine rolloutshas given officials confidence to consign pandemic-era measures to history.

Spikes in Covid cases can still cause mass illness across the country, sparking chaos in schools, the health service and public transport.

But officials also no longer track the prevalence of the virus in the same way they used to.

According to the latest figures, only 2 per cent of cases in England have been linked back to the BA.3.2.2 strain.

In the UK, Covid cases remain low with less than 500 reported cases.
A child was rushed to the hospital after being poisoned by a common household fragrance product.

An unidentified three-year-old girl from New York City was brought to the emergency room after having her first seizure. The child's mother reported she was walking toward the kitchen as she fell to the ground and began seizing for five minutes.

Each minute of a seizure causes neurons in the brain to fire uncontrollably, disrupting normal function, reducing oxygen and killing cells.

The girl was transferred to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) for observation and appeared to be recovering normally at first.

However, within a few hours, she had two more seizures, prompting doctors to measure her brain activity with an electroencephalogram (EEG), which involves placing non-invasive electrodes on the scalp.

The EEG came back normal but blood tests came back showing the girl had high levels of salicylates, compounds derived from salicylic acid, which is found in plant-based foods like willow bark and berries, as well as over-the-counter medications like aspirin and Pepto-Bismol.

While salicylates are safe in low doses, the child's blood test showed levels of 19 mg/dL, a sign of salicylate toxicity, which leads to respiratory failure, seizures, lethargy and dehydration. A safe level for adults is about 30 mg/dL, but doctors warn even lower levels can be fatal for children.

An investigation of the toddler's home found incense sticks were regularly being burned in her bedroom. Incense is a substance such as spices or herbs burned to produce fragrant smoke, though some brands can contain known carcinogens like formaldehyde.

An unidentified three-year-old girl from New York City was rushed to the hospital with seizures linked to household incense (stock image)

Your browser does not support iframes.

The brand of incense sticks, which doctors did not reveal, contained salicylate concentrations of 10 to 20 percent, which likely caused the girl's condition.

The experts from NYC Health + Hospitals in Harlem also warned that because blood tests cannot accurately measure chronic salicylate exposure, the burden on the girl's body could have been more severe than tests showed.

The girl was diagnosed with chronic salicylate intoxication, which occurs from prolonged ingestion of salicylate. The condition is particularly dangerous in children and the elderly, as these groups have weaker immune systems.

'Chronic salicylate intoxication is associated with higher mortality compared with single, acute ingestions,' the doctors wrote in the American Journal of Case Reports.

Doctors treating the girl wrote that salicylate can gradually accumulate in tissues past the blood-brain barrier, causing inflammation and reducing cell function, which may lead to seizures.

Salicylates can also be absorbed by the stomach, liver, kidneys, lungs and heart, potentially causing multi-organ failure.

'Chronic salicylate intoxication in children can present subtly yet carry life-threatening consequences,' the doctors wrote.

The FDA does not strictly regulate the ingredients in incense products since they are not considered food, drugs or cosmetics. This means manufacturers are not required to list all ingredients.

Incense most often contains wood powders like sandalwood, essential oils, spices and herbs. However, the FDA has warned smoke from some incense products may contain probable human carcinogens like formaldehyde and benzene, which have been linked to an increased risk of leukemia, nasal cancer and lymphoma.

There is limited evidence supporting health benefits of incense, but some brands may contain known carcinogens (stock image)

A 2009 study also found incense burning triggered wheezing episodes in children with asthma.

There is limited evidence on the potential benefits of burning incense. One 2008 study in cell cultures and mice found incense using frankincense resin had similar psychiatric effects as antidepressants due to the feeling of warmth.

And a 2017 study found that some compounds isolated from frankincense and myrrh resins had an anti-inflammatory effect in mice.

Most incense sticks burn for 60 to 90 minutes.

'Currently, many incense products and candles marketed for household use in the United States lack appropriate labeling regarding their salicylate content and potential toxicity,' doctors treating the toddler wrote.

'A detailed environmental history including prolonged incense use in enclosed spaces should be considered in any child presenting with unexplained seizures with concurrent acid-base imbalance.'
The Garrick Year is available now

THE GARRICK YEAR by Margaret Drabble (Canongate 10.99, 208pp)

Former model Emma is married to actor David and drowning in the drudgery of raising two small children when shes offered the job of a TV newsreader. But David has agreed to a season in rep in Herefords new Garrick Theatre and is determined they should go.

Unwillingly she follows . . . Curtain up on thespian, egotistical shenanigans, possible infidelity and deception. But at its heart, this bittersweet 1960s novel is an unsparing expose of womens lives, sacrifices and marriages, written in searing, intelligent prose.

Drabble (whose first husband was an actor) creates authentic, if not always likeable, female characters craving more fulfilment in a mans world.

The Enchanted April is available now

THE ENCHANTED APRIL by Elizabeth von Arnim (Macmillan Collectors Library 10.99, 288pp)

Young Lotty is suffocated by her penny-pinching, controlling husband, and godly Rose despises her husbands lucrative career writing erotic memoirs, so when they spot an advert for a medieval castle rental in Italy, they impulsively book it, alongside two strangers: older widow Mrs Fisher and single, spoiled and breathtakingly beautiful Lady Caroline Dester.

To Lotty, everything is heavenly  she had found her celestial legs  and her infectious joy and unfiltered comments gradually release neglected joy in the others.

Sharp, witty, with gorgeous descriptions (and, frankly, undeserving men), youll be booking a trip to Portofino with your best friend by the end.

The Luck of the Town is available now from the Mail Bookshop

THE LUCK OF THE TOWN by Marion Fox (British Library 10.99, 256pp)

The British Librarys series of weird and unsettling stories continues with this haunting tale of a skeleton unearthed beneath the walls of the old town hall in a northern town.

We meet former artist Mary, married to untrustworthy lecturer Anthony, as she spots a hooded figure near her house. A former beau, Edward, arrives as the academics at the university examine the bones against a political backdrop of industrial unrest. But who is the ghostly figure who stalks the town, and what was her extraordinary fate?

After a slow start, human conflicts of the heart, gossip and backstabbing sit alongside supernatural acts of revenge and delayed justice.
Its rare that a book for review directly challenges one of my convictions, but the subtitle to Kathleen Stocks latest threw down the gauntlet before I read one page.

The Case Against Assisted Dying is a crisply argued polemic by a philosopher and writer who is one of our foremost public intellectuals. My admiration for her work is considerable.

At the same time (full disclosure), I support the pressure group, Dignity In Dying, and recently signed its petition to stop the House of Lords blocking the Assisted Dying Bill, previously supported by the Commons. MP Kim Leadbeaters Private Members Bill proposes giving terminally ill, mentally competent adults the option to control the manner and timing of their death.

Kathleen Stock made headlines in 2021 with her opposition to transgender rights and gender identity

Polls show that 75 per cent of the public want such a change. Stock is courageous to argue against the majority and most of the liberal establishment, too. Her intent is to change minds.

She takes her title from the famous poem by Dylan Thomas, Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night  urging his sick father to cling to life as long as possible and rage against the dying of the light.

She is very careful to emphasise that she is not against the wish for an assisted death  in some rare situations where physical suffering is genuinely intense enough and cannot be remedied any other way.

The subject of her argument is what she calls organised death... formal structures dedicated to helping consenting people to die with the aid of clinicians.

So, in principle, a terminally ill individual in unbearable pain might choose suicide as an end to suffering and may even obtain the clandestine assistance of a loved one to do so.

Stock makes no moral judgment about that situation which, after all, has always been the case, law or no law.

Having made that vital distinction clear (indeed, she repeats it throughout the book), Stock introduces us to two characters who will argue the case for assisted death: the Freedom Lover and the Merciful Helper. This is invaluable in helping to disentangle often-confused motives.

Freedom is a seductive notion, even if a moments thought will clarify one or more restrictions on personal liberty.

We have responsibilities to each other

The libertarian (like me), who supports Dignity In Dying, will cite their mantra that a terminally ill person should be free to choose the time to end a painful life.

Stock points out the obvious qualification that if you witness somebody trying to commit suicide (say by jumping off a bridge), the passer-by or a policeman is quite justified in trying to talk that person out of the deed.

As a society, we are surely hard-wired to think that to stop a suicide is an act of compassion. So how does that square with Labour MP Rachel Hopkins declaring that the exact motives for somebody wanting to end their life are none of your business?

As a hitherto supporter of assisted dying, that troubles me, for I find myself in agreement with Stocks belief that we are social beings.

We have responsibilities to each other as parts of a whole  as in John Donnes famous sermon, beginning: No man is an island. The idea that any mans death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind is central to Stocks thought in this brilliant, densely argued book.

The effect of a suicide goes far beyond individual choice and action; its effects reverberate through the dead persons family and friends, neighbours and colleagues, like the ripples from a stone thrown in a pond.

In considering the issues of freedom, individual responsibility and collective responsibility, Stock argues like a philosopher, with cool forensic clarity and skill.

Yet beneath the surface of her lucid prose lies a fervent belief in the shared sanctity of life. We are not (as she expresses it in a vivid phrase) a gated community of one.

The Merciful Helper is a more sympathetic persona than the Freedom Lover.

Who would not wish to show as much compassion to a human being near the end of life and in terrible pain, as we extend to our cherished pets at the end?

Here the buzzwords are not freedom and autonomy but mercy, compassion, sympathy and pity. So far, so simple  for most people at least.

But not for this philosopher. Stock unpicks what Shakespeares Portia calls the quality of mercy in such fine detail that by the end this reluctant readers previous certainties were unsettled.

How can we be sure of motivation? A knowledge of human nature suggests that what seems like mercy could tip us into moral darkness.

One example of this quality of un-mercy among the respected intelligentsia shocked me.

In 2008, the distinguished moral philosopher Baroness Warnock, a member of the great and the good, and a committed advocate of euthanasia, caused controversy with an opinion that people with dementia should be allowed to choose death if they felt a burden to their family or the state.

Do Not Go Gentle is available now from the Mail Bookshop

She said: I think thats the way the future will go, putting it rather brutally, youd be licensing people to put others down.

Before reading Stock, I was unconvinced of all the cautious arguments against slippage.

Assisted dying is legal in several countries, including Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain, Canada, New Zealand and parts of Australia  where the slide from ending terrible pain to obeying a (say) depressed persons wish to die has already happened.

Stocks deeply disturbing examples and arguments are too numerous to discuss properly here; enough to say that anybody concerned with the issue (for and against) needs to read this book.

I gladly admit she has all but changed my mind.
As Nasa's Artemis II blasts off towards the moon with Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen inside, the four astronauts will be settling into their new lives in space.

Yet as they work towards gathering more information about the moon, the four of them will also be navigating day-to-day life while moving up to 270,000 miles away from Earth.

From washing their hair and brushing their teeth to applying the odd bit of make-up, female astronauts in particular can face additional challenges and needs while travelling through space.

Due to a lack of gravity, water forms in floating, sticky blobs rather than flowing downward, while the microgravity also forces long hair upwards and leaves it floating freely in all directions.

Powders and perfumes must be swapped for creamy products due to concerns over particles damaging lungs or machinery, while a simple cleansing routine is key because of the precious water supply.

Commercial astronaut Kellie Gerardi previously told Glamour magazine: 'Nasa will provide a personal hygiene kit for every astronaut, and each is allowed to personalise this based on their preferences - for example a certain brand of toothpaste.

'So while you rarely see an astronaut applying a full face in space as you would here on earth, certainly astronauts take things up that make them feel less washed out.'

But long gone are luxurious showers, with a more humble cloth required for a quick wash.

Meanwhile, hair washing is done in foil and plastic water bags with rinseless shampoos and can take around 20-25 minutes to complete.

When it comes to shaving, a generic razor and unscented shaving cream is the only viable option, with a 'conservative' amount required for such lengthy journeys, according to Nasa astronaut Serena Aunon-Chancellor.

Astronaut Karen Nyberg demonstrates how she washes her hair while aboard the International Space Station

Nasa astronaut Sunita Williams shows how to brush your teeth in space

She told Marie Claire: 'I usually bring eyeliner, eyeshadow and maybe an eyebrow pencil, but I found that it's almost more trouble than it's worth to put on in space. Other female astronauts wear make-up daily though.

'I swear my skin looks younger in space because there's a massive fluid shift that occurs in orbit. When I do video conferences with people on Earth, they even comment on my skin looking younger.'

Female astronauts will typically opt for loose hair to allow for better aeration and reduce the chances of clogged follicles, dandruff or bacterial growth.

Famously, Nasa astronaut Sunita 'Suni' Williams, who was stranded in space for 288 days, left Earth with long, flowing chestnut hair, with Donald Trump referring to her as the woman with the wild hair.

Yet when she splashed down off the coast of Florida in March last year in a SpaceX Dragon capsule, the hair that was visible through her helmet had gone entirely white.

While she had spent nine long months without a touch-up, Sunita's drastic hair change was likely due to adrenaline and cortisol speeding up the depletion of stem cells that produce melanin in hair follicles.

While travelling on Mission Futura in 2015, European Space Agency astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti revealed that a special soap pouch is used to manage a daily skincare routine.

In a viral video showcasing her regime, Samantha squirted the solution on to her arm, which almost floats on her skin as a result of the surface tension.

She then dried off the excess water with a towel, which she left close to a ventilation grid so that it can also dry off.

Nasa astronaut Serena Aunon-Chancellor told Marie Clarie: 'I usually bring eyeliner, eyeshadow and maybe an eyebrow pencil'

With trips to the nail salon no longer a possibility in space, female astronauts must cut their nails themselves, hoovering the residue to prevent it from flying around the space station.

And while brushing your teeth may seem like a relatively simple task, astronauts are required to either swallow the toothpaste or spit it out into a towel due to the lack of gravity.

When astronauts Jessica Meir and Christina Koch, who is currently onboard Nasa's Artemis II, were on a spacewalk in 2020, the pair revealed their top beauty tips and tricks while also offering a rare insight into life as they orbited Earth.

Opening their pouches filled with beauty and wellness products, Jessica turned to Christina and said: 'This is that exfoliator I was talking about.'

'I used it and I loved it!' responded Christina, before adding: 'I used it the other day and I felt like my skin looked really good.'

Our understanding of the needs of women astronauts has certainly drastically shifted since 1963, when Valentina Tereshkova became the first female astronaut to travel to space, aged 26.

Meanwhile, when Nasa welcomed its first female astronauts onboard in 1978, the space station had to make adjustments to its equipment.

These included its Maximum Absorbency Garments (MAGs), essentially an adult nappy used for launch, landing and spacewalks, alongside crew equipment such as clothing, parachutes and helmets.

In 1978, Nasa even devised a make-up set for their top female astronauts containing mascara, lip gloss and blusher

Sally Ride, who became the first American woman and third woman to fly into space, told the BBC that there were numerous beauty-related issues female astronauts had to contend with, including tampon supplies and 'more female-friendly lotions and potions'

Remarkably, in 1978, Nasa even devised a make-up set for their top female astronauts containing mascara, lip gloss and blusher.

Sharing an archive image of the cosmetics kit in 2018, the US space agency wrote: 'The engineers at Nasa, in their infinite wisdom, decided that women astronauts would want make-up - so they designed a make-up kit.

'You can just imagine the discussions among the predominantly male engineers about what should go in a make-up kit.'

Retired Nasa astronaut Rhea Seddon, who was selected as part of the first group of female astronauts in 1978, previously sais some women were keen to have make-up products in space.

She wrote on her website: 'If there would be pictures taken of me from space, I didn't want to fade into the background, so I requested some basic items.

'All agreed that a small kit with items of our choosing would be a "preference item", that is, stowed only if requested.

'It was interesting to me that that I wasnt the sole space traveler whose in-flight pictures showed a bit of lipstick and blush.'

Sally Ride, who became the first American woman and third woman in space, told the BBC that there were numerous other beauty-related issues female astronauts had to contend with.

These included trying to replace the British Sterling deodorant, shaving cream and men's hair tonic with 'more female-friendly lotions and potions'.

Kathryn Sullivan, who became the first American woman to perform a spacewalk, added: 'They put some tampons in the PPK [personal preference kit] for Sally to look at and she pulled one out and it was like unreeling a string of sausages.

'Tampon, tampon, tampon, tampon, tampon. There were like 100. And they said, "Is that enough?" Sally was hysterical and said, "No, no." She thought that was really too much, thank you very much.'
Earlier this week, British heritage brand Denby plummeted into administration.

The news served not only as a blow to the UK's crockery sector, with the company established in Derbyshire in 1809 on a site where all Denby table ceramics are still produced to this day, but also as a reminder of changed customer habits.

Today, dupes of Denby items are on sale for less at websites like Temu and TikTok shop, and with the cost-of-living crisis still looming, shoppers are favouring knock-offs to the real thing.

The British brand, which will continue to fulfil orders online and in-store as normal, appointed administrators as a result of rising costs and dwindling customer interest.

Tony Wright, joint administrator of the Denby Group and partner at FRP, said via the Caterer: 'Denby is one of Britain's most beloved and enduring pottery brands, with a heritage spanning more than two centuries and a loyal following across the UK and internationally.

'While it is disappointing that the group has been unable to secure the investment needed to continue as a going concern, the strength and recognition of these brands is undeniable.

'We are focused on progressing the sale process as quickly as possible, and we would encourage any interested parties to come forward without delay.'

But Denby isn't the only British heritage brand to suffer in recent times; Wedgwood and Emma Bridgewater have also been grappling with tumbling sales and customer interest.

British heritage brands are suffering from e-tailers like Temu selling versions of their items for a fraction of the price (pictured left is a set of two Denby mugs for 44 while on the right is a 12.75 version on Temu)

Wedgewood, founded in 1759 by the pioneering Josiah Wedgwood, quickly rose to prominence, earning fans in high places - its elegant, often hand-painted china was used in Buckingham Palace, the White House, the Vatican, and even the Kremlin.

Today tells a different story, and some of the once-prized porcelain pieces are gathering dust or heavily discounted on online marketplaces.

In September, after seeing lower demand in key markets, Fiskars, the makers of Wedgwood, halted production at its Barlaston factory for up to 90 days. Production resumed in January.

Meanwhile, Emma Bridgewater, which has sold pottery items since 1984, has suffered a series of business blows in recent times, and in 2024, posted a pre-tax loss of 4.4million for the 12 months to April 27, according to City AM.

A quick scroll on Temu reveals a plethora of items on offer like those sold at Denby and Wedgwood, but for a fraction of the price.

A set of two ceramic plates that bear a strong resemblance to Denby's costs just 9.91, unlike the British heritage brand's price tag of 21 per plate.

It's much the same for Denby's 33 Halo Speckle Small Rectangular Platter, which looks much like a version available on Temu for 16.54.

One floral dining set, which includes 16 pieces, is sold on the website for 44, but a similar set from Wedgwood would cost upwards of 200.

Denby's Bright Blue Speckle Medium Coupe Plate is 21 for one - but on Temu shoppers can get a similar looking set of two for 9.91

Denby's Halo Speckle Small Rectangular Platter costs 33 - unlike a version at Temu, which costs 16.54

Temu is brimming with items that bare a resemblance to those sold at Wedgwood - and for a fraction of the price

Pictured left is a 170 teapot from Wedgwood while on the right is a 18 version on Temu

Meanwhile, a tea pot in a Wedgwood style costs 18.64 on Temu, making it a much more affordable price than the original 240.

Food consultant and chef Renae Smith told the Daily Mail that fast fashion culture and a desire for convenience in all aspects of life are driving the population away from spending cash on high-end crockery.

'We're in an era where convenience trumps curation. People are eating on the couch, not hosting dinner parties, and when they do entertain, it's often with takeaway containers or one-off, budget-friendly buys from TikTok Shop. That shift in behaviour has hit heritage brands hard.

'Wedgwood and Emma Bridgewater were built on the idea of dining as an event, setting the table, bringing people together, creating memories, and putting in the effort. But that model doesn't sit easily with modern culture.

'These days, you can spend 10 on a trending glass that looks great, lasts a few months, and by the time it chips, you're ready to move on.

'It's fast fashion for the dinner table and while I don't necessarily agree with it, it's thriving because it fits the mindset of now.

'We want what we want, when we want it. And unless that mindset shifts, I don't see the trend disappearing anytime soon.

'I do think there's still room for investing in quality, especially in things like bakeware, which isn't tied to trends in the same way.

'But when it comes to plates, cups, jugs - the more visible, lifestyle-led pieces - people are shopping with their eyes, their phones, and their wallets. And that leaves heritage brands in a difficult position.

'It's not just about how we eat. It's about how we live. And for many, the idea of setting a formal table just doesn't hold the same relevance anymore.'
Farmfoods has more supermarkets than Waitrose, a yearly turnover of more than one billion pounds and is the UKs second-biggest frozen food retailer behind Iceland  and yet, until recently, many would be hard-pressed to name it.

But now, the budget store  which has 340 locations across the UK  has become an unlikely haven for middle-class mothers in pursuit of a bargain amid the cost-of-living crisis.

These days, a whole host of British shoppers  and social media 'mumfluencers' to boot  are now supplementing their posh food hauls from M&S and Waitrose with deals from Farmfoods.

Unlike its more expensive competitors, the store doesn't offer mums a cafe for a pastry and coffee, has no shop windows for browsing, doesn't subscribe to a loyalty scheme and has a limited advertising budget when compared to its rivals.

Yet a quick scroll on the Scottish brand's Instagram, or a look on X, showcases its growing popularity, especially with parents looking for a bargain on their favourite middle-class items, like Greek Feta Pasta salads and salmon fillets.

'My local shopping haunt has Farmfoods, M&S, Lidl and Aldi in the same shopping park and a Tesco Extra just up the road. I use all of them,' wrote one person online.

An influencer agreed, saying: 'Went for one thing and left with EVERYTHING ! @farmfoodsukofficial have the most banging offers! All stocked up and ready to get cooking.'

Others complimented the store's juice and snacks, as well as its award-winning salads and frozen vegetables, fruit and chicken.

For those not already fans of Farmfoods, shoppers will no doubt be surprised to learn that all sorts of 'middle class' favourites are on offer. So, what can you buy from your local store?

Farmfoods has become an unlikely haven for middle-class mothers in pursuit of a bargain amid the cost-of-living crisis in the UK. Pictured, the store's Greek Feta Pasta Salad

Items available include frozen salads like Superfood Chicken Salad, Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad and Greek Feta Pasta Salad, priced at three for 6 or six for 10.

The salads  highly praised online by shoppers  came out top in the 2025 Grocer New Product and Packaging Awards.

There's also 1kg packs of Wild Salmon fillets for 9.99 (or two for 15) and four-packs of Signature Sockeye Salmon for 3.99.

The frozen meat section, meanwhile, includes chicken breasts, chicken tikka, BBQ ribs, whole legs of lamb and branded items like Richmond sausages.

Tubs of Ben & Jerry's for 1.99, frozen shortcrust and puff pastry, king prawns and toffee and vanilla ice creams are also available.

But it's not just frozen deals that the store offers  there's also bargains on the likes of Yankee candles and Garnier hair products.

Taking to the comments of Farmfoods' Instagram posts, one customer wrote: 'Farmfoods literally saved me and my family, the prices are so much cheaper than Tesco and Asda and there's such a variety of different foods and sweets!

'I'm so grateful that there's a Farmfoods literally five mins in the car away from me! The staff are really nice as well.'

These days, a whole host of British shoppers  and social media 'mumfluencers' to boot  are now supplementing their posh food hauls from M&S and Waitrose with deals (pictured) from Farmfoods

A quick scroll on the Scottish brand's Instagram, or a look on X, showcases its growing popularity, especially with parents looking for a bargain on their favourite middle-class items, like Greek Feta Pasta salads and salmon fillets. Pictured, a whole leg of lamb from Farmfoods

One shopper, meanwhile, recently told the Daily Mail how she got herself out of 30,000 of debt - and a Farmfoods tip helped.

She explained: 'Loyalty cards are good, but nothing beats a super-cheap supermarket. I admit, I once turned my nose up at Farmfoods and Iceland  but frozen food works out a great deal cheaper than fresh, even if you factor in the electricity needed to preserve it.

'I buy my tins, teabags, condiments and frozen fish and veg at Farmfoods now, and am also amazed by its stock of healthy nuts, seeds, tinned beans and pulses and even boxes of medjool dates. Its the middle-class shoppers secret.

'Other bargain stores such as B&M and Home Bargains sell reduced fresh and packaged food too, and the satisfaction of saving up to 30 per shop really does beat the joy of Waitrose.'

Another person on social media revealed how they'd go to M&S for wine and treats but Farmfoods for juice and snacks, as well as Aldi for the 'basics'.

'Some of the frozen fruits are better than shopping fresh,' added another delighted customer.

Farmfoods is owned by Eric Herd and has 340 stores compared to Waitrose's 329 (although the latter brand does have a further 45, smaller, convenience branches in the UK).

The 53-year-old owner and his brother Gordon, 51, inherited the chain from their father and have built it up from 31 stores in 1988.

Farmfoods is based in Cumbernauld, North Lanarkshire, and in 2009 Herd embarked on an overhaul of his stores in an attempt to attract more middle class shoppers.

Garish colours were removed and countryside scenes added to marketing boards and shop signs.
A Brazilian influencer who documented her battle with a rare auto-inflammatory disease has died aged 31.

Content creator Rita Ephrem died on March 26, six years after she first experienced symptoms of her chronic illness.

She amassed a following of over 300,000 on Instagram, where she candidly offered insight into her health issues.

Ephrem's death was announced in a post shared on her profile where she was remembered for living 'with intensity, with faith, and with a love that touched so many lives.'

'She went to find rest in heaven, alongside the saints and Our Lady, after a journey marked by great struggle, courage, and also much pain,' the tribute continued.

'Her story does not end here - it lives on in everything she planted within each of us. We carry on with a sense of longing, but also with gratitude for having walked alongside her.'

According to g1, a local Brazilian outlet, Ephrem was 25 when she began to experience a high fever, joint pain, diarrhea and vomiting.

She was eventually diagnosed with a rare auto-inflammatory condition.

Brazilian influencer Rita Ephrem died on March 26 aged 31

The content creator amassed an online following by documenting her life with a rare auto-inflammatory disease

Ephrem spent most of her last years in hospital.

On March 14, her family revealed that she was in a critical state and that she had been experiencing extreme pain.

'The medical team has yet to identify the bacteria responsible for the infection, which has made the treatment even more delicate,' they wrote.

'She's currently being treated with three antibiotics and had to be intubated at 11am today.'

The post added: 'We ask you to continue praying for Ritinha, so that God sustains her and leads each decision of the medical team.'

Auto-inflammatory diseases are a group of rare disorders caused by dysfunction of the immune system, according to Boston Children's Hospital.

Tributes have been pouring in for the late social media star.

Sharing their condolences in the comments, one fan wrote: 'A grateful heart all the time even in pain.

In the middle of last month, Ephrem's family revealed that she was in a critical state

She has been remembered for living 'with intensity, with faith, and with a love that touched so many lives'

'Go in peace my love, may Jesus receive you in a big hug full of love.

'My condolences to friends and family.'

'Ritinha leaves an example of faith, resilience, strength and trust in God,' another penned. 'May God comfort the hearts of all who lived with her.'

Ephrem was laid to rest in Sao Paulo on March 31.
Even though I'm only 27 years old, I'm always searching for the eternal fountain of youth - and it's not something that I'm ashamed to admit.

While I totally buy into all of these wellness fads, like the vibration plate for lymphatic drainage that's all over TikTok, and submerging my face in a bowl of ice water every morning, the biggest beauty trend that I'm fixated on right now are facials.

Not only do I love the flawless, glass-skin appearance, but I'm also a huge fan of how some facials can leave you looking like you've just gotten a facelift, giving you a sculpted and defined jawline and cheekbones.

There have been mounting reports that Gen Z and beyond are treating their monthly facials as a replacement for Botox, opting for what they believe is the most 'holistic' approach to combat their fine lines and wrinkles.

Facials alone can help to boost collagen and hydrate the skin, both of which are important preventative anti-aging methods.

But what really has everyone talking these days is the buccal facial - a facial with a hefty price tag of nearly $400 that targets the inside of the mouth, the face and the jawline.

It's something that Meghan Markle, Jennifer Lopez, Kristen Bell and Goop Goddess Gwyneth Paltrow all tout - with Markle even using the technique before her 2018 wedding to Prince Harry.

It's supposed to open up your lymphatic system on the face and neck to both stimulate and relax the muscles that we all use so much, like the masseters in the jaw.

The facial is known in the beauty world as the 'facelift without surgery,' due to the fact that it's supposed to tighten and lift by opening up the lymphatic system and flushing out waste.

This is what I looked like right before I headed into my facial - I felt like my face looked a little bit tired from just waking up

'Buccal massage is unique because it involves both external and intra-oral manipulation of the facial tissues,' Samantha McLaughlin, Licensed Esthetician at Dr Paul Afrooz in Coral Gables, Florida, told the Daily Mail.

'A trained practitioner uses gloved hands to access the inside of the mouth while simultaneously working the outer cheek, allowing for direct engagement of deeper facial muscles that are not easily reached otherwise,' McLaughlin explained.

'The technique focuses on kneading, lifting, and releasing tension in these muscles, particularly around the midface and jawline. This dual approach helps improve circulation and encourages lymphatic movement.'

So, is this buccal massage truly a non-surgical facelift as everyone says it is or is it too good to be true?

I decided to put it to the test for myself and got a 60-minute, $350 buccal massage facial at the spa in the Equinox Hotel in New York City's Hudson Yards.

A 90-minute buccal massage at their spa will cost you $470.

My appointment was at 10am, which was a perfect time given the fact that I feel like I often wake up puffy after long days full of work and events. In short, I'm definitely not getting the recommended eight hours of sleep.

Before I went into the facial, I was feeling quite tired and felt like my eyes were particularly heavy. My skin was feeling dull too and, dare I say, a little sallow.

My appointment was at 10am, which was a perfect time given the fact that I feel like I often wake up puffy after long days full of work and events. This was me right before I went in for the facial

The buccal massage facial was like nothing I had ever tried before and left me totally shocked.

The esthetician explained that the facial would primarily be split up into four sections - first, we would open up the lymph to get things ready, and then start with the outer facial massage, before an inner facial massage which involved her using her fingers inside of my mouth, and then an end with some cooling cryotherapy sticks and some moisturizing elixirs from Biologique Recherche.

So I laid myself down on the spa table and let her get to work on my tired face.

The first part of the facial I found to be pretty relaxing, as she slowly massaged my face, neck and the upper back to activate the lymph nodes.

This clears the path for the waste to flush out and overall gets everything working and activated.

But as we got into some of the deeper work, I found it to be a lot more intensive and even a bit jarring at times.

The most uncomfortable part was that I could actually feel the fluid moving around in my face as I was getting the massage.

I could hear it too as the fluid moved near my ears, which had me wincing.

She explained that the facial would primarily be split up into four sections - first, we would open up the lymph to get things ready, and then start with the outer facial massage, an inner facial massage which involved her using her fingers inside of my mouth

The craziest, and frankly, the most uncomfortable part, was that I could actually feel the fluid moving around in my face as I was getting the massage. I felt the fluid going all around

I noticed I was also swallowing a lot, which I was not expecting at all.

But, while rather alarming, it turns out this is very normal for buccal massages. The esthetician said it was a sign that the lymphatic system had been activated. It's a major signal that my parasympathetic system had kicked into action and that I was becoming a lot more relaxed.

She went in with both faster and slower massage techniques around my face and then it was time for her to go inside the mouth.

I actually found this part to be the most nerve-wracking because I carry so much tension in my jaw. I was really scared that it was going to hurt, especially after seeing LeAnn Rimes' sob as she had a dramatic jaw massage just hours before.

It didn't hurt as much as I thought it would - though my jaw is tight, it felt good to massage the actual masseter muscle from the inside.

Relaxing? Not so much - but good for stress relief.

According to Dr Paul N. Afrooz, a Coral Gablesbased, award-winning facial plastic surgeon, the massage comes with many advantages, especially for those who hold a lot of tension in their jaw like me.

'The primary benefits of buccal massage lie in its ability to relieve tension in the facial muscles, particularly the masseter and buccinator muscles, which are often overactive in patients who clench or grind their teeth,' Dr Afrooz told the Daily Mail.

After I got the facial, I noticed an immediate difference in how my face looked

I think that my face definitely did look different afterward, but I'm not sure if the result was as dramatic as Kris Jenner's facelift

The next morning, when I woke up, I did see a substantial difference in facial swelling and puffiness - but two days later, I feel like my face structure was back to normal

'It can also promote lymphatic drainage, helping to reduce facial puffiness and improve overall skin tone by enhancing blood flow,' Dr Afrooz continued.

'Many patients report a more sculpted appearance along the cheekbones and jawline immediately after treatment, though this is temporary.'

The doctor also shared that the massage can help to relieve stress, something that 'indirectly benefits skin health' - and was a benefit I definitely felt almost immediately.

To finish everything, she gave my face a cooling refresh with cryotherapy sticks - a globe-shaped skincare tool that has been frozen.

When the facial was over, I was then given a hand-held mirror to see what I looked like - and honestly, I was shocked.

All of the puffiness on my face had seemingly melted away, and I was left with a sculpted jawline and a noticeable brow lift. My cheeks appeared less puffy, too, although I didn't see a major difference in my cheekbone area.

My skin was glowing. When I got back to the office, I had multiple colleagues tell me how refreshed I looked.

I think that my face definitely did look different afterward, but the result was not as dramatic as Kris Jenner's facelift. I felt sculpted and 'snatched,' but I don't think that it is a replacement for actual cosmetic work.

If you're looking for the drastic results that plastic surgery can guarantee you, then a buccal massage isn't worth the hefty price tag.

I was a bit red, which went down after about 30 minutes. The esthetician explained that it's normal because there is so much blood flow going to the area.

However, it is recommended that you get the facial multiple times to see real results. The esthetician said that she sees many of her clients once a week.

I don't think that the results are a replacement for real cosmetic work unless you're getting it every few days.

It could be a great option before a big event like a wedding or a birthday party, even an anniversary, but not something that will be a substitute for injections like Botox. It's a nice treat and good for rejuvenation purposes.

The next morning, when I woke up, I did see a substantial difference in facial swelling and puffiness - but two days later, I felt like my face structure was back to normal.

My skin was clear from the facial, giving that 'glass-skin' effect, but I'm not sure my face looked like I had just walked out of the plastic surgeon's office.

Dr Afrooz explained that many of these sculpting effects can be 'short-lived,' but the other benefits can have lasting effects.

'It works in the sense that it can improve lymphatic drainage, reduce muscle tension, and temporarily enhance facial contour by decreasing fluid retention,' Dr Afrooz explained to the Daily Mail.

'However, it does not alter the underlying anatomy or provide permanent lifting or fat reduction. Patients should understand that any sculpting effect is subtle and short-lived, largely related to decreased puffiness and improved circulation,' he said.

'In the right context, it can be beneficial, but it should not be confused with surgical or energy-based treatments that create structural change.'
The message was one that countless women have received  and all of them left bereft, terrified and angry.

Cathleen Legacy was no exception. She was just 20 years old and 27 weeks pregnant  with twins, no less  when their father announced he didnt want anything to do with them.

She should have them adopted, he suggested coldly. He then blocked her... and disappeared.

Cathleen looked at the text message, her hands shaking so hard she almost dropped her phone. Yet this is not a typical story of a hapless father fleeing his responsibilities.

Because Cathleen was never in a relationship with the father of her unborn babies. They had not even had sex. She was acting as a surrogate for him and his wife  a respectable (or so she thought) and happily married, 30-something British couple.

Only now it seemed theyd changed their minds, leaving Cathleen stranded and without any form of legal redress or support. For while surrogacy itself is legal, surrogacy agreements are not legally enforceable  and the surrogate is considered the legal parent.

I was in a blind panic, she recalls. I was holding my stomach, feeling the babies moving and wondering what on earth was going to happen to them. I had no idea where to start.

Cathleens experience demonstrates all too clearly the Wild West that exists in the legally precarious world of surrogacy.

Cathleen, now 35, admits she was woefully naive and way too young to be a surrogate when she took on the role 16 years ago

Surrogacy seemed a wonderful idea to help couples who couldn't have a baby  something that came easily to Cathleen

Its an arena that, despite increased scrutiny following the use of surrogates by celebrities, is still open to exploitation, with young women like her more often than not the victims.

Looking back on that terrible day 16 years ago, Cathleen, now 35, admits she was woefully naive  and way too young  to be a surrogate.

Yet shed gone into it with the best intentions. Shed been just 17 when she accidentally became pregnant with her daughter Alexandra. She and her partner Oliver then had a son, Gabriel, 18 months later. Both were easy pregnancies.

It was while on a parenting course that she first heard about surrogacy. It seemed a wonderful idea to help couples who couldn't have a baby  something that came easily to her.

In Canada, where Cathleen lives, there are strict rules surrounding surrogacy, similar to those in the UK.

Unlike in America, where surrogates are allowed to receive unlimited compensation, the arrangement has to be purely altruistic, with only expenses paid.

Agencies and clinics are also prohibited from charging a fee and can only act as advisors. The clinics have strict rules, forbidding anyone under 21 acting as a surrogate.

Rules, Cathleen now accepts, that are eminently sensible. She now believes no one under 25 should be able to make such a momentous decision. Now I look back and see how young I truly was at 19, how naive and trusting, she says.

But at the time Id been through two successful pregnancies and births and knew exactly what it entailed. Waiting an extra two years seemed pointless.

However, without a clinics backing she wouldnt be able to act as a gestational surrogate, where she would carry an embryo created by an intended couple's egg and sperm.

She could be only a traditional surrogate, using her own eggs and getting pregnant through home insemination using the would-be fathers sperm.

It didn't bother me, says Cathleen. If traditional surrogacy was the only route open to me, then that's what I was going to do.

To me, any babies conceived and born this way would never be "my" children, in the way that my son and daughter were. Being a surrogate means being able to separate those two things. I always saw it as donating an egg, and not a baby.

She joined an online surrogacy chat room, where she heard heartbreaking stories of couples desperate to be parents. It was here she met Alice and James, a British couple in their 30s. Alice, who worked in childcare, had severe polycystic ovary syndrome, and the couple had been trying for two years, including a failed attempt at IVF.

James, a civil servant, told Cathleen they'd previously been scammed by a surrogate based in the UK, whod pretended to be pregnant to receive the monthly allowance.

I felt terrible for them and quickly they began to feel like firm friends. Wed message daily and have weekly calls. I even spoke to their parents, who were lovely.

Eight months later, the couple asked if 19-year-old Cathleen would be their surrogate. It immediately felt right, she recalls. They were clearly kind, caring people. They deserved to be parents and I could help them.

A plan fell into place. James and Cathleen would have medical tests, including a physical and STI screenings, then James and Alice would fly to Canada at the appropriate time in Cathleens menstrual cycle.

Theyd do the insemination at her home, then fly back to the UK. If the pregnancy worked, theyd return when she was at about 38 weeks for the birth.

As the babys legal parents, Cathleen and Jamess names would be on the birth certificate, but shed immediately relinquish parental responsibility and allow Alice to adopt the baby. Then theyd be able to take him or her back to the UK.

I was incredibly wide-eyed, Cathleen says now. When they told me theyd spoken to a UK lawyer I didnt even think to speak to him myself.

Hed drawn up a 16-page surrogacy contract - but what it did not cover was what would happen if either party changed their minds.

Cathleen asked for a meagre $200 (108) a month simply to cover her extra food bills. Given that a single round of IVF can cost 7,000, this paltry agreement was certainly beneficial to James and Alice.

Had they used an older surrogate via an agency in the UK, they would also have faced stricter regulations  and you cannot help but conclude they took advantage of Cathleen.

Yet back then, with the paperwork signed, Cathleen was a ball of excited nerves waiting for the couple to ring her doorbell a few months later in November 2010.

A few days after their arrival, James went into the bathroom to produce his sperm sample, and after self-consciously handing over the tube, he and Alice went for a walk. Cathleen did the insemination alone in her bedroom, using a syringe. It was all pretty awkward, and when they got back, we didnt talk about it at all.

Two weeks later, Cathleen excitedly sent the couple a picture of a positive pregnancy test.

Her first scan at eight weeks, however, revealed a big surprise. There's a second baby here, the sonographer said. Cathleen was frightened. She knew the risks of multiple pregnancies  she was also petrified at what James and Alice would think.

To her relief, they seemed genuinely delighted. Thank you so much for doing this for us, they gushed. Please tell us if there is anything you need.

Yet in the coming weeks, despite numerous gentle reminders, Cathleen started to worry when her monthly expenses did not arrive. James always had an excuse; it had been a tough month. Hed forgotten. Then the phone calls and texts started to tail off too. I tried telling myself everything was OK, that maybe they were just busy, but the panic started to set in, says Cathleen.

I even sent a video of me using a doppler ultrasound device, so they could hear the heartbeats, yet still there was silence.

At 24 weeks, Cathleen texted James saying: Please contact me right away. I'm really stressed and just need to know what's going on. Finally, she got a response  and it was devastating.

Cathleen now stresses that surrogacy is not to be taken lightly, but also says she is proud that 'out of that chaos, a family was created'

Alice had moved out, James wrote, and they were divorcing. He reassured her, however, that they still wanted the twins and were going to co-parent.

That promise did nothing to dispel Cathleen's anxiety. She'd thought she was creating the perfect family of four. Now she had no idea what she had got into.

Yet there seemed to be no alternative than to continue with James's plan. Despite them being her biological children, she felt there was no way she could raise the twins herself. Not only did they not feel like 'hers', but she had two children already and lived in a small apartment.

Plus, her relationship with Oliver was at breaking point. He was furious with James and Alice  and Cathleen.

Despite James's claim that he and Alice still wanted the twins, he failed to respond to any of Cathleen's further messages.

Three weeks later, at 27 weeks pregnant, and having still not received all of the money she'd been promised, 20-year-old Cathleen messaged James saying: 'Do I start looking for adoptive parents?' She had hoped her words would shock him into getting his act together.

For once, his reply was immediate. 'Yes,' he said. 'I think that's for the best.' Racked with anxiety and guilt for dragging two innocent children into this mess, Cathleen thought about keeping the twins. But how could she without support? Unsure where to turn, given she had not set up the surrogacy via an agency, she decided that adoption was the only answer.

She contacted a friend who worked with foster children, who told her about a local couple called Sophie and Rob who had already been approved to adopt, but were still waiting for a child.

They set up a meeting, where Cathleen's fears were quietened a fraction. The pair seemed a genuine, caring couple.

Sophie was at Cathleen's side when the twins were born at just 33 weeks after the placenta started to fail. They were so premature, the boy weighing 3lb 11oz and the girl just 3lb 9oz, that both were whisked to the neonatal intensive care unit. 'It was strange, seeing them. They didn't look or even feel like 'mine', and there wasn't that immediate rush of love I'd had with my own children,' says Cathleen.

Yet as their legal mother, she was responsible for all the twins' medical decisions and spent her days pumping milk for them.

By this time her relationship with Oliver was over.

'With all the post-birth hormones and the worry about what would happen next, I was barely hanging on,' she says.

Then there was the problem of the twins' biological father. James had to terminate his parental rights before the adoption could take place, yet he'd cut off all contact. In the end, Sophie and Rob had to hire a private detective to find him.

'It was such an awful, stressful time. I was never told what happened or his reaction,' recalls Cathleen. 'When the twins were officially adopted at six weeks I felt an overwhelming wave of relief. They were safe with a wonderful couple at last and, although it had cost me my relationship and impacted both my physical and mental health, the nightmare was over.'

With initial updates about the twins over the next few years, she realised she had helped create a happy, loving family  just not in the way she'd planned.

For most people that would be the end of things. But in the years that followed, Cathleen decided to be a surrogate again  this time working with an agency.

'I think I wanted to have the surrogacy experience that I'd been denied and this time I went in with my eyes wide open.'

Now 35, she went on to help four more couples have children between 2017 and 2023.

However, Cathleen stresses surrogacy is not to be taken lightly. 'I don't know if I'll ever get past my resentment at what Alice and James did, both to me and to the babies,' she says. 'But out of that chaos, a family was created, of which I will always be proud'.
Let me be clear - I'm not a doctor, and I'm not here to judge anyone's body. My thoughts on weight-loss injections come from firsthand experience and stories shared by friends.

And lately, they've been sharing a lot.

The word on the street? That so-called 'miracle jab' isnt looking quite so miraculous anymore.

Take what a girlfriend in Sydney told me last week: she managed to gain six kilos in just two months on Mounjaro - six kilos!

She was bored and lonely after her husband left, and somehow managed to 'out-eat' the injection by living mostly on ice cream. (And yes, this is possible: GLP-1 drugs like Mounjaro suppress appetite, but emotional eating can override their effects.)

Three more of my friends have ditched the jabs - each for different reasons. One felt constantly nauseous and battled frequent diarrhoea. Another disliked her new body, saying she had no energy for the gym and had lost all her muscle.

The third simply said she 'missed food'.

I'd miss food too if my appetite were completely zapped by a jab. Surely extravagant brunches and indulgent dinners are among lifes greatest pleasures?

My friends on Mounjaro are quietly admitting they're over it. Some are beginning to realise that the 'food noise' driving their overeating was never truly silenced - just temporarily muzzled

Mounjaro has been hailed as a miracle cure for obesity - and in many cases, it seems to live up to the name.

Originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, the injection quickly found a second, more glamorous purpose - weight loss - much like Botox, which transitioned from treating muscle spasms to smoothing wrinkles.

And let's be honest - if shedding kilos were as simple as a quick jab, we'd all be lining up.

Oh wait - we already are.

It started with celebrities sporting suddenly slimmer faces and shrinking waists. Men and women once known for their 'fat and jolly' image appeared newly lean, rather gaunt, and frankly, a little less jolly.

Soon, word spread like wildfire: weight-loss injections weren't just a celebrity secret - they were suddenly available to anyone. What began as a hard-to-get drug became something you could score with the right doctor.

WhatsApp chats turned into support groups for jabbing mums - swapping tips, side effects, dosing schedules and nausea horror stories.

I've lost count of how many times I've bumped into an old friend on the street and barely recognised them because they'd slimmed down so rapidly.

Mounjaro has been hailed as a miracle cure for obesity (stock image posed by model)

But something strange is happening.

Women - some of them dear friends - who once championed Ozempic, Mounjaro and Wegovy are now quietly ditching the jabs.

Side effects - premature ageing, fatigue, depression - are catching up with them. Not to mention the loss of muscle tone.

Friends who were once sculpted and strong now say they're too fatigued to lift weights. Their once-taut muscles have vanished, leaving them looking 'skinny fat'.

And as for my dear friend who actually gained weight on Mounjaro? She's devastated.

I feel her pain - but am I shocked? Not really.

Here's the catch: weight-loss injections might slim you down, and they might dim the 'food noise' - but the moment you stop, you're back to square one.

We've all heard horror stories from people who quit GLP-1 drugs due to side effects, only to pile the weight back on afterwards.

They realise that while the medication quieted the voice in their head - the one urging them to eat, eat, eat - that voice never truly disappeared. It was just muzzled.

And this is what the Mounjaro mums are starting to realise: an injection can suppress your appetite, but it can't unravel a woman's lifelong, emotionally tangled relationship with food, body image and self-worth.

Nothing can do that - except the kind of deep, deliberate self-work and therapy that takes time, commitment, and often, years.

I spent years untangling my own complicated relationship with food - having battled anorexia as a child, a teen and a young adult.

My weight may be healthy now, but I know the reality of counting every calorie and obsessing about what I eat all day, every day. And here's the truth: eating disorders are never just about appetite. They're rooted in control, emotion, stress and trauma.

Drugs like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro) reduce appetite by mimicking gut hormones - but they don't rewire the brain, and they certainly can't heal the deep psychological wounds many women carry.

Don't get me wrong - Mounjaro can be life-changing for those with serious health conditions linked to obesity. I would never tell someone not to take it if a doctor said it could help them.

But many of my friends on Mounjaro aren't obese - they never were. What they struggle with is managing the vices they turn to for comfort: chocolate, cake, booze, junk food.

By seeking a medical fix for what is essentially a psychological problem, I've watched these women shrink before my eyes - and I've seen the light fade from their gaze.

A part of me was jealous at first. Now? Not so much.

Part of the wisdom that comes with age is knowing that dropping a dress size doesnt guarantee happiness. The Mounjaro mums are finally starting to realise that.

Throw in a bunch of unpleasant side effects, and a growing number of women are deciding that GLP-1 injections are just not worth it.

Now the healing needs to start.

NEW TO DAILYMAIL+? READ MORE FROM OUR COLUMNISTS

Trump just humiliated Harry and Meghan with two brutal words... but even more embarrassing is the reason they're having to stay silent: MAUREEN CALLAHAN

LIZ JONES: Men always want a younger woman, and I know the sad reason why. Have them, you boring saps - I'm done with you

AMANDA PLATELL: I'm so disgusted with myself for the cruel thing I said about Kate... I'm choking on my words now I know the truth. Kate, I'm just so sorry.

Brian To'o's shocking remarks about WAGs reveal the sad truth about a certain type of married man that all women think but dare not say aloud: AMANDA GOFF

The dirty, rotten deal at the heart of Higgins v Reynolds: Yes, her tweets were foolish lies - but everyone in Canberra knows how this all REALLY started: PVO

A week ago, I had a one-night stand with a gorgeous guy. Now I fear I've been seen naked by hundreds of men... JANA HOCKING
Former Trump supporters Joe Rogan and Theo Von found common ground this week - this time through their opposition to the president's military action in Iran.

The two discussed the conflict at length on Rogans podcast, 'The Joe Rogan Experience,' on Thursday.

Rogan, 58, said toward the end, 'Im confused. I cant believe we went into this war. When we started bombing Iran, I was like, "This cant be true."'

Von, 46, responded by decrying Israel's invasion of Lebanon, which Trump said he supports during a primetime speech the day before.

'Its like, just f*cking stop it. What do you need?' a visibly frustrated Von asked.

Rogan replied: 'Well, theyre trying to, supposedly, theyre trying to stop the terrorists,' putting emphasis on the word 'supposedly'.

Von exclaimed: 'Thats crazy, though. Youre the f*cking terrorists! You know what Im saying?' The comic urged officials to reconsider their stance.

Earlier on, Rogan pointed out how the Iranian regime has a 'unique method of protecting their missiles from being bombed'. He said recent strikes were aimed at stomping out supplies kept 'deep underground.'

Joe Rogan, 58, tore in to the administration again this week for the US's war with Iran. 'Im confused. I cant believe we went into this war. When we started bombing Iran, I was like, "This cant be true,"' he told guest Theo Von, a fellow former Trump supporter

Donald Trump, the day before, maintained strikes on Iran were necessary to stomp out its underground missiles and nuclear program - both long a concern of Israel

Von said he didn't think 'we're over there doing that for ourselves, though' - paving the way for Rogan to agree.

'It doesn't seem like it. Doesn't seem like it's in our best interest, you know,' Rogan said.

Von wondered what 'Israel holds over America that we do those things.'

Rogan replied, roughly a year and a half on from his Trump endorsement, 'Well, first of all, there's a lot of people that donated to the Trump campaign that have significant influence over him, and they're very, uh, beholden.'

Rogan also observed: 'One thing, in the past, that leaders have used to cover up problems at home is a f*cking war.'

The clips quickly circulated on X as both men were credited with helping Trump to his second White House stay with widely viewed interviews in 2024. Both have also soured on Trump recently, at first because of the conservative's approach to immigration.

In December, Rogan told comedian Shane Gillis any type of war 'would be a terrible idea'. The conversation occurred just before the US's invasion of Venezuela.

Last month, Rogan called Trump's military aspirations in Iran 'insane'. He said Trump supporters should 'feel betrayed' by the US' strikes. Trump campaigned on an 'America First' foreign policy.

A visibly frustrated Von called Israel and the US 'terrorists' for their part in the conflict. Rogan - roughly a year and half on from his endorsement of Trump - agreed that

Smoke and flames rise at the site of airstrikes on an oil depot in Tehran on March 7. The conflict is now in its fifth week. Rogan has said he and others felt 'betrayed' by the president after the strikes started

The president, on Wednesday, called the Iranian regime 'fanatical' and said it's been a threat to both the US and Israel for 47 years.

He singled out a 1983 suicide bombing by Hezbollah on the United States Marine Barracks in Beirut that killed 241 US Marines and an Al-Qaeda terrorist attack on a US Navy warship in 2000 that killed 17.

'This murderous regime also recently killed 45,000 of their own people who were protesting in Iran - 45,000 dead,' Trump said. He added that the regime's strategy before the US's initial strikes on February 28 'was so obvious.'

'They wanted to produce as many missiles as possible, and they did, with the longest range possible. And they had some weapons that nobody believed they had. We just learned that.

'We took them out. We took them all out so that no one would really dare stop them.'

He also said the strikes successfully stopped Iran's quest for a nuclear weapon, which has long been a concern of Israel.

'They were right at the doorstep. For years, everyone has said that Iran cannot have nuclear weapons. But in the end, those are just words if youre not willing to take action when the time comes.'

The conflict is now well into its fifth week. More than 3,500 people overall have been killed, including 13 US servicemembers.
Comedian and political commentator John Fugelsang used a spot on MS NOW's Morning Joe Friday to make fun of Donald Trump and his senior faith advisor.

Pastor Paula White, on Wednesday, compared Trump's political and legal woes to Christ's crucifixion. The White House posted the clip, before deleting it the same day.

'Watching that, Im reminded that the only way you can support both Donald Trump and Jesus is if you've never read either one of their books,' Fugelsang joked after a producer played it back.

Fugelsang then recalled a Bible verse where Christ famously told Judaea's Pontius Pilate - the official who oversees his crucifixion - that he is indeed a king, but not the sort he would recognize, to hit his point home.

'It's really like the greatest act of satire in the entire bible. This homeless, Jewish mystic faith healer is virtually mocking the pomp that surrounds the armies of Caesar,' Fugelsang explained.

'Because youre either standing up to Caesar or youre capitulating to him, like Paula White.'

Remembering Christ's subsequent arrest and execution, Fugelsang said: 'By the end of the week, it's the saddest story youve ever read.'

Comedian and political commentator John Fugelsang (right) used a spot on Morning Joe Friday to make fun of Donald Trump and his senior faith advisor, who compared the conservative's political struggles to Jesus Christ's crucifixion

'Mr. President, no one has paid the price like you have paid the price. It almost cost you your life. You were betrayed and arrested. And falsely accused. 'Its a familiar pattern that our Lord and Savior showed us,' Paula White, 59, said with the president at her back on Wednesday

White, two days before, used the Passion to preach a much different sermon.

She said, as Trump stood at her back, 'Mr. President, no one has paid the price like you have paid the price. It almost cost you your life. You were betrayed and arrested. And falsely accused.

'Its a familiar pattern that our Lord and Savior showed us. But it didnt end there for Him, and it didnt end there for you. God always had a plan.'

White went on to evoke the Resurrection, celebrated each Easter Sunday.

'On the third day, He rose, He defeated evil, He conquered death, hell, and the grave.

'And because He rose, we all know that we can rise.

'And sir, because of His resurrection, you rose up.'

The remarks were offered up during an hourlong event at the White House held in celebration of Easter. The event was not open to the press or public.

When it began, the White House launched a video stream of it in its entirety. It ran for an hour and four minutes and saw Trump speak himself.

But the video was deleted within hours. The span was long enough for many to record and capture the clips.

White's official title is senior advisor to the White House Faith Office. She previously served as a faith-based advisor to the White House during Trump's first term.

Trump poached her as a personal minister after watching her televangelism on television, the New York Times reported in 2019. She is the author of several books and is married to Jonathan Cain, who is the keyboardist for the rock group Journey.
The Today team are planning to 'play it by ear' as part of Savannah Guthrie's anticipated TV return next week.

Producers are prepared for such a period for the foreseeable future, two NBC News insiders told Variety.

The preliminary stretch will see showrunners work segments specifically around Guthrie, the sources said. The spell may also see Guthrie limited to stories that aren't about crime or violence, at least at first, one of the insiders said.

A tone-down in Today's usual lighthearted, comedic tone could also be seen, the same source said.

But it's all up to Guthrie and her comfortability on-air when it comes to exactly how the team will proceed, the source said.

Meanwhile, Guthrie's 84-year-old mother, Nancy, has been missing since February 1. Evidence suggests she was taken from her home in Arizona against her will.

The search that's been seen since has yielded no suspects nor any indication of Nancy's whereabouts.

The case, moreover, has also generated a great deal of attention. And after more than two months, it remains ongoing.

The Today team are planning to 'play it by ear' as part of Savannah Guthrie's return on April 6. The star's mother has been missing since February 1

Craig Melvin, Carson Daly, and former host Hoda Kotb - filling in for Guthrie - have been holding down the fort

Guthrie, 54, has been off the air for the search's entirety. She's been a Today anchor for nearly 14 years. Craig Melvin, Carson Daly, and former host Hoda Kotb have been holding down the fort in the meantime.

But Guthrie's presence, in the past, has 'set the tone' around each day's news cycle, one of the sources said.

The host - a former criminal defense lawyer - is known for her ability to break down complicated legal matters.

She has also been a steady presence at Today for years, amid setbacks like Matt Lauer's ouster in 2017.

Guthrie was also able to keep a handle on Donald Trump during his first term at a town hall held by NBC in 2020. During the encounter, she was able to keep the president to short answers while still pushing back with fact-checks and follow-ups.

Publicity executives not connected to NBC spoke to Variety as well, also on condition of anonymity.

They said they expect to see Guthrie surrounded by as many of her Today co-stars as possible at the outset of her return on Monday, April 6.

Evidence suggests the senior was taken from her home in Arizona against her will. The search remains ongoing

Guthrie, 54, has been off the air for the entirety of the search. She's been a Today anchor for nearly 14 years

The sources also predicted the star to immediately express her happiness at being back as well as a 'please bear with me' approach, at least initially.

Guthrie's situation, meanwhile, remains unprecedented.

The Daily Mail has approached NBC News for comment.
The UK has become the first country to clinch a deal to avoid US tariffs on drug exports as fears mount that Donald Trump will clobber countries with steep levies on medicines.

Ministers announced yesterday that British pharmaceuticals exported to the US, worth around 5billion annually, will not be subject to tariffs for at least three years.

The Government said it would also reduce the level of a rebate pharma firms pay on branded medicines sold to the NHS to 15 per cent, from 23 per cent, until the end of 2028 in a concession to the industry.

Drug manufacturers have long complained that the clawback discourages investment in Britain.

Thanks to this partnership, patients right across the NHS will benefit from access to life-changing new medicines that they previously would have been denied, said Science Minister Lord Vallance.

As the first country in the world to benefit from a zero per cent tariff on pharmaceuticals to the US, Britains life sciences sector will be further boosted.

Tariff deal: British pharmaceuticals exported to the US, worth around 5bn annually, will not be subject to tariffs for at least three years

Meanwhile, the Government also said it would double the amount spent on new medicines over the next decade to boost the number of cutting-edge drugs available to NHS patients.

The deal solidifies an agreement struck between the US and the UK in December after Trump threatened to impose tariffs on drug imports to force companies to make more medicines in America.

We are pleased that the partnership between the UK and US on pharmaceuticals has been finalised.

It provides certainty on zero-tariffs for medicines and offers real improvements to the UK operating environment, and rewards for innovation, said FTSE 100 pharma giant GSK.

Dave Ricks, boss of US drugs firm Eli Lilly, whose medicines include weight-loss drug Mounjaro, said the deal was encouraging and it would revisit investment plans for the UK.

It comes after the US giant this week pushed for regular price rises on NHS drugs in return for resuming investment in Britain after it paused plans for a biotech laboratory last year.

The deal will provide UK drugmakers with a reprieve from US tariffs on medicines, which are reported to be as high as 100 per cent, and are set to be announced.

Pharma firms may be able to reduce or lower the levies if they shift factories to the US or negotiate bespoke deals with the Trump administration, according to CNBC.

Companies that have already struck deals to invest more in the US and cut their prices include the UKs AstraZeneca and Danish group Novo Nordisk, the maker of fat jab Ozempic.
The British are forecast to consume no fewer than 382million Easter eggs this weekend  on which we will have spent 3.2billion.

The price of the average egg has soared by 9 per cent since last year, according to a Worldpanel survey  in what has been dubbed 'Easter Eggflation'. Despite this, we have been buying larger, more expensive seasonal treats.

This evidence of pricing power is enough to make chocolate-lovers and everyone else ponder on the investment opportunities that may be on offer at the big stock market listed names in the 'choconomy' sector: Hershey; Lindt & Sprungli; Mondelez; Nestle; and Barry Callebaut  the world's number one manufacturer of cocoa products.

Global chocolate sales are forecast to increase from about $130billion (98.5billion) at present to $180billion (136billion) by 2035, even as the popularity of some legacy food brands is fast waning.

The wish to dodge this downturn lies behind Unilever's decision to spin off Hellmann's and its other long-established ranges in an 11.9billion deal confirmed this week.

Investing in chocolate now is a bet on the widespread passion for this substance remaining undiminished at a time when household budgets are squeezed.

Sweet tooth: Investing in chocolate now is a bet on the widespread passion for this substance remaining undiminished at a time when household budgets are squeezed

It's a 'lipstick-effect' gamble, taking a chance on the likelihood that, in hard times, small indulgences can be deemed indispensable.

Households bills are set to jump, but will people still spoil themselves? If you believe so, then this is how to snatch a bite of the choconomy.

Why future could be sweet

Some of the major choconomy players are in a turnaround process under

new chief executives. These bosses are also being obliged to confront huge external challenges.

The war in Iran is raising fertiliser, packaging, transport and other costs as a result of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, weight-loss drugs are altering tastes.

But Ole Hansen, head of commodity strategy at Saxo Bank, argues there is ample proof of the 'enduring value of chocolate  both economically and culturally  at a time when broader sentiment remains fragile'.

Hansen cites the worldwide attention sparked by last month's heist of a consignment of 413,723 of Kit Kat's new Formula 1-themed bars while en route to Poland from Italy.

But Nestle, maker of Kit Kat, turned the crime into a social media moment that underlined chocolate's allure.

Following the incident, the Swiss giant's spokesman said: 'We've always encouraged people to have a break with a Kit Kat  but it seems thieves have taken the message too literally and made a break with more than 12 metric tons of our chocolate.'

Reasons to be cheerful

Ozempic and other 'fat jab' drugs may make alcoholic drinks less palatable, but a bar of milk or plain seems to have that special something.

Chris Beckett, consumer goods analyst at Quilter, said: 'The large chocolate companies have many grounds to be positive right now. Their brands are strong  and there is little sign that healthier habits are disrupting this market in the same way that alcohol has been hit.'

Beckett argues that the most significant problem facing the industry is not conflict in the Middle East, but the outlook for cocoa prices.

It soared to $12,000 in late 2024 due to supply shortage, but subsequently moderated, as some manufacturers re-tooled their equipment to use less cocoa. The current price is less than $3,400.

Bad weather that destroys crops could push the cocoa price up again, but it is unlikely that it will return to its level of 2024  which should come as a relief to chocolate companies.

Delayed gratification

A bite of your favourite bar should bring a smile to your face.

The benefits from chocolate company shares may take longer to materialise: the after-effects of the 2024 cocoa price spike linger.

But a spirit of change is pervading the whole food sector which could produce longer-term rewards.

Mondelez, the US titan that brings us Cadbury's and Toblerone, is regarded as the top pick in the sector.

The $74billion business should be able to take advantage of lower cocoa prices.

Brokers Jefferies are targeting a share price rise from the current $58 to $69.

The Nestle confectionery stable includes not only Kit Kat but Aero and After Eight, too.

Philipp Navratil, the Swiss company's chief executive since September 2025, has sold the ice cream division  a path also taken by Unilever. But Navratil appears convinced there is no substitute for chocolate: he eats a Kit Kat with one of the eight cups of coffee he enjoys every day.

Nestle is a long-term holding at the Fidelity European fund and Fidelity European trust (in which I am an investor).

Marcel Stotzel, manager of the fund and the trust, cites Nestle's leading position in confectionery and coffee and its geographic spreads in developing and emerging markets.

He said: 'The company isn't overly reliant on one single product or market to drive profits, which has allowed it to grow its dividend consecutively over 25 years. In our view, this is the hallmark of a resilient business.'

These solid attributes explain why Nestle, the world's largest food business, is seen as a 'buy' by nine of the analysts that follow the stock.

The remaining 12 view it as a 'hold', adopting a wait-and-see approach on Navratil's campaign to revitalise the company which is based in Vevey.

Barry Callebaut, which is based in Zurich, also has a recently appointed chief executive  Hein Schumacher, formerly of Unilever.

His arrival in January has boosted shares, but they remain 35 per cent down over five years. Morgan Stanley is particularly optimistic about the stock's prospects, targeting an increase to 1,600 Swiss francs.

Pennsylvania-based Hershey is most famous for its Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, but it also supplies 80 other types of snacks.

Most analysts regard the shares as a 'hold', while they observe the outcome from Hershey's move into protein-based snacks. But they are still targeting a rise from $206 to $228.

Analysts are more cautious about the prospects for Lindt & Sprungli. Founded in 1845, it may be more affected than its peers by the impact of Middle East tensions.

Fewer tourists visiting the region means less demand for its Lindor truffles and other products. But if you are patient, Lindt's focus on these premium ranges and innovation could pay off.

Ethical alternatives

Some people don't like chocolate. Others seek to avoid investing in the sector because of the difficult conditions facing small-scale cocoa farmers in the Ivory Coast, Ghana and other nations.

If you want to diversify into more sustainable agriculture, food production and supply chains this Easter, Jason Hollands of Evelyn Partners suggests such funds as Franklin Future of Food, Rize Sustainable Future of Food and Pictet Nutrition.

A feeling of virtue could balance out the guilt you feel from your chocolate splurge.
DIY giant Kingfisher has awarded a bumper 70 per cent pay increase to chief executive Thierry Garnier, its annual report revealed yesterday.

The B&Q owner, whose brands also include Screwfix in the UK and Castorama in France and Poland, paid Garnier 3.9million for the year to the end of January, up from 2.3million the year before.

It is the latest big pay increase for a FTSE 100 boss to have been disclosed in recent months.

Garniers package included 1.1million in salary and benefits and 2.5million in bonuses.

He has now been paid 19.4million since he took on the job in September 2019.

It is the second-highest pay packet Garnier has received after he was awarded 5.9million in 2023.

Pay hike: Kingfisher boss Thierry Garner, pictured, has now been paid a total of 19.4m since he took on the job in September 2019

Andrew Speke, interim director of the High Pay Centre, a campaign group, said: While the size of this would still only put Garnier in the midrange of FTSE 100 chief executive pay levels, the scale of this pay rise is extraordinary, especially compared with what ordinary workers can reasonably expect.

Its another troubling sign that companies feel they have a licence to hand out massive pay rises while government and regulators largely look the other way.

In the context of a costofliving crisis that is set to intensify, this deserves a much stronger pushback.

Last month, Shell said boss Wael Sawan had seen his pay leap more than 60pc to almost 14million last year.

And AstraZeneca boss Pascal Soriot was handed his largest pay package last year, receiving 17.7million.

The disclosure of Garniers award follows Kingfisher last month revealing a 73million writedown on its Castorama business in France, where it has been affected by weak consumer spending.

Shares have been hit by worries that the war in the Middle East will push borrowing costs higher and dampen the housing market.

A slump in people buying new homes could mean fewer sales of goods for DIY projects. Shares are down by nearly a quarter since the outbreak of the conflict at the end of February.

Previously, higher sales at its UK divisions helped underlying profits to grow 6pc to 560million for the year to the end of January.

Bosses have pencilled in annual profits for the current year of between 565m and 625million.
Sales at Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) have bounced back this year as it recovers from a cyber attack.

However, its performance is still well down on last year as Britains biggest car maker grapples with the impact of US tariffs and a tough Chinese market.

JLR, owned by Indias Tata Motors, sold 95,300 vehicles to car dealers in the three months to March 31, a 61.1 per cent quarterly increase, but 14.5 per cent down on 2025.

Vehicles sold directly to consumers rose 16.2 per cent to 92,700 compared with the previous quarter but were down 14.3 per cent year-on-year.

For the financial year to the end of March, wholesale volumes fell 23.2 per cent to 307,900 and retail sales fell 17.8 per cent to 352,300.

The August cyber attack forced it to close manufacturing sites. The impact was so large for JLR and its suppliers that it dented UK economic growth.

JLR restarted production in October and it returned to normal levels in mid-November.
Leaked posts from NAB's internal social networking platform show staff confessing they felt 'defeated' by the bank's worsening culture, just hours after a colleague took his own life at its Melbourne headquarters.

The conversation between three workers appeared on the Big Four bank's internal 'Engage' platform, from March 5 - the day a man from the fraud department took his own life from the roof of NAB's Docklands building.

The suicide took place after 2pm on a Thursday, when his colleagues were returning to the office after lunch.

While the reason for his death is unclear, a number of workers at NAB - Australia's second largest bank - told Daily Mail about their own mental breakdowns and suicide attempts following what they described as relentless and targeted bullying by managers.

One former employee, John Horwood, previously revealed he seriously contemplated taking his own life twice - most recently in December, from the same rooftop as the man from the fraud department.

In the leaked conversation, staffers took aim at NAB's governance teams 'who don't actually do any work themselves', along with the 'inadequate' responses by CEO Andrew Irvine during a Q&A session.

One worker of 30 years said they were struggling to remain optimistic, 'given today's tragedy', and that they'd given up trying to offer constructive feedback through staff surveys.

Another wrote: 'I've been thinking about the complexity of our environment and I think it's a lot worse than it used to be, to the point where it's probably affecting my mental health.'

One worker took aim at NAB's CEO Andrew Irvine (pictured) whose responses at a Q&A session were 'inadequate'

Leaked posts from NAB's internal networking platform, Engage, show staff saying they felt 'defeated' (pictured)

One NAB staffer referred to the suicide of an employee on March 5 (pictured)

The conversation took place in early March, and began because one employee didn't want to fill out the bank's internal Heartbeat survey - a biannual questionnaire designed to measure colleague engagement, risk culture and performance.

Surveys are touted by the bank as anonymous opportunities for employees to provide meaningful feedback, but a number of workers told the Daily Mail managers can get access to their team's survey comments.

He wrote: 'I might be finally defeated and giving up on being endlessly optimistic - I must be old and grumpy.

'I am not doing the Heartbeat survey because I had previously done them assiduously and I have concluded that lack of listening by management is the biggest problem.

'However, management do seem to care about survey participation rate.'

They said the best way to provide feedback was by posting feedback on the internal networking platform instead, and directly referred to the suicide while wondering whether they were right to describe themselves as an optimist.

'Given today's tragedy ... maybe [saying that I was an] optimist was optimistic ... I have made serious attempts at constructive criticism over the years,' they wrote.

'Real improvement at NAB will make NAB a better place.'

They also listed a range of things they believed NAB did well, before a second worker said the complexity of the environment was impacting their mental health (pictured)

The second worker said governance teams at NAB 'don't actually do any work' (pictured)

The second worker also said they hoped cracks in the business would start to show (pictured)

They wrote a list of things NAB was doing well, which included fortnightly sessions with chief technology and operations officer Patrick Wright.

They had mixed feelings about a Q&A session with CEO Mr Irvine on March 26, three weeks after the suicide, which was called 'ask me anything'.

The worker wrote: '[Mr Irvine] seems to be thinking about Australia long term, though be undermined (sic) by NAB's offshoring.'

NAB has axed about 1000 jobs from its Australian workforce since October, opting instead for employees in India and Vietnam.

They said Mr Irvine 'really tried to answer questions, 'though some he needed more time to ponder and, as such, gave inadequate answers'.

A second staffer said they had been thinking about the 'complex' environment at NAB, saying, 'and I think it's a lot worse than it used to be, to the point where it's probably affecting my mental health'.

'In the current environment of governance teams who don't actually do any work themselves ... and these disparate stakeholder groups rarely reconcile priorities with each other.'

They also said they were 'almost cheered up by the sharp increase in complexity' because it meant cracks in the business might begin to show, but said 'the experience is nonetheless very stressful at the moment'.

A newer employee said it was 'never great to hear' that an optimist was feeling defeated (pictured)

NAB's Docklands headquarters is pictured

They said the applications team had been 'papering over the cracks'.

A third employee who was new to the bank said: 'It's never great to hear that an optimist is feeling defeated.'

A NAB spokesperson told Daily Mail: 'NAB supports all colleagues to raise genuine concerns or allegations of wrongdoing and has clear policies and independent channels to ensure concerns and allegations are taken seriously, assessed fairly, and without retaliation.

'That commitment is fundamental to our culture. Our processes meet all our legal and policy obligations, and they are applied regardless of who is involved.

'I reiterate that if our colleagues have specific concerns, we want to hear about them so they can be heard and appropriately addressed.

They also said NAB has more than 40,000 employees and colleague engagement surveys place the bank within the top quartile benchmarks.

'We know we dont always get it right, but we are committed to listening and creating an environment where our colleagues are heard on matters that are important to them.

'If a current or former employee has concerns or specific allegations we encourage them to contact FairCall, our independent anonymous whistleblower service operated by KPMG.'

A man from NAB's fraud sector took his own life at the Docklands office building (scene pictured)

It comes after a number of former NAB employees told Daily Mail about how their experiences at the bank led to mental breakdowns.

One former staffer said he resorted to alcohol abuse in 2021 because of the same systemic bullying that drove his friend and colleague - a married father-of-three - to suicide almost a decade earlier.

Others say they were the victims of targeted redundancies for speaking out against the bank, or fired after being placed on performance improvement plans because unfair dismissal claims are often cheaper than redundancy payouts.

Another worker recalled being trapped in a small office and being verbally abused by a manager.

Regarding the worker who took his life, Victoria Police confirmed it attended an incident in the CBD on March 5.

'Police will prepare a report for the coroner following the death of a man in Docklands on March 5,' a police statement read.

'The body of a man, who is yet to be formally identified, was located on Bourke Street about 2pm.'

If this has raised any issues for you, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue 1300 224 636 for confidential crisis support.

Get the full story on the NAB scandal with DailyMail+

How NAB breaks staff: What drove married father John to the bank's Docklands rooftop with his last will and testament in his pocket.. as we reveal cruel redundancy process that employees compare to 'death row'

Forgotten NAB suicide of a married father-of-three that haunts the 'Big Four' bank... as we reveal what executives privately think about toxic culture after Docklands tragedy

Read the damning email to NAB CEO from suicidal worker before Docklands tragedy - as we reveal the cruel HR method pushing staff to the brink

Pushed to the brink: NAB staff claim bosses at the suicide bank where one employee plunged to his death are deliberately making life hell for workers - and the reason why will horrify you

Anger, grief and finger-pointing at NAB after 'AI-skilled' worker's skyscraper suicide: As questions mount about Big Four bank, staff cry: I never want to step foot in there again

'Triggering' Teams photos and claims of other suicide attempts: NAB whistleblower speaks after bank worker plunged from 14th-floor rooftop as horrified staff watched on
A doctor who built a colossal 'mega-garage' next to his tiny riverside cottage has been ordered to tear it down after a years-long planning battle exposed glaring holes in his claims.

Dr Martin Rooke constructed the vast L-shaped structure beside Meadow Cottage, near Warwick, without planning permission, insisting it was needed to house a collection of classic cars.

But in a decision dated March 30, 2026, a government planning inspector dismissed his appeal and ruled the building must be demolished within nine months.

The enforcement notice at the centre of the case was originally issued on August 14, 2018 following the council's failed attempts to take action in October and November 2016 - both of which were withdrawn due to technical errors.

A site visit was carried out on February 5, 2026, before the final ruling was handed down weeks later.

At the heart of the row is the sheer scale of the development. Meadow Cottage is a modest two-bedroom home with a footprint of just around 70 square metres, yet the outbuilding beside it sprawls across approximately 367 square metres - making it more than five times larger than the house itself.

The inspector found the structure had become 'by far the dominant building on the land'.

Dr Rooke argued the building was intended for a gym, workshop and garaging for a collection of classic cars, with its design of ten large garage-style openings suggesting space for up to ten vehicles.

But the reality on site told a very different story, as the ruling stated: 'Only one car is currently garaged in the building and no evidence whatsoever of a classic car collection has been provided.'

Dr Martin Rooke constructed the vast L-shaped structure without planning permission, insisting it was needed to house a collection of classic cars

Dr Rooke argued the building was intended for a gym, workshop and garaging for a collection of classic cars, with its design of ten large garage-style openings suggesting space for up to ten vehicles

Dr Rooke argued the building fell under permitted development rules, claiming it was incidental to the enjoyment of the home

The inspector also noted the 'apparent lack of any such use in all the time the building has been available'.

The site, which lies in the area's Green Belt, had been the subject of complaints - pointing to concern about the scale and nature of the development.

While the documents do not spell out each objection in detail, the inspector made clear there were 'public interest considerations' in taking enforcement action, particularly given the size of the structure and its setting.

The case has a long and tangled history stretching back years.

Early enquiries between 2008 and 2013 suggested far smaller outbuildings were being considered, including garages, a pool and storage, and in May 2011 Dr Rooke had been warned that continuing works without permission would be at risk of enforcement action.

Despite this, the massive structure was erected, leading to repeated enforcement attempts before the 2018 notice that ultimately led to this appeal.

Dr Rooke argued the building fell under permitted development rules, claiming it was incidental to the enjoyment of the home, but this was firmly rejected.

The site, which lies in the area's Green Belt, had been the subject of complaints, pointing to concern about the scale and nature of the development

The inspector concluded that the scale of the building, along with its extensive storage and office space, went far beyond what could reasonably be expected for a small cottage.

The ruling stated: 'It has not been demonstrated that the building was required for purposes incidental to the enjoyment of Meadow Cottage.'

With the appeal dismissed, the enforcement notice now stands in full, meaning the sprawling outbuilding must be demolished and all resulting waste removed from the land within nine months.

Dr Rooke offered no comment when approached by the Daily Mail.

Warwick District Council has been approached for comment.
The heir to Reese's chocolatier landed a huge win after waging war against Hershey for cheapening the brand's classic products.

Brad Reese, 70, criticized Hershey for changing the recipes of certain products, which were said to have included significantly less chocolate.

Reese's Peanut Butter Cups have historically contained real milk or dark chocolate and peanut butter, but products have recently only been made with a coating with less chocolate.

On Wednesday, however, The Hershey Company announced that as of 2027 they would be shifting back to the 'classic milk chocolate and dark chocolate recipes.'

Hershey said that it would improving its Kit Kat recipe for a 'creamier chocolate' taste,' according to company spokesperson Allison Kleinfelter.

Kleinfelter also said the company would be 'transitioning our sweet portfolio to colors from natural sources, and ensuring that all Hershey's and Reese's offerings are consistent with their brand's classic milk and dark chocolate recipes,' according to a statement to the Daily Mail.

'Hershey is committed to making products consumers love and that means continually reviewing our recipes to meet evolving tastes and preferences,' the statement said. 'The core recipes for our Hershey's chocolate bars and Reese's peanut butter cups have not changed.'

The announcement followed intense criticism from Reese who wrote an open letter to Todd Scott, the manager, corporate brand and editorial for Hershey Co on February 14.

'As someone who has spent this career shaping narratives, elevating reputations and stewarding brand meaning, you understand better than most that s tory only works when it is anchored in truth,' Reese began.

Brad Reese, 70, criticized Hershey for changing the recipes of certain products, which were said to included significantly less chocolate

The Hershey Company said that it would be transitioning certain products back to their original recipes by 2027

The chocolatier heir asked how Hershey could continue to reflect Reese's brand while 'quietly replacing the very ingredients that built Reese's trust in the first place?'

'My grandfather, HB Reese, built Reese's on a simple, enduring architecture: Milk Chocolate + Peanut Butter. Not a flavor idea. Not a marketing construct. A real tangible product identity that consumers have trusted for a century.

'But today, Reese's identity is being rewritten, not by storytellers, but by formulation decisions that replace milk chocolate with compound coatings and Peanut Butter with peanut-butter-style cremes across multiple Reese's products.'

Reese called on Scott to lean into his role and 'shape the story the world heads,' asking him to 'continue to position Reese's as its flagship brand, a symbol of trust, quality and leadership.'

The chocolatier heir asked how Hershey could continue to reflect Reese's brand while 'quietly replacing the very ingredients that built Reese's trust in the first place?'

'This isn't a supply chain question,' Reese continued. 'It's a brand governance question.'

'It's about whether The Hershey Company's corporate narrative is allowed to drift away from Reese's product reality. It's about whether consumers are being asked to believe a story that no longer matches what's inside the Reese's orange wrapper.'

Reese continued on to say that the Reese's story was 'diverging from what's inside Reese's products.'

'And that divergence puts Reese's and the legacy behind it at risk,' he wrote.

Reese wrote an open letter to Todd Scott, the manager, corporate brand and editorial for Hershey Co, on February 14

'As the grandson of the man who created Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Im not asking for nostalgia. Im asking for alignment. For truth in Reese's brand stewardship. For a corporate narrative from The Hershey Company that reflects the Reese's product consumers are actually receiving.

'Because if Reese's is going to remain the emotional equity anchor of The Hershey Company, then the story cannot be stronger than the ingredients.'

Much of Hershey's recipe changes came following the hiring of CEO Kirk Tanner in August, USA Today reported.

The company said its decision to restore products to their original recipes was prompted by a 25 increase in research and development to fund talent, technology and nutrition science, according to the statement.

Hershey, however, made it clear that most of the company's Reese's products, including Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and classic shapes, are made using the original recipes, the outlet reported.

According to the statement, the products that will be changed back to the classic recipes make up about three percent of Reese's products.

But Reese told the New York Times that the announcement from Hershey was 'just a PR stunt.'

'There's no victory here. If they were serious, they would do it right away,' he told the outlet.

Hershey, however, made it clear that most of the company's Reese's products, including Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and classic shapes, are made using the original recipes

HB Reese, the inventor of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. He died in 1956

Kleinfelter told NYT in a statement: 'We are moving with speed with changes targeted to begin in 2027, covering formulation, packaging, supply lines and ingredient sourcing.'

The company said that they had planned for the change long before Reese had publicly voice his criticisms.

'Consumer preference for ingredients evolve over time, and we have always responded,' Kleinfelter wrote.

Hershey's Chief Financial Officer Steven Voskuil admitted last year in a conference call with investors that the company had made some changes in its formulas, largely to cut costs in the face of rising cocoa prices.

Voskuil never specified which products had their recipes changed, but maintained that Hershey's has maintained the 'taste profile and the specialness of our iconic brands'.

'I would say in all the changes that we've made thus far, there has been no consumer impact whatsoever. As you can imagine, even on the smallest brand in the portfolio, if we were to make a change, there's extensive consumer testing,' he said.

Reese, however, doesn't agree and has said that people have told him that Reese's products don't taste as good as they used to.

'I absolutely believe in innovation, but my preference is innovation with quality,' he said.

The Daily Mail reached out to Brad Reese and The Hershey Company for comment.
As Pentagon insiders tell it, there have been countless cringe moments since Pete Hegseth took over the Defense Department last year.

Like when he decided to rename the agency the 'Department of War' and rebrand his role as 'war secretary' without congressional approval.

And when he mishandled classified military intelligence by sharing sensitive air strike plans against Houthi rebels in Yemen in unsecured group chats.

And when, during a recent signing ceremony packed with Latin American and Spanish-speaking leaders, he proudly declared: 'I only speak American.'

But in conversations with the Daily Mail this week, four military and three civilian officials at the Pentagon said that in the month since the Trump administration started attacking Iran, they and many of their colleagues have lost the scant confidence they had in the polarizing defense secretary whose remarks about the war they slam as 'reckless'.

Our sources took particular umbrage with the former Fox News host's comments during a prayer service he held at the Pentagon last week, calling on God to 'pour out your wrath' and urging 'overwhelming violence of action' in Iran.

Beyond their discomfort with him mixing the military and religion, they said he made the conflict sound like a holy war, viewing his remarks as 'hotheaded', 'bloodthirsty' and 'feral'.

'It rattled me, his lack of equanimity, his disregard for the kind of professionalism you need in that position, especially during a war,' an Army official told us.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is facing mounting criticism from Pentagon insiders over his handling of the Iran conflict

The US and Israel launched strikes against Iran in late February  marking the most significant American military action in the region in years. Plumes of smoke are seen rising after a strike in Tehran on March 3

'It rattled me to the core. I think that's true for a lot of folks in the building.'

A Pentagon official whose job entails monitoring military ethics, said: 'We strive, we have always strived to be principled, not vicious,' added 'He's making us seem like monsters.'

The Defense Department pointed out to the Daily Mail that it is the secretary's duty to provide the president with 'clear, direct, decisive military options'.

'Secretary Hegseth is leading the way in delivering on the Presidents objectives with precision and resolve  ensuring the Commander-in-Chief has every possible option at his disposal.,' said Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson.

'Our record-breaking recruitment numbers show that warriors across the nation are eager to serve this President and this Secretary.'

Each of the seven Pentagon insiders who spoke to the Daily Mail did so on the condition of anonymity, noting a more than year-long effort in the department to root out military and civilian workers who talk to journalists.

Hegseth, 45  a former infantry major in the Army National Guard who served from 2003 to 2021  has taken a decidedly antagonistic view of mainstream reporters covering the department, blocking access to information.

He also has been criticized for withholding or limiting release of key details about the war to members of Congress, including Republican allies of the administration.

Internally, the defense secretary has ousted several high-level military officials whom he saw as challenging his much-touted 'warrior ethos', firing the top judge advocate generals of the Army, Navy, and Air Force on grounds, he argued, that they were too restrictive and risk-averse in combat.

On Thursday, Hegseth ousted the highest-ranking US Army officer. General Randy George, a Biden appointee, was told to step down and take immediate retirement, CBS News reported.

All the officials we spoke with said they have lost respected colleagues whose expertise would have been indispensable during war time, when as one put it, 'we need critical thinkers, naysayers willing to speak out.'

The criticism comes as US forces are engaged in a major conflict in the Middle East.

None would comment on the merits of the Iran conflict, taking care to note that the decision to go to war is political and above their pay grade.

What mainly troubles them, they said, is the relish with which Hegseth seems to take in waging it.

Five of them said they recoiled last week when, speaking in the Oval Office, Hegseth said: 'We negotiate with bombs.'

'Nobody, even Defense Department personnel, wants a leader licking his lips about a major regional conflict,' a civilian military official who works in public messaging said.

Another who works in recruitment said such comments make it harder to sign up new troops.

'Imagine being a parent hearing him sounding like we take war lightly. Are you going to let your 18-year-old enlist?'

That source added that even the branding of the war as Operation Epic Fury connotes an emotional rather than principled military stance  based on 'rage' rather than 'sound standards, tactics and strategy.'

'That name never should have been approved,' said one of the civilians we interviewed.

Speaking at a press conference at the Oval Office last week, Trump admitted that Hegseth 'didn't want the war to be settled'

Hegseth claimed that it was the first time in history that a modern military like Iran's had been so destroyed

What also concerns the Pentagon insiders is that, in the lead-up to and during the biggest US military conflict since the 2003 invasion of Iraq, they say Hegseth  who quietly visited troops in the Middle East over the weekend  and his top aides have seemed focused on far lesser matters.

The day before the war started on February 28, for example, the secretary was threatening to cut support for the Boy Scouts (now 'Scouting America') and end Pentagon involvement with Ivy League schools because of their inclusivity policies.

A week into the conflict, when six US Army Reserve members had been killed in a drone attack on a facility in Kuwait, he was working behind the scenes to strip editorial independence from Stars and Stripes, the Pentagon-administrated daily news outlet that covers the military.

Two weeks into the war, Hegseth was issuing new grooming policies for military members, requiring them to prove sincere religious beliefs that would justify being allowed to have facial hair.

And a month in, he was cutting the number of religious affiliation categories for military chaplains from more than 200 to about 30 and dissing the chaplain corps as 'nothing more than therapists' focused more on 'self-help and self-care' than faith or virtue.

This, some of our sources noted, came as thousands of military members were being deployed into a war zone and likely relying on chaplains for spiritual guidance.

'His timing boggles the mind,' one said.

Hegseth's critics in the Pentagon see his preoccupation with those non-war-related issues as sweating the small stuff while about 50,000 service members are serving in the Middle East, at least 200 have been injured and 13 killed since the start of the war.

Hegseth quietly visited troops in the Middle East over the weekend

Hegseth, pictured bowing his head in prayer alongside President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and other cabinet members at the White House , has also been criticized for mixing the military and religion

Two of the sources we interviewed also expressed discomfort with the apparent sanctimony of a defense secretary with a history of excessive alcohol consumption, on-air hangovers and acts including a 2017 sex assault allegation that he denied, but for which he acknowledged paying his accuser a civil legal settlement.

One pointed out that Hegseth acknowledged having multiple extramarital affairs while in the military, where the code of conduct allows for members to be kicked out for cheating on their spouses.

Two others brought up Hegseth's description in a 2024 podcast of the time when, serving in the National Guard in Iraq, he told his platoon to disregard a commander's directive not to fire on someone unless they raised their weapon to shoot at U.S. troops.

That source noted the slippage between what he called Hegseth's insubordination and his attacks on Democratic Senator and retired Navy Captain Mark Kelly and other members of Congress for advising troops to refuse unlawful orders especially when it came to questionable boat strikes in the Caribbean.

Most recently, the Financial Times has reported that Hegseth's financial broker at Morgan Stanley sought to make a multimillion-dollar investment in major defense contractors in the lead-up to the Iran war, raising ethical questions. The Pentagon has denied wrongdoing.

'There's a hypocrisy to him that galls me. It will never stop galling me,' one of the insiders told us.

That source, a female Army officer, described 'a pervasive vibe of gender and racial discrimination' in the Pentagon since Hegseth took over in January 2025.

She said he has conveyed the impression that women and people of color owe their jobs to DEI efforts, insulting scores of officers who have risen through the ranks on merit.

'As if we haven't all worked our behinds off for decades for our positions.'

Her frustrations were echoed in a report by the New York Times last week that Hegseth has been blocking the promotion of four Army officers to be one-star generals  two women and two black officers singled out on a list otherwise made up mainly of white men.

Of particular issue, the Times reported, was the promotion of Maj. Gen. Antoinette Gant, who is black, to command the Military District of Washington, which often performs ceremonial duties with the president.

Hegseth's chief of staff Ricky Buria reportedly told the Army secretary that 'President Trump would not want to stand next to a black female officer at military events,' according to the Times.

Buria denied the account, calling it 'completely false'.

Gant's promotion was pushed through, nevertheless. Within the Pentagon, some of the Daily Mail's sources told us respect has waned for the joint chiefs of staff  leaders of each of the military's six branches  for not doing more to insist that the messaging around the Iran war be strictly fact-based and professional.

They said seasoned officials who work with military tactics, strategy, legality and ethics have lamented under Hegseth's leadership an 'anti-intellectual culture change' in the department and, as one put it, 'outright scorn for expertise'.

'If I had to guess, I'd say he's more hated in the building than outside it,' she said.

That, she added, is mainly because 'we see up close the way he mouths off rather than listens', the way his 'jaw clenches' and 'fists pump' when he perceives his authority is questioned, and the way his 'zealotry looks live and in-person'.

Army Maj. Gen. Antoinette Gant joined Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on a visit last month to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Officials within the Defense Department describe a shift from skepticism to alarm over Hegseth's leadership

The sentiment among the Pentagon sources we interviewed has shifted since the start of the war from, as one put it: 'this guy's a joke' to 'this guy's going to get our people killed'.

Within the department, our sources said officials are paying close attention to how Hegseth is perceived by the general public.

According to a Pew Research Center poll conducted in January  before the war  he had a 41% unfavorable rating, with 26% favorability and 31% of Americans having never heard of him.

A Quinnipiac University poll that same month found 49% public disapproval and 40% approval of his performance.

A more recent poll by Yahoo, conducted in March, found 52% of voters disapproved of the job he was doing at the Pentagon, while only 37% approved.

Still, Hegseth seems to hold Trump's support and shows no sign of stepping down.

Despite making a point of noting during a cabinet meeting last week that critics say 'he made a mistake' in hiring him, Trump said that Hegseth was 'born for this role' and 'doing great'.

Several of the sources we spoke with told us they hope that Hegseth's days are numbered now that Trump's legacy hangs on the war's success and the public is seeing more of him than ever.

Two  both of whom oppose prayer sessions in the Pentagon  told us they say their own personal prayers in hopes of Hegseth's ouster.

'More than 2 million Americans in uniform, their lives to some degree hinge on this clown we have as secretary,' one told us.

'God help us through a war he seems so giddy about. God help all of us get through this in one piece.'
A North Carolina woman has been arrested after allegedly stabbing a pregnant mother with a steak knife in the parking lot of a popular grocery store.

Marvina ButlerHardy, 40, was taken into custody Monday, according to the CharlotteMecklenburg Police Department.

She is accused of attacking the pregnant woman as she was getting her threeyearold son out of the car outside of a Harris Teeter in the Cotswold neighborhood of Charlotte around 11.30am on March 18.

ButlerHardy, of Waxhaw, has at least nine prior convictions, including six felonies and three misdemeanors.

She was released from prison last April and completed postrelease supervision in January, according to Fox News Digital.

ButlerHardy has been charged with assault with a deadly weapon and battery of an unborn child.

The pregnant mother, who has not been named by authorities, said she did not know ButlerHardy and had no idea why she attacked her.

'I'm hoping this charge is enough to keep her behind bars, that's for sure,' she told WSOC TV. 'I don't know the amount of mug shots you see of this woman. You wouldn't think that she would be on the streets.'

Marvina ButlerHardy, 40, has been charged with assault with a deadly weapon and battery of an unborn child after stabbing a pregnant woman with a steak knife

The steak knife attack happened outside of a Harris Teeter in the Cotswold neighborhood of Charlotte around 11.30am on March 18

The woman suffered nonlifethreatening injuries and was expected to make a full recovery.

Witnesses attempted to help her after she was stabbed by ButlerHardy.

'Someone was just stabbed by someone,' a caller told the dispatcher. 'They got out of their car and stabbed them.'

Another witness added: 'We need medic pronto. We're at the Sharon Amity Harris Teeter.'

The calls appeared to confirm that the woman was 38 years old.

The pregnant mother said she had been stabbed in the middle of the chest and that the steak knife hit bone, just narrowly missing major organs.

She added that she would be left with a scar from the heinous attack.

Her unborn child, as well as the child she was taking out of the car, were not injured.

'[It] definitely brings relief knowing that she isn't out there to do it to other people, or me, again,' she told the outlet.

ButlerHardy was arrested on Monday, according to the CharlotteMecklenburg Police Department

Her silver Hyundai was spotted by a Florida Highway Patrol trooper, who then arrested Butler-Hardy about 450 miles from where the stabbing took place

Last week, CharlotteMecklenburg police released surveillance footage of ButlerHardy and her car, as they asked for help identifying her.

Police said her vehicle had a tapedup window and a paper tag, urging the public to focus on her car's condition.

On Monday, a Florida Highway Patrol trooper received a 'Be On The Lookout' alert for a silver Hyundai heading south from the Jacksonville area on I95, according to WFLA.

The trooper spotted a silver Hyundai being driven by a woman but did not spot the tapedup window or paper tag.

However, the car's windshield had a large crack obstructing her view, causing the trooper to pull her over.

ButlerHardy allegedly only gave the officer an ID card, explaining that her license was suspended.

Her name was then given to another officer, who confirmed she was a suspect in the stabbing.

ButlerHardy was subsequently arrested, about 450 miles from where the stabbing happened, and taken to Florida's Flagler County Jail.

The woman was helping her three-year-old son out of the car in the parking lot (pictured) when she was attacked by Butler-Hardy

ButlerHardy is being held at the Flagler County Jail in Florida and will eventually beextradited to Mecklenburg County in North Carolina

A search of the car later found a North Carolina paper tag in the back seat. The tape on the window seemed to have been removed.

ButlerHardy will soon be extradited to Mecklenburg County, though an exact date for that remained unclear.

A worker at the Cotswold shopping center where the stabbing took place said she was horrified by the gruesome attack.

'That really took me aback,' Sarah Click told WBTV. 'I had no idea something like that would happen up here at all.'

Click said: 'The immediate thing that I thought of was someone just coming at you like this, like a horror film.'

She explained that the parking lot stabbing had frightened her and that she would stay on high alert going forward.

'I was actually really scared at first, especially knowing that I do closing shifts sometimes,' Click said.

'Sometimes it is dark when I get out of work, and knowing that random attacks are happening in a place where I typically feel really safe definitely made me really worried,' she added.

The Daily Mail has reached out to the CharlotteMecklenburg Police Department and the Florida Highway Patrol for further comment.
President Donald Trump declared 'near-victory' in the war against Iran this week during a subdued White House address.

But while the President claimed the end is in sight, his remarks have left Iranians inside the country reeling - and desperate for clarity.

Despite the bold claims of near-triumph, the speech was shrouded in ambiguity, leaving many across the region anxious about the volatile path ahead.

Throughout the address, Trump sought to justify the ongoing military campaign by highlighting the Islamic regime's brutal history of violence against Americans, Israelis and its own citizens.

But the President's remarks were notable for what they lacked. He did not address fears of the potential deployment of US ground forces to the Gulf.

Trump also did not provide any update on peace negotiations with Tehran or provide a concrete plan for a transition of leadership. And that's worrying Iranians on the ground the most.

Mojtaba Khamenei, the second son of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei who was killed in air strikes, was announced as his successor. But Khamenei, who has been nicknamed 'The Butcher,' is said to be even more brutal than his father.

Labeling the government the 'most violent and thuggish regime on earth,' the President insisted that Tehran would never be permitted to hide behind a 'nuclear shield.'

Notably, he claimed that while regime change was not his explicit goal, it has 'already occurred.'

But for those seeking a clear alternative to the current government, the President's rhetoric missed the mark.

'Why would he say that?' an Iranian told the Daily Mail in the early morning hours. '[The speech] comes with lots of responsibility, and to be honest, there were criticisms of American Imperialism.'

'Trump's speech was a little disappointing,' one person inside Iran told the Daily Mail

A huge smoke cloud rises from a building in the city of Tehran earlier this week. Several areas in the Iranian capital Tehran and the neighboring Alborz province came under US and Israeli attacks

They went on to say that he's 'worried' when Trump speaks of the new regime as 'moderate.'

'There is no moderate or someone with actual common sense within this terrorist government. Pahlavi is the only option.'

Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi remains the only major opposition figure promising to lead a democratic transition.

Trump has stopped short of an endorsement, calling Pahlavi a 'nice guy' but suggesting an 'inside' figure might be better suited to take the reins.

For many Iranians, even hearing the President's words was a struggle.

Leyla, a resident of Isfahan who asked for her last name to be withheld, told The Daily Mail she was forced to call relatives in Europe to get updates due to a total internet blackout.

'I heard from my family what the President said. We don't have any direction on what to do next, especially not from our own government,' she said.

'Iranians are hanging on to every word Trump is saying. I feel afraid like we might be betrayed. We risked everything for freedom, including our lives. Was it all for nothing?'

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, center, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, right, attend Trump's address to the nation on the war in Iran

'Trump's speech was a little disappointing,' another person inside Iran told the Daily Mail, speaking on the condition of anonymity.

'Because if they truly negotiated with the mullahs again, after three years when Trump will leave office, they are going to rise again and do their terrorist attack on our own people and the world. We need to see. Maybe the people of Iran should have another protest in the future.'

'This murderous regime also recently killed 45,000 of their own people, 45,000 dead,' Trump said. 'For these terrorists to have nuclear weapons would be an intolerable threat.'

Another Iranian source viewed this specific part of the address as a tactical show of support for the resistance.

'I think he knows too well he won't be able to negotiate with Islamist fanatics, but he pretends he's kept all the doors open. When he talks about 45,000 killed in two days, he's siding with us. It's time to support the people's takeover,' they said.

A plume of smoke rises after a strike in Tehran during the now 32-day war

'This war is definitely an investment,' one Iranian explained. 'I hope it ends with a true decapitation of the regime'

However, not all reactions were clouded by doubt.

An Iranian observer currently in neighboring Armenia, who still has family in Tehran, found the President's assessment to be 'pretty accurate' and said he remains 'hopeful.'

'This war is definitely an investment,' he explained. 'I hope it ends with a true decapitation of the regime.'

As the world waits to see if 'Operation Epic Fury' truly is nearing its end, the President ended his address by casting the conflict as a long-overdue reckoning that his predecessors failed to face.

'This situation has been going on for 47 years,' Trump lamented, 'and should have been handled long before I arrived in office.'

With the fog of war still thick over the Gulf, the President is betting his legacy on a 'short' conclusion to a decades-old nightmare - but for the millions of Iranians currently in the dark, the fear remains that a 'near-victory' for the administration could still mean a devastating betrayal for those who say they risked everything for a chance at liberation.
Mount Everest guides are 'poisoning' foreign climbers to trigger a helicopter rescue as part of a sophisticated network of insurance fraud.

The 'fake rescue' scheme has grown in Nepal, where mountain guides stage a medical emergency for a climber, check them into a hospital, then file a false insurance claim to reap the payouts.

Many foreign hikers trekking near Mount Everest, in Kathmandu, Nepal, fall victim to the scam.

An investigation by the Kathmandu post exposed the hefty $20 million racket. Scammers use two tactics to trigger the operation.

The first tactic is scaring hikers at high altitudes, where sickness is possible, into believing they're in fatal danger and need immediate airlift.

The other instance involves guides encouraging tired tourists to fake an illness so a helicopter will rescue them instead of walking back.

In some cases, the guides will go as far as lacing hikers' food with baking powder to make them sick, the outlet reported.

Investigators also revealed that hikers were given Diamox (Acetazolamide) pills, meant to prevent altitude sickness, along with large amounts of water to deliberately trigger symptoms and prompt a helicopter rescue.

Many foreign hikers trekking near Mount Everest, in Kathmandu, Nepal, fall victim to the scam

A Bottle of Prescription Acetazolamide, used to prevent altitude sickness

Once the pretend rescue starts, scammers make more money by charging each passenger as if they had their own helicopter, turning a $4,000 flight into $12,000.

False flight and medical records were used to inflate insurance claims, with hospitals faking treatment for patients who werent actually receiving care.

And heres how the profit was tied together: hospitals paid 20 to 25 percent of the insurance money to the trekking companies and another 20 to 25 percent to chopper operators, in exchange for patient referrals, per the outlet.

Sometimes tourists are offered some bucks to join in on the scheme.

In between 2022 and 2025, investigators found a staggering 4,782 foreign patients serviced at implicated hospitals, with 171 cases verified as fraudulent rescues, the outlet reported.

Era International Hospital raked in over $15.87 million, while Shreedhi International Hospital brought in more than $1.22 million, the outlet reported.

Some guides the guides went as far as lacing hikers' food with baking powder to make them sick

The 'fake rescue' web has grown in Nepal, where mountain guides stage a medical emergency for a climber, check them into a hospital, then file a false insurance claim to reap the payouts

Everest Experience and Assistance was allegedly connected to 71 shady rescues across 601 flights, generating a whopping $11.04 million in claims.

Last month, Nepal Polices Central Investigation Bureau charged 32 people with organized crime and offenses against the state.

Nine people were arrested, while others remain at large, the outlet reported.
A New Jersey middle school teacher accused of raping a former student burst into tears as a judge denied her request for bail.

Ashley Fisler, 36, was arrested last month after her alleged victim, now a young adult, claimed they were in a sexual relationship in 2021 while he was her student.

Fisler, who appeared before the court via video call from Salem County Jail, erupted into tears Wednesday as the judge ruled that she remain behind bars until her trial.

The former Orchard Valley Middle School teacher could be seen holding her hands over her mouth and wiping her eyes as the judge stated how her release would pose a risk to public safety.

The judge cited how she 'was able to surreptitiously keep this relationship between herself and the victim private, that is, she hid the relationship from her husband, other people and all others, and continued this relationship knowing his precise age.'

Fisler grimaced and rocked back-and-forth as the ruling was read out, with the judge noting how she successfully 'covered her tracks' for five years.

He added that the case against her was 'strong' and the 'offences charged are significant,' before concluding that Fisler 'must be detained.'

Fisler is charged with six counts of aggravated assault, official misconduct and second-degree endangering the welfare of a child by sexual conduct. She denied the allegations in a statement to authorities on March 19.

Ashley Fisler, 36, was arrested last month after her alleged victim, now a young adult, claimed they were in a sexual relationship in 2021 while he was her student

Fisler, who appeared before the court via video call from Salem County Jail, erupted into tears Wednesday as the judge ruled that she remain behind bars until her trial

Fisler had sex with the student six times when he was a student in her 8th grade social studies classroom, prosecutors allege. The boy was aged 13 and 14 at the time.

The alleged victim described numerous sexual encounters with Fisler in her vehicle and classroom to authorities in January after police launched an investigation into her alleged misconduct.

He alleged they had intercourse at least twice in her car outside of her apartment, the prosecution said during Wednesday's bail hearing.

The victim also claimed they had oral sex four times, twice of which occurred in her middle school classroom, the court heard.

Fisler shared inappropriate text messages with the alleged victim, including sending him nude photographs, investigators claimed in an affidavit.

Prosecutors have more than 7,500 pages of disturbing messages between the pair, the court heard. Many of the messages reportedly featured photographs or graphic sex descriptions.

'This was more than just six isolated and aberrant acts of sexual abuse against a minor,' Prosecutor Kylie Finley told the judge, according to Court TV.

'This was a pattern of six years of grooming, manipulation and abuse by this defendant as a middle school teacher against one of her active and then former students.'

Fisler could be seen holding her hands over her mouth and wiping her eyes as the judge stated how her release would pose a risk to public safety

The judge cited how Fisler 'was able to surreptitiously keep this relationship between herself and the victim private, that is, she hid the relationship from her husband, other people and all others, and continued this relationship knowing his precise age'

Fisler is charged with six counts of aggravated assault, official misconduct and second-degree endangering the welfare of a child by sexual conduct. She denied the allegations in a statement to authorities on March 19

Although the sexual activity allegedly occurred in 2021 and 2022, Finley said the relationship continued over messaging for several years.

Citing an alleged conversation between the pair from December 2023, the prosecutor noted how the victim confided in Fisler that 'he's struggling in school because he's getting erections more frequently in school.'

'The defendant's response was, "Oh my God, that's fantastic",' Finley said.

In another text, the student accused Fisler of leaving him mentally broken.

'You destroyed things inside of me. You stripped me of my innocence,' he wrote her, according to the prosecution.

Fisler's attorney Rocco Cipparone, who claimed he spent all of Tuesday reviewing the text messages, argued the 'selective, salacious texts that were recited by the prosecution lack context.'

He also claimed the alleged victim in the case contacted an attorney before taking his case to police, which he argued suggests 'there's a potential monetary motive here.'

Fisler, who spoke only during Wednesday's hearing to confirm her name, has no prior criminal record and, according to her attorney, is not a flight risk.

Cipparone said he plans to appeal the bond ruling.

Ashley Fisler poses for a kiss with her husband Paul. The couple live together in New Jersey

Fisler began her nine-year career with the Washington Township school district in 2014 and remained there until her separation in April 2023.

She no longer works as a teacher and instead runs an online clothing business, the court heard. She also assists with her family's tree business.

If convicted, Fisler faces up to 20 years behind bars. She faces another 10 years for both second-degree charges.

The prosecution has suggested the ongoing investigation into Fisler may unveil additional victims, citing how she allegedly sent inappropriate messages to at least two other students.

The alleged victim also claimed to have heard about a third student being involved with the teacher, Finley added.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt took a tough last-minute question from an audience member at a Turning Point event with Charlie Kirk's widow, Erika, on Thursday.

The duo appeared at the spring kick-off of TPUSA's This Is The Turning Point Tour, held at George Washington University in Washington, DC, and covered a wide range of topics, including career advice and motherhood, dishing to an audience of over 1,000.

At the end of the event, they entertained a handful of questions before a staffer informed event-goers that one question would be the last. Then, audience members chanted for one more question, which ended up being the toughest of the day.

Citing data from the conservative Heritage Foundation and the Brennan Center for Justice, an audience member asked Leavitt whether it was 'worth it to risk millions of Americans from voting to prevent a few 100 cases of voter fraud.'

The question was in reference to the SAVE America Act, a voter ID bill currently awaiting passage by the US Senate on Capitol Hill, a piece of legislation Trump has touted as a top priority.

The question prompted a flurry of boos, mixed in with a few cheers.

Leavitt first moved to calm the crowd, remarking that there was 'no need to boo,' before adding, 'it's an honest question.'

'Why are you ok with any voter fraud in the United States of America?' Leavitt pushed back before adding that the US is the 'greatest country on the face of the Earth,' and therefore 'should have the safest and most secure elections of any country.'

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt at a Turning Point USA with Erika Kirk at George Washington University on April 2nd, 2026 in Washington, DC

An audience member questions Karoline Leavitt at a Turning Point USA event on April 2nd, 2026 in Washington, DC

Erika Kirk speaks with White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt at a Turning Point USA stop in the Lisner Auditorium at George Washington University on April 2nd, 2026 in Washington, DC

'This idea that the SAVE America Act would disenfranchise anyone is frankly insulting,' the White House Press Secretary also noted.

The bill - a cornerstone of Trump's MAGA agenda - needs 60 votes to pass in the Senate. It narrowly squeaked over the finish line last month for a 'test' vote that only required a simple majority.

The legislation, officially called the Save America Voting Eligibility Act, would require proof of US citizenship to cast a ballot, a measure Trump has spent weeks demanding as essential to 'protect American elections.'

Proof means supplying a passport, birth certificate, or REAL ID explicitly showing citizenship. Student IDs and utility bills don't qualify.

Trump issued a stark warning to any GOP holdouts on his signature legislation.

'Only sick, demented, or deranged people could vote against the Save America Act,' he wrote on Truth Social, threatening to campaign against any Republican who defies him.

'Each one of these votes will be used against them - a guaranteed loss,' he went on.

The president has also made the bill a personal crusade, declaring last month that he will not sign any other legislation until the Senate passes it.

Join the discussion Should protecting elections with voter ID laws outweigh concerns about voter access and fairness?

Donald J. Trump speaks at a Save America Rally in Waukesha, Wisconsin, USA, 05 August 2022. The Save America slogan was tied Trump's political endeavors long before the SAVE America Act

Trump demanded Democrats pass his Save America bill in order to restore TSA funding on March 22

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a South Dakota Republican, (C) talks with reporters as is being pressured by conservatives to do away with the 60-vote cloture threshold and move the SAVE America Act forward, a priority for President Donald Trump going into the midterm elections

Earlier in the speech, Leavitt heralded Charlie Kirk as a key mentor during her political rise, including his support of her congressional campaign in New Hampshire in 2022.

'When I launched my congressional campaign, Charlie Kirk and Turning Point USA were the only organization in the political world that supported me,' Leavitt noted, sharing that the entire Washington, DC 'establishment' backed her opponent, but sharing that she thinks 'Charlie loved' that she 'was a young person who was stepping up to the plate.'

Erika Kirk kicked off the discussion by noting that Leavitt barely looked pregnant, despite officially marking her 9th month of pregnancy on Thursday.

Expecting her second child in May, Leavitt insists she plans to take more time to recover this time before returning to the briefing room podium, compared to just a handful of days after the birth of her first child, Nico, during the 2024 campaign.

Over nearly two hours, Leavitt and Erika discussed faith, family, and balancing a demanding career with growing family life, while sharing a few behind-the-scenes details of White House life.

Karoline Leavitt at her baby shower in March of 2026 for her second child, a girl

Leavitt with son Nico and her husband during the White House Halloween celebration in 2025

Charlie and Erika Kirk with their children before the TPUSA founder's murder last fall

Leavitt shared that her office gets between 200 and 300 press inquiries on a typical day, which are answered by her and a team of dedicated deputies.

The Trump spox also shared that on Tuesday mornings, at 7:45 in the AM, in the Roosevelt Room, several White House staff participate in Bible study, now attended only by female staffers. However, Leavitt said her male colleagues are welcome too.

Later in the speech, Leavitt also revealed that her favorite Bible verse is from the Book of Psalms, 46:5, 'God is within her. She will not fall.'

'Faith gives you such perspective that even the worst story or the worst news cycle is just a moment,' Leavitt remarked when asked by Erika how she gets through the 24-hour news cycle every day.

To young women, Leavitt's advice was that they can do both, be mothers and have a career.

And the number one recommendation she dished out for success was simple.

'I'm going to give you a piece of advice that is not novel. You've definitely heard it before. It's very simplistic. Work hard,' Leavitt told the crowd.
Plans to invite a group of male asylum seekers for a 'training day' to help them settle in Britain at a Sussex community centre during the school holiday had to be abandoned after furious reaction from residents.

Wilderness Wood, a holiday retreat and 'community hub' nestled among the ancient woodland of the Sussex Weald, was forced to cancel the planned event yesterday after protests.

The planned meeting - just five miles from Crowborough, which has become a flashpoint in the national immigrant debate - is thought to have been arranged by organisers who planned to invite small boat migrants to the forest.

Wednesday's event was believed to include a visit to the 60-acre woodland area that runs arts, crafts, music and forest school workshops throughout the holiday.

The aim was a trial in assisting newly arrived migrants with practical and 'emotional' support to help them adjust to living in the UK.

In previous Easter holidays, the venue, an education centre, has been given over wholly to less controversial outdoor events for adults and schoolchildren, including picnics and Easter egg hunts.

Once news of Wednesday's event went round locally, a number of residents of the sleepy neighbouring village of Hadlow Down turned up at the site to oppose plans to welcome male adult migrants to the site.

The invited migrants, who were part of the 80 men who arrived at a nearby Army base under the cover of darkness in January, are virulently opposed by locals, who claim they pose a threat to women and children.

Plans made by Wilderness Wood, a retreat in East Sussex, for a 'training day' to help migrants settle into Britain have been scrapped

Retreat owners Dan Morrish and Emily Charkin faced a 'violent backlash' from locals over the training day they proposed

In this corner of East Sussex tensions are already high - with protests every Sunday in Crowborough over Home Office plans to house 540 single male asylum seekers in total including the 80 arrivals there from January.

Wednesday's controversial event was cancelled by venue owners, married parents Dan Morrish and Emily Charkin, following an outpouring of anger in a Facebook group for the area.

Homeowner Jennifer Kersey, 71, told the Daily Mail: 'They cancelled it over threats, but I say it was public opinion being against it, they have now decided not to do it. There are not many people here who are in favour of it.

'I don't know where it's all going to end to be honest. There's nothing here to draw them here. We haven't even got a shop.'

Former architect Mr Morrish and his wife Emily came under scrutiny from neighbours for the proposed meeting, with one telling the Daily Mail of a 'violent backlash'.

Jim Smith, 59, said: 'I only heard about it this morning. I know Dan and Emily quite well. The fact they were considering having migrants coming here for lessons, training days is shocking.

'Now they have said they won't do it, but it was only after there was quite a violent backlash. People are very upset about it. It's when things are done underhand like this. There was no running it past us. Especially those with girls and young children.

'They already moved all the migrants in at two or three o'clock in the morning in Crowborough. People need to know what's going on.

'Dan and Emily eventually said they would be cancelling the workshops.

Mr Morrish (pictured at Wilderness Wood) is a former architect

The Wilderness Wood holiday retreat and community hub is nestled among the ancient woodland of the Sussex Weald

'I'm very much against it, obviously, having them right on my doorstep. So is 99% of the population.'

Another local resident said: 'There is uproar in the village and it's very frightening. You only have to look online to see the videos.

'It's a very nasty split in the village and some true colours are coming to light.

'There are meetings that I feel are going to get very nasty.

'I'm intrigued by which way things will go because it will only take one small incident for carnage, I'm certain.'

Another villager maintained plans for the event were scuppered after 'Right wingers' left aggressive comments online and arrived to investigate on Wednesday morning.

He said: 'They were hanging around the entrance to Wilderness Woods. This makes women and children in my family scared. It is disgusting bullying on a tiny local business.'

A poster was circulated on social media opposing the migrant workshop titled 'Safeguard our Children at Wilderness Woods'.

It called for locals to come together peacefully to call for 'clear safeguarding policies' over concerns relating to 'unfamiliar individuals in children's activity areas'.

At a cafe area inside Wilderness Wood, a number of parents recently clashed with staff over their favourable view on migrants.

Meanwhile, leaflets from the leftist Together Alliance were being displayed to visitors for a march 'against the far-Right' in London on March 28.

Another flyer had 'refugees welcome' in large pink letters.

Local residents fear an influx of mysterious men to Hadlow Down, with its scarce amenities and a population under a thousand.

Join the discussion Would you support a similar migrant integration event happening in your local area?

At a cafe area inside Wilderness Wood, a number of parents recently clashed with staff over their favourable view on migrants

One mother told the Daily Mail: 'All I would say is I can understand if they were families, but when they're all young men, economic immigrants, it's slightly different.

'It's a difficult one, because I can understand that a lot of these people are fleeing terrible situations, and I don't want to be narrow-minded about it.

'But at the same time, I'm one of these people who is on the fence. Because I can see a lot of people coming into the area who do not understand our way of life.'

Another neighbour added: 'I feel sorry for them coming over. Once they're here, they can't be dealt with since Brexit. We can't send them straight back.

'They're undocumented so we can't send them back to their home country. We don't know whether it is true so we can't prove it.

'But I'm surprised that they're actually allowed to roam around after being held in their hotels or camps. If they're in the country illegally, I thought they would be detained.'

Social media footage taken at the weekend showed busses, with 20 male migrants in each of them, arriving to the local town of Crawley from Crowborough.

The men who were in their mid 20s and older, refused to speak when approached, while others covered their faces from the camera.

Community group Crowborough Shield, led by mother of four Kim Bailey, is taking the Home Office to court over its plans to house hundreds of foreign men at the former Army training camp in its plan to close migrant hotels.

The Home Office previously refused to comment on an alleged knife attack.

At a Wealden District Council meeting in February members asked leaders for clarity on an alleged stabbing when a health worker was taken to hospital on February 5.

Councillor James Partridge said the police had denied the incident but the Home Office had declined to comment.

He said: 'They should absolutely, within seconds, have said, 'that's not true' and sadly, they won't.'

He said the alleged knife attack was a 'classic example' of the Home Office failing to engage with the community.

'We have been bounced into doing the Home Office's job in one critical area which is trying to get information and pass that on to the local community', Cllr Patridge said.

He added: 'If I ever have a gravestone, it will probably say, the villain of the piece is the Home Office.'

The site was previously used by the Ministry of Defence to train cadets.

Run by Clearsprings Ready Homes, the migrants are required to sign in and out at the front gate.

Protests take place every Sunday in Crowborough at 10am.

Wilderness Wood wrote online: 'We have dropped plans to host a small group of asylum seekers for a visit to the woods, due to threats from some groups and individuals.'

They added: 'Wilderness Wood is not housing any asylum seekers. And we do not have any plans to do so.'
A MAGA congressman warned that Americans would become 'unglued' if they were fully briefed on what he recently learned about aliens.

Tennessee Rep. Tim Burchett, a Republican, said the country deserved 'full disclosure' following a recent classified briefing about extraterrestrial life two weeks ago.

'The public has a right to know, dadgummit,' Burchett told Newsmax on Wednesday. 'It's your tax dollars. Let's get it out there.'

'I think if [the public] would've heard all that I heard, they would demand answers,' Burchett said.

Burchett has long been one of the most vocal lawmakers pushing for answers on alien-related topics, though he did not elaborate on his recent claim.

'I've been briefed by just about every alphabet agency there is, and, I'll just say this, if they were to release the things that I've seen, you'd be up at night, worrying about, thinking about this stuff,' he said.

The Tennessee lawmaker added that President Donald Trump did not 'know the questions to ask.'

'A few of us are going to have to get with the president and tell him what he needs to ask and where he needs to look,' Burchett said.

Tennessee Rep. Tim Burchett Americans would become 'unglued' if they knew what he learned about alien life during a briefing two weeks ago

Burchett sits on the House's Task Force on the Declassification of Federal Secrets, which has been investigating UFOs (Illustration of a UFO)

'We're in meetings and they give addresses and tell locations of items, I'll just say,' he added.

Burchett claimed that information 'keeps getting covered up,' implying that something sinister could be happening.

'The people that know are dying or disappearing, as the case may be,' he said.

The conservative congressman then added: 'And for the record, I'm not suicidal and I don't take risks.'

Burchett is on the House's Task Force on the Declassification of Federal Secrets, which has been investigating UFOs.

He was addressing remarks made by former Florida congressman Matt Gaetz, who claimed on The Benny Show earlier this week that someone 'in a military uniform' briefed him 'on the locations of hybrid breeding programs.'

Gaetz alleged that the person told him in a 'non-classified setting' that 'captured aliens were breeding with humans to create some hybrid race that could engage in intergalactic communication.'

He admitted that he did not verify the person's allegations, which claimed that there were up to 12 breeding facilities in the US.

Burchett added that President Donald Trump did not 'know the questions to ask' and that he had urged him to 'release it all'

The National UFO Reporting Center said that nearly 4,500 UFO sightings were reported last year in the US

'I'm still a member of Congress, so I can't really comment too much on what Matt said,' Burchett told Newsmax.

When asked if he could have possibly been joking or making a tongue-in-cheek comment, Burchett insisted that he was not.

'I'm being 100 percent serious,' he said.

Burchett reiterated that the government needed to 'disclose it all,' as he voiced his discontent.

'I'm sick of it,' Burchett added.

He noted that he had told Trump to 'release it all,' but did not mention the president's response.

In February, Trump said he had directed government agencies to begin releasing files 'related to alien and extraterrestrial life, unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP), and unidentified flying objects (UFOs), and any and all other information connected to these highly complex, but extremely interesting and important, matters.'

President Donald Trump directed government agencies in February to begin releasing filed 'related to alien and extraterrestrial life'

Former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz claimed this week that someone 'in a military uniform' had briefed him 'on the locations of hybrid breeding programs'

Trump also said at the time that he did not 'have an opinion' on alien life.

'I never talk about it,' he said. 'A lot of people do. A lot of people believe it.'

Nearly 4,500 UFO sightings were reported last year, according to the National UFO Reporting Center.

The president's daughter-in-law Lara Trump previously said that Trump 'played a little coy' when asked about aliens.

'I've heard kind of around, I think my father-in-law has actually said it, that there is some speech that he has, that I guess at the right time, I don't know when the right time is, he's going to break out and talk about and it has to do with maybe some sort of extraterrestrial life,' she said.

However, that suggestion was promptly shut down by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.

'A speech on aliens would be news to me,' she said.

The Daily Mail has reached out to Burchett's office for further comment.
With Iran in flames, a blockaded Cuba running out of oil and Venezuelas ex-president Nicolas Maduro appearing in a trial in New York, Donald Trump is certainly making life difficult for his enemies.

And now British banking chiefs are worried that the UK, too, could be brought to its knees by the combative US leader.

Not by missiles, fighter planes and submarines this time, but by two of Americas most devastating economic weapons: Visa and MasterCard.

Americas European allies were in his sights again this week amid complaints that the Nato alliance had done absolutely nothing to help in Iran.

Trump has focused his ire on Britain and Keir Starmer in particular, and only yesterday attacked the Prime Minister for his lack of support in Iran with a mocking impersonation during a White House lunch.

Faced with Trumps willingness to use American fiscal power to achieve his foreign-policy goals, the largest British banks are now accelerating plans to create a homegrown alternative to the two US credit-card giants.

Barclays, Lloyds, NatWest and Nationwide were among the lenders who have met to discuss a new British-based card, a so-called sovereign payments system that could handle the more than 30billion card payments totalling 1trillion a year.

Without it, they fear the British economy could collapse if we were ever to fall out with Uncle Sam, and Trump or a future president hit the kill switch on Visa and MasterCard  to say nothing of the risk of a cyber attack bringing the systems down.

Trump has focused his ire on Britain and Keir Starmer in particular, and only yesterday attacked the Prime Minister for his lack of support in Iran

Its not hard to see how serious such a move would be. The two US credit card companies are indispensable to the British economy  one of the most cashless in the world  handling around 95 per cent of card transactions.

Suspending them in the UK would involve rather more than just flicking a switch: a US President would have to impose sanctions (based on American laws such as the International Emergency Economic Powers Act) on the UK and then inform the card companies they must comply by restricting their services.

Its likely there would be a notice period. The two payments giants would need time to adjust their systems to block transactions from the UK, which they would only do reluctantly as it is one of their most profitable markets.

From buying a sandwich with the tap of plastic or smartphone to wealthy people making six-figure debit-card purchases online, we all rely on these cards so instinctively, say critics, that its easy to ignore the catastrophic repercussions that would arise if they were suddenly denied to us one day. Experts say that if Visa and MasterCard were switched off in Britain tomorrow, the immediate consequence would be a near total collapse in the retail and service sectors.

Small and medium-sized businesses, which constitute the backbone of the economy, would be hardest hit as they rely almost entirely on cards.

Contactless and chip-and-PIN terminals in shops, restaurants, petrol stations and vending machines would stop working. Poorer people, the elderly and those in rural areas  the groups that most commonly rely on cash today  would be worst affected. The trend for British banks to close branches to cut costs would only make the situation worse.

There would be a run on the banks and obtaining cash would swiftly become easier said than done. ATM machines are often connected to Visa and MasterCard networks for the authentication of debit cards, so many of them would fail.

Long queues would form for the remaining bank branches ATMs, and cash supplies would soon run dry. The vast majority of online retail transactions would become impossible, including recurring subscriptions for services such as Netflix. Tourism would inevitably suffer heavily. After all, who nowadays bothers with the hassle of travellers cheques?

As people stopped making purchases, the effects would ripple through the economy: supply chains would grind to a halt and many businesses would collapse for want of revenue. A full-blown economic meltdown, in other words.

Trump hasn't yet threatened the UK with cutting off Visa and MasterCard but the risk is not entirely theoretical: the White House has done it before. In March 2022, on the orders of President Joe Biden, the two companies announced that they were suspending operations in Russia after pressure from Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky.

The move caused considerable hardship for ordinary Russians and did damage the economy  but could have been far worse.

Thats because, after facing international sanctions for invading the Crimea in 2014, Russia had created its own card payment system, MIR, which allowed its people to continue paying by card inside their country after Visa and MasterCard were blocked, even if they couldn't buy anything abroad.

Britain had a small taste of such chaos back in June 2018, when the entire Visa system shut down across Europe for several hours because of a hardware failure at a data centre.

Hundreds of thousands of people were stuck in queues at supermarkets, petrol stations and transport hubs, unable to pay. Diners were left red-faced when they found they couldnt settle up in restaurants, while even an MP drove away from a petrol station without paying.

More than five million credit- and debit-card transactions failed, the chaos being compounded by the fact that people later discovered that, even though their card was being repeatedly declined, the money was still coming out of their bank account.

And all that was in just a few hours without Visa cards, not a long-term shutdown of both payment cards that could be ordered by the White House.

The risk of the US cutting off Visa and MasterCard is not entirely theoretical  President Joe Biden ordered the two companies to suspend operations in Russia in March 2022

People would have to return to paying for everything with cash, a UK bank executive was quoted saying. If MasterCard and Visa were turned off, it would send us back to the 1950s.

In fact, it would be worse than that. After all, 70 years ago, everyone had cash and every shop accepted it.

Today, the majority of British people now carry no cash and some smaller businesses  such as cafes, corner shops and hairdressers  dont accept notes and coins at all.

The European Union  a particular bugbear of Trump  is even more worried than British bankers are. In January, Aurore Lalucq, chair of the European Parliaments economic and monetary affairs committee, said: Trump can cut everything off... You cant say you werent warned.

Experts have been saying for some time that Britain is in a dangerous position from relying so heavily on American payments companies. However, say critics, the financial industry has in the past ignored the warnings because card payments are so lucrative (banks cream off fees for each transaction) and also provide valuable data they can sell on to marketing companies.

Even if the Government and banking sector do belatedly get their act together and agree to create a new British payments card, it won't be in operation for at least another five years.

Meanwhile, sceptics say that the basic problem isnt relying on US payment cards, but payment cards in general  as they are always going to be prone to cataclysmic system failures, even if that's more likely from a cyber attack than a Trumpian fit of pique.

The real solution, they say, is to discourage people and businesses from giving up on cash. So should we be returning to the old ways and stuffing 50 notes into a mattress? Actually, experts say it is highly advisable to keep a decent amount of cash at home, even if that provides an additional security headache. And even if that sounds like a return to the dreaded 1950s.
Australia's 2026 Rich List has all the usual suspects - the Packers, the Rineharts, the Forrests, and the founders of software company Atlassian and Chemist Warehouse.

But there are some new names on the list this year, including White Fox fashion label founders Daniel and Georgia Contos, whose fortunes have soared ever since celebrities like Paris Hilton, Khloe Kardashian and Hailey Bieber were spotted wearing the brand.

The pair boast a combined $1.42billion, having surged in their fortunes since their young teen White Fox fashion brand was launched in 2013.

The couple has cannily used social media influencers to turbocharge their brand, with Kim Kardashian's appearance in a White Fox dress sending sales through the roof, and making an influencer program a key sales strategy.

In 2024, they made the Financial Review Young Rich List worth $200m, after surging 100 per cent year-on-year. They are ranked at 128 and 129 in the 2026 list.

The list of 250 compiled by The Australian Business Network includes a top ten with a combined wealth of just under $210billion, with Gina Rinehart still Australia's richest person with a $41.66billion fortune from her Hancock Prospecting empire.

In second and third place are Meriton construction boss Harry Triguboff with $34.1billion and Visy cardboard manufacturer Anthony Pratt with $30.05billion.

Clive Palmer sits in fourth place with $22.44billion from his Mineralogy exploration company, just beating the Canva design software company co-founders, Cliff Obrecht and Melanie Perkins, who share $18.33billion.

White Fox fashion label founders Daniel and Geogia Contos, whose fortunes have rocketed up the charts ever since people like Kim Kardashian and Emily Ratajkowski began wearing their hoodies, made it with a combined worth of $1.42billion

Paris Hilton is pictured in a neon pink blazer dress from Whitefox Boutique in 2022

Hailey Bieber is pictured wearing a white lace bralet from the Australian fashion label in 2020

Rinehart's four children - John Hancock, Bianca and Ginia Rinehart and Hope Rinehart Welker, are just outside the top 50 with a combined wealth of $3.26billion.

Fellow WA mining magnate Nicola Forrest is in seventh place with $17.96billion from Tattarang Capital, just pipping her ex-husband Andrew 'Twiggy' Forrest, who is eighth with $16.72billion from Fortescue Metals.

Media mogul turned mining and energy services investor Kerry Stokes sits at tenth place with a fortune of $13.55billion.

Atlassian co-founders Scott Farquhar with $11.87billion and Mike Cannon-Brookes with $11.76billion are in 12th and 13th place, followed by Westfield founder Frank Lowy with $11.42billion and Chemist Warehouse brothers, Jack and Sam Gance with a combined $10.19billion.

James Packer is the 27th richest Australian, with Consolidate Press Holdings worth $5.25billion, while his sister Gretel sits at number 102 with $1.72billion via the Packer Family Foundation.

News Corp chairman Lachlan Murdoch is 38th with $4.3billion, while his half-sister Prudence McLeod, worth $2.41billion via her environmental foundation Macdoch is Australia's 71st richest.

Several women not as prominent as Rinehart but who got rich from WA mining assets feature on the list such as reclusive iron ore heiress Angela Bennett who owns AMB Holdings and is in 21st place with $6.63billion.

VOC group's Alexander Burt and Leonie Baldock, daughters of the late iron ore prospector Michael Wright, are worth a combined $4.76billion.

Khloe Kardashian wears the $49.95 'Unapologetic' bustier top from Australian fashion label White Fox Boutique in an Instagram photo shared on May 23, 2020

Justin Hemmes, pictured with his girlfriend Madeline Holtznagel at the 31st birthday party for his company Merivale, has a fortune of $1.85b and is nujmber 92 on the rich list

Cardboard and packaging heir Anthony Pratt (pictured with Kylie Minogue at his recent multimillion dollar party in Melbourne) is Australia's third richest person, worth $30.05billion

Harvey Norman boss Gerry Harvey has $3.97billion while Lovisa jewellery founder Brett Blundy is worth $3.65billion.

Mecca cosmetics founders Jo Horgan and Peter Wetenhall are worth a combined $2.13billion.

Hoteliers Arthur Laundy and family are worth $1.85billion, the same as Justin Hemmes' Merivale group and just make it into the top 100, ranked at 91 and 92.

Also new on the list are Dan and Will Roberts, co-founders of the AI data centres IREN. The brothers are worth just under a billion, at $972million.

Also sitting in this bracket on a combined $853million are the fashion brand owners, sisters Nicky and Simone Zimmermann.

The founders of the El Jannah chain of charcoal chicken outlets, Andre and Carole Estephan together are worth $800million are are ranked at 236 and 237.

Bing Lee owners Yenda Lee and family are worth $781million and are Australia's 242nd richest.

The poorest person at 250 on the bottom of the list is e-commerce technology company Rokt founder, Bruce Buchanan, with $750million.
Iran has promised to inflict 'crushing' attacks on the United States and its allies - as even Nigel Farage questioned why his friend Donald Trump was waging war in the Middle East.

In an impassioned social media post, the Iranian parliamentary speaker met US threats by telling President Trump: 'Bring it on.'

Mohammad Ghalibaf, a veteran of Iran's war with Iraq in the 1980s, said seven million Iranians had already volunteered to fight for their country.

Those troops could be called into action if Mr Trump decides to launch ground assaults on Iranian territory.

Iran's taunts came as new polling shoved the conflict is increasingly unpopular in the US amid rocketing petrol prices and fertiliser shortages.

Ghalibaf said: 'When I was 18 years old I grabbed my rifle and defended the soil of my beloved Iran. We are not warmongers but, when the time comes to defend our homeland, every last one of us becomes a soldier.

'In less than a week a campaign has brought forward around seven million Iranians who have declared they're ready to pick up arms.

'Let me tell you something straight from the gut. Iranians don't just talk about defending their country, we bleed for it.

Strikes included the country's tallest bridge, the 446ft-high B1 bridge in Karaj. The B1 was part of a major highway construction and was not a military target

Deputy govenor in the province, Ghodratollah Seyf, said eight people were killed and 95 injured in what he called a 'horrific crime'

'We've done it before and we're ready to do it again. You come for our home, you're gonna meet the whole family. Locked, loaded and standing tall. Bring it on.'

Ghalibaf was responding to a much-anticipated national address by Mr Trump that indicated he is still unsure whether to order US 'boots on the ground.'

Oil prices spiked and stocks sank yesterday after the US President reiterated that American forces would hammer Iran for another two to three weeks, but offered no solution to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz that has crippled global markets.

Last night Iran's military spokesman Abolfazl Shekarchi said the Strait will be closed 'long term' to both the US and Israel.

Meanwhile, Mr Trump's ally, Reform leader Nigel Farage, questioned his motivation.

Mr Farage initially supported greater UK involvement before changing his position.

He said of Trump: 'It is difficult to work out from the press conferences sometimes. OK, Israeli encouragement, I understand that.

What persuaded Trump to do it? What was the key motivation? If the goal of removing Iran as a nuclear power is achieved the world will have been done a - massive favour, even if there are some big short-term costs.'

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called on President Trump not to walk away but instead to adopt the mantra of 'if you break it, you own it.'

Last night Iran made good on Ghalibaf's pledge, firing missiles into Israel, attacking a US base in Jordan, firing missiles and drones into Kuwait and Qatar, targeting a computing centre in Bahrain and by maintaining disruption in the Strait of Hormuz.

British forces in northern Iraq have also been forced to shoot down more Iranian drones.

UK politicians are increasingly frustrated as Mr Trump drags out the conflict, with Chancellor Rachel Reeves saying she was 'angry' with him for starting the war.

Yesterday Austria followed France, Italy, Spain and Bulgaria in denying its airspace to US military aircraft. But US tankbuster' warplanes were spotted taking off from RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk.

Strikes included the country's tallest bridge, the 446ft-high B1 bridge in Karaj. The B1 was part of a major highway construction and was not a military target. Neither was the Pasteur Institute, a century-old medical hub in Tehran.

Mr Trump shared a video of the bridge being detonated on Truth Social, boasting: 'The biggest bridge in Iran comes tumbling down. Much more to follow! It is time for Iran to make a deal before there is nothing left of what still could become a great country!

Deputy govenor in the province, Ghodratollah Seyf, said eight people were killed and 95 injured in what he called a 'horrific crime.' After the smoke dissipated a large gap could be seen in the bridge.

Gulf states were said to be getting annoyed at the US's failure to think through its military choices.
Cathy Newman appeared visibly upset during her final night on Channel 4 as she interviewed the parents of a woman who took her own life after visiting a suicide forum online.

Having spent 20 years reporting for the broadcaster, Newman said goodbye to Channel 4 on Thursday evening with her final news bulletin.

During the show the 51-year-old spoke to the parents of Grace Pritchard, who took her own life at the age of 23 in August 2025.

She died after taking a substance which her family believe she purchased through an online forum.

Grace's parents, Mary and Bob, are calling for Ofcom to crackdown on the websites which are supposed to be blocked, but are routinely accessed through VPNs.

In her first interview since Grace's death, Mary described her daughter as 'bright, witty and just perfect'.

Bob told the presenter: 'It's like you live your lives up until the day Grace died and now our lives are just so much different.'

The parents revealed that after struggling with anxiety as a teenager, Grace turned to online forums for support.

Cathy Newman appeared visibly upset during her final night on Channel 4 as she interviewed the parents of a woman who took her own life after visiting a suicide forum online

Newman spoke to Bob and Mary Pritchard, who lost their daughter Grace to suicide in August 2025

Grace passed away after taking a substance which her parents believe she purchased from an online suicide forum

'We got a knock on the door from the police last April,' the girl's mother said. 'They said that they had seized a package that was addressed to Grace - and it contained a regulated poison.

'Grace said that she ordered it because she felt low, but said that she didn't feel that way anymore.'

It was just four months later that Grace's mother found her dead in the family home.

Recalling the tragedy, she continued: 'We thought she had turned a corner, she seemed to be enjoying her time at home.

'It's just ingrained in our heads. One of Grace's dogs was just looking down from the top of the stairs, which was not like her.

'So I went up to check for Grace, and that's when I found her. I just screamed for Bob. There was nothing we could do.'

Over 20 years @Channel4News Ive been around the world - to the Congolese jungle, on the trail of paedophiles in South Africa and Kenya - and closer to home down a sewer in Soho. Ive shared tears & memories today with incredible colleagues. See you @SkyNews at 7 pic.twitter.com/M8ixPtVu9T  Cathy Newman (@cathynewman) April 2, 2026

The forum through which Grace allegedly purchased the substance that killed her is responsible for around 135 deaths in the UK, according to Channel 4.

As Bob paid tribute to the 23-year-old, Cathy appeared on the verge of tears before closing out the interview.

Holding back tears himself, Bob said: 'She was a great pal. She was really witty and really good fun. I'll miss her forever.'

The show marked Newman's last at Channel 4 before departing to join Sky News, where she will present the broadcaster's news coverage from 7pm.

Newman spent two decades reporting for Channel 4 and after her final show, the presenter's colleagues thanked her for her efforts.

'Cathy, thank you and good luck. Love from all of us at Channel 4,' a tribute read.

For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123, visit samaritans.org or visit https://www.thecalmzone.net/get-support
Two teenagers have been charged with possessing violent extremist material following raids on homes in NSW's rural northeast.

Officers executed search warrants at two homes in the regional town of Moree on Thursday, arresting two boys aged 15 and 16.

It follows the arrest of another 15-year-old boy from the same region in March, who was charged with similar offences.

During the latest round of searches, police seized a number of handwritten notes and pieces of literature alleged to contain extremist references.

The 15-year-old was charged with using a carriage service to transmit violent extremist material and knowingly collecting or making a document connected with terrorism.

The 16-year-old faces one charge of using a carriage service to possess violent extremist material.

Both are due to appear before Parramatta Children's Court on Friday.

The latest arrests stem from reports police received in December 2025 that a teenager was accessing extremist material online.

Police have charged two teenagers with allegedly possessing violent extremist material (stock)

Forensic examination of those items prompted the latest searches, police said.

The state's joint counter-terrorism team is investigating.

It comes after two teenage boys were charged with a string of terrorism offences over separate incidents, including the alleged importation of an ISIS flag.

On March 24, police charged a 17-year-old boy with allegedly collecting manuals, guides and material promoting ISIS-inspired terrorism.

An investigation was sparked after intelligence indicated an ISIS flag, destined for an inner-city Melbourne address, had been imported into Australia.

A mobile phone and laptop were among the items seized from the home during a raid by counter-terrorism detectives.

Another teenager was also charged with terrorism offences after he allegedly posted threats of extremist violence online.

Police initially arrested and charged a 16-year-old boy with weapons offences in December after the NSW Joint Counter-Terrorism Team received reports of someone making violent threats online, federal police said.

Both of the teens are due to appear before a Parramatta children's court on Friday (stock)

During a search of the boy's home in Sydney's inner-west, police allegedly found a flick knife and a gel blaster. A number of electronic devices were also seized.

He was charged with possessing an unauthorised pistol and a prohibited weapon.

A review of the devices allegedly uncovered violent extremist material and documents containing information that could help carry out a terror attack.
Ed Miliband is reportedly set to back the North Sea oil and gasfield project despite insisting that Net Zero is a 'central mission' of the Labour government.

The Net Zero secretary has been under increasing pressure to reverse a ban on exploration in the North Sea amid the Iran war's impact on energy supplies.

Miliband had been stalling over a decision on the Jackdaw gasfield - 150 miles off the coast of Aberdeen - for around two years, but Whitehall officials have now suggested he is inclined to approve the project.

The 51-year-old no longer sees the gasfield as incompatible with the government's carbon reduction commitments, according to The Times, after Rachel Reeves announced she is 'happy' to see drilling in the North Sea.

If approved, the Jackdaw project could supply gas to more than a million British homes and produce the equivalent of six per cent of the country's overall supply.

Miliband, however, reportedly takes a different view on the Rosebank gasfield, which mostly contains oil. The Labour MP previously said that drilling at Rosebank would be an act of 'climate vandalism'.

No formal decision is expected to be announced over either project until next month's Scottish elections, while the Offshore Petroleum Regulator for Environment and Decommissioning continues its assessment.

Sir Keir Starmer has so far refused to comment publicly on the debate over whether to expand operations into the North Sea.

Ed Miliband is reportedly set to back the first major North Sea oil and gasfield project despite insisting that Net Zero is a 'central mission' of the Labour government

A file picture of an oil platform in the North Sea off the coast of Scotland

A cargo ship is pictured in the Strait of Hormuz as Iran's stranglehold on the pass-through continues

It comes as pressure mounts on the government over rising energy and gas prices caused by Iran's stranglehold over the Strait of Hormuz.

Donald Trump told the UK to 'get your own oil' earlier this week and Tony Blair's think-tank and British Gas have all supported an expansion of operations in the North Sea.

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has launched a 'get Britain drilling' campaign, while Reform also backs more action.

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar also pushed Miliband to approve the expansion plan. Asked whether he believes the Net Zero Secretary is doing a good job, Sarwar said: 'Yes, but there's work to do.'

The Scottish National Party has pushed for 'climate compatibility tests' on new oil and gas licences, but First Minister John Swinney said he now believed that assessment should include energy security.

'There's been much greater uncertainty about energy security as a result of what I would consider to be an illegal intervention in Iran and all the chaos that's been created as a consequence,' he said.

'So I think the dynamics of that change as a consequence.

'What I'm saying to you is I think we've got to look at the geo-political situation that we now face and recognise that we are experiencing much greater risk to our energy security as a consequence of what's happening there.'

The First Minister said he was 'wholly committed' to renewable energy, but added that there would need to be oil and gas for years to come.

'I think that context changes the balance of argument,' he said.

Scottish First Minister John Swinney said he was 'wholly committed' to renewable energy while speaking in Glasgow on Wednesday

Join the discussion Should the UK prioritise energy independence over climate targets during global crises?

'What we've always said in all of our communications about oil and gas is that there must be a climate compatibility assessment undertaken and secondly, we must be very, very mindful of the issues on security of supply, which is now in a more perilous position than if we were having this conversation four weeks ago.'

Mr Swinney said he had to be 'very mindful of the issues on security of supply' and if domestic production was 'less carbon intensive' then it should be 'preferred'.

Asked if she supports North Sea drilling in a BBC interview yesterday, Ms Reeves said: 'I'm very happy that we are. The North Sea oil and gas (will) play an important role in our energy mix for years to come, and we're very lucky to have that resource and to be able to continue to use that resource.

'If we're going to get ourselves off of this rollercoaster of gas and oil prices, of course, we want to move to something that we have control over.'

Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay said Mr Swinney was only pretending to change position as an election tactic.

'These workers, and industry leaders, will now question whether his throwaway comments on a podcast are a genuine U-turn or whether it's just cynical, pre-election SNP spin.

'Will he now unequivocally back our plans to get drilling to protect jobs, bring down bills and build our energy security?

'It seems he's trying to dupe the oil and gas industry by hinting at newfound support, while simultaneously pandering to the extremist Greens.'
A Florida firefighter and his wife claimed they locked their adopted 12yearold daughter in her bedroom for years because of supposed religious reasons.

Joel Kohnert, 44, and Jennifer Kohnert, 45, were arrested Tuesday by Coral Springs police and charged with one count of child abuse without causing great bodily harm.

Officials began investigating the couple on February 11 after the Florida Department of Children and Families was meeting with a resource officer at the preteen girl's school, according to an arrest report.

The child told investigators her bedroom door had been locked from the outside for about three years, always overnight and sometimes during the day.

She also claimed to have no access to a bathroom. This forced her to relieve herself on the floor, which she was then made to clean up.

The girl was forced to write Bible verses as punishment and told she was 'bipolar like her biological mother.'

A defense attorney said the couple were 'devout Christians' who were 'devoutly religious' but that explanation was rejected in bond court on Wednesday, per Local10.

'When you allegedly have a 12yearold child who is locked in a room for upwards of three years and is forced to urinate and defecate in the room and then clean it up with her clothes, that is not a religious issue, that is something else,' Judge Corey Friedman said.

Joel is a Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue lieutenant, according to a public social media profile.

Joel Kohnert, 44, and Jennifer Kohnert, 45, were charged with one count of child abuse after allegedly locking their adopted 12-year-old daughter in her bedroom for about three years

The other six children, who were the Kohnerts' biological kids, said the adopted daughter was 'locked in her room overnight, urinates and defecates on herself'

An arrest report said the Kohnerts' adopted daughter was regularly locked in her bedroom because she 'wandered' their Coral Springs home and 'took items from family members'

The Kohnerts appeared in bond court Wednesday, where the explanation that they were 'devoutly religious' was shot down by the judge

The Kohnerts were taken to the Broward County Main Jail, with their bonds both set at $100,000.

The couple posted bond on Thursday, according to Broward County court records viewed by the Daily Mail.

Joel has been placed on administrative investigative leave from Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue without pay, according to the Tampa Bay Times.

Their daughter was regularly locked in her bedroom because she 'wandered the house and took items from family members,' according to the arrest report.

Since she did not have access to a bathroom, she was allegedly forced to urinate on the floor and clean up the mess the following morning.

She was 'required to write Bible verses as a form of punishment,' according to investigators.

Her bedroom door was locked from the outside and the window could not be opened, meaning that there were 'no means of escape.'

The Kohnerts' adopted daughter alleged that she slept on an air mattress and had no toys in her room.

She claimed that she could only wear three outfits. If she received any money or clothing, her mother Jennifer would allegedly take it.

The Kohnerts were taken to the Broward County Main Jail and posted bond on Thursday, according to court records

Jennifer allegedly told investigators that she made her adopted daughter 'write Proverbs as punishment'

The young girl had been in the family's care since she was two months old, according to the arrest report.

One week before law enforcement intervened, Jennifer allegedly slapped her adopted daughter and pulled her hair.

This caused her lip to bleed, while Jennifer mocked her and kicked her while she was down, per the arrest report.

The girl claimed she was repeatedly insulted by her parents, who called her 'little p***er' and 'sh***er,' per the report.

She was also mocked by being told that she was 'bipolar like her biological mother,' according to police.

The girl also told investigators that she had been punished by being forced to tread water in a pool for up to 45 minutes.

'This practice is particularly concerning given Joel's professional background,' an officer wrote.

'He would reasonably be expected to recognize the inherent safety risks associated with restricting a child's ability to exit a room during an emergency,' the report added.

Joel is a Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue lieutenant. He has been placed on administrative investigative leave without pay

Jennifer Kohnert allegedly admitted that her adopted daughter 'would not thrive in her care' and that she was willing to return her to the state of Florida

The other six children, who were the Kohnerts' biological kids, were also interviewed.

The kids confirmed that the adopted daughter was 'locked in her room overnight, urinates and defecates on herself, and is required to bathe outside and wash her clothing.'

'All siblings advised that they are not subjected to that type of punishment,' the report added.

They said that the girl spent 'the majority of her time isolated in her room writing Proverbs and is rarely allowed to participate in normal family activities.'

For instance, she was excluded from eating meals or playtime with her siblings.

Jennifer was interviewed and allegedly admitted to locking the girl in her room overnight.

She confirmed that her adopted daughter was made to 'write Proverbs as punishment and that she is required to bathe and wash her clothing outside, with limited access to indoor facilities.'

The mother 'acknowledged that these practices were unusual,' per the report.

She also said that the young girl 'would not thrive in her care' and that she would willingly return her to the state of Florida.

The Daily Mail has reached out to Coral Springs Police Department and the Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue for further comment.

Information for the Kohnerts' attorney was not immediately listed on court records, as of Thursday.
A young woman who was attacked by a pair of teenagers in broad daylight has issued an urgent safety warning.

Ruby Fraser, 23, has urged other solo joggers to be careful while running along the Brisbane River after she was targeted by the e-scooter riders on Tuesday.

She was running on the William Jolly Bridge when she felt a tug on her headphones.

'I just got assaulted in the middle of the day by two young men who followed me on my entire run along the river on e-scooters,' she said in a TikTok video.

'They pushed me, tried to steal my headphones off my head, spat on me multiple times and screamed at me while giving me the finger.

'[I'm] scared to go for a run by myself ever again.'

The two teenagers quickly fled the scene near Lang Parade in Auchenflower.

Ms Fraser confirmed she had reported the incident to police.

Ruby Fraser (pictured) was attacked by two teens on e-scooters along the Brisbane River

Ms Fraser said she's afraid to go out jogging alone after the incident

She spoke about the incident on the Today Show a few days later.

'They came up within a metre of me, verbally abusing me, projectile spitting on me, giving me the middle finger and saying some pretty hurtful things,' she said.

'The thought of going on that run alone anytime soon just brings me major anxiety.'

Ms Fraser said she hid out at a nearby apartment complex while she called police.

Officers weren't able to find the pair, described as being in their mid to late teens.

'I was luckily able to escape up a ramp up the main road and get away from them,' Ms Fraser said.

Aussies were quick to share their sympathy with the young woman.

'Girl, I am so sorry that happened to you. Let me know if you ever need a running buddy,' one person wrote in the comments of the video.

The attack occurred on the William Jolly Bridge in Brisbane (pictured)

'As a woman, you're never truly safe. So sorry this happened to you, makes me so mad,' another said.

'I made the choice to get a German Shepherd so I was always protected and people were always wary to approach me. He's now passed away and walking by myself has had an eerie feeling,' another said.

One Brisbane local thought she may have run into the same teens.

'When was this and what time? I went walking along the river Monday at 3.15pm and also had a run-in with teens on scooters. One of them spat on me,' they said.

One of the teens was described as having a fair complexion with a slim build, around 160cm tall, and wearing a red hoodie and black pants.

The other also had a fair complexion, a proportionate build, and was a little taller at about 180cm, and wearing a black windbreaker jacket and black pants.

Police have urged anyone with information to come forward.
A wild brawl between warring schoolgirls plunged a shopping centre into lockdown and forced police to intervene with pepper spray.

The after-school affray broke out during last-minute Easter shopping at Pacific Werribee Shopping Centre in Hoppers Crossing in southwestern Melbourne.

Vision from inside the centre shows more than 50 youths surrounding a group of young girls in school uniform who were fighting and writhing around on the floor of the centre's concourse about 4.30pm on Thursday

It is understood pupils from several different schools were involved in the skirmish, which only broke up when about a dozen police officers arrived and used capsicum spray to disperse the crowd.

Shoppers were seen looking terrified and scrambling to avoid the violence, running into shops and huddling in storerooms as police locked the area down.

The arrival of the police caused the students to flee the scene on foot.

There were no reported arrests or major injuries, but police remained in the area for some time on after shops reopened on Friday.

The arrival of the police armed with pepper spray caused the schoolgirls to run from the scene

More than 50 youths surrounded a group of schoolgirls who were fighting on the floor
A man has been charged with murder after he allegedly stabbed his father to death following a lengthy drinking session.

Evan Clark, 30, was arrested after his father John Clark, 58, was found suffering multiple stab wounds to his upper body at a home in Sydney's west.

Paramedics called to the home on Clouta Place in Emu Plains about 6.45pm on Thursday could not revive the older man.

The 30-year-old was arrested at the scene and taken to Penrith Police Station, where he was charged with one count of domestic violence-related murder.

Police will allege the pair had been drinking heavily before the alleged assault, the Daily Telegraph reports.

Clark was refused bail and is due to appear before a bail court on Friday.

Evan Clark, 30, was arrested after his father John Clark, 58, was found suffering multiple stab wounds to his upper body at a home in Sydney's west (pictured)
A glamorous former Massachusetts police officer is planning a lawsuit against her former colleagues after she was shot during a wild confrontation at her home.

Kelsey Fitzsimmons, 29, announced her plans to sue after being found not guilty last week of pulling a gun on her North Andover Police Department colleagues during the fracas.

'What is my life worth to you? That's kind of how I feel,' Fitzsimmons said about the ordeal and the upcoming legal action.

Her fellow officers were attempting to serve Fitzsimmons with a restraining order from her firefighter fiance Justin Aylaian, 32.

Fitzsimmons was accused of pointing her service weapon at the officers and pulling the trigger before the weapon jammed.

She insisted she only intended to shoot herself in the head in a botched suicide attempt.

Her attorney, Timothy Bradl, said Fitzsimmons was suffering from postpartum depression during the shooting incident. He said her life 'imploded' when Aylaian filed a restraining order against her.

After raising the weapon in the air, Fitzsimmons was shot in the chest by Officer Pat Noonan. She spent weeks in the hospital with a collapsed lung and was then charged with trying to gun down her fellow officers.

But following her acquittal, Fitzsimmons is now gearing up to sue the city in a civil suit.

Kelsey Fitzsimmons, 29, was found not guilty last week after she was accused of pulling a gun on her North Andover Police Department colleagues as they tried to serve her with a restraining order

Following her acquittal, Fitzsimmons is now gearing up to sue the city in a civil suit

On Wednesday, Fiztsimmons shared a photo of the nearly catastrophic bullet wound from where she had been shot, seen above

Following her trial and acquittal, the former officer filed a formal demand for payout with the Town of North Andover, NBC 10 reported.

'That's a predicate to a lawsuit against the town - civil rights action, negligence action,' Bradl said. 'We're going to give them notice of our claims very shortly.'

Bradl condemned the department for the handling of serving Fitzsimmons' restraining order.

'Why are her own colleagues serving this order?' the lawyer said.

'Why are they letting the adversary in the civil litigation - in the restraining order action - why are they letting this person rummage through her house alone?'

But Fitzsimmons said she has been encouraged her to speak up for improving how restraining orders are handled in the state of Massachusetts.

The incident also had Fitzsimmons questioning why North Andover police officers don't wear body cameras.

'I think it's weird that they don't have them. I would never have been through half of what I've been through if they did have them,' Fitzsimmons told the outlet.

'And at the end of the day, it does protect the police officers if you're doing the right thing.'

On Wednesday, Fiztsimmons shared a photo of the nearly catastrophic bullet wound from where she had been shot on X.

Her post was in response to the police department's 'heartless' statements regarding Fitzsimmons soon-to-be lawsuit.

Fitzsimmons insisted she only intended to shoot herself in the head in a botched suicide attempt following a nasty split with her fiance Justin Aylaian, 32, seen above

Fitzsimmons said she has been encouraged her to speak up for improving how restraining orders are handled in the state of Massachusetts

Fitzsimmons' post appeared to refer to a Facebook account that commented, 'In other shocking news!' underneath a post about Fitzsimmons upcoming suit against the department

'Since the NAPD wants to make their first public and also heartless statements tonight,' Fitzsimmons wrote.

'This is my exit wound. An inch from my spine,' she wrote. 'A bullet went through my chest and came out through my back.'

Fitzsimmons then spent more than 50 days recovering from the wound and endured five surgeries.

The post appeared to refer to a Facebook account that commented, 'In other shocking news!' underneath a post about Fitzsimmons upcoming suit against the department.

Bradl, her attorney, responded in the comments under the Facebook post: 'Thank you NAPD for confirming your institutional deliberate indifference. See you in court.'

The NAPD released a statement concerning the comment, claiming that it had come from an 'unauthorized user on behalf of the department.'

'A preliminary investigation has determined that a former employee, who is not authorized to use the page, was able to access the North Andover Police Department's Facebook/Meta page and left a comment on another user's page,' the release stated.

Police Chief Charles Gray said: 'The inappropriate comment, made about a serious issue and speculating about possible pending litigation is deeply troubling, and this comment is certainly not in line with the policies, procedures and values of the North Andover Police Department.'

The NAPD released a statement concerning the comment, claiming that it had come from an 'unauthorized user on behalf of the department'

The officer who shot Fitzsimmons, Patrick Noonan, claimed that she had raised her gun and pointed it at him

Gray added that he was 'deeply disturbed and troubled' by the comment and vowed that there would be a 'thorough' investigation.

'Our police department prides itself on its mission and values, and this comment does not reflect the fine work done every day by the men and women of this department.'

The released added that the NYPD's Facebook page had been temporarily disabled in light of the comment.

Another comment by a former police officer, who was relieved due to a 'racially charged comment' in 2023, said: 'Her life is worth $0. same value she put on it. Tried to kill herself. States "Suicide by Cop" was selfish. Yet, killing herself with a four month old wasn't????'

'Officer tried to save her and she threw them under the bus. She owes a debt, not entitled to one. Get help.'

The officer who shot Fitzsimmons, Patrick Noonan, claimed that she had raised her gun and pointed it at him. He claimed that he thought she wanted to kill him and her fiance, who was downstairs.

Fitzsimmons and Bradl were expected to present their presentment letters against the town on Thursday.
A former real estate agent who made more than $9million in commissions last financial year has been hit with a 10-year ban following findings of misconduct.

The findings involved more than 100 property transactions handled by Australia's leading agent at the time, Josh Tesolin.

On Thursday, a NSW Fair Trading investigation uncovered 'serious and deliberate misconduct' by Tesolin, the director of Tesolin Consulting Pty Ltd.

He was found to have engaged in 'sustained unlawful, improper and dishonest conduct' while posing a risk to consumers.

NSW Fair Trading last August claimed that Tesolin engaged in a laundry list of offences, including underquoting the selling price of more than 100 residential properties, dummy bidding at auctions, producing false documents for regulators, and using high-pressure sales tactics in breach of industry rules.

Authorities alleged the misconduct was not a one-off, but part of a pattern of repeated breaches of the Property and Stock Agents Act 2002.

Under NSW law, real estate agents must provide a reasonable estimate of a property's likely selling price in the agency agreement.

If a price range is used in advertising, the highest price must not exceed the lowest price by more than 10 per cent.

Former real estate agent Josh Tesolin (pictured) has been banned for 10 years

Tesolin (right) spoke about his situation on a podcast last week

The investigation found Tesolin was involved in underquoting properties, advertising homes below their estimated selling price, directing employees to falsify documents submitted to the regulator, and failing to properly supervise business operations.

His company was also banned from operating for a decade.

The penalty, which came on the back of a three-year investigation, also included fines of $33,000.

Of that, Tesolin was fined $11,000, and the consulting company was hit with a $22,000 penalty.

Tesolin's fall from grace comes just nine months after he was ranked the highest-earning real estate agent across the Ray White network.

Better Regulation and Fair Trading Minister Anoulack Chanthivong said the penalty was necessary to ensure trust in the industry.

'Real estate agents are trusted with some of the most significant financial decisions people make,' he said.

'When an agent deliberately misleads consumers, falsifies records and undermines regulatory oversight, we must take strong action.'

Tesolin made more than $9million on commissions last financial year

Tesolin (right) celebrates an auction sale

Tesolin's massive commissions raised suspicions and were made possible by a scheme in which clients were charged tens of thousands of dollars extra with a last-minute incentive payment.

The scheme meant Tesolin could boost his commissions by a massive $420,000 in just one day. NSW Fair Trading Commissioner Natasha Mann said Tesolin's actions must have 'serious consequences'.

'This outcome sends a clear signal to the industry that misleading practices and attempts to obstruct regulatory oversight will not be tolerated,' she said.

Tesolin publicly responded to the controversy in a podcast last week with auctioneer Adrian Bo, where he spoke of how good his life was.

'I've got a beautiful family. I've got lots of money, lots of good friends. I've got a great legal team as well,' he said.

'I don't feel hatred. Even journalists that write erroneous articles. I feel bad for them. They need Jesus.'

During his time as a top selling agent, Tesolin and his wife, Sophia, amassed a property portfolio estimated at more than $15million.

He sold his Bentley Bentayga for $260,000 while the family home in Bella Vista has been rented. Two of Tesolin's 11 investment properties have also been sold.

Tesolin and Tesolin Consulting Pty Ltd can ask for a review of the disciplinary decisions under NSW law.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Tesolin for comment.
A woman has been found dead on a mountain on the Sunshine Coast just hours after she was heard screaming for help.

Police were called to the base of Mount Tibrogargan about 8.40am on Thursday after reports of a woman screaming for help.

The woman was found about 10.30am after officers began searching on foot.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.

Mount Tibrogargan is located in the Glass House Mountains, on the Sunshine Coast, about 70km north of Brisbane.

It rises to 364metres above sea level, making it the thirdhighest of the Glass House Mountains after Mount Beerwah and Mount Coonowrin.

It is a popular spot for hikers and bushwalkers from Australia and overseas.

It comes just weeks after two teenagers died in a hiking accident on Mount Beerwah on March 15, following reports the pair had fallen between 50metres and 100metres.

A woman has been found dead on a mountain on the Sunshine Coast (pictured) just hours after she was heard screaming for help

An 18-year-old Brisbane woman, identified as Lorielle Georgina, died at the scene

Jack Thatcher, 18, was taken to Sunshine Coast University Hospital in a critical condition but tragically could not be saved

An 18-year-old Brisbane woman, identified as Lorielle Georgina, died at the scene.

Jack Thatcher, 18, was taken to Sunshine Coast University Hospital in a critical condition but tragically could not be saved.

'Jack was injured while simply enjoying his life in the great outdoors with his friends,' one family friend wrote on a GoFundMe page.

'Jack's spirit, his sense of adventure and the joy he brought to others is being felt so strongly through the stories, messages and memories being shared.'

The campaign, which has raised $62,500 so far, will help ease the financial pressure on Mr Thatcher's family while they grieve.

Lorielle's sister was the girlfriend of Mr Thatcher and was with the hiking group and rescued during the incident without injury, ABC News reports.

'No words can describe the loss of a loved one,' the organiser wrote in an update. 'But through each and every donation you are providing the quiet support this family needs.'
An investigation has been launched after a cage fighter who murdered two IRA enforcers over a drugs row died in prison.

Thomas Haigh, 40, was serving a life sentence at HMP Manchester, also known as Strangeways, for the double murder of David Griffiths and Brett Flournoy in June 2011.

The police watchdog confirmed that an investigation is now underway into his death, which happened last month. No further details have been revealed about the circumstances surrounding his passing.

Haigh, from Huddersfield, Yorkshire, was jailed in February 2012 after shooting Mr Griffiths and Mr Flournoy with a shotgun at a remote farm near St Austell in Cornwall. Their bodies were then burned in the back of a van and buried.

The trial heard how Mr Griffiths, 35, from Berkshire, and Mr Flournoy, 31, from Merseyside, were gangland enforcers working for an 'IRA gang' which ran Liverpool's illegal drugs trade.

Before their murders, the court heard the pair had been bullying Haigh into making a second trip to pick up cocaine in Brazil when he killed them.

An accomplice, Ross Stone, who was 28 at the time, was cleared of the men's murders, but was forced to serve five years after admitting to help dispose of their bodies at his home, Sunny Corner Farm, in Trenance Downs near St Austell.

The bodies of Flournoy, a 31-year-old boxer and pub landlord with two children, from Bebington on the Wirral in Merseyside, and father-of-three Griffiths, 35, from Bracknell, Berkshire, were unearthed after Stone confessed to having disposed of their corpses.

Pictured: former cage fighter Thomas Haigh, 40, who died in HMP Manchester last month while serving a life sentence for double murder

Both men were enforcers working for an 'IRA gang' which 'ran' Liverpool's illegal drugs trade. They were both shot dead by Haigh and buried at a remote farm in Cornwall in 2011

Pictured: The excavated site where the burned-out van containing the bodies of Mr Griffiths and Mr Flournoy was buried, near St Austell in Cornwall

Both Stone and Haigh owed the dead men around 40,000 in drug debts.

Passing sentence at Truro Crown Court, Mr Justice Mackay told Haigh he was an 'arrogant young man' who had got out of his depth in the criminal underworld.

He said: 'These were bad men but they were bad men with the right not to be killed because trading in drugs does not carry the death penalty.

'You were attracted to the gangster way of life, you convinced yourself you were a big boy playing in the big league. But I found your erratic behaviour made you unsuited to this elusive trade.

'This was no more than a result of your chosen lifestyle. You knew the rules of the criminal club you joined and you broke them.'

The trial heard that after Haigh killed the two men he fled to Yorkshire before eventually handing himself in to police.

The jury took less than three hours to find Haigh, formerly of Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, guilty of two counts of murder.

Haigh later tried to get his conviction overturned, but Court of Appeal judges ruled his appeals were 'unarguable' and they were rejected in 2013.

But his sentence was cut from a minimum that must be served before he could be considered for parole from 35 years to 32.

Following his death last month at HMP Manchester, a Prison Service spokesperson told Manchester Evening News: 'HMP Manchester prisoner Thomas Haigh died on 15 March 2026. As with all deaths in custody, the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman will investigate.'
A light aircraft struck a tree moments after take-off before it crashed into crocodile-infested floodwaters, killing a young charter pilot.

Thomas Niit, 32, was the sole occupant on board when his Beechcraft King Air B200 aircraft crashed during a thunderstorm less than one kilometre from Normanton Airport in Far North Queensland on February 6.

It took emergency crews two days to reach the difficult terrain and retrieve the Cairns pilot's body during a treacherous rescue mission due to flooding in the region.

The crash site was in a croc-infested marsh area which was knee-deep in water.

A preliminary report released by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau on Thursday detailed Mr Niit's final moments.

On the day of the tragedy, Mr Niit had flown to Normanton from Cairns to transport four passengers, believed to be telecommunication workers, 323km west to Doomadgee.

He returned the passengers to Normanton about four hours later.

Mr Niit then prepared for the 700km flight back to Cairns and the aircraft departed shortly after 7.45pm.

Thomas Niit, 32, was killed when the Beechcraft King Air B200 aircraft crashed moments after take-off

The light aircraft struck a tree before it crashed into crocodile-infested floodwaters near Normanton Airport

The plane climbed to a maximum of 45.72m (150 feet) before it descended and hit the ground.

'Examination of the accident site indicated the aircraft hit a tree about 360m from the end of the runway, which was about 10m before it broadcast its last ADS-B position,' ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell said.

'Evidence indicates the aircraft then impacted the ground in a wings-level attitude and slid beneath powerlines, then commenced a gradual yaw to the right, impacting trees, and breaking up in the process, before coming to rest in floodwaters about 580m beyond the runway's end.'

A photo from the crash scene showed the strewn wreckage in several parts.

To date, investigators have examined the accident site and wreckage, conducted interviews, and gathered available flight data.

The preliminary report also included a summary of weather conditions at the airport and in the surrounding area at the time of the crash.

A final report containing detailed analysis and findings will be released at the conclusion of the investigation.

'Investigators will also conduct further interviews, and analyse witness videos, photographs and airport data, along with all relevant operational information,' Mr Mitchell said.

Cairns pilot Thomas Niit (left) played for the Centrals Trinity Beach Bulldogs AFL club

It took emergency crews two days to access the crash scene

'As the investigation progresses, it will include an assessment of data from air traffic control, the Bureau of Meteorology, and equipment recovered from the aircraft.

'Should a critical safety issue be identified during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will notify relevant parties immediately, so timely safety action can be taken.'

Mr Niit had relocated to Cairns from Melbourne with his partner Naomi not long before the tragedy.

They were both active members of the Cairns sporting community and played for the Centrals Trinity Beach Bulldogs AFL club.
As American forces race against time to locate a missing fighter jet pilot, a retired Air Force general has explained how to survive if you are shot down.

Former brigadier general Houston Cantwell said: 'The best intelligence you're going to get is as you're floating to the ground.

'Your best view of where you may want to go or where you may want to avoid is while you're coming down in your parachute.

'Look around, because once you're on the ground, you can't see very far.'

Hitting the ground - even with a parachute - risks foot, ankle, and leg injuries, the former airman explained.

'There are many stories of survivors from Vietnam that had severe injuries - compound fractures - just from the ejection,' he said.

Upon landing, 'take an inventory of yourself to figure out, what condition am I in? Can I even move? Am I even mobile?'

Flight crew then start an assessment - figuring out where they are, whether it is behind enemy lines, where they can hide, and how they can communicate.

'Try to avoid enemy capture, as long as you can,; Cantwell said. 'And if I were in a desert environment, I'd want to try to find some water.'

Simultaneously, Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) teams - highly-trained soldiers and pilots already on alert - would be activated.

On the ground, 'my priority would be, first of all, concealment, because I don't want to be captured,' he said. 'I want to try to get to a location where I can get extracted.'

In a city, that may be a rooftop. In a rural setting, a field where helicopters can land. Movement is best at night, he said.

American pilots do have a small kit in their ejection chair or on their flight suit to assist them.

'That's going to be some basic sustenance, water (and) some survival equipment,' he said. 'It's going to have some communication equipment, radio, all these types of things to be able to try to get to get picked up as quickly as possible.'
Iran still has half its missile launchers intact and an arsenal of thousands of drones, US intelligence sources have claimed.

The regime remains capable of 'wreaking absolute havoc' in the Middle East, they warned, despite weeks of US-Israeli bombardment against its assets.

Three well-placed sources told CNN that the latest American intelligence assessments indicate Iran retains significant firepower.

The estimates may include launchers that are inaccessible, such as those that have been buried by strikes, but not destroyed.

Iran still has access to roughly half of its original drone stock, two of the sources suggested, which would number well into the thousands.

A large proportion of its coastal defence cruise missiles, the weapons that allow Iran to threaten traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, are also thought to remain intact.

These may have survived because America's air campaign has been focusing its effort elsewhere.

One concluded: 'They [Iran] are still very much poised to wreak absolute havoc throughout the entire region.'

Damage inflicted by an Iranian strike on a residential neighbourhood in Petah Tikva, Israel

Smoke billows from an oil warehouse on the outskirts of Erbil, the capital of Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan region, after it was hit by a drone

Projectiles streak across the night sky over Jerusalem on Thursday

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Israel estimated Iran to have had around 470 ballistic missile launchers at the beginning of the war, and last month claimed to have destroyed or disabled around 60 percent of them.

It came under fire from Iranian missiles on Thursday, with nine impact sites in central Israel, and another incoming salvo arrived on Friday - though there were no immediate reports of casualties.

An oil refinery Kuwait was also reportedly hit with an Iranian drone attack today, sparking fires at several of its units.

Trumped vowed late on Thursday that the military 'hasn't even started destroying what's left in Iran'.

He wrote on Truth Social: 'Our Military, the greatest and most powerful (by far!) anywhere in the World, hasnt even started destroying whats left in Iran. Bridges next, then Electric Power Plants! New Regime leadership knows what has to be done, and has to be done, FAST!'

And on Wednesday, the President said Iran's 'ability to launch missiles and drones is dramatically curtailed, and their weapons factories and rocket launchers are being blown to pieces, very few of them left'.

The latest intelligence reports suggest a more limited effect, although Iran's military has indeed suffered heavily.

As of Wednesday, the US had struck more than 12,300 targets inside Iran, according to US Central Command.

Israeli soldiers stand near an Iranian missile embedded in the ground last week

Smoke rises after an Iranian drone attack struck fuel tanks at Kuwait International Airport on Monday

Damage to an apartment building struck by an Iranian missile on March 22

Many of Iran's leaders have also been wiped out, including the Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and Ali Larijani, who was head of the National Security Council.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has pointed to a dramatic reduction in the frequency of weapons being fired by Iran.

He said on March 19 that the number of ballistic missiles and drones being launched were both down by 90 percent since the first days of the conflict.

Responding to the leaked intelligence, White House spokesperson Anna Kelly told CNN that the sources were attempting to 'demean the incredible work' of the US military.

She said: 'Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks are down 90 percent, their navy is wiped out, two-thirds of their production facilities are damaged or destroyed, and the United States and Israel have overwhelming air dominance over Iran.'

Overnight, Iran claimed to have shot down a second American F-35 fighter jet by forcing it to crash, with the pilot likely killed as a result, state media reported.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said the aircraft was attacked over central Iran by its air defences - although US Central Command dismissed this, insisting 'all US fighter aircraft are accounted for'.

Meanwhile, Trump is facing a growing chorus of criticism at home and abroad for his handling of the conflict.

He vowed yesterday to finished the job 'very fast', within two to three weeks, and threatened to bomb Iran 'back to the Stone Ages' if it did not sign a deal.

Global markets remain in turmoil and experts have warned of a looming food supply crisis.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded online that 'striking civilian structures, including unfinished bridges, will not compel Iranians to surrender'.

Strikes from both sides have increasingly targeted economic and industrial sites, raising fears of wider disruption to global energy supplies and deepening the conflict's impact beyond the battlefield.

Trump's promise of further strikes accordingly caused another spike in oil prices on Thursday, when it surged to around $110 a barrel.

In signs of restlessness from the administration, Hegseth has undertaken a purge of the armed forces, culminating in the firing of the Army's most senior uniformed officer, General Randy George, on Thursday night.

The Pentagon confirmed to the Daily Mail that two more high-level members of the Army had been fired: General David Hodne, head of the Army Transformation and Training Command; and Major General William Green Jr, the head of the Army's chaplain corps.
Tim Davie, the outgoing BBC director general, has said that the staff culture at the publicly-funded corporation will never be 'fully fixed'.

It follows remarks made yesterday at an outgoing all-staff call where he said it became 'very clear' Scott Mills had to go after the corporation received 'new information' that a sexual offence investigation into the Radio 2 presenter involved a person under 16.

In this same call, Mr Davie then reportedly went on to say the BBC's staff culture '[will] never be fully, fully fixed, but I think it's changing, I really do'.

He said, per The Telegraph: 'I think if you come in and behave in a way that some of this industry saw 20 years ago, it just would not be acceptable, you want to create an environment where it's just ludicrous to do that.'

Mr Davie added that there were senior BBC employees who 'have had a lot of power' which has not been 'called out' if they 'misuse' it, however said that the corporation has now 'reached a point' where they are 'not going to tolerate it'.

High-profile figures at the BBC have been repeatedly shamed in recent years after allegations of historic inappropriate behaviour coming to light - causing an ongoing crisis within the broadcaster.

Convicted paedophile Huw Edwards pleaded guilty to three charges of making indecent images in July 2024, for which the BBC News presenter was given a suspended six-month prison sentence in September that year.

TV chef Gregg Wallace was sacked from the BBC show last July after more than 40 misconduct allegations were upheld against him.

Tim Davie (pictured) has said that the staff culture at the BBC will never be 'fully fixed'

Mr Davie said it became 'very clear' Radio 2 presenter Scott Mills (pictured) had to go after 'new information' into a sexual offence investigation revealed a person under 16 was involved

And serial paedophile Jimmy Saville used his position at the BBC to horrifically abuse hundreds of young boys and girls across decades, which only came to light after his death.

Mills is now the latest in the string of BBC employees to be axed over his alleged behaviour.

The breakfast how host, 53, was investigated then cleared over allegations of historic 'serious sexual offences' against a boy between 1997 and 2000.

The BBC admitted it was aware of the investigation into the Radio 2 star in 2017 - before sacking him last week after learning the alleged victim was under 16.

Mr Davie said yesterday: 'We're trying to act fairly. It was new information quite recently that we received that made it very clear about the decision we had to make.'

Mr Davie said Mills's sacking 'was a real shock to the organisation', adding: 'When something happens where I think there's a lot of grief, there's a lot of shock, I think all I would say is we're trying to act as the leadership with kindness.'

Mills, who would have been 24 at the time of the allegations in the late 1990s, was interviewed under caution in 2018 but the case was rejected by the Crown Prosecution Service in 2019 due to a lack of evidence.

BBC management is going through emails and HR records from the time before speaking to staff about what they knew about the Met Police investigation and whether they knew the complainant was a child.

The BBC finally admitted on Wednesday that it was aware of the police probe at the time - but took no action until it received 'new information' recently.

Hours later, in an extraordinary statement issued via his lawyers to the Daily Mail, Mills then broke his silence to admit he was the subject of the investigation and did not deny the allegations, before thanking fans and former BBC colleagues.

He insisted he 'fully cooperated and responded' at the time of the police probe. But he did not not address the allegations and did not offer a denial.

Mr Davie had his last day at the BBC yesterday after nearly six years in his role which oversaw a series of scandals, like Bobby Vylan chanting 'death to the IDF' at Glastonbury and a $10billion dollar lawsuit from Donald Trump over the editing of a Panorama documentary, which sparked Davie's resignation in November.

The documentary, which was aired just a week before the US election, spliced together two parts of a speech giving the impression Mr Trump encouraged his followers to storm the Capitol building in Washington DC on January 6, 2021.

The US President went on to file the multi-billion dollar lawsuit in the Southern District of Florida, which included one count of defamation and one count of violating a Florida trade practices law.

His attorneys claimed the BBC had published a 'false, defamatory, deceptive, disparaging, inflammatory, and malicious depiction' of Trump 'that was fabricated' in the Panorama programme titled Trump: A Second Chance?

The lawsuit alleges that the broadcaster 'intentionally and maliciously sought to fully mislead its viewers' by 'splicing together' the two clips in a 'brazen' bid to interfere as well as influence the outcome of the election to 'President Trump's detriment'.

Mr Davie is being replaced by interim director-general Rhodri Talfan Davies for the next six weeks, before former Google executive Matt Brittin takes over on May 18.

Mr Davie succeeded Lord Tony Hall as director-general in September 2020, during a volatile time for the broadcaster amid rows about the licence fee, increasing competition from streaming platforms, and issues with gender pay.
A British International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor who sought to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces disciplinary charges over claims he sexually harassed a colleague.

Members of the ICC's oversight body voted to bring about proceedings against Karim Khan KC, 56, who was accused by a female aide of misconduct.

But Mr Khan's lawyers claimed he had not been directly informed of the decision, and that the move contradicted advice to the court from an investigatory panel of judges.

It was previously reported that one of Mr Khan's alleged victims, a former female colleague, claimed he had sex with her without consent, an allegation which the prosecutor denies.

An investigation was launched as a result, and Mr Khan took a leave of absence from his role.

The claims of sexual harassment first emerged in 2024, raising concerns over the court's internal processes.

Mr Khan's lawyers told the Times it was 'alarming' that the 21-strong 'political bureau' at the court had overruled the judges' panel, which had previously reached a 'unanimous and unequivocal conclusion' that no misconduct had taken place.

Now, however, 15 members of the ICC's supervisory body have voted in favour of bringing disciplinary proceedings against Mr Khan, with two abstaining from the vote and four voting against.

British chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Karim Khan (pictured) faces disciplinary charges over claims he sexually harassed a colleague

Mr Khan had previously controversially sought the arrests of Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu (pictured) and former defence minister Yoav Gallant in May 2024

She told The Guardian that he subjected her to a 'constant onslaught' of sexual advances and repeatedly sought to pressure her into sexual activity.

Mr Khan, through his lawyers, has said it was 'categorically untrue that he has engaged in sexual misconduct of any kind'.

In May 2024, the ICC prosecutor controversially sought the arrests of Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defence minister Yoav Gallant in May 2024 - just two weeks after the woman made sexual harassment allegations against him.

The allegations included that Mr Khan performed non-consensual sex acts with her over an 11-month period during official trips to New York, Colombia, Chad and Paris.

In August last year, a second woman had come forward to investigators, accusing Mr Khan of sexual misconduct.

The Daily Mail contacted Mr Khan's representatives for comment.
Britain's worst ever funeral home scandal was finally exposed while its fraudulent undertaker was holidaying in America, an ex-worker has revealed.

Robert Bush, 48, is facing prison after he yesterday admitted preventing the burials of 30 people at Legacy Independent Funeral Directors in Hull.

In a sickening betrayal, he stockpiled bodies while dishonestly pocketing thousands of pounds in cremation fees paid by their unwitting relatives as part of funeral plans.

In total, Bush cruelly duped at least 200 families who had paid him in advance for the funerals, only for him to use the money for himself. He also had debts amounting to almost 55,000, including to local councils for unpaid cremation and burial fees.

His twisted crimes were exposed after police found human remains at his funeral parlour, including those of four unborn babies in March 2024.

Patrick Moore, who worked for Bush at Legacy Independent Funeral Directors, has revealed how the undertaker was 'living beyond his means', investing in racing bikes and spending money on expensive track days.

He also told how the undertaker splashed out on luxury holidays, including a trip to Los Angeles in March 2024 to watch motorcycle racing.

It was during this holiday that his crimes were exposed and he was detained by officers in his plane seat when he returned from the US.

'Rob was in America and I was looking after things for about four days,' Mr Moore told the BBC.

Robert Bush stockpiled bodies at his funeral parlour and pocketed thousands of pounds in cremation fees

Bush was detained by officers in his plane seat when he returned from the US in March 2024

Humberside Police launched an investigation into Legacy Independent Funeral Directors across three premises in Hull and East Yorkshire

'He said if anybody comes just don't answer the door. Simple as that, that was what I got.

'Don't answer the door.'

Bush's funeral home scandal may never have been exposed but for what happened while he was in America.

Moore revealed how he borrowed a stretcher from another funeral service to collect a body from a local nursing home.

But when two men came to retrieve the stretcher, they saw what was really going on inside Legacy's premises.

'While I was talking to one of them, the other one went in the fridge, Mr Moore recalls.

'They had seen it shouldn't be like this.'

It was at this moment that one of the men rang the police - and Mr Moore later went down to the station.

Mr Moore had previously challenged Bush about how things were being run at Legacy, admitting that he 'could see there was something wrong'. But he said his boss 'always had an answer for everything'.

The father-of-two said Bush would be 'jumpy' every time the phone rang as the debt-ridden undertaker was getting threats to be cut off from his electricity.

He explained how Bush would sell whatever he could, including taking his laptop to a pawnbroker. His now-deleted Facebook posts show how he was selling a hearse, cars and a mortuary fridge that 'ran cool not cold'.

Moore's testimony was integral to Humberside Police's investigation.

Police found 35 bodies and more than 100 sets of ashes when they raided Legacy Independent Funeral Directors' in March 2024.

Bush also pleaded guilty to theft from 12 charities, including the Salvation Army and Macmillan Cancer Support.

One mother, whose stillborn child's body was discovered years after his funeral, said Bush 'will pay for what he's done'.

Jasmine Beverley's son, Sunny, was stillborn in May 2022 and his funeral was arranged by Bush at Legacy's site.

Bush also admitted theft from 12 charities, including the Salvation Army and Macmillan Cancer Support

Bush arrives at Hull Crown Court this morning, where he was set to enter pleas to a raft of offences in relation to his funeral parlour

Ms Beverley said she and her husband were initially concerned that they had received his ashes in the same box they had brought Sunny in.

In an interview with BBC Newsnight, Ms Beverley said: 'It was the one that we'd had Sunny in originally and I questioned that and I thought surely he would have been put into the cremator in the box and they won't have taken him out, so why is it the same box?

'And my husband said maybe he's just got a similar one but I noticed a nick in the actual wood and I knew it was the same box.'

Two years later, Ms Beverley, who was seven months pregnant, was told by police that they believed they had found Sunny at Legacy's site.

Sunny's mother said: 'It was very distressing, I was losing sleep and just feeling so powerless.

'The thoughts that were going on in my head, that I'm going to lose this baby, and people saying, 'oh, don't be silly, don't feel like that, you'll be fine, you're so far now'.

'But the thought of what had happened to Sunny, happening to this pregnancy, was playing heavily on my mind, and it ruined the last two months of my pregnancy.'

Discussing Bush, Ms Beverley said: 'I think as a human being, we are all capable of doing evil things.

'Our morality stops us from doing that. And what's blurred his thought process is something that he's got to live with.

'He will pay for what he's done.'

Bush could not face the most serious charges in relation to Sunny's case as Ms Beverley's son died less than 24 weeks into her pregnancy.

The mother is now campaigning for a change in the law and said: 'I was able to make his life mean something just by talking about him, by hopefully helping other mothers.'

Bush was bailed until his sentencing hearing on July 27, but was warned by the judge, Mr Justice Hilliard, that a prison sentence was 'inevitable'.

Prosecutor Chris Paxton KC said there would be about 240 victim impact statements provided before the sentencing hearing from people who had been affected by the case.

At a hearing in October, Bush admitted to 30 counts of fraud by false representation over the same 30 people.

He also pleaded guilty to four 'foetus allegations' of fraud, where he presented ashes to women falsely saying that they were 'the remains of their unborn'.

He admitted a further charge of fraud covering the ashes of 57 people between 2017 and 2024, and one of fraudulent trading relating to funeral plans between 2012 and 2024.

Before the hearing, affected families described Bush as 'a monster' who 'put us all through hell for his own selfishness'.

Karen Dry, who trusted Bush with her parents' funerals in 2016 and 2018, has organised monthly vigils for victims since the investigation started in 2024.

She told the Press Association she would never be sure whether the ashes she was given by Bush were actually her parents, leaving the 'heartbreaking' possibility that they might not be together in death as they wanted.

Michaela Baldwin, whose stepfather, Danny Middleton, was one of the bodies found at the site, months after he was supposed to have been cremated, said Bush had 'put us all through hell for his own selfishness'.

Humberside Police launched an investigation into his business after a report of 'concern for care of the deceased' in March 2024.

The force said that the 35 bodies found at the funeral home were taken to the mortuary to be identified, where it was found that only four should have been there and the others had been kept 'much longer than necessary'.

Forensic teams also recovered large quantities of human ashes from the Hessle Road site, some with name labels and letters attached to the box.

Police said it soon became apparent that some of the families of those people had already received ashes.

It was not possible to identify any of the ashes because the high temperatures required for a cremation meant the DNA had broken down too much for a profile to be recovered.

The force said other people were still waiting to receive ashes after being told by Bush that the cremation had taken place, but these ashes were never found.
Britain and its allies have rejected Iran's attempt to establish a 'toll booth' in the vital Strait of Hormuz.

Iran has effectively shut down the key shipping lane in the Gulf in retaliation for US and Israeli attacks that began at the end of February.

The closure of the vital sea passage has caused shipments of oil and gas to grind to a halt and sent global energy prices soaring.

Tehran is now said to be drafting plans to 'monitor' the Strait with Oman that would require ships to obtain permits and licences.

Reports have suggested Iran is already charging fees of more than 1million - paid in Chinese yuan or stablecoins - for vessels to pass through the Strait.

The very limited flow of traffic through the channel is now said to be exclusively via a 'toll booth' system controlled by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

But, at a meeting of more than 40 countries on Thursday, the UK and other nations condemned attempts by Iran to charge ships multi-million pound fees.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, who chaired the talks, said the group agreed to 'comprehensively reject the imposition of tolls on vessels'.

Iran has effectively shut down the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation for US and Israeli attacks that began at the end of February

At a meeting of more than 40 countries on Thursday, chaired by Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, the UK and other nations condemned attempts by Iran to charge huge fees

Ms Cooper also warned Iran it could face further sanctions if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed.

She said collective action to increase pressure on Tehran was being discussed as she accused the country of trying to 'hold the global economy hostage'.

'Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz is a direct threat to global prosperity,' the Foreign Secretary said in a statement following Thursday's meeting.

'Iran is trying to hold the global economy hostage in the Strait of Hormuz.

'They must not prevail. To that effect, partners today called for the immediate and unconditional reopening of the Strait and respect for the fundamental principles of freedom of navigation and the law of the sea.'

Talks focused on the prospect of increasing diplomatic pressure, including through the UN, to push Iran to allow unimpeded transit, Ms Cooper said.

Countries also discussed exploring 'co-ordinated economic and political measures, such as sanctions, to bear down on Iran if the Strait remains closed'.

Efforts could include working with the International Maritime Organisation to ensure the first stranded ships can get moving again as 2,000 remain trapped, the Foreign Secretary added.

It came after Iran suggested future control of the Strait would require ships to obtain permits and licences under a protocol being drafted with Oman.

'These requirements will not mean restrictions, but rather to facilitate and ensure safe passage and provide better services to ships that pass through this route,' Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said, according to the state media.

An Iranian military spokesperson said the Strait would remain closed 'long term' to the US and Israel.
Residents of a 12million block of flats have said they feel 'suffocated' as scaffolding erected four years ago remains standing.

Contractors began work to remove combustible cladding from Kingsgate House on King's Road in Chelsea, west London, in 2022, when the scaffolding was put up.

But it has never been removed, with the building's management saying further issues were found.

Residents on the block's fifth and sixth floors were evacuated and have not yet returned while construction bars continue to obstruct lower level windows.

Tenants complained of building noise starting at 8am, darkness inside their flats and hot temperatures in summer.

Kingsgate House is owned and managed by housing association Peabody, which said it hoped all work would be completed by 2027.

Wossen Tadesse, 62, said residents felt 'suffocated' by the works.

He and his 64-year-old partner, who asked not to be named, were two of the first tenants after the building opened in 2014.

Kingsgate House on London's King's Road opened in 2014 but has been blighted by scaffolding since 2022

Wossen Tadesse was among the first tenants of the building but said residents felt 'suffocated' by the ongoing works

The couple, who have been together for 20 years, pay 1,190-a-month for their two-bedroom socially-rented home on the fourth floor.

Mr Tadesse needs dialysis three times a week because of kidney problems but said there were ventilation issues in his flat, causing the summertime temperature inside to be at least five degrees above the outdoor level.

Residents have been unable to access their balconies while work has continued, meaning Mr Tadesse has lost 'hundreds of pounds' worth of outdoor plants because they have died.

Some of the plants sit in his living room - until winter this year the balcony doors were restricted so they could not open fully.

Mr Tadesse said: 'Not having fresh air, we always feel suffocated during summer.. It's too hot, unbearable.

'It's too dark - you have to put the light on all the time during the daytime.

'They were advertising Boss and big brand names outside, it's dark.'

Mr Tadesse's partner said builders constantly passing her windows made her feel uncomfortable.

She said: 'They don't actually look in, but you don't feel comfortable about moving.

'If you want to walk in shorts, or if you're half-dressed, you can't do that in the daytime - you have to be careful.

'I always make sure the doors are closed when I use my wardrobe, there's that lack of privacy as well.'

Builders have regularly entered the couple's flat to take photos and placed a 'disgusting' new bright-orange sprinkler system pipe on their wall earlier this year.

Many flats on the lower floors have construction bars across their windows and balconies have been inaccessible

Wossen said: 'They've said they'll come and cover it. It's disgusting, it's disgusting. Even if they cover it, that doesn't look right. It looks like a warehouse.

'They say they'll cover it, but that means they're going to put something on top of it, like a square or whatever.

'They just came and started hauling it in.'

The building has 43 homes across six floors and cost 12million to build - it also has solar panels on its side.

One 46-year-old resident, a hairdresser who asked not to be named, bought a quarter of her one-bedroom Kingsgate House flat through the shared ownership scheme ten years ago.

Since then, she has seen her service charges and rent more than double from just 291.51 in 2016 to 664.10 as of this month - meaning the charges are now more than her 525-a-month mortgage.

She said: 'When you're living here, you have no light, not much air, people passing in front of the building, and for a while they were using an advertisement on top of the scaffolding.

'We don't know where the money went from all the advertisements from these luxury brands - that was hiding even more of the light, then we complained about it.

'After they just put a net over the scaffolding.

'The reality is, they want to save money by not relocating people.'

A Peabody spokesperson said it hoped to complete the work in 2027.

The company said it was 'very sorry' that work had taken 'much longer than expected' and for 'the impact this has had on residents'.

It said it did not 'underestimate how challenging it has been' but added the work was 'essential' for safety.

'When we removed the cladding, we uncovered additional issues within the building.

Residents of the fifth and sixth floors were evacuated during the work, which began as an effort to remove combustible cladding but has led to further issues being found

'This has happened across the sector, as some problems only become visible once work begins.

'Where this happens, we make sure everything is fully put right so homes are safe.

'We're continuing to stay in close contact with residents and will share clearer timescales as soon as we can.

The spokesperson added: 'We're focused on finishing this as quickly as possible, while making sure it is done properly and to the highest safety standards and continuing to support residents throughout.'

A Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea spokesperson said the authority had 'not had any involvement' with the works and had only received one complaint about a broken lift.

They said: 'This is a Peabody property and as a registered housing association the maintenance is their responsibility.'

The council added: 'Residents can report issues with landlords and living standards to our environmental health team and they will investigate where appropriate.'
Donald Trump warned late on Thursday that the military 'hasn't even started destroying what's left in Iran.'

Writing on the social media platform Truth Social, the US president threatened to strike and destroy the country's bridges and electric power plants in his latest threat to hit the country's infrastructure.

'Our Military, the greatest and most powerful (by far!) anywhere in the World, hasnt even started destroying whats left in Iran. Bridges next, then Electric Power Plants! New Regime leadership knows what has to be done, and has to be done, FAST!', he wrote.

Trump, who has previously offered shifting timelines and objectives for the war, said in a televised speech on Wednesday that the war could escalate if Iran did not give in to Washington's terms, with strikes on its energy and oil infrastructure possible.

Dozens of international law experts in the U.S. signed an open letter released earlier on Thursday saying that U.S. strikes on Iran may amount to war crimes.

The 1949 Geneva Conventions on humanitarian conduct in war prohibit attacks on sites considered essential for civilians.

The Geneva Conventions and additional protocols state that parties to military conflict must distinguish between 'civilian objects and military objectives' and that attacks on civilian objects are prohibited.

'We are going to hit them extremely hard over the next two to three weeks. We are going to bring them back to the Stone Ages, where they belong,' Trump said in his Wednesday address.

Donald Trump warned late about striking and destroying bridges and electric power plants in Iran in his latest threat to hit the country's infrastructure

The B1 bridge damaged by a strike, as the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran continues, in Karaj, Iran, April 3, 2026

While he said Washington was nearing the completion of its goals in Iran, Trump did not lay out a timeline to end the war.

The president's warning came after eight people were reportedly killed in Iran following a strike on the country's tallest bridge.

The B1 bridge, which links Iran's capital with the western city of Karaj, was targeted in two waves of strikes on Thursday after Trump threatened to bomb Tehran 'back to the Stone Age'.

The second attack on the 136-metre structure took place while rescue forces were at the scene helping at least 95 people, Iranian state media claimed.

Footage shows smoke lingering in the air before an enormous blast sends an even thicker plume into the sky.

The strike caused major damage to the bridge, the tallest in the Middle East, and a gaping hole can be seen in the middle of the structure.

Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said the attack 'only conveys the defeat and moral collapse of an enemy in disarray'.

He added: 'Every bridge and building will be built back stronger. What will never recover: damage to America's standing.'

US-Israeli strikes destroyed Iran's tallest bridge after Donald Trump threatened to bomb Tehran 'back to the 'Stone Age'

The B1 bridge, which links Iran's capital with the western city of Karaj, was targeted in two waves of strikes on Thursday

He later said there's 'one striking difference' between the present and the Stone Age.

'There was no oil or gas being pumped in the Middle East back then,' he added.

'Are POTUS and Americans who put him in office sure that they want to turn back the clock?'

The Iranian regime also said bombs hit the capital on Thursday, including a 105-year-old medical facility.

The war began on February 28 when the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran. Tehran responded by launching its own attacks on Israel and Gulf states with U.S. bases. Joint U.S.-Israeli strikes in Iran and Israeli attacks in Lebanon have killed thousands and displaced millions.

The war has also raised oil prices and shaken global markets. Trump's mixed messages thus far have done little to ease the concerns over his country's biggest military attacks since the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
A woman has told of her horror after she was 'trapped' in her Travelodge hotel room for an hour while a naked man knocked on the door and performed sex acts outside.

Wendy Griffith was staying at the chain's London Stratford branch in July 2025 when she witnessed the 'vile' spectacle through the door's peephole.

The marketing consultant, from Norfolk, recalled her 'rising panic' over the hour in the middle of the night as she tried and failed 'multiple times' to contact hotel staff.

Ms Griffith's story is one of dozens to have emerged in recent months - amid claims Travelodge has failed to take the 'alarming' experiences seriously 'for years'.

It follows a security breach in December 2022 that led to a guest being sexually assaulted by a man who was given unauthorised access to her room.

Sharing her story, Ms Griffith told the BBC that the incident involving her, last summer, had caused a lasting 'psychological impact'.

She described feeling 'incredibly traumatised and not able to summon help' before dialling 999 in desperation.

Ms Griffith praised the police response adding that 'three cars pulled up within five minutes' to arrest the man.

Wendy Griffith (pictured) was staying at the chain's London Stratford branch in July 2025 when she witnessed the 'vile' spectacle through the door's peephole

Travelodge changed its key policy after a woman was sexually assaulted by a man who had been given access to her room at a Travelodge in Maidenhead in 2022 (file image)

She added: 'It was a very dramatic scene, he attempted to run back in his room, barricade the door, the police had to force their way in, use pepper spray.'

The culprit, Trevor Reece, 40, pleaded guilty to outraging public decency in September 2025.

He was sentenced to four months of alcohol dependency treatment and ordered to pay 185 court costs and 50 compensation to his victim - which Ms Griffith says she is yet to receive.

She said: 'The impact that has resulted in terms of the psychological impact, the flashbacks, the impact to my business, my livelihood, all of it, and my situation was not as extreme as the lady in the Travelodge Maidenhead hotel.'

Ms Griffith said she 'broke down in tears' on seeing the Maidenhead security breach story break as it was 'validation' that others were experiencing the same issues - as well as 'complete and utter devastation' it had happened to someone else.

She also revealed the horrifying discovery that during a lull in the hour she was targeted, her tormentor had asked reception for a replacement room key - but gave her room number.

'That moment when the desk clerk said "he asked for a key to your room" the blood drained from my body,' Ms Griffith.

She said the clerk had told her the man was only refused the key due to being a longstanding guest - meaning it was known that the number he gave was not his own room.

Ms Griffith said Trvelodge's responses to her complaints had been 'categorically not good enough' - adding she felt 'dismissed'.

She said nobody offered her a refund and her case was 'pushed out' to the firm's insurers - which denied liability.

Ms Griffith added that CEO Jo Boydell's response to the 2022 Maidenhead attack had been long overdue, and suggested a situation involving police should trigger 'automatic escalation to the CEO for a formal investigation'.

Jo Boydell (pictured), CEO of Travelodge, issued a formal apology after the 2022 incident emerged

Travelodge said: 'We were deeply sorry to hear about the distressing experience Ms Griffith had at our London Stratford hotel and our handling of her case.

'We have since rolled out training to all of our hotels to ensure that the hotel phone number is on every key card wallet given to a customer so they can reach our team at any time, day or night.'

Last month the company announced an overhaul of its room key policy after the Maidenhead incident came to light.

In February, Kyran Smith received a seven-and-a-half-year prison sentence over the attack.

Ms Boydell has since apologised to the victim in a statement, confirming that new or replacement keys will now only be provided with the guest's explicit consent.

She said: 'I would like to express again how deeply sorry I am for what happened to the victim and for the mistakes we made in handling this.

'We got things wrong and we should have acted sooner, and I am truly sorry for that. I would welcome the opportunity to meet the victim to discuss what happened and to learn from our mistakes.

'We have done an internal review of our room access security policies and have made some immediate changes to ensure that an additional or replacement room key is only issued with explicit permission from the person, or people, staying in the room.'

Before the chief executive spoke out, the anonymous victim said Travelodge failed to handle the situation appropriately, noting that the company 'took a very long time' to respond and appeared to dismiss her concerns.

She said: 'It was escalated in their company a little bit... but they still didn't take the right precautions to deal with the situation.'

Kyran Smith (pictured) was jailed for seven and a half years in February over the 2022 attack in Maidenhead

Travelodge first offered a 30 refund - which the victim called 'insulting' - before finally apologising.

She has since urged the company to learn from their mistakes to make sure similar incidents do not happen again.

In December 2022, Smith - who had attended the same party as the victim - tricked hotel staff into giving him a key card by claiming to be her boyfriend.

The woman alleged that her attacker had bypassed security checks at reception simply because he knew her name.

She told BBC News that personal details shouldn't be enough to grant access to a person's room, insisting that hotels must seek direct consent from the guest before handing out keys.

She noted her room also lacked a safety chain for added security.
Nicola Sturgeon has revealed her divorce from ex-SNP chief executive Peter Murrell is about 'more than' just his embezzlement charge.

The former First Minister announced she and Murrell had 'decided to end' their 14 year marriage in January last year, months after he was charged with embezzling party funds.

Murrell is accused of embezzling 459,000 between 2010 and 2023 - while chief executive of the SNP - and allegedly used the funds to buy items including luxury goods, jewellery and a motorhome.

He was first arrested in April 2023 as part of the police investigation into the SNP's finances. He was charged in April 2024.

Since ending their relationship, Ms Sturgeon has refused to speculate about her future love life, but admitted she could fall for a man or a woman and is 'not sticking any labels' on her sexual orientation.

In an interview on ITV's The Assembly programme, Ms Sturgeon shared further details about her separation from Mr Murrell, insisting his arrest was not the only factor in the decision.

'There's been a lot of public coverage of my husband being accused of crime and stuff,' she said.

'That's what everybody thinks it will be, and I'm not saying that's not a factor  because when you're faced with something like that, it kind of, completely blows your entire your world. But if I'm being honest, it was probably more than that.'

Nicola Sturgeon (left) has revealed her divorce from ex-SNP chief executive Peter Murrell (right) is about 'more than' just his embezzlement charge.

Ms Sturgeon was in a relationship with Mr Murrell from 2003 to 2025, marrying in 2010 at Oran Mor in Glasgow

The Assembly features inquisitive interviewers who are autistic, neurodivergent and/or learning disabled - and putting their questions to popular celebrities.

Later in the episode, Ms Sturgeon went on to explain she was going through a 'really hard' change after deciding to step away from politics after almost 30 years.

She told the : 'I've been this career-focused politician all my life and I'm going into a phase of life where I want to find out a bit more about who I am as a person, not just as a politician.

'Although the change is really hard, you will be happier because of that change.'

Ms Sturgeon is preparing to step down as an MSP at next May's Holyrood elections, bringing to an end a 27-year spell in the Scottish Parliament.

In an interview last year, the former first minister hinted she my leave Scotland 'for a wee while' as she could no longer 'breathe freely' in her home country.

Ms Sturgeon said being 'so focused' on her political career meant she had to 'forego certain things' such as living outside Scotland.

But she also described her home country as 'goldfish bowl' where her every act is scrutinised.

Former First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, is among the new group of celebrities set for an intense grilling on The Assembly series two

Ms Sturgeon even hinted she could move south of the border to London after spending a lot of her recent time in the UK's capital.

Ms Sturgeon was in a relationship with Mr Murrell from 2003 to 2025, having met in 1988 at a SNP youth event and marrying in 2010 at Oran Mor in Glasgow.

In January of last year the former politician announced on social media that she and the former Chief Executive Officer of the SNP had split.

The Assembly season two premieres at 10pm on Friday April 10 on STV and STV Player.
Donald Trump's mockery of Keir Starmer shows the Prime Minister isn't respected on the world stage, Reform UK's Robert Jenrick suggested today.

At a White House lunch on Wednesday, the US President put on a weak-sounding voice as he mimicked Sir Keir saying he couldn't send UK forces to the Middle East.

Mr Trump said he had asked if Britain could send its 'two, old, broken down aircraft carriers' to help open up the Strait of Hormuz.

According to Mr Trump, Sir Keir replied: 'No, no, no, I have to ask my team. My team has to meet, we're meeting next week.'

'By that point the war might be over,' the US President told the audience in Washington DC, as he spoke about America's ongoing conflict with Iran.

It is the latest in a string of snide comments from Mr Trump about the PM and Britain's military capabilities as his increasingly-disastrous war stretches on.

Responding to the US President's latest attack on Sir Keir, Mr Jenrick, Reform's Treasury spokesman, said he didn't like to see foreign leaders 'berating' Britain's PM.

But he said it showed how Mr Trump and Sir Keir's relationship was now 'irreparably' broken.

At a White House lunch on Wednesday, Donald Trump put on a weak-sounding voice as he mimicked Keir Starmer saying he couldn't send UK forces to the Middle East

It is the latest in a string of snide comments from Mr Trump about the Prime Minister and Britain's military capabilities as his increasingly-disastrous war with Iran stretches on

Responding to the US President's latest attack on Sir Keir, Robert Jenrick - Reform's Treasury spokesman - said he didn't like to see foreign leaders 'berating' Britain's PM

Mr Jenrick told LBC on Friday morning: 'I don't like to see foreign leaders berating the leader of the UK, regardless of which party he or she is.

'You want our Prime Minister to be somebody who is respected on the world stage and is treated with respect by our main ally, so I don't like that.

'The relationship between Keir Starmer and Donald Trump has clearly taken a massive blow, probably irreparably so.

'Part of that is the fact that the Prime Minister initially chose not to make our bases available to the US for this action.

'But I'm not here to defend Donald Trump or the way he conducts himself, far from it.'

Iran has effectively shut down Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping lane in the Gulf, in retaliation for US and Israeli attacks that began at the end of February.

The closure of the vital sea passage has caused shipments of oil and gas to grind to a halt and sent global energy prices soaring.

Mr Jenrick on Friday put pressure on Mr Trump to end the Middle East conflict 'as quickly as possible' as he warned about the damaging effects of the war on Brits.

He told GB News: 'We want this war to come to an end, it's having a massive impact on people's livelihoods here in the UK.

'Reform is the party for working people - not for foreign wars in distant parts of the world. So our message to the US is to bring this war to a close as quickly as possible.

'It seems clear to me the Prime Minister has little if any influence, no influence on events elsewhere in the world.

'He's praising himself, patting himself on the back that he blocked the US from using our bases initially, only to predictably U-turn.

'But what difference has that made to people here when they see fuel rising on the forecourts, or their energy bills are... so much higher than they were expecting?

'What we have got to see is the war come to an end.'

Iran has effectively shut down Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping lane in the Gulf, in retaliation for US and Israeli attacks that began at the end of February

Join the discussion Should the UK take a tougher stance with the US over disagreements like this?

Mr Trump's remarks about Sir Keir on Wednesday were recorded on a live stream.

The private event was closed to the press however, for unknown reasons, a recording of the live stream appears to have been uploaded to YouTube by the White House.

The recording was downloaded by Bryan Metzger, a senior politics reporter for US website Business Insider, who posted the whole thing on X.

After he had done this, the White House made the recording private on YouTube, meaning it was not accessible to the public any more.

When the Daily Mail contacted the White House for comment, our reporter asked about the President's remarks about Sir Keir at a 'White House lunch' on Wednesday.

A spokesperson for the President, Anna Kelly, did not dispute that he had made the remarks, or that they were made at the lunch.

She said: 'President Trump has made his disappointment with the United Kingdom and other NATO allies clear, and as the President emphasized: 'The United States will remember'.'

The President has been angry with Sir Keir for weeks for refusing to let US airplanes use British bases for sorties over Iran.

Sir Keir has since changed his mind but has refused to send British troops and ships to the Strait of Hormuz, which carries 20 percent of the world's oil.

Its closure is causing petrol prices to spike amid warnings from analysts it could cause an oil shock worse than the 1970s.

Speaking on Wednesday, Sir Keir once again refused Mr Trump's requests and said that 'this is not our war', adding: 'We will not be drawn into the conflict.'

Mr Trump's frustration boiled over hours later at the White House lunch.

The President drew a comparison between the Prime Minister and King Charles, who is due to make a state visit to Washington later this month.

Mr Trump told the audience: 'I asked UK who should be our best (ally).

'The King is coming over here in two weeks, he's a nice guy, King Charles.

'(Britain) should be our best but they weren't our best.

'I said (to Sir Keir) you have two, old broken down aircraft carriers, do you think you could send them over?'

Putting on a weak-sounding voice, Mr Trump said: '(Sir Keir said) Ohhh I'll have to ask my team.

'I said you're the Prime Minister, you don't have to.

'(Sir Keir said) No, no, no, I have to ask my team. My team has to meet, we're meeting next week.

'(I said) but the war already started. Next week the war's going to be over...in three days, my prediction.'

Britain is seeking to lead a diplomatic initiative, including countries such as France, Germany and some Gulf nations, to unblock the Strait of Hormuz.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper on Thursday held talks with more than 40 nations from across the world on efforts to reopen the vital waterway.

She said collective action to increase pressure on Tehran was being discussed as she accused the country of trying to 'hold the global economy hostage' with its stranglehold on the key trade route.

After chairing the video call, Ms Cooper ducked a question on whether Washington was still an ally.

She told broadcasters: 'We want to see the conflict resolved, concluded, as rapidly as possible, because, frankly, that's what's best for the cost of living here in the UK.'

In his remarks at the White House, Mr Trump also mocked French President Emmanuel Macron, who has also refused to send warships to open the Strait of Hormuz.

The President said Mr Macron was 'still recovering from the right to the jaw' and claimed that his wife, Brigitte Macron, 'treats him extremely badly'.

The comment referenced a video from May last year when the Macrons visited Vietnam that appeared to show Mrs Macron pushing her husband's face seconds before they disembarked from their plane.

In response to comments, Mr Macron said: 'Trump talks too much. His remarks are neither elegant nor up to the standard'.
Uzbekistan backs China-Pakistan initiative on the Gulf and Middle East region: FM

Xinhua) 14:25, April 03, 2026

TASHKENT, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Uzbekistan's Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov said on Thursday that Uzbekistan supports the five-point initiative for restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and Middle East region proposed by China and Pakistan.

He made the remarks during a phone conversation with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, according to Saidov's social media post.

During the phone call, both sides emphasized the importance of resolving the Middle East crisis through dialogue and diplomatic efforts.

They also exchanged views on the situation along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, noting that ongoing efforts are being made to reduce tensions.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Cyprus has been engulfed in a thick cloud of Saharan dust, as a deadly storm continues to lash the Mediterranean with intense rain and strong winds.

Authorities warned locals it was dangerous even to step outside, after Storm Erminio blew the 'severe' plume over from northern Africa.

Meteorologists reported that a 'huge amount of dust' was on the move.

Crete was blanketed by the cloud earlier in the week, with the atmosphere turning unsettling shades of red and orange.

Now, it has moved further east to reach Cyprus, where there is a British military base, which is contending with equally hazy conditions.

Health officials have warned the air quality is severely compromised, with some spots recording a particulate density 36 times greater than the EU's safe level.

They instructed the public to avoid all outdoor activities and exercise, and to wear a dust mask of a wet cloth if they must step outside.

A local forecaster told Philenews: 'This is considered extreme. It would not be an exaggeration to say that episodes this strong are recorded once every ten years.'

A thick carpet of Saharan dust has settled of the island of Cyprus, after being blown across the Mediterranean from northern Africa

The sky turned orange as particulates from the Sahara filled the sky

Health authorities have warned against going outside, because the air quality is so bad

A local resident walks on the port of Ierapetra during a dust storm on the Greek island of Crete on Wednesday

On Wednesday, several Easter holiday flights to Crete had to be rerouted as the Saharan dust blotted out the sky.

Travelers at Heraklion' main airport were beset by chaos, as departures were grounded and arrivals disrupted.

At least two flights were forced to divert after visibility dropped to around 1,000 metres, a level considered unsafe for landing.

A British Airways service from London was rerouted to Corfu, while a SKY Express flight from Brussels was sent to Athens.

Dramatic scenes were also reported on the ground, where a powerful tornado flipped a truck in the coastal area of Pachia Ammos as it prepared to load agricultural exports.

The violent weather also uprooted trees, damaged greenhouses and caused part of a wall at a ceramics factory to collapse.

This is the work of Storm Erminio, which has been lashing parts of the wider Mediterranean with heavy rain, thunder storms and strong winds - bringing red weather warnings.

A man died in Greece as a result of the weather, and a massive landslide in Italy left around people stranded.

A man shovels mud from his house in Nea Makri, east of Athens, Thursday, April 2, 2026, after heavy overnight storms caused extensive damage

A landslide in the Italian town of Rapolla forced the evacuation of three families living in an apartment block, with social media footage showing a jagged cliff edge with thick slabs of concrete overhanging the edge

Video shows massive waves striking a beach in the Balearic region

Heavy rainfall triggered a mudslide on Thursday in the village of Piceno in central Italy, blocking the main road out.

Separately, a rockfall in the southern town of Rapolla forced the evacuation of three families living in an apartment block, with social media footage showing a jagged cliff edge with thick slabs of concrete overhanging the edge.

Meanwhile, a bridge collapsed in the eastern town of Montenero di Bisaccia following severe flooding, interrupting several roads in the surrounding area.

In Greece, the body of a man was recovered in the seaside holiday town of Nea Makri as homes were flooded following heavy rainfall.

The fire department said the man in his fifties was found trapped under a car. He was believed to have been carried away by a torrent as he attempted to cross a street, local media reported.

The fire brigade added that it had received nearly 500 emergency calls in the greater Athens area, including more than 30 rescue requests.

Authorities issued emergency warnings and shut down schools in areas east of Athens, the Dodecanese islands, the Cycladic islands and Crete. On the island of Poros, flooding knocked down a bridge.
A man has been charged with two counts of murder after a house fire killed two people in north London.

Fouad Boudra, 25, has been charged with the murder of 24-year-old Mohammed Djellal and Faouzi Bouchadoe, 35, who found dead inside the burning building.

Police and firefighters had rushed to the blaze on Forest Road in Walthamstow, north London on April 21, 2024 at 10.42pm.

Scotland Yard said the terraced home was thought to be occupied by squatters at the time. An 'incident' is said to have occurred outside the house before the fire.

After they found the bodies, a murder investigation was launched by Metropolitan Police detectives.

They tracked down Boudra to France and on August 10, 2025, the Crown Prosecution Service charged him with the murders.

An international arrest warrant was issued by a judge on 27 August 2025.

Boudra, of no fixed address, was arrested in France on Monday, January 26 and he was extradited to the UK yesterday.

Fouad Boudra, 25, has been charged with the murder of 24-year-old Mohammed Djellal and Faouzi Bouchadoe, 35, after the deadly housefire here on Forest Road, Walthamstow, in April 2024

Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters raced to the blaze but they could not save the two men

Forest Road (shown in the map above) was closed off as firefighters fought to get the flames under control

He is due to appear at Uxbridge Magistrates Court on Friday, 3 April to face the charges of two counts of murder, two counts of manslaughter, causing grievous bodily harm with intent to a third man, and arson with intent to endanger life.

Donna Wiggins, who has lived in Walthamstow for 26 years, said yesterday she was close friends with the former residents of the house, who passed away a few years ago.

The 46-year-old claims that the house had been inherited by her friend's son who was later booted out of the property by squatters.

She said: 'I used to know the people who lived there. The mother used to be my neighbour.

'I am not sure who the people who have passed away are. Another person I know said the son had been kicked out by squatters.

'But I haven't spoken to him since his mum's funeral.

'There was always unsavoury characters coming in and out of that house.'
A man has faced court accused of stabbing his father to death in an alleged domestic violence incident in a horror start to the Easter long weekend.

Emergency services were called to Emu Plains, in Sydney's west about 6.45pm on Thursday following reports of a stabbing.

Police arrived at a Clouta Place address to find John Clark, 58, with multiple stab wounds to his upper body.

He was treated at the scene but could not be revived.

His son, Evan Davis Clark, 30, was arrested at the home and taken to Penrith Police Station, where he was charged with murder (domestic violence).

Clark was unaware that his father had died when he faced court on Friday afternoon.

'Is he dead?' he asked.

'Yes, Mr Clark, he is,' the magistrate replied.

Evan Davis Clark, 30, allegedly stabbed his father to death on Thursday night

The Emu Plains incident sparked a major emergency response

Clark told the court that he 'just wants to do my time' and thanked the magistrate in Russian at the end of the hearing.

Clark did not apply for bail, which was formally refused.

Police will allege that the pair had been heavily drinking and play-fighting together before Clark stabbed his father.

Detective Acting Superintendent Michael Cantrell told reporters on Friday that a number of witnesses had been spoken to, but would not confirm if anybody else was home at the time.

He confirmed that both Clark and his father had a history of domestic violence.

'However, there have been no interactions with police for a number of years around domestic violence,' Det Act Supt Cantrell said.

'The Easter long weekend is supposed to be a time for families to come together, and for someone's family to start off a long weekend in such tragic circumstances is very tough.'

Footage from the scene on Thursday night showed more than a dozen emergency vehicles blocking off the usually quiet cul-de-sac.

Evan Davis Clark (pictured) was unaware that his father was dead when he faced court on Friday

More than a dozen emergency vehicles blocked off the usually quiet cul-de-sac

Detectives removed bags of evidence from the scene on Friday

Residents more than 5km away reported hearing sirens as a police helicopter hovered over the scene.

Detectives and forensic officers returned to the home on Friday, where they were seen taking away bags of evidence.

'Very confronting scene for police who did an amazing job to arrest the (alleged) offender in the location. It was very good police work,' Det Act Supt Cantrell said.

It's understood the family have lived at the home for more than 40 years and were among the first to move into the street.

'[It is] a quiet street, you would never think something like this would occur here,' a shocked neighbour told Nine News.

'There were no indications that something like this would occur up there.'

Police investigations continue under Strike Force Hawklar.

Clark will reappear in Penrith Local Court on May 29.

1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)

Lifeline 13 11 14

Men's Referral Service 1300 766 491
Police have issued a stern warning to Instagrammers at Britain's busiest mountain - threatening to tow away their cars if they are not parked properly.

Officers will now be patrolling the Eryri National Park area in Snowdon to enforce a zero tolerance approach to vehicles left on the sides of narrow carriageways.

Gwynedd Council says it expects an increase of visitors planning an Easter hike over the long bank holiday weekend.

Previously, ambulances, police, and mountain rescue teams have reportedly been unable to access key routes due to poorly parked cars.

Gerwyn Jones, assistant head of environment at the council, said: 'It is extremely important that our roads are clear to allow the emergency services to be able to do their job and to ensure the flow of traffic.

'We ask motorists to park sensibly and respect the parking restrictions and keep the roads unobstructed and safe.

'If necessary, police and council officers will use their powers to take appropriate action to remove illegally parked vehicles in the interests of public safety.'

Earlier this year, hordes of visitors flocked to Snowdonia in a bid to snap the picturesque winter wonderland landscape to share with others online.

But many ignored the parking warning issued by police who had begged them not to leave their cars on the side of the icy mountain road.

Photos from earlier this year show cars on the narrow dual carriageway in Snowdon - as police issue a stern warning to Instagrammers

Previously, ambulances, police, and mountain rescue teams have reportedly been unable to access key routes due to poorly parked cars

Snowdonia is the largest National Park in Wales, attracting four million visitors every year, with thousands expected to flock there for the Bank Holiday

North Wales Police warned that by doing so, motorists were putting others at risk of 'serious' personal injury and 'pushing them into the paths of oncoming vehicles'.

The issue of irresponsible mountain parking previously reared its head in 2023 - also at the start of the Easter weekend.

North Wales Police said 29 vehicles parked near Llyn Ogwen - and another nine in Pen y Pass at the bottom of Snowdon - were removed on Good Friday.

Videos on social media captured the scale of the parking chaos, with dozens of vehicles slapped with fines.

Meanwhile, further images shared online appeared to show that motorists had found more space for parking by driving through gaps in the wall.

One user shared an image of a part-destroyed wall with several cars parked on grassland behind it.

Snowdonia is the largest National Park in Wales, attracting four million visitors every year, with hundreds flocking there for the Bank Holiday.

It is not just parking that has proved a sore spot for park rangers: Instagrammers have previously been criticised for posting selfies of themselves enjoying beauty spots.

Staff voiced concerns that the images were drawing in an unmanageable number of visitors and damaging the landscape.

Images shared online in April 2023 appeared to show day-trippers driving through a crumbling wall to park on the grass behind

Mountain rescue teams at the time said they were facing record numbers of callouts to the 3,50ft high peak - that were placing an 'increasingly significant' strain on their volunteers.

Commenting on this year's police warning, Angela Jones, of the National Park, said: 'We really want everyone to enjoy all that Eryri has to offer over the Easter period, but it is important that people do so in safe and responsible ways.

'We have already seen more calls than ever to mountain rescue teams operating in Eryri this year, and some of the teams deal with several incidents on the same day.

'To reduce the pressure on these volunteers, people need to realise the nature of the landscapes, the mountains can be unsafe areas without planning in advance.

'Visitors should ensure they are thoroughly prepared and that they have the right equipment for each landscape, and enough food and water.'
Shabana Mahmood has refused to disclose how many failed asylum seekers families have accepted up to 40,000 to voluntarily leave Britain, one month after the controversial scheme was launched.

The Conservatives accused the Home Secretary of shocking secrecy over the programme.

If any asylum seekers have turned down the cash offer it would be a devastating indictment of Britains broken asylum system.

It would signal that migrants have calculated they will be better off remaining here indefinitely at the taxpayers expense.

It would also open the prospect of Ms Mahmood increasing the cash offer to a much higher level in a bid to persuade the families to leave.

Officials said when the scheme was launched that they would look at upping the financial incentive depending on take-up.

Most failed asylum seeker families offered the cash are living in migrant hotels at an average cost of 158,000 a year per family.

Migrants prepare to board a dinghy before attempting to sail into the English Channel on Wedesday this week off Gravelines, France. Five migrants were pulled from the water by rescuers and two men in their 40s died

Home secretary Shabana Mahmood (pictured) has refused to disclose how many failed asylum seekers families have accepted up to 40,000 to voluntarily leave Britain, one month after the controversial scheme was launched

Migrants were seen scrambling to board the dangerously overloaded dinghy

Under Ms Mahmoods scheme they will receive 10,000 per head up to a maximum of 40,000, plus air tickets home.

The scheme was launched on March 5 and the deadline to accept the offer expired on March 12, with Ms Mahmood arguing the cash pay-outs would save money in the long run.

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said: Taxpayers deserve full transparency  not shocking secrecy  when their money is being squandered in this way.

It is shameful that Shabana Mahmood is hiding the truth about her new scheme.

This raises the question that few, if any, asylum seekers have accepted this deal because it is far more profitable to remain in the UK long-term, receiving free housing, healthcare, schooling and free money via our absurdly generous benefits system.

This is likely to be yet another of the Home Secretarys schemes to lie in tatters.

He added: If the Government had the strength to properly police our borders and deport illegal immigrants they would not have to offer huge piles of taxpayers money to induce them to leave.

Leaving the European Convention on Human Rights and modern slavery treaties would allow illegal immigrants and failed asylum seekers to be quickly deported.

Migrants waded chest-deep into the sea off Gravelines beach to board the overloaded dinghy bound for Britain on Wednesday, when a total of 325 people reached the UK by small boat

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Then these enormous and apparently ineffective bribes would no longer be necessary.

Labours programme could be expanded to thousands more families if ministers deem it successful.

It is significantly more generous than existing voluntary returns schemes, currently capped at 3,000.

A Home Office spokesman said: Taxpayers should not be footing the bill to accommodate failed asylum families in hotels.

Housing a single family in a hotel currently costs the Home Office up to 158,000 a year.

To speed up departures, cut legal delays and close more asylum hotels, were piloting a time-limited offer of 10,000 to eligible family members to voluntarily leave the country - a fraction of the cost of keeping them in the system.

Officials said figures on the uptake would be published in due course, but did not say when.

When the scheme was launched Alp Mehmet, chairman of Migration Watch UK which campaigns for tougher border controls, said giving such eye-watering cash incentives was absurd and simply wrong.

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Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced the scheme offering failed asylum seeker families 10,000 a head - up to a maximum of 40,000 - if they agree to leave the UK voluntarily

'It is also unfair to people in this country who are struggling financially to see these very significant sums being handed out to people who have no right to be here, he added.

There are currently thousands of failed asylum seeker families being supported by public funds, officials said, but the exact number is not known by the Home Office due to weaknesses in its data-gathering.

But sources were able to confirm that 700 Albanian families who have exhausted their appeals process are still being supported by the public purse.

Eligible families have had claims rejected by the Home Office and have then exhausted the appeals process in the courts.

Holiday retreat for migrants cancelled

by Daniel Hammond

Plans to invite a group of male asylum seekers for a training day to help them settle in Britain at a Sussex community centre during the school Easter holidays had to be abandoned after furious reaction from residents.

Wilderness Wood, a holiday retreat and community hub nestled among the ancient woodland of the Sussex High Weald, was forced to cancel the planned event after protests.

The planned meeting which is just five miles from Crowborough, is thought to have been arranged by organisers who planned to invite small boat migrants to the forest.

The aim was a trial in assisting newly arrived migrants with practical and emotional support to help them adjust to living in the UK.

Wilderness Wood wrote: We have dropped plans to host a small group of asylum seekers s, due to threats from some groups and individuals. Wilderness Wood is not housing any asylum seekers. And we do not have any plans to do so.
It's loved by Paddington Bear and is a staple of the British breakfast table. But marmalade may soon have to be labelled as citrus marmalade thanks to Keir Starmer's Brexit 'reset'.

For makers of fruit spreads and jams have been warned the Government's planned food deal with the EU will require them to implement a name change if it goes ahead.

Under the accord being thrashed out by Britain and Brussels  officially known as the sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement  the UK will have to readopt EU rules in the area.

The Government has argued the deal, part of the Prime Minister's bid to forge closer ties with the bloc, will reduce prices in supermarkets by removing trade barriers.

But it has emerged that it could also require a re-labelling of what we refer to simply as 'marmalade', due to 'nonsense bureaucracy' from Brussels.

Since the UK left the EU, officials in Brussels have updated the bloc's regulations to allow 'marmalade' to refer to spreads made from fruits other than citrus fruits.

This is because, in a number EU countries, 'marmalade' and 'jam' are used interchangeably to refer to spreads from a variety of fruits.

Prior to the 2024 rule change, Brussels allowed jars of spread to be sold as 'marmalade' only if they contained solely citrus fruit.

It's loved by Paddington Bear and is a staple of the British breakfast table  but it may soon have to be known as 'citrus marmalade' thanks to Keir Starmer's Brexit 'reset'

Producers of fruit spreads have been warned the Prime Minister's planned food deal with the EU will require a name change if the agreement goes ahead

Paddington Bear having tea with Queen Elizabeth II during her Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022

The basis of the original EU regulation is said to have been UK lobbying in the 1970s for a special commercial status for marmalade cut from bitter Seville oranges.

It is this that has become synonymous with British breakfasts.

The EU directive on fruit jams, jellies and marmalades, which was updated in May 2024, states that jars should now be sold with the legal name 'citrus marmalade' to avoid confusing shoppers.

The revision also suggests labelling products as 'orange marmalade' or 'lemon marmalade', for example.

Senior Tory MP Priti Patel, the shadow foreign secretary whose Essex constituency is home to the Tiptree marmalade brand, said it showed how Labour's EU 'reset' is 'descending into farce'.

She told the Mail: 'This marmalade madness is a classic example of the nonsense bureaucracy that emanates from Brussels.

'Keir Starmer is trying to take us into the EU by the back door, signing us up to heaps of rules and regulations that will disrupt British businesses.

'Rather than trying to reopen the battles of the Brexit years, Starmer should focus on fixing the mess he and his colleagues have made of running the country.'

Senior Tory MP Priti Patel, the shadow foreign secretary whose Essex constituency is home to the Tiptree marmalade brand, said it showed how Labour's EU 'reset' is 'descending into farce'

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) recently revealed that UK firms will have to adapt their product labelling to abide by the updated EU directive under the proposed SPS deal.

It is among 76 updated EU food rules that will apply in the UK if the SPS agreement is concluded.

DEFRA officials insisted UK manufacturers had already made  or are preparing to make  changes to enable continued access to the EU market, regardless of the SPS deal.

They added the proposed agreement would make it easier for British-produced marmalade  as well as other classic breakfast items such as Cumberland sausages and Scottish smoked salmon  to be sold across the bloc.

A Whitehall source said the Government was 'making a sovereign choice in the national interest' to align with EU rules 'in some areas where it makes sense to do so'.

'The details remain subject to ongoing negotiations,' they added. 'The UK will have the ability to shape EU decision-making on areas within the scope of the agreement.'

Dalemain Mansion in Cumbria, which has hosted the World Marmalade Awards since 2005, told the BBC it plans to keep its competition reserved to citrus-based spreads, irrespective of whether the naming rules are relaxed in the UK.

Beatrice McCosh, director of the awards, said the competition aimed to set the bar for 'rock solid British standard marmalade, the type which has been eaten for centuries from Elizabeth I to James Bond'.

A Government spokesperson said: 'British marmalade is not changing; it will still be the same product available in our shops as it is now.

'British manufacturers align with international standards to ensure our world-class produce can be sold to a larger international market

'Our deal with the EU supports businesses by removing the costly red tape that holds back our exporters from our largest trading partner.

'Crucially, our agreement secures the UK's ability to shape the rules that affect our industry in the national interest.'
Iran is preparing to execute more protesters after a teen was put to death, as the regime scrambles to clamp down on political dissent.

Eighteen-year-old Amirhossein Hatami was among seven protesters and dissidents who human rights group Amnesty International had warned were at risk of imminent execution after four men were hanged in secret earlier this week.

The teen had been 'subjected to torture and other ill-treatment in detention, before being convicted in grossly unfair trials that relied on forced confessions,' the group claimed.

He was found guilty of entering a restricted military site in Tehran, damaging and setting fire to the facility and attempting to seize weapons and ammunition.

Amnesty International has warned that four other protesters sentenced in the same case  Mohammad Amin Biglari, Ali Fahim, Abolfazl Salehi Siavashani and Shahin Vahedparast Kolo  will be executed soon, one each day.

The two dissidents, Vahid Bani Amerian and Abolhassan Montazer, also remain at imminent risk since their transfer to an undisclosed location on 30 March.

Hatami's execution comes just days after four top anti-regime figures were killed, while another 15 political prisoners have been sentenced to death in recent days.

Rights groups are becoming increasingly concerned that Tehran is intensifying executions against political detainees and protesters amid mounting military and international pressure.

Teen protester Amirhossein Hatami has been executed in Iran

Boxer Saleh Mohammadi, Mehdi Ghasemi and Saeed Davodi in footage of the trial published by Iranian state media, were executed in March

Families and residents gather at the Kahrizak Coroner's Office, confronting rows of body bags as they search for relatives killed during the regime's violent crackdown on protests in January

The National Council of Resistance of Iran, a political coalition formed by exiled dissidents, warned of a potential upcoming 'massacre' in the country's prisons as rattled leaders attempt to crush any notion of another mass uprising.

The brutal new clampdown comes as the US and Israel continue to hammer the country with bombs.

It also comes weeks after Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei - who oversaw the slaughter of tens of thousands of rioters in January - was wiped out in an airstrike, leaving his son Mojtaba in charge.

During a briefing on Wednesday, the NCRI's Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Mohammad Mohaddessin said Mr Mohaddessin warned that the killings of Pouya Ghobadi, Babak Alipour, Mohammad Taghavi Sangdehi and Ali Akbar Daneshvarkar - all members of the People's Mojahedin Organisation of Iran who were killed this week- were the product of the regime trying to 'exert control.'

'These executions were not only the taking of four lives, but they were also a message from the regime,' Mr Mohaddessin said.

'Why were they executed now? During a very hard external war? Because the regime leadership is extremely concerned about the domestic situation and the possibility of another uprising,' he said.

'The regime wants these executions to intimidate, to send a warning.'

Mr Mohaddessin added that scores of prisoners are still at risk of execution and said that a court in Iran has already confirmed the death sentences of 15 other members of the PMOI.

He also warned that the world was witnessing a 'prelude to a massacre of political prisoners, similar to 1988, when the regime, facing the consequences of its defeat in war with Iraq, carried out mass executions in which 30,000 political prisoners were executed.'

Citing Iranian dissident politician Maryam Rajavi, he added that Tehran's executions reflect the regime's 'fear and desperation' in the face of an enraged population and growing support for the Resistance Units and the Liberation Army.

'Carrying out such executions amid an external war is a clear admission that the regime's principal enemy is the Iranian people and their Resistance.

'Although the regime seeks to exploit external war to mask its deep and unresolved internal crises, it cannot escape its inevitable overthrow by the people and the Resistance,' he added.

He also urged the international community to take effective measures to halt executions in Iran.

Iranian police special forces stand guard during a funeral procession for Alireza Tangsiri, head of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy, and others killed in Israeli strikes in late March, in Tehran, Iran, Wednesday, April 1, 2026

Babak Alipour was among a group of four men executed in secret this week in Iran

Pictured: Mohammad Taghavi Sangdehi

The NCRI's warnings come following the hangings of political prisoners Pouya Ghobadi and Babak Alipour on Tuesday.

Their deaths came a day after the deaths of Mohammad Taghavi Sangdehi and Ali Akbar Daneshvarkar.

All four were political prisoners belonging to PMOI and had been sentenced to death over two years ago.

According to NGO Iran Human Rights, their executions were carried out in secret, without their families being notified in advance.

Last month, Iran executed three men convicted of killing two police officers during the January protests.

Champion wrestler Saleh Mohammadi, 19, was reportedly killed in a public hanging along with Mehdi Ghasemi and Saeed Davoudi in the city of Qom.

Mohammadi was sentenced to death in February, less than three weeks after his arrest, over the murder of a security agent during the anti-regime protests on January 8, according to Amnesty International.

He denied the accusation and claimed his earlier confessions had been extracted under torture. But the court dismissed his claims without any investigation.

Ali Akbar Daneshvarkar, who was also executed this week, was a member of the People's Mojahedin Organisation of Iran

Ghasemi was accused of participating in the killing along with Davoudi, who was also accused of murdering another policeman on the same day.

Their deaths, which marked the first official executions related to the protests which began last year, were reported by the judiciary's Mizan Online new agency.

The individuals were involved in the killing of two law enforcement personnel, Mizan said, adding that their execution was carried out after they were found guilty of the capital offence of 'moharebeh', or 'waging war against God'.

Iran Human Rights condemned the three men's deaths, claiming they followed 'grossly unfair trials, based on confessions extracted under torture and coercion'.

'We consider these executions to constitute extrajudicial killings, carried out with the intent of creating terror to suppress political dissent,' the Norway-based NGO added.

Protests broke out in Iran in late December against the rising cost of living before morphing into nationwide anti-government demonstrations that peaked on January 8 and 9.

Iranian authorities later launched a brutal crackdown on the protests claiming they had turned into 'foreign-instigated riots' involving killings and vandalism.

Tehran has acknowledged that more than 3,000 people died during the unrest and attributed the violence to 'terrorist acts'.

The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), however, has recorded more than 7,000 killings, while warning the toll could be far higher.

The brutal crackdown also saw the deaths of more than 220 children, the agency said.

Other human rights organisations have tallied many more, and medical professionals have estimated that 30,000 could have been killed.

Pouya Ghobadi was executed this week

By late December, as protests slowly began to take hold across Iran, the regime had already carried out more than 2,200 executions in 91 cities, according to the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI).

This was the highest figure in decades, signifying an unprecedented peak in brutality in Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's 36-year rule as Supreme Leader before his death.

In the aftermath of the security forces' brutal massacre of protestors on January 8, 9 and 10, many Iranians describe a 'sea of blood' separating civilians from the lethal government that rules them.

The protestors arrested in the government crackdown have alleged abuse while in custody, including forced nudity, exposure to cold conditions and 'injections with substances of unknown composition', according to Iran International, citing a source close to a detainee in prison.
A new study has found that Labour's chaotic tax policies are pushing Britain's wealthy to consider moving abroad.

The survey of 200 multi-millionaires with a fortunate of at least 50million revealed that the Government's U-turn tax policies were a bigger factor in deciding whether to leave the UK than the rate of the tax itself.

Two-thirds of ultra-wealthy individuals were found to have considered leaving Britain in the last year for tax reasons, the poll by accountancy firm BDO showed, citing a 'trust gap' between the rich and the Labour Government.

While 42 per cent of respondents said tax policies were the main driver of their decision rather than high tax rates - which were given by just 18 per cent as a factor in leaving.

Analysis also showed that 55 per cent of ultra-wealthy and their inheritors felt people had a responsibility, not an obligation, to pay tax, while 82 per cent thought tax was a 'social responsibility to be paid in full'. The problem, therefore, seems political.

Expert Elsa Littlewood said the ultra wealthy are suffering from 'change fatigue' within the tax system, and are 'under constant pressure'.

Ms Littlewood said: 'My sense is that they didnt want to go. But year on year theres been change after change, and living with that instability is wearing them down.

'For many, the final straw came when the government started making big changes to inheritance tax and noises around big capital taxes. They feel that they are under constant pressure.'

Under Rachel Reeves' chancellorship, the non-dom status which allowed UK residents with a permanent home outside the UK to pay UK tax only on money earned within the UK was scrapped, prompting many to leave Britain

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Billionaire property developer Richard Livingstone (pictured with his wife Natalie) was one of Britain's many ultra-rich who left Britain following Rachel Reeves' tax raids

Billionaire former Labour donor Lakshmi Mittal (pictured) also quit Britain

BDO cited the Government's threats to significantly change inheritance tax and also make changes to capital gains tax (CGT) as the last straw for many ultra-rich Britons.

Under Rachel Reeves' chancellorship, the non-dom status which allowed UK residents with a permanent home outside the UK to pay UK tax only on money earned within the UK was scrapped.

This change prompted a number of big business names to leave the country.

Subsequent rumours over more future taxes were then floated, including an increase on CGT in the second Budget, which caused uncertainty and likely contributed to the 'lack of trust' many of the millionaires polled said they had towards the Government.

But she instead increased tax rates on savings and dividends and hit homeowners with a 'mansion tax' last November, barely making any changes to CGT as had been suggested.

One billionaire, and former Labour donor, who quit Britain following Rachel Reeves' tax raids was Lakshmi Mittal.

The Indian-born steel tycoon will now reportedly spend much of the future in Dubai and is registered as a resident in Switzerland for tax.

Others among the billionaire exodus from Britain included Revolut boss Nikolay Storonsky and Nassef Sawiris, the Egyptian co-owner of Aston Villa FC.

Brothers Ian and Richard Livingstone also followed and headed for Monaco. The business-minded siblings oversee a 9billion property empire in the UK and abroad, an online casino and plush Monte Carlo hotel.

Another billionaire developer, Malawi-born Asif Aziz - owner of the former London Trocadero on Piccadilly Circus - moved his tax residency to Abu Dhabi at the end of last year.
The former boss of London's Pride march has accused 'a group of white directors' of plotting to oust him from his role.

Christopher Joell-Deshields, who had been CEO of Pride in London since 2021, was let go last month following an investigation into allegations over misconduct.

Whistleblowers claimed he had spent 7,125 of vouchers intended for volunteers on items including an Apple HomePod speaker, Apple AirPod earphones and colognes including Creed Aventus, which retails from 165.

The pattern of the purchases 'strongly' suggested they were for 'personal - rather than organisational - benefit', they said.

Mr Joell-Deshields was subsequently investigated over the claims made by a group of volunteer directors for London LGBT Community Pride, the trading name for Pride in London, which runs parts of the annual event.

Pride later announced Mr Joell-Deshields was 'no longer employed by or affiliated with the organisation', although it did not say whether the allegations against him had been proved.

He denied any wrongdoing and appealed against the decision, but it was subsequently upheld by an independent reviewer.

Mr Joell-Deshields has since broken his silence amid the allegations, claiming they are part of a 'narrative that was deliberately constructed and leaked by a group of white directors who carried out a boardroom takeover and then positioned themselves as the solution '.

Pride in London CEO Christopher Joelle-Deshields (pictured) was sacked after an investigation into allegations he misused donations to buy Apple products

Mr Joelle-Deshields (pictured centre in black) takes part in last year's London Pride event alongside Naomi Campbell (third from left, front) and Mayor of London Sadiq Khan (fourth from right, front)

He continued in a post on Linkedin: 'Theres been no finding against me, yet people are comfortable repeating allegations as if theyre truth. That should concern all of us.

'Whats missing from these conversations is how quickly a Black leader can be publicly discredited, while the actions of those now in control go largely unquestioned.

'Pride isnt damaged by one person  its damaged when governance is manipulated, stories are selectively told, and people dont stop to question what theyre being fed.

'If you care about Pride, then care about the full picture  not just the version that was handed to you.'

In a follow up post Mr Joell-Deshields added he has 'never been charged with a crime' and is instead engaged in a 'civil employment dispute'.

Pride announced Mr Joell-Deshields' departure on Tuesday. The BBC reported that he was being paid his full 87,500 salary whilst suspended, prior to his dismissal at the end of last month.

The group said: 'In September 2025, the London LGBT Community Pride Board (trading as Pride in London) commissioned an independent investigation into allegations relating to Christopher Joell-Deshields conduct while he was CEO of Pride in London, prior to his suspension by the Board on 29th August 2025.

'Following the findings of the independent investigation, his employment has been terminated. This decision has been reviewed and upheld by an independent counsel following an appeal process.'

It has appointed Rebecca Paisis as interim CEO, who said in a statement that she was focused on 'delivering another safe and successful event and leading the organisation with integrity.'

Pride in London and Mr Joell-Deshields have both been contacted for comment.

Pride in London costs more than 1million to put on each year and sees more than a million people take to the streets of the capital

Despite his departure, Mr Joell-Deshields remains in a legal dispute with the organisation after he was accused of trying to frustrate the investigation.

In September, a High Court judge granted an injunction against the former Pride boss, requiring him to hand back control of Pride's operational systems and bank accounts, and work equipment he had been given.

It served to effectively block him from speaking on Pride's behalf. However, he continued to tell the press that he remained CEO regardless.

Companies House records show his control of the company was cut off on August 27 2025.

He previously told the Guardian: 'The current legal and governance matters relate to the organisation itself.

'These matters are being addressed through the appropriate channels, and it would be inappropriate to litigate them in the press.

'Nothing in this statement should be interpreted as an admission of any allegation, nor does it comment on any other individual.'

However, he appeared in court in January accused of two counts of contempt of court for failing to comply with the order.

He admitted one count of contempt for failing to provide a signed statement confirming he had returned property.

However, his representatives said he had not returned a company laptop as it was bought for him after his own personal laptop was damaged while it was being used for work.

It is understood that Pride in London bosses eventually regained access to their systems and accounts.

Mr Joell-Deshields (pictured) had been CEO of Pride in London since 2021

The BBC reports that lawyers for Pride in London returned to court on March 27, alleging that company property including a laptop had not been returned seven months after he was asked to hand them back.

The High Court made an order to find in Pride's favour if he does not file a defence in the next two weeks.

Pride is expected to go ahead as normal in July. The event costs upwards of 1million to run each year, largely funded by corporate sponsors who pay up to 8,500 to enter a float into the parade, which is watched by over a million people.

It also receives 125,000 from the Greater London Authority - the office of the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan - for the Pride parade each year.

However, it is thought that cutbacks in diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI) initiatives have presented a challenge for Pride events.

Liverpool Pride was cancelled last year amid financial pressures before being relaunched on a smaller scale, while Manchester Pride entered liquidation in 2025 owing 70,000 to performers and 1.3million to suppliers.

Pride in London was also targeted by pro-Palestine protesters last year.

Activists threw red paint on the lead float in the parade in protest at the event's sponsorship by firms they said were linked to Israel's military action in Gaza.
This is the moment armed police raided the home of a woman who is suspected of being part of a trafficking ring which smuggled 1,000 Vietnamese migrants into Britain.

Officers from the National Crime Agency hauled the woman and two others into custody during raids across the UK on Monday morning.

A 25-year-old woman, who is suspected of laundering money for the smuggling gang, was detained at an address in Wrexham.

Footage showed several NCA officers entering her address and arresting her while she was sat on her sofa in a dressing gown. She was escorted into a police car and taken away.

A 25-year-old man, suspected of organising smuggling through lower members of the crime group, was arrested in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne. A 26-year-old man, suspected of overseeing accommodation in the UK for migrants, was caught in Birmingham after French officials issued a warrant for his arrest.

He has been remanded into custody and will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Monday as the process to deport him gets underway.

French police arrested a further 16 people in and around Paris in simultaneous raids in a joint UK  European operation.

The NCA has confirmed that the raids related to an ongoing people smuggling operation. Five other men - alleged to be key figures in a Vietnamese organised crime group - were charged in England earlier this year.

A 25-year-old woman, who is suspected of laundering money for the smuggling gang, was detained at an address in Wrexham

French police arrested a further 16 people in and around Paris in simultaneous raids in a joint UK  European operation

Police believe the gang smuggled 1,000 migrants from France into the UK on small boats and in the back of lorries, making an estimated 44million in turnover.

The investigation revealed that the network organised over 200 trips, charging migrants as much as 40,000 per trip.

NCA officers say many of the migrants are unable to pay the smugglers for the cost of the trip, making them vulnerable to sexual and labour exploitation to repay their debts.

The three arrested on Monday are believed to have been keeping hold of the migrants' genuine passports as 'debt bondage'.

The organised group targeted are suspected of facilitating travel for migrants from Vietnam to central and Eastern Europe on commercial airlines - before moving onto France and the UK on small boats or lorries.

Alex Norris, Minister for Border Security and Asylum, said: 'This government is bearing down on those who attempt to abuse our borders.

'These arrests demonstrate the strength of our cooperation with France in confronting the criminal networks behind the unacceptable Channel crossings which threaten our border security.

More than 40 illegal migrants were found during searches of properties in France

Police in France found travel documents, cash, phones and other electronic devices

'We are strengthening law enforcement powers so officers can intercept, detain and arrest people smugglers faster to restore order and control to our borders.'

Alex Cruise, NCA Senior Investigating Officer, said: 'These arrests are a great example of partnership working with our colleagues in France to tackle the groups behind dangerous crossings to the UK. Such journeys put those being moved at great risk and undermine border security.

'Tackling people smuggling remains a top priority for the NCA, and this is one of approximately 100 ongoing investigations targeting groups or individuals both directly involved in organising journeys, or those who facilitate that criminality.

'Our investigation continues with the evidence we have gathered today.'
Repeatedly telling your boss that they are not competent is not a sackable offence, a tribunal has ruled.

The decision comes after an engineering worker discovered his new manager was not a qualified engineer and informed him on several occasions he was not capable of doing the job.

Andrew Estcourt had been working on a large-scale engineering project at the time and expressed doubts about his boss's competence over three months, both in person and via email.

He was sacked from his role for being 'obstructive', but took the case to an employment tribunal where he has now won 66,295 in compensation.

Mr Estcourt began working for construction company Skanska in 2011 before joining a joint venture with Morrison Energy Services to work on contracts with National Grid and Cadent. He ultimately became chief engineer in 2018.

His main work focused on designing the engineering for excavations required to replace gas mains in North London.

In November 2020, he was told that he would be working on a project with James Irving, who was a safety specialist and not an engineer.

Mr Estcourt believed Mr Irving would not be able to fulfil the role as he did not have an engineering qualification.

However he was reassured that there had been an appropriate selection process.

In January 2021, Mr Estcourt told Mr Irving during a Teams meeting with colleagues that he did not believe he was competent for the role.

Repeatedly telling your boss that they are not competent is not a sackable offence, a tribunal has ruled

Mr Irving disagreed and said he was particularly aware of the health and safety aspects of the work.

However, between then and April 2021, Mr Estcourt told him on a number of occasions in person and on an email that he did not think he was competent.

Mr Estcourt, who had been transferred onto the project under protest, was now directly managed by Mr Irving.

He also emailed the executive director of the company and said that he did not believe that his colleague was competent - but did not receive a reply.

Later that month, his Morrison Energy Services received a letter from Cadent Gas, to whom they were being contracted, saying that Mr Estcourt should be 'removed immediately' from the contract as he had been 'obstructive' and 'unsupportive'.

The next day he was told that he had been dismissed from the project and suspended on full pay.

He sent an email to HR challenging the decision and later raised a grievance against the company.

His grievance, which included not being updated about the HR process, was dismissed and he started looking for jobs elsewhere.

Mr Estcourt took the case to a tribunal in Watford where his claim of unfair dismissal was successful after a judge concluded the only reason for his sacking was judged to be his protected disclosures.

Mr Estcourt told the tribunal that the sacking had made him feel 'humiliated' and damaged his reputation within the sector.

He said he had become socially withdrawn, distracted and irritable and was diagnosed with hypertension in 2022.

The tribunal awarded him 66,295 in compensation for his sacking and 1,800 in legal costs.

Employment Judge Sally Cowen said: 'The Tribunal concluded that in order to be a fair and reasonable process, (Morrison Energy Services) would have to be satisfied that the removal was a reasonable request on the basis of the reasons given, before proceeding to consider redeployment or dismissal.'

But the judge found that Mr Estcourt was considered an 'exemplary employee' and that the company was aware 'they did not have justifiable reasons' to dismiss him.
A school bully was arrested on suspicion of murder over claims she tossed a metal bottle at 12-year-old girl and killed her.

The unidentified girl, who is also 12, was arrested by the Los Angeles Police Department after the death of Khimberly Zavaleta in February.

Zavaleta's family claimed she was struck in the head by a metal bottle thrown at her in a hallway of Reseda High School, in Los Angeles.

Relatives said that Zavaleta was stepping in to protect her younger sister who was being bullied when she was allegedly struck by the girl.

She was taken to the emergency room for treatment and released the same day but 10 days later she suffered a brain hemorrhage and collapsed.

She was rushed to hospital, where she was put into an induced coma and underwent emergency surgery before she died after going into heart failure.

Her mother Elma Chuqipa previously told KTLA: 'God is touching the heart of many people who are coming to ask for justice and to support me. I feel happy that at some point there will be justice.'

Since her passing, a protest was held outside the school organized by her friend Dayari Diaz, a fellow student.

Khimberly Zavaleta, seen here, died after being struck in the head with a metal bottle, her family have claimed

She was taken to the emergency room for treatment and released the same day but 10 days later she suffered a brain hemorrhage and collapsed

She told NBC Los Angeles: 'We're all sad. Because she was the one who gave all the energy to us, because she was so happy. She was always smiling.'

Diaz added that she wanted justice for her late friend, while also claiming that the school was 'not doing anything'.

A GoFundMe page was also set up to pay for her medical bills and cover funeral expenses, as of Friday it had raised just over $149,000.

A post to the fundraiser said: 'A metal bottle thrown during a school bullying incident struck her in the head. Days later, her brain hemorrhaged. She never came home.

'As the baby of our family, she brought a special light and joy into our lives. She loved her family, music, volleyball, walks with her two beloved dogs, and had many dreams for the future.

'Tragically, Khimberlys life was cut short following a bullying incident at school, whereby another student threw a metal water bottle that struck her in the head.

'Days later, she suffered a catastrophic medical emergency. Major blood vessels in her brain ruptured, and she was rushed to UCLA Children's Hospital, placed in an induced coma, and underwent complex emergency brain surgery.

'Her family remained by her side, praying and hoping she would come home, but at 3:30AM, her heart gave out. She was only twelve.'

She was rushed to hospital, where she was put into an induced coma and underwent emergency surgery before she died after going into heart failure

Zavaleta, seen here on the right in pink, was described as being 'always happy' and 'always smiling' by a classmate

In a statement, the Los Angeles Unified School District said: 'The Los Angeles Unified School District is deeply saddened by the death of a Reseda High School student.

'Our thoughts and condolences are with the students family, friends, and the entire school community.

'Out of respect for the family and to protect confidentiality, we cannot share details.

'The District remains committed to providing support to students, staff, and families affected by this loss, including counseling services and additional resources on campus.

'The District takes the safety and well-being of our students very seriously. We are currently cooperating with law enforcement in connection with this incident.'
A Las Vegas Marine veteran said his wife was deported to Moldova after she was detained by ICE during a green card interview.

Diana Butnarciuc was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during the routine interview on February 11 and sent back to her home country less than two months later, leaving behind two confused and distraught children.

'We went in at 8.20am, spoke to the officer for about five minutes, and that's when ICE entered the office,' her husband Patrick Baja, 44, told KTNV.

'I'm a Marine Corps veteran. She's my everything, my rock, and you'd think they would help us out a little in that situation.'

Butnarciuc entered the US in 2008 and claimed political asylum, however, that claim was denied in 2017 and a removal order was issued, Baja told KLAS.

The couple filed an I-130 form in 2020, which initiates the process of getting a green card based on marriage.

Their immigration lawyer, Darren Heyman, told the local news station they waited five years for an interview, and when they finally got their chance, Butnarciuc was detained.

'She would otherwise be entitled to a green card in this country. She entered legally. She has zero criminal record. We just want her to be given the same process that's been given to lots of people before,' Heyman said.

Las Vegas Marine veteran Patrick Baja said his wife, Diana Butnarciuc, was detained by ICE at her green card interview and deported to Moldova

Baja said his wife left her two children behind and he is disappointed because he expected more help due to his military service

She was held at the Henderson Detention Center until she was deported less than two months later.

'She came in legally to the United States with political asylum, and she's been working since the beginning - everything has been to a T, legal,' Baja said.

'Everything we did was legal. She was here legally, never had a criminal record, worked for years. That's the misconception, people think she must have done something wrong.'

He added, 'They didn't explain the process at all. They just took her and said, 'We'll get to the bottom of this,' and that's really it. It was just very mind-blowing.'

Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford told KLAS that Butnarciuc's case is just one example of the Trump administration's immigration crackdown.

'The fact is, what we're seeing happening is atrocious across the nation. ICE is out of hand,' Ford said.

Butnarciuc entered the US in 2008 and claimed political asylum, however, that claim was denied in 2017 and a removal order was issued. The couple applied for an I-130 in 2020

'Have been clear that as the Nevada Attorney General, I represent the entirety of the Nevada family, and I mean that.

'I don't care if you've been here three generations or for three days. If you live in the state of Nevada, I'm your attorney general, and I will stand up for your rights.'

The Daily Mail contacted Butnarciuc's immigration attorney, Baja, ICE and DHS for comment.
A Georgia mother is desperately trying to bring her daughter home after she was killed in a 'freak' ziplining accident during a Caribbean birthday trip with friends.

Tamirah Dix, 40, of Atlanta, allegedly struck her head during a ziplining excursion in Puerto Rico on Saturday and died later that night after experiencing seizures, according to 11 Alive News.

Her family, who described themselves as 'heartbroken and confused,' are now grappling with the unexpected and costly process of returning her body to her hometown of Marietta.

'I never thought I'd be burying my child,' Tamirah's mother, Vanessa Dix, told the outlet.

Loved ones of the avid traveler launched a GoFundMe page to cover the cost of transporting Tamirah back to the US, where they hope to hold a funeral and better understand what happened in her final hours.

'This loss has been devastating, and we are now faced with the challenge of bringing her home and arranging a proper farewell,' the fundraiser read.

'The costs of transportation to the state and funeral services are more than we can manage alone, so we are humbly asking for help from our community,' it added.

As of Friday morning, more than $18,370 has been raised toward the $20,000 goal, and the family is hoping to have her returned by the weekend so they can begin arranging services.

Georgia mother Vanessa Dix (left) is trying to bring her daughter (right) home after she was killed in a 'freak' ziplining accident in Puerto Rico

Tamirah Dix (pictured), 40, allegedly struck her head during a ziplining excursion and died later that night after experiencing seizures

Vanessa (pictured) told 11 Alive News through tears: 'I never thought I'd be burying my child'

Even though Puerto Rican authorities have reportedly completed their investigation and are awaiting autopsy results, questions surrounding Tamirah's sudden death continue to intensify.

'It doesn't sit right with y'all, it doesn't sit right with me,' Shadi Dix, Tamirah's younger brother, told WSB-TV 2 News.

'I don't know how it went down or went up - was it a branch, was it a leaf? Was she on the zipline or was it after the zipline?' he added. 'There are just so many questions and there's not any answers.'

Tamirah was visiting Orocovis, a mountainous town about an hour outside San Juan, with her fiance for a friend's birthday celebration - an area known for its hiking, swimming, camping, and zipline adventures.

But late Saturday night, Vanessa received the devastating call that her 40-year-old daughter had died.

'They say she got hit in the face - I don't know - and from then on they went to get something to eat,' her mother told the outlet.

'She felt nauseated so she threw up and I understand it went down from there,' she added.

Later that night, after going to sleep, family members said Tamirah began having seizures and died while being rushed to the hospital.

Shadi Dix, Tamirah's younger brother (both pictured), expressed frustration over the lack of information regarding her death, including a timeline of the injury

Authorities told Tamirah's family that preliminary information points to an 'accidental hit to her head' during the excursion

Shadi said it was no surprise that Tamirah went ziplining, as they both shared a love for adventure (both pictured)

Brittani Hebron, Tamirahs best friend, who met her on the dance team before graduating from Marietta High School in 2004, also recalled receiving the same call that loved ones struggled to process.

'I was just crushed. I had to pull over,' Hebron told 11 Alive. 'I was on the way to do some hair, and on the highway, I had to pull over when I got the news.'

'I'm really crushed because that's my everyday person. I'm on the phone with her at work, I'm on the phone with her after work,' she added, describing Tamirah as the 'life of the party.'

The pair considered themselves sisters, dubbed themselves the 'Golden Girls,' and have remained inseparable since their freshman year of high school.

'She'll lift me up, pick me up. She likes to elevate people,' Hebron said.

'We were old ladies. We didn't like to go out,' she laughed. 'Even though she was the life of the party when she was there, but most of the time we enjoyed being home. You know, chit-chatting, talking crap.'

Tamirah was known for being adventurous, fearless and caring, with a profound love for her family - especially her nieces and nephews.

Her niece Ryleigh told Fox: 'She was the best auntie I could ever have. I never dreamed of having an auntie that can give me everything.'

Family members said that Tamirah began having seizures and died while being rushed to the hospital

Brittani Hebron, Tamirahs best friend, said she was 'crushed' upon hearing the news and had to pull over

Tamirah was known for being adventurous, fearless and caring

Tamirah's brother Shadi explained that his sister was 'so healthy' and 'traveled lots,' adding that her journey to the Caribbean 'wasn't a factor in the tragic accident.'

He also said it was no surprise that she went ziplining, noting that they both shared a love for adventure and that he 'probably would have gone with her.'

'To know her is to love her,' Shadi told Fox 5 Atlanta News through tears, adding that he now feels lost without her and wishes for just one more adventure with his older sister.

'She made sure I was up in the morning, made sure I got off the bus, made sure I ate. She was a good big sister,' he added. 'She's very special, very special and loved.'

Shadi has taken the lead in pushing for answers, as he and his family remain unable to understand how their loved one died from an activity so common on vacations.

According to the GoFundMe page, authorities told the family that while the investigation is ongoing, preliminary information points to an 'accidental hit to her head.'

Yet Shadi shared the ongoing frustration they feel over the lack of specific information, including a detailed timeline of the injury.

'We were probably planning on going skydiving one day, so this is the least of our extreme activities,' he told the outlet. 'I don't have any answers yet.'

Less than a year before her death, Tamirah earned a degree in Health Information Management Technology

Shadi has taken the lead in pushing for answers, as he remains unable to understand how his sister died from a common vacation activity

Friends and family will gather for a vigil honoring Tamirah on Saturday

Tamirah was studying at Clayton State University and expected to graduate with a bachelors degree in Applied Science in May 2029, according to her LinkedIn.

Less than a year before her death, she earned a degree in Health Information Management Technology from Georgia Piedmont Technical College.

In a heartbreaking tribute, the school said: 'She inspired those around her through her growth, determination and willingness to lead, making a meaningful and lasting impact on our college community.'

Friends and family will gather for a vigil on Saturday, April 4, from 5pm to 8pm at 545 Washington Avenue in Marietta.
A jealous ex-boyfriend, who planned a sulfuric acid attack on his former girlfriend, mocked her resemblance to a horror movie villain after leaving her disfigured, a court said.

Shaquille Coke, 31, of Brooklyn, New York, pleaded not guilty on March 24 for first-degree assault.

He and his alleged co-conspirator, Terrell Campbell, are accused of throwing 70 percent sulfuric acid on Coke's ex-girlfriend, Nafiah Ikram, outside her Long Island home in 2021.

The acid, a highly corrosive mineral acid found in lead-acid batteries, left her face and body disfigured, causing her to lose one of her eyes.

After the attack, Coke allegedly created a fake Snapchat account to harass the victim, including sending vile messages and mocking her injuries by calling her Freddy Krueger, the antagonist in A Nightmare on Elm Street, prosecutors said, according to Fox News.

Krueger was burned alive by his parents in the movie's storyline, leaving him disfigured and with horrific scars across his face.

Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly said Coke was a 'jealous, possessive, and jilted former boyfriend.'

Coke was arrested in March 2026 - exactly five years after he and Campbell, 29, also of Brooklyn, executed the attack.

Shaquille Coke, 31, of Brooklyn, New York, is accused of being the getaway driver in the acid attack on his ex-girlfriend, Nafiah Ikram, outside her Long Island home in 2021

Ikram, before the attack, and Coke dated for a brief few months in 2020 and 2021

Krueger was burned alive by his parents in A Nightmare on Elm Street, leaving him disfigured and with scars

Campbell is accused of actually throwing the cup of liquid on Ikram, the Nassau County District Attorney's Office said.

Through phone records and text messages, prosecutors were able to determine Campbell and Coke, who have been friends since high school, met up roughly an hour before the attack occurred.

Coke, a nursing student, drove the getaway vehicle, prosecutors alleged, and made vague statements to police about wanting something 'devastating' to happen to Ikram, who is an aspiring doctor.

The pair had dated for a brief few months between 2020 and 2021. They met at Hofstra University, where they both attended.

Donnelly said Coke believed Ikram had been unfaithful in their relationship and never got over their separation.

'The attack was meant to terrorize her. It was meant to mutilate and humiliate her,' Donnelly said.

Ikram said she was 'shocked' to learn of her ex-boyfriend's arrest.

'I'm trying to just decompress and figure out how I'm feeling emotionally, so that's all I can say right now,' she said, according to NBC New York.

After the attack, Ikram had to undergo multiple surgeries, infections, skin grafts, and regular esophageal dilation to allow her to eat and breathe normally

Ikram, seen in March 2026, was shocked when her ex-boyfriend was arrested in March 2026 - five years after the attack

After the attack, Campbell, an aspiring rapper, posted a song called Obsidian to YouTube under his rap name YungBasedPrince in 2023.

'I'm discreet in the night, like a hitman assassin,' he rapped. 'Try to run up and have your face burning, acid.'

Nassau County prosecutors ridiculed his song in a statement, saying he 'brazenly used the attack as material to further his rap career, publishing a video with lyrics that neatly fit the narrative of the crime.'

'Terrell Campbell thought he was home free, but he could not have been more wrong,' DA Donnelly said in a statement.

'The past five years have not been easy on this young woman. She survived the attack, but that was the beginning of a long, painful journey of recovery filled with unanswered questions. We were finally able to provide her with some answers.'

Ikram, a pre-med student, attended the press conference where they announced Campbell's indictment in February.

Ikram had been helping her mother bring in items from their car when Campbell attacked her with a liquid mixture that was 70 percent sulfuric acid, prosecutors said.

The acid got into her throat and splashed her eye, causing her to collapse on the pavement in excruciating pain. She suffered second and third-degree burns to her face, arms, wrists, shoulders, right eye, and esophagus.

Prosecutors called Coke a 'jealous' ex-boyfriend who couldn't get over their breakup

After the attack, Campbell, an aspiring rapper, posted a song called Obsidian to YouTube under his rap name YungBasedPrince in 2023, where he sung about an acid attack

She's had to undergo multiple surgeries, infections, skin grafts, and regular esophageal dilation to allow her to eat and breathe normally, prosecutors said. She also suffers from limited vision in one of her eyes.

Campbell's indictment comes after community members helped lead investigators to the wannabe rapper.

The red Nissan seen in the surveillance was a key piece of evidence, as community members told investigators he regularly drove the car under a family member's name, as he had multiple violations on his license.

Cell phone evidence also showed he had searched 'sulfuric acid remover,' 'sulfuric acid on car seat,' and 'can you recover from sulfuric acid burn.'

He also searched: 'Acid attack Franklin Square Long Island,' prosecutors said.

Campbell, who also pleaded not guilty, faces up to 25 years in prison.

Coke faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted.
Tributes have poured in for four alpacas mauled to death by Rottweilers at a farm.

A pair of dogs attacked six of the animals in the village of Wisbech St Mary, Cambridgeshire in the early hours of March 24.

Two survivors suffered facial injuries.

The assault took place just days after new laws were brought in to protect livestock - including alpacas.

Locals have spoken out in the aftermath of the incident - Chrissie McClusky said, 'so awful' while Maxine Law added, 'so very sad'.

Cambridgeshire Police said they were 'issuing a reminder to dog walkers to keep puts under control'.

A spokesman added: 'Officers from the Rural Crime Action Team were called to a farm in Wisbech St Mary following reports two dogs were attacking the livestock.

'The attack left four alpacas dead and a further two with facial injuries that required immediate veterinary care.

'Officers seized the two dogs involved and an investigation into attacking and worrying livestock is ongoing.'

A pair of dogs attacked six of the animals in the village of Wisbech St Mary, Cambridgeshire. Two survivors survived facial injuries. One of them is pictured here

Sergeant Tom Nuttall, from the force's RCAT, said: 'This was an extremely distressing incident for all involved.

'And I would like to thank the victim and the dog owner for continuing to be cooperative with our investigation.

'Livestock worrying is a criminal offence under UK law. Following the introduction of the Dogs Protection of Livestock Amendment Act 2025 last month, llamas and alpacas are now included in the definition of livestock.

'I would like to remind dog owners to ensure their animals are kept secure and on a lead in the rural areas of our county in a bid to keep all animals safe.'

Dog owners have been advised to keep their pets on a lead near livestock and call the police straight away if they attack farm animals.

And farmers have been told to have clear signs and use CCTV and electric fencing.
Chaos is unfolding in the Iran war after multiple US aircraft crashes were reported Friday, as an urgent search-and-rescue mission continues for a downed American pilot behind enemy lines.

An American F-15E Strike Eagle was shot down over Southern Iran earlier Friday, ejecting two pilots into enemy territory.

One of the American fighter pilots has been rescued by US forces, two US officials have confirmed. A second crew member remains missing, CBS News reported.

Donald Trump has been briefed on the rescue mission, the White House confirmed.

A senior administration official told the Daily Mail that the President's national security team is gathered at the White House and the President has been working all day from the Oval Office, or the Oval's dining room, receiving updates.

In a brief phone interview, Trump declined to discuss details of the search and rescue operation.

When asked by NBC News reporter Garrett Haake if the pilot crashes will affect negotiations with Iran, the President responded: 'No, not at all. No, its war. We're in war, Garrett.'

It marked the first time a US jet has been downed by enemy fire since the start of the war 35 days ago.

Meanwhile, Newsmax reported that a US Black Hawk was hit by enemy fire while conducting rescue operations for the pilots. The crew is reportedly accounted for and is safe.

An A-10 Warthog combat plane crashed in the Persian Gulf near the Strait on Hormuz on Friday but the pilot was rescued, according to the New York Times.

Later Friday, Iranian state media claimed credit for the plane crash, saying Iranian defense forces struck the A-10.

Iranian state media also urged civilians to capture the pilots on the Strike Eagle, with a 'reward' offered by the Islamic regime.

Israeli media reported that the missing airmen has likely sent out his emergency location signal out to the rescue team.

An A-10 Warthog combat plane crashed in the Persian Gulf near the Strait on Hormuz on Friday but the pilot was reportedly rescued

An Iranian state-run news agency aired footage on Friday of a female anchor calling on civilians to help capture pilots of an American F-15E Strike Eagle that the regime says was allegedly shot down

A photo emerged on Friday of an ejection seat as the whereabouts or status of the crew currently remains unknown

Footage has emerged of tribesman shooting at what appears to be an Air Force HC-130J Combat King II, a specialized search and rescue plane.

Separate videos purported to show a US KC-130 refueling tanker and two HH-60 Pave Hawk search and rescue helicopters.

Iranian media released images showing debris as well as ejector seats from the downed F-15E, which costs approximately $100 million.

An anchor on Iranian state media urged local residents in Southern Iran to hunt down and hand over the 'enemy pilot' to regime authorities.

The local TV channel is based in Kohkilouyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province, an intensely rural and mountainous region, the Associated Press reported.

Viewers were also told to 'shoot them if you see them,' referring to US aircrafts flying low in the region in an apparent search for the crew members.

Footage has emerged of Iranians shooting at US rescue planes

Footage has emerged of tribesman shooting at what appears to be an Air Force HC-130J Combat King II, a specialized search and rescue aircraft. Separate videos purported to show a US KC-130 refueling tanker and two HH-60 Pave Hawk search and rescue helicopters.

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The regime has previously made a series of false claims about shooting down piloted US planes.

However, Friday was the first time state media has called on the public to look for the suspected American pilots.

If the regime did successfully shoot down a fighter jet, it would mark a major escalation in the war.

Trump vowed during an address to the nation on Wednesday night to wind down the conflict in the coming weeks.

As the war now enters its 35th day, Iran has launched new attacks on Gulf energy sites with strikes on a desalination plant and oil refinery in Kuwait as well as a gas complex in Abu Dhabi.

The downed plane is believed to be in Kohkilouyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province, an intensely rural and mountainous region (a US helicopter searches the region)

Debris from the US jet in a photo which was published by Iran's state-run Tasnim News agency

Pars of the downed US jet in a photo published by Iran's state-run Tasnim News agency

Smoke and flames rise at the site of airstrikes on an oil depot in Tehran

Multiple fires broke out at a Kuwaiti oil refinery after a drone attack, according to officials.

Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed most of Iran's steel production has been destroyed after the US and Israel targeted facilities.

In a new video posted today, Netanyahu said: 'Together with our American friends, we continue to crush the terror regime in Iran. We are eliminating commanders, bombing bridges, bombing infrastructure.

'In recent days, the Air Force has destroyed 70% of Iran's steel production capacity. This is a tremendous achievement that deprives the Revolutionary Guards of both financial sources and the ability to produce a large number of weapons.

'In full coordination between myself and President Trump, between the IDF and the United States Army, we will continue to crush Iran. This regime is weaker than ever - Israel is stronger than ever.'

The Daily Mail has contacted the Pentagon for comment.
A man has been charged with murder after allegedly stabbing his mother in Plumstead, southeast London.

Doris Innes, 84, was found with serious injuries on Wednesday and taken to hospital, where she died.

Giorgio Pin, 62, has been charged with murder and two counts of attempted murder.

Police were called to Red Lion Place at 8.50am on Wednesday after reports of a man with a knife.

They arrested a man shortly after 9.10am - he was taken to a police station and then to hospital, where he received treatment for non-life-threatening injuries.

Officers found another two victims who were threatened with a knife close to where Ms Innes was found but they did not suffer any injuries.

Pin, of Woolwich, has been remanded into custody and will appear at Bromley Magistrates Court on Saturday April 4.

Detective Inspector Dean Grice, who led the Metropolitan Polices investigation, described the case as 'a deeply tragic incident', adding 'our thoughts remain firmly with the victim's family during this difficult time'.

A cordon was put in place outside The Red Lion pub in Plumstead, south-east London

Forensics teams were seen leaving a property on Red Lion Place after the incident

Detective Superintendent James Derham, who leads policing in the area, previously said this was believed to be an isolated incident.

In a statement, the Metropolitan Police said: Officers were called to Red Lion Place at 08:50hrs on Wednesday, 1 April following reports of a man in possession of a knife.

Police attended with the London Ambulance Service and located a woman with serious injuries. The victim was taken to hospital where she sadly died.

A spokesperson said Ms Inness family continued to be supported by specialist officers.
The father of a seven-month-old baby girl who was fatally shot in the head in New York City is believed to be the intended target of the deadly drive-by, according to law enforcement sources.

Kaori Patterson Moore was shot dead while parents Jamari Patterson, 22, and Lianna Moore, 20, and brother Kaizen, were strolling through Brooklyn on Wednesday afternoon.

The family fled into a nearby bodega before Moore noticed her daughter's head was bleeding, surveillance footage obtained by the New York Post showed.

As she screamed in terror, the father of her two children grabbed their daughter and carried her to Woodhall Hospital seven blocks away, 'all while her blood [ran] on his hands'.

Now, police sources are telling The Post that the stray bullet may have been intended for Kaori's father. Additional sources confirmed to The New York Daily News that police were investigating whether the shooting was gang-related, which has been denied by Kaori's mother.

Patterson, an aspiring rapper, allegedly had complications with a crew from a rival housing project over social media, sources told The Post.

Amuri Greene, 21, has been identified by police as the alleged shooter. He remains hospitalized after he flipped off the moped, which was crashed blocks from the crime scene.

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said she expects Greene to be charged with murder. The driver of the moped is still at large.

Amuri Greene, 21, the alleged shooter, has been identified as a person of interest. The driver of the moped is still at large

Horrific surveillance footage captured the moment Lianna Moore realized her seven-month-old baby had been shot dead by a stray bullet in Brooklyn on Wednesday

Kaori Patterson Moore, seven months, was later declared dead at Woodhall Hospital

Patterson lives at the Bushwick Houses public housing project while Greene is said to live at Marcy Houses, another public housing unit with a long-running feud with Bushwick Houses, sources told The Post.

Police believe the shooting was gang-related and are investigating whether the shooter was aiming for Patterson, who is allegedly linked to the Money Over Everything gang, the New York Daily News reported.

Moore, however, denies that her fiance has ties to gangs, writing on social media: 'The police say anything to put things together fast to piece sum [sic] together.'

The mother-of-two said her 'babies were always protected,' and said the accusations are 'insensitive and disturbing.'

'God don't like ugly,' she wrote. 'I'm grieving my baby girl, god has something for you cs [sic] ya ugly and disturbed mentally.'

The heartbroken mother posted a video of her holding a newborn Kaori in the hospital, writing: 'My sweet, sweet baby, I don't know what to dooooooo, bro. I don't know what to do, you're goneeeee, I can't never get you back, I can't never bring you back.

'I can't hold you, you were my everything and more... I am brokennnnnn, I need you back [right now].'

The parents had been taking their kids to buy baby supplies when the shooting happened around 1.20pm.

Police sources told the New York Post that her father, Jamari Patterson, was the intended target

The family of four are grieving the loss of the little girl, with the girl's mother Moore saying she's broken after her daughter's death

Patterson carried Kaori to the hospital after the parents discovered she was bleeding

Kaori's brother, Kaizen, was also injured. The bullet grazed his back after passing through his sister (pictured)

They had originally thought someone had set off fireworks, which had caused her son to hop out of the stroller.

Moore would carry Kaizen into a nearby store. While comforting him, that's when she noticed her daughter.

'My daughter was just there, laying there,' she told the Daily News. 'She was shot in the head. She was just bleeding. It was just too much.'

While at the hospital, it was discovered little Kaizen had also suffered from a bullet graze. The bullet had hit his back after passing through Kaori. It left a lump on his back.

'I want justice,' Moore said. 'They deserve to stay in jail, and they dont deserve to come out after what they did to my baby, because I cant get her back.'

Patterson, an aspiring rapper, allegedly had social media complications with a crew from a rival housing unit in Brooklyn

Moore denied that her fiance had any connection to a gang

Baby Kaori just recently said 'mama' and had taken her first steps. Her parents had gotten engaged just three weeks before her passing. Now, she's gone.

A friend of Moore started a GoFundMe to help pay for the girl's funeral expenses. The fundraiser has garnered more than $23,000 of its $45,000 goal.

Kaori's parents remember her as a happy, full of laughter, and innocent.

'She didn't deserve that,' Moore told the Daily News.
Conservative Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito was secretly rushed to hospital last month as a liberal advocacy group warns Donald Trump is poised to reshape the nation's highest court.

Alito was treated by medics in Philadelphia after falling ill on March 20 during a Federalist Society event, CNN reported Friday.

The 76-year-old received fluids for dehydration and returned home that same evening.

Alito is the second oldest member of the Supreme Court behind Justice Clarence Thomas, 77, both staunch conservatives who reliably side with Trump.

Now, a liberal group is sounding the alarm that Trump could soon appoint another conservative justice to the bench.

Demand Justice, an advocacy group created to oppose Trump's agenda, is raising millions for a preemptive campaign against his potential Supreme Court picks.

None of the nine Justices have announced plans to retire, nor has Trump shared any machinations to replace any of the aging members of the court.

But Alito's scare has sharpened attention on the age of the court's conservative wing.

Demand Justice president Josh Orton, a former adviser to Kamala Harris and Bernie Sanders, announced a $3 million campaign on Friday to oppose any Trump Supreme Court nominee, with the war chest set to balloon to $15 million should a vacancy actually open.

President Donald Trump walking past several Supreme Court Justices during his State of the Union Address

Liberal group Demand Justice is looking to raise money to campaign against any potential Trump Supreme Court nominations. The two oldest Justices, Clarence Tomas and Samuel Alito, both lean conservative

A sketch of President Donald Trump sitting front row at the Supreme Court arguments this week on his birthright citizenship case

All Supreme Court nominees require 51 Senate votes to be confirmed. Democrats need to flip four seats in the midterms to take control of the chamber, and prediction markets currently favor them to do so.

Orton believes Trump will move quickly to cement conservative control of the court.

'He knows that this 5347 margin is going to be the best margin he has to confirm people who may not be the most appealing to the Republican legal establishment,' he said. 'It is, I think, just as likely that he's going to nominate a Lindsey Halligan or Alina Habbatype than he will a circuit court judge.'

If Democrats do win the Senate, Trump would face major opposition to any of his hand-picked judges.

Should Thomas and Alito not retire under Trump, and a Democrat wins in 2028, they would be well into their 80s, 84 and 82 respectively, by the time a theoretical Republican president could nominate their successors.

Orton has argued Trump will not allow his second term to expire without locking in more conservative justices, and that the President is more interested in appointing loyalists than established circuit court judges.

Orton also floated presidential adviser Will Scharf as fitting the loyalist mold, alongside Habba and Halligan, both former personal attorneys for Trump.

'If you think that Trump is willing to leave two of the three justices he thinks are most loyal on the court in their 80s past when he leaves office, you are not paying attention,' Orton told the New York Times this week.

Defend Justice President Josh Orton expressed concern over Trump nominating loyalists like Habba and Halligan to the Supreme Court. They likely would have a tough time getting Senate confirmation, however

White House Staff Secretary and National Capital Planning Commission Chairman Will Scharf gavels in during a meeting to vote on the proposal for a new $400 million ballroom at the White House, on April 2

'There is no way that Donald Trump and Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito would ever commit the fundamental miscalculation about power that we saw from Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Barack Obama.'

Ginsburg famously rebuffed calls from Obama and others to step down, dying in September 2020 just months before Joe Biden defeated Trump at the polls.

Her death set off a frantic scramble by the Republican administration to fill her seat before Biden took the White House.

Trump filled Ginsburg's vacancy with Justice Amy Coney Barrett, who took the bench in October 2020.

'We are making it clear to people on both sides of the aisle and to independents: who Donald Trump is nominating the Supreme Court is only looking out for him and not them,' Orton said.

The White House did not return the Daily Mail's request for comment.
A gripping scene captured a California fisherman stripping to his underwear and climbing onto a great white shark to free it from a fishing line.

Kevin Phan, 20, was on an early-morning fishing trip at Hermosa Beach Pier on Wednesday when he struggled to reel in a catch he soon realized was a juvenile great white shark.

Without a moments hesitation, he tore off his clothes and sprinted into the ocean for a daring rescue, an event that immediately drew a large crowd on the surrounding sand.

The dramatic scene was captured on camera by local resident Alexandra Garry, who had pulled out her phone while walking her dog along the shore, according to the Los Angeles Times.

In the video, Phan - wearing only boxers and armed with a pair of scissors - rushed into the water and climbed onto the shark, straddling it with one foot on each side.

While battling the incoming waves and the sharp-toothed shark, he managed to cut the fishing line free before using his bare hands to help the animal regain its balance and swim safely back to the sea.

'When I saw the great white, my brain just clicked into the action, and I tried to free it as quickly as I could,' the young fisherman told the outlet.

'It was a little bit scary because I have never dealt with a white shark before,' he added. 'The teeth were a bit intimidating.'

Kevin Phan, 20, was captured on video climbing onto a juvenile great white shark to free it after accidentally hooking it with his fishing line

Phan was on a Wednesday morning fishing trip at Hermosa Beach Pier when he realized his heavy catch was actually a shark

Phan tore off his clothes and sprinted into the ocean during the rescue, armed with nothing but a scissor to cut the fishing line

The rescue unfolded shortly after 9am, when Garry noticed two fishermen wrestling to reel in a heavy catch, seemingly unaware of the surprising creature they had hooked from the ocean.

'I was like, "Oh that's so weird, they must have gotten something really big,"' she told the LA Times. 'I thought perhaps it was a big tuna, really anything except for a shark.'

But as the catch neared, it became clear it was no ordinary fish - it was a juvenile shark.

Phan, a fisherman for the past five years, immediately sprang into action, later telling The Times that he wasnt 'intentionally' targeting the animal, as he knows California regulations prohibit fishers from targeting sharks.

Describing the scene herself, Garry told the outlet: 'The next thing I knew, one of the fishermen was half naked, stripped down to his underwear, and was in the water trying to get the hook out.'

As the realization of Phans unusual catch spread, beachgoers began to gather on the pier and sand, including Stephen Copeland, who dashed toward the growing commotion.

'I saw a bunch of people over there, and I ran down there like there's something going on,' Copeland told KTLA 5 News. 'He was in his underwear.'

In the footage, Phan successfully cut the fishing hook from near the sharks face and immediately stepped back for a moment, tossing the scissors onto the sand.

After being freed, the shark seemed disoriented, struggling to regain strength and reach deeper water

The shark was caught on video rolling helplessly back-and-forth with the motion of the waves

Phan waded back into the water, lifted the shark by its tail and pushed it into an incoming wave

But despite its freedom, the sea creature initially seemed disoriented, rolling helplessly back-and-forth with the motion of the waves.

'It was really sad, because the shark didnt look like it was moving a bunch,' Garry told the LA Times, as other pier-goers also feared it might be injured or dying.

The moment of uncertainty was brief, however, as Phan waded back into the water, lifted the shark by its tail, and gradually guided it away from the sand until he finally pushed it into an incoming wave.

Moments later, the shark began swimming on its own toward the depths of the sea, earning a round of applause from the onlookers who had witnessed the rescue with their own eyes.

The footage captured Phan raising both fists triumphantly in the air as he watched the shark disappear.

'When it swam out, everyone on the pier clapped,' Garry said. 'It was a very much needed moment of humanity.'

In an unexpected twist, it was actually the second, smaller great white shark Phan had caught, as he revealed that earlier that same day, he had accidentally hooked another one on the other side of the pier.

Now, experts are warning that a busy marine season and increased shark sightings are expected along the Southern California coast this year.

The footage captured Phan raising raising both fists triumphantly in the air as he watched the shark swim away

Juvenile great white sharks are typically harmless since they do not view humans as a food source, but can become defensive when entangled in fishing gear (stock photo)

Warmer-than-usual ocean temperatures that stem from Marchs record-breaking heat wave are expected to intensify during this years strong El Nino cycle - conditions that can draw juvenile sharks closer to shore.

'The last time we had a strong El Nino was in 2015 and 2016, and we had a lot of juvenile white sharks hanging around early,' Chris Lowe, director of the Cal State Long Beach Shark Lab, told The Los Angeles Times.

'Im expecting this year to be a sharky summer,' he added.

Experts also warned that juvenile sharks, though typically harmless since they do not view humans as a food source, can become defensive and bite if hooked or entangled in fishing gear.

Officials advise that anyone who encounters a shark should remain calm, exit the water immediately and alert a lifeguard to monitor the situation.
A young man whose scorned ex-girlfriend sent revenge porn pictures to his mother has blasted the sentencing which saw her avoid jail as 'sexist'.

Eve Yeoman, 24, waged a three-month stalking campaign against her ex after he broke off their relationship, bombarding him with calls and waiting outside his workplace and home.

It culminated in Yeoman sending a 'sexually explicit' photo of her ex, which she took during their relationship without his knowledge or consent, to his mother.

She sent the intimate image with the message: 'This is what your son is like. I hope him and all his family rot in hell.'

But this week, Yeoman escaped a prison sentence and was handed a restraining order, banning her from contacting her ex-boyfriend.

The young man, also 24 and who cannot be named, said she should have gone to prison, and accused the justice system of being 'sexist' by not punishing her more severely.

He said: 'I think her sentence is far too lenient. When I saw the email from the police officer telling me, my first reaction was that it was an April Fools Joke.

'I feel if it was a man who had done all these things he would've most likely received at least two years in jail, which I was expecting to be the outcome of this case.

Eve Yeoman (pictured), 24, avoided jail after sending revenge porn to her ex's mother and a three month stalking campaign

'This just outlines the justice system being sexist in my opinion.'

He added that he doesn't know what else Yeoman is capable of, saying: 'I fear every day that something will happen. My family and I do not feel safe at home anymore.'

The victim said he felt 'violated' by the revenge porn images when he discovered what had happened.

He recalled: 'When I found out what she had done in regards to the revenge porn obviously I was very embarrassed and felt violated by it as I didn't even know she had taken those pictures in the first place.

'It caused me to withdraw a bit from family life due to the embarrassment for a few days and I felt isolated.

'Revenge porn can happen to anyone and it's something I never thought would happen to myself.'

Eve Yeoman vowed to 'maximise' her former partner's humiliation after he ended their three-year relationship, carrying out months of Fatal Attraction-style stalking and harassing.

On one occasion, she parked up and lay in wait for her ex's car. She then tailgated and overtook him before slamming on the brakes, forcing him into an emergency stop.

Another time, she threw a bottle at his car while it was moving at 45mph, cracking his windscreen and denting the bonnet, causing 2,547 worth of damage.

The victim said she should have gone to prison and called the sentencing 'sexist' for not punishing Yeoman more severely

The victim also believes that Yeoman was responsible for hurling a corrosive substance over his car and his friend's vehicle.

The victim first met Yeoman on the dating website Bumble in 2022. She became controlling and manipulative, he said, and he eventually 'plucked up' the courage to leave her last year.

After that, she stalked him from November 2025 and January this year. The stalking took place between November 2025 and January this year.

He said: 'She was violent towards me, controlling and manipulative, with lies and dishonesty, but I was too scared to walk away.

'I plucked up the courage and finally did it, but I was being tormented for months after with other acts of violence and social media posts about me.

'At one point she vandalised mine and my friends cars at midnight, throwing food and corrosive substances all over the vehicles.

'I have countless no caller ID phone calls and she's normally sat at the side of the road on my way home from work and around the area I live, which is 20 miles from where she lives.

'She caused 2,500 worth of damage to my vehicle when she threw a bottle at it. I was just coming home after doing an honest day's work and got targeted.

'It could of been a brick that she threw at my car and could have killed me.

'She was only fined 600, so that puts me 1,900 out of pocket to get it repaired which is extremely unfair on my behalf - especially as money is a bit tight at the moment due to all the goings on round the world.'

Yeoman, of Lytchett Matravers, Dorset, admitted charges of sharing an intimate photo, stalking and criminal damage at Poole Magistrates' Court.

A district judge told her the only reason she was not sent to prison was because of the 25 days she served on remand, which would be the equivalent to an eight-to-ten week custodial sentence.

She was given a 12-month community order with 200 hours of unpaid work.

She must also pay her ex-partner 600 in compensation and a restraining order was imposed banning her from contacting him.

District Judge Orla Austin said: 'I accept you are a young woman with no previous convictions but you sent a sexual image to his mother which was vindictive and designed to cause him maximum distress and humiliation.

'I take the view that the time you have spent in custody already is the equivalent of an eight to ten week sentence so I will be issuing a community order.'
Immigration and Customs Enforcement has arrested the head of Wisconsin's largest mosque, who was previously linked to Democrat Representative Rashida Tlaib and groups allegedly connected to Hamas.

Salah Salem Sarsour, 53, was apprehended by the Department of Homeland Security [DHS] on Monday, in a 'targeted operation' in Milwaukee, according to federal authorities.

DHS said Jordanian national Sarsour is a 'convicted terrorist' who allegedly lied on his green card application when he arrived in the United States over 30 years ago.

Sarsour serves as the president of the Islamic Society of Milwaukee and is a high-profile community member and businessman. The Daily Mail reported in 2023 that he co-hosted a campaign event for Tlaib during her 2018 campaign. She won the election and became one of the first two Muslim women in Congress.

Tlaib is a Detroit native of Palestinian heritage. She has been a vocal critic of the Israeli government and came under fire in 2023 when House members attempted to censure her for expressing pro-Palestinian views.

Sarsour had previously been accused of raising money for the Holy Land Foundation of Relief and Development, an organization that was raided by federal agents in 2001 for illegally funneling $12 million to Hamas, according to a 2001 FBI memorandum.

Five HLF leaders were convicted and sentenced to time in a federal prison for the scheme. Sarsour was never formally charged in relation to the terror funding.

'Salah Salem Sarsour is a terrorist convicted for throwing Molotov cocktails at the homes of Israeli armed forces. This illegal alien from Jordan lied on his green card application to gain legal status in the US,' Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis said in a statement announcing Sarsour's arrest.

Salah Salem Sarsour, 53, pictured above, was arrested by ICE earlier this week. Federal officials called him a 'terrorist' and alleged he lied on his green card application

Sarsour serves as the president of the Islamic Society of Milwaukee. The Daily Mail previously reported his ties to Hamas and Representative Rashida Tlaib. The two are pictured above at a fundraising event in 2018

Rashida Tlaib was elected in 2019 and became one of two Muslim women in Congress. She is pictured above protesting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech to Congress on July 24, 2024

'Thanks to President Trump and ICE, this terrorist is out of American communities,' she continued.

'This Administration will always put the safety of the American people FIRST and Make America Safe Again.'

Sarsour had entered the US in 1993 under the Clinton administration as a conditional resident, according to DHS.

He became a green card holder in 1998 and is a lawful resident; however, DHS has now alleged that Sarsour lied on his immigration application.

Sarsour has no criminal charges. DHS said that even though Sarsour does not have a criminal record, he is still considered a terrorist due to his actions abroad.

Othman Atta, the executive director of the Islamic Society of Milwaukee, told the New York Times that Sarsour had been arrested when he was a teenager in the West Bank, but was subject to brutal torture by Israeli Defense Forces.

Sarsour is the head of Islamic Society of Milwaukee, the largest mosque in Wisconsin, pictured above

Sarsour appeared as a host for one of Rashida Tlaib's campaign events in 2018. Pictured above is an invitation to the event

DHS said Sarsour was a 'terrorist' and an 'illegal alien from Jordan.' He was accused of lying on his green card application and is pictured above in a photograph provided by DHS

'The primary allegations are relating back to when he was a teenager in the West Bank,' Atta said.

'He had been arrested, and this is something that he talked about quite a bit  how he was abused and tortured while in custody.'

Atta said Sarsour was in custody for about two years in Israel and did not understand the charges against him because they were read in Hebrew.

The Muslim Legal Fund of America, which is representing Sarsour, maintained that he is a permanent resident in the US and has been for over 32 years.

They said in a statement that he is a law-abiding Milwaukee business owner and is being targeted because of his Palestinian and Muslim background.

Sarsour grew up in the Occupied West Bank of Palestine and moved to the US after marriage. He has six children who are US citizens.

'Salahs story represents precisely the immigrant-refugee success story that should be celebrated, not demonized, as the cornerstone of this countrys professed values,' MLF said in a statement.

'Structural racism against Palestinians and Muslims, especially immigrants, weakens our democracy and erodes human rights for all. DHS targeting a community leader like Salah must raise alarms for all of us.'

MLF said Sarsour was pulled over by 10 ICE agents while he was driving. He was sent to a detention facility in Chicago and then transferred to a center in Indiana.

Sarsour's family said his arrest was a targeted attack because of his Muslim and Palestinian heritage. His children and grandchildren are US citizens

Sarsour's arrest caused outrage in his community. Pictured above is a community gathering in support of his release on Thursday

Sarsour's son, Kareem, pictured above, spoke at a rally in support of his release. He called his father 'the person you called if you had a problem'

The Islamic Society of Milwaukee said in a statement to the Daily Mail that the allegations against Sarsour are fraudulent.

'AS A MINOR, Salah Sarsour was arrested by the occupying Israeli military, was held without charges and was subjected to months of violent interrogation and torture. Salah Sarsour was convicted in an Israeli-military kangaroo court,' the statement read.

'No rules of evidence, legal procedures, rights of counsel, etc. that would meet even rudimentary legal standards of due process in a civilized country were available to Salah Sarsour.'

His arrest has caused outrage in the community. Crowds gathered at a rally in support of his release on Thursday.

Sarsour's son, Kareem Sarsour, spoke to the crowd and described his father as 'the person you called if you had a problem,' local Fox affiliate WITI reported.

The Daily Mail has reached out to Tlaib's office for additional comment.
A Catholic devotee was nailed to a cross in a grisly re-enactment of the crucifixion of Jesus.

Hundreds of spectators gathered in a small village in the Philippines to watch the ceremony unfold, as they do each year on Good Friday.

Sixty-five-year-old Ruben Enaje fulfilled the part of Christ, which involved two-inch nails being driven through his hands and feet.

He first had to struggle with the cross to the crucifixion site, where he was whipped and mocked by players dressed as Roman soldiers.

Then, dressed in a white gown and the famous crown of thorns, he got into position on the cross, which was laid down.

Enaje released authentic screams as the large nails, which had been sterilised with alcohol, were hammered through his palms.

He continued to wail as the cross was hoisted upright, with red ribbons helping to hold him in place.

Two others were tied to crosses either side, though they were not nailed in place.

Ruben Enaje, 65, was nailed to a cross in the Philippines for a re-enactment of the crucifixion

He was made to carry to cross to the crucifixion site, while being mocked and whipped by other players dressed as Roman soldiers

There were three crosses erected on the hill, but only Enaje, in the centre, was nailed in place

The devout Catholic said afterwards that he prayed for an end to the conflict in the Middle East while on the cross

Speaking afterwards, Enaje revealed he had prayed for peace in the Middle East while he was on the cross.

He said: 'We are praying for an end to the conflict in the Middle East... The whole world is being affected by what has been happening.'

The ritual took place in Cutud, a village north of Manila, and drew hundreds of local and foreign spectators.

What began as a small community stage play in the 1960s has developed into one of the Philippines most striking religious traditions.

The crucifixion was among the most extreme displays of faith in the Philippines, where about 80 per cent of its more than 110 million people identify as Roman Catholics.

Christians believe Jesus died on the cross to pay for the sins of humanity and rose from the grave three days later, on Easter Sunday.

During Holy Week, other devotees in the country flagellate themselves with bamboo whips - an act they believe to be penance that will wash away their sins, cure illness and lead to blessings.

The Catholic Church disapproves of these traditions, insisting that prayers and sincere repentance are enough to commemorate Lent.

The crucifixions form part of Holy Week, which runs from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday, and is regarded as a deeply sacred period in the Philippine religious calendar.
A thief dubbed the 'most tasteful burglar' in Los Angeles has been accused of stealing exorbitantly expensive vintage furniture from stores and lavish designer items from influencers.

Zack Vincler, 36, has been convicted of burglary and identity theft for a string of robberies, but multiple business owners and TikTok stars alike say he is responsible for stealing dozens of other goods.

Paul Bearman, who owns high-end vintage furniture store Merit, told NBC News he believes Vincler has been targeting him for years.

In November 2022, Bearman said he received a scam payment for a 50-year-old Ligne Roset Togo sofa valued at $7,800, but learned it was fraudulent after the shippers picked it up.

'I've never even had credit card fraud in 10 years of being in business,' he told the outlet. 'And there was something extra irregular about the situation.'

Shortly after, Bearman connected with Amanda Hallberg, the founder of furniture restoration business Modern Conscience, who said she was swindled out of two Eames chairs - one from the 1960s worth $2,300 and the other from the 1950s priced at $684.

Hallberg tracked down the chairs to Vincler's address in LA and created a page on her website called 'Stolen by Zack Vincler.'

The two business owners traded information, and when Bearman received another order for a Togo sofa, he decided to confront Vincler.

Business owners and influencers have accused Zack Vincler, 36, of stealing expensive vintage furniture and designer items

Vincler took a plea deal for a series of burglaries that included stealing a couch from a furniture store

'I opened the door and I just kind of pushed him to the side with my arm,' Bearman told NBC. 'I pull out my phone. I just started recording.'

However, when police arrived, Bearman was told to leave, and Vincler was not arrested.

Then, in April 2023, a $58,000 couch was stolen from Bearman's store.

Surveillance footage showed the massive 21-piece Mah Jong sofa by Roche Bobois being taken from Merit.

Just eight days later, Bearman said there was a second theft at his store. This time, the burglar took a 1920s-era Goyard trunk worth $32,000, a Gucci snakeskin desk set valued at $4,800 and a cast aluminum chair by Pierre Guariche priced at $3,500.

Finally, Vincler was arrested and charged with three counts of commercial burglary, and prosecutors said the same day he stole the $58,000 couch, he also robbed a furniture store in Beverly Hills.

He was released on a $60,000 bond on May 4, 2023, but just a month later, influencer Emily Ober said her home was broken into, and a burglar snagged a set of rare Pierre Paulin Elysee floor lamps, worth $10,000 each, as well as five designer chairs, police said.

She shared surveillance footage with the Los Angeles Police Department, and it landed on the desk of the detective who previously investigated Vincler, according to NBC News.

TikTok star Victoria Paris believes Vincler was responsible for stealing $15,000 worth of deisgner goods from her LA home

The couch was a massive 21-piece Mah Jong sofa by Roche Bobois worth $58,000 stolen from the store Merit

Vincler was arrested again and hit with additional felony charges, but after spending eight months behind bars, he took a plea deal and was sentenced to time served and probation on March 14, 2024.

Just a few months later, TikTok star Victoria Paris had two Rabanne bags, two Miu Miu bags, Hermes scarves, a Louis Vuitton duffel bag and several trays of jewelry, totaling $15,000 in goods, stolen from her home in June 2024.

Paris posted about the ordeal, and that is when she heard from people who believe Vincler was the thief.

'The pattern is definitely people with good taste,' she told NBC News. 'I loved everybody he was burglarizing. It was definitely a vibe.'

She received a tip from multiple people who worked at a popular LA vintage store called Wasteland that her items were sold there, and she was able to get back her black Rabanne bag.

While Vincler has not been formally connected to Paris' robbery by the police, he missed a probation hearing in December 2024, and a judge has issued a bench warrant for his arrest.

His lawyer, Arnold Reed II, told NBC News that he has not heard from his client since he was released on probation.

'I haven't spoken to him since,' said Reed, 'which, fingers crossed, is a really good thing.'

The Daily Mail contacted the Los Angeles Police Department and Vincler's lawyer for comment.
Alina Habba has positioned herself as a candidate to replace Pam Bondi as Donald Trump's attorney general.

Habba, who served as Trump's US attorney for New Jersey, shared a photo with the President and JD Vance in the Oval Office on Friday, just hours after Bondi became the second cabinet casualty of his second term.

'Always a pleasure,' she captioned her post.

Bondi was fired after months of scandal, centering around her botched handling of the Epstein files, as well as frustration at her failure to prosecute the President's political foes.

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche has stepped into the role as acting AG, with some predicting he could end up leading the Justice Department long-term.

Lee Zeldin, the Environmental Protection Agency administrator, is among the leading contenders to replace her.

Others in the frame include Jeanine Pirro, the acting US attorney for Washington DC, and Utah Senator Mike Lee.

Habba had herself been another of Bondi's headaches, her tenure in New Jersey plagued by battles over her legitimacy that ultimately forced the AG to intervene on her behalf.

Habba, who served briefly as Trump's US attorney for New Jersey , shared a photo with the President and JD Vance in the Oval Office on Friday. 'Always a pleasure,' she captioned the post - which came just hours after Bondi became the second cabinet casualty of Trump's second term

Trump named her as acting US attorney in March 2025, but her 120-day interim term began to run out by June, setting up a fight over whether she could stay in the job.

New Jersey judges picked Desiree Grace as a replacement in July, but the administration moved to keep Habba in place.

A federal judge ruled Habba stayed on unlawfully because the Justice Department kept her in the job after her interim term expired without the required Senate approval process.

The 3rd US Circuit Court of Appeals upheld that ruling in November and Habba finally resigned in December.

Bondi named Habba as a senior adviser overseeing US attorneys after she was forced out, keeping her inside the DOJ orbit.

Habba emerged as a prominent figure in Trump world after joining his legal team and defending him at his civil and criminal trials in New York ahead of the 2024 election.

She would frequently address reporters outside court and became a mainstay at campaign rallies and on cable news.

The 42-year-old recently divorced businessman Gregg Reuben after six years of marriage, and has two children from a previous marriage to lawyer Matthew Eyet.
President Donald Trump is asking for an eye-popping $1.5 trillion to fund the Pentagon in the budget proposal the White House released Friday.

With the war with Iran ongoing, Trump has pushed that more money is needing to fund the US military and less on social programs.

'We're fighting wars, we can't take care of daycare,' he muttered at Wednesday's Easter lunch, which was closed to press, but video was accidentally posted online.

The Iran war is likely costing American taxpayers more than $1 billion a day, with Pentagon officials telling lawmakers in mid-March that the first six days of the conflict cost more than $11.3 billion.

Every year, the President releases his own budget, but it's up to Congress to put those priorities into action.

For the next fiscal year, the White House asked for the Pentagon to receive $1.15 trillion in discretionary spending - amounting to a 28 percent increase - and another $350 billion in mandatory spending - which overall amounts to a 40 percent hike over fiscal year 2026.

At the same time, the President is calling for 10 percent of the budget to be slashed on non-defense programs.

He's excused some of those cuts by arguing they don't line up with his administration's priorities.

President Donald Trump speaks in the Cross Hall Wednesday night about the war in Iran. On Friday, the White House released its dream budget, which includes $1.5 trillion in funding for the Pentagon

In the rollout of the budget, the White House included fact sheets entitled 'Cuts to Woke Programs' and 'Ending the Green New Scam.'

Many of the programs on the chopping block focus on minority communities, which the White House argues have been 'weaponized' or are too closely aligned with 'Black Lives Matter.'

The budget proposal asks Congress to cancel $15 billion in clean energy dollars that were part of President Joe Biden's 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

It also asks lawmakers to defund refugee resettlement aid programs, instead focusing funds on removing immigrants from the United States.

It asks Congress to keep Immigration and Customs Enforcement funds at the same level so ICE can continue opening detention centers, with the aim of having 100,000 beds for adults and 30,000 for families.

The government is currently in a partial shutdown over the parties' disagreements over ICE, with Democrats refusing to agree to funding the Department of Homeland Security unless changes are made to immigration enforcement after two Americans were killed by border agents in Minneapolis.

On Thursday, Trump announced he would sign an executive order to have all DHS employees paid, after previously ensuring that Transportation Security Administration workers would get their paychecks amid airport chaos.

Republicans worked out a deal to end the shutdown earlier this week, but both houses of Congress remain on recess for another week.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth addresses troops in the Middle East amid the war in Iran. President Donald Trump's proposed budget boosts military spending by a whopping 40 percent for the next fiscal year

Trump's budget also called for a 13 percent increase in the Department of Justice.

On Thursday, Trump fired Attorney General Pam Bondi, making her the second Cabinet member out of a job in just under a month.

The DOJ funding boost would be focused on prosecuting violent criminals.

The Trump budget also asked for a $10 billion fund housed by the National Park Service, to beautify Washington, D.C.

Trump also asked for $605 million to keep the National Guard deployed in the nation's capital.

The budget is prepared by Trump's Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought, who the President likes to refer to as 'Darth Vader,' due to his ruthless role in dismantling government programs.

During the Wednesday Easter lunch, Trump looked around the East Room for his Star Wars villain.

'And Darth Vader, where's Darth Vader? Russ Vought. Hi Darth, hi Darth Vader,' the President said.
A Seattle woman who told 911 she was in 10 out of 10 pain died after waiting 10 hours for an ambulance, with a dispatcher allegedly shrugging off her attempts to summon help, according to a lawsuit.

Pamela Hogan, 71, called for help on April 8, 2022, reporting severe knee pain that left her unable to move from her bed.

But instead of immediately receiving an ambulance, her call was transferred to a nurse line operated from a call center outside Dallas, Texas, where she was told to wait for care.

At the time, Seattle had stopped tracking and capping ambulance response times for certain 911 callers routed through a nurse triage system, according to the Seattle Times.

Over the next several hours, Hogan called 911 multiple times as her condition worsened, telling responders she could not walk, eat, drink or get to the bathroom, the lawsuit alleges.

At one point, she said she had congestive heart failure and asked if that would speed up the response. The dispatcher allegedly replied: Were not going to play that game,' before telling Hogan to stop pestering them, the suit alleges.

Hogan, who lived on the seventh floor of an affordable senior housing complex, told responders they could break down her door if necessary, but no one entered.

More than 10 hours later, an ambulance was finally sent, but crews left after three minutes when she did not answer. Weeks later, her body was found on the floor next to her bed.

Pamela Hogan, 71, died after waiting 10 hours for an ambulance despite repeatedly calling 911 and reporting 10 out of 10 pain, according to a lawsuit

Hogan was told an ambulance would be sent, but dispatchers warned it could take hours as units were tied up across Seattle

Recordings of Hogans 911 calls, obtained through public records requests and first reported by the Seattle Times, detail her final hours.

During her first call at 4.18pm, Hogan told a dispatcher she could not get out of bed due to severe knee pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis.

Ive gotten to the point where I cant get up, she said, adding she wanted to go to the emergency room.

Instead of dispatching help immediately, the call was transferred to a nurse line operated by American Medical Responses parent company, Global Medical Response.

Hogan told the nurse she had been stuck in bed all day and had soiled herself, describing her pain as 10 out of 10. She was told an ambulance would be sent.

Dispatchers internally estimated the wait could take three to four hours, though Hogan was no longer on the phone when that assessment was made.

Eight minutes later, she called 911 again, warning she would not be able to open the door. Are you going to be able to get in? she asked.

As the delay stretched on, her distress intensified. During a third call, she said: Three or four hours?! I cant do that. I am in so much pain.

Hogan lived in a secured senior housing complex where responders were unable to gain entry, despite her telling 911 they could break down her door if needed

Hogans estate filed a wrongful death lawsuit in King County, with a judge ruling the case can move forward to trial

A dispatcher suggested she try to get a ride or call a cab, despite her saying she could not walk.

By her fourth call, about an hour later, Hogan said: Im dying here. She again disclosed she had congestive heart failure and asked if that would speed up the response.

The dispatcher allegedly replied: Were not going to play that game, before warning her to stop calling 911.

More than four hours in, Hogan asked for an update. Ive tried to be patient but Im just still in a lot of pain, she said.

She was told ambulances were backed up and she would have to wait longer.

It was not until 2.29am, roughly 10 hours after her first call, that an ambulance was finally dispatched, according to the lawsuit.

By then, records show dozens of Seattle patients who called after Hogan had already received ambulances.

According to court filings, Hogans estate and her son filed suit in March 2025 against the City of Seattle, the Seattle Fire Department and ambulance provider American Medical Response.

The case is now moving toward trial after a judge rejected efforts by the city and AMR to dismiss it.

Hogan made multiple 911 calls to Seattle Fire dispatchers as her condition worsened, at one point being told: Were not going to play that game, according to court filings

King County Superior Court Judge David Keenan ruled there are factual disputes over what happened and whether delays in care contributed to Hogans death.

Attorneys for the city and AMR argue the case is speculative and that there is no clear evidence linking the ambulance delay to her death.

They pointed to phone records showing Hogan made a small number of outgoing calls two days after her initial 911 call, suggesting she survived for some time after missing the ambulance.

They also noted her body was not discovered for six weeks and no autopsy was performed. The medical examiner listed her cause of death as probable heart disease.

Attorneys for Hogans estate dispute that account.

Investigators found receipts and food items in her apartment dating to before her 911 call, with no evidence of activity afterward, according to court records cited by the Seattle Times.

They argue Hogan likely died within days, noting no signs of activity after April 10 and no evidence she accessed food or other essentials.

The case has raised concerns about Seattles 911 response system, where some callers were routed through a nurse triage line instead of receiving immediate ambulance dispatch

Medical experts for the estate said her prolonged immobilization and lack of care likely worsened her condition and contributed to her death, adding she may have survived with timely treatment.

The lawsuit also raises broader concerns about Seattles 911 medical response system.

At the time, certain patients were routed to a nurse line instead of receiving immediate ambulance dispatch.

Those nurse-ordered calls were exempt from response-time standards and contractual penalties, meaning there was no required timeframe for how quickly help had to arrive, according to the Seattle Times.

A Seattle Fire Department review later found transferring Hogan to the nurse line was appropriate based on her initial complaint.

However, it noted her heart condition may have warranted a more urgent reassessment.

The review did not examine ambulance delays or communication gaps between agencies.

City officials have declined detailed comment. A councilmember said the issue will be reviewed by the public safety committee.

A jury will ultimately decide whether delays in care contributed to Hogans death.
Keir Starmer said on Wednesday he will pursue closer economic ties with the European Union (EU) in light of the Iran war.

As part of the move, the Government's planned food deal with the EU will see new rules that would mean marmalade would have to be renamed citrus marmalade in a bid to move closer to the bloc's regulatory framework.

The proposal has been slammed as 'nonsense bureaucracy' from Brussels, senior Tory MP Priti Patel told the Daily Mail.

The move towards Europe comes as relations between the US and the UK have become increasingly strained due to Starmer's refusal to be drawn further into the Iran War.

Sir Keir said the conflict would affect the UK but said the government was taking steps to ease the cost of living.

'I do think that when it comes to defense and security, energy, emissions and the economy, we need a stronger relationship with Europe,' he said on Wednesday.

In yesterday's poll, Mail readers were asked: Is Sadiq Khan right to say London is a safe city? Out of nearly 12,500 votes, 97 per cent of you said 'no' and three per cent said 'yes'.
The sheriff leading the search for Nancy Guthrie has been called on by local officials to answer questions about his past as he faces growing scrutiny over his handling of the case.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has come under fire for allegedly mishandling the probe into NBC Today Show host Savannah Guthrie's missing 84-year-old mother.

Nancy was abducted from her $1 million Tucson, Arizona, home in the early hours of February 1, and there have been no arrests or suspects named in the two months since.

In the wake of the bungled investigation, Nanos has been accused of workplace retaliation and of lying about his employment history

The Pima County Board of Supervisors voted on March 24 to require Nanos to submit a sworn statement addressing those concerns, according to public records.

It is part of an effort that could see Nanos removed from office, the Arizona Daily Star reported.

Pima County Supervisor Matt Heinz requested a discussion of Nanos' history at the meeting, citing a report by The Arizona Republic that found he misstated his previous work experience.

Nanos' resume stated that he worked in the El Paso Police Department until 1984, but records obtained by the newspaper found he left the department in 1982 after a series of suspensions.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has been called on by local officials to answer questions about his past as he faces growing scrutiny over his handling of the Nancy Guthrie case

Savannah Guthrie's mom was abducted from her $1 million Tucson, Arizona, home in the early hours of February 1, and there have been no arrests or suspects named in the months since

The outlet also found that in a December 2025 deposition, Nanos testified he had never been suspended at work, despite the incidents revealed in the newly uncovered records.

'I was disturbed by, saddened by, the sheriff apparently, when moving from El Paso, Texas, to Pima County, was not completely straightforward with the process,' Heinz said.

'You can't lie on your job applications, you can't lie under oath. This is about accountability and preventing further erosion of public trust in the county government and in county law enforcement.'

Nanos allegedly lied about why he left the El Paso Police Department when he applied to work in Pima County, according to the Pima County Deputy's Organization, the sheriff's department labor union.

'A FOIA of his personnel file shows he did not disclose that he resigned in lieu of termination, listing "personal reasons and better paying job" instead,' the union wrote on Facebook.

'Lying on your application would prohibit anyone from being hired.'

Nanos has also been accused of retaliating against a political rival who was also running for sheriff at the same time as him by putting her 'on paid administrative leave for political gain.'

The Arizona law used to compel Nanos to address the allegations states that if he does not comply, be could be 'removed from office by the board and the office declared vacant. The board may then fill the vacancy.'

In the wake of the bungled investigation, Nanos has been accused of lying about his employment history and workplace retaliation

The Pima County Sheriff's Office told KOLD that Nanos intends to comply with the request.

'In response to the Board's decision today, Sheriff Nanos will comply with A.R.S.  11-253 to provide a report to the Pima County Board of Supervisors,' the department spokesperson said.

'He has always been transparent and will provide a report once more direction is provided by the Pima County Administrator.

'Because this is a legal matter, the sheriff is unable to comment any further on this matter.'

The Daily Mail contacted the Pima County Sheriff's Office for comment.
Prince Harry's former polo club has become embroiled in a pollution row after bosses bought contaminated soil full of plastic and bricks.

The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club in Winkfield has dumped an estimated half a million cubic metres of dirt on its grounds since 2013.

The move came as part of attempts by owners of the venue, which sits in the green belt, to turn grazing fields within its grounds into additional pitches.

But some 13 years on, the transformations are not yet complete, with the compost still yet to be fully laid - and instead piled up in towering mounds several metres high.

The club, which is considered one of the most prestigious of its kind in the UK, has long been a favourite haunt of Prince Harry.

The Duke of Sussex played at the venue during the Sentebale Polo Cup in July 2018, a tournament raising money for the namesake African youth organisation he founded, which he walked away from last year amid a major row with bosses.

Recent photos show the huge heaps of earth at the club are also full of waste material, including bricks and plastic.

Residents have now expressed fears this could contaminate existing soil on the site, which is home to several 200-year-old oak trees, The Times reports.

The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club (RCBPC) in Winkfield has dumped an estimated half a million cubic metres of dirt (pictured, containing waste material) on its grounds since 2013

The venue, which is considered one of the most prestigious of its kind in the UK, has long been a favourite haunt of Prince Harry (pictured, at the Sentebale Polo Cup at the club in 2018)

Locals also complained about the road disruption caused by lorries transporting enormous loads of compost to the venue, which have also become an eyesore.

One, who wished to remain anonymous, said: 'Many hectares of green belt land have been raised significantly higher than that granted under the planning permission with the increased risks and detriment to flooding, drainage and contamination to other land owners, families and residents.'

The Lead Local Flood Authority, the council body for managing flood risk, has also raised the alarm about the potential dangers of the development.

Officials used lidar technology, which maps land using lasers, to find there was a 'clear indication' the move had increased flood risk to the site and its surroundings.

The local authority initially demanded that the RCBPC removes the dumped dirt by January next year and level out the ground.

Bracknell Forest Council issued the enforcement notice after concluding the club had breached the conditions of its planning permission for the renovations.

But the council has now withdrawn the order after the venue submitted a new planning application for works to fix the issues created.

The proposal will see the original project scrapped, ending bosses' hopes for a new high-goal polo pitch, for games at the most competitive level of the sport.

The new plans instead include two practice pitches and a new wetland habitat - but no commitment to get rid of the dumped material.

Bosses defended the decision by claiming taking the soil away would cause too much disruption to local roads.

A report commissioned by the club found more than 100,000 lorry movements would be needed to remove the dirt.

One resident, who lives on a street near the venue, said they had seen firsthand 'the destruction of our local roads and infrastructure' caused by the aborted project.

They told planning officials further 'continuous invasive movement' of heavy goods vehicles, which the new plans would still involve, would be unacceptable.

Joshua Reynolds, Liberal Democrat MP for Maidenhead, said he was 'extremely concerned' by the development, particularly the flood risk it poses.

'This is a direct threat to the safety of the local community,' he said.

In an email to the council, Mr Reynolds claimed the club's plans to fix the issues do not address their root cause, which was the unauthorised dumping of soil.

He also said the proposed new wetland habitat could actually add to the flood risk to surrounding land.

A spokesperson for RCBPC said the pitches it had hoped to create were not yet finished as the contractor for the works had unexpectedly gone into administration.

The arrival of compost en masse came as part of attempts by owners of the venue, which sits in the green belt, to turn grazing fields within its grounds into additional pitches. Pictured: The club's now waterlogged grounds

But some 13 years on, the transformations are not yet complete, with the compost instead piled up in towering mounds several metres high. Residents have complained the earthworks could pose a major flood risk. Pictured: The club's now waterlogged grounds

The Duke of Sussex played at the venue during the Sentebale Polo Cup in July 2018, a tournament which raises money for the namesake African youth organisation. Pictured: Harry, with his wife Megan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, at the event

They also claimed a high-pressure gas main had been discovered on the site, which had put a stop to the development.

The spokesperson said the unfinished land could not be accessed by horses or members of the public.

And they added the new proposed biodiversity improvements were greater than those included in the venue's original planning application.

It was also noted no objections to the club's remediation plans had been raised at a local parish council meeting last month.

In a statement, bosses said: 'RCBPC are committed to completing the works to the land and working closely with the council.'

The RCBPC has been contacted for comment.

Bought in 1985 by the music publisher Bryan Morrison, the club has long been a favoured venue of Prince Harry, who is known for his love of the sport.

The Duke of Sussex played at the venue for the Sentebale Polo Cup in July 2018, appearing alongside his wife Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex.

The pair's attendance at the event came just a month after their wedding at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle.

Sentebale has now dropped polo matches from its fundraising activities after Harry walked away from the board of trustees in a row over racism and bullying.

The charity, which Harry set up in 2006, appeared to try to distance itself from the royal with the move, as the prince is personally fond of the sport.

He resigned as patron of Sentebale in March last year after the new chair, Dr Sophie Chandauka, made a series of incendiary allegations about his behaviour.

Polo events that he personally took part in have constituted a major source of the charity's income.

The Sentebale ISPS Handa Polo Cup, as the fundraising tournament was known, raised some 18 per cent of the organisation's funds in 2024.

Harry walked away from the charity following a damning report into an explosive race row sparked by allegations made by Dr Chandauka.

The UK Charity Commission had launched a probe into the acrimonious boardroom battle  but criticised both sides in its findings.

The probe said it could find 'no evidence' of 'widespread or systemic bullying or harassment, including misogyny or misogynoir' at Sentebale.

But it also criticised the trustees, who included Harry, who resigned en masse in March last year after the row was made public.
Astronauts on board NASA's Artemis II mission have captured a dazzling new view of Earth as they speed towards the Moon on the first crewed lunar journey in more than half a century.

The breathtaking images, released 36 hours into the mission, show a curved slice of the blue planet glowing through the Orion spacecraft's window, as well as a full view of Earth wrapped in swirling white cloud and glowing green auroras.

Commander Reid Wiseman took the photographs after a crucial engine burn sent the spacecraft hurtling towards the Moon, with the crew around 100,000 miles from Earth at the time and rapidly gaining distance.

One striking image reveals two auroras glowing at opposite edges of the planet, while faint zodiacal light is also visible.

In another, the entire globe appears almost suspended in darkness, seen from an unusual 'upside-down' angle with West Africa positioned to the left as viewed from the capsule.

'It was the most spectacular moment, and it paused all four of us in our tracks,' Wiseman said, describing the view after Mission Control adjusted the spacecraft's position so the entire Earth filled their windows.

On board the Orion capsule, named 'Integrity' by its crew, are NASA astronauts Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch, alongside Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen.

The spacecraft blasted off from Kennedy Space Center on April 1 and is expected to complete a 10-day mission that will see the crew loop around the Moon before returning to Earth.

This image provided by NASA shows a view of Earth taken by NASA astronaut and Artemis II Commander Reid Wiseman from of the Orion spacecraft's window after completing the translunar injection burn on April 2

Tracker shows where Artemis II is now and how long it will take to get to the moon

After launch, Orion deployed its solar panels and entered a high Earth orbit before performing a powerful translunar injection burn to begin its journey into deep space.

Several CubeSats were also released during the early stages of the mission to carry out scientific experiments and test new technologies.

The astronauts are expected to reach the Moon on Monday, where they will swing around its far side, observing and photographing terrain rarely seen by human eyes, before heading back home for a planned Pacific Ocean splashdown.

The mission marks the first time humans have travelled to the Moon since Apollo 17 in 1972, and represents a major step in NASA's Artemis programme to establish a long-term human presence on the lunar surface and eventually send astronauts to Mars.

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman hailed the launch as a 'defining moment' for space exploration, as the agency looks to push further into deep space than ever before.

The mission has not been without tense moments.

Around 20 minutes after completing the key engine burn that set Orion on its course to the Moon, the crew received a warning message indicating a suspected cabin leak.

'This grabs your attention,' Hansen said in a live interview from space, recalling how the alert raised fears they might need to abort and return to Earth within hours.

A cabin leak is a serious risk in spaceflight, but ground teams in Houston quickly confirmed the reading was an anomaly and cabin pressure remained stable.

'Houston helped us out. They confirmed they were seeing good cabin pressure and so were we on-board,' Hansen said. 'We did the burn and now we're heading to the moon and feeling good.'

From left to right: Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, NASA astronauts Victor Glover, Reid Wiseman and Christina Koch

Artemis II successfully launched from the Kennedy Space Center Wednesday evening

The launch itself also faced minor issues, including a temporary communications glitch and a reported controller problem with the spacecraft's toilet, though all major systems continued to function.

In the first 24 hours, the spacecraft orbited Earth while the crew carried out safety checks and rested before firing its engine for around six minutes to generate roughly 6,000 pounds of thrust and begin the journey towards the Moon.

The 10-day mission will see the astronauts complete a roughly 685,000-mile round trip, travelling as far as about 250,000 miles from Earth and pushing further into deep space than any crewed mission in decades.

At its furthest point, Orion will travel around 6,400 miles beyond the Moon before turning back towards Earth for splashdown in the Pacific Ocean.
America's most senior Catholic military cleric has warned that Donald Trump's Iran war is unjustified and suggested troops should avoid following orders.

Archbishop Timothy Broglio, head of the Archdiocese for the Military Services and one of America's most conservative bishops, called Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's invocations of Jesus Christ to justify the war 'problematic.'

Broglio said Trump's strikes on Iran were not justified under Saint Augustine's just war theory, in an interview set to air on CBS's Face the Nation on Easter Sunday.

The theory holds that war is only morally permissible when punishing wrongdoing or defending the innocent, and always with the ultimate aim of restoring peace rather than for revenge or conquest.

The bishop said the administration's justification rested on the threat of nuclear weapons - which Iran does not possess.

'While there was a threat with nuclear arms, it's compensating for a threat before the threat is actually realized,' Broglio said.

He urged troops to minimize harm in carrying out their orders, while acknowledging that lower ranks would not be in a position to disobey commands unless they 'were clearly immoral.'

'The question might be would generals or admirals have space to perhaps say, "Can we look at this a different way," but having spoken to some of them, they are also in the same dilemma,' Broglio said. 'So my counsel would be to do as little harm as you can and to try and preserve innocent lives.'

Broglio said Trump's strikes on Iran were not justified under Saint Augustine's just war theory, in an interview set to air on CBS's Face the Nation on Easter Sunday

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins arrive before President Donald Trump speaks about the Iran war from the Cross Hall of the White House on Wednesday, April 1

Under US military rules, troops may seek non-combat duty or discharge on grounds of conscientious objection, but must continue to follow orders until any application is approved.

Broglio expressed profound skepticism about Hegseth's frequent invocations of Jesus Christ, including prayers and Bible verses from the Pentagon podium.

'It's a little bit problematic in the sense that, the Lord Jesus certainly brought a message of peace and also, I think, war is always a last resort,' Broglio said.

'Now they may have information that led them to think war was the only choice, I'm not making a judgement about that because I really don't know, I do think that it's hard to cast this war as something that would be sponsored by the Lord.'

Broglio noted the view was shared by Pope Leo, who on Palm Sunday quoted the Book of Isaiah in a pointed rebuke of those who wage war.

'God does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war, but rejects them,' Leo said, before quoting Isaiah: 'Even though you make many prayers, I will not listen: your hands are full of blood.'

Broglio's broadside will be seen as a serious embarrassment for the Trump administration.

Appointed by Pope Benedict XVI, he is a staunch conservative who has been a rock for conservatives for years.

Join the discussion Should faith leaders publicly challenge military decisions, or stay out of political conflicts?

Donald Trump arrives to speak at a televised address on the conflict in the Middle East from the Cross Hall of the White House in Washington, DC on April 1

Pete Hegseth visiting US troops fighting in the Iran war

Pope Leo XIV holds a cross as he leads the Good Friday Passion of the Lord service in Saint Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, April 3

He oversees more than 200 Catholic chaplains serving across the US military.

Hegseth, a born-again evangelical Christian, has been sharply criticized for the religious tenor of his rhetoric surrounding the Iran war.

He has prayed for 'overwhelming violence' against enemies and framed operations in Biblical language, citing Psalm 144: 'Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle.'

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Monday pushed back on Leo's assertion that God does not hear the prayers of those who wage war.

'Our nation was a nation founded 250 years ago almost on Judeo-Christian values,' Leavitt said.

'I don't think there is anything wrong with our military leaders or with the president calling on the American people to pray for our service members overseas.'

In response to Broglio's criticism, the White House on Friday hailed Trump's 'courageous' war against Iran.

Spokeswoman Anna Kelly told the Daily Mail: 'There is nothing more humanitarian than eliminating the short- and long-term threats posed by the terrorist Iranian regime, which has targeted civilians throughout the region and long committed egregious human rights abuses against their own people.

'Past Presidents have talked about taking on the terrorist regime for 47 years, but this Presidents courageous action to finally dismantle their ballistic missile capacity, navy, ability to arm proxies, and dreams of possessing a nuclear weapon exemplifies peace through strength and will save countless lives.'
Artificial intelligence threatens to turbocharge rising racism and misogyny in Scotlands schools, teachers have warned.

Powerful AI tools have made it easy to fabricate lifelike audio and video which appear genuine but are instead generated within seconds by computer.

Now a teaching union has warned that, without action, AI tools could be used to intensify abuse fuelled by social media.

Matt Wrack of NASUWT, which has its annual conference today, warned: AI poses a potential threat to the safety and wellbeing of children and school staff.

Teachers are dealing with an upswing in racist, misogynistic and anti-immigrant rhetoric fuelled by social media, which is leading to incidents of harassment, threats and violence.

AI threatens to turbocharge this threat which is why a key challenge for the next Scottish Government must be to equip young people and teachers with the tools to recognise and counter online disinformation, along with greater regulation of the use of AI.

AI systems can generate genuine-looking fake images almost instantly

AI systems can generate genuine-looking fake images almost instantly. And the tools can superimpose faces over others to create so-called deepfake videos, and even invent life-like videos from scratch with a simple text prompt.

Combined with technology which can replicate peoples voices, teachers fear AI systems can be used to fuel online disinformation and hate speech.

Teachers have reported social media trends which have seen recordings of them manipulated by AI to show them shouting and swearing at pupils.

And children have used AI to create sexual and violent images of teachers to share online. Some have been off sick since footage was shared with the likeness of teachers superimposed on pornographic films.

Fake social media accounts using teachers names are also being set up, with a local authority calling them humiliating, offensive, violent and (sometimes) sexual in nature.

The union also wants greater focus on challenging violence, abuse and disruption in schools.
Former reality star Spencer Pratt is gaining in the polls after he launched a long-shot campaign to replace Karen Bass as the Mayor of Los Angeles.

Pratt, 42, announced his campaign in January following a slew of public criticism of Bass over her handling of the massive wildfires at the start of 2025.

Pratt's unlikely political career followed years on television, including the hit MTV series, The Hills, where he met his wife Heidi Montag.

However, a recent poll conducted by the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs suggests that Pratt's long-shot campaign may not be a long shot after all.

The poll still has Bass in the lead, with 25 percent of participants saying they plan to vote for her in the June primary.

Pratt came in second, with 11 percent of respondents saying they intended to vote for him in June.

Nithya Raman, a city council member and longtime Bass ally, came in a close third, receiving 9 percent of participants' support.

Rae Chen Huang, a pastor and housing advocate, and Adam Miller, a nonprofit executive and entrepreneur, tied for fourth with 3 percent. Nine percent of participants said they planned to vote for a different candidate.

Spencer Pratt, pictured above filling out election paperwork, is closing in on Mayor Karen Bass in the Los Angeles mayoral race, according to new polling

Karen Bass, pictured above at a Human Rights Campaign event in March, is still ahead in the polls, but is not leading by a significant margin

City Councilmember Nithya Raman, pictured above speaking in March, is in the top three of recent polls

Although Bass received the most support from the poll, 40 percent of respondents said they were still undecided.

Zev Yaroslavsky, the director of UCLA Luskin and a former elected leader in Los Angeles, emphasized the importance of respondents still being undecided at this point in the campaign.

'It is unusual for 40 percent of likely voters to be unsure of their choice just two months before an LA mayoralty election,' Zev Yaroslavsky said.

'Although Mayor Bass faces the most challenging reelection of an incumbent mayor in decades, it is highly likely that this election will be decided in a November runoff. A lot can change between now and then, so it's a wide-open race.'

Pratt is running as an independent. Los Angeles has a unique voting structure where the top two candidates in the primary run against one another in a November runoff.

However, if a candidate receives more than 50 percent of the votes in June, they win the election, and there is no runoff in the fall.

Bass won the election comfortably four years ago, but is facing an uphill battle this time around as her approval rating has plummeted.

Following the disastrous Palisades fire, Bass lost support among her constituents. Over a year later, 56 percent of those polled view her unfavorably, while only 31 percent viewed her favorably.

Your browser does not support iframes.

The UCLA Luskin poll surveyed 813 likely primary voters between March 15 and March 29. The poll was conducted by phone and online with a margin of error of 4 percent.

Another recent poll conducted by the UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies and co-sponsored by The Los Angeles Times produced similar results.

That poll surveyed 840 likely voters between March 9 and March 15. It found that Bass also led with 25 percent, while Raman came in second with 17 percent, and Pratt trailed in third with 14 percent.

Dan Schnur, a politics professor at UC Berkeley and Pepperdine, told The Los Angeles Times that even though Bass was ahead in the polls, the results could be 'borderline catastrophic' for her campaign.

'That she's having this much trouble against this field, against such a little-known field of opponents, bodes very, very poorly for her,' Schnur said.

'The only thing saving her at this point is that the top tier of potential candidates who were considering running against her decided to stay out of this race.'

Join the discussion What does Spencer Pratts surge say about trust in LA's political leaders after the wildfire crisis?

Pratt and his wife, Heidi Montag, pictured above together in March, lost their home last year in the Palisades fire. Since then, they have been critical of Bass and city leadership

Rae Chen Huang, a pastor and housing advocate (left), and Adam Miller (right), a nonprofit executive and entrepreneur, are trailing in the polls

Bass' campaign team painted a different picture, with a spokesperson telling the Daily Mail that the polls demonstrated that she still has support from constituents.

'Mayor Karen Bass is leading because she is laser-focused on changing Los Angeles by building affordable housing, lowering costs for Angelenos, and making communities safer,' Alex Stack, a campaign spokesperson, said in a statement.

'This poll shows that's what Angelenos want for Mayor, not candidates focused on their own narrow political agendas.'

Bass was on a diplomatic trip to Ghana when the fires ravaged her home city, killing 12 people and destroying neighborhoods.

She was ruthlessly blasted for being away during the city's travesty and has been criticized for how she handled recovery efforts.

Chief among those critics is Pratt himself, who has frequently blamed Bass for the devastating impacts of the wildfires.

He and his wife, fellow reality star Heidi Montag, also lost their home in the fire. Pratt has credited his frustration with Los Angeles officials during the wildfires as part of his motivation to run for office.

The Daily Mail has reached out to Pratt's campaign team for comment on the recent polling.
St. Louis outraged pedestrian safety advocates by getting rid of concrete bumpouts that narrowed portions of busy city roads and forced drivers to slow down.

City officials removed three curb extensions; one at the southwest corner of Broadway and Market, another at the entrance of the Ballpark Hilton Hotel's valet circle and a third on the other side of the circle.

This was done after drivers got stuck in hourslong traffic jams in these areas after a concert last month at the Dome at America's Center.

Bob O'Loughlin, whose Lodging Hospitality Management owns the Ballpark Hilton, told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that the bumpouts created traffic even on normal days.

In the weeks after the concert fiasco, Mayor Cara Spencer met with downtown 'stakeholders' to discuss the problem.

St. Louis Urbanists, a group that lobbies for a more walkable city, posted pictures of one of the bumpouts getting removed.

The group called the move 'a masterclass in how our City government officially prioritizes driver convenience over your lives'.

'[The bumpouts] are being removed. The reason? It wasn't a safety failure or a catastrophic flaw. They are being ripped out due to observations of 'traffic' after one single event,' the group said.

Pictured: One of the concrete bumpouts that was installed after a rise in traffic deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic

The bumpout, along with two others nearby, were removed by construction crews after they caused an hourslong traffic jam last month

This graphic, provided by St. Louis City Hall, shows the three bumpouts that were removed

'This decision proves that driver convenience measured in minutes after a single event is officially more important to this City than the actual lives of people crossing the street,' their post continued.

Alderwoman Jami Cox Antwi claimed the sidewalk extensions were removed without her knowledge.

'This is deeply frustrating and makes our Downtown a more dangerous place to live, work and visit,' Antwi said in a statement posted to social media.

More than 100 bumpouts were added to a roughly mile-long stretch of Broadway after a spike in traffic deaths during the pandemic.

As part of that safety project, officials also added intersection daylighting, ADA improvements, clearer pavement markings and more on-street parking, according to a spokesperson for the mayor's office.

'These problem bumpouts were identified by the City, in concert with the local business community, as significant choke points, particularly during downtown events, which are frequent,' the spokesperson said. 'The vast majority of the safety improvements remain in place.'

'Minor modifications to a project during and after construction are fairly common on a large project, and these are modest tweaks to the overall project, which was very ambitious from a safety perspective,' the spokesperson added.

'An event management study will follow, with the goal of balancing pedestrian and event traffic needs in our downtown moving forward.'

Mayor Cara Spencer was accused of succumbing to political influence after approving the removal of the concrete bumpouts. She denied this and said they were removed to cut down on traffic

Bob O'Loughlin's company owns the Ballpark Hilton, where the bumpouts were removed. He believes more bumpouts should be removed from the downtown core (pictured) to cut down on traffic

Critics of Mayor Spencer say she removed them at the behest of O'Loughlin, since a company he runs has contributed to her political action committee.

'It wasn't a favor,' she said on Thursday. 'It was a mess.'

O'Loughlin also denied exerting influence over the mayor's office in this manner. He also said the city should consider getting rid of more extensions that have cut Broadway from four lanes down to two.

That road is the main path out for people who drive to the downtown core for popular events.

'If it takes people three hours to get in and out,' he said, 'people will stop coming.'

O'Loughlin said reckless drivers should be dealt with by law enforcement. He did acknowledge St. Louis's reputation for drag racing.

There were 23 pedestrian deaths in St. Louis in 2024. By comparison, New York City had 122 pedestrian deaths in the same year.

Adjusted for population, St. Louis pedestrian fatality rate is far higher - about 8.2 deaths per 100,000 residents, compared to roughly 1.4 in New York.

St. Louis recently created a special downtown district that will hire off-duty police officers to tamp down on drag racing over the coming months.
Armed police guarding London mayor Sir Sadiq Khan have been accused of a major security gaffe after leaving a holdall full of guns on the kerb outside his home.

Five officers are believed to have mistakenly abandoned the bag outside the property in Clapham, south London, at about 9.30pm on Tuesday.

The blunder came on the same evening as a large-scale riot on the borough's high street, which was swarmed by a gang of feral youths.

The chaos, which saw teens light fires, terrorise bystanders and even confront police officers, happened just a short distance from the Labour mayor's family home.

A pregnant passer-by spotted the piece of luggage at the roadside and immediately became suspicious.

She took a risk and kicked it to see what it might be - but finding it was unusually heavy, she went home to ask her partner Jordan Griffiths for help.

He returned with her to where the bag was and took it home to investigate further, initially thinking its weight might mean it was full of coins.

The scaffolder looked inside, where he found an MP5 semi-automatic Heckler & Koch carbine, a Glock pistol, Taser and bullets.

Five officers are believed to have mistakenly abandoned the bag outside the property belonging to the Labour mayor (pictured walking near his home) in Clapham, south London, at around 9.30pm on Tuesday

The blunder came on the same evening as a large-scale riot (pictured) on the borough's high street, which was swarmed by an enormous gang of feral youths

'It was lucky one of the guns inside didn't go off or else she and our baby due next month could have been shot and killed,' Mr Griffiths told the Sun.

'I couldn't believe my eyes.'

He added: 'I hate to think what might have happened if any of the people in Clapham had found that bag. It could have been mayhem.'

Mr Griffiths laid the guns out on his bed and took a picture of them with his phone before calling the police, who turned up in minutes to collect them.

The officers were 'shocked' to see the weaponry, he explained, and looked through the bag carefully before hurriedly taking it away.

The cops told him the luggage had been left by one of Sir Sadiq's security officers.

And when Mr Griffiths asked if there might be a reward for finding the guns, they said they would give him 'a bag of sweets'.

Loose in the holdall was the American-made semi-automatic Heckler & Koch MP5SF A3 rifle, which fires up to 800 rounds a minute.

The Taser stun gun, which can hit targets with 50,000 volts, was in a nylon holster.

The Austrian Glock 17 pistol, fitted with at least ten rounds, was stored in a leather holster.

The Metropolitan Police's directorate of professional standards is investigating the incident.

The five armed protection officers have been temporarily suspended from frontline duties until a conclusion is reached.

Sources have questioned how the bag of weapons came to be removed from Sir Sadiq's home and abandoned in the street.

One former Met firearms officer admitted police officers are only human and can make mistakes.

They confessed, for instance, to knowing of an incident whereby a Special Forces operator has left their pistol in the toilets of a motorway service station.

But the insider said an error such as that made by Sir Sadiq's protection team should have repercussions.

Loose in the holdall was the American-made semi-automatic Heckler & Koch MP5SF A3 rifle (pictured, file photo), which fires up to 800 rounds a minute

Retired detective chief inspector Mick Neville said gun crime was common in south London - and 'too many villains would have been very pleased' to find the holdall.

He said though the Met was lucky the people who found it handed it in - as it could otherwise have resulted in a crime facilitated by a police-issued weapon.

Mr Neville emphasised, however, that even with highly professional police firearms officers, who work hard to protect the public, rare mistakes do happen.

Sir Sadiq was given 24-hour armed protection by a team of some 15 officers after receiving repeated threats to his safety.

The married father-of-two revealed the formidable security arrangements at a Labour Party conference fringe meeting in 2021.

He said he needs the protection because of the 'colour of his skin and the god he worships' and the threat to him was 'tough' on his family.

A spokesperson for the Met said: 'We have made a referral to the Met's Directorate of Professional Standards following an incident which took place on Tuesday, March 31.

'At around 21:40hrs, a member of the public called police after finding a bag containing Met-issued firearms and a taser on a street in south London.

'Within seven minutes of the call to police, officers arrived at the scene and safely recovered the items.

'We are urgently reviewing the circumstances of this incident and recognise the concern it may cause.

'At this stage it is believed the bag was misplaced by on-duty officers a short time before the member of the public located it.

'We recognise the concern this may cause and an internal review was immediately launched into the circumstances.

'Five officers have been removed from frontline duties while these enquiries remain ongoing.'

A spokesperson for the Mayor of London said: 'This is a very serious incident, which has been referred to the Mets Directorate of Professional Standards.

'The Met must now take all steps to ensure an incident like this never occurs again.'

Crime in London has soared since Sir Sadiq came to power despite his claims the capital is a 'safe city', figures have shown.

The mayor, who succeeded Boris Johnson in 2016 and was re-elected in 2021 and 2024, this week urged British diplomats around the world to challenge 'disinformation and lies' about the capital, amplified by Donald Trump.

It comes as teen flash mobs (pictured) wrought havoc in Clapham this week, with feral youths tearing through the streets in a series of Easter holiday rampages

He admitted the capital, which has been dubbed 'Lawless London', was not perfect but defiantly insisted it remains a 'safe city' - and more so than major US cities.

But in the year to March 2025, police recorded some 1,116 offences involving firearms in the capital alone.

Across the nation, 32 people were killed by a licensed or unlicensed gun in the same 12-month period.

M&S retail director Thinus Keeve has blamed the mayor for failing to tackle crime in the wake of this week's Clapham mobbing.

'I keep hearing crime is falling, especially in London  something none of us believes, and very few people working in retail would see,' Mr Keeve said.

'It is worse in London, but it is happening across the country, and it is becoming routine because it seems there are no consequences.

'Without a government seriously cracking down on crime and a mayor who prioritises effective policing, we are powerless.'

He said he had written to Sir Sadiq to urge him to funnel more funding to the police amid a wave of crime committed in his own stores too.

M&S chief executive Stuart Machin has also written to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood.

It comes as teen flash mobs wrought havoc in Clapham this week, with feral youths tearing through the streets in a series of Easter holiday rampages.

Staff working on the bustling high street described having to lock their doors early as children ran amok on Saturday and Tuesday.

And with weeks of the holidays still to go, it seems we have only seen the start of this surge in youth disorder.

Answering a call to cause chaos which first spawned on social media last week, scheming teens are believed to already be plotting their next mob action.

The shady underworld organising the disruptions has shifted to more secretive group chats, hidden away from the public eye.

Frenzied 'link ups' over the past few days were first arranged using a digital flyer on Snapchat.

It read: 'Clapham Courts return link up 2026...Let's bring back courts for summer from now!!!! Saturday 28 March - 2pm till late.'

At the bottom of the flyer, a line encouraged attendees to bring their own balloons - often used to consume laughing gas - as well as cannabis, Metro reported.

Messages on a leaked Snapchat group chat reveal the planning that went into the Clapham flash mob and the potential for further meet-ups.

Users exchange texts telling each other how excited they are for the flash mob, with one boasting: 'If I'm dere police are gna be da 1 dats running.'

The group chat then goes on to discuss the chances of getting caught following the disruption with one participant asking: 'Am I cooked?'

Concocting plans for how to escape police action, one says: 'Tell them the police are racist.'

Burgess Park and Crystal Palace Park in south London are touted as possible locations for the next 'link up'.

'Crystal Palace Park is a shout,' one person says.

'Bc [Because] it's too big for police to swarm it, plus there's only one entrance police can come through and it's all the way at the back.'

Another adds: 'Burgess is too big for anyone to get bagged and there's bare [lots of] exits.'
Pope Leo XIV led candle-lit Easter celebrations in Rome, becoming the first pope in decades to carry a cross throughout the entire Good Friday procession.

The 70-year-old carried a wooden cross through all 14 stations of the traditional Via Crucis, or Way of the Cross, at the Colosseum on his first Good Friday as pope.

The stations trace the final moments of Jesus' life, from his sentencing to death to his burial.

Inside the Colosseum, Pope Leo lifted the cross and began the rite, accompanied by two torchbearers who remained with him throughout the hour-long procession.

He paused at various points to hear Bible readings, writings from St Francis of Assisi, and spiritual meditations.

The pope, an outspoken critic of the war in Iran, listened as an evocative set of meditations was read aloud inside the ancient amphitheatre.

At the first station, marking the moment Jesus was condemned to death, the meditation emphasised that those in positions of authority will ultimately answer to God for how they exercise their power.

It read: 'The power to judge; the power to start or end a war; the power to instill violence or peace; the power to fuel the desire for revenge, or for reconciliation.'

Pope Leo XIV (pictured) led candle-lit Easter celebrations in Rome, becoming the first pope in decades to carry a cross throughout the entire Good Friday procession

Inside the Colosseum (pictured), Pope Leo lifted the cross and began the rite, accompanied by two torchbearers who remained with him throughout the hour-long procession

Leo (pictured) carried a wooden cross through all 14 stations of the traditional Way of the Cross at the Colosseum on his first Good Friday as pope

Leo then walked through the crowds outside the Colosseum and up to Palatine Hill, where he delivered the final blessing.

Speaking to reporters outside the papal retreat at Castel Gandolfo this week, Pope Leo said carrying the cross would be an 'important sign.'

He said: 'I think it will be an important sign because of what the pope represents, a spiritual leader in the world today, and for this voice, that everyone wants to hear, that says Christ still suffers.

'I carry all of this suffering in my prayer.'

Around 30,000 people assembled outside the monument, following the stations as the prayers were broadcast over loudspeakers.

Among the faithful was Sister Pelenatita Kieoma Finau from Samoa, a member of the Missionary Sisters of the Society of Mary.

She said: 'We have been part of our parish stations of the cross, but this is so exciting.

'It is very meaningful to have the experience of being with the people of Rome on this special occasion.'

Around 30,000 people assembled outside the monument, following the stations as the prayers were broadcast over loudspeakers

The pope (pictured), an outspoken critic of the war in Iran , listened as an evocative set of meditations was read aloud inside the ancient amphitheatre

Good Friday is the second of four Catholic holidays leading to Easter Sunday, when Leo will deliver a special blessing and message from the balcony of St Peter's Basilica.

The pontiff previously used his Palm Sunday Mass to speak out against claims that God justifies war, amid reports that the US may be planning a ground invasion of Iran.

Pope Leo emphasised that God is the 'king of peace' who rejects violence and comforts the oppressed, addressing tens of thousands gathered in St Peter's Square last month.

His remarks came shortly after Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that his country's forces are 'waiting for American soldiers to enter on the ground so they can rain fire upon them.'

Ghalibaf also accused Donald Trump of publicly advocating negotiations to end the conflict while secretly preparing for military action.

Leaders across the Middle East have frequently invoked religion to justify military action, and US officials, including Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, have cited their faith to frame the war as a Christian effort to defeat enemies by force.

In contrast, Pope Leo called for global peace.

He said: 'Brothers and sisters, this is our God: Jesus, king of peace, who rejects war, whom no-one can use to justify war.'
Three men have been charged over an arson attack on four Jewish community ambulances in Golders Green.

Hamza Iqbal, 20, Rehan Khan, 19, and a 17-year-old boy have been charged with arson being reckless as to whether life would be endangered.

The two British nationals from Leyton, and the dual British and Pakistani national from Walthamstow, were arrested on Wednesday.

They are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Saturday.

The incident in north-west London in the early hours of last Monday saw the vehicles set on fire outside a synagogue in a suspected anti-Semitic hate crime.

The firebombing caused gas canisters in the ambulances, from Hatzola, a volunteer-led service, to explode.

Police said this week the incident was not 'at this stage' declared as terrorism - but circumstances meant counter terror detectives have been leading the probe.

Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said: 'Since this appalling attack last week, we have been working continuously to investigate and identify those responsible.

Four ambulances from Hatzola, a volunteer-led ambulance service operating in the Golders Green area of north-west London, were set on fire (pictured) in the early hours of March 23

It caused gas canisters stored in the vehicles (pictured, in the aftermath) to explode

'The investigation has now reached a stage where three people have been charged and they will now appear in court.'

Two men arrested in the following days in connection with the incident were later that week released on bail.

They were British nationals aged 47 and 45, and were held by counter terrorism detectives at addresses in north west London and central London.

The pair were detained on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.

She previously said: 'We know concern among the Jewish community remains high, but I hope these arrests show that we are doing everything we can to bring those responsible to justice.

'As I've said previously, the support we had from the local community since this attack took place has been incredible, and we will continue to work closely with local policing colleagues to do everything we can to keep the public safe.'

Six fire engines and 40 firefighters rushed to Highfield Road, near the Mchzike Hadath synagogue, at about 1.45am on March 23. No one was injured.

CCTV footage showed three hooded figures apparently pouring accelerant on the ambulances and setting them on fire.

The head of the Metropolitan Police said after the attack the force was investigating whether an Islamist group with possible Iranian state links was behind the arson.

Investigators were looking into claims by a suspected Iran-backed group called Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia that it had been behind the attack.

A video was posted on Telegram featuring a map of the location where the ambulances were kept and footage of them on fire.

Gas canisters kept in the ambulances exploded after they were set alight, with nearby homes evacuated as a precaution.

The force of the blasts caused windows to break in a nearby block of flats.

The synagogue, which is one of the oldest in Europe, had its roof damaged and stained glass windows smashed in the fire.

The volunteer-run Jewish organisation Hatzola, founded in 1979, provides free emergency medical response and transportation to hospitals.

In the wake of the arson, the Met deployed an additional 264 officers as well as specialist teams including firearms, the mounted branch and drones, to boost security for Jewish communities in the run up to Passover.

They are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Saturday. Pictured: Three hooded suspects approach the vehicles before they are set alight

The incident in north-west London in the early hours of last Monday saw the vehicles set on fire outside a synagogue in a suspected anti-Semitic hate crime. Pictured: The aftermath

Condemning the 'deeply shocking' attack, Sir Keir Starmer said in the aftermath: 'My thoughts are with the Jewish community who are waking up this morning to this horrific news.

'Antisemitism has no place in our society. Anyone with any information must come forward to the police.'

Gideon Falter, chief executive of Campaign Against Antisemitism, said: 'We are absolutely heartbroken that this is how low Britain has sunk.

'This horrific act truly plumbs new depths.'

Health Secretary Wes Streeting announced the four ambulances would be replaced by vehicles from the London Ambulance Service.

Det Chief Supt Luke Williams, who leads policing in North West London said today: 'We know local community concern continues to remain high  particularly for our Jewish communities as they now enter the Passover festival period.

'Since the arson attack, we have put in place an enhanced, bespoke policing plan, which has been focused around vulnerable areas not only in Golders Green, but right across London.

'This has involved a significant number of officers on the ground, with the aim of protecting communities, disrupting offenders, and detecting crime.

'This activity is ongoing and will continue over the coming days and weeks and includes specialist officers and capability being deployed alongside local officers.

'It is also being supported by highly visible armed police patrols to serve as a deterrent to anyone seeking to cause our communities harm.'

He described these as 'precautionary measures and not in response to any specific threat'.

'We continue to work alongside our colleagues in Counter Terrorism Policing to support their investigation,' he added.

'We will also continue to work closely with local communities and our partners to listen to their concerns and respond to these.'

This is a breaking story - further updates to follow.
Paraded before court in striped blue prison shirts, the two teenage boys fidgeted anxiously, their eyes wide with fear.

Erfan Amiri, 17, and Ehsan Hesarlu, 18, had already confessed to arson during Januarys anti-regime protests following weeks of abuse at the hands of the Iranian police.

While their fast-tracked, torture tainted trial broadcast to the nation from the Revolutionary Court in Tehran is still ongoing, human rights groups warn that without help they will join dozens of men already sentenced to death.

This week, 18-year-old musician Amirhossein Hatami was hanged for the same crime. Now Mohammad Amin Biglari, 19, Ali Fahim, 23, Abolfazl Salehi Siavashani, 51, and Shahin Vahedparast Kolor, 30, have been moved to pre-execution solitary confinement.

There are at least 25 men on death row while thousands more are at risk with over half a dozen already put to death after being arrested during the protests.

While the uprising started organically and grew in response to calls from exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi to take to the streets on January 8 and 9, they were hugely encouraged by Donald Trump.

The US President promised activists that if the Iranian regime does anything bad to them were going to hit them very hard.

When Tehran then slaughtered more than 30,000 by some counts, he pledged that help is on its way and told the brave Iranian people: Keep protesting. Sources familiar with the Islamic Republics justice system said it was only the threat of an American attack that had prevented the execution machine being set fully in motion.

Mr Trump appeared to make good on his word on February 28, when US intelligence helped Israel assassinate the regimes Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei before blistering joint strikes wiped out much of the leadership and were cheered by the people.

Pictured: Erfan Amiri, 17, and Ehsan Hesarlu, 18, had already confessed to arson during Januarys anti-regime protests following weeks of abuse at the hands of the Iranian police

Another sentenced to death is Mohammad Abbasi (pictured), 55, who was convicted of Moharebeh - or Enmity Against God - over the killing of a police colonel, while his distraught 33-year-old daughter Fatemeh (pictured behind Mr Abbasi) looked on in court

Pictured: Mohammad Amin Bigleri is one of many Iranians currently on death row

Now, the fear is that the US appears on the verge of pulling out, satisfied that they have reduced Tehrans nuclear capabilities but leaving the regime and its execution machine in place.

Today the Daily Mail publishes pictures of all those at risk of execution whose families have given permission to share their photographs as they call on Washington  and the world  not to forget them.

Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, director of Iran Human Rights, told the Daily Mail: It is essential to stress that any deal, negotiation or dialogue with the Islamic Republic must place the human rights situation of the Iranian people at its core, with an immediate halt to the use of the death penalty as a primary condition.

An Iranian whose brother was tortured and killed in January said: These are not just statistics  these are children, human beings with dreams and futures. The world cannot stay silent any longer. It is time to act, to speak and to stand for their right to live.

Amnesty International has warned that Erfan and Ehsans trial at Branch 26 of the Revolutionary Court in Tehran is grossly unfair. They were arrested alongside Matin Mohammadi, 17, on January 8 for alleged involvement in a fire at a base for the feared Basij paramilitary that killed two agents.

Ehsan was forced to confess after severe beatings and when interrogators put a gun in his mouth, the human rights group said, while their lawyers were threatened until the state appointed an attorney who failed to defend them effectively.

Another at serious risk is Danial Niazi, 18, who is accused of attempted murder, intentional assault, assembly and collusion against national security.

When his mother visited him in prison last month he had been beaten so badly he could not walk and he said guards had threatened to arrest and rape her.

It had been hoped that the teenagers arrested would be spared, as the regime previously said it would differentiate between what it chillingly described as deceived youth. But Amirhosseins execution on Wednesday marked a disturbing escalation. He was among seven men arrested on January 8, accused of arson and brought before Death Judge Abolghassem Salavati at Tehrans feared Revolutionary Court on February 6.

Shahab Zohdi (pictured) has been sentenced to death. He has raised his child alone for 15 years following the death of his wife just five months after she gave birth

Danial Niazi (pictured), 18, is accused of attempted murder, intentional assault, assembly and collusion against national security

This week, 18-year-old musician Amirhossein Hatami (pictured) was hanged

Each was convicted of Moharebeh, or Enmity Against God, and sentenced to death by hanging  with Amirhossein the first to be put to death this week.

Among them was Shahab Zohdi, who has raised his child alone for 15 years following the death of his wife just five months after she gave birth.

Much like the 38-year-old, Abolfazl Siavashani, 51, is the sole provider for his 18-year-old son, working long hours as a motorbike courier to get by. But that counted for little in front of Salavati, who delivered the same sentence to Mohammad Amin Bigleri, 19, Ali Fahim, 23, Shahin Vahedparast Kolor, 30, and Yaser Rajaifar.

Another sentenced to death is Mohammad Abbasi, 55, who was convicted of Moharebeh over the killing of a police colonel, while his distraught 33-year-old daughter, Fatemeh, looked on in court.

The regime has already stepped up executions as Trump signals an end to the war, with four political prisoners hanged this week.

Iranians did not sacrifice themselves for another version of the regime, an Iranian whose brother was beaten in the protests told us. Freedom has a cost  Israel and the US have to finish the job.

The White House said: By achieving the military objectives stated under Operation Epic Fury, President Trump is making the entire region safer and more stable by eliminating Irans short and long-term threats to our country and allies.
NASA's Artemis II crew say they received a terrifying warning message as their spacecraft passed the 'point of no return' on its trip to the moon.

The Orion capsule, containing astronauts Reid Wiseman, Christina Koch, Victor Glover and Jeremy Hansen, is finally on its way to the moon after carrying out a 'translunar injection burn'.

This engine burn is a key manoeuvre that nudges the spacecraft out of Earth's orbit and on its trajectory towards our lunar neighbour.

But 20 minutes after the burn the team received a terrifying 'cabin leak' emergency message.

'We did get a warning message for "cabin leak suspected",' astronaut Hansen said in the crew's first live interview from space.

'This grabs your attention because you go right from doing this burn and you're heading to the moon to thinking, "Are we going to have to cancel this burn, start getting into our spacesuits and figuring out how to get home in a day or less?"'

A cabin leak is a serious issue, as it could compromise the structure of the spacecraft and potentially expose the crew to the vacuum of space.

Luckily, investigations revealed the message was just an anomaly  and on-board cabin pressure was unaffected.

The view from the spacecraft as it carried out the translunar injection burn, nudging the Orion capsule towards the moon

'Houston helped us out  they confirmed they were seeing good cabin pressure and so were we on-board,' Hansen said. 'We did the burn and now we're heading to the moon and feeling good.'

The launch on Wednesday evening marked the start of a mammoth 685,000-mile (1.1million km) trip around the dark side of the lunar surface.

It is the first time in more than 50 years that humans have set off towards the moon.

In the first 24 hours of its journey, the Orion spacecraft orbited Earth while the crew carried out safety checks and got some sleep.

'The Orion spacecraft recently ignited its main engine on the service module for about six minutes to provide about 6,000 pounds of thrust,' NASA wrote on X.

'Next stop: lunar flyby.'

Now that its main engines have fired, the capsule is being propelled to the moon.

On flight day six, Orion will reach its farthermost point from Earth as it sails 6,400 miles (10,299km) beyond the lunar surface.

The astronauts give their first live interview from space, making heart shapes with their hands towards the camera

NASA's mission control confirmed they were seeing good cabin pressure following an emergency 'cabin leak' message

Orion crew capsule: Key specs Unlike the Space Shuttle or ISS, Orion is designed to go far beyond Earth's orbit

Can support four astronauts for up to 21 days

Has a built-in escape rocket that can pull the crew away from danger during launch

Boasts largest heat shield ever built for a human spacecraft

The astronauts will live in about 330 cubic feet of space - roughly the size of two minivans

To get some shut-eye, crew members will strap sleeping bags to the wall

Has a mini gym equipped with a compact flywheel exercise device

It will take astronauts further from Earth than any humans have travelled since the Apollo missions

That will surpass Apollo 13's distance record, which would make the Artemis II astronauts the most remote travellers.

'There is nothing normal about this,' mission commander Wiseman said in the interview.

'Sending four humans 250,000 miles away is a Herculean effort and we are now only just realising the gravity of that.'

The team also revealed they had experienced some issues with the cabin being cold.

'We're wishing we had the lower temperature sleeping bags with us,' Glover said.

'Houston's been working with us to change fan speeds and temperature set points and we've actually been able to warm it up a lot better in the last half day or so.'

The crew also said they have had their first meal together in space  and described their 'comical' sleeping arrangements.

'Victor has got a nice little nook, Jeremy has been stretched out on seat one and I've been sleeping under the displays just in case anything goes wrong,' Reid said.

NASA shared this picture taken from the Orion spacecraft, with the caption: 'Earth peeks through the capsule window, reminding us that a view like this relies on the ingenuity and hard work of countless people back home'

Your browser does not support iframes.

'Christina has been sleeping head-down in the middle of the vehicle, kind of like a bat, suspended from our docking tunnel.'

The team also described their surprise at even taking off.

'Probably one of the things that surprised all of us was when those solid rocket boosters actually lit and we left the pad,' Hansen said. 'It was just a moment of disbelief  the fact that we launched, it just totally takes you by surprise even though you're expecting it.'

After looping around the moon the Orion craft will begin its journey back to Earth.

It will take another four days to return, which the astronauts will fill by conducting key safety demonstrations, including testing procedures designed to shield the crew against dangerous radiation from solar flares.

As Orion approaches Earth, it will separate key components before plunging into the atmosphere at speeds of about 25,000mph (40,233kph).

The spacecraft is expected to splash down in the Pacific Ocean, where recovery teams will retrieve the crew.

The voyage aims to pave the way for a moon landing in 2028 which, if successful, will be the first time humans have set foot on the moon since December 1972.

Another picture taken from Orion. NASA said: 'We see our home planet as a whole, lit up in spectacular blues and browns. A green aurora even lights up the atmosphere in the north'

The Artemis II mission's Orion capsule leaves Earth, backlit by the sun as a crescent, on its way to fly by the moon

The moment space fans waited more than 50 years for as NASA launched its Artemis II mission to the moon on Wednesday evening

Part of what makes Artemis II riskier than NASA's standard missions is that it is testing relatively new technology.

Compared to a spacecraft such as the SpaceX Crew Dragon, which has been used dozens of times, the Orion spacecraft has only been used once, during Artemis I.

'Orion's life support and deep-space systems have never been flown with a crew before,' explained Chris Bosquillon, co-chair of the Moon Village Association's working group for Disruptive Technology & Lunar Governance.

This creates a risk that one of the critical systems might fail once Orion has already left the atmosphere.

If something had gone wrong during the first day, while Orion was still in low-Earth orbit, the crew could simply have fired the engines to make an early return to Earth.

But if part of the engines or life support system fail once the trip to the moon had begun, things would be much more complicated.

The absolute worst-case scenario would involve multiple systems failing, including the propulsion system, leaving Orion unable to alter its course.
The Shroud of Turin is widely considered the most studied, debated and controversial relic in human history.

The 14-foot linen cloth showing a photographic negative image of a crucified man is claimed by many to be Jesus' burial cloth, while skeptics hold it is a medieval forgery.

Now, a biblical scholar has highlighted a previous analysis of the shroud that places it in the same season as Jesus was said to have died on the cross.

Speaking on the Shawn Ryan Show, Dr Jeremiah Johnston highlighted a 1970s forensic analysis of the cloth that identified 58 different types of pollen.

He said that 38 of them were identified as species associated with the Jerusalem region, many of which bloom in spring around Passover

'Pollen from Middle Eastern plant species was found in the dust samples,' Johnston told the Daily Mail.

'Among them were plants that only grow in southern Israel, western Jordan, and the Sinai. Dust from the feet area of the Shroud contained a specific calcium carbonate from travertine aragonite limestone, similar to dust taken from a tomb in Jerusalem. '

He said the remaining pollen species trace the shroud's documented journey over the past 2,000 years, suggesting it originated in Jerusalem before traveling through Europe to its current home in Italy.

The 14-foot linen cloth showing a photographic negative image of a crucified man is claimed by many to be Jesus' burial cloth, while skeptics hold it is a medieval forgery

'We know Jesus is crucified...It's the best-established fact of the ancient world on April 3rd, AD 33,' Johnston told podcast host Shawn Ryan.

The date of the crucifixion is based on Bible accounts stating that Jesus died during Passover and that the following day was the Sabbath or Saturday.

Because historical records show that Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor who sentenced Jesus to death, ruled Judea from AD 26 to AD 36, scholars examined those years.

They found that Passover fell on a Friday only on April 7, AD 30, and April 3, AD 33, now considered the two most likely dates for the crucifixion.

'The pollen, which only blooms at Passover (springtime) in Judea, along with the travertine limestone on the shroud, leave it beyond all doubt that the Shroud of Turin is authentic,' Johnston, who recently published 'The Jesus Discoveries: 10 Historic Finds That Bring Us Face-to-Face with Jesus,' told the Daily Mail.

'I believe that based on the evidence, because I am not irrational.'

Researchers say the pollen evidence suggests the cloth was present in the Jerusalem region during the same time period traditionally associated with the crucifixion.

However, skeptics continue to point to earlier radiocarbon testing that dated part of the fabric to between AD 1260 and 1390, centuries after Jesus' death.

On November 23, 1973, Max Frei was permitted to collect sticky-tape samples of dust from the shroud's surface (PICTURED)

Pictured are images of the pollen take from the shroud

Johnston, who earned his PhD at Oxford, admitted on the Shawn Ryan Show that he was long conditioned to view the cloth as a medieval forgery, a belief rooted in a 1988 study that dated a corner sample of the fabric between AD 1260 and AD 1390.

'I used to be the biggest skeptic of the shroud,' said Johnston.

'It turns out, when you look at it, the shroud of Turin is scientific proof of the physical bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ.

'I believe that based on the evidence in the 102 academic disciplines that have studied over 600,000 research hours in it. So I went from skeptic to believing in it based on the science.'

Johnston discussed the work of forensic scientist Max Frei, who specialized in microscopy and forensic trace analysis and became known for applying adhesive tape sampling techniques to collect microscopic evidence, methods similar to those used in modern crime-scene investigations.

On November 23, 1973, Frei was permitted to collect sticky-tape samples of dust from the shroud's surface. He collected 12 samples, which were later analyzed under a microscope in his Zurich laboratory.

The 38 types of pollen were linked to plants typical of desert regions surrounding the Jordan Valley, including species adapted to soils with high salt content found near the Dead Sea.

According to biblical accounts, Jesus was crucified near Jerusalem, located roughly 13 miles from the northern edge of the Dead Sea.

Many of the pollen types have also been identified as microfossils in sediment taken from the Dead Sea and Lake Gennesareth, also known as the Sea of Galilee.

Only 17 of the pollen species identified on the cloth are known to grow in France or Italy, regions associated with the shroud's documented movement through Europe in later centuries.

Dr Jeremiah Johnston, who earned his PhD at Oxford, told the Daily Mail he was long conditioned to view the relic as a medieval forgery, but after doing his own researchers is now a believer it is the burial cloth of Jesus

Some researchers argue this distribution supports the idea that the cloth traveled from the Middle East to Western Europe over time.

A more recent study in 1999 by botanist Avinoam Danin of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem reanalyzed the pollen samples and identified a high density of pollen from the thistle Gundelia tournefortii.

This species has bloomed in Israel between March and May for thousands of years, aligning with the spring Passover season described in the Bible.

Danin also reported evidence of another plant, Zygophyllum dumosum, appearing in floral images visible on the shroud. This species is native to the region and known for its distinctive paired leaflets.

According to Danin, Gundelia tournefortii and Zygophyllum dumosum coexist in a geographically limited area defined by lines connecting Jerusalem and Hebron in Israel with Madaba and Karak in modern-day Jordan.

The identification of a third species, Cistus creticus, through pollen and floral image analysis further narrowed the possible location.

'This combination of flowers can be found in only one region of the world,' Danin stated. 'The evidence clearly points to a floral grouping from the area surrounding Jerusalem.'
Apple has released an emergency iOS update, urging millions of iPhone users to download it now.

The company expanded the availability of its iOS 18.7.7 and iPadOS 18.7.7 updates to a much wider range of devices, warning that the software contains critical protections against a cyberattack method known as DarkSword.

Apple said this allows more users with automatic updates enabled to receive protection from what it described as web-based attacks.

The DarkSword exploit kit, first identified in 2025, is designed to target vulnerable Apple devices and secretly install malicious software.

Security researchers said the attack is triggered when a user visits a legitimate website that has been secretly infected with malicious code, a tactic known as a 'watering hole attack.'

Once activated, the malware can install hidden backdoors that allow hackers to maintain long-term access to a device and steal sensitive information.

Experts warned that a newer version of the hacking tool has now leaked online, raising fears that additional cybercriminal groups could begin using it in broader attacks.

Users who believe they may be targets of such attacks, particularly journalists, activists or those handling sensitive information, are advised to enable Apple's Lockdown Mode by going to Settings, selecting Privacy & Security, tapping Lockdown Mode and following the prompts to turn it on and restart their device.

Apple expanded the availability of its iOS 18.7.7 and iPadOS 18.7.7 updates to a much wider range of devices, warning that the software contains critical protections against a cyberattack method known as DarkSword

Cybersecurity firms, including Google's Threat Intelligence Group and Lookout, previously revealed that the DarkSword toolkit has been used in attacks targeting users in Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Malaysia, and Ukraine since July 2025.

The team found that it takes advantage of several hidden weaknesses in iPhones and the Safari browser.

This allows attackers to secretly install malware on a device, another reminder of why keeping your phone updated is crucial.

In some cases, attackers created fake websites or apps to trick people, such as a lookalike version of Snapchat, while in others they hacked legitimate websites, including a government site.

Once a phone is infected, hackers can install different types of spyware depending on their goal.

One version, called 'Ghostblade,' is designed to steal huge amounts of personal information.

This includes text messages, call history, contacts, photos, emails, passwords, location data, browsing history and even files stored in iCloud.

It can also access messages from apps like WhatsApp and Telegram.

DarkSword chains together six separate flaws in iOS and Safari, allowing attackers to quietly install malware on targeted devices, highlighting the critical importance of keeping software up to date

The malware looks for cryptocurrency apps and wallets, meaning it can potentially steal digital assets or sensitive financial data.

Apple initially released the iOS 18.7.7 update on March 24, 2026, but at the time, it was limited to a small number of older devices.

The tech giant has now expanded the update to cover a much wider range of iPhones and iPads, including devices capable of upgrading to newer operating systems but still running older versions.

In a statement shared with WIRED, an Apple spokesperson said the company made the unusual move to expand the update to protect users who have not yet upgraded to the latest software.

Users without automatic updates enabled can manually install the patch by updating their device to the latest secure version of iOS 18 or upgrading to iOS 26.

Cybersecurity researchers say the threat highlights growing concerns that sophisticated spyware targeting iPhones is becoming more common.

'DarkSword silently steals vast amounts of user data simply because the user visited a real, but compromised, website,' said Rocky Cole, co-founder of cybersecurity firm iVerify.

Apple has also begun sending lock screen warnings to some users running outdated software, urging them to install updates immediately.

Experts warned that failing to install the patch could leave devices vulnerable to data theft and long-term surveillance.
Davide Veglia, 55, and his 14-year-old son, who has not been named, were aboard a seven-foot inflatable dinghy in the Meloy Channel off Miami Beach when a much larger boat slammed into them at around 8.30pm Wednesday.

The force of the crash flung the Veglias into the water as the other vessel fled the scene, killing the father and badly injuring the teenage son, according to CBS Miami.

Two 16-year-old students from Miami Beach Senior High School who were doing yard work in the area witnessed the brutal collision.

Enzo Avelino, one of the teens, told WSVN: 'We instantly called the cops, let them know everything. I yelled for him to float before the cops came, and he floated. He was, like, floating there with his dad, holding him.'

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) told the Daily Mail on Friday afternoon that the boat of interest was a Formula Boat between 40 and 43 feet long, with quad Mercury L6 Verados, and two-tone cowling paint and a white hull.

It was last seen between 7.30pm and 8.30pm Wednesday, heading north from the Meloy Channel from 79th Street Causeway to Broad Causeway.

Father and son were rushed to Jackson Memorial Hospital but Veglia, the president and founder of ABTS Convention Services, died from the injuries.

Victim: Davide Veglia died after being involved in a boating hit-and-run while out with his teenage son in Biscayne Bay

Suspect: The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is looking for this boat

Fled the scene: The vessel is between 40 and 43 feet long and was seen between 7.30pm and 8.30pm on Wednesday

Veglia's 14-year-old son was still in the hospital, CBS Miami reported. He suffered a broken arm, according to investigators.

Avelino described the aftermath of the crash as 'really bad,' describing how the son's screams had alerted him to the crash.

'The boy was holding his wrist and was like cuddled up into the stretcher.'

He added that Veglia was 'foaming at the mouth' and 'strapped down with an oxygen mask.'

The Miami Beach Fire Department responded to the hit-and-run and first responders rescued father and son from the water before rushing them to the hospital.

The FWC, which is investigating the hit-and-run, has released images of the boat believed to be involved.

Speech: Davide was a successful businessman and was well liked among his colleagues

Officers from the FWC were also seen at the hospital father and son were taken to on Wednesday night.

FWC officer George Reynaud said: 'We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones that are affected by this.'

Veglia lived in a four-bedroom North Miami home valued at nearly $3million.

The FWC released new images of the suspect boat on Friday afternoon, as their investigation continued

The FWC is still investigating the crash. No arrests had been made, as of Friday morning.

A local in the Biscayne Bay area said he saw the Veglias' dinghy operate without any lights on.

Larry Scheiger told Local10: 'People need to be very careful when they are boating at night. It's very dangerous out here, especially with a small boat.

'I have a young son who I bought the little boat for and safety is all I ever taught [him]. You gotta be safe, safe, safe, and not driving around at night.'

Pascile Padiou, who lives nearby, said the hit-and-run was 'devastating.'

You think that you are going boating with your son, it's fun, it's nice and that's a terrible accident.'

Miami Beach: Aerial view at twilight from over Biscayne Bay

Veglia's friend Joao Moraes said he was in 'shock' at his death, having spoken to him Wednesday and being scheduled for a lunch together Friday.

'I sat down all day and cried because I lost the best person in my life.

He continued: 'I can't stand [that] God took this man. Too young. I lost my best friend.'

Veglia was the founder of ABTS Convention Services in North Bay Village, a company that organized meetings and exhibitions for medical associations worldwide.

The company said in a statement: 'Davide was deeply respected across the medical meetings industry for his energy, his commitment to every client relationship, and his conviction that international attendance advances the global impact of medical education.

'His passing is a profound loss to his family, to the ABTS team, and to the industry he helped shape.'

The Daily Mail has reached out to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Miami Beach Fire Department, the Miami Beach Police Department and Veglia's family for further comment.
A family found themselves stranded on an island after their flight was diverted due to an emergency.

Jon Shipman, from Liverpool, jetted off on Tuesday from London on a British Airways flight heading to Houston, America.

The Brit and his family were heading to Texas to visit their friends who had moved to the area a few years ago from the UK.

But, a medical emergency on board meant the plane had to be diverted and the aircraft landed at St John's in Newfoundland, a chilly Canadian province.

It then could not depart again due to a 'temporary technical issue'.

Passengers were reportedly left with only the clothes they were wearing at the time, unable to take their luggage with them. The temperature in the area was -10C.

'When we finally got through, we were just left, we were just sat around waiting for news, and had to speak to local airport staff for help,' Shipman told BBC Radio Merseyside.

The travellers were put in a hotel and initially informed a flight would be leaving the freezing location on Wednesday evening.

Jon Shipman, from Liverpool, jetted off on Tuesday from London on a British Airways flight heading to Houston, America

But, when the holidaymakers went to the airport they discovered the plane was returning to London instead of continuing their journey.

When passengers began to board, the flight was suddenly cancelled and they were told they were no longer flying home.

Two days after arriving, Shipman and his family were put on a flight to Houston - their original destination.

Before the flight, Shipman said: 'Furious is an understatement. We are being told we are now heading to Houston. I won't believe it until we take off.'

British Airways offered passengers a 500 voucher each and apologised. All expenses are being covered, according to the airline and the hotel accommodation was provided.

Shipman was not impressed by the situation and recalled: 'No-one was particularly aggressive, but everyone was frustrated, there were people with families and young kids who've been waiting around and sleeping on the floor, it just wasn't very good from BA at all.'

He felt like the voucher was not 'good enough' and said: 'Our whole holiday is ruined.'

A British Airways spokesperson told the Daily Mail: 'Were very sorry to our customers for their experience and weve been in touch to offer a gesture to make things right.'

A medical emergency on board meant the plane had to be diverted and the aircraft landed at St John's in Newfoundland, a chilly Canadian province

It comes shortly after another flight was diverted due to a medical issue on board.

An easyJet flight declared an emergency and was forced to return back to the UK after experiencing turbulence.

The flight set off from Glasgow Airport on Sunday, March 29, around midday and was on route to Jersey.

But soon after take off, the plane reportedly declared a squawk 7700 which alerted Air Traffic Control of an emergency.

The aircraft, for flight EZY439, turned around and returned to Glasgow after passing over Galloway just 30 minutes into its journey, according to Flightradar24.

It was later confirmed that the plane was hit by turbulence soon after setting off, when all passengers were seated, according to the airline.

The incident resulted in a crew member needing medical assistance, The Herald reports.

Once the aircraft landed, health services were ready to provide help and the flight was rescheduled.

A spokesperson for easyJet told the Daily Mail: 'Flight EZY439 from Glasgow to Jersey on 29 March returned to Glasgow due to a cabin crew member requiring medical assistance.

'The flight landed normally in Glasgow and was met by medical services on the ground. Customers continued their journey to Jersey later that afternoon, and we apologise for any inconvenience caused.

'The safety and wellbeing of customers and crew is always easyJet's highest priority.'
Race Across The World viewers shared their frustration over one contestant, saying 'she's driving me mad!' just minutes into the premiere.

The BBC travel competition returned for its sixth series last night (April 3), with five brand new pairs taking part.

Among them Mark, 66, and Margo, 59, who are brother-in-law and sister-in-law respectively.

Taking to X, fans soon shared their complaints about Margo, a hypnotherapist from Liverpool.

One wrote: 'Margo already getting on my nerves....she's been everywhere!!'

Another added: 'Margo is driving me mad already and its only been on for 10 mins.'

Race Across The World has returned for its sixth series - but viewers issued complaints about one contestant

Margo, 59, a hypnotherapist from Liverpool, is taking part in the competition alongside her brother-in-law, Mark

A third said: 'Margo would be the person on your holiday that pretends she friends with everyone but everyone really can't stand her, she's also the person that has travelled everywhere, thinks she's better than everyone else, and makes a complete tot of herself on Karaoke.'

A fourth remarked: 'I'm sure Mark is rushing as fast as he can so can escape Margo. Might end up a week earlier than every other team.'

Although a fifth penned: 'Love all the couples in #RaceAcrossTheWorld but have a soft spot for Margo. She is an absolute ray of sunshine.'

The pair's involvement in Race Across The World comes after both caring for Julia, Mark's late wife and Margo's sister.

Before Julia passed away, she expressed her wishes for the two of them to maintain a friendship - which they are honouring.

'It's the maddest thing because we're just not someone you choose to go on a holiday with, let alone this kind of thing, but I just had this feeling it was the right thing to do,' Margo told Metro.

'I asked him, and he said yes because Julia wanted us to be friends.'

Mark added: 'It was her last dying wish but also I wanted to experience the excitement of Race Across The World.'

In what the BBC have described as most difficult journey to date, the pairings will have to travel through Italy, Greece, Turkiye, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan - finishing in northern Mongolia.

The duos include best friends Jo and Kush, siblings Katie and Harrison, father and daughter Andrew and Molly, cousins Puja and Roshni and in-laws Mark and Margo.

In true Race Across The World fashion, they will have to complete the journey without the use of smart phones or bank cards, and using the cash equivalent of flying the same route.

The team who makes it to the end the fastest will take home the 20,000 prize.

It comes as the BBC revealed Scott Mills' replacement on a Race Across The World spin-off show - having drafted in a former contestant to take over.

It was previously announced that Mills, 53, and series four's Alfie Watts would co-host a podcast titled Race Across the World: The Detour.

However, the DJ was sacked from the BBC six days after being hauled off air following his final Radio 2 breakfast show

The Daily Mirror linked the decision to fire Mills to a 2016 police investigation into 'serious sexual offences' against a teenage boy between 1997 and 2000.

The case was dropped around seven years ago due to a lack of evidence.

The BBC have now unveiled TV presenter and DJ Tyler West, 30, as The Detour's new co-host alongside Alfie.

Furthermore, the weekly video podcast will be chronicling all the ups and downs of the new series.

Each week, the podcast will welcome guests ranging from creators, comedians and celebrity fans to offer their input.

Mark and Margo worked together to care for Julia, Mark's late wife and Margo's sister - and are honouring Julia's wishes to remain close after her passing

Viewers will recall new host Tyler and partner Molly Rainford competed in last year's series of Celebrity Race Across The World.

He is also familiar for appearing on Strictly Come Dancing in 2022, where he was partnered with Dianne Buswell.

Meanwhile, Mills and his now-husband Sam won the second celebrity series of Race Across The World in 2024.

Mills, who is paid between 355,000 and 359,999 a year by the BBC, took over the Radio 2 breakfast show from Zoe Ball in 2025.

A senior broadcaster at the BBC said there is 'total shock' at the corporation after Mills's sacking.

Lorna Clarke, Director of Music, told BBC staff in an email: 'I wanted to personally let you know that Scott Mills has left the Breakfast show, and the BBC.

'I know that this news will be sudden and unexpected and therefore must come as a shock.

'Not least as so many of us have worked with Scott over a great many years, across a broad range of our programmes on R1, 5Live, R2 and TV.

'I felt it was important to share this news with you at the earliest opportunity.

'Of course, it will also come as a shock to our audience and loyal breakfast show listeners too.

'I will update everyone with more information on plans for the show when I'm able to.

'While I appreciate many of you will have questions, I hope you can understand that I am not going to be saying anything.'

Race Across The World airs on BBC One and is available to stream on iPlayer.
Viewers of the BBC's docu-series looking behind-the-scenes of the UK's ambulance service were left 'sobbing' at a 'heart-wrenching' episode looking at end of life care.

Ambulance follows the work of the service around the UK, looking at the problems and pressures faced by the British ambulance service daily.

Narrated by Christopher Eccleston, viewers are shown what the day-to-day operations look like, from the point of view of those in the control rooms and the crews working in the ambulance crews.

Cameras capture everything from the initial first call to the arrival of the ambulance, and follow the stories through to what happened after their departure.

On Wednesday, fans tuned in for the episode which featured a number of patients requiring end of life care, including Terry, 91, who was struggling to breathe.

Ambulance operators Siobhan and Ellie, part of Halifax crew 1671, raced to the address after a nurse called worrying about Terry coughing up phlegm.

Viewers of the BBC's docu-series looking behind-the-scenes of the UK's ambulance service were left 'sobbing' at a 'heart-wrenching' episode looking at end of life care

Ambulance operators Siobhan (picutred) and Ellie, part of Halifax crew 1671, raced to an address after a nurse called worrying about an elderly man coughing up phlegm

Terry was found in a hospital bed in the living room of his home, and cameras captured him struggling to breathe properly and becoming distressed.

Cameras captured images of a woman in an old photograph, that appeared to be Terry's wife, and a do not resuscitate order letter on the mantlepiece as he told Siobhan and Ellie he would rather remain in his home.

Siobhan and Ellie helped administer medication to Terry before making a series of phone calls to work out whether he was allowed to stay home.

Terry was given permission to remain there as Siobhan and Ellie acknowledged they had 'done everything they could do' to ensure he was as comfortable and safe as possible.

Siobhan and Ellie were clear with Terry that he should press his emergency button if he needed help, to which he expressed he didn't want to call for more assistance.

Looking emotional, Siobhan said: 'The most valuable job that I go to is an end of life job. They require a level of care and calm and cup of tea making. A hospital is not the place for everybody.

'Sometimes when we go to a patient who is dying, you have to be that patient's advocate, following somebody's wishes and keeping them comfortable and happy. No matter how difficult that is.'

Later, a second crew were called out to Terry's home as he continued to struggle - and he was rushed into hospital for care as the crew struggled to help him at home.

Terry was given permission to remain at home as Siobhan and Ellie acknowledged they had 'done everything they could do'

He was seen being cared for before it was later revealed that after three days at Halifax hospital, he returned home and passed away according to his wishes.

Fans of the BBC series were left moved by the scenes and took to social media to admit it had left them in tears as they learned about Terry's passing.

Taking on X, formerly Twitter, one penned: 'Aw Terry. Heart wrenching, ' as another said: 'Terry is breaking my heart.'

'The hardest thing is watching people you love gradually fade away,' a third reacted, as a fourth wrote: 'Sobbing watching this.'

A fifth concluded: 'Tonight's episode is just.... tough to see the elderly people nearing the end of their lives and all the paramedics being so caring and dignified in treating them.'

It comes after viewers of the BBC's docu-series were left shocked by scenes that saw a fragile woman, 94, left on the floor.

Fans tuning into the show last week were left in shock seeing the OAP collapsed as it was revealed she had been without help for FIVE hours.

Last Wednesday (March 25), BBC viewers watched on as a 94-year-old was forced to lie on the floor for five hours before an ambulance was able to reach her.

Viewers of the BBC's docu-series looking behind-the-scenes of the UK's ambulance service were left shocked by scenes that saw a fragile woman, 94, left on the floor

The incident took place while the NHS Yorkshire Ambulance Crew in Leeds were seen being pushed to breaking point, dealing with multiple emergencies at the same time.

Fans watched as the ambulance service were called to help de-escalate a scene that saw a man threatening to jump out of a window and throw petrol on police.

By the time the ambulance service had been called to the scene, which saw staff Nagina and Mo standing by to treat any casualties if the situation escalated, the staff had already handled around 300 calls that shift.

After nearly two hours, police de-escalated the incident without injuries, leaving the ambulance staff to attend to the dozens of patients who had been waiting.

Meanwhile, paramedic John was sent to a Category 1 emergency where a patient had stopped breathing in one of nine cardiac arrest calls received in an hour.

And crew members Jen and Elliott were then dispatched to another call, which saw a patient found not breathing and in need of urgent assistance.

Elderly patient Audrey, had been left lying on the floor for FIVE hours after falling from bed in the early hours of the morning before she was found by her carer.

Audrey had been stuck since 5am and was complaining of pain in her hip, with Nagina and Mo sent out to deal with the incident as she was prioritised up to a Category 2 call by one of the ambulance service call handlers.

'Somebody has been on the floor since 5am,' the call handler could be heard saying. 'She's 94, she is not being kept waiting, we're getting someone to her.'

Audrey had been stuck since 5am and was complaining of pain in her hip

Viewers watched on as Nagina and Mo helped Audrey off the floor and assessed her condition, ensuring she was not injured and calling for further help.

But fans watching were left heartbroken over the scenes and took to X, formerly Twitter, to complain that someone should have been with Audrey sooner - and hit out at one of the former emergencies.

One penned: 'All those services wasted on the guy acting up threatening to attack the people trying to help him where this 94 year old on the floor having to wait 5 hours.

'Sorry, but these people who make it hard for the emergency services should be category 3 and lower.'

Another chimed in: 'It's disgusting how the Government can fund wars but not provide enough resources to provide emergency care in a timely way.'

As a third remarked: 'How lovely and dignified was the 94 year old lady who had to wait 5 hours to be picked up.'

Someone else praised the team, saying: 'Huge respect to our colleagues in the Ambulance Service. Day in, day out they respond to some of the toughest situations imaginable with professionalism, compassion, and calm under pressure.'

It comes after Ambulance viewers were left furious as they hit out at the 'utterly ridiculous' strain on paramedics highlighted in the BBC show.

Last week's instalment followed ambulance crews based across Scarborough and Whitby, but some aspects left the audience concerned.

During the episode, it was revealed that Scarborough had 'just five ambulances on shift for a population of 108,000.'

Taking to X, many viewers shared their fury over this situation, as one wrote: '5 ambulances covering Scarborough on a bank holiday?

'Thats utterly ridiculous. I feel sorry for the ambulance service.'

Another penned: 'Scarborough has 5 ambulances with a population of 118,000.'

A third remarked: '5 ambulances for a population >100,000 seems like mad underfunding!

'We should be rioting over this dereliction of duty by our politicians not just watching the fallout of an underfunded and under resourced system as primetime 9pm telly.'

A fourth chimed in: 'Watching #ambulance and it is worrying to think some have to travel 90 miles to see a patient.

'I'm lucky to be able to see the ambulances from my window, I just can't comprehend going those distances. Respect to the paramedics.'

One frightening instance saw a life-threatening Category One choking call come in - only for the nearest crew to be at least 35 minutes away.

A viewer raged: 'This #ambulance show is a joke. The lack of funding that the NHS and ambulance service have is harrowing.

'45 minutes to get to a cat 1 emergency, 5 ambulances for a population of over 100000, but politicians still say it is okay.'

Viewers watched on as Audrey was assisted by paramedics Nagina and Mo

'Just as well shes stopped choking with them taking over half an hour to get there. Not their fault of course, its lack of investment and resources', a second agreed.

Meanwhile, a crew sent out to cover call a Bridlington ultimately left Scarborough with no ambulance cover.

Towards the end of the episode, an on-screen graphic read: 'On average, people living in the coastal and rural parts of Yorkshire wait 45% longer for emergency care than those living in urban areas.'

Elsewhere, a previous installment left viewers disgusted as a paramedic was punched in the face - raging 'nobody should have to put up with this!'

The episode, which aired on Wednesday (March 11), followed members of the Yorkshire Ambulance Service amid tense situations.

Paramedics Louise and Sarah were on hand to help a patient having a seizure, but things didn't quite go to plan.

As the patient became increasingly more physically aggressive, the pair called in police back-up.

During this confrontation, the patient punched Louise in the nose and Sarah later said she'd been 'caught in the face'.

Viewers discovered that, 'On average, people living in the coastal and rural parts of Yorkshire wait 45% longer for emergency care than those living in urban areas.'

Fans were appalled by the conditions faced by these healthcare workers and reacted on social media.

One wrote on X: 'I cant believe the level of abuse these poor ambulance staff/paramedics receive! Nobody should have to put up with this when trying to earn a living!

'These people are trying to help you! Show some respect! Absolutely disgusting.'

Another said: 'Two female paramedics got physically abused (one punched in the nose) by a drug user who overdosed and continued to help the man once the police arrived.

'Then drove him to A&E! Whatever these people earn - double it! #Ambulance.'

A third chimed in: 'Those poor women. No one deserves to be smacked in the face when theyre trying to help someone #Ambulance.'

Elsewhere, the control room staff faced harassment from a persistent caller using abusive language towards operators.

This person previously refused an ambulance, but continued to make new phone calls each minute, therefore blocking the emergency lines from authentic life-threatening cases.

Team leader Abi ultimately had to escalate the situation by reporting the caller to the police.

She explained in the show: 'As a manager, I'm very protective of my team.

'When I see my entire team receiving abuse and it affects multiple people, it is really difficult to see.

'No one deserves that. That shouldn't happen at all, but it certainly shouldn't happen to people who are there to help.'

Addressing the persistent caller, Abi added: 'You can see how many genuine emergency calls are sat waiting to be answered, that need our help.

'You think, "Why am I doing this?"'

One viewer fumed: 'Absolutely disgusting behaviour from these patients and callers, staff should be allowed to refuse to treat them.'

Another raged: 'Will never understand how people can phone emergency services and act as rude and disrespectful as that!'

Ambulance airs Wednesdays on BBC One and is available to stream iPlayer.
A game show boasting an eye-watering 1million prize and A-list host has reportedly been 'shelved by bosses' - after mixed reviews.

Road to a Million has aired for two series on Amazon's Prime Video, although the show's future seems uncertain.

The James Bond-inspired series sees contestants tackle high-octane challenges in a bid to win the jackpot.

Succession star - as well as Olivier Award and Primetime Emmy-winning actor - Brian Cox, 79, serves as The Controller.

According to TVZone, Road to a Million has now been 'shelved' after its two series on Prime Video.

Daily Mail has contacted Prime Video for comment.

Amazon Prime Video's James Bond-inspired game show Road to a Million has reportedly been 'shelved' after two series

Road to a Million is hosted by actor Brian Cox, who appears as a character known as The Controller

The programme, inspired by the incredible stunts and settings of the Bond films, sees contestants taking on epic tasks including scaling Bangkok towers, shark diving, intelligence gathering and Alpine cable navigation.

Previously discussing his involvement in Road to a Million, host Brian said: 'I got to see how ordinary people would cope with being on a James Bond adventure.

'As they travel the world to some of the most iconic Bond locations, it gets more intense and nail-biting.'

The first series aired in November 2023, with series two subsequently following in August 2025.

Back in February, it was revealed an ITV game show had been 'axed' in a devastating blow to its celebrity host - leaving fans gutted in the process.

The latest UK version of popular format Jeopardy! launched in January 2024, presented by Sir Stephen Fry.

Gameplay sees contestants respond to trivia 'clues' in the form of questions, in a bid to win thousands of pounds.

According to TVZone, ITV axed the programme after two series with no plans to bring it back.

It comes as the show last aired almost a year ago, when series two concluded its 25-episode run.

Daily Mail approached ITV for comment at the time.

Actor and comedian Sir Stephen was first announced as the host back in February 2023.

The self-proclaimed fan of the show said at the time: 'In the United States, 'Jeopardy!' is a phenomenon like no other.

'Whenever I'm in America, I do my damnedest to catch it every weekday.

'The idea of hosting it here in the UK makes me dizzy with delight.

'Such a dedicated quizzing nation as ours will, I hope, welcome this uniquely beguiling and endlessly rewarding game.'

The programme, inspired by the incredible stunts and settings of the Bond films, sees contestants taking on epic tasks in a bid to win the 1million

Reacting to news of the show's axing, one fan wrote on X: 'Thats a shame. The second series was such an improvement too.'

Another added: 'Oh no. I enjoyed this.'

A third said: 'Not surprised, it seemed to drag on although the second series was a big improvement and I'd have liked a third.'

A fourth remarked: 'I enjoyed the reboot. Such a shame one of the longest running quiz shows in the world fails to become a success in the UK.'

In April 2025, contestant Ben Jones made history as he won the biggest jackpot ever seen on the show.

The host welcomed nine-day returning champion Ben and commented, 'today we have two new challenges for him in the shape of Rosemary and Jordan'.

His cash total was already a whopping 59,730 at the start of the instalment.

During the last round, Stephen read the final question: 'Matthew Broderick starred in the title role of the 1980s comedy film 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off', directed by this man.'

Ben, a hotel receptionist from Caerphilly, correctly said: 'Who is John Hughes?'
Hollyoaks fans fumed 'why did you spoil it?' as the soap accidentally leaked a huge death - ahead of it airing on screens next week.

The big blunder came after a major cliffhanger in Wednesday's (April 1) episode, with viewers left furious.

Gemma Bissix reprised her role as villain Clare Devine - and it didn't take long for drama to follow.

Clare reunited with grandfather Froggy (John Middleton), but things turned tense when he told her to hand herself in and serve time in jail.

With Clare unwilling to do so, a struggle followed when she realised Froggy had called the police on her.

Following this, the episode then concluded with two gunshots being heard by viewers.

Gemma Bissix returned to Hollyoaks as villain Clare Devine - and drama soon followed in her wake

She came face-to-face with her grandfather Froggy (John Middleton) - but the outcome of an explosive cliffhanger between the pair was seemingly spoiled

The reveal of which one died had been intended for the next episode, on Bank Holiday Monday.

However, it would appear the Hollyoaks YouTube account accidentally spoiled the outcome.

When posting the cliffhanger on their channel, they labelled it as: 'The Death of Froggy Black.'

Meanwhile, the video's description read: 'He finally opened his heart Only for Clare to tear a bullet straight through it.'

One fan raged on Reddit: 'I just dont understand why the copy writer would spoil the next episode like that.'

Another remarked: 'I hate that they spoil it in the thumbnail!'

Daily Mail has contacted Hollyoaks for comment.

In February, actor John Middleton reportedly quit Hollyoaks after six months on-screen - with bosses now working on an 'explosive' exit story for the villainous character.

He joined the soap's cast last year, playing previously incarcerated criminal Fraser 'Froggy' Black Sr.

It was a huge contrast to his best-known role, kindly vicar Ashley Thomas in Emmerdale, whom he played for 22 years.

According to The Sun, actor John, 72, has opted to leave the role of Froggy after just six months.

A source told the publication: 'Bosses believed they were onto a winner by signing up John to play a cockney villain because the character was so different to his loveable role on Emmerdale.

'But John has now decided to bow out. He told them of his decision to quit and bosses have been left to come up with an explosive exit for him.

'They are still deciding whether to kill him off or whether to leave the door open for a possible return in the future.'

In February, it was revealed John Middleton reportedly quit his role as Froggy Black - just six months after making his on-screen debut

Upon arriving in the village, Froggy reconnected with his granddaughters Grace Black and her killer sister Clare Devine.

Drama soon ensued, with Clare fatally shooting Grace in an altercation between them and Grace's son Rex (Jonny Labey).

Froggy remained with Rex as well as his police detective son Sully (Harry French), although he kicked out the latter upon him being exposed as a racist.

During his time on Emmerdale, John's character Ashley married three times: first to Bernice Blackstock and later Laurel Potts on two occasions.

Ashley's children, Gabby (Rosie Bentham) and Arthur (Alfie Clarke), each from a respective marriage, remain in the soap as regulars.

In the beloved vicar's final storyline, Ashley tackled a heart-wrenching battle with degenerative vascular dementia, which ended with his death.

Heartbreaking scenes saw Ashley regain consciousness for his final moments, able to utter his wife's name 'Laurel' for the first time in months.

Speaking to The Mirror at the time of his Emmerdale departure, John said: 'People are stopping me in the streets saying thank you for doing this, and that is in many ways the best award.

'Particularly when you are talking to people who have got direct contact with this disease, who have lost loved ones to it, or who are caring for people with it, or people who have the disease.

'They say thank you for portraying it so accurately, so that makes me immensely proud.'
Unforgotten star Nicola Walker is coming back to screens for a 'must watch' new comedy from the creators of Netflix hit Baby Reindeer.

The actress, 55, plays a leading role in upcoming Alice and Steve, set to air on Disney+ and on Hulu for United States audiences.

Nicola's character, Alice, is gutted after learning Steve (Jemaine Clement), her best friend, is dating her 26-year-old daughter Izzy (Yali Topol Margalith).

Fearing she'll lose both her daughter and decades-long best friend, Alice sets about to break up the blossoming romance.

Although Steve isn't going down without a fight, being prepared to face Alice head-on - leading to an 'all out feud'.

A synopsis for Alice and Steve reads: 'A hilarious, messy, and complicated exploration of friendship, family, and love, Alice and Steve is an anti-romantic comedy that asks the question, how far would you go for love - or revenge?

Nicola Walker stars in Alice and Steve, an upcoming comedy set to air Disney+ -in a departure from her usual dramatic roles

The premise follows Nicola's character Alice - who discovers best friend Steve (Jemaine Clement) is dating her 26-year-old daughter Izzy (Yali Topol Margalith)

'Will Alice forgive Steve? Will Steve and Izzy make a relationship work?

'Amongst all the questions hanging in the balance, one thing is certain; their lives will never be the same again.'

The show is produced by Clerkenwell Films, which was also behind Netflix smash-hit Baby Reindeer.

Furthermore, it is being promoted by the streaming platform as by 'ultimate wrong-com' and a 'must-watch'.

Other cast members include Joel Fry, Marcia Warren, Tyrese Eaton-Dyce. Ebony Aboagye and Eilidh Fisher.

It marks a more comedic turn for Nicola, who is well-known for her roles in dramas such as Unforgotten and The Split.

In the former, she played DCI Cassie Stuart, who along with DI Sunil 'Sunny' Khan, (Sanjeev Bhaskar), investigated cold cases of disappearance and murder.

Nicola starred in the show from 2015 until 2021, when she departed the role after four series.

From 2018 to 2024, she portrayed divorce lawyer Hannah Stern in BBC legal drama The Split.

Last month, it was announced a much-loved BBC comedy is 'returning to screens with a brand new series' after a series of rave reviews praising it for being 'laugh out loud' funny.

The BBC Two show is said to be making its big return for another instalment with filming kicking off this June for more episodes.

According to The Sun, the show is now in the works for a series three, with Mike Bubbins returning for more alongside co-star Sian Gibson.

Mammoth, which first launched in 2024, follows 1970s PE teacher Tony Mammoth, played by Mike, as he is given a second chance at life.

Fearing she'll lose both her daughter and decades-long best friend, Alice sets about to break up the blossoming romance

While he was believed to have died during an avalanche while on a school trip in 1979, he is brought back from the dead after being preserved perfectly in ice.

Despite now being in the modern day, Tony is determined to keep living life as he did back in the 70s, while getting to grips with the 21st century.

Soon after its first instalment his screens, it was followed up by a second series and a Christmas special to meet the demand from its fast-growing fan base.

In February last year, writer and actor Mike, 53, revealed its second series was in the works, telling fans: 'It's been amazing to see how audiences have got behind this show. They've clearly got great taste!

'So, it's a no-brainer to get Mammoth, the big character with the even bigger moustache back to create more laughs.

'I've got some massive moments up my sleeve for series two.'

The BBC's Director of Comedy Jon Petrie added: 'It's been thrilling to see audiences tune in in impressive numbers and quickly embrace Tony Mammoth's timeless charm.

'Mike Bubbins, Paul Doolan and the BBC Studios team delivered a fantastic sitcom packed with laughs, and we can't wait to see more of Mammoth's retro antics.'

Fans instantly fell in love with the comedy series, taking to social media to heap it with praise, with one writing: 'Watched it all in one sitting, it's funny.'

Another chimed in: 'I had to pause it several times in the first 15mins as I was laughing out loud crying so much,' as a third said: 'Had me cracking up quite a bit.'
Drag Race star Misua passed away in her sleep on Thursday morning aged 27.

The show's production company, World Of Wonder, released a statement on Friday (April 3) to announce the devastating news that the performer, real name Jason Evie Go Ty, had died on April 2.

The star, who worked as a graphic designer outside of drag, was set to star in the fourth series of Drag Race Philippines, which has just started filming.

World of Wonder said: 'We are heartbroken to share that Misua, a talented queen set to appear on season four of Drag Race Philippines, passed away in her sleep the morning of April 2.

'She brought light, artistry, and joy to those around her, and she will be deeply missed.

'We have paused production to care for and support our cast and crew during this incredibly difficult time.

Drag Race star Misua passed away in their sleep on Thursday morning aged 27 as 'heartbroken' show bosses and family penned an emotional tribute to the 'talented and joyful artist'

The show's production company, World of Wonder, released a statement on Friday (April 3) to announce the devastating news that the performer, real name Jason Evie Go Ty, had died on April 2

'Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and all who loved her. We are in contact with her family, who have asked for privacy during this hard time.

'Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and all who loved her.

'We are in contact with her family who have asked for privacy during this hard time.'

Many rushed to reply to their comments section on X with kind words.

'R.i.p angel.'

'Condolences to her family and chosen family. i still wish to see her on the future episodes.'

'RIP Queen!'

'This is so sad. Rest in peace.'

Many rushed to the post that the production company shared and posted kind words about the star

'I hope you will still air her episode. She needs to be famous and memorable one last time.'

'May her memory be a blessing.'

'One more star now shining in the sky, rest in peace queen.'

Meanwhile Misua's family also shared some touching words on Facebook.

'Jayson was our dearly loved son, brother, friend, mentor, and most of all, Jayson is a star.

'He will be greatly missed by his loving family and close friends,' they wrote.

Drag Race Philippines hit our screens in 2022.

This was followed by a second series in 2023, and another in 2024.
Stacey Solomon leaves her Britain's Got Talent co-star KSI broody as her kids gatecrash the judging table mid-show on this Saturday's episode of the ITV talent competition.

The Sort Your Life Out star, 36, who stepped in for head judge Simon Cowell, 66, last weekend due to a fall - also hits her Golden Buzzer after being blown away by an act.

In a first look at the upcoming show, Stacey can be seen holding her son Rex at the table and the tot asks her: 'Is that KSI's wife?' while pointing at fellow judge Alesha Dixon.

Stacey tells him: 'No, her name is Alesha.'

One of the crew then tells the TV favourite, who shot to fame on singing competition The X Factor in 2009, that the next act will be on soon.

Stacey's husband Joe, who she shares son Rex, Belle and Rose with, tells the youngster: 'Let's go Rex. The next one is coming!'

Stacey Solomon leaves her Britain's Got Talent co-star KSI broody as her kids gatecrash the judging table mid-show on this Saturday's episode of the ITV talent competition. The Sort Your Life

The camera then pans over to YouTuber KSI and tells Alesha: 'I'm literally seeing everyone have kids and it's making me want one'

In a sneak peek of the moment, Stacey has a huge smile on her face as she presses down on the button and makes one of the acts very, very happy

The camera then pans over to YouTuber KSI and he tells Alesha: 'I'm literally seeing everyone have kids and it's making me want one.'

'Oh you will,' Alesha replies.

KSI tells her: 'I know, I know, I know.'

'Don't rush it,' she tells him. 'Enjoy your freedom!'

Stacey is also proud mum to Zachary and Leighton who are from different relationships.

The upcoming episode also sees the mum-of-five use her golden buzzer - but it has not been made known who she presses it for.

In a sneak peek of the moment, Stacey has a huge smile on her face as she presses down on the button and makes one of the acts very, very happy.

When head judge Simon was asked about Stacey's stint on the show, he said: Stacey Solomon sat in for you during auditions, could she return for the live shows? Why not?

'I love Stacey, she's been a great friend over the years.

'I remember her first audition on X Factor.

'I've seen what she's done with her career and I'm really happy for her, shes just a really nice person.'

Meanwhile Alesha said of her time on the show: 'Stacey was adorable.

'Shes so sweet, very natural, and I liked the way she spoke to contestants because shes always coming from a good place.

'Shes a good person and she cares. If there was something she didnt like or didnt get, she would say, but shed do it in that Stacey charm that she has.

'She brought her family along and they loved the show as well.

'And she knows how it feels to be on stage or audition, so she had that empathy for them. I thought she did a great job.'

And Amanda added: 'She's so lovely and I think we've got quite a similar style of judging.

'She's warm, shes super funny, she has a great understanding of what it's like to be on the other side, because she obviously auditioned for The X Factor all those years ago.

'Even though she's smashing it in the real world now, she's very down to earth and doesn't have an ego, so I think that worked really nicely for the day that she was pulled in.

'We all follow her and we're all fans of her and her crafting is through the roof.

'If only I could be that type of mother!'

Last week Stacey swooned over hunky topless dancers during her BGT judging debut - and she couldn't resist taking a rather cheeky swipe.

Stacey couldn't contain her excitement as she watched a male dance group show off their moves.

The dancer at the front also continuously stuck out his tongue while dancing and fellow judge Alesha Dixon fanned Stacey as she watched on.

She told him: 'This is just personal preference. You kept poking your tongue out, I don't know if you are aware!?'

The star then showed him an example of what he was doing and stuck her tongue out.

'Lots of this,' Stacey told him.

He asked her: 'So much?!' Stacey replied: 'A little bit too much.'

Speaking about her upcoming stint on the programme with Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley on a previous episode of This Morning, Stacey said: 'I loved it.

'Do you know what's really funny about having that full circle moment, I could connect with the people on the stage, because it's not easy to put yourself forward in those situations.

'Two, I realise what it's like to present a show where you're not digging through people's houses, and you get to dress up, wear a nice dress and sit in a chair all day!

'I was like "wow this is a great job!" This is what presenting is all about, isn't it? You get to sit there, get your makeup done.

'No it was lovely, it was a lot of fun. I felt really privileged because I've been in that position before.

'My whole career is thanks to the X Factor, and a show like Britain's Got Talent, where someone gave me the opportunity, gave me the chance to put myself out there.

'These shows are really close to my heart and to see other people coming up through those talent shows, even just enjoying the experience, whether it turns into something or not, it felt really special to be a part of.'

Ben pointed out that she was incredible on the X Factor, but she doesn't anymore.

Stacey confessed: 'It's not that I don't, I just find it scary, I find it really scary.

'Every night, did you ever come down? Did you see us when before the performances, everyone was so excited, everyone was like "Yeah, can't wait!" warming up in the corridors.

'I was like my mouth was drying, I was profusely sweating, I found the whole experience, incredible, but so nerve wracking.

'So when we want on to do the tour, I thought this is where I learn to let go of the nerves, get over it and start enjoying the performance. I never did.

'Every time I go out there, I'd just be so, every performance, I'd be so nervous.'
Love Island: All Stars is reportedly set to make a sensational return in 2027  despite being hit with more than 11,000 complaints over its drama-fuelled latest series.

The ITV spin-off was plagued by bitter bust-ups and explosive rows, leaving viewers divided over the level of on-screen conflict.

And the controversy didn't stop there, as the winning couple Samie Elishi and Ciaran Davies shocked fans by calling time on their romance just 15 days after leaving the villa  marking one of the fastest breakups in the show's history.

Meanwhile presenter Maya Jama, 31, will reportedly not officially sign on as host of the All Stars offshoot until autumn, after contract negotiations - although she will host the main series for ITV2 this summer as per usual.

The All Stars spinoff was streamed over 80million times, with the largest 16-34 audience of any programme on a commercial channel.

Yet in January, an explosive argument between Islanders Belle Hassan and Lucinda Strafford earned more than 11,000 Ofcom complaints for alleged 'bullying'.

Love Island: All Stars is set to make a sensational return in 2027  despite being hit with more than 11,000 complaints over its drama-fuelled latest series (seen Jessy Potts)

Winners Samie Elishi and Ciaran Davies (seen) shocked fans by calling time on their romance just 15 days after leaving the villa  marking one of the fastest breakups in the show's history

Adding up, winners Samie and Ciaran shockingly broke up after just 15 days from the finale - putting the show's fate in doubt.

'Any of the couples splitting quickly is bad for the brand, never mind the winners,' ITV bosses told The Sun.

'This year's All Stars had already been characterised as a series with more rowing than romance, but Samie and Ciaran's break-up just compounds all that.

'It makes it more like Big Brother in bikinis than Love Island  and no channel needs two BBs.'

Daily Mail has contacted ITV representatives for a comment.

Just on Thursday, Samie confirmed her blossoming romance with fellow Islander Tyrique Hyde as they shared loved-up snaps on their first holiday together in Morocco.

The new couple landed in Agadir, Morocco, on Wednesday, where they are spending some quality time together and are testing their new connection.

In February, Samie, 26, won Love Island: All Stars series three with Ciaran, 23, but the pair split just three weeks after winning the 50,000 prize money.

The influencer, who first appeared on the ninth season of Love Island in 2023, has since been growing close to fellow alum Tyrique, 26, from season ten.

Now the new couple have shared a glimpse into their relationship as they enjoyed going on a jet ski ride during their sun-soaked getaway.

Yet in January, an explosive argument between Islanders Belle Hassan and Lucinda Strafford earned more than 11,000 Ofcom complaints for alleged 'bullying' (Belle and Solomon seen)

On Thursday, Samie confirmed her blossoming romance with fellow Islander Tyrique Hyde as they shared loved-up snaps on their first holiday together in Morocco

The reality stars later worked on their tans as Tyrique snapped a photo of Samie relaxing on a sun lounger

Taking to TikTok to share a short clip, Tyrique sat behind Samie on the jet ski as the pair cosied up wearing matching life jackets on the ride.

The reality stars later worked on their tans as Tyrique snapped a photo of Samie relaxing on a sun lounger.

Just hours before their flight to Morocco, Samie celebrated becoming W7 Cosmetics' new brand ambassador with a private dinner at The Ivy Asia in London, and told the intimate group about her holiday plans.

One source told the Daily Mail: 'Samie was very excited for the trip and told the group about their plans. Everything is falling into place for her with work and her love life.

'She isn't listening to outside noise about her new connection and is just seeing where it goes.'

Tyrique initially found love with Ella Thomas when they competed on the tenth series of the hit ITV2 dating competition, but they split up in early 2024.

In recent weeks, Samie has been on a string of dates with Tyrique, with their romance 'blossoming' more every day.

Tyrique is said to be 'mad about her' and thrilled to have finally got Samie after publicly pursuing her online.

Long before rumours of their romance surfaced, the streamer had made no secret of his attraction.

In an online clip just months before Samie entered the villa, when asked hypothetically who he would most like to share a bed with, Tyrique didn't hesitate: 'Samie, she's very good looking.'

Then, days before the latest All Stars season started, he admitted: 'I rate Samie. She's a good-looking girl. I've seen her in real life and I have been around her at events and she is so cool.'
When Scott Mills was asked about the early days of his love story with now-husband Sam Vaughan, he likened it to the nations favourite BBC sitcom, Gavin and Stacey.

Sam, who worked as an executive at Nation Radio, is from Bridgend in Wales. The pair met in 2016 at a radio industry event in Wales and Scott later gushed: The moment I met Sam, everything just went blurry. It felt different than before.

Almost instantly, the presenter was getting the train up to Cardiff every other week to see him and Sam, earning significantly less than his new lover, would get the bus down.

Fans of the BBC sitcom will no doubt appreciate the similarities drawn between Scott and Sam and the beloved on-screen couple, Essex lad Gavin and Barry-born Stacey.

But, in the wake of the news about his shock axing from the BBC last Friday, I can reveal the truth of what really happened in the early days of their relationship  a story that James Corden and Ruth Jones would never dream of writing into their cosy sitcom.

Indeed, their movie romance started off rather more messily than the pair would like to admit.

Radio insiders have told me Scott, then 44, was introduced to Sam, who is 16 years his junior and was then 28 years old, by his close friend, a director at Nation Radio.

A source close to the men told me: It was all a bit murky  as in, it was a love triangle but they were also all thick as thieves.

Scott Mills likened the early days of his love story with now-husband Sam Vaughan to the nation's favourite BBC sitcom, Gavin and Stacey

Around the time he met his future husband, Scott was under investigation by the Metropolitan Police for serious sexual offences against a boy under the age of 16

Scott was dating his friend at the time, who introduced him to Sam, and there was a well-known crossover: Scott only had eyes for Sam and ditched his then-flavour of the month.

Everyone thought it was such a boys club in that group, but they were also all sleeping with each other. It was really odd, in my opinion.

It emerged on Tuesday that around the time he and Sam met, Scott was under investigation by the Metropolitan Police for serious sexual offences against a boy under the age of 16.

A year later, he would be questioned by the police over the allegations but was cleared in 2019 by the Crown Prosecution Service for lack of sufficient evidence.

It is unclear what Sam knew about the investigation into his future husband and the producer has yet to break his silence.

Though, behind the scenes, his career was under pressure during the 2017 probe, Scott's relationship with his new love interest was blossoming.

The more time we spent together, the more I could see we were right for each other. I just needed him to see that too, Scott revealed to The Times in a joint interview with Sam.

But when the Strictly podcast host asked to take the relationship further, he was rebuffed by Sam, who had a wobble, and they split for six months.

I was gutted, Scott admitted and recounted how he had cried on the sofa eating ice cream until the Welsh radio host decided he wanted to make a go of things.

Three months before the Covid pandemic, the pair moved in together and bought a five-bedroom, 1.4million new-build property in Hertfordshire, where they still live with their cavapoo, Ted.

After four years of dating, while on a wintry weekend away in a shepherds hut, Scott got down on one knee in a surprise proposal.

Three years later, the pair were wed in a Mediterranean villa on the coast near Barcelona, cheered on by their pals Rylan Clark, Zoe Ball, Vick Hope and her husband Calvin Harris.

The couple took part in BBC's Celebrity Race Across the World in 2024, two months before they were set to wed

Whenever he is asked about their six-month break back in 2017, Scott says that Sam just wasnt ready to commit.

But viewers got a glimpse of what really went on behind closed doors when the couple took part in BBCs Celebrity Race Across the World in 2024, two months before they were set to wed.

Riding the Serra Verde Express train through the lush Brazilian countryside, the couple were asked by producers to discuss their relationship.

Smiling across at his husband, Scott said: Bet you didn't think you would be doing this with me seven years ago.

He then pressed: I couldnt get you to go anywhere with me for a while.

You werent keen on me at the start, were you?

Sam shot back in an awkward tone: I wouldnt say not keen, it went a bit quick, too fast, too quick. So I just had to put the brakes on a little bit.

Scott asked me, Do you just want to be friends? I had to be honest and say, I think I do at the moment. And Scott rightfully at that time said, I can't do this.

And there was about six to seven months where he didnt talk to me.

Tapping his partner on the shoulder, Scott rounded off the scene by quipping, All worked out though, didnt it?

But what is now abundantly clear is how Scott has tried to paint a picture of marital bliss for his fans.

He used his column with the i newspaper in May to do just that.

Scott wrote: Sam irons, Scott gets car cleaned, big shop, Sam makes food, Scott walks Teddy. Thats it. Thats the life I want. Its ordinary. Its ours. And I love it.

Its not perfect  hes not perfect and neither am I. I can be grumpy and snappy, and I struggle to switch off from work.

With the new breakfast show, weve had to adjust. We had a conversation early on about how life-changing this job [his BBC Radio 2 slot] would be. He just said, I'm so proud of you  and itll all be OK.

After they won Celebrity Race Across the World, Scott declared it was the ultimate test to our relationship.

Its safe to say the past week has perhaps been a bigger test than that.
Chinese influencer Zhu Mingyue died last Thursday at the age of 41 following a long-running cancer battle.

The tragic news was revealed on Mingyue's account on Douyin, a Chinese version of TikTok, on Monday.

Mingyue, who was also known as Mi Duo, died suddenly after 'failing to respond to medical treatment,' the statement on her social media read, the Chinese news site Sina reported.

Mingyue, who has more than 100,000 Douyin followers, had opened up about receiving a breast cancer diagnosis in late 2024, the site reported.

A native of Harbin, China, Mingyue in 2002 graduated from Harbin Normal University en route to successful endeavors in business and social media. She is survived by a husband and three children.

Mingyue's daughter said of her late mother, 'For the past year and a half, she had been repeatedly tormented by illness, enduring unimaginable physical pain yet she remained optimistic and strong.'

Chinese influencer Zhu Mingyue died Thursday at the age of 41 following a long-running cancer battle

The influencer remained strong in spirit into her final days, her daughter said.

'A few days before she passed away,' her daughter said, Mingyue was 'already blind and slurring her speech' but still remained selfless in hopes of comforting her.

Her daughter said, 'She still held my hand and comforted me, "Dont cry, baby. This is a tough time, but Mommy will be better in a few days."'

Mingyue 'spent her whole life worrying about others, caring for everyone around her, but neglecting herself,' her daughter said in her obit.

Mingyue's daughter opened up on the brave way her mother battled the deadly ailment.

'My mother was strong-willed her whole life and never bowed to illness,' Mingyue's daughter said. 'During chemotherapy and radiotherapy, she underwent frequent blood draws until her veins were almost impossible to puncture.'

Despite the personal pain, Mingyue 'gritted her teeth and [persevered], never considering giving up.'

She added, 'As her daughter, my heart was filled with heartache and resentment; I couldnt bear to see her suffer, yet I longed for the time I had with her. She once said, "As long as I have a breath left, we three children will still have our mother."'

Mingyue, who had more than 100,000 followers on Douyin, a Chinese version of TikTok

Mingyue, who has more than 100,000 Douyin followers, had opened up about receiving a breast cancer diagnosis in late 2024

The tragic news about Mingyue comes in the wake of a number of other premature deaths of social media influencers in March.

Colombian influencer Carolina Reyes, known as 'Carol the Warrior,' died March 11 at 23 following a battle with cancer.

Brazilian influencer Karla Thaynnara died at just 25 in a March 3 motorcycle crash in Brasilia. Compounding an already tragic situation was the suicide of her father Jose Carlos Andrade Nogueira after learning the news.

Another influencer from Brazil, Larissa da Silva Machado, tragically died at the age of 30 on March 27 in a motorbike crash after officials said she lost control of the Honda CG 160 Titan motorbike she was riding in Manaus, Brazil.

Prior to March, Taiwan-based influencer Wang Wei-Chien died at the age of 29, five years after she was diagnosed with lymphoma.
Amy Schumer posed in a low-cut black swimsuit in a new Instagram post shared on Thursday.

The 44-year-old comedic actress continued to flaunt her 50lbs weight loss as she enjoyed a beach day with stylist Jamie Mizrahi.

Schumer has been candid about turning to a GLP-1 medication amid her body transformation journey.

She wore a snorkel and outstretched her arms while standing thigh-deep in the ocean in her latest social media post.

In a previous post she snapped a mirror selfie while donning a maroon-colored one-piece bathing suit that hugged her trim frame.

'Let me go on,' she captioned the photo, while famous faces including Jewel and Natasha Bedingfield left comments.

Amy Schumer posed in a low-cut black swimsuit in a new Instagram post shared on Thursday

Schumer has been candid about turning GLP-1 medication amid her body transformation journey

Schumer's noticeable weight loss comes after she announced her split from husband Chris Fischer in December and filed for divorce in January.

She addressed rumors surrounding her dramatic new look in the announcement, insisting that the breakup was not because 'I dropped some lbs.'

In a statement shared online, the Life & Beth actress wrote: 'Blah blah blah Chris and I have made the difficult decision to end our marriage after 7 years.

'We love each other very much and will continue to focus on raising our son. We would appreciate people respecting our privacy at this time.'

She added, 'Amicable and all love and respect! Family forever.'

Last year the comedienne revealed which weight loss drug worked for her after she previously tried Ozempic.

In March 2025 she took to social media to share her positive experience with the diabetes and weight loss drug Mounjaro.

She praised the brand, adding that it worked for her better than its competitor Wegovy.

The 44-year-old comedic actress continued to flaunt her 50lbs weight loss as she enjoyed a beach day with stylist Jamie Mizrahi

In a previous post she snapped a mirror selfie while donning a maroon-colored one-piece bathing suit that hugged her trim frame

In March 2025 she took to social media to share her positive experience with the diabetes and weight loss drug Mounjaro

The entertainer had previously revealed that Ozempic did not agree with her.

'Three years ago, I tried Wegovy,' she said online. 'I was puking, I couldnt handle it. I dont know if theyve changed the formula, whatever.

'But anyway, I went on this Telehealth meeting with Midi Health, and it was cheap. I wanted to try it myself cause I wanted to recommend it to my friends who are nurses and teachers.'

She raved, 'My hair is fuller, my skin is better, I have more energy, I want to get down more, if you know what I mean  Im talking about sex. So thats been great and Mounjaros been great.'

Schumer and Fischer tied the knot in Malibu in front of 80 friends and family, including Jennifer Lawrence, in 2018.

They share one son, Gene, who will turn seven in May.
Summer House star Ciara Miller allegedly learned of her ex-boyfriend West Wilson's hookup with her friend Amanda Batula when she obtained a video of the two sharing an intimate moment.

According to TMZ, insiders claim that Miller came into possession of a video that allegedly showed the new couple getting intimate while at his apartment.

The recording was said to have dismayed Miller, 30.

The publication reported that sources alleged that neither Wilson nor Batula were aware of being recorded, but the origin of the alleged video is still unclear.

Although New York is considered a one-party recording state  meaning that recordings are legal as long as one of the parties featured in it consents to it  a video of Wilson and Batula allegedly made without their knowledge could have legal ramifications for the person who recorded it.

The Daily Mail has reached out to representatives for Miller, Wilson and Batula for comment.

Summer House star Ciara Miller allegedly learned of her ex-boyfriend West Wilson's hookup with her friend Amanda Batula when she obtained a video of the two sharing an intimate moment; pictured Monday in NYC

According to TMZ , insiders claim that Miller came into possession of a video that allegedly showed the new couple getting intimate while at his apartment. Sources alleged that neither Wilson (L) nor Batula (center) were aware of being recorded

According to TMZ, one source claimed that Batula reached out to Miller via text message on Monday, March 30, to convey that it wasn't her intention to upset Miller with her new relationship with her ex-boyfriend.

They added that Batula allegedly told Miller that she wanted to figure out the state of her relationship with Wilson before she spoke about it further with her friend.

Miller has remained fairly tight-lipped about her ex and her friend's newly announced relationship, but she made her first public statement on Tuesday, the same day that Wilson and Batula shared a joint statement announcing their romance.

The Summer House star posted a video along with the caption, 'If you can't trust your Friends & Neighbors, who can you trust?'

In the clip, Miller was pictured on the red carpet interviewing several cast members at the Your Friends & Neighbors season 2 premiere on Monday, on behalf of Apple TV+.

During one part of her interview with the show's star, 55-year-old Jon Hamm, Miller asks how he's feeling.

'Wonderful, thank you. How are you?' Hamm replies.

The camera then zooms in on Miller, who says, 'I'm good,' before adding, 'Well, I've been better.'

Join the discussion Is it ever justifiable for a friend to date your ex, or is that an unforgivable betrayal?

Miller shared her first Instagram post following news that her recently single best friend Amanda Batula, 34, is now dating her ex-boyfriend West Wilson, 28, on Tuesday; pictured March 13 in LA

Batula and Wilson confirmed their secret romance in a joint statement shared to their Instagram Stories hours before; (L) Wilson seen in 2025, (R) Batula pictured in January

In another cheeky comment elsewhere in the video, she joked that everyone in the cast is 'morally bankrupt.'

She also told another cast member that she is 'on Prozac.'

The video marked her first social media post since Batula, 34, and Wilson, 28, confirmed their secret romance in a joint statement shared to their Instagram Stories hours before.

'We've seen the growing online speculation, so while this is still very new, we wanted to provide some clarity,' their statement read.

'It was never our intention to purposely hide anything. Given the complicated relationship dynamics involved and the scrutiny that comes with being on a reality show, we needed a little space to process things privately before speaking on it.'

It continued: 'We've shown up for each other as friends over the years, through all the highs and lows, and what's developed recently was the last thing either of us expected.

'Our connection grew out of a genuine, long-standing friendship, which made it especially important for us to approach this with care.'

'As our feelings evolved, we wanted to take time to understand exactly what we were feeling.'

Miller shared a video of herself interviewing cast members at the Your Friends & Neighbors season 2 premiere on Monday. In the clip, she admitted that she's 'been better'

In her telling caption, she wrote, 'If you can't trust your Friends & Neighbors, who can you trust?'

Hours earlier, Batula and Wilson made a joint statement about their romance, writing, 'We also recognize that this has had an impact beyond just us and never wanted our actions to cause any hurt or be perceived as careless'

The confirmation came days after rumors began to swirl that the two of them had been caught kissing each other, as gossip blind account Deux Moi reported; the Summer House cast is seen above

On Instagram, viewers even discovered that Batula and Wilson had been sharing a very unique-looking sweatshirt, with Wilson pictured wearing it in November 2025 (left) and Batula wearing it just last month (right)

'We also recognize that this has had an impact beyond just us and never wanted our actions to cause any hurt or be perceived as careless.'

It concluded: 'We truly appreciate the understanding and respect as we navigate this.'

The confirmation came days after rumors began to swirl that the two of them had been caught kissing each other, as gossip blind account Deux Moi reported.

Meanwhile, in the March 31 episode of Summer House, Wilson was pictured pressuring Batula's then-husband Kyle Cooke to apologize for mistreating her.

The episode was filmed before Batula and Cooke announced their separation in January, after four years of marriage.

The atmosphere was tense after Cooke insulted Batula during a drunken outburst in the previous episode, when he was heard yelling 'f*** you' to her and called her a f****** dumba** b****.'

The next day, during Cooke's birthday party, Wilson addressed the incident.

'I know that there's a lot of layers and depth to your relationship. But this was the only time where I thought objectively, you like were being unnecessary, because nothing happened. That was just black and white, not the right thing. But that cannot be the correct way for you to get s-**t off your chest, and that was bad,' Wilson said.

When Wilson and Miller were dating, they had a messy end to the relationship; The two are pictured here together this past season

Cooke said he was frustrated by the fact that Batula was spending more time with her friends than him, and felt she wasn't as invested in their relationship.

'If I can be honest, I'm basically falling apart,' Cooke added.

Wilson said, 'Tell her that, though, for starters. Say, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean it. I should not talk to you like that."'

Cooke got teary-eyed and said that those around the pair 'have no f****** idea' what they are going through.

'Talk to us, and we will talk to you. Just don't take it out on Amanda, and just say sorry for that, please,' Wilson urged him.

Meanwhile, elsewhere in the episode, Miller noted that Cooke lashing out at Batula was 'unacceptable' and 'inexcusable.'

Cooke apologized to Batula later that night, telling her, 'I said what I said because I'm an a**hole, but also, I don't feel like you want to be with me.'

Batula acknowledged that they are in a 'weird place right now.'

Meanwhile, in the March 31 episode of Summer House, Wilson was pictured pressuring Batula's then-husband Kyle Cooke to apologize for mistreating her

The episode was filmed before Batula and Cooke announced their separation in January, after four years of marriage; The two seen in 2017

'The way that you speak to me and the things that you say to me is the issue. I just really feel disrespected constantly,' she said.

Cooke said their relationship 'is in troubled water,' and Batula agreed, saying she was reaching a breaking point after a decade of highs and lows.

'I've literally stuck by your side through thick and thin, through all the rumors, through all the yelling, through all the name-calling, like, I've been here. But I can't put up with it much longer. I don't want to continue to be treated this way, and I have a lot of patience for it because I know that you're under a lot of stress, you're under a lot of pressure. I know that sometimes it's not me that's making you feel that way.'

'But I also feel like there are times where I don't think you care,' Cooke said. 'How come we're not putting in the work? I guess that's what is confusing for me. Would you go into couples therapy?'

Batula agreed that she would try counseling.

'I need to feel like we're in a partnership and like that we are in it together. I just feel like constant s***,' Cooke said.

Fans have questioned just how long Batula and West have had eyes for each other, as they compared the salacious scandal to that of Vanderpump Rules' 'Scandoval,' which saw Tom Sandoval cheat on his longtime girlfriend, Ariana Madix, with fellow cast member Raquel Leviss.

There was also much speculation floating around on Reddit and TikTok, as Bravo fans weighed in. On Instagram, viewers even discovered that Batula and Wilson had been sharing a very unique-looking sweatshirt, with Wilson pictured wearing it in November 2025 and Batula wearing it just last month.

The new season of Summer House is currently airing on Bravo on Tuesday nights, with about half of this season's episodes already aired

This past weekend, a few cast members weighed in on the rumors, like Lindsay Hubbard, who posted a photo to her Instagram story on Sunday of her making a disgusted face from a previous episode of Summer House.

Both Miller and Batula were also scheduled to host an Amazon Live together, as it was announced on March 5, but they ended up doing the program separately, only fueling feud rumors.

When Wilson and Miller were dating, they had a messy end to the relationship, as Wilson participated in a flurry of press interviews after the fact, like his exclusive with The New York Times.

During the interview with The Times, Wilson said that he couldn't commit to Miller for 'show-related reasons.'

'I dont think it was right to place the end of the relationship on those things,' he told the outlet at the time.

'I think I wouldve read more honest if I was just like, the relationship ran its course, I dont think we were meant to be together, thats it,' Wilson said.

'I think me trying to deflect the actual relationship and name all these external things really made me sound like an idiot.'

Miller has expressed just how much the relationship hurt her, even breaking down in tears during the Summer House Season 8 reunion.

Summer House airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on Bravo. Episodes are also available to stream the next day on Peacock.
Actress Lili Reinhart has sparked a fierce debate on social media after calling out an unnamed male director in a new interview.

In an interview with Cosmopolitan magazine, the 29-year-old was asked to name an 'acting note that she took personally'  and she didn't hesitate to answer.

'When I had a male director come up to me and silently lean over and go, "Just suck in your stomach a little bit,"' she said.

The revelation shocked her Forbidden Fruits co-stars, who were being interviewed alongside her, with Victoria Pedretti saying, 'Oh my God. What is his name? And what is his address?'

Alexandra Shipp urged Reinhart to 'say his name', but the Riverdale star refused.

Reinhart then changed course and tried to defend the director, saying, 'Weirdly, I don't think his intentions were bad.'

Lili Reinhart has faced backlash on social media after complaining that a male director once asked her to 'suck in her stomach' during a scene

Reinhart was fiercely defended by her Forbidden Fruits co-stars, who urged her to name and shame the mystery director

She continued, 'I genuinely think he didn't want me to look at the footage later and be like, "Oh, someone should've maybe told me it was an unflattering angle."'

Lola Tung then chimed in, 'Why would they shoot it at an unflattering angle?'

Shipp added, 'That was on him and the [director of photography] to find a flattering way to shoot you. Not to make your body your problem.'

Shipp then rolled her eyes and pouted her lips before sighing, 'men'.

While Reinhart drew sympathy from her fellow actresses, many on social media haven't reacted to her comments as kindly.

'People tell me that every time they are taking a picture of me and Im not falling apart. Get over yourself and stop acting like youre made out of glass,' one X user wrote.

'Thats the director's job... to make the shot look good. Don't know who this actress is but good lord. Just look at all the male and female actors who were told to muscle up or drop weight for a role,' argued another.

'Film is a visual medium. Your literal job as an actor or actress is to be visually appealing unless your role specifically calls for you to be otherwise. If you don't accept those terms and conditions, find a new profession,' argued a third.

The star was slammed on social media, with one person writing, 'Thats the director's job... to make the shot look good!'

Reinhart has been open about her body image issues and previously called for the mainstream media to showcase more 'average-sized arms'

Others pointed out all of the male actors who have had to transform and put on muscle for various roles, including Hugh Jackman, Henry Cavill, and Christian Bale.

Despite being slammed on X (formerly Twitter), Reddit users largely defended the starlet.

'That is the kind of comment actors never forget. Wild that some people in this industry still think talking to women like that is normal,' wrote one.

'She looks amazing. These directors in Hollywood are the reason women have body image issues,' wrote another.

'Some men really do hate seeing a successful woman so they try their best to demean her. It's pathetic,' a third wrote.

Reinhart has been open about her body image issues, previously expressing that she was triggered by the size of women's arms in mainstream media.

'I wish there were more average-sized arms represented in mainstream media for women,' she posted to X in 2023.

'My body dysmorphia has been going crazy because I feel like my arms need to be half the size they are currently. Weve glamorized these skinny arms that, for most of us, can only be achieved if youre a literal adolescent.'

Reinhart is currently starring in Forbidden Fruits, which was written and directed by women and features an all female lead cast.
Diff'rnt Strokes star Todd Bridges has filed divorce papers in his split from spouse Bettijo B. Hirschi in Maricopa County, Arizona.

Bridges, 60, and Hirschi tied the knot in September of 2022, less than a year after first crossing paths.

Bridges said in legal docs reviewed by Us Weekly that he and Hirschi tried to 'resolve' their differences, but ultimately came to the conclusion that the 'marriage is broken beyond repair.'

Bridges publicly announced he and Hirschi had parted ways in a statement he released in January.

'After much prayer and reflection, my spouse and I have made the difficult decision to separate,' the actor, who played Willis Jackson on Diff'rnt Strokes, said in a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage Without Minor Children.

Daily Mail has reached out to Hirschi and representatives for Bridges for further comment on the story.

Diff'rnt Strokes star Todd Bridges has filed divorce papers in his split from spouse Bettijo B. Hirschi in Arizona. Pictured in 2022

He added, 'This was not an easy choice, and it comes with a heavy heart, but also with love and gratitude for the life we shared.'

Bridges said in his court filing that he and Hirschi do not currently reside with one another, nor do they own any communal property.

He asked the court to keep the property they owned prior to their marriage intact, and said neither party should be awarded spousal support amid the split.

Bridges told the court he and Hirschi have a 'written agreement' as to the arrangements they're making in regards to assets amid their split.

Bridges is father to two children - son Spencir and daughter Bo - with ex-wife Dori Smith, who he was wed to from 1998 to 2012.

Hirschi is mother to four children from a prior relationship. She told the Daily Mail that she and her children 'are doing well' amid what she described as 'a season of significant transition.'

In the wake of the painful split, Hirschi said her 'priority throughout this process has been maintaining a healthy, stable, and positive environment for [her] family, and we are focused on our path forward.'

Hirschi said she has been introspective in the wake of her parting with Bridges.

Bridges publicly announced he and Hirschi had parted ways in a statement in January

Bridges seen at an NAACP event on April 22, 2023 in LaPlace, Louisiana

'Regarding the end of the marriage, Ive been reflecting on the idea of "re-deciding" - looking at past choices with the information I have now to ensure they still align with the current season of life,' she said. Its a healthy, necessary part of growth.'

She told People in September of 2022 that she and Bridges felt 'so blessed' in their romance.

'We kind of both had given up on finding something this great and we were super surprised to be able to have it kind of given to us,' Hirschi said, 'and we feel like God had a hand in bringing us together.'

Bridges told the magazine that he and Hirschi 'met through a friend that I've [known] for a long time named Mandy.

'I was supposed to actually be setting her up with someone else, but it didn't go that way. When I met her, I was like, "I'm not going to set her up with anyone else. I want her for myself."'

Hirschi explained to The Tamron Hall Show that her friend had made her 'a profile on some other app' intended for dating.

'I think Todd may have been the only single guy she knew or something,' Hirschi said. 'She was using him as market research.'

Hirschi continued: 'She was sending him pictures of me, saying, "What do you think? Do we need to do something different with her hair?"

The actor, who played Willis Jackson on Diff'rnt Strokes, pictured with late costars Gary Coleman and Dana Plato

'She texted me and said, "You need to message my friend, he wants to hear from you!" She wrote the text too, so I just copy and pasted.'

Hirschi said that she and the actor shared a mutual interest in spirituality.

'What really struck me about Todd is that we have a very similar idea of who God is and what he's like and how he interacts with us,' Hirschi said. 'We hear [God] similarly. I feel like God speaks to me directly too.

'I remember telling my parents, "He has a very similar understanding of God that feels very much like the faith that I have."'
Alice Evans relentless campaign of harassment, abuse and false accusations against her ex-husband, Fantastic Four star Ioan Gruffudd, may have actually helped his career, the actress claimed in a bizarre statement at a Los Angeles court appearance.

Evans was asked on Thursday whether her online trash talking about Gruffudd - which included a claim that hed cheated on her while they were still married - was meant to ruin his acting career, Evans, 57, said 'No.'

She then launched into a commentary about the morals of the movie business and its stars.

Hollywood is not a bastion of morality, she told the LA Superior Court trial where she is asking Gruffudd, 52, to shell out more than the $1,500 a month he pays her in spousal support, while hes seeking to stop paying her anything.

Brad Pitt, Ben Affleck and Jude Law have all been involved in cheating scandals.

Brad Pitt was accused of assaulting his child on an airplane - but he is still winning Oscars and Golden Globes.

Lots of people have been involved in cheating scandals. That kind of thing doesnt hurt actors, it makes them more interesting.

Evans startling comments came during an acrimonious trial in which Judge Michael Convey has already slapped her with a five-year restraining order over her harassment of Gruffudd, and his new wife, Australian actress Bianca Wallace, 33, the woman Alice accused him of cheating with during their marriage.

Thursday, in the second phase of the trial, Gruffudd is asking the judge to cut off spousal support altogether, based upon Evans' 'persistent domestic abuse and her many violations of a previous restraining order, plus the actors claim that he has already overpaid Evans by almost $400,000.

Alice Evans, 57, was smiling as she left court on March 6, the actress claimed her harassment and accusations may have helped her ex-husband, Fantastic Four star Ioan Gruffudd's career, not hurt it

Iona Gruffudd, 52, remained poker-faced as he departed the Stanley Mosk Courthouse on March 6

On the witness stand, Evans told how her career took a back seat to Gruffudds after they decided to have children when she was 39.

Because of her age, nothing happened so they went for IVF treatments, which meant she had to stay within four hours of Los Angeles and couldnt travel.

After she became pregnant with their daughter, Ella, in December 2008, she did film one episode of Lost.

But after Ella, now 16, was born she said, Ioan and I made the decision that one of us would always be home with her.

At one point, she said, she thought she could continue with her acting career: I can have a baby, I can be superwoman.

But she soon realized that was not possible, especially after their second daughter Elsie, now 12, was born, also with the help of IVF.

I had to turn down acting jobs - I had to forgo auditions, said Evans, who often took the children with her to visit foreign film sets where Gruffudd was working. It was impossible for me to audition or travel for work.

With Gruffudds career taking off, she said that the two decided to concentrate on his success.

His earning capacity was so much greater than mine - her per TV episode fee was $7,000 while Gruffudds was $105,000.

Join the discussion Whose side are you on in the feud between Alice Evans and Ioan Gruffudd?

Evans out shopping in Los Angeles with her daughters, Ella, 16, and Elsie, 12, in December

Gruffudd with his wife, Bianca Wallace. The actor claims Evans has undertaken a relentless five-year campaign of harassment and abuse against the couple, which Evans denies

Asked by her attorney, Janina Verano, if she had helped Gruffudds career, Evans said, Absolutely. I read every script he was sent.we discussed every role. He used to call me his other manager.

Evans told the court that after her breakup with Gruffudd in 2021, to make ends meet she sold her high end clothing, jewelry, bags and shoes on RealReal.

She also asked her friends for cash help and started a GoFundMe campaign to raise money when she and her daughters were about to be evicted.

I was freaked out about me and the girls being homeless, she said.

During her marriage to Gruffudd, the family lived in a three-bedroom, three-bath house in West Hollywood with a back yard and a pool, she said.

Now, said Evans, they have to live in a 900 square ft condo in Encino with no yard or pool, about 12 miles away from West Hollywood, which means the girls have lost contact with the friends they once had.

At the end of the trial's first phase on March 4, Judge Convey agreed to Gruffudds request for a five-year renewal of a prior three-year restraining order against Evans, after hearing how she had bombarded social media sites with denigrating and false posts about her ex and Wallace, who gave birth to their daughter, Mila, last November.

Evans expressed in court how ashamed and regretful  she was - and assured Judge Convey that her online trash-talking was a thing of the past.

But the judge didnt buy her attempts at contrition, citing the multiple times Evans violated the original restraining order which called for her to not post negative comments about them online, and to stay 100 feet away from the couple.

He told Evans that she had carried out a concerted, focused, intentional and caustic campaign of denigration aimed at Gruffudd and Wallace.

Gruffudd and Evans broke up in 2021 and went through a messy divorce that was finalized in 2023

Alices threats of force and intimidation.caused Ioan to fear for his and Biancas physical safety, he said.

Her pattern of abuse isolated him from his children. Her vow to dedicate her life to fighting him and ruin his career, threatened his ability to provide for his children.

While Gruffudd fights to stop paying support to Evans, there was no dispute over her request for an increase in child support for their two girls. He agreed to up his monthly support for them from $3,000 to $3,579.

Evans claimed during trial that Gruffudd hasnt seen his daughters for two years. He argued that the teenagers have been poisoned and alienated against him by their mother.
She is never shy showing off her incredible figure.

And Grace Jackson flaunted her jaw-dropping physique as she posed in a series of skimpy bikinis on Thursday as she bagged a new brand deal.

The Love Island star, 27, is working with Kim Kardashian's company Skims and modelled a red and white number and a blue snakeskin two-piece.

She penned in the caption: 'Grace x @skims Brand Ambassador. Proud to partner with a female led brand celebrating confidence, comfort & feeling sexy in your own skin.'

Grace's boyfriend Luca Bish - who she met on Love Island: All Stars last January - supportively commented saying: 'That's my girl.'

Grace and Luca found love on All Stars last year and came runners-up to winner Gabby Allen and Casey O'Gorman - who have since split.

Grace Jackson showed off her jaw-dropping physique as she posed in a series of skimpy bikinis on Thursday as she bagged a new brand deal

The Love Island star, 27, is working with Kim Kardashian's company Skims and modelled a red and white number and a blue snakeskin two-piece

The couple have proved their connection is strong after ex-island Olivia Hawkins claimed the model was only looking for a 'showmance'.

But Luca received some backlash last March for his over the top method of asking Grace to be his girlfriend - which bore a striking similarity to the way he asked his ex-girlfriend Gemma Owen to be 'official'.

As Luca took things to the next level with the blonde bombshell, eagle-eyed fans have spotted several similarities between his latest OTT gesture to the one he did for ex Gemma after meeting on the ITV2 show the first time around.

Luca and Grace enjoyed a lavish getaway to Abu Dhabi at the time and during the trip he hired someone to set up a stunning floral beach private dinner, which looked near enough identical to the red roses date he prepared for Gemma.

The arrangement featured a pathway of roses on the beach and a neon sign at the end of the walkway with the question: 'Will you be my gf?'

Luca also arranged a romantic candlelight dinner for his new girlfriend overlooking the ocean as the sun set.

During their first stints on Love Island, Luca coupled up with Gemma and made her his girlfriend shortly after leaving the villa.

She penned in the caption: 'Grace x @skims Brand Ambassador. Proud to partner with a female led brand celebrating confidence, comfort & feeling sexy in your own skin'

Grace's boyfriend Luca Bish - who she met on Love Island: All Stars last January - supportively commented saying: 'That's my girl'

Grace and Luca found love on All Stars last year and came runners-up to winner Gabby Allen and Casey O'Gorman - who have since split

She put on a confident display in the skimpy swimwear

Grace showed off her holiday tan and fixed the camera with a sultry stare

The couple have proved their connection is strong after ex-island Olivia Hawkins claimed the model was only looking for a 'showmance'

However, the couple called it quits shortly after.

While Grace coupled up with her ex Joey Essex during the show in 2024, but ultimately left the villa with Rueben Collins.

The pair split after the show, citing their long distance relationship as the reason for their split.

Last February, Grace and Luca shared what life has been like since leaving the villa.

Speaking on the Wednesdays podcast with Melissa Tattam and Sophie Habboo, Luca shared: 'We had dinner the day we landed with my mum and sister, and then we had dinner with her two best mates last night.

'The important thing for us is just introducing everyone, and yeah, integrating everything.'
Joseph Duggar's father Jim Bob has slammed his son's 'terrible decisions' in a jail letter after his arrest last month on child molestation charges - with more of his siblings also breaking silence.

The 31-year-old TV personality was taken into custody on March 18 after he was accused of sexual activity with a nine-year-old girl during a Florida vacation in 2020.

Duggar recently returned to Arkansas after he was released on a $600,000 bond but is banned from having unsupervised contact with minors under the age of 18 - which includes his four children.

Jim Bob had sent a letter to his son via email while he was being held at an Arkansas detention facility before being extradited to the state of Florida.

'You have made some terrible decisions, but God has already forgiven you if you have asked him,' the 60-year-old reality star wrote in the letter, which was obtained by People.

He told Duggar that he needs to 'accept the situation' and will most likely deal with 'major consequences for several years to come.'

Joseph Duggar's father Jim Bob, 60, has slammed his son's 'terrible decisions' in a jail letter after his arrest last month on child molestation charges - with more of his siblings also breaking silence; Jim Bob and wife Michelle seen above in 2010

The 31-year-old TV personality was taken into custody on March 18 after he was accused of sexual activity with a nine-year-old girl during a Florida vacation in 2020; Duggar's March 31 mugshot seen above

Jim Bob told his son that both he and his mother Michelle 'love' him - but emphasized to Duggar that he has 'a long road ahead...'

If he is convicted, his father also wrote, '[Y]ou can also point people to Christ even through the time you're in jail and prison.'

Jim Bob also shared that, 'David in the Bible royally messed up, but he repented and became a man after God's own heart.'

In conclusion, he told Duggar that 'God is not finished with your life' before adding that 'we'll keep praying for you.'

Just days earlier, Jim Bob and Michelle broke silence on their son's arrest on child molestation charges.

A spokesperson for the pair told Us Weekly in a statement: 'Right now, they are focused on loving their family and helping Kendra and her children during this difficult time.'

It was added that Jim Bob and Michelle 'are praying for the victim' and 'ask for privacy and appreciate the kind words and prayers offered by so many.'

Some of Duggar's siblings have also broken their silence over the charges such as his brother Josh - who is currently serving a 12-year prison sentence for possessing child pornography.

He told Duggar that he needs to 'accept the situation' and will most likely deal with 'major consequences for several years to come'; Jim Bob and wife Michelle seen in NYC in 2014

A spokesperson for Jim Bob and Michelle told Us Weekly in a statement: 'Right now, they are focused on loving their family and helping Kendra and her children during this difficult time'; Duggar and wife Kendra seen above

Some of Duggar's siblings have also broken their silence over the charges such as his brother Josh - who is currently serving a 12-year prison sentence for possessing child pornography; Josh seen in 2021

Most recently, his sisters Jana and Jessa have also issued statements of their own.

Jana took to her Instagram stories on Thursday to call out Duggar's actions as an 'unacceptable wrong.'

'We are deeply saddened and heartbroken by the situation involving my brother, Joseph,' she penned.

'This news came as a shock to us, as we had no prior knowledge before it became public.'

Jana continued, 'Our hearts are with the child who has been harmed - this is a grievous and unacceptable wrong. We continue to pray for the victim and for justice to be carried out.'

Jessa also shared a message on her Instagram stories which read: 'We learned, along with the rest of the world, of the heartbreaking news involving my brother, Joseph, and we are deeply grieved.

'Our hearts ache for this innocent young girl and the harm she has suffered. This is a profound wrong, and we know it grieves the heart of God, who cares deeply for children and the vulnerable.'

Jessa concluded with, 'We are lifting her up in prayer, asking for comfort, healing, and justice.'

Most recently, his sisters Jana and Jessa have also issued statements of their own after Duggar's arrest

Jana took to her Instagram stories on Thursday to call out Duggar's actions as an 'unacceptable wrong'

Two days after Duggar's arrest, his wife Kendra was taken into custody on March 20 - but released later the same day after posting a $1,470 bond.

She was charged with four counts of child endangerment and four charges of false imprisonment.

In multiple jail phone calls, Kendra recently shared to Duggar that that she did not have their four children.

During a call which took place on March 22, she told her husband, 'From what I hear they are doing good,' per People.

'It's just like, when you then take my babies from me... they were who I was just going to pour my life into,' Kendra said.

She later added that she is 'fighting for the kids and they're my number one priority right now.'

Duggar said that he is '100% behind' her and added that she 'should be fighting for them the most.'

He was arrested in connection with lewd and lascivious molestation of a victim less than 12-years-old, authorities with Florida's Bay County Sheriff's Office said in March.

Two days after Duggar's arrest, his wife Kendra was taken into custody on March 20 -but released later the same day after posting a $1,470 bond

In multiple jail phone calls, Kendra recently shared to Duggar that that she did not have their four children; Kendra's March 20 mugshot seen above

The incident involving Duggar occurred in 2020 in Panama City Beach, Florida during a vacation, according to authorities.

'As the vacation continued, he also asked [the victim] to sit next to him on a couch and covered them with a blanket,' officials said. 'During this time, Duggar manipulated the victim's underwear and grazed her genitals.

'Duggar would also continue to rub his hands on her thighs. The victim stated Duggar eventually apologized for his actions and the incidents stopped after the apology.'

He was also charged with lewd and lascivious behavior conducted by a person 18 years or older, officials said.

The incident involving Duggar occurred in 2020 in Panama City Beach, Florida during a vacation, according to authorities; Duggar's March 18 mugshot seen above

Earlier this week, it was revealed that Duggar was released from prison on a $600,000 bond after he pled not guilty to molestation charges

Duggar and Kendra wed in 2017 and are parents to four young children - ages seven, six, five and three.

Earlier this week, it was revealed that Duggar was released from prison on a $600,000 bond after he pled not guilty to molestation charges.

He appeared before a judge on Tuesday and requested a jury trial. Duggar had been set to return to court on April 20 - but the date has reportedly been changed to May 18, per People.

Duggar is barred from unsupervised contact with any person under 18 - which includes his own children.
Zendaya kept up a playful bridal tradition as she joined co-star Robert Pattinson at the premiere of their controversial film, The Drama, in New York City on Thursday.

The actress, 29, has been embracing the classic 'something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue' tradition at each premiere, as a nod to the wedding-themed movie.

She stayed on theme at the latest premiere, as she turned heads in a strapless black-and-blue feathered Schiaparelli Haute Couture gown on the red carpet.

The dress featured 65,000 blue and black raw silk feathers in 27 different shades of blue, as per Page Six.

The Dune star also wore a gold band on her left ring finger, amid ongoing rumors that she has secretly married Tom Holland, 29.

The Emmy winner had her hair slicked back and further accessorized with Tiffany & Co. blue drop earrings.

Zendaya, 29, kept up a playful bridal tradition at the premiere of her new film The Drama in New York City on Thursday

The actress was joined by co-star Robert Pattinson, 39

Her makeup mirrored her dress, with blue-toned eyeshadow tying the look together.

Zendaya finalized the outfit with matching blue heels featuring feather details.

Meanwhile her co-star, 39, rocked a classic navy suit.

Pattinson recently teased that Zendaya doesn't clue him in on her outfits for premieres, so he can't match her.

After the premiere, Zendaya had a quick outfit change, as she went out to dinner in a sheer navy halter neck gown. The sizzling look was backless.

Zendaya and her stylist, Law Roach, planned the movie tour around the classic wedding rhyme, revealing the first look at the Los Angeles premiere on March 17.

Zendaya wore a reconstructed Vivienne Westwood gown - which she previously donned at the 2015 Oscars - for 'something old.'

For 'something new' she stunned in a backless white Louis Vuitton gown for the Paris premiere.

Meanwhile during the Rome premiere she wore 'something borrowed', wowing in a black Armani Prive gown she borrowed from Cate Blanchett.

The actress has been embracing the classic 'something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue' tradition at each premiere, as a nod to the wedding-themed movie

She stayed on theme at the latest premiere, as she turned heads in a strapless black-and-blue feathered Schiaparelli Haute Couture gown on the red carpet

The dress featured 65,000 blue and black raw silk feathers in 27 different shades of blue, as per Page Six

The Dune star also wore a gold band on her left ring finger, next to a chunky statement ring, amid ongoing rumors that she has secretly married Tom Holland, 29

Her makeup mirrored her dress, with blue-toned eyeshadow tying the look together

Zendaya finalized the look with matching blue heels featuring feather details

Meanwhile her co-star rocked a classic navy suit

Pattinson recently teased that Zendaya doesn't clue him in on her outfits for premieres, so he can't match her

In their new film, The Drama, Zendaya stars as Emma Harwood, who is set to marry Charlie Thompson (Pattinson)

The story follows the lead-up to their wedding, and the plot twist occurs when one of them makes a shocking confession and sends the other into a spiral

The co-stars posed up a storm at the event

The duo laughed it up in front of the cameras

Also at the premiere was Heidi Klum, 52, who was joined by her son Henry Samuel, 20

She shares Henry with ex-husband Seal, 63, along with son Johan, 19, and daughter Lou, 16

The German supermodel dazzled in a long white coat dress, after recently discussing her menopause weight gain

'Many say: "She's too fat or too thin or pregnant," but I am not pregnant. I'm just a little fatter now. It's the menopause,' the former Victoria's Secret Angel shared on her new docuseries

Henry looked sharp in an all-black suit

Klum was also joined by Zendaya's stylist, Law Roach (second from left), as well as Project Runway judge Nina Garcia and designer Christian Siriano

Siriano rocked a black suit

Actor Paul Dano, 41, was also in attendance and looked trendy in a dark coat

Constance Wu, 44, put on a leggy display in a red velvet mini dress

Zendaya's co-stars Alana Haim and Mamoudou Athie made a stylish duo

Ziwe opted for a floor-length black gown

The Drama, written and directed by Kristoffer Borgli, premiered on March 17 in Los Angeles and is set to hit theaters nationwide on April 3

It was also her stylist who kicked off the recent wedding speculation, after he made a cheeky statement at the beginning of March suggesting that his longtime client and close friend was already married to Spider-Man star Holland.

He dropped the bombshell as he told Access Hollywood: 'The wedding has already happened. You missed it.'

When asked if it was 'true,' he replied: 'It's very true!'

His comment, which was amid the lead-up to the premiere of her movie centered around a wedding, led many fans to also speculate that the engaged actress could have secretly tied the knot already.

Despite the marriage speculation, the couple have not yet publicly confirmed or denied their marital status.

The pair met on the set of Spider-Man: Homecoming in 2016, and have kept their romance private for years before confirming they were in a relationship  and later revealing they had gotten engaged.

Also at the premiere was Heidi Klum, 52, who was joined by her son Henry Samuel, 20. She shares Henry with ex-husband Seal, 63, along with son Johan, 19, and daughter Lou, 16.

The German supermodel dazzled in a long white coat dress, after recently discussing her menopause weight gain.

Klum candidly addressed months of speculation about her changing figure on her new docuseries On and Off the Catwalk.

'Many say: "She's too fat or too thin or pregnant," but I am not pregnant. I'm just a little fatter now. It's the menopause,' said the former Victoria's Secret Angel.

Meanwhile Henry looked sharp in an all-black suit.

After the premiere Zendaya had a quick outfit change, as she went out to dinner in a sheer navy halter neck gown

The sizzling look was backless

She signed autographs on her way to the restaurant

Her stylist helped her up the stairs while holding the dress up for her

Klum was also joined by Zendaya's stylist, Law Roach, as well as Project Runway judge Nina Garcia and designer Christian Siriano.

Actor Paul Dano, 41, was also in attendance and looked trendy in a dark coat.

Constance Wu, 44, put on a leggy display in a red velvet mini dress.

Zendaya's co-stars Alana Haim and Mamoudou Athie made a stylish duo on the red carpet. Meanwhile Ziwe opted for a floor-length black gown.

In The Drama, Zendaya stars as Emma Harwood, who is set to marry Charlie Thompson (Pattinson).

The story follows the lead-up to their wedding, and the plot twist occurs when one of them makes a shocking confession and sends the other into a spiral.

The Drama, written and directed by Kristoffer Borgli, premiered on March 17 in Los Angeles and is set to hit theaters nationwide on April 3.
Megan Thee Stallion has made a triumphant return to Broadway after suffering extreme exhaustion.

The 31-year-old music artist took the stage on Thursday evening to perform in the musical Moulin Rouge following a brief absence.

She was spotted heading into Al Hirschfeld Theatre in a pink velour tracksuit ahead of the sold-out show.

Megan pulled the hood of her zip-up jacket over her long, straight, jet-black hair, and teamed her co-ord with furry green boots.

She showed off her long, pointy, red manicure while carrying her phone in one hand.

The Houston-bred star missed Wednesday's performance and exited mid-show on Tuesday night after feeling unwell shortly after the opening scenes.

Megan Thee Stallion was spotted heading into Al Hirschfeld Theatre in a pink velour tracksuit on Thursday, ahead of a triumphant return to Broadway after suffering extreme exhaustion

The 31-year-old music artist took the stage on Thursday evening to perform in the musical Moulin Rouge following a brief absence; pictured on March 24

She was taken to a nearby hospital and treated for the medical emergency.

A rep for the rapper, who is playing the role of Zidler in the production, told The Daily Mail the next day: 'On Tuesday evening, Megan was transported to a local hospital to undergo a medical evaluation after experiencing concerning symptoms.

'Doctors ultimately identified extreme exhaustion, dehydration, vasoconstriction and low metabolic levels as the cause of her symptoms. Megan has since been treated, discharged and is now resting.'

It was added: 'Megan is incredibly grateful for the prayers and well-wishes from her supporters and is looking forward to resuming her role as Zidler on Moulin Rouge on Thursday.'

The Body hitmaker took to Instagram on Wednesday to break her silence.

She told her nearly 33 million followers, 'Last night was a real wake-up call for me. Ive been pushing myself past my limits lately, running on empty, and my body finally said enough.

'It honestly scared me. I thought I was gonna faint on stage, I really tried to push through my performance but I just couldnt.'

The Grammy-winning artist addressed her fans as she continued, 'Hotties, I wanna be real with yall because you mean everything to me and I hate letting y'all down. I just need one day to rest, reset, and take care of myself the way I should have been.'

The Houston-bred star missed Wednesday's performance and exited mid-show on Tuesday night after feeling unwell shortly after the opening scenes; pictured March 24

A rep for the rapper, who is playing the role of Zidler in the production, told The Daily Mail Megan's doctors diagnosed her with extreme exhaustion; pictured on March 24

She vowed, 'Ill be right back on that stage Thursday, stronger, clearer, and ready to give you 100% the way you deserve. Thank you for always riding with me and loving me through everything.'

Megan kicked off her role as Zidler in the Tony-winning musical on March 24, and she is expected to perform through May 17.

Ahead of her debut she expressed her excitement about the opportunity, calling it an 'honor.'

'Stepping onto the Broadway stage and joining the Moulin Rouge! The Musical team is an absolute honor,' she said in a statement, per Playbill.

She continued, 'I've always believed in pushing myself creatively and theatre is definitely a new opportunity that I'm excited to embrace.

'Broadway demands a different level of discipline, preparation, and storytelling, but I'm up for the challenge and can't wait for the Hotties to see a new side of me.'
Tammin Sursok has revealed a harrowing health ordeal that she has been struggling with for a year.

The Home and Away star, 42, took to Instagram on Friday to give fans an update on her health.

'Guys, I really need to heal my gut,' she began the clip, before giving a sigh.

Continuing, Tammin revealed that she had been plagued with heartburn and nausea symptoms for 12 months, which she said were triggered by certain foods.

'So about a year ago, I was having this chronic clearing my throat issue and then I, after certain foods, I would get this burning sensation like heartburn and then nausea and all these things,' she said.

Tammin Sursok has revealed a harrowing health ordeal that she has been struggling with for a year

'I went to the doctor and they want to do an endoscopy, but they think it's called gastritis, which is an inflammation of the stomach lining.'

Tammin added that she was surprised by the doctor's hypothesis, given how well she looks after her health.

'[It's] so bananas because I really take care of myself  don't drink alcohol and all these things. And I know that anyone can get gastritis so it's not just based on that,' she said.

'But I really think that I have to start healing my insides. And I think a lot of what we put in our bodies has all this extra stuff that we don't know what's going on.'

Tammin rounded out her post urging followers suffering from gastritis to offer tips on how to 'heal the situation'.

It comes after Tammin revealed a horrific allergic reaction she had to ant bites, sharing a shocking video of her swollen ankle to Instagram in May.

She told her followers she accidentally stepped on a fire ant nest and had been bitten seven times.

Suffering a severe reaction, the Home and Away star broke out in painful-looking blisters as her ankle swelled up to almost three times its size.

The Home and Away star, 42, took to Instagram on Friday to give fans an update on her health. 'Guys, I really need to heal my gut,' she began the clip, before giving a sigh

Tammin revealed that she had been plagued with heartburn and nausea symptoms for 12 months, which she said were triggered by certain foods. 'I went to the doctor and they want to do an endoscopy, but they think it's called gastritis, which is an inflammation of the stomach lining.'

'In another episode of Tammin is allergic to bugs and insects, the ant bite situation has been gnarly... I stepped on an ant nest. Got bitten by seven,' she said.

'Ran into my house and yelled at everyone, "Don't be worried. I'm taking off all my clothes."'

Tammin then went on to post a poll to her Stories, asking her followers if they wanted to see a photo of the allergic reaction she had to the ant bites.

It would appear that the majority of her fans said yes, as she posted the shocking image just moments later.

'Fire ants are no joke! Swelling has gone down thank goodness! They are all the way around [her ankle],' Tammin captioned the image.

The photo showed her ankle looking very red and swollen, with several large blisters marring the skin.

It came just a few months after Tammin revealed another shock health update, when she visited her doctor for a routine check-up following a spider bite.

The actress was bitten in March and visited her GP the following day to undergo a standard examination.

'I really think that I have to start healing my insides. And I think a lot of what we put in our bodies has all this extra stuff that we don't know what's going on,' she added

But the former Home and Away star's routine trip to the local medical centre soon turned harrowing when her doctor found something 'unexpected', which she did not disclose.

'Found out some news at the doctor that was unexpected. Thinking positively but please keep me in your good thoughts,' she said alongside a selfie.

Tammin currently lives in Nashville with her husband Sean McEwen, who she married in an Italian ceremony in 2011.

The couple shares two daughters  Phoenix, 12, and Lennon, seven.
Kylie Jenner appeared on Instagram to share behind-the-scenes snapshots from her new Puss Puss magazine cover shoot.

The 28-year-old entrepreneur tantalized her 390 million followers with the set of sexy photos from the avant-garde spread.

Her audience was treated to provocative photos that showed her modeling cleavage-baring looks, including a low-cut, sheer, flesh-toned dress.

Jenner protected her modesty as she covered her chest with nude-manicured hands.

Other pictures showed the cosmetics mogul in a feathery gold bra top with stringy straps.

Earlier in the day she shared the shots published in the magazine, writing about the shoot day, 'We had a lot of fun.'

Kylie Jenner appeared on Instagram to share behind-the-scenes snapshots from her new Puss Puss magazine cover shoot

The 28-year-old entrepreneur tantalized her 390 million followers with the set of sexy photos from the avant-garde spread

Fans also saw closeup BTS shots of the star's meticulously applied dramatic makeup, which included heavy eyeliner and smokey eyeshadow.

Jenner's cover of Puss Puss magazine's The Loud & Quiet Issue 23 comes out on April 13 and is currently available for pre-order.

It comes after earlier this week she was a guest on music artist Kid Cudi's Big Bro podcast.

Following her January acting debut in the Charli xcx mockumentary The Moment, she told him that she wants to do more acting.

She described performing on the silver screen as her 'childhood dream.'

Cudi  real name Scott Ramon Seguro Mescudi  asked the reality TV star to elaborate on her plans.

'I would totally do more,' she said, revealing her dream role would be 'something in comedy...2000s vibe or something.'

Jenner also talked about boyfriend Timothee Chalamet when she was asked about her favorite movie of his.

'That's hard for me because I really love them all,' she answered before deciding her favorite is Call Me By Your Name.

Join the discussion Do you think Kylie Jenner's risque shoots empower women or set unrealistic standards for young fans?

Another look showed Jenner in a yellow trench coat with black trim

Other pictures showed the cosmetics mogul in a feathery gold bra top with stringy straps

Her audience was treated to provocative photos that showed her modeling cleavage-baring looks

Earlier in the day she shared the shots published in the magazine, writing about the shoot day, 'We had a lot of fun'

Fans also saw closeup shots of the star's meticulously applied dramatic makeup. The Kylie Cosmetics founder rocked heavy eyeliner and smokey eyeshadow

Jenner was clad in a lacy yellow getup while posing in a distorted mirror in one image

She shares daughter Stormi, eight, and son Aire, four, with ex-boyfriend Travis Scott, 34.

Earlier this year Scott  real name Jacques Webster  and Jenner reunited to celebrate their kids' back-to-back birthdays.

Their daughter was born on February 1, 2018 while their son arrived on February 2, 2022.

The exes struck up a romance in 2017.

And the former Keeping Up With The Kardashians star surprised fans the following year when she revealed they welcomed their first child, after months of speculation.

The couple split in October 2019 and later got back together, announcing in 2021 that Jenner was expecting their second child.

Their final breakup was revealed in early 2023 and they have remained on amicable terms as they co-parent.
Tobey Maguire's ex-wife Jennifer Meyer showed off her baby bump as she enjoyed an outing in Beverly Hills on Thursday.

The 48-year-old jewelry designer - who was previously married to the Spider-Man actor until their divorce in 2020 - was seen strolling outside after spending time at the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel.

Meyer is expecting her third child - and first - with billionaire heir fiance Geoffrey Ogunlesi.

She kept it casual in a low-waisted, polka dot skirt as well as a gray shirt and dark gray jacket layered on top.

The designer additionally slipped into a pair of tan sandals and pulled back her blonde locks into a sleek bun.

Meyer carried a Chanel purse over the crook of her left arm while adding a blue necklace for a finishing touch.

Tobey Maguire's ex-wife Jennifer Meyer, 48, showed off her baby bump as she enjoyed an outing in Beverly Hills on Thursday

The jewelry designer - who was previously married to the Spider-Man actor until their divorce in 2020 - was seen strolling outside after spending time at the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel; former couple seen in 2024 in L.A.

Just two days earlier, she also showcased her growing baby bump while attending the glitzy Crown Affair x U Beauty launch event in L.A. on Tuesday.

Meyer flashed a cheerful smile while placing her hands on her stomach and sported a black maxi skirt and black top for the festivities.

And over the past weekend, both she and Maguire had a lowkey reunion with their two children for dinner in Santa Monica.

The former couple were seen exiting the Italian hotspot Giorgio Baldi with their kids Ruby, 19, and Otis, 16. The jewelry designer had also been joined by her fiance during the nighttime excursion.

After leaving the eatery, the group stood next to each other before heading to their next destination.

Late last year in December, Meyer announced that she is pregnant with her third child - and first - with Ogunlesi, who is the founder of the Ogunlesi Group.

At the time, she jumped to her Instagram page to upload a photo of herself flashing a glimpse at her baby bump.

'Hey baby girl, We love love love you!!' the jewelry designer wrote in the caption, while her fiance excitedly added in the comment section, 'WE LOVE YOU.'

Join the discussion What do you think makes for truly successful co-parenting after divorce in the spotlight?

She kept it casual in a low-waisted, polka dot skirt as well as a gray shirt and dark gray jacket layered on top

Late last year in December, Meyer announced that she is pregnant with her third child - and first - with Ogunlesi, who is the founder of the Ogunlesi Group; seen in March in L.A.

At the time, she jumped to her Instagram page to upload a photo of herself flashing a glimpse at her baby bump

Celebrities such as Kim Kardashian, Kate Hudson, Jennifer Garner and Nina Dobrev jumped to the comment section to offer their congratulations over the big news.

Ogunlesi comes from a wealthy family - with his father being Nigerian lawyer and investment banker Adebayo Ogunlesi, who is estimated to have a net worth of $2.3 billion.

Maguire and Meyer first crossed paths in 2003 while he was on set of Seabiscuit at Universal Studios.

The former couple became engaged in 2006 and tied the knot the following year during a ceremony that was held in Hawaii.

After nine years of marriage, the pair announced their separation in 2016 - and their divorce was finalized in 2020.

During an appearance on The Inside Edit podcast, Meyer opened up about her positive co-parenting relationship with Maguire and called him her 'best friend.'

'I now have an ex-husband who is my best friend and would do anything for me, and I would do anything for him, anything in the world,' she said.

The jewelry designer added that the Hollywood actor is 'the best dad, the best ex-husband, the best friend [and] the most generous.'

Meyer also revealed that the divorce had been 'one of my greatest teachers.'

During an appearance on The Inside Edit podcast, Meyer opened up about her positive co-parenting relationship with Maguire and called him her 'best friend'; seen with daughter Ruby above

She explained, 'It teaches you patience, and you're also raising [kids together]. Our daughter was 10 or something, so those are some intense times that you need to stay connected.'

Meyer admitted that the former couple had to weather through 'some big hurdles' after their separation.

'He is wonderful and I got lucky for that. My life was not easy every day, and I'm sure he would say the same thing,' she further expressed.

And back in 2022, Meyer discussed raising their children post-split on The World's First podcast.

'It was a choice, and it was trusting in, like, the universe has got our back, but let me tell you something, the work is a motherf***er,' the designer said.

'Now we talk about our significant others [like], "Hey, you got the kids? I'm going for a weekend away." Now it's like, "Hey, I'm having a hard day" or "Hey, you did this, it really bummed me out."'

Meyer added, 'I would do anything in the world for him. I can't even explain [it]. He is my brother. I love him to death.'

Meyer admitted that the former couple had to weather through 'some big hurdles' after their separation; seen in 2016 in West Hollywood

In one image uploaded last year, Meyer could be seen flashing a smile with daughter Ruby while also joined by Maguire and her fiance Ogunlesi

She has given a glimpse at their positive co-parenting relationship over the years by sharing posts to her Instagram account.

In one image uploaded last year, Meyer could be seen flashing a smile with daughter Ruby while also joined by Maguire and her fiance Ogunlesi.

The 19-year-old is reportedly attending the Ivy League college Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island.

The Great Gatsby actor also reunited with the designer in February as they spent time with son Otis in Beverly Hills.
Joseph Duggar was roasted by one of his own family members after his complaints about having difficulty sleeping in jail were released.

In audio of a jailhouse phone call that was obtained by Us Weekly, Joseph, 31, could be heard bemoaning his lack of sleep behind bars while speaking to his wife, 27-year-old Kendra Duggar.

Joseph's cousin, Amy Duggar, looked almost gleeful in a TikTok video posted on Thursday in response to the leaked audio.

'Joe says hes having trouble sleeping,' Amy said in her video, before adding bluntly, 'Nobody cares.'

'I bet the victim hasn't slept in five years,' Amy said in a more serious tone.

The Daily Mail has reached out to Joseph Duggar's representative for comment and has yet to hear back.

Joseph Duggar was roasted by one of his own family members after his complaints about having difficulty sleeping in jail were released

Joseph's cousin, Amy Duggar, looked almost gleeful in a TikTok video posted on Thursday in response to the leaked audio. 'Joe says hes having trouble sleeping,' Amy said in her video, before adding bluntly, 'Nobody cares'

Joseph  who was released from jail this week on a $600,000 bond  was arrested on March 25 in Tonitown, Arkansas, after a 14-year-old girl accused him of touching her on her underwear and genitals when she was only nine years old.

The Daily Mail confirmed two days before his court appearance that Duggar had submitted a written plea of not guilty to all charges in a document signed by his attorney, in which he also waived arraignment on the charges and demanded a jury trial.

In audio of his phone call, the 19 Kids And Counting star reportedly told Kendra that his time being held at the Washington County Sheriffs Office in Arkansas had been 'miserable' because of all the commotion he allegedly experienced while trying to sleep.

'I felt like [the] past two nights, like not last night, but the two nights before that, there [were] people up all night, and it was really loud and stuff, but so I didnt get good sleep,' said Joseph. 'So yesterday was a little bit more miserable.'

Joseph returned to the subject of his poor sleep in a subsequent call to his wife, in which he vented about a fellow inmate who allegedly threw a 'tantrum' that lasted 'two to three hours' into the night as he was trying to sleep.

'I didnt get much sleep last night. There [were] some tantrums happening. All day yesterday, theres one guy having this whole tantrum thing,' he said in audio obtained by Us Weekly. 'I was kind of waiting till he went to sleep.'

Joseph said that once the inmate 'got all processed through,' he was able to fall asleep 'for just a little while,' though he didn't 'know how long' he managed to sleep.

He added that another inmate was 'talking really loud, and theyre having to de-escalate him the whole time, and every other word was the F-word type thing.'

Joseph complained about being kept up all night by commotion from other inmates in audio of jailhouse phone calls with his wife, Kendra, according to Us Weekly. He said he had been 'miserable' because of multiple inmates who threw tantrums for hours on end; (L) Kendra is pictured in her March 20 mugshot and (R) Joseph is seen in his booking photo from Panama City, Florida

'I bet the victim hasn't slept in five years,' Amy said in a more serious tone. 'Trauma doesnt clock out, it doesnt take nights off. It follows you into your sleep, into your dreams, into your bed, into your daytime, into every minute of the day'

Joseph went on to claim to his Kendra that he tried to read his Bible to keep his mind off the foul-mouthed explosions from other inmates.

In his cousin Amy's response to his complaints, she urged her 211,000 followers to focus on Joseph's alleged victim's well-being.

'Trauma doesnt clock out, it doesnt take nights off. It follows you into your sleep, into your dreams, into your bed, into your daytime, into every minute of the day,' she said while adopting a more somber tone and gazing into the camera.

'This is why we cannot normalize a surface-level apology because the pain, Joe, doesnt disappear just because youre in jail,' she added.

Amy has been a fierce critic of her cousin Joseph, whom she lambasted late last month in response to his claims that he had been reading the Bible in jail.

'OK, I just had to get something off my chest real quick. The bible is not a PR strategy. You can read scripture day and night, all the time, and still avoid the truth. I mean, highlighting verses isnt going to rewrite your actions. We cannot use faith as a cover-up,' she said in an Instagram video on March 29. 'So, God isnt impressed by your reading.'

Amy said that God was 'impressed with transformation. Hes impressed when someone steps out and literally heals by telling the truth.'

'If theres no change in your life, then theres no real repentance,' she declared, adding, 'You shall know them by their fruit. Can I get an amen?'

'This is why we cannot normalize a surface-level apology because the pain, Joe, doesnt disappear just because youre in jail,' added Amy, who has been a fierce critic of her cousin

She previously lambasted Joseph for allegedly using the Bible as a 'PR strategy' after he said he was reading it in jail

In other leaked audio of Joseph's phone calls to Kendra, he could be heard saying that it's 'busy during the day' at the jail, but he feared that it could also be 'rough being in there.'

He said that noise from the inmates surrounding his cell had set him on edge.

'Sometimes I cant even hear myself think whenever theyre next door,' he said, claiming that their chatter felt 'like getting hit by a jackhammer.'

In audio obtained by TMZ, Joseph's wife Kendra told him that his family still loved him, 'even if they're disappointed.'

'That's how things are,' she added.

'Oh, I understand. I understand the disappointment,' Joseph responded.

'Just understand that they love you, too,' Kendra continued.

'Oh, yeah, absolutely, I feel that,' Joseph replied. 'I'm not upset or anything like that.'

In another call from jail obtained by TMZ, Kendra told Joseph that his family still loved him, ' even if they're disappointed'

Duggar was released on a $600k bond after going before a judge on Tuesday. He is now forbidden from having any unsupervised contact with persons under 18; Duggar is pictured with his 19 Kids And Counting costars on Good Morning America

In a March 22 call between the married couple that was obtained by People, Kendra confirmed to Joseph that their four children had been moved out of their home after her arrest on Friday, March 20, following a search of their home by the Tontitown Police Department and the Arkansas Department of Human Services.

She was subsequently charged with four counts of second-degree endangering the welfare of a minor and four counts of second-degree false imprisonment, and Joseph is now facing the same charges.

Despite being arrested shortly after her husband was taken into custody, the charges are allegedly unrelated to the molestation claims against Joseph.

'From what I hear they are doing good,' Kendra said of the children while speaking to Joseph on the phone.

Duggar got a respite from the stresses of life in jail after his attorney, Albert Sauline, told the Daily Mail on Wednesday that the former reality star was released on a $600,000 bond after appearing in front of a judge.

Duggar had previously submitted a written not guilty plea, and he requested that his case be heard by a jury.

The former reality star, who subsequently flew back home to Arkansas, is due back in court on April 20.

As part of his release, Judge Brantley Clark forbade Duggar from having any unsupervised contact with persons under 18, according to court documents.

In a statement to the Daily Mail, Sauline said, 'Our number one concern is making sure that Mr. Duggar is treated fairly, notwithstanding his celebrity status from being on television.

'We are very blessed to have very professional prosecutors and excellent judges in this part of Florida. I have full confidence that he will be treated fairly.'
Kanye West's wife Bianca Censori modeled a skintight ensemble in an Instagram snap as she supported the rapper amid his comeback concerts.

The 31-year-old Australian architect - who recently directed West's new music video for the track Father featuring Travis Scott - re-posted an image to her Instagram stories that had been shared by photographer and designer Gadir Rajab.

Censori donned a blue catsuit that clung to her figure and contained a plunging neckline on the front.

She additionally slipped into a pair of closed-toed, lime green heels and pulled back her locks into a sleek bun.

The media personality and Rajab - who have collaborated in the past - seemingly took the photo while posing in a VIP area at SoFi Stadium during West's concert on Wednesday.

The Heartless rapper - who also goes by Ye - dropped his 12th studio album Bully on March 28 and returned to the stage in Los Angeles this week for his Ye: Homecoming series.

Kanye West's wife Bianca Censori, 31, modeled a skintight ensemble in an Instagram snap as she supported the rapper amid his comeback concerts

The Heartless rapper - who also goes by Ye - dropped his 12th studio album Bully on March 28 and returned to the stage in Los Angeles this week for his Ye: Homecoming series; seen on Wednesday in L.A.

The rapper's last solo album Donda 2 was dropped four years earlier in 2022.

Back in 2024, the music artist also released two collaborative LPs with Ty Dolla Sign called Vultures 1 and Vultures 2.

When his latest album dropped last week, the music video for one of the tracks Father also became available - and was notably directed by Censori.

The nearly three-minute clip was shot in one scene through one single frame throughout its entirety as various characters moved in and out of a beige church.

During a recent interview with Architectural Digest published on Monday, Censori opened up about her directorial debut and the vision behind the video.

'As my directorial debut, it felt like a natural extension of my background in architecture and performance art,' she explained to the outlet.

'Directing is not a departure for me, but a shift in medium, I'm still shaping space, bodies and emotion, its just articulated through film.'

Censori - who tied the knot with West in 2022 - further expressed that the single shot and setting helped make 'a logic that could only exist within a dream, where unrelated characters, worlds and temporalities collide within one continuous space.'

'As my directorial debut, it felt like a natural extension of my background in architecture and performance art,' Censori explained to the outlet

'Directing is not a departure for me, but a shift in medium, I'm still shaping space, bodies and emotion, its just articulated through film,' she added; seen with West in 2024 in Milan

She then emphasized how 'the architecture of the set was critical' when it came to shooting the music video

She then emphasized how 'the architecture of the set was critical' when it came to shooting the music video.

'A single frame had to hold and give structure to everything unfolding within it.'

West took to the stage for his concert at SoFi Stadium in L.A. on Wednesday - and will return to the venue once again on Friday, April 3.

However during Wednesday's performance, the star had a shocking outburst that was geared towards his production team.

While singing his hit 2007 track Good Life, West suddenly halted the show to address his dislike for the lighting effects in footage obtained by TMZ.

'Stop it, stop it, stop it,' he said into the microphone with a frustrated tone. 'Yo... I don't like when the lights move like that... like disco sh**.'

The crew started to fix the issue as the performer sent apologies to the crowd inside the large venue.

However, not long after West resumed performing the song, the show was stopped once again as he called the lights 'corny.'

However during Wednesday's performance, the star had a shocking outburst that was geared towards his production team; seen in 2024 in Inglewood

At one point, the star demanded, 'Stop doing the Vegas lights, bro... we went over this in rehearsal.'

But after the fourth attempt to fix the lighting issues, the performance was able to resume - which caused an eruption of applause from fans in attendance.

Daily Mail reached out to West's representatives for comment.

The rapper was also joined by his eldest daughter North, 12, on stage during the concert on Wednesday - with the pair performing their new track Piercing On My Hand.

The preteen is no stranger to appearing with her father at shows and she notably joined him on stage at his Mexico City concert in January.

They performed his 2014 track Only One for the sold-out crowd in attendance as fog filled the stage.

Along with Only One, West and the preteen had the chance to perform other songs as well as together including their new track Piercing On My Hand.

North wrote Piercing On My Hand with her father - and seemingly is a response to negative criticism to her piercings.

The preteen is no stranger to appearing with her father at shows and she notably joined him on stage at his Mexico City concert in January; seen in Paris in 2020

West also recently announced more shows later this year which will take place in the U.K. beginning July 10 at the 2026 Wireless Festival.

He is slated to perform for three nights at the event which will be held at Finsbury Park in London.

It will also be West's first time on stage in the U.K. in 11 years - and presale for tickets begins on April 7.

The star's recent comeback concerts are also taking place nearly three months after he apologized for his past antisemitic posts while also getting candid about his battle with bipolar disorder in a statement published via an advertisement in the WSJ.

In a paid advertisement titled 'To Those I Hurt,' West expressed his remorse for his actions and claimed they stemmed from his bipolar diagnosis.

He had penned about recently receiving his bipolar type-1 diagnosis following a car accident 25 years earlier.

West later admitted that he had 'lost touch with reality' and 'said and did things I deeply regret.'

The star's recent comeback concerts are also taking place nearly three months after he apologized for his past antisemitic posts while also getting candid about his battle with bipolar disorder in a statement published via an advertisement in the WSJ; seen in 2025 in L.A.

West was also previously married to Kim Kardashian - and the former couple share children North, Saint, 10, Chicago, eight, and Psalm, six; seen in 2020 in Paris

The music artist also added that he is 'not a Nazi or antisemite' while sharing that he loves the 'Jewish people.' He then offered an additional apology to 'the black community' for letting them down.

After 'hitting rock bottom' a few months ago, he said that Censori 'encouraged me to finally get help.'

In conclusion, West also wrote that he is 'not asking for sympathy, or a free pass, though I aspire to earn your forgiveness. I write today simply to ask for your patience and understanding as I find my way home.'

West was also previously married to Kim Kardashian - and the former couple share children North, Saint, 10, Chicago, eight, and Psalm, six.
She's committed to wearing something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue on the promo tour for her wedding-themed movie, The Drama.

And Zendaya continued with her something blue theme on Thursday as she headed to the New York premiere's afterparty at the Waverly Inn in New York.

The actress, 29, looked sensational in a flowing navy gown with a sheer bodice that showcased her toned abs.

She dared to go braless in the backless garment, with artfully placed tassels protecting her modesty.

Zendaya added to the look with dazzling diamond and sapphire earrings and a large costume ring teamed with navy court heels.

Her look was completed by the slim gold 'wedding' band that she's been sporting for weeks amid claims she's secretly tied the knot with fiance Tom Holland.

Zendaya showed off her incredible figure in a sheer gown as she continues to sport 'something blue' at The Drama premiere afterparty at the Waverly Inn in New York on Thursday

The actress, 29, looked sensational in a flowing navy gown with a sheer bodice that showcased her toned abs, while she dared to go braless in the backless garment

Earlier in the night, Zendaya wore her first 'something blue' outfit as she sported a strapless black-and-blue feathered Schiaparelli Haute Couture gown on the red carpet.

The dress featured 65,000 blue and black raw silk feathers in 27 different shades of blue, while she wore her hair slicked back and accessorised with Tiffany & Co. blue drop earrings.

Queen of method dressing Zendaya has been styling her 'tourdrobe' around the traditional English wedding rhyme.

Last week she called on her friend Cate Blanchett to provide her 'something borrowed' look for the Rome premiere.

Zendaya looked incredible in a plunging Giorgio Armani Prive gown that was originally designed for Cate, 56, as she hit the red carpet.

Slashed to the navel, the silk architectural column gown clung to her sensational figure while the trim of onyx stones on the neckline dazzled under the bright lights.

The gown is a special one for Cate, who has so far worn it twice, first at the 2022 SAG Awards and more recently at Venice Film Festival last August.

For her something old, Zendaya re-wore the same custom Vivienne Westwood gown she donned to the 2015 Oscars for the LA premiere.

The elegant, full-length satin gown sported a corset-style top and was embellished with a tulle-draped neckline that hung down the back.

She told Variety of the look: 'This is my something old! I thought I'd bring it back, and give it a new life. It meant so much to me, this dress.'

She continued: 'And it also happens to be a wedding dress, so that works!'

For the something new, Zendaya slipped into a brand new custom Louis Vuitton dress for the Paris premiere.

The bridal white backless gown fitted her frame and featured a large black bow on the back.

Zendaya added to the look with dazzling diamond and sapphire earrings and a large costume ring teamed with navy court heels

Earlier in the night, Zendaya wore her first 'something blue' outfit as she sported a strapless feathered Schiaparelli Haute Couture gown (pictured with co-star Robert Pattinson)

Last week she called on her friend Cate Blanchett to provide her 'something borrowed' look for the Rome premiere, slipping into the star's Giorgio Armani Prive gown

With every look, Zendaya has also been sporting her gold 'wedding' band amid marriage speculation.

It was also her stylist who kicked off the recent wedding speculation, after he made a cheeky statement at the beginning of March suggesting that his longtime client and close friend was already married to Spider-Man star Holland.

Law Roach dropped the bombshell as he told Access Hollywood: 'The wedding has already happened. You missed it.'

When asked if it was 'true,' he replied: 'It's very true!'

His comment, which was amid the lead-up to the premiere of her movie centered around a wedding, led many fans to also speculate that the engaged actress could have secretly tied the knot already.

Despite the marriage speculation, the couple have not yet publicly confirmed or denied their marital status.

The pair met on the set of Spider-Man: Homecoming in 2016, and have kept their romance private for years before confirming they were in a relationship  and later revealing they had gotten engaged.

In The Drama, Zendaya stars as Emma Harwood, who is set to marry Charlie Thompson (Robert Pattinson).

The story follows the lead-up to their wedding, and the plot twist occurs when one of them makes a shocking confession and sends the other into a spiral.

The Drama, written and directed by Kristoffer Borgli, premiered on March 17 in Los Angeles and is set to hit theaters nationwide on April 3.

Join the discussion Does the something old, new, borrowed, blue concept actually elevate her promo looks-or feel gimmicky?

For the 'something old' look, Zendaya re-wore the same custom Vivienne Westwood gown she donned to the 2015 Oscars (right) for The Drama's Los Angeles premiere
U2: Easter Lily EP (Island)

FOUR STARS

Rating:

The old adage about the frequency of London buses has clearly struck a chord with U2: you can wait nine years for a collection of new songs, and then two new EPs arrive in the space of six weeks.

It was only at the end of February that the Irish quartet delivered Days Of Ash  an Extended Play of six protest songs, and their first set of new tunes since 2017.

In the blink of an eye, they are now back with six more.

Released ahead of a defiantly joyful new album, due later this year, Easter Lily is being billed as a more reflective, personal piece of work than Days Of Ash.

Its songs look at friendship, loss and hope, with the dynamism of guitarist The Edge harking back powerfully to the majesty of 1987s The Joshua Tree.

The guitarists effects-heavy playing is to the fore on the first two tracks. On Song For Hal, a lament for American record producer Hal Willner, who died at the height of the pandemic in 2020, we are even treated to The Edge on lead vocals.

His jagged chords are prominent again on In A Life, with frontman Bono singing of the importance of friends: I never achieved anything on my own, he admits.

The second half of the EP examines spiritual themes, perfectly timed for Easter. Resurrection Song details a road trip with a lover or friend, and Easter Parade is all Beatles-esque psychedelia.

Theres also, on Coexist (I Will Bless The Lord At All Times?), a return for long-term collaborator Brian Eno  reiterating the sense of a band going back to the future.

Released ahead of a defiantly joyful new U2 album, due later this year, Easter Lily is being billed as a more reflective, personal piece of work than their last EP, Days Of Ash
Elizabeth Hurley posed topless and showed off her slender physique in string bikini bottoms for a sultry Instagram snap on Thursday.

The actress, 60, looked ageless as she stripped off for racy snaps while enjoying the sunshine.

She captioned her post: 'Spring has sprung! Today, I sought some Vitamin D in beautiful Herefordshire, wearing nothing but @elizabethhurleybeach and @clinique SPF. As long as you protect your skin, a bit of sunshine is really good for you, both mentally and beauty wise, so cream up and GET OUTSIDE.'

Elizabeth's son Damian Hurley, 23, was full of compliments for his mother, writing in the comments 'omg'.

The English star is still in a happy relationship with Billy Ray Cyrus, after they met in 2022 on the set of the movie Christmas in Paradise.

Elizabeth recently revealed a beauty hack she 'swears by', telling fans she has had two mugs of warm water in the morning for as long as she remembers.

Elizabeth Hurley, 60, posed topless and showed off her slender physique in string bikini bottoms for a sultry Instagram snap on Thursday

She shared: 'I dont personally guzzle weird green juices or take a load of supplements - but Ive drunk two mugs of warm water first thing every morning for as long as I remember, and I swear by it (and its free)'.

Last month, Elizabeth headed to Delhi with her son Damian and Trinny Woodall, 62.

The trio celebrated India's vibrant festival, Holi.

Holi is a major Indian festival of the Hindus which celebrates the arrival of Spring, featuring the Festival of Colours, Love and Spring.

As it is traditional to wear white, lightweight cotton or linen clothing, Liz, Damian and Trinny all opted to wear kurta pyjamas.

The kurta pajamas are all-white and consist of a long knee-length shirt paired with matching lightweight drawstring trousers.

Liz wore a bright pink patterned scarf around her neck for a pop of colour and she and Damian kept their brunette hair down.

Meanwhile Trinny admitted she didn't want to have to wash her hair so swept her locks up into a wrap using a blue scarf.

Elizabeth recently revealed a beauty hack she 'swears by', telling fans she has had two mugs of warm water in the morning for as long as she remembers

Last month, Elizabeth headed to Delhi with her son Damian,23, and Trinny Woodall, 62

The actress and her director son were joined by the beauty and fashion guru in Dehli, India for the festival

Join the discussion Do celebrities face unfair scrutiny over ageing compared to how they looked earlier in their careers?

During the day, Trinny was seen throwing pink flowers up into the air as she let her hair down and wore her blue scarf around her neck.

Trinny also gave an insight into the day, where people were seen dancing in circles and throwing orange, yellow and red powder into the air.

Holi is marked by people throwing coloured powders, known as gulal and water as they sing, dance and light bonfires to signify new beginnings and community joy.

The day also signifies the triumph of good over evil.

Earlier in the year, Elizabeth also enjoyed a trip to the Maldives.
Former Strictly judge Bruno Tonioli has declared only women should be considered as new hosts of the beloved BBC show following Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman's exit.

The dancer, 70, appeared on the panel from the first series in 2004 until quitting in 2019, while Daly and Winkleman stepped down last year after 20 years.

But rumours bosses are eying up a male co-host to freshen things up, with Rylan Clark, Bradley Walsh and pro dancer Johannes Radebe all in the frame, Bruno dismissed the idea.

He told Daily Mail's Eden Confidential: 'I think it will be better for them to find two women to replace Tess and Claudia because what I liked is that you had these two women holding the show. It was empowering to watch and that's what Strictly should be.

'Having Tess and Claudia together on the show made it quite special.'

Sources have claimed producers behind Strictly Come Dancing are planning to screen test their preferred male candidates in the coming weeks.

Former Strictly judge Bruno Tonioli has declared only women should be considered as new hosts of the beloved BBC show following Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman's exit

The successful presenter would reportedly front the BBC One show alongside a female host.

A source told The Sun: 'The intention would be to team the chosen man up with a female.

'The show's executive producers feel Bradley has a similar style to Bruce  he can tell jokes, sing and has lots of charisma.

'Rylan has a massive fanbase and used to host Strictly spin-off It Takes Two, while Johannes offers expertise.'

The Daily Mail has contacted BBC for comment.

Daly and Winkleman stepped back from the show after the most recent series came to an end last December - with speculation continuing to grow about who will be lined up to replace them.

It was recently reported that Emma Willis and Zoe Ball are also strongly being considered for one of the hosting spots by bosses.

The dancer, 70, appeared on the panel from the first series in 2004 until quitting in 2019, while Daly and Winkleman stepped down last year after 20 years

Emma, 50, recently took over from Zoe, 55, on BBC Radio 2 after she stepped down from the afternoon slot after just seven months.

Zoe has said she would 'love' to take on the hosting job, who previously hosted Strictly spin-off show It Takes Two until 2021.

Emma has an odds-on at 4-5 to take on the role, wgile Zoe has odds of 1-4.

Coral's John Hill said: 'Emma Willis is proving very popular in our next Strictly Come Dancing host betting.

'Our latest odds suggest Willis and Zoe Ball lead the race to replace Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly.'

There are a number of other names in the mix such as Rylan Clark (3-1), Fleur East (4-1), Janette Manrara (4-1), Hanna Waddingham (5-1), Roman Kemp (5-1), Holly Willoughby (6-1), Alesha Dixon (8-1), Scott Mills(8-1) and Stacey Dooley (8-1).
Carol Kirkwood delivered her final BBC Breakfast weather forecasts after three decades on screen with the broadcaster on Wednesday.

After 30 incredible years on air, Carol plans to take a bit of 'me time' and drive into the sunset with her toyboy husband Steve Randall, 49.

The much-loved presenter, 63, is hoping to set sail and travel around Europe with the policeman after many years of prioritising her career.

Carol has already started to share snippets of her low-key retirement life, having joined Instagram back in January.

She is most looking forward to ditching her 2.45am alarm for good and spending some hard-earned quality time with her love.

The couple married in December 2023 - nine years after her divorce from property developer Jimmy Kirkwood.

'Lots of travels, we've got lots of things planned', she shared on her final on-screen moment.

Carol Kirkwood, 63, plans to take a bit of 'me time' and drive into the sunset with her toyboy husband Steve Randall, 49, after retiring this week (pictured together on Wednesday)

The much-loved presenter is hoping to set sail and travel around Europe with the policeman after many years of prioritising her career (pictured on Thursday)

'We're really looking forward to watching Matt in the morning saying the weather is going to be rubbish! And we will say, "Let's head off in the car somewhere".'

Steve added: 'It's going to be the best ever [having Carol at home more], and the first thing to go is the alarm clock. That can go!'

She wed Steve in December 2023 at Cliveden House in Buckinghamshire, and the pair now live together in Windsor.

She told House Beautiful magazine in July 2024: 'If he's at home, I'm happy. I don't need anything else. He's tall, handsome, kind, gentle, strong, funny, charming.

'He's a gentleman. He's good at cooking. I could wax lyrical about Steve forever.'

Just before Carol waved goodbye to the show, she was joined by her husband Steve, who appeared with a large bunch of flowers from him and the BBC team.

The TV presenter announced she would be walking away from the series back in January, with a tearful on-screen announcement to viewers.

Carol struggled to get her words out as she announced the news alongside co-stars Sally Nugent and Jon Kay, admitting she 'loves her job' but was keen to spend more time with her husband, police officer Steve Randall.

The presenter struggled to hold it together as she delivered her final forecast, even as she was met with loving well-wishes in a VT from her fellow BBC co-stars.

Carol was seen joining Sally, 54, and Jon, 56, in the studio for the last time, smiling for the cameras as she revealed what fans could expect from the weather this week.

She went on to join Sally and Jon on the sofa at the end of her broadcast, who thanked her for providing details for a 'few days ahead' so they could continue to have a 'Carol forecast' even after her departure.

Sally began: 'I don't know if you know Carol, but you have changed the way weather is reported on television in lots of ways, whether you're on the map or out on location, whether you're meeting our viewers... You've been broadcasting from massive events over the years.'

Carol has already started to share snippets of her low-key retirement life, having joined Instagram back in January (pictured in February)

Just before Carol waved goodbye to the show, she was joined by her husband Steve, who appeared with a large bunch of flowers from him and the BBC team (pictured on Wednesday)

Carol went on to list: 'The Chelsea Flower Show, Wimbledon, the poppies at the Tower of London, Royal Ascot, there have been so many.'

The BBC then played an emotional VT from other stars at the BBC sending Carol their well-wishes, including Sue Barker, Vicky McClure, Paul Merton, Zoe Ball, Clare Balding, Chris Evans and Sir Chris Hoy.

A second tribute VT also saw Charlie Stayt, Louise Minchin, Sian Williams, Susanna Reid and Dan Walker gush over 'lovely, kind and caring' Carol as they remembered her time on screen over the year.

The messages included telling Carol she was a 'ray of sunshine', 'great friend' and told her how she 'brought smiles to so much of the nation' as they predicted that audiences would 'really miss her.'

Sally and Jon also surprised Carol with a message from Bryan Adams, who thanked her for 'all the great weather reports over the years,' leaving her in shock.

'That was lovely,' Carol gushed over the series of videos as it came to an end, adding: 'It's lovely to have made such brilliant friends, all genuinely lovely people.'

Jon then read out some of the messages sent in by viewers for Carol, who admitted they were emotional to wave goodbye to the weather presenter.

Carol concluded that it hadn't quite hit her yet that she was leaving the show, adding: 'I'm in denial, and I expect I will rock up on Monday...

'It's going to be weird, it's going to be weird not speaking to all our lovely audience, not seeing the crew both in front and behind the camera not just on BBC Breakfast but at BBC Weather.

'It's going to be different and I'm going to miss everyone horribly.'

The trio also looked back on Carol's career, from being a production assistant on BBC Breakfast before becoming the resident meteorologist for three decades.

She concluded: 'I'm going to try and get through this. This is a forecast I've known for quite a while was coming, but that doesn't make it any easier to present.

'After 28 years as a BBC weather presenter, tracking storms, chasing sunshine, and occasionally getting it completely wrong, I'm saying goodbye.

'When I first walked into this studio, I could never have imagined what was ahead. Back then the graphics were simpler, the maps were a bit clunkier and I had a lot less grey hair than this.

'But one thing has never changed, and that is the privilege and honour of being welcomed into your homes. Thank you for trusting me, be it telling you about heatwaves or snow, to big national events and the every day question of: "Do I need to take a brolly?"

Carol gave her last weather report on April 1

'You've been the constant in all of this, and I've never taken that for granted. I'm really going to miss you... I owe you all so much.

'This job has given me so much more than a career, it's given me memories, I'll carry them forever. Friendships I treasure deeply.

'It's time for a new chapter, a bit more time with Steve, and perhaps the luxury of watching the weather instead of presenting it. Thank you for letting me be part of your lives.'

Back in January, Carol broke down as she made the announcement that she was due to leave, explaining that she 'loved her husband more than her job.'

The Met Office-trained star choked up as she said: 'So, I'm going to be leaving - and it's really hard, really hard for me to say this because I love my job.

'But it's great - I don't want to be coming in in my Zimmer frame and saying, "I can't reach the Northern Isles anymore!".'

Carol's BBC career has regularly seen her go above and beyond the use of a clicker.

She has memorably reported on sunshine and showers at Wimbledon, the Chelsea Flower Show and Royal Ascot for BBC Breakfast, where she has been the main weather presenter since 2010.

And her sunny disposition has seen her laugh through the perils of live broadcasting, including being dragged to the ground by dogs on more than one occasion and laughing off a gaffe in which she called dog-walkers in Greenwich Park 'doggers'.

Carol began her BBC career as a production secretary and production assistant on, ironically, BBC Breakfast - and had no designs on becoming a meteorologist, leaving the corporation for a time to work in consultancy.

She then auditioned for and underwent training at The Weather Channel in the US to become presenter on its short-lived UK edition, before she trained with the BBC and the Met Office to join the corporation full-time.

She joined the BBC Weather Centre in 1998, and quickly became a familiar face to millions on BBC News and BBC Breakfast.

Her sparkling personality and endless on-screen charm has won her fans across the country, a collection of industry awards and wider recognition, including a place on Strictly Come Dancing in 2015, where she reached week eight with Pasha Kovalev.

Born Carol MacKellaig, she wed property developer Jimmy Kirkwood before announcing that they were separating in 2008 after nearly two decades.

The split left her crying between delivering forecasts - but, as she later revealed to the Radio Times, encouraged her to come out of her shell.

She told the magazine: 'I found myself when I got divorced. I started to do things and to think, 'I'm not going to say no, I'm going to say yes!'

'I'm braver now. I've flown with the Red Arrows, jumped out of planes with the Red Devils. When I was younger I would never have done that because I'd have thought, "Too dangerous!" Now I think, "Oh, you've got to live your life!"'
Brian Cox has admitted he 'doesn't want to be careful anymore!' ahead of his 80th birthday after he previously called out Hollywood's biggest names.

The actor, best known for his role as the tyrannical media mogul Logan Roy in Succession, declared that now that he is turning 80, he is going to 'say what he wants', in an interview with the Times.

Over the years Brian has been very open about his opinions on people in Hollywood branding some 'overrated' and 'a***holes', according to the publication.

Brian reportedly turned down the role of the governor in the Pirates Of The Caribbean franchise. But, rather than feeling like he missed out on an opportunity, he said he was relieved.

He did not want to work alongside Johnny Depp because he thinks the actor is 'so overblown' and 'so overrated'.

He also reportedly thought Edward Norton was 'a pain in the a**e', Kevin Spacey was a 'a stupid, stupid man' and that Ian McKellen's acting was 'not to his taste'.

Brian Cox has admitted he 'doesn't want to be careful anymore!' ahead of his 80th birthday after he previously called out Hollywood's biggest names

Brian previously said he didn't want to work alongside Johnny Depp, left, because he thinks he is 'so overblown' and 'so overrated', while he claimed Edward Norton was 'a pain in the a**e'

He has also reportedly said director Quentin Tarantino, was 'meretricious' and fellow Scot Michael Caton-Jones 'a complete a***hole', while David Hare was a 'see you next Tuesday'.

Although some actors are applauded for their dedication to method acting, Brian also reportedly said that his Succession co-star Jeremy Strong's approach was 'f***ing annoying'.

Reflecting on his comments, in the new interview, Brian explained that his wife had concerns about his no-nonsense approach to life and his willingness to express his opinions.

He said: 'I think, "F*** it, I don't want to be careful any more! I'll be 80 this year. F*** it! I'm gonna say what I want to say".'

Brian has been married to Nicole Ansari-Cox since 2002, and the pair have two sons - Orson, 24, and Torin, 21.

He may regret not taking his wife's advice, however, as he has previously rubbed stars up the wrong way with his blunt remarks.

Last year, Daniel Day-Lewis hit back at Brian after the the Scottish actor dismissed method acting as 'American s***'.

Daniel is famed for 'the process', an intense rehearsal technique through which he attempts to channel a given character's inner motivations and emotions through lived experience.

And Brian referenced this during a chat with Variety, in which he was bemoaning his co-star Jeremy's method acting on the set of Succession.

'Its really a cultural clash,' he said. 'I dont put up with all that American s***. Im sorry. All that sort of "I think, therefore I feel". Just do the job. Dont identify.

'Of course, Jeremy was Dan Day-Lewis assistant. So hes learned all that stuff from Dan.'

Responding to Brian's dismissive comments, Daniel told The Big Issue: 'Listen, I worked with Brian Cox once and got somehow drawn into this handbags-at-dawn conflict inadvertently.

'Brian is a very fine actor whos done extraordinary work. As a result hes been given a soapbox which he shows no sign of climbing down from.

'Any time he wants to talk about it, Im easy to find.'

Brian also said his Succession co-star Jeremy Strong's method acting was 'f***ing annoying' and 'really a cultural clash'

Join the discussion Are blunt opinions like this refreshing honesty - or unnecessary attacks on fellow actors?

The trio all worked together in the 1997 film The Boxer, with Brian and Daniel taking on leading roles while a then-unknown Jeremy served as Daniel's assistant.

Daniel continued: 'If I thought during our work together Id interfered with his working process, Id be appalled.

'But I dont think it was like that. So I dont know where the f*** that came from. Jeremy Strong is a very fine actor. I dont know how he goes about things, but I dont feel responsible in any way for that.'

While Brian is best known these days for his role in Succession, he has an illustrious career.

He was the first actor to play Hannibal Lecter in Manhunter and has starred in numerous other films including Rob Roy, The Long Kiss Goodnight, Super Troopers, The Ring, Adaptation, X-Men 2, Red Eye and Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes.

For his role in Succession, Brian won a Golden Globe in 2020 and was nominated for an Emmy Award three times. And has won two Olivier Awards for his performances in Rat In the Skull and Titus Andronicus.

He was also appointed a CBE (Commander of the British Empire) in 2003.

A respected Shakespearean actor, he has performed with the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre, starring as King Lear and also appearing in The Taming Of The Shrew and Julias Caesar.
Love Island's Andrada Pop has undergone more cosmetic procedures in Turkey as she jetted back to the country this week just six months after her boob job.

The Romanian born star, 27, who appeared on the ITV2 show in 2025, took to Instagram to tell fans she was having liposuction to remove 'stubborn fat' from her chin and arms.

She said: 'I'm in Turkey, again it's serious chat time now actually. I said that I was going to keep my journey very transparent, I did the same with my boobs.

'Before you come at me, it's my body, my decisions and my life and I share my life as it is online. I am getting liposuction tomorrow. I have very stubborn fat  guys my arm is literally bigger than my head.

'And I have always this insecurity no matter how much I lose, I have stubborn fat. Since getting my boobs done I feel very top heavy, so we are getting rid of this insecurity.'

Later posting a clip following surgery she revealed that she'd also decided to splash out on fat removal from her chin as she sported a bandage on her face.

Andrada Pop has undergone more cosmetic procedures in Turkey as she jetted back to the country this week just six months after her boob job

The Love Island star, 27, took to Instagram to tell followers she was having liposuction to remove 'stubborn fat' from her chin and arms (pictured following her boob job)

Andrada later returned to her hotel and appeared to be on the mend as she danced fro the camera while still bandaged.

She wrote: 'I had a chat with my surgeon and I asked about my chin. I always have stubborn fat there and its mostly visible side profile . I decided to do that aswell as my arm lipo as this is the last surgery Ill be doing so I wanted to have no regrets '

It comes after the stunner underwent a boob job in October and went under the knife after admitted to not having 'the guts to do it' in the past.

She told fans at the time: 'Coming to Turkey for my first ever surgery was really scary and I knew God was with me every step of the way so I just said I would do it on my own.

'I am so blessed to have the best team today that turned my vision into reality'.

Bombshell Andrada caused fireworks during her Love Island stint which saw her wned up in a love triangle with Dejon Noel-Williams and Megan Moore.

ove Island's Samie Elishi and Tyrique Hyde confirmed their romance as they shared loved-up snaps on their first holiday together in Morocco.

The new couple landed in Agadir, Morocco, on Wednesday, where they are spending some quality time together and are testing their new connection.

She said: 'I'm in Turkey, again it's serious chat time now actually. I said that I was going to keep my journey very transparent, I did the same with my boobs

Later posting a clip following surgery she revealed that she'd also decided to splash out on fat removal from her chin as she sported a bandage on her face

Andrada later returned to her hotel and appeared to be on the mend as she danced fro the camera while still bandaged

Bombshell Andrada caused fireworks during her Love Island stint which saw her wned up in a love triangle with Dejon Noel-Williams and Megan Moore

In February, Samie, 26, won Love Island: All Stars series three with Ciaran Davies, 23, but the pair split just three weeks after winning the 50,000 prize money.

The influencer, who first appeared on the ninth season of Love Island in 2023, has since been growing close to fellow alum Tyrique, 26, from season ten.

Now the new couple have shared a glimpse into their relationship as they enjoyed going on a jet ski ride during their sun-soaked getaway.

Taking to TikTok to share a short clip, Tyrique sat behind Samie on the jet ski as the pair cosied up wearing matching life jackets on the ride.

The reality stars later worked on their tans as Tyrique snapped a photo of Samie relaxing on a sun lounger.

Showing off her jaw-dropping figure, Samie took to Instagram to share a sizzling bikini snap as she modelled a pink two-piece under a green crop top and skirt.
Pregnant Tabitha Willett cradled her blossoming baby bump as she unveiled her stunning wedding look for the first time on Friday, after marrying Harry Hoare.

The Made In Chelsea star, 33, is expecting her second child, a baby boy, with the wealthy businessman.

She is already mum to daughter Ottilie, from her former relationship with Fraser Carruthers.

Tabitha and Harry exchanged vows at Chelsea Town Hall on Wednesday, just four months after announcing their engagement.

Eschewing conventional bridal attire, Tabitha opted for a cream trouser Veronica Beard suit and 1,500 wide-brimmed hat from Emily-London Headwear.

Tabitha made sure she was kitted out with the most dazzling diamond jewellery from Boodles.

Pregnant Tabitha Willett, 33, cradled her blossoming baby bump as she unveiled her stunning wedding look for the first time on Friday, after marrying Harry Hoare

Eschewing conventional bridal attire, Tabitha opted for a cream trouser Veronica Beard suit and 1,500 wide-brimmed hat from Emily-London Headwear

She finished her elegant look with a classic bridal Manolo Blahnik high-heel, costing 1,115.

It didn't take long for the couple to venture off on their honeymoon as Tabitha revealed they touched down in Florida this week.

Dressed in a pink, puffed sleeve mini dress, she showed off her blossoming bump while heading to the shops to splash the cash.

Tabitha teamed her outfit with a pair of two-toned flat shoes and a wicker handbag, while accessorising with sunglasses.

The TV personality paid a visit to luxury designer bag store, The RealReal, before heading over to viral sandwich shop Buccan.

The TV personality surprised social media followers by announcing plans to marry the son of late stockbroker Timothy Hoare - a friend of the disgraced former Royal Sarah Ferguson - in November.

A formal announcement was also printed by The Times on the national newspaper's births, marriages and deaths page at the time.

News of the reality star's engagement would no doubt have come as a surprise to Made In Chelsea fans, who watched her brief romance with co-star Arman Pouladian-Kari play out on screen shortly before it was announced.

Tabitha made sure she was kitted out with the most dazzling diamond jewellery from Boodles

It didn't take long for the couple to venture off on their honeymoon as Tabitha revealed they touched down in Florida this week

The Made In Chelsea star, who is expecting her second child, a baby boy, and her first with the wealthy businessman, shared an insight into their babymoon/ honeymoon

Dressed in a pink, puffed sleeve mini dress, she showed off her blossoming bump while heading to the shops

The TV personality paid a visit to luxury designer bag store, The RealReal

Alongside her new husband, Tabitha was joined by her six-year-old daughter, Ottilie, from her former relationship with Fraser Carruthers

In another sweet snap, Ottilie had a shoulder ride from Harry

But the TV personality later confirmed she and Harry had known each other 'for years' before getting together romantically.

Writing for The Wedding Edition, she recalled: 'We stayed in contact but were never close. It was actually January 1st 2025, at my most single, after putting on my vision board for the year that I wanted to find love...

'That I replied to an Instagram story of his saying we should grab a drink and catch up soon. He loves telling the story that I "slid into his DMs".

'We went for a drink, our first date lasted three days, and I called my best friend Ollie Locke after he left and said, "I am going to marry this man."

'It sounds quite unromantic, but I think in your 30s, and as parents (Harry has a daughter too), you want to be sure you are not wasting any time. It was a discussion we had right from the beginning.

'We aligned on everything and it all felt very uncomplicated. Not full of fire or passion, just easy.'
Blake Lively appeared to squirm during an interview in which she was quizzed about an intimate on-set moment she initiated with It Ends with Us co-star Justin Baldoni - as her sexual harassment case crumbles.

In a resurfaced interview from August 2024 - four months before she sued her co-star and director - the actress, 38, was asked about her chemistry with Baldoni, 42, and how she was 'sometimes the intimacy co-ordinator' in some of their scenes.

'Talk to me about how sometimes you were even the intimacy coordinator in some of those sexier scenes,' an Access Hollywood journalist asked.

'That shouldn't be happening by the way, I just want to be clear,' Lively replied.

'You should not be the intimacy coordinator and you should definitely hire intimacy coordinators, which we did have thank goodness.'

Lively was then left visibly flustered when the interviewer asked: 'You were teaching Justin how to pull you in.'

'Where have you seen that?' she replied with an awkward laugh as she animatedly played with a strand of her hair and shifted her legs.

It Ends with Us author Colleen Hoover, 46, added: 'I actually saw that too, that was on Instagram yesterday.'

Blake Lively giggled nervously after she was asked about teaching Justin Baldoni how to be intimate on the set of It Ends with Us

Moving the conversation forward, Lively said: 'Yeah, I mean, I think romance is really important.'

That same month, Lively called attention to the importance of having intimacy coordinators working with the cast on set to choreograph those on-screen actions 'safely.'

When asked by Digital Spy about intimacy safety specifically on their movie set, she answered: 'Oh, that's a nice question. I think it's critical to have an intimacy coordinator.'

She pointed out that any other movement sequences are carefully choreographed on the set of a movie before adding that intimacy scenes require the same level of care and guidance.

'I think that, like, you coordinate stunts, you coordinate dancing. It is choreography,' she said.

'So, to be able to say "so this was what happens here, here" and here in a stunt, and "this is what happens here, here and here" in a dance.

'But now you guys just go put your bodies together and your mouths and whatever. And just like, "action" and "cut"... that's sort of ridiculous.'

On Thursday, a judge threw out all of Lively's sexual harassment claims, marking a significant win for Baldoni.

Behind-the-scenes footage showed Lively appearing to pull Baldoni closer towards him on set

Blake and Baldoni starred opposite each other in the 2024 film It Ends With Us

Her fat-shaming allegations against Baldoni were also dismissed and ruled they 'could not reasonably support a claim,' significantly weakening her legal battle ahead of trial.

The legal saga between the It Ends with Us co-stars began in December 2024.

As it stands, Lively has just three claims to pursue: breach of contract, retaliation and aiding and abetting retaliation. Baldoni has denied these claims.

The trial is still scheduled to proceed May 18 in New York City  but now, Lively's case is dramatically thinner.

Baldoni's attorneys, Alexandra Shapiro and Jonathan Bach, told Daily Mail: 'We're very pleased the court dismissed all sexual harassment claims and every claim brought against the individual defendants: Justin Baldoni, Jamey Heath, Steve Sarowitz, Melissa Nathan, and Jennifer Abel.

'These were very serious allegations, and we are grateful to the court for its careful review of the facts, law and voluminous evidence that was provided.

'What's left is a significantly narrowed case, and we look forward to presenting our defense to the remaining claims in court.'

A judge threw out all of Lively's sexual harassment claims on April 3

Lively and Baldoni's trial is still scheduled to proceed May 18 in New York City

Sigrid McCawley, a member of Lively's legal team, told the Daily Mail, 'This case has always been and will remain focused on the devastating retaliation and the extraordinary steps the defendants took to destroy Blake Lively's reputation because she stood up for safety on the set and that is the case that is going to trial.

'For Blake Lively, the greatest measure of justice is that the people and the playbook behind these coordinated digital attacks have been exposed and are already being held accountable by other women they've targeted.

'She looks forward to testifying at trial and continuing to shine a light on this vicious form of online retaliation so that it becomes easier to detect and fight.

'Sexual harassment isn't going forward not because the defendants did nothing wrong but because the court determined Blake Lively was an independent contractor, not an employee.'

The court noted that the sexual harassment claim had to be considered in the context of the movie the parties were working on and that they were 'acting in the scene.'

Some conduct complained of, the judge said, was directed to Lively's character and not Lively herself.

'Creative artists, no less than comedy room writers, must have some amount of space to experiment within the bounds of an agreed script without fear of being held liable for sexual harassment,' the court concluded.
Chris Rock isnt shy about showing off his latest romance.

The 61-year-old comedian was spotted enjoying a steamy PDA-filled outing in a public park in SoHo on Tuesday

Rock was seen hand-in-hand with the stunning Simone Henault, and their chemistry was undeniable.

The pair, both sporting stylish newsboy caps, shared a kiss while sitting on a park bench, giving onlookers a glimpse of their red-hot connection.

Daily Mail has reached out to Rocks representatives for comment.

This isnt their first public outing  last month, the couple was seen leaving the celeb hot spot Giorgio Baldi in Santa Monica.

Chris Rock and Simone Henault were spotted enjoying a PDA-filled outing in a public park in SoHo on Tuesday

The pair, both sporting stylish newsboy caps, shared a kiss while sitting on a park bench

The pair's chemistry was undeniable

Henault, a DJ and content strategist, is making waves with her impressive career, showing off her creative chops on Instagram and in a 2021 portfolio where shes listed as a wardrobe stylist.

Rock, who was married to Malaak Compton-Rock from 1996 to 2016, was most recently linked to Brazilian actress and entrepreneur Karmel Bortoleti.

The pair was spotted enjoying a cozy stroll together in New York City this past September.

The SNL icon's love life has been under the spotlight since his divorce from Malaak, with whom he shares two daughters  Lola Simone, 23, and Zahra Savannah, 21.

After their split, Rocks name was frequently tied to several women in the public eye.

In 2022, he was seen with actress Lake Bell, sparking rumors of a brief romance.

The two were photographed together multiple times, including at a Golden Globes after-party, though the relationship ended after just a few months.

Prior to that, Rock briefly dated actress Megalyn Echikunwoke in 2017.

Henault, a DJ and content strategist, is making waves with her impressive career, showing off her creative chops on Instagram

In a 2021 portfolio, Henault is listed as a wardrobe stylist

Henault shared snaps from a trip to Ibiza

Rock, who was married to Malaak Compton-Rock from 1996 to 2016, was most recently linked to Brazilian actress and entrepreneur Karmel Bortoleti

The SNL icon's love life has been under the spotlight since his divorce from Malaak, with whom he shares two daughters  Lola Simone, 23, and Zahra Savannah, 21

Hes also been linked to models and actresses over the years, but has remained largely tight-lipped about his personal life.

Now, with Henault by his side, Rock seems to be embracing his new romance more openly.

The new romance comes nearly a year after Will Smith opened up about the infamous moment he slapped Rock at the 2022 Oscars, offering a surprising take on how the incident affected both his personal life and career.

The 57-year-old actor reflected on the shocking on-stage altercation, which was triggered by a joke Rock made about Smith's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, and her shaved head, a result of her battle with alopecia.

The moment stunned the world and led to a 10-year ban from the Oscars, sparking global backlash.

In an interview with Radio 1Xtras Remi Burgz in June 2025, Smith explained: 'Finding that way to be with my own humanity  be able to not be perfect but be human and find a higher power in my humanity that I found in my constellation of ideas of perfection that we called Will Smith.'

He continued, 'The fullness of who I am to allow that to be better than Will Smith.

'Allowing that to grow into a higher perfection than the imagery of Will Smith is where I am as an artist and human right now.'
Angelina Jolie fueled more body double conspiracy theories as she stepped out in Cambodia this week.

The actress has been besieged with wild speculation since shocking fans with a new look at a movie premiere in late March.

Many remarked on her mouth and eyes appeared misshapen.

Angelina Jolie appeared in Cambodia this week after shocking fans with a seemingly new look

The 50-year-old Oscar-winning actress was seen on Wednesday at the Samlout High School in Battambang, Cambodia

Jolie was visiting the Samlout High School in Battambang, Cambodia, to inspect student living conditions and explore introducing STEM education.

She reviewed dormitory facilities and discussed potential academic, technology, and engineering programs with staff to support rural, underprivileged students.

The visit highlighted her long-term engagement in the area through the MJP Foundation.

The MJP Foundation built the dormitory with the capacity of 100 students and introduced the Shiloh scholarship supporting students through college, Reuters noted.

Jolie has a long-standing connection to the country. She adopted her now 24-year-old son from Cambodia when he was a baby.

Join the discussion What do you think drives the obsession with speculating about celebrities' appearances and identity?

Jolie wore oversized gold-rimmed aviator sunglasses that covered most of her face

Jolie received a warm welcome from the facility, where staff presented her with a bouquet of flowers

The star was dressed chicly in a silk ivory tank top and khaki slacks as she held on to a straw hat with a wide black ribbon

Jolie visited the Samlout High School to inspect student living conditions and explore introducing STEM education. She reviewed dormitory facilities and discussed potential academic, technology, and engineering programs with staff

Speculation over Jolie's new visage began when she appeared at a Tom Ford event in Shanghai on Sunday March 29.

Some conspiracy theorists even went as far as to suggest it wasn't really her.

Others suggested she may just have been suffering from jet lag.

Speculation over Jolie's new visage began when she appeared at a Tom Ford event in Shanghai on Sunday

'Something looks off with her... She's so beautiful! But something is off here...' said one fan.

'This is not her whatsoever,' declared another.

Others claimed it was her, but that she'd deployed some new make-up tactics.

'It's the eye white liner at the bottom,' someone wrote. 'She looks great on her classic smoky look. But of course it's Angelina, everything about her looks great.'

The Daily Mail reached out to Jolie's representative for comment.
Gemma Collins gave fans a glimpse inside her wholesome Easter Bank Holiday celebrations with her loved ones on Thursday.

The TV personality, 45, and her fiance, Rami Hawash, hosted a meal for their closest friends, with Gemma taking to Instagram to share a series of snaps of their delicious-looking bakes and dishes from the day.

During the day, Gemma cooked a slow-roast lamb, seasoned with garlic and rosemary, for her nearest and dearest.

To complete the feast, she prepared golden, crispy roast potatoes, fluffy Yorkshire puddings, honey-glazed carrots and spring greens.

Meanwhile, she also baked a creamy chicken and tarragon pie, sharing behind-the-scenes snaps of the process with fans.

For dessert, the former TOWIE star treated her loved ones to a hot cross bun bread and butter pudding, a zesty lemon drizzle cake, and mini chocolate nests for a sprinkle of 'Easter magic'.

Gemma Collins gave fans a glimpse inside her wholesome Easter Bank Holiday celebrations with her loved ones on Thursday (pictured last year)

The TV personality, 45, and her fiance, Rami Hawash, hosted a meal for their closest friends, with Gemma taking to Instagram to share a series of snaps from the day

Throughout the day, Gemma spent quality time with her loved ones and even took part in an epic Easter egg hunt.

Gemma captioned her post: 'Was lovely to cook and relax today for dear friends. Fun fact  I actually love go cook. EASTER AT OURS 

'The table is set, the candles are glowing, and the kitchen is full of love (and a little bit of chaos)

'Slow roast lamb with garlic & rosemary. Golden, crispy roast potatoes. Fluffy Yorkshire puddings. Honey glazed carrots & spring greens. Creamy chicken & tarragon pie.

'And for afters Hot cross bun bread & butter pudding, Zesty lemon drizzle cake, Little chocolate nests for that Easter magic.

'A day for family, laughter, and plates filled to the brim because Easter isnt just a meal, its a feeling.

Wishing her followers a happy Easter Bank Holiday weekend, she concluded: 'Happy Easter everyone,' alongside a love heart emoji.

It comes after Gemma continued with her April Fool's Day pranks on Wednesday as she shared yet more AI wedding snaps to her Instagram.

During the day, Gemma cooked a slow-roast lamb, seasoned with garlic and rosemary, for her nearest and dearest

Meanwhile, she also baked a whole chicken and prepared golden, crispy roast potatoes

For dessert, the former TOWIE star treated her loved ones to a hot cross bun bread and butter pudding, a zesty lemon drizzle cake, and mini chocolate nests for a sprinkle of 'Easter magic'

Gemma captioned her post: 'Was lovely to cook and relax today for dear friends. Fun fact  I actually love go cook. EASTER AT OURS '

The ex-TOWIE star almost fooled her fans earlier in the day as she teased them with a photo of herself in a wedding dress, revealing she had secretly married.

But not all was as it seemed, and her fans quickly realised what was going on.

And on Wednesday, she posted another snap of herself in a white dress alongside Britney Spears and her close pals Jedward.

'Best bridesmaids EVER', she joked in the caption as the boys wrote back in the comments: 'When Britney sang as you walked down the aisle it was breathtaking! We're gonna cherish these moments forever.'

Earlier, she shared a photo of herself on her 'wedding day'.

'Hey guys I got married in secret recently I didn't marry as the GC i married as the girl @rami_hawash_ knows pre fame' she captioned the beaming snap, tagging her fiance Rami Hawash, 50.

'It was the most beautiful day with the most beautiful people in a room filled with love sadly the stories started to circulate so I have had to share this with you all now is the time,' the caption continued.

The post was met with a stream of comments, with many taken in by the prank. Comedian Seann Walsh joined the fun by commenting: 'It was my pleasure to walk you down the aisle.'

It comes after Gemma continued with her April Fool's Day pranks on Wednesday as she shared yet more AI wedding snaps to her Instagram

Jedward star John Grimes, a pal of Gemma's added: 'It was such a beautiful day loved being your flower boys and when Victoria Beckham gave us all a Jepic dance.'

Gemma and Rami first dated in 2011, enjoying an on-off romance for three years, which included a Christmas 2012 proposal. But they went on to split in 2014.

The reality star rekindled her romance with the businessman in 2020 after her split from TOWIE co-star James 'Arg' Argent.

In 2024, Gemma announced she was engaged again after Rami proposed, and they plan on actually saying 'I do' later this year.

Speaking about her upcoming nuptials, Gemma recently explained that she wants a main ceremony in the UK, a second taking place abroad and then a 'formal one' for their closest family and friends.

In true GC style, she added that multiple celebrations mean she is also planning to have several different wedding dresses.
After breaking an eight year silence on Ash Wednesday with the Days of Ash EP, we should have guessed that U2, a band who have trumpeted their strong Christian ethos since Day One, would return with six more songs marking the end of Lent and the traditional Christian period of sacrifice and reflection.

Where the tracks on Days of Ash focused on conflicts in the world, the six songs on Easter Lily, appropriately, explore themes of personal loss, metaphorical resurrection and redemption in a literal sense.

The opener_ Song For Hal_ is inspired by the passing of their friend American music producer Hal Willner and partially recalls the trauma of the COVID era.

The Edges opening lead guitar lick is an attentiongrabbing statement before Adams bass rumbles in atop Larrys hearteningly energised drums.

After 45 seconds it is The Edge, not Bono who, in a very Bonoesque vocal style, intones Did you hear Forever? Was it playing soft and low? Apart from most notably on the tracks Numb and Van Diemens Land, The Edge rarely takes lead vocals and he should do it more often.

A new photo of the band released by the band for the recent Days of Ash EP

The cover the surprise sixtrack EP Easter Lily, which U2 released at 5am on Good Friday

Additional artwork on the new EP, Easter Lily, which Irish superstars U2 have just released

Bono retakes the microphone for In A Life. The Edges chiming chord progression is quite like City of Blinding Lights. It seems to be building to a big chorus, but having been stirred with lines such as still Im learning how to kneel, what not to feel it dives off from the lower level board. It makes a splash, just not as big as the one we might have expected.

Meanwhile Scars lyrics references Christs crucifixion quite viscerally. In the Propaganda ezine that accompanies the EP, The Edge says that they were harking back to early influences such as Siouxsie & the Banshees, hinting that an EDM version with Dutch DJ/producer Martin Garrix may surface later.

Larrys pounding drums which counterpoint The Edges circular Edge riff on**_ Resurrection Song seems like a futher nod to Siouxsie & the Banshees bringing to mind the bands percussionist Budgie.

U2 have always kept a keen ear out for ideas from younger artists and the way Bono sings are ya holding on? is reminiscent of Fontaines D.C.s plaintive are you hanging on? from their 2019 track Roys Tune.

Easter Parade has more than a hint of the Beatles Tomorrow Never Knows as it gets into its stride. It barrels along purposefully for six minutes and its chorus echoes their own 1980 track Gloria in the Edges harmonies and when Bono sings something in me died but I was no longer afraid.

On the closing track CoExist (I Will Bless The Lord At All Times?), although there is no mention of specific theatres of conflict when Bono sings: drones hover without any consciousness over war crimes, Ukraine, Gaza and latterly Iran comes quickly to mind.

The Edge says in the Ezine that its synth chord backing track originates in sessions with Brian Eno and it recalls their collaboration on the Passengers track Miss Sarajevo.

When Bono sings maybe defiantly, perhaps despairingly I will bless the lord at all times? it seems to refer to the paradox within religiosity: Why, if the tenets of Abrahamic religions are peaceful, have the members of different septs been slaughtering each other for centuries? There is only the width of a communion host between the tenets of each of them anyway.

Also, as Bono infers in the ezine, if Jesus Christ was as radical as he is portrayed in the bible, he would have probably disapproved of culturallydominant religions.

If redemption is a large part of the concept of Easter, then Adams piece in the ezine about his struggles with alcohol is appropriate and admirable.

There are also interviews with other figures such as the Franciscan priest Father Richard Rohr, a mentor to Bono for many years, who like Bono is constantly questioning the nature of faith and the role of organized religions.

Jacknife Lee, who produced the two Eps and is working with them on their next album, insists that U2 have not sounded so energised in decades.

While he is hardly going to be disparaging, with first Days of Ash and I would say the superior Easter Lily it bodes extremely well for the next album by the Irish rock giants.

U2 Easter Lily (Island) is out now.
Maura Higgins has revealed the tweakments she has undergone after leaving fans stunned by her equally ageless and unrecognisable appearance.

The TV personality, 35, opened up about her changing face but denied going under the knife during an Instagram Q&A with followers on Friday.

Maura explained that she gets regular Botox but no longer partakes in filler, before claiming her drastically different appearance was in fact down to 'make-up and lighting'.

When one fan asked her secret, the star replied: 'I've always been very open about this, I do get Botox every 6-8 months, and I had lip filler years ago but haven't had any in over 3.5 years now. Other than that, I haven't had anything else done'.

'I see so many videos online breaking down all these different procedures people think I've had and honestly it's not true. We all change over the years,'

She went on: 'And things like make-up lighting, angles, even how you do your brows or contour can completely change how your face looks. There are so many factors that go into it'.

Maura Higgins has revealed the tweakments she has undergone after leaving fans stunned by her equally ageless and unrecognisable appearance

'I also don't sunbathe, which I genuinely think is one of the biggest factors in keeping your skin looking youthful, and I take my skincare very seriously'.

Meanwhile Maura is reportedly in talks for a project with Disney fresh off her success on The Traitor US.

She has been attempting to crack America in recent months after she made it to the final of the murder mystery show.

According to The Sun, the Irish model has been telling friends she is in talks for a role in a Disney project.

The insider said: '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.'

Daily Mail has contacted representatives of Maura Higgins for comment.

Maura is also reportedly being lined up for another huge gig - the next season of The Bachelorette after the show was axed in the wake of Taylor Frankie Pauls domestic violence arrest.

Maura explained that she gets regular Botox but no longer partakes in filler, before claiming her drastically different appearance was in fact down to 'make-up and lighting'.(Maura pictured right 2012)

At the 2025 BAFTAs she thanked aesthetics doctor, Dr Rosh (also known as Dr Roshan Ravindran), - who has treated celebrities for Botox and fillers - for 'making my skin glow'

The Love Island star is said to be among the names being considered following the sudden cancellation of the upcoming season.

Season 22 of The Bachelorette had been due to premiere on March 22, with Mormon Wives star Taylor, 31, set to lead the series.

However, the network pulled the show just days before launch after a shocking 2023 video surfaced of Taylor attacking her ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen, 33, with her minor daughter present.

Now, according to gossip site Deux Moi, an anonymous tip has suggested that Maura could step in as a replacement, following her growing popularity in the US.

It claimed: '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.'

The video, which was first published by TMZ, has sparked a backlash and saw Taylor's season of the Bachelorette canned just three days before it was due to air.

In a statement, Disney executives blamed the decision to cancel the series on the clip and said their focus was on 'supporting the family'.

The statement said: 'In light of the newly released video just surfaced today, we have made the decision to not move forward with the new season of The Bachelorette at this time, and our focus is on supporting the family.'

The bombshell decision to cancel the show could cost ABC up to $28 million, with filming costs for The Bachelorette totting up to $2 million per episode.
Joseph Duggar may have breathed a sigh of relief when he was released from jail on Tuesday, but his troubles are far from over.

The 31-year-old reality star was arrested on March 18, facing shocking child molestation allegations involving a nine-year-old girl during a Florida vacation in 2020.

Duggar, who has since returned to Arkansas after posting a $600,000 bond, is now banned from having any unsupervised contact with minors  including his own four children.

On Friday, his attorney, Al Sauline, revealed Duggar is feeling 'nervous, anxious, and worried' about what lies ahead, speaking to TMZ about the mounting stress.

According to the lawyer, Duggar is on edge due to the uncertainty surrounding the case, as he has 'no idea what evidence Florida prosecutors have' and wont be allowed to see it until formal charges are filed.

Sauline also revealed that the defense team is grappling with a chaotic mix of conflicting evidence and rampant speculation.

Joseph Duggar may have breathed a sigh of relief when he was released from jail on Tuesday, but his troubles are far from over

Duggar, who was arrested on child molestation charges and has since returned to Arkansas after posting a $600,000 bond, is now banned from having any unsupervised contact with minors  including his own four children

This makes it nearly impossible for them to separate fact from fiction, per Sauline.

Sauline also emphasized to the outlet that the defense teams top priority is ensuring Joseph is treated fairly throughout the legal process.

Despite the mounting pressure, Joseph and his team continue to stand by his not guilty plea.

The lawyer also revealed that Duggar has 'good family support' since his release back to Arkansas on a $600K bond this week, which is helping him stay in 'good spirits' during such a challenging time.

However, its unclear which family members are offering support, as his father Jim Bob Duggar slammed his sons 'terrible decisions' in a letter sent while Joseph was in jail.

Jim Bob, 60, sent an email to his son while he was being held at an Arkansas detention facility before being extradited to Florida.

'You have made some terrible decisions, but God has already forgiven you if you have asked him,' he wrote, according to People.

He urged Joseph to 'accept the situation' and warned him that he will 'most likely deal with major consequences for several years to come.'

On Friday, his attorney, Al Sauline, revealed Duggar is feeling 'nervous, anxious, and worried' about what lies ahead, speaking to TMZ about the mounting stress

According to the lawyer, Duggar is on edge due to the uncertainty surrounding the case, as he has 'no idea what evidence Florida prosecutors have' and wont be allowed to see it until formal charges are filed; (pictured with wife Kendra)

Jim Bob also emphasized that both he and his wife, Michelle, still 'love' Joseph, but made it clear that he faces 'a long road ahead.'

In a striking message, Jim Bob added, '[Y]ou can also point people to Christ even through the time youre in jail and prison.' He also referenced a Biblical figure, sharing, 'David in the Bible royally messed up, but he repented and became a man after Gods own heart.'

He concluded the letter by assuring Joseph, 'God is not finished with your life' and promised, 'well keep praying for you.'

Days before the letter, Jim Bob and Michelle publicly addressed their sons arrest for child molestation charges.

Meanwhile, some of Josephs siblings have also spoken out, including his brother Josh, who is currently serving a 12-year sentence for possessing child pornography.

Jana and Jessa Duggar, two of Josephs sisters, have also made statements.

Jana took to Instagram Stories on Thursday, condemning her brothers actions as an 'unacceptable wrong.'

'We are deeply saddened and heartbroken by the situation involving my brother, Joseph,' she wrote. 'This news came as a shock to us, as we had no prior knowledge before it became public.'

Duggar's father Jim Bob Duggar slammed his sons 'terrible decisions' in a letter sent while Joseph was in jail; (Jim Bob and wife Michelle seen above in 2010 )

Jana continued, 'Our hearts are with the child who has been harmed  this is a grievous and unacceptable wrong. We continue to pray for the victim and for justice to be carried out.'

Jessa, in turn, shared her own heartfelt message on Instagram, expressing, 'We learned, along with the rest of the world, of the heartbreaking news involving my brother, Joseph, and we are deeply grieved.

'Our hearts ache for this innocent young girl and the harm she has suffered. This is a profound wrong, and we know it grieves the heart of God, who cares deeply for children and the vulnerable.'

She concluded, 'We are lifting her up in prayer, asking for comfort, healing, and justice.'

The incident involving Duggar occurred in 2020 in Panama City Beach, Florida during a vacation, according to authorities.

'As the vacation continued, he also asked [the victim] to sit next to him on a couch and covered them with a blanket,' officials said. 'During this time, Duggar manipulated the victim's underwear and grazed her genitals.

'Duggar would also continue to rub his hands on her thighs. The victim stated Duggar eventually apologized for his actions and the incidents stopped after the apology.'

He was also charged with lewd and lascivious behavior conducted by a person 18 years or older, officials said.

Two days after Duggar's arrest, his wife Kendra was taken into custody on March 20 - but released later the same day after posting a $1,470 bond

Two days after Duggar's arrest, his wife Kendra was taken into custody on March 20 - but released later the same day after posting a $1,470 bond.

Kendra faces four counts of child endangerment and four charges of false imprisonment.

In a series of jail phone calls, she told Duggar that she was not with their children after her arrest.

Duggar and Kendra tied the knot in 2017 and are parents to four young children, ranging in ages from three to seven.
Bestselling author Jane Fallon has shared a positive health update on Instagram on Friday after undergoing surgery following being diagnosed with breast cancer.

Jane, who has been in a relationship with comedian Ricky Gervais for over 40 years, revealed she had been diagnosed with the disease in March following a routine mammogram.

And ten days after having surgery to remove the tumour and a margin of healthy tissue, Jane shared the positive news that the surgeons have 'basically got it all'.

She said: 'The surgeon said I can lift some weights so I'm starting with this one [the cat]. Just a little update, all is good, yesterday I had my follow-up and they have basically got it all.

'What they haven't got is a clear margin around the edge of what they have taken so I am going to have to have another op.

'It will be just to make sure they get everything, which is a bit of a pain, but it isn't a worry  they just need to make sure they have a clear margin, so will be the exact same operation as last time.'

Bestselling author Jane Fallon shared a positive health update on Instagram on Friday after undergoing surgery following being diagnosed with breast cancer

Discussing her recovery, Jane explained it was 'much easier' than she expected and she is now not worried for a second operation.

She continued: 'But I do know now that the recovery is so much easier than I thought it was going to be, this is me ten days later.

'It's a pain but not a worry at all [having a second op]. So it's good and hopefully next week I will hear after Easter to get it out of the way, and then will have to wait for that to be tested and see where we are.

'Meanwhile I'm going to try and get a few workouts in and carry my cat around.'

Jane added in the caption that she is 'lucky' she was diagnosed 'so early' and that it is 'important' for women to get screened.

She wrote: '(Mostly) good update: Things I forgot to say in the video: Im still getting fabulous treatment. And I know how lucky I am to have had my diagnosis so early - from a routine mammogram with absolutely no symptoms.

'Ive had so many conversations with lovely people whove come up to me in the street in the last couple of weeks & told me their own personal experiences, and its totally rammed home both how different it is for everyone and also how important screening and early diagnosis really is.

'Oh, and as Tamoxifen is one of the options being debated for me I wanted to ask if anyone has experience and how the side effects were. Ive read they can be rough.'

Last month, Jane wrote about her diagnosis on Instagram, admitting to fans she had been 'a bit quiet on here lately.'

'About a month ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer  very early stage thankfully & the prognosis is excellent,' she explained.

Jane revealed she had been diagnoses with the disease following a routine mammogram and explained she will need another surgery to find 'a clear margin around the edge of what they have taken'

And ten days after having surgery to remove the tumour and a margin of healthy tissue, Jane has shared a new update in a video saying 'the recovery is so much easier than I thought'

'I had a routine mammogram a week before Christmas. I had no symptoms but the brilliant radiographer spotted something iffy & sent me for further tests & eventually a biopsy.

'Since then I've had more mammograms, more biopsies and an MRI so they can pinpoint the problem area precisely. It's been a lot, I'm not going to lie.'

She went on to say her surgery was scheduled for the week after next, adding she 'just wants to get it over with now'.

'I'm getting incredible care and all will be fine but I'm not engaging with much beyond audiobooks & jigsaws tbh. Dr Eric on duty. Nurse Pickle wondering when lunch is,' she said.

The writer's career started out in television  before the publication of her bestselling book, Getting Rid Of Matthew, in 2007.

Since then she has released 14 books  with Worst. Idea. Ever, Faking Friends, Just Got Real and Queen Bee among her most widely acclaimed titles.

Harrow-born Jane began her relationship with comedian Ricky in 1982  after meeting him while they both studied at University College London.

The couple are said to have moved in together in 1984 and they currently reside in Hampstead, west London, with their beloved pets.

Earlier this year, Jane offered a glimpse into her personal life  admitting she has no regrets about her decision not to have children.

She said: 'When I was little, you know the cliche of a little girl is they imagine their wedding day and their wedding dress... it was none of that, ever.

'I would think about getting a dog or something. It was always about work and my life. I would think about the flat that I would live in and stuff like that.

'But I was never into that kind of romance stuff.'

Jane has been in a relationship with comedian Ricky Gervais, 64, for more than 40 years

She admitted her anxiety would have made her an overbearing mother, comparing herself to one of her sisters who she praised for finding the perfect balance raising her children.

'I'm a real catastrophist... I assume the worst,' she confessed.

Jane and her partner have also been vocal about their decision not to marry.

Ricky previously stated: 'We are married for all intents and purposes, everything's shared and actually our fake marriage has lasted longer than a real one.

'But there's no point in us having an actual ceremony before the eyes of God because there is no God.'
A letter from Blake Lively bragging about how much power she had on the set of the 2024 movie It Ends With Us has come back to haunt her in her ongoing legal battle against co-star and director Justin Baldoni, the Daily Mail can reveal.

The actress, 38, had sent a five-page letter to the Producers Guild of America (PGA) as she sought a coveted producing credit  declaring that she had 'produced every moment of this film' and setting out her contributions in 77 bullet points  many beginning with the word 'I'.

But in a devastating ruling to her $161 million lawsuit, Judge Lewis Liman cited Lively's own words to conclude on Thursday that she had exercised such extensive control over the film that she could not be considered an employee  a crucial distinction that rendered the laws she relied on inapplicable and led to the dismissal of 10 of her 13 claims against Baldoni and the film's producers.

In her June 2024 letter, Lively described the credit as the 'highest honor in film'. She name-dropped 'her friend' Bradley Cooper and talked about the 'immense work' she had done on the movie.

But Judge Liman said that 'not only did she reserve substantial contractual control over her participation in the film, but she exercised that control'.

Blake Lively's bragging claims that she 'produced every moment' of It Ends With Us caused a judge to throw out the bulk of her claims against co-star and director Justin Baldoni

The movie follows Lily Bloom, a florist played by Lively, who falls in love with a charming but abusive neurosurgeon played by Baldoni, who was also the film's director

That meant she could not move forward with her claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the California Labor Code as they only applied to staff, not independent contractors.

A trial is still due to go ahead on May 18 but it will cover just three counts: retaliation, aiding and abetting retaliation and breach of an agreement, known as the Contract Rider.

However, lawyers for the two sides have been called to discuss their current positions on Monday afternoon.

Assuming the case does reach a jury, it will be focused more on the alleged online 'smear campaign' that Baldoni's PR team put into action during the film's release.

Judge Liman's ruling delved deeply into New York and California contract and labor law which Lively used to make the claim that she suffered $161 million in damages after being sexually harassed then retaliated against.

The key point was whether or not Lively was an independent contractor or an employee: Judge Liman found she was a contractor.

The five-page letter Lively sent to the Producers Guild outlining her influence  seen in part here  was central to the judge's decision

Lively set out her contributions in 77 bullet points, many beginning with the word 'I'

This was because she had power and control way beyond what a normal staff member would have, he ruled.

Lively's request for a PGA credit appears to have been driven by her interest in moving behind the camera. A credit, or 'tag', from the PGA would have been crucial to help her with that.

The PGA credit lends an actor credibility and generally allows them to be considered for producing awards on films they work on.

Scarlett Johansson was granted one for her 2024 film Fly Me To The Moon, which she produced and also starred in.

In Judge Liman's ruling, he included 22 of Lively's own points from her letter to the PGA, including that she 'led the location shift' from Boston to New York and 'went through hundreds of casting tapes' to find the actress who played the young version of Lily Bloom, her own character.

Justin Baldoni welcomed the ruling after a judge threw out all sexual harassment claims against him

She talked about how she held frequent Zoom calls with the cast and crew, fired a senior member of the film crew, watched the monitors between takes, worked with her own editors, chose 90 per cent of the music and spearheaded the film's marketing.

Lively pleaded with the PGA that her work 'off camera means more to me than anything I've done in my 20-year career'.

She also acknowledged how unusual it was for the PGA to consider an application such as hers: normally the guild conducts its own analysis to decide to award a credit.

Lively said the film had 'taken every bit of me, practically, logistically, creatively and emotionally'.

'So thank you for considering this,' she added. 'I also know and appreciate this is not how this mark grant goes down'.

In his ruling, Judge Liman said that Lively's 'role far exceeded that of a traditional employee'.

He said: 'She enjoyed the economic independence to walk at any moment with the only consequence being that she would potentially be in breach of contract.

'And she exercised that independence in negotiating the terms under which she would return to work. She also enjoyed equity in the film, ensuring that her compensation would be based not just on her own work but on the film's success as a whole'.

According to the judge, the 'undisputed facts' showed that Lively was not a member of staff.

He said: 'Although not every factor weighs equally in favor of that conclusion when viewed in isolation, analyzing the factors collectively eliminates any genuine dispute'.

Lively's efforts to take more control also came back to bite her in another area, the judge's ruling stated: she did not sign the Actor Loanout Agreement, or ALA, which would have governed sexual harassment on set.

Baldoni's lawyers sent Lively's team a copy of the ALA in May 2023 but it was not signed by the time filming started a few weeks later.

The judge said that several of the incidents that Lively had cited 'would not support a hostile work environment claim or would do so, at most, only minimally or in context'

Nor was it signed by February 2024 when filming finally wrapped: instead Lively's lawyers sent it back with changes to 20 per cent of its provisions, the judge noted.

They included changes to sexual harassment policy and confidentiality which were all 'flatly rejected' by Baldoni's legal team.

By June 2024 an exasperated Baldoni, 42, sent a text saying that Lively 'won't sign her contract'  and she never did.

Despite this, Lively tried to bring a claim citing the ALA but the judge rejected this, saying it was not enforceable because she didn't sign it.

Judge Liman  whose younger brother Doug is a movie director with credits including The Bourne Identity, Swingers and Mr & Mrs Smith  wrote: 'Ultimately, Lively fails to confront what is the central dilemma in her claim.

'She contends that the ALA became binding on (Baldoni and the producers) at some point while the parties were still negotiating it, but she cannot pinpoint a time when the parties began to be bound by it or which version of the ALA they were bound to.

A judge ruled Lively  who is married to Ryan Reynolds  was not an employee on the set of the film but an independent contractor, a distinction that proved decisive

'Unless both parties are bound, neither party is bound.

'Which draft of the ALA bound Lively? Was it the version that lacked the sexual harassment provision?'

Speaking after the ruling, one of Lively's lawyers, Sigrid McCawley, said they would press on to trial regardless of the judge's decision.

She said that the case had always been about the devastating retaliation and the extraordinary steps the defendants took to 'destroy Blake Lively's reputation because she stood up for safety on the set'.

McCawley said: 'For Blake Lively, the greatest measure of justice is that the people and the playbook behind these coordinated digital attacks have been exposed and are already being held accountable by other women they've targeted'.

Baldoni's attorneys, Alexandra Shapiro and Jonathan Bach, said in a statement they were 'very pleased' that all the sexual harassment claims had been dismissed.

They said: 'These were very serious allegations, and we are grateful to the court for its careful review of the facts, law and voluminous evidence that was provided.

'What's left is a significantly narrowed case, and we look forward to presenting our defense to the remaining claims in court'.

The future of the case is up in the air. Lively's lawyers have been ordered to call US Magistrate Judge Sarah Cave at 3pm on Monday 'to discuss their client's updated settlement position', according to a scheduling order posted by the District Court in Manhattan on Friday.

Lawyers for Baldoni and his company Wayfarer Studios have been told to call one hour later.

However, that does not mean it is all over. Another of Lively's attorney, Michael Gottlieb, said the actress is looking forward to the trial.

In a statement, Gottlieb said the jury will still hear her claims about sexual harassment, which he called 'the beating heart' of the case.

'The court's ruling that Ms Lively's state and federal harassment claims could not go to trial was about legal issues rather than an endorsement of the defendants' conduct,' said Gottlieb.

'The court held that Ms Lively's sexual harassment claims could not go to a jury because Ms Lively did not sign a contract, that she is an independent contractor instead of an employee, and that the offensive conduct occurred in New Jersey instead of California.'
Lawyers for both Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni have been unexpectedly called to discuss their latest openness to settling their case, just one day after a judge tossed Livelys accusations of sexual harassment on the set of the movie it Ends With Us.

The attorneys in the long-running case have been told to call US Magistrate Judge Sarah Cave on Monday in separate sessions.

It comes a day after Lively's case was stripped to its bones.

The public will not be allowed to hear what is said on the two calls on Monday.

The first is with Livelys lawyers at 3pm and those for Baldoni and his company Wayfarer Productions are to be held one hour later.

Both sides have been told they should address their client's updated settlement position.

Livelys lawyer Michael Gottlieb insisted that doesnt mean it is all over. He said the actress is looking forward to the trial scheduled for next month.

In a statement to the Daily Mail, Gottlieb said the jury will still hear her claims about sexual harassment, which he called the beating heart' of the case.

Lawyers for both Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni have been summoned to discuss the pair's renewed openness to settling their messy legal feud

The It Ends With us co-stars have been locked in legal drama since December 2024  but Judge Lewis Liman's decision today means the actress has only three claims left to argue

'The courts ruling that Ms. Livelys state and federal harassment claims could not go to trial was about legal issues rather than an endorsement of the defendants conduct, said Gottlieb.

'The court held that Ms. Livelys sexual harassment claims could not go to a jury because Ms. Lively did not sign a contract, that she is an independent contractor instead of an employee, and that the offensive conduct occurred in New Jersey instead of California.'

Originally, the 39-year-old actress sued Baldoni and some of shareholders in their joint film, It Ends With Us, claiming she was subjected to sexual harassment and a toxic work environment.

On Thursday, Judge Liman tossed all of the most damning claims, stripping her case down to just three counts; breach of contract, retaliation and aiding and abetting retaliation.

They had been due to go to trial in New York on May 18.

The messy feud boils down to Baldoni's alleged harassment of Lively on set, and what she claimed was a smear campaign orchestrated by him and his team in the aftermath of the disastrous production.

In an explosive lawsuit filed in California in December 2024, Lively alleged that they'd fat-shamed her and forced her into uncomfortable scenes.

The lawsuit was quickly reported on by The New York Times, which accused Baldoni and his colleagues of orchestrating a smear campaign against Lively.

Baldoni immediately denied the allegations. He then sued The New York Times, Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds.

Both cases were thrown out and Lively's outstanding complaints were consolidated into one case, to be argued in New York in May.

In his ruling, Judge Liman (pictured) knocked down another of Livelys arguments and said she gets things backwards

Baldoni's team celebrated the judge's ruling yesterday that most of Lively's claims be tossed.

'Were very pleased the Court dismissed all sexual harassment claims and every claim brought against the individual defendants: Justin Baldoni, Jamey Heath, Steve Sarowitz, Melissa Nathan, and Jennifer Abel.

'These were very serious allegations, and we are grateful to the Court for its careful review of the facts, law and voluminous evidence that was provided.

'Whats left is a significantly narrowed case, and we look forward to presenting our defense to the remaining claims in court,' Baldoni's attorneys, Alexandra Shapiro and Jonathan Bach, told Daily Mail.

Among Lively's allegations was that Baldoni crossed professional boundaries during filming of It Ends With Us, claiming he kissed her during a scene where the script didnt call for it. She also accused him of entering her trailer while she was breastfeeding and alleged that a producer showed her a video of his wife giving birth.

Sigrid McCawley, a member of Livelys legal team, told the Daily Mail, 'This case has always been and will remain focused on the devasting retaliation and the extraordinary steps the defendants took to destroy Blake Livelys reputation because she stood up for safety on the set and that is the case that is going to trial.

'For Blake Lively, the greatest measure of justice is that the people and the playbook behind these coordinated digital attacks have been exposed and are already being held accountable by other women theyve targeted. She looks forward to testifying at trial and continuing to shine a light on this vicious form of online retaliation so that it becomes easier to detect and fight.

A somber looking Lively, 39, is seen arriving at court in New York on February 11, 2026

'Sexual harassment isnt going forward not because the defendants did nothing wrong but because the court determined Blake Lively was an independent contractor, not an employee.'

In his ruling, Judge Lewis Liman said that legal contracts that Lively cited for her claim were 'unenforceable' because she didnt sign them.

In particular, Lively did not sign the Actor Loanout Agreement, or ALA, which would have governed sexual harassment on set, after squabbling with Baldonis team for months about the terms.

In his 152-page ruling, the judge wrote: It is clear that the ALA is not and has never been a validly formed and binding contract, as IEWUM (It Ends With Us Movie) unambiguously expressed an intent not to be bound absent a fully executed and signed agreement.
Perez Hilton faced a fresh health crisis this week as he underwent emergency surgery - just days after nearly dying in hospital from sepsis.

The celebrity blogger, 48, who previously revealed he 'saw God' during his 21-day hospital stay, revealed he had to go under the knife after doctors discovered a dangerous blood clot in his leg.

Taking to Instagram from his hospital bed, Hilton said: 'We caught this early. I went to the surgeon today - really good timing - and last night I started having real soreness and pain in one of my legs.

'This morning, it was way worse. I couldnt even walk I had to use my walker.'

After an ultrasound, it was revealed Hilton had a deep vein thrombosis, with the star adding: 'I am so thankful to God that we caught this early because if that blood clot had gone to my lungs or my heart, it could have been real bad.'

Hilton made it successfully through his surgery, and posted an update declaring 'God is so good.'

'The thrombectomy surgery this morning was quick and painless. I was asleep for it all. And I feel so much better already!' he said.

Perez Hilton faced a fresh health crisis this week as he underwent emergency surgery - just days after nearly dying in hospital from sepsis

The celebrity blogger, 48, who previously revealed he 'saw God' during his 21-day hospital stay, revealed he had to go under the knife after doctors discovered a dangerous blood clot in his leg - pictured last month in hospital

'The surgical assistants showed me what they extracted and it was SO MUCH! I had a totally occluded blood clot from my groin going all the way down to just below my calf! Ginormous!! Excited to go home tomorrow without any pain! I couldnt even walk yesterday! I needed my walker to hop and limp around. Bed rest for today.'

Hilton had shared his past health crisis on social media, saying: 'My stupidity landed me in the hospital for 21 days. It was the worst and best thing thats ever happened to me.'

He was taken to the hospital after an ulcer left him unable to walk.

The star said he had the flu for a week and took his medication, but did not take the medication with food. 'Because I have been taking all of this medication without food for a week, I developed an ulcer then a perforation and then Sepsis. People die of Sepsis.'

He also said he had intense stomach pain then could not walk causing him to have to be taken to the emergency room by ambulance.

Hilton notably launched his celebrity gossip blog back in 2004 which was originally called PageSixSixSix.com. Shortly after, he changed the name to PerezHilton.com.

He has also befriended a number of Hollywood celebrities.

Back in 2021, Hilton admitted that he 'regrets' the way he covered Britney Spears' breakdown in 2007.

He had garnered furious criticism for 'bullying' the Baby One More Time hitmaker - after he previously called her an 'unfit mother.'

Taking to Instagram from his hospital bed, Hilton said: 'We caught this early. I went to the surgeon today - really good timing - and last night I started having real soreness and pain in one of my legs

Hilton made it successfully through his surgery, and posted an update declaring 'God is so good'; seen in 2025 in Las Vegas

In the caption of the post, he simply typed out: 'March madness indeed! Have I got a story to tell!'

The star additionally added to his followers that he will further talk about the health 'saga that I went through soon in full detail'

Hilton notably launched his celebrity gossip blog back in 2004 which was originally called PageSixSixSix.com. Shortly after, he changed the name to PerezHilton.com; seen with Lady Gaga in 2009 in L.A.

He also released a shirt design on his website in 2008 which questioned why the pop star didn't die instead of Heath Ledger.

The shirt had an image of Ledger from his role in Brokeback Mountain as well as the words: 'Why couldn't it have been Britney?'

'I regret a lot or most of what I said about Britney as I'm sure Piers [Morgan] would if he were here about things he's said in the past,' Hilton said during an interview on Good Morning Britain.

The media personality added that he has grown over the years and expressed, 'Thankfully, hopefully, many of us get older and wiser.'

Hilton is still active about sharing celebrity news and gossip, but also puts focus into raising his three children.

Hilton is still active about sharing celebrity news and gossip, but also puts focus into raising his three children

He is dad to Mario, 13, Mia, 10, and Mayte, eight - whom he welcomed via surrogate.

'All kids are mine genetically. Each was born thanks to the generosity of a different surrogate, using eggs from the same anonymous donor,' he wrote in an essay for the HuffPost in 2017.

The star later added, 'While I don't rule out adoption in the future, for me it was important to have kids with my DNA.

'My dad passed away when I was 15 and having my children is a way of him living on through them - literally. My family is definitely unconventional and that's awesome!'
Former Trump supporters Joe Rogan and Theo Von found common ground this week - this time through their opposition to the president's military action in Iran.

The two discussed the conflict at length on Rogans podcast, 'The Joe Rogan Experience,' on Thursday.

Rogan, 58, said toward the end, 'Im confused. I cant believe we went into this war. When we started bombing Iran, I was like, "This cant be true."'

Von, 46, responded by decrying Israel's invasion of Lebanon, which Trump said he supports during a primetime speech the day before.

'Its like, just [expletive] stop it. What do you need?' a visibly frustrated Von asked.

Rogan replied: 'Well, theyre trying to, supposedly, theyre trying to stop the terrorists,' putting emphasis on the word 'supposedly'.

Von exclaimed: 'Thats crazy, though. Youre the [expletive] terrorists! You know what Im saying?' The comic urged officials to reconsider their stance.

Clips Circulate on X

Earlier on, Rogan pointed out how the Iranian regime has a 'unique method of protecting their missiles from being bombed'. He said recent strikes were aimed at stomping out supplies kept 'deep underground.'

Von said he didn't think 'we're over there doing that for ourselves, though' - paving the way for Rogan to agree.

'It doesn't seem like it. Doesn't seem like it's in our best interest, you know,' Rogan said.

Von wondered what 'Israel holds over America that we do those things.'

Rogan replied, roughly a year and a half on from his Trump endorsement, 'Well, first of all, there's a lot of people that donated to the Trump campaign that have significant influence over him, and they're very, uh, beholden.'

Rogan also observed: 'One thing, in the past, that leaders have used to cover up problems at home is a [expletive] war.'

The clips quickly circulated on X as both men were credited with helping Trump to his second White House stay with widely viewed interviews in 2024. Both have also soured on Trump recently, at first because of the conservative's approach to immigration.

Previous Criticism of Iran War

In December, Rogan told comedian Shane Gillis any type of war 'would be a terrible idea'. The conversation occurred just before the US's invasion of Venezuela.

Last month, Rogan called Trump's military aspirations in Iran 'insane'. He said Trump supporters should 'feel betrayed' by the US' strikes. Trump campaigned on an 'America First' foreign policy.

The president, on Wednesday, called the Iranian regime 'fanatical' and said it's been a threat to both the US and Israel for 47 years.

He singled out a 1983 [kamikaze] bombing by Hezbollah on the United States Marine Barracks in Beirut that killed 241 US Marines and an Al-Qaeda terrorist attack on a US Navy warship in 2000 that killed 17.

'This murderous regime also recently killed 45,000 of their own people who were protesting in Iran - 45,000 dead,' Trump said. He added that the regime's strategy before the US's initial strikes on February 28 'was so obvious.'

Conflict Enters Fifth Week

'They wanted to produce as many missiles as possible, and they did, with the longest range possible. And they had some weapons that nobody believed they had. We just learned that.

'We took them out. We took them all out so that no one would really dare stop them.'

He also said the strikes successfully stopped Iran's quest for a nuclear weapon, which has long been a concern of Israel.

'They were right at the doorstep. For years, everyone has said that Iran cannot have nuclear weapons. But in the end, those are just words if youre not willing to take action when the time comes.'

The conflict is now well into its fifth week. More than 3,500 people overall have been killed, including 13 US servicemembers.

Joe Rogan says MAGA feels 'betrayed' by Trump over Iran war

Joe Rogan called the war on Iran 'insane' and said it has led Donald Trump's supporters to 'feel betrayed' by the president.

The podcaster endorsed Trump ahead of the 2024 election but has been critical of some of the major policies of his second term in office.

While talking to journalist Michael Shellenberger on his podcast, Rogan slammed Operation Epic Fury as not matching Trump's campaign rhetoric.

'It just seems so insane based on what he ran on,' Rogan said.

The president touted his ticket with JD Vance as 'pro-peace' and suggested opponent Kamala Harris would send Americans to war.

'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 can't even really clearly define why we did it.' Rogan added.

Read the full story here
Passengers could soon face noisier flights after British Airways (BA) announced it will allow in-flight phone calls for the first time.

The airline is rolling out Elon Musk's ultra-fast Starlink Wi-Fi across its fleet - and, unlike most carriers, it won't ban voice or video calls.

That means travelers could soon be making WhatsApp calls, joining Zoom meetings or even livestreaming from 40,000ft in the air.

BA, a partner of American Airlines in the Oneworld alliance, says it will rely on etiquette rather than enforcement - asking passengers to use headphones and keep noise to a minimum.

But the move is already raising alarm among frequent flyers and industry experts, who warn it could erode one of the last 'quiet spaces' in modern life.

Rhys Jones, aviation editor at Head for Points, said: 'The number one fear is being disturbed by people taking calls or playing audio out loud.

'On airlines where calls are banned, the rule is clear. Here, it becomes subjective - and much harder to enforce.'

Most major airlines still prohibit voice calls, even when Wi-Fi is available.

Passengers could soon face noisier flights after British Airways (BA) announced it will allow in-flight phone calls for the first time

BA, a partner of American Airlines in the Oneworld alliance, says it will rely on etiquette rather than enforcement - asking passengers to use headphones and keep noise to a minimum

One notable exception is Qatar Airways, where One Mile at a Time writer Ben Schlappig said passengers have complained about a 'massive increase in noise.'

He warned the added disruption could even spark conflicts - and even fights - mid-flight.

Despite the skepticism, BA is pressing ahead, aiming to equip all 300 aircraft with Starlink over the next two years.

The first connected flight - a Boeing 787-8 bound for Houston on March 19 - relied on a network of more than 10,000 low-Earth orbit satellites.

Starlink, the satellite internet service powering BAs in-flight connectivity, is a wholly owned division of SpaceX, the company founded and led by CEO Elon Musk.

Following the successful test, BA chairman and CEO Sean Doyle said the airline is 'excited to be the first UK airline' to offer this level of connectivity.

'We know staying connected matters to people and Starlink will give our customers fast, reliable Wi-Fi that transforms the onboard experience,' Doyle said, calling it part of a broader push to modernize the airline.

Meanwhile, flyers are rushing to book flights as prices across the US and internationally climb sharply, driven by the surge in oil prices linked to the war with Iran.

The airline is rolling out Elon Musk's ultra-fast Starlink Wi-Fi across its fleet - and, unlike most carriers, it won't ban voice or video calls

One Mile at a Time writer Ben Schlappig said passengers using Qatar Airways, who's the sole company allowing on-flight calls, have complained about a 'massive increase in noise'

In some cases, fares have nearly doubled since the conflict began, prompting travelers to book early to avoid even steeper fares later.

Airline executives had said fares - especially for long-haul flights - are likely to keep rising in the months ahead.

Travel expert Katy Nastro at Going, an American travel technology company, told the Daily Mail that history indicates that fares will likely stay high as airlines deal with the high costs.

She added that ticket prices will ultimately depend on how much travelers are willing to pay.
A major US pizza chain has ditched Uber Eats after fees climbed so high executives say they were left making 'almost no money' on orders.

Rave Restaurant Group cut ties with the delivery giant following a fresh round of price hikes that pushed commission rates as high as 30 percent.

Rave operates more than 230 locations across the US under Pizza Inn and Pie Five Pizza Co, offering buffet, delivery and fast-casual.

The Dallas-based company, founded in 1958, said the move will help it avoid raising menu prices - a step it believes would have driven customers away.

The dispute centers on Uber Eats' latest fee increases, rolled out in March.

Lite-tier delivery commissions jumped from 15 percent to 20 percent, while some Uber One orders now carry fees of up to 30 percent. Pickup fees also rose to 7 percent for certain partners.

By walking away, the company says it has effectively 'negotiated the rates down to zero' - even if it means sacrificing some sales.

'Uber didn't enter into good faith negotiations with us,' CEO Brandon Solano told Restaurant Dive.

Rave Restaurant Group has cut ties with Uber Eats after a fresh round of fee increases left executives questioning whether third-party delivery is still worth the cost

He added: 'They came at us with demands: 'You're going to pay this amount. This is a global increase. And no, we're not negotiating.' I just don't do business like that.'

Uber Eats, which operates in more than 11,500 cities worldwide, said the increases are needed to offset rising costs and invest in its platform.

'Operating costs have continued to rise as we work to provide a best-in-class delivery marketplace for restaurants,' the company said.

The extra fees will be used to help boost demand, improve delivery reliability and support restaurants with better tools.

Additional charges may also apply in certain locations, such as California, where fees help fund driver benefits.

But Solano argues the new pricing model simply doesn't add up for restaurant operators.

At commission rates of up to 30 percent, he said many businesses would be left with little - if any - profit on delivery orders.

He also pointed out that the fees can exceed what suppliers and farmers earn for the ingredients themselves.

The Dallas-headquartered company, founded in 1958, operates more than 230 franchised locations across the US under two brands: Pizza Inn and Pie Five Pizza Co

Uber Eats, which launched in 2015, now operates in more than 11,500 cities across 45 countries

'Do we really think technology is more valuable than food?' he said. 'I just don't think so.'

By cutting ties with Uber Eats, Solano said Rave has avoided having to raise menu prices - a move he believes would have driven customers away.

Solano added that Rave is now in discussions over a potential exclusive partnership with DoorDash, although no agreement has been finalized.

In response to the chain of events, an Uber Eats spokesperson told the Daily Mail: 'We updated marketplace fees for certain US restaurants on Uber Eats for the first time in about a decade.

'This change reflects higher costs to operate a reliable delivery marketplace and helps ensure we can continue supporting restaurants, couriers, and customers.

'Restaurants were notified in advance, and we will continue to follow all local regulatory requirements.'
A set sold at Costco and Walmart is being urgently recalled after parts were reported to fly off during use  injuring at least one person.

More than 740,000 Granitestone Diamond Pro Blue saute pan sets are affected, with shoppers warned to stop using them immediately.

The issue centers on a small metal cap attached to the handle screw, which can suddenly pop off when the pan heats up - posing a risk of burns or impact injuries.

Manufacturer E Mishan & Sons said it has received 98 reports of the defect, including one case where a customer suffered bruising and burns after being struck by the flying piece.

The recall, issued on April 2, covers two-piece sets containing 10-inch and 11.5-inch pans sold nationwide.

The products were available at Costco stores and online via Costco.com, Walmart.com and Amazon between August 2021 and February 2026, typically priced at around $40.

Customers are urged to stop using the pans immediately and contact the company for a full refund. Consumers will need to return the items.

Even before the recall, some Costco shoppers had flagged issues with the pans online.

The recalled Granitestone Diamond Pro Blue saute pan sets were sold at Costco - the UPC number is 0-80313-08131-6

Some Granitestone pan owners also complained that the nonstick surface was unusable after one year

One Reddit user posted a picture of the pan's nonstick surface completely peeling off 'after a year of normal use.'

'Peel the rest off and then use it as an Always-stick pan,' one comment joked.

Another commenter pointed out that Costco would accept the pan as a return, with the warehouse retailer boasting a '100 percent satisfaction guarantee' policy.

There are some exceptions, like electronics and large appliances which have a 90-day return window. For household items like a pan that is no longer nonstick, there is no time limit for refunds.

'But in my experience all nonstick pans regardless of quality and price level have short lifespan,' another Reddit user said. 'Dont expect a lifetime of use like a quality ceramic or steel pan.'

Others noted that nonstick pans typically use PTFE, or Teflon, which could be a potentially harmful substance.

A review of 500 studies found the chemicals were linked to serious health implications,' including weakening the immune system and being a factor in cancer diagnosis.

Costco shoppers shared their thoughts on nonstick pans sold at Costco as well as online at Walmart and Amazon

This isn't the first recall involving cooking pans sold nationwide.

Last November, Shata Traders Inc. issued a recall for Majestic Chef cooking pans over 'significant' contamination with chemicals linked to cancer and autism.

The recalled milk pans were distributed in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, Virginia, and Massachusetts.

Cookware retailers and distributors are being encouraged to consult with the FDA regarding the safety and regulatory status of any products.
China launches campaign to ensure fair, transparent school admissions

Xinhua) 15:06, April 03, 2026

BEIJING, April 3 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Education (MOE) has issued a circular outlining plans for a 2026 special campaign to promote fair, well-regulated and transparent admissions in primary and secondary schools.

The circular highlights equal access to education for key groups, calling for the full implementation of policies to ensure that children of migrant workers are enrolled in public schools primarily on the basis of residence permits.

In areas with large population inflows, local governments are urged to increase the supply of public school places and to raise the proportion of migrant children attending public schools.

In addition, tailored measures will be introduced to facilitate school enrollment for children from families with more than one child, allowing younger siblings to attend the same schools as their older brothers or sisters, according to the circular.

The campaign also focuses on improving forward-looking planning of educational resources, according to the MOE.

Authorities will establish a database to forecast the school-age population and conduct regular assessments of school facilities, teacher allocation, and equipment at the county level to better gauge supply and demand for admission slots and issue early warnings where needed, the circular reads.

Efforts will also be made to adapt to demographic changes by optimizing school zoning and adjusting the distribution of educational resources, the circular reads.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada

Zip Code
Buc-ee's held a preview day for first responders on Friday, April 3 at the super station's location on Ohio 235 in Huber Heights. First responders from area agencies sampled food and got a first look at the 74,000-square-foot gas station/convenience store. The long-awaited and highly anticipated station will open to the public on Monday.

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Translinks Artist in Residence, Ed Reynolds, has unveiled a new creative reflection following his recent journey to the North West, capturing the unique light and human stories of Derry.

In his latest blog, the artist explores the city through a visual and social lens, documenting everything from the shifting light along the River Foyle to the everyday interactions that occur across the public transport network. The piece moves beyond the logistics of travel to focus on the community, memory, and personal connections that define the region's journeys.

During his visit, Ed engaged with a diverse range of passengers, including school pupils curious about his use of colour, a nurse finding a moment of calm at the station, and a woman sharing a quiet memory of her husband. These "lived experiences" form the heart of his work, illustrating how public transport acts as a vital space for human connection.

The visit also highlighted local artistic talent, featuring students from the Belfast School of Art who were seen painting at the North West Transport Hub. This collaboration underscores the role of the hub as a vibrant community space where art and travel intersect.

Read the full blog below - The Art of Connection - River Light, Red Buses, Quiet Courage & The City That Walks Towards You

Every time the train curves along the Foyle and slips into Derry, I feel the city lean toward me. Something about the light - silvered, lyrical - feels like it wants to pull you into the scene. No other city in Northern Ireland approaches you with such openness.

When I arrived at the North West Transport Hub, three Belfast School of Art students joined me. Their easels faced the vast windows framing the river like a living painting. The Peace Bridge arched across it, elegant as a brushstroke.

Before I could begin sketching, a woman stepped off the train just to speak to me.

Youre the artist, arent you? You painted at Helens Bay - I was one of the swimmers.

She laughed. Eight degrees that day!

It struck me how often Translink passengers cross paths again. The network isnt just transport - its a community stitched by journeys.

READ NEXT: Derry fencers set for 2026 Commonwealth Games glory in Nigeria

People approached me constantly stopping to chat, ask about the paintings, share about their journeys. Many of those journeys are planned in advance - routes checked, connections noted using the Journey Planner giving people confidence before they even step onto the platform.

I was joined on my trip to the Maiden City by three students from Belfast School of Art. Cara Doyle, from Magherafelt, Ella Lynas from Jordanstown and Katye-Louise Richardson from Belfast.

Two St. Columbs pupils shyly asked what colours to use for water.

A young father explained he takes the Ulsterbus from Buncrana because town parking is for saints, not mortals.

A nurse heading to Altnagelvin said the station felt calmer than anywhere else today.

A man carrying fishing gear described the best spots on the Foyle for sea trout.

Later, painting outside, I watched Foyle Metro buses glide by, their red bodies slicing against the rivers soft light. Gulls swooped. Cormorants perched like punctuation marks. A heron stood so still I managed to paint it in real time - a rare miracle.

Then an older woman approached slowly.

I lost my husband last year, she said. I still take the same bus we used to take. It feels like hes beside me.

We stood in shared quiet - that special kind of silence that doesnt feel empty.

Teenagers gathered to watch.

One said his granda insisted Derry had the best light in the world.

I smiled. I had already written that sentence in my heart.

It was particularly dull and overcast that day, but there are always colours to be found in the greys and greys to be found in the colours.

Derry isnt a backdrop.

It steps forward, makes eye contact, tells you its story.

And some passengers even step off trains or Goldliners just to tell you theirs.

This city doesnt welcome you.

It meets you.
The UK Met Office has announced severe weather warnings as Storm Dave is due to hit Northern Ireland over the Easter bank holiday weekend.

Storm Dave is expected to bring strong wind and rain across the UK and Ireland, potentially causing significant damage and disruption with The Met Office also recommending preparing for possible power cuts  as Storm Chandra left thousands without power.

Paul Collins, Technical Director of NICEIC  the UK's leading certification body for the electrical industry offers his expert guidance:

In the event of a power cut

It can be hard to predict the damage caused by a storm, and power cuts happen without warning. If youve lost power, check the power cut is not localised to your house only by looking at your consumer unit (fuse board) for any switches that might be down or off. Reset these switches accordingly.

Alert your electricity provider

Always alert your electricity provider as soon as you experience a power cut in your area. The sooner an engineer is sent out to investigate the cause, the sooner youll have your power restored. Call 105 to report the incident - a free, nationwide number that can connect you to your local electricity provider.

Unplug / switch off appliances

If your power has gone out, unplug all your smaller appliances and electrical equipment. Additionally, switch off larger appliances, such as electric showers using the switches. Doing so will prevent any electrical surge damage that may occur when the electricity is eventually restored. Minimise opening your fridge and freezer and consider filling flasks with hot water for food and drink preparation.

Storm essentials

Avoid using candles for light and always have a fully charged torch stored somewhere easily accessible. Keep your phone battery for communication not lighting.

Your consumer unit

If you are familiar with your consumer unit, and your electricity is not restored after the outage is reported to be fixed, you may be able to reset it. However, if you suspect there is a wider electrical issue, do not attempt to resolve it yourself, always contact a NICEIC-registered electrician to assess any electrical issues. Householders can use the NICEIC Find a Trusted Tradesperson tool to find a registered electrician in their area.
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Colleagues, family and friends paid tribute to two incredible safeguarding childrens nurses who retired recently after a combined 77 years of service to children, young people and their families across the Western Trust area.

Adrienne Smyth, Named Nurse for Safeguarding Children, retired after 38 years service in the Western Health and Social Care Trust.

At a tea party with friends, family and colleagues, Head of Service, Hilary Campbell, paid tribute to Adrienne who started her nursing career in March 1987, became a Specialist Community Public Health Nurse in 1994, later undertaking the role of Safeguarding Children Nurse Specialist until undertaking her final role in 2018 as Named Nurse for Safeguarding Children, working as an advocate for children, young people and their families. Adriennes contributions have been invaluable.

Friends, family and colleagues also bid a fond farewell to Christine Diamond, Safeguarding Children Nurse Specialist, following 39 years of service.

Jenny Coulter, Named Nurse for Safeguarding Children, paid tribute to Christine, whos career began in September 1986.

READ NEXT: Earhart Art Prize 2026 celebrating the Female Artists of Ireland launched in Derry

Christine worked within school nursing for 14 years and has also been an integral part of the Safeguarding Children Nurse Specialist team over the last 10 years since 2015. Christines input to safeguarding children and young people has also been invaluable and we wish Christine a healthy happy and long retirement.

A spokesperson for the Western Trust said: "Adrienne and Christine, you are both truly missed by your team and colleagues in Western Health and Social Care Trust.

Christines retirement.

"We wish Adrienne and Christine a very healthy, happy and long retirement.

"Thank you Adrienne and Christine for being our #WTHeroes."
A man has appeared in court facing extradition in relation to the murder of Dublin criminal Robbie Lawlor in Belfast six years ago.

Jonathan Gill, 44, of Malahide Road in Clontarf, appeared before the High Court in Dublin after being arrested on foot of an extradition warrant.

He is facing charges for the murder of Mr Lawlor and alleged possession of a 9mm pistol between April 2 and 5 2020.

Mr Lawlor was shot on Etna Drive in the Ardoyne area of Belfast on April 4 2020.

He had been linked to the murder of Louth teenager Keane Mulready-Woods, who was dismembered with parts of his body dumped across Dublin in 2020.

An Garda Siochana are investigating the murder of Mr Lawlor jointly with the PSNI and arrested Gill on Thursday.

Detective Sergeant Frank Lambe, from the extradition unit at the Garda national bureau of criminal investigation, told the High Court on Friday he had arrested Mr Gill, also known as Jack Gill, in Clontarf at 4.50pm on Thursday.

The officer identified himself and his rank to Gill, who made no reply when cautioned, the court heard.

Det Sgt Lambe said Mr Gill was taken to Clontarf Garda Station where he was shown the warrant for his arrest, endorsed by the High Court in Dublin, and asked him to confirm his name and date of birth.

He was informed of his right to legal representation, a right to a translator and a right to legal advice in the UK.

Mr Lambe said a summary of the offences was read to Mr Gill and he was asked if he knew what the offences are about, to which he replied no.

Mr Lambe said he was satisfied the person on the warrant was the same person before the High Court on Friday morning, and identified Mr Gill in the courtroom as the man dressed in a black top and shorts.

Judge Mr Justice Barry ODonnell said he was clearly satisfied as to Mr Gills identity.

He then informed Mr Gill of his rights again and asked Mr Gill if he understood those rights.

Mr Gill replied yes to the judge.

Defence barrister Gemma McLoughlin-Burke, instructed by solicitors at Phoenix Law, told the court their intention to reply and said there were legal issues in the alleged offences which she said merit a second barrister.

Mr Gill was remanded in custody at Cloverhill Prison until the extradition hearing at the High Court in Dublin on April 21.
South African open-access fibre network provider Maziv has announced a major investment to expand its network connectivity across South Africa over the next five to seven years.

Maziv, which owns a number of major brands in the country, including fibre network operator Vumatel and open-access fibre infrastructure and connectivity provider Dark Fibre Africa, committed to a R9 billion (about US$530 million) investment, with an additional pledge to create 10,000 new jobs, at the recent 2026 South African Investment Conference.

According to news resource MyBroadband, the company says it will prioritise low-income and underserved areas with the rollout of new fibre infrastructure and has promised to deliver high-quality broadband to these communities.

It also plans to provide 1Gbps free, uncapped internet access to every public or private school, public clinic and library within its network coverage area as part of its social mandate.

The 10,000 new job opportunities over the next seven years will either be created directly as part of the infrastructure rollout, or indirectly through the companys partner ecosystem of local SMMEs, fibre installers and community-based service providers, many of which are likely to be involved in the expansion of its fibre network.

MyBroadband notes that the investment is good news for fibre rollout programmes in South Africa, which have slowed across the industry as companies struggled to secure capital for more infrastructure.

Capital expenditure across the industry apparently stagnated as a transaction through which operator Vodacom aimed to acquire a 30% stake in Maziv had trouble getting approval from the Competition Commission.

As we reported in November last year, the deal finally went ahead after a number of concessions were offered that allowed the Competition Commission to withdraw its objections to the transaction. It was then approved by telecommunications regulator ICASA.

The knock-on effect of the deal finally being allowed to proceed, it appears, has been to help unlock industry-wide investment, as this announcement indicates.
Getting answers online has never been easier, but accuracy still matters. Google Gemini is one of the most useful tools available, yet it is always wise to take a second look at the information it provides. The accuracy of the text you receive on Gemini is not always guaranteed, especially when misinformation and misleading narratives spread quickly across the internet. This is the reason why it is more important than ever to check the information you read before you accept it. In this guide, I will share with you ways you can use to fact-check information using Google Gemini.

Survey

 Thank you for completing the survey!

Method 1: The double-check feature on Google Gemini

If you are using Gemini for research purposes and you are not sure of the response or the response is unclear, you can double-check the response using the double-check feature provided by Gemini. In order to do that, you need to go to the end of the response provided by Gemini > press the three dots icon > select Double-check response. After this, Gemini will again check the response and highlight different parts of it with different colours. Here is what it means:

Green Highlight: Google Search found similar content. Click the text to view the source.

Google Search found similar content. Click the text to view the source. Orange Highlight: Google Search found content that is different or could not find a match. This may require further checking.

Google Search found content that is different or could not find a match. This may require further checking. No Highlight: There was not enough information to evaluate the statement.

Also read: Cursor unveils new AI agent to take on Claude Code and OpenAI Codex: What it can do

Method 2: Check inline citations and sources

Gemini also cites sources inline in their responses at times. If inline sources are not visible, users can simply scroll down and click on the Sources button. This will open a panel on the right side of the screen with links to the sources that Gemini used in creating their response.

Method 3: Use deep research

Another way to verify information in Gemini is by using the Deep Research feature, available in Gemini Advanced. However, unlike normal chats, Deep Research uses a process that has a few steps:

It browses multiple websites on its own.

It compares information from multiple sources to identify differences.

It creates a detailed report with proper citations for key points.

Also read: Apple 50th anniversary sale: iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone gets big price cut

Method 4: Fact-check using a Gemini prompt

Up until this point, you have been able to understand how to verify information generated by the Gemini programme using the tools available within the programme. However, the programme is also able to assist in fact-checking any information available, such as a document or a news article. The steps for fact-checking any information using the program are as follows:

1. Open the Gemini app or website.

2. Enter a fact check prompt. You can use the example below:

Act as a highly sceptical fact checker. Analyse the following text and flag any logical inconsistencies, unverified claims, or suspicious data points. Do not add new information. Only highlight potential issues.

3. Gemini will then review the content and point out possible concerns.
More than one hundred people gathered in the Phoenix Park in Dublin to take part in an event to mark Good Friday.

The Way of the Cross in Dublin marks five scenes from Jesus Christs crucifixion, beginning at the Wellington Monument and ending at the Papal Cross.

Families, couples and people with their dogs came to take part in the short pilgrimage to the white cross erected in 1979 for the visit of Pope John Paul II, the first papal visit to Ireland.

There were prayers, readings and choral singing to mark the beginning of the Easter weekend.

The event on Friday was led by the Archbishop of Dublin Dermot Farrell, who spoke to the crowd about compassion, the plight of the hungry, and voluntary organisations that were crying out for help in our time-poor society.

Speaking to the Press Association, he said it was a symbolic and public celebration of Jesus Christs life and death.

Independent Senator Ronan Mullen, who was among the crowd, said he attends the event most years before heading home to Galway.

Ive seen different crowds in different years, and this, I think is one of the better crowds, he said.

Its slightly better weather-wise than it was last year, but still a bit cold.

He said the event aimed to mark the high point of the church year and allowed people to gather with other Catholics.

Theres an almost pilgrimage element to this, Im a big fan of the Camino myself and there is something about walking, being with others, reflecting, praying.

One of the things I like most about it is you see the church in all its diversity here because theres an awful lot of new Irish people, from all races and nationalities, and its lovely to see.

Expanding on his address to the outdoor congregation, Archbishop Farrell told PA that there are many people who feel marginalised and many wars in the world, including Lebanon, South Sudan and Yemen.

All of these people are suffering greatly today, he said.

Many innocent people being killed by people who are waging war remotely sometimes, you can be sitting thousands of miles away on a computer and directing drones to kill innocent people as a way of putting pressure on regimes to change, etc.

So there is cruelty there, a huge loss of innocent life which is totally contrary to any understanding we have of a just war.
Members of An Garda Siochana in County Louth have raised concerns after an 8-year-old child was caught riding an e-scooter, the Dail has heard.

Louth Sinn Fein TD Ruairi O Mhurcu spoke on the subject during a recent debate on a motion regarding garda recruitment.

Deputy O Mhurcu said: There was a recent incident in Dundalk where an eight-year-old was stopped on an e-scooter.

Gardai have told me about the particular issues that they have that they are not sufficiently resourced to deal with this issue, which is causing danger, not only for those who engage in dangerous behaviour on e-scooters and scramblers but also for those whom they interact with.

We need to see not only guidelines and legislation; we need to make sure that An Garda Siochana is given the powers that are required.

READ NEXT: Man punched a stranger in the face at a pub in Louth

Current legislation says that a person must be over 16 years of age to ride an e-scooter. There are also regulations around the size and power of these scooters.

Deputy O Mhurcu went on to commend the work of gardai in Dundalk and further afield in preventing crime.

It goes without saying that high-visibility garda operations can make a huge difference in preventing crime.

I commend the community gardai whom I have interacted with, particularly in Dundalk.

The late night leagues with the youth diversion programmes have been running on a Thursday night for the past number of weeks. They are successful.

It is about building relationships with kids and hopefully engaging with them from a point of view of ensuring that they can find that better road map themselves for their life.

However, he emphasised that there is still a lot of work to be done, particularly in the Barrack Street area of the town.

I also commend the gardai who with me have met those on Barrack Street who are very worried about the ongoing destruction of property, anti-community action and open drug dealing.

There is a Dublin Simon Community facility that probably has bad legacy issues. It is all about those powers that are needed.

There is planning permission for 21 units there. Louth County Council would have to make some promises in relation to allocations, but a huge body of work needs to be done.

From my discussions with Dublin Simon Community, it is hopefully up for it. It is between it, Louth County Council and An Garda Siochana. It is making sure that would happen.

Deputy O Mhurcu concluded by saying that more gardai are needed both in County Louth and across the country.
Sinn Fein spokesperson on Disability, Ruairi O Murchu TD, has said that a shared, cross border vision for inclusion for those with disabilities and an agreed North-South definition of disability should be considered by the Government.

The Louth TD was commenting following todays publication of the ESRIs report for the Shared Island unity, How do disability rates differ across the island of Ireland?.

The study looked at how disability rates are reported and how they compare north and south. While disability rates among adults aged 20 to 69 are broadly similar North (23%) and South (22%), the ESRI report shows the disparity between how people define having a disability in the two jurisdictions.

Deputy O Murchu said:

This mornings report by the ESRI provides an important analysis of census data and shows how disability rates across the island compare.

What is clear from the report is that there needs to be an agreed definition of what disability is and means, North and South, because the question on the censuses, from which this report is drawn, are very different.

The Louth TD further said that the research shows that there continues to be a huge gap between disabilities and employment on both parts of the island and the Government needs to work harder to ensure that those with disabilities are facilitated into the workforce if they wish.

Read Next: Louth residents urged to prepare for flooding as sandbags distributed ahead of high tides

The report also highlights what those with disabilities already know  there is significant pressure on healthcare and social security systems in both jurisdictions.

The report further highlights that higher educational attainment is strongly associated with lower disability rates, particularly in the north.

For the Government, the report makes it clear than an All-Ireland strategy for better inclusion for those with disabilities is badly needed and formal co-ordination on an all-island strategy for people with disabilities so that barriers, such as access to cross border transport, education and services, are not placed in the way of people with disabilities just because of partition.
Just Eat has revealed that Sitar Indian Restaurant in Dundalk has been named Best Indian & Nepalese at the 12th annual Just Eat Awards, celebrating the countrys favourite restaurants, grocery and retail partners.

The award recognises restaurants delivering authentic flavours, quality ingredients and consistently excellent dishes inspired by Indian and Nepalese cuisine.

Owned by the Singh family and Known for its authentic approach, Sitar Indian combines traditional recipes with bold, vibrant flavours, from rich, comforting curries to expertly prepared tandoori dishes. With a strong local following and a reputation for quality and consistency, Sitar continues to set the standard for Indian food in Ireland.

Thousands of people across Ireland cast their votes in this years Just Eat Awards, recognising the partners who deliver great food and service to communities nationwide.

This years list highlights standout restaurants from Sligo Galway, Cork, Dundalk and Dublin, showcasing the best food spots across Ireland, from the local heroes and hidden gems, the shortlisted and winning restaurants bursting with talent and flavours.

Category winners were selected from a shortlist of over 105 nominees, and in addition to the Independent Restaurant of the Year title won by Sano Pizza.

This years winners, who ranged from local, independent food spots to national restaurant brands, were announced this afternoon at a lunch event in Fallon and Byrne in Dublin City.

Commenting on the winners of the annual Just Eat Awards, Amanda Roche-Kelly, Managing Director of Just Eat Ireland said: Irelands food scene continues to grow in quality, flavour and variety, and the Just Eat Awards are a fantastic opportunity to recognise the local businesses that people genuinely love ordering from.

Read Next: Dundalk Gardai seize cocaine and cash during vehicle stop

Congratulations to Sitar Indian and to every partner across our platform who works hard every day to deliver great food and service to customers across Ireland. Id also like to thank everyone who voted and supported their favourite local businesses.

For more information on the annual Just Eat Awards, visit Just Eat Awards 2025, as well as @justeatie on Instagram and TikTok.
Gardai have launched an investigation after a teenage boy and a man, aged in his 40s, were both shot during a gun attack in Limerick city overnight.

They were rushed by ambulance to University Hospital Limerick for emergency treatment.

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Following a query from Limerick Live, a Garda spokesperson confirmed the discharge of a firearm incident occurred at a residential location in Garryowen, Limerick this morning, Thursday, April 2 at approximately 2.35am.

The spokesperson said Gardai and paramedics attended the scene following a report of the incident.

Two males - a youth aged in his teens and a man aged in his 40s - were conveyed to University Hospital Limerick for treatment of injuries believed to be non-life-threatening at this time, said a Garda spokesperson.

Gardai cordoned off the scene of the shooting for technical examination.

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Investigations are ongoing, said a Garda spokesperson.

Anybody who was in the Garryowen area between 2am and 3am early this Thursday morning and may have mobile phone camera footage, dash-cam footage, or can help Gardai with their enquiries is asked to contact Henry Street Garda station on 061 212400.
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The 200m capital development plan for Cork Airport is progressing on time and on budget, with the new mezzanine floor and passenger security screening area on track for a December 2026 opening.

Minister for transport Darragh OBrien and minister of state at the department of transport Jerry Buttimer received a detailed briefing on the various elements of the multi-million euro project during a visit to Cork airport on Wednesday.

The Cork Airport plan incorporates the construction of a new mezzanine floor with a state of the art passenger security screening area, a new and larger duty free shop, and a new and larger executive lounge.

It also includes the construction of additional boarding gates, a new solar farm, and the extension of existing car parks.

Further down the line there also are plans for the demolition of the old terminal and old control tower, to be replaced by a new pier with additional boarding gates and aircraft parking stands.

Expansion

One of the main objectives of the plan is to cater for the expansion of passenger numbers at the airport over the next number of years, and to cater for five million passengers per annum.

Minister OBrien said he was pleased by the progress being made on the airport project: I am heartened to see that DAAs capital programme is proceeding at pace and demonstrating on time, on budget delivery.

"Once completed, this development programme will deliver efficiencies along with a better passenger experience for all those who will travel through the airport.

Managing director at Cork Airport, Niall MacCarthy, said the airport experienced its highest ever passenger numbers last year, and was named best regional airport in Europe by ACI Europe.

Our capital programme, once complete, will put in the infrastructure to handle five million passengers and beyond, Mr MacCarthy said.

We are proud of delivering quality infrastructure projects, on time and on budget, and compliment our construction partners and team.
A Cork-based social media personality who uses camera glasses to film his content has had a video depicting a medical emergency involving a young woman in Cork city removed by TikTok for violating its rules around adult sexual abuse.

Ukrainian-born Vlad, aged 21, who goes by Rendy_Vlad online, has amassed a substantial social media following, boasting more than 1.1m followers on TikTok and almost 12,000 followers on Instagram.

The Munster Technological University (MTU) student frequently films interviews and videos he calls pranks across Cork and elsewhere in Ireland, with many of those featured in his content unaware that they are being filmed.

Much of the content posted by the computer science student, who calls himself a POV [point of view] Prankster is labelled as being filmed using Ray-Ban Meta glasses.

The Data Protection Commission (DPC) has previously expressed concern about these smart glasses and the means by which people captured in videos by them can receive notice that they are being recorded.

One of the creators recently posted videos, which received severe backlash after being shared on both TikTok and Instagram, showed a young woman receiving medical attention from emergency services in Cork city.

The video shows the 21-year-old approaching the young woman as she is being attended to by paramedics. It goes on to show the young woman being placed in an ambulance, before the content creator turns to film passers-by who witnessed the incident.

According to TikTok, the video was removed by the platform for violating its rules around adult sexual abuse.

It noted that the company does not allow harassing, degrading, or bullying behaviour on its platform.

Despite its removal by TikTok, Meta has not removed the video from Instagram.

It is understood that this video was labelled by Meta as a prank post, which does not fall into its violating categories as they are not threatening or malicious.

The social media personality has previously encouraged his large TikTok following to also follow his lesser-known Instagram account, where he never deletes anything.

REMOVED

In another video posted by the creator, which was also removed from TikTok but not Instagram, the MTU student filmed himself approaching staff members in a Douglas shopping centre and pranking them as they worked, before being barred from the shopping centre by another staff member, who he also filmed.

Other videos posted by the Ukrainian native depict him pranking and filming staff members in shopping centres in Blackpool and Mahon, entering staff-only areas in Cork restaurants, and setting off alarms in a city supermarket.

Meta has said that its smart glasses, which are frequently used by the Cork-based content creator, have an LED light that activates whenever someone captures content. Meta argues that this light makes it clear the device is recording.

Meta also notes that its terms of service state that users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and for using Ray-Ban Meta glasses in a safe, respectful manner.

In a statement to The Echo, the DPC said any complaints received by the commission on such issues will be fully assessed.

MTU told The Echo: "Munster Technological University is aware of content circulating online which has caused concern.

"MTU expects all students to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the Universitys values, including respect for others, dignity, and personal privacy.

"Where matters of student behaviour are brought to our attention, they are considered in line with the universitys policies and procedures. As with all such cases, it would not be appropriate to comment on individual circumstances."

The Echo

has made multiple attempts to contact Rendy_Vlad for comment.
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Ajay Devgn turned 57 on April 2 and marked the occasion with a rather indulgent gift to himself. He bought a brand-new Mercedes-Benz V-Class, reportedly priced at around Rs 1.40 crore. After Hardik Pandya and Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay is the most recent celebrity to get this car.







This is not the only luxurious car the actor owns. Ajay's collection includes BMW X7, BMW i7, Mercedes-Benz S450, Mercedes-Maybach GLS600, Rolls-Royce Cullinan, and BMW 7 Series.

The V-Class comes loaded with premium safety and comfort features. These include seven airbags, ISOFIX mounts, traffic sign recognition, driver attention assist, an electronic parking brake with auto hold, a 360-degree camera setup, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.



Meanwhile, on his birthday, Ajay's devoted fans gathered outside his residence in Mumbai. As the actor stepped out, he was greeted by a sea of admirers who had been waiting outside to catch a glimpse of him. Dressed in a crisp blue shirt paired with trousers, Devgn kept it classic yet effortlessly sharp. He completed his look with a pair of glasses. The Singham actor acknowledged the love with warm gestures, waving at the crowd and greeting fans with folded hands.

Happy Birthday Joshi was released on the actor's birthday. This short film marks a step in the evolution of digital storytelling, moving into the realm of fully realised AI short-form cinema. Directed by Anshul Kumar Sharma, the film is produced by Ajay Devgn and Danish Devgn and is inspired by true events. The film aims to showcase a new dimension of storytelling by blending AI-driven visual narratives with a grounded, human story. Meanwhile, on his birthday, Ajay's devoted fans gathered outside his residence in Mumbai. As the actor stepped out, he was greeted by a sea of admirers who had been waiting outside to catch a glimpse of him. Dressed in a crisp blue shirt paired with trousers, Devgn kept it classic yet effortlessly sharp. He completed his look with a pair of glasses. The Singham actor acknowledged the love with warm gestures, waving at the crowd and greeting fans with folded hands.Moreover, a unique cinematic project titledJoshi was released on the actor's birthday. This short film marks a step in the evolution of digital storytelling, moving into the realm of fully realised AI short-form cinema. Directed by Anshul Kumar Sharma, the film is produced by Ajay Devgn and Danish Devgn and is inspired by true events. The film aims to showcase a new dimension of storytelling by blending AI-driven visual narratives with a grounded, human story.

On the acting front, Ajay Devgn will be seen in Dhamaal 4, Drishyam 3, Ranger and Golmaal 5.





Also Read: Drishyam 2 to Hit Theatres, Offering Fans a Big-screen Revisit Before Part 3
The analysis combined data from six independently published studies conducted between October 2025 and March 2026, covering a combined dataset of 680 million AI citations, 2,961 controlled research sessions, and 1.96 million browsing sessions across ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini, and Google AI Overviews.

The headline finding: 73% of B2B buyers now use AI tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity in their research process, according to a March 2026 analysis of 680 million citations by Averi. AI search traffic converts at 14.2% compared to Google organic's 2.8% - a 5.1x advantage - yet only 22% of marketers currently track AI visibility and fewer than 26% plan to develop content specifically for AI citations.

Key FindingsB2B AI Search Adoption Has Reached Critical Mass

B2B buyer behavior shifted measurably between 2024 and 2026. McKinsey's October 2025 consumer survey found approximately 50% of consumers across all demographics - including boomers - intentionally use AI-powered search for purchasing decisions. Averi's March 2026 analysis of 680 million citations across ChatGPT, Claude, and Google AI confirmed the B2B figure has reached 73%.

Similarweb's 2026 AI Brand Visibility Report found 35% of consumers use AI tools at the discovery and initial ideas stage of research, compared to 13.6% using traditional search at the same stage. For B2B purchases specifically, Forrester's 2025 survey of 4,000+ buyers found 61% of the buying journey completes before the buyer contacts a vendor - a figure that increases when AI tools provide synthesized comparisons that previously required multiple site visits.

AI Search Traffic Converts at 5.1x the Rate of Traditional Organic

AI search traffic converts at 14.2% compared to Google organic's 2.8%, according to Exposure Ninja's March 2026 analysis. The conversion advantage varies by platform: Claude users convert at 16.8%, ChatGPT at 14.2%, and Perplexity at 12.4%. SE Ranking's independent study found AI visitors spend 68% more time on websites than traditional organic visitors. The Washington Post reported AI platform visitors have a 4-5x higher subscription conversion rate versus traditional search, according to Karl Wells, the publication's Chief Revenue Officer.

Table 1: AI search conversion rate by platform

Platform Conversion Rate Multiplier vs Google Organic Claude 16.8 % 6.0x ChatGPT 14.2 % 5.1x Perplexity 12.4 % 4.4x Google Organic (baseline) 2.8 % 1.0x

Source: Exposure Ninja, March 2026. Platform-specific rates: Fahlout synthesis of multiple sources.

AI search is not a single channel. Citation volumes for the same brand can differ by 615x between platforms, according to Superlines' March 2026 cross-platform analysis. Only 11% of domains are cited by both ChatGPT and Perplexity, per Averi's 680 million citation study. Passionfruit's analysis of 15,000 queries found only 12% of cited sources match across ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google AI.

The divergence extends to source types. ChatGPT leans on listings for 48.7% of local source citations, while Gemini favors websites at 52.1%. Perplexity diversifies across review platforms and community sources. Reddit accounts for 46.7% of top Perplexity citations but under 10% on ChatGPT following a September 2025 rebalancing. A brand visible on one platform may be entirely absent from another.

Table 2: Cross-platform citation divergence

Metric Finding Source Cross-platform citation variance Up to 615x between platforms for same brand Superlines, Mar 2026 Domain overlap (ChatGPT vs Perplexity) 11% of domains cited by both Averi, 680M citations Source match across 3 platforms 12% of cited sources shared Passionfruit, 15K queries Google #1 rank to ChatGPT citation overlap 6.5% URL overlap Shashko / Bright Data, 42K citations

Sources as cited. Compiled by Loganix, April 2026.

Despite 73% buyer adoption, marketing teams have not adjusted. Only 22% of marketers currently track AI visibility and traffic. Only 25.7% plan to develop content specifically for AI citations. 64% are unsure how to measure AI search success, according to Yext's 2025 companion report surveying 2,237 adults.

The gap between buyer behavior and marketer response represents a window. 72% of marketing leaders expect AI to surpass SEO as the primary visibility channel within three years, but fewer than one in four have implemented any measurement. Brands that establish AI visibility infrastructure now operate in a market where most competitors have not begun.

Brand Mentions Correlate 3x More Strongly with AI Citation Than Backlinks

Brand web mentions show a Spearman correlation of 0.664 with AI citation rates - approximately three times stronger than the backlink correlation of 0.218, according to an analysis of 75,000 brands by Ahrefs. A separate study from The Digital Bloom analyzing 680 million citations confirmed the same direction. Brand search volume correlates at 0.334 with AI citation - moderate, but substantially weaker than the mention signal.

The implication for B2B marketers is that the signals driving AI visibility differ from those driving traditional search rankings. Link building remains important for search engine rankings that feed AI retrieval systems, but the strongest single predictor of whether a brand appears in AI answers is how frequently that brand is mentioned across authoritative web sources - regardless of whether those mentions include a hyperlink.

Methodology

The Loganix 2026 B2B AI Buying Behavior Analysis synthesized findings from six independently published studies: Averi (680 million citations, March 2026), SparkToro and Gumshoe.ai (2,961 research sessions across 600 volunteers, January 2026), Previsible (1.96 million browsing sessions, November 2024 through November 2025), Exposure Ninja (conversion rate analysis, March 2026), McKinsey (consumer survey, October 2025), and Yext (2,237 adults, March through April 2025). Platform-specific conversion rates were compiled from a Fahlout synthesis of multiple independent sources. All statistics are attributed to their original published source. Loganix did not conduct primary data collection for this analysis.

Frequently Asked QuestionsHow do B2B buyers use AI tools during purchase research?

B2B buyers use AI search tools to generate shortlists, compare vendors, evaluate pricing, and synthesize reviews - tasks that previously required visiting multiple websites. Averi's 680 million citation analysis found 73% of B2B buyers now incorporate AI tools into their research process. Forrester's survey of 4,000+ buyers found 61% of the purchase journey completes before any vendor contact, a figure AI tools accelerate by providing consolidated comparisons within a single interface.

Why does AI search traffic convert better than organic search?

AI search traffic converts at higher rates because visitors arriving from AI platforms are pre-qualified through the AI's synthesis process. The AI has already filtered options, compared alternatives, and presented a curated recommendation before the user clicks through to the brand's website. Exposure Ninja measured a 14.2% conversion rate for AI-referred traffic versus 2.8% for Google organic - a 5.1x advantage. Claude users showed the highest conversion at 16.8%, likely because Claude cites fewer sources, making each click-through more deliberate.

What determines whether a brand appears in AI search answers?

Brand visibility in AI answers depends on a combination of factors that differ from traditional search rankings. The strongest single predictor is brand mention frequency across authoritative web sources, which correlates at 0.664 with AI citation rates - approximately three times stronger than backlinks at 0.218. Traditional SEO ranking factors explain only 4-7% of AI citation outcomes, according to Profound's analysis of 250 million AI responses. Content structure, freshness, entity density, and multi-platform presence all contribute independently to AI visibility.

Does ranking on Google guarantee visibility in AI search?

Google ranking does not guarantee AI visibility. The overlap between Google's top 10 results and AI citation sources dropped from 76% to 38% in six months, according to Ahrefs' analysis of 863,000 keywords and 4 million AI Overview URLs. ChatGPT shows only 6.5% URL overlap with Google's top 10 results. Perplexity shows 43.5% - the highest alignment. Two out of three AI citations come from pages users would never see on Google's first page.

About Loganix

Loganix is a performance SEO and link building services provider founded in 2010. The company provides white-label and direct SEO solutions to agencies and businesses, including AI visibility measurement and optimization services. Loganix is based in Seattle, Washington. For more information, visit loganix.com.

Contact: Aaron Haynes, CEO

Email: support@loganix.com

Seattle, WA

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2949458/Loganix.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/73-of-b2b-buyers-use-ai-tools-in-purchase-research-multi-source-analysis-finds-302733321.html
People attend various activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of Qingming Festival across China

Xinhua) 15:41, April 03, 2026

A person lays a flower to the Red Army martyrs at a memorial park in Quanzhou County, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, April 2, 2026. A ceremony was held in Quanzhou on Thursday, ahead of the Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, to pay tribute to the martyrs of the Red Army. (Xinhua/Lu Boan)

People lay flowers to the Red Army martyrs at a memorial park in Quanzhou County, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, April 2, 2026. A ceremony was held in Quanzhou on Thursday, ahead of the Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, to pay tribute to the martyrs of the Red Army. (Xinhua/Lu Boan)

People line up to lay flowers to the Red Army martyrs at a memorial park in Quanzhou County, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, April 2, 2026. A ceremony was held in Quanzhou on Thursday, ahead of the Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, to pay tribute to the martyrs of the Red Army. (Xinhua/Lu Boan)

People scatter flower petals into the Xiangjiang River to pay tribute to the Red Army martyrs at Daping Ferry in Quanzhou County, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, April 2, 2026. A ceremony was held in Quanzhou on Thursday, ahead of the Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, to pay tribute to the martyrs of the Red Army. (Xinhua/Lu Boan)

An aerial drone photo taken on April 2, 2026 shows people attending a memorial ceremony for Red Army martyrs at a memorial park in Quanzhou County, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. A ceremony was held in Quanzhou on Thursday, ahead of the Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, to pay tribute to the martyrs of the Red Army. (Xinhua/Lu Boan)

Students pay tribute to martyrs at a martyrs' cemetery in Tongdao Dong Autonomous County of Huaihua City, central China's Hunan Province, April 1, 2026. People across the country attended various activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, which falls on April 5 this year. (Photo by Su Yongzhu/Xinhua)

Students clean the tombstones for martyrs at a martyrs' cemetery in Shijiazhuang, north China's Hebei Province, April 2, 2026. People across the country attended various activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, which falls on April 5 this year. (Photo by Zhang Xiaofeng/Xinhua)

An aerial drone photo taken on April 2, 2026 shows people scattering flower petals into the Xiangjiang River to pay tribute to the Red Army martyrs at Daping Ferry in Quanzhou County, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. A ceremony was held in Quanzhou on Thursday, ahead of the Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, to pay tribute to the martyrs of the Red Army. (Xinhua/Lu Boan)

Volunteers pay tribute to martyrs at a martyrs' cemetery in Hai'an City of east China's Jiangsu Province, April 2, 2026. People across the country attended various activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, which falls on April 5 this year. (Photo by Gu Binbin/Xinhua)

People pay tribute at a martyr's memorial hall in Zhumadian City, central China's Henan Province, April 2, 2026. People across the country attended various activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, which falls on April 5 this year. (Photo by Gong Huajing/Xinhua)

Students clean the tombstones for martyrs at a martyrs' cemetery in Qianjiang District, southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, April 2, 2026. People across the country attended various activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, which falls on April 5 this year. (Photo by Yang Min/Xinhua)

An aerial drone photo taken on April 1, 2026 shows students paying tribute to martyrs at a martyrs' cemetery in Baokang County of Xiangyang City, central China's Hubei Province. People across the country attended various activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, which falls on April 5 this year. (Photo by Yang Tao/Xinhua)

Students lay flowers at a monument to martyrs in Suihua City, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, April 1, 2026. People across the country attended various activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, which falls on April 5 this year. (Photo by Liu Huapeng/Xinhua)

People pay tribute to martyrs at a martyrs' cemetery in Suixian County of Shangqiu City, central China's Henan Province, April 2, 2026. People across the country attended various activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, which falls on April 5 this year. (Photo by Xu Zeyuan/Xinhua)

An aerial drone photo taken on March 31, 2026 shows teachers and students paying tribute to martyrs at a martyrs' cemetery in Bozhou District of Zunyi City, southwest China's Guizhou Province. People across the country attended various activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, which falls on April 5 this year. (Photo by Yuan Fuhong/Xinhua)

Students pay tribute to martyrs at a martyrs' cemetery in Bozhou District of Zunyi City, southwest China's Guizhou Province, March 31, 2026. People across the country attended various activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, which falls on April 5 this year. (Photo by Yuan Fuhong/Xinhua)

Students pay tribute to martyrs at a martyrs' cemetery in Changxing County of Huzhou City, east China's Zhejiang Province, April 2, 2026. People across the country attended various activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, which falls on April 5 this year. (Photo by Tan Yunfeng/Xinhua)

Students pay tribute to martyrs at a martyrs' cemetery in Jiyuan City, central China's Henan Province, April 2, 2026. People across the country attended various activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, which falls on April 5 this year. (Photo by Duan Erping/Xinhua)

Students pay tribute at a martyr's cemetery in Beibei District of southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, April 2, 2026. People across the country attended various activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, which falls on April 5 this year. (Photo by Qin Tingfu/Xinhua)

An aerial drone photo taken on April 1, 2026 shows people paying tribute to martyrs at a monument to martyrs in Suifenhe City, northeast CHina's Heilongjiang Province. People across the country attended various activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, which falls on April 5 this year. (Photo by Qu Yiwei/Xinhua)

People pay tribute to martyrs at a martyrs' cemetery in Bo'ai County of Jiaozuo City, central China's Henan Province, April 2, 2026. People across the country attended various activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, which falls on April 5 this year. (Photo by Cheng Quan/Xinhua)

Students pay tribute to martyrs at a martyrs' cemetery in Binhai New Area in north China's Tianjin, April 2, 2026. People across the country attended various activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, which falls on April 5 this year. (Photo by Du Penghui/Xinhua)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 2, 2026) - BP Silver Corp. (TSXV: BPAG) (OTCQB: BPSCF) ("BP Silver" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has closed the second tranche (the "Second Tranche") of its previously announced non-brokered private placement (the "Offering"), raising gross proceeds of C$825,067. Together with the first tranche of C$8,558,000, the Company has raised aggregate gross proceeds of C$9,383,067 million under the Offering, which was upsized from C$8 million to C$10 million due to strong investor demand. Refer to news releases dated March 17, 2026 and March 27, 2026 for more information.

Pursuant to the Second Tranche, the Company issued 825,067 units (the "Units") at a price of C$1.00 per unit for gross proceeds of C$825,067. Each Unit consists of one common share of the Company (a "Common Share") and one-half of one common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to acquire one common share (a "Warrant Share") at a price of C$1.30 per Warrant Share for a period of two years from the date of issuance.

BP Silver intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering for exploration activities at the Company's Cosuno Silver Project ("Cosuno") in Bolivia, including geophysical surveys and a Phase II drill program, as well as potential exploration at its Titiri project. The proceeds will also support the evaluation of other high-potential opportunities and be used for general working capital purposes.

All securities issued pursuant to the Offering will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day from the date of issuance in accordance with applicable securities laws. The Offering remains subject to final acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange").

In connection with the Second Tranche, the Company paid finder's fees of C$27,000 and issued 27,000 non-transferable finder's warrants to eligible parties, where applicable, in accordance with applicable securities laws and exchange policies. Each finder's warrant is exercisable at C$1.30 per share for a period of two years from the date of issue. Finder's fees may also be payable in connection with future tranches of the Offering.

The Company expects to complete a third and final tranche of the Offering for the remaining amount in due course, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell, or solicitation of an offer to buy, nor will there be any sale of any of the securities offered in any jurisdiction where such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful, including the United States of America. The securities being offered as part of the Offering have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any state securities laws, and accordingly may not be offered or sold in the United States except in compliance with the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and any applicable state securities laws, or pursuant to available exemptions therefrom.

About BP Silver Corp.

BP Silver Corp. is a Canadian exploration company focused on advancing high-grade silver projects in Bolivia. The Company's flagship asset, the Cosuno Project, is strategically located in the prolific Bolivian silver belt, a region with a rich mining history and significant untapped discovery potential. With a strong technical team and a disciplined exploration strategy, BP Silver is positioned to unlock value for its shareholders through the discovery and development of major silver deposits.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information:

Information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations; they are not guarantees of future performance. The Company cautions that all forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control. Such factors include, among other things: future prices and the supply of silver and other precious and other metals; future demand for silver and other valuable metals; inability to raise the money necessary to incur the expenditures required to retain and advance the property; environmental liabilities (known and unknown); general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; results of exploration programs; risks of the mineral exploration industry; delays in obtaining governmental approvals; and failure to obtain necessary regulatory or shareholder approvals. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for release, publication, distribution or dissemination directly, or indirectly, in whole or in part, in or into the United States.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/291105

Source: BP Silver Corp.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 2, 2026) - Trail Blazer Capital Corp. (TSXV: TBLZ.P) ("Trail Blazer" or the "Company"), a capital pool company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange"), is pleased to announce that, further to its news release dated March 25, 2026, Juno Industries Inc. ("Juno") has upsized its non-brokered concurrent financing from $7,000,000 to $10,000,000 (the "Upsized Financing"). Juno will now be offering up to 12,500,000 subscription receipts (the "Subscription Receipts") at a price of $0.80 per Subscription Receipt for total gross proceeds of up to $10,000,000.

Each Subscription Receipt will, prior to the effective time of the Company's acquisition of 100% of the shares of Juno (the "Juno Shares") through the amalgamation of Juno with a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (the "Proposed Transaction"), automatically convert into such number of Juno Shares that will result in the holder receiving one common share in the capital of Trail Blazer (on a post 6:1 consolidation basis) in connection with the completion of the Proposed Transaction, for no additional consideration upon the satisfaction of certain escrow release conditions. Upon completion of the Proposed Transaction, the Company (the "Resulting Issuer") expects that it will be listed as a Tier 2 Industrial, Technology, and Life Sciences Issuer on the Exchange.

The net proceeds from the Upsized Financing will be used to fund various corporate initiatives, mergers and acquisitions, and general corporate purposes of the Resulting Issuer following the completion of the Proposed Transaction.

In connection with the Upsized Financing, Juno will pay finder's fees up to 5% of the gross proceeds of the Upsized Financing and will issue finder's warrants up to 5% of the number of Subscription Receipts issued under the Upsized Financing, each of which will be exercisable at a price of $0.80 for a period of 24 months from the completion of the Proposed Transaction.

Additional information concerning the Proposed Transaction is included in the Company's news release dated March 25, 2026.

About Juno Industries Inc.

Juno Industries is a defence technology company with a mission to re-establish Canadian dynamism by building a leading modern defence prime. Juno Industries is focused on developing and deploying advanced autonomous robotic systems, AI-native command and control software, and persistent sensor fabrics to strengthen Canadian and allied national security, sovereignty, and defence capabilities by harnessing Canadian technical talent and innovation. Juno Industries is co-founded by former Minister of National Defence Harjit Sajjan and technology entrepreneur Hunter Scharfe. Learn more at junoindustries.ca

Juno Company Contact

Hunter Scharfe, CEO and Founder

info@junoindustries.ca

Media Contact

Sarah Mawji

Venture Strategies

sarah@venturestrategies.com

About Trail Blazer Capital Corp.

The Company is designated as a Capital Pool Company under TSXV Policy 2.4. The Company has not commenced commercial operations and has no assets other than cash. The Company's objective is to identify and evaluate businesses or assets with a view to completing a Qualifying Transaction. Any proposed Qualifying Transaction must be approved by the Exchange and, in the case of a Non-Arm's Length Qualifying Transaction, must also receive majority approval of the minority shareholders. Until the completion of a Qualifying Transaction, Trail Blazer will not carry on any business other than the identification and evaluation of businesses or assets with a view to completing a proposed Qualifying Transaction.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF TRAIL BLAZER CAPITAL CORP.

Alnesh Mohan,

CEO

Completion of the Proposed Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, Exchange acceptance and if applicable pursuant to Exchange Requirements, majority of the minority shareholder approval. Where applicable, the Proposed Transaction cannot close until the required shareholder approval is obtained and the outstanding conditions are satisfied. There can be no assurance that the Proposed Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all.

Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the management information circular or filing statement to be prepared in connection with the Proposed Transaction, any information released or received with respect to the Proposed Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of a capital pool company should be considered highly speculative.

The TSX Venture Exchange Inc. has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.

The information in this press release includes certain information and statements about management's view of future events, expectations, plans and prospects that constitute forward looking statements, including statements relating to the completion of the Proposed Transaction, the proposed business of the Resulting Issuer, the completion of the Upsized Financing, the completion of the 6:1 share consolidation by Trail Blazer, shareholder, director and regulatory approvals, and future press releases and disclosure. These statements are based upon assumptions that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Because of these risks and uncertainties and as a result of a variety of factors, the actual results, expectations, achievements or performance of each of Trail Blazer and Juno may differ materially from those anticipated and indicated by these forward looking statements. Any number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements as well as future results. Although each of Trail Blazer and Juno believes that the expectations reflected in forward looking statements are reasonable, they can give no assurances that the expectations of any forward looking statements will prove to be correct. Except as required by law, each of Trail Blazer and Juno disclaims any intention and assume no obligation to update or revise any forward looking statements to reflect actual results, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions, changes in factors affecting such forward looking statements or otherwise.

Neither TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for release publication, distribution or dissemination directly, or indirectly, in whole or in part, in or into the United States.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/291110

Source: Trail Blazer Capital Corp.
Seattle, Washington--(Newsfile Corp. - April 3, 2026) - Lithosphere continues to advance its AI-native blockchain infrastructure with the activation of the Makalu Testnet, introducing a comprehensive protocol stack designed to support intelligent, autonomous, and interoperable decentralized systems. The release brings together multiple core components into a unified architecture, enabling a new model of execution where artificial intelligence operates directly within blockchain environments.





Integrated AI-native blockchain architecture enabling autonomous execution, identity, and cross-chain coordination

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8833/291114_37b5545a24880a7f_001full.jpg

At the center of this infrastructure is Lithic, an AI-native smart contract language that enables structured and verifiable execution of intelligent processes on-chain. Lithic allows developers to define AI interactions as part of contract logic, introducing deterministic execution frameworks for non-deterministic computation. This approach enables decentralized applications to incorporate adaptive decision-making, governed cost structures, and cryptographic verification within a single execution environment.

The architecture is further supported by MultX, a protocol-level interoperability engine designed to enable coordinated execution across multiple blockchain networks. MultX introduces atomic multi-chain interactions, allowing applications and intelligent systems to operate across ecosystems without fragmentation. By enabling unified access to liquidity and execution environments, MultX supports scalable development of cross-chain decentralized applications and intelligent coordination systems.

Lithosphere also integrates DNNS, a decentralized naming and identity layer that enables programmable identity across decentralized systems. DNNS provides persistent, verifiable identity for users, applications, and autonomous agents, supporting on-chain routing and structured interaction across networks. This identity framework is designed to enable reliable coordination in environments where machine-to-machine communication becomes a core component of system operation.

Complementing these components is the LEP100 standards framework, which formalizes how AI interacts with decentralized infrastructure. LEP100 introduces structured models for execution, governance, cost accounting, and cryptographic verification, ensuring consistency and interoperability across the ecosystem. This standards-based approach enables developers and infrastructure participants to build within a unified framework while maintaining flexibility for innovation.

"Decentralized systems are evolving toward environments where intelligence is embedded directly into infrastructure," said J. King Kasr, Chief Scientist at KaJ Labs. "Lithosphere integrates execution, identity, interoperability, and governance into a cohesive system designed to support autonomous coordination at scale."

The Makalu Testnet provides a live environment for developers, validators, and infrastructure partners to build and test applications aligned with this architecture. By combining AI-native execution, cross-chain interoperability, programmable identity, and standardized governance, Lithosphere establishes a foundation for decentralized systems that extend beyond traditional transaction-based models.

Lithosphere's continued development reflects a broader shift in blockchain design, where infrastructure evolves to support intelligent systems capable of coordinating processes, interacting across networks, and operating autonomously within verifiable environments. The integrated protocol stack introduced through Makalu positions Lithosphere as a foundational layer for this next phase of decentralized technology.

About Lithosphere

Lithosphere develops blockchain infrastructure designed to support programmable digital assets, cross-chain interoperability, and AI-native decentralized execution environments. The platform focuses on enabling intelligent systems to operate within verifiable, decentralized networks through structured execution models and interoperable protocols.

Social Media

Instagram

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/291114

Source: Kaj Labs
Strasbourg, France & Schiphol, Netherlands, Apr 3, 2026 - (JCN Newswire) - Transgene (Euronext Paris: TNG), a biotech company that designs and develops virus-based immunotherapies for the treatment of cancer, and NEC Bio B.V. (NEC), a wholly owned subsidiary of NEC Corporation (TSE: 6701), a leader in IT, network and AI technologies, announce the signing of a license agreement to advance the clinical development of TG4050, an individualized neoantigen therapeutic vaccine (INTV) in the adjuvant treatment of resected HPV-negative head and neck cancer.TG4050 is an individualized immunotherapy based on an MVA viral vector incorporating neoantigens selected using NEC's AI-enabled prediction platform. It is currently being evaluated in patients with head and neck cancer with the aim of preventing relapse and extend disease-free survival following surgery and adjuvant therapy. TG4050 is designed to stimulate and educate the immune system against a patient's cancer using tumor-specific genetic mutations (neoantigens) targeting each patient's unique tumor. These neoantigens are identified and selected using NEC's proprietary platform, which applies advanced machine learning to select immunogenic mutations that are most likely to induce a strong immune response.Under the terms of the license agreement, Transgene secures access to NEC's AI-based neoantigen prediction platform for further development of TG4050 in the adjuvant treatment of resected HPV-negative head and neck cancer while conferring rights to enable Transgene's further clinical development and to support commercialization and potential partnering of the program. NEC retains full ownership and operational control of its AI platform and will support Transgene to conduct further clinical activity.NEC will receive a technology access fee of EUR2.5 million in Transgene shares following the signing (see below) and an additional EUR2.5 million in cash to be paid out in a series of tranches through early 2028. Additionally, a further payment will be milestone-based and a portion of such payment will be made in Transgene shares. NEC is also eligible to receive undisclosed additional consideration including development milestone payments, as well as a double-digit share of profits or licensing revenues."Building on the results of our long-standing collaboration and with the license to use NEC's prediction platform, we are now in a strong position to pursue further development of TG4050, which will be informed by data from our ongoing Phase 2 trial. We are also pleased to welcome NEC as a shareholder of Transgene and appreciate their confidence as we work together to advance a treatment that has the potential to improve the outcomes for patients at risk of relapse in head and neck cancer," said Dr. Alessandro Riva, Chairman and CEO of Transgene.Akira Kitamura, GM, AI Drug Development Division of NEC Corporation and CEO of NEC Bio, added, "This agreement is an important milestone in our partnership with Transgene and reflects NEC's long-term commitment to the development of TG4050. This collaboration is a clear example of how NEC can bring differentiated AI capabilities to biopharma. The clinical data generated to date is encouraging and support the potential of TG4050 as a promising approach to reducing relapse risk in patients with head and neck cancer. We look forward to deepening our collaboration with Transgene and to realizing the full clinical and strategic potential of this partnership."Capital increaseAs indicated above, a EUR2.5 million portion of the access fee to be paid to NEC will be paid in Transgene shares. Transgene will thus issue 3,345,824 new shares to NEC Bio B.V. at a price of EUR0.7472 per share. This price corresponds to the volume-weighted average (VWAP) of the last five (5) closing prices of the Transgene shares on the regulated market of Euronext in Paris prior to signing. The new shares will represent 1.22% of the share capital of Transgene post issuance (and 0.98% of its voting rights)1.The capital increase is carried out on the basis of the 22nd resolution of the Combined General Meeting of May 15, 2025. The new shares will be admitted to trading on the regulated market of Euronext in Paris as soon as they are issued and will be immediately assimilated to the existing Transgene shares (ISIN code FR0005175080).The capital increase is expected to be completed by the end of April 2026.(1) Based on today's share capital and voting rights.ShareAbout TG4050TG4050 is an individualized immunotherapy being developed in the treatment of resected HPV-negative head and neck cancer that is based on Transgene's myvac technology and powered by NEC's longstanding artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) expertise. This virus-based individualized neoantigen therapeutic vaccine (INTV) encodes neoantigens (patient-specific mutations) identified and selected by NEC's Neoantigen Prediction System. The prediction system is based on more than two decades of expertise in AI and has been trained on proprietary data allowing it to prioritize and select the sequences that are predicted to be the most immunogenic sequences.TG4050 is designed to stimulate the immune system of patients in order to induce a T-cell response that is able to recognize and destroy tumor cells based on their own neoantigens. This individualized immunotherapy is developed and produced for each patient.About TransgeneTransgene (Euronext: TNG) is a biotechnology company focused on designing and developing targeted immunotherapies for the treatment of cancer. The Company's clinical-stage programs consist of a portfolio of viral vector-based immunotherapeutics. TG4050, the first individualized therapeutic vaccine based on the myvac platform is the Company's lead asset, with demonstrated proof of principle in patients in the adjuvant treatment of head and neck cancers. The Company has other viral vector-based assets, including BT-001, an oncolytic virus based on the Invir.IO viral backbone, which is in clinical development. The Company also conducts innovative discovery and preclinical work, aimed at developing novel immunotherapies.With Transgene's myvac platform, therapeutic vaccination enters the field of precision medicine with a novel immunotherapy that is fully tailored to each individual. The myvac approach allows the generation of a virus-based immunotherapy that encodes patient-specific mutations identified and selected by Artificial Intelligence capabilities provided by its partner NEC.Additional information about Transgene is available at: www.transgene.comFollow us on social media: X: @TransgeneSA - LinkedIn: @Transgene - Bluesky: @TransgeneAbout NEC CorporationThe NEC Group leverages technology to create social value and promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential. NEC Corporation was established in 1899. Today, the NEC Group's approximately 110,000 employees utilize world-leading AI, security, and communications technologies to solve the most pressing needs of customers and society. For more information, please visit https://www.nec.com, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.About NEC BioNEC Bio is the biotechnology arm of NEC Corporation, headquartered in the Netherlands, and focused on leveraging state of the art AI technologies to address world's most pressing healthcare challenges. Leveraging cutting-edge science, data, and innovation, NEC Bio is dedicated to developing personalized therapies designed to transform patient outcomes and improve quality of life globally. With a growing international footprint, NEC Bio includes subsidiaries such as NEC OncoImmunity in Oslo, Norway, and NEC Bio Therapeutics in Mannheim, Germany each contributing specialized expertise across immunotherapy, precision medicine, and translational research. Together, these entities form a collaborative ecosystem committed to accelerating innovation from discovery to patient impact.To learn more, visit www.nec-bio.com and follow us on LinkedIn for the latest updates.DisclaimerThis press release contains forward-looking statements, which are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. The occurrence of any of these risks could have a significant negative outcome for the Company's activities, perspectives, financial situation, results, regulatory authorities agreement with development phases, and development. The Company's ability to commercialize its products depends on but is not limited to the following factors: positive pre-clinical data may not be predictive of human clinical results, the success of clinical studies, the ability to obtain financing and/or partnerships for product manufacturing, development and commercialization, and marketing approval by government regulatory authorities. For a discussion of risks and uncertainties which could cause the Company's actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, please refer to the Risk Factors ("Facteurs de Risque") section of the Universal Registration Document, available on the AMF website (http://www.amf-france.org) or on Transgene's website (www.transgene.com). Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and Transgene undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future.Source: NEC CorporationCopyright 2026 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved.
Die Eskalation im Iran-Konflikt hat die Energiepreise mit voller Wucht nach oben getrieben. Was zunachst nach einer kurzfristigen Reaktion aussah, entwickelt sich zunehmend zu einem strukturellen Problem: Die Strae von Hormus ist blockiert, wichtige LNG- und Olanlagen stehen still oder werden gezielt angegriffen. Eine schnelle Entspannung ist nicht in Sicht  im Gegenteil, die Lage spitzt sich weiter zu.



Fur die Weltwirtschaft bedeutet dies wachsende Risiken. Steigende Energiepreise erhohen den Inflationsdruck, gefahrden Zinssenkungen und bringen die ohnehin hoch bewerteten Aktienmarkte ins Wanken. Doch wo Risiken entstehen, ergeben sich auch Chancen.



Denn von einem dauerhaft hoheren Energiepreisniveau profitieren nicht nur Ol- und Gasunternehmen. Auch Versorger, erneuerbare Energien sowie ausgewahlte Rohstoff- und Agrarwerte rucken in den Fokus. In diesem Umfeld konnten gezielt ausgewahlte Unternehmen uberdurchschnittlich profitieren  unabhangig davon, ob die Krise anhalt oder nicht.



In unserem aktuellen Spezialreport stellen wir drei Aktien vor, die genau dieses Profil erfullen: Krisenprofiteure mit solidem Geschaftsmodell, attraktiver Bewertung und langfristigem Potenzial.



Jetzt den kostenlosen Report sichern  und Ihr Depot auf den Energiepreisschock vorbereiten!
Dubai, United Arab Emirates--(Newsfile Corp. - April 3, 2026) - Global brand 1win announced a new partnership with American heavyweight wrestler and Tokyo 2020 Olympic champion Gable Steveson, who joins the company as a global ambassador. The collaboration was revealed through posts on the 1win owner's Telegram channel and the athlete's own social media accounts. The announcement comes just ahead of Steveson's next fight, recently confirmed for May 30, 2026, at the Real American Freestyle (RAF09) event.

1Win Ambassador Image

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7958/291116_figure1.jpg

As part of his partnership with 1win, Steveson will have the opportunity to work more closely with his mentor, UFC legend and fellow 1win global ambassador Jon Jones. Jones has already started sharing his experience and holding personal training sessions with the wrestler, and he is also expected to accompany him to key fights. The first joint photos of Steveson and Jones were published on the Telegram channel of the 1win owner.

Gable will also participate in 1win's online and offline projects, marketing activations, and partner launches on social media. The 1win brand is also expected to be present at public events involving the athlete. Special emphasis will be placed on audience engagement on social media: posts, stories, short videos, and other formats for interacting with fans.

In February 2026, Gable Steveson defeated Hugo Lezama in a Mexico Fight League bout, finishing the fight by technical knockout in the first round. The win marked his third consecutive victory. His next fight is now confirmed for May 30 at Real American Freestyle (RAF09), which will be exclusively streamed on Fox Nation.

The agreement with Gable Steveson continues 1win's strategy of partnering with high-profile and media-friendly world-class athletes. In particular, at the end of 2025, the company signed a partnership agreement with MMA champion Jon Jones. That same year, 1win also worked with Mexican boxer Canelo Alvarez.

Hashtag: #1win

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About 1win

Founded in 2016, 1win is a crypto platform in the global gaming industry. Operating across Asia, Latin America, and Africa, 1win offers a wide range of services adapted to regional audiences. In 2024, 1win partnered with actor Johnny Sins as its brand ambassador. In 2025, MMA legend Jon Jones joined 1win as its global ambassador. American professional wrestler and mixed martial artist Gable Steveson stepped into the 1win global ambassador team earlier this year.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/291116

Source: Media OutReach
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - April 3, 2026) - Page Pros Inc., a Toronto-based digital marketing firm, announced today that it has topped 5,000 active business clients. The company hit that mark in under three years. CEO Jesse Galati credited the fast climb to a no-contract model and the firm's own RankPRO local search platform.

Photo courtesy of CanadianSME at the 2024/25 Award Show

Milestone Details

Page Pros opened with fewer than ten people in early 2023. The team has since grown past 50 full-time staff. Thousands of active clients now use the firm each month, based on numbers it shared.

The company captured the Digital Business of the Year title at the CanadianSME National Small Business Awards in both 2023 and 2024. Those back-to-back wins came before the 5,000-client mark.

Galati called the milestone proof that dropping long-term deals works. "Winning Digital Business of the Year two years in a row validates everything we have built since day one," Galati stated. "These awards reflect our team's drive to help small and medium-sized business owners build affordable, long-term sources of customer growth."

No-Contract Model and Growth

The 5,000-client count grew from a model that lets any client walk away at any time with no fee. Galati and President Joe Devereaux bet that strong results would hold clients better than legal terms. Retention data appear to back that bet. The firm went from a small startup to a cross-border name within 36 months.

"Our goal is to help businesses get real value from their marketing dollars," Galati said. "We earn our clients' business through results, every single month."

Owned Technology

The firm's RankPRO system feeds client data through real-time checks. The aim is to push businesses high in Google Search and Google Maps results in their local areas.

Giving Back

Page Pros has donated $5,000 to SickKids Foundation and is also a monthly donor to the hospital. The company has also partnered with Holiday Helpers to provide food, clothing, and gifts to families in need during the holiday season. Galati has said that lasting growth should pair with giving back to local areas.

"We have proven that you can build a successful agency by putting clients first, eliminating contracts, and delivering consistent results month after month," Galati stated. "That is the standard we are setting."

About Page Pros Inc.

Page Pros Inc. is a Toronto-based digital marketing agency. The firm focuses on local search engine optimization, web design, PPC ads, and graphic design. It won Digital Business of the Year at the CanadianSME Small Business Awards in both 2023 and 2024. Page Pros serves more than 5,000 businesses across Canada and the United States. Each client gets an assigned account manager who stays in regular contact, explains plans in plain terms, and shifts course when the market changes.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/283824

Source: Baden Bower


BASEL (dpa-AFX) - This week's biotech landscape witnessed regulatory approvals across the U.S., EU, and China, acquisitions, a few key trial goal misses and positive clinical trial data readouts across therapeutic areas like Psoriasis, Asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Atopic Dermatitis, IgA nephropathy, Non-small cell lung cancer, and Thyroid eye disease.



Let's dive into the details.



FDA and EU Approvals & Rejections



ARS Pharma Gains FDA Approval to Broaden Neffy Label for Allergic Reactions



ARS Pharmaceuticals (SPRY) received FDA approval to update the label for Neffy 1mg, its needle-free epinephrine nasal spray, removing the prior age restriction. It can now be used by anyone weighing 33 lbs or more - both children and adults - for emergency treatment of Type 1 allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. The update also advises patients to carry Neffy in its blister pack or carrying case.



SPRY closed Thursday's trading at $8.30, up 2.34%.



Novo Nordisk Wins FDA Approval for Awiqli, First Once-Weekly Basal Insulin



Novo Nordisk A/S (NVO) received FDA approval for Awiqli (insulin icodec-abae), the first once-weekly basal insulin for adults with type 2 diabetes, following a prior 2024 CRL tied to manufacturing and type 1 diabetes concerns.



The resubmitted application focuses solely on type 2 diabetes and was supported by the ONWARD Phase 3a program (2,680 adults), where Awiqli showed significant HbA1c reductions versus daily basal insulin with a consistent safety profile. The U.S. launch is planned for 2H 2026 via the FlexTouch device; Awiqli is already approved in the EU and 13 other countries.



NVO closed Thursday's trading at $36.98, up 1.37%.



Lupin Receives Tentative FDA Nod for Generic Sugammadex Injection



Lupin Limited (LUPIN.NS) secured tentative FDA approval for its generic Sugammadex Injection (200 mg/2 mL and 500 mg/5 mL), a therapeutic equivalent to Merck's Bridion, used to reverse neuromuscular blockade in adults and children aged 2 years and older.



The product- manufactured at Lupin's Nagpur facility- can launch once the reference drug's patents and exclusivities expire, marking another expansion of Lupin's U.S. hospital-focused injectable portfolio.



LUPIN.NS closed Thursday's trading at INR 2,274.50, down 0,02 %.



Teva Wins FDA Approval for Prolia Biosimilar PONLIMSI; Xolair Biosimilar Filings Accepted



Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited (TEVA) received FDA approval for PONLIMSI, its biosimilar to Amgen's Prolia for multiple bone-related conditions, supported by analytical and clinical data showing comparable efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity. The company also announced that its biosimilar candidate to Xolair has been accepted for review by both the FDA and EMA, reinforcing Teva's expanding global biosimilars portfolio.



TEVA closed Thursday's trading at $ , up %.



Bayer Secures EU Approval for Expanded Use of Kerendia



Bayer (BYR.L, BAYN.DE) received European Commission approval to expand Kerendia (finerenone) to treat adults with symptomatic heart failure with left ventricular ejection fraction 40% or higher, broadening its use beyond CKD associated with type 2 diabetes. The decision is supported by positive Phase 3 FINEARTS-HF results.



BAYN.DE closed Thursday's trading at EUR 39.70, down 1.06%



GSK's Exdensur Approved in China for Severe Eosinophilic Asthma



GSK plc (GSK, GSK.L) announced that China's National Medical Products Administration has approved Exdensur or depemokimab as add-on maintenance treatment of severe asthma characterised by an eosinophilic phenotype in adult and paediatric patients aged 12 years and older.



The decision is supported by positive Phase III SWIFT-1 and SWIFT-2 data, expanding Exdensur's global footprint across major markets.



GSK closed Thursday's trading at $56.69, up 1.25%.



Biogen Secures FDA Approval for High-Dose SPINRAZA Regimen in SMA



Biogen (BIIB) received FDA approval for a new high-dose SPINRAZA regimen for spinal muscular atrophy, enabling higher loading and maintenance doses to boost drug exposure. The decision is backed by DEVOTE Phase 2/3 data, which showed improved motor outcomes with a safety profile consistent with the standard dose. The high-dose version will roll out in the U.S. within weeks and is already approved in the EU, Switzerland and Japan.



BIIB closed Thursday's trading at $177.34, down 3.50%.



Deals



Lilly To Acquire Centessa Pharma In An Approx.$6.3 Bln Cash And $1.5 Bln CVR Deal



Eli Lilly and Co. (LLY) and Centessa Pharmaceuticals plc (CNTA) announced a definitive agreement under which Lilly will acquire Centessa in a cash-and-contingent value rights (CVR) deal.



Under the terms of the acquisition transaction agreement, Lilly will acquire all of the issued and to be issued share capital of Centessa for $38.00 in cash per share, along with one non-transferable contingent value right (CVR), for a total potential per-share consideration of up to $47.00.



The acquisition will enable Lilly to gain ownership of Centessa's orexin receptor 2 (OX2R) agonist pipeline designed for sleep-wake disorders.



The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2026.



LLY closed Thursday's trade at $935.58, down 1.98%.



Biogen To Acquire Apellis To Expand Immnology And Rare Disease Portfolio



Biogen Inc. (BIIB) has agreed to acquire Apellis Pharmaceuticals (APLS) in a deal that strengthens its position in immunology, rare disease and nephrology.



As per the agreement, Biogen will acquire all outstanding Apellis shares for $41.00 per share in cash, valuing the upfront equity component at approximately $5.6 billion.In addition, Apellis shareholders will receive a non-transferable contingent value right (CVR) tied to future global net sales milestones for SYFOVRE.



For Biogen, the transaction is expected to bolster near- and long-term revenue growth, with EMPAVELI and SYFOVRE generating $689 million in combined net sales in 2025 and projected to grow at a mid-to-high-teens rate through at least 2028. The deal is expected to become accretive to non-GAAP EPS starting in 2027.



The deal is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026.



BIIB closed Thursday's trade at $177.34,down 3.50%



Aurinia Pharma To Acquire Kezar Life Sciences For $6.96 In Cash Per Share And CVR Deal



Aurinia Pharmaceuticals Inc. (AUPH), a biopharmaceutical company, announced it has entered into a definitive merger agreement to acquire Kezar Life Sciences, Inc. (KZR), a clinical-stage biotechnology company, for $6.955 in cash per share of common stock and one non-transferable contingent value right (CVR).



As per the terms of the agreement, Aurinia through its wholly owned subsidiary, Aurinia Pharma U.S., Inc., and its merger subsidiary, Aurinia Merger Sub, Inc., will commence a tender offer by April 13, 2026, to acquire all outstanding shares of Kezar common stock.



The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026.



AUPH closed Thursday's trade at $15.61, up 0.90%.



Clinical Trials - Breakthroughs & Setbacks



Takeda's Zasocitinib Shows Rapid, Durable Skin Clearance In Phase 3 Psoriasis Trials



Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. (TAK) announced new data from two pivotal Phase 3 studies of Zasocitinib (TAK-279), its next-generation, highly selective oral tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) inhibitor, in adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis (PsO).



Notably, about 70% of patients treated with Zasocitinib achieved clear or almost clear skin, with a static Physician Global Assessment (sPGA) score of 0/1 at week 16 in Phase 3 plaque psoriasis studies.



The results showed that once-daily oral Zasocitinib achieved rapid and durable skin clearance, with a safety profile consistent with that observed in earlier Phase 2b studies.



Takeda noted that it remains on track to submit a New Drug Application in 2026.



TAK closed Thursday's trade at $18.74, down 0.16%.



Arcutis Reports New Positive Phase 2 Results For ZORYVE Cream In Infant Atopic Dermatitis



Arcutis Biotherapeutics, Inc. (ARQT), a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company, announced new positive data from the INTEGUMENT-INFANT Phase 2 trial of ZORYVE (roflumilast) 0.05% cream, demonstrating reduced signs and symptoms of atopic dermatitis(AD) in infants aged 3 months to less than 24 months with mild to moderate disease.



Among 96 patients who completed four weeks of treatment, 34.4% achieved Validated Investigator Global Assessment for Atopic Dermatitis (vIGA-AD) success, defined as a score of 0 (Clear) or 1 (Almost Clear) with a 2-grade improvement.



Also, Investigational ZORYVE (Roflumilast) cream 0.05% was well tolerated, with safety findings consistent with prior paediatric experience. Arcutis plans to submit an NDA for ZORYVE cream 0.05% for infants in the second quarter of 2026.



ARQT closed Thursday's trade at $23.63, down 1.95%



Connect Biopharma Posts Positive Rademikibart Data in Asthma, COPD and atopic dermatitis



Connect Biopharma Holding Ltd. (CNTB) announced positive clinical data from its Phase 1 clinical pharmacology study evaluating a single 300 mg intravenous (IV) push of Rademikibart, a fully human monoclonal antibody, in patients with asthma or COPD.



According to the company, many patients experienced rapid improvements in lung function (FEV1) of 200 ml or more as early as 15 minutes after dosing, confirming preclinical observations that Rademikibart may have a unique bronchodilator-like effects.



In addition, Connect Biopharma shared 52-week results from the Phase 3 RADIANT-AD study conducted by its partner, Simcere Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., in China.



Rademikibart achieved rapid and durable efficacy across all key endpoints, with 96.6% achieving EASI-75; 87.1% achieving IGA 0/1, and 85.3% achieving EASI-90.



CNTB closed Thursday's trade at $2.99, up 9.93%



Novartis Reports Fabhalta Cut Kidney Function Decline By 49.3% In IgAN



Novartis (NVS) reported final two-year results from its Phase 3 APPLAUSE IgA nephropathy (IgAN) study, showing that Fabhalta (iptacopan) slowed the decline in kidney function by 49.3% compared with placebo.



In the APPLAUSE Phase 3 study, Fabhalta was evaluated in adults with biopsy-confirmed IgAN who continued to exhibit high proteinuria despite optimised supportive care.



Over the 24 months, Fabhalta slowed the decline in kidney function by nearly half compared with placebo. Patients receiving Fabhalta experienced an average annual eGFR decline of -3.10 mL/min/1.73 m/y, while those on placebo experienced a decline of -6.12 mL/min/1.73 m/y.



NVS closed Thursday's trade at $154.03,down 0.68%.



Viridian's Elegrobart Delivers Strong Phase 3 Results In Thyroid Eye Disease



Viridian Therapeutics, Inc. (VRDN) reported positive topline results from its Phase 3 REVEAL-1 trial, showing that Elegrobart, a half-life-extended monoclonal antibody, met the primary endpoint with a highly statistically significant improvement in proptosis responder rate in patients with active thyroid eye disease.



Elegrobart achieved a 54% proptosis rate in the Q4W arm and 63% in the Q8W arm, versus 18% placebo arm, meeting the primary endpoint with high statistical significance.



The therapy also produced meaningful improvements in diplopia(double vision), with 51% achieving complete resolution compared with 16% on placebo.



VRDN closed Thursday's trade at $18.84, down 1.62%.



MAIA's Phase 2 Trial Shows 8 Lung Cancer Patients Surpassing Two Years Of Survival



MAIA Biotechnology (MAIA) announced an important milestone in its ongoing Phase 2 THIO-101 trial, with 8 non-small cell lung cancer patients surviving beyond two years after treatment with its investigational therapy sequence of Ateganosine followed by Cemiplimab.



The company is currently enrolling patients in the THIO-101 Part C expansion and is also advancing its Phase 3 pivotal program.



MAIA closed Thursday's trade at $1.33, down 0.75%



Immunovant's Batoclimab Misses Key Goals In Both Phase 3 Thyroid Eye Disease Trials



Immunovant, Inc. (IMVT), a clinical-stage immunology company, announced that both its Phase 3 studies of Batoclimab or IMVT-1401 in Thyroid eye disease (TED) failed to meet their primary endpoints.



The studies failed to meet their primary endpoint of a proptosis responder rate of 2mm or more at Week 24, following 12 weeks of high-dose and 12 weeks of low-dose Batoclimab treatment.



In addition, the firm noted that patients in the TED studies showed greater proptosis improvement from baseline after the initial 12-week high-dose period than after the subsequent 12-week low-dose period.



IMVT closed Thursday's trade at $24.50, down 2.39%.



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Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

 2026 AFX News
GUANGZHOU, China, April 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The 57th China International Furniture Fair (CIFF Guangzhou 2026) concluded on March 31 under the theme "CONNECTCREATE." With an all-time high of over 5,100 exhibitors, 93.8% of whom chose CIFF Guangzhou as the platform to debut new products, the eight-day event welcomed 353,106 professional visitors from 185 countries and regions. International attendance reached 64,291, marking a 13.2% increase from the 2025 peak and setting a new record. Throughout the fair, 111 concurrent events were held, alongside the debut release of nine major trend reports, reinforcing CIFF's role as an industry thought leader. To better serve Middle Eastern buyers unable to attend in person, the fair introduced an innovative remote matchmaking service, combining on-site live exhibition walkthroughs with real-time online engagement, facilitating 162 targeted procurement matching sessions and ensuring continuity in international sourcing.

Running March 18-21, the Home Furniture Exhibition explored how design advances from concept to market to drive growth. Spanning 430,000 square meters, it fostered global exchange, supporting international brands entering China while helping Chinese brands expand abroad. Curated showcases traced the evolution of contemporary home aesthetics. Reflecting shifting lifestyles, the exhibition also highlighted emerging directions such as pet-friendly spaces and age-inclusive design.

On March 28-31, the Office and Commercial Space Exhibition, themed "Sustainability," presented a forward-looking vision for workplace ecosystems across office environments, office seating, and public commercial spaces. Visitors experienced green principles woven into the design, materials, and full lifecycle, highlighting progress in low-carbon innovation from concept to use. Smart technologies also acted as the core engine, integrating intelligent products, design strategies, and service systems to create connected solutions across spaces and workplace operations, guiding the industry toward inclusive and sustainable growth.

Held concurrently, the CIFM/interzum guangzhou connected global innovation and industrial chains to drive manufacturing transformation. The Machinery area highlighted intelligent production, uniting woodworking and upholstery equipment with Industry 4.0 and flexible lines for scalable smart-manufacturing upgrades. The Furniture Materials area showcased advances in CMF, functionality, and sustainable finishes. The Hardware area presented smart solutions enhancing home design and spatial performance.

With three major exhibitions forming an integrated platform linking creativity, manufacturing, and global commerce, CIFF 2026 united industry professionals worldwide and strengthened Guangzhou's position as a key international furniture hub.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2949624/CIFF_Guangzhou_2026_Wraps_Up_Strengthening_Global_Links_Across_Complete.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/ciff-guangzhou-2026-wraps-up-strengthening-global-links-across-the-complete-home-industry-chain-302733736.html
Regulatory News:

Korea Hydro Nuclear Power (KHNP) and France-based Orano announced on April 3rd that they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Global and Mutual Cooperation in the Nuclear Fuel Cycle, which is carrying out the full nuclear fuel cycle business, at Blue House.

Under this agreement, KHNP and Orano will establish a broad cooperation framework covering the full nuclear fuel lifecycle, from securing uranium raw materials to processing stages such as conversion and enrichment. In particular, the two companies plan to strengthen their mid- to long-term fuel supply foundation through collaboration linked to new production facilities, and to build a stable nuclear fuel supply system resilient to external environmental changes.

The agreement was concluded at a Korea-France leaders' event held during the visit of the French President, Emmanuel Macron, to South of Korea, with both leaders in attendance. This agreement is significant in that it elevates bilateral cooperation in the nuclear fuel sector beyond a simple partnership to a strategic level, and establishes a close coordination framework to jointly respond to global resource security challenges.

Amid growing global security concerns, including armed conflicts in the Middle East, that are intensifying instability in the supply of key energy resources, KHNP is accelerating efforts to strengthen nuclear fuel resource security to ensure the stable operation of nuclear power plant, a key national power source.

Nicolas Maes, Chief Executive Officer of Orano, said:

"We are proud to further strengthen our longstanding partnership with KHNP across the entire fuel cycle. This agreement highlights the increasing importance of our strategic cooperation in ensuring a safe, stable, and competitive energy supply through nuclear power."

Hoe Chun KIM, the President and CEO of KHNP remarked, "Amid escalating global security challenges, the signing of this MoU in the presence of the leaders of both countries is a highly symbolic achievement in terms of national resource security. Based on our deep trust with Orano built over 40 years, KHNP will establish a future-oriented supply system, diversify the nuclear fuel supply chain, and maximize supply stability."

About Orano

As a recognized international operator in the field of nuclear materials, Orano delivers solutions to address present and future global energy and health challenges. Its expertise and mastery of cutting-edge technologies enable Orano to offer its customers high value-added products and services throughout the entire fuel cycle. Every day, the Orano group's 18,500 employees draw on their skills, unwavering dedication to safety and constant quest for innovation, with the commitment to develop know-how in the transformation and control of nuclear materials, for the climate and for a healthy and resource-efficient world, now and tomorrow.

Orano, giving nuclear energy its full value.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260403979625/en/

Contacts:

Press Office

+33 (0)1 34 96 12 15

press@orano.group

Investor relations

Marc Quesnoy

investors@orano.group
New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - April 3, 2026) - As the race for AI-driven productivity intensifies, Skygen.AI has officially released its autonomous execution agent, signaling a major shift in how enterprises approach digital labor. The launch introduces a market-ready Computer Use agent capable of operating complex interfaces with human-level precision, moving beyond the limitations of traditional API-based automation.





To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9405/290851_98c30cbde4b8188e_001full.jpg

For corporations and founders, the Skygen.AI release addresses a key operational challenge: the high cost of scaling digital workflows. The platform offers a cloud-native, autonomous execution environment that eliminates the need for upfront hardware investment, enabling organizations to expand capabilities more efficiently.

The Sandbox: Security Meets Scalability

A primary concern for businesses of all sizes is data integrity. Skygen.AI's release features what founder Mike Shperling describes as the "Sandbox," a secure, isolated environment designed for AI execution. The system enables rapid deployment through a streamlined setup process, allowing organizations to integrate AI-driven workflows without extensive technical overhead.

The Sandbox is built to support collaborative interaction between users and the AI agent, allowing for guided execution through inputs such as screenshots and feedback. At the same time, all activity remains contained within a controlled environment to ensure data security and operational reliability.

Driving Operational Efficiency (Use Cases)

The Skygen.AI platform provides a framework for reducing operational friction and scaling output across multiple business functions:

Financial & Market Intelligence:

The agent can aggregate data from a wide range of global financial news sources and competitor portals, analyze emerging trends, and generate consolidated reports directly into enterprise systems.

Talent Acquisition at Scale:

Skygen enables automated identification of high-quality candidates across professional networks and job platforms, supporting outreach efforts and coordinating interview scheduling based on real-time availability.

Grant & Compliance Automation:

The system can identify relevant government and private grant opportunities, draft applications using pre-approved documentation, and assist in submission workflows, improving access to funding and compliance processes.

Legacy System Integration:

Skygen interacts directly with user interfaces of legacy ERP and accounting systems, enabling automation without requiring API integration or infrastructure upgrades.

The Economic Exoskeleton

In an environment where speed-to-market is critical, Skygen.AI functions as a "digital exoskeleton" for organizations. Following integration, the system analyzes workflows to identify inefficiencies and recommends automation opportunities for tasks that previously required significant manual input.

Founder Mike Shperling, 19, positions the platform as more than a productivity tool, describing it as an execution layer for modern enterprises. The release reflects a broader shift from AI-assisted workflows toward fully autonomous execution capabilities.

The Bottom Line

As organizations continue to streamline operations in 2026, the launch of Skygen.AI introduces a scalable approach to increasing output without proportional increases in headcount or infrastructure costs. The emergence of autonomous execution platforms marks a significant step in the evolution of enterprise technology.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/290851

Source: BrandingBuzz.Agency
Regulatory News:

GenSight Biologics (Euronext: SIGHT, ISIN: FR0013183985, PEA-PME eligible), a biopharma company focused on developing and commercializing innovative gene therapies for retinal neurodegenerative diseases and central nervous system disorders, today confirmed that its definitive annual results for the fiscal year ended 2025 are in line with the estimated figures published on March 27, 2026.

Confirmation of Results

The definitive consolidated and individual accounts, which were approved by the Board of Directors today, confirm the following key financial indicators as they had been previously estimated:

Annual Consolidated Financial Statements (IFRS)

 million 2025 Definitive 2025 Estimated 2024 Definitive Operating Income 0.7 0.7 2.6 Operating Profit (loss) (11.1) (11.1) (15.8) Financial Profit (loss) (1.0) (1.0) 1.8 Net Profit (loss) (12.0) (12.0) (14.0) Cash and Cash Equivalent 2.4 2.4 2.5 Total Liabilities 33.2 33.2 37.7 Shareholders' equity (24.9) (24.9) (26.9) Total Assets 8.3 8.3 10.8

Information availability

The audit procedures on the consolidated and individual financial statements are in progress. The statutory auditors' reports will be issued once the procedures required for the filing of the Universal Registration Document with the Autorite des Marches Financiers (AMF)1. have been completed.

Going concern

These consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis. As such, no adjustments have been made to the financial statements relating to the recoverability and classification of the asset carrying amounts or classification of liabilities that might be necessary should the Company not be able to continue as a going concern.

Financial Position and Recent Funding

As of March 31, 2026, the Company's available consolidated cash and cash equivalents amounted to 3.2 million (compared to 2.4 million As of December 31, 2025, 2.5 million on December 31, 2024).

In 2025 and early 2026, the Company completed several equity financings totaling approximately 15.7 million, through a combination of shares and warrants (including pre-funded warrants), subscribed by existing shareholders (including Heights Capital, Sofinnova, Invus, UPMC Enterprises and Alumni Capital) and new investors.

Based on its current cash position and projected cash flows, the Group's available financial resources are insufficient to cover its operational requirements over the next twelve months.

Financial obligations

As of December 31, 2025, the Company's financial debt of 22.9 million consists of:

Tranche A of the EIB loan: 9.4 million (corresponding to the nominal amount plus accrued interest, repayable in a single bullet payment in February 2028, compared with a carrying amount of 7.0 million as of December 31, 2025);

9.4 million (corresponding to the nominal amount plus accrued interest, repayable in a single bullet payment in February 2028, compared with a carrying amount of 7.0 million as of December 31, 2025); Convertible bonds in favor of Heights Capital: 6.3 million nominal amount (compared with a carrying amount of 5.5 million as of December 31, 2025), with quarterly amortization installments of 0.7 million, at the Group's option in cash or shares, until December 2027;

6.3 million nominal amount (compared with a carrying amount of 5.5 million as of December 31, 2025), with quarterly amortization installments of 0.7 million, at the Group's option in cash or shares, until December 2027; Conditional advances from Bpifrance: 7.2 million (corresponding to the nominal amount plus accrued interest, compared with a carrying amount of 5.0 million as of December 31, 2025, measured at amortized cost), with annual repayments starting in June 2026.

The financial debt does not include the refund liability (carrying amount of 5.0 million as of December 31, 2025) associated with potential rebates arising from the ATU (early access) program, which will be payable upon obtaining marketing authorization.

Business update

In December 2025, the ANSM granted Compassionate Use Authorization (Autorisation d'Acces Compassionnel, AAC) for the GS010/LUMEVOQ gene therapy in France. On March 9, 2026, the ANSM approved the first individual patient applications submitted under this AAC program. The first patients were treated on March 19, 2026, at the 15-20 National Hospital, with the first payments received end of March 2026. As of March 31, 2026, the Company's available consolidated cash and cash equivalents amounted to 3.2 million.

Although the Group is unable to predict the precise timing of treatments and related payments under its various paid early access programs (in particular in France and Israel) over the coming year, management currently expects that aggregate revenues from these programs in 2026 should be sufficient to cover the Group's operating expenses for that period, excluding costs associated with the new Phase III clinical trial including some of the manufacturing costs related to the study.

Financial outlook and mitigation plans

These early access revenues are not expected to be sufficient to fully fund the RECOVER Phase III clinical trial and the associated manufacturing costs. As a result, and in order to supplement its working capital and fund ongoing operating expenses, including preparation for and execution of the RECOVER Phase III clinical trial currently expected to start in the second quarter of 2027, the Company will need to obtain additional sources of financing (debt and/or equity) and/or expand international paid Early Access Programs beyond France and Israel and/or enter into out-licensing deal outside the USA and Europe, partnering or M&A transactions within the going concern assessment period and, in any case, before the end of 2026 in order to avoid to postpone the start of the Phase III study.

Going Concern Assessment

The Group's assessment that the going concern basis of preparation remains appropriate is based on cash flow projections covering a period of at least twelve months from the date of authorization of these consolidated financial statements. These projections reflect the following key assumptions:

The successful execution of the AAC program in France and other paid early access programs, generating aggregate revenues in 2026 sufficient to cover the Group's operating costs for that period (excluding costs associated with the new Phase III clinical trial including some of the manufacturing costs related to this study);

The availability, if required, of short-term bridge financing prior to securing the structural funding required for the RECOVER Phase III clinical trial, in order to offset the fact that the Company does not know the precise timing of treatments and related payments;

The Group's ability to secure additional funds before the end of 2026, with the structural financing required for the RECOVER Phase III clinical trial expected to be obtained from one or more of the following sources: (i) a new equity financing, (ii) the potential drawdown of the 12 million non-dilutive Tranche B under the existing EIB facility (subject to the satisfaction of milestone-based conditions currently under discussion), (iii) expanding international paid Early Access Programs beyond France and Israel, and (iv) potential out-licensing or partnering arrangements or M&A transaction;

The Group's ability to timely initiate manufacturing campaigns with, and provide adequate support to, its contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs) so as to rebuild and secure sufficient product inventories for treatments expected to be performed in 2027 and 2028.

While management believes that it will be able to raise additional funds and/or realize partnering or M&A opportunities, there can be no assurance that such transactions will be completed on a timely basis, in sufficient amounts or on acceptable terms. Failure to secure adequate funding could require the Group to significantly curtail or delay its operating plans, impair its ability to realize its assets and settle its liabilities in the normal course of business, or could ultimately lead to insolvency proceedings or the cessation of its operations in whole or in part.

These events and conditions, together with the uncertainties described above, indicate the existence of a material uncertainty that may cast significant doubt on the Company's ability to continue as a going concern.

Financial Agenda

On April 7, 2026, GenSight Biologics will report its cash position as of March 31, 2026.

GenSight Biologics will hold its Annual General Meeting on May 19, 2026.

____________________

1 Subject to the finalization of their audit procedures, the Auditors plan to issue an unqualified opinion on the annual and consolidated financial statements and to include a paragraph concerning the significant uncertainty related to the going concern detailed in the notes to the annual and consolidated financial statements.

About GenSight Biologics

GenSight Biologics S.A. is a clinical-stage biopharma company focused on developing and commercializing innovative gene therapies for retinal neurodegenerative diseases and central nervous system disorders. GenSight Biologics' pipeline leverages two core technology platforms, the Mitochondrial Targeting Sequence (MTS) and optogenetics, to help preserve or restore vision in patients suffering from blinding retinal diseases. GenSight Biologics' lead product candidate, GS010 (lenadogene nolparvovec) is in Phase III in Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON), a rare mitochondrial disease that leads to irreversible blindness in teens and young adults. GS010 is currently in clinical development, has not to date been granted marketing authorization in France or any other jurisdiction, and is therefore not available commercially. Using its gene therapy-based approach, GenSight Biologics' product candidates are designed to be administered in a single treatment to each eye by intravitreal injection to offer patients a sustainable functional visual recovery.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding product development prospects and financial projections. These statements do not constitute guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties. A further list and description of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements in this press release can be found in GenSight Biologics' regulatory filings with the French Autorite des Marches Financiers. Existing and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements and estimates, which speak only as of the date hereof. Other than as required by applicable law, GenSight Biologics undertakes no obligation to update or revise the information contained in this press release.

Detailed information

Detailed information regarding the Company, including its business, financial information, results, perspectives and related risk factors are contained (i) in the Company's 2024 Universal Registration Document filed with the AMF on April 8, 2025, under number D.25-0234 (the "2024 URD"). This document, as well as other regulated information and all of the Company's press releases, can be accessed on the Company's website (www.gensight-biologics.com) and/or AMF (www.amf-france.org). Your attention is drawn to the risk factors related to the Company and its activities presented in chapter 3 of its 2024 URD, in particular the liquidity risk presented in the chapter 3.1.1.

Annual Consolidated Financial Statements (IFRS): Consolidated Balance Sheet December 31, In thousands of Euros 2025 2024 ASSETS Non-current assets Intangible assets 0 57 Property, plant and equipment 427 933 Other non-current financial assets 2,847 4,424 Total non-current assets 3,274 5,413 Current assets Trade accounts receivable 0 1 Other current assets 2,567 2,878 Cash and cash equivalents 2,415 2,464 Total current assets 4,982 5,343 TOTAL ASSETS 8,256 10,756 LIABILITIES Shareholders' equity Share capital 5,522 3,119 Premiums related to the share capital 217,405 206,606 Reserves (235,833) (222,644) Net income (loss) (12,036) (14,001) Total shareholders' equity (24,942 (26,920) Non-current liabilities Convertible bonds-non-current portion 2,382 0 Derivative liabilities non-current portion 656 3,960 Borrowings from Banks-non-current portion 6,835 0 Conditional advances-non-current portion 4,565 4,700 Lease liability-non-current portion 4 514 Other liability non-current portion 4,983 4,718 Non-current provisions 1,104 1,166 Total non-current liabilities 20,529 15,058 Current liabilities Convertible bonds-current portion 3,120 6,973 Derivative liabilities Current portion 0 0 Borrowings from Banks-current portion 176 6,341 Conditional advances-current portion 396 0 Lease liability-current portion 346 585 Trade accounts payable 5,922 6,357 Current provisions 0 0 Other current liabilities 2,708 2,362 Total current liabilities 12,669 22,618 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 8,256 10,756

Annual Consolidated Financial Statements (IFRS): Consolidated income Statement In thousands of Euros 2025 2024 VAR VAR % Revenues 1 1,500 (1,499) (99.9%) Other income 651 1,125 (474) (42.2%) Total operating income 652 2,625 (1,973) (75.2%) Operating expenses Research and development 6,440 12,368 (5,928) (47.9%) General and administrative 4,711 5,386 (675) (12.5%) Sales and marketing 555 685 (129) (18.9%) Total operating expenses 11,706 18,438 (6,732) (36.5%) Operating profit (loss) (11,054) (15,813) 4,759 (30.1%) Financial income (loss) (987) 1,833 (2,820) (153.8%) Income tax 5 (21) 26 Net income (loss) (12,036) (14,001) 1,965 (14.0%) Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share (0.08) (0.15) 0.07

In thousands of Euros 2025 2024 Net income (loss) (12,036 (14,001) Actuarial gains and losses on employee benefits, net of income tax 8 14 Foreign currency translation differences, net of income tax 397 (184) Total comprehensive income (loss) (11,631) (14,172)

Annual Consolidated Financial Statements (IFRS): Consolidated Cash flow statement

In thousands of Euros 2025 2024 Cash flows from operating activities Net income (loss) (12,036) (14,001) Operating activities Amortization and depreciation 465 1,059 Retirement pension obligations 27 22 Expenses related to share-based payments 391 784 Income Tax (5) Other financial items 630 (1,674) Other non-monetary items 364 Operating cash flows before change in working capital (10,164) (13,810) Accounts receivable 0 0 Accounts payable, net of prepayments (516) 155 Other receivables 890 2,028 Other current and non-current liabilities 620 (1,310) Change in working capital 994 873 Net cash flows from operating activities (9,170) (12,937) Net cash flows from investment activities 180 17 Net cash flows from financing activities 8,937 13,542 Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (53) 623 Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period 2,464 2,134 Effect of changes in exchange rates on Cash and cash equivalent 5 (293) Cash and cash equivalents at the close of the period 2,415 2,464

Annual Consolidated Financial Statements (IFRS): Change in Equity In thousands of Euros, except for number of shares Share capital Premium related to share capital Reserves Net income (loss) Total shareholders' equity Number of shares Amount At January 1, 2025 124,774,445 3,119 206,606 (222,644) (14,001) (26,920) Net income (loss) (12,036) (12,036) Cumulative translation adjustment 397 397 Other comprehensive income 8 8 Total comprehensive income (loss) 405 (12,036) (11,631) Allocation of prior period net income (loss) (14,001) 14,001 0 Allocation to reserves Capital increase by issuance of ordinary shares 93,253,258 2,331 5,550 7,881 Capital increase transaction costs (932) (932) Exercise and subscription of equity instruments(1) 2,862,695 72 6,181 6,252 Treasury shares 16 16 Share-based payments 391 391 At December 31, 2025 220,890,398 5,522 217,405 (235,833) (12,036) (24,942) (1)In 2025, 2,862,695 shares were issued following the exercise of convertible Bonds and the vesting of free share plans, and 143,201,440 new warrants and pre-funded warrants were subscribed but have not yet been exercised.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260403323495/en/

Contacts:

GenSight Biologics

Chief Financial Officer

Jan Eryk Umiastowski

jeumiastowski@gensight-biologics.com
Regulatory News:

Shareholders are invited to participate at the Combined Shareholders' Meeting of the company Verallia (the "Company") (Paris:VRLA) which will be held on Friday April 24, 2026, at 9:30 am (CET), at the head office of the Company located at 31, Place des Corolles, Tour Carpe Diem, at the Auditorium, Esplanade Nord, 92400 Courbevoie, France.

The preliminary notice of the Shareholders' Meeting was published in the French Bulletin des Annonces Legales Obligatoires (BALO) under the number 33 on March 18, 2026. The convening notice has been published in the French Bulletin des Annonces Legales Obligatoires (BALO) under the number 40 on April 3, 2026.

The documents that need to be made available for the Shareholders for the General Meeting are available at the head office of the Company in accordance with applicable regulations.

The documents referred to in article R.22-10-23 of the French Commercial Code may be consulted on the Company website at the following link, under the section "General Shareholders Meetings": https://www.verallia.com/en/investors/regulated-information

About Verallia

At Verallia, our purpose is to re-imagine glass for a sustainable future. We want to redefine how glass is produced, reused and recycled, to make it the world's most sustainable packaging material. We work together with our customers, suppliers and other partners across the value chain to develop new, beneficial and sustainable solutions for all.

With almost 11,000 employees and 35 glass production facilities in 12 countries, we are the European leader and world's third-largest producer of glass packaging for beverages and food products. We offer innovative, customised and environmentally friendly solutions to over 11,000 businesses worldwide. Verallia produced nearly 18 billion glass bottles and jars and recorded revenue of 3.3 billion in 2025.

Verallia's CSR strategy has been recognized with the Platinum Ecovadis medal, placing the Group in the Top 1% of companies assessed by Ecovadis. In September 2025, SBTi officially validates Verallia's long-term Net Zero 2040 target according to its Net-Zero Standard. By 2040, Verallia commits to reducing its CO2 emissions from scopes 1 2 by 90% and offsetting the remaining 10% compared to 2019 base year. This target is aligned with the 1.5C climate trajectory set by the Paris Agreement.

Verallia is listed on compartment A of the regulated market of Euronext Paris (Ticker: VRLA ISIN: FR0013447729) and trades on the following indices: CAC SBT 1.5, SBF 120, CAC Mid 60, CAC Mid Small and CAC All-Tradable.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260403815538/en/

Contacts:

Verallia investor relations contact

David Placet david.placet@verallia.com

Raphael Rolland raphael.rolland@verallia.com
Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - April 3, 2026) - Rain City Resources Inc. (CSE: RAIN) ("RAIN" or the "Company") announces that the Alberta Securities Commission has revoked the management cease trade order (the "MCTO") issued on January 29, 2026, effective April 2, 2026.

The MCTO applied only to certain members of management and did not restrict trading by public shareholders.

The Company has now filed all outstanding continuous disclosure documents, including its audited annual financial statements, MD&A, and CEO and CFO certifications for the year ended September 30, 2025, as well as its interim financial statements, MD&A, and certifications for the three months ended December 31, 2025.

The Company confirms it is current with its disclosure obligations. These filings are available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

About Rain City Resources Inc.:

Rain is an integrated critical mineral technology and project development company committed to addressing the environmental, social, and economic challenges of lithium and critical mineral extraction from brine. By advancing scalable, water-conscious DLE solutions, Rain is helping drive the transition to a clean energy future.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" or "occur". This information and these statements, referred to herein as "forward-looking statements", are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this news release and include without limitation, statements regarding: the Company's proposed financing plans and management expectations that it will miss the filing deadline for the Required Filings and the Company's ability to file the Required Filings within the time period described herein; discussions of future plans, estimates and forecasts and statements as to management's expectations and intentions.

These forward-looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things: the Company being unable to execute its business plans as intended; the Company being unable to file the Required Filings in the proposed timeframe; the Company being unable to secure adequate financing; recent market volatility; and the state of the financial markets for the Company's securities.

Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. 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.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as the term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy of accuracy of this news release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/291139

Source: Rain City Resources Inc.
Held at the Offshore Lounge inside the newly remodeled Found Hotel, the event welcomed over 40 senior leaders, including General Managers, HR Directors, and Sales & Marketing Leaders representing leading hospitality brands such as Hyatt Hotels, Hilton, Marriott International etc.

The event saw participation from prominent leaders including Kathleen Rawson, President & CEO of The Hollywood Partnership and Vice President of the Los Angeles Tourism Commission, alongside General Managers from properties such as Courtyard by Marriott Culver City, DoubleTree by Hilton Carson, Hyatt Place LAX, Beverly Hills Marriott, and AC Hotels.

Demonstrating the strong demand for meaningful industry networking, attendees traveled from across the region, including Orange County, El Monte and as far as Templeton.

The event delivered a dynamic and engaging experience, with guests staying until the conclusion of the evening-highlighting both the quality of the audience and the value of the connections made. Attendees enjoyed curated networking, vibrant music, and a high-energy atmosphere complemented by exceptional food and beverage offerings.

A key highlight of the evening was the official introduction of Hozpitality Group's Education Board Advisory Council, reinforcing the company's commitment to bridging the gap between hospitality education and industry leadership.

"We are incredibly encouraged by the response to our first event in Los Angeles," said Raj Bhatt. "Our vision is to build a consistent platform where hospitality professionals can connect, collaborate, and grow. This is just the beginning-we look forward to hosting regular events that add real value to the industry."

The event was further elevated by NEFT Vodka, which provided complimentary cocktails and free-flowing beverages throughout the evening.

The night concluded with an exciting raffle draw, featuring exclusive prizes including hotel stay vouchers, adding an engaging close to an already successful evening.

Hozpitality Group extends its sincere appreciation to all partners, participants, and supporters who contributed to the success of the event.

Following this strong debut, Hozpitality Group plans to host regular networking events across Los Angeles and expand into other key U.S. markets.

About Hozpitality Group

Hozpitality Group is a leading global platform connecting hospitality professionals, employers, and industry stakeholders through its job portal, networking events, and industry initiatives.

For more information, please visit https://www.hozpitality.com/

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2684265/5900436/Hozpitality_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/hozpitality-group-hosts-high-impact-hospitality-leaders-networking-event-in-los-angeles-with-strong-industry-turnout-302733978.html
This announcement reflects growing momentum in the premium dining sector, where consumer demand for authentic, high-quality experiences continues to rise. Polpo's return to Palm Beach reaffirms its status as one of the Northeast's most notable independently operated fine dining brands, one with a proven, multi-market track record.

Greenwich's Premier Dining Destination Takes Its Brand National

Since its founding in Greenwich, Connecticut, Polpo Restaurant & Saloon has built a loyal following through a simple but powerful formula: exceptional ingredients, traditional Italian-inspired cooking, and genuine hospitality. The restaurant's menu, anchored by prime meats, fresh seafood, and housemade pastas, has set a benchmark for quality in the region.

What began as a single dining room has grown into a brand recognized for consistency, professionalism, and a distinctly personal approach to the guest experience. The establishment has become a trusted venue for both private dining and high-level professional gatherings, attracting executives, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders who rely on Polpo for its combination of quality, privacy, and atmosphere.

A Proven Palm Beach Presence and a Return in the Making

Polpo is no stranger to Palm Beach. The brand previously operated a thriving location there, earning a loyal following among the market's discerning clientele before an unexpected setback: the building that housed the restaurant was sold, resulting in the loss of the lease and the closure of the location. The closing was not a reflection of performance. By all accounts, Polpo's Palm Beach location was a success, but simply the result of circumstances beyond the restaurant's control.

Now, Polpo is preparing to return. A new Palm Beach location is in the works, with details on the address to be announced soon. For the many guests who experienced and loved the original Palm Beach location, the brand's return is a long-awaited occasion.

"Palm Beach has always been a natural home for what we do," said Ron Rosa, Founder of Polpo Restaurant & Saloon. "Our guests there never stopped asking when we were coming back. The answer is: very soon."

A Scalable Brand Built on Enduring Values

The Palm Beach return further validates what hospitality industry observers have long noted: that Polpo's brand equity is not tied to a single address, but to a set of values, quality, authenticity, and owner-led service that can be consistently delivered across locations. The brand's ability to re-enter a competitive market on the strength of its reputation alone speaks to the depth of loyalty it has built over the years.

A Recognized Hub for Business and Community

Beyond its culinary reputation, Polpo Restaurant & Saloon has distinguished itself as a professional and social hub. The restaurant is widely regarded as a preferred setting for business lunches, private negotiations, and networking among professionals in finance, law, and entrepreneurship, a distinction that few independent restaurants achieve.

This organic role as a business-friendly dining environment has contributed significantly to the restaurant's long-term relevance and staying power in a highly competitive industry.

Owner-Led Leadership Drives Brand Integrity

A key factor in Polpo's sustained success is the continued, hands-on involvement of Founder Ron Rosa and his partner Dominique Rosa. Their daily presence in operations, from curating the menu to managing the guest experience, ensures that every visit reflects the brand's founding values.

In an industry where ownership often becomes removed from day-to-day operations as brands scale, Polpo's leadership model stands out as both a point of difference and a driver of quality assurance.

About Polpo Restaurant & Saloon

Polpo Restaurant & Saloon is an independent luxury dining brand with its flagship location in Greenwich, Connecticut, and a forthcoming new location in Palm Beach, Florida, a market the brand previously served with great success. Founded by Ron Rosa, the brand is built on a commitment to premium ingredients, traditional Italian-inspired cuisine, and authentic hospitality. Polpo serves as both a fine dining destination and a trusted gathering place for the professional and business community. Under the leadership of Ron Rosa and Dominique Rosa, the brand continues to grow while staying true to the values that have defined it since its founding.

Website: Polpo Restaurant & Saloon

Polpo Restaurant & Saloon Instagram:@polporestaurantsaloon

Media Contact

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/polpo-restaurant--saloon-announces-highly-anticipated-return-to-palm-beach-with-new-location-coming-soon-302734063.html
European Insurance Alliance has scheduled shareholders' meeting for April 30

PJSC European Insurance Alliance will hold a shareholders' meeting on April 30, 2026, via remote participation. The agenda includes the approval of financial statements, financial results, and decisions regarding current corporate governance.

The company operates in the Ukrainian insurance market and serves corporate and private clients. According to Opendatabot, the key beneficiaries are Ukrainian private shareholders.

The company is among the prominent players in the insurance sector.
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.
Dennis received bachelor's degrees in communication and political science with a TAG degree in Spanish from The University of Akron in Ohio. He grew up in Ohio with two sisters and two brothers, one being his fraternal twin. He and his wife have two dogs: Bacio, and Cal. Dennis currently covers natural resource and environmental issues for The Daily Sentinel
Nathan graduated with his journalism degree from Auburn University in 2017. After growing up in the flatlands of rural Alabama with his parents and older sister, Nathan enjoys Western Colorado's natural resources and recreational opportunities. He currently covers education and business for The Daily Sentinel.
Criminal investigations into unmanned aerial vehicles continue

Police of Finland

Publication date 2.4.2026 20.00

Type:News item

Based on information gathered during the investigations, the authorities do not completely exclude the possibility that, in addition to the unmanned aerial vehicles already found in Finland, several other such aircraft might have ended up in the country.

The National Bureau of Investigation and the Border Guard have continued to investigate the unmanned aerial vehicles which entered Finland and fell on the ground on 29 March 2026, and the unmanned aircraft found on 31 March 2026. The authorities have carried out forensic investigations and gathered background information to investigate the incidents. The investigations continue at Easter. It is suspected that the unmanned aircraft under investigation are of Ukrainian origin.

The Southeastern Finland Police Department continues to verify the sightings of unmanned aircraft. The Border Guard investigates the incidents as territorial violations.

- We have continued the investigation of territorial violations by examining the extensive criminal investigation material. Cooperation between the authorities has been excellent in the case, says Senior Lieutenant Jyri Siitari of the Gulf of Finland Coast Guard, who heads the investigations into the territorial violations.

The offences investigated by the National Bureau of Investigation are grossly negligent endangerment and negligent endangerment. The Finnish Defence Forces have provided assistance in the investigations.

- Based on information gathered during the investigations, we cannot at this point completely exclude the possibility that, in addition to the unmanned aerial vehicles already found, other unmanned aircraft might have also ended up on the ground during the previous incidents, says Deputy Director of National Bureau of Investigation Timo Kilpelainen.

Because of the Ukrainian response to the Russian war of aggression, it is possible that such aircraft might also be strayed into Finnish territory in future, especially in the area of Kymenlaakso and South Karelia.

The police remind people that if they see any debris of aircraft on the ground, they must under no circumstances approach or touch the target but move at a safe distance and report the sighting to the authorities by calling the emergency number 112. Do not share your location or any pictures of the aircraft, or its parts, on social media.

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Contracts

Contracts for April 2, 2026

NAVY

General Dynamics Electric Boat Corp., Groton, Connecticut, is awarded a $1,265,790,364 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to a previously awarded contract (N00024-20-C-2120) for lead yard support and development studies and design efforts related to Virginia-class submarines. This contract modification includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of the contract change to $2,491,982,722. Work will be performed in Groton, Connecticut (91%); Newport News, Virginia (8%); Newport, Rhode Island (<1%); and Quonset Point, Rhode Island (<1%), and is expected to be completed by April 2027. Fiscal 2026 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $139,997,575 (64%); fiscal 2023 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $46,977,000 (22%); fiscal 2022 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $10,706,000 (5%); fiscal 2024 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $11,583,799 (5%); fiscal 2021 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $3,476,681 (2%); fiscal 2020 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $1,500,000 (1%); fiscal 2026 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $2,400,000 (1%); fiscal 2019 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $750,000 (<1%); and fiscal 2025 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $1,092,340 (<1%), will be obligated at time of award, of which $1,092,340 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

General Dynamics Mission Systems Inc., Pittsfield, Massachusetts, was awarded a $60,811,614 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to previously awarded contract (N6339424C0004) to exercise options for design agent services and lifecycle sustainment services in support of Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ships. Work will be performed in San Diego, California and is expected to be completed by March 2027. Fiscal 2026 operations and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $494,072 (30%); fiscal 2025 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $490,000 (30%); fiscal 2025 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $306,000 (18%); fiscal 2026 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $200,000 (12%); fiscal 2026 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $109,862 (7%); and fiscal 2024 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $58,131 (4%) will be obligated at time of award, of which $858,203 will expire at the end of the fiscal year. Naval Surface Warfare Center Port Hueneme Division, Port Hueneme, California, is the contracting activity. (Awarded March 30, 2026).

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, is awarded a $48,544,341 modification (P00017) to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N0001924C0011). This modification adds scope to procure special tooling and test equipment in support of F-35 production and modifications for the Joint Strike Fighter program for the Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy, and F-35 Cooperative Program Partners. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas (48.1%); Marietta, Georgia (26.9%); Westminster, Colorado (20.7%); Palmdale, California (2.1%); various locations outside the continental U.S. (2%); and various locations within the continental U.S. (0.2%), and is expected to be completed in March 2031. Fiscal 2025 aircraft procurement (Air Force) funds in the amount of $19,129,490; fiscal 2025 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $18,914,989; and F-35 cooperative program partner funds in the amount of $8,061,920, will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competed. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.

Professional Contract Services Inc., Austin, Texas, was awarded a $40,865,883 modification to a contract (N40085-20-D-0040) for base operations support services. This modification provides for the exerciser of option six of the original award and brings the estimated total cumulative contract value to $281,489,230. Work will be performed at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Virginia, and its outlying support sites and will be completed by March 2027. Fiscal 2026 operation and maintenance, (Navy) funds in the amount of $38,233,793 for the recurring work portion will be obligated via task order, and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command, Mid-Atlantic, Portsmouth, Virginia, is the contracting activity. (Awarded April 1, 2026).

The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Missouri, is awarded a $12,074,613 cost-plus-fixed-fee order (N0001926F0221) against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N0001921G0006). This order is for the phase I structural repair manual general development procedures to provide the Government with the ability to perform basic inspection, repair evaluation, and structural repairs for negligible/minor damage and, when applicable, corrosion mitigation procedures for all engineering, development and manufacturing and system demonstration test articles for MQ-25A aircraft. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Missouri and is expected to be completed in March 2028. Fiscal 2025 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $4,255,948 will be obligated at the time of award, all of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competed. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.

AIR FORCE

Parker Hannifin Corporation, Irvine, California, has been awarded a $33,945,621 firm-fixed price requirements contract modification (P00038) to previously awarded FA810918D0004 for the remanufacture of C-5 Aircraft Flight Control Manifolds. The modification brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $266,776,416 from $232,830,795. Work will be performed in Irvine, California and is expected to be completed by April 4, 2027. No funds are being obligated at the time of award. The Air Force Sustainment Center, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, is the contracting activity.

Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation, Woodland Hills, California has been awarded a $18,930,001 modification (P00016) to previously awarded FA8128-21-D-0001 for Inertial Navigation Element Engineering Services. The modification brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $33,930,000 from $14,999,999. Work will be performed at Salt Lake City, Utah and is expected to be completed by March 4, 2032. No funds are being obligated at the time of award. The Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center, Air-Launched Cruise Missile Sustainment Contracting Division, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma is the contracting activity.

PlanetiQ Global Weather & Climate Solutions, Inc., Golden, Colorado, has been awarded a $14,993,986 Sequential Phase II Small Business Innovation Research Strategic Funding Increase Firm Fixed Price Contract for the Commercial Weather Data Program. This contract provides for the development of Global Navigation Satellite Systems Polarimetric Radio Occultation. Work will be performed at Golden, Colorado and is expected to be completed by March 31, 2030. This contract was a sole source acquisition. Fiscal year 2025 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $1,513,913 are being obligated at the time of award. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center Weather Branch, Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts is the contracting activity (FA233026CB003). (Awarded on March 31, 2026).

Rally Point Management, LLC, Fort Walton Beach, Florida has been awarded a $9,413,162 modification (P00013) to previously awarded FA489023F0023 for providing Air Force Office of Special Investigations with Locally Employed Person Screening Teams. The modification brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $34,454,966 from $25,041,804. Work will be performed at various locations and is expected to be completed by April 28, 2028. Fiscal year 2026 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $9,079,250 are being obligated at time of award. The Headquarters Air Combat Command, Acquisition Management & Integration Center, Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, is the contracting activity.

ARMY

Pittman-Sealevel LLC,* St. Rose, Louisiana, was awarded a firm-fixed-price contract for the West Shore Lake Pontchartrain, Louisiana, Hurricane and Storm Damage Risk Reduction Project Reserve Relief, and I-55 Pump Stations and Drainage Structures (WSLP-114). The amount of this action is $419,667. Bids were solicited via the internet with three received. Work will be performed in La Place, Louisiana, with an estimated completion date of May 29, 2030. Fiscal 2022 construction, Corps of Engineers, civil funds in the amount of $419,667,888 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District, is the contracting activity (W912P8-26-C-A012).

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

SupplyCore Inc.,* Rockford, Illinois, has been awarded a maximum $80,000,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for facilities maintenance, repair and operations supplies. 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 214-day bridge contract with no option periods. Locations of performance are Nebraska, Ohio, Indiana, Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Missouri, Kentucky and Michigan, with a Nov. 2, 2026, ordering period end date. Using customers are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2026 through 2027 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE8E3-26-D-0006).

SupplyCore Inc.,* Rockford, Illinois, has been awarded a maximum $60,000,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for facilities maintenance, repair and operations supplies. 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 214-day bridge contract with no option periods. Locations of performance are California, Washington, Montana, Idaho and Wyoming, with a Nov. 2, 2026, ordering period end date. Using customers are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2026 through 2027 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE8E3-26-D-0005).

Bimbo Bakeries USA Inc., Irving, Texas, has been awarded a maximum $21,375,000 fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for fresh bread and bakery items. This was a competitive acquisition with one response received. This is a three-year contract with no option periods. Location of performance is Georgia, with an April 7, 2029, ordering period end date. Using military services are Army and Air Force. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2026 through 2029 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE300-26-D-W007).

Global Advanced Metals USA,* Boyertown, Pennsylvania, has been awarded a maximum $15,070,000 firm-fixed-price delivery order (SP8000-26-F0013) issued against a five-year indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (SP8000-25-D-0005) for Tantalum ingots. This is 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 three-year contract with no option periods. The delivery order end date is April 1, 2029. Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Command. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2025 transaction funds. The contracting activity is Defense Logistics Agency Contracting Services Office, Columbus, Ohio.

T Square Logistics Services Corp., Colorado Springs, Colorado (SPE603-26-C-5010, $14,807,354); and BSH Management Services LLC, doing business as Blackson Arrow, Merritt Island, Florida (SPE603-26-C-5011, $9,601,702), have each been awarded a firm-fixedprice contract issued against solicitation SPE603-25-R-0512 for Government-Owned Contractor-Operated retail/bulk fuel services. This was a competitive acquisition with eight responses received. These are fouryear base contracts with one-fiveyear option period, and one option to extend, not to exceed six months. Location of performance is Texas, with an April 30, 2030, performance completion date. Using military service is Air Force. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2026 through 2030 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is Defense Logistics Agency Energy, Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

*Small business

https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/4450753/

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Nikol Pashinyan and Vladimir Putin meet

Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia

01.04.2026

A meeting between Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan and President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin took place in the Kremlin.

Russian President Vladimir Putin - Dear Nikol Vladimirovich, dear friends, we are very glad to see you in Moscow. Thank you very much for accepting the invitation.

We see that Armenia's internal political processes are gaining momentum, and elections are coming soon. What would I like to draw attention to in this regard? I would like to touch upon several circumstances. The main thing is that these internal political processes, and they always intensify during any election campaign, this intensification, I am sure, is the same in Armenia as in Russia and in other countries of the world, should not harm our relations between Russia and Armenia in any way.

We have talked about this with you many times. Russia and Armenia have special relations, they have been formed not over decades, but over centuries. We are united by a shared history and solving common problems in the past through joint efforts. We are also united by civilizational commonalities. This is extremely important.

I have told you once in private, and I can say it publicly: we are always satisfied with everything that comes from the interests of the Armenian people. And you can always have this in mind.

As for the economy, it is developing at a good pace. The year before last, the turnover amounted to 11 billion dollars. And last year, in 2025, it was 6.4 billion. I would like to draw attention to the fact that, for example, with the neighboring country of Azerbaijan, this figure is less than five billion, it's 4.9. However, this indicates something. And of that 6.5 billion, 1.2 billion dollars are agricultural products. These are vegetables, fruits, wine, that is, everything that Armenia exports.

In this regard, of course, we have also talked with you, some issues, in my opinion, are quite important for our relations. These are, for example, energy, agriculture, which I have already mentioned.

We see that a discussion is underway in Armenia on the development of relations with the European Union. We look at it completely calmly, we understand that any country seeks to derive maximum benefit from cooperation with third countries. However, it should be obvious, it should be said honestly and beforehand, from the very beginning, that being in a customs union with the European Union and being in the EAEU is impossible. It is simply impossible. And the issue is not even political, but purely economic in nature. Since some issues require a lot of joint work, which must be carried out for years. This is the difference in the assessment of individual product groups, the entry of these groups into the market. This is phytosanitary control for all products. Phytosanitary requirements in Russia and the countries of the European Union are completely different, they differ significantly. There are also many other issues that today, at this moment, at some point, maybe years later, we, the EAEU and the European Union, I hope that it will be so, after all, we live on the same continent, we will be able to regulate relations. But even before the Ukrainian crisis, when we were trying to reach an agreement with the Europeans to work together in some way, nothing worked. They take a very tough stance on practically every issue, even issues that seemed minor to me at the time.

Now, as for energy. I hope that the situation will be regulated here too. However, as of today, you know, the prices of energy carriers, for example, the price of gas in Europe exceeds $ 600 per 1000 cubic meters, and Russia sells gas to Armenia for $ 177.5 per 1000 cubic meters. The difference is big. The difference is significant.

We often argue with you on this issue. I know that you insist on other methods of determining the price of energy carriers, but these are, nevertheless, a different situation: 600 versus 177.5.

And if we look at what is happening with the Armenian economy, I don't know, it seems to me that you also assess it that way. In recent years, Armenia's exports to the EAEU countries have increased 10 times. I repeat, this is your decision, ultimately the decision of your team, your experts, where and with whom to work, on what basis.

Now, security-related issues. Of course, the most sensitive issue to date - we understand this, we often talk about it - is everything related to Karabakh. We talk about it all the time. And we know that both you and your colleagues have had and still have questions and certain grievances towards the Collective Security Treaty Organization, the CSTO. We always return to this issue. But I think it is also obvious that after you accepted in Prague in 2022 that Karabakh is part of Azerbaijan, the CSTO's intervention in this process, which has acquired an intra-Azerbaijani nature, was simply absolutely wrong in this matter, related to the reunification of Karabakh, if we consider it part of Azerbaijan. This is not an assessment, I am not saying that this is good or bad, from the point of view of organizing peaceful life, I think that, probably, it made sense.

And, by the way, today, thanks to your and the Azerbaijani President's efforts, I think it has been possible to reach the level of stabilization of relations, and the US President has also taken an active part in it. And, in my opinion, transport routes are also being unblocked, etc. Here we simply need to look for ways to further strengthen relations. But it seems to me that here too we need to finish here, and it would be better if this did not become part of the domestic political process, especially during the election campaign.

And finally, in Armenia we have many friends, many, we know that. Many Armenians live in the Russian Federation. We can calculate differently, we consider it to be more than 2 million people. And the statistical data of our Ministry of Internal Affairs itself testify to this. And there are many political forces that have a pro-Russian position. Of course, I will tell you openly that we have such a dialogue that we always speak honestly and directly. We would very much like all these political parties, politicians to be able to participate in this domestic political work during the elections. Some, I know, are in places of detention, despite the fact that they have Russian passports. That is your decision, we do not interfere, but we would like them to at least be able to participate in this domestic political process.

And once again I want to say that no matter what happens, we in Russia will always be guided by what is beneficial to the Armenian people. I have always told you this and I want to emphasize it once again.



I hope that no matter how the elections in Armenia end, our common attitude towards building and strengthening Russian-Armenian relations will continue. Thank you.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan - Thank you very much, Vladimir Vladimirovich. First of all, thank you for the invitation and warm welcome.



We, of course, recently met in St. Petersburg and held very successful negotiations. However, our relations are so rich that there is a need for such frequent meetings, and there is always something to discuss at a high level.

Of course, our relations with the Russian Federation are very deep, very important for us, and, in my opinion, they are developing dynamically in the conditions of new realities formed in our region, when peace has finally been established between Armenia and Azerbaijan. And I think that this also has a positive impact on our relations with the Russian Federation, because for the first time since the beginning of our independence we have a railway connection with the Russian Federation, and we are importing from Russia by rail through the territory of Azerbaijan. I hope that in the near future we will also carry out exports. And this, of course, strengthens our traditional economic ties and strengthens our ties within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union.

As for the European Union, of course, we know that in principle membership in two unions is incompatible, but what we are doing and the agenda that we have are, at least for the moment, compatible. This is a fact. And as long as there is an opportunity to combine these agendas, we will continue to combine them. And when the processes reach the point where it will be necessary to make a decision, I am sure that we, I mean the citizens of the Republic of Armenia, will make that decision. Of course, in this context, our relations with the Russian Federation have never been and will never be questioned, because, as I have already noted, these ties and relations are very deep and are not subject to discussion.

Of course, we also cooperate in the energy sector, and here we also have traditionally strong ties and cooperation. I must say that we are now working very closely with the Russian side to develop the sphere of new technologies, I mean new energy technologies, because new energy technologies, solar energy and so on, are developing very well in Armenia.

You know that we are also discussing the issue of building a new nuclear power plant with the Russian Federation. We are completely transparent in these matters, because we do not hide that we are discussing these issues not only with Russian partners, but also with other partners, because we are looking for the most beneficial offer for the Republic of Armenia.

As I have already said, peace has been established between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and you mentioned the name of President Trump, and it is obvious that he has made his contribution to this process, but it is also obvious that you personally have also played and continue to play a key, very important role in the process of normalizing relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia. You have always supported all these processes, we have always been in close contact, I have regularly informed you about the processes underway. And, by the way, in August of last year, when I returned from Washington and called you, I said then that what happened in Washington also opens up new opportunities for our relations.

And now it is a fact - I have already mentioned the railway connection between Russia and Armenia. We have been working on this topic for decades, but, unfortunately, we have never managed to reach such a decision.

As for issues related to Karabakh, I have already stated very transparently and publicly in the Republic of Armenia that we should not continue the Karabakh movement, because peace has already been established between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and Armenia and Azerbaijan have recognized each other's territorial integrity, political independence, and sovereignty, based on the 1991 Alma-Ata Declaration, which means that we mutually recognize that independent Armenia is 100% identical to Soviet Armenia, and independent Azerbaijan is 100% identical to Soviet Azerbaijan.

I think this is a fairly solid basis for the further development of peace. And, of course, I want to thank you once again for the support that I have always felt in the process of establishing peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan. We have discussed the Karabakh issue many times, mainly in a working format. Yes, we have recognized Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan, but we did so only after the top leadership of the Russian Federation twice publicly announced this, and you remember, we have talked about it many times. And we have never hidden our problems with the CSTO either, because in 2022 we had a specific situation. And, in my opinion, the CSTO mechanisms should have been activated, but they were not activated, and this, of course, led to the situation that we have in relations with the CSTO. We are not currently participating in the work of the CSTO for a simple reason: we are still unable to explain to our people, our citizens, why the CSTO did not respond, and did not respond despite the obligations that exist under the Collective Security Treaty.

As for our domestic political processes, you know, Armenia is a democratic country, and we almost always have political processes, and this is already a normal phenomenon for us. In fact, twice a year we hold municipal elections, which are also very politicized, because as a result of our political reforms, people there also vote for or against political parties. I want to say that we have citizens who think that there is too much democracy in Armenia. But this is a matter of principle for us. For example, social networks are 100% free in our country, there are no restrictions at all, and many citizens think that this is too much.

And in the general context, to be honest, we do not have participants in political processes in places of detention. And I would like to draw attention to the fact that, for example, we have parliamentary elections coming up. These are elections for deputies, and de facto also elections for the prime minister. And I want to draw your attention to the fact that only those citizens who have exclusively Armenian passports can participate in these elections. That is, with all due respect, but persons with Russian passports, according to the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia, cannot be either a candidate for deputy or a candidate for prime minister. There are no restrictions here.

And I am 100% sure that you know that our relations with the Russian Federation and our personal relations have gone through many trials in recent years. And I am very happy and I want to thank you once again for the atmosphere of trust that you have created, first of all, because if you did not want us to have such open and trusting relations, I think it is obvious that I would not have been able to do this. And I want to thank you once again.

And I am confident that as a result of our upcoming elections, democracy and people's power in Armenia will be further strengthened, and our relations will also be strengthened, and with the results of the elections they will continue to develop dynamically. Of course, I have already said that our agenda is very full, but there are also many opportunities that have not yet been used. I am confident that as a result of our dialogue, these opportunities will be used. Thank you.

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April 1, 2026

By C. Todd Lopez, Pentagon News

Trump: Objectives in Iran Near Completion, Terrorist Nation 'Bully No Longer'

During an address from the White House this evening, President Donald J. Trump told Americans that the U.S. military, as part of Operation Epic Fury, was nearing completion of operational objectives in Iran.

Over the next few weeks, the president said, the U.S. would intensify operations in Iran, permanently disabling its ability to project power outside its own borders and to keep it from ever having a nuclear weapon.

"I've made clear from the beginning of Operation Epic Fury that we will continue until our objectives are fully achieved," he said. "I can say tonight that we are on track to complete all of America's military objectives shortly, very shortly. We're going to hit them extremely hard over the next two to three weeks  we're going to bring them back to the Stone Age, where they belong."

The United States kicked off combat operations against Iran Feb. 28, with specific goals: destroy Iranian offensive missiles and missile production, destroy the Iranian navy and other security infrastructure, and ensure that Iran never has nuclear weapons.

Trump told the nation that the U.S. military has been masterful in how it has decimated one Iranian military capability after another.

"We are systematically dismantling the regime's ability to threaten America or project power outside of their borders," the president said. "That means eliminating Iran's navy, which is now absolutely destroyed, hurting their air force and their missile program at levels never seen before, and annihilating their defense industrial base. We've done all of it; their navy is gone. Their air force is gone. Their missiles are just about used up or beaten."

The president said that, taken together, these actions have crippled Iran militarily and crushed its ability to support terrorist proxies.

According to U.S. Central Command, since the start of operations, over 12,300 sites have been struck in Iran, over 13,000 combat flights have been launched and over 155 Iranian military vessels have been damaged or destroyed.

Even though the U.S. military continues to lock down Iran's ability to project power outside, Trump asked Americans to remember the military personnel who have lost their lives during the conflict.

"We think especially of the 13 American warriors who have laid down their lives in this fight to prevent our children from ever having to face a nuclear Iran," the president said. "Twice this past month, I have traveled to Dover Air Force Base, [in Delaware]. ... I wanted to be with those heroes as they return to American soil. And I was with them and their families, their parents, their wives, their husbands. We salute them, and now we must honor them by completing the mission for which they gave their lives."

The president also thanked allies in the Middle East, including Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Bahrain, for providing support to American forces.

"They've been great, and we will not let them get hurt or fail in any way, shape or form," he said.

The president added that it's important for Americans to keep Operation Epic Fury in perspective, offering that World War II lasted nearly four years, the Korean War more than three years, the Vietnam War almost 20 years, and Operation Iraqi Freedom lasted well over eight years.

"We are in this military operation  so powerful, so brilliant  against one of the most powerful countries, for 32 days," he said. "And the country has been eviscerated and essentially is really no longer a threat. They were the bully of the Middle East, but they're the bully no longer."

The president noted that because of the U.S. military, Americans can now look forward to a world free from Iranian aggression and the fear of nuclear blackmail.

"Because of the actions we have taken, we are on the cusp of ending Iran's sinister threat to America and the world," he said. "And I'll tell you, the world is watching. And when it's all over, the United States will be safer, stronger, more prosperous and greater than it has ever been before."

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Gen. Donovan Meets with Panamanian President Mulino, Senior Security Leaders in Panama

News | April 1, 2026

By By U.S. Southern Command Public Affairs

U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) Commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan has concluded a productive visit to Panama, where he met with Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino and senior government leaders to discuss strengthening the U.S.-Panama security partnership and advancing regional stability.

During his visit March 30 - April 1, Donovan reaffirmed the United States' commitment to working side-by-side with Panama to address security challenges in the Western Hemisphere. He also met with U.S. service members in Panama participating in bilateral training as part of recent efforts to expand the U.S.-Panamanian security partnership.

Ambassador to Panama Kevin Marino Cabrera joined Donovan in the meeting with President Mulino. The leaders discussed strengthening regional security through joint counter narcotrafficking efforts and defense of the Panama Canal.

In a separate meeting with Panamanian Minister of Security Frank Alexis Abrego, Donovan emphasized Panama's critical role as a trusted partner in advancing regional security. Discussions focused on countering narcoterrorism, safeguarding the Panama Canal, and ensuring the free flow of commerce.

As part of the visit, Donovan joined Cabrera and senior Panamanian officials for a visit to the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). The carrier and guided-missile destroyer USS Gridley (DDG 101) were in Panama as part of the multinational maritime cooperation exercise "Southern Seas 2026." The ships' visit demonstrates the strength of the expanded bilateral security partnership. This is the first time in over 50 years that an aircraft carrier has visited Panamanian waters.

"USS Nimitz and the guided-missile destroyer USS Gridley are powerful assets in our nation's arsenal," said Donovan. "Their presence in the region is a firm demonstration of our commitment to applying total systemic friction on the cartels and ensuring a secure and stable Western Hemisphere."

Additionally, Donovan and Cabrera met with U.S. service members who are training alongside Panamanian security forces personnel. The leaders visited the Jungle Operations Training Course-Panama, established in 2025, where U.S. forces and Panamanian security force personnel train together to enhance readiness and interoperability in jungle operations. This collaboration strengthens trust and joint capabilities, ensuring both nations are prepared to address emerging threats.

The visit also included a stop at the Panama Canal's Miraflores Locks, where Donovan met with Canal Administrator Dr. Ricaurte Vasquez Morales to discuss the enduring safety and security of the canal. The United States remains committed to partnering with Panama to safeguard this vital international waterway.

"The United States and Panama are committed to applying total systemic friction on the cartels," said Donovan. "Together, we are countering narcoterrorism and ensuring the enduring safety of the Panama Canal."



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SETAF-AF showcases cutting-edge solutions at African Land Forces Summit 2026

By Maj. Joe Legros April 2, 2026

VICENZA, Italy -- U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) placed innovation at the center of this year's African Land Forces Summit, held in Rome, Italy, March 22-24. With more than 30 African partner nations represented, the summit served as a strategic platform for discussing shared security challenges, strengthening land force cooperation and accelerating modernization across the continent.

The event highlighted SETAF-AF's three most forward-leaning organizations: the Advanced Capabilities Directorate, the 173rd Airborne Brigade's Bayonet Innovation Team, as well as the Joint Theater Forensics Analysis Center. Together, these teams demonstrated how emerging technologies, rapid experimentation and applied science are shaping the future of land operations in Africa.

"ALFS is an annual summit where land force commanders from Africa meet with U.S. senior military leaders and multinational partners to discuss shared security concerns," said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Mike Smolucha, lead planner of ALFS 2026, Security Cooperation Directorate, SETAF-AF. "This year was different because we brought private industry, innovators, academia and investors, all with the intent to engage defense economics in Africa."

Throughout the summit, SETAF-AF's ACD, BIT and JTFAC personnel demonstrated their forward-leaning capabilities to summit participants, industry leaders and African partners.

"The summit sought to first define the security threat, and how intelligence gathering can address that threat," Smolucha said. "From there, we deliberately focused on innovation, drone usage and counter drones, which heavily involves the industrial base."

The JTFAC team emphasized that intelligence gathering requires adaptability above all else.

"All of the captured exploitable material that we analyze can be used in prosecutions, for law enforcement support," said Lydia Benyam, JTFAC's laboratory manager. "We use a customizable 'fly-away' kit, which teams utilize to collect forensic material, whether on land, air or sea. This feeds directly into the intelligence cycle through databases and information sharing, and assists with force protection of U.S. personnel and partner forces."

The lab's job is to interpret forensic material precisely and quickly. As the only deployable forensic laboratory supporting U.S. Africa Command, JTFAC provides rapid, expeditionary analysis that helps the joint force identify threat networks, track illicit activity and strengthen rule-of-law outcomes.

Whether it's DNA or biometrics, electronic exploitation or material analysis, Benyam said the JTFAC brings scientific tools to the tactical edge.

Joining Benyam at the summit, U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Ethan Burdette, a member of the 173rd Airborne Brigade's BIT, also discussed his team's role in providing innovative solutions to security challenges.

"I received a degree in unmanned aircraft systems science," Burdette said. "The brigade was looking for what I could bring to the table in developing first-person-view drone technology, and commercial off-the-shelf intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platforms as well."

The 173rd has procured the materials and manufactured in-house drones since March 2025, making history with the U.S. Army's first drone-on-drone kill at a live-fire event in August 2025.

"Engaging with African partners and industry professionals at ALFS 2026 gives us a chance to show the world that we are ready, empowered and disciplined," Burdette said.

ALFS participants conducted many bilateral discussions with industry and partner nations seeking to expand their own modernization pathways. Many of these conversations focused on how small, incremental advancements, such as improved data-sharing mechanisms or modular communications kits, can have significant impact on operational readiness.

"Along with the JTFAC and BIT, the Advanced Capabilities Directorate focused on the future innovations that SETAF-AF will need to address security challenges," Smolucha said.

This year's summit theme, "Empowering shared security through intelligence, innovation and industry," aligns closely with SETAF-AF's strategic priorities. The ACD emphasized that technology alone cannot solve complex security challenges. Instead, progress depends on trust, interoperability and shared understanding.

"This year's ALFS represents a fundamental shift from aid to trade," Smolucha said. "We want independent partners who are strong, well equipped and well trained. This doesn't come without trust and ongoing communication."

Benyam echoed this sentiment, highlighting the human dimension of scientific cooperation.

"Forensics is ultimately about people  protecting them, empowering them and helping them pursue justice," Benyam said. "Our partnerships in Africa are built on mutual trust and respect. It's a shared commitment to stability."

As ALFS 2026 concluded, SETAF-AF leaders emphasized that the summit is not an endpoint but a catalyst. The engagements, demonstrations and technical exchanges that took place in Rome will inform future exercises, experimentation events and capacity-building initiatives across the continent.

"What we achieved here at ALFS was a demonstration of our commitment," Smolucha said. "We also facilitated a change in our partners' mindset, especially in bringing industry and investors to the summit."

The next visible proof of this ongoing commitment comes this spring at Exercise African Lion, held in Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia, where the capabilities of SETAF-AF's ACD, BIT and JTFAC teams will be on full display, honing their skills together with partner nations.

"ALFS can be seen as a springboard for innovation through defense economics, one that starts here at the summit and flows right into our military exercises in Africa throughout the year," Smolucha said.

For SETAF-AF, the summit's message was clear: Innovation is not a buzzword  it is a responsibility. ALFS 2026 showcased that SETAF-AF continues to ensure U.S. and African land forces are equipped, informed and connected for the future battlefield.

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African Land Forces Summit debuts industry track in Rome, connecting defense leaders with tech investors

By Neil Ruggiero April 2, 2026

ROME, Italy -- U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) hosted the African Land Forces Summit 2026 in Rome, Italy, March 22-24, bringing together land force commanders from nearly 40 African nations, partner nations, industry representatives, capital investors and academic thought leaders for two days of dialogue on shared security challenges.

Sponsored by the U.S. Army chief of staff, ALFS 26 centered on the theme, "Empowering Shared Security Through Intelligence, Innovation and Industry." For the first time in the summit's history, a dedicated Industry Technology Pavilion ran concurrently with military plenary sessions, giving African defense leaders direct access to small technology companies and investors presenting emerging dual-use solutions.

"The 2026 African Land Forces Summit in Rome represents a significant milestone as a U.S. Army-led forum intentionally designed to connect African senior leaders with global industry expertise," said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Andrew C. Gainey, commanding general of SETAF-AF. "As the first U.S. Army summit of its kind to emphasize the integration of dual-use technology and capital investors with African land forces, we are looking beyond traditional procurement models to address an evolving security environment through mutual defense and innovation."

Four plenary sessions guided summit discussions: Defining the Threat in Africa, moderated by Chidi Blyden; Intelligence-Driven Operations, moderated by Dr. Daisy Muibu; Drone Use and Counter-Drone Use, moderated by Dr. Nate Allen; and Industrial Base Collaboration, moderated by Mvemba Dizolele of the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

Throughout the two-day summit, land force commanders engaged with subject-matter experts on the range of threats facing African partners, intelligence-sharing approaches, unmanned systems tactics, and opportunities for defense industry collaboration on the continent.

"Our goal is to create an environment where meaningful exchanges between defense leaders, industry innovators and investors lead to tangible cooperation, shared responsibility, and a more secure future for both America and the African continent," Gainey added.

This year's summit marked the first time AFLS has ever taken place in Europe. Organizers have held previous summits in the United States and across Africa, including Accra, Ghana (2025), Livingstone, Zambia (2024), and Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire (2023). SETAF-AF, headquartered in Vicenza, Italy, hosted the 2026 edition on behalf of the U.S. Army chief of staff.

###

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WHO's Humanitarian Bridge Initiative in Cyprus delivers first shipment to Gaza

Azerbaijan State News Agency - (AZERTAC)

02.04.2026 [11:31]

Baku, April 2, AZERTAC

WHO/Europe, through its Humanitarian Bridge Initiative in Cyprus, has facilitated the delivery of its first shipment of emergency humanitarian nutrition supplies to Gaza, according to the official UN website.

The initiative was implemented in close coordination between WHO offices in Cyprus and the occupied Palestinian territories, with strong support from the Government of Cyprus, particularly the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Defense. Approximately 106 metric tons of life-saving nutrition supplies were mobilized from the Port of Limassol under the Amalthea Plan.

The consignment has safely arrived at Ashdod Port, Israel, and is currently being prepared for onward distribution to Gaza in support of WHO's emergency response operations.

This shipment marks a significant operational milestone in strengthening WHO's interregional humanitarian logistics capacity for a region affected by the ongoing conflict, particularly in Gaza.

Established as a coordinated effort between WHO offices in Cyprus and the occupied Palestinian territories, the Humanitarian Bridge Initiative is designed to enable the timely, scalable and efficient delivery of essential health commodities by sea to the crisis-affected populations in Gaza, under the framework of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2720.

The mechanism further reinforces Cyprus's role as a strategic humanitarian logistics staging point, leveraging its geographic proximity, approximately 370 kilometers from Gaza, and its position within the European Union single market to facilitate the rapid mobilization and dispatch of critical supplies.

The initiative operates under the leadership of the Government of Cyprus within the framework of the Amalthea Plan, with coordination led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in partnership with the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre of the Ministry of Defense and the UN 2720 mechanism team implemented by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) in Cyprus. Together, these partners provide a neutral, transparent and internationally coordinated maritime corridor for the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Gaza.

The operational model of the Humanitarian Bridge Initiative utilizes third-party dual-zone logistics and warehousing facilities in Cyprus, offering both bonded and non-bonded solutions, including cold-chain storage capacities where required.

By complementing existing humanitarian corridors for Gaza and diversifying supply routes, the initiative has the potential to significantly reduce delivery timelines and mitigate operational bottlenecks that have constrained humanitarian access in the past.

Looking ahead, the Humanitarian Bridge Initiative will continue to support strategic prepositioning, consolidation and the rapid dispatch of essential health supplies, strengthening WHO's operational readiness not only for Gaza but also for health emergencies and disasters across the Eastern Mediterranean Region.

This achievement reaffirms WHO's commitment to ensuring equitable, timely and life-saving humanitarian assistance, in line with the principle of "leaving no one behind", a central pillar of WHO's Second European Programme of Work (2026-2030).

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April 2, 2026

By Army Lt. Col. Carla Raisler, Army National Guard

Florida National Guard Battalion Performs First Minuteman Rotation

Soldiers assigned to the Florida Army National Guard's 3rd Battalion, 265th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, trained alongside the 82nd Airborne Division during a Joint Readiness Training Center rotation at Fort Polk, Louisiana, March 15-20.

The training marked the first time a guard unit has integrated into an active-duty JRTC rotation under the National Guard's new minuteman rotation concept.

The concept aligns National Guard annual training with JRTC rotations, allowing units to meet their 15-day requirement while operating alongside active-duty formations. Army National Guard leaders say the approach boosts readiness and interoperability across the total force.

Several senior leaders visited the rotation March 19-20, highlighting the expansion of opportunities for guard units to train in high-intensity environments.

"This is about building a total force that can close with and destroy the enemy," said Army Lt. Gen. Jon M. Stubbs, Army National Guard director. "What we are seeing here is a National Guard battalion fully integrated with an active-duty brigade, delivering a capability that is critical on today's battlefield."

At JRTC, often referred to as "the box," units contend with a near-peer opponent, limited resources and extended operations. This environment tests a unit's ability to operate under stress while maintaining command and control across dispersed terrain.

The guard battalion delivered short-range air defense capabilities focusing on countering unmanned aerial systems and low-altitude threats. Soldiers employed AN/MPQ-64 Sentinel radar and AN/TWQ-1 Avenger air defense systems while repositioning with maneuver elements to protect command posts, logistics hubs and key terrain.

A group of soldiers moved with the brigade, while the battalion headquarters operated as a division-level air defense element in a simulated environment. Senior leaders said the integration allowed the unit to train as it would fight in a real-world conflict.

Army Lt. Col. Adam Bailey, commander of the 3rd Battalion, said the unit prepared for the rotation through multiple command post exercises with the 82nd Airborne Division before arriving at the training center.

"Coming to JRTC, we rapidly integrated into [the] division's scheme of maneuver and protection plan. That enabled us to execute a true short-range air defense mission in support of a division," Bailey said.

The brigade's dispersed operations exposed it to more aerial threats, especially small drones that disrupt command and control or target sustainment operations.

Army Col. Daniel Leard, 3rd Brigade Combat Team commander, said the guard unit filled a critical capability gap.

"Air defense is a critical enabler  we could not have executed our mission without them," Leard said. "The soldiers of [the National Guard battalion] integrated with our team on the fly. They were experts on their systems and that made an immediate impact."

In addition to aligning training, the minuteman rotation enables units to build readiness in a high-intensity environment alongside active-duty forces.

Army Command Sgt. Maj. James Kendrick, who previously served as the command sergeant major of the Florida National Guard, said the training reflects how the force will operate in future conflicts.

"This is exactly where our soldiers need to be," Kendrick said. "Training at this level, with this kind of realism, ensures they are ready to deploy and fight as part of a larger team."

The approach does not replace traditional Army National Guard rotations but expands access to advanced training while supporting soldiers' civilian careers, education and communities. Stubbs said the goal is to integrate a guard element into every JRTC rotation.

For junior soldiers, the experience highlighted the pace and complexity of modern warfare.

"You see how everything connects," said Army Sgt. Jason Dumervile, Florida National Guard. "We are not just protecting ourselves  we are protecting the whole brigade so they can accomplish their mission."

Florida National Guard leaders say the battalion's performance demonstrates the value of integrating guard units into active-duty training environments as the Army adapts to evolving threats.

"I'm incredibly proud of our Florida guardsmen," said Army Maj. Gen. John D. Haas, Florida adjutant general. "They're highly disciplined and have benefitted from great leadership to ensure they're trained and ready."

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Former Member of the Air Force Pleads Guilty to Multi-Year Bid Rigging Schemes and Conspiracy to Defraud U.S. Air Force

Thursday, April 2, 2026

For Immediate Release

Office of Public Affairs

The Nine-Year Scheme Defrauded the Military of $37 Million for Information Technology Contracts Serving U.S. Air Force Installations Across the Pacific

A former active-duty Master Sergeant of the U.S. Air Force pleaded guilty yesterday to fraudulently inflating the cost of information technology (IT) contracts for the U.S. Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) by at least $37 million  and using the excess funds to enrich himself, enrich co-conspirators, and channel bribes to a federal public official in PACAF whom the conspirators nicknamed "Godfather."

The defendant, Alan Hayward James, 51, of Texas, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, bribery, and conspiracy to rig bids. James also agreed to pay over $1.4 million in restitution to the U.S. Department of War.

"Over thirty-seven million dollars  that's how much the U.S. Air Force overpaid because of the scheme that the defendant admitted to, under oath and in open court." said Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Daniel Glad of the Justice Department's Antitrust Division. "Criminals who rig bids and commit fraud on government contracts steal from taxpayers and threaten the public's confidence in government institutions. The Antitrust Division's Procurement Collusion Strike Force will detect and prosecute those who rig bids and defraud their government customers."

"Through this bid-rigging scheme, the defendant not only stole from American taxpayers and harmed companies seeking to compete honestly for government contracts, he also ultimately harmed essential military services designed to keep our nation safe by diverting resources away from other services," said U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson for the District of Hawaii. "Bid-rigging and anti-competitive behavior in government contracts erodes trust in our institutions, harms taxpayers, and will not be tolerated. We will continue to investigate and prosecute any and all who would seek to manipulate markets and undermine fair competition for their own personal gain."

"James's guilty plea acknowledges his role in a long-running conspiracy to rig bids and defraud the U.S. government for personal financial gain," said Special Agent in Charge John E. Helsing of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Western Field Office. "DCIS, along with our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Department of Justice, will aggressively investigate those who seek to enrich themselves through fraudulent schemes targeting the U.S. Department of Defense and American taxpayers."

"This case highlights the capabilities and strength of joint investigative efforts to defend and protect sensitive Department of War (DoW) acquisition systems," said Special Agent Nicole Vanourek of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI), Procurement Fraud. "Ensuring companies adhere to robust contracting requirements is integral to maximizing the Air Force's lethality and readiness to address evolving security challenges."

"Bribery, bid rigging, and wire fraud are not victimless crimes; they erode public trust, distort fair competition, and harm honest businesses who play by the rules," said Special Agent in Charge Christopher Bjornstad of the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) Office of Inspector General (OIG) Western Investigations Division. "GSA OIG special agents and our law enforcement partners remain committed to pursuing those who engage in procurement fraud."

According to a plea agreement and information filed in the U.S. District Court in Honolulu, Hawaii, from at least April 2016 until about April 2025, James and his coconspirators falsely inflated the cost of IT contracts serving U.S. Air Force installations across the Pacific. James and his coconspirators agreed to use the excess funds to pay James, James' family members, the family of an Air Force civilian employee, and other co-conspirators. As part of this scheme, the conspirators diverted government funds to pay for an all-expenses-paid multi-day stay at a luxury resort on the North Shore of Oahu in 2023. Also, from at least May 2019 until about October 2022, the defendant directed co-conspirators  who were supposed to be competitively bidding against one another to win government contracts  on the amounts they should bid to circumvent the competitive bidding process. As a result of the defendant's actions, the government overpaid for IT contracts by at least $37 million.

The maximum penalty for conspiracy to commit wire fraud is 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The maximum penalty for bribery is 15 years in prison and a fine of either $250,000 or three times the monetary value of the bribe, whichever is greater. The maximum penalty for a conspiracy to rig bids in violation of the Sherman Act for an individual is 10 years in prison and a $1 million fine. The fines may be increased to twice the gain derived from the crime or twice the loss suffered by the victims of the crime if either amount is greater than the statutory maximum fines. James agreed to pay a restitution of at least $1,451,656.80 to the Department of War. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The Antitrust Division's San Francisco Office and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Hawaii are prosecuting the case, which was investigated with the assistance of DOD-OIG-DCIS, AFOSI, and GSA-OIG. Rebecca A. Bers, Don Daniel, Matthew Chou, and Albert B. Sambat of the Antitrust Division's San Francisco Office, and Darren W.K. Ching of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Hawaii, are prosecuting this case.

The Justice Department's Procurement Collusion Strike Force (PCSF) is a joint law enforcement effort to combat antitrust crimes and related fraudulent schemes that impact government procurement, grant and program funding at all levels of government  federal, state and local. To learn more about the PCSF, or to report information on bid rigging, price fixing, market allocation and other anticompetitive conduct related to government spending, go to www.justice.gov/procurement-collusion-strike-force.

Whistleblowers who voluntarily report original information about antitrust and related offenses that result in criminal fines or other recoveries of at least $1 million may be eligible to receive a whistleblower reward. Whistleblower awards can range from 15 to 30 percent of the money collected. For more information on the Antitrust Whistleblower Rewards Program, including a link to submit reports, visit www.justice.gov/atr/whistleblower-rewards.

Topic: Antitrust

Components: Antitrust Division

USAO - Hawaii

Press Release Number: 26-311

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China-Cook Islands relations should not be constrained by any third party, FM responds to hype after NZ-Cook Islands defense agreement

Global Times

By Zhang Yuying Published: Apr 02, 2026 05:47 PM

The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Thursday reiterated China's position on cooperation with the Cook Islands, stressing that the China-Cook Islands relationship doesn't target any third party, nor should it be disrupted or constrained by any third party. In developing the relations with the Pacific Island countries, all parties should respect the independence of island countries, put development first, and uphold openness and inclusiveness.

The remarks were made by Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning at a regular press conference, in response to a question claiming that the new defense and security agreement signed by New Zealand and the Cook Islands on Thursday "effectively sidelines" previous deals signed between the Cook Islands and China.

"The Cook Islands is China's important cooperation partner in the South Pacific. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties, the two countries have always respected each other, treated each other as equals and pursued shared development. China will continue to deepen pragmatic cooperation with the Cook Islands and deliver more benefits to the two peoples," Mao said.

The defense and security declaration were signed by New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown on Thursday, after Peters started his one-day visit to Rarotonga a day earlier, per a report by the Radio New Zealand.

According to a release from the official website of New Zealand government, the declaration "outlines a set of important political commitments that the Cook Islands and New Zealand have made to one another which provide clarity on key aspects of our special constitutional relationship," Peters was quoted as saying.

Some Western media have been hyping up China's role by linking the agreement to the bilateral cooperation documents signed between China and the Cook Islands in February 2025. Bloomberg claimed in a Thursday report that New Zealand signed the Cook Islands pact to "counter China deal", while the Guardian claimed the agreement came after the two countries' "quarrel over China deal."

Chen Hong, director of the New Zealand Studies Centre of East China Normal University, told the Global Times on Thursday that such hype by Western media is an attempt to create an atmosphere of geopolitical confrontation at the public opinion level, framing diverse cooperation in the region as bloc rivalry.

Briefing reporters on the bilateral cooperation documents China signed with the Cook Islands in 2025, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said that "This is the normal friendly exchange and cooperation between China and the Cook Islands."

On the basis of mutual respect and equality, China stands ready to grow its friendship and cooperative ties with the Cook Islands and other Pacific island countries, and promote the common development and the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, Lin told a regular press conference back then.

Cooperation between China and Pacific island countries has long been based on the region's actual needs in such areas as development assistance, infrastructure development, trade, climate change and people-to-people exchanges, and in no way poses a security threat to any country, Chen said.

The expert cautioned that such geopolitical hype by Western media may drown out the legitimate development aspirations of Pacific island countries, which is not conducive to fostering a more open and inclusive cooperation environment in the South Pacific region.

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China consistently supports Afghanistan, Pakistan in resolving disputes through dialogue: FM on whether two countries hold talks in China

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Apr 02, 2026 05:10 PM

When asked by a foreign journalist on Thursday whether China could confirm that Afghanistan and Pakistan were holding conversations in China aiming at a ceasefire, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a regular press conference on Thursday that "I have no information to share at the moment."

"Afghanistan and Pakistan are both China's neighbors. China has all along supported the two countries in resolving differences and disputes properly through dialogue and negotiation, and has been working actively to mediate the conflict between the two sides. We will continue to play a constructive role in deescalating the situation and improving relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan," Mao said.

China has been engaged in the mediation efforts in the Afghanistan-Pakistan conflict.

From March 7 to 14, 2026, Special Envoy on Afghan Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Yue Xiaoyong visited Afghanistan and Pakistan to conduct shuttle mediation regarding the recent conflicts between the two nations, according to a readout on the website of the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

During his stay in Afghanistan, Yue held separate meetings with Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, and Minister of Industry and Commerce Haji Nooruddin Azizi. In Pakistan, he met with Pakistani Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch, and Pakistani Prime Minister's Special Representative for Afghanistan Mohammad Sadiq, among other dignitaries. He urged both parties to exercise calm and restraint, cease fire and hostilities at the earliest opportunity, and resolve their differences and disputes through dialogue, the readout showed.

Both the Afghan and Pakistani sides expressed their gratitude for China's mediation efforts, reiterating their willingness to resolve the issues through political and diplomatic channels, per the readout.

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Smith Responds to Trump's National Address on His War of Choice

House Armed Services Committee - Democrats

April 2, 2026

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement in response to President Donald Trump's national address on his war of choice against Iran.

"President Trump missed a critically important opportunity last night to provide a clear, coherent strategy to the American people for his war of choice against Iran and to correct course. While Trump said there has been tactical progress on significantly weakening Iran's military, he provided no evidence to show those tactical gains will have an enduring impact on the regime or alter its malign activities. Over a month into his war, Trump has failed to provide any sense of how these tactical achievements will lead to achieving his strategic goals or what negotiating an end to his war would look like. History has shown tactical objectives are important, but they alone cannot win a war.

"He also made it very clear that he doesn't care about the costs of this war, has no plans to deal with it, and is content to make the regional and global economic situation even worse. He failed to acknowledge the devastating toll his war is taking, even as he callously bragged about the deadly destruction. Instead, he lashed out again at friends and allies and doubled down on his threat to let Iran continue to control the Strait of Hormuz, leaving our partners to clean up the mess he created.

"If it was still somehow unclear to my Republican colleagues that the president lacks the character and will to recognize a cataclysmic error and the capacity to take action to fix that error, it is my sincere hope that last night serves as a wake-up call. All of us in Congress must put pressure on the president to negotiate a ceasefire as soon as possible and negotiate the best possible deal to end this war."



###

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IOM Chief Sounds Alarm and Urges International Support During Lebanon Visit

International Organization for Migration

News - Global

02 April 2026

Beirut, 2 April 2026 -- The Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Amy Pope, has concluded a visit to Lebanon with an urgent call for significantly increased international support to help the country confront rapidly escalating humanitarian needs.

"Lebanon has shown remarkable resilience, but the scale of displacement is pushing the country to its limits," said DG Pope. "Without urgent international support, far too many people risk being left without the help they need. The killing of displaced people who were simply seeking safety is unacceptable, and civilians must be protected at all times. Essential infrastructure must never be targeted, and every effort must remain focused on saving lives and easing tensions."

Over one million people have been displaced by displacement orders and air strikes on communities already strained by years of economic and social fragility, including the devastating 2024-2025 conflict that also uprooted a million people.

Around 10 per cent of those displaced are currently living in collective shelters across Lebanon - many of them public schools and government buildings, where in some cases seven families share a single classroom without privacy, heating, adequate hygiene or essential items. In addition to those in collective shelters, many others are without shelter, living with families or friends, on the streets or in cars.

With over 1,000 deaths recorded, DG Pope strongly condemned the recent killing of displaced people, as well as the alarming rise in attacks on healthcare workers and facilities. She stressed that damage to civilian infrastructure - including critical roads and bridges - further undermines the safety and dignity of civilians and must stop immediately.

Lebanon's prolonged economic crisis, overstretched public services, and rising social pressures have left communities struggling to cope, while growing regional instability is further fuelling insecurity at the local level and increasing risks for civilians.

During her visit, DG Pope held discussions with senior government officials, including President Joseph Aoun, on the rapidly worsening situation across the country. She commended the Government of Lebanon for its leadership in coordinating and responding to the crisis despite immense pressures it faces, and discussed the need to strengthen coordination and expand support to the communities most affected.

In IOM-supported shelters, DG Pope met with migrants and displaced families, witnessing firsthand the impact of the crisis on their daily lives. She heard directly about the growing challenges they face, including limited access to basic services, heightened protection concerns, and shrinking livelihood opportunities.

IOM teams in Lebanon continue to deliver emergency shelter, health services, protection, mental health and psychosocial support, and community-based programming aimed at bolstering resilience for displaced populations, migrants and host communities. At the same time, they are tracking displacement to inform the broader humanitarian response. Yet, despite these efforts, the scale and complexity of needs continue to outpace available resources.

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South Sudan: UN experts urge immediate protection of civilians amid escalating crisis

Press releases

Special Procedures

02 April 2026

GENEVA -- UN experts* today warned that South Sudan is turning into a catastrophic human rights and humanitarian crisis, urging immediate steps to protect civilians, facilitate humanitarian access, and enable internally displaced persons to return safely and with dignity.

"South Sudan stands at a critical juncture," the experts said. "All parties must immediately cease hostilities and engage in meaningful dialogue to prevent further escalation of conflict and protect civilians."

Over 267,000 people have reportedly been displaced in Jonglei state alone in 2026. Women represent the majority of those displaced, while children under the age of 18 make up a significant share.

The experts warned that the reported evacuation orders in densely populated areas, which already host large numbers of displaced persons and refugees, are particularly disturbing. "Such measures risk forcing civilians into further displacement and exposing them to grave harm."

They expressed deep alarm at the scale and severity of the violence, including conflict-related sexual violence against women and girls, the massive displacement of civilians across multiple states, and the deteriorating human rights situation in the country. "Indiscriminate attacks on civilians and aid workers must stop," they said.

Displaced populations are facing acute food insecurity, a lack of shelter, and limited access to essential services. Conflict and climate shocks have also disrupted education, affecting over 300 schools and around 300,000 learners.

"The reported destruction of water sources, as well as the looting and burning of homes, hospitals, schools and places of worship, are particularly alarming. If verified, they would constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law and may amount to war crimes," the experts said.

The experts urged the international community to take swift action. "Without immediate and sustained support, millions risk being left without the assistance they need for survival," they said.

"Obstructions to humanitarian assistance, burdensome administrative and bureaucratic restrictions, and attacks on aid workers are critically undermining the delivery of life-saving support," the experts said.

"The principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution must be strictly respected," they said. "Civilians and civilian objects must never be targeted. Measures must be taken to protect the population, and the safety of humanitarian personnel must be guaranteed at all times."

"Ending impunity is not optional. It is essential to stop the cycle of violence in South Sudan and ensure justice for victims," the experts said.

The experts are in touch with the Government of South Sudan on this matter.

*The experts:

Paula Gaviria, the Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons

Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons Claudia Flores (Chair), Ivana Krstic (Vice-Chair), Dorothy Estrada Tanck, Haina Lu, and Laura Nyirinkindi, the Working Group on discrimination against women and girls

the Working Group on discrimination against women and girls Farida Shaheed, Special Rapporteur on the right to education

Special Rapporteur on the right to education Reem Alsalem, Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, its causes and consequences

Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, its causes and consequences Michael Fakhri, Special Rapporteur on the right to food

Special Rapporteur on the right to food Morris Tidball-Binz, Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions

Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions Ben Saul, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism

Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism Mary Lawlor, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders

Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders Tlaleng Mofokeng, Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health

Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health Pedro Arrojo Agudo, Special Rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation

Special Rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation Gina Romero, Special Rapporteur on the Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association

Heba Hagrass, Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities

Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities Claudia Mahler, Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons

Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons Ashwini K.P., Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance

Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance Nazila Ghanea, Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief

Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief Balakrishnan Rajagopal, Special Rapporteur on adequate housing as a component of the right to an adequate standard of living, and on the right to non-discrimination in this context

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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Lebanon: UN experts call for international independent investigation into Israel's killing of journalists

Press releases

Special Procedures

02 April 2026

GENEVA -- The targeted killing of three Lebanese journalists constitutes another egregious attack on press freedom by Israeli forces and must be promptly, fully and independently investigated by an international body, UN experts* said today.

"We denounce strongly what has now become a standard, dangerous practice of Israel to target and kill journalists and then claim, without providing any credible evidence, that they were involved with armed groups," the experts said.

On 28 March, Israeli forces killed Al Manar TV reporter Ali Shoeib, and Al Mayadeen reporter Fatima Ftouni and cameraman Mohamed Ftouni, in a series of targeted strikes on their car as they drove through Jezzine in Lebanon, while on a reporting assignment.

"Journalists carrying out their professional duties in armed conflict are civilians and must not be targeted or made the object of attack," the experts said. "The deliberate killing of journalists not directly participating in hostilities constitutes a serious violation of international human rights and humanitarian law and a war crime."

"The only 'evidence' produced by the Israeli forces so far to support their allegations is what they themselves admit is a photoshopped image of Ali Shoeib - a blatant demonstration of their disdain for international law," they said.

The experts stressed that reporting as a journalist for a media outlet linked to an armed group or disseminating propaganda does not amount, in itself, to direct participation in hostilities under international humanitarian law. "Israeli officials know this, yet they choose to ignore it - emboldened by impunity for their previous killings of journalists in Lebanon, Gaza and the West Bank."

"The targeted killing of journalists is an abominable push by Israel to silence reporting on Israel's current military action in Lebanon, and shut down news coverage of war crimes committed, just as it did in Gaza."

At least 259 journalists and media workers have been killed by Israel since 2023, including 210 Palestinian journalists in Gaza and 14 journalists in Lebanon. At least 64 of them appear to have been directly targeted.

"States that champion media freedom globally cannot remain silent and must pressure Israel to cease the smear campaigns and targeted killings of journalists in Lebanon and the occupied Palestinian territory," the experts said.

They called on the government of Lebanon to document and preserve evidence and to invite an independent, international investigation into the killing of Lebanese journalists by Israel.

"We stand ready to offer our support and assistance within the scope of our mandates," the experts said. "Independent international investigations and accountability mechanisms should be used as tools to bring an end to impunity for crimes against journalists and to guarantee the right of their families to truth, justice and reparation."

"Israel's targeted killings and smear campaigns against journalists must be stopped," they said.

The experts are in contact with the Government of Israel on this matter.

*The experts:

Irene Khan , UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression

, UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression Morris Tidball-Binz, the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions

the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions 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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UN Security Council condemns killing of three UN peacekeepers in Lebanon

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 13:45, April 02, 2026

UNITED NATIONS, April 1 (Xinhua) -- The UN Security Council on Wednesday decried incidents that killed three Indonesian peacekeepers from the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) on Sunday and Monday.

In a press statement, Security Council members reaffirmed their full support for UNIFIL and urged all parties to ensure the safety and security of its personnel and premises, as well as the mission's freedom of movement, in accordance with international law. They also called on parties to refrain from actions that could endanger peacekeepers.

Recalling that peacekeepers must never be targeted, they called on the United Nations to investigate the incidents through UNIFIL and keep the relevant troop-contributing country informed of progress, consistent with the objectives of Security Council resolutions 2518 (2020) and 2589 (2021).

They also called on parties to fully implement Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) and reiterated their strong commitment to Lebanon's sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and unity.

Five other peacekeepers were injured on Sunday and Monday. In recent weeks, several other incidents have affected UNIFIL positions and injured peacekeepers against the backdrop of ongoing hostilities along the Blue Line, according to the statement.

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U.S. doubles A-10 "Warthog" warplanes in Mideast amid escalation in hostilities: report

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 13:39, April 02, 2026

WASHINGTON, April 1 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. military is doubling its deployment of A-10 attack planes to the Middle East to support advancing ground troops in the war against Iran, The New York Times reported Wednesday.

The U.S. Air Force is dispatching another 18 A-10 "Warthog" planes to join roughly a dozen already operating in the region, said the report, citing two Pentagon officials.

The slow-moving A-10 "Warthog" planes, which fly at low altitudes and slow speeds to loiter over targets on land and at sea, are reportedly to be used to help U.S. ground forces seize territory near the Strait of Hormuz, the crucial waterway that Iran has effectively closed, or Kharg Island, Iran's oil export hub, said the report.

The move comes as U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday he expected the war with Iran to end in two to three weeks.

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Hegseth fires US Army chief as failed war on Iran exposes deep military cracks

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 02 April 2026 10:40 PM

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has forced the immediate retirement of Army Chief of Staff General Randy George, amid a deepening crisis within the US military establishment over the failed war against Iran.

The abrupt ouster of the 41st Army chief of staff came on Thursday, amid a sweeping purge of senior US commanders, widely seen as a desperate attempt to deflect blame for Washington's string of strategic defeats in its war of aggression against Iran.

A Pentagon official told The Hill newspaper that Hegseth personally ordered General George to step down and retire without delay.

The move was later confirmed by the Pentagon, which issued a statement through chief spokesperson Sean Parnell: "The Department of War is grateful for General George's decades of service to our nation. We wish him well in his retirement."

George, who assumed the top Army post in September 2023 after Senate confirmation, had previously served as vice chief of staff. A West Point graduate commissioned in 1988, he participated in the US invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan -- wars that ultimately failed to achieve Washington's regional domination objectives.

Since taking office, Hegseth, a warmonger, has fired more than a dozen high-ranking officers, including Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. James Slife, Defense Intelligence Agency head Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Kruse, and Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti.

Earlier this year, Hegseth also ordered the dismissal of one of Army Secretary Dan Driscoll's top advisers, Col. David Butler, a former spokesperson for Gen. Mark Milley.

Independent observers view the purge in the US military as direct fallout from the United States' inability to impose its will in the face of Iran's resolute defense of its sovereignty in the face of the imposed war.

Washington's repeated military and intelligence setbacks have triggered a blame game inside the Pentagon. George, closely tied to the Biden administration's policies, has become a convenient scapegoat for the Trump administration's failed policies amid the war against Iran.

The timing of the ouster is particularly telling. It follows months of escalating US-Israeli provocations against Iran, all of which have ended in strategic embarrassment for the aggressors.

Iran's precise and proportionate retaliatory strikes, including its historic missile and drone operations, have demonstrated the futility of Washington's military posturing and exposed the fragility of US command structures built on outdated assumptions of unchallenged hegemony.

Meanwhile, Hegseth has moved quickly to install a loyalist in George's place. The Army's current chief of staff, Gen. Christopher LaNeve previously served as Hegseth's own military aide.

The appointment of a personal confidant underscores the politicization of the US military, now being reshaped not for genuine reform but to mask the consequences of the failed war of aggression against Iran, which began on February 28 with the assassination of top Iranian leaders.

In retaliation, Iran's armed forces have launched multiple waves of missile and drone strikes targeting US and Israeli military positions across the region.

Trump fires Pam Bondi as Attorney General

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump fired Attorney General Pam Bondi on Thursday, removing America's top law enforcement officer after privately venting his frustrations for months over her handling of the Epstein files and her failed efforts to prosecute his political enemies.

In a social media post, Trump said he was replacing Ms. Bondi with Todd Blanche, her deputy, on an interim basis.

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Bipartisan Senate NATO Observer Group Co-Chairs Respond to President Trump's Comments on NATO

Senate Foreign Relations Committee

Published: April 02, 2026

WASHINGTON -- Today, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Thom Tillis (R-NC), co-chairs of the Senate NATO Observer Group, released the following statement on President Trump's threats to pull out of NATO:

"NATO is the strongest and most successful military alliance in history. It promotes economic stability and protects our most important trading relationships. It is a crucial force multiplier in an increasingly dangerous world. Our allies, year after year, have stepped up decisively in the face of mounting threats and have agreed to spend five percent of GDP on defense to bolster burden sharing. Our citizens know that NATO makes Americans safer and more prosperous, which is why NATO's favorability is consistently above 60 percent among the U.S. public.

"NATO stood by America when we were under attack and came to our aid after the September 11th attacks. Their soldiers fought and died alongside our troops in Afghanistan.

"Any President that contemplates attempting to withdraw from NATO is not only fulfilling Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping's greatest dreams but would be undermining America's own national security interests.

"Let us be clear, Congress will not allow the United States to withdraw from NATO. A bipartisan bill drafted by then-Senator Rubio which passed into law prevents any President from unilaterally doing so. Instead, the law clearly states that only Congress can authorize the President to withdraw the U.S. from NATO. That will not happen. Congress and the American people know we are stronger when we stand with our allies. This is a basic fact and one that we ignore only to our own detriment."

###

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Venezuela's Rodriguez Calls Lifting of Sanctions Step Toward Normalizing Ties With US

Sputnik News

20260402

Acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez believes that the lifting of US sanctions against her is a step toward normalizing bilateral relations.

On Wednesday, the US Office of Foreign Assets Control said that Rodriguez was removed from its sanctions list.

"President Trump's decision is a significant step in the right direction to normalize and strengthen relations between our countries. We trust that this progress and determination will ultimately lead to the lifting of the additional active sanctions on our country. This will allow for rapid economic development, investment, and an effective bilateral cooperation agenda for the benefit of our peoples," Rodriguez said on X on Wednesday.

The United States and Venezuela restored diplomatic relations in March after severing them in 2019.

 Sputnik

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Deputy Secretary Landau's Call with Icelandic Foreign Minister Gunnarsdottir

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

April 2, 2026

The below is attributable to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott:

Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau spoke today with Icelandic Foreign Minister Thorgerdur Katrin Gunnarsdottir to discuss the situation in the Persian Gulf, Ukraine, and other areas of mutual concern, as well as expanding bilateral cooperation on security and economic matters. The two leaders reaffirmed the long-standing partnership between their countries and expressed a desire to strengthen that partnership.

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Support for Panama's Sovereignty

US Department of State

Press Statement

Marco Rubio, Secretary of State

April 2, 2026

China's recent actions against Panama-flagged vessels raise serious concerns about the use of economic tools to undermine the rule of law in Panama, a sovereign nation and vital partner for global commerce. Detentions, delays, or other impediments to the movement of vessels undermine the stability of global supply chains, increase costs for businesses and consumers, and erode confidence in the international trading system.

China's actions against Panama-flagged vessels follow the recent decision by Panama's independent Supreme Court regarding the Balboa and Cristobal terminals. This sovereign ruling upheld transparency, the rule of law, and held private operators accountable to the public interest. The judgment also makes clear that Panama is a reliable partner for international investment and business opportunities. The United States stands firmly with Panama and looks forward to increasing our economic and security cooperation with this important partner.

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USSTRATCOM hosts Aurora Pulse electromagnetic spectrum exercise

News | April 2, 2026

By USSTRATCOM Public Affairs

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- U.S. Strategic Command hosted operations and planning officers from the uniformed services, unified commands, Joint Staff, and additional government agencies for a first-of-its-kind electromagnetic spectrum tabletop exercise, Aurora Pulse, March 24-26 in the Gen. Curtis LeMay Command and Control Facility here.

The participants gathered to tackle the robust challenges of electromagnetic spectrum operations during crisis and conflict. These challenges, compounded by the austere setting of the exercise, included not only contested use by adversary forces, but also congested access due to expanded spectrum allocation to commercial and civilian systems.

USSTRATCOM Deputy Commander U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Michael Lutton addressed participants prior to the exercise kickoff.

"Electromagnetic spectrum considerations must be central in defense planning," said Lutton. "Our adversaries operate in the spectrum, so our freedom of action in the operating environment is strengthened by maintaining EMS superiority."

During the exercise, participants walked through two days of scenarios, testing their procedures, tactics and operations in a degraded and contested environment.

"EMS is critical in today's fight," said Lutton. "It is imperative our warfighters be able to operate and win in a highly-contested environment."

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. AnnMarie Anthony, USSTRATCOM's Joint Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations Center director, framed the goal of Aurora Pulse.

"The end goal is to learn what, and who, to ask about EMSO," said Anthony. "Today, the EMS environment is evolving rapidly, becoming increasingly congested and contested. This congestion poses significant challenges for both military and civilian operations."

USSTRATCOM is directed in the Unified Command Plan to oversee electromagnetic spectrum operations.

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Joint Statement by the Foreign Ministers of Turkiye, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE, 2 April 2026

Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The Foreign Ministers of the Republic of Turkiye, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Republic of Indonesia, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the State of Qatar, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates strongly condemned the Israeli occupying power's enactment of a law in its Parliament (Knesset), that allows the imposition of the death penalty in the occupied West Bank and its de facto application against Palestinians.

The Ministers warned against the increasingly discriminatory, escalating Israeli practices that entrench a system of apartheid and a rejectionist discourse that denies the inalienable rights and the very existence of the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT).

The Ministers underscored that this legislation constitutes a dangerous escalation, particularly given its discriminatory application against Palestinian prisoners, and stressed that such measures risk further exacerbating tensions and undermining regional stability.

The Ministers also expressed deep concern over the conditions of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli detention, warning of mounting risks amid credible reports of ongoing abuses, including torture, inhumane and degrading treatment, starvation, and the denial of basic rights. They emphasized that these practices reflect a broader pattern of violations against the Palestinian people.

The Ministers reaffirmed their opposition to Israel's racially discriminatory, oppressive, and aggressive policies targeting Palestinians.

The Ministers further emphasized the urgent need to refrain from measures imposed by the occupying power that risk further inflaming tensions on the ground. They stressed the importance of ensuring accountability and called for strengthened international efforts to uphold stability and prevent further deterioration.



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Middle East crisis exposes global energy fault line as UN urges shift to renewables

By Daniel Dickinson

2 April 2026 - The ongoing crisis in the Middle East is exposing a central vulnerability in the global economy: the dependence on fossil fuels flowing through regions affected by conflict, a situation which is strengthening the UN's case for a faster transition to cheaper, more resilient renewable power.

The Hormuz Strait in the Persian Gulf, through which one fifth of the world's supply of oil and gas passes, has been largely closed to shipping since the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel, as well as, to a lesser extent, other nations, began a month ago.

The disruption to supplies has already resulted in reduced access to the fossil fuels which countries around the world need to produce power, leading to higher prices rattling global markets in the process.

The United Nations says the bottleneck caused by the virtual closure of the strait underscores a fundamental issue that energy security is no longer just about supply, but also about resilience and finding alternative power sources in an increasingly unstable world.

Why it matters

Concern over the use of fossil fuels has typically been linked to climate change, due to the warming effects of the gases they produce when burned, but now energy security has come more into focus.

Earlier this year, the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres cautioned that "in this age of war...our addiction to fossil fuels is destabilizing both the climate and global security."

The impact of war

Since the outbreak of the war in the Middle East, it has become increasingly evident that:

Important oil and gas supplies are concentrated in regions vulnerable to conflict

Transport routes can be disrupted by military escalation

Price volatility quickly spreads across economies

The big picture

As countries around the world continue to rely on fossil fuels to meet the daily needs of citizens and to drive economic growth, it has become clear that they are more vulnerable than ever before to sudden supply disruptions.

Stable and strategic relations with other countries to ensure power supplies are at a premium as energy demands grow.

"Three-fourths of humanity lives in countries that are net importers of fossil fuels, dependent on energy they do not control, at prices they cannot predict," said Mr. Guterres in February this year.

The UN chief also warned about the risk of development budgets "siphoned into fuel bills, at the constant mercy of geopolitical turmoil and supply disruptions", insisting: "We must stop treating the transition away from fossil fuels as taboo."

The promise of renewable energy

One solution to guard against the crisis and chaos caused by a lack of access to fossil fuels is to transition to renewable energy sources, for example solar, wind and water power.

These offer a fundamentally different power provision model, one that is more widely accessible and potentially cheaper.

Renewable energy is often locally sourced, domestically produced, and thus less vulnerable to the global upheaval that geopolitical crises can spark.

As the UN's climate chief Simon Stiell emphasized earlier this year, "renewables are the clearest, cheapest path to energy security and sovereignty, shielding countries and economies from shocks unleashed by wars, trade turmoil and the 'might-is-right' politics that leave every nation poorer."

Energy transition underway

The transition from fossil fuel sources to renewable energy has already begun.

Kenya, in East Africa, has become a global leader in renewable energy, particularly geothermal power, generating the vast majority of its electricity from renewables.

The South American nation, Chile, is one of the world's fastest-growing renewable energy markets. It has moved away from coal-fired power generation by scaling up solar and wind power, taking advantage of natural conditions of the type found in the Atacama Desert.

India, too, has focused on expanding solar and wind infrastructure, integrating renewables into its national development and electrification strategies, although it still relies heavily on oil and gas which are typically delivered through the Strait of Hormuz from countries bordering the Persian Gulf.

People's power, the bottom line

While energy security is a growing geopolitical issue that sovereign nations need to address, it is also deeply personal, affecting families and individuals around the world, as people face higher energy bills and an overall increase in the cost of living.

In most cases, according to the UN, renewables are cheaper than coal, oil or gas, and so can directly lower electricity costs for households.

Renewables can also protect people from future price spikes by providing cheaper, more stable power directly to communitie

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Today's top news: Syria, Lebanon, Occupied Palestinian Territory, Democratic Republic of the Congo

UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

Syria

UN Relief Chief: Syria could be a source of genuine solutions and stability

Today, Tom Fletcher, the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, spoke to reporters in New York from Damascus, stressing the need for Syria to remain out of the wider regional crisis.

In a joint press briefing with Alexander De Croo, the Administrator of the UN Development Programme (UNDP), Mr. Fletcher said, "There's potential now for Syria to move from being an importer of problems from the region to an exporter of genuine solutions and stability."

He noted that since his last visit to Syria in December 2024, Syria has made tremendous progress and there must be a transition from the humanitarian response to development and long-term recovery.

"The world needs a success story right now, and I think we've both seen today, and both feel growing confidence that Syria can continue to be that success story, even amid such a bleak, dark moment for the region," Mr. Fletcher said.

Mr. Fletcher and Mr. De Croo met today with President Ahmed al-Sharra, as well as with women-led organizations.

Together, they took part in the launch of the Syria Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan, which calls for $2.9 billion to reach 8.6 million of the most vulnerable people in the country.

Mr. Fletcher described the joint visit to Syria as a "living demonstration of UN80 in action," adding that the Secretary-General has called for agencies to work much more closely together. "We are demonstrating that UN80 is about developing common premises, shared supply chains, coordinated procurement, and more integrated planning and strategizing."



Lebanon

Four weeks into violence, displacement, needs rise across Lebanon

With today marking one month since the start of the ongoing escalation in Lebanon, OCHA warns that the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate at an alarming speed.

According to the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health, more than 1,300 people have been killed and nearly 4000 injured since 2 March. Strikes continue to hit Beirut's southern suburbs, southern Lebanon and the Bekaa.

More than 1.1 million people have been forced from their homes, many having to flee more than once, as displacement orders continue to affect new areas.

In one month, nearly 15 per cent of Lebanon's territory has been affected by displacement orders, areas that were home to 1 in 4 Lebanese and thousands of refugees. While many have fled, finding refuge in shelters, with relatives, or in informal settlements, others remain and urgently need assistance.

Hospitals are struggling to keep up. Half of the facilities supported by UN Population Fund (UNFPA) in conflict-affected areas have been forced to close due to the violence, and many health workers have themselves been displaced. Hospitals and primary healthcare centres are overwhelmed and understaffed. Attacks on health facilities, ambulances and humanitarian workers continue to rise, with 92 incidents reported since 2 March, resulting in 53 deaths and 137 injuries.

Despite this, partners working in health are working to maintain essential services. UNFPA has deployed nine mobile health units across the country to provide maternal care and emergency obstetric support in collective shelters. Services also include care for survivors of sexual violence, psychosocial support and the distribution of dignity kits and essential supplies for pregnant women and new mothers.

However, the response is facing growing constraints. Disruptions to major global transport routes are delaying the delivery of life-saving assistance to those most in need. Partners are working to re-route shipments and secure alternative supply lines, but gaps remain at a time when needs are rapidly increasing.

As the situation worsens, calls to the international community remains the same: an immediate de-escalation of hostilities, the protection of civilians, healthcare and humanitarian workers, full and unimpeded humanitarian access - especially to the south of Lebanon - and urgent funding to support the response to be able to meet the fast-growing needs.

As of today, the Lebanon Flash Appeal has received less than a third of the $308 million needed to fund urgent humanitarian operations and provide assistance to those who need it. The UN continues to call on donors to urgently provide funding.

*Donations made to UN Crisis Relief help UN agencies and humanitarian NGOs reach people in Lebanon with urgent support. .

Occupied Palestinian Territory

UN expands cash assistance to boost faming, tackle food shortages

OCHA says that people's needs continue to far exceed what aid organizations can provide amid severe restrictions and other impediments. This underscores the urgent need for the authorities to facilitate the work of more humanitarian partners and allow a wider range of critical items to enter the Strip.

On food security in Gaza, the UN and partners completed distributions for March this week, reaching every other family with rations covering half of the minimum caloric requirements. Partners are also serving nearly 1.5 million meals and producing about 130,000 two-kilogram bread bundles every day.

But this is far from enough. The limited entry of commercial goods, particularly cooking gas, continues to constrain what kitchens and families can prepare. Nearly one in two households still rely on unsafe cooking methods, including burning trash.

On health, UN-supported emergency medical teams provided about 23,000 consultations in the last week of March across Gaza. But persistent delays in clearing specialized medical and surgical equipment continue to limit the ability to provide complex care.

On shelter, most people remain displaced, and the response is still limited to short-term solutions. More durable shelter support depends on the entry of equipment and materials that are not easily approved, including those needed to clear debris and explosive ordnance or to fix damaged homes. During the last week of March, partners reached nearly 14,000 families with assistance including tarpaulins and household items, prioritizing people whose belongings were flooded by the rain.

In education, partners said last week's rains damaged at least 15 temporary learning spaces, disrupting services for some 20,000 students. Led by UNICEF, education partners continue setting up specialized tents for learning and distributing stationery and recreational items for children.

In the West Bank, OCHA casualty figures for the first three months of 2026 indicate that two out of every three Palestinian fatalities occurred after the regional escalation on 28 February. That is 22 of the 33 Palestinians killed by Israeli forces or settlers. In addition, four other Palestinians, all women, were killed in the West Bank by falling munitions during an Iranian missile attack.

More than 200 settler attacks caused casualties or property damage in March, affecting over 100 communities. That is approximately six attacks a day.

Six of the eight Palestinians killed by Israeli settlers so far in 2026 were killed in March. This marks the second-highest monthly toll since OCHA began systematically recording such fatalities in 2005. The highest was in October 2023, when eight Palestinians were killed by settlers.

The UN and partners continue to support the health system in the West Bank, as well as families who have been displaced or otherwise affected. To prevent further violence and reduce people's needs over time, Palestinians must be protected, perpetrators of unlawful attacks must be held accountable, and policies driving such needs must be reversed.

*Donations made to UN Crisis Relief help UN agencies and humanitarian NGOs reach people in Gaza and the West Bank with urgent support.

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Civilians bear brunt of ongoing violence amid armed attacks, looting

OCHA warns that the humanitarian situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to deteriorate due to the ongoing violence in the eastern provinces of Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu.

In Ituri province alone, at least 30 people were reportedly killed yesterday in armed attacks in the locality of Bafwakoa, in Mambasa Territory, bringing the number of civilians killed there to more than 100 since 11 March. Local humanitarian partners also report that more than 390 people have been abducted over the same period. The violence has triggered new waves of displacement, adding to the more than 50,000 people already displaced in the territory.

OCHA warns of widespread looting - including of food, medicines and medical supplies - from health facilities. Nine health facilities in Mambasa Territory have suspended operations since 11 March, severely limiting access to healthcare for more than 55,000 people in areas that were already underserved.

In South Kivu province, local sources report that at least 20 civilians have been killed and around 10 others injured in clashes since 23 March in the territories of Uvira, Kalehe and Mwenga. Homes and livestock have been damaged, forcing families to flee. Humanitarian needs are rising, particularly as access to food and health care remains limited.

In neighbouring North Kivu province, continued fighting in Masisi territory displaced around 6,000 people between 28 and 29 March, adding to the more than 180,000 people already displaced there.

Despite the insecurity, partners continue to provide assistance where they can. Between 16 and 27 March, more than 30,000 people received food assistance in the town of Mweso in Masisi.

OCHA urges all armed groups to respect international humanitarian law, protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, and facilitate safe, sustained and unhindered humanitarian access.

The humanitarian response in the Democratic Republic of the Congo remains critically underfunded. The $1.4 billion Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan is only 30 per cent funded, with just over $421 million received so far.

As needs grow, the UN calls for urgent funding.

*Donations made to UN Crisis Relief help UN agencies and humanitarian NGOs reach people in DRC with urgent support.

Posted on 2 April 2026

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Security Council Recognizes Expertise of Gulf Cooperation Council in First-Ever Presidential Statement, as Briefers Call for Broad Cooperation in Middle East

Meetings Coverage

Security Council

10128th Meeting (AM)

SC/16328

2 April 2026

The Security Council today encouraged collaboration between the United Nations and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to address "shared challenges, such as maritime security, preventing and countering terrorism, and responding to food and water security" as part of broader efforts to promote peace and stability in a region engulfed by the ongoing Israel-United States war with Iran.

In an agreed presidential statement submitted by the representative of Bahrain (to be issued as document S/PRST/2026/1) in his capacity as Council President for April, the Security Council recognized the Gulf Cooperation Council's "position and expertise in understanding and promoting regional sustainable peace and security".

It also acknowledged its "contributions to regional and international stability through mediation, preventive diplomacy, technical and financial support, and humanitarian engagement in support of prevention across the peace continuum".

Established in 1981, the regional organization comprises six member States  Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates  and serves as a platform for cooperation on political, economic and sociocultural issues affecting the Arab States of the Gulf.

Calls to Elevate, Enhance UN-GCC Cooperation amid Heightened Volatility

Today's briefing marked the first Security Council meeting focused on UN-GCC cooperation, and the presidential statement is the Security Council's first formal outcome on that partnership. The text aims to elevate the cooperation to a level comparable to the UN's engagement with other regional and subregional organizations, such as the African Union and the League of Arab States.

Among other provisions, the statement requested the Secretary-General to include, in his next report to the Security Council and the General Assembly on cooperation between the United Nations and regional and other organizations, recommendations on strengthening institutional relations and cooperation with the GCC.

It further encouraged regular briefings by the GCC Secretary-General to promote closer cooperation and strategic coordination with the United Nations, particularly in addressing emerging threats and challenges to peace and security in the Gulf region.

The statement recalled the Council's previous relevant resolutions, "which take into consideration the importance of the Gulf region to international peace and security and its vital role in the stability of the world economy". It, however, makes no direct references to the ongoing Strait of Hormuz crisis, Iran's attacks on Gulf countries or to resolutions 2817 (2026) and 552 (1984).

Before the adoption, the Security Council heard briefings from senior officials of the two organizations.

"The ongoing escalation underlines the urgent need for coordinated multilateral action," said Khaled Khiari, Assistant Secretary-General for Middle East, Europe, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific, Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations, stressing the importance of "strengthened" UN-GCC cooperation.

Mr. Khiari highlighted the GCC's crucial and increasingly stabilizing role across the Middle East in de-escalating regional tensions, supporting mediation efforts and reinforcing pathways towards political solutions. It has been instrumental in mobilizing political and humanitarian support for Palestinians in Gaza, he said, while also coordinating closely with the UN to advance a Syrian-owned political transition and support Lebanon's sovereignty and recovery.

In addition, the GCC remains a key partner in preserving space for a Yemeni-led peace process, supporting mediation efforts in Sudan and strengthening counter-terrorism cooperation through its partnership with the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism.

Deepening the UN's partnership with the GCC is "not only timely, but necessary", he said, adding: "We must draw on our comparative advantages and respective strengths in the pursuit of regional peace and stability."

'Cornerstone of Global Economy'

Jassim Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, said: "Although this is the first time that the GCC is addressing the Security Council, it is not the first time that the GCC has assumed its international responsibilities."

He highlighted Saudi Arabia's leadership of the international coalition to implement the two-State solution for Israel and Palestine, which led to the adoption of the New York Declaration. He also noted Qatar's mediation efforts, as well as various GCC States' initiatives in Yemen.

He further pointed to the GCC's efforts to promote a culture of peace and ensure food security, adding that its member States collectively rank as the fourth-largest humanitarian donor globally.

The GCC is also "a cornerstone of the global economy", he said, noting that its member States' combined output exceeded $2.3 trillion in 2024. Together, they produce 16 million barrels of oil per day and 442 billion cubic metres of natural gas annually. As a result, he warned, "any disruption in the Gulf immediately affects global markets", as recent events have shown. "Stability in the Arabian Gulf is not merely a regional concern, but is rather a global necessity," he stressed.

Bahrain Pushes Action on Strait of Hormuz

Abdullatif bin Rashid al Zayani, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bahrain, said his country submitted a draft resolution to the Security Council regarding Iran's unlawful and unjustified attempt to control international navigation in the Strait of Hormuz  an action that presents a challenge requiring "a decisive response".

This draft resolution is fully consistent with international law and with the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which guarantees the right of transit passage through straits without obstruction, in stark contrast to Iran's actions today, he said, adding that he looks forward to "a unified position from this esteemed Council during the vote on the draft resolution tomorrow".

The representative of the United States noted that the region's "great cities", from Riyadh to Doha, are hubs for tourism, business and education. The GCC represents "one of the most strategically consequential parts of the world, where the arteries of commerce and energy and national security run right through their backyards", he said, adding that its members have never closed their ports or waterways to United States ships.

He also highlighted their role in implementing President Donald J. Trump's peace plan in Gaza and supporting recovery in Syria following the lifting of United States sanctions. "We have seen our Gulf partners rise to the occasion," he said, expressing hope that their streets will one day "ring out with Formula 1 race cars and not Shahed drones".

United Kingdom, Others Point to Iran, as Moscow Blames United States, Israel for 'Unprovoked' Aggression

The representative of the United Kingdom expressed solidarity with all GCC States as they exercise "their inherent right to defend their sovereignty and protect their citizens" against Iran's unacceptable attempts to close the Strait of Hormuz. By attacking its neighbours, "Iran bears the primary responsibility for the current escalation", said his counterpart from France.

However, the Russian Federation's delegate rejected onesided narratives and stressed that "the current conflict did not occur in a vacuum". It was the direct result of an unprovoked act of aggression by the United States and Israel against Iran's territory. Echoing such a view, China and Pakistan highlighted their five-point initiative on restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and the Middle East, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities, the prompt launch of peace talks, the protection of non-military targets, the security of shipping lanes and the primacy of the UN Charter.

Better Together

Many speakers, including from Colombia, Panama, Greece, Denmark, Lativa, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Somalia, underscored that the UN and the GCC complement each other. On that, the representatives of Liberia cautioned against "a false choice" between regional action and global authority. "This is not a competition, but a complementarity," he said, stressing that "the United Nations provides legitimacy. Regional organizations provide immediacy, and together, they provide effectiveness."

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Norfolk Naval Shipyard Undocks USS John Warner

US Navy

02 April 2026

From Michael D Brayshaw, Norfolk Naval Shipyard

Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) successfully undocked USS John Warner (SSN 785) last month, meeting a major milestone in the Virginia-class submarine's Extended Drydocking Selected Restricted Availability (EDSRA).

During an EDSRA, the submarine is drydocked to undergo hull, propulsion system, and modernization upgrades, allowing the submarine to remain fully operational for its planned service life. Virginia-class submarines are critical vessels in maintaining national security given their operational versatility and nuclear-powered fast attack capability.

John Warner has been a pivotal availability for the Navy as the first Virginia class Block III drydocking at any of the nation's four public shipyards. Block III refers to the redesigned submarines procured during the third Virginia-class acquisition contract.

NNSY's preparations for John Warner involved extensive teaming and knowledge sharing with Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility, having previously executed Virginia-class CNO availabilities.

"NNSY's commitment to learn and reach out for knowledge from the other shipyards for critical work evolutions has been a major key to the success of the project," said Charles Brock, NNSY Submarine Program Manager. "The Virginia-class shipyard community is a very close-knit group that leans in to help one another. Because this is the first Block III EDSRA for the corporation there were many opportunities where NNSY was able to share lessons learned with the other shipyards to help them as well. Additionally, the team's drive to work all possible solutions and then execute the best one was critical."

In a demonstration of the shipyard's ability to adapt and overcome first-time challenges, John Warner undocked with the crew able to move back aboard, mast and periscope installation completed, and command and control system testing started, a trifecta feat not accomplished on a submarine availability at NNSY since 2001.

"The powerful collaboration between our crew and the shipyard delivered the most materially ready submarine I've undocked," said Cmdr. Nicholas Tuuk, John Warner commanding officer. "This achievement allows us to now fully focus on forging a crew of master submariners, ready to execute any mission when we return to the fleet."

Undocking with more than 95 percent of the production work complete, remaining availability work will focus on testing and crew readiness to support critical operations and sea trials.

NNSY established a Submarine Maintenance Operations Center (SMOC) Detachment in 2025 to provide timely depot-maintenance submarine deliveries back to the fleet. The SMOC assists project teams including John Warner's in resolving issues such as material and resource needs, work package modifications, and technical adjudication. By aligning resources with readiness priorities, the Navy is able to provide more available ships and submarines to defend US interests globally and support critical operations.

"Clearly identifying the project's needs and expecting a reciprocal response and commitment has been one of the key elements to the success of John Warner," said Brock. "It has kept the team and all support aligned to what was needed and when it was needed. Additionally, the team employed a process of setting aggressive goals with specific dates to steer the shipyard in the direction needed to complete these major key events."

"It's a great win for our shipyard and Navy taking such a huge step toward delivering a Virginia-class submarine back to the fleet and ready to meet the mission," said Rear Adm. Kavon Hakimzadeh, shipyard commander. "I thank everyone for their efforts so far and we now rally around John Warner to urgently complete all remaining work as a committed team to return this critical asset supporting our nation's warfighting readiness."

Commissioned on Aug. 1, 2015, John Warner is the 12th Virginia-class attack submarine and the first ship bearing the name of Senator John Warner who served the Commonwealth of Virginia for three decades until his retirement in 2009. Warner also served as Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee from 1999 to 2001, and again from 2003 to 2007.

As one of the largest, most historic and multifaceted shipyards in the nation, Norfolk Naval Shipyard's mission is to repair, modernize and inactivate Navy warships and training platforms to maximize readiness and availability for fleet tasking.

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USS Gerald R. Ford Departs Split, Croatia

US Navy

02 April 2026

From U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa

The world's largest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), departed the Port of Split, Croatia, following a five-day port visit, March 28-April 2.

Gerald R. Ford remains poised for full mission tasking in support of national objectives in any area of operation.

During the port visit, Rear Adm. Paul Lanzilotta, commander of Carrier Strike Group 12, and the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group Warfare Commanders, met with U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Croatia Nicole McGraw to discuss the strike group's ongoing deployment and continued mission readiness.

The ship's crew took time to enjoy some liberty in Croatia's historic and hospitable city, as well as go on tours and events scheduled by the ship's Morale, Welfare, and Recreation team. Additionally, the ship completed scheduled repairs and received supplies to sustain operations. The routine investigation into the ship's laundry and berthing fire is ongoing.

The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group departed on deployment from Naval Station Norfolk on June 24, 2025, conducting operations in the Arctic Circle, Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Red Sea. The Carrier Strike Group's support of multiple joint and combined operations around the world has solidified it as the world's most capable, adaptable, and lethal military force.

Carrier Strike Group Twelve, including flagship USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), Carrier Air Wing 8, Destroyer Squadron Two, and Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81), is deployed to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations as a premier instrument of national power in support of commander-in-chief tasking to deter aggression, preserve economic prosperity, and maintain free and open seas.

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Macron says the US' attitude is 'eroding NATO's very substance'; transatlantic alliance divisions deepen: Chinese expert

Global Times

By Su Yaxuan Published: Apr 03, 2026 02:02 PM

French President Emmanuel Macron has sharply criticized the US for continuously casting doubt on NATO and making contradictory statements, saying, "We all need stability, calm, a return to peace - this isn't a show!"

Analysts said the remarks show divisions within the transatlantic alliance have become more pronounced as the US grew irritated that its European allies refused to join its war against Iran. From the perspective of these major European countries, in conflicts between the US and Iran, they have not been respected by the US and are no longer willing to take risks on US behalf.

According to Guardian, during a visit to South Korea on Thursday, Macron accused the US of repeatedly questioning its commitment to remain in NATO, thereby undermining the transatlantic defense alliance. "I believe organizations and alliances like Nato are defined by what is left unsaid - that is, the trust that underpins them," Macron said. "If you cast doubt on your commitment every day, you erode its very substance."

In the report, he criticized US President Donald Trump by saying that the matter should be treated "seriously": "When you want to be serious, you don't go around saying the opposite every day of what you just said the day before."

Macron also responded to Trump's remarks about him and his wife, saying they "weren't elegant, and they weren't up to par." According to the report of The Hill, during a private lunch Trump commented on Macron, saying, Macron's wife "treats him extremely badly", and mentioned a scene in May 2025, when Macron visited Vietnam and was filmed seemingly being pushed in the face by his wife before getting off the plane.

Previously, when the US repeatedly requested allies to send forces to the Strait of Hormuz, European countries generally refused.

British Prime Minister Kier Starmer said on Monday the United Kingdom "will not be drawn into the wider war," while German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said "this is not our war."

Macron also said that the US's attempt to forcefully open the strait through military action is "unrealistic," and added that any solution "can only be done in consultation with Iran."

Divisions within NATO between US and non-US members are increasingly apparent, Dong Yifan, an associate researcher at the Institute of Country and Regional Studies at Beijing Language and Culture University, told the Global Times.

"In the new round of conflicts in the Middle East, the US has shown no consideration for European interests, nor any respect for Europe. Its actions are undoubtedly a direct coercion, forcing Europe to pick a side," Dong said. "Especially after experiencing the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Europe is no longer willing to bear costs it cannot accept; for them, the losses outweigh the gains," Dong added.

Europe's stance has greatly frustrated the US. Recently, Trump has repeatedly questioned NATO and claimed he is considering withdrawing the US.

In an interview with Reuters this week, Trump said he is "absolutely" considering withdrawing the US from NATO. Earlier, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also stated that the US will "re-examine" its relationship with NATO after allies refused to support the US-Israel war in Iran.

Trump also harshly criticized allies who rejected US proposals on Truth Social, saying, "the US won't be there to help you anymore, just like you weren't there for us." In another post, he specifically pointed out France's lack of cooperation.

"The current stance and perception of the US toward its European allies demand that Europe unconditionally support all of the US' actions and hegemonic claims. This completely undermines the foundation of past traditional cooperation, mutual recognition, and strategic trust between Europe and the US," Dong said.

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Yemeni forces carry out third joint ballistic missile strike on vital Israeli targets

Iran Press TV

Friday, 03 April 2026 12:04 AM

The Yemeni Armed Forces have successfully executed a joint military operation targeting vital Israeli enemy positions in the occupied Yaffa area using a barrage of ballistic missiles.

The strike was conducted in full coordination with mujahideen brothers from the Islamic Republic of Iran and Hezbollah in Lebanon, and achieved all of its specified objectives, the Yemeni Armed Forces stated on Thursday.

"Continuing our support for the resistance and jihad fronts in Iraq, Iran, Palestine, and Lebanon, the Yemeni Armed Forces, with Allah's help, carried out a military operation using a barrage of ballistic missiles targeting vital Israeli enemy targets in the occupied Yaffa area," the official statement read.

The latest operation marks the third such strike by Yemeni forces since they formally joined the regional resistance in support of the Islamic Republic and the broader resistance axis against the US-Israeli aggression.

The operation underscores the perfect integration of multiple fronts -- from Yemen's Red Sea defenses to Lebanon, Iraq, and occupied Palestine -- under the strategic leadership of Iran.

The Yemeni Armed Forces stressed that their intervention in this crucial and exceptional battle remains gradual and measured. "Relying on Allah and seeking Allah's help, [our intervention] will not stop at this level," the statement affirmed.

Future operations will be calibrated according to the enemy's actions -- intensifying if the Israeli regime or its American backers escalate, and responding proportionately to any de-escalation, the statement said.

The statement concluded with praise for the steadfast fighters across the resistance fronts: "All praise and gratitude to the heroic fighters in Lebanon, Iraq, Iran, and Palestine who defend the dignity of the nation and stand resolutely against the Western-Zionist scheme targeting all the countries and peoples of the nation."

The declaration comes as the US-Israeli war on Iran enters a critical phase. Iran's resolute defense, advanced missile capabilities, and unwavering support for the Axis of Resistance have not only neutralized enemy plots but have inspired allied forces to expand the battlefield and impose high costs on the aggressors.

Yemen's entry into the fight -- with its domestically developed ballistic missiles capable of striking deep into occupied territories despite years of brutal aggression and blockade -- has further exposed the fragility of the Zionist entity and its American sponsors.

The US and Israel launched their illegal act of aggression against Iran on February 28 by assassinating Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, along with senior military commanders, in flagrant breach of the country's sovereignty.

The Iranian armed forces have responded with 91 waves of retaliatory strikes, codenamed Operation True Promise 4, launching hundreds of ballistic and hypersonic missiles as well as drone attacks against sensitive and strategic American and Israeli targets throughout the region.

United Nations experts have recently strongly denounced the ongoing US-Israeli war of aggression against Iran as flagrant violations of international law.

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Trump Warns US 'Hasn't Even Started' To Destroy Iran, Says Regime Must Act 'Fast'

By RFE/RL April 03, 2026

President Donald Trump said the US military "hasn't even started" to destroy what is left of Iran after a month of devastating air attacks and he threatened to strike electrical power plants and more bridges in his latest warning to the regime in Tehran.

"Our Military, the greatest and most powerful (by far!) anywhere in the World, hasn't even started destroying what's left in Iran. Bridges next, then Electric Power Plants! New Regime leadership knows what has to be done, and has to be done, FAST!," Trump wrote on Truth Social late on April 2.

The remarks, without further elaboration, were posted hours after Iran launched new missile and drone attacks at Israel and Gulf states following a previous Trump warning to Tehran that it must "make a deal" before "there is nothing left" of the country.

Trump continued to send somewhat mixed messages about the war, saying on April 1 in a televised address that the United States is close to "finishing the job" in Iran, while warning that US forces will continue to strike the country "extremely hard" for another "two to three weeks."

In that speech, Trump defended the war as necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

Iranian Bridge Hit

In another Truth Social posting, Trump hailed the US strike on a major bridge linking Tehran to Karaj in the Alborz Province that has been described by Iranian media outlets as the highest bridge in the Middle East.

"The biggest bridge in Iran comes tumbling down, never to be used again  Much more to follow!" Trump wrote.

Iranian officials said eight people were killed and 95 injured in two rounds of attacks on the bridge. The account could not be independently verified.

Iran also reported that the Pasteur Institute, a medical research center, suffered heavy damage in an attack. That report also could not be verified, although the Iranian government released a photo purporting to show the damage.

Iran's powerful parliament speaker, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, wrote a defiant message on social media: "Iranians don't just talk about defending their country, we bleed for it. We've done it before, and we're ready to do it again.... Bring it on."

An Iranian military spokesman warned of "broader and more destructive" attacks to come.

Israel Reports Incoming Missiles

Early on April 3, Israel's military said its air defenses were working to intercept missiles fired from Iran as the US-Israeli war with Iran, launched on February 28, moved deeper into its second month.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement that it had "identified missiles launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel."

"Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat," it added. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage.

Kuwait also said early on April 3 that its air defenses were responding to missile and drone attacks, saying any explosions heard were from projectile interceptions, as Iran continues to hit US Gulf Arab allies.

US Army Change At The Top

The attacks come as a Pentagon spokesman said General Randy George, chief of staff of the US Army, will be retiring from his position as his service's highest-ranked officer.

"General Randy A. George will be retiring from his position as the 41st Chief of Staff of the Army effective immediately. The Department of War is grateful for General George's decades of service to our nation. We wish him well in his retirement," the spokesman wrote on X.

There was no indication the move was related to the war in Iran amid complaints from critics of Trump that the conflict is spiraling out of control and creating an energy crisis and economic hardships in the United States and around the world.

US media, citing unnamed US officials, said defense chief Pete Hegseth forced George out -- an almost unprecedented move during wartime -- because he wanted someone who would implement his and Trump's vision for the American Army.

UN Chief: End 'Spiral Of Death'

Meanwhile, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on April 2 called for an end to the "spiral of death and destruction" in the Middle East.

"We are on the edge of a wider war that would engulf the whole Middle East with dramatic impacts around the globe," Guterres told reporters in New York.

Guterres cited the dangers of the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has brought shipping to a near standstill, creating a bottleneck of oil and natural gas tankers, which has led to a global energy crisis.

"When the Strait of Hormuz is strangled, the world's poorest and most vulnerable cannot breathe," Guterres said.

UN OK Sought For Hormuz Action

Separately, the head of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) called for UN approval for the use of "defensive" force to protect the strait from Iranian attacks.

"Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz, prevented commercial vessels and oil tankers from transiting, and imposed conditions on some to pass through the strait," GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi said.

The GCC comprises Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Oman.

"We call upon the Security Council to assume its full responsibility and take all necessary measures to protect maritime routes and ensure the safe continuation of international navigation," AlBudaiwi said.

Bahrain has proposed a draft resolution to allow countries to use "defensive" force to assure free transit through the strait, a measure supported by the United States but one that faces opposition among others within the 15-member Security Council.

"The use of force cannot bring peace. Political settlement is the fundamental way forward," Chinese Ambassador Fu Cong told the Security Council.

The Security Council was set to vote on April 3 on the draft resolution, which has gone through several rounds of adjustments and amendments since being presented by Bahrain. However, because of the Good Friday holiday, the vote was postponed. A new date hasn't been set.

With reporting by RFE/RL's Radio Farda, Reuters, AFP, and dpa

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-israel-war-trump- ceasefire-deal-missile/33723819.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 - 02 April 2026 - Day 1499

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

A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

"To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal]

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that in total, since the beginning of this day, there have been 213 combat clashes.

The Russian opponent made 36 airstrikes, dropped 119 controlled airstrikes. In addition, Russian forces engaged 3545 kamikaze drones to impress and carried out 2,822 shells of settlements and positions of Ukrainian troops.

Three clashes took place in the Northern Slobozhansky and Kursk directions today, the Russian enemy carried out 76 shelling of the positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements, three in particular - with the use of reactive systems of blaze fire.

In the South Slobozhansky direction, theRussian enemy five times attacked the positions of Ukrainian units in the settlements of Staritsa and Veterinarne.

In the Kupyansky direction, Ukrainian defenders successfully repelled seven Russian assaults towards the settlements of Petropavlivka, Kurilivka, Nova Kruglyakivka and Novoosinove.

In the Lyman direction, Russian troops tried to advance eight times in the direction of settlements Nadia, Novosergiyivka, Novoyegorivka, Stavki, Lyman and Drobisheve. Three clashes are underway.

In the Slovak direction, Ukrainian soldiers repelled four Russian assaults in the areas of Rai-Alexandrivka and Platonivka.

In the direction of Kramatorsky, the Russian enemy did not carry out attacks.

The Defense Forces successfully repelled 15 Russian assaults in the Konstantinivka direction, near the settlements of Konstantinovka, Berestok, Stepanivka, Kleban-Bik, Pleshiyivka, Rusin Yar, Sofiyivka, Novopavlivka and towards Mykolaipilla. Yet another battle is underway.

The Russian enemy committed 49 attacks in the Pokrovsky direction. The Russian occupiers tried to advance in the areas of the settlements Rodinske, Pokrovsk, Mirnograd, Grishine, Kotline, Udaachne, Muravka, Molodetske, Filia and towards the settlements Bilitske, Shevchenko, Novopidgorodnoe and Novopavlivka. The two clashes are still ongoing.

According to preliminary calculations, today 92 Russian occupants were eliminated and 43 wounded in this direction; an artillery system, seven vehicles and two special equipment units, motor vehicles, two Russian personnel shelters, a combat armored vehicle, an artillery system and a cannon, five vehicles units, 53 personnel shelters were destroyed. Destroyed or suppressed 157 unmanned aircraft of different types.

In the Oleksandrivsky direction, the Russian occupiers 21 times tried to improve their position, attacking in the areas of settlements Oleksandrograd, Sichneve, Vorone, Krasnogirsk and towards settlements Ivanivka, Andriyivka-Klevtsove, Sosnivka, Stepove, Vyshneve, Verbove. Kolomijtsi and Katerynivka suffered an air strike.

In the direction of Gulyaipil, 37 Russian attacks took place in the direction of Olenokostyantinivka, Staroukrainka, Pryluki, Varvarivka, Zaliznychne, Svyatopetrivka, Peaceful, Green, Gulyaipilske, Charming. Lyubitske and Vozdvizhivka suffered enemy air strikes. Two clashes are underway.

In the Orihivsky direction, the Russian enemy attacked 13 times the positions of Ukrainian defenders in the areas of the settlements of Mali Sherbaki, Sherbaki, Stepnogirsk, Stepovo and towards the settlements Novodanilivka, Lukyanivsk and Primorske. The Russian enemy launched aerial strikes in the areas of populated areas Omelnyk, Shiroke, Kopani, Rivne, Novoselivka, Orihiv and Preobrazhenka.

In the Pridniprovsk direction, Ukrainian soldiers repelled two Russian assault actions in the direction of the Antonivsky Bridge.

In other directions, there have been no significant changes in the environment.

The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that he Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the special military operation.

The Sever Group of Forces improved the situation along the front line. They inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of one mechanised brigade, one airmobile brigade of the AFU, and one territorial defence brigade close to Mironovka, Novaya Sech, and Miropolskoye (Sumy region).

In Kharkov region, units of three mechanised brigades, one motorised infantry brigade of the AFU, one territorial defence brigade, one national guard brigade, and two border detachments of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine were hit near Proletarskoye, Izbitskoye, Pokalyanoye, Veseloye, and Zemlyanka (Kharkov region).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 170 troops, eight motor vehicles, and three field artillery guns. One electronic warfare station and 13 ammunition and materiel depots were neutralised.

The Zapad Group of Forces improved the tactical situation. Russian troops inflicted fire damage on manpower and hardware of five mechanised brigades of the AFU and one territorial defence brigade near Chervony Oskol, Monachinovka, Palamarevka, Nechvolodovka (Kharkov region), Adamovka, and Krasny Liman (Donetsk People's Republic).

The enemy lost more than 190 troops, one tank, two U.S.-made M113 armoured personnel carriers, 27 motor vehicles, two field artillery guns, and one ammunition depot.

The Yuzhnaya Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and positions. Three mechanised brigades, one mountain assault brigade and one assault brigade of the AFU have been hit near Slavyansk, Kramatorsk, Reznikovka, and Konstantinovka.

Up to 185 troops, four armoured fighting vehicles, including two M113 armoured personnel carriers and one HMMWV armoured vehicle manufactured in the USA, 10 motor vehicles, and six field artillery guns, including one 155-mm Paladin self-propelled artillery system. One electronic warfare station and nine ammunition and materiel depots were neutralised.

The Tsentr Group of Forces improved the situation along the front line. The Group's units inflicted damage on manpower and hardware of three mechanised brigades, one air assault brigade, one assault brigade, two assault regiments of the AFU, one marine brigade, and four national guard brigades near Petrovka, Starorayskoye, Varvarovka, Maryevka (Donetsk People's Republic), Novopodgorodnoye, and Raypole (Dnepropetrovsk region).

The AFU losses amounted to more than 375 troops, one tank, 10 armoured fighting vehicles, and 15 motor vehicles.

The Vostok Group of Forces continued advancing to the depth of the enemy's defences. Russian elements inflicted fire damage on formations of two mechanised brigades, two air assault brigades, two assault brigades, and three assault regiments of the AFU near Velikomikhaylovka, Kolomiytsy (Dnepropetrovsk region), Verkhnyaya Tersa, Vozdvizhevka, and Komsomolskoye (Zaporozhye region).

The enemy lost up to 335 troops, one armoured fighting vehicle, 12 motor vehicles, one artillery gun, and one electronic warfare station.

Units of the Dnepr Group of Forces inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of two mechanised brigades of the AFU and one marine brigade close to Orekhov, Kirovo, and Preobrazhenka (Zaporozhye region).

More than 50 troops, one armoured fighting vehicle, 11 motor vehicles, one electronic warfare station, and one materiel depot of the AFU have been neutralised.

Operational-Tactical Aviation, attack drones, missile troops, and artillery of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation have inflicted damage on an Ukrainian defence industry enterprise, energy infrastructure facilities used in the interests of the AFU, drone manufacturing shop, storage facilities of long-range unmanned aerial vehicles, as well as temporary deployment areas of Ukrainian armed formations and foreign mercenaries in 144 areas.

Air defence systems shot down five guided aerial bombs and 291 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles.

In total, since the beginning of the special military operation, 671 aircraft, 284 helicopters, 130,212 unmanned aerial vehicles, 652 anti-aircraft missile systems, 28,650 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,694 MLRS combat vehicles, 34,245 field artillery guns and mortars, and 58,420 units of support military vehicles have been neutralised.

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Greetings to the participants of the ceremonial assemblies marking Day of Unity of the Peoples of Russia and Belarus

Vladimir Putin sent a message to the participants of the ceremonial assemblies marking the Day of Unity of the Peoples of Russia and Belarus.

April 2, 2026

07:00

The message reads, in part:

"Thirty years ago today, the Treaty on the Establishment of the Community of Russia and Belarus was signed, marking the beginning of the integration process between our two nations. Over this period, mutually beneficial ties have expanded significantly, with their positive impact clearly reflected in people's daily lives. Today, Russians and Belarusians enjoy equal rights in healthcare, education, social security, and pensions, and can freely choose where to live and work - from Brest to Vladivostok.

Close coordination has been established in foreign policy, defence, and security, which is especially important in the current complex international environment. The two countries are also jointly implementing comprehensive measures to strengthen their financial, economic, scientific, and technological sovereignty.

The Union State has, without exaggeration, become a key driver of integration processes across Eurasia, serving as a model for cooperation within multilateral organisations such as the Collective Security Treaty Organisation, the Eurasian Economic Union, the Commonwealth of Independent States, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.

I am confident that, building on the achievements to date, we will continue our consistent joint efforts to further expand allied relations and deepen comprehensive cooperation between Russia and Belarus, for the benefit of our fraternal peoples."

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Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on April 2, 2026

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

Updated: April 02, 2026 20:21

AFP: Donald Trump has said the U.S. would continue extremely hard strikes against Iran for two to three weeks and once again threatened to hit energy infrastructure if Iran does not reach a negotiated settlement with him. Can China comment on Trump's timeline of continued strikes as well as his targeting or vows to target energy plants?

Mao Ning: Military means do not address the fundamental issue. To escalate the conflict does not serve any party's interest. Once again we urge parties to the conflict to immediately stop military operations and start peace talks as soon as possible to resolve issues through dialogue and negotiation and prevent more serious blows to the world economy and global energy security.

Anadolu Agency: U.S. President Donald Trump in his address to the nation about the war in Iran suggested, "Countries who receive oil through Hormuz Strait should just go to the Strait and take it. Iran is essentially decimated, so use it for yourselves." What's China's comment?

Mao Ning: The root cause of the disruption at the Strait of Hormuz is the U.S.-Israel illegal military operations against Iran. Only by ending the military actions and restoring peace and stability in the Gulf can the international shipping lane be open and safe. The international community needs to work together for deescalation to prevent regional turmoil from further hitting the global economy and energy security.

Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting: According to a report by Iran's Ministry of Science, since the start of the U.S. and Israeli aggression, 20 universities and student dormitories have been attacked, and some professors at Iranian universities have also been targeted for assassination. In this context, Iran's University of Science and Technology, Isfahan University of Technology, and Imam Hossein University have all been directly targeted. My question is, what is your view about this matter?

Mao Ning: China opposes attacks on civilians and civilian facilities. Attacks on schools in particular are an egregious violation of international humanitarian law. Once again we call for an immediate end to military operations and return to dialogue and negotiation as soon as possible to prevent even worse humanitarian disasters.

Shenzhen TV: The National Innovation Index Report 2025 recently released at the 2026 ZGC Forum Annual Conference shows that China has gone up the ranking to ninth globally, becoming the fastest improving country over the past ten years and more. What's your comment?

Mao Ning: The Chinese government always puts sci-tech innovation at the core of the nation's overall development. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, China made a series of landmark original achievements in areas such as new energy vehicle, large AI model, quantum technology and biology, which have effectively promoted high-quality development and made China an important pillar of innovation in the world. China upholds open cooperation in sci-tech innovation. Last week, China announced that ten major research infrastructures, including China's FAST telescope and the deep-sea manned submersible Fendouzhe, will be open to all countries. Turning the self-invented major national projects into public goods benefiting the whole world, China has proven with real actions that the true value of sci-tech innovation does not lie in the advantage of monopoly, but in making more people enjoy the convenience brought by technological progress.

During the 15th Five-Year Plan period, China will stay committed to advancing high-standard scientific and technological self-reliance and strength, developing new quality productive forces through technological innovation, strengthening original innovation, accelerating industrial commercialization, actively pursuing openness and cooperation, and promoting common development by delivering technological benefits to people around the globe.

Associated Press: If you'd allow me to ask a couple of questions, New Zealand and the Cook Islands signed a new defense and security agreement today that effectively sidelines previous deals signed between the Cook Islands and China. If you can tell us what's China's comment on that? And second, very quickly, if you can confirm that Afghanistan and Pakistan are having conversations in China aiming at a ceasefire?

Mao Ning: On your first question, the Cook Islands is China's important cooperation partner in the South Pacific. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties, the two countries have always respected each other, treated each other as equals and pursued shared development. China will continue to deepen pragmatic cooperation with the Cook Islands and deliver more benefits to the two peoples.

The China-Cook Islands relationship doesn't target any third party, nor should it be disrupted or constrained by any third party. In developing the relations with the Pacific Island countries, all parties should respect the independence of island countries, put development first, and uphold openness and inclusiveness.

On your second question, I have no information to share at the moment. Afghanistan and Pakistan are both China's neighbors. China has all along supported the two countries in resolving differences and disputes properly through dialogue and negotiation, and has been working actively to mediate the conflict between the two sides. We will continue to play a constructive role in deescalating the situation and improving relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Reuters: Reuters reported this week that China has extended a ban on fuel exports to April but is considering a handful of waivers for countries who have requested help. This includes Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Viet Nam. Is the Ministry holding discussion with those countries regarding fuel aid? Any other information on this would be helpful.

Mao Ning: I'd refer you to competent authorities for anything specific. The root cause of the shortages facing global energy market lies in the tense situation in the Middle East. The pressing task is to put an end to military operations at once and prevent the turmoil in the Middle East from further impacting the global economy.

PTI: Follow upon what my friend from the AP asked about Pakistan-Afghanistan talks, can you please confirm the talks are still going on at Urumqi?

Mao Ning: I have no information to share.

AFP: Just a follow up on your earlier response to the question about the Strait of Hormuz and Trump's comments on it. This week, Great Britain is set to host talks with dozens of countries on this issue. I wonder if you can share any details about how China plans to be part of the parties that suggest to cooperate on the transit through the Strait?

Mao Ning: An early ceasefire and restoration of peace and stability in the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters is what the international community hopes to see, and all parties should work for this end. China is ready to continue to play a constructive role.

Bloomberg: About the Pakistan-China five-point peace formula, has that been shared with the Iranian side?

Mao Ning: The Five-Point Initiative is issued to the public and is an open initiative. I think parties have taken note of the initiative.

PTI: To follow up on the Iran-U.S. conflict. Regarding the talks that were held between China and Pakistan the other day, there were reports that Iran has sent a message to China seeking security guarantees, if they can be provided for them to agree a ceasefire. Can you confirm any such thing because certain think tanks have already reacted to that. Has any such a request been made by Iran to China to provide security guarantees?

Mao Ning: The readout on the meeting between the Chinese and Pakistani foreign ministers has been released, which you may refer to. Since the ongoing conflict in Iran broke out, China has been actively working for peace. China supports all efforts for peace. We stand ready to enhance communication and coordination with all sides and work for restoring peace and stability in the Middle East.

AFP: About the talks happening in Urumqi between Afghanistan and Pakistan, Pakistani officials said they were requested by China. So I was wondering if you could provide any insight on what was behind that request?

Mao Ning: I have no information to share at the moment.

Bloomberg: One more on the Iran situation and global energy supplies. Is China considering or would China consider any international cooperation efforts to secure the safe passage of oil through the Strait of Hormuz? And would Beijing be willing to act as an interlocutor on behalf of any of its Asian neighbors?

Mao Ning: The Strait of Hormuz and its adjacent waters form an important international trade route for goods and energy. All eyes are on whether stability can return to the Strait and whether traffic will resume soon. The key lies in the stop of military actions.

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Meeting with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty

Vladimir Putin met with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration, and Egyptian Expatriates of the Arab Republic of Egypt Badr Abdelatty in the Kremlin.

April 2, 2026

13:30

The Kremlin, Moscow

Attending the talks on the Russian side were Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov, while Egypt was represented by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Russian Federation Hamdy Shaaban.

* * *

President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Mr Minister,

We are delighted to welcome you to Moscow. Just a couple of days ago, I had the pleasure of talking with President of Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to discuss both bilateral cooperation and the broader regional developments. At the same time, maintaining regular dialogue remains very important to us.

I know that you have a busy schedule of meetings with your Russian counterpart, Minister Lavrov, as well as with other senior Russian officials. I am confident that these engagements will contribute positively to the development of our bilateral relations.

We have a number of promising initiatives underway, many of which are already being implemented. I have previously spoken in detail about the construction of a nuclear power plant and an industrial zone, and over ten major Russian companies have expressed interest in participating in this project.

We have many additional matters worth discussing, including a grain and energy hub project in Egypt. There are many appealing opportunities in this regard.

I would also like to note that another Russia-Africa summit is planned for October. I hope that Egypt will be represented by a strong, high-level delegation. Should the Egyptian President's schedule allow, we would, of course, be very pleased to welcome him to Moscow. Please convey our best wishes to him.

Naturally, the situation in the region remains a shared concern. We all hope that the ongoing conflict will be promptly resolved. As you know, President Trump also addressed this issue yesterday. Let me reiterate that we are prepared to make every effort to help stabilise the situation and, as they say in such cases, return it to normal.

In this context, it is particularly important for us to hear your perspective, as well as Egypt's assessment as a key country in the Middle East.

We are very pleased to have you here. Welcome, Mr Minister.

Foreign Minister of Egypt Badr Abdelatty: (retranslated) Thank you, Mr President.

Mr President, first of all, I would like to convey President el-Sisi's warmest regards to you personally, as well as to all our Russian friends. We place great value on all aspects of our bilateral cooperation.

We are grateful for our constructive collaboration on the El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant, which represents a key milestone in our partnership. Despite the challenges, it is evident that, thanks to your support, the project is moving forward. The President deeply appreciates your contribution and continued support during the implementation of the El Dabaa project.

We also have a second project aimed at establishing a Russian industrial zone in Egypt, which we consider highly significant. We rely on your continued support to help bring this project to fruition.

Mr President, you also mentioned the creation of an energy and grain hub in Egypt, initiatives that we value highly. We sincerely hope that Egypt will become both a grain hub and a centre for energy products, and we fully support these efforts.

Once again, Mr President, it is a great honour for us to be here with you today. We deeply appreciate your support in promoting energy and food security in Egypt and across our region. Your assistance is truly valued.

We confirm our participation in the Russia-Africa Summit scheduled for October this year. We sincerely hope that the acute phase of the developments in our region will soon subside, allowing our President to attend the summit in person.

President el-Sisi has asked me to convey to you, Mr President, that he is always very pleased to meet with you. I also have a written message from the President, which he instructed me to deliver to you personally. With your permission, I would like to present it to you now.

Vladimir Putin: Of course, with pleasure, Mr Minister.

Following my recent telephone conversation with the President of Egypt, I instructed the Government to coordinate with our Egyptian colleagues on food supplies to Egypt, primarily our grain. Egypt is our partner in this area. I would like to note that last year we achieved strong results in agriculture and had a good harvest. We have no issues with supplies, and none are expected.

I understand that the Minister of Agriculture or the Deputy Prime Minister, with whom I discussed this and to whom I issued these instructions, should have already contacted their Egyptian counterpart. I would ask you to inform President el-Sisi about this matter.

Thank you.

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PH seeks 'non-hostile' tag from Iran for safe vessel passage

Philippine News Agency

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos

April 1, 2026, 7:35 pm

MANILA -- The Philippine government is seeking a "non-hostile" designation from Iran to ensure safe passage of Philippine-flagged vessels and oil shipments, Malacanang said on Wednesday.

The request was made during the meeting of Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and Energy Secretary Sharon Garin with Iranian Ambassador Yousef Esmaeilzadeh following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to hold a dialogue with Iran.

During the meeting, Lazaro raised the need for Iran to formally designate the Philippines as a "non-hostile country."

"Sec. Lazaro requested that Iran formally designate [Philippines] as a 'non-hostile country' and ensure safe passage for PH-flagged vessels and oil shipments. This is vital for the protection of our seafarers and our energy supply," Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a statement.

Castro said the Department of Energy is finalizing the details for immediate transmission to the Iranian side.

She noted that both sides agreed to course all detailed requests through official diplomatic channels to facilitate swift coordination and processing.

She said Esmaeilzadeh welcomed the Philippines' outreach and conveyed Tehran's readiness to assist with Manila's specific concerns.

"The meeting was exceptionally warm and open. Given their stated readiness to cooperate, we are highly optimistic about a favorable outcome," Castro said.

She said Lazaro is expected to speak with the Iranian foreign minister on Thursday to secure the commitments "at the highest level."

She said Lazaro and Garin immediately reported the developments to the President.

Lazaro and Garin met with Esmaeilzadeh on Wednesday to discuss "key avenues for cooperation, including on energy. (PNA)

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Who is to blame for the repeated 'difficult birth' of US AI data centers?

16:23, April 03, 2026 By Global Times editorial ( Global Times

A Bloomberg report recently claimed that almost half of the US data centers planned for this year are expected to be delayed or canceled due to severe shortages of critical electrical components. This predicament serves as a prism, reflecting a truth that is often overlooked: The ultimate limit of computing power is electricity, while the ultimate limit of electricity is energy strategy. America's AI prowess on computer chips and cutting-edge software is being hamstrung by the country's inability to manufacture the electrical parts.

In the field of AI, the US may take a temporary advantage in the development of advanced-process chips and cutting-edge large-scale models, but without the support of a robust energy infrastructure, these advantages will prove difficult to translate into tangible computing capacity and industrial competitiveness. The key to winning the AI race lies in access to energy. The challenges currently facing the US - particularly in the manufacturing of power equipment and the large-scale deployment of green energy - are being significantly amplified by the explosive growth in demand for AI computing power.

Viewed from a deeper perspective, this awkward "power shortage" is not merely a technical or industrial issue. Rather, it represents the inexorable response of the laws of economic globalization to the US' unilateralist policies. When selecting sites, many US AI data centers prioritize - above all else - the stable power generation. Although electrical components such as transformers, switchgear, and batteries account for less than 10 percent of total project costs, they are an absolute necessity for both construction and operation. Domestic manufacturing capacity for these equipment in the US is woefully insufficient, with a significant portion relying on imports from China.

For a long time, the US has routinely invoked "national security" as a pretext to impose unilateral tariffs on relevant Chinese products, as well as implementing draconian import controls, and conducting so-called security reviews. Through a strategy of "small yard, high fences" and "decoupling," it has attempted to forcibly exclude China from its critical supply chains.

Yet, the ultimate result has been to leave its own cutting-edge AI strategic projects with a "chokehold" around their necks.

The tide of economic globalization has long since permeated every capillary of global industrial and supply chains; any attempt to swim against this current and to construct a self-contained, closed system is ultimately destined to falter under the immense burden of prohibitive costs, inefficiencies, and time delays, and eventually backfires upon itself.

The AI industry chain - spanning from upstream chip design and manufacturing and key equipment production and material supplies to midstream computing infrastructure layout and power supply, and extending to downstream application deployment and data flow - is already deeply embedded within a global network of specialized division and collaboration. The recurring struggles plaguing the development of AI data centers in the US not only expose the futility of the US industry's push to "decouple from China," but also clearly reflect the new characteristics of globalization emerging within the AI supply chain.

As a key global supplier of power infrastructure equipment, China plays an indispensable role within the AI data center industry chain. Attaining this status is no mere coincidence; rather, it reflects China's comprehensive advantages across the entire industrial chain. In terms of industrial layout, China controls virtually the entire supply chain for electrical equipment - spanning everything from raw material extraction and processing to finished product manufacturing - thereby establishing a complete industrial ecosystem. This enables the stable, large-scale supply of the diverse electrical equipment required by AI data centers, such as transformers, switchgear, and batteries, a distinct advantage that few other nations can rival.

In today's world characterized by an increasingly intricate global division of labor and rapid technological iteration, no single nation or bloc can dominate the landscape or unilaterally control the entirety of a supply chain. As the competitive advantage of Chinese enterprises gradually shifts from low labor costs toward core technologies and standard-setting, the "piece of the puzzle" represented by "Made in China" has become increasingly indispensable within global production and supply chains.

If the US wishes to resolve its current predicament regarding power shortages, the only viable path is to abandon its fixation on unilateralism and return to a course that respects economic laws, adheres to the principles of comparative advantage, and seeks mutual benefit through open cooperation. Given the strong complementarity between their respective industrial sectors, Chinese enterprises can engage with the US market through models such as localized manufacturing and technological collaboration to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes and jointly drive innovative development within the global energy storage industry.

The current predicament facing AI data center construction in the US serves as a stark reminder: Mutually beneficial cooperation is the fundamental path to driving the development of the global data industry, whereas unilateralism and trade protectionism will only hinder industrial progress and ultimately undermine the own interests of those who apply it.

As the global AI race continues to intensify, particularly at the new critical juncture where computing power and electricity supply are inextricably intertwined, the US faces a pivotal choice. Will it continue to endure the embarrassment of "power shortages" amid the push for so-called de-risking from China, thereby eroding its own competitive advantages and development opportunities? Or will it abandon zero-sum thinking and proactively integrate into the new global trend of digital economic development, which is grounded in open cooperation? This constitutes a true test of America's developmental mindset and strategic vision.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Tsahkna at a video meeting of 35 countries: all possible measures, including additional sanctions on Iran, must be used to reopen the Strait of Hormuz

Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

02.04.2026 | 16:01

Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said today, 2 April, at a United Kingdom-led virtual meeting of 35 countries that all possible diplomatic and political measures must be used to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

"At today's virtual meeting, attended by foreign ministries from 35 countries, possible steps to reopen the Strait of Hormuz were discussed. Given that approximately 11% of global maritime trade passes through the Strait of Hormuz, along with a significant share of oil and gas exports from Gulf countries, all participating states have an interest in restoring freedom of navigation in this waterway of great strategic importance," Tsahkna said.

According to the foreign minister, Estonia supports all measures that strengthen maritime security and ensure freedom of navigation. "One effective measure could be to increase sanctions pressure on Iran and to curb the activities of Iran's shadow fleet," Tsahkna said.

Tsahkna added that reopening the Strait is also important in the context of Russia's war of aggression.

"The current rise in oil prices and disruptions in the availability of energy resources in the Middle East have supported Russia's interests and enabled it to generate additional revenues to continue its aggression against Ukraine. This trend must be reversed and pressure on Russia must be increased," the foreign minister said.

"Discussions and cooperation among international partners to reopen the Strait of Hormuz will continue," Tsahkna added.

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During His High-Level Briefing at the Security Council, HE the GCCSG Calls on the Council to Take All Measures to Ensure the Immediate Cessation of Treacherous Iranian Aggressions Against GCC States

General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council

Apr 02, 2026

General Secretariat - New York State

During His High-Level Briefing at the Security Council, HE the GCCSG Calls on the Council to Take All Measures to Ensure the Immediate Cessation of Treacherous Iranian Aggressions Against GCC States

General Secretariat - New York State.

His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), called on the Security Council to take all necessary measures to ensure the immediate cessation of Iranian aggressions against the Council states. He further urged the Council to take all actions to protect waterways and guarantee the continuity of international navigation across all maritime straits, while emphasising the necessity of involving the GCC states in any negotiations or agreements with the Iranian side. "This inclusion is vital to enhancing regional security and stability and ensuring that such attacks are never repeated," His Excellency stated.

These remarks were made during His Excellency's delivery of a High-Level Briefing regarding cooperation between the United Nations (UN) and the GCC, held under the agenda item "Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and sub-regional organisations in maintaining international peace and security," on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at the UN Headquarters in New York, with the participation of Their Excellencies the members of the Security Council.

At the beginning of the briefing, His Excellency Mr Albudaiwi expressed his sincere thanks and profound gratitude to the Kingdom of Bahrain for the invitation to participate in providing the high-level briefing on cooperation between the UN and the GCC, held under the agenda item "Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and sub-regional organisations in maintaining international peace and security."

His Excellency remarked that while this briefing was originally intended to highlight the GCC and its regional and international relations, the ongoing aggression launched by Iran against the Council states has prevented it from being delivered as scheduled. He stated that since February 28, 2026, and continuing to the present day, the GCC states have been subjected to sinful Iranian aggression and attacks utilising ballistic missiles and armed drones.

"These attacks have targeted civilian and vital infrastructure, including civilian airports, oil facilities, desalination plants, ports, fuel storage tanks, service utilities, residential and commercial areas, and the headquarters of diplomatic missions. This has resulted in casualties and injuries among both civilians and military personnel, significant material damage, and a direct threat to the security, safety, and lives of citizens and residents therein," His Excellency said.



In this context, His Excellency renewed the Council's condemnation in the strongest possible terms of the treacherous Iranian attacks, which represent a flagrant violation of the sovereignty of the Council states and the principles of good neighbourliness, as well as a clear contravention of international law and the Charter of the UN. He further stated that the targeting of civilians and civilian objects constitutes a grave breach of the rules of International Humanitarian Law, emphasising that the GCC considers these actions unjustifiable under any circumstances.

His Excellency also underscored the GCC's position on the necessity of an immediate cessation of these attacks to restore security, peace, and stability to the region, highlighting the vital importance of maintaining air and maritime security, safeguarding waterways and supply chain integrity, and ensuring the stability of global energy markets.

Furthermore, His Excellency reaffirmed the GCC's welcome of UN Security Council Resolution 2817, which condemned these attacks and demanded their halt, while underlining the significance of its full implementation and the necessity of taking all measures to ensure compliance and prevent recurrence to protect regional and international peace and security.

While affirming that the GCC states maintain their inherent right to self-defense in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charterand will take all necessary measures to protect their sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the safety of their citizens and residentsHis Excellency emphasised the Council states firm commitment to avoiding any slide toward an escalation that serves no one.

"The Council states do not call for war, but rather demand the peace and stability that all peoples deserve, maintaining that dialogue and diplomacy remain the optimal path for addressing crises, whereas continued escalation would only undermine regional security and lead to grave consequences for international peace and security," His Excellency explained.

His Excellency clarified that the destabilising Iranian behaviour in the Arabian Gulf has crossed all red lines, as Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz, prevented the passage of commercial vessels and oil tankers, and imposed fees on some for transit through the strait.

"Additionally, the scope of the conflict has widened with the Houthi group's threats to close the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which constitutes a violation of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The damages resulting from the suspension of navigation are not confined to the borders of the GCC states but extend to many countries worldwide, which are now suffering from shortages in their requirements of oil, gas, and their derivatives, including fertilisers and petrochemicals," His Excellency pointed out, calling on the Security Council to assume its full responsibilities and take all measures to ensure the protection of waterways and the continuity of international navigation with security and safety.

"Therefore, the GCC underlines the vital importance of the Security Council adopting a resolution that authorises the use of all available and necessary means to protect navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, halt attacks on vessels, and ensure freedom of passage, as well as demands that Iran cease its attacks on ships and marine tankers in order to reach a sustainable solution for the security of this critical shipping lane," His Excellency stressed.

His Excellency further underscored the desire of the GCC states to establish normal links with the Islamic Republic of Iran and to work toward addressing all security concerns of the Council states with full transparency. This includes the Iranian nuclear programme and the three occupied United Arab Emirates (UAE) islands, which requires the Iranian side to take several steps to demonstrate good faith, notably a commitment to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of states and the cessation of destabilising activities in the region and support for armed militias.

In the context of the relationship between the UN and the GCC, His Excellency noted that while this marks the first time the Cooperation Council has addressed the Security Council, it is not the first time it has upheld its international responsibilities.

"For decades, the GCC members states have been reliable political, humanitarian, and economic partners of the UN, contributing to its programmes and seeking to enhance stability in various regions worldwide. Chapter VIII of the UN Charter stipulates that regional organisations are essential partners in the collective security system. In this regard, the GCC approved its +Vision for Regional Security+ in March 2024, a significant document aimed at ensuring security and stability in the region and the world at large," His Excellency said.

He pointed out that the roots of the relationship between the GCC and the UN stretch back to the Council's founding in 1981.

"This partnership has deepened over decades within an integrated system of institutional cooperation mechanisms, evidenced by the conclusion of Memoranda of Understanding with numerous UN agencies and specialized organisations. These agreements have established firm frameworks for regular consultation, information exchange, and coordination, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of joint responses to regional and international challenges. A prominent milestone in the Council's journey of regional and international cooperation was the UN General Assembly's adoption of Resolution 79/295 regarding +Cooperation between the UN and the GCC+, which inaugurated a new phase of strategic partnership. This coordination serves as a fundamental pillar in managing regional crises, as it combines the international legitimacy represented by the UN with the GCC's profound understanding of regional complexities, ultimately bolstering the effectiveness of international responses and contributing to crisis containment," His Excellency detailed.

His Excellency noted that the GCC has never been a party to crises, but rather a partner in solutions founded on dialogue and diplomacy. "It has consistently supported paths toward stability across numerous regional files and maintained coordination with the UN and its international partners in addressing crises and enhancing regional and international security. The Council embodies a steadfast model of regional action based on integration, utilising accumulated expertise to support stability and promote dialogue and reconciliation, in addition to its extensive humanitarian and developmental efforts aimed at supporting stability among various parties.

Besides, His Excellency pointed to the Council's efforts in Gaza, Yemen, Lebanon, and Syria, affirming that the Palestinian cause remains the Council's primary concern. He highlighted the extensive efforts of the GCC states to support this cause at all levels, specifically noting the leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through its chairmanship of the Arab and Islamic Ministerial Committee on Gazaformed by the Extraordinary Arab and Islamic Summitto halt the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip.

He also lauded Saudi Arabia's leadership of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, which culminated in the endorsement of the "New York Declaration" and its adoption by a UN General Assembly resolution in September 2025.

"This is alongside the tireless mediation efforts of the State of Qatar, in collaboration with regional and international partners, to secure a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages and detainees, and the delivery of comprehensive humanitarian aid to civilians," His Excellency outlined, praising the diverse and ongoing GCC efforts to provide aid to the Palestinian people, despite the challenging circumstances currently facing the region.

Regarding the Yemeni file, His Excellency clarified that the GCC continues its firm backing for the efforts of the UN and its Special Envoy for the brotherly Republic of Yemen, within the framework of seeking a comprehensive and just political solution that achieves security and stability in Yemen as well as safeguards its sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity, and independence.

"This must be achieved through the three references: the GCC Initiative and its Executive Mechanism, the outcomes of the Comprehensive National Dialogue Conference, and UN Security Council Resolution 2216, as these constitute the unifying frameworks upon which any permanent political solution must be based. Additionally, the Council statesthrough their development funds and the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Programme for Yemen (SDRPY) alongside the UN Development Programme (UNDP)have led humanitarian and developmental aid efforts in Yemen," His Excellency explained.

In Lebanese affairs, His Excellency stated that the Council states have led tireless efforts to support Lebanon's sovereignty and have called for the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, underlining the necessity for Israel to respect Lebanese borders and for the Lebanese government to extend its control over all its territory, with arms restricted solely to the state. He observed that we are currently witnessing attacks by the Israeli occupation forces that violate Lebanese sovereignty, which have resulted in more than a thousand civilian deaths, thousands of injuries, and the displacement of over one million residents from southern Lebanonrepresenting 20% of the total population. "These attacks have also led to the destruction of infrastructure, health, and civilian facilities, in addition to the assaults faced by the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL)," His Excellency added.

Regarding the Syrian file, His Excellency clarified that the Council states have led tireless efforts to pave the way toward Syria's stability and its reintegration into its Arab and international surroundings, reflecting their commitment to Syria's unity and sovereignty and the creation of a conducive environment to restore its internal security and revitalise its national economy. "The GCC states played a significant role in the lifting of international sanctions imposed on Syria and have provided humanitarian and developmental aid to rebuild infrastructure in the electricity and energy sectors and support Syrian state institutions," His Excellency revealed.

His Excellency Mr Albudaiwi also pointed out that the development funds within the Council states have contributed by providing loans and developmental assistance that reached countries across the globe in the fields of infrastructure as well as health and social services. He highlighted that the member states supported recovery and reconstruction programmes through international financing institutions, pointing to the significance of the GCC's humanitarian role.

"In recent years, specifically between 2020 and 2025, total humanitarian aid exceeded $14 billion, positioning the GCC states as a group as the fourth largest humanitarian donor globally. The GCC states have also actively contributed to sustainable peace, conflict prevention, and the support of women and youth, while striving to ensure food and environmental security alongside consolidating the culture of dialogue, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence," His Excellency affirmed, adding: "This commitment is evidenced by the success of the Kingdom of Bahrain in March 2025 in securing a UN General Assembly resolution designating January 28th of each year as the International Day of Peaceful Coexistence. Additionally, the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva unanimously adopted a resolution in October 2025, submitted by the State of Qatar, titled +Promotion and Protection of Human Rights for Women and Children in Conflict and Post-Conflict Situations+, which was followed by the State of Qatar hosting the World Summit

for Social Development in November 2025. In the sphere of humanitarian aid, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the UAE rank sixth and eighth, respectively, among international humanitarian donors according to the 2024 Financial Tracking Service (FTS) of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

"Regarding efforts to ensure food security, the State of Kuwaitthrough its developmental arm, the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Developmentfinances hundreds of projects that contribute to addressing global food security risks. As for efforts to achieve peace and security, the Sultanate of Oman represents a prominent model in this field as a trusted regional and international mediator, having exerted numerous efforts to achieve reconciliations between various parties in the region, with its recent mediation efforts between the United States and Iran serving as a prime example," His Excellency elaborated.

His Excellency Mr Albudaiwi expressed the pride and honour felt by the citizens of the GCC states regarding the high standing their countries have attained within the global economy and development indicators. He emphasised that the GCC serves as a fundamental pillar of the global economy, particularly noting that the combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the Council states reached $2.3 trillion in 2024. "The GCC states produce 16 million barrels of crude oil per day, which accounts for 22% of total global production, and they contribute 27% of global crude oil exports, totaling 11.5 million barrels per day. Moreover, the GCC countries hold 33% of the world's oil reservesapproximately 512 billion barrelsand 21% of global natural gas reserves, amounting to 44 trillion cubic meters. The Council's annual natural gas production stands at 442 billion cubic meters, representing 10% of total global output," His Excellency explained.

He pointed out that these indicators highlight the pivotal position of the Council states within the international energy system and underscore that any disruption within this region reflects directly on global markets.

"This has become starkly evident at present, as navigation in the Strait of Hormuz has been impacted by current events, resulting in a surge in oil prices and an increase in shipping and maritime insurance costs. These developments pose a significant threat to energy security and global economic stability. Such data reaffirms that the stability of the Arabian Gulf is not merely a regional matter, but an utmost international necessity to maintain the momentum of the global economy and avoid an energy crisis that could lead to a global recession," His Excellency stressed.

His Excellency concluded the briefing by emphasising that "we are not facing a transient crisis, but rather a true test of the credibility of the international system; either collective security is genuinely upheld, or it is left to the equations of power alone. We in the GCC are advocates of stability and partners in responsibility; we extend our hand in peace, yet we do not accept any compromise regarding our security or any infringement upon our territorial sovereignty. We refuse to allow our regional stability to be held hostage to chaos or the global economy to become a prisoner to threats against waterways. Despite all challenges, the Arabian Gulf must remain a zone of stability rather than an arena for conflicta proactive partner in security, not a burden upon it."

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China maintains coordination with all parties concerning Strait of Hormuz security, FM responds to question over China's role for restoration of peace

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Apr 02, 2026 05:46 PM

When asked whether China is considering or will consider international cooperation to ensure the safe passage of oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz with regard to global energy supply, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Thursday, "All parties are closely following whether the Strait of Hormuz can restore peace and stability and resume navigation as soon as possible. This is because the Strait and its surrounding waters serve as a vital international passage for the trade of goods and energy."

Mao added that "as I just said, the key now is to halt military operations as soon as possible. Only in this way can peace and stability be restored in the Middle East and the Gulf region, which is what the international community hopes to see. All parties should work toward this goal, and China stands ready to continue playing its part."

The spokesperson also answered another question concerning the Strait of Hormuz at Thursday's regular press conference.

When answering another question regarding the role China plans to play as the UK is set to host an international meeting on the Strait of Hormuz this week, Mao said "China maintains communication and coordination with all parties. We believe that achieving a ceasefire and ending hostilities as soon as possible, and restoring peace and stability in the Strait of Hormuz and its adjacent waters, is the shared aspiration of the international community."

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Foreign Ministers' Meeting on the Strait of Hormuz and the Conflict in the Middle East: Critical to Ensure Freedom of Navigation

Government of Norway

News story | Date: 02/04/2026

Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide today took part in a virtual meeting with his foreign minister colleagues from more than 35 countries, as well as representatives of several international organisations. The meeting focused on the consequences of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz resulting from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The meeting was chaired by the United Kingdom's Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper, and built on a joint declaration that Norway and a number of other countries recently endorsed.

'The situation in the Middle East remains extremely serious and alarming. As a major maritime nation, Norway and Norwegian shipping interests are directly affected by Iran's unacceptable obstruction of passage through the Strait of Hormuz. The strait is a vital artery for global trade. The closure and threats to maritime security affect not only the more than 20 000 seafarers and stranded vessels in the strait and the countries in the region; they also have increasingly severe global economic and humanitarian consequences,' said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.

'The longer this war continues, the worse these consequences will become, and the longer it will take to restore normality. This is why it was important for me to take part in today's meeting, where colleagues from all continents were represented,' the Norwegian foreign minister stated.

Thirtythree days have now passed since the US and Israeli attacks on Iran that marked the beginning of the current conflict in the Middle East.

'In my intervention, I underlined the importance of respect for international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. This broad international coalition must send a clear message to Iran: it is unacceptable that the closure in this way also affects countries that are not party to the conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran. Furthermore, we must avoid allowing the current situation to create a precedent that would weaken fundamental principles and the freedom of navigation. Freedom of navigation is a cornerstone of international law,' said the Minister, who also expressed support for the work of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and for the stranded seafarers.

The meeting discussed concrete immediate measures, including ensuring the transport of particularly critical goods for humanitarian reasons, in agreement with the parties to the conflict, drawing on experience from the Black Sea. There was also broad agreement on the importance of the full reopening of the strait in the longer term, and that no new precedent must be established that would allow coastal states to restrict or impose charges for passage through international straits - that is, waterways connecting two parts of the high seas. The Law of the Sea Convention makes it unequivocally clear that the right of transit passage through such straits is unconditional.

'In today's meeting, I emphasised Norway's solidarity with the countries in the region affected by the war, including the Gulf states and other countries in the Middle East that are subjected daily to Iranian attacks. I reiterate my call on all parties to respect international law, protect civilians and seek diplomatic solutions,' said Espen Barth Eide.

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Foreign Secretary's participation in the meeting hosted by UK on the situation in West Asia (April 02, 2026)

India - Ministry of External Affairs

April 02, 2026

Foreign Secretary represented India at a meeting convened by the UK Foreign Secretary on the situation in West Asia. More than 60 countries participated in the meeting.

2. In his remarks at the meeting, Foreign Secretary noted the importance of the principles of freedom of navigation and unimpeded transit through international waterways. He emphasised the impact of the crisis on India's energy security and the fact that India remains the only country to have lost mariners in attacks on merchant shipping in the Gulf. He also underlined that the way out of the crisis consisted of de-escalation and a return to the path of diplomacy and dialogue among all concerned parties.

New Delhi

April 02, 2026

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Online Meeting of Foreign Ministers on the Strait of Hormuz

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan

April 2, 2026

On April 2, commencing at 8:00 p.m., Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, participated in an online meeting of Foreign Ministers on the Strait of Hormuz, hosted by the United Kingdom.

At the meeting, participants from each country and international organization reaffirmed the position set out in the Joint statement on the Strait of Hormuz, issued on March 19 between the leaders of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Japan. They also exchanged views on diplomatic efforts to ensure the safety of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Minister MOTEGI reiterated the importance of an early de-escalation of the situation. He also stated that Japan has proposed, at the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the establishment of safe maritime corridors to ensure the safety of all vessels and crew currently retained in the Persian Gulf, including those of Japan, and called for cooperation from each country. Furthermore, he underscored the importance of each country making its utmost effort to ensure a stable energy supply. Participants from each country and international organization explained their respective efforts and concurred that they would continue to work closely together.

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Foreign Affairs Secretary Lazaro Spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi on Safe Passage in the Strait of Hormuz

Republic of the Philippines - Department of Foreign Affairs

MANILA 02 April 2026 -- Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro had a very productive phone conversation today with the Iranian Foreign Minister, His Excellency Seyed Abbas Araghchi, to discuss stronger bilateral cooperation on all fronts.

During the call, the Iranian Foreign Minister assured the Secretary that Iran will allow the safe, unhindered, and expeditious passage through the Strait of Hormuz of Philippine-flagged vessels, energy sources, and all Filipino seafarers.

Secretary Lazaro noted that this positive development is vital for the Philippines, as it will not only ensure the safety of Filipino seafarers operating in the area but will also help ensure energy security for the country.

Given that the Philippines imports the majority of its energy requirements from the Middle East, these assurances from Iran will greatly facilitate the steady delivery of critical oil and fertilizer supplies to the Philippines.

The call concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to maintaining excellent relations and achieving lasting peace through continued dialogue and diplomacy. END

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True Promise 4: Iran and resistance axis ops. against US-Israeli assets on April 2

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 02 April 2026 9:08 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 Thursday, April 2, 2026, the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) and the Iranian Army conducted multiple operations as part of Operation True Promise 4, which was launched immediately after the US-Israeli coalition carried out an unprovoked act of aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran on February 28.

Iranian armed forces have so far carried out 90 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 April 2:

Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC):

An advanced "Hermes 900" drone was intercepted and destroyed in the skies of Shiraz by the IRGC's new advanced air defense system, under the control of the country's integrated air defense network.

The 90th wave of Operation True Promise 4, with the blessed code "O You Who are severe in punishment," and dedicated to all the honorable families of the Iranian land, and in response to the crimes of the Israeli regime and the United States, points in the "Tel Nof", "Palmachim", and "Ben Gurion" air bases and gathering centers of military forces in "Tel Aviv", Haifa, "Eilat", Naqab, and occupied Bir Al-Sabi', along with US military bases in Ahmad Al-Jaber, Ali Al-Salem, and Al-Kharj, were targeted and destroyed with heavy ballistic missiles and attack drones.

The rapid warning radar system at Al-Dhafra base in the Emirates was also struck, and the system was accurately hit and completely destroyed.

In a series of operations in retaliation for the enemy's attacks on the country's infrastructure, the IRGC Navy targeted the US Abu Dhabi Steel industries, "Al-Hidd industrial city in Bahrain and the remaining aluminum infrastructure in Bahrain.

In continuation of wave 90 of Operation True Promise 4, with the blessed code "O You Who are Severe in Punishment," and dedicated to the municipal and relief workers who are present on the scene, in addition to punitive operations against seven air bases of the American and Israeli air forces, in the first action against espionage technology companies, the data center of Amazon in Bahrain was attacked and destroyed.

Following the false claim by the US president regarding the complete destruction of the IRGC air defenses, an advanced enemy fighter jet was hit south of Qeshm Island by the new advanced air defense system of the IRGC Navy, and under the control of the country's integrated air defense network. After being hit, this fighter jet crashed in the area between Hengam Island and Qeshm Island and sank into the depths of the Persian Gulf waters.

Iranian Army:

In memory of the martyrs of the homeland and the Master of Martyrs of the Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Seyed Abdolrahim Mousavi, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, the Iranian army targeted the deployment site of the Israeli army's advanced fighter jets at the Al-Azraq base in Jordan with a barrage of drones.

The Al-Azraq airbase in Jordan is considered one of the most important strategic and command centers of the Israeli forces in West Asia. This base, which has played a major role in guiding advanced fighter jets and operations of Israeli spy and attack drones against the positions of the resistance front and Iran, was targeted by the Army's attack drones to reduce the enemy's air combat capability.

An "Orbiter" drone belonging to the American-Israeli coalition was intercepted and successfully shot down by the Army Air Defense Force in the northwest of the country.

With it, the number of drones shot down by the integrated network of the country's Joint Air Defense Headquarters since February 28 has reached 155.

Hezbollah:

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the fighters of the Islamic Resistance targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers and vehicles in the town of Rashaf 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 Janjeel heights in the town of Al-Qantara with artillery shells.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of soldiers and their vehicles at Tallet Friez in the town of Ainata 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 Ghadmatha heights in the town of Ainata 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 "Al-Malikiyah" 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 in the Al-Sidr area in the town of Ainata 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 "Al-Malikiyah" 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 in the "Metulla" settlement with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted infrastructure belonging to the Israeli army in the "Kiryat Ata" area east of the occupied city of Haifa 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 occupied northern Palestine, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the "Even Menachem" settlement 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 "Yir'on" settlement with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers in the "Al-Malikiya" settlement with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers in the "Avivim" settlement with a rocket barrage.

Defending Lebanon and its people, and in the context 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, 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 settlement of "Kiryat Shmona" 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 occupied northern 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 an enemy helicopter in the skies of the border town of Ramya with a surface-to-air missile, forcing it to retreat.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, and after monitoring a force of Israeli army soldiers stationed inside one of the houses in the border town of Al-Qawzah, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted with a guided missile, achieving a direct hit. As the soldiers fled to the neighboring area, they were targeted with rocket weapons and artillery shells.

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 for the second time with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the headquarters of the Northern Command of the Israeli military ("Dado" base) north of 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 army soldiers and vehicles at the Fatima Gate border crossing with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted two gatherings of Israeli soldiers and their vehicles in the town of Taybeh with two rocket barrages.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers in the "Misgav Am" settlement with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the fighters of the Islamic Resistance targeted two gatherings of Israeli soldiers in two houses in the town of Taybeh with guided missiles.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a "Merkava" tank east of the Khiam detention center with a guided missile.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted gatherings of Israeli soldiers and their vehicles at the "Kfar Giladi" and Al-Marj sites with rocket barrages.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted gatherings of Israeli soldiers and their vehicles in the towns of Rashaf and Beit Lif with rocket barrages.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, after observing a force of Israeli soldiers stationed inside a house in the town of Al-Bayada, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted them with an attack drone.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, and in response to the enemy's continued shelling of civilians, displacement, and demolition of homes, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted infrastructure belonging to the Israeli army in "Kiryot", north of the occupied city of Haifa, with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers at the Ras Al-Naqoura site 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 occupied northern Palestine, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the "Shlomi" settlement with a rocket barrage.

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 northern occupied Palestine, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the "Nahariya" settlement with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers and their vehicles at Tallet Friz in the town of Einata with three rocket barrages.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted gatherings of Israeli soldiers and their vehicles at "Telat Friz" and "Telat Ghadmatha" in the town of Ainata with rocket barrages.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted large gatherings of Israeli soldiers and their vehicles at the Al-Shameesat heights in the town of Taybeh with three waves of rocket barrages.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers and their vehicles in the "Avivim" settlement with rocket barrages.

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 rocket barrages.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers and their vehicles near the square of the town of Al-Qantara 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 on the hill of Ghadmatha and the hill of Farez in the town of Ainata with three volleys of artillery shells.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers and their vehicles at the Sadar - Friz triangle in the town of Ainata with a rocket barrage and artillery shells.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a Merkava tank at the Al-Tahrir Triangle with a guided missile, achieving a confirmed hit.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers and their vehicles at Ghadmatha Hill and Fariz Hill in the town of Ainata with artillery shells.

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 third time with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, and in response to the enemy's continued shelling of civilians, displacement, and demolition of homes, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted infrastructure belonging to the Israeli army in the "Karmiel" settlement with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, and in response to the enemy's continued shelling of civilians, displacement, and demolition of homes, the fighters of the Islamic Resistance targeted the "Amiad" base and "Philon" base north of Lake Tabariya with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the Israeli military's artillery positions in Khirbet Ma'ar with a swarm of attack drones.

Defending Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers and vehicles in the town of Shama' with artillery shells.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a Merkava tank at Telleh Al-Sal'a in the town of Al-Qantara with an attack drone.

Islamic Resistance in Iraq:

Targeted vital energy sources (fuel tanks) at the US "Victoria" base, which operate the base's generators, with appropriate weapons.

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Araghchi: US-Israeli strikes on Iranian civilian infrastructure expose enemy's moral collapse

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 02 April 2026 8:33 PM

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has stated that US-Israeli attacks on civilian structures, including unfinished bridges, will never break the Islamic Republic's resolve, describing the assaults as clear signs of the aggressor's defeat and moral bankruptcy.

In a message posted on X on Thursday, Araghchi stated: "Striking civilian structures, including unfinished bridges, will not compel Iranians to surrender. It only conveys the defeat and moral collapse of an enemy in disarray. Every bridge and building will be built back stronger. What will never recover: damage to America's standing."

The remarks come amid the ongoing illegal US-Israeli aggression against the Islamic Republic, where civilian infrastructure has repeatedly been targeted in flagrant violation of international law.

Iranian officials have consistently highlighted these desperate acts as evidence of the enemy's strategic failure and frustration on multiple fronts. They said that any damaged infrastructure will be reconstructed with greater strength and determination, while the United States suffers irreparable harm to its already diminished global standing.

In a second pointed post, Foreign Minister Araghchi issued a warning to US President Donald Trump and those who supported his return to office, cautioning against any reckless escalation that could plunge the region and the world back into instability by disrupting vital energy supplies.

"There's one striking difference between the present and the Stone Age: there was no oil or gas being pumped in the Middle East back then. Are POTUS and Americans who put him in office sure that they want to turn back the clock?" he asked.

Araghchi's statement serves as a clear reminder of the severe global economic consequences that would follow any attempt to destabilize energy flows from West Asia.

Iran has always advocated for peace, stability and respect for sovereignty, yet it stands fully prepared to defend its legitimate rights and the interests of the region against any aggression.

The US and Israel launched their illegal act of aggression against Iran on February 28 by assassinating Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, along with senior military commanders, in flagrant breach of the country's sovereignty.

The Iranian armed forces have responded with 91 waves of retaliatory strikes, codenamed Operation True Promise 4, launching hundreds of ballistic and hypersonic missiles as well as drone attacks against sensitive and strategic American and Israeli targets throughout the region.

United Nations experts have recently strongly denounced the ongoing US-Israeli war of aggression against Iran as flagrant violations of international law.

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IRGC launches massive strikes on Tel Aviv, Haifa in Wave 91

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 02 April 2026 7:26 PM

The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has announced the commencement of heavy missile attacks as part of Wave 91 of Operation True Promise 4, targeting the heart of Tel Aviv and Haifa.

According to a statement released by the IRGC late Thursday, the strikes have forced 5 million Israeli settlers to seek shelter in underground bunkers.

The statement also revealed that the Yemen front has begun launching attacks towards the southern Israeli-occupied territories and Dimona.

"The sound of successive explosions has left emergency responders confused and struggling to keep up," the report noted.

A military spokesperson for Yemen's Ansarullah announced that, alongside Iran and Hezbollah, a joint operation was carried out against critical enemy targets in Tel Aviv's Jaffa region.

The spokesperson emphasized the coordinated nature of the attack, underlining the unity of efforts between the three parties in their ongoing resistance operations in the region.

According to Israeli broadcaster KAN, an Iranian ballistic missile, carrying a warhead weighing hundreds of kilograms, has caused significant damage to several locations.

The IRGC has indicated that further details regarding the scope and impact of the missile strikes will be released in the coming hours.

In the past few hours, the IRGC has launched a series of coordinated, large-scale attacks using heavy ballistic missiles and attack drones, targeting several strategic bases and concentrations of Israeli and US forces in occupied territories and across the region.

According to reports, Israel's sensitive airbases, including Tel Nof, Palmachim, and Ben Gurion airport, were heavily struck.

Additionally, military gathering points in cities such as Tel Aviv, Haifa, Eilat, the Negev region, and Beersheba faced a barrage of missile and drone attacks, causing widespread damage and casualties.

Meanwhile, US military bases in the region were not spared. US bases at Ahmed al-Jaber and Ali al-Salem in Kuwait, as well as the al-Kharj base in Saudi Arabia, were hit by precise heavy ballistic missile strikes, suffering significant damage.

In another part of the operation, the early warning radar system stationed at the al-Dhafra base in the United Arab Emirates was completely destroyed. The radar system played a crucial role in the early detection of aerial and missile threats in the region.

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Pezeshkian: Iran using all capacities in fighting US-Israeli aggression

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 02 April 2026 6:59 PM

President Masoud Pezeshkian says Iran is resolute in defending itself against American and Israeli aggressors using all of its capacities, more than a month after the US and Israel launched an unprovoked war of aggression against the Islamic Republic.

Pezeshkian made the remark in a phone conversation with his Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham Aliyev on Thursday, stressing that Iran was in the midst of indirect negotiations with the United States when Washington commenced its strikes and bombing campaign.

Pezeshkian also discussed latest developments regarding the ongoing US-Israeli military aggression against Iran, keeping his counterpart informed about the aggressors' crimes, including strikes against schools, hospitals, as well as vital and industrial infrastructures.

The Iranian president thanked the Azerbaijani nation and government for expressing their sympathy and support for Iranian people.

Aliyev pointed to negative impacts of war on security and stability of the region, expressing hope that peace and stability will be restored in the region as soon as possible.

Both presidents also discussed ways to boost Tehran-Baku cooperation in various fields.

Separately on Thursday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held a phone conversation with his Filipino counterpart Maria Teresa Lazaro, stressing that Iran's measures to prevent the passage of vessels associated with the aggressors through the Strait of Hormuz is in accordance with international law.

He emphasized that the measures are aimed at safeguarding security in the strategic waterway and preventing further military attacks.

Araghchi added that, despite the imposed insecurity, Iran has adopted a responsible approach by facilitating safe passage for non-hostile vessels and tankers through coordination with relevant Iranian authorities.

Iran's top diplomat stressed that the illegal aggression by the United States and the Israeli regime on Iran is the main cause of the existing insecurity in the region and the Strait of Hormuz.

Lazaro, for her part, conveyed condolences over the martyrdom of Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, as well as a number of Iranian officials and citizens, during the current war.

She also expressed hope for an immediate end to the conflict and the restoration of lasting peace and stability in the region.

The war, which entered its second month, has so far killed more than 2,000 people across the country, including women and children, according to Iran's health officials.

The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has responded with 90 waves of retaliatory strikes, codenamed Operation True Promise 4, launching hundreds of ballistic and hypersonic missiles as well as drone attacks against sensitive and strategic American and Israeli targets throughout the region.

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Iran Army launches drone strikes on US warplanes in Jordan

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 02 April 2026 4:44 PM

The Iranian Army has confirmed launching a drone strike on American fighter jets stationed at a US military base in Jordan, more than a month after the United States and Israel initiated an unprovoked war of aggression against Iran.

In its 52nd official statement since the onset of hostilities, the Army announced that its drones had struck al-Azraq Airbase, a key US military hub in eastern Jordan.

The base is known for its advanced infrastructure and substantial personnel presence, making it one of the most strategically important military sites for the US in West Asia.

"In the early hours of Thursday, the courageous soldiers of the Islamic Republic of Iran's Army targeted advanced fighter jets of the terrorist army of the United States stationed at al-Azraq base in Jordan with drone attacks," the statement read.

The announcement emphasized the significance of al-Azraq base, which plays a central role in coordinating US air aggression, including the use of advanced warplanes and drone missions targeting Iran and allied resistance forces.

According to the Army, the strike was aimed at weakening the enemy's aerial combat capabilities.

Last week, the Iranian Army conducted another drone attack on al-Azraq, targeting logistics depots, support equipment storage, and accommodation facilities used by US troops at the base.

On March 22, Iran formally protested to the United Nations and the UN Security Council over Jordan's role in facilitating US military operations against Iran.

Iran's Ambassador to the UN Amir Saeed Iravani, called on Jordan to cease any support or facilitation of these operations immediately. He also urged the country to prevent the use of its territory or airspace for attacks against Iran.

In addition, Ambassador Iravani asserted that Iran reserves the right to pursue legal actions at the international level to hold Jordan accountable and seek compensation for its role in the ongoing US-Israeli terrorist war.

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Iran drafting protocol with Oman for Strait of Hormuz transit oversight: Deputy FM

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 02 April 2026 3:54 PM

Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi says Iran is preparing a joint protocol with Oman to oversee vessel traffic in the Strait of Hormuz

Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi says Iran is preparing a joint protocol with Oman to oversee vessel traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, stressing that the move is aimed at ensuring safe and efficient passage rather than imposing restrictions.

Speaking in an interview with Sputnik, Gharibabadi said Tehran is in the final stages of drafting a framework with Oman to coordinate maritime transit through the strategic waterway.

"Once the internal drafting is completed, we will certainly begin our negotiations with the Omani side as well so that we can finalize a joint protocol," he said.

He noted that even in peacetime, ship movements could be conducted under the supervision and coordination of the two coastal states to enhance safety, environmental protection, and service provision.

According to Gharibabadi, vessels would obtain necessary and prompt clearances to ensure secure passage.

He emphasized that such measures would not limit navigation but would instead facilitate smoother transit and improve services for ships crossing the strait.

Addressing current tensions, Gharibabadi said wartime conditions have already affected maritime movement, adding that restrictions are a direct consequence of aggressive actions by the United States, Israel, and their allies.

He warned that in the event of further aggression, commercial and military vessels belonging to "aggressors and their supporters" could be barred from passing through the strait.

On the possibility of attacks against Iran's nuclear facilities, Gharibabadi said Tehran would respond proportionally, including targeting similar facilities of its enemies if attacks continued or were launched from third countries' territories.

He reiterated that Iran remains committed to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), though domestic criticism has grown over insufficient international protection for Iran's nuclear activities.

Discussions about a potential withdrawal from the treaty have surfaced in parliament, he added.

Gharibabadi also stressed that Iran's nuclear doctrine remains unchanged, maintaining that its program is solely for peaceful purposes and that there is no link between nuclear policy and navigation rules in the Strait of Hormuz.

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Three Mossad mercenaries, four Takfiri terrorists captured across Iran

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 02 April 2026 3:32 PM

Iranian intelligence forces have arrested three individuals linked to Mossad and four Takfiri terrorists across multiple provinces, the Ministry of Intelligence reported Thursday.

The ministry's statement detailed several intelligence operations that resulted in the apprehension of these individuals, as well as the seizure of weapons and ammunition.

One of the arrested terrorists was operating in Golestan province where he was engaged in secret recruitment efforts for a Takfiri group.

Security forces also arrested three other members of Takfiri factions in Sistan and Baluchistan as part of ongoing operations aimed at disrupting terrorist activities in the region.

Iranian intelligence forces further apprehended three individuals attempting to pass on sensitive military information to Mossad.

According to the statement, the operatives had been recruited by Mossad through encrypted Telegram channels.

Their mission was to gather and transmit intelligence regarding sensitive military sites located in Semnan province, a key area in Iran's defense infrastructure.

The group of mercenaries was tasked with infiltrating the country's security apparatus and relaying classified information to the Israeli intelligence network.

As part of the operations, Iranian authorities also confiscated large amounts of illicit weapons and ammunition.

In Isfahan province, intelligence forces seized four firearms and a substantial quantity of ammunition during a trafficking operation.

Another significant cache of weapons was uncovered in Kermanshah province, where 3,560 rounds of ammunition were found concealed in a hidden compartment.

The ministry also reported the confiscation of assets belonging to individuals linked to "Iran International," an Israeli-backed television network. Properties of several of these individuals were seized in the provinces of Mazandaran and East Azarbaijan.

The ministry further revealed that assets belonging to two mercenaries, residing in Canada and the United Kingdom, were confiscated in the western province of Hamadan.

In a separate incident, Iranian authorities executed Amir Hossein Hatami, who had been convicted of setting fire to a military center in Tehran during the January riots.

Hatami had confessed that his involvement in the riots was intended to steal weapons and ammunition to help destabilize the Iranian government. However, his efforts were unsuccessful as the armory he targeted contained only rifles and ammunition.

The operations come in the aftermath of the US and Israel's unprovoked aggression against Iran, which began on February 28 with the assassination of top Iranian leaders.

In retaliation, Iran's armed forces have launched multiple waves of missile and drone strikes targeting U.S. and Israeli military positions across the region.

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Op. True Promise 4, Wave 90: Iranian missiles pound US heavy metal facilities in region

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 02 April 2026 10:49 AM

The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has launched its 90th wave of Operation True Promise 4, targeting US industrial facilities in the region, including steel and aluminum industries in the UAE and Bahrain.

The IRGC said Thursday that the strikes were in retaliation for previous attacks on Iranian industrial sites and warned of further escalation if such attacks continue.

In an official statement, the IRGC's public relations office confirmed that a joint missile and drone operation had successfully destroyed critical infrastructure linked to US and Israeli military interests in the region.

The IRGC's statement detailed the destruction of US-linked steel plants located in Abu Dhabi, UAE, and US-linked aluminum facilities in Bahrain, which had reportedly remained intact after earlier attacks.

The operation also targeted US military weapons sites, including the Rafael arms factories and hidden positions of US forces near Manama, the capital of Bahrain.

The IRGC further reported that dozens of US personnel were killed or wounded during the attack, and that the area was immediately quarantined by security forces. Ambulance activity continued for several hours as injured personnel were evacuated.

In a statement on the second phase of the wave 90 of attacks, the IRGC's public relations office stated that they also targeted Israeli airbases in Tel Nof, Palmachim, and Ben Gurion, along with military gathering points in Tel Aviv, Haifa, Eilat, Negev, and Beersheba.

US military bases in Ahmad al-Jaber and Ali al-Salem in Kuwait, as well as al-Kharj in Saudi Arabia, were also hit with ballistic missiles and drones.

Furthermore, a radar warning system at the al-Dhafra Airbase in the UAE was confirmed destroyed during the operation. The system had been crucial in early detection of air and missile threats in the region.

The IRGC described the attacks as part of a broader strategy to retaliate for "criminal acts" committed by the US and Israel, including attacks on Iranian cities and industries.

The statement also issued a direct warning to US President Donald Trump, advising him to refrain from further actions that could escalate the terrorist war on Iran beyond the region and make the world more dangerous for the United States.

"This operation is dedicated to the families of the martyr workers who were killed in previous attacks," the IRGC said in its statement, emphasizing that the destruction of "criminal and terrorist infrastructure" in the region would continue.

The IRGC said the second phase of the Wave 90 operation was an unequivocal message to the US and Israeli forces that any further attack on Iranian industries would be met with an even harsher response.

Separately, the IRGC Navy Command stated that escalating the war would broaden their target list and accelerate the expulsion of the United States from the region.

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No a single enemy soldier to survive in case of ground invasion: Iran's Army chief

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 02 April 2026 10:21 AM

The commander-in-chief of the Iranian Army has warned that no enemy soldier will survive if the United States and the Israeli regime dare wage a ground invasion of the country.

"If the enemy conducts a ground incursion, not a single life will be spared," Major General Amir Hatami said in a video conference with commanders and headquarters of the Army's Ground, Air, Naval and Air Defense forces on Thursday.

He also expressed the Army's readiness to counter any act of mischief by the enemy in defensive and offensive areas.

He further urged the Army commanders to precisely monitor all enemy movements and actions and carry out plans to confront them.

Iran will not let go of the enemies until the shadow of the war is lifted from the country and there is security for everybody, Hatami emphasized.

Meanwhile, he pointed to "brazen" remarks by US President Donald Trump about changing Iran's map after the war, saying it exposes the evil plot of the American-Zionist enemy to wipe out Iran's name and existence.

Iran, he noted, will continue the fight against invaders until it secures final victory.

The US and Israel launched their illegal act of aggression against Iran on February 28 by assassinating Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, along with senior military commanders, in flagrant breach of the country's sovereignty.

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.

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IRGC cmdr denounces US 'Stone Age' threats as 'Hollywood delusions'

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 02 April 2026 10:17 AM

A top Iranian military commander has sharply rebuked American threats to bomb the Islamic Republic "back to the Stone Age," warning US leaders that they are only digging graves for their own troops.

Brigadier General Majid Mousavi, commander of the Aerospace Force of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), gave the warning on Thursday.

"It is you who are sending your soldiers under gravestones, not Iran that you are claiming to send back to the Stone Age," Mousavi wrote on X.

The commander's comments came in direct reaction to US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, who recently posted a hostile message on social media declaring, "Back to the Stone Age."

Hegseth's post mirrored the rhetoric of US President Donald Trump.

Speaking from the Cross Hall of the White House on Wednesday, Trump delivered a 20 minute primetime address. The speech was widely viewed as a copy-and-paste rehash of his recent Truth Social posts regarding his ongoing war of aggression on Iran.

During the broadcast, Trump repeated his threat to bomb Iran "back to the stone age." He also explicitly threatened to target the nation's civilian infrastructure, including vital power plants and oil facilities.

Mousavi dismissed the presidential rhetoric, contrasting the deep historical roots of Iran with the relatively short existence of the United States.

"Hollywood delusions have so poisoned your minds that, with a meager 250-year history, you threaten a civilization of over 6,000 years," Mousavi added.

The United States and the Israeli regime launched their latest bout of unprovoked aggression against Iran on February 28.

The Iranian Armed Forces have since responded with nearly 90 waves of retaliatory strikes.

Codenamed Operation True Promise 4, the fierce counter-offensive has seen Iran launch hundreds of ballistic and hypersonic missiles. The ongoing strikes, alongside coordinated drone attacks, continue to pound sensitive and strategic American and Israeli targets throughout the region.

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Hormuz Strait remains closed to vessels involved in anti-Iran war to prevent aggressors' misuse: FM Araghchi

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 02 April 2026 9:09 AM

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says the Strait of Hormuz remains closed to those vessels involved in the continued war launched by the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran to prevent the abuse of aggressors from the strategic waterway.

In a telephone conversation with Vietnamese Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung on Wednesday, Araghchi described the US-Israel military aggression against Iran as the root cause of insecurity imposed on the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.

"Based on the principles of international law and in order to prevent any misuse of aggressors from the Strait of Hormuz for conducting unlawful attacks against Iran, this waterway is closed to vessels belonging to parties involved in the military aggression against Iran," he added.

"However, vessels belonging to other countries continue to transit in coordination with relevant Iranian circles," the top Iranian diplomat emphasized.

Iran has intensified its restrictions on the passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing US-Israeli war against the country.

The restrictions on the world's vital energy lifeline, through which nearly one-fifth of global oil passed before the war, have led to a significant rise in global energy and commodity prices, with experts suggesting that the impact could escalate to historic levels if the confrontation continues.

Araghchi further said Iran would continue to exercise its right to self-defense in the face of aggressors by targeting their military bases and facilities located in regional countries.

"The reason behind Iran's defensive operations is the US use of territories and bases located in these countries to wage an illegal war against Iran," the Iranian foreign minister explained.

He emphasized that Iran's actions fall within its inherent legitimate right to self-defense and should not be regarded as a violation of the sovereignty of the host countries.

He also outlined US-Israeli war crimes and cases of gross human violation and humanitarian law, particularly attacks on schools, universities, educational and research centers, historical and cultural sites, hospitals, vital infrastructure, production facilities, and residential areas.

He noted that in one instance, an attack on a school in the city of Minab resulted in the deaths of around 170 students and teachers.

The Vietnamese foreign minister, for his part, pointed to his country's historical experience in defending itself in the face of aggressors and occupiers and stressed the importance of respecting political independence, national sovereignty, and territorial integrity of states, as well as adherence to international law and the United Nations Charter.

Hoai Trung reiterated his country's opposition to the use or threat of force.

He also expressed concern over the consequences of the ongoing war for the region, now in its fifth week, and expressed hope that peace and stability would be swiftly restored to the region.

Pointing to the Vietnamese president's message of condolences following the assassination of Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, he also extended sympathy on behalf of his country's government and nation to the Iranian people over the martyrdom of the Leader and senior officials.

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Iran to 'gradually increase' retaliatory missile launches against enemies: Official

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 02 April 2026 8:54 AM

An Iranian security-political official has warned that the Islamic Republic will gradually increase its missile strikes against US and Israeli targets in retaliation for their ongoing war of aggression.

In an interview with Lebanon's al-Mayadeen television network, the official said that the escalation of Iran's reprisal attacks is pursued within the framework of a "phased strategy."

"The process of firing missiles from Iran will gradually increase, coupled with further expansion and doubling of operations by the Resistance Axis against enemy interests across the region," he added.

The official also emphasized that Iran spare no opportunity to destroy the enemy's radar and air defense infrastructure.

He further noted that Iran's operations against enemy military facilities will continue "unabated until deterrence is achieved."

With the experience of the 12-day war, Iran is in possession of a very advanced and powerful arsenal that can surprise the adversaries, he said, referring to the illegal US-Israeli aggression in June 2025.

Meanwhile, the official stressed that any action against Iran's infrastructure will be met with a strong and unexpected response that will deal heavy blows to the enemies.

The Islamic Republic, he said, is capable enough to continue the war for a long time.

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 in an attempt to maintain security at the strategic waterway.

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'You know nothing': Iran mocks US-Zionist intel., says strategic arsenal remains untouched

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 02 April 2026 7:16 AM

The spokesperson for Iran's highest operational command unit says the United States and the Israeli regime do not know anything about the Islamic Republic's "vast and strategic" capabilities despite their claims.

"As we already said, we tell the American-Zionist enemies that your information about our military power and equipment is incomplete. You know nothing about our vast and strategic capabilities," Lieutenant-Colonel Ebrahim Zolfaqari, spokesperson for the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, said on Thursday.

He shattered the US-Israel hope of having destroyed Iran's strategic missile production centers, long-range offensive and pinpoint drones, modern air defense and electronic warfare systems, and special equipment, adding, "If you have such an idea, you will only deepen the quagmire in which you have been trapped."

He emphasized that the US-Israel enemies have targeted the centers that were not significant.

"Our strategic military production takes place in palces that you have no knowledge of at all and will never be able to reach," he reiterated.

Zolfaqari recommended the US and Israel not to keep count of Iran's missiles, drones and strategic equipment as they will definitely miscalculate and get nowhere.

"You must pay the price of the aggression that you initiated to the honorable, dear and Muslim [Iranian] nation," he told the two enemies.

He emphasized that the ongoing US-Israel war of aggression against Iran would be continued until the enemies' "permanent and definitive humiliation, regret and surrender."

"In the continuation of the strong and unimaginable blows and slaps that you have suffered so far, await our more crushing, wider and destructive actions," the spokesman pointed out.

Since February 28, Iran has conducted waves of decisive retaliatory strikes against US military installations throughout the region and Israeli positions in the occupied territories.

Iran says its operations are legitimate self-defense under international law, while accusing the US and Israel of committing war crimes through deliberate attacks on civilian infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, and residential areas.

The Minab elementary school massacre and the targeting of Iranian authorities' homes have been repeatedly cited by Iranian officials as evidence of the enemy's terrorist methods.

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As War Persists, Trump Calls On Iran To 'Make A Deal Before It Is Too Late'

By Ray Furlong, RFE/RL's Radio Farda and Current Time April 02, 2026

The US-Israeli war with Iranshowed no signs of slowing down on April 2, with reports of air strikes hitting a major Iranian bridge and killing a senior Iranian commander, while US President Donald Trump urged Tehran to "make a deal before it is too late."

The new strikes came a day after Trump's TV addressto the nation, in which he threatened to bomb Iran "back to the stone ages" and "hit them extremely hard over the next two to three weeks."

In response, Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf wrote a defiant message on social media: "Iranians don't just talk about defending their country, we bleed for it. We've done it before, and we're ready to do it again.... Bring it on." An Iranian military spokesman warned of "broader and more destructive" attacks to come.

But reports from official Iranian sources highlighted the ongoing cost of the war to Iran. A major new highway bridge, not yet operational, was damaged and Mohammad Ali Fathalizadeh, a brigadier general of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), was killed in a separate attack, the reports said.

Images on social media showed significant damage to the B1 bridge, which is on a road linking Tehran to Karaj in the Alborz Province and has been described by Iranian media outlets as the highest bridge in the Middle East.

"The biggest bridge in Iran comes tumbling down, never to be used again -- Much more to follow!" Trump wrote in a post on his Truth Social platform. "IT IS TIME FOR IRAN TO MAKE A DEAL BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE, AND THERE IS NOTHING LEFT OF WHAT STILL COULD BECOME A GREAT COUNTRY!"

A local official later said eight people were killed and 95 injured in two rounds of attacks on the bridge, Iranian media reported. The account could not be independently verified.

Elsewhere, images on social media showed plumes of smoke at the international airport in Mashhad, a city in northeast Iran, on April 2.

Amid ongoing combat, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced it had struck a "ballistic missile storage site belonging to the missile unit in the Tabriz area."

Israel was also hit. Emergency services reported rocket fire from Iran's Lebanon-based Hezbollah proxy group that caused shrapnel injuries to an 85-year-old Israeli man and a 34-year-old foreign worker.

In the Persian Gulf, a spokesman for the Saudi Defense Ministry said four drones and a ballistic missile launched from Iran had been intercepted, while the United Arab Emirates said it had "engaged 19 ballistic missiles and 26 UAVs launched from Iran."

The US government issued a warning to its citizens in Iraq, saying that "Iraqi terrorist militia groups aligned with Iran may intend to conduct attacks in central Baghdad in the next 24-48 hours."

The Mood In Iran

Ruslan Suleymanov, a Middle East expert at the London- and Washington-based NEST Center think tank who recently visited Iran amid US and Israeli air strikes, told Current Time he had observed a wide range of attitudes among the Iranian people and that there are currently both supporters and opponents of the regime.

"The opponents are in the majority. But even the opponents of the regime don't fully understand where this war is heading," he said on April 2.

The Iranian authorities appeared to be tightening an already brutal crackdown on its opponents, as prominent rights activist Nasrin Sotoudeh was arrested at her home in Tehran last night, her daughter said on Instagram.

This news came after it was reported that Iran had executed an 18-year-old man, Amirhossein Hatami, arrested during mass protests in January.

Meanwhile the health of Iranian Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadihas significantly deteriorated in prison, according to her husband, Taghi Rahmani.

Rahmani spoke with RFE/RL's Radio Farda by telephone on April 1 from Paris, where he is based.

The Strait Of Hormuz

On the diplomatic front, British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper condemned Iran's "recklessness" for stopping nearly all shipping through the Strait of Hormuz -- causing global economic chaos as flows of oil, gas, and other vital commodities have come to a halt.

"Alongside today's discussions, we are also convening military planners to look at how we marshal our collective defensive military capabilities, including looking at issues such as de-mining or reassurance once the conflict eases," she told an online conference convened by London.

The roughly 40 countries attending the conference did not include the United States, which has called on its allies to secure the strait.

"Today, we looked at diplomatic, economic, and security measures to restore safe passage, alongside working with the shipping industry," European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas wrote on X after the meeting, which produced no formal agreement.

The strait "is a global public good. Iran cannot be allowed to charge countries a bounty to let ships pass. International law doesn't recognize pay-to-pass schemes," she wrote.

Kallas also said the EU naval mission in the Red Sea, Aspides, "must be scaled up," adding, "We cannot afford to lose another critical trade route."

Iran, meanwhile, said it was drafting monitoring rules with Oman, which lies across the strait, and current UN Security Council chair Bahrain presented the 15-member group with a new draft of a resolution aimed to protect shipping through the waterway.

"We are developing a protocol for Iran and Oman to monitor passage and navigation through the Strait of Hormuz," Iran's official news agency, IRNA, quoted Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi as saying. There was no immediate comment from Oman.

Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani told the Security Council that country was hoping for a vote on April 3 on the resolution. It would authorize "all necessary means" to protect commercial shipping while specifying that such steps should be "defensive in nature."

To pass, a Security Council resolution needs at least nine yes votes and no veto from any of the permanent members: The United States, Russia, Britain, France, and China, which has signaled its opposition to any authorization of the use of force.

In comments at a Kremlin meeting with the Egyptian foreign minister, Russian President Vladimir Putin said "we all hope that this conflict will be resolved as quickly as possible. President Trump spoke about this yesterday. I repeat, we, for our part, are ready to do everything possible to bring the situation back to normal."

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov spokes to his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araqchi, about the war and the situation surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, the Russian ministry said. Putin's foreign policy aide Yury Ushakov said on state TV that the strait is "open to us."

In China, which like Russia has close ties to Iran, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning responded to Trump's speech by calling on all sides to cease military operations, while also criticizing Washington.

"The root cause of obstruction to navigation through the Strait of Hormuz is the illegal military actions by the United States and Israel against Iran. Only through a cease-fire and the achievement of peace and stability in the Gulf region can the security and smooth operation of international shipping lanes be fundamentally safeguarded," she told a news conference.

China has presented a five-point plan with Pakistan, calling for an immediate cease-fire and talks.

Pakistan has emerged as a potential key mediator for passing messages between the United States and Iran, which have presented wildly different visions for peace.

'The Key Question'

Tehran is demanding, among other things, reparations and recognition of its control over the Strait of Hormuz. Washington's plan has not been made public but is believed to include a demand that Iran will agree to not develop nuclear weapons, limits on Iran's missile capabilities, and an end to Iran's support for regional proxy forces.

Trump has said Iran is "begging to make a deal" while Iran has denied any talks are taking place.

Kamal Kharrazi, a former Iranian foreign minister believed to be involved in contact with Pakistani mediators was reported to have been seriously injured in an air strike overnight. Kharrazi was taken to a hospital while his wife died in the attack.

"Reports of diplomatic contacts alongside the targeting of figures such as Kamal Kharrazi, believed to have been linked to potential negotiations, have fueled speculation that cease-fire pathways may be actively disrupted by Israel," Hamidreza Azizi, a visiting fellow at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs, wrote on social media.

"This reinforces Iranian narratives that the Israeli side seeks to prolong the war," he added.

Meanwhile, the prospect of the war continuing for at least a few more weeks saw oil prices again rising and stock markets showing mixed results.

Speaking to Reuters news agency, Russel Chesler, head of investments and capital markets at VanEck Australia, summed up the mood.

"The key question in all investors' minds is 'When is this going to be over?'" he said.

With reporting by Reuters and Interfax

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/trump-speech-war- threats-iran-strikes/33723158.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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Key Bridge In Northern Iran Hit By Strikes

17:55 2.4.2026

The Fars news agency, which is close to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, has reported that the B1 highway bridge in northern Iran was damaged in US and Israeli air strikes.

Images on social media show significant damage to the bridge, which links Tehran to Karaj in the Alborz Province.

There were reportedly two strikes, the second coming about an hour after the first. Neither the US nor Israeli militaries have confirmed the attack.

Iranian media have described the bridge as the highest in the Middle East. There were conflicting reports as to whether the bridge was still under construction or had already been inaugurated.

According to Fars, the Alborz governorate said two people were killed and several others injured in the first attack on the bridge.

UPDATE: Posting on TruthSocial, President Trump has said, "The biggest bridge in Iran comes tumbling down, never to be used again -- Much more to follow!"

UPDATE 2: A local Iranian official later said eight people were killed and 95 injured in two rounds of attacks on the bridge, Iranian media reported. The account could not be independently verified.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-protests-live-blog- trump-khamenei/33640284.html?lbis=447954

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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Macron: Military Operation To 'Liberate' Strait Of Hormuz Is 'Unrealistic'

15:39 2.4.2026

French President Emmanuel Macron said on April 2 that launching a military operation to "liberate" the Strait of Hormuz is unrealistic and urged cooperation with Iran instead.

"There are those who advocate for the liberation of the Strait of Hormuz by force through a military operation, a position sometimes expressed by the United States," he said during a trip to South Korea, according to AFP.

He added: "I say 'sometimes,' because it has varied. It has never been the option we have chosen, and we consider it unrealistic."

Macron stressed that such an operation "would take an inordinate amount of time and would expose anyone crossing the strait to coastal threats from the [Iranian] Revolutionary Guards [Corps], who possess significant resources, as well as ballistic missiles, and a host of other risks."

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-protests-live-blog- trump-khamenei/33640284.html?lbis=447944

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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IRGC Commander Involved In Suppressing Protesters Killed

14:36 2.4.2026

Mohammad Ali Fathalizadeh, a brigadier general of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) and a commander of the IRGC's Fatehin Special Unit, has been killed, a news agency affiliated with the country's Defense Ministry announced.

Without mentioning how or when Fathalizadeh was killed, the news agency said he was killed on April 2.

His name adds to the long list of officials and commanders who have been killed in targeted bombing by US and Israeli forces over the past five weeks. On February 28 alone -- the first day of the US and Israeli attacks -- more than 40 officials and commanders were killed alongside Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to foreign media reports.

Fathalizadeh's has led the IRGC's Fatehin Special Unit for a year. Members of this unit receive special military training beyond the standard training of Basij paramilitary members, and they previously participated in the Syrian civil war and the suppression of protests in recent years.

In December 2022, in a meeting with a group of special forces from the Fatehin Special Unit who were involved in suppressing the protesters, then-President Ebrahim Raisi told them that they "shone well" in their dealings with the protesters.



Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-protests-live-blog- trump-khamenei/33640284.html?lbis=447927

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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IRGC Says Attacked US-Linked Industrial Facilities in Middle East

Sputnik News

20260402

TEHRAN (Sputnik) - The Iranian military has attacked US-linked steel and aluminum industry facilities in the Middle East, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said on Thursday.

Iran has previously said that US and Israel attacked facilities of the Iranian metallurgical companies Khouzestan Steel and Mobarakeh Steel.

"The 90th wave of Operation True Promise 4 was carried out with a retaliatory attack on the US steel and aluminum industries in the region," the IRGC said, as quoted by the Tasnim news agency.

The IRGC said it targeted a steel plant in Abu Dhabi linked to US Steel, an aluminum facility in Bahrain, a US military site near the Bahraini capital, and assets tied to Israel's defense firm Rafael. Dozens of US troops were killed or wounded in the drone and missile strikes, it added.

In addition, the Iranian military attacked three Israeli air bases and several US bases in the Middle East, the IRGC said.

On February 28, the United States and Israel launched strikes on targets in Iran, including in Tehran, causing damage and civilian casualties. Iran responded by striking Israeli territory and US military facilities in the Middle East.

 Sputnik

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Iran Says US-Israeli Claims of Its Military Strength Are Wrong

Sputnik News

20260402

TEHRAN (Sputnik) - The US and Israeli assessment of Iran's military capabilities is inaccurate, Ebrahim Zolfaghari, a spokesman for the Khatam Al-Anbiya central headquarters of the Iranian military command, said on Thursday amid claims by US President Donald Trump that Iran no longer posed a threat.

"Your information about Iran's capabilities and military might, as well as our weapons, is incorrect. You do not know anything about our huge strategic potential," Zolfaghari was quoted as saying by the Iranian state-run broadcaster IRIB.

The facilities destroyed during the attacks by the US and Israel were "nothing," and the strategic facilities of the defense industry are located in places unknown to Washington, which "it cannot reach," the spokesman added.

Zolfaghari also warned that the US and Israel should prepare for more powerful and large-scale strikes than before.

On February 28, the United States and Israel launched strikes on targets in Iran, including in Tehran, causing damage and civilian casualties. Iran responded by striking Israeli territory and US military facilities in the Middle East.

 Sputnik

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Trump Says US Will Hit Iran Hard in Next 2-3 Weeks, Threatens 'Stone Age'

Sputnik News

20260402

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that the United States will intensify strikes on Iran over the next two to three weeks and threatened to bring the country to the "Stone Ages."

The US military "core strategic objectives" amid its ongoing military operation against Iran are nearly achieved, the US President said.

"I can say tonight that we are on track to complete all of America's military objectives shortly, very shortly, we're going to hit them extremely hard. Over the next two to three weeks, we're going to bring them back to the Stone Ages where they belong," Trump said in his address to the nation.

US President Donald Trump promised that the US military will simultaneously strike all Iranian power plants if the deal between Washington and Tehran fails.

"If there is no deal, we are going to hit each and every one of their electric generating plants, very hard and probably simultaneously," Trump said in an address to the nation on Wednesday.

He added the US did not strike Iranian oil infrastructure because doing so would have left Tehran with no chance of recovery. Trump also asserted that the US could carry out such a strike.

Last week, Trump claimed Washington and Tehran had "very positive and productive" talks and postponed strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure until April 6. Iran dismissed reports about direct talks, saying it only received messages expressing desire to engage in dialogue.

 Sputnik

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The UK will continue to champion coordination between the League of Arab States and the United Nations: UK statement at the UN Security Council

Speech

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Charge d'Affaires to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Cooperation between the UN and the League of Arab States.

From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and James Kariuki CMG

Published 2 April 2026

Location: United Nations, New York

Delivered on: 2 April 2026 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

The United Kingdom welcomes this discussion on cooperation between the United Nations and the League of Arab States. It is a moment of acute regional tension.

The League of Arab States remains a vital partner in advancing dialogue, de-escalation, and regional stability, and we commend its continued efforts to promote peaceful solutions.

Iran's actions have driven dangerous escalation across the Gulf, with direct consequences for regional stability and global security, and increasing humanitarian costs across the region.

Iran's attempts to obstruct the Strait of Hormuz are imposing growing economic costs, not only on the Gulf but on countries across the globe.

It is right that the international community does all it can to support a return to stability as our partners in the region continue to defend their sovereignty and their economies.

The UK is doing so through defensive operations to protect our partners and rallying 37 countries in a collective call to condemn Iran's actions and to work together to reopen the Strait.

Today, the UK convened over forty international partners to begin work on a viable plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

We welcome the Council's efforts, including through resolution 2817, to forge a united response to uphold regional and maritime security and to call on Iran to immediately cease its egregious actions.

President, while attention is focused on ending the regional escalation, it is also important that we do not lose sight of the wider humanitarian and political and security challenges across the region, including in Lebanon, Palestine, Yemen, and Sudan.

The work of the League of Arab States is essential to providing longer-term solutions which can pave the way for lasting regional stability.

The United Kingdom will continue to champion coordination between the League and the United Nations, which can make a significant contribution to tackling regional, security, and development challenges.

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Chair's statement on the meeting on the Strait of Hormuz

News story

Statement on the Foreign Secretary-led talks with international partners on the Strait of Hormuz

From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and The Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP

Published 2 April 2026

Today the Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom, Yvette Cooper, convened a meeting of over 40 countries from every continent of the world, as well as key international organisations including the International Maritime Organisation and the European Union.

This meeting showed clearly the determination of the international community to secure freedom of navigation and re-open the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz is a direct threat to global prosperity.

The Strait is one of the world's most critical maritime corridors. It is used to transport vital supplies and products such as fertilisers urgently needed to support farming in Africa. It is a primary route for global energy exports, delivering oil, refined petroleum and liquified natural gas to countries across the globe. These supplies help to power homes, facilitate air travel, and support international trade and food chains. Disruption to shipping through the Strait therefore has immediate and far-reaching consequences for global supplies, prices and economic stability, with severe humanitarian effects for communities the world over.

Iran is trying to hold the global economy hostage in the Strait of Hormuz. They must not prevail. To that effect, partners today called for the immediate and unconditional reopening of the Strait and respect for the fundamental principles of freedom of navigation and the law of the sea. We discussed a number of areas of possible collective, coordinated, action:

Increase international diplomatic pressure, including through the UN, to send clear and co-ordinated messages to Iran to permit unimpeded transit passage through the Strait of Hormuz and to comprehensively reject the imposition of tolls on vessels which seek to pass through. Explore co-ordinated economic and political measures, such as sanctions, to bear down on Iran if the Strait remains closed. Work together with the International Maritime Organisation to secure the release of thousands of ships and sailors trapped in the Strait and get shipping moving again. Joint arrangements to support greater market and operational confidence. This includes working with shipping operators and industry bodies to ensure coherent and timely information sharing.

We agreed to take forward further discussions among experts and officials in participating countries to secure freedom of navigation. It is imperative that international law is respected and that Iran fully re-opens the Strait of Hormuz.

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UN chief renews call for U.S., Israel to stop war against Iran

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 09:20, April 03, 2026

UNITED NATIONS, April 2 (Xinhua) -- United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday reiterated his call for the United States and Israel to stop the war against Iran, and for Iran to stop attacking its neighbors.

"My message is clear. To the United States and Israel, it is high time to stop the war that is inflicting immense human suffering and already triggering devastating economic consequences. To Iran, to stop attacking its neighbors," the UN chief said in remarks to the press.

"The Middle East crisis has lurched into its second month," with the scale of devastation, indiscriminate attacks, and targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure growing, he said.

Noting that the conflict is already being felt everywhere, Guterres warned that the world is on the edge of a wider war that would engulf the whole Middle East with dramatic impacts around the globe.

He said diplomatic efforts are underway to find a peaceful path forward, which "deserve the space and support to succeed -- anchored firmly in international law, including the UN Charter."

"Disputes must be settled peacefully. The sovereignty and territorial integrity of all Member States must be respected. Civilians and civilian infrastructure, including nuclear installations, must be respected and protected. And freedom of navigation must be upheld," he said.

"We must find a peaceful way out," the secretary-general said, adding that "conflicts do not end on their own. They end when leaders choose dialogue over destruction."

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Iran downs two advanced US jets, including second F-35

Iran Press TV

Friday, 03 April 2026 5:46 AM

Iranian forces shot down two more advanced US fighter jets today, including a second F-35, despite US President Donald Trump's claim of destroying Iran's air defenses.

In a statement on Friday, the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) said that its newly developed and advanced air defenses had shot down a stealth F-35 fighter jet in central Iran.

The downed aircraft belonged to the Lakenheath squadron, it said, adding that the fighter jet was completely destroyed and crashed.

Due to the complete disintegration of the aircraft, the fate of the pilot remains unknown, it noted.

Earlier on Friday, the IRGC announced that another advanced enemy fighter jet was targeted by air defense systems south of Qeshm Island.

The advanced aircraft subsequently crashed between Hengam and Qeshm islands, plummeting "into the depths of the ever-Persian Gulf."

The downing was a direct rebuke to recent rhetoric from Washington. The IRGC noted that Donald Trump had previously claimed that US forces had destroyed Iran's air defenses.

"Following the false claim of the liar US President regarding the complete destruction of the IRGC's air defense, moments ago an advanced enemy fighter jet was hit in the south of Qeshm Island by the modern advanced air defense system of the IRGC Navy, under the control of the country's integrated air defense network," the IRGC statement read.

These interceptions adds to a growing list of staggering aviation losses for the US military. On March 11, the IRGC successfully hit a US Air Force F-35 stealth fighter jet in central Iran's airspace.

While US media later confirmed that an F-35 made an emergency landing at a US airbase in West Asia due to what was believed to be Iranian fire, a subsequent report by NPR noted that the heavily damaged aircraft would not be able to resume operations anytime soon.

Iranian armed forces have so far downed two F-35s, one F-18, two F-16s, and four F-15s since the start of the aggression.

The US military has officially confirmed the loss of three US F-15s and one KC-135 tanker during the ongoing war. The Pentagon has continuously attempted to cover up these catastrophic losses, portraying the downings as "friendly fire" or "accidents."

Recently, the US military even announced the fall of an F-35 in Nevada, an announcement that military experts widely view as a desperate cover story for the loss of stealth fighter jets in the war with Iran.

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UN Security Council Delays Vote On Use Of 'Defensive' Force In Strait Of Hormuz

April 03, 2026

The UN Security Council has delayed a vote on a draft resolution to allow the use of "defensive" force to protect shipping from Iranian attacks in the crucial Strait of Hormuz.

The vote was scheduled for April 3 at 11 a.m., but late on April 2 the vote was postponed, with the reason given that it was the Good Friday public holiday. A new date hasn't been set.

Earlier Jamal Alrowaiei, the UN ambassador for Bahrain -- which presented the draft resolution -- said: "We cannot accept economic terrorism affecting our region and the world, the whole world is being affected by the developments."

Iran has effectively blocked one of the world's most important shipping lanes -- creating a bottleneck of oil and natural gas tankers and threatening global fuel supplies -- in retaliation for US-Israeli strikes that have blasted the country since February 28.

The head of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) backed the call for UN approval of force to protect the strait from Iranian attacks.

"Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz, prevented commercial vessels and oil tankers from transiting, and imposed conditions on some to pass through the strait," GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi said.

"We call upon the Security Council to assume its full responsibility and take all necessary measures to protect maritime routes and ensure the safe continuation of international navigation," AlBudaiwi said.

The GCC comprises Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Oman.

Bahran's text has gone through several amendments and is supported by the United States, but it faces some opposition in the Security Council, especially by Russia and China -- both of which hold veto power.

"The use of force cannot bring peace. Political settlement is the fundamental way forward," Chinese Ambassador Fu Cong told the Security Council.

"Authorizing member states to use force would amount to legitimizing the unlawful and indiscriminate use of force, which would inevitably lead to further escalation of the situation and lead to serious consequences," he added.

AFP reports that a sixth and final draft would allow member states -- either individually or as "voluntary multinational naval partnerships" -- to use "all defensive means necessary and commensurate with the circumstances."

Russia, a close ally of Iran, has denounced what it calls one-sided measures against Tehran.

The resolution applies to the strait and adjacent waters to "secure transit passage and to deter attempts to close, obstruct or otherwise interfere with international navigation through the Strait of Hormuz."

The measure would last for a period of at least six months and emphasizes the defensive nature of any intervention -- a stipulation that seems to have eased earlier French concerns.

With reporting by AFP

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-protests-live-blog- trump-khamenei/33640284.html?lbis=447989

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 Embassy in Baghdad Urges US Citizens to Leave Iraq Immediately

Sputnik News

20260402

DOHA (Sputnik) - The US Embassy in Baghdad called on US citizens in Iraq on Thursday to leave the country immediately due to threats by pro-Iranian groups to attack central Baghdad, where foreign diplomatic missions are located, according to a statement from the diplomatic mission.

"Iraqi terrorist militia groups aligned with Iran may intend to conduct attacks in central Baghdad in the next 24-48 hours. Iran and Iran-aligned terrorist militias have conducted widespread attacks against US citizens and targets associated with the United States throughout Iraq, including in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region (IKR) ... US citizens are advised: 'Do not travel to Iraq for any reason. Leave now if you are there,'" the embassy said in a statement.

It warned that pro-Iranian groups might attack US citizens, businesses, universities, diplomatic missions, energy facilities, hotels, and airports believed to be associated with the US, as well as Iraqi institutions and civilian targets.

Certain pro-Iranian Shiite groups may be linked to the Iraqi government, the embassy also said.

"The Iraqi government has not prevented terrorist attacks in or from Iraqi territory. Iran-aligned terrorist militia groups may claim to be associated with the Iraqi government. Terrorists may carry identification denoting their status as Iraqi government employees," the diplomatic mission wrote on X.

Earlier this week, Iraqi authorities said that they were fulfilling their obligations to protect foreign missions in the country amid the escalating situation in the region. They also called on the US to cease strikes on positions of the Shiite Popular Mobilization Forces, which Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani called a violation of the country's sovereignty.

 Sputnik

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New Israeli death penalty law risks violating absolute prohibition of torture, says UN expert

Press releases

Special Procedures

02 April 2026

GENEVA -- The UN Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, Alice Jill Edwards, today expressed grave concern over the adoption of a new death penalty law by the Israeli Knesset, warning that it risks serious violations of international law, including the absolute prohibition of torture.

"The death penalty can rarely be applied without causing terrible suffering that violates the prohibition of torture and other ill-treatment," Edwards said.

The law was adopted on 30 March 2026 following accelerated legislative procedures and will apply to individuals found guilty by a military court of intentionally carrying out deadly attacks deemed acts of terrorism with an intent to deny the existence of the State of Israel.

The Special Rapporteur warned that differential application of criminal law between Palestinians and Israelis would constitute unlawful discrimination and could further aggravate the risk of torture and ill-treatment.

"The selective application of capital punishment on ethnic or national grounds, or because of one's political views, constitutes a particularly stark form of discriminatory harm," the expert said. "Any system that permits differential treatment in their justice system or by the imposition of the death penalty undermines the most basic guarantees of equality before the law."

The Special Rapporteur also expressed concern that the law may weaken due process safeguards, increasing the risk of wrongful convictions, including those based on coerced or torture-tainted confessions.

"In systems where allegations of torture and ill-treatment in detention and during interrogation have been widely documented, the introduction or expansion of the death penalty carries an acute and irreversible risk," the expert said. "It forecloses the possibility of remedy in cases where convictions may have been secured through coercion or abuse."

While Israel has maintained a long-standing de facto moratorium on executions, the adoption of this law represents a significant departure from that practice and from the global trend towards abolition.

"Capital punishment is incompatible with human dignity and has no proven deterrent effect," the Special Rapporteur said. "Its irreversible nature makes any error fatal."

Edwards called on the Israeli Parliament to urgently reconsider and repeal the legislation, as well as for the Israeli Supreme Court to review the law in light of Israel's international legal obligations, including the prohibition of torture and the principle of non-discrimination.

The Special Rapporteur will continue to monitor developments closely.

The expert previously raised these concerns with the Government.

*The expert:

Alice Jill Edwards, Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment

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 organization, 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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Israel's death penalty law constitutes discriminatory regime of capital punishment: UN experts

Press releases

Special Procedures

02 April 2026

GENEVA -- Israel's new law effectively providing for the death penalty solely against Palestinians constitutes a discriminatory regime of capital punishment and manifestly violates Israel's obligations under international human rights law, UN experts* said today.

"We condemn the Knesset's adoption of this law and call for its immediate repeal," the experts said. "This law marks a grave escalation in Israel's discriminatory oppression of Palestinians."

"A death penalty regime that is discriminatory in purpose, design or effect is incompatible with the rights to life and equality before the law," they warned.

Other aspects of the legislation, including military trials of civilians, systemic due process violations, and execution by hanging make it irreconcilable with the absolute prohibition of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, the experts said.

"By reintroducing capital punishment in a system that targets solely Palestinians, despite Israel's prior abolition of the death penalty for murder and its long-standing de facto moratorium on executions, this law institutionalises arbitrary and discriminatory deprivation of life," they said.

As the experts previously warned,** the legislation preserves and intensifies a dual legal system under which Palestinians in the occupied West Bank are subjected to military law, military courts, and diminished due process guarantees, while Israeli settlers are not.

"A law that effectively singles out Palestinians for execution conveys that Palestinian lives are less worthy of legal protection," they said.

"In the context of unlawful occupation and a wider system of racial segregation and apartheid, arbitrary detention, torture, deaths in custody and unlawful killings, the enactment of an official threat of execution is itself a form of cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment and heightens the risk of arbitrary deprivation of life."

"The Knesset has now adopted this law in open disregard of our repeated warnings that it violates Israel's obligations under international law," the experts said.

The experts pointed to the wider legal and institutional context, after the International Court of Justice found that Israel's legislation and measures in the occupied Palestinian territory violate the prohibition of racial segregation and apartheid.

"A system of capital punishment imposed on Palestinians within that wider regime of domination, separation and discriminatory subjugation cannot be rendered lawful by formal safeguards or nominal judicial discretion," they said. "A death penalty regime applied to Palestinians cannot satisfy the requirements of non-discrimination, strict legality and fair trial under international law."

Mandatory death sentences are inherently arbitrary and under international law including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, ratified by Israel in 1991. Capital punishment may be imposed only for the most serious crimes, after fair proceedings, and with access to pardon or commutation.

"These legal requirements are clearly violated when the death penalty is applied discriminatorily and civilians are tried before military courts that fail to meet international fair trial standards," the experts warned.

"Israel must immediately repeal this law and refrain from its implementation, by seeking, imposing or carrying out death sentences under its provisions," they said.

"We call on the Israeli Supreme Court, sitting as the High Court of Justice, to invalidate this manifestly unlawful legislation without delay, before it gives rise to irreversible harm and further entrenches discrimination, arbitrariness and cruel, inhuman or degrading punishment against Palestinians."

*The experts:

Morris Tidball-Binz, Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions

Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions Francesca Albanese, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967

Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967 Ben Saul, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism

Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism Reem Alsalem, Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, its causes and consequences

** The experts previously raised these concerns in OL ISR 23/2025 and in their 4 February 2026 press release.

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 organization, 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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Japan-ROK Foreign Ministers' Telephone Talks

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan

April 2, 2026

On April 2, commencing at 5:30 p.m. for approximately 25 minutes, Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, spoke over the phone with H.E. Cho Hyun, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea (ROK). The summary of the telephone talks is as follows.

The two Ministers, under the current situation in the Indo-Pacific, shared a recognition of the strategic importance of the Japan-ROK relations, and discussed the importance of strategic coordination including security cooperation between Japan and the ROK as well as among Japan, the ROK and the U.S. The two Ministers discussed the recent situation in the Middle East, including from the perspective of ensuring a stable supply of energy and critical goods. They concurred on cooperating toward an early de-escalation of the situation. The two Ministers concurred on continuing close communication between the two governments.

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2nd ROK-U.S. Public Diplomacy Dialogue

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Korea

Date: 2026-04-01

Ambassador and Deputy Minister for Public Diplomacy Lim Sang-woo held the 2nd Republic of Korea-United States Public Diplomacy Dialogue with U.S. Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy Sarah Rogers in Seoul on Wednesday, April 1.

 The 1st ROK-U.S. Public Diplomacy Dialogue was held in Seoul on December 1, 2023.

The Dialogue was convened to support the implementation of the joint outcomes of the two ROK-U.S. Summits held in 2025 through public diplomacy. The two sides exchanged extensive and in-depth views, exploring ways for practical cooperation across various agendas including bilateral cooperation on public diplomacy, public diplomacy cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond, cooperation on the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States through the Freedom 250, and contingency and public diplomacy.

Both sides recognized that public diplomacy not only enhances mutual understanding and trust between the two peoples but also serves as a key policy tool for facilitating the implementation of major tasks of the ROK-U.S. alliance. In particular, they agreed to work together to effectively promote understanding of the value and importance of the ROK-U.S. alliance among the citizens of both nations and the international community through strategic messaging, digital communication, and expanded people-to-people and cultural exchanges.

Furthermore, both sides shared their views on the need to review the status of public diplomacy cooperation and identify new areas of collaboration by holding the ROK-U.S. Public Diplomacy Dialogue on a regular basis and to continuously deepen and reinforce public diplomacy cooperation amid a changing international environment.

Lastly, the two sides reaffirmed the robust ROK-U.S. alliance and their commitment to implementing the Joint Fact Sheet (JFS) from the ROK-U.S. Gyeongju Summit by signing the ROK-U.S. Memorandum of Cooperation in support of the Freedom 250 and agreed to cooperate on various commemorative events.

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Spokesperson's Press Briefing (April 2, 2026)

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Korea

Date: 2026-04-02

Press Briefing

Spokesperson and Deputy Minister for Public Affairs Park Il

April 2, 2026 14:30 KST

Good afternoon. Let me start today's briefing.

Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Park Yoonjoo will have a meeting with Permanent Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Viet Nam Nguyen Minh Vu in the latter's country on April 3.

The upcoming meeting between the Vice Minister and the Permanent Deputy Minister in Hanoi will mark their second following their first in Seoul last year. The interagency Korean delegation will comprise officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Science and ICT, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the Financial Services Commission and the Ministry of Intellectual Property, among others.

In the meeting, the two sides will discuss ways to strengthen the "Korea-Viet Nam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership" in such areas as political and security cooperation, trade and investment, energy and supply chains, science and technology, and infrastructure.

In addition to the meeting, Vice Minister Park will pay a courtesy call on Minister of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam Le Hoai Trung and discuss ways to advance Korea-Viet Nam relations.

Moving on, the Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs will attend a United Kingdom-led Foreign Ministers Call on the Strait of Hormuz at 8 p.m., today, Korea Standard Time.

At the meeting, given the need to guarantee the safety of vessels and their crews, as well as the freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, we believe that the participants will share with one another the situation around the Strait and have a broad discussion in this regard.

(A question-and-answer session followed.)

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Meeting with members of the Central Election Commission

Vladimir Putin met with members of the Central Election Commission

April 1, 2026

22:25

Moscow

The President also spoke with Chairperson of the Central Election Commission Ella Pamfilova.

* * *

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Colleagues, first of all, congratulations on the start of your work in your new composition.

I hope that both the experienced members of the Central Election Commission and those newly appointed to such responsible roles will work closely as a well-coordinated team, setting a high bar for the almost one million colleagues working hard in election commissions across our vast country.

Competitive and democratic elections are the mandatory and irreplaceable constitutional instrument, essential for forming strong and capable governance. They are always important, and as I often say these days, they are two or three times more important for us under current conditions. Elections build our people's confidence in the state and form the basis of direct public engagement in state governance and in the formation of governance bodies. Consequently, they foster public trust in the administration, political stability, and the continuity of our sovereign development.

At the same time, there are many aspects that depend specifically on you, so that every citizen understands the significance and the impact of their vote, and so that they can be certain of the legitimacy of the overall result.

This year poses some extremely serious challenges for you. In addition to many regional and local campaigns, there will be elections to the ninth convocation of the State Duma. Only the people of Russia, and no one else, can decide who the newly elected deputies will be. But, of course, and I want to repeat this, the public's confidence in these institutions will also depend on the quality of your work. I must stress: no one, no external forces, will be given a single chance to interfere with or influence the course of the public vote, and especially its outcome. We will intercept any attempts to use the elections to destabilise our society.

I have set respective tasks for the Russian law enforcement agencies. I hope that election commission workers will ensure strict adherence to Russian legislation, and demonstrate objectivity, integrity and professionalism.

I ask you to focus specifically on security and maintain continuous contact with the Interior Ministry, the National Guard and other agencies.

In Donbass, Novorossiya and our border regions, we must take advantage of the unique election experience gained over the course of the special military operation.

I would like to once again express my gratitude to your colleagues who are working under extremely challenging conditions, in close proximity to combat zones. Despite ongoing shelling, provocations and personal threats they regularly face - which, regrettably, have become routine - they continue to carry out their duty to the people of Russia with courage.

The citizens who came out to vote also showed resilience and a strong Russian character. As I have mentioned earlier, people were literally queuing at polling stations, even with shells and drones operating nearby.

There is another important point worth highlighting. An increasing number of combat veterans, who are true participants and heroes of the special military operation, are seeking to continue serving Russia and to prove themselves in civilian life, including by pursuing roles in elected positions. I ask that you support your colleagues locally in assisting these candidates by ensuring that all necessary documentation is processed promptly and accurately, along with the completion of other pre-election procedures.

Furthermore, the Central Election Commission now includes a member with combat experience. I am confident he will offer valuable guidance on how best to support fellow servicemen who plan to run in elections to the Duma and at other levels. Isn't that right, Mr Sysoyev?

Member of the Central Election Commission Anatoly Sysoyev: Absolutely.

Vladimir Putin: Mr Sysoyev has been appointed to the Central Election Commission under the presidential quota.

I am aware that all parliamentary parties are giving significant attention to these matters. While they naturally compete with one another - a normal and healthy dynamic - they are also united by a shared objective of the utmost national importance: boosting human resources potential by involving capable and battle-experienced individuals who have demonstrated genuine loyalty to the Motherland in government institutions, public organisations and mentorship systems.

Colleagues, our modern electoral system has been in development for over 30 years. It has undergone a complex process of establishment, steady advancement and substantial modernisation, with due account of national interests, voters' expectations, and the latest technologies and technological capabilities.

Our priorities and principles are evident. They are aimed at ensuring equal conditions for candidates, fair competition, and unquestionable election outcomes, and focus on safeguarding the process from manipulation and unlawful interference, including cyber threats, while expanding accessibility and making voting as convenient as possible for citizens. I would like to thank you, as well as the previous members of the Central Election Commission, for your extensive and thorough efforts in this regard.

As an independent and professional authority, the Central Election Commission must continue to guarantee the reliability and effectiveness of our electoral system. It should consistently look ahead and focus on its development and future improvements, while maintaining its status as an advanced, transparent, open, and robust system, rightly regarded as one of the best in the world. This recognition is well deserved and must be preserved.

I wish you every success. Thank you very much.

<...>

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'Drunk? Sign Here': Russia Recruits Intoxicated Men As Military Manpower Crisis Peaks

By RFE/RL's North.Realities and Ulviyya Asadzade April 02, 2026

When 36-year-old Yegor Sabinich finally sobered up after a night of drinking with friends in Petrozavodsk, a city in northern Russia, he assumed he was at a detox center. Later, he realized he was actually at a military enlistment office. The father of four had reportedly been detained by police and, while intoxicated, unknowingly signed a binding military contract.

"He was deceived," a relative toldRFE/RL's North.Realities. "I am certain he had no idea what he was signing."

Russian human rights groups say such cases are becoming more common, with intoxicated men allegedly pressured or tricked into signing military contracts.

Sergei Krivenko of the Russian human rights group Citizen and Army told RFE/RL his organization is receiving a growing number of such reports.

"Either they (recruiters) sign for him while he's drunk -- like, literally moving his hand for him or something -- or they talk him into it," he said.

"Then, once he's sobered up, the recruiter says, 'Look, you signed, that's it. Now it's either the enlistment office or prison. Come with me, or you're going to jail,'" Krivenko added.

Russia's military is reportedly struggling with manpower shortages.

"Russia's casualty rate surpassed its recruitment rate in January 2026 after years in which Russia's recruitment rate consistently met its replacement rate targets," the Institute for the Study of War said.

Since launching its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Moscow has publicly declared nationwide partial mobilization only once, in 2022. But because the decree was never formally rescinded, the Kremlin has continued to replenish its forces through ongoing recruitment drives.

These have included prisoners, defendants under criminal investigation, and foreign nationals. While some contract soldiers are drawn by high salaries and bonuses, rights groups say coercion is increasingly used, including psychological and physical pressure on conscripts and serving soldiers to sign indefinite contracts.

A local lawyer, who asked to remain anonymous, told RFE/RL's North.Realities that police sometimes present contracts to intoxicated individuals under pretenses.

"In some cases, a police officer gives a contract to an intoxicated person and tells him it's confirmation of a search. The person signs it and later finds out he has been enrolled," the lawyer said.

He added that he has filed complaints with courts and prosecutors in several such cases: "Even if it wasn't signed by the person, by the time you prove it, you may die in the war a few times."

Alcohol, Drugs, And Gambling

There are also growing reports of recruits struggling with alcohol, drug, and gambling addiction, as well.

"The situation is becoming more and more sad every year," military analyst Aleksei Alshansky of the Farewell to Arms! project told RFE/RL.

"It has shifted away from the large cities and into villages, settlements, and rural areas. There, security forces -- using police or Investigative Committee vans -- drive around following lists compiled by local authorities, specifically tracking down people with alcohol addiction," he said.

Recruitment for money itself is becoming more difficult, rights group says. That's why recruiters, to meet quotas, even recruit people with alcohol dependency, because they receive bonuses for each person they bring in.

"Quality is also falling: Recruiting officers now complain of alcoholics, drug addicts, and the destitute," wroteNigel Gould-Davies of the International Institute for Strategic Studies in February.

"Russian military leadership needs cannon fodder, not qualified soldiers," Pavel Luzin, a Russian military expert at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, told RFE/RL.

Given the unpopularity of a new mobilization, the Kremlin is expected to avoid formally announcing one, and Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has insisted Russia is not planning any.

"The main discussion among the Russian military leadership is not about another wave of partial mobilization but about focusing all available resources on the war," Luzin said.

"In fact, the discussion is about a totalitarian administrative-command model and its necessary institutional design," he added.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/drunk-sign- here-russia-recruits-intoxicated-men-as-military- manpower-crisis-peaks/33722376.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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Minister Sergey Lavrov's telephone conversation with Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud

2 April 2026 18:57

487-02-04-2026

On April 2, Sergey Lavrov had a telephone conversation with Saudi Arabian Minister of Foreign Affairs Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud.

The two ministers expressed serious concern over the continuing deterioration of the military and political situation in the Persian Gulf region. They stressed the importance of bringing the armed confrontation to a swift end, given the civilian casualties and significant damage to civilian infrastructure, including in countries not directly involved in the military conflict.

They reaffirmed the need to step up political and diplomatic efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the violent crisis in the Middle East, based on international law and taking into account the legitimate interests of all states in the region. In this context, both sides expressed a firm commitment to maintaining close foreign policy coordination between Moscow and Riyadh, particularly at the United Nations.

The ministers also discussed specific bilateral issues in the context of the centenary of diplomatic relations, which Russia and Saudi Arabia celebrate this year.

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CIS Defence Ministers Council meets in Moscow

02 April 2026 08:30

The Council of Ministers of Defence of the member countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) held a regular meeting chaired by Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov.

'I welcome you to the session of the CIS Defence Ministers Council held in the Russian Federation. Our work is taking place against the backdrop of a tense geopolitical situation and escalating interstate contradictions,' said Andrei Belousov

The Russian Defence Minister stressed that, in the current situation, security can only be ensured by joint efforts and concerted actions of the defence departments of friendly countries.

'Today, we discussed in detail the military and political situation within the Commonwealth. We outlined practical steps to ensure regional and Eurasian security,' he said.

According to the Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation, during the session decisions, aimed at developing military cooperation within the framework of the CIS and improving joint military systems, were taken.

'They concern the practical implementation of the Concept of Military Cooperation until 2030, the optimisation of interaction between the troops of the Combined Air Defence System and the development of the Combined NBC Protection System,' noted Andrei Belousov.

In the course of the meeting, the attendees approved military cooperation activities, approaches to organising military support, and financial documents for the activities of the combined air defence system until 2027.

Earlier, heads of the CIS delegations laid flowers at the Victory Monument at the Poklonnaya Hill. They honoured the memory of the soldiers who had died during the Great Patriotic War with a Moment of silence. The ceremony ended with the marching of the honour guard company.

Department of Information and Media Affairs of Defence Ministry of the Russian Federation

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Ministry of Defense Spokesperson: Four Ballistic Missiles Launched toward Riyadh Region Intercepted and Destroyed

Saudi Press Agency

Monday 11/10/1447

Riyadh, March 31, 2026, SPA -- Spokesperson of the Ministry of Defense Major General Turki Al-Malki stated that four ballistic missiles launched toward Riyadh Region were intercepted and destroyed.

-- SPA

02:10 Local Time 23:10 GMT

0003

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Interior Minister: Iranian Aggression Represents A Serious Threat to Regional Security and Stability

Saudi Press Agency

Wednesday 13/10/1447

Riyadh, April 01, 2026, SPA -- The Arab ministers of interior convened today for the 43rd session of the Arab Interior Ministers Council via video conference. The Kingdom's delegation was led by Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, who is also Honorary President of the Arab Interior Ministers Council.

In his speech during the meeting, the interior minister conveyed the greetings of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud noted that the meeting was taking place in light of current regional circumstances, including Iranian attacks on several Arab and regional states. He emphasized that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia strongly condemns these attacks, which have put civilians and vital infrastructure at increasing risk. He stated that such aggression constitutes a serious threat to the region's security and stability and cannot be justified under any pretext. Additionally, he added that Iran's actions aimed at destabilizing the region violate international conventions and pose a threat to international peace and security.

He highlighted the global rise in organized crime, illicit drug trafficking, extremism, terrorism, and cybercrime, within a context marked by rapid geopolitical and technological changes. He pointed out that transnational organized crime networks are evolving, the synthetic drug economy is growing, and digital technologies are being exploited to spread extremism, launder money, and traffic in personsparticularly in fragile or conflict-affected areas. Cybercrime, digital fraud, and ransomware attacks have become widespread and impactful threats, exacerbated by the increasing use of artificial intelligence tools.

The minister of interior emphasized that addressing emerging security challenges requires a multidimensional framework encompassing human, technological, intellectual, and societal capabilities. He noted that security is now intertwined with the knowledge economy, and that societies that invest in knowledge, research, and innovation are better equipped to create proactive, forward-looking security policies. He considers this investment to be the cornerstone of prosperity and stability.

He explained that as societal resilience and Arab partnerships strengthen and intellectual capabilities advance, we will be closer to achieving sustainable security that meets the aspirations of the Arab region now and in the future.

In conclusion, Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud expressed his gratitude to the security agencies of the Arab states for their continued efforts in maintaining security and stability. He also thanked the secretary-general and the staff of the General Secretariat of the council for their efforts in preparing for this meeting.

-- SPA

16:02 Local Time 13:02 GMT

0042

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HRH the Crown Prince, Russian President Discuss Regional Escalation and Maritime Security; Putin Affirms Support for Saudi Arabia's Sovereignty

Saudi Press Agency

Thursday 14/10/1447

Jeddah, April 02, 2026, SPA -- His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received a phone call today from Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which they discussed the rapid developments of the ongoing military escalation in the region.

Putin affirmed his country's support for safeguarding the Kingdom's sovereignty and territorial security.

The two sides also addressed the negative repercussions of the current escalation, particularly its impact on maritime security and the international economy, while exchanging views on several regional and international issues of mutual interest.

-- SPA

19:52 Local Time 16:52 GMT

0044

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UN Relief Chief says Syria could be the "success story" the world needs now

UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

Remarks at Daily Press Briefing by Tom Fletcher, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian and Emergency Relief Coordinator

New York, 2, April 2026

As [United Nations Development Programme Administrator] Alexander [De Croo] says, we're visiting the region under the cloud of the escalating regional conflict.

I started the week in Lebanon and saw the President, the Prime Minister, the Speaker of the House, also made site visits to spend time with Syrian and Lebanese refugees, but also with humanitarian workers who come under such attack in Lebanon - the number and the scale of those attacks is devastating.

And you may have heard me brief the Security Council from Beirut about the importance of respect for international humanitarian law, the importance of protecting humanitarians, especially, well, all humanitarians, but notably, at the moment, medics and paramedics who are coming under such attack.

And, of course, the importance of de-escalation, and that means an end, as you've heard from the Secretary-General earlier today, of Hezbollah's rocket fire indiscriminately into Israel and Israel's devastating military action in Lebanon - one in five people in Lebanon is displaced right now.

I saw for myself enormous destruction - the impact of coercive displacement, and came away with two real concerns, which I've shared with the Security Council.

One, that we may be facing the prospect, and from the sound of the statements being made by some Israeli ministers, it's a real danger of a fresh occupation, of a fresh occupied territory in southern Lebanon.

But also, I came away with a real concern about national cohesion and the importance of all Lebanese parties pulling together in this moment of real fragility and concern, as so many people are on the move.

And then here to Syria to join Alexander, I hope this is a living demonstration of UN80 in action. The Secretary-General has called for agencies to work together much more closely, and here we are, I hope, demonstrating that UN80 is about looking at more common premises, more common supply chains, more common procurement, but also more common planning and strategising.

And we've arrived, as Alexander says, at the moment of actual, of genuine hope for Syria. We were able to discuss that with the President earlier today. I think we're all conscious of the need to keep Syria out of that wider regional crisis.

But there's potential now for Syria to move from being an importer of problems from the region to an exporter of genuine solutions and stability, although the humanitarian needs are still very high - almost 16 million people need humanitarian support right now. We have to clear the mines, as Alexander has mentioned.

There has been real progress in the last 15 months since I was here in December 2024 - progress that has defied a lot of predictions and many expectations, and we have to build on that progress now, which means we accelerate the humanitarian work that we're doing, including that vital mine clearance, and we launched today our 2026 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan.

But it also means, very importantly, as Alexander has described, this transition, this recalibration, as we phase down the humanitarian response and phase up the development, resilience, long-term recovery response.

And as part of that today, has really driven home to us the way in which we can work in partnership with the Government, and that can give us much more confidence as we move through the gears and into that recovery phase of this work.

While the humanitarians are here, we're, of course, working aligned with our humanitarian principles, neutrality and independence.

We're prioritising hard as part of the Humanitarian Reset.

We're ensuring that more resources go to local actors.

We're building up our local in-country leadership.

We're delivering more efficiently, getting rid of the bureaucracy and the inefficiency, the duplication in the system.

And we're, of course, ensuring that everything we do supports an inclusive political process.

This has been a key message from both of us in meetings today.

And, of course, ensuring that the vital role of women and girls at the center of Syria's recovery is supported.

As Alexander says, the world needs a success story right now, and I think we've both seen today and both feel growing confidence that Syria can continue to be that success story, even amid such a bleak, dark moment for the region.

Posted on 2 April 2026

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U.S. senators introduce bill to boost Taiwan drone cooperation

ROC Central News Agency

04/02/2026 04:32 PM

San Francisco, April 1 (CNA) A bipartisan group of U.S. senators has introduced a bill to strengthen cooperation with Taiwan on drone development and to reduce reliance on supply chains linked to China.

The proposed Blue Skies for Taiwan Act of 2026 was introduced by Republicans Ted Cruz and John Curtis and Democrats Jeff Merkley and Andy Kim.

The legislation seeks to ease constraints on U.S.-Taiwan cooperation in unmanned aerial systems (UAS), including dependence on China-sourced components, limited access to capital, and regulatory barriers under U.S. export controls, according to a news release issued by Cruz on Wednesday.

The bill would establish a "Blue UAS Working Group," led by the Departments of State and Defense, to assess Taiwan's drone production capacity and identify opportunities and obstacles to integrating Taiwan-made components into U.S. defense supply chains.

It also calls for the establishment of a cooperative framework with regional allies to develop supply chains independent of China, while directing U.S. agencies to create a fast-track certification process for Taiwanese drone manufacturers and component suppliers.

Cruz said the Chinese Communist Party "expends countless resources" to isolate Taiwan internationally, adding that the bill would modernize drone supply chains and deepen U.S.-Taiwan defense cooperation.

Merkley stressed that support for Taiwan remains "ironclad" as pressure from Beijing increases.

Curtis said the legislation would expand bilateral cooperation to build secure drone systems while reducing reliance on China and reinforcing regional deterrence.

Kim highlighted the growing importance of drones in modern defense, warning that the U.S. and its partners are not producing them at sufficient scale, while China dominates the supply of commercially available components.

He said supporting Taiwan's drone industry through legislation would help close that gap and enhance long-term stability for the U.S. and its allies.

(By Chang Hsin-yu and Wu Kuan-hsien)

Enditem/kb

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Xi-Cheng meeting tied to efforts to block Taiwan arms bill: MAC

ROC Central News Agency

04/02/2026 09:26 PM

Taipei, April 2 (CNA) Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) said Thursday that one of Chinese President Xi Jinping's () objectives in meeting Kuomintang (KMT) Chairperson Cheng Li-wun () next week is to "cut off Taiwan's military procurement from the United States."

"Trying to cut off Taiwan's military procurement from the U.S., as well as Taiwan's cooperation with other countries, is the objective of this so-called summons," MAC deputy head and spokesperson Liang Wen-chieh () claimed at a regular news briefing in Taipei.

He also said Xi seeks to "internalize" cross-Taiwan Strait issues during the planned meeting, which is expected to take place in Beijing during Cheng's scheduled April 7-12 visit to China.

News of Cheng's trip to China next week emerged on Monday, when the KMT chair said at a press conference that she had "gladly accepted" an invitation from Xi -- identified in the invitation as general secretary of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) -- to visit Jiangsu, Shanghai and Beijing.

Cheng said at the time that the trip will "show the people of Taiwan and the world one thing -- the two sides of the strait are not destined for war, nor do they need to remain on the brink of military conflict."

During Thursday's briefing, Liang said the Chinese authorities had made "clear" their intention to "obstruct this arms sales bill," likely referring to a NT$1.25 trillion (US$39.06 billion) bill put forth by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government.

The KMT and the smaller Taiwan People's Party, which together hold a majority in the Legislature, have also tabled their own version of the bill on a much smaller scale, and all three versions are currently under review in Taiwan's Legislature.

"At a time like this, if the CCP can tell the world that the chair of Taiwan's largest opposition party, which represents half of public opinion in Taiwan, also agrees with its position, that would pose the greatest obstacle to this arms procurement bill," he said.

Cheng's remarks

Earlier Thursday, Cheng said at an event that Xi had formally extended goodwill and sincerity through the invitation, "which is exactly what cross-strait relations need most right now."

She added that such goodwill was also why visiting U.S. senators had publicly welcomed the planned meeting, referring to Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen, who commented on the matter by saying that dialogue "is a good thing" during a press event in Taipei in late March.

Shaheen, who visited Taiwan with a Congressional delegation, also urged China to engage in dialogue with leaders across Taiwan's political spectrum.

Cheng also told reporters that she would be willing to meet with President Lai Ching-te () and send an important political message of reconciliation between the ruling and opposition parties.

She said that if both Taiwan and Beijing could jointly extend major goodwill, there was no reason the KMT and the DPP could not do the same.

Meanwhile, Cheng said she hoped to complete important overseas visits in the first half of the year, including a trip to the U.S., which she said would take place no later than June.

(By Sunny Lai, Wu Jui-chi, Joseph Yeh and Wang Cheng-chung)

Enditem/AW

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PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

ROC Ministry of National Defense

2026.04.02

Issuing AuthorityPolitical Warfare Bureau

PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

1.Date:

6 a.m. Apr. 1 (Wed.) to 6 a.m. Apr. 2 (Thu.) (UTC+8)

2.PLA activities:

25 sorties of PLA aircraft, 9 PLAN ships and 2 official ships operating around Taiwan were detected as of 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 16 out of 25 sorties crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's northern, central and southwestern ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy ships, and coastal missile systems in response to detected activities.

1150402_PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

1150402_PLA air activities in the vicinity of Taiwan

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PM call with Prime Minister Meloni of Italy: 2 April 2026

Press release

The Prime Minister spoke to the Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, this morning.

From: Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street and The Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP

Published 2 April 2026

The Prime Minister spoke to the Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, this morning.

The leaders discussed the situation in the Middle East and agreed on the urgent need for deescalation.

They underlined the importance of reopening the Strait of Hormuz to restore freedom of navigation, noting the significant impact current disruption is having on global shipping, which is driving up costs worldwide. This will be central to discussions at the UK-hosted meeting later today, chaired by the Foreign Secretary and attended by the Italian Foreign Minister amongst more than 35 nations.

The Prime Ministers also agreed to continue working closely together in support of Europe's collective security, and to remain in close contact.

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AI-powered drones to detect explosive threats and protect military personnel

Press release

The British Army trialled AI-powered drone technology to help identify landmines and explosive ordnance, allowing bomb-disposal experts to rapidly recognise threats, and dispose of those munitions safely.

From: Ministry of Defence and Luke Pollard MP

Published 2 April 2026

AI-powered drone technology successfully trialled to identify landmines and explosive ordnance.

The trial demonstrated that AI models can be rapidly retrained to recognise new threat types and adapt to different environment.

Follows Ministers' commitment to double investment in autonomous systems to 4bn this parliament.

UK military personnel are set to be better protected on the battlefield as a result of trials which demonstrate cutting-edge AI in drones can rapidly recognise new threats, such as landmines and other explosive ordnance.

The major trial by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) on behalf of the British Army allowed bomb-disposal experts to conduct their mission faster through rapid detection.

Conducted with 33 Engineer Regiment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Search) at their Essex base, the trial over the course of several weeks saw dozens of replica mines and ordnance placed across varied terrain and land environments. Data captured by sensors onboard small uncrewed aerial systems was relayed to Army operators, who used AI tools to locate and identify the munitions.

The trial also successfully demonstrated the ability to rapidly retrain AI models to recognise emerging threat types and adapt to different environments - a capability that is critical in fast-evolving modern warfare. As seen in Ukraine, where drones and explosive devices are reshaping the battlefield at pace.

Through its Strategic Defence Review this government is doubling investment in autonomous platforms - from 2bn to 4bn this parliament.

Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard MP said:

This trial is exactly the kind of innovation the Strategic Defence Review calls for - harnessing AI, drones and autonomous systems to boost deterrence and make our Armed Forces stronger. We're on a mission to exploit new technologies, removing our people from harm's way while increasing the speed and effectiveness of their operations. This is defence innovation working at wartime pace, and it is delivering exciting results.

The trial demonstrates how AI, human-machine teaming, robotic and autonomous systems, and advanced sensors can reduce risk to Armed Forces personnel.

The trial is part of a broader transformation of UK defence capability, driven by lessons from the conflict in Ukraine and set out in the SDR.

Dstl's technical lead for the trial said:

The threat posed by explosive ordnance is constantly changing and so must the tools and techniques required to deal with it safely. Dstl brings a comprehensive understanding of the science and technology, as well as the specialist industry suppliers who provide the different elements. We are testing, adapting and demonstrating this technology so that, working closely with the end user, we can develop concepts that let our forces compete on the modern battlefield.

Major Mark Fetters, British Army Future Counter-Explosive Ordnance Capability lead, said:

The modern battlefield is littered with explosive ordnance. The equipment being developed by Dstl will allow EOD operators to conduct their mission faster and will remove people from the explosive hazard. We are also looking to understand how the capability will grow as other technologies mature. As different types of sensors become lighter, more power-efficient, and smaller, they will be able to fit on to smaller uncrewed aerial systems - constantly improving the capability available to our EOD and Search personnel.

Building on these results, further trials will take place this year to mature the technology and guide the procurement of a deployable capability that can be placed directly into soldiers' hands.

The Government has committed to the British Army delivering a tenfold increase in lethality over the next decade by harnessing firepower, surveillance technology, autonomy, digital connectivity, and data.

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Ukraine Loses Over 375 Soldiers to Russian Forces in Past Day - MoD

Sputnik News

20260402

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Ukraine lost over 375 soldiers in combat against Russia's Battlegroup Tsentr over the past day, in addition to losses in manpower and equipment on other fronts, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Thursday.

"The losses of the Ukrainian armed forces amounted to over 375 servicepeople, a tank, 10 armored combat vehicles, and 15 cars," the ministry said in a statement.

This is in addition to over 335 Ukrainian soldiers eliminated over the past day by Russia's Battlegroup Vostok, over 190 by Battlegroup Zapad, up to 185 by Battlegroup Yug, up to 170 by Battlegroup Sever, and up to 50 by Battlegroup Dnepr, the ministry said.

The Russian armed forces carried out strikes on energy, transport and port infrastructure facilities used in the interests of the Ukrainian military, the ministry added.

 Sputnik

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Andrii Sybiha held phone talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Israel Gideon Sa'ar

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine

02 April 2026 13:39

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha: "I had a call with Gideon Sa'ar and extended our congratulations on the beginning of Passover.

I informed my colleague about the battlefield situation and Ukraine's resilience through the most difficult winter. I also recalled the anniversary of Bucha  a stark reminder that accountability for Russian crimes remains essential.

I thanked Israel for its support, in particular for energy assistance, including generators that helped Ukrainians get through this winter.

We discussed ways to enhance Ukraine-Israel cooperation and strengthen our bilateral ties, as well as maintain a high level of strategic dialogue. We coordinated further contacts at various levels.

We also discussed the escalation of the security situation in the Middle East. Ukraine condemns Iran's destabilizing actions and supports efforts to counter the threats posed by the Iranian regime. We stand ready to continue constructive cooperation with Israel in addressing common security challenges."

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Olexandr Mischenko paid a visit to the Republic of Kazakhstan

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine

02 April 2026 11:13

On March 31 - April 1, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Olexandr Mischenko paid a visit to the Republic of Kazakhstan, during which interagency consultations were held at the level of deputy foreign ministers.

Olexandr Mischenko discussed issues of trade, economic, humanitarian, and investment coopertion with Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin and Minister of Foreign Affairs Yermek Kosherbayev. A meeting with members of the "Group of Friendship with Ukraine" in the Mazhilis (the lower chamber of Kazakhstan's Parliament) was devoted to the prospects for interparliamentary cooperation and the exchange of legislative experience.

During the meetings Ukrainian MFA representative also informed the Kazakh side about Kyiv's efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.

The Deputy Minister took part in the opening ceremony of the Ukrainian-Kazakh Business Forum, organized by the Embassy of Ukraine at the site of the Kazakhstan Machinery Fair 2026, addressing participants of Ukraine's first business mission to Kazakhstan in many years. In March-April of this year, representatives of twelve leading Ukrainian companies visited Astana, Karaganda, Pavlodar, and Kokshetau.

During a meeting with the Ukrainian diaspora in Astana, Olexandr Mischenko presented the Order of Princess Olga, 3rd Class, to Kazakh activist Nina Horst for her personal contribution to volunteer activities and support for Ukraine.

The visit took place in implementation of the agreements between Presidents Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on a comprehensive reset and revitalization of bilateral relations. During the negotiations the parties identified specific areas for further cooperation and reaffirmed intentions to strengthen mutual trade and cultural-humanitarian engagement.

"Kazakhstan has been and remains a key partner of Ukraine in Central Asia. Our country values the consistent stance of official Astana in support of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. For our part, we have always treated the independence and national identity of the Republic of Kazakhstan with respect," noted Olexandr Mischenko.

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Hellish strikes on russia: The Defence Forces of Ukraine hit five strategic plants and ten oil refining facilities in March

Ministry of Defence of Ukraine

2 April, 2026, 2:43 PM EEST

Throughout March 2026, the Defence Forces of Ukraine carried out a series of large-scale strikes against russia's defense industry infrastructure. The operations spanned from temporarily occupied Crimea and the Donetsk and Luhansk Oblasts to deep rear regions of russia, including Leningrad Oblast.

Each such strike on russia was part of a systematic effort to dismantle the enemy's war machine.

The March campaign was one of the largest in terms of the number of strategic enterprises struck, with five plants and ten oil refining facilities hit.

The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine outlines the key targets struck during March and their significance.

Military-Industrial Complex and Aviation Industry

As a result of precision strikes throughout the month, five strategic plants were struck.

Kremniy El Microelectronics Plant, Bryansk

It is one of the largest microelectronics enterprises in russia. Production facilities and a component warehouse were hit, disrupting the supply chain for microchips used in Iskander missiles and air defense systems for up to 6 months.

Aviastar-SP Aircraft Plant, Ulyanovsk

Aircraft parking areas and a climate-controlled shelter were damaged, with several Ilyushin Il-76 and Ilyushin Il-78 aircraft hit. Aviastar-SP is a key enterprise for the production and maintenance of heavy transport aircraft that support troop logistics and in-flight refueling of strategic aviation.

123rd Aircraft Repair Plant, Staraya Russa

Hangars for Il-76 aircraft were struck, and a strategic Beriev A-50 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft was damaged.

The 123rd Aircraft Repair Plant is a major hub for aircraft repair in russia, and its disruption could critically slow the recovery of the occupiers' aircraft fleet.

Alchevsk Metallurgical Plant, Alchevsk

Following the strike, a large-scale fire was observed at the facility. The plant is involved in the production processes of artillery shell casings (including large-caliber casting and machining) and also manufactures and repairs armored steel for the occupiers' military equipment.

Granit Innovation Center, Sevastopol

The only maintenance center for S-400 air defense systems in Crimea was struck. This prevents the rapid repair of complex surface-to-air missile systems on the peninsula, creating sustained gaps in air defense coverage.

Oil Refining Sector and Fuel and Lubricants Storage Facilities

Long-range strikes on russia in March disrupted a significant share of the aggressor's oil exports routed through the Baltic Sea.

In total, deep strikes hit ten oil industry facilities, including refineries, terminals, and ports.

Albashneft and Afipskiy oil refineries

These are key suppliers of diesel fuel for russia's southern grouping of forces.

Port Kavkaz and the Sheskharis oil terminal (located in Novorossiysk)

Critical oil and fuel transshipment nodes supporting the Black Sea Fleet.

Saratov and Bashneft-Ufaneftekhim oil refineries

These are major refining facilities that underpin russia's domestic military reserves and the stability of the fuel market.

Kirishi and Yaroslavl oil refineries

These are key suppliers of aviation fuel to airfields in russia's Western and Northern Military Districts.

Transneft Port Primorsk and the NOVATEK Ust-Luga complex

These are strategic terminals along the Baltic Sea coast. Strikes on these facilities block foreign currency revenues from exports and disrupt energy logistics.

In addition, 14 fuel and lubricants storage facilities were hit. They support the rapid refueling of tanks and armored personnel carriers immediately before deployment to positions.

Air Defense

Over the course of the month, twelve S-300/S-400 mobile surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems were hit. This deprives the enemy of the ability to control the airspace and protect its strategic rear areas. As a result, russia's current air raid alert map will now show major gaps in the defenses of entire regions.

Strikes were also carried out against ten short- and medium-range mobile surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems, including the Tor, Tor-M1, Tor-M2U, Buk-M1/M2/M3, Pantsir-S1, and Tunguska.

Naval vessels and missile systems

In March, the Defense Forces of Ukraine also hit the patrol icebreaker Purga (Project 23550) at the Vyborg Shipyard. The frigates Admiral Essen and Admiral Makarov were also affected by the strikes.

In addition, three Iskander missile systems and two Bastion coastal defense missile systems were hit. These systems had been used to carry out strikes against civilian infrastructure in Ukraine.

Under its War Plan, Ukraine continues to systematically destroy russia's war machine, depriving the aggressor of the resources needed to wage the war. Each new explosion at a strategic facility in russia brings the aggressor closer to exhaustion.

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We Continue to Work with Countries that Are Currently Under Attack by the Iranian Regime: New Arrangements Have Been Reached - Address by the President

President of Ukraine

2 April 2026 - 20:44

I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians!

I held a coordination call today at the level of the Government and all our regions on the situation in the energy sector. We are already preparing for the next winter and gradually restoring what Russian strikes destroyed this past winter. Resilience plans have been approved across the country - for every region. Implementation has already begun. Road repairs are also underway after the winter. It is important - at the community level, at the level of regional authorities - not to lose time. Every important facility must be protected. There are clear tasks for the regions and major cities regarding alternative generation and the restoration of facilities. Government officials have now ensured the necessary resources and decisions to add cogeneration units to the system. All of this matters - it sustains life. 245 facilities across the country are already in progress. We started this work despite a real problem - a lack of funding. The European support package of 90 billion for Ukraine remains blocked. This is a problem that Europeans cannot find a solution and deliver on what was promised. 5 billion from this package was supposed to go specifically toward preparing Ukraine for the winter and for rapid recovery. We expect that a solution will still be found. For now, we are working with the resources we have, and I am grateful to the Government for this work - to everyone in regions, in regional authorities and cities who is helping us. Protecting the energy sector and our critical infrastructure is an absolute priority.

Today, I received a report from the Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, Ihor Klymenko - he reported on many issues. First of all, I want to thank the units of the National Guard, the State Border Guard Service, and the National Police of Ukraine, who, together with all our Defense and Security Forces, are defending the state. We discussed the logistical needs of the respective units today. Special attention was also given to work with veterans, including through the system of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine - this concerns veterans' rehabilitation, medical care, and genuine, day-to-day support - this is very important. Thank you.

One more point.

Ukraine is participating in all formats of engagement with our partners for more security and shared strength. We continue to work with countries that are currently under attack by the Iranian regime. New arrangements have been reached, and Ukraine will have an even greater presence in the new security formats. This will certainly strengthen Ukraine's export potential and defense capabilities. Rustem Umerov will report in detail tomorrow on the work carried out this week - country by country: from the Gulf to Turkiye. And Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha took part today in a joint format with Europeans and other partners regarding the situation in the Strait of Hormuz and the issues affecting freedom of navigation. This is important for the overall global situation - and for global security. Ukraine has relevant expertise in maritime routes - in their protection and the restoration of navigation. If partners are ready to act, we will consider how we can strengthen them, how we can contribute our expertise, knowledge, and technological potential. It is now impossible to imagine real security without Ukraine. Thank you to everyone who understands this. Thank you to everyone we are already working with. And only together.

Glory to Ukraine!

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Key Results of the President's Foreign Policy Work in March

President of Ukraine

2 April 2026 - 17:40

The diplomatic work of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy in March was focused on strengthening Ukraine and reinforcing the protection of lives together with partners. The Head of State visited several countries in the Middle East, where documents on defense cooperation were signed.

Among the priorities of the foreign policy work are the unblocking of the 90 billion financial assistance package and the negotiation process on Ukraine's accession to the European Union, continued sanctions pressure on Russia, and the expansion of the PURL initiative and SAFE instrument. In March, Bulgaria joined the PURL initiative, bringing the total number of participating countries to 28.

In March, Volodymyr Zelenskyy held 23 international meetings. Abroad - with President of France Emmanuel Macron, President of Romania Nicusor Dan, President of the UAE Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Prime Minister of Qatar Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, King of the United Kingdom Charles III, King of Spain Felipe VI, King of Jordan Abdullah II, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Keir Starmer, Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sanchez, Prime Minister of Romania Ilie Bolojan, Secretary General of NATO Mark Rutte, exiled Crown Prince of Iran Reza Pahlavi, as well as Spanish parliamentarians led by the Speakers of the Congress of Deputies and the Senate.

In Kyiv, the President met with Prime Minister of the Netherlands Rob Jetten, Prime Minister of Bulgaria Andrey Gurov, President of the Bundestag Julia Klockner, Minister of Defense of Latvia Andris Spruds, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, Vice President of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Italy Antonio Tajani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany Johann Wadephul, and heads of parliamentary delegations from European countries. During the meeting with the Prime Minister of Bulgaria, the leaders signed a Security Cooperation Agreement.

In March, the President made eight visits: to Romania, France, the United Kingdom, Spain, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Jordan.

In Bucharest, the Presidents of Ukraine and Romania agreed to deepen economic, energy, and defense cooperation. The leaders signed three documents: the Joint Declaration on the Establishment of a Strategic Partnership, the Framework Arrangement on Cooperation in the Energy Sector, and the Joint Statement of Intent Concerning the Co-Production of Defense Materiel in Romania.

In Paris, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Emmanuel Macron identified specific decisions that can deliver strong results in air defense and combat aviation.

In London, the first meeting between the President of Ukraine and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom took place in the format of a strategic dialogue. The leaders signed the Ukraine-UK Enhanced Security and Defence Industrial Collaboration Declaration. During his address in the UK Parliament, the Head of State demonstrated an iPad with software that allows real-time monitoring of the security situation.

In Madrid, nine cooperation documents were signed: four between defense companies, and five covering financial cooperation, joint defense production, and railway modernization. The leaders of Ukraine and Spain agreed on a list of products to be manufactured under SAFE.

In Jeddah, the Arrangement between the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine and the Ministry of Defense of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Defense Cooperation was signed. The document lays the groundwork for further contracts, technological cooperation, and investment. The President of Ukraine and the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia agreed on further development of cooperation.

In Abu Dhabi, the Presidents of Ukraine and the UAE agreed on cooperation in the field of security and defense. The teams are finalizing the details of the agreements.

In Doha, the President of Ukraine and the Amir of Qatar agreed on a mutually beneficial partnership in the defense sector for at least 10 years. The Chiefs of the General Staff of Ukraine and Qatar signed the Agreement on Cooperation in the Defense Sector. The agreement provides, in particular, for joint projects in the defense industry, co-production, and technological partnerships between companies.

In Amman, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and King Abdullah II discussed a potential partnership in the security sphere.

On the President's instructions, work with Jordan is ongoing, as well as contacts with Kuwait, Iraq, and Bahrain. There is interest in Ukraine's capabilities from Turkiye and other countries beyond the Middle East. Agreements will also be reached with Ukraine's partners in Europe.

In March, the Head of State also held 15 phone calls: with President of France Emmanuel Macron, President of Finland Alexander Stubb, President of the UAE Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President of Portugal Antonio Jose Seguro, President of Mozambique Daniel Chapo, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, Crown Prince of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, King of Jordan Abdullah II, King of Bahrain Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Federal Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz (twice), President of the Council of Ministers of Italy Giorgia Meloni, and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.

Participation in international events and meetings included: an online address to participants of the European Council meeting, an online address to the JEF Leaders' Summit in Helsinki, the Bucha Summit - 2026, and a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council held in Kyiv.

Other agreements and defense packages:

European Union: launch of a new defense industry program (EDIP) worth nearly 1.5 billion. It will increase arms production, develop air defense and anti-drone systems, and integrate the Ukrainian defense industry into the European defense sector.

Germany: an additional 200 million for the procurement of reconnaissance drones and funding for civil protection.

United Kingdom: 115 million to strengthen Ukraine's air defense to protect cities and critical infrastructure from Russian attacks.

Sanctions measures: Ukraine imposed sanctions against Russian judges, Russian and Iranian companies and individuals servicing Russia's military-industrial complex, as well as Russian Paralympians. Ukraine also initiated entry bans to European Union countries and the introduction of sanctions against nearly 130 Russian commanders involved in crimes against Ukrainians. A corresponding document containing their personal data, as well as information on about 300 of their relatives, has been submitted to the European Union. Cooperation is ongoing to detain vessels of Russia's shadow fleet.

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A Strong Economy Is One of the Key Components of Victory - Kyrylo Budanov Chaired a Meeting of the Council for Entrepreneurship Support

President of Ukraine

2 April 2026 - 17:16

Under the chairmanship of the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Kyrylo Budanov, a meeting of the Council for Entrepreneurship Support took place. It was attended by Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko, government officials, deputy heads of the Office of the President, and business representatives.

"Supporting entrepreneurship is not about comfort; it is about the competitiveness of the state. A strong economy is not the result of victory but one of its key components. Already today, we must not only think about stabilizing the economy but jointly shape a model for its further development," the Head of the Office of the President emphasized.

Kyrylo Budanov noted that Ukraine is in global competition for capital, investment, and entrepreneurs, competing not only with the risks posed by the war but also with other countries.

"Ukrainian businesses are already operating under conditions of gradual entry into the Western market, with new rules, standards, and requirements - and, unfortunately, new challenges. Our task is to ensure that this process opens up new opportunities for businesses rather than creates additional barriers," the Head of the Office of the President noted.

Yuliia Svyrydenko emphasized that the Cabinet of Ministers is working to attract external financing and expand business support programs. Recently, the government approved the "Support Point" program, which provides compensation for part of employees' wages during forced downtime due to the consequences of Russian attacks, as well as compensation of the unified social contribution for employers. Since the beginning of the year, war risk insurance has also become available. Grants are in place for business development and for restoring equipment damaged by enemy attacks.

"I call on everyone to join our joint efforts on deregulation and creating additional opportunities for business. For its part, the government is ready to engage substantively and cooperate. Thank you for your work, for your resilience, and for your willingness to build a strong Ukrainian economy together even in wartime," the Prime Minister noted.

Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Taras Kachka noted that Ukraine has received requirements from the European Union across all areas - from the rule of law and statistics to regional policy and budgetary issues. According to him, over the past 10 years, the European Union has become Ukraine's key trading partner. In the first quarter of this year, Ukrainian goods exports amounted to $10.1 billion, of which $5.9 billion were exports to the European Union.

"Yesterday, we approved the nationwide Program for Adaptation of Ukraine's Legislation to the Legislation of the European Union, which was coordinated, in particular, with businesses. Until the very end, we continued to receive proposals. The program is highly ambitious - 1,875 measures," he added.

Business representatives emphasized the need to improve the system of war risk insurance and compensation for damage caused by Russian attacks, particularly for enterprises of Ukraine's defense industry, expand support for businesses located in frontline regions, and implement new credit programs to create additional power generation capacity and connect it to the energy grid.

The Head of the Office of the President instructed the Council's secretary to record the issues raised and designate those responsible for addressing them. The next meeting of the Council for Entrepreneurship Support is scheduled in two months.

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Guiding Principles

Guidelines for Determining Compensation

Determine the job requirements and experience needed to successfully perform them. Examine market conditions to learn what comparable public-sector executives earn. One best practice would be to gather information from pre-determined, comparable benchmark local governments or public-sector agencies. Evaluate the individual's qualifications in context. Understand the services provided by the local government along with the nature of the current issues in the organization and in the community, and then compare these with the individual's expertise and proven ability to resolve those issues. Identify the local government's current financial position, its ability to pay and the existing policies toward compensation relative to market conditions. Factor in the individual's credentials, experience and expertise. Consider unique and special circumstances, such as additional compensation in areas where the cost of living is high and the governing body wants the executive to reside within the community. Other such circumstances may include difficult recruitment markets or the particularly challenging needs of the public agency. Seek legal advice as needed and appropriate when negotiating and finalizing terms and conditions.

Adjustments to Compensation

Severance

Transparency

In our quest for better, faster and cheaper government, it can be easy to lose sight of the fundamental values that underpin our commitment to public service.Those values -- honesty, trust, transparency, integrity and accountability -- were challenged this past year as the Bell, Calif., salary scandal unfolded and threatened to irreparably tarnish the image of local government and its elected officials and employees, specifically city, town and county executives.These fundamental public service values were recently reaffirmed by the ICMA membership in the form of a set of concrete guidelines that establish a best practice for determining and negotiating compensation for local government executives and staff. The guidelines also clarify the roles and responsibilities of the governing body, the local government executive and employees.The standard practice for establishing the compensation of local government executives must be fair, reasonable, transparent and based on comparable regional and national public salaries. When negotiating compensation, local government executives have an ethical responsibility to be clear about what is being requested and to avoid excessive compensation.Compensation should be based on the position requirements, the complexity of the job within the context of the organization and community, the leadership needed, labor market conditions, cost of living in the community and the organization's ability to pay.Elected officials perform a critical governance role by providing oversight of the management of the organization. To that end, they must be engaged in establishing the process for determining the compensation for all executives appointed by the governing body.During any salary negotiation, elected officials and local government executives should:Increases in salary and benefits should, likewise, be comparable to those that local government executives receive within the designated benchmark or regional market area and should be generally consistent with other employees. Merit adjustments or bonuses should be contingent upon performance and the overall financial ability of the local government to afford them. Provisions regarding consideration of periodic merit adjustments in salary should be pre-determined.Executives must recognize and manage conflicts of interest inherent in compensation changes, and avoid seeking modifications in salary, pension and other benefits from which they will be the sole or primary beneficiary, such as dramatic salary increases that lead to pension spiking or a single-highest-year approach to determining retirement benefits.Public executives also should receive a single salary that recognizes all assigned duties and responsibilities, rather than different salaries for different assignments.Severance provisions, as articulated in the employment agreement, must be reasonable and affordable for the community. The cost of a severance package should not be an impediment to fulfilling the governing body's right to terminate an executive's service. It should be consistent, however, with the role and expectations of the position. The ICMA Model Employment Agreement recommends a severance package equal to one year's salary, recognizing that the length of service with an organization may justify higher severance.When requesting compensation changes, local government executives should present their total compensation package to the governing body so that each member has a comprehensive view of the entire package. There should also be full disclosure of the potential cost of any benefit changes negotiated during employment.When the terms and conditions of employment are renegotiated with the employer, or when employment is being terminated, ICMA members have a duty to advise the elected officials to seek legal advice. The salary plan and ranges for local government positions, including that of the executive, should be publicly accessible on the agency's website.In summary, maintaining public trust and integrity in local government requires effective governance and management of the organization. Local government executives should not put their personal compensation interests before the good of the overall organization and that of citizens. ICMA encourages all public executives to review and adopt the guidelines discussed above whenever considering compensation for a public-sector position.
F1 grapples with what next on 2026 rules as fixes debated

Formula 1 is scrambling to figure out what - if anything - can be done to fix its controversial 2026 regulations, with solutions proving as complex as the problem itself.

Nico Hulkenberg, Japanese GP 2026

 Audi

Amid mounting criticism from drivers, teams and fans, a key meeting of technical directors and the FIA is set for April 9 - but sweeping changes remain unlikely.

Formula E boss Jeff Dodds says the core issue lies in the fundamental concept. What they can do is increase the electric power, but - pure physics - the more they increase the power, the slower the car becomes, he told Soy Motor.

That leaves two main technical options - both problematic.

According to Auto Motor und Sport, boosting the combustion engine via increased fuel flow would restore a more traditional balance and reduce the need for energy saving. But such a move would require major hardware changes across engines, cooling systems and fuel tanks, with long development lead times.

Experts see no chance of such a change being introduced during the current season.

The alternative is to reduce electric power output - for example from 350 kW to 250 kW - which would ease energy management and shorten the dreaded clipping phases. However, this would slow the cars overall and risk pushing lap times closer to Formula 2 levels, an unattractive outcome from a marketing standpoint.

As a result, some discussions are focusing not on solving the root problem, but mitigating its effects.

We are working on light signals, for example, so that the driver behind can better understand what's happening in front, Racing Bulls CEO Peter Bayer said, referring to improved warning systems for sudden speed changes.

The safety angle is becoming increasingly central, particularly after the Oliver Bearman crash that was linked to extreme speed differentials.

Ultimately, you're powerless, said former driver Patrick Friesacher on Servus TV.

If you only have the combustion engine available and you're suddenly missing 470 hp from the electric motor, it's as significant as if you were standing still.

Max Verstappen even hinted that safety could become the lever for change.

When it's all about safety, it's easy to solve, he said. You can use safety for a lot of things. So maybe we should start using the word 'safety' more often.

At the same time, the top teams are already exploiting loopholes within the complex rules.

Auto Motor und Sport reports that Mercedes and Red Bull experimented with an aggressive energy deployment trick in qualifying - using full electric power longer before abruptly cutting it off.

The result is a 60-second lockout of the MGU-K system, leading to sudden power loss and unpredictable behaviour on track. The FIA is now monitoring the situation closely, with concerns that the system, while technically legal, was not intended and could pose safety risks.

Ferrari has already raised questions internally, viewing the development as another example of teams pushing the limits of the regulations.

For Formula E's Dodds, the broader direction of F1 remains tied to manufacturer priorities. The regulations are designed to support the direction the car brands are taking, because they want manufacturers to participate and they are moving towards electric vehicles, he said.

On the other hand, doing so involves a compromise.

He added that even within the FIA there had been support for simpler engines. In fact, I think the FIA staff were among the biggest advocates for a return to V8 engines, but they didn't get the support they wanted from the manufacturers.

Despite the backlash, Dodds urged patience.

I know how complicated it is to manage a motorsport category on a global scale and I know how difficult it is to please the fans, he said.

"But I think it's too soon. If you run a motorsport category, you listen to what all the fans are saying. On the other hand, it's very early to talk about it.

Some were particularly negative even before the first race and hadn't seen any, so let's wait and see what happens, let's give them some time.

(GMM)
F1, Red Bull fear Verstappen exit as rules pressure grows

Fears are growing that Max Verstappen really could walk away from Formula 1 if the controversial 2026 regulations are not changed.

Max Verstappen, Japanese GP 2026

 Red Bull

After the Dutchman admitted at Suzuka he will consider his future in the coming weeks and months , attention has turned to a well-known clause in his Red Bull contract that could allow him to leave if he is outside the top three by the summer break.

The prospect of a Verstappen-less F1 is now being openly discussed in the media. All those involved benefit from finding a solution, La Gazzetta dello Sport wrote.

For economic reasons and in terms of visibility for the sport, Verstappen is crucial and Formula 1 risks losing one of its iconic drivers.

Verstappen himself has made clear that rule changes could influence his thinking. They know what to do, he said of the FIA and Liberty Media.

Even his father Jos believes the governing bodies are listening.

They really do listen to him, I'm convinced of that, he told De Telegraaf.

It could be that they are changing some small things in the regulations this year, but that is not going to make the difference. I hope there will be major changes for next season or if necessary for the year after that.

At the same time, Jos acknowledged the political complexity behind any changes. It's also a political game, he said. It's not always easy to make changes, he said.

Toto Wolff and Mercedes will want to stick to these rules for as long as possible. That's their right, of course. They can benefit from this now.

Concerns have intensified following Oliver Bearman's crash at Suzuka, linked to large speed differentials between cars harvesting and deploying energy.

Something needs to be done, and I believe they have the tools to do it, former F1 driver Mika Salo told Ilta Sanomat. Besides safety, it looks stupid when the speed differences are that big.

McLaren boss Andrea Stella agrees the issue must be addressed quickly.

That should be at the top of the agenda, he said of upcoming FIA meetings during the forced April break.

We don't want to wait until something happens before taking action, the Italian added. "And now something has happened. Fortunately, Oliver escaped with only a few bruises, nothing too serious.

But we have a responsibility to take the necessary measures, especially for safety reasons, and to implement them.

Behind the scenes, even Red Bull appears concerned about Verstappen's mindset. Well-connected Dutch journalist Erik van Haren revealed the reaction within the team after Verstappen's post-race comments on Viaplay.

Many English journalists called me and from Red Bull there was also contact, he said.

Did he really say that? he recounted, referring to his conversation with a Red Bull source.

Van Haren believes Verstappen's threat is genuine.

I don't think it's a kind of threat to put the pressure on, he said.

Of course he hopes that something will change, but I honestly have the idea at this moment that it is a kind of promise that he will really stop if there is nothing to change in the direction next year or the following year.

Former driver Christijan Albers thinks Formula 1 will ultimately act to keep its biggest star. Yes, 100 percent, he said.

"You always need big names. We saw that with Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton.

"Hamilton doesn't have that mojo anymore, because I feel like Leclerc still has the upper hand. So they can't lose Max.

They will do everything they can to keep Max.

(GMM)
Verstappen told to put ego aside amid F1 frustration

Ralf Schumacher has urged Max Verstappen to rein in his criticism of Formula 1's new era, warning the Dutchman to focus on his team rather than "moaning" about the regulations.

Max Verstappen, Japanese GP 2026

 Red Bull

The comments come amid Verstappen's growing frustration with the 2026 rules - and even strong hints he could consider quitting the sport.

Max Verstappen's focus should currently be on the team, Schumacher told Sky Deutschland. There are teams that can win, so he can too. He just needs to work with the team to build the car to do it.

Schumacher believes the Red Bull driver's attitude risks becoming counterproductive.

Max is frustrated with the new regulations, the new Formula 1, he said.

"If he were to win now, he still wouldn't particularly like it, but it would be easier for him and you'd hear less criticism from him.

Now he simply has to put his own ego aside - after all, he's well paid for it - and act as a team player. That's what's important now.

The former Grand Prix winner also warned that Verstappen's public stance could raise doubts inside Red Bull.

It's not fair to the partners, because at some point they at Red Bull and co. will naturally ask themselves 'He's been saying all along that he doesn't feel like it, now he's driving around the Nordschleife, then he wants to go to Le Mans. Is he even still the one who's giving his all to get the car out of the mud?' Max needs to be careful.

Schumacher even suggested Formula 1 would move on without its biggest star if necessary.

Formula 1 is bigger than any one of us, he said.

"Even though I'd be sorry to see him go because I really like him, if Max Verstappen were to retire, it would be the same.

If he doesn't want to drive in Formula 1 anymore, he has to stick to his decision, and then the team can look for a new driver.

Despite the blunt assessment, Schumacher does not believe Verstappen will walk away anytime soon.

Being in Formula 1 is something very special, he added.

"Of course, he now has the opportunity to say, 'I'm fed up with this.' But try finding an alternative.

"A GT car, as nice as that is, but at 1.4 tons, no matter how much battery power a Formula 1 car has, it's a completely different ballgame.

Then there's travelling the world, competing against the best drivers in the world. I can't imagine Max giving that up so quickly.

(GMM)
Wolff in two minds about Horner's F1 return

Toto Wolff says Christian Horner's current predicament is partly of his own making, as speculation continues to swirl about the former Red Bull boss' next move.

Toto Wolff, Chinese GP 2026

 Mercedes

Horner has been linked with both a potential bid for the available 24 percent stake in Alpine and a return to the pitwall at Aston Martin, although the latter may be complicated by Adrian Newey's apparent reluctance to reunite.

Wolff, whose Mercedes team is also assessing the Alpine opportunity, dismissed suggestions of a direct rivalry with Horner over the investment, despite their past rivalry and rift.

Us looking at that stake is in no connection with Christian, he told the Press Association.

And the idea that there is a rivalry between Christian and me around who buys an Alpine stake is made up.

At the same time, the Austrian suggested Horner's situation is the result of years of combative behaviour.

He has broken quite a lot of glass, and these things have repercussions in our microcosm, Wolff said. But that is what he has done all his life, and that is what he knows best.

Despite their fierce rivalry during the Mercedes-Red Bull era, Wolff admitted the sport may be now missing Horner's presence.

I am in two minds about it, he said when asked about a potential return to the paddock for Horner. "The sport is missing personalities. And his personality was clearly very controversial and that is good for the sport.

I said to Fred Vasseur that it needs 'the good, the bad, and the ugly.' And it is now only the good and the ugly left. The bad is gone.

As for whether Wolff and Horner may somehow be able to work together over the Alpine stake, the 54-year-old answered: I don't think so.

Still, he struck a more reflective tone about their long-running feud.

"But even when I had the biggest frustration, and anger with him, you need to remind yourself that even your worst enemy has a best friend so there must be some goodness.

I don't know if he is finding his way back, and in which function. I certainly don't wish him bad, he said.

(GMM)
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Ghanas ginger crisis: A wake-up call for the agricultural sector

Sheila M. De-Heer Opinion Apr - 03 - 2026 , 14:41 5 minutes read

Ginger has quietly become one of Ghanas most promising non-traditional export crops. It is grown predominantly in the forest-savannah transition zones. For thousands of smallholder farmers, it is more than a spice  it is a source of income, resilience, and opportunity.

But today, that promise is under threat.

Across major ginger-producing districts, farmers are battling a devastating outbreak of disease, often described as a ginger blight  that is wiping out entire fields. Yields have plummeted. Investments have been lost. And for many farmers, the future of ginger production is uncertain.

At first glance, this may appear to be a crop-specific problem. It is not. Ghanas ginger issue is a systems failure, one that reflects deeper structural weaknesses in how we support agriculture.

A disease problem or a systems problem?

It is easy to frame the crisis as a plant disease problem. But diseases do not spread this destructively in strong systems  they expose underlying weaknesses, and Ghanas ginger sector has several.

First, the planting material system is unreliable. Farmers predominantly rely on recycled rhizomes for planting, a practice known to increase the buildup and transmission of soil-borne pathogens over time. The absence of a structured system for certified, disease-free planting material continues to amplify risk.

Second, productivity remains below potential. Available data indicate that ginger yields in Ghana typically range between 5 and 15 metric tons per hectare, despite the potential to reach around 20 metric tons per hectare under improved practices. This yield gap reflects broader inefficiencies in input access, agronomic practices, and technical support.

Third, agricultural extension services remain overstretched. Many extension officers are responsible for thousands of farmers. Small-scale farmers often lack timely information on disease identification, prevention, and management. By the time support arrives, it is often too late.

Fourth, research is not reaching the farm. Ghana has capable research institutions, but the pipeline from laboratory to field remains weak. Solutions  whether improved agronomic practices or resistant varieties  are not being deployed at scale.

A vulnerable system exposed

Ghanas ginger sector is not alone in facing disease pressures. Across West Africa, similar outbreaks have demonstrated how devastating such events can be.

In some cases, ginger disease epidemics have resulted in yield losses of up to 90 percent in affected areas. These experiences highlight the scale of risk when production systems lack resilience.

Yet in Ghana, there is no comprehensive, publicly available data quantifying the full extent of current losses.

This absence of data is not incidental  it reflects deeper challenges in agricultural monitoring, surveillance, and rapid response systems.

Why this matters for Ghanas agricultural future

The implications extend far beyond ginger.

Ghana has long emphasised the need to diversify agricultural exports beyond traditional commodities such as cocoa. Ginger represents one of the crops expected to drive this transition.

However, when farmers experience repeated and unmanaged losses, confidence erodes  not just in one crop, but in innovation itself.

The results? Farmers become less willing to invest in higher-value crops and more likely to revert to low-risk, low-return production systems.

This undermines productivity growth, rural incomes, and national agricultural transformation goals.

A familiar pattern

What is happening in the ginger sector reflects a familiar pattern in Ghanaian agriculture.

 Production increases without corresponding system support

 Pests or diseases emerge

 Farmers absorb the losses

 Attention shifts  until the next crisis

Ghana has seen this cycle before in tomatoes, maize, and poultry.

The lesson is clear: agriculture cannot succeed on production alone. It requires systems that anticipate, respond, and adapt.

What must be done now

If Ghana is serious about protecting its agricultural future, then the response must go beyond emergency interventions.

 Invest in planting material systems

Invest in the production and distribution of certified, disease-free ginger seed. (rhizomes).

 Rebuild extension capacity

Increase funding, staffing, and digital tools to ensure farmers receive timely, actionable advice.

 Close the researchfarmer gap

Ensure that innovations developed by research institutions reach farmers in practical, usable forms.

 Build resilience into value chains

Support farmers with risk management tools, including access to credit and crop insurance, to cushion shocks.

A defining moment

The ginger crisis should not be treated as an isolated incident. It is a warning.

It is revealing whether Ghanas agricultural system is capable of supporting the very transformation it envisions.

If the response is fragmented and reactive, the cycle will repeat  with another crop, in another season. But if this moment is used to fix the underlying systems, then the crisis could become a turning point.

Because today it is ginger. Tomorrow, it could be something else.

The writer is a PhD. candidate in Agricultural Sciences at the Southern Illinois University Carbondale

She has been championing evidence-based solutions for agricultural transformation and rural prosperity! She holds a masters degree in Agricultural Economics from Tuskegee University. Her work focuses on agricultural policy analysis, smallholder farmer resilience, agricultural education and extension systems, and sustainable development strategies. She contributes research-informed perspectives on improving productivity, income stability, and long-term sustainability in agricultural systems.

She can be reached at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Burkina Faso must 'forget' about democracy, military leader Captain Traore says

bbc.com International News Apr - 03 - 2026 , 10:41 3 minutes read

Democracy "kills" and the people of Burkina Faso must "forget" it, the country's military ruler has said in an interview aired on state television.

Captain Ibrahim Traore, who seized power in a coup three years ago, suggested most Africans do not want the system of democracy and that Burkina Faso had its own, alternative approach, without giving details.

Traore initially pledged to restore democratic rule to the West African country by July 2024, but two months before this deadline, the junta announced it would extend its rule for another five years.

Two months ago, the authorities announced a ban on all political parties as part of a plan to "rebuild the state".

In Thursday night's interview, Traore said: "People need to forget about the issue of democracy. Democracy is not for us.

"Look at Libya, this is an example close to us," the 38-year-old said.

Libya was ruled autocratically for four decades by Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, who oversaw a brutal regime while also providing Libyans with subsided housing, free education and free healthcare.

He was killed during a rebellion assisted by Western military intervention. The north African country has since failed in its mission to establish a democracy and is instead split between two rival administrations.

"Wherever they try to establish democracy in the world, it's always accompanied by bloodshed," Traore said in his interview.

While there has been a spate of military takeovers in recent years, most African countries do still hold regular elections, even if some are criticised as being rigged in favour of incumbents. Two military leaders - in Gabon and Guinea - have organised elections which they have gone on to win.

The junta leader did not propose an alternative system, but said: "We have our own approach. We're not even trying to copy anyone else. We're here to completely change the way things are done."

Traore has suppressed dissent during his rule, cracking down on the opposition, media and civil society groups. His government has even been accused of punishing critics by sending them to the front-lines of the war against Islamist militants.

Despite this, Traore has gained a huge following across the continent for his pan-Africanist vision and criticism of Western influence.

Burkina Faso, like its junta-led neighbours Mali and Niger, has moved away from working with Western countries, especially France, in its fight against Islamist militants, which have waged a decade-long insurgency in the region.

All three have instead turned towards Russia for military assistance, but the violence has continued unabated.

On Thursday, a report by Human Rights Watch (HRW) said more than 1,800 civilians have been killed in Burkina Faso since Traore seized power in 2023.

The publication attributes two-thirds of the killings to the military and allied militias, with the rest blamed on Islamist militants.
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GETFund awaits probe report before action on collapsed Accra New Town school project

Joyce Timbillah Awuni Education Apr - 03 - 2026 , 13:43 3 minutes read

The Board Chairman of the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah, says the Fund will hold off on taking any action over the collapse of a school building at Accra New Town until a full technical investigation is completed.

The incident, which occurred on Sunday at an uncompleted structure within the premises of the Accra New Town Experimental Basic School, claimed three lives and has raised fresh concerns about construction standards and project oversight on publicly funded infrastructure. The site was also reportedly being used by Christian worshippers at the time of the collapse.

Mr Bedzrah said a visit by the Board to the scene was intended to gather first-hand information, but much of the debris had already been cleared, making it difficult to immediately determine the cause of the disaster. He explained that without physical evidence, it remained unclear whether the collapse resulted from structural defects, poor workmanship or other technical failures.

The tragedy has also brought scrutiny to the role of consultants supervising GETFund-financed projects. Mr Bedzrah indicated that questions around possible lapses in supervision would form a key part of deliberations at the Boards next meeting.

These are the issues we will be discussing at the Board meeting and we will take it from there, he said.

He disclosed that independent experts had been engaged to investigate the circumstances leading to the collapse, stressing that the Board would rely on their findings before drawing any conclusions or assigning responsibility. According to him, it would be premature to blame any contractor or consultant until the technical report establishes whether the project was executed according to specification.

Beyond the immediate investigation, the future of the stalled project remains uncertain. Mr Bedzrah said the Board would consult the Regional Coordinating Council, which awarded the contract, as well as the Regional Minister and other stakeholders, before deciding whether to continue or re-award the project.

He emphasised that any reconstruction effort would be guided strictly by safety and structural integrity to avoid a repeat of the incident. Engagements are also ongoing with the Ministry of Education and other authorities to ensure that academic activities in the area are not disrupted.

On the humanitarian front, Mr Bedzrah said the Department of Social Welfare had been tasked to support affected families. He revealed that one of the victims was linked to a school-going child, whose situation would be assessed, with the possibility of scholarship support being considered.

He added that temporary classroom structures, including prefabricated facilities, could be introduced if reconstruction delays persist, although decisions on such interventions would rest with the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Education Service, the Regional Coordinating Council and the local assembly.

Meanwhile, the Minister for the Interior, Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, has confirmed that three people  two women and a man  died in the collapse, as rescue operations continued in the aftermath of the tragedy.
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Ashanti North: Police arrest two Suspects after major narcotics bust

Jemima Okang Addae Apr - 03 - 2026 , 10:53 2 minutes read

The Ashanti North Regional Police Command has arrested two suspects in connection with the seizure of 350 compressed slabs of substances suspected to be narcotic drugs, following an intelligence-led operation that began with a dramatic interception near the Offin River.

The Command in a statement disclosed that a day patrol team from the Offinso District intercepted a blue-black Toyota Voxy vehicle with registration number AS 1747-25 on March 25, 2026, at approximately 10:13 am on the outskirts of Offinso Old Town.

A search of the vehicle revealed 350 compressed slabs of suspected Indian hemp concealed in four white sacks. Officers also recovered two Ghana Cards, three drivers licences, one voters ID card, a DVLA vehicle registration certificate, an iPhone and cash amounting to GH120.

The occupants of the vehicle fled the scene upon noticing the police and escaped into a nearby bush. The patrol team pursued the suspects but was unable to apprehend them at that time. The exhibit vehicle and all retrieved items were conveyed to the Offinso Police Station for further investigation.

The following day, March 26, an investigation team conducted intelligence-led operations leading to the arrest of four individuals: Albert Nkrumah, also known as Abode3, aged 21; Francis Owusu, also known as Skin, aged 25; Gyimah Emmanuel, also known as Corruption, aged 24; and Theophilus Amoabeng, also known as Kwadwo Amoabeng. All are drivers.

Following a thorough screening through an identification parade, Albert Nkrumah and Francis Owusu were positively identified by the patrol team as part of the suspects who had fled the scene on March 25.

On March 26, the Police secured a court order from the Offinso Circuit Court, presided over by Her Honour Christiana O. Bruce Ashirifie, directing the National Identification Authority, the Electoral Commission and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority to provide relevant details to assist ongoing investigations.

On March 30, suspects Albert Nkrumah and Francis Owusu were arraigned before the Offinso Circuit Court and have been remanded into police custody. They are scheduled to reappear on April 27, 2026.

The Command stated that ongoing investigations have already identified additional individuals linked to the crime, and the police team is actively pursuing them. The suspected narcotic substances will be forwarded to the Forensic Laboratory at CID Headquarters in Accra for analytical examination and report.

The Ashanti North Regional Police Command assured the public of its unwavering commitment to combating drug trafficking and ensuring the safety and security of all communities. The Command further urged the public to support the police by providing credible information to help clamp down and eliminate criminal enterprises in the region.
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Ghana navy seizes 8 boats suspected of illegal fuel bunkering

GraphicOnline Apr - 03 - 2026 , 07:15 1 minute read

The Ghana Navy has confiscated 8 unregistered boats suspected of illegal fuel bunkering at New Takoradi and Poasi landing beaches on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

The operation was conducted following intelligence that some unregistered boats were being used to facilitate the illegal transfer of fuel and petroleum products.

In an interview, the Director of the Western Regional Fisheries Commission, Dr Charles Teye, said the boats were not fishing boats as they were not registered with the Fisheries Commission. He noted that the boats were seized under Section 53 and 54 of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act 2023, which requires a permit for vessel construction and operation.

The Acting Branch Head, Ghana Maritime Authority-Takoradi, Mr Hudeen Daud Ahmed, expressed appreciation to the Ghana Navy for conducting the operation. He stated that the Ghana Maritime Authority is committed to protecting Ghanas maritime economy and the livelihoods of the citizens by collaborating with other agencies to secure maritime resources.

Representatives from Maritime institutions, including the Ghana Maritime Authority, the Fisheries Commission, the National Petroleum Authority and the Marine Police Unit of the Ghana Police Service, inspected the boats to ensure transparency.

The boats have been towed to the Sekondi Naval Harbour for further investigation and action.

The operation was conducted by the Western Naval Command, Sekondi, with support from the 2nd Infantry Battalion.
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Ghana targets manufacturing hub status in West Africa  Chief of Staff

GraphicOnline Apr - 03 - 2026 , 13:06 3 minutes read

The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, has declared that Ghana is poised to reposition its economy and emerge as the leading manufacturing hub in West Africa, signalling a renewed policy direction under President John Dramani Mahama.

Speaking at the opening of the third edition of the Kwahu Business Forum on Friday at the Kwahu Convention Centre on Mpraeso Hill, Mr Debrah said the government was firmly committed to transitioning the country from a production-based economy to one driven by manufacturing and value addition.

He emphasised that achieving this ambition would require a decisive shift in economic thinking, backed by deliberate policies to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive. According to him, stronger collaboration between the state and private sector would be critical in unlocking Ghanas industrial potential.

Mr Debrah criticised what he described as the enduring limitations of the Guggisberg economy, urging stakeholders to move beyond rhetoric and take concrete steps towards industrialisation. He called on policymakers, investors and entrepreneurs to focus on building industries capable of generating jobs, increasing exports and expanding the countrys economic base.

Let this Forum send a powerful message from the hills of Kwahu to every corner of Ghana: that we are ready to build, ready to produce, ready to lead, and ready to uplift others as we rise.

This is our time not merely to discuss Ghanas economic destiny, but to shape it. Our time to transform potential into factories, jobs, exports, innovation, and hope. Our time to evolve from an economy known primarily for commerce into one respected globally for production, value addition, and competitive excellence, he declared.

The Chief of Staff described the Kwahu Business Forum as a strategic platform for driving Ghanas industrial agenda, noting that it brings together government officials, investors and entrepreneurs to forge practical partnerships.

This Forum is not a mere ceremony. It is a powerful instrument where policy meets practice, where capital meets creativity, where enterprise meets opportunity, and where public leadership and private sector ambition converge in a unified national dialogue.

Over the course of this gathering, we will witness networking, exhibitions, investment engagements, and the exchange of ideas. Yet beyond all these, our core objective is to build a stronger, more productive relationship between government and business, between established corporations and emerging entrepreneurs, and between ambition and execution, he added.

The forum, which has become a key feature of Ghanas Easter calendar, has attracted more than 1,000 participants, including entrepreneurs, investors and policymakers from across the country and beyond.

Organisers say the event is designed to deepen investment partnerships, promote business opportunities and provide a platform for enterprises of all sizes to showcase their products and services. Participants are also expected to benefit from masterclasses and insights from seasoned business leaders, particularly from the Kwahu enclave, on building resilient and sustainable enterprises.

The renewed focus on manufacturing comes amid broader efforts by the government to diversify the economy, create jobs and strengthen Ghanas position within the West African sub-region.
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Ghana to grant free visas to all Africans from May 25  President Mahama announces

GraphicOnline Apr - 03 - 2026 , 07:04 2 minutes read

Ghana is set to deepen its commitment to continental integration with the introduction of a free visa regime for all African nationals, as President John Dramani Mahama moves to expand mobility and economic cooperation across the continent.

The policy, which will take effect on May 25, 2026, to mark Africa Day, will allow African travellers to obtain e-visas at no cost under a new digital platform expected to be rolled out next month.

President Mahama announced the initiative during a state visit by Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, describing it as a strategic step to strengthen Ghanas position as a hub for Pan-Africanism, tourism and intra-African trade.

Im also pleased to announce that, effective 25th May 2026, when we commemorate Africa Day, Ghana will commence a free visa regime for all Africans. Africans traveling to Ghana will receive their e-visas online free of charge.

But between Ghana and Zimbabwe, we have a visa-free environment already. You can travel to each others countries without needing a visa. You just hop onto the plane and arrive in each others country, he said.

The President noted that the policy would be implemented alongside broader reforms to modernise Ghanas immigration processes, with the e-visa system expected to simplify entry procedures while improving efficiency.

He added that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would intensify efforts to negotiate additional visa waiver agreements to ensure Ghanaian passport holders enjoy similar travel privileges across the continent.

The announcement builds on Ghanas recent steps towards visa liberalisation. In January 2025, the country introduced visa-free travel for holders of African passports under a policy initiated by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, aligning with the African Unions Agenda 2063 and the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

With the AfCFTA Secretariat based in Accra, the latest move is expected to reinforce Ghanas role in advancing regional economic integration by facilitating the free movement of people, goods and services.

Analysts say the free visa regime could significantly boost tourism arrivals, stimulate cross-border trade and enhance investment flows, particularly if supported by efficient digital systems and strong bilateral cooperation frameworks.

The announcement also coincided with renewed diplomatic engagement between Ghana and Zimbabwe, with the two countries signing 10 memoranda of understanding aimed at strengthening cooperation across key sectors.
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How growing pasture is transforming livestock production and reducing herdsmen in Kpandai

Simon Unyan Apr - 03 - 2026 , 18:07 6 minutes read

A northern farmer is utilising improved pasture, superior livestock breeds, and natural pest control to enhance productivity, generate wealth, and foster peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders.

In Kpandai, a livestock farmer is demonstrating how smart agriculture can transform rural livelihoods, boost food security, and help resolve the long-standing conflict between herdsmen and crop farmers.

Mohammed Awal, a laboratory scientist by profession a livestock farmer by passion, is the founder of Premium Pasture Animal Farm  a semi-intensive livestock enterprise built on the simple but powerful idea of cultivating pasture to feed animals all year round.

For decades, livestock farmers across the savannah belt have depended largely on natural grazing.

But the system becomes unreliable during the long dry season when bushfires and harsh weather conditions destroy green pasture.

Awal understands this challenge well. Having grown up as both a herdsman and a farmer, he witnessed how animals struggled to survive when pasture disappeared between November and April.

I grow my own grass to feed my animals because during the dry season, there is no green grass due to bushfires. Animals suffer a lot during that period, he explained.

Determined to find a sustainable solution, Awal began cultivating improved pasture grasses on his farm  a decision that has transformed his livestock operation.

Building a sustainable livestock model

To ensure a reliable feed supply, Awal imported improved pasture species from India, Kenya, and Thailand. These include modified Napier grass, Brachiaria grass, and Mucuna, varieties known for their high nutritional value and resilience in dry climates.

The cultivated pasture now allows the farm to maintain a stable feed supply even when natural grazing fields dry up.

What started just three years ago with only 10 animals has rapidly grown into a thriving livestock enterprise with more than one hundred sheep and goats.

To further improve productivity, Awal introduced superior breeding stock from South Africa's Savannah goat, and the large, long-legged "Balibali" sheep from Niger. The improved breeds are more muscular and productive, making them ideal for crossbreeding with local animals in Kpandai to increase meat yield and herd quality.

According to him, improving the genetic quality of livestock can significantly increase farmers incomes while improving the quality of meat available on the market.

Natural solution to a costly problem

Beyond pasture cultivation, Awal has also adopted an innovative biological method to control ticks  a major challenge for livestock farmers.

Tick infestation previously posed a serious threat to sheep and goats on the farm, forcing Awal to rely heavily on chemical treatments.

Awal found a natural solution by introducing guinea fowls into the livestock system.

The birds feed on ticks found on the animals and around the farm environment. Since their introduction, tick infestation has drastically reduced.

For the past two years we have not recorded any major tick problems on the farm, he said.

The innovation has virtually eliminated the need for chemical tick control, reducing veterinary costs while improving the health of the animals.

Beyond the financial savings, the practice is environmentally friendly because it reduces the use of chemicals that could harm the ecosystem.

The guinea fowls themselves also provide an additional source of income for the farm.

Reducing conflict between farmers and herders

Livestock farming remains a major source of livelihood for many households in northern Ghana.

However, traditional grazing systems often trigger conflicts between herders and crop farmers when animals stray into crop fields.

Awals semi-intensive model offers a practical alternative.

By growing his own pasture and confining animals within the farm, the need for open grazing is significantly reduced.

This approach not only improves livestock productivity but also minimizes the risk of crop destruction  a major source of tensions between farmers and herders across many rural communities.

Agricultural experts say such innovations could help address long-standing disputes between herders and farmers across northern Ghana and other parts of West Africa.

Creating wealth through integrated farming

Awal has also adopted an integrated farming approach to strengthen the economic sustainability of his enterprise.

On his 20-acre farm, he cultivates crops such as yams, cassava, sweet potato, and maize to support animal feeding while diversifying income sources.

Interestingly, the cultivated pasture itself has become a source of income.

Growing grass alone is generating income for me apart from the sale of animals and crops, he noted.

Agricultural economists say diversified farming systems are critical for building rural wealth and improving farmers resilience against economic shocks.

Improving nutrition and food security

Livestock production plays an important role in improving nutrition and food security in Ghana.

Animal products such as meat and milk provide essential proteins and nutrients needed for healthy growth and development.

By improving livestock productivity and quality, farmers like Awal contribute to increasing the availability of nutritious food in local markets.

Better feeding systems and improved breeds also result in healthier animals and higher-quality meat production.

Climate-smart agriculture

Growing pasture as livestock feed is also considered a climate-smart agricultural practice.

Improved grasses such as Brachiaria help improve soil fertility, prevent erosion, and capture carbon from the atmosphere.

They are also drought-tolerant, making them suitable for areas experiencing climate variability.

By reducing reliance on open grazing, the model also helps prevent land degradation and promotes sustainable land use.

Challenges limiting expansion

Despite the progress made so far, Awal says the farm faces several challenges.

The most pressing issue is access to water during the dry season.

In the rainy season, I harvest rainwater, but during the dry season, I struggle to get water. It comes with additional cost and burdens the farm, he lamented.

Other challenges include limited access to capital, the threat of bushfires, lack of mechanised systems, and difficulty finding trained farm caretakers.

Access to affordable credit remains a major barrier for many farmers seeking to expand production.

Opportunities for youth and retirees

Awal believes that with the right support, his farm could serve as a model farm or training centre for livestock farmers across Ghana.

He says the model could also provide sustainable income opportunities for retirees and pensioners.

This type of farming is flexible and can help retirees improve their livelihoods and generate income, he explained.

He is also encouraging young people to consider livestock farming as a business opportunity.

My farm is open for partnerships. I encourage the youth to team up and venture into livestock farming because it is lucrative, he said.

A model for the future

Agricultural experts believe farms like Premium Pasture Animal Farm represent the future of livestock production in Ghana.

As climate change, population growth, and land pressure continue to challenge traditional farming systems, smart and integrated agricultural models could provide sustainable solutions.

With improved access to credit, water infrastructure, and technical training, such farms could play a major role in reducing poverty, strengthening food security, and promoting peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders.

For Mohammed Awal, the vision is simple but powerful  transforming livestock farming into a modern, profitable, and environmentally sustainable enterprise.

And on his 20-acre farm, that vision is already taking root.
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Kwahu Easter paragliding festival opens at Odweanoma

Mohammed Ali Apr - 03 - 2026 , 12:23 3 minutes read

The 2026 Kwahu Easter Paragliding Festival has officially opened at Odweanoma Mountain in the Kwahu area of the Eastern Region, with both local and international participants taking to the skies as activities commenced on April 3, 2026.

The Kwahu South Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Effah Osei Bonsu, welcomed participants during the opening ceremony, describing the areas unique hills and favourable wind conditions as ideal for paragliding.

He urged patrons to adhere to safety protocols and fully enjoy the Easter festivities, while commending organisers, volunteers and stakeholders for their contributions to the event. Welcome once again to Kwahu South on behalf of the municipality, he said.

The event, organised by the Ghana Tourism Authority, attracted early crowds to the mountain site, where patrons gathered to witness the start of the annual Easter spectacle.

Among the first to take flight were two European volunteers based in Abetifi, who joined the activities on the opening day.

Bram, a Dutch national on a year-long volunteer placement, had a tense start before successfully completing his flight. His first two attempts at take-off were aborted, with his tandem pilot resetting each time as onlookers watched from the cliff edge. On his third attempt, he finally lifted off and soared over the Kwahu landscape, notably with a fallen shoe just before take-off.

Minerva, an Italian volunteer also based in Abetifi, flew later after openly expressing her fears.

I am afraid because I have to run down the cliff, she told reporters before take-off. But Ive talked to people who did it last year and they said its amazing. So Im going to do it.

She completed the flight without incident.

The two volunteers said they had no prior knowledge of the festival before arriving in Ghana, explaining that information about the event largely spread through residents in Abetifi.

We are staying in Abetifi, Bram said. Everybodys talking about it. Its not difficult to find the information.

Minerva, who has been in Ghana for five months and returned in April after a brief absence in January, said the festival exceeded her expectations.

Ive never seen anything like it, she said. Its really busy and colourful, and full of music and dancing.

The festival, which runs until 6 April, is under the patronage of President John Dramani Mahama, with support from the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Ms Abla Dzifa Gomashie. It is being organised by the Ghana Tourism Authority, led by its Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Maame Efua Houadjeto.

Activities lined up include tandem paragliding flights, aerial displays, safety demonstrations, tourism exhibitions and curated visitor experiences aimed at promoting domestic tourism.

Since its introduction in 2005 by the Ministry of Tourism, the event has grown into a major highlight on Ghanas Easter calendar, drawing thousands of visitors to Kwahu each year.

Beyond the flights, the Kwahu area is hosting street carnivals, musical concerts, cultural performances, traditional displays, food bazaars and exhibitions of Made-in-Ghana products. The Kwahu Business Forum is also taking place from 3 to 4 April.

The Ghana Tourism Authority said it is working closely with the Eastern Regional Coordinating Council, traditional authorities, municipal and district assemblies, security agencies and private sector players to maintain order and safety throughout the celebrations.

Minerva said she hopes to return next year, whether to fly again or simply watch from the ground. Bram also appeared satisfied after completing his flight over Odweanoma Mountain.
Ghana to grant free visas to all Africans from May 25  President Mahama announces

Previous article: Ghana to grant free visas to all Africans from May 25  President Mahama announces

Featured

President Mahama to host top CEOs at Kwahu Business Forum Dinner

GraphicOnline Apr - 03 - 2026 , 06:49 2 minutes read

President John Dramani Mahama is set to host leading Ghanaian business figures at an exclusive dinner as part of activities marking the 2026 Kwahu Business Forum, in what organisers describe as a key platform for direct engagement between government and the private sector.

The high-level dinner, scheduled to take place at the newly constructed Kwahu Convention Centre on the Mpraeso Hills in the Eastern Region, will serve as the highlight of the forums opening day, bringing together captains of industry for strategic discussions with the President.

The engagement is expected to provide an opportunity for President Mahama to outline his administrations economic direction and policy priorities, while also receiving direct feedback from business leaders on investment conditions and private sector growth.

The President is anticipated to use the platform to elaborate on initiatives aimed at boosting entrepreneurship and expanding business opportunities, including the role of the Kwahu Business Forum in driving innovation and enterprise development.

The three-day forum, which begins on April 3, is expected to attract more than 1,000 participants, including entrepreneurs, investors and policymakers. It is designed to facilitate networking, promote investment partnerships and create avenues for businesses of all sizes to showcase their products and services.

Activities on the opening day will include an official ceremony attended by senior government officials, tours of exhibition spaces and a series of panel discussions focused on key economic sectors.

Participants will also benefit from masterclasses and insights from successful business leaders, particularly from the Kwahu enclave, who are expected to share experiences and lessons on building resilient enterprises.

The presidential dinner will conclude the first days programme, blending policy dialogue with a social setting intended to deepen engagement between government and industry leaders. The evening will also feature musical performances by Ghanaian artistes Stonebwoy and Kwabena Kwabena.

On the second day, the forum will continue with keynote addresses from industry leaders, with the Governor of the Bank of Ghana expected to deliver a special presentation on the economy and engage participants on monetary policy issues.

The event will conclude with a health walk at the Kwahu Business Village, alongside closed-door meetings between banking executives and the central bank to discuss broader economic developments.

Organisers say the forum is intended to strengthen collaboration between the public and private sectors, positioning business as a central driver of Ghanas economic transformation.
Featured

SSNIT summons Kpandai Hospital management to appear in court over non-payment of casual workers' pension contributions

Simon Unyan Apr - 03 - 2026 , 15:18 3 minutes read

The management of the Kpandai District Hospital has been summoned to appear in court to answer why it failed to pay casual workers' pension contributions from July 2025 to February 2026, contrary to the National Pensions Act of 2008 (Act 766).

The management of the hospital, comprising the Medical Superintendent, Dr Abdul-Aziz Hudu, the Head of Accounts and Finance and Human Resources Manager have been accused by SSNIT of flouting sections 3, 63, 64(1), and 83(1)(d) of the National Pensions Act of 2008 for the non-payment of casual workers contributions from July 2025 to February 2026.

Per the criminal summons served on the management of the hospital by SSNIT, for them to appear before the District Court in Kpandai, SSNIT indicated that as of February 2026, they had failed to pay to the Trust, workers' Social Security contributions amounting to GH10,386.80 (Actual Contribution only), which constitutes an offence under the laws of Ghana.

Reaction by the medical superintendent

On his part, the Medical Superintendent of Kpandai District Hospital, Dr. Abdul-Aziz Hudu has responded to the summons with a petition dated March 30, 2026, addressed to the SSNIT Northern Regional Office and copied to key stakeholders.

It is argument that the said affected workers have since been reclassified as volunteers and SSNIT has been informed about the development.

He argued that the summons was needless and very disturbing, and also described the action as harassment and ill-timed, given the hospitals financial challenges.

According to Dr. Abdul-Aziz Hudu, there are a series of operational challenges facing the facility, including severe staff shortages, lack of a fully equipped theatre, absence of an anaesthesia machine, inadequate medical consumables, deteriorating infrastructure, and a lack of functioning vehicles.

He further noted that competition from three private health facilities in the area has significantly reduced the hospitals internally generated funds.

If Kpandai Hospital is to function effectively, what we need is a bailoutnot a court summons, he indicated in the petition.

He indicated that the said casual workers SSNIT refers to in the summons have since been reclassified as volunteers and insists that SSNIT was formally notified of this change, but the institution continues to pursue payment.

He questioned the basis of the demand, noting that some of the individuals reportedly worked for as little as 30 minutes per day, while others are no longer with the facility.

Will it be fair to suggest that you are seeking reparations for ghost workers? he queried.

The medical superintendent argued that the ongoing legal pressure could negatively affect healthcare delivery in the district, stressing that repeated court summons may take a toll on his mental well-being and ability to function effectively.

This continuous harassment has the potential to drive away the only doctor serving the district, which would severely affect healthcare delivery, he stated.

Call for restraint

Dr. Abdul-Aziz Hudu appealed to SSNIT to exercise restraint and consider the hospitals financial constraints, urging the Trust to prioritise dialogue over legal action
With warming temperatures and generally clearer weather coming in, both the City of Green River and the Wyoming Department of Transportation have started spring construction projects.

The City of Green River announced that the Riverview Drive Reconstruction project will be starting on April 13, with construction taking place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. during weekdays and sometimes on Saturdays.

"The first phase of the project will include construction on the westbound lane of Riverview from Hackberry Street to Locust Street," the city explained in a press release. "During this phase, the section of Riverview westbound from Fir to the end of Riverview will be closed to traffic. Through traffic will cross over at Fir Street and there will be two-way traffic on the eastbound lane of Riverview from Fir Street to the end of Riverview Drive. Residents along Riverview eastbound from Fir to Locust must refrain from parking in the street to allow for two-way traffic. Residents living on the north side of Riverview Drive must be prepared to detour to Ironwood/Cedar Street for their daily commute."

Other construction projects in town are already underway as WYDOT and contract crews have begun mobilizing to work on several jobs.

Construction on the I-80 westbound tunnel is underway again. Traffic has been switched to be head-to-head through the eastbound tunnel so that work can continue on the westbound side.

"Over the next few months, crews will be installing new conduit and lighting," WYDOT explained. "The work is scheduled for completion around the end of June this year."

WYDOT also worked with DeBernardi Construction at the beginning of the week to finish up a district-wide bridge rehabilitation project from last year. The project included work on repairing the expansion devices on the bridge over the Union Pacific Railroad on Uinta Drive at the north end of Green River.

"Many people know this spot, where you drive over the metal expansion pieces and you hear a loud clank. We are going to get that fixed," District 3 Construction Engineer Peter Stinchcomb said.

WYDOT is also switching I-80 traffic to head-to-head in the westbound lanes from mile marker 141 to 155 near Patrick Draw for pavement rehabilitation work. The work will include milling and paving and the completion date is set for October 31, according to WYDOT. The eastbound Bitter Creek rest area will be closed and not be accessible for the duration of the work.
Residents of Sweetwater County and Wyoming as a whole showed up on Saturday to take part in the third "No Kings Day," which is being recognized as one of the largest single-day national protests.

The event, organized by groups like 50501, is meant to gather people who are opposed to President Donald Trump and his actions and administration. National event organizers have estimated that over 8 million people showed up to participate in protests across the country on March 28, making it the largest "No Kings Day" yet, following protests under the same name that took place on June 14 and October 18 last year.

In Sweetwater County, a crowd of roughly 150 to 200 people from both Rock Springs and Green River lined Dewar Drive in Rock Springs last Saturday afternoon, holding up signs sharing the "No Kings" message and criticizing Trump, ICE, the war in Iran, and other related topics. Local event organizers estimated that the crowd size reached 200, but said that people were coming and going throughout the protest, making it hard to get an official count. The two previous "No Kings" protests both drew a similarly sized crowd.

One of the local organizers with 50501 Sweetwater County, Dana Ward, explained that they have done multiple similar protests, but also want to participate in the "No Kings Day" events officially.

"We're just excited to be part of the national movement, showing our dissatisfaction," Ward said.

One of the main reasons for protesting, according to Ward, is to show the people in power who make decisions that there are people across the country who disagree with them.

"Protesting is just one form of resisting and pushing back," Ward said. "But the bigger thing that happens with protests is that people make connections with each other, and they do more things outside of the protesting."

Ward said that there is "a place for everybody" to help, whether it's holding a sign or working behind the scenes to help the community, particularly anyone who has been oppressed or marginalized. She stressed that giving back to the community is always a priority, which is why the local protests usually include something like a food drive, as the event on Saturday did.

"It's important to always have an action item or something that gives back," Ward said.

While the "No Kings" crowd size for Sweetwater County stayed about the same, it grew around Wyoming as a whole. A total of 22 protests took place around the state, which is the most yet for similar protests. Julie Smith, another organizer for 50501 out of Sweetwater County who helps with organization and reporting for the state as a whole, said that the "No Kings" event on Saturday drew almost 1,000 more protesters than the last event. In addition to the 200 people in Sweetwater County, Smith reported 1,100 in Jackson, 700 in Laramie, 600 in Cheyenne, 600 in Casper, 325 in Sheridan, 250 in Lander, 200 in Cody, 107 in Gillette, 100 in Greybull, 80 in Evanston, 79 in Thermopolis, 75 in Douglas, 70 in Mountain View, 60 in Buffalo, 60 in Torrington, 55 in Pinedale, 40 in Thayne, 39 in Dubois, 25 in Wheatland, 22 in Rawlins and 12 in Newcastle.
Despite recent layoffs connected to projected reductions in property tax revenue, Western Wyoming Community College President Dr. Kirk Young is maintaining that the school is making positive progress and doing what needs to be done for the future.

Western hosted a community town hall and progress report event with the president on Tuesday evening. Roughly 25 people attended the event, including representatives from Western's Board of Trustees and the Wyoming Community College Commission as well as a few local legislators and Western students. Dr. Young explained that the town hall was not only to address recent developments at the school, but to update the community and provide a sort of "state of the college address," which the school used to do regularly in the past.

While acknowledging that the college is currently facing a number of challenges, Dr. Young said "the message I want to make sure that people leave with today is that we're dealing with these [challenges]." The president stressed that there are good things happening at the school, and that the goal is to keep working to make sure the college is healthy and can continue moving forward.

On March 18, Western announced the elimination of nine positions at the college, which resulted in five employees being laid off. This was in addition to over 60 positions that were either eliminated or restructured at the end of the fall semester. Regarding these recent layoffs, Dr. Young explained that one of the main motivations behind them was learning that the college is expected to receive less funding from property taxes.

Western recently heard from Sweetwater County Assessor Dave Divis that the assessed property value in Sweetwater County is down this year, Young reported. This means that the school will receive less revenue from property taxes, largely coming from big industries. Just from this factor, the college will be looking at an approximately $1.1 million loss in revenue, the president explained.

While this specific shortfall is mostly coming from industries, like the mines, Young noted that the future of residential property taxes could also affect the college's funds. He pointed out that Western was "impacted significantly" by the 25% reduction for residential property taxes passed by the legislature last year. The possibility of a 50% cut coming from the People's Initiative, which will be on the ballot during the election, could "change the conversation" once again, Young said.

For now, Western is currently in the process of building their budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Young noted that during this process, new information is coming in that impacts revenue estimates and the way the college is shaping the expected budget. Another factor being considered is that the college is also expecting a reduction in state funding this year, Young said.

Another large hit to the budget comes from the fact that the college needs about $1.6 million to fund its compensation plan adjustments. Young explained that one of the goals for the college has been to make sure employees are being paid a fair and competitive market rate, which means many positions will need raises. In order to fund these adjustments, cuts have to be made in other areas.

Other needs the college will face in order to have long-term success include capital projects for things like addressing aging infrastructure in buildings and making sure classrooms have updated technology, Young noted. Making these plans will also require funds, which may require cuts, but the goal is ultimately to help the school in the long run.

"It's my job to ensure I'm making decisions to set the college up to be highly successful long into the future," Young said.

While acknowledging the challenges, Young pointed to progress being made at the college currently, including work on a new strategic plan launching this summer, the Health Science building expansion scheduled for completion in the summer, the hiring of Ally Palmer as the new director of foundation and community engagement efforts, the completion of the Hay Library renovation project, updates on locker rooms and office spaces by the swimming pool, and continued community engagement.

"We're investing in our people, we're investing in our resources here at the college," Young said.
A showdown in the high desert over the presence of more than 3,000 free-roaming horses on 2.1 million acres of southwest Wyoming's checkerboard region won't happen for at least six more months, federal attorneys say.

Hundreds of miles away from desert in Denver and Cheyenne courts, there was much uncertainty in late 2025 about what would become of the Salt Wells Creek, Great Divide Basin and a portion of the Adobe Town herds. Because they dwell in the "checkerboarded" strip of the state where private and public land interchanges, those herds have been the source of a historic dispute.

Last year, Bureau of Land Management plans to eliminate the herds were OK'd administratively, but then appealed, delayed and declared illegal by the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals. The federal agency signaled it would remove the herds anyway, however, triggering more litigation that compelled BLM to hit the brakes.

Now, BLM officials "do not anticipate" they will attempt the free-roaming horse purge until at least the end of the fiscal year, which is Sept. 30. Federal attorneys stated as much in a joint motion filed last week requesting the U.S. District Court for Wyoming - which is overseeing the case again - pause the legal proceedings until at least May 10. The next day, U.S. District Judge Kelly Rankin granted the request.

There are several reasons why BLM is not attempting to execute the whole-herd removal plans before October, BLM-Wyoming spokesman Micky Fisher said.

"We generally want to make sure the funding is in line in order to move forward," Fisher said Thursday. "That's really the bottom line."

Staffing is also a concern, Fisher said. Additionally, he said, BLM also needs to make sure it's on sound legal footing before proceeding.

When the 10th Circuit concluded the plans were illegal, it faulted BLM for not explaining how removing all horses from public sections of the checkerboard would maintain a "thriving natural ecological balance" - a requirement of the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act.

Fisher could not comment on the remedy because it's considered active litigation.

Meantime, wild horse advocates who have pressed to keep the free-roaming equines on the landscape say they're grateful for the reprieve.

"We're certainly glad that the horses aren't in immediate danger of being rounded up and removed," said Jennifer Best, wildlife law program director for Friends of Animals, which is a plaintiff. "We're kind of in a waiting pattern with BLM right now to see what they will do."

If BLM's adjusted plans have the same end goal, Friends of Animals will sue again, she said.

"We believe that wiping them out from all the public lands is illegal," Best said. "We remain committed to challenging any decision, short of allowing these wild horses to stay on public lands."

It's unlikely BLM back offs its long-held plans to eliminate the checkerboard herds, said attorney Bill Eubanks, who represents horse advocacy groups.

"I guess anything is possible. I don't see it," said Eubanks, who's been involved in the litigation for 15 years. "BLM has never once proposed a situation that would keep horses out there. They have done everything in their power to try to get horses gone, gone, gone. It would take a big change of heart."

The Bureau of Land Management has relatively little free-roaming horse management planned in Wyoming during 2026. Tentative plans include administering fertility control on 95 horses in the Stewart Creek and McCullough Peaks herds, according to the agency's schedule. A "drive trap" gather targeting removal of 286 animals from the Bighorn Basin's Fifteenmile Herd is slated to begin Sept. 15.

According to the BLM, as of March 1 there were more than 85,000 wild horses and burros on public lands across the West. That's more than three times the "appropriate management level" set by the agency, which is intended to keep the landscape and herds healthy and sustainable.

WyoFile is an independent nonprofit news organization focused on Wyoming people, places and policy.
Dear Editor,

Lets talk about March 28th, 2026, No Kings Day. I often hear phrases like we havent had a king since 1776, in reference to the protest as some sort of gotcha phrase; except that no one is saying that they believe he is a literal king. What they really mean is No Tyrants, which places like the UK call their sympathetic protests.

There are a lot of specific reasons why people would attend the protest, but none of them are because he is an actual king. While they are mostly centered around ICE, protesters are also concerned about Trumps tendency to use executive orders to force laws on us without our federal representatives involvement. Ruling by decree, you could call it. Some people cite the DOJs refusal to release all the Epstein files as promised, or the number of times Trumps name appears in the files that have been released.

For me, I see Trump doing some of the same things my ancestors fought against in the Revolutionary war, 1776. Quartering troops in American cities during times of peace and against the consent of their governors, restricting population growth by limiting immigration and paths to citizenship, cutting off trade with all parts of the world while simultaneously taxing us, again without our representatives involvement, by imposing steep and illegal tariffs, which are paid for by American citizens.

I also see him prioritizing the needs of other countries over American interests, accepting blatant bribes from foreign lands, and mirroring slogans that dictators have historically used to give themselves more power. Examples include: calling anyone who dissents against his policies a radical, scapegoating minority populations (often with the same phrases that Hitler used against Jewish people), and labeling journalists that criticize him fake news, a common propaganda tactic among authoritarians.

No Kings Day isnt about Trump being a king today, its about keeping him and whoever succeeds him, from becoming kings tomorrow. My ancestors risked everything to free themselves and their descendants from a tyrant. The least I can do is hold up a sign on a street corner and write a letter to a newspaper.

Trump is only a man, not a savior. Opposing a sitting president should never be misconstrued as opposing ones nation. The truth is, if I didnt care about our country, I wouldnt be writing this letter; it would be so much easier to stay silent. Only tyrants are terrorized by a peaceful assembly of citizens dissenting against their governments actions.

Jessica Donaghe-Wilde

Green River
A record crowd, including veterans from Sweetwater County, gathered at the National Museum of Military Vehicles in Dubois, Wyoming on March 28 to observe Vietnam Veterans Day and the state's annual "Welcome Home Day." The emotional ceremony, set against the backdrop of an unparalleled collection of preserved military history, aimed to deliver the long overdue appreciation and honor to Vietnam veterans who were denied a proper welcome decades ago.

The event, hosted by museum founder Dan Starks, featured speeches from state leaders and a screening of the Wyoming PBS produced documentary "Home From the Vietnam War." While veterans from across the state attended, many Sweetwater County veterans were among the crowd, having traveled to the event via buses provided by the Rock Springs American Legion post 24.

Gov. Mark Gordon initiated the day's heartfelt tributes, first recognizing the museum's role in the celebration.

"I want to thank Dan Starks for providing us with a wonderful venue to be able to celebrate this day and welcome home," Governor Gordon stated. "And thanks to Wyoming PBS, we'll livestream this here as well. Today is a remarkable day in so many ways."

Governor Gordon shared a personal anecdote about his cousin, the son of General George S. Patton, who served in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. Recalling his cousin's wisdom, Gordon remarked, "'Wars are fought with weapons, but they're won by men and women.'... This museum presents exactly why America is the great nation that it is."

He then delivered the core message of the day, addressing the past injustices faced by Vietnam veterans.

"My wife has told me about her brother, who joined when he was 17," Gordon explained. "When he came home, my wife remembers as a six-year-old girl seeing her oldest brother spat on. That should never happen. This country will not forget... Wyoming is a place that will never forget. We will always welcome you home."

Sen. John Barrasso echoed the sentiment of profound gratitude.

"It is always better in Wyoming, always," he remarked, before addressing the veterans directly. "I am here to just tell you all of us here in the state offer our profound thanks, and we are all here, this whole crew, out of appreciation, admiration, and respect for each and every one of you who has worn the uniform, served our nation, borne the battle. Thank you."

Sen. Barrasso also highlighted the impressive turnout, noting, "Last year, we did a ceremony at the community college, but we have never had a crowd like this."

He also celebrated Wyoming's legacy of service, comparing it to Abraham Lincoln's call to "keep the flag up."

Barrasso also took a moment to recognize three Vietnam veterans in attendance who were being honored for their significant commitment and hardship during their combined seven tours in Vietnam: Tom Barcelona, John Tominski, and Robert Foley.

The senator concluded his remarks by presenting each veteran with a challenge coin, a symbol of honor and recognition.

"All of our veterans are cowboys. Cowboys never quit, and cowboys never complain, and neither will the Marines, right?" he stated.

The Adjutant General of the Wyoming National Guard, Major General Porter, stressed the importance of remembering and passing on the lessons of service.

"Today, we deliver a message that has been long overdue to our heroes who served in Vietnam: Welcome home," General Porter stated. "In the decades that followed, we fell short of giving you the recognition that you earned, and that we owe... This ceremony is not merely an event. It is an opportunity, a reckoning, a chance to commemorate your place among America's greatest generations of protectors."

He credited Vietnam veterans for mentoring his generation of soldiers and emphasized the enduring strength of military families.

"They bear the strongest burden," he said. "You're the ones that make sure there is a home to come home to."

Tim Shepherd, Chairman of the Wyoming Veterans Commission, offered one final message to the veterans in attendance: "Your service was never insignificant. Nor was it inconsequential... The success of my generation was built on your sacrifices. Because of you, those who followed were better trained, better equipped, and better supported."

The ceremony concluded with the reading of Governor Gordon's official proclamation designating March 30, 2026 as "Wyoming Veterans Welcome Home Day." The proclamation detailed the state's commitment to honor all veterans, including those of the Vietnam War and other conflicts, who did not receive proper appreciation upon their return.

The day also featured the Eagle Society Drum Group from the Wind River Indian reservation and the premiere of the Wyoming PBS documentary "Home from the Vietnam War." The documentary follows the journey of Wyoming Vietnam War Hero Army Lieutenant Lee Alley. The film, which moved many attendees to tears, detailed Alley's return and his struggles with PTSD and his trip back to Vietnam, offering a candid look at the long term cost of war. The documentary is scheduled to air later this year on PBS.
Residents can now resume getting their drivers license and Guam ID after the Department of Revenue and Taxation announced on Friday that its Drivers License Examination Branch is now fully operational.

The branch can now process all transactions.

While DRT announced the resumption of its online service on Thursday, allowing taxpayers to file business privilege tax and income tax returns, the Drivers License Examination Branch was only partially restored as of Wednesday night.

With limited services for days, the branch was only able to issue permits and schedule written tests but wasnt able to process all other transactions until the DRTs vendor worked to restore it to full operations.

No word on vendor

This also follows several days after DRTs online services were suspended due to an expired vendor contract.

The suspension left DRT unable to process any tax returns, print drivers licenses, and accept business privilege tax filings online, which led to a more than 4,000 hard-copy tax filing backlog, DRT officials told senators earlier this week.

The Pacific Daily News has reached out to Rev and Tax on whether the department was able to renew its contract with Data Management Resources, or if it was able to select a new vendor.

Fee waivers

On Wednesday, DRT announced fee and penalty waivers and certain service extensions.

What exactly those waivers and extensions will be for was not made clear.
A direct pathway for aspiring physicians from Guam and the region has been created, thanks to a new academic partnership between the University of Guam and the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine-Arkansas, NYITCOM.

The agreement was signed on Thursday at UOG.

Through the agreement, UOG students pursuing pre-medical studies will have the opportunity to complete four years of undergraduate education at UOG, followed by four years at NYITCOM to earn a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree at NYITCOMs campus in Jonesboro, Arkansas, UOG said in a media release.

The pathway represents a long-term strategy to build local health care capacity and increase the number of homegrown physicians serving Guam, the university said.

Guam faces a critical shortage of health care professionals, and this partnership is part of the solution, UOG President Anita Borja Enriquez said in a statement. By creating a clear pathway to medical school, we support our mission to provide public valuedeveloping local talent and strengthening the healthcare workforce for our island and region.

The announcement comes as Guam addresses physician shortages and expands access to care and highlights how UOG is working towards immediate and long-term solutions for the health care workforce.

Over the past decade, the dedicated faculty in CNAS have built a strong Biology program, and we have produced so many great students, Rachael Leon Guerrero, dean of the UOG College of Natural and Applied Sciences, said.

She said this partnership between the two academic institutions further expands the opportunities and impact for Guam students to pursue a career in medicine, while staying connected to the needs of the community.

Additional details about program requirements, eligibility, and application timelines will be announced in the coming months, UOG said.
Playing the renaming game only deepens Manila's desperation

Global Times) 16:32, April 03, 2026

Illustration: Liu Rui/GT

In William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, the heroine famously remarks, "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet." This suggests that the essence of a thing remains unchanged by its label. Manila, however, appears to challenge this notion.

Philippine media recently revealed that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr signed Executive Order No.111 on March 26, unilaterally renaming 131 geographical features within the so-called "Kalayaan Island Group" in China's Nansha Qundao with Philippine names. The order mandates that all government agencies and schools adopt these names, while national mapping authorities are tasked with updating official charts. It seems Manila naively believes that by simply changing the labels will somehow manifest "sovereignty."

The timing of this announcement is particularly noteworthy. Although the order was signed on March 26, it was made public three days after Chinese and Philippine representatives met in Quanzhou, Southeast China's Fujian Province, on Saturday for the 11th meeting of the bilateral consultation mechanism on the South China Sea - the first such meeting since January of last year. Malaca ang Palace waited until Tuesday to officially go public with the decree.

Regardless of whether this delay was a calculated move, the effect remains the same: Before the signals of de-escalation from the negotiating table could settle, a provocative renaming order was thrust into the public eye. This move severely undermines Manila's recent claims of wanting to "reset" relations with Beijing.

Li Kaisheng, vice president of the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies, told the Global Times that this maneuver by the Philippines is an attempt to assert its so-called "sovereignty" through "petty tricks" within its limited capacity while continuing to infringe upon China's rights in the South China Sea. Domestically, the timing may also serve as a balancing act. "Faced with an energy crisis exacerbated by ongoing Middle East tensions, there is a growing desire within the Philippines to cooperate with China on maritime resources. However, the government also faces pushback from hardline anti-China factions; thus, this renaming serves to appease domestic hawks," Li said.

Since then-president Benigno Aquino III signed an order in 2012 renaming the South China Sea waters near the Philippines as the "West Philippine Sea," "renaming politics" has become a staple of Manila's maritime strategy. However, such actions are detrimental to regional stability.

On one hand, these renaming attempts inevitably trigger counter-reactions from other claimants. On the other hand, the frequency of these stunts suggests a fundamental lack of sincerity regarding cooperation. This shows that Manila is unable to escape domestic political constraints to take substantive steps toward peace.

In reality, the practical significance of this renaming is negligible. A unilateral executive order cannot alter the underlying sovereignty of these features. China's sovereignty over the South China Sea islands and reefs has a deep historical and legal basis. Manila's gimmicks cannot challenge established international nomenclature; they are little more than an exercise in self-delusion.

Meanwhile, some public opinion in the Philippines continues to urge Manila to maintain a tough stance toward China. A Wednesday editorial of the Philippine Daily Inquirer claimed that seeking alternative fuel sources outside the Middle East should not come at the cost of "sovereignty," arguing that "the Philippines must just ensure that it approaches potential talks with China from a position of strength, not desperation."

This rhetoric attempts to balance two conflicting positions: seeking energy support from China while simultaneously engaging in provocations to maximize leverage. But what "position of strength" does Manila actually occupy? Is it a strength rooted in the country's energy vulnerability? Or is it the distracted Washington? Against this backdrop, playing games with the renaming of China's islands and reefs only underscores a position of increasing desperation.

All signs indicate that the Philippines is not genuinely committed to resolving the South China Sea issue. The Marcos administration has already strained its credibility with Beijing through persistent provocations; this latest move further erodes whatever little mutual trust remained.

If Manila wishes to avoid a "position of desperation," it must begin by abandoning the illusions of sovereignty built on mere name changes.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
(HedgeCo.Net) The private credit market is approaching a defining moment. According to projections from Moodys, global private credit assets under management are on track to exceed $2 trillion in 2026a milestone that underscores the rapid evolution of non-bank lending from a niche strategy into a core pillar of institutional portfolios. But the significance of this growth extends far beyond the headline number. What is unfolding is a structural transformation of global credit markets, driven by the convergence of institutional capital, regulatory shifts, and the expanding ambitions of alternative asset managers.

Private credit is no longer simply a substitute for traditional bank lending. It is becoming a dominant force in areas historically controlled by commercial banks, including investment-grade lending, asset-backed finance, and large-scale corporate financing. This shift is redefining how capital flows through the global economyand who controls it.

From Shadow Banking to Mainstream Allocation

The rise of private credit has been one of the most consequential developments in alternative investments over the past decade. Initially categorized as part of the shadow banking system, private credit emerged in the aftermath of the global financial crisis as banks retrenched under stricter regulatory requirements.

With the introduction of frameworks such as Basel III, traditional lenders faced higher capital requirements and tighter constraints on risk-taking. This created a vacuum in the marketone that private credit funds were uniquely positioned to fill.

Over time, what began as opportunistic lending to middle-market companies evolved into a sophisticated asset class encompassing direct lending, mezzanine financing, distressed debt, and specialty finance. Institutional investors, attracted by higher yields and floating-rate structures, began allocating capital at scale.

Today, private credit is no longer on the periphery. It is a central component of institutional portfolios, with pension funds, insurance companies, and sovereign wealth funds allocating significant capital to the space.

The $2 Trillion Threshold: More Than a Number

Crossing the $2 trillion mark is not merely symbolicit reflects a fundamental shift in the scale and scope of private credit.

At this level, private credit rivals traditional segments of the fixed income market in both size and influence. It has the capacity to finance large-scale transactions, support corporate growth, and provide liquidity across economic cycles.

But perhaps more importantly, it signals a transition from growth to maturity.

As the asset class scales, the focus is shifting from expansion to optimization. Managers are refining their strategies, diversifying their portfolios, and moving into higher-quality segments of the market. This includes investment-grade lending and asset-backed financeareas that require deeper expertise, stronger underwriting capabilities, and more sophisticated risk management.

Moving Up the Capital Structure

One of the most notable trends in private credit is its migration up the capital structure.

Historically, private credit funds focused on middle-market, non-investment-grade borrowerscompanies that were underserved by traditional banks. These loans typically offered higher yields to compensate for increased risk.

However, as competition intensified and capital inflows surged, many private credit managers began exploring opportunities in higher-quality credit segments. This includes lending to larger, more established companies, as well as participating in investment-grade transactions.

This shift reflects both necessity and ambition.

On one hand, the influx of capital has compressed spreads in traditional direct lending, pushing managers to seek new sources of return. On the other hand, the maturation of the asset class has equipped managers with the capabilities needed to operate in more complex and competitive environments.

The result is a blurring of boundaries between private credit and traditional fixed income markets.

Asset-Backed Finance: The Next Frontier

Another key area of expansion is asset-backed finance (ABF).

Unlike traditional corporate lending, which is based on a companys cash flow, asset-backed finance involves lending against specific pools of assetssuch as consumer loans, receivables, or infrastructure-related cash flows. This structure can provide additional security and diversification, making it particularly attractive to institutional investors.

Private credit managers are increasingly targeting this segment as a way to differentiate their portfolios and access new sources of yield. By leveraging their expertise in structuring and underwriting, they can create customized financing solutions that are not easily replicated by traditional lenders.

This move into asset-backed finance represents a natural evolution of the asset classone that aligns with the broader trend toward specialization and innovation in alternative investments.

The Role of Mega-Managers

The growth of private credit has been driven in large part by the industrys largest players. Firms such as Blackstone, Apollo Global Management, Ares Management, KKR, and Carlyle have built massive credit platforms, often managing hundreds of billions of dollars across multiple strategies.

These firms benefit from scale, brand recognition, and access to institutional capital. They are able to originate large deals, structure complex transactions, and provide end-to-end financing solutions.

In many ways, they are functioning as modern-day investment bankswithout the same regulatory constraints.

Their influence extends beyond dealmaking. By setting standards for underwriting, reporting, and investor communication, they are shaping the evolution of the asset class as a whole.

Private Credit vs. Banks: A Structural Shift

The expansion of private credit into areas traditionally dominated by banks is one of the most significant developments in global finance.

Commercial banks, constrained by regulation and capital requirements, have become more selective in their lending activities. This has created opportunities for private credit funds to step in and provide financingoften with greater speed and flexibility.

For borrowers, this can be a compelling alternative. Private credit offers customized solutions, faster execution, and a willingness to engage in complex or non-standard transactions.

For investors, it provides access to yield and diversification in a low-growth environment.

However, this shift also raises important questions about systemic risk and market stability. As private credit grows, its role in the financial system becomes more significantand more scrutinized.

Yield, Risk, and the Search for Income

One of the primary drivers of private credits growth has been the search for yield.

In a world where traditional fixed income instruments have offered limited returns, private credit has provided an attractive alternative. Senior-secured loans, in particular, have delivered yields significantly above high-yield bonds, often with stronger covenant protections.

The floating-rate nature of many private credit instruments has also been advantageous in a rising rate environment, allowing investors to benefit from higher interest payments.

However, these benefits come with risks.

As the asset class expands, concerns about credit quality, underwriting standards, and liquidity are becoming more prominent. The influx of capital has increased competition, potentially leading to looser terms and higher leverage.

Investors must carefully assess these risks, particularly as the market moves into more complex and less transparent segments.

Liquidity and Structural Considerations

Liquidity remains one of the defining characteristicsand challengesof private credit.

Unlike public markets, where assets can be bought and sold quickly, private credit investments are typically held to maturity. This illiquidity can be both a strength and a weakness.

On one hand, it allows managers to take a long-term view, focusing on fundamental credit analysis rather than short-term market fluctuations. On the other hand, it can create challenges in times of stress, particularly if investors seek to redeem capital.

Recent developments, including redemption caps and secondary market solutions, have highlighted the importance of liquidity management. As the asset class grows, finding ways to balance liquidity and return will be a key priority.

The Institutionalization of Private Credit

The approach toward $2 trillion in AUM is a clear indication that private credit has reached a new level of institutionalization.

This is reflected not only in the size of the market, but in its structure.

Dedicated funds, evergreen vehicles, and publicly traded entities are providing new avenues for investment. Reporting standards are improving, governance structures are becoming more robust, and technology is enhancing transparency and efficiency.

At the same time, the investor base is expanding. Retail investors, through interval funds and other vehicles, are gaining access to private credit strategies that were once limited to institutions.

This democratization of access is likely to further accelerate growthwhile also introducing new complexities.

Risks on the Horizon

Despite its momentum, private credit is not without challenges.

Macroeconomic uncertainty, including the potential for economic slowdown or rising default rates, could test the resilience of the asset class. Borrowers that have benefited from favorable conditions may face increased pressure as financing costs remain elevated.

There are also concerns about valuation transparency. Unlike public markets, where prices are determined continuously, private credit valuations are often based on models and assumptions. This can create discrepancies between perceived and actual value.

Regulatory scrutiny is another factor. As private credit becomes more systemically important, regulators may seek to impose additional oversight, particularly around leverage, liquidity, and risk management.

Conclusion: A Defining Moment for Private Credit

The journey toward $2 trillion in assets under management marks a pivotal moment for private credit.

What was once a niche strategy has become a cornerstone of modern financereshaping how capital is allocated, how companies are financed, and how investors generate returns.

The expansion into investment-grade lending and asset-backed finance signals a new phase of maturity, one defined by sophistication, scale, and strategic ambition.

For investors, the opportunity is clearbut so are the challenges. Navigating this evolving landscape will require careful analysis, disciplined underwriting, and a deep understanding of the structural forces at play.

As private credit continues to grow, its impact on the broader financial system will only increase. The lines between traditional and alternative finance are blurring, and the institutions that adapt to this new reality will be best positioned to succeed.

In the world of alternative investments, the message is unmistakable: private credit is no longer emergingit has arrived.
The United States of America and the Zionist regime, by attacking the Islamic Republic of Iran, have violated numerous human principles and international laws, including human rights and international conventions concerning the protection of civilians, universities, and religious figures. In this regard, Islamic Azad University, as one of the largest non-state, in-person universities globally, in order to inform international forums and document these crimes, points to just a few examples of the aggressive actions of these two hostile countries:

1. Assassination of a Political-Religious Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran and a Supreme Spiritual Authority for Muslims Worldwide:

This act, occurring in peacetime, is a clear violation of Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions (inviolability of religious figures) and Article 20 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (prohibition of incitement to violence against religions). Threatening his life is a direct threat to the spiritual identity of millions worldwide.

2. Destruction of Scientific and Academic Centres:

Universities, as centres of knowledge, awareness, academic discourse, and the education of future generations, enjoy special protection under international law. In the attacks by the American-Israeli coalition, by the fourth week of the war, 154 academic sections in 21 universities across the country had been targeted. Among these, the Agricultural Research Center of Islamic Azad Universitys Science and Research Branch, the research and educational buildings of Iran University of Science and Technology, the Electrical Engineering Faculty of Khajeh Nasir University of Technology, and Isfahan University of Technology suffered serious damage. These actions are a clear violation of Article 52 of the Geneva Conventions and customary rules of international humanitarian law.

3. Human Casualties among University Students and School Pupils:

By the fourth week of the war, 71 university students from various provinces had lost their lives, with Tehran Province having the highest number of martyrs at 23. Furthermore, the mass killing of 170 schoolgirls and their teachers in the city of Minab in the early hours of the war is a clear example of a war crime and a crime against humanity. Due to wartime conditions in the country, the opportunity to provide precise statistics has not yet been available, and the number of martyrs and injured professors, teachers, university students, and school pupils is certainly much higher.

4. Attacks on Vital Fuel Infrastructure and Environmental Resources:

Extensive and targeted attacks on fuel storage and transfer infrastructure in Shahr-e Rey, Tehran Province, Fardis-Karaj, and other areas, in addition to being covered by the protections of the 1949 Geneva Convention and its four Additional Protocols, and due to their environmental consequences, risk of pollution, and release of toxic substances, violate the provisions of the 1976 ENMOD Convention and pose a direct threat to the right of future generations to a healthy environment.

5. Attack on the Iranian Training and Unarmed Vessel Dena:

This vessel had departed for India on a friendly training mission before the war. This unarmed vessel was attacked by the US Navy on its return from India, resulting in the martyrdom of its 104 crew members. The President of the United States, with utmost cruelty, stated that when he asked his commanders why they did not capture them (who were unarmed), they replied that sinking the ship was more enjoyable.

These actions have occurred while international bodies responsible for maintaining peace and security, particularly the United Nations Security Council, has maintained an unforgivable silence. This silence is a dereliction of duty and a clear violation of international obligations. Therefore, in order to recall and demand the fulfilment of legal, ethical, and humanitarian commitments within the framework of international law, we request the following from the United Nations Security Council, the International Atomic Energy Agency, the International Committee of the Red Cross (overseeing the implementation of the Geneva Conventions), UNESCO, the United Nations General Assembly, and the Human Rights Council:

An explicit and transparent condemnation of the aggression by the governments of the United States and the Zionist regime against Iran, adoption of deterrent and punitive measures against the perpetrators of these aggressions, a decisive stance against the attack on the peaceful nuclear facilities of the Islamic Republic of Iran, documentation and follow-up of the extensive violations of conventions, an immediate investigation into the destruction of historical sites and registered cultural heritage sites, convening an extraordinary session of the United Nations to condemn these crimes and present effective solutions to prevent their recurrence.

We also call on all religious, scientific, academic, and cultural institutions worldwide to unite their voices, condemning the barbaric aggressions against Iran by the United States and the child-killing Zionist regime, to stand against this violence, and not to allow the fundamental rights of humanity to be sacrificed for the greed of aggressive powers. We trust that Your Excellency, recognising the gravity of these events and the importance of your role in promoting legal and scholarly awareness, will kindly contribute to the dissemination and consideration of these facts in international and academic circles.

Undoubtedly, the cooperation and participation of world universities in supporting international peace and justice will play a decisive role in preventing the recurrence of such aggressions.

Seyed Rasoul Mousavi

Vice President for International Affairs and Non-Iranian Students

Islamic Azad University of Iran

March 2026



This is a "Viewpoint" opinion column. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or position of The Helsinki Times. This column is not fact-checked, and HT is not responsible for any inaccurate or incorrect statement in this article.
The child died on Thursday after sustaining injuries at Kelokuusen daycare on 24 March, according to Eastern Uusimaa Police. The case has shifted from suspected aggravated injury to suspected causing death through negligence.

A two-year-old child has died following an incident at a daycare centre in Vantaa, where the child became trapped between a foldable bed and a wall during a rest period in March, police said.

Police said the incident took place during a daytime rest period. Some children had already woken while others remained asleep. A staff member noticed the child in a cabinet-style bed but then turned attention to another child.

The employee lifted the bed against the wall, unaware the child remained inside. The child slipped into a gap between the bed and the wall and became trapped for several minutes before emergency services arrived.

Rescue teams freed the child, who received resuscitation at the scene and was taken to hospital. The child later died from injuries.

This is a major human tragedy and all involved are deeply affected, said Detective Chief Inspector Marko Sarkka, who leads the investigation.

Police said the bed functioned as designed and showed no technical fault. Investigators found that the structure allows a gap of up to 15 to 17 centimetres when raised, which creates a risk for small children. The Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency has also stated that similar incidents relate to use rather than product defects.

The suspected offence now carries a maximum sentence of two years in prison. One staff member is under investigation. Police said inquiries will continue for several weeks, including a review of staffing levels at the time of the incident.

Vantaa city officials confirmed that staffing met required levels on the day of the incident.

The city has introduced new guidance for all daycare centres. Staff must now ensure two adults are present when beds are raised and that no children remain in the room during the process.

Authorities will also review all similar beds in municipal daycare centres and assess safety risks. No decision has been made on whether to remove them from use.

A day of mourning has been scheduled for 7 April at Vantaa City Hall and the daycare centre. Parents at the facility will receive information after the Easter period, while staff have already been briefed.

Police said the childs family has been informed and is receiving support.

HT
Irans health ministry said the Pasteur Institute in Tehran was hit on Thursday morning. The centre dates to 1920 and plays a role in disease control and research. Spokesperson Hossein Kermanpour said the strike marked a direct assault on international health security and called on global health bodies to respond and support reconstruction.

USA bombed the historical medical research centre in Tehran as the illegal war of aggression from the United States and Israel against Iran entered its fifth week, with rising casualties and calls for international action.

Since the start of the unprovoked attack by Israel and USA on Iran, more than 316 hospitals and medical facilities have suffered damage or destruction. The World Health Organization said the strike left the institute unable to continue services and confirmed more than 20 attacks on healthcare sites since early March.

President Masoud Pezeshkian urged international organisations and medical professionals to act. What message does attacking hospitals, pharmaceutical companies and the Pasteur Institute convey? he said on X. He called the strikes a crime against humanity and asked the World Health Organization, the Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders to respond.

Foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei described the attack as heartbreaking, cruel, despicable, and utterly outrageous and said the institute stood as one of the oldest public health centres in the region.

The strikes came hours after a US attack destroyed a suspension bridge linking Tehran and Karaj. Iranian state media reported eight deaths and 95 injuries. The structure, valued at $400m, was still under construction and completely civilian in nature. Footage shared by US President Donald Trump showed the central span collapsing after impact. Later US bombed 3 other civilian bidges.

The biggest bridge in Iran comes tumbling down, never to be used again, Trump wrote on social media, adding that there would be much more to follow if no settlement is reached. He also warned that power plants across Iran could face strikes.

Iran rejected claims that the bridge served military use and said the attack targeted civilian infrastructure. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said such actions will not compel Iranians to surrender and described them as a sign of moral collapse.

The conflict has killed more than 2,000 people in Iran and wounded over 26,000, according to official figures. More than 600 schools have also been hit. Across the region, Iran has launched missile and drone attacks against Israel and sites linked to US forces in Gulf states.

More than 100 legal experts in the United States warned that the conduct of the war raises serious concerns under international law. In a letter, academics from institutions including Harvard, Yale, and Stanford said strikes on schools, homes, and health facilities do amount to war crimes.

The letter cited comments by Trump, who said the US could strike Iran just for fun, and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, who said the military does not follow stupid rules of engagement. The experts wrote that such statements and actions risk violations of humanitarian law and human rights law.

The war is imposing significant harm to civilians in the region, the letter stated, noting daily costs of up to $2bn and rising civilian deaths. The signatories urged US officials to uphold the UN Charter and legal norms.

Iran has signalled further retaliation. Military spokesperson Ebrahim Zolfaqari said operations will continue until opponents face surrender. State media reported threats to regional infrastructure, including bridges in Gulf countries.

Diplomatic efforts remain limited. The United Kingdom has held talks with other countries on reopening shipping routes, while Pakistan has pushed for dialogue between Washington and Tehran. The United States said it remains open to negotiations but continues military operations.

The conflict has also triggered changes in US military leadership. Defence Secretary Hegseth dismissed senior officers, including Army Chief of Staff General Randy George, according to CBS News. One source says that Hegseth wants to replace Commander George with someone who supports his and President Trumps vision for the army and ignorance of international law and conventions.

In Israel, missile alerts continue in major cities. Civil defence systems remain active as strikes and counter-strikes persist across multiple fronts, including Lebanon and Syria.

HT
Two venues are celebrating this Easter after industry recognition from the prestigious National Pub & Bar Awards.

More than 250 pubs and bars from around the United Kingdom have been shortlisted in this years event.

The annual celebration, which marks its 10th anniversary this year, showcases a wide range of venues by naming 94 sites as the best in their respective counties.

The Loch & the Tyne in Old Windsor and The Oarsman in Marlow are among 252 venues nominated for a County Winner title at the 2026 ceremony.

The event in London on Wednesday, June 10, will bring together pubs and bars shortlisted throughout England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland to celebrate their success, before discovering which venues will go on to scoop up the coveted awards.

These include the 2026 County Winners, Regional Winners and overall National Pub & Bar of the Year.

A spokesperson at The Oarsman said the team are really pleased to be shortlisted for the Buckinghamshire Pub & Bar of the Year award.

Its a lovely recognition for the whole team, and the work that goes into the details, day in, day out, they added.

The Oarsman has always been about creating somewhere people want to return to  for the food, the drinks and the atmosphere around it.

To be included among so many well-regarded pubs and bars across the country means a great deal. Were looking forward to the final  and in the meantime, its business as usual here in Marlow.

Organisers say the awards highlight excellence across the sector, with venues assessed on factors including service, design, marketing, digital presence and overall customer experience.

A total of 94 County Winners will be announced live at the grand final and collect their certificates, as well as the Highly Commended venues for each area.

Tristan OHana, editor of Pub & Bar magazine, which hosts the awards, said last years expanded format had been a success.

We just want to do what we can to spread the word about these brilliant businesses, he said.

Our bigger and better format that debuted in 2025 was such a success, we cant wait to roll it out again this year.

The fact that the celebrations last from the long Easter weekend, when we celebrate this years County Nominees, right up until the awards night at the beginning of summer, is no less than this wonderful industry deserves.

Additional awards on the night will include the Industrys Choice Award, decided by a panel of 400 industry judges and presented in a Top 10 format.

The ceremony is headline sponsored by Tyrrells, alongside a range of industry partners including Codigo 1530 Tequila, Frobishers, ICRTouch, Inchs Riversider, Kerrymaid, Tork and UNOX.

On top of that, the consumer-voted Pub Group of the Year and Bar Group of the Year awards will also return, as well as the Tyrrells Tyrrellbly Good Taste Award.
AN Easter egg hunt at Valley Road Primary School in Henley raised more than 500.

On Thursday last week, 150 plastic eggs containing sweets were hidden in the school playground by members of the parent teachers association.

Each egg had the name of a pupil on it meaning the afternoon saw children sprinting around in the sun wearing bunny headbands all while shouting locations of other eggs to friends.

Once the eggs had been recovered and the sweets devoured, children exchanged them for a real chocolate egg to take home for Easter. Parents were asked to pay 3 towards the event to help raise funds for new cloakrooms at the school.

Natalie Pastlethwaite, one of the organisers, said: We ran it for the first time last year and it was such a success.

One of the parents, who is a teacher at another school, suggested it and we thought it was such a brilliant idea, so we tried it here.

Beatrice Payne and her friend Zara Taylor, both seven, said: Weve been trying to help others but its quite tricky  youve got to look high and low. One of ours was at the bottom of a tree, hidden by plants! Rocco Jaurigue and his friend Albert Prokopovics, both seven, rated the task five out of 10 on the trickiness scale but said it was so fun.

The event was sponsored by two Tesco and Philip Booth estate agents. Tesco donated all the chocolate eggs while Philip Booth donated 200 towards the fundraiser.

Philip Booth said the company was delighted to sponsor the event.

He said: As a proud independent estate agent, supporting our local community is incredibly important to us Events like this bring families together and create special memories for the children, so were thrilled to play a small part in making it happen.

Tim Coulston, the headteacher at Valley Road said: It was a fantastic event and the parent teacher association do so many brilliant things throughout the year, both to raise funds for the school but also to host fun activities for the children.

He added: It is a lovely day and we have great grounds which the organisers have made full us of.
China's top court releases typical cases on trafficking of women and children; crime rate down 77.95% from 2012 peak

Global Times) 16:33, April 03, 2026

China's Supreme People's Court on Thursday released a set of typical cases highlighting the strict punishment of crimes involving the trafficking of women and children. The number of such cases has shown an overall downward trend as a result of China's decade-long efforts to combat these crimes. In 2025, the number of trafficking cases dropped by 77.95 percent compared with the peak in 2012, indicating that the crimes have been effectively curbed, according to the court's official WeChat account on Thursday.

China takes a firm, zero-tolerance stance on crimes involving the trafficking of women and children in accordance with law. Traffickers will face severe penalties, especially ringleaders and those involved in serious offenses such as child abduction, trafficking multiple victims, sexual assault, forced prostitution, or causing death, injury, or severe mental trauma.

In one representative case, defendant surnamed Wang repeatedly reoffended and cycled in and out of prison. Over more than a decade between 2001 and 2015, he abducted and sold 11 toddlers across multiple regions, causing devastating psychological trauma to the victims' families, with some parents even attempting suicide.

The court found Wang to be the principal offender, noting that his crimes were particularly serious crimes, carried strong malicious intent, and caused significant social harm. Furthermore, after being comprehended, Wang refused to fully confess and showed no remorse.

Wang was then sentenced to death for child trafficking, combined with penalties from previous convictions. The death sentence has been approved and carried out in accordance with the law.

From 2021 to 2025, a higher proportion of defendants in trafficking cases  those involving women and children  were sentenced to more than 10 years in prison, life imprisonment, or death, exceeding the share for all criminal cases by about 10 percentage points over the same period, according to the release.

In addition to strictly punishing trafficking offenses, the top court also focused on intensifying the crackdown on the purchase of trafficked women and children, aiming to curb the "buyer's market," according to the release.

Another case highlighting the "buyer's market" involves Qiu, who profited by posing as an illegal marriage broker between 2018 and 2021. Through intermediaries, he purchased or deceived guardians to obtain women with mental illness or intellectual disabilities, confined them at his residence, and then sold them at high prices as "wives."

The victims in this case were particularly vulnerable due to their conditions, making them easy targets for exploitation. Qiu trafficked six women and sexually assaulted two of them. The court found that his actions  buying and reselling women for profit  constituted the crime of trafficking in women, with particularly serious circumstances. Qiu was ultimately sentenced to life imprisonment.

A third case cited by the top court involves parents selling their own children for profit. Between 2016 and 2023, defendant Li and his wife Zhang, despite already having several children, treated childbirth as a means of illegal gain. They showed no regard for whether buyers intended to raise the children and sold five of their newborns, making a total of 470,000 yuan ($68,400).

The court stressed that the law allows no form of human trafficking under any circumstances. Children are not their parents' property and must not be treated as commodities. Selling one's own children for profit seriously violates their personal rights and will be strictly punished. The couple were both sentenced in accordance with the law.

Crimes involving the trafficking of women and children seriously violate human rights, undermine family well-being, and threaten social stability, and are strongly condemned by the public. The Supreme People's Court has maintained a high-pressure stance against such offenses, ensuring strict punishment to protect the rights and interests of women and children and safeguard social harmony and stability.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Williamstown Health Board Finalizes N2O Bylaw Draft

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass.  The Board of Health on Tuesday approved final language for a local bylaw restricting the sale of nitrous oxide and asked the town's health inspector to start enforcing a ban on smoking tobacco products in apartments that was passed at last year's annual town meeting.

The N2O bylaw was developed by the board this year in response to testimony from resident Danielle Luchi. Luchi informed the board in December that the compound, often referred to as laughing gas, was being sold without regulation in town and likely was being used for recreational purposes prohibited by state law.

Luchi recommended  and the board agreed  that the town enact regulation modeled on an ordinance enacted in the city of Northampton last year.

The language reviewed by the board limits nitrous oxide sales in town to "kitchen supply stores" or "medical supply stores." Currently, the town has no businesses operating in those categories.

Anyone else selling N2O would be subject to fines for the first two offenses and potential criminal prosecution on a third offense.

At Tuesday morning's meeting, a noticed public hearing on the proposed regulation, the board made a couple of changes to the draft bylaw it developed with Health Inspector Ruth Russell.

Acting on feedback from town counsel, the Board of Health agreed to amend the fine structure for the N2O regulation to bring it in line with existing penalties in, for example, the section of town code dealing with tobacco sales.

In the original draft, the nitrous oxide bylaw set fines of $300 for the first and second offenses. As amended on Tuesday, those fines will be $100 for a first offense and $200 for a second offense.

"In the case of 3 or more violations or repeated, egregious violations of any section of this regulation, the selling of nitrous oxide will be reported as a criminal offense," the draft bylaw reads.

The board instructed Russell to make the amendments it discussed and bring the bylaw back for enactment at the body's April 27 meeting.

The board Tuesday also reversed its earlier decision on phasing in implementation of the anti-smoking bylaw town meeting approved last May

In February, the board instructed Russell to let a public information and education plan play out before moving into an enforcement phase that would begin on May 1.

William Raymond, who drafted the ban on smoking and vaping in apartment houses with more than four units and submitted it to town meeting via citizens' petition, was back before the board on Tuesday morning.

Raymond said he was told by the town clerk that the new bylaw was actionable as soon as it was posted in the town code, a move that was made this winter, following a lengthy review by the Attorney General's Office in Boston.

Board of Health Chair Devan Bartels told Raymond that the panel at its February meeting decided to target May 1 for the start of implementation. Bartels reminded Raymond that he attended that February meeting.

"The intent of having a grace period was that tenants and management companies would have a chance to internalize this and make behavioral change," Bartels said. "By giving people a chance to understand the regulation and respond appropriately  we would have a large impact.

"If that is not effective, enforcement begins. And that begins in about a month."

Raymond, who repeatedly cited his disputes with his Stratton Road neighbor in last year's discussion about a proposed townwide bylaw, again brought that neighbor into the conversation on Tuesday. This time, he made assertions about the neighbor's health that normally would be out of bounds in a public meeting in making the argument that said neighbor, who was not named, would not stop smoking without enforcement of the bylaw.

"This is a chronic problem," Raymond said. "It's not going to go away without repeated fines, probably.  I'm just asking you guys to say, 'Hey, we realize this is a tricky problem.'

"I'm hoping there can be, with incisive, crisp focus, the quickest way to get this matter resolved so it doesn't drag on for months."

Bartels recognized that Raymond had been patient as the bylaw process  and later state review  played out. But after Russell confirmed that the ordinance is enforceable, Bartels agreed the time had come to take action.

"Just to finalize the enforcement piece and when we should begin that  I don't want to be in violation of the law," Bartels said. "If the code, when it's published, becomes the time that it's enforced, I think that's appropriate. I didn't know that. So the spirit of this, 'persuading people through information and education'  maybe we should just move into enforcement."

"I say go for it," board member Wendy McWeeny added.

Without taking a new vote, the other board members tacitly agreed with the approach of implementing enforcement immediately.

In other business on Tuesday, the board heard that five town-owned air-quality sensors are running and providing data from sites around town and got an update from Russell on an enforcement action on a four-unit condominium on White Oaks Road.

The Department of Public Works shut off water at the structure a little more than a year ago because of burst pipes, and the town is looking into condemnation but has had trouble serving notice on the owners of the units, Russell said.

Russell also announced that for the second year, the town will have five air-conditioning units available to income-qualified seniors through a grant from the New England Rural Health Association.

"I think April 13 I was going to formally get the applications out," Russell said. "It will go live on both [the Board of Health and Council on Aging] websites so people can apply. It likely will be first-come, first-served again."
Finance Committee members are warning that Williamstown is closing in on override because of the lack of growth.

Williamstown Finance Committee Finalizes Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Proposal

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass.  The tax bill of a median-priced single family home will go up by 8.45 percent in the year that begins July 1 under a spending plan approved by the Finance Committee on Wednesday night.

After more than a month of going through all proposed spending by the town and public schools and searching for places to trim the budget and adjust revenue estimates, the Fin Comm voted to send a series of fiscal articles to the May 19 annual town meeting for approval.

The panel also discussed how to appeal to town meeting members to reverse what Fin Comm members long have described as an anti-growth sentiment in town that keeps the tax base from expanding.

New growth in the tax base is generated by new construction or improvements to property that raise its value. A lack of new growth (the town projects 15 percent less revenue from new growth in fiscal year 2027 than it had in FY26) means that increased spending falls more heavily on current taxpayers.

The two largest spending articles on the draft warrant for the May meeting are the appropriations for general government spending and the assessment from the Mount Greylock Regional School District.

The former, which includes the Department of Public Works, the Williamstown Police and town hall staffing, is up by just 2.5 percent from the current fiscal year to FY27  from $10.6 million to $10.9 million.

The latter, which pays for Williamstown Elementary School and the town's share of the middle-high school, is up 13.7 percent, from $14.8 million to $16.8 million.

There are multiple factors for the sharp increase, including the lack of reserve funds after the school district followed the advice of town officials in Lanesborough and Williamstown and spent down those accounts the last few years. And no one on the Williamstown Finance Committee Wednesday criticized the budget put forward by the Mount Greylock School Committee.

Instead the Fin Comm continued to point to what it believes is the real problem in town: stagnant growth.

"We looked at the chart," Chair Frederick Puddester said. "We're going to be in [Proposition 2 1/2] override territory soon, driven not by too much spending, frankly. I think we've underspent in a lot of areas in town. It's the fact that we're adverse to growth. One percent growth in our tax base will not support the level of services we demand and, I think, deserve.

"Until we come to grips with the fact that our aversion to growth means we can't fund the budgets we want to fund, we're going to continue to be in this position of 8 percent increases in taxes and, frankly, driving working-class people out of town because they can't afford to buy a house and pay the tax on the house they bought."

The committee asked Puddester to deliver a version of that message to town meeting.

His message likely will include a discussion of the town's levy capacity.

Under 1980's Prop 2 1/2, a Massachusetts community's ability to raise taxes is constrained in two ways. It cannot levy more than 2.5 percent of all the taxable property in the municipality, and it cannot increase taxes in a given year by more than 2.5 percent of the allowable levy in the previous year.

To surpass those limits, Williamstown would need a ballot vote for a levy override, something that current projections show will be on the table in just a couple of years.

In FY26, the current fiscal year, the town has an excess levy capacity of $2.7 million. That number drops to $1.2 million under the proposed FY27 budget, and, if trends continue, the excess capacity disappears as soon as FY29 under projections town hall staff prepared for the Finance Committee's Wednesday meeting.

In addition to the message on needing to grow the tax base, the Fin Comm on Wednesday talked about sending a signal on funding for the public schools.

Some local parents have raised concerns that, despite the more than 13 percent increase in spending for education in the FY27 budget, the town is not doing enough to fund K-12 education.

Fin Comm member Melissa Cragg offered a counterpoint.

"There were a few comments made last week and I've heard over the weeks about the amount that we need to invest in the kids," Cragg said. "I just want to turn that around and say 60 percent of the budget is in pure support of the kids.

"So every taxpayer in town, whether they have kids or not, is committing 60 percent of their tax bill as an investment in the kids of this town. I just wanted to make the point that that's not an inconsiderable amount."

Margo Neely, the only person on the nine-person panel to identify as the parent of school-aged children, stressed that the town needs to make it easy for parents to attend the May 19 town meeting.

"Last year, I got a babysitter to be at town meeting, and I asked for two months, 'Are there arrangements for people with kids?' and the tumbleweed came through  we found out about an hour before the meeting: 'Oh, yeah, there was someone here to watch the kids,' " Neely said. "I think families sometimes feel alienated because this information is not available to them.  I believe there's a plan in the works to potentially have something [for the 2026 annual town meeting].

"And I would be happy to go into the community and say, 'Drop your kids off, and we'll see you there."

In addition to the major townwide expenditures  like schools and snowplows  town meeting also sets the water and sewer rates for the coming fiscal year. Property owners who use those services will see a 6.8 percent increase in their rates under the warrant articles that cleared the Fin Comm on Wednesday.

All three cost sectors for users of those utilities  the water rate, sewer rate and assessment from the Hoosac Water Quality District  are rising from FY26 to FY27.

Puddester asserted that those increases are reasonable.

"The overall increase of all three  water, sewer, including Hoosac Water Quality District  is 6.8, and that's been flat for, what, three years?" Puddester said. "So it's a bigger hit than we hoped, but I think it's defensible given where it's been."

Puddester later clarified that while the town's water and sewer charges have been unchanged for three years, the HWQD assessment has gone up during the same period.

The Finance Committee Wednesday did get some good news on the local property tax front: The projected rate for the town's fire district is expected to drop from $1.24 per $1,000 of valuation to $1.15, a decrease of about 7 percent. That is because a drop in the appropriation to pay for the new fire station will offset proposed increases to the Fire Department's operational budget in FY27.

In other business Wednesday night, the Fin Comm passed on the opportunity to weigh in on two articles that could impact town finances: Article 21, a proposal to change the way the town posts public hearings that the town manager says could save between $5,000 and $10,000; and Article 22, a proposed amendment to the 41C property tax exemption that would lower raise the income and asset limits for residents 60 and over to participate in the program.

The committee did follow its practice of making advisory votes on grants recommended to town meeting by the Community Preservation Committee. Those grants are funded by a 2 percent surcharge on property tax bills (with the first $100,000 of valuation exempted) plus a partial match from the commonwealth.

The Finance Committee voted, 3-5, against recommending May's meeting approve a $20,000 grant to Sand Springs Pool and Recreation Center. The panel approved on votes of 6-2 recommending passage of the CPA grants of $25,000 to the town's Agricultural Commission and three historic preservation grants totaling $62,408. The other CPA articles on the town meeting warrant were recommended for passage by the Fin Common 8-0 votes.

Last spring, the Fin Comm recommended against town meeting passage of three CPA grants. All three passed by wide margins at the May meeting.
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Myanmar junta chief Min Aung Hlaing, who led a coup against Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government, has become the country's president after winning a parliamentary vote on Friday.

The presidential vote formalised his grip on political power in the war-torn nation five years after he ousted the Nobel laureates elected government in 2021, which plunged the Southeast Asian country into a civil war. The move marks a nominal return to an elected government but is widely considered to be an effort to keep the army in power.

In a live broadcast of the vote count in a parliament dominated by the election-winning Union Solidarity and Development Party and the military's quota of appointed armed forces legislators, the former commander-in-chief comfortably passed the threshold required to win the presidential vote. The military and its allies hold nearly 90 per cent of the seats in the two-chamber parliament.

open image in gallery File. Myanmar military leader Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing visits a polling station during the final round of general election in Mandalay, central Myanmar, on 25 Jan 2026 ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

The vote was held in the newly renovated parliament building in the capital, Naypyitaw, which was damaged in last year's earthquake. Aung Lin Dwe, speaker of parliament's combined upper and lower house, announced that Min Aung Hlaing won 429 out of the 584 votes.

China was the first country to congratulate the military general on becoming the president. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning on Friday said both nations were traditional friends and close neighbours, jointly building a community with a shared future.

Ms Mao said China follows a policy of friendship towards all the people of Myanmar.

The transition from top general to civilian president follows a lopsided election in December and January that was won in a landslide by an army-backed party and derided by critics and Western governments as a sham to perpetuate military rule behind a veneer of democracy.

Min Aung Hlaing was almost certain to become president after being nominated alongside two loyalists last week. The 69-year-old general has led the military junta in Myanmar for 15 years and was seen as coveting the presidency.

open image in gallery Myanmar's military representatives arrive for a session at Union parliament in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, Friday, 3 April 2026 ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

The general has been sanctioned by several Western nations, including the US, and barred from summits for five consecutive years by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. A court in Argentina last year issued an arrest warrant against him over the Rohingya genocide, while a court in East Timor took up a case alleging war crimes.

After casting his vote inside the heavily-guarded capital of Naypyitaw on 28 December, a smiling Min Aung Hlaing walked up to a gaggle of reporters, where he was asked if he planned to become president following the polls. "I can't simply say that I want to do this or that. I am not a leader of a political party," he said.

On Monday, Min Aung Hlaing stepped down as the chief of Myanmar's armed forces to seek the presidency, while also appointing a staunch loyalist  former spymaster Ye Win Oo  to succeed him as the commander of the military.

"He has long harboured the ambition to trade his title of commander-in-chief for president and it appears his dreams are now becoming a reality," said Aung Kyaw Soe, an independent Myanmar analyst.

Myanmar has been gripped by violence since the military wrested power from the democratically elected government of Suu Kyi, despite her party winning a landslide victory.

open image in gallery Myanmar's military representatives arrive for a session at Union parliament in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, Thursday, 2 April 2026 ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

The country has since been embroiled in a civil war, which has killed thousands of people and displaced millions. The conflict intensified in 2023 after the Three Brotherhood Alliance launched offensives against the army.

Born to a family from Myanmar's south, Min Aung Hlaing studied law before entering the military and rising steadily through the ranks, culminating in his promotion to military chief in 2011. A rigid military leader and considered a ruthless operator, he has also relied on a finely tuned ability to manage the countrys elites, using tactics that include handing important positions to loyalists and punishing political rivals.
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In February of 2021, Myanmars junta chief Min Aung Hlaing wrested power from the elected government of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi and effectively plunged the Southeast Asian country into a civil war.

Mr Min led the Tatmadaw, or the armed forces of Myanmar, for 15 years and was widely seen by regional experts as harbouring ambitions to lead the state. Five years on, he was elected president of the impoverished nation in a parliamentary vote on Friday.

His shift from junta chief to head of an administration follows an election analysts say was engineered by the military to preserve the generals grip on power.

The 69-year-old former military leader won 429 out of 584 votes cast at the Union Parliament dominated by the juntas proxy party, the Union Solidarity and Development Party. He beat two other presidential candidates  Nan Ni Ni Aye, from the Upper House, and ex-general Nyo Saw, nominated by the military.

He will become the 11th president of Myanmar since the country gained independence from the British in 1948.

open image in gallery Military Chief Min Aung Hlaing looks on after delivering a speech during a memorial event at the Myanmar International Convention Centre (MICC) in Naypyidaw on March 28, 2026 ( AFP via Getty Images )

With Suu Kyi's party dissolved and other major opposition parties not contesting, the United Nations and Western rights groups deemed the elections neither free nor fair, and the polls were eventually swept by the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party.

"He has long harboured the ambition to trade his title of commander-in-chief for president and it appears his dreams are now becoming a reality," Aung Kyaw Soe, an independent Myanmar analyst, told Reuters.

"If Min Aung Hlaing thinks that an official civilian title will shield him from prosecution for the many grave violations of international law that he is accused of overseeing as head of the military, that is not how international justice works," Amnesty International Myanmar researcher Joe Freeman said in a statement.

Since the coup, Mr Min has only had limited diplomatic contact with many of Myanmar's regional neighbours and has rarely spoken to non-state-controlled media. He was sanctioned by several Western nations, including the US.

Analysts say Myanmar's new president is a rigid military leader, but also a political creature with a fine-tuned sense for managing the country's elites. Those qualities, the people said, have helped him keep power through battlefield defeats that have dented the military's prestige and hold over the country, exposing Mr Min to criticism from supporters of the armed forces.

Nearly 93,000 people have died in conflict since the coup, according to the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project, a coalition of independent international researchers.

Pulling back from absolute rule and sharing power through elections functions as "an elite management strategy, diffusing responsibility and preserving regime cohesion," said Naing Min Khant, programme associate at the Institute for Strategy and Policy Myanmar, a think tank in Thailand.

Mr Min has handed some generals lucrative positions atop military-linked businesses, even as he occasionally detained other senior officers, including court marshalling one likely successor. Such moves have helped control potential rivals, according to Mr Naing.

"Power-sharing is managed through elite pacts embedded within the officer corps, where regime survival is closely tied to collective officer survival," the analyst said.

Diplomatic backing from China, in particular, has bolstered the general's position and supported the junta's recent limited comeback on some frontlines, it was reported in December.

The deepening ties were reflected on Friday when China became the first nation to extend congratulations to Mr Min on being elected as the president. Chinese foreign minister spokesperson Mao Ning said China and Myanmar are traditional friends and close neighbours, jointly building a community with a shared future, adding that China follows a policy of friendship towards all the people of Myanmar.

open image in gallery Current Myanmar prime minister Min Nyo Saw (L) and Commander in Chief of the Myanmar Army, General Ye Win Oo attend a memorial event at the Myanmar International Convention Centre (MICC) in Naypyidaw ( AFP via Getty Images )

Among the loyalists is retired military officer and former UN ambassador Than Swe, who serves as junta foreign minister.

Mr Than has also since been part of efforts to rebuild diplomatic relationships with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations bloc that froze ties with the generals soon after the coup.

The fourth of five siblings born to a family from Myanmar's south, Mr Min read law at university in Yangon, then the country's capital.

In 1977, he passed out of the Defence Services Academy, the crucible of the officer corps, and made a steady ascent through the ranks. This included time as a commander in Myanmar's historically restive borderlands. The academy's motto  "The Triumphant Elites of the Future"  signals the institution's central role in shaping generations of military brass.

Most leave seeing the military as the self-appointed guardian of national unity, as well as of the rights of the majority Bamar ethnic group and the Buddhist religion many of them follow.

That sense of the generals as the country's ultimate protectors pushed Mr Min to take absolute control in February 2021, months after a military-backed party was crushed at polls by Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy, an official familiar with his thinking told Reuters. "He felt justified in doing the coup," the official said. "Suu Kyi was not listening to him, to his concerns."

Suu Kyi, now 80, is serving a 27-year sentence for offences including incitement, corruption and election fraud. She denies the charges.

The politician has spent previous bouts of detention in the relative comfort of house arrest. This time, the junta has not released specifics on her whereabouts or well-being, though it insists she is in good health.

Malaysian prime minister Anwar Ibrahim made a failed diplomatic push for the release of Suu Kyi last year, according to the foreign former official. "Min Aung Hlaing quickly closed the door on that," the person said. "I know that this was their red line."

Mr Anwar's office and a lawyer who previously represented Suu Kyi did not respond to requests for comment.

After casting his vote inside the heavily guarded capital of Naypyitaw on 28 December, a smiling Mr Min walked up to a gaggle of reporters, where he was asked if he planned to become president following the polls.

"I can't simply say that I want to do this or that. I am not a leader of a political party," he said. On Monday, Mr Min stepped down as the chief of Myanmar's armed forces to seek the presidency, while also appointing a staunch loyalist  former spymaster Ye Win Oo  to succeed him as the commander of the military.

Under the military-drafted constitution, the president wields significant executive power but does not have authority over the armed forces - although analysts say Mr Mins selection of a successor will likely enable him to keep a firm grip for now.

The next generation of military leaders isn't likely to take a significantly different approach toward Suu Kyi or the resistance movement, said Maj Naung Yoe, who left the junta after the coup and now researches the civil war.

"There might be some who don't like the way the military is handling things and they don't like Min Aung Hlaing," he said. "But that does not mean that they like the revolution."
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Human remains were found aboard a Thai-flagged cargo vessel that was attacked last month in the Strait of Hormuz, the vessels owner and Thailand officials said.

The authorities were unable to immediately confirm the identities of the dead.

Thailands foreign ministry said search teams located the remains on the Thai-flagged bulk carrier Mayuree Naree during a second boarding operation conducted under difficult conditions, including severe fire damage and flooding in the engine room, reported The Nation.

The vessels owner, Precious Shipping, confirmed that certain human remains were found within the affected area of the vessel, but said it could not yet determine either the number of individuals or their identities, according to the AFP.

The company has informed the families of three crew members who had been reported missing following the incident. A total of 20 Thai crew members had earlier been rescued and returned home in mid-March after being evacuated by the Omani navy.

The ship was transiting the Strait of Hormuz on 11 March when it was struck, sustaining heavy damage to its aft section. The impact triggered a major fire and led to flooding in the vessels mechanical compartments, complicating subsequent search efforts.

According to the Thai authorities, the search operation was carried out in challenging conditions due to the extent of the damage.

The foreign ministry said it was saddened by the discovery and would work with Thai embassies, Iranian authorities and forensic specialists to establish the identities of those found.

The attack took place during a period of escalating regional conflict. US-Israeli strikes on Iran in late February were followed by retaliatory action from Tehran, which effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil shipments.

The Thailand-flagged cargo ship Mayuree Naree engulfed in black smoke in the Strait of Hormuz, 11 March 2026 ( Reuters )

Irans Revolutionary Guards said in March they had targeted the Mayuree Naree and a Liberia-flagged vessel because the ships had ignored warnings.

The cargo vessel had departed Khalifa port in the United Arab Emirates and was travelling through the strait in ballast  meaning it was not carrying cargo at the time of the incident.

The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow passage linking the Persian Gulf to global shipping lanes, has seen a rise in attacks involving drones and naval confrontations in recent months, placing commercial vessels and civilian crews at increasing risk.

The United Nations Security Council postponed a planned vote on Friday on authorising the use of defensive force to protect shipping in the waterway from further attacks.

Precious Shipping said the vessel is covered by war-risk insurance and does not expect the incident to have a material financial impact or disrupt overall operations at this stage.
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British Transport Police (BTP) have launched an urgent appeal, naming a man they wish to speak to in connection with a reported rape at a railway station.

Members of the public are being warned not to approach Billy Ormiston, who is understood to have connections to Coventry and north Warwickshire.

The appeal follows an incident at Nuneaton railway station on the night of 13 March, when officers were called to reports of a rape.

A section of the station was cordoned off to allow forensic inquiries to take place.

In a statement confirming that specially trained officers are continuing to support the victim, BTP appealed for information and urged anyone who spots Ormiston to dial 999.

The statement said: Detectives investigating a rape at Nuneaton railway station in Warwickshire are releasing the name and image of a man they would like to speak to.

Officers would like to speak to Billy Ormiston, who is aged 36 and has links to the Nuneaton, Coventry and Atherstone areas.

Anyone who has information about Ormistons whereabouts is asked to text BTP on 61016 or call 0800 40 50 40, using the reference 708 of 13 March.

For immediate sightings please do not approach him but call 999.

Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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High street crime has become "more brazen, more organised and more aggressive," with retail staff enduring daily abuse and violence, Marks & Spencers director has warned. T

hinus Keeve called on the Government and City Hall in London to tackle anti-social behaviour, citing large groups of teenagers, often encouraged by social media, swarming shopping districts.

In a statement on the retail giants website, Mr Keeve said: Without a government seriously cracking down on crime and a Mayor that prioritises effective policing we are powerless.

We need a stronger, faster and more consistent police response, using tools that already exist to target repeat offenders and crime hotspots.

And we need far greater transparency on crime so the true scale and impact is understood and can be used to target resources.

Mr Keeve said M&S chief executive Stuart Machin has written to the Home Secretary, while he has written to London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan over the issue.

It comes after teenagers arranged to meet in Clapham, south London, in the last week as part of link-ups, using social media apps including TikTok and Snapchat, before they surged into shops.

About 100 officers responded to antisocial behaviour on Tuesday, according to the Metropolitan Police. Five people were assaulted, including four police officers.

On Thursday, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said a 48-hour dispersal order is in place covering Rochdale town centre until Saturday at 11.30am.

open image in gallery ( Getty Images )

Groups of young people were reported to be harassing staff and causing criminal damage at a business and in the town centre on Wednesday.

Inspector Meena Yasin, from the GMPs Rochdale district, said: We have implemented this order to provide further powers for officers in the area to robustly deal with anti-social behaviour, and to protect people and businesses.

Mr Keeve, in his statement  headlined Retail crime chips away confidence in our High Streets  said: It is becoming more brazen, more organised and more aggressive.

Its a clear ask: support our police. Help them show up in our communities when and where we need them.

Give them the resources they need to tackle crime effectively and ensure they work with retailers to consistently use the tools weve developed to share data and help them actively target offenders.

This is not complicated. The capability exists. The data exists. The investment has been made. Time is up, we need to deal with this now.

He said he saw the hurt in shop workers and customers following attacks.

Too many are dealing with theft, intimidation and verbal and physical abuse as part of their daily reality, he wrote in the Daily Telegraph.

It impacts well-being, and it drives people out of the industry.

When stores become unsafe, were not just failing retail workers, were failing the next generation of the workforce.

Sir Sadiq has condemned the scenes of teenagers in Clapham as utterly unacceptable and said further arrests were likely within days as officers review CCTV and bodyworn video.

He warned the culprits will face the full force of the law and said police are working with social media companies to try to clamp down on viral online content which promotes violence and theft.

Sir Sadiq said: Not only did they spread fear in the local community, but assaulting and intimidating hard-working retail staff and police officers are serious offences.

The Met are taking a zero-tolerance approach to any form of criminality, increasing officer numbers in hotspot areas and potentially using dispersal orders.
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Marmalade may need to be relabelled if a post-Brexit food deal is a agreed with the European Union as part of the governments attempt to slash red tape and reduce trade friction with the bloc.

The spread will need to be sold as citrus marmalade if the agreement - which would see Britain readopt EU food regulations to boost trade - goes ahead.

The name change would reportedly be required because the EU is relaxing its labelling rules to widen the legal definition of marmalade across Europe.

Previous European regulations which were incorporated in UK law before Brexit mean that it is only preserves made from citrus fruits that can be sold as marmalade, while all other types of fruit spread are named jam.

Marmalade may need to be relabelled as part of a post-Brexit deal with the EU ( Getty Images )

But in the wake of the UKs departure, Brussels has updated its rules allowing all EU countries to label non-citrus spreads as marmalade from June.

Meanwhile, citrus-based conserves will need to be marketed using the new legal name "citrus marmalade.

The food deal, officially known as the sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement, will involve shared standards on animal and plant health.

Sir Keir Starmer is currently preparing a bill which would hand ministers powers to bring the UK into alignment with EU law, as part of an attempt to reduce paperwork and boost growth in Britain.

The bill, which will be brought forward this year, would give ministers overarching powers to bring the UK in line with EU law in certain areas, such as food standards, animal welfare and pesticide use  a process known as dynamic alignment.

It is understood that the new powers could be used to implement deals struck with the EU, including the SPS agreement.

Ministers argue that dynamic alignment would have little material impact as UK food manufacturers have already largely followed EU rules since Brexit , but it is hoped that it would reduce expensive and time-consuming paperwork for suppliers who want to export to the single market.

But there are concerns that it would see the UK surrender control over its own laws.

When the UK was a member of the EU, the government previously had a vote on new laws being passed by Brussels. But now, the UK would need to accept the laws without a vote if it wants to remain in dynamic alignment with the trade bloc.

However, government sources said that under the SPS deal, the UK would have the ability to shape EU decision-making on areas within the scope of the agreement.

But government sources insisted that firms would already have to make the shift towards the EUs labelling rules if they want to export to the bloc, whether or not the deal is agreed. The deal comes as part of the governments wider plan to reset relations with Brussels after years of strained relations since Brexit under successive Conservative governments.

A government spokesperson said: "British marmalade is not changing; it will still be the same product available in our shops as it is now.

"British manufacturers align with international standards to ensure our world-class produce can be sold to a larger international market.

"Our deal with the EU supports businesses by removing the costly red tape that holds back our exporters from our largest trading partner.

"Crucially, our agreement secures the UKs ability to shape the rules that affect our industry in the national interest."
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Ministers have pledged 90 million to safeguard hundreds of Englands most threatened native wildlife from extinction.

This funding, which the Environment Department (Defra) calls the largest-ever investment in species protection, will support efforts to reintroduce or bolster populations of birds, beavers, beetles, snails, spiders, and seahorses across England.

Hundreds of local projects will receive a share of 60 million through Natural Englands species recovery programme over the next three years, Defra said.

And a further 30 million will be dedicated to species recovery across Englands national forest estate.

Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said: This long-term commitment is a decisive step towards reversing the decline of nature and protecting it for generations to come.

The UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world, with researchers finding that wildlife populations have fallen by a third since 1970, and one in six species are at risk of extinction.

Last year, green groups assessed that the UK is significantly off-track to meet a legally-binding target to protect 30% of land and sea for nature by 2030.

open image in gallery Under the species recovery programme, funding will support conservation projects including habitat restoration ( James Shooter/Rewilding Europe/PA )

Defra said the funding uplift will help to support the Governments mission to reverse nature declines and meet legal targets set out in the environmental improvement plan, which also include halting the decline in species abundance by 2030 and reducing species extinction risk by 2042 against 2022 levels.

Under the species recovery programme, the 60 million in funding will support conservation projects including habitat restoration as well as captive breeding and species reintroductions.

The hope is that it will help to tackle habitat loss across England, restore nature-rich landscapes, and safeguard fragile ecosystems such as ancient woodlands and chalk streams.

Natural England will confirm which projects will receive funding for 2026 to 2029 in May but early indication suggests the money will support actions focused on a wide range of species.

This rounds funding is more than double the previous, which saw 32.2 million allocated to the programme between 2023 and 2026 to support more than 600 species, including water voles, hazel dormice and oystercatchers.

Tony Juniper, the organisations chair, said: If there is one positive thing about species decline, it is the fact that it is usually reversible.

Natural Englands species recovery work has brought the rarest species back from the brink for decades, he said, citing red kites, ladys slipper orchids, pool frogs and large blue butterflies.

Through the proven winning mix of good science and effective partnerships, we know that many species can be restored to favourable status.

He said the new funding will enable us to support even more of the many initiatives under way across England to halt and reverse the decline of our wonderful wildlife.

Natural England says its species recovery programme has helped protect more than 1,000 species and prevented the national extinction of at least 35.

Funding helped the first red-billed chough to hatch in the wild in Kent for more than 200 years, black grouse were successfully reintroduced to the North Yorkshire Moors, and the large marsh grasshopper returned to the Norfolk Broads after an 85-year absence.

The announcement comes as Defra unveils a new campaign called Wild Again: Restoring Englands Wildlife as part of its efforts to protect and recover nature.
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Reform UK is launching a new podcast to offer behind the scenes access to the party, in what has been seen as an attempt to bypass the mainstream media.

The podcast, which will be available on both Apple and Spotify, will release its first episode on Saturday, and will include interviews with key party figures including Nigel Farage.

The first episode will focus on Reforms campaign efforts in the build up to the local elections and will reportedly include encounters with both supporters and critics of the party, according to The Telegraph.

Nigel Farages party is starting a new podcast ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

The party told the newspaper that the podcast will provide the sort of access behind the scenes of a political party that has never been listened to before.

A spokesperson added: Given that most politicians say one thing in public and another in private, were giving your ears exclusive access to behind the scenes at Reform UK.

Meanwhile, Mr Farage said: We do things differently at Reform. This launch means that we are the only political party that produces its own podcast  bringing you closer to the action. This is access all areas.

But a Labour Party spokesperson said: No amount of hours behind a podcast microphone will persuade voters Nigel Farage will stand up for working people.

By opposing NHS investment, key laws keeping kids safe online, and free breakfast clubs in schools, hes shown time and again that Reform are not on your side.

While this is the first podcast officially linked to a UK political party, Green Party leader Zack Polanski also has his own podcast - but it does not come under the party banner.

Mr Farage has had a number of run-ins with the UK media, repeatedly accusing mainstream media outlets - including the BBC - of being "biased" against him and his party.

He also previously called a journalist from the Daily Mirror disgusting after she asked him questions about his tax affairs.

And last year, the party faced controversy after the leader of a Reform UK council effectively barred a local newspaper and website from interacting with the authority.

The ban imposed by Nottinghamshire County Council came after Nottinghamshire Live published a series of stories which council leader Mick Barton claimed consistently misrepresented Reform.

The new podcast comes as Reform surges in the polls, with the party expected to perform well at the upcoming local elections and deliver a brutal set of results for Labour.

Reform UK has been contacted for comment.
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Sir Keir Starmers cost of living champion has urged the government to consider extending or enlarging the 5p fuel duty cut as the Middle East crisis deepens.

Oil prices, which have a significant effect on the cost of fuel, have soared in response to Irans stranglehold on tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz, pushing up pump prices and piling pressure on the government to abandon a planned increase in fuel duty due in September.

Iceland boss Richard Walker joined mounting calls for ministers to abandon the fuel duty hike.

I think given where we are, we do need to be thinking and talking about extending it or enlarging it, Lord Walker told BBC Radio 4s Today programme.

Interestingly, the Australian government, I was reading, have recently taken 14p per litre cut to their fuel tax. I mean, this cut is 5p, he added.

open image in gallery Iceland boss Richard Walker, pictured with Keir Starmer, joined mounting calls for ministers to abandon the fuel duty hike ( PA Archive )

Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced in her November 2025 budget that the 5p-per-litre cut in fuel duty introduced by the Conservative government in March 2022 would only be extended until the end of August, with rates then gradually returning to March 2022 levels over the next five years. However, other countries have already taken action to reduce the impact of price hikes for drivers.

Lord Walker was asked about Tory peer Simon Wolfsons comment that the Treasury must not end up profiting from the Iran war, and could help businesses and consumers by adjusting duty on fuel to help ease immediate cost pressures.

Chief executive Lord Wolfson said the government would be taking higher tax in fuel duty because of the spiking prices, and could balance the books by bringing it down to ensure the tax take remains the same.

Labour peer Lord Walker said: Lord Wolfson is a great guy and very intelligent, and he might have a point there.

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has also called for a 10p cut in fuel duty to help motorists deal with the rising cost of petrol and diesel.

Families are paying more at the pump because of a war they didnt start and dont support, he said.

open image in gallery Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the 5p-per-litre cut in fuel duty would only be extended until the end of August ( PA Wire )

Taking action on petrol and diesel prices, cutting fuel duty now, not by 1p, not by 5p, by 10p a litre, he said, was especially important today as people set off to join families and friends for the Easter weekend  21 million trips  the busiest weekend on British roads in years.

It comes as motoring services company the RAC said the latest average price of a litre of diesel at UK forecourts was 185.2p, up 30 per cent since the war started on 28 February.

Average petrol prices have reached 154.5p per litre, a rise of 16 per cent over the same period.

Prime minister Sir Keir has previously promised to keep a planned rise in fuel duty from September under review in light of whats happening in Iran, and the government has stepped up efforts to help drivers find the cheapest fuel in their area through a price comparison site.

But opposition parties have called for swifter action and have set out their own plans to lower the price of petrol and home energy bills as households face the prospect of energy bill hikes later this year.

The Conservatives have called for VAT on energy bills to be removed for the next three years; Reform UK has pledged to reduce VAT on fuel and scrap green levies on energy bills; and the Liberal Democrats have said a 10p cut in fuel duty should be introduced.

Meanwhile, in the face of growing political pressure to increase North Sea drilling amid concerns over energy security, The Times reported that energy secretary Ed Miliband is expected to approve the Jackdaw gasfield off the coast of Scotland, although he remains opposed to the Rosebank field.
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Donald Trump has been accused of treating the Iran conflict as a game show by a United Nations humanitarian chief after the US hit civilian targets in the country and threatened to bomb Iran back to the Stone Ages.

Tom Fletcher, the UNs under secretary general for humanitarian affairs, has accused the US president of war crimes by bombing bridges and threatening further attacks on Irans infrastructure, and deplored the reckless nature of the conflict and its effect on ordinary people in Iran.

War is not a game show; peace-making is not a real estate deal; the world is not a casino, said Mr Fletcher, who worked for three former British prime ministers: Tony Blair, Gordon Brown and David Cameron.

You dont hit civilian infrastructure. That includes hospitals. You dont hit schools, energy sources, bridges. That is a war crime. That is absolutely clear in international law.

Somewhere along the way, we have thrown all that aside. We have chosen impunity, indifference and game-show gambling over solidarity and humanity, Mr Fletcher told the BBC.

He added: We [UN humanitarian aid workers] are out there dealing with the huge unintended consequences of this reckless conflict.

Mr Fletcher argued there had been a gradual and then sudden deterioration in the protection of civilians, adding: This stuff is not negotiable.

His comments came after Mr Trump threatened further attacks on Irans infrastructure if the countrys leadership refused to agree to US demands.

open image in gallery Donald Trump has been accused of treating the Iran war like a game show ( AP )

Posting on Truth Social, he said: Our Military, the greatest and most powerful (by far!) anywhere in the World, hasnt even started destroying whats left in Iran. Bridges next, then Electric Power Plants!

New Regime leadership knows what has to be done, and has to be done, FAST!

It comes in the wake of an open letter, signed by more than 100 experts on international law, expressing profound concern about what they see as serious violations of international law by the US, Israel and Iran.

The law experts say both the conduct and rhetoric of the US in the war are profoundly concerning and, in some cases, amount to violations of international law. They say the attack on Iran was a clear breach of the United Nations Charter, which prohibits the use of force outside of self-defence or when authorised by the UN Security Council.

The experts include former US government officials and professors in international law. They point to alarming rhetoric being used by US officials, including President Trumps threats to obliterate Irans power plants.

open image in gallery Donald Trump posted a video of Irans biggest bridge being destroyed ( Trump/Truth Social )

They also highlight the attack on a school in Minab on the wars first day, which evidence suggests was the result of a US strike, saying it could amount to a war crime if evidence is found that those responsible were reckless. The Pentagon has said it is investigating the attack.

In response to the open letter, a White House spokesperson told the BBC that Mr Trump was making the entire region safer and more stable.

The spokesperson added: The president does not make these incredibly important national security decisions based on the opinions of these so-called experts, but on the best interest of the American people.

Mr Trumps threat to bomb Iran back to the Stone Ages was over the need to strike a deal to open the Strait of Hormuz and alleviate chaos in the energy markets.

In the face of ongoing military strikes by the US and Israel, Iran has tightened its grip on the maritime pinchpoint, sending global oil and gas prices skyrocketing.

Foreign secretary Yvette Cooper has signalled Iran could face further sanctions if the vital waterway remains closed after holding talks with more than 40 nations from across the world.

She said collective action to increase pressure on Tehran was being discussed as she accused the country of trying to hold the global economy hostage with its stranglehold on the key trade route.

But Mr Trump launched renewed criticism of the UKs approach to the conflict on Thursday, mocking Sir Keir Starmer as weak and taking a fresh dig at the UKs navy.

The US president impersonated the prime minister as he recounted Sir Keir saying he had to ask his team about sending two old broken-down aircraft carriers to the Middle East.

Mr Trump said Britain should be our best ally, but had not been in his latest sideswipe over the UKs refusal to be drawn into the conflict with Tehran, which has emerged in a video from a private Easter White House lunch.

It is not the first time the American leader has been critical of the UKs aircraft carriers, having previously dismissed them as toys that arent the best.

In the face of criticism by Mr Trump, Ms Cooper said that our job is to take decisions in the UK national interest.

Irans closure of the Strait of Hormuz is a direct threat to global prosperity, she said in a statement following the virtual meeting on Thursday.

Iran is trying to hold the global economy hostage in the Strait of Hormuz.

They must not prevail. To that effect, partners today called for the immediate and unconditional reopening of the Strait and respect for the fundamental principles of freedom of navigation and the law of the sea.

Britain is seeking to lead the diplomatic initiative, including countries such as France, Germany and some Gulf nations, after Mr Trump signalled it was up to others to unblock the waterway not relied upon by the US.

After chairing the video call, Ms Cooper told broadcasters: Weve taken a different view from the US from early on, and we didnt get drawn into offensive action in the Middle East, because we thought that there were real concerns about escalation risks, impact  including on the economy  and also the need for a proper plan.
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A group of former Grubhub executives is challenging AAAs market dominance through a newly unified digital roadside assistance platform.

The move follows the acquisition of Curbside SOS by the private equity-backed platform Honk Technologies last month, according to Grubhub co-founder Matt Maloney.

While the financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, the combined entity will be majority-owned by private equity firm Frontenac and led by the Curbside management team, The Wall Street Journal reported.

The deal brings Maloney back together with several of his former colleagues, including Adam DeWitt and Eric Ferguson, who served as Grubhubs chief executive and chief operating officer respectively.

The team aims to apply the logistics-heavy model of food delivery to vehicle breakdowns. Curbside SOS focuses on individual motorists through a consumer-facing app, while Honk Technologies operates primarily as a business-to-business service for insurance companies and fleet managers.

The merger, backed by private equity firm Frontenac, reunites Matt Maloney with former Grubhub leadership to apply the real-time logistics and transparent pricing of food delivery to the roadside assistance market ( Getty Images )

The two companies combined completed more than one million jobs last year, Maloney told The Wall Street Journal.

The platform functions similarly to modern service apps, allowing users to view transparent pricing upfront, track the arrival of assistance in real-time and process digital payments.

In an effort to speed up response times, Curbside has also begun training gig economy workers to perform basic vehicle repairs  such as tire changes or jump-starts  that do not require a heavy-duty tow truck.

The merger aims to challenge AAA, the non-profit federation of motor clubs that has led the American market since 1902. The organization currently has more than 60 million members.

Maloneys pivot to roadside assistance follows his departure from Grubhub in 2021.

Once a pioneer in the U.S. food-delivery space, Grubhub struggled under intense competition from rivals such as DoorDash. After being acquired by Europes Just Eat Takeaway.com in 2020, the company was eventually resold at a significantly lower valuation than its peak.

The new combined company will continue to trade under the Honk Technologies name for its corporate operations, while maintaining both the Curbside and Honk brands for their respective markets.

The Independent has contacted Maloney and AAA for comment.
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One crew member has been rescued and the search continues for the second pilot after a U.S. F-15 fighter jet was shot down over Iran, the first aircraft downed in Iranian territory since the war began nearly five weeks ago.

The jet, flown by a two-member crew, was shot down by Iranian forces around 6:45 a.m. ET Friday and a rescue mission was quickly launched. One of the pilots, who had ejected before the aircraft went down, was rescued by U.S. forces, two U.S. officials have told CBS News. The pilot is alive and receiving medical attention, officials said.

U.S. forces are racing to recover the second pilot, a weapons system officer, before Iranian forces can reach them. Israel is helping the United States with the search and rescue operation.

An Iranian news anchor has urged residents to hand over any enemy pilot to police and promised a reward for anyone who did. An on-screen TV crawl earlier urged the public to shoot them if you see them, referring to social media footage circulating of what appeared to be U.S. aircraft in the area.

President Donald Trump told The Independent on Friday afternoon that he didnt know what he would do if the pilot was harmed by the Iranians: "Well, I can't comment on it because  we hope that's not going to happen," and ended the call shortly thereafter.

open image in gallery A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft was shot down over Iran (File photo) ( via REUTERS )

Also on Friday, Iran's air defense system targeted an "enemy" A-10 aircraft in southern waters near the Hormuz Strait, the nation's state media said on Friday. The New York Times reported earlier in the day that a second U.S. Air Force combat plane had crashed in the Gulf region on Friday and its only pilot was then rescued.

Hours after Trump was briefed on the crash of the F-15, the president made no mention of the incident as he took to Truth Social, writing: KEEP THE OIL, ANYONE?

But when asked about it during a brief interview with NBC News, Trump said that the downing of the U.S. fighter jet would not affect any negotiations with Iran.

No, not at all. No, its war. Were in war, he said on the call.

open image in gallery Part of the alleged wreckage of the F-15 jet was shown on Iranian state media ( via REUTERS )

As the search for the F-15 jets missing crew continues, Iranian state-linked media outlets reported that helicopters were deployed to find the missing U.S. military member, though there were conflicting accounts about their origin.

The Fars news agency said it was unclear who operated the aircraft, while Tasnim reported they were American and claimed at least one helicopter was forced to retreat after coming under fire. Tasnim also said a U.S. C-130 Hercules aircraft was involved in the operation.

Mizan, an outlet affiliated with Irans judiciary, reported that an American rescue mission was active and published images it claimed showed U.S. aircraft in Iranian airspace.

Iranian officials called on civilians to be on the lookout for survivors, according to Reuters. The governor of Iran's Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province said whoever captured or killed the crew would be specially commended, according to the semi-official Iranian news agency ISNA.

open image in gallery This video grab taken from UGC images posted on social media on April 3, 2026 show a US aircraft, followed by two helicopters, flying over the town of Zaras in the southern Iran's Khuzestan province ( UGC/AFP via Getty Images )

The incident could represent a significant political complication for Trump, who suggested in a primetime address to the nation this week that the war was ending and that Iran's military capability had been all but destroyed. He nevertheless said the U.S.-Israeli bombardment would continue for two or three weeks.

Shortly before the jet was shot down on Friday, Trump posted on Truth Social:

With a little more time, we can easily OPEN THE HORMUZ STRAIT, TAKE THE OIL, & MAKE A FORTUNE. IT WOULD BE A GUSHER FOR THE WORLD??? President DONALD J. TRUMP

Irans attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure and its tight grip on the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the worlds oil and natural gas transits in peacetime, have roiled stock markets, sent oil prices skyrocketing, and threatened to raise the cost of many basic goods, including food.

Trump has threatened further escalation, warning of potential strikes on Irans energy grid if the strait is not reopened. Iranian officials have rejected negotiations under current conditions.

Bridges next, then Electric Power Plants! he wrote on social media late Thursday. New Regime leadership knows what has to be done, and has to be done, FAST!

On Friday, Trump celebrated the bombing of an Iranian bridge, as he warned on social media that there was much more to follow. Footage showed the moment the B1 bridge in Karaj, west of Tehran, was cut in half by the strike on Thursday. The attack killed eight people and wounded 95, Iranian news media reported.

open image in gallery A view of the B1 bridge is pictured, a day after it was destroyed by a strike in Karaj, southwest of Tehran, Iran, on Friday ( AFP via Getty Images )

Todays incident is the first U.S. or Israeli jet to have been shot down over Iran since the war started. Three U.S. F-15E Strike Eagle jets were downed by friendly fire over Kuwait in March. None of the aircrews were injured.

More than 1,900 people have been killed in Iran since the war began on 28 February with U.S. and Israeli strikes, the Associated Press reported. In a review released Friday, the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data, a U.S.-based group, said it found that civilian casualties were clustered around strikes on security and state-linked sites rather than indiscriminate bombardment of urban areas.

More than two dozen people have died in Gulf states and the occupied West Bank, 19 have been reported dead in Israel, and 13 U.S. service members have been killed. More than 1,300 people have been killed and more than 1 million displaced in Lebanon. Ten Israeli soldiers have also died there.
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U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday accused China of bullying by detaining or holding up dozens of Panama-flagged ships  though for a short period of time  after the Central American country seized control of two critical ports on the Panama Canal earlier this year from a subsidiary of a Hong Kong-based company.

China denies the allegations. Panama has been caught in a broader rivalry between the United States and China after U.S. President Donald Trump accused Beijing last year of running the Panama Canal. The Trump administration sees the critical maritime trade route as strategically important, both commercially and militarily, and Trump has talked about retaking the Panama Canal since his campaign.

Chinas decision to detain or otherwise impede Panama-flagged vessels engaged in lawful trade destabilizes supply chains, raises costs, and erodes confidence in the global trading system, Rubio said on social media. The United States stands with Panama against any retaliatory actions against its sovereignty and will always support our partners in the face of bullying.

Of the 124 ships detained in Chinese ports for inspection in March, 92  or nearly 75%  were Panama-flagged, according to public data from Tokyo MOU, a regional port state control organization comprising 22 member authorities in the Asia-Pacific region. The Panama-flagged ships were typically detained for a few days  as short as one day or as long as 10 days  before being released.

That is up drastically from the previous two months, when 19 out of 45 ships  or more than 40%  held in February were Panama-flagged, and 23 out of 71  or over 30%  in January hung the Panama flag.

Americas repeated wrongful allegations only reveal its attempt to take control of the canal, said Liu Pengyu, spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington. In a statement, he did not address the uptick in the number of Panama-flagged ships held up in Chinese ports.

It comes amid the backdrop of Panama's supreme court ruling in January that the concession held by a subsidiary of Hong Kong's CK Hutchison Holdings over the Balboa and Cristobal terminals was unconstitutional.

The U.S. has pressured Panama and other Latin American countries to curb China's sway in the Western Hemisphere, where Trump has said he would increasingly focus. The Trump administration has gotten involved in Latin American affairs more aggressively than the U.S. government has in decades, most dramatically by capturing Venezuela's leader Nicolas Maduro in a military raid in January.

The Federal Maritime Commission in Washington has been tracking Panama-flagged vessels that are being detained or held up in Chinese ports.

Secretary Rubios statement highlights the disruptive effects of the government of Chinas actions against Panama-flagged vessels, said Laura DiBella, chair of the commission. She said the commission is not aware of any other country in recent history conducting vessel safety inspections and detentions in a punitive manner.

Panamas government has said APM Terminals, a subsidiary of the Danish group A.P. Moller-Maersk, would temporarily assume the administration of the terminals while a new contract is awarded. DiBella said that the Chinese Ministry of Transport had summoned Maersk to Beijing for highlevel discussions.

Panamas government has sought to minimize the wider geopolitical tensions surrounding the ships. Officials did not respond to requests for comment about Rubios comments, but previously denied that the detentions had to do with disputes between China and Panama over the canal.

In March, Panamas foreign minister, Javier Martinez, recognized that there had been an increase in detentions but said he believed they were part of routine maritime industry practices, because detentions also occur in other ports and to other flags.

We want to maintain a respectful relationship with China, he added.

After the ruling from the Panama supreme court in January, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said China would take all measures necessary to firmly protect the legitimate and lawful rights and interests of Chinese companies.

Jose Digeronimo, former president of the Panama Maritime Chamber, said actions with the ships could have a huge impact on Panama, which is a world leader in ship registries. The registries generate around $100 million for the government every year.

Digeronimo compared such registries to shipowners choosing passports, with owners registering their boats in places that allow you to travel to the greatest number of countries without restrictions. Harassment by Chinese authorities could put that in jeopardy, he said.

If the worlds main exporter starts imposing restrictions for using the Panamanian flag, the last thing youll want is to have the Panamanian one, Digeronimo said.

___

Solis reported from Panama City. Associated Press writer Megan Janetsky in Mexico City contributed to this report.
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Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced a significant policy shift, allowing military personnel to carry personal firearms on US military installations.

The move, revealed in a video posted to X Thursday, cites the Second Amendment and a series of recent shootings at bases across the country as its justification.

Mr Hegseth confirmed he is signing a memo that will instruct base commanders to approve requests for troops to carry privately owned weapons, operating "with the presumption that it is necessary for personal protection." Any decision to deny a service member's request must be thoroughly explained in writing, he added.

Effectively, our bases across the country were gun-free zones, Hegseth said. "Unless you're training or unless you are a military policeman, you couldn't carry, you couldn't bring your own firearm for your own personal protection onto post."

Questions about why service members lacked access to weapons have often emerged following shootings on the nation's military bases.

A sign welcoming people to Fort Stewart in Georgia is seen on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025 ( AP )

Such shootings have ranged from isolated events between service members to mass casualty events, such as the shootings by an Army psychiatrist at Texas Ford Hood in 2009 that left 13 people dead.

Hegseth cited some of the events in his video, including a shooting that injured five soldiers at Fort Stewart in Georgia last year. Officials said the shooter, an Army sergeant who worked at the base, used his personal handgun before he was tackled by fellow soldiers and arrested.

In these instances, minutes are a lifetime, Hegseth said. And our service members have the courage and training to make those precious, short minutes count.

Defense Department policy has prohibited military personnel from carrying personal weapons on base without permission from a senior commander, with strict protocol for how the firearms must be stored.

Typically, military personnel must officially check their guns out of secure storage to go to on-base hunting areas or shooting ranges, then check all firearms back in promptly after their sanctioned use. Military police are often the only armed personnel on base, outside of shooting ranges, hunting areas or in training, where soldiers can wield their service weapons without ammunition.
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U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito was hospitalized for dehydration last month after falling ill during an event in Philadelphia, according to reports.

The 76-year-old justice became unwell on March 20 while attending a dinner hosted by the Federalist Society.

As reported by CNN, Alito was taken to a local hospital by his security detail, where he was evaluated and administered fluids. He was discharged that same evening and returned to his residence in Virginia with his security team.

The Supreme Courts public information office has declined to comment on the matter, which had not been previously disclosed. The lack of transparency regarding the incident is consistent with the court's historical approach to the health of its members.

In June 2020, the public information office similarly declined to reveal that Chief Justice John Roberts had fallen at a Maryland country club, sustaining a head injury that required an ambulance trip to the hospital. That incident only became public knowledge after it was reported by The Washington Post.

open image in gallery While associates of Alito have told CNN that the justice has contemplated the possibility of retirement, a final decision does not seem close ( Getty Images )

The March 20 incident occurred during a day-long symposium at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School titled An Examination of the Jurisprudence of Samuel Alito.

The event featured a roster of Alitos former law clerks, legal scholars and attorneys who frequently practice before the high court. Though the symposium was closed to the news media, it was accessible via a public livestream. Alito was not on the official schedule and did not appear at the daytime sessions.

Earlier that day, the Supreme Court had convened to hand down opinions. Alito was not on the bench that morning and was scheduled to be driven by his security detail to Philadelphia. Despite his absence from the daytime symposium, he attended the evening dinner held in his honor, where he fell ill.

The evening prior to the Philadelphia event, on March 19, Alito had attended a separate dinner in Washington, D.C. That gathering celebrated Notre Dame law professor Sherif Girgis, a former Alito clerk who was receiving the Edwin Meese Originalism Award from the Meese Institute for the Rule of Law.

The award is part of Advancing American Freedom, an organization founded by former Vice President Mike Pence.

open image in gallery The incident, which went unrecorded for weeks, reflects previous instances in which the Supreme Courts public information office has declined to disclose hospitalizations involving members of the high court ( Reuters )

In the two weeks since the hospitalization, Alito has returned to the bench and participated in oral arguments. Court observers noted that he appeared healthy and engaged during the usual exchange with lawyers at the lectern.

On Wednesday, the same day he turned 76, he was present for arguments concerning birthright citizenship. During those proceedings, Alito expressed more receptiveness than his colleagues to the Trump administrations efforts to end the constitutional principle that anyone born in the United States is a citizen.

Alitos health and future on the bench are of significant political consequence.

Appointed by George W. Bush in 2006, he has been a pivotal conservative voice on the court for two decades. He is most recognized for authoring the 2022 majority opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson, which overturned Roe v. Wade and ended the constitutional right to abortion. He has also been a key figure in decisions that have retrenched voting rights.

If Alito were to decide to step down, the vacancy would offer President Donald Trump a fourth opportunity to appoint a justice to the nine-member court. During his first term, Trump successfully appointed three justices, establishing a 6-3 conservative supermajority.

Close friends of Alito have told CNN that the justice has contemplated the idea of retirement, but that a final decision does not seem close.

Alito remains one of the most consistent votes in favor of the administration's policies when they are challenged in litigation.
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A homeowner in San Francisco who trimmed five trees in an attempt to secure property insurance has been ordered to pay $50,000 in fines by city officials.

Paul Dennes, whose family has owned the house in the citys Panhandle neighborhood since 1988, said he carried out the work to satisfy a requirement from his insurance broker. He sought to clear branches that were touching the building and interfering with overhead power lines.

I got an email from my broker saying in order for you to qualify for insurance you need to trim the trees so many feet from the property, Dennes told ABC News. Ive never seen the city trim these trees, never!

However, city officials said the trees were located in the public right-of-way and fell under the jurisdiction of the San Francisco Department of Public Works.

Under the StreetTreeSF program, approved by voters in 2017, the city assumed full responsibility for the maintenance of all public street trees.

San Franciscos Bureau of Urban Forestry took over the maintenance of all street trees in 2017, ending the previous requirement for homeowners to prune and care for trees on their own sidewalk ( Getty Images )

The Department of Public Works issued the fines just before Christmas, alleging illegal tree pruning. Inspectors claimed the trees were topped  a practice where main branches are cut back to stubs  removing a significant portion of the canopy and potentially shortening the trees lifespans.

As stewards of San Francisco's urban forest, it is our job to hold people accountable when they harm or damage a street tree, Public Works told ABC News.

The department initially sought $10,000 per tree, stating the damage was severe enough to warrant total removal.

Dennes, who lives in Marin, argued that the city failed to adequately notify residents of the 2017 policy change. While the city maintains it distributed flyers and postcards, Dennes said the primary property owner at the time had been his 94-year-old father, who did not use the citys website to track maintenance rules.

It feels like bullying, Dennes told ABC News. I dont want to start a big war.

The citys stance on the severity of the damage shifted following an administrative hearing. A senior inspector determined the trees might recover, though with compromised structures. The city also offered to reduce the fine to $12,950, or $2,590 per tree.

On Wednesday, Public Works confirmed it would further reduce the penalty to $6,475, provided Dennes hired a certified arborist to oversee a five-year recovery plan for the trees.

Christopher Campbell, a certified arborist and owner of CC Tree Design, said confusion over tree ownership is common among residents.

People don't realize, but the tree that grows in front of their home on the sidewalk in what we call a sidewalk basin, thats actually city property, he told ABC News. That's the public right-of-way.

San Francisco residents are advised to consult the citys street tree map or contact the Bureau of Urban Forestry before performing any maintenance on trees adjacent to their homes.

The San Francisco Department of Public Works did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Independent.
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A judge cleared the way for the potential release of an Indian citizen from ICE custody after his Pennsylvania murder conviction was overturned following four decades in prison.

During a four-hour hearing on Thursday, Subramanyam Vedam vehemently denied fatally shooting Thomas Kinser in 1980 while being questioned by a DHS lawyer. Vedam participated in the hearing Wednesday remotely from the Moshannon Valley Processing Center in Philipsburg, Pennsylvania.

I was young and stupid and did a lot of dumb things back then, Vedam said. The federal government wants to deport the 64-year-old to India, which he left as a baby in 1962.

U.S. Immigration Judge Adam Panopoulos said Vedam proved he was genuinely rehabilitated and did not pose a danger to the public. He cited Vedam's efforts to improve literacy among inmates and his close ties to his family, including nieces who have never known him as a free man.

Vedam has grown as a person and "began to dedicate himself to enriching other peoples lives and ultimately his own through academic study and enrichment, the judge said Thursday.

A DHS lawyer said he can still be deported on unrelated drug distribution convictions.

Vedam, known as Subu, was born in Mumbai, India, and was brought to the United States when he was 9 months old. He grew up in State College, Pennsylvania, where his father was a physics professor. He is a legal permanent resident of the United States and was days away from becoming a naturalized citizen when he was arrested.

open image in gallery EEUU-MIGRANTE-PRESO 43 ANOS ( AP )

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has a month to appeal. Vedam's lawyer indicated he plans to seek his client's release on bond.

His attorney, Ava Benach, said Vedam hopes to live with a relative in Sacramento, California, and has been offered a spot in Oregon State Universitys doctoral program in applied anthropology.

Late last year, the State College prosecutor declined to retry Vedam after a Centre County judge determined that relevant ballistics evidence had not been disclosed by prosecutors during Vedams two trials. Vedam had been on the verge of being freed in October when ICE agents took him into custody and sought to deport him.

Vedam told Panopoulos he turned down plea bargain offers during his first trial and that prosecutors made similar overtures during his retrial. Both ended in first-degree murder convictions.

I never stopped saying I was innocent of this charge, Vedam told the judge. He has been behind bars since March 31, 1982.

Vedam and Kinser had been high school friends and both were 19 years old when Kinser disappeared. He was last seen alive after taking Vedam to buy drugs in December 1980. Kinser's van was found outside his apartment in State College and it was more than nine months later that hikers came across his remains in a sinkhole miles away. He had been shot in the head. The gun was never found.

Vedam was arrested on drug charges and eventually accused and convicted of Kinsers murder.

open image in gallery Supporters of Subramanyam Subu Vedam demonstrate outside the Centre County Courthouse

Jurors were told Vedam purchased a stolen .25-caliber gun and ammunition around the time Kinser disappeared but were not informed that an FBI report suggested Kinser's head wound was too small for bullets that size.

In an Oct. 2 release announcing his decision not to retry Vedam, Centre County District Attorney Bernie Cantorna called it a compelling circumstantial case but that a third trial would be difficult because of the passage of time. Cantorna cited the reality that 44 years is a sufficient sentence for a murder committed by someone who was nineteen years old.

The prosecutor noted that Vedam had initially denied purchasing or owning a .25-caliber pistol, then testified at the second trial he purchased the gun after Kinser disappeared. Cantorna also wrote that the FBI matched distinguishing marks on a bullet casing found with Kinser's remains to a casing recovered from where the gun seller said Vedam had test fired it.

Despite being cleared of Kinsers murder, Vedam's no-contest pleas to LSD distribution charges put him in danger of deportation. During the Wednesday hearing, DHS lawyer Tammy Dusharm pressed Vedam about his other arrests, including for driving under the influence and theft.

Dusharm told the judge that Vedam did not deserve to stay in the United States, given that he was using and dealing drugs, driving under the influence, committing theft-related offenses. She also brought up Vedam's statements that he sold LSD only a few times.

I find it fairly incredible that it would appear that every single time he sold drugs, he did so to an undercover officer, Dusharm said.
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President Donald Trump is considering firing more Cabinet members following his ousting of Attorney General Pam Bondi on April 2, according to reports.

White House insiders told Politico that the president is frustrated with his secretaries for commerce and labor, Howard Lutnick and Lori Chavez-DeRemer, and is considering removing them from their positions.

Bondi is the second Cabinet member to be fired from the Trump administration within a month, after Kristi Noem was removed from her position as Secretary of Homeland Security on March 5.

He is very angry, an administration official told Politico. Adding, and hes going to be moving people.

open image in gallery President Donald Trump is reportedly looking at removing more Cabinet members, per White House insiders. ( POOL/AFP via Getty Images )

A second staffer told the outlet that Trump is looking to get rid of people who have generated too much negative attention. This comes amid news that the president has a lower approval rating than Richard Nixon did at the height of the Watergate scandal, according to CNN poll analysis.

Chavez DeRemer has had her fair share of scandals since working at the White House. She is accused of bringing her staffers to a strip club while on a work trip, and her husband has been banned from the Labor Department HQ over allegations of sexual harassment.

Mixed messages are coming from the White House regarding Lutnick, with one insider telling Politico that he is on thin ice.

open image in gallery Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer talks with Union Pacific employees on January 14, 2026 ( AP )

However, another said, Everyone is thrilled with the job Howard has done.

Lutnick was a neighbor of Jeffrey Epstein in New York and was one of the architects of the Trump tariffs, which were ultimately struck down by the Supreme Court.

If DeRemer were to be fired, she would be the third woman to lose her job in the Trump administration.

Polymarket prediction makers are hypothesizing that Director of National Intelligence and Secretary of War, Tulsi Gabbard and Pete Hegseth, are also in the firing line, ranking them both as more likely to get fired than Chavez-DeRemer or Lutnick.

In regard to these reports, White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers told The Independent, Secretaries Chavez-DeRemer and Lutnick are both doing a great job standing up for American workers, and they continue to have President Trumps full support.

A separate White House spokesperson, Davis Ingle, later told The Independent, President Trump has the most talented cabinet and team in American history. Patriots like Kash Patel, Lori Chavez-DeRemer, and Dan Driscoll are tirelessly implementing the Presidents agenda and achieving tremendous results for the American people.

Despite Bondis seemingly sudden firing, the president has reportedly been frustrated with her performance over the past few months, and speculation has centered on her handling of the Epstein Files.

open image in gallery Pam Bondi was fired from her Attorney General post on April 2. ( Alex Brandon/AP )

Her firing also came the day after Donald Trump became the first president in U.S. history to sit in on arguments at the Supreme Court. He was listening to lawyers from the Department of Justice, Bondis former department, argue for his executive order ending birthright citizenship.

The first day of arguments saw Trump-appointed justices Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett express skepticism over Trumps executive order. Although they may end up ruling with the president, reports from the first day of oral arguments did not look positive for Trumps executive order.

Noem was fired in early March over a culmination of scandals, including the deaths of two American citizens in Minnesota at anti-ICE protests, spending millions of dollars on ad campaigns, and rumors of interpersonal misconduct in her department.

Although Noem was then appointed to another position within the administration as special envoy to the Shield of the Americas, it is reported that Bondi will be returning to the private sector.
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Lawyers say up to 75 women sexually abused by Jeffrey Epstein since 2008 may be eligible for a $72.5 million fund, part of a settlement Bank of America reached with their legal representatives.

U.S. District Judge Jed S. Rakoff gave preliminary approval Thursday and scheduled a final hearing for Aug. 27. He also ordered lawyers to provide a comprehensive list of publications to notify victims, ensuring nobody is left out.

The lawsuit alleged that the bank ignored suspicious financial transactions linked to Epstein while he was abusing women and girls from 2008 until his 2019 arrest on federal sex trafficking charges.

At the hearing Thursday, attorney David Boies said lawyers for the victims believed between 60 and 75 women will make claims that would make them eligible for payouts from the settlement fund ( New York State Sex Offender Registry/AP )

Epstein died in a federal jail in August 2019 as he awaited trial on sex trafficking charges. His death was ruled a suicide. He was known for his connections with wealthy and powerful men, and the lawsuit said he used it to his advantage in his attacks on women.

The lawsuit, brought on behalf of a woman identified in court papers only as Jane Doe and all others similarly situated, said the woman was living in Russia when she met Epstein in 2011 and was coerced into a cult-like life.

It said she was paid by Epstein through a Bank of America account as she was controlled financially, emotionally, and psychologically by Epstein from 2011 through 2019 as he sexually abused her on at least 100 occasions, including raping her and forcing her to engage sexually with other women for his sexual gratification.

At the hearing Thursday, attorney David Boies said lawyers for the victims believed between 60 and 75 women will make claims that would make them eligible for payouts from the settlement fund.

He said there may be more we haven't identified.

Rakoff said that while its perhaps extremely likely that the victims of Jeffrey Epsteins monstrous acts can never be fully compensated, the victims are entitled to receive just compensation from any person or entity that knowingly, recklessly or otherwise unlawfully facilitated his sexual trafficking.

In a statement, the bank 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.
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Sexual abuse survivors of Jeffrey Epstein celebrated President Donald Trumps dismissal of Attorney General Pam Bondi Thursday, even as they worried about who might replace her.

Jess Michaels, a survivor of the convicted sex trafficker, told The Independent that she had two immediate reactions to Bondis dismissal.

My instant reaction is good riddance and very glad that she was fired, Michaels said. My second reaction is, is this just another delay tactic?

Bondi came under sharp criticism last year after she had initially said that she had files on Epstein friends and associates ready to be made public.

Its sitting on my desk right now to review, she said at the time. But months later, the Department of Justice and the FBI released a two-page memo saying that the sex offender  who killed himself in a federal jail in New York City  had no client list.

open image in gallery Epstein survivor Jess Michaels said that she was very glad that President Donald Trump fired Attorney General Pam Bondi, but feared that it would be another delay tactic. ( Getty Images )

That was the reason why we showed up in September, Lisa Phillips told The Independent. We believed her, you know, we were waiting for her to do that, to do the right thing by us, and she didn't.

That prompted survivors to come to Capitol Hill to push for the release of those so-called Epstein files. Reps. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) received enough signatures for a discharge petition to force a vote on the legislation. But even though the law mandated that the files be released by Dec. 19, 2025, the full files have not been fully released.

You have to remember, we're over 100 days past the deadline for of Dec. 19, Michaels said but wondered, Just firing Pam Bondi, is it performative?

Haley Robson, another survivor of Epstein who publicly disavowed her previous support for Trump and called for the presidents impeachment, also celebrated Bondis sacking.

I never thought I would see this day, but I'm a little intrigued on why he is choosing now to fire her when she has done so many things in the past, like six months to a year that have been deserving of resignation, Robson told The Independent.

In a bipartisan move, the House Oversight Committee subpoenaed Bondi to testify later this month. She is required to appear for a deposition on April 14.

But Robson said that she expected Bondi to repeat her old behaviors.

open image in gallery Survivors of Jeffrey Epstein celebrated Attorney General Pam Bondis dismissal by President Donald Trump. ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

I don't think that she ever intended to be honest or to share any information, Robson said of Bondi.

So it wouldn't be anything new for her to do, but just the fact that she's no longer in her position of power because she has abused that power, she said. Its quite, you know what  thank you, karma.

Bondi also received harsh criticism when she testified before the House Judiciary Committee in February, when Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) asked which survivors of Epsteins abuse had not been able to meet with Bondi. When all of them raised their hands, Bondi refused to even turn around in her seat to acknowledge them.

It was like, we were shaking, Phillips said. I was crying, because that was a moment when I realized, oh, this woman doesn't care about us, and we're not getting justice through her.

Lara Blume McGee, a survivor who sat in during Bondi's testimony in February, said that her husband said that she caused Bondi to be fired. But she said she wanted accountability for the men responsible.

"All the women are paying the price for what these men have done," she told The Independent.

McGee said she was shocked at the fact Bondi did not acknowledge them in the hearing.

"I wanted her to feel my stare, and I was not going to look away, because this is a woman," she said. No, what happened was not her fault, but to acknowledge us and say, 'sisters, ladies, I'm sorry for what happened to you,' that's all, that's it.

The president said in his announcement that Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, like Bondi a former personal attorney of Trumps, would serve as interim attorney general. In August, Blanche met and interviewed Ghislaine Maxwell, Epsteins former partner, facilitator and co-conspirator in abuse of young girls.

Phillips said she did not know that Blanche would take Bondis place when The Independent informed her, but worried he would not change course.

But Todd Blanche isnt going to be any better, Phillips said. I hope that Tod Blanche takes a different stand. I hope he's actually looked the files now, and he takes a different stand for survivors and for the American people.

McGee also pointed how Homeland Security Kristi Noem is the only other Trump Cabinet official who was fired.

"Noem, Bondi, even Ghislaineand Ghislaine recruited me, so she's where she belongsbut it's all of the women that are in trouble, and they're having to do the perp walk. They're having the embarrassment."

Bondis permanent replacement will need to go through a confirmation hearing through the Senate Judiciary Committee. The Senate passed the Epstein Files Transparency Act by unanimous consent in November and any nominee will likely face questions about the files.

McGee said that Bondi was loyal to Trump, but she paid the price.

"But look what has happened to her," McGee said, adding that, "She's taking the fall."
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Fox News Bill Hemmer cut off President Donald Trumps top economic adviser when he tried to blame former President Joe Biden for high gas prices amid the Iran war.

Oil prices have surged as Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway in the Middle East that carries about a fifth of the worlds oil. The national average cost of gas has exceeded $4 a gallon in the U.S. as Americans bear the brunt of Trumps war against Iran.

Hemmer asked National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett on Americas Newsroom Friday about the rising gas prices.

The national average price of gas currently sits at around $4.09 a gallon, according to the American Automobile Association. A month ago, it was around $3.11 a gallon, and a year ago it was a tad higher at around $3.26 a gallon, AAA says.

open image in gallery Fox News Bill Hemmer cut off President Donald Trumps top economic adviser when he tried to blame former President Joe Biden for high gas prices amid the Iran war ( AFP via Getty Images )

Maybe your forecast is the place to start here. Where do you see this going? Hemmer asked Hassett.

Our expectation is this is gonna last just a little bit longer and then things will get back to normal much faster than you could expect, Hassett said. The bottom line is though that we have taken every possible measure to minimize the disruption along the way.

The economic council chief mentioned the 172 million barrels of oil that the Trump administration is releasing from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

Its the second-largest release of the strategic reserve on record, Hassett said.

open image in gallery The national average cost of gas has exceeded $4 a gallon in the US as Americans bear the brunt of Trumps war against Iran ( Getty Images )

Id like to remind everybody once again that we could have had a bigger strategic reserve effect except for the fact that right before the midterm election, Joe Biden  hes the one who had the biggest release of the strategic reserve and there was no supply disruption at the time  he was just trying to offset all those terrible energy policies and get gas prices down ahead of the election, he continued.

Hemmer then interjected, Ok, but that was then, and this is now. And whats now is West Texas crude, which is what we produce here in the U.S. Were a net exporter of oil.

On February 27, it was $67 a barrel. Now were at $111 for West Texas crude. I think the question there is, what can our economy tolerate? How high can it go?

Hassett insisted that the high gas prices are a temporary phenomenon and its going to end very soon.

open image in gallery Hassett insisted that the high gas prices are a 'temporary phenomenon and its going to end very soon' ( AFP via Getty Images )

The U.S., along with Israel, began launching strikes against Iran nearly five weeks ago, on February 28. In that time, U.S. Central Command said it has struck more than 12,300 targets.

Trump touted his perceived wins in the war during his national address Wednesday, telling the American people, Never in the history of warfare has an enemy suffered such clear and devastating large-scale losses in a matter of weeks.

But it's still unclear when the war will end, and in the meantime, Americans are feeling the economic pressure at the pump and beyond.
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The Armys top general will be retiring immediately, according to the Defense Department, an unusual departure amid the ongoing war with Iran.

The Pentagon announced Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy Georges exit on Thursday on X.

The Department of War is grateful for General Georges decades of service to our nation, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell wrote. We wish him well in his retirement.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly demanded Georges resignation.

The Independent has attempted to contact the general for comment but did not immediately receive a response.

open image in gallery The Armys top general, Randy George, is retiring effective immediately, after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly demanded his removal ( AFP via Getty Images )

The apparent ouster comes as the U.S. continues to battle Iran, an extraordinary move that changes military leadership during an ongoing conflict and cuts off Georges expected four-year term, which wouldve ended in 2027.

Before he was chief of staff, George worked as the senior military assistant to President Joe Bidens Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin from 2021 to 2022.

George received his commission as an infantry officer from West Point in 1988, according to his biography on the Army website. He was deployed during Operation Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

George was vice chief of staff of the Army from 2022 to 2023 before serving as Army chief of staff.

open image in gallery A career infantry officer and West Point graduate, George served in the first Gulf War and more recent conflicts of Iraq and Afghanistan ( AFP via Getty Images )

The U.S. Military Academy at West Point praised the general on Thursday for sharing experience-driven guidance with cadets during a recent visit.

Thank you for investing in our future Army leaders, the academy wrote on X, in a post that appeared before todays retirement announcement.

The president said in an address to the nation last night that the U.S. campaign in Iran is nearing completion, but the White House hasnt offered a clear picture of how the war will end. Tehran maintains it hasnt negotiated any kind of ceasefire with the U.S.

Earlier Thursday, President Trump touted a U.S. strike on a major Iranian bridge.

IT IS TIME FOR IRAN TO MAKE A DEAL BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE, AND THERE IS NOTHING LEFT OF WHAT STILL COULD BECOME A GREAT COUNTRY! he wrote on Truth Social.

Irans Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Thursday that attacks on civilian infrastructure will not compel Iranians to surrender.

Under the Trump administration, multiple top military leaders have been removed.

open image in gallery President Trump claimed in a speech this week the Iran war is nearly over ( AP )

Last February, the president fired U.S. Air Force General Charles Q. Brown as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and removed the Navys top officer, Adm. Lisa Franchetti. In October, Lt. Gen. Joe McGee, a three-star general working on the Pentagons Joint Staff, was allegedly forced out after months of tensions with Hegseth.

The pair reportedly clashed over the administrations military campaign targeting alleged drug boats in the Caribbean.

Hegseth has claimed subordinates are behind embarrassing leaks, including allegations he used a commercial chat app to plan military strikes instead of high-security military channels.

Those folks who are leaking, who have been pushed out of the building, are now attempting to leak and sabotage the president's agenda, Hegseth told Fox News in April. We're for the war fighters. We're for the president. And none of this is based in reality.

The same day the administration announced Gen. Georges retirement, the president said he was replacing Attorney General Pam Bondi.
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As U.S. and Israeli forces search for an F-15 crew member forced to eject after being shot down over Iran, President Donald Trump isnt yet ready to say what the U.S. will do if the missing crew member is harmed.

In a brief Friday phone interview with The Independent, the president declined to say what his course of action might be if Iranian forces get to the downed airman  the first American aviator to be shot down over enemy territory since an A-10 Warthog pilot ejected into Iraq after being struck by a surface-to-air missile in April 2003, just weeks into Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Asked what hed do if the pilot is captured or harmed by Iranians, Trump replied: "Well, I can't comment on it because  we hope that's not going to happen," and ended the call shortly thereafter.

Trumps hope for the safe return of the missing Air Force officer came as Combat Search and Rescue forces from Israel and the United States were searching for the crew member, hours after they were forced to eject from their two-person fighter over Iranian territory.

Since the F-15 downing, Iranian state television has urged residents to hand over any enemy pilot to police and promised a reward for anyone who does so, while the governor of Irans Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province said anyone who captured or killed the downed aviator would be specially commended.

open image in gallery President Donald Trump told The Independent we hope thats not going to happen when asked what will happen if the missing pilot in Iran is harmed ( Getty )

The downed F-15 is the fourth American fighter aircraft  and the sixth military plane  lost since Trump started the massive air campaign against Tehran on February 28. Three U.S. F-15E Strike Eagle jets were downed by friendly fire over Kuwait in March.

One of the planes two pilots was found by Combat Search and Rescue crews shortly after the incident, while the second pilot, a weapons system officer, remains missing. U.S. forces are racing to recover the pilot before Iranian forces can reach them. Israel is helping the United States with the search and rescue operation.

The president has not made any public statements about the shoot-down even as White House officials said hed been briefed earlier in the day, although he has continued to post on Truth Social about the war without referencing Fridays stunning turn of events.

As rescue efforts were ongoing, he took to his Truth Social account to advocate for seizing Irans natural resources once more, writing: TAKE THE OIL, ANYONE?

Trump has not been seen publicly since late Wednesday when he delivered a disjointed national TV address in which he repeated the same justifications for his war with Iran that hes been posting on social media throughout the month-long conflict.

At the time, the president bragged that never in the history of warfare had an enemy suffered such clear and devastating, large-scale losses in a matter of weeks and claimed Irans Air Force, Navy and ballistic missile capabilities were in ruins and gone, respectively.

He also said the U.S. had beaten and completely decimated Iran and was going to finish the job, and were going to finish it very fast.

open image in gallery This video grab taken on April 3, 2026, from UGC images posted on social media on April 3, 2026 show a US aircraft, followed by two helicopters, flying over the town of Zaras in the southern Iran's Khuzestan province ( UGC/AFP via Getty Images )

open image in gallery The Iranian state media shared images that purport to show wreckage from the downed aircraft ( via REUTERS )

According to The Washington Post, a second aircraft, an A-10, was also hit by enemy fire around the same time as the F-15.

The pilot of that aircraft, which was designed with heavy armor to destroy Soviet-made tanks during the Cold War, managed to maneuver their plane into Kuwaiti airspace and ejected to safety there.

The Post also reported that two helicopters involved in the search for the downed F-15 pilot came under fire and were forced to retreat.

Shortly before the jet was shot down on Friday, Trump posted on Truth Social:

With a little more time, we can easily OPEN THE HORMUZ STRAIT, TAKE THE OIL, & MAKE A FORTUNE. IT WOULD BE A GUSHER FOR THE WORLD??? President DONALD J. TRUMP

Irans attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure and its tight grip on the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the worlds oil and natural gas transits in peacetime, have roiled stock markets, sent oil prices skyrocketing, and threatened to raise the cost of many basic goods, including food.

On Friday, Trump celebrated the bombing of an Iranian bridge, as he warned on social media that there was much more to follow. Footage showed the moment the B1 bridge in Karaj, west of Tehran, was cut in half by the strike on Thursday. The attack killed eight people and wounded 95, Iranian news media reported.

More than 1,900 people have been killed in Iran since the war began on February 28 with U.S. and Israeli strikes, the Associated Press reported. In a review released Friday, the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data, a U.S.-based group, said it found that civilian casualties were clustered around strikes on security and state-linked sites rather than indiscriminate bombardment of urban areas.

open image in gallery On Friday, Trump celebrated the bombing of an Iranian bridge, as he warned on social media that there was much more to follow ( AFP via Getty Images )

Trump has threatened further escalation, warning of potential strikes on Irans energy grid if the strait is not reopened. Iranian officials have rejected negotiations under current conditions.

He told NBC News in a separate phone interview Friday that the days events would not have an impact on any ceasefire talks and remarked that the U.S. is at war.

No, not at all. No, its war. Were in war, Trump said.
Insta360, DJI lock horns in patent case

16:37, April 03, 2026 By Li Jiaying ( China Daily

An employee flies a drone at a DJI store in Yantai, Shandong province. TANG KE/FOR CHINA DAILY

China's leading consumer drone maker and top panoramic camera company are entering a new phase of direct competition, with DJI filing its first domestic patent ownership lawsuit against Insta360 that has escalated tensions between the two technology rivals.

DJI filed the lawsuit on March 23 in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, citing disputes over the ownership of six patents.

The company alleged that several former core R&D employees were involved and that the disputed patents  covering flight control, structural design and imaging technologies  were closely related to their previous roles and developed within one year of the employees leaving DJI.

In response, Insta360 founder and CEO Liu Jingkang said on social media that the company had conducted a thorough review and that existing evidence shows that the patents were based on ideas generated internally at Insta360 and are the result of independent innovation.

Liu added that the company typically withholds the names of inventors in domestic filings to protect employees from headhunting, while disclosing them in international applications.

Liu also noted that some DJI technologies may fall within Insta360's patent protection scope, but the company has not initiated legal action.

Echoing the statement, Yuan Yue, head of Insta360's China operations, said in a post that according to an internal assessment, the technologies involved are covered by 28 patents held by Insta360, including 11 related to hardware and structural design, eight to software methods, six to control systems and three to accessories.

The dispute comes as the areas of expertise of the two Shenzhen-based consumer electronics firms, once operating in distinct segments  DJI in consumer drones and Insta360 in panoramic cameras  increasingly overlap.

According to market consultancy International Data Corp, DJI and Insta360 ranked first and second globally in the hand-held camera market in 2025, with market shares of 62.4 percent and 20.4 percent, respectively, accounting for more than 80 percent combined.

In the panoramic camera segment, Insta360 maintained its global lead, with shipments rising nearly 60 percent year-on-year and market share reaching 66 percent.

Competition intensified in July 2025, when Insta360 launched its first drone, the Antigravity A1, leveraging panoramic imaging as a differentiating feature. DJI responded within days by introducing its Osmo 360 panoramic camera, adopting a lower pricing strategy than its counterpart and marking a shift to direct rivalry.

Tensions had already surfaced late last year, when Insta360 accused DJI of enforcing supply chain exclusivity, claiming that more than 30 core component suppliers faced "either-or" choices, with distributors and retail channels also facing similar dilemmas.

In this regard, industry analysts said that in segments where both companies have established competitive advantages, each side is seeking to consolidate its position and safeguard proprietary technologies.

"This kind of exclusivity is not uncommon in the consumer electronics sector, and is a typical competitive strategy once the industry reaches a certain stage," said Liu Dayong, a senior semiconductor analyst at market research company Sigmaintell.

Liu noted that key components such as flight control chips, stabilization modules and imaging sensors often require joint development between brands and suppliers, leading to deep technological integration that can, to a certain extent, justify exclusive arrangements.

In return, key suppliers that have engaged in customized development with one company also tend to maintain existing partnerships, therefore often declining collaboration requests from competing firms, he explained.

For its part, Insta360 stressed a different perspective. "We believe that in the tech industry, replication and suppression will not lead to leadership  innovation and openness will," Yuan of Insta360's China business said.

Against this backdrop of intensifying competition, the company has also claimed a more open stance on intellectual property. Following a favorable outcome in a US Section 337 investigation involving US camera company GoPro, Liu, the founder and CEO, said Insta360 would not proactively initiate lawsuits if peers make "good-faith use" of certain patented technologies from its Insta360 Ace series.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
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Democratic strategist James Carville predicts that Donald Trumps presidency could end early if the Democrats sweep the midterm elections.

In an expletive-laden video on the Politicon YouTube channel posted earlier this week, Carville said if the Democrats take control of the House of Representatives and the Senate, they will launch investigations into Trump and his family, which will eventually lead to the presidents resignation.

The Democrats are going to investigate you to no end, Carville said. Then theyre going to go after your stupid, jacka** kids and their spouses.

Carville did not explain for which potential offenses Trump and his family may be investigated. But he did warn that the president could commit war crimes in the conflict against Iran as it continues.

open image in gallery Democratic strategist James Carville predicts that Donald Trumps presidency could end early if the Democrats sweep the midterm elections ( Getty Images for The New York Times )

When it comes to the stuff youre doing in Iran, I got to tell you, youre getting really, really, really, close to war crimes here. Youre probably gonna cross the line, Carville said.

A report from several human rights groups found that from the start of the conflict on February 28 to March 23, nearly 1,500 civilians, including at least 217 children, were killed by the US-Israeli airstrikes in Iran.

Carville is best known for helping Bill Clinton win the presidency in 1992. He is a fervent critic of Trump.

White House spokesman Davis Ingle bashed Carville when reached for comment on the Democratic strategist's predictions, telling The Independent, James Carville is a stone-cold loser who clearly suffers from a severe and debilitating case of Trump Derangement Syndrome that has rotted his peanut-sized brain.

open image in gallery Carville said if the Democrats take control of the House and Senate, they will launch investigations into Trump, which will eventually lead to the presidents resignation ( Getty Images )

Carville is confident a Democratic-controlled House would impeach Trump. Trump was impeached twice during his first term when Democrats controlled the lower chamber in 2019 for allegedly pressuring Ukraine to investigate his political opponent Joe Biden and in 2021 over claims he incited the January 6 Capitol riot. The Senate acquitted him both times.

Carville believes the Senate could convict Trump if hes impeached by the House during his second term.

Dont be surprised if the number 67 doesnt get real becausethese Republican senators, they cant stand you, Carville said, referring to the two-thirds vote needed to convict. The Democratic strategist said Senate Republicans support Trump now because of the politics back in their states, but its going to be apparent to them that youre a loser.

open image in gallery In January, Trump warned Republicans at a retreat in Washington, 'You got to win the midterms, because if we dont win the midterms, its just going to be  I mean, theyll find a reason to impeach me' ( Getty Images )

Carville said Trump will feel the pressure from the congressional investigations, along with civil cases that could be brought against him, and that, about a year from now, he will resign from office.

Youre going to figure out, I got to get the hell out of here. And youre going to cut a deal, and youre going to resign, the Democratic strategist said.

Carville predicts Vice President JD Vance, who he said would then take Trumps place in the Oval Office, will pardon Trump for any federal crimes.

In January, Trump warned Republicans at a retreat in Washington, You got to win the midterms, because if we dont win the midterms, its just going to be  I mean, theyll find a reason to impeach me.
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Influential podcasters Joe Rogan and Theo Von, both of whom supported President Donald Trump in the 2024 election, have expressed their dismay at the war in Iran.

Von guested on The Joe Rogan Experience Thursday for a discussion of the conflict in which the two addressed the recent history of western intervention in Iran and expressed bewilderment at Trumps about-turn, having promised to end U.S. involvement in forever wars in the Middle East as he campaigned for a return to the White House.

What do you think is gonna happen? Von asked Rogan, a day after the president delivered a 20-minute televised national address that offered few real answers on the war. You think were gonna be OK?

open image in gallery Theo Von attacks President Donald Trump over the war in Iran during a guest spot on Joe Rogan's podcast Thursday ( The Joe Rogan Experience )

I hope so, of course, the host answered. I dont know. Im confused. I cant believe we went to this war. When we started bombing Iran, I was like, This cant be true.

And what about Lebanon? Von interjected, referring to Israels pivot towards attacking its northern neighbor in the midst of Operation Epic Fury.

And its like, just f***ing stop it. What do you need?

Well, theyre trying to supposedly, theyre trying to stop the terrorists, Rogan answered him.

That drew a hollow laugh from Von, who replied: Thats crazy, though. Youre the f***ing terrorists! You know what Im saying? Like, if you wanna stop them, f***ing stand in front of the f***ing mirror and start there.

Responding to a clip of the exchange on X (Twitter), liberal pundit Mehdi Hasan said: These two men helped Trump and Vance get elected. Im glad theyre saying what theyre saying now but I wish they would own that.

Other social media commentators lambasted the duo for their past endorsement of the president, with one saying they had bent over backwards to plaster Trump all over their shows during the campaign.

open image in gallery Rogan recalled his dismay and disbelief at first hearing of the joint U.S.-Israeli airstrikes against Iran ( The Joe Rogan Experience )

Thank you for finally waking up Joe Rogan and Theo Rogan!!! another wrote.

More obviously MAGA-aligned respondents attacked the two podcasters personally for their perceived disloyalty to Trump, with Rogan accused of letting libertarians warp his mindset and Von called a f***ing clown for opposing the goal of stopping Tehran from building a nuclear weapon, just one of several justifications the U.S. and Israel have offered for their airstrikes.

Rogan in particular has expressed more and more skepticism towards Trump over the last year, previously calling his attack on Iran insane and recently suggesting that Barack Obama did more to shore up the U.S.-Mexico border against illegal entrants, a signature issue for the Republican.

The presidents Wednesday night address saw him cut a weary figure as he claimed from a lectern in the White Houses main foyer that Operation Epic Fury had delivered swift, decisive, overwhelming victories on the battlefield.

He appealed once again to Americas allies to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which has caused global oil prices to soar, dismissed domestic economic concerns, gave only a vague timeline for the conflicts resolution  saying it would still take two or three weeks  and repeated strongman rhetoric about bombing Iran back to the Stone Age where they belong.

His speech came just hours after a new CNN poll revealed that most U.S. citizens have largely soured on the war, with just 34 percent of respondents voicing approval of it.
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President Donald Trump reportedly told his outgoing attorney general, Pam Bondi, that he would be replacing her en route to the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday morning, saying simply, I think its time.

The pair were riding in The Beast, the presidential limousine, to watch the nations highest court hear arguments on the question of birthright citizenship, when Trump made his feelings clear, The Wall Street Journal reports.

The duo then had to sit side by side at the hearing until the president moved away, after which, the report states, she asked Trump to keep her in post until the summer. He refused.

open image in gallery President Donald Trump dismissed Attorney General Pam Bondi Thursday, making her the second Cabinet member to leave his administration this term ( AP )

The president duly announced Bondis departure on Truth Social Thursday, saying she would be relocating to a much needed and important new job in the private sector and praising her as a Great American Patriot and a loyal friend.

In the process, Bondi became the second Cabinet official to be ousted during Trumps second term, following the removal of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem last month.

She, in turn, thanked the president for the honor of a lifetime in her own message on X (Twitter) and detailed what she considered to be her accomplishments in the role.

Bondi will serve until the end of the month and then be replaced by her deputy, Todd Blanche, in an acting capacity.

Her time leading the Department of Justice was marred by controversy, with the president allegedly unhappy about her failure to prosecute his political enemies and over the botched handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files, which dogged him throughout his first year back in office.

Trump reportedly made his decision earlier this week but had been discussing replacing Bondi, who was part of the legal team that defended him at his Senate impeachment trial in early 2020, since the turn of the year.

He had been angered by a steady drip of frustrations and a lack of positive news coverage concerning the DOJ, according to the WSJ, and had even presented aides with print-outs of hostile social media posts attacking his AG.

open image in gallery Bondi reportedly tried hard to meet Trumps demands but did not always believe what he was asking was possible ( AFP/Getty )

At one stage, the very mention of Bondis name was enough to send the president into a rage, ranting about the terrible job he felt she was doing.

For her part, Bondi had hung a giant banner from the DOJs headquarters in Washington, D.C., in the hope of currying favor with Trump and had attempted to meet his demand for legal action against his foes, only for cases against former FBI director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James to fall apart.

The WSJ reports that Bondi told confidantes she felt under constant pressure from the president's demands, some of which were not feasible.

Trumps frustrations with her became apparent in September when the president posted a message on Truth Social that appeared to be intended for Bondis eyes only, in which he urged her to launch further probes into his preferred targets.

We cant delay any longer, its killing our reputation and credibility, he wrote.

However, it was Bondis handling of the Epstein affair that threatened to define her legacy from the moment she appeared on Fox News in February 2025.

After just a matter of weeks in the role, Bondi was asked about a long-rumored client list said to have been compiled by the late pedophile containing the names of his powerful friends and potential blackmail targets.

Its sitting on my desk right now to review, she answered confidently. Thats been a directive by President Trump. Im reviewing that.

open image in gallery Bondi memorably sparred with Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee in February and refused to turn and face the assembled victims of Jeffrey Epstein sitting behind her ( AFP/Getty )

Her comment excited Trumps base, only for the DOJ and FBI to issue a joint memo in July declaring that no such list existed.

This inspired a wave of public anger that lasted for the remainder of the year and ultimately led to the near-unanimous passage of the Epstein Files Transparency Act by Congress in November.

Bondis blunder  followed up by a disastrous publicity stunt in which a group of jubilant right-wing influencers was invited to the White House and given binders filled with Epstein files that turned out to contain only previously-available information  meant she was largely relieved of messaging duties pertaining to the case thereafter, with Blanche taking the lead instead.

The files were finally published in December, and January proved to be incomplete and heavily redacted, inspiring fresh anger from Epstein survivors and leading to a heated appearance before the House Judiciary Committee in which Bondi sparred with Democrats and refused to turn and face the victims sitting in the public gallery behind her.

Pam Bondi used the machinery of federal law enforcement not to pursue justice, but to carry out political vendettas at the direction of the president, Maryland Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin said Thursday, calling her firing long overdue and adding that it does not erase the damage done and it does not absolve her of accountability.

Lee Zeldin, who currently leads the Environmental Protection Agency, and U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro have been floated as possible permanent replacements for the AG.
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For Pete Hegseth, the Iran war is not only a conflict between states, but a cosmic showdown between good and evil, where bullets are instruments of divine will, and fallen foes are condemned to eternal hellfire.

The defense secretary, an Evangelical Christian, has explicitly framed the Middle East war through the lens of his faith, weaving scripture into his remarks, praying for overwhelming violence against his enemies and insisting that God stands with the U.S. against Iran, a Muslim-majority nation of some 90 million people.

Rhetoric of this intensity and frequency  from an official of Hegseths stature  has scant precedent in modern American history, according to former officials, scholars and military advocates who spoke with The Independent.

And the consequences could be dire. His language potentially undermines the constitutional separation of church and state, alienates patriotic non-Christian service members and risks supercharging the conflict with Tehran, whose leaders are Islamic fundamentalists, they said.

This is completely, totally unprecedented, said Michael Weinstein, the president and founder of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation. He's making it clear that this is Jesus versus Muhammad.

open image in gallery Pete Hegseth, an Evangelical Christian, has explicitly framed the Iran war through the lens of his faith. This type of rhetoric has scant precedent in modern American history, according to former officials, scholars and military advocates ( Getty )

Such criticisms were dismissed by the Defense Department.

Secretary Hegseth, along with millions of Americans, is a proud Christian, Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson told The Independent.

The Christian faith is woven deeply into the fabric of our nation and shared by Americas wartime leaders like President George Washington, who prayed for his troops at Valley Forge, and President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who gifted Bibles to American soldiers during WW2 and encouraged them to read it, Wilson added in an emailed reponse.

Encouraging the American people to pray for our troops is not controversial.

Wicked souls and eternal damnation

The thrice-married ex-Fox News host has long worn his faith on his sleeve  and on his flesh. A Jerusalem cross is tattooed across his chest and the words Deus Vult, a rallying cry used by crusaders, which means God wills it, is inked on his arm.

In his 2020 book American Crusade, Hegseth rejected the separation of church and state as leftist folklore. And at a prayer breakfast on Feb. 6, he said that the U.S. remains a Christian nation in our DNA, if we can keep it.

But his religious rhetoric gained new scrutiny after Feb. 28, when the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran, igniting a regional war that has engulfed the Middle East and claimed thousands of lives.

open image in gallery The Pentagon chief has several tattoos linked to his Christian faith, including a large Jerusalem cross emblazoned across his chest ( Pete Hegseth/ Instagram )

The providence of our almighty God is there protecting those troops, Hegseth told CBS News on March 6. When asked if he views the conflict in a religious context, Hegseth responded: Im a man of faith, who encourages our troops to lean into their faith.

During a press briefing on the war four days later, he quoted Psalm 144, stating, Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who trains my hands for war and my fingers for battle.

And last week, while hosting a Pentagon prayer service, the 45-year-old Army veteran implored God to: Let every round find its mark against the enemies of righteousness and our great nation and asked that wicked souls be delivered to the eternal damnation prepared for them.

The prayer, written by a chaplain, was fitting given whats going on right now, he said.

Historical precedent  or lack thereof

Many past American leaders, including defense secretaries and presidents, have invoked their Christian faith during times of war.

Days after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, President George W. Bush told a joint session of Congress: Freedom and fear, justice and cruelty, have always been at war, and we know that God is not neutral between them.

Bush also described the war on terrorism as a crusade, but later made clear that our war is not against Islam.

And at the outset of the Allied invasion of Normandy in 1944, President Franklin Roosevelt delivered a radio address during which he prayed that, We shall prevail over the unholy forces of our enemy.

It's quite a prayer, said John Bolton, who served as Trumps national security adviser during his first term. So, to say that somehow [Hegseths remarks are] totally unprecedented is just not accurate.

The general tenor of some of the criticism I've heard is just anti-religion, and I don't think that reflects the tradition of our military or the country's history, Bolton said. However, he also described Hegseths scripture-infused statements as performance art.

Others pushed back forcefully, arguing that the Pentagon chiefs rhetoric  authentic or not  plunges into uncharted territory, especially in the context of recent decades.

open image in gallery Let every round find its mark against the enemies of righteousness and our great nation, Hegseth prayed at a Pentagon religious service last week. He asked that wicked souls be delivered to the eternal damnation prepared for them ( Getty )

We've had presidents dip into religious space with comments like, May God protect our soldiers, that kind of thing, said Eugene R. Fidell, a former Coast Guard lawyer who teaches military law at the Yale Law School. But they've all been kind of peripheral and sort of aspirational. This is different in kind from anything we've seen before.

Weinstein said any attempt to equate Hegseth with his predecessors is fatuous. In his telling, the defense secretary is the poster child for the ninth f****** version of the eight prior crusades.

There's a long history of Christian nationalism and Christian nationalist rhetoric in U.S. politics  but it's unprecedented in modern times, said Matthew Taylor, a visiting scholar at the Center on Faith and Justice at Georgetown University.

Echoing this, David Kieran, a professor of military history at Columbus State University, said: Theres an acceleration of the way a particular strand of Christianity seems to be evoked here in way we havent seen in those earlier moments.

Demographic change shouldnt be overlooked, Taylor said.

Prior to 1990, the share of Americans who identified as Christian stood at 90 percent or higher. That figure now stands at about 62 percent. According to a 2022 Pew Research Center survey, 51 percent of Americans do not think the U.S. should be a Christian nation, while 45 percent said it should be.

Hegseth's Christian nationalist rhetoric is part of a broader effortto run back the clock and take us back to a time before all that diversity and complexity became part and parcel of U.S. culture and identity, Taylor said.

Constitutional foul

Multiple academic experts said that, by constantly invoking his private faith from his Pentagon perch, Hegseth is running afoul of the Constitution.

His comments are preposterous for a public official, Fidell said. We have in this country separation of church and state. We do not have an established religion. We've never had an established religion since the Bill of Rights was ratified.

The First Amendments establishment clause bars the government from creating an official religion, while the free exercise clause protects Americans right to practice their religion without government interference.

Weinstein added that by hosting Pentagon prayer services, which service members may feel pressured into attending, Hegseth is also violating Article Six of the Constitution, which prohibits the government from adopting religious tests for public officials.

What Hegseth and other figures in the second Trump Administration are doing is trying to enshrine a sort of Christian privilege within government policy, Taylor said.

Risk of alienating troops

According to a 2019 study, about 70 percent of active duty service members identify as Christian, leaving another 30 percent who subscribe to another faith or are nonbelievers.

Weinstein said his organization, MRFF, represents hundreds of secularists, humanists, atheists, agnostics, Jews, Buddhists, Hindus. We've got 12 members of the Jedi Church right out of Star Wars. Many, of these service members, he said, feel alienated by Hegseths posturing.

This could have major implications for recruitment and retention rates, Fidell noted. Are members of minority faiths going to look for the exit when their enlistments are up because he's created a hostile environment? he asked.

Provoking the Iranians with his rhetoric

By framing the Iran war in religious terms, the defense secretary is also undermining or distracting from the justifications the administration has provided for launching the offensive, sources said.

When you're in a wartime situation, you should think carefully about everything you say, and it should all be aimed at bolstering the central objective, not not pursuing side issues, Bolton said.

Trump has provided several reasons for entering the war, claiming that Iran posed an imminent threat to the U.S. while hinting that regime change was part of his rationale. Yet recent polls indicate that a majority of Americans oppose the conflict.

open image in gallery The Iran war engulfed large swaths of the Middle East in violence, leading to thousands of deaths and triggering fears of global economic upheaval. Here, people are seen sifting through rubble after a strike in Tehran on Tuesday ( Getty Images )

To gussy it up with the notion that God is somehow behind all this, that's not going to save the administration's failure to explain why we're doing what we're doing, Fidell said.

Hegseths rhetoric further risks unnecessarily inflaming the conflict with Iran, whose new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei is considered to be a hardline conservative cleric.

The Iranian regime, which is built around a radicalized and even apocalyptic vision of Shiite Islam, is already inclined to view this war in existential, civilizational, and religious terms, Taylor said. Those narratives of holy war and apocalyptic clashes are already built in.

The last thing we need in global politics today is religious extremists like Hegseth provoking the Iranians with his rhetoric and potentially causing this war to spiral out even further into regional conflict and destruction, he concluded. But that's an almost inevitable impact of the kind of language he's using.
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A visually impaired refugee found dead on the cold streets of Buffalo, New York died from complications from an ulcer precipitated by hypothermia and dehydration, according to a medical examiner.

The manner of death was homicide, according to the report from the Erie County Medical Examiners Office.

Nurul Amin Shah Alam, a 56-year-old Rohingya refugee from Myanmar, was picked up by Border Patrol agents from a local jail and dropped off outside a Tim Hortons coffee shop on February 19. He wasnt seen again until five days later, when a woman called 911 to report his body on the street more than five miles away.

The medical examiners report confirms our understanding that Shah Alam was placed into a hostile environment from which he could not remove himself, according to Terrence M. Connors, who is representing his family.

Border Patrol had the ability to place him in a non-hostile environment so that is why the medical examiner designated the manner of death as homicide, he told The Independent.

open image in gallery Nurul Amin Shah Alam was found dead five days after Border Patrol agents left him outside a coffee shop in the middle of winter in Buffalo, New York. A medical examiners report determined his death was a homicide from complications from an ulcer precipitated by hypothermia and dehydration ( REUTERS )

A determination of homicide indicates a death that resulted from the volitional act of another, which includes negligent acts or omissions, the medical examiner clarified.

The designation does not necessarily suggest an intent to cause harm or death.

An ulcer formed when hypothermia set in and decreased his blood flow, weakening the lining of his intestines, while dehydration built up stomach acid that eroded his digestive system, according to Dr. Gale R. Burstein, Erie Countys health commissioner

The symptoms of a perforated ulcer are severe pain, she said during a news conference Wednesday. Its a medical emergency.

Erie County District Attorney Mike Keane said his office is reviewing the autopsy report and other medical records.

We are committed to seeking the truth and upholding justice, he said in a statement shared with The Independent.

While I recognize the demand for answers sought by Mr. Shah Alams family and our community, it would be inappropriate to comment on the specifics of the autopsy report or the status of any investigation, he said. I appreciate the publics interest in this case and their continued patience while our review remains ongoing.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul, a Buffalo native, pledged that every individual involved in the death of Mr. Shah Alam must be held fully accountable.

open image in gallery Shah Alam and his wife spent 20 years in Malaysia after fleeing Myanmar. They arrived in the US as refugees in December 2024 ( via REUTERS )

The death of Shah Alam, who was nearly blind and spoke only little English, shocked Buffalos Rohingya community and outraged residents and advocates who have raised alarms for months about the conditions of vulnerable immigrants, refugees and their families.

The office of New York Attorney General Letitia James is continuing to review legal options, and members of Congress are demanding investigations.

Mr. Shah Alam fled genocide to build a life in this country. Instead, he was abandoned and left to suffer alone in his final hours, James said in a statement. No New Yorker should be treated this way. My office is continuing our review of the circumstances and treatment that led to Mr. Shah Alams death.

Homeland Security said his death has NOTHING to do with Border Patrol and pointed to his serial violent criminal rap sheet.

Another hoax being peddled by the media and sanctuary politicians to demonize our law enforcement, according to a statement from Customs and Border Protection.

Shah Alam and his wife spent 20 years in Malaysia, where they raised their five sons while waiting for safety and stability after fleeing violence and persecution in Myanmar.

In 2014, they applied for resettlement in the United States. After 10 years of waiting, they arrived in the country as refugees in December 2024.

But the family was split up; the couples three oldest sons, because they were adults, applied separately. Trump effectively froze refugee admissions immediately after taking office, stranding Shah Alams three eldest sons in Malaysia.

Two months after the family entered the U.S., on the morning of February 15, 2025, he had wandered into a persons backyard in the Riverside neighborhood. He was arrested and charged with assault and trespassing.

open image in gallery Shah Alam was arrested in February 2025 and spent the next year in jail before Border Patrol agents removed him from custody despite realizing he was not eligible for deportation ( AP )

His bail was lowered to $5,000, but Shah Alams family decided to keep him in the jail where they could visit him, fearing that Immigration and Customs Enforcement would pick him up and send him to a detention center outside of Buffalo, or deport him, should he be released.

He spent the next year in jail.

In February, he agreed to plead guilty to reduced charges of criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree and one count of criminal trespass in the third degree, according to the district attorneys office.

His sentencing was scheduled for March 24.

On February 19, sheriffs deputies at the Erie County Holding Center handed him over to Customs and Border Protection officers, according to a timeline from the Buffalo Police Department.

Keane, the district attorney, was not aware of his release into immigration custody until the day he died, he said. His family was never contacted.

When Border Patrol agents picked him up, they shortly realized he wasnt supposed to be deported.

open image in gallery Mohamad Faisal embraces his mother, Fatimah Abdul-Roshid, the wife of Nurul Amin Shah Alam, as the family speaks to reporters in the wake of Shah Alams death ( REUTERS )

Officers instead offered him courtesy ride to a Tim Hortons coffee shop, which was determined to be a warm, safe location near his last known address, according to a statement from the agency.

The coffee shop was closed, and video surveillance footage does not show him entering the shop. It appears he wasnt wearing shoes, only the orange booties that were issued by the jail.

His family filed a missing persons report, and police and community members began canvassing the area.

On February 25, a woman called 911 to report an "unresponsive male, roughly five miles south from where he was dropped off by border agents.

In her first public remarks after his death, Shah Alams widow Fatimah Abdul Roshid said she remains heartbroken that she could not be with him as he died alone.

On his dying bed, I couldnt even see him, she said. I didnt even know how he was. I didnt know where he was. Thats what breaks my heart. Thats the regret that will last forever.
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White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles has expressed concerns that aides are giving President Donald Trump a rose-colored view of the Iran war and its domestic impacts, according to a new report.

Its been more than a month since the U.S. and Israel started launching strikes against Iran. Gas prices have soared in the U.S. to more than $4 a gallon on average, 13 American service members have died and more than 300 troops have been injured.

During his national address Wednesday night, Trump touted his perceived wins in a war he claims started because Iran was an imminent threat to Americans.

Never in the history of warfare has an enemy suffered such clear and devastating large-scale losses in a matter of weeks. Our enemies are losing and America, as it has been for five years under my presidency, is winning, and now winning bigger than ever before, Trump said, seemingly referring to his first term and the first year of his second term.

open image in gallery White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles has expressed concerns that aides are giving President Donald Trump 'a rose-colored view' of the Iran war and its domestic impacts, according to a new report ( AP )

Trump reportedly fills his days watching the victories of the war in Iran, while being shielded from the negative impacts of the conflict.

The president receives daily compilation videos of the latest, most successful strikes on Iranian targets, NBC News reported last week, citing U.S. officials.

On Thursday, Time reported, citing two White House sources, that Wiles has expressed concern the president is getting a rose-colored view of how Americans perceive the Iran war. Wiles has reportedly told staffers to be more forthright with the boss about the political and economic risks associated with conflict.

open image in gallery Gas prices have soared in the U.S. to more than $4 a gallon on average, 13 American service members have died and more than 300 troops have been injured as the Iran war rages on ( Getty Images )

The Independent has reached out to the White House for comment.

A majority of Americans, 59 percent, oppose the Iran war, while just 28 percent support it, according to a recent The Economist/YouGov poll.

When asked whether they thought the Trump administration has been giving Americans accurate information about the progress of the war, 55 percent said no, and just 25 percent said yes.

open image in gallery A majority of Americans, 59 percent, oppose the Iran war, while just 28 percent support it, according to a recent poll ( Getty Images )

Trump claimed in his address Irans ability to launch missiles and drones is dramatically curtailed. But CNN reported Thursday that recent U.S. intelligence shows Iran still has about half of its missile launchers and thousands of drones.

The president told reporters Tuesday the war could end within two to three weeks, but Americans think it will take longer for the conflict to be resolved.

In the recent poll, 59 percent said it was either somewhat or very unlikely that the U.S. and Iran would reach a negotiated settlement to end the war in the next month, while just 22 percent said it was somewhat or very likely.
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The man set to lead the Department of Justice after Pam Bondis departure mounted the defense of Donald Trump through his criminal prosecutions and the weeks-long hush money trial that led to the first ever conviction of a president.

Todd Blanche, who Trump appointed as deputy attorney general, will take on the role of acting attorney general following Bondis ousting.

Bondi will transfer duties of the Office of Attorney General to Blanche over the next month before she leaves the Trump administration for what she called an important private sector role.

Blanche  who steered Trumps defense in courtrooms in New York, Florida, and Washington D.C.  was sworn into the No. 2 role at the Justice Department just weeks after he appeared alongside Trump on a screen inside a Manhattan criminal courtroom, where a judge presided over the first-ever criminal sentencing of a president in U.S. history.

Pam Bondi led this Department with strength and conviction and Im grateful for her leadership and friendship, Blanche said in a statement. Thank you to President Trump for the trust and the opportunity to serve as Acting Attorney General. We will continue backing the blue, enforcing the law, and doing everything in our power to keep America safe.

open image in gallery Todd Blanche was the lead defense attorney in Donald Trumps hush money trial in 2024. A jury found Trump guilty on all 34 counts against him ( AFP via Getty Images )

Blanche is among several former personal attorneys to the president, including Bondi, who joined the Trump administration in roles that have been used to strike at his political opponents and unwind federal investigations that once targeted Trump.

Emil Bove, another of Trumps criminal defense attorneys in his so-called hush money case, served as principal deputy attorney general before Trump nominated him to serve as a federal appellate court judge.

U.S. solicitor general D. John Sauer, who argued at the Supreme Court for Trumps immunity from criminal prosecution for his efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss, is now the governments top lawyer.

Other former Trump-linked lawyers  including Harmeet Dhillon, now the chief of the Justice Departments storied Civil Rights Division, Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward, and former U.S. Attorneys Alina Habba and Lindsey Halligan, among others  were also rewarded with key roles in the administration after spending years defending the president through a minefield of legal challenges.

Inside the Justice Department, Blanche has remained steadfast in his support of his former client.

Last year, he dismissed Erez Reuveni, the acting deputy director of the Office of Immigration Litigation, after he admitted in court that Salvadoran immigrant Kilmar Abrego Garcia  whose high-profile case has been at the center of the Trump administrations mass deportation efforts  was wrongly removed from the country.

He also disbanded the National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team, was tapped to serve as the acting librarian of Congress, and suggested that anti-Trump protesters who interrupted the presidents dinner should face federal racketeering charges.

Last month, while speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference, Blanche boasted that the Justice Department cleaned up shop after firing dozens of career prosecutors and federal agents who were involved in the investigations against the man he was defending in court.

There is not a single man or woman with a gun  federal agent  still in that organization that had anything to do with the prosecution of President Trump, he said.

open image in gallery Blanche as deputy attorney general has remained faithful to his former client and has boasted about DOJ firing dozens people connected to criminal cases he once defended Trump against ( AFP via Getty Images )

But his roles in the investigations surrounding Jeffrey Epstein, and the Justice Departments legally required release of documents stemming from the sex offenders cases, have come under intense scrutiny from both Democrats and Republicans.

Last summer, he signed off on a memo stating that there is no basis to release any more materials from the federal governments investigations, and that no further disclosure would be appropriate or warranted.

In July, he interviewed Epsteins longtime accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell from federal prison. Maxwell, who was sentenced to 20 years in prison after she was convicted of trafficking young women and girls, said she never saw Trump doing anything inappropriate during her wide-ranging interview.

She was later transferred to a lower-security prison in Texas.

Blanche  a veteran of several prestigious white-shoe firms and a former federal prosecutor in the U.S. the Attorney's Office in the Southern District of New York  formed his own firm, Blanche Law, the same month Trump was arraigned on criminal charges in Manhattan. Blanche spent the next two years defending the president in various courtrooms.

open image in gallery Blanches role in the DOJs handling of Epstein cases has come under scrutiny after he issued a memo in 2025 stating that no further disclosure of documents would be necessary ( AFP via Getty Images )

On May 30, 2024, a unanimous jury convicted Trump on all 34 counts of falsifying business records in connection with a scheme to silence adult film star Stormy Daniels, whose story about having sex with Trump threatened to derail his 2016 presidential campaign.

Trumps then-attorney Michael Cohen paid Daniels $130,000 for the rights to her story; Trump reimbursed Cohen in a series of checks, some of which were cut from the White House, according to court records and testimony.

Those reimbursements were falsely recorded in accounting records as legal expenses, fulfilling a conspiracy to unlawfully influence the 2016 presidential election, according to prosecutors.

Throughout the trial, Blanche dutifully appeared next to Trump during informal press conferences to camera crews and reporters in the courthouse hallway.

Blanche also represented Trump throughout a federal criminal case alleging a vast conspiracy to undermine the results of the 2020 election and another involving the presidents allegedly unlawful possession of classified materials hoarded inside his Mar-a-Lago residence.

Former special counsel Jack Smith closed those cases after Trumps election, and a federal judge  also appointed by Trump  has blocked the release of Smith's final report on his findings in the Mar-a-Lago investigation. The Justice Department has refused to publish it.
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New interim Attorney General Todd Blanche has insisted that his predecessor, Pam Bondi, was not fired over her handling of the Epstein case, adding that no other files related to the disgraced financier will be released.

Blanche was named interim AG on Tuesday after President Donald Trump decided to fire Bondi. Trump is said to have previously expressed frustration that Bondi hadn't prosecuted some of his political enemies  including New York Attorney General Leticia James and former FBI Director James Comey.

Trump reportedly told Bondi she was being fired while the two were on their way to the Supreme Court. The president told Bondi, "I think it's time," and informed her she was going to be replaced. He reportedly denied her request to remain in the job until summer.

Bondi became the face of the Trump administrations handling of the Epstein case in February 2025 when she claimed that she had Epstein's client list "sitting on her desk" before later backtracking and insisting that there was no list.

Congress forced the Trump administration to release all of the Epstein documents, but the AG's office dragged its feet and, according to some critics, still has not released everything it has regarding the Epstein investigation.

open image in gallery Interim U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche told Fox News Jesse Watters that the Epstein investigation should not be a part of the Department of Justices priorities in the future, and said there will be no further document releases pertaining to the case ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

Under Blanche, it's likely any remaining files will remain buried, as he is now saying there will be no further Epstein document releases.

Fox News' Jesse Watters asked Blanche on Thursday if he agreed that the Epstein files were handled poorly.

First of all, I have never heard President Trump say that the attorney general was  anything that happened to her had anything to do with the Epstein files, Blanche said. And so, look, the Epstein files has been a saga thats lasted for the past year. And what happened when the president signed the transparency act is that the Department of Justice has now released all the files with respect to the Epstein saga.

Both Republicans and Democrats in Congress have refuted the Trump administration's claim that all of the Epstein files have been released.

Echoing Trump's own view on the matter, Blanche said he thinks it's time for the Department of Justice to move on from Epstein.

So I think to the extent the Epstein files was a part of the past year of this Justice Department, it should not be a part of anything going forward," he said.

Watters then pressed Blanche on whether or not Epstein was working for or with a foreign intelligence service while he was alive.

"I have no idea if he was a spy. All I know is that we dont have any evidence in the Epstein files that the FBI collected over 15 years that suggest that, Jesse. I wasnt  I dont know. I wasnt part of the original prosecution team. Neither was Attorney General Bondi," he said.

open image in gallery Bondi addressing reporters as then-Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche watches from behind. Blanche became the interim U.S. Attorney General after Trump fired Bondi ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Blanche then went on to insist that Trump  who had a long, documented friendship with Epstein  was the only person to try to hold him accountable.

"Theres only one president thats held Mr. Epstein accountable, and thats Donald J. Trump. During his first administration, that was the administration that prosecuted him, and during this administration, its the administration thats been totally transparent and released all the files," Blanche said. "And no matter how much criticism people want to make about the Epstein files, that is indisputable."

"Ok. I'm not sure you totally get what people feel about that," Watters told Blanche before moving to another topic.

Trump has never been accused of any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein and says he broke off their friendship long before Epsteins conviction for soliciting prostitution and procuring a minor for prostitution in 2008.

Blanche previously interviewed Epstein's associate, child sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell. During their meeting in July, Maxwell told Blanche that she never saw Trump engage in anything illegal during the time she knew him. She was then allowed to move to a lower-security prison facility where she can play with dogs and order her own food.

Blanche's ascension is just the latest in what may become a major shakeup across the Trump administration.

About a month before Bondi was fired, Trump fired thenHomeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, replacing her with the current DHS head, Markwayne Mullin.

U.S. Army Chief of Staff General Randy George has also been fired by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and rumors abound that Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard may be next on Trump's chopping block.
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Hours after firing Pam Bondi as attorney general  and with reports that more Cabinet members could be on the chopping block  President Donald Trump has saddled his vice president with a title that became an albatross around the neck of his predecessor Kamala Harris for most of her time in office.

Trump took to social media on Friday to reiterate his desire to have Vice President JD Vance lead a nakedly political effort to harass state and local governments in places that did not vote for them in the 2024 election under the premise of cracking down on federal benefits fraud.

In a bizarrely worded post to Truth Social, Trump wrote that Vance was now in charge of FRAUD in the United States as he announced the veeps new role, calling the problem massive and pervasive.

The job he will be doing, in conjunction with many great people within the Trump Administration, will be a major factor in how great the future of our Country will be, Trump said.

He added that Vances focus will be EVERYWHERE, but stressed that the administrations efforts would be targeted primarily in those Blue States where CROOKED DEMOCRAT POLITICIANS, like those in California, Illinois, Minnesota (Somalia beware!), Maine, New York, and many others, have had a free for all in the unprecedented theft of Taxpayer Money.

open image in gallery President Donald Trump just gave Vice President JD Vance a new politically charged role ( Getty )

The president also claimed, without offering evidence, that the supposed amount of federal funds lost to fraud is so large that if Vances efforts are successful they would literally allow the U.S. to balance its budget, and said law enforcement agencies had already started raids in Los Angeles, the largest city in the largest state led by a Democratic governor and potential 2028 presidential candidate.

Good Luck JD! Trump added.

Trump had already signed an executive order last month putting Vance in charge of what press secretary Karoline Leavitt called anti-fraud task force which will investigate fraud across the country, and his explicit declaration that Vance should be henceforth known as the administrations fraud Czar appears to ignore the history of the way the Russian-language term has traditionally been used in conservative media and political circles as a pejorative against Democratic administration officials to imply such officials are unaccountable and power-hungry.

Vances predecessor, former vice president Kamala Harris, was saddled with the unofficial Border Czar moniker during her time in office across hundreds of television segments on Fox News and Newsmax, with the conservative networks pegging her work addressing migration from South and Central America to border security even though the latter subject was never in her policy portfolio.

Her Biden administration colleague, former Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry, was similarly dubbed the Climate Czar by commentators who mocked his frequent international travel and cast him as an out-of-touch elitist working to force green mandates on working-class Americans.

open image in gallery Vice President Kamala Harris conferring with a US Border Patrol officer along the Mexico border in Arizona in 2024 ( Reuters / Pool )

During the Obama administration, then-Fox News host Glenn Beck made a habit of using a chalkboard to illustrate the dozens of administration officials  most of whom were low- to mid-level advisors  who he referred to as czars working on what he described at the time as a wide-ranging Marxist plot to undermine the United States from within.

While Vance is ostensibly being tasked with leading federal efforts to crack down on benefits fraud, the administrations focus on the subject has been largely a function of political imperatives, either to punish Democratic-led jurisdictions or sandbag Democratic politicians perceived as enemies to the president  or potential rivals to the vice president in future elections.

In January, Vance announced that the White House was creating a new assistant attorney general position at the Department of Justice for the specific purpose of fighting what he described as fraud in places such as Minnesota, where a right-wing YouTube influencers viral video about Somali-run health care businesses led the Department of Homeland Security to surge thousands of immigration enforcement officers and agents to conduct roving patrols that resulted in two innocent Americans being gunned down.

open image in gallery President Donald Trump just gave Vice President JD Vance a new politically charged role ( Truth Social )

There have been some high-profile cases of public benefits fraud in the North Star State in recent years, such as one in which the nonprofit Feeding Our Future was charged with submitting fraudulent documentation to obtain roughly $250 million in Covid-19 pandemic aid during the Biden administration.

Federal prosecutors have also alleged that at least half more of the roughly $18 billion in federal funds that supported 14 Minnesota-run programs since 2018 may have been stolen from federal programs supporting child nutrition, housing services and autism services.

The sprawling case has become politically and culturally fraught, as Somali Americans make up 82 of the 92 defendants charged so far, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for Minnesota. But Trump has capitalized on that fact to target the Somalia diaspora in Minnesota, which has the largest Somali population in the U.S., as well as the state's Democratic leadership  including Governor Tim Walz, who was the Democratic Partys 2024 vice presidential nominee.

Trumps announcement that the Vance-led fraud force would be targeting California next could give Vance a perch upon which to attack one of his possible 2028 presidential rivals, Gov. Gavin Newsom, and other prominent Democrats who could end up vying for their partys presidential nomination two years from now.

A White House fact sheet released last month on Trumps executive order said there was strong reason to believe large-scale fraud is a problem in California, Illinois, New York, Maine, and Colorado on account of what the order called insufficient safeguards and weak oversight.

Illinois, New York and Colorado are also home to possible Vance rivals, such as Governor J.B. Pritzker, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Governor Jared Polis, respectively.
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President Donald Trump has set 100 percent tariffs on prescription drugs from overseas companies that have not reached a deal with him to lower prices.

On Thursday, one year after Liberation Day, when Trump announced sweeping global tariffs that eventually got knocked down by the Supreme Court, the president imposed new 100 percent tariffs on patented pharmaceuticals and their ingredients.

Certain large companies will be hit with the tariffs in the next 120 days, and smaller companies will see them in 180 days, according to a White House memo.

Despite being the world leader in research and development for most innovative pharmaceuticals, the U.S. is heavily reliant on imports, threatening to limit U.S. access to life-saving medications in the event of global supply chain disruption, the memo read.

open image in gallery President Donald Trump has set 100 percent tariffs on prescription drugs from companies that have not reached a deal with him to lower prices ( Getty Images )

The Trump administration will not impose tariffs on companies that have entered into Most Favored Nation pricing agreements and deals to produce drugs in America.

Trump issued an executive order in May that directed administration officials to communicate most-favored-nation price targets to pharmaceutical manufacturers to bring prices for American patients in line with comparably developed nations.

In the executive order, Trump talked about drug manufacturers scheming to deeply discount their products to access foreign markets, and subsidize that decrease through enormously high prices in the United States.

As the largest purchaser of pharmaceuticals, Americans should get the best deal, he argued.

open image in gallery The tariffs were announced on the anniversary of Trumps Liberation Day, which saw U.S. trading partners get hit with sweeping levies ( AFP via Getty Images )

Several pharmaceutical companies, including Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, have struck deals with the Trump administration to lower drug costs and invest in the U.S.

Companies that enter into onshoring agreements but dont lower drug costs will be hit with a 20 percent tariff, according to the new memo.

Some pharmaceutical products will be subject to lower tariffs if the U.S. already has a trade deal with the country of origin. If a product is from the European Union, Japan, Korea, Switzerland or Liechtenstein, a 15 percent tariff will be imposed.

Speciality pharmaceutical products, such as orphan drugs and drugs for animal health, are exempt from the new tariffs if they are from countries with trade deals or meet an urgent public health need, according to the memo.

open image in gallery Several pharmaceutical companies, including Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, have struck deals with the Trump administration to lower drug costs and invest in the U.S. ( Getty Images )

One year ago today, Trump imposed a 10 percent tariff on all imported goods and additional reciprocal levies against partners that his administration accused of unfair trade practices.

Last month, the conservative-leaning Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that the tariffs brought under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act were unlawful.

The president asserts the extraordinary power to unilaterally impose tariffs of unlimited amount, duration, and scope. In light of the breadth, history, and constitutional context of that asserted authority, he must identify clear congressional authorization to exercise it, Chief Justice John Roberts wrote in the decision.

Some tariffs were not impacted by the Courts decision, including those imposed on specific sectors, such as aluminum or steel. These tariffs were imposed under Section 232 of the 1962 Trade Expansion Act, the same law that Trump used to impose the pharmaceutical tariffs.
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President Donald Trump reportedly demanded that his seat be moved at the Supreme Court so he could sit directly in front of the court's justices during his unprecedented visit to the court to witness the oral arguments in his birthright citizenship case this week.

Trump became the first president to attend a Supreme Court oral argument, a move that many critics took to be a naked attempt to intimidate the court into ruling in his favor. Early in his second term, Trump issued an executive order challenging the 14th Amendment, which establishes that anyone born on U.S. soil is a U.S. citizen.

ACLU Executive Director Anthony Romero told MSNOW that Trump was initially seated at the end of the first row of seats, but Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told the court's security that the president wanted to be moved to the center, where he would face the justices.

Then it was clear that he was endeavoring to put his thumb on the scale, Romero said. "He was endeavoring to glower at the justices to kind of intimidate them, almost defy them to rule against him.

Romero said that rather than appearing intimidating, Trump spent the hearing fidgeting in his chair. He said after ACLU Legal Director Cecilia Wang began making her opening arguments that the president "started getting restless" and that his "shoulders slumped a little bit."

President Donald Trump pictured here in a courtroom sketch made of his appearance at a Supreme Court hearing involving birthright citizenship. Trump is the first president to attend a Supreme Court hearing ( AP )

He said Trump left the courtroom approximately 10 or 15 minutes into Wang's opening argument.

Romero said the court did fall quiet when Trump entered, but he added that his presence didn't seem to throw the justices.

Trump was clearly not happy with what he saw during his time at the court.

We are the only Country in the World STUPID enough to allow Birthright Citizenship!" he raged on Truth Social after he left.

Trump complained about the Supreme Court again during a private Easter event with MAGA religious figures later the same day.

Republicans, judges, and justices, Trump said. They always want to show that theyre independent.

He continued: I dont care if Trump appointed me, I dont care, if it doesnt make any difference to me. Im voting against him! Trump complained.

He said people within the named groups defy him because "they want to show their independence, you know. Stupid people."

Trump's ranting continued on Thursday, when he called the Supreme Court a "KANGAROO COURT!!!" on Truth Social.

During the hearing, Justice John Roberts noted that Trump's executive order focused on the citizenship of the parents rather than the citizenship of the individual born in the U.S. and said it would be extremely difficult to actually enforce Trump's order.

Justice Amy Coney Barrett, a Trump appointee, questioned the practicality of the presidents order.

"How would it work?" she asked. "How would you adjudicate these cases? You're not going to know at the time of birth whether they have the intent to stay or not, including U.S. citizens, by the way."
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The U.S. map might look different in 2027 if Texas Republicans have their way.

Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows released an overview of committee priorities for 2027 last week, and among the items listed was the consideration of absorbing New Mexico counties that want to secede from the state.

The Governmental Oversight Committee, which Burrows created, has been assigned to examine the Texas-New Mexico border and to consider the implications of absorbing New Mexican counties that are trying to break away, Fox 4 reports.

Earlier this year, New Mexico State Representatives Randall Pettigrew and Jimmy Mason introduced a measure that would amend the state's constitution to establish a means for counties to secede. Their proposal died without going to a hearing.

"New MeX-it," as the secession plan was called online, caught the attention of Burrows, who supported the idea of Lea County seceding, saying on X that it could come "back to Texas, where it rightfully belongs."

Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows has ordered a state oversight committee to study whether or not Texas could absorb New Mexican counties whose leaders want to secede from the state ( Getty Images )

A spokesperson for New Mexico Governor Michelle Grisham's office told Fox 4 that Texas can do whatever studies it wants, but it has no intention of shedding counties to its eastern neighbor.

"We have every intention of keeping the great state of New Mexico fully intact, but Texas can study it all they want," the spokesperson told Fox 4. "While theyre at it, they could also study how New Mexico has reduced methane emissions in the Permian Basin by half compared to their state. If Texas followed our lead, it would be a win-win for Texans and the planet."

The secession movement is led by New Mexico Republicans who cite a cultural disconnect between their counties and the state capital, which is controlled by Democrats.

"Southeast New Mexico deserves a real voice in its own future, not one dictated by Santa Fe. Its a conservative, energy-rich region with a fierce independent streak, and West Texas has shown whats possible when you respect oil and gas, protect property rights, and trust local communities," Burrows wrote in a statement.

He continued, saying the "conversation is ultimately about culture, opportunity, and the right to choose a path that reflects the shared values of the Permian and Delaware basins."

Texas actually taking New Mexican counties seems like a long-shot proposal. Democrats control both chambers of the New Mexico legislature and the statehouse. Republicans outside of the seceding counties would effectively be voting to weaken their own party's strength in the state if they backed the play, as they would lose legislative districts and thus voting power to Texas.

Until a new secession amendment is introduced, Texas' study will remain an exercise in hypotheticals.
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On a recent weeknight, a packed New York ballroom became the stage for residents of a dilapidated Bronx building to recount their housing nightmares. This event marked the third in a series of "rental rip-off hearings," a new initiative by Mayor Zohran Mamdani, offering disgruntled tenants a direct line to housing officials and, at times, the mayor himself.

Among those present was Gulhayo Yuldosheva, who voiced fears that noxious mould in her apartment was worsening her childs asthma. Her downstairs neighbour, Marina Quiroz, showed a city tenant protection representative a video of rats scurrying through her kitchen. Ann Maitin, a long-term resident from the same building, had just met with Mayor Mamdani, highlighting the direct engagement these hearings provide.

He let me go over my three minutes, she said, holding up a spiral notebooks worth of grievances.

Mamdani, a democratic socialist swept into office on a promise of zealous tenant advocacy, framed the event as a struggle session for renters, assuring the standing room only crowd that their stories would guide the city's efforts to actually hold landlords accountable when they dont follow the law."

To the residents of 705 Gerard Avenue, this raised a practical problem: No one seemed to know who actually owned their building.

It feels like such a basic question, said Maitin, a retired Verizon technician who recently organized the buildings tenant association. Youd think wed have the right to that information.

Their situation is hardly unique. As corporate owners and investor groups have grown their share of the rental market in New York City, they are increasingly shielding their identities behind limited liability companies, or LLCs.

The practice, which has also been spreading nationally, is legal. But experts warn it could complicate Mamdanis promised crackdown, making it harder for the city and tenants to track the chronically negligent owners whose buildings the mayor has vowed to target and even seize.

There are these big slumlords that everyone knows are doing predatory investment, but pinning them down is going to be difficult, for the LLC reason, said Oksana Mironova, a housing policy analyst at the Community Service Society. Thats a problem for the administration, and its even worse for tenants.

open image in gallery Marina Quiroz stands in her living room in a Bronx apartment building, where tenants report maintenance issues, pest infestations, Tuesday, March 17, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki) ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

For Yuldosheva and her neighbors, finding their landlord is one of many problems afflicting their six-story building near Yankee Stadium.

Heat and hot water outages are regular enough that some tenants keep a thermometer on their fridge and the citys complaint hotline on speed dial. Common areas are often filthy, and increasingly populated by drug users. Getting help with an urgent maintenance issue feels like waiting for Christmas in July, said Maitin.

During a monthslong elevator outage, a tenant who uses a wheelchair, Tommy Rodriguez, said he was forced to slide down the steps, like a kid. Calls to the building management about a repair timeline went unanswered, he said.

Growing up in the building in the 1980s, Rodriguez recalled the previous landlord as a friendly and responsive neighborhood presence.

This felt like a home before, Rodriguez said. Now they treat us the same as the rats.

A large rodent had recently chewed a hole through his couch cushion. He handled the extermination himself, with a two-by-four.

open image in gallery Tommy Rodriguez, right, talks to his relative, Francisco Medina, left, in an apartment building where tenants report maintenance issues and pest infestations, in the Bronx borough of New York, Tuesday, March 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki) ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Recently, tenants received a clue about their landlord, following the partial collapse of another Bronx building. The man identified in news stories as the owner of that building, David Kleiner, shared a Brooklyn office with their building manager, Binyomin Herzl.

A handful of tenants visited each of the buildings 72 units, logging an array of decrepit conditions and unusual alterations.

We didnt want to become the next news story, said Yuldosheva, pointing to a crack in the wall of a bedroom shared by her three children  a result, she feared, of the subway that rumbles just below her windows.

Lawsuits show that Herzl has been ordered to pay more than $100,000 for violations across at least six Bronx buildings, several of which were found by a judge to pose an imminent hazard.

Reached by phone, Herzl said he didn't own any of those properties, but simply acted as a middleman between tenants and the true owners, whom he declined to list. Theres no one landlord, he said. Its a group of investors.

Kleiner, who was previously featured on the citys worst landlord list, confirmed his partial ownership of 705 Gerard in a brief phone call, but declined further comment.

Herzl, meanwhile, attributed the tenants complaints to normal wear and tear of a nearly century old building. He said Mamdani should focus on improving the citys public housing, rather than going after private landlords.

Our buildings look like five star hotels against his, he added.

open image in gallery Gulhayo Yuldosheva, 33 , center right, Marina Quiroz, 65, top, pose for a portrait with other two residents in an apartment building where tenants report maintenance issues and pest infestations, in the Bronx borough of New York, Tuesday, March 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki) ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

When landlords refuse to address a serious violation, like heat or hot water outages, the city can step in and order repairs, then bill the owner directly.

In the last three years, inspectors have ordered emergency repairs at 38 buildings that list either Herzl or Kleiner as an owner, according to records provided by the citys housing department. The men have been billed $446,521 for those repairs.

Mamdani has proposed using such fines as a vehicle to bring distressed rental properties under city stewardship, by aggressively pursuing liens on delinquent landlords and buying up their portfolios through foreclosure auctions.

Just as the city can shut down unsanitary restaurants, Mamdani has said, landlords that repeatedly put New Yorkers at risk will not be allowed to operate in New York City  with no exceptions."

In reality, the process is resource-intensive and legally fraught. It is made more complex by the nest of LLCs often used by landlords to obfuscate the full scope of their portfolios, according to Cea Weaver, director of the Mayors Office to Protect Tenants.

Itd be great to have a better sense of who owns the buildings that we are regulating and overseeing, she said.

State legislation that would have made it easier to identify LLC owners was recently vetoed by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul amid pressure from landlords.

open image in gallery Zohran Mamdan ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Kenny Burgos, the CEO of the New York Apartment Association, a landlord lobbying group, said Mamdanis tenant proposals  including freezing the rent for regulated tenants  would force landlords to cut back on maintenance and services.

Thats going to take away from the elevator budget, the boiler budget, the heating budget, he said. Its a question of math: These buildings are crumbling because of policy, not because of bad landlords.

He characterized the rental rip-off hearings as show trials that took a tribal approach to the citys affordable housing crisis.

Despite the combative branding  New Yorkers vs. Bad Landlords, blares one promotion  the Bronx event mostly resembled a standard constituent service night: City officials fielded questions about local laws, helped residents with paperwork and connected them to service providers.

Maitin left feeling glad to be heard by someone who can actually do something about the problem, but felt it was too early to tell if its all talk."

The next morning, she was surprised to find the buildings superintendent applying a fresh coat of paint to a staircase. Outside, workers were removing scaffolding that had been in front of the building for years.

I think they caught wind of the rental rip-off, Maitin said. Theyre scared.
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The president of Wisconsins largest mosque has been detained by federal immigration agents, prompting accusations from local officials and religious leaders that the arrest was motivated by his public statements against Israel.

Salah Sarsour, a 53-year-old Palestinian-born legal permanent resident of the United States, was taken into custody by nearly a dozen U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on Monday in Milwaukee after leaving his home, according to the Islamic Society of Milwaukee.

His attorneys stated that Sarsour is being held on the grounds that he poses a foreign policy threat, but they assert these claims are without merit. Instead, they believe he was targeted for speaking out against Israel and for a conviction as a minor by Israeli military courts.

These courts have faced scrutiny over allegations of limited due process and high conviction rates of Palestinians. The offenses included allegedly throwing rocks at Israeli officers, according to attorney Munjed Ahmad. Israel rejects those claims. Supporters called for his immediate release on Thursday.

open image in gallery His attorneys believe he was targeted for speaking out against Israel ( Megan Varner/Getty Images )

Our government should not be doing the bidding of a foreign government, Ahmad said of Israel. Theres no question in my mind is that this is to stifle the discourse on the Palestinian narrative.

Attorneys said Sarsour, born in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, has no criminal record in the U.S.

Sarsours attorneys have likened the case to Mahmoud Khalil, a former Columbia University activist who faces deportation because the federal government said he was a foreign policy threat.

An email message left Thursday for ICE and the Department of Homeland Security was not immediately returned.

Sarsour has been the president of the Islamic Society of Milwaukee, the largest Islamic Organization in the state, for five years. His attorneys say he's held a green card for years and lived in the Milwaukee area. His wife and four adult children are U.S. citizens.

His arrest prompted outcry from top elected officials, including Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson who called it an outrage.

He is a legal permanent resident. There is no substantive evidence he has done anything wrong, Johnson said in a post on X. This is another example of overreach and harm from the U.S. Immigration authorities.

Sarsour is being held at county jail outside Indianapolis. His attorneys have filed a petition seeking his release.

He is ready to fight tooth and nail to make sure that hes not drug through the mud, Ahmad said. He wants to stay in this country.
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Three government ministers resigned in Greece on Friday amid a European investigation into alleged European Union farm subsidy fraud.

Agriculture Minister Kostas Tsiaras stepped down along with Civil Protection Minister Yiannis Kefalogiannis and Deputy Health Minister Dimitris Vartzopoulos. All denied wrongdoing, saying their resignations were intended to facilitate the investigation.

The European Public Prosecutors Office is seeking immunity waivers for 11 lawmakers in a case that has fueled public anger in Greece and raised concerns in the farming sector.

The center-right government quickly reshuffled the Cabinet, appointing former European Commission Vice President Margaritis Schinas as agriculture minister.

The investigation is led by European chief prosecutor Laura Codruta Kovesi, who visited Athens for talks with government officials last year.

The alleged fraud centers on a Greek state agency that failed to prevent the misuse of EU funds through false claims for land and livestock.

This is the second wave of resignations linked to the scandal after five senior officials quit last year.

Greeces farming sector faces mounting strain, with weeks of protests triggered by delayed subsidy payments tied to the investigation. Thousands staged tractor protests in Athens and central Greece earlier this year.
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A container ship owned by French shipping group CMA CGM has successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz, suggesting Iran may not view France as a hostile nation.

The Malta-flagged Kribi, owned by CMA CGM, crossed the Strait on 2 April, according to MarineTraffic data, marking the first French-owned vessel to pass through the channel since US-Israeli attacks targeting Iran began in late February.

The Strait, a critical maritime choke point, previously handled about a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies before recent conflicts effectively closed it.

It was not immediately clear how the vessel, which the data shows is sailing south along the coast of Oman, secured safe passage. CMA CGM did not respond to a request for comment. President Emmanuel Macron's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on whether his government had brokered the ships' passage.

open image in gallery French President Emmanuel Macron speaks to the press during a visit at the War Memorial of Korea in Seoul on April 2, 2026 ( POOL/AFP via Getty Images )

The vessel passed through on Thursday, the day that Macron said it would be unrealistic to launch a military operation to open the Strait, and that only diplomatic efforts would work.

"This Strait must be reopened because it is strategic for energy flows, fertilisers and international trade, but it can only be done in consultation with Iran," he said.

Macron has worked with European and other allies to build a coalition to guarantee free passage through Hormuz once hostilities have stopped.

French diplomats have also spent the last week working to soften a resolution at the United Nations Security Council that would have enabled forceful action in the Strait of Hormuz.

LSEG shipping data showed that on Thursday the vessel changed its Automatic Identification System destination to Owner France before entering Irans territorial waters in the Strait, signalling to Iranian authorities the nationality of its owner.

Ships have previously used similar tactics to assert neutrality when transiting conflict zones. Several Chinese vessels that have passed through the Strait also set their destinations to Chinese owner & crew".

The ship had originally been bound for Pointe-Noire in the Republic of the Congo.
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The Paris prosecutor's office said on Friday it had opened an investigation into French news channel CNews for possible hate speech after alleged racist comments about Bally Bagayoko, the newly elected Black mayor of Parisian suburb Saint-Denis.

At the centre of the case is CNews, the rolling news channel controlled by French tycoon Vincent Bollore's Vivendi group, which critics have likened to Fox News for its opiniondriven format and polarising tone.

Media watchdogs and opponents accuse the channel, as well as other outlets in the Bollore group such as the Journal du Dimanche newspaper, of nearconstant coverage of immigration and security, which they say fuels farright narratives.

Bagayoko, the first Black mayor of Saint-Denis, an impoverished and diverse suburb north of Paris, lodged a complaint on Wednesday, alleging the comments made by panelists on the channel on March 27 and 28 constituted racist slurs, the prosecutor's office said in a statement.

Contacted by Reuters, CNews had no immediate comment. It told AFP the controversy was "baseless" and denied any racist comments were made. The mayor also could not be immediately reached for comment.

Separately, the prosecutor opened an investigation into possible cyberbullying targeting the mayor, who is a member of the far-left France Unbowed party, due to his skin colour.

Under French law, racial slurs are punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to 45,000 euros ($52,000), while cyberbullying is punishable by an up to two-year jail term and a fine of up to 30,000 euros.
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A 2,500-year-old gold helmet taken in a violent museum break-in in the Netherlands has been recovered, Dutch prosecutors have confirmed, ending months of uncertainty over the fate of one of Romanias most important historical artefacts.

The Cotofenesti helmet  dating to around 500BC and linked to the ancient Dacian civilisation which predates the Roman conquest of present-day Romania  was presented to journalists in Assen under heavy armed guard.

Two associated gold bracelets were also recovered, while a third remains missing. Search efforts are ongoing for the final missing bracelet.

The items had been on loan from Romanias national history museum as part of an exhibition on Dacian culture when they were stolen in January 2025 during the final weekend of a six-month display at the Drents Museum.

Dutch prosecutor Corien Fahner described the recovery as a relief following a prolonged and uncertain investigation. We are incredibly pleased, she said. It has been a roller-coaster. Especially for Romania, but also for employees of the Drents Museum.

Romanian officials also welcomed the development. It's a long-awaited result, prosecutor Daniela Buruiana said. We are happy that we are now witnessing here the recovery of the Romanian artefacts.

The objects were handed back to authorities on Wednesday after negotiations involving lawyers representing three suspects. Two men in their mid-30s and a 21-year-old, arrested shortly after the raid, are due to stand trial later in April, reported the BBC. Prosecutors said the return formed part of a pre-trial arrangement.

Despite fears the helmet might have been destroyed  its distinctive design making it difficult to sell on the illicit market  it survived with only minor damage. The helmet is slightly dented, but there will be no permanent damage, said Drents Museum director Robert van Langh. The armbands are in perfect condition.

The theft itself was carried out with force. Investigators said the gang used a homemade explosive device and tools including a sledgehammer and crowbar to gain entry. Security footage released after the incident appeared to show three individuals forcing open a door before an explosion inside the building.

The case drew sharp reaction in Romania, where the artefacts are considered central to national heritage. Justice minister Radu Marinescu previously called the theft a crime against our state and said their recovery is an absolute priority.

Romanian prosecutor Rares-Petru Stan highlighted the broader impact, describing the incidents major impact at home and thanking Dutch authorities for their hard work and keeping the faith. He added: We are continuing the investigation to find the last bracelet, and we are grateful that we will be able to return this treasure to the Romanian people.

The theft also strained diplomatic relations between the two countries. The Dutch government paid 5.7m (5m) in insurance compensation following the incident, though Romanian officials have declined to say what will happen to the funds now that the artefacts have been recovered.

Questions have also been raised about museum security and the risks of lending valuable artefacts abroad. The helmet and bracelets had been displayed in a glass case that offered limited resistance to the attackers. Several smaller museums in the Netherlands have been targeted in recent years, highlighting challenges in protecting high-value objects.

Art specialists have suggested the items may have been stolen to order by organised criminals.

The controversy had consequences in Romania, where the former head of the national history museum, Ernest Oberlander-Tarnoveanu, lost his position shortly after the theft amid criticism over the decision to loan the objects internationally. He later described the helmet as a unique item in European and even global cultural heritage and an important social and political symbol of Dacian civilisation.
Zelensky blames Iran was for stalled weapon supply as Russia continues to attack Ukraine

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The acting US ambassador to Ukraine will step down from her post and retire over differences with Donald Trump, according to a report.

An American official and the State Department said that Julie Davis would leave the role amid a lull in US-brokered talks to achieve a ceasefire and end Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The Financial Times first reported Davis' departure and said it was because of differences of opinion with Trump's policies. It is claimed that Davis had grown frustrated with her role over his dwindling support for Ukraine.

The State Department pushed back on that characterisation, saying it was "false" to say she was leaving over differences with Trump.

"Ambassador Davis has been a steadfast proponent of the Trump Administration's efforts to bring about a durable peace between Russia and Ukraine," Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said.

Negotiations have been stalled since the US launched military action against Iran, which has caused a global energy shock and diverted Trumps attention from conflict in Europe.
White House: Trump has met with team over Iran proposal to reopen Strait of Hormuz

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Donald Trump has said that Iran believes it is in a State of Collapse and wants the US to open the Strait of Hormuz, as Washington considers a new peace proposal.

Iran has just informed us that they are in a State of Collapse the US president wrote.

They want us to Open the Hormuz Strait, as soon as possible, as they try to figure out their leadership situation (Which I believe they will be able to do!), he added.

Insiders revealed today that Trump discussed a new Iranian proposal on resolving the war with his top national security aides on Monday, as the conflict remains in a stalemate with energy supplies from the region still disrupted.

Earlier, secretary of state Marco Rubio said Irans grip on the Strait of Hormuz represents an economic nuclear weapon the regime is using to hold the worlds energy hostage.

Marco Rubio told Fox News on Monday that Iran is bragging about how it can hold a fifth of the worlds oil and gas hostage.

Tehran's latest proposal would see the Strait of Hormuz opened and an end to the war, but with talks on the Iranian nuclear programme postponed.
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Since the U.S. and Israel struck Iran on February 28, thousands of people have been killed across the Middle East.

Those strikes triggered Iranian attacks on Israel, U.S. bases and the Gulf states, while opening a new front in Lebanon.

Here are the latest death tolls reported.

Here are the death tolls from the war as reported by countries as of April 5.

IRAN

U.S.-based rights group HRANA said 3,540 people have been killed since the war erupted. It said 1,616 of those were civilians, including at least 244 children.

The group says its data comes from field reports, local contacts, medical and emergency sources, civil society networks, open-source materials and official statements.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said on Friday that at least 1,900 people have been killed and 20,000 injured in Iran in the U.S.-Israeli strikes so far. It was not clear if those figures included at least 104 people who the Iranian military said were killed in a U.S. attack on an Iranian warship off Sri Lanka on March 4.

LEBANON

Lebanese authorities say 1,461 people have been killed in Israeli strikes since March 2, including at least 124 children.

More than 400 fighters from Hezbollah have been killed since the Lebanese armed group launched attacks in a new war with Israel on March 2, two sources familiar with the group's count told Reuters. It is unclear if the death toll reported by the authorities includes the fighters.

At least 10 Lebanese soldiers have been killed since March 2 in Israeli strikes on Lebanon, with most of the casualties in southern Lebanon, according to the Lebanese army.

Meanwhile, three United Nations peacekeepers from Indonesia were killed in two separate incidents in southern Lebanon, one from a roadside explosion, the other involving a projectile.

open image in gallery Iranian forces have damaged US airbases throughout the Gulf region, which has led some troops to be relocated to other civilian areas ( SOCIAL MEDIA via REUTERS )

IRAQ

At least 108 people have been killed since the start of the crisis, according to Iraqi health authorities. Those include civilians, members of the Iran-affiliated Shi'ite Popular Mobilisation Forces, U.S.-allied Kurdish Peshmerga fighters, police and army.

One foreign crew member was killed in an attack on tankers near an Iraqi port, according to port security officials.

ISRAEL

Missiles launched from Iran and Lebanon towards Israel have killed 19 people in Israel, according to Israel's ambulance service. The Israeli military said 10 of its soldiers were also killed in southern Lebanon.

Separately, Israeli forces misfired and killed an Israeli farmer near the border with Lebanon on March 22.

UNITED STATES

Thirteen service members have been killed. Six were confirmed dead after a U.S. military refuelling aircraft crashed over Iraq, the U.S. military said, while seven others have been killed in action during operations against Iran.

Twelve U.S. troops were wounded, two of them seriously, in an Iranian military strike on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, a U.S. official told Reuters on Friday.

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Twelve people have been killed in Iranian attacks, including two army soldiers, according to the UAE authorities. The latest fatality occurred when debris from an intercepted attack fell on Abu Dhabi's Habshan gas facilities.

QATAR

Seven people were killed on March 22 in a deadly helicopter crash in Qatar's territorial waters after a technical malfunction during "routine duty," according to Qatar's defence ministry. No further details were provided.

Four of those killed were Qatari armed forces personnel, one was a Turkish serviceman from the Qatar-Turkey joint forces and two were technicians working for Turkey's defence manufacturer Aselsan.

KUWAIT

Authorities have reported seven deaths, including three people killed in Iranian attacks, two interior ministry officers and two army soldiers.

open image in gallery A ball of fire rises from the site of an Israeli strike that targeted a building adjacent to the highway that leads to Beirut's international airport ( AFP via Getty Images )

WEST BANK

Four Palestinian women were killed in an Iranian missile attack in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

SYRIA

Four people were killed when an Iranian missile struck a building in the southern city of Sweida on February 28, state news agency SANA said.

BAHRAIN

Two people were killed in two separate Iranian attacks, with the most recent hitting a residential building in the capital Manama, according to the interior ministry.

The UAE's defence ministry said on March 24 that one of its civilian contractors was killed in an Iranian attack on Bahrain. It identified the contractor as a Moroccan national.

OMAN

Two people were reported killed on March 13 in a drone strike on an industrial zone in Sohar province, marking the first fatalities inside the country, which had been hosting mediation talks between the U.S. and Iran. One person died earlier when a projectile hit a tanker off the coast of Muscat, the vessel's manager said.

SAUDI ARABIA

Two people were killed when a projectile fell on a residential location in Al-Kharj city, southeast of the capital Riyadh.

FRANCE

One French soldier was killed and six others were wounded after a drone attack in northern Iraq, where they were providing counter-terrorism training.

Reuters has not independently verified these numbers.
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French President Emmanuel Macron has dismissed the prospect of a military intervention to forcibly reopen the Strait of Hormuz following a challenge from U.S. President Donald Trump for allies to address the waterway's closure.

The critical maritime passage, which handles approximately a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies, has been effectively shut by Tehran.

This closure follows a period of intense regional conflict since 28 February, marked by U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, which in turn provoked Iranian attacks on Israel, U.S. bases and Gulf states, leading to thousands of fatalities across the Middle East.

Speaking to reporters during a visit to South Korea, Mr Macron said: "Some people defend the idea of freeing the Strait of Hormuz by force via a military operation, a position sometimes expressed by the United States, although it has varied."

Macron says any military intervention would be unrealistic ( AP Foto/Alex Brandon )

Macron highlights risks of military operation

"This was never the option we have supported because it is unrealistic," he said. "It would take forever, and would expose all those who go through the Strait to risks from the Revolutionary Guards but also ballistic missiles," he said.

Macron, who has worked with European and other allies to build a coalition to guarantee free passage through Hormuz once hostilities have stopped, said this could only be done by talking to Iran.

"What we say from the beginning is that this strait must be reopened because it is strategic for energy flows, fertilisers and international trade, but that it can only be done in consultation with Iran," he said.

Thinly veiled criticism of Trump

Asked about Trump's criticism of NATO allies, Macron said:

"I don't want to provide a running commentary of an operation the Americans have decided on their own with Israel. They can deplore the fact they're not being helped, but that's not our operation. We want peace as soon as possible."

"This is not a show," Macron added. "We're talking about war and peace... Let's be serious and not say one day the opposite of what we said the day before," he added, without saying if he was talking about Trump.

On Trump's threats to pull the U.S. out of the NATO alliance, Macron said: "Alliances such as NATO derive their strength from what is not said, that is, from the trust that lies behind them. If you create doubt every day about your commitments, you hollow out its substance."

The French leader also said that Trump's comments mocking him and his wife Brigitte were "neither elegant, nor commensurate" with the moment.
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With each day that passes since the start of war between the US, Israel and Iran, the impact on travellers increases.

On Tuesday 7 April, Air New Zealand has made more cuts to its domestic flight network in May and June due to the ongoing impact of high jet fuel costs  grounding one flight in 25.

A spokesperson for the airline said: We have worked hard to keep disruption to a minimum, with the vast majority of impacted customers still travelling on the same day.

These changes are relatively small compared to others in the New Zealand market, where some airlines are reducing capacity by more than 10 per cent.

Like airlines globally, we're experiencing jet fuel prices that are more than double what they would usually be. This is driving higher costs across the industry, and we've made further increases to some airfares to help manage this.

On the same day, Australias government said the nation had 30 days supply of jet fuel remaining.

The announcements come as some Asian countries are grounding flights and European airlines are making plans to deal with shortages.

Michael OLeary, chief executive of Ryanair, has warned of the risk of supply disruptions in Europe in May and June unless the war ends quickly.

Could your holiday flight be cancelled due to lack of fuel, or because the price has risen so sharply? That is the question increasingly many people are asking  and wondering about their rights amid such uncertainty.

These are the key questions and answers.

How bad is the fuel shortage?

In some parts of the world, particularly in Asia, flight cuts have been deep and steep surcharges have been added to air fares.

So far the impact on UK passengers has been limited. The small Channel Islands airline, Aurigny, has grounded some flights linking Britain with Guernsey and applied a 2 surcharge on new bookings. Skybus, the Isles of Scilly carrier, has axed its link between London Gatwick and Newquay in Cornwall.

Major British and Irish airlines are confident that supplies are sufficient to cover the rest of April. Beyond that, visibility is more difficult.

Ryanair boss Michael OLeary told Sky News: The fuel companies are happy there wont be disruption till early May.

But if the war continues, we do run the risk of supply disruptions in Europe in May and June, and obviously we hope the war will finish sooner than that and the risk to supply will be eliminated.

If the war finishes by April and the Strait of Hormuz reopens, then there is almost no risk to supply. If the war continues, and the disruption to supply continues, we think there is a reasonable risk of some low level  maybe 10 to 25 per cent of our supplies  might be at risk through May and June.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero told The Independent: Jet fuel shipments are continuing to arrive in the UK. The UK receives imports of jet fuel from India, US and the Netherlands as well as smaller amounts from a range of other countries."

The picture is more concerning in parts of Asia, which are largely dependent on supplies of aviation fuel from the Gulf.

Airlines in Vietnam and the Philippines are cancelling some domestic and international flights. Pakistan has told foreign pilots to arrive with as much fuel as possible for their return journey, saying: Due to disruption in supply chain of jet fuel, as a precautionary measure airlines are advised to carry maximum fuel from abroad and minimise uplift of jet fuel from Pakistan.

What about British or European airlines flying from cities in Asia?

The Pakistan warning is significant. There is no problem with bringing in fuel on the 90-minute hop from Dubai to Karachi. This is a practice known as tankering. But an 11-hour flight from Heathrow to Islamabad is different. Individual airports may run short of fuel. Were this to happen  as it already is in Cuba due to the US blockade  airlines continue to fly, but typically they will stop off somewhere else to take on more fuel.

Oddly at the same time as fuel is getting scarce, European airlines including British Airways and Virgin Atlantic are stepping up flights to Asia, to cash in on the inability of the Gulf airlines to operate full schedules  and the reluctance of passengers to change planes in hubs which are on the Foreign Office no-go list  including Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha.

US and Scandinavian airlines are cancelling flights?

Yes, but that is much more of a financial issue. Airlines that are not locked into low fuel prices are seeing their costs rise very steeply. So United of the US and SAS, the Scandinavian airline, have announced the cancellation of thousands of flights between them  but they are departures that have switched from marginally profitable to loss-making due to the rising price of aviation fuel.

What happens if my flight is cancelled?

Under air passengers rights rules, travellers whose flights are departing from the UK or the EU  or on British or European airlines from anywhere in the world  have strong rights. They are entitled to be flown to their destination as close to the original schedule as possible, on any airline with seats available, and to be provided with meals and hotels if there is a significant delay.

Could we face surcharges?

All the big airlines operating from the UK  British Airways, easyJet, Jet2, Ryanair and Virgin Atlantic  have locked into lower fuel prices. None of the airlines intends to surcharge existing passengers.

There is no convention of asking people who have paid in full for their flights to pay more. However, thats not the case for package holidays.

Hedging the price of fuel comes at a cost and plenty of firms choose not to lock into low fares. They are therefore exposed to the full weight of the approximate doubling of the oil price.

Under the Package Travel Regulations, travel firms are allowed to ask for more money if the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from the cost of fuel has risen. There is no upper limit to the amount that the travel firm can demand. But if the proposed surcharge is eight per cent or more, then you have the right to get your money back.

Many surcharges turn out to be eight per cent, representing an extra 80 on a 1,000 holiday.

For flights bought aboard, surcharges are more likely. Bo Lingam, chief executive of the major budget airline AirAsia X said: We have implemented carefully calibrated fare adjustments, including a one-off fuel surcharge across the network.

Will we be paying more for flights later in the year?

Longer term, higher fares are likely. As airlines fuel hedging arrangements unwind, future supplies will be more expensive  pushing up costs and therefore fares.

Kenton Jarvis, chief executive of easyJet, told The Independent: The industry has no choice. Its a low-margin, highly competitive sector. We make about 7 per seat. If fuel goes up 10, you have to respond.

Can travellers panic buy flights and holidays  and would you advise it?

I never advise anybody to panic. There is, though, an argument for committing to the flights you will take over the coming months in the knowledge that you will get strong consumer protection. For example I have just bought a ticket for a princely 40 to Cyprus in May on Wizz Air, and one coming back from Georgia on easyJet later the same month.

I fully expect those flights to go ahead, but should the airline cancel I know that under air passenger rights rules, the carrier has to provide an alternative departure for me at no extra cost.

Read more: British Airways to allow voice and video calls on its Starlink-enabled flights
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Tech giant Oracle announced this week that up to 30,000 employees would lose their jobs, and official documents have put a finer point on just who is being let go in the sweeping lay-offs.

Oracle sent lay-off notices via email at 6 a.m. local time Tuesday to employees in Canada, India, Mexico, and the U.S, citing broader organizational change as the reason, according to Business Insider. The company made the cuts to free up $8 billion to $10 billion to fund AI projects, according to The Next Web.

Some 491 employees who work remotely, or at two Oracle locations in Seattle, Washington, will be laid off in June, according to a WARN Notice filed with the states Employment Security Department late last month.

Companies are obligated to file WARN Notices if they have at least 100 full-time employees and plan to lay off at least 50 people at a single location, according to the Department of Labor.

Among the 491 Washington employees who were laid off were 270 software developers; 46 software development managers, directors and vice presidents; 40 program managers and 30 product managers.

open image in gallery Tech giant Oracle announced this week that up to 30,000 employees would lose their jobs, and official documents have put a finer point on just who is being let go in the sweeping lay-offs ( Getty Images )

open image in gallery Tech firm Oracle, led by billionaire Larry Ellison, is reportedly diverting freed-up cash from its recent layoffs to AI projects ( Getty Images )

Oracle, which provides database management and cloud computing solutions, also plans to let 539 employees go at its Kansas City, Missouri, campus from May 26 to June 1, according to a WARN notice filed with the states Office of Workforce Development March 31. Positions include:

85 software developers

43 systems analysts

39 program managers

35 sales representatives

24 consulting positions

18 production services developers

16 technical analysts in support

13 project managers.

The company laid off around 12,000 employees in India, including positions in engineering and cloud infrastructure, global news network NDTV reported Thursday.

Oracle employees expressed their shock across social media following the lay-offs.

Its hard to put into words how heavy this feels, Oracle customer success manager Eugenia Zanolli Andrade wrote Tuesday on her LinkedIn page. Work is way more than just your source of income, its also a space where we grow, contribute, and build a sense of purpose.

Oracles sweeping cuts are another red flag to white-collar workers over the shift to AI at major companies. The reported $8billion and $10 billion savings will fund AI-related projects such as building data centers, according to The Next Web, citing data from investment bank TD Cowen.

Oracle declined to comment to The Independent.

The Oracle lay-offs follow similar decisions by other tech firms in recent months. Amazon announced 16,000 lay-offs in January, largely in white-collar positions, according to CNBC. Block, a fintech company headed by former Twitter boss Jack Dorsey, let around 4,000 employees go in February.

open image in gallery Its hard to put into words how heavy this feels, an Oracle employee said in a LinkedIn post after Tuesdays layoffs ( Sean Gallup/Getty Images )

AIs impacts on white-collar jobs goes beyond the tech industry - Goldman Sachs recently estimated that 6-7 percent of U.S. workers could lose their jobs amid wider AI rollouts.

In October, Ford CEO Jim Farley said he expects AI to replace literally half of all white-collar positions, Yahoo Finance reported.

AI firm Anthropic said in a March 2026 report that computer programmers are most susceptible to AI-related job cuts. Customer service representatives, data entry, medical record specialists, market research specialists and marketing specialists are also easily replaced by AI, Anthropic stated.

H.P. Newquist, a consultant and analyst at AI tracking firm The Relayer Group, said the recent Oracle layoffs were related to AI in a more indirect way.

The Oracle layoffs are only related to AI in that the money saved by slashing the workforce will be applied to building AI infrastructure, Newquist said in an email to The Independent. The layoffs have little or nothing to do with the applied use of AI to replace employees.

Beyond AI, the Oracle layoffs should give prospective job-hunters food for thought, said Jessica Kriegel, chief strategy officer at business consultancy Culture Partners.

The reason people should take note of the Oracle layoffs is because this represents a behavioral shift for the company. Theyve historically done incremental, surgical layoffs, not sweeping ones, Kriegel told The Independent in an email.

The move to large-scale cuts signals a change in how leadership is thinking about the future of work.

She added: This is the part people are getting wrong: AI isnt directly replacing jobs at scale yet. But AI spending is forcing companies to make tradeoffs, and labor is where those tradeoffs are showing up.
When the head of the army is given his marching orders in the middle of a conflict, its usually a good sign that things arent going well.

After Donald Trump insisted that his war of choice in Iran is nearing completion, that he would finish the job "very fast" in the next two to three weeks  but also that his military hasn't even started destroying what is left of the country  the US army chief of staff, General Randy George, was asked to retire with immediate effect by defence secretary Pete Hegseth.

To many, it looked like a desperate act by the gung-ho, self-styled secretary of war  offering up a scapegoat to better shield himself from what may be heading his way down the turnpike.

And Trump appears increasingly frustrated that things are not going well. With the Iran war now in its second month, the presidents prime-time speech on Wednesday evening  his first address to the nation about what he has now taken to referring to merely as intervention  was a rambling, at times demented word salad. From the slurred delivery, repetitions and contradictions, it spoke volumes about Trumps psyche. The people around him should expect to be getting it in the neck sometime soon.

Certainly, this Middle East adventure isnt panning out as it was war-gamed. Iran retains the upper hand in the Strait of Hormuz, and keeps contradicting Trumps sunny statements on peace deal negotiations going extremely well, how a ceasefire deal could be reached soon but you never know with Iran.

On Friday morning, Tehran said an American F-35 fighter jet had been shot down over Iran, as Iranian drones struck an oil refinery in Kuwait. On his Truth Social platform, the US president has threatened to start bombing bridges and electric power plants. So much for it all going to plan.

In normal times, the resignation of Gen George, who had more than a year left in his term, might look like the changing of the old guard, a shift in approach. But he was followed out of the Pentagon door by General David Hodne, head of the Army Transformation and Training Command, and Major General William Bill Green Jr  the first time ever an army chief of chaplains has been fired.

Under Trump, this looks to many like a purge. US website Military.com called it one of the most significant wartime leadership shake-ups during active US combat operations in recent years. People say that Trumps problem is that he doesnt learn lessons from history  but it seems hes been studying Stalin.

There is no suggestion that General George was anything other than a skilled and dedicated public servant. The general and Hegseth are reputed to have clashed over the direction of the Iran conflict as US forces expose themselves to war crime accusations by targeting civilian structures. Reports have also suggested that Hegseth  a former Fox News host who has faced scrutiny over suggested ties to the white nationalist movement  had objected to Georges plans to promote two women officers and one Black officer to the rank of one-star general.

At a time when Trumps second-term approval ratings have sunk to a new low, petrol prices for ordinary Americans are going up, topping $4 a gallon at the pump for the first time in nearly four years, and more than a dollar higher than when the war began.

Which would be fine. But, on top of the military scalps, Trump has his cabinet in his crosshairs.

The surprise departure of Pam Bondi as attorney general  who did her best to please her bosss desire for revenge on his political opponents, but bungled the handling of the Epstein Files release  makes her the second Maga appointee to be ousted from the cabinet during his second term. She follows Kristi Ice Barbie Noem, the former secretary of homeland security who, until last month, oversaw the mass deportation agenda that led to tens of thousands of immigrants being removed  and civil unrest in American cities that resulted in civilian deaths.

Bondi did what Trump expected of her. She went after any number of his political opponents with ludicrous attempts to indict them. Some of her prosecutions were so baseless, even grand juries dismissed them  and grand juries indict just about anything that moves.

She may even have broken the law for him, appearing to lie under oath to Congress when she falsely claimed in a sworn testimony that Ghislaine Maxwell, Jeffrey Epsteins partner in child sex-trafficking, had not been transferred to a lower-level prison.

Donald Trumps former attorney general Pam Bondi ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

Bondis reputation  somewhat spotty before her brief stint in the Trump 2.0 cabinet  is now dirt. She may be in extreme legal jeopardy once Trump loses control of Congress.

If this is more than just a rearranging of the deckchairs on the Titanic and the start of an actual Trump purge, who might be next?

Bookies are already taking bets on how long his director of national intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, can last. She probably earned Trumps wrath for admitting to Congressional investigators that US intelligence agencies believe Iran had made no effort to rebuild its nuclear facilities after last summers obliteration by US and Israeli forces.

To many, Trumps doltish FBI director Kash Patel has long been for the chop. Its also hard to see how Hegseth himself can survive the Iran fallout.

Like rats in a sack, the Maga inner circle will first turn on each other. For the rest of us, it will take a heart of stone not to watch with a smile on our faces.
Walking will slash your cancer and dementia risk  but only at the right pace. Heres what you need to know
Last day to avail of generous option to top up UK pension

Irish people who qualify must get their applications in by Friday

People who worked in Britain have just days left to sign up for cheap top-up of UK state pension

Charlie Weston Thu 2 Apr 2026 at 06:30

Irish people who worked in the UK are running out of time to benefit from what has been described as a great financial deal.
Woman claims university response was insufficient

A female medical student at University College Dublin (UCD) is appealing against a High Court ruling dismissing a lawsuit in which she claimed the university failed to make adequate allowances for her to re-sit exams and resume her studies after she was raped.
John Burns: When the MetroLink griping starts, we will wish Sean Sweeney was still on board

With the New Zealander in the driving seat, the long-awaited project was finally being taken seriously

Sean Sweeney announced yesterday he is stepping down as Metrolink programme director. Photo: Gerry Mooney

John Burns Fri 3 Apr 2026 at 06:30

When Sean Sweeney first arrived in Dublin and took a taxi from the airport  the only alternative being a bus  the driver asked the New Zealander what business he had in Ireland.
Research carried out in the past has linked low vitamin D in adults over 70 with an increased risk of dementia. Photo: Getty

People with higher levels of vitamin D in middle age may have lower levels of a protein in the brain, which is a sign of dementia, years later, according to Irish-led research.
Working with chocolate is a beautiful job  Savouring the Easter magic at Clares Hazel Mountain chocolate factory

Owner and creative director Kasha Connolly has put her childhood home baking experience in Poland to great effect

Kasha co-founded the factory in 2014.

Erika Sassone Fri 3 Apr 2026 at 06:30

Easter means chocolate and Co Clares very own Willy Wonka factory, Hazel Mountain Chocolate, knows all about it.
Each week, photographer Ruth Medjber asks one person to share a tale from their own life. This week, she meets HSE home-birth midwife Ali Boylan

Motherhood and pregnancy is something that a lot of people wish to talk to me about in the Sin Sceal Eile podcast, so of course I oblige. Its a topic that doesnt affect me personally (apart from being born myself) as I dont have any children, nor do I plan on having any. Possibly one of the factors that turned me off having children was the way that the birthing process is handled in Ireland. I dont like hospitals and I naively thought that was the only choice in childbirth.

HSE home-birth midwife Ali Boylan. Photo: Ruth Medjber

Until this week, when I met Ali Boylan, a registered HSE midwife, who cleared up some very common myths that besiege her profession.

Ali is a home-birth midwife and believes greatly in empowering eligible women and their partners to have their babies from the comfort of their own homes. She is a very hands off midwife. I say to couples, You guys are having a baby and Im going to come and keep you clinically safe and Im going to be with you. But its you having the baby, youre having the baby and youre OK.

Ali says that the free HSE home-birth service is the best kept secret of the HSE. Most of the consultants in Irish hospitals, especially in the Dublin ones that Ive worked in, theyve never seen quiet, calm, sacred spaces. Theyve usually never seen a physiological birth.

Ali is adamant that birthing at home is safe, even for first-time mums who meet the health criteria. She has a back-up midwife in attendance at all times, as well as an ambulance service on standby, just in case its needed.

I work with the mum and the family and we build up a relationship so that when I come into the birth, I know what her blood pressure usually is. I know what her babys heart rate usually is. I know how she responds in different situations. I know her partner well enough that I can ask if shes looking OK to you.

She feels safe with me because she knows me. Shes not stressed, so were not adding in any cortisol or any adrenaline to the situation. The physiological hormones can work and the mother can birth her baby knowing that shes being held. And it doesnt make birth more romantic or more orgasmic, its just the comfort in safety and being at home.

The aftercare she provides seems absolutely extraordinary. About an hour or two after birthing, I help them shower, dress them, and take them back to bed with the baby. I make sure the baby is feeding and settled and then I go home. I come back to visit for seven to 10 days after that to make sure everyone is fed, sleeping and that mother has transitioned well into motherhood.

Im delighted to share an insight into Alis profession for whomever might be looking for an alternative birthing experience.

When you get a woman through a physiological birth, she feels empowered. Imagine if all the women, all your friends that had babies were feeling on top of the world and they felt like they did something that can change the world, rather than coming home a bit broken, a bit shook, scared and traumatised. Thats going to change how you show up in the world, isnt it?
Blessington Street is one of the most central locations in Dublin, and No10 has plenty of potential

One of the rooms at 10 Blessington Street, Phibsboro, Dublin 7

One of the very large rooms at 10 Blessington Street, Phibsboro, Dublin 7

No10 Blessington Street in Dublin 7 is an eight-bedroom Georgian terraced townhouse in the heart of north inner city Dublin, at the edge of Phibsboro and adjacent to The Blessington Basin.

Located a five-minute walk from the city centre with 3,800 sq ft of living accommodation across five floors, including a basement level, it offers a reservoir of space.

One of the very large rooms at 10 Blessington Street, Phibsboro, Dublin 7

Tell me more about the place...

Blessington Street was once one of Dublins best addresses. It is anchored at one end by the Basin, a reservoir that once supplied water to the Dublins 18th century promenading classes.

These days its a public park that serves as a welcome green lung in this part of the city as well a handy gateway to Phibsboro. The Mater Hospital, TU Dublins Grangegorman campus, and OConnell Street are all within walking, and public transport connections are great. Dating from the late 1700s, it has eight bedrooms served by four bathrooms, a layout that suggests a more recent history as flats.

A library awaiting renovation at 10 Blessington Street, Phibsboro, Dublin 7

The bad news?

Eight bedrooms and four bathrooms suits a rental, but not a family or owner-occupier without significant reconfiguration. The interiors have clearly been arranged for occupancy rather than domestic comfort, and a full overhaul will be required. This is a listed building, so all works will have to be carried out in this context.

And the good news?

Georgian terraces on this scale are not that commonly available in this part of the city, and the sheer size of it gives any new owner genuine flexibility in deciding what the property becomes next.

The structure is described as well-maintained, and if the fabric of the building is as solid as these houses typically are, the investment case is straightforward, pending a full engineers report. Number 10 is BER exempt. The windows have recently been replaced.

One of the rooms at 10 Blessington Street, Phibsboro, Dublin 7

How much to buy it?

The price is 1m.

And to fix it up?

A full renovation will require rewiring, replumbing, a new heating system, and insulation works throughout, in addition to kitchens and bathrooms. Reconfiguring the layout into a family home will involve some structural works and will require planning input.

An outdoor area at 10 Blessington Street, Phibsboro, Dublin 7

A new kitchen and upgraded bathrooms should be included in the budget, along with attention to surviving period details such as the windows, doors and stairs. A thorough renovation is likely to cost a minimum of 200,000 to 280,000 if all is regular, but Georgians can have hidden foibles.

What will I end up with?

A grand Georgian family home in a well-connected inner city location. Total investment is likely to be circa 1.3m or beyond that, depending on the scope of works and the level of finish.

Who should I talk to?

Estate agent Danny Byrne (01) 564 5680 will take you back in time to check out some of Georgian Dublins historic salons.
Jim Geraghty: Trump blows his top regularly with world leaders, but Putin gets a free pass while plotting against US

Knowing how much the Russians are helping, it gets more difficult to believe the Iranians just had an amazing stroke of luck

Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump have a good relationship despite the Russian leader's closeness with Iran. Photo: Getty Images

Jim Geraghty Washington Post Thu 2 Apr 2026 at 06:30

Last Friday, a US Air Force E-3 Sentry aircraft at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia was destroyed. The drone and missile attack on the base also injured 12 US soldiers.
Martina Devlin: Fenians daring Easter escape from Australian penal colony stirred Irish quest for freedom

Rescue of Catalpa Six in 1876 involved a secret agent posing as a wealthy investor and a whaling ship flying the Stars and Stripes

The Catalpa, the ship used to rescue the Irish prisoners from Fremantle, Western Australia

Martina Devlin Fri 3 Apr 2026 at 06:30

It sounds like a Hollywood blockbuster with a high-octane script and George Clooney or Matt Damons name attached to it, but the daring adventure of the Catalpa escape, one of the worlds boldest jail breaks, is a true story.
Volodymyr Zelensky feeling confident as he puts together a winning hand and White House loses leverage

Donald Trumps decision to go to war in the Middle East has dealt a huge blow to Ukraine. It rescued Russia from a budget crisis, strained Kyivs debt-laden benefactors in Europe, ripped through stocks of critical US weapons Ukraine is now less likely to receive and prompted the White House to, yet again, press Volodymyr Zelensky to accept Russias territorial demands.
Multi-million euro plans to carry out the largest expansion in a Cavan secondary schools history have been put on hold following an appeal to the States independent planning authority.

Breifne College in Cavan town, as revealed by the Irish Independent only two weeks ago, was given the go-ahead by local authority chiefs to embark on a major upgrade of its campus along the county towns Cootehill Road.
A decision by An Coimisiun Pleanala (ACP) to overrule Cork County Councils refusal for a telecommunications mast to be erected just 27 metres from a Carrigaline housing estate is a desktop decision from Dublin overriding the wishes of the local planners, the planning authority, local councillors and residents, a local councillor has said.

The application by Phoenix Tower Ireland 111 Ltd for a Section 254 licence to erect the 18-metre-high mast on the Kilmoney Road was turned down by council planners in September 2025 on the grounds that the proposed development was not justified from a technical perspective and would also be visually obtrusive in a predominantly residential area.

The council decision said that the applicant did not explore the option of co-locating with an existing mast and also found that ComReg coverage data did not show any need for a mast at that location as the signal there was sufficiently strong already. The applicant appealed the decision to ACP, which has now granted permission for the mast.

Speaking to the Irish Independent, Carrigaline Councillor Jack White described the decision as very, very disappointing for local residents and for the planners in Cork County Council who actually strongly recommended against it. And for the councillors in the area too, myself and others who opposed it based on the views of residents.

The data from ComReg about the supply and quality of signal there was that it was excellent. The council planners took that as the expert opinion and they said No, we have enough here and it's not appropriate in this location as well as the concerns about visual amenity and proximity to homes, he said.

A number of residents and local politicians including Cllr White, Cllr Patrick Donovan, Cllr Eoghan Fahy and Seamus McGrath TD entered submissions to the ACP appeal, raising concerns such as visual obtrusion and the masts proximity to residential properties. Several submissions pointed out that the mast would be sited on a narrow strip of green area used as an informal playground by children living in the Kilmoney Heights estate.

The applicant argued that approximately 3,236 residents of Carrigaline South experience marginal signal levels and the mast would enhance 4G and 5G coverage for Three mobile customers in the area. It also said that the design of the mast has been chosen to minimise visual impact.

We do need these masts in certain areas but they have to be thought about in industrial estates, shopping centres, the median of roadways, that kind of thing. They have to be a distance away from homes and unfortunately we're not seeing that. The Section 254 licensing system is flawed in that respect in that it doesn't prescribe that they need to be an adequate distance from homes, Cllr White said.

And then also the planning considerations from An Coimisiun Pleanala in this case gave no due consideration to that and I think it's a glaring omission because I would challenge any planner casting a decision on this, Would you be comfortable with this next to your own home? and I think every one of them would say no.

Section 254 licences are permits issued by local authorities for placing specific structures such as street furniture or telecommunications infrastructure along public roads. Cllr White believes telecom companies are abusing the system.

We have a mast built in a very similar position in Passage West, there's one 400 yards down the road from the one we're talking about at Kilmoney and now that one is about to come as well. They're all on almost identical tiny grass margins by homes and it's a very cynical move I think by the companies that are doing this.

The reason they're abusing it is because, and to be fair, the fault is with the system that's there. There's no requirement for any public advertising of this, either with a site notice, a newspaper notice, or on the county council's planning website, the Fine Gael councillor said.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
Gardai say that over 680 drivers were detected speeding between 7am on Thursday (April 2), and Friday

A Cork driver was less Easter bunny and more Hare, as he was clocked by Gardai doing over one and a half times the speed limit on a major link between the city and a popular tourist town.

Its part of a major Garda road safety operation over the Bank Holiday Weekend, which began in earnest at 7am yesterday morning. A statement from the An Garda Siochana reported that over 680 drivers were detected speeding during the first 24 hours of the operation.

One of the worst offenders was in Cork, where a motorist was clocked driving at 82 kmh in a 50kmh zone in the village of Belgooly, which sits on the main Cork-Kinsale road, the R600.

The village contains a number of housing estates with young families, and has speed ramps on both entrances and exits along the busy road, which welcomes both commuter and tourist traffic throughout the year.

Apart from the plethora of speeding offences, Gardai say that 21 people were arrested for driving under the influence of an intoxicant (alcohol and drugs), while 90 were caught holding a mobile phone or not wearing a seatbelt.

The new operation is the latest crackdown from An Garda Siochana, as 42 people have already lost their lives on Irelands roads so far this year.

Gardai have said every member of the force on-duty this long weekend will be out conducting road traffic enforcement activity as the bank holiday weekends are a particularly dangerous time on our nations roads.

Gardai will be placing a particular emphasis on detecting those driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs this weekend, said the statement this morning.

A North Cork roads inspector recently said that those driving while under the use of intoxicants showed a complete disdain for the local community in which they live.

They're putting everyone in danger, said Inspector Fergal O'Donovan of the Cork County Garda Roads Policing Unit, who said distracted driving and mobile phone usage also present another major challenge to drivers across the county.

They're putting our kids in danger, our brothers, our sisters, our moms and dads in danger, every time they get behind the wheel by thinking its acceptable to drive while intoxicated.

There's plenty of families out there mourning people who have died on our roads and had nothing to do with the bad behaviour on roads, and it's behavioural driving that has to change.
Cork women brave Arctic freeze to raise thousands for heart charity

The duo, from Buttevant and Cork City, have raised over 17k after week long challenge

Karen Daly was among 14 Arctic Challenge participants who helped to raise vital funds for the Irish Heart Foundation. Support their effort at https://fundraise.irishheart.ie/event/arctic-challenge-2026/leaderboard or to donate on irishheart.ie

Kevin Galvin Fri 3 Apr 2026 at 07:20

Two Cork women have faced freezing temperatures and some of the harshest conditions on the planet, all in a bid to raise vital funds for the Irish Heart Foundation.
North Cork Creameries has reached an agreement with Carbery for a new commercial milk supply deal.

The new agreement will provide certainty for North Cork Creameries milk suppliers who will now have a dedicated processing outlet for their milk.

The deal is said to be mutually beneficial to both entities and aims to deliver value to shareholders across both organisations.

Both organisations remain tight-lipped about the specifics of the deal at this time.

North Cork Creameries is currently operating at a reduced capacity and has said it is making improvements to its effluent treatment facilities to comply with Environmental Protection Agency requirements.

Cork North-West Fianna Fail TD Michael Moynihan told The Corkman that it is important that everyone works together to ensure North Corok Creameries can continue to grow.

I know there is engagement at all levels and very detailed and serious work has been done over the last while to ensure the future of North Cork Creameries is secure, Deputy Moynihan said.

Work is being done behind the scenes to secure the co-op, the future for the farmers and those working at the co-op as well, he added.

The EPA issued a notice to North Cork Creameries to suspend its ability to discharge effluent from the plants emission point SW1 into the River Allow on November 14 last year.

The notice directed North Cork Creameries to take the necessary measures without delay to ensure that compliance with the conditions of its licence is restored in the shortest possible time and to the satisfaction of the EPA.

That notice was lifted on January 7 when the EPA was satisfied that compliance was met.

This was short lived as the Creameries plant was soon found in breach of its discharge licence again, which was suspended on February 19.

North Cork Creameries announced that some 100 jobs would be lost at the factory in early March.
A Limerick woman is taking part in a highly sought-after work programme with Irish-language broadcaster TG4.

The station has been running its internship scheme since 2018, offering third-level graduates and newcomers to the industry the chance to gain practical experience in media.

Interns work across areas such as social media, production and sports, contributing to content and digital platforms.

Placements are available in TG4 departments including BLOC, MOLSCEAL, Sport TG4 and Foghlaim TG4, as well as in graphic design and editing.

Among this years interns is West Limerick woman Maeve O'Connor from Cappagh.

She attended St James National School and Colaiste Mhuire in Askeaton before studying a Bachelor of Education in Languages at the University of Limerick.

Maeve later moved to Galway, where she worked as a secondary school French teacher in An Spideal.

She has also spent time as a camp counsellor and youth worker in the United States, spending many summers working at summer camps based in Pennsylvania.

Speaking about her role, she said it is a privilege to work with Foghlaim TG4.

TG4 is currently inviting applications for its next internship intake.
A judge has described as very disturbing an incident in which an elderly man was stamped on after being knocked to the ground.

Judge Nicola Andrews was speaking at Dundalk District Court as she handed a partially suspended sentence to Thomas Duffy (37).

The defendant, of no fixed abode, appeared via video link when he pleaded guilty to assault causing harm at Bridge Street, Dundalk, on July 17, 2021.

What occurred followed a verbal argument between the two men in a town centre pub.

Mr Duffy, who has previous convictions in this country and in England, apologised through his counsel.

The court heard that he had been in drinking in what was then known as Benny Bradys Bar, Clanbrassil Street, and got into an argument with an elderly gentleman. Nothing more transpired.

Later, some distance away in Bridge Street, Mr Duffy encountered the other man.

Sgt Richie Browne said that the victim was standing in the street when an unknown male approached and, unprovoked, punched him on the head.

He was knocked to the ground in the middle of the road before being kicked in the face and head, and stamped on.

The attack stopped when a car approached. Gardai responded to a report of the incident at 12.56am. Thomas Duffy was identified from CCTV.

Sgt Browne said that the injured man attended neither hospital nor his GP. He suffered cuts and bruises but no long lasting affects and declined to make a Victim Impact Statement.

Jurisdiction in the case was accepted by Judge Cooney last month.

Mr Duffy has 18 previous convictions, including for criminal damage and public order in England, and for attempted robbery, theft, Section 3 possession of drugs and public order in the Republic of Ireland.

He was extradited on a charge before the Dublin courts and has spent five months in custody.

Barrister Niall Mackin said that his client was highly intoxicated on this occasion. No weapon was used. He was remorseful and apologetic.

Single with no children, he had addiction difficulties throughout his life and had undergone treatment in the UK in Newcastle.

Following his arrest he was extradited to Ireland on January 26 last.

Judge Andrews said that Mr Duffy was lucky he was not facing a more significant charge than Section 3 assault.

Kicking someone on the ground was on the more serious end of the spectrum.

A nine-month sentence was imposed, the last three months suspended for 24 months, and backdated to when he went into custody.

The matter was put back to April 8 for the defendant to sign a bond.

Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) is offering over 40 Springboard+ funded courses across its campuses in Galway, Mayo, Donegal and Sligo under the 2026 Springboard+ Programmes initiative.

The applications opened on the 26th of March 2026,

Co-funded by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) and the European Social Fund, ATUs 40+ courses are free for unemployed or returning participants at all levels and for all applicants on Level 6 programmes.

For those in employment or self-employed, Level 6 programmes are typically fully funded, with some micro-credentials funded at 50%, while 90% - 100% funding is available for learners undertaking an ordinary degree (Level 7), honours degree/higher diploma (Level 8) or postgraduate (Level 9) courses.

ATU has received Springboard+ funding annually since 2011 to design and deliver a wide range of upskilling opportunities in key growth sectors including Biopharmaceutical Science, Electric Vehicle Technology, Blockchain, Conservation and Construction. The 40+ ATU Springboard+ courses will be delivered across the universitys campuses in Galway, Mayo, Donegal and Sligo, with many delivered part-time and online to support flexible learning.

Dr Orla Flynn, President of Atlantic Technological University said: We welcome the launch of the Springboard+ course list for the 2026/27 academic year by Minister Lawless. ATUs impressive suite of subsidised Springboard+ courses reflect our ongoing commitment to lifelong learning and the employability of our students.

Our university continues to develop and deliver courses that respond to evolving industry needs, both regionally and nationally, across a broad range of disciplines, including Business, Marketing, Engineering, Computing, Environmental Science, Life Sciences and Health. Our Springboard+ courses also respond to the needs of individuals looking to upskill, with flexible, part-time options designed to accommodate personal and professional commitments.

ATU Biopharmaceutical Processing student Paul Ryan changed direction from his career as a plumber, when he took on a job at a biotech facility,

At 17 I began working as an Apprentice Plumber but was never fully satisfied. Later I took a job as site security in a biotech facility, where I was introduced to Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing for the first time. My curiosity grew, the more questions I asked, the more interested I became. I decided to study biopharma, discovered Springboard+ and registered for L6 Biopharmaceutical Processing course. The course content was fascinating.

With one certificate I was now heavily invested in career change and further study, so I registered for L7 Biopharmaceutical Processing and soon after I secured a role in Biologics.

My work/life balance has improved dramatically, with increased pay, and work in an amazing industry with great people. Discovering Springboard has changed my life and will continue to do so going forward.

Geoff Carolan was a full-time parent, wanting to return to working in IT and decided to upskill in AI and Blockchain, Before commencing Springboard+ I was a full-time parent with some previous industry experience and several smaller IT certifications. I chose a Springboard+ course to re/upskill for better job opportunities and to better understand emerging technologies like AI and Blockchain. What stood out most was the support from the ATU lecturers, they were professional, knowledgeable, and always able to answer my questions or share real-world insights. Their support made me feel encouraged and supported throughout the course which greatly contributed to my success.

Many ATU Springboard+ courses are delivered part-time, with the majority fully online or in blended format. Most can be completed within one year. Springboard+ is now accepting applications for courses starting in September 2026. Applications can be submitted on the Springboard+ website: https://springboardcourses.ie.
Separately, trade unionist Richy Carrothers will deliver the oration at this years annual 1916 commemoration ceremony on Easter Sunday

Sinn Feins Galway West TD, Mairead Farrell, will be the main speaker at this years Easter 1916 Commemoration. Speaking to The Sligo Champion, Sligo Sinn Fein Chair Chris MacManus, said Republicans will gather at the Republican Plot, Sligo City Cemetery at 3pm on Easter Sunday.

Former MEP MacManus also encouraged the many people from throughout County Sligo who aspire to Irish Unity, to continue making the effort to mark the 1916 Rising in a fitting manner, especially by the wearing of an Easter Lily.

This year we celebrate the centenary anniversary of Cumann na mBan launching the Easter Lily, to commemorate our Patriot Dead. So, we ask that people wear a Lily as a token of remembrance to all those who died for Irish Freedom, many of whom were from County Sligo.

A midday wreath-laying commemorative event will also take place earlier in Ballisodare Old Cemetery to honour Volunteer Martin Savage who fought in the 1916 Rising.

Meanwhile, the trade unionist Mr Richy Carrothers, will deliver the oration at this years Annual 1916 Commemoration ceremony which takes place at the Republican Plot in Sligo cemetery on Easter Sunday at 12 Noon.

Sligo councillor Declan Bree, will preside at the traditional event which is held under the auspices of People First.

Richy Carrothers, is a senior trade union leader and a lifelong socialist and republican.

A gaeilgeoir who resides in the Donegal Gaeltacht, Mr Carrothers is a native of Belfast.

He has played a significant role in the Palestine solidarity movement and in campaigns against racism. Last year Adam Fagan, the General Secretary of the Connolly Youth Movement, was the guest speaker, while the current President, Catherine Connolly, was the guest speaker in 2024.

Other speakers in recent years include Mr Luke Flanagan M.E.P., Thomas Pringle T.D. and Ms Denise Curran, President of the Impact Trade Union.

Cllr Bree is encouraging members of the public to attend the event which he points out is non party political.

Those attending the commemoration ceremony are asked to assemble at Cairns Drive at 11.50. a.m. on Easter Sunday morning.
Some of the crowd taking part in the Northwest Hospice memorial walk.

North West Hospice Charity is delighted to announce the return of its much-loved Memorial Walk, taking place on Sunday, April 19.

This annual event brings together families, friends, and our community for a meaningful day of remembrance, connection, and fundraising in support of North West Hospice Charity.

Participants will enjoy a scenic 5km walk, following the peaceful route along the Garavogue River and through the beautiful surroundings of Doorly Park, Sligo. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, the walk provides a space for reflection, shared memories, and community support.

Last years Memorial Walk welcomed almost 300 participants and raised an incredible 39,002.23, funds that directly supported patients and families across the region during some of their most challenging times.

At North West Hospice, every euro raised makes a real difference. Proceeds from the Memorial Walk go towards the continued development and enhancement of specialist palliative care services, supporting everything from facility improvements to the purchase of essential equipment. These contributions help ensure that patients and their families receive compassionate, high-quality care when it matters most.

Every year, the North West Hospice Memorial Walk is a fantastic day out. Its not just about fundraising  its about coming together, remembering loved ones, and creating beautiful memories in the most heart-warming way, Olive McTague, North West Hospice Charity Manager

Registration for the Memorial Walk is now open and participants can sign up online at northwesthospice.ie/memorialwalk

For those wishing to order a personalised T-shirt in memory of a loved one, the closing deadline is Tuesday 7.

For further information or enquiries, please contact North West Hospice on 071 917 0523.

Join us on April 19 as we walk together to honour lives, support families, and make a lasting difference in our community. Together, we can ensure that every moment counts.
Bishop says oil has been key factor in wars and conflicts

The Bishop of Achonry and Elphin, Kevin Doran has said oil has become, in the worst possible way, inextricably associated with greed and the thirst for power, and the killing of the innocent.

In a Homily at the Mass of Chrism 2026 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Sligo on Wednesday, Bishop Doran said that like others in recent weeks he had been thinking a lot about oil and the price of oil.

Today, despite all of the benefits of oil, fossil fuels are recognised to pose major threat to the environment and we are being encouraged to reduce and eventually eliminate our use of them.

We can of course give thanks to God for the gift of oil and for so much that it has made possible, but the abuse of Gods gift must be called out.

Political leaders can dress it up with fancy language, but the fact remains that oil and the control of oil have been key factors in wars and conflicts going back to the first half of the twentieth century.

In these recent weeks of war in the Middle East, the image of billowing black smoke speaks of the destruction of our environment.

The peace and economic security of millions of people have been destroyed, while the international arms industry happily sells the weapons of war to whoever wants to buy.

I was doing a bit of research and I found, to my surprise, that petroleum was discovered in Mesopotamia as long ago as 3000 BC. The Chinese used it to light lamps centuries before the birth of Christ.

In modern times we have come to depend on oil in its various forms to lubricate and protect machinery, to fuel industry and transport, and to heat our homes and offices.

Just over a hundred years ago, the world began to move from coal to oil, because oil was cleaner."

This evening we come together to bless the Oil of the Sick and the Oil of Catechumens, and to consecrate the Chrism. These oils will be used in the celebration of the Sacraments during the coming year. Olive oil is not just a different kind of oil, but the use of olive oil in the Sacraments speaks to us of a mission and an attitude to life which are also very different.

Oil is described in the prayer of blessing as Oil to gladden our faces. Already, in Old Testament times, the anointing with Chrism was a symbolic act, by which a person was set aside by God for a mission of service. The young King David was anointed by the prophet Samuel to serve his people.

We can go back further of course, to Noah in the Book of Genesis, where a dove, sent out in search of dry land, returns with an Olive branch.

The olive branch became a symbol of peace and of new beginnings, and was adopted as the insignia of the United Nations.

I am conscious that, as we gather here, our peace-keepers are carrying out their mission in South Lebanon, simply by being present, without any great show of arms, as a reminder that there is another way.

One of the men there, a recent past pupil of Summerhill College has been in touch with me in recent days. He is conscious of building on a tradition of care and respect for the local population that goes back almost fifty years.

The prophet Isaiah, in our first reading, speaks of mission in terms of bringing good news, setting captives free, opening the eyes of the blind, and proclaiming a year of the Lords favour.

 Jesus himself adopts those same words of Isaiah, as he sets out on his own mission as the Christ, the anointed one of God.

His is a mission that builds up and strengthens; not a mission that destroys.

We who are called to be his disciples are given a share in his mission.

On behalf of all the people of God gathered here, and around the whole of our two Dioceses, I want to acknowledge the generous pastoral care that you provide, sometimes in the face of ill health.

The harvest is great, and it calls for generosity and faith on the part of all of us.

I understand that it can be challenging when you are asked to take on new challenges or to move to another parish where your gifts are needed.

I think it can also be enriching. I encourage you to have confidence in the Holy Spirit, and not to neglect your own faith as you seek to nourish the faith of others.

To use the words of Saint Paul, we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us.
This Easter, An Taisces Clean Coasts Programme are inviting families, groups of friends, and community groups to go to Kilmore Quay in search of shark, skate, and ray egg cases, and record their findings with the National Biodiversity Data Centre.

Clean Coasts is encouraging families, friends, and local Clean Coasts Groups in the Wexford area to take a break from the traditional chocolate egg hunt for a coastal adventure that combines family fun with citizen science.

Beachgoers are invited to participate in a #2MinuteBeachClean on the Burrow Beach in Kilmore Quay, on April 6 at 2pm, while also taking part in a fun and educational Egg Case Hunt.

Participants will meet at the bottom of the steps on The Burrow Beach for a quick #2MinuteBeachClean followed by an egg case hunt. This initiative encourages small, impactful actions to help protect the environment while exploring local wildlife, which reflects the ethos of the campaign.

Small Spotted Catfish Egg Case. Photo Courtesy of Marine Dimensions

An egg case hunt and a #2MinuteBeachClean go hand-in-hand, both are simple to do, both are fun, and both make a real difference, said Anne Marie Kirwan, #2MinuteBeachClean Campaign Officer with Clean Coasts.

This initiative aims to inspire children and adults of all ages to enjoy the outdoors, engage with nature, and help to protect Irelands beautiful coastlines by removing litter and identifying egg cases along the shore for an exciting citizen science action.

By uploading findings with The National Biodiversity Centres Explore Your Shore programme, this citizen collected information allows marine scientists to gain understanding of these species and identify nursery areas.

Shark and skate eggs can be found along the coast at low tide by the wrack line, where seaweed and other debris is deposited at high tide. These leathery looking eggs, which are often also referred to as Mermaid Purses due to their unique texture and shape, can regularly be found attached to seaweed washed ashore.

White Skate Egg Found by Ollie O'Flaherty, Clean Coasts Development Officer for Clare and Galway

Dave Wall, Citizen Science Officer at the National Biodiversity Data Centre said: Join Clean Coast's Easter Egg Case Hunt to discover as many mermaids purses as possible and help map vital nursery areas for Ireland's sharks, skates and rays. By submitting your records to Purse Search Ireland, you can contribute to marine conservation while exploring our coastal ecosystems.

Taisce say planning to host a shark egg case hunt is a fun and educational way for individuals, groups or families to contribute to marine conservation, engage in citizen science and create a connection to the coast. Recording findings also helps marine scientists to track species and map nursery areas.

Sharks and skates are a vital part of Ireland's marine ecosystem, quietly helping keep things in balance, even if we rarely get to see them. When you come across an egg case on a beach, you're discovering proof that these animals live and breed right here in Ireland. By reporting your find, you get to learn more about the kind of shark or skate that laid that particular egg, while also helping make a real difference in protecting some of Ireland's most vulnerable and misunderstood marine animals, added Brid O'Connor, Director of Marine Dimensions.
Members of the Avonmore Musical Society Committee with Dolores Somers at the launch of the Clockmaker's Daughter.

Avonmore Musical Society will transform St Marys College Hall in Arklow into a 19th-century world set in the fictional Irish town of Spindlewood, when they stage The Clockmakers Daughter.

Opening on Tuesday, April 7, with nightly shows at 8pm, running until Saturday, The Clockmakers Daughter is a fantastical fairytale with hints of the likes of Pinocchio and Frankenstein, featuring music and lyrics by Michael Webborn and Daniel Finn.

It tells the tale of a lonely clockmaker Abraham Reed. Abraham is grieving over the death of his daughter, so to help, he makes a clockwork version of her, which he calls Constance.

She appears so lifelike that she could almost be human. It is only when he winds this creation, that he realises the machine can do much more than mimic movement. Constance as he names her can talk and think for herself.

He gives her one rule: she must never leave the house. It isnt long, however, before the yearning proves too much for her, and she escapes one morning while Abraham is away and starts to explore Spindlewood and meet its residents.

This years show is once again in the very capable hands of director Amy Penston, musical director Conor Mc Carthy, choreographer Martina Murphy, and, this year the society is delighted to welcome chorus mistress Jennifer Lee to the team.

The cast is led by Aine Kinch (Constance), Daniel Furlong (Will Riley), Andrew Docherty (Abraham Reed), Joanne Logue (Ma Riley), Emily Davis (Amelia), Kevin Macken (Henry Glynn), Sean Hendley (Mayor Glynn) and with almost 50 members in featured roles, ensemble, and chorus.

Excited about the upcoming show, Avonmore chairperson Tomas Byrne said it differs totally from the last two shows  The Little Mermaid and Shrek  staged by the Arklow society.

Just as magical, with beautiful music and a wonderful story, Tomas said, adding that it will be well received by Arklow audiences.

I would like to thank all the businesses and patrons of Arklow and surrounding areas for coming on board yet again to back Avonmore, but especially our main sponsor Somers Properties, Tomas said.

This show will cost in the region of 55,000, and it wouldnt be possible to stage without the much-needed financial support along with all the audiences who come year after year.

Tomas, along with his committee of Secretary Nicole Forde, Treasurer Denise Connors, PRO Rob Donnelly, Dearbhla OConnor, Aoife Coade, Els Penston, Tracey Nalty, Colm Moules, Michael Russell, and Social Media Coordinator Ellie Willoughby, have been working on the show since last summer.

They are finalising costumes, props, set, hair and makeup, fundraising, and rehearsals to make sure all will be ready for opening night on April 7.

The cast and crew have been rehearsing four nights a week since the start of January and will be ready to blow audiences away for the five-night run of the show, a musical society spokesperson said.

Please go along and support us and see a little bit of West End and Broadway magic in Arklow.

Tickets can be purchased on gr8events.ie, or by ringing Avonmore Musical Society on 087-0055769.
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Storm Callum: Weather warning 'likely to be extended' as schools urged to 'err on side of caution' when deciding to open or not
Mount Everest guides have been accused of staging evacuations as part of an insurance scam. Photo: Getty

Mount Everest guides have been accused of secretly drugging foreign climbers to trigger expensive aerial evacuations as part of a $20m (17m) insurance fraud scheme, according to a Nepali police investigation.

Operators of mountain rescue companies in Nepal have been arrested as part of the police operation and a police spokesperson told The Independent that 32 people have been charged and 11 arrests made so far.
Not elegant or up to standard  Emmanuel Macron decries Donald Trumps jibe about him being shoved by wife Brigitte

US president said French counterpart was still recovering from the right to the jaw from first lady

French president Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron in Seoul, South Korea. Photo: Reuters

James Crisp Telegraph Media Group Holdings Ltd Fri 3 Apr 2026 at 06:30

Emmanuel Macron criticised Donald Trump after the US president mocked him for being hit by his wife.
Students across Russia are being offered large financial incentives to join drone units fighting in Ukraine as operators and engineers, while companies in Russias central Ryazan region have been given quotas to sign up workers for the army, documents show.

The recruitment effort, which comes as Russian forces continue to grind forwards on the battlefield in Ukraine and as US-brokered peace talks are on ice due to the Iran war, suggests Moscow is diversifying its push to replenish its armys ranks in what is the fifth year of its war.
US Pharma Tariff 2026: Decoding the 100% Patented Drug Levy and the Generic Exemption

The US administration has introduced a drastic trade measure targeting pharmaceutical imports under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. A 100 percent tariff has been imposed on patented pharmaceutical products and their ingredients, as per the White House factsheet issued on April 2, 2026.

The rollout timeline provides 120 days for large firms and 180 days for smaller companies to comply.

This marks a major escalation in US efforts to reduce dependence on imported high-value medicines.

Differential pharma tariff structure across trade partners

The tariff framework adopts a calibrated approach based on trade relationships:

Imports from the European Union (EU), Japan, South Korea, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein are subject to a 15 percent tariff.

The United Kingdom benefits from a preferential (lower) tariff regime, linked to an ongoing bilateral pharmaceutical arrangement.

This differentiated structure reflects broader trade and strategic alignments.

Exemptions: Generic drugs and critical therapies

A key feature of the policy is the temporary exclusion of generics, which has direct implications for India:

Generic medicines, biosimilars, and related inputs are currently exempt from tariffs. This exemption extends to supplies for the strategic active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) reserve.

However, the US government has indicated a review within one year, leaving open the possibility of future tariff inclusion.

Additionally, specialty drugs, such as orphan drugs and animal health products, are exempt if deemed essential or sourced from partner countries.

Incentives for domestic pharma products manufacturing and price alignment

The policy combines tariff barriers with incentives to encourage localization and pricing discipline:

Companies entering into Most Favored Nation (MFN) pricing agreements with US authorities, along with onshoring commitments, will receive zero-tariff treatment until January 20, 2029.

Firms that only commit to domestic manufacturing (onshoring) will face a reduced tariff of 20 percent.

Regulatory pathways for these arrangements will be administered by the Department of Commerce and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Strategic rationale: Reducing import dependence

The tariff action follows a national security review that found that pharmaceutical import volumes and sourcing patterns pose risks to the US national security.

It must be noted that the US remains heavily reliant on foreign manufacturing.

Supporting data highlights structural vulnerabilities:

Around 53 percent of patented drugs consumed in the US are manufactured abroad.

Only 15 percent of APIs are produced domestically by volume.

Implications for Indias pharmaceutical sector

The policy has asymmetric implications for India, given its export profile.

Indias Exports of Bulk Drugs, Drug Intermediates to the US in FY 2025-26* Year Month US$ millions 2025 April 41.05 2025 May 46.10 2025 June 50.60 2025 July 49.87 2025 August 44.79 2025 September 45.79 2025 October 40.79 2025 November 41.23 2025 December 53.09 2026 January 51.95 2026 February 47.42

Source: Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, GoI.

*Indias export data for FY 2025-26 is currently available up to February. The complete dataset is expected to be released in the coming weeks.

In FY 2024-25, India exported around US$9.7 billion worth of pharmaceutical products to the US, largely driven by generic drugs.

Leading Indian companies such as Dr. Reddys Laboratories, Lupin, Sun Pharma, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, and Zydus Lifesciences have significant exposure to the US market.

Indian medicines are exported to over 190 countries, with about 50 percent directed to regulated markets.

ALSO READ: Ozempic Generics in India 2026: GLP-1 Drug Manufacturing Race

Near-term impact

The exemption for generics shields Indias core export segment, limiting immediate disruption.

Indian firms remain competitive suppliers of affordable medicines in the US healthcare system.

Medium-term risks

The one-year review clause introduces uncertainty, as generics could be brought under tariff measures later.

Increased US focus on domestic API and drug manufacturing could gradually reduce import dependence, affecting Indian exports.

Strategic considerations for India

Indian drug manufacturers and exporters have the opportunity to move up the value chain into complex generics and specialty drugs.

Domestic players need to strengthen API self-sufficiency and cost competitiveness.

There is potential to leverage pricing advantages and supply reliability in ongoing trade discussions.

Alignment with pharma products trade and industrial policy

The tariff move is part of a broader industrial strategy:

Earlier executive actions (2025) focused on boosting domestic drug manufacturing and building API reserves.

Parallel Section 232 investigations in sectors such as medical devices and PPE indicate a wider push to secure critical supply chains.

Trade agreements with key partners, including the EU, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and the UK, are being aligned with these pharmaceutical policy objectives.

Compliance and enforcement framework

To ensure effectiveness, the policy includes:

External audit mechanisms

Authority for retrospective and future tariff adjustments in cases of non-compliance

This reflects a shift toward stricter enforcement in strategic sectors.

Indias generic drug manufacturing and export strength

Indias pharmaceutical sector is one of the leading generic drug manufacturing regions, which underpins both its global competitiveness and export performance.

As per the central government, India accounts for approximately 20 percent of global generic medicine supply, producing nearly 60,000 generic brands across multiple therapeutic segments.

Export orientation of generics

In terms of exports, a sizeable portion of Indias pharmaceutical exports is driven by generic formulations, especially to highly regulated markets like the US and Europe.

Indias pharmaceuticals industry ranks 3rd globally by volume and 11th by value. It comprises over 3,000 companies and 10,500 manufacturing facilities. The domestic market, currently valued at US$60 billion, is projected to reach US$130 billion by 2030.

India also has the highest number of USFDA-approved manufacturing plants outside the US, reinforcing international trust in its regulatory and production

Conclusion

The US tariff regime on pharmaceuticals represents a targeted industrial policy intervention, penalizing patented drug imports while temporarily safeguarding generics. For India, the immediate impact is limited due to the exemption of generics, but long-term risks persist as the US pushes for supply chain localization.

The evolving policy landscape underscores the need for Indian pharmaceutical companies to diversify markets, enhance manufacturing depth, and prepare for potential trade disruptions in their largest export destination.
Greece's ruling New Democracy party maintained a commanding 16.5 percentage point lead over its nearest rival in a new Pulse survey for SKAI television, with voting intentions largely unchanged as three potential new political parties generated

only modest public enthusiasm.

In voting intention, New Democracy held steady at 25.5%, exactly matching last month's figure, while PASOK gained one point to reach 12%. Greek Solution followed at 7.5%, Plefsi Eleftherias at 7%, the Communist Party KKE at 7% and SYRIZA at 4%.

The undecided grey zone stood at 17%.

In vote share projections, which account for the undecided, New Democracy surpassed 30%, reaching 31%. PASOK projected at 14.5%, Greek Solution and Plefsi at 9% and 8.5% respectively, KKE at 8.5%, SYRIZA at 5% and Voice of Reason at 3%.

The poll was conducted one day after Maria Karystianou, the Tempe train disaster victim's mother, formally announced the launch of her political movement. Despite the timing, sentiment toward her party remained flat at 13%  unchanged from the previous month  while 53% viewed it with indifference or negativity.

Support interest for a party led by former prime minister Alexis Tsipras edged up one point to 13%, though those viewing it with active interest fell to 9% from 10%, with 61% indifferent or negative.

A potential new party from former prime minister Antonis Samaras attracted positive or interested responses from 13% of respondents.

On economic policy, 46% viewed the government's measures to combat the cost-of-living pressures stemming from the Middle East conflict positively, though 64% of New Democracy's own voters said the measures were broadly right but insufficient.

Greeks cited economic hardship and the risk of military entanglement as their two primary concerns over regional instability.

By Kostas Efthymiadis

   iefimerida.gr
Former Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has said that he is actively re-entering Greek politics, announcing his new party will be ready by September  or earlier if events demand it  while pressing Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to publicly identify those responsible for the countrys wiretapping scandal.

Speaking to ANT1

television anchor Nikos Hatzinikolaou, Mr. Tsipras said his movement would welcome all willing participants unconditionally, with no reserved positions. He stressed the initiative would be built in society, not in parliament , and would not initially form a parliamentary group

Mr. Tsipras dismissed both governing New Democracy and opposition PASOK, asserting that neither party could serve as a genuine alternative. He charged that roughly half the current cabinet consists of PASOK figures, creating what he described as a revolving-door fusion that renders the socialist party untrustworthy as an opposition force. It is not Mr. Androulakiss fault, he said, but the osmosis is visible to everyone.

He outlined his new party as a convergence of three political traditions: radical left, social democracy, and political ecology.

Turning to Mr. Mitsotakis, Mr. Tsipras said a government with 40 ministers, deputies and officials forced to resign over scandals across seven years was politically untenable. Drawing a parallel to Richard Nixon, he argued the prime minister faces a shrinking set of options and must either name those behind the wiretapping operation or face accountability before the political system.

If he truly had no part in this, Mr. Tsipras said, let him say who did.

   iefimerida.gr
Veteran Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has criticized actresses Funke Akindele and Toyin Abraham over their ongoing tension, questioning why they would make their disagreements public despite their accomplishments.

His comments come after a viral video from the premiere of The Return of Arinzo, hosted by Iyabo Ojo in Lagos. In the footage, Abraham approaches Akindele to exchange greetings, but Akindele appears not to acknowledge her, sparking reactions across social media.

Speaking on the feud during a recent interview, Hassan said: If Toyin Abraham and Funke Akindele have sense, they should know God has favored them. I dont interfere in womens matters. What is the reason for the fight? God blessed the two of them already, and the next thing they think is right is to be fighting.

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He urged both actresses to focus on their achievements rather than fueling controversy, emphasizing that their careers have already earned them recognition and respect.
Nafiu Bala, factional national chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has rejected reports that he resigned his position as deputy national chairman.

Mr Bala disclosed this in a video published by Rariya Hausa, in reaction to the resolution on Wednesday, by the Independent National Electoral Commission regarding the leadership crisis in ADC.

He stated that a document claiming he resigned as national vice-chairman on May 17, 2025 did not emanate from him.

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My name is Hon. Nafiu Bala, the ADC acting national chairman, he said.

I would like to use this opportunity to address a document currently circulating, which claims that I resigned from my position as national vice chairman on May 17th.

I wish to state that this paper did not come from me, and that is not my signature on it. The signature you see there was forged.

Bala said his emergence as acting national chairman followed the resignation of the partys former leadership.

If you didnt forget, on the 2nd of July, we attended the event where some people showed interest in joining our party, the ADC, he said.

On that day, the former ADC chairman, Ralph Nwosu, announced that he, his secretary, and other party leaders were stepping down from their positions.

On that same day, he told the world that I, along with other people, would continue running the party affairs until the national convention.

Bala said he has therefore resumed office as acting national chairman in line with the partys constitution.

Because of that, I am resuming office today as the ADC national chairman. According to our party constitution, when there is no leader, the deputy takes over, he said.

Bala added that any resignation letter he would issue would be done with his official letterhead.

When I was deputy national chairman, if I were to write a resignation letter, I would do it using my official letterhead, he said.

Any letter not containing my letterhead is not from me.

On August 1, 2025, Bala had similarly denied authorship of the resignation letter, dismissing the document as entirely false, deceptive, malicious and fake.

On Thursday, David Mark, the former senate president who is embroiled in the partys leadership tussle with Bala, said: One of the officials in the dissolved NWC was Nafiu Bala, who was one of the Deputy National Chairmen of the party. It is on record that Gombe resigned this position on 17th May, 2025. His resignation was also duly transmitted to INEC on the 12th of August, 2025. Regardless of his resignation, he decided to approach the courts on September 2nd, 2025, four clear months after his resignation, seeking to be recognised as the Chairman of the ADC.

The litigation involving Bala and Mark over the chairmanship of the ADC led to INEC withdrawing its recognition of the party and delisting names of the Mark executive from its portal.

On September 2, 2025, Bala approached a federal high court in Abuja (Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025), seeking to stop Marks team members from parading themselves as party leaders.

He also sought an order to restrain INEC from recognising them and to compel recognition of himself as acting national chairman.

He further filed motions seeking to stop the party from holding meetings, congresses, or conventions pending the determination of the suit.

The motion ex parte was heard on September 4, 2025, and Emeka Nwite, the trial judge, directed that the respondents, including INEC, be put on notice to show cause why the motion ex parte should not be granted.

Dissatisfied with an interim ruling, Mark filed an appeal challenging the jurisdiction of the federal high court to continue to hear Balas suit.

However, on March 12, 2026, the court of appeal dismissed Marks case in its entirety, holding that it was incompetent and unmeritorious.
A disposable cup from Philly's Vibrant Coffee Roasters. The Philadelphia coffee shop is now charging customers an extra 25 cents if they want to get their drinks in a to-go cup. Read more

Listen to article  0:00 min

No, its not a belated April Fools joke: A Philadelphia coffee shop is now upcharging for disposable coffee cups.

Vibrant Coffee Roasters announced via Instagram last week that both its Rittenhouse Square and Society Hill locations will now be charging customers an additional 25 cents for ordering their hot or iced drinks in single use to-go cups.

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We are simply tired of all the single use plastic waste that we and everyone generates and wed like to reduce that as much as possible, the company wrote. Second reason is of course money. No need for us to tell you how much the price of everything has gone up.

Customers can avoid the charge by either bringing their own (clean) cup from home, or by ordering their beverage to stay and drink inside either Vibrant location.

Known for their larger-than-life cinnamon buns and award-winning Ethiopian coffee beans, co-owners Ross Nickerson and Matthew Adams opened Vibrants counter-seating only location at 222 W. Rittenhouse Square location in 2021. Three years later, a location with slightly more seating at 542 Lombard Street followed.

Nickerson told The Inquirer that the new policy is not meant to penalize customers for using a coffee shop like most on-the-go Philadelphians typically do: as a place to grab a quick hit of caffeine.

He also knows some people are going to take it that way regardless.

Some people are going to be like, You have this tiny store with no seating. Of course, Im getting my coffee to go. And thats true, he said. But the alternative was to just raise the prices altogether.

 READ MORE: Sky-high coffee prices have become too much for some Philly-area consumers

Vibrant is the only coffee shop in Philly currently charging for to-go cups to Nickersons knowledge, but not technically the first: Nickersons other coffee shop Function Coffee Labs at 1001 S. 10th Street started charging 25 cents per disposable cup in 2018 after seeing a popular cafe Portland, Maine, do the same over sustainability concerns.

Functions policy didnt survive beyond the pandemic, Nickerson said, after he realized too many people were trying to circumvent the charge. (Some customers would order drinks to stay only to ask for a to-go cup free of charge for their barely-sipped beverages moments later.)

Phillys other foray into the environmentalist coffee space was in 2023, when Bodhi Coffee briefly experimented with a zero-waste model (wherein customers had to buy a mason jar if they forgot their own cup) before closing for good.

In other parts of the world, the fee is more common: Berkley, Calif., has required all cafes and restaurants to charge 25 cents for disposable cups since 2020, while South Korea instated a law that essentially mandated the same at the end of 2025.

From tariffs to cups you actually cant recycle

For Nickerson, the new policy is as much about curbing waste as it is about trying to keep up with the rising costs of running a coffee shop.

Plastic coffee cups for iced beverages are typically made of polypropylene or polyethylene terephthalate, two substances that break down slowly in the environment while shedding microplastics and releasing other harmful pollutants. Paper cups arent inherently better, either: A 2023 study found that most paper cups are coated with a thin layer of plastic to prevent leakage, rendering them nearly impossible to recycle. Most compostable cups also end up in landfills because the United States doesnt have enough commercial sites to handle them.

 READ MORE: A matcha shortage is threatening some of Phillys coolest drinks

Coffee shops are also facing mounting economic pressures as tariffs  coupled with volatile weather and shortages  have raised prices for coffee beans and matcha (among other things).

There hasnt been one single thing that hasnt gotten more expensive, said Nickerson. The price of each cup, lid, and drink sleeve recently went up a couple of cents per unit, plus rent at each of Vibrants location increased roughly 2% each year. Even the price of Nickersons preferred matcha brand Spirit Tea shot up roughly 10%, he said, despite being unaffected by the run on the trendy Japanese tea.

If youre not taking one of the cups and sleeves and lids that cost us money to buy, then Im happy to charge you less because youre not actually using the same amount of stuff that other people are, Nickerson said with a dry laugh.

So far, the policy hasnt yet resulted in more people bringing cups from home. Nor has it caused the amount of ire Nickerson initially expected.

Weve seen probably two or three people get upset about it, he said.
A bridge struck by U.S. airstrikes on Thursday is seen in the town of Karaj, west of Tehran, Iran. Read more

Listen to article  0:00 min

WASHINGTON  Iran shot down two U.S. military planes in separate attacks Friday, with one service member rescued and at least one missing, in a dramatic escalation since the war began nearly five weeks ago.

It was the first time U.S. aircraft have been downed in the conflict and came just two days after President Donald Trump said in a national address that the U.S. has beaten and completely decimated Iran and was going to finish the job, and were going to finish it very fast.

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One fighter jet was shot down in Iran, officials said. A U.S. crew member from that plane was rescued, but a second was missing, and a U.S. military search-and-rescue operation was underway.

Neither the White House nor Pentagon released public information about the downed planes. In a brief telephone interview with NBC News, Trump declined to discuss the search-and-rescue efforts but said what happened would not affect negotiations with Iran.

No, not at all. No, its war, he said.

Separately, Iranian state media said a U.S. A-10 attack aircraft crashed in the Persian Gulf after being struck by Iranian defense forces.

A U.S. official who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss a sensitive military situation said earlier that it was not clear if the aircraft crashed or was shot down or whether Iran was involved. Neither the status of the crew nor exactly where it went down was immediately known.

Those incidents came as Iran fired on targets across the Middle East on Friday, keeping the pressure on Israel and its Gulf Arab neighbors despite U.S. and Israeli insistence that Irans military capabilities have been all but destroyed.

Second service members status unknown

Neither the White House nor the Pentagon released public information about the downed planes. But the Pentagon notified the House Armed Services Committee that the status of a second service member from the fighter jet was not known.

In an email from the Pentagon that obtained by the Associated Press, meanwhile, the military said it received notification of an aircraft being shot down in the Middle East, without providing more details.

Irans attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure and its tight grip on the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the worlds oil and natural gas transits in peacetime, have roiled stock markets, sent oil prices skyrocketing, and threatened to raise the cost of many basic goods, including food.

Downed jet could mark a new level of pressure on the U.S.

Prior to word of the rescue, social media footage showed American drones, aircraft, and helicopters flying over the mountainous region where a TV channel affiliated with Iranian state television had said earlier Friday that at least one pilot bailed out of the fighter jet.

An anchor had urged residents to hand over any enemy pilot to police and promised a reward.

It was the first time the U.S. has lost aircraft in Iranian territory during the conflict and could mark a new level of pressure being placed on the U.S. military.

Throughout the war, Iran has made a series of claims about shooting down piloted enemy aircraft that turned out not to be true. Friday was the first time that Iran went on television urging the public to look for a downed pilot.

Iranian state media said in a post on X that Irans military shot down a U.S. F-15E Strike Eagle. The aircraft is a variation of the Air Force fighter jet that carries a pilot and weapons system officer.

Alan Diehl, a former investigator for the Air Force Safety Center, said the Strike Eagle has an emergency locator beacon in a survival kit that can be set to activate automatically or manually.

The Pentagon did not respond to repeated requests for comment.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a previous statement that Trump had been briefed but did not offer additional information.

Iran targets a desalination plant and a refinery

News about the downed planes came after Iran attacked Kuwaits Mina al-Ahmadi oil refinery. The state-run Kuwait Petroleum Corp. said firefighters were working to control several blazes.

Kuwait also said an Iranian attack caused material damage to a desalination plant. Such plants are responsible for most of the drinking water for Gulf states, and they have become a major target in the war.

Sirens also sounded in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia said it had destroyed several Iranian drones, and Israel reported incoming missiles.

Authorities in the United Arab Emirates shut down a gas field after a missile interception reportedly rained debris on it and started a fire.

Activists reported strikes around Tehran and the central city of Isfahan, but it wasnt immediately clear what was hit.

In Lebanon, where Israel has launched a ground invasion in its fight with the pro-Iranian Hezbollah militant group, an Israeli drone strike on worshipers leaving Friday prayers near Beirut killed two people, according to the staterun National News Agency

More than 1,900 people have been killed in Iran since the war began on Feb. 28 with U.S. and Israeli strikes. In a review released Friday, the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data, a U.S.-based group, said it found that civilian casualties were clustered around strikes on security and state-linked sites rather than indiscriminate bombardment of urban areas.

More than two dozen people have died in Gulf states and the occupied West Bank, 19 have been reported dead in Israel, and 13 U.S. service members have been killed.

More than 1,300 people have been killed and more than 1 million displaced in Lebanon. Ten Israeli soldiers have also died there.

Iran is keeping a chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz

World leaders have struggled to end Irans stranglehold on the strait, which has had far-reaching consequences for the global economy and has proved to be its greatest strategic advantage in the war.

The U.N. Security Council was expected to take up the matter on Saturday.

Trump has vacillated on Americas role in the strait, alternately threatening Iran if it doesnt open the waterway and telling other nations to go get your own oil. On Friday, he said in a post on social media that, With a little more time, we can easily OPEN THE HORMUZ STRAIT, TAKE THE OIL, & MAKE A FORTUNE.

Spot prices of Brent crude, the international standard, were around $109 Friday, up more than 50% since the start of the war, when Iran began restricting traffic through the strait.
Supreme Court Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., bottom left, will not to meet with Senate Democrats to discuss issues surrounding Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr., bottom center. (MUST CREDIT: Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post) Read more

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U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. was taken to an undisclosed hospital during a dinner in Philadelphia two weeks ago. The incident was not made public until Friday.

The March 20 incident involving the 76-year-old, first reported by CNN, came at the heels of a conference held at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, which was meant to celebrate Alitos 20 years serving on the highest court.

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Patricia McCabe, the Supreme Courts spokesperson, confirmed in a statement that Alito felt ill during an event in Philadelphia.

Out of an abundance of caution, he agreed with his security details recommendation to see a physician before the three-hour drive home, she said, adding Alito was given fluids for dehydration after the examination and returned home that night as originally planned. She did not say where Alito was treated.

McCabe said Alito went to his own physician for a follow-up and returned to work Monday for an oral argument.

The Federalist Society organized the earlier conference but did not respond to a request for comment regarding Alitos departure. Requests for comment from Penn went similarly unanswered, though Alito was not on the earlier conferences schedule and CNN reported he did not attend.

Still, the incident has resurrected speculation about a potential Alito retirement before the midterms, as hes the second-oldest justice. Justice Clarence Thomas is 77.

A consistent conservative voice on the bench, Alito has a new book coming out the day after the 2026-2027 session is set to begin.

His book, So Ordered: An Originalists View of the Constitution, the Court, and the Country, would likely require a book tour across the country, a feat court observers say would be much harder at the start of the term.

The court already has a 6-3 conservative majority with President Donald Trump having appointed three of the current justices. Should Trump be able to replace Alito with a much younger judge, his imprint on the court would only strengthen for decades to come.

Still, theres the makeup of the Senate, controlled by Republicans with 53 seats, to consider. Some pundits argue a summer retirement and upcoming appointment could be a mobilizing force for both parties. And while Democrats would have to win four seats to flip the Senate, Politico reports Republicans there have become increasingly anxious about midterm results amid the war with Iran and rising prices.

A Trenton native, Alito grew up just outside the city in Hamilton Township, a proud Phillies fan. Alitos strong ties to the region have remained in adulthood, as hes kept a summer beach home in Long Beach Island and made an appearance in Citizens Bank Park in 2022 during the World Series when the Phils faced the Houston Astros.
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In this weeks column, resign-to-run remains, Councilmember Cindy Bass tries her hand at redevelopment, and will Pennsylvania have a real governors race?

Running on empty

Fans of resign-to-run can rejoice  the City Charter provision is sticking around. At least for now. The rule, which prevents elected officials and municipal employees from running for public office without first quitting their current positions, is popular with voters. It can also lead to political stagnation.

The tenet is likely why the field for U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans seat has attracted three state legislators, but no members of City Council. State Sen. Sharif Street and State Reps. Chris Rabb and Morgan Cephas did not have to risk their current jobs to run.

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Council has never liked the fact that their positions are treated differently from other public offices. They have twice asked the citys voters to eliminate the provision, and twice theyve been rejected. Another attempt to put the matter before voters as soon as the May primary was approved by Council earlier this year, only to be retracted by its sponsor, At-Large Councilmember Isaiah Thomas.

Under Thomas plan, members would still have to resign to run for mayor. Thomas also worked with the citys ethics board to mitigate concerns about public employees acting in their personal interests. Still, he ended up repealing his own bill, citing concerns that voters may balk. The Committee of Seventy, Philadelphias longtime civic reform advocates, was opposed to the changes. Although its statement did not close the door to change entirely.

Instead, the good government group suggests an obvious compromise: In exchange for the right to run for higher office, Council members must agree to some restrictions, specifically, pairing the change with term limits. This would make repealing resign-to-run much more balanced. Back in 2020, then-Council President Darrell L. Clarke proposed a similar measure. If Council wants the right to compete for congressional seats or statewide positions, giving up the right to what, in practice, can amount to a lifetime appointment (10th District Councilmember Brian J. ONeill is currently serving his 12th four-year term) should be part of the pitch.

While I understand why many Philadelphians firmly support resign-to-run, I do wonder if the restriction is partly to blame for our lack of local political imagination. A more ambitious City Council might discover an interest in swinging for the fences instead of the minutiae that often dominate hearings. Just look at Mr. Get-Stuff-Done himself, Josh Shapiro. Theres a reason I call him the Ambitious Abingtonian. As a state representative, Montgomery County commissioner, attorney general, and now governor, Shapiros name was often mentioned as a potential candidate for higher office. If any of these campaigns worsened his job performance, voters didnt seem to notice, let alone care. As it stands, any ambitious Philadelphian is better off making the trek to Harrisburg than serving the city at Broad and Market.

Small ball

Nothing encapsulates the minor-league thinking that dominates City Council more than their devotion to councilmanic prerogative. Recent examples abound.

The veto power over land-use decisions has been used by Quetcy Lozada to stymie workforce housing, Jeffery Jay Young to derail a library renovation and affordable senior housing, Kenyatta Johnson to cancel a street safety project, and Jamie Gauthier to eradicate market-rate development.

It is in Germantown, however, where the most visible monuments to the tradition exist.

Eighth District Councilmember Cindy Bass has used her power to block redevelopment plans for the former YWCA, the Ada Lewis School, dozens of rowhouses formerly controlled by Germantown Settlement, and Germantown Town Hall. The result is that many of the neighborhoods most iconic buildings remain empty and unused, a magnet for crime instead of the civic assets they should be.

Bass claims to have found a way forward, at least when it comes to the former town hall. One of her preferred developers, Anthony Fullard, has plans to turn most of the property into a YouthBuild Charter School, aimed at older teens and young adults who have struggled in traditional classrooms. Bass, Fullard, and the development team are presenting the project as a win for the community. Neighbors, however, are more skeptical. Especially given Fullards daughter, Antoinene, currently works for Bass office. (According to Bass, the younger Fullard wont be working on anything to do with this project.)

Worried neighbors have a point. Bass preference for hand-selecting developers she has preexisting relationships with has not served the neighborhood well in the past. KBK Enterprises, chosen by Bass to renovate the YWCA, has failed to make progress on that building for years.

In a less dysfunctional city, these decisions would not be made by any single person, let alone one who has repeatedly failed to get the ball in the strike zone. In Philadelphia, however, City Council seems content to let Bass call her own pitches, come what may.

Challenge of the weak

Four years ago, Pennsylvania Republicans nominated Doug Mastriano for governor. A Gulf War veteran and state senator representing South-Central Pennsylvania, Mastriano is known for his obsession with chemtrails, bizarre social media posts, support for election denialism, and dressing up as a Confederate soldier for a faculty photo session.

When Mastriano lost to then-Attorney General Shapiro by nearly 800,000 votes, political strategists cited his extreme views and lack of fundraising as reasons for his defeat. To avoid a repeat, state GOP leaders cleared the field for Stacy Garrity, the states treasurer. The thinking was that Garritys two statewide election wins meant voters found her more palatable than the bombastic Mastriano.

So far, the idea has not panned out. A recent Susquehanna University Poll has Shapiro at 58%, while Garrity earns just 36%. Thats an even bigger spread than his win over Mastriano.

The race is also lopsided when it comes to money. Shapiros campaign announced that it has raised $10 million so far this year, adding to the $23 million it raised last year. Garrity, by comparison, raised just $1.5 million last year. She has yet to release this years sum.

All of this is great news for the Ambitious Abingtonian, who would surely love to boast of a big win in the countrys biggest swing state ahead of his expected 2028 run for the presidency. Still, I cant help feeling that Garrity, despite her impressive win in the treasurers race, is simply not a genuine contender.

Beyond the anemic fundraising, she simply isnt that much different from Mastriano. Sure, she may not have joined Mastriano on the bus convoy to Washington for the Jan. 6, 2021, riots, but she did go to a Jan. 5 pep rally at the state Capitol.

Even as President Donald Trumps approval ratings tumble into the low 30s, shes tied herself ever closer to his administration. Pennsylvania Republicans have held the governors office for just one term this century. Until they prove willing to embrace consensus-building candidates instead of partisan culture warriors, this trend is likely to continue.
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Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro joined Democratic officials from 22 other states on Friday in filing a lawsuit against President Donald Trumps recent executive order that restricts mail voting and directs federal agencies to create a national eligible voter list.

The suit, which was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts, is part of a flurry of legal action following Trumps executive order that voting law experts have said violates states constitutional power to carry out elections.

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Trumps presidential directive, signed Tuesday, instructs the Department of Homeland Security to coordinate with the Social Security Administration to develop a list of eligible voters in each state. It also aims to prevent the U.S. Postal Service from delivering absentee ballots to individuals not on the list and calls for envelopes with barcodes for tracking. The order instructs states to keep election records for five years after an election.

State and local governments that are found noncompliant could be subjected to various consequences, such as the withholding of federal funds.

The good people of Pennsylvania will vote  whether in person or by mail  their votes will be counted, and the will of the people will be respected, Shapiro said in a statement Friday. Pennsylvanians choose their representatives, not Donald Trump.

Shapiro and officials from other states, including New Jersey and Delaware, argued in the suit against Trump and members of his administration that the president has no constitutional authority to enact the policies outlined in his executive order, and that the provisions will inflict significant, imminent, and irreparable injuries on the states.

They also said that this is the latest attempt from the president to falsely sow doubt into the integrity of U.S. elections.

The Presidents latest attempt to interfere with the States administration of their elections is as unprecedented as it is unconstitutional, the states argue in the lawsuit. Under our Constitution, the President has no authority to restrict voter eligibility or mail voting to lists of voters pre-authorized by the federal government.

The officials noted that the timing of the executive order around several states primaries and just months ahead of the 2026 midterms adds an extra layer of confusion and a costly use of resources.

Americans trust their local and state officials to run free, fair, and secure elections, New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport said in a statement. We are confident the courts will reject this blatant power grab.

Fridays suit is at least the 22nd time Shapiro has sued the Trump administration since the president returned to office in January 2025.

Shapiro, a former attorney general who frequently sued Trumps first administration, joined the mail voting lawsuit in his capacity as governor. Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday, a Republican, has largely avoided signing onto political lawsuits, arguing that his focus is on the core functions of his office as the states top prosecutor.

Staff writer Aliya Schneider contributed reporting.
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As Todd Blanche takes charge of the Justice Department next month, hell come armed with a deeper history with President Donald Trump than any prior occupant to serve in that role under the famously mercurial president.

Blanche, the presidents former personal attorney, stood by his side leading his defense when Trump faced prosecutions during his years out of office, including some brought by the Justice Department. And Blanche impressed the once and future president during that period, even after Trump was convicted in one of those cases.

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But that history might not be enough.

In his new role as acting attorney general, Blanche will inherit many of the same pressures that undid Pam Bondi before Trump announced Thursday that he had decided to oust her  namely, the presidents desire to see his political enemies put on trial. Blanche will also face the same obstacles to success, including courts and grand juries who have rejected many of the Justice Departments efforts so far to prosecute the presidents foes.

Hours after Trump said Blanche would temporarily lead the agency, the 51-year-old former federal prosecutor expressed confidence in his ability to do the job and sought to tie himself to the presidents perspective.

The president is frustrated, everyone is frustrated, he told Fox News in an interview Thursday, his first since Trump said he would become acting attorney general. What we saw happen for the last four years is unforgivable and can never happen again. So I dont mind the frustration; I appreciate the frustration.

Trumps decision to oust Bondi, announced in a social media post, came after months of frustration with her leadership and the pace  and limited success  in bringing cases against his political foes.

Replacing her was something Trump had been mulling for a long time, for a variety of reasons, said a person with knowledge of Trumps thinking, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a sensitive matter. He liked Pam a lot personally but was not satisfied with her job performance.

Bondi had unsuccessfully lobbied to stay on longer, the person said. But ultimately Trump decided he wanted a change.

As Bondis chief deputy  a role Blanche has held since last year  he has played an outsize role in many of the decisions that have left Trump frustrated with the departments progress to date.

Trump lauded Blanche as a very talented and respected Legal Mind  qualities the president was able to directly observe over years sitting by Blanche at defendants tables. Blanche represented Trump in his New York hush money case, which went to trial in 2024 and ended with him convicted on 34 counts of falsifying business records.

He also led Trumps defense in the two federal felony cases special counsel Jack Smith lodged against the then-former president  the first over his alleged retention of classified documents, the second over his attempts to overturn the results of his 2020 election loss.

Blanche devised a legal strategy in both cases focused heavily on delaying the proceedings through procedural motions that tied up progress for months.

Those tactics paid off. Legal arguments from Blanches team persuaded a federal judge in Florida, whom Trump appointed to the bench during his first term, to toss the classified documents case, citing issues with Smiths appointment. After Trump won the 2024 presidential election, Smith dropped the election interference case.

For those efforts, Blanche was rewarded with the No. 2 position in the Justice Department  a nomination Trump announced within days of his reelection, even before he settled on naming Bondi as his attorney general.

But even in a Justice Department littered with former Trump lawyers  including Stanley E. Woodward Jr, the agencys No. 3 official; Emil Bove, who served in a key role before Trump nominated him last year to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 3rd Circuit; Solicitor General D. John Sauer; and Alina Habba, a special adviser to the attorney general  Blanches influence stands out.

While overseeing day-to-day management of operations, he has taken on an increasingly public role as the face of the Justice Department in television interviews and conference appearances in recent months.

It was Blanche who publicly defended the departments decision in January not to open a civil rights investigation into the fatal shooting of Renee Good in Minneapolis by federal immigration officers, saying that there has to be circumstances or facts that warrant an investigation.

He also took the lead in announcing the departments congressionally compelled efforts to publicly release its files on convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. And in a highly unusual move, Blanche traveled to Florida to interview Ghislaine Maxwell, Epsteins imprisoned ex-girlfriend, over several days last year.

Many inside the department had hoped the eight years Blanche spent earlier in his career as a violent crimes prosecutor in the Manhattan U.S. attorneys office would lead him to be a moderating check on many of Trumps more extreme expectations for the department.

And to a degree, current and former Justice Department employees said, those hopes have borne out behind the scenes.

When prosecutors faced demands for swift action in their classified documents case against former national security adviser turned Trump critic John Bolton, Blanche pushed last year to give them more time to shore up the evidence, the Washington Post has reported.

And in September, Blanche joined Bondi in advocating to save the job of Erik S. Siebert, the former U.S. attorney in the Eastern District of Virginia, who concluded that there was insufficient evidence to charge two other Trump targets  former FBI Director James B. Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James  with crimes.

Trump ousted Siebert anyway, replacing him with Lindsey Halligan, who secured indictments against both of them. Those indictments were later thrown out by a judge who ruled Halligan had been illegally appointed.

But despite those flashes of restraint, current and former employees say they have been alarmed by Blanches broader willingness to acquiesce to Trumps demands and embrace of the presidents drive to end the Justice Departments traditional independence from the White House.

Speaking at a Federalist Society event last year, Blanche described the department as at war with rogue activist judges who have restrained many key planks of Trumps agenda in his first year in office  a framing that sparked concern among many in the department who have long viewed the judiciary as an independent branch of government to be respected

Last month, he boasted during an appearance at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Texas that in just over a year, the Justice Department had cleaned house of every prosecutor and FBI agent who had worked on the cases targeting Trump.

There is not a single man or woman at the Department of Justice who had anything to do with those prosecutions, he said.

But the most important metric of success Blanche faces in his new role may be his ability to deliver Trump results in cases the president has focused on. Investigations into several Trump rivals  including former CIA Director John Brennan, Rep. Adam Schiff (D., Calif.) and others  remain underway.

The department has also launched inquiries aimed at substantiating Trumps long-held grievances over his 2020 election loss, which remains a central fixation for the president despite repeated audits and investigations that have found no evidence of widespread fraud sufficient to sway the results.

The Department of Justice is working hard every day, Blanche told Fox News after Trump named him to the position. It was working hard yesterday, and were going to keep on working hard tomorrow.
In this image made with a long exposure, President Donald Trump speaks about the Iran war from the Cross Hall of the White House on Wednesday. Read more

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NEW YORK  This is not the run-up to the midterm elections that Republicans wanted.

A year and a half after winning the White House by promising to lower costs and end wars, Donald Trump is a wartime president overseeing surging energy costs and an escalating overseas conflict that many in his own party do not like.

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The war in Iran was largely unpopular even before an American fighter jet was shot down in Iran, a development that dominated headlines on Friday and contradicted Trumps claim that Tehrans military capabilities have been all but destroyed. One crew member has been rescued.

Earlier in the week, the Republican president offered little clarity to a nation eager for answers during a prime-time address from the White House, his first since the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran more than a month ago, simultaneously suggesting that the war was ending and expanding.

Thanks to the progress weve made, I can say tonight that we are on track to complete all of Americas military objectives shortly, very shortly, Trump said. Were going to hit them extremely hard over the next two to three weeks.

Trumps comments come roughly six months before voters across the nation begin to cast ballots in elections that will decide control of Congress and key governorships for Trumps final two years in office. For now, Republicans, who control all branches of government in Washington, are bracing for a painful political backlash.

Youre looking at an ugly November, warned veteran Republican pollster Neil Newhouse. At a point in time when we need every break possible to hold the House and Senate, our edge is being chipped away.

Republicans confront evolving political landscape

Its hard to overstate how dramatically the political landscape has shifted.

At this time last year, many Republican leaders believed there was a path to preserve their narrow House majority and easily hold the Senate. Now they privately concede that the House is all but lost and Democrats have a realistic shot at taking the Senate.

Republicans are also struggling to coalesce around a clear midterm message on Iran.

The Republican National Committee has largely avoided the war in talking points issued to surrogates over the last month. The leaders of the partys campaign committees responsible for the House and Senate declined interview requests. Many vulnerable Republican candidates sidestep the issue, unwilling to defend or challenge Trump publicly.

The president remains deeply popular with Republican voters, and he has vocal supporters like Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina.

That was the best speech I couldve hoped for, he wrote on social media after Trumps address on Wednesday evening. Graham said Trump gave the American people a clear and coherent pathway forward.

Trump made little effort to sell the conflict to Americans before the initial attack. Five weeks later, at least 13 U.S. service members have been killed and hundreds more injured. Thousands more troops have converged on the region, and the Pentagon requested $200 billion in new funding.

The Strait of Hormuz, a key passage for a fifth of the worlds oil, remains closed. The average price for a gallon of gasoline in the U.S. was $4.08 on Thursday, according to AAA, almost a full dollar higher than on President Joe Bidens last day in office.

On Wednesday, Trump insisted that gas prices would fall quickly once the war concluded but offered no solution for reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Instead, he invited skeptical U.S. allies to do it themselves.

He insisted that the war would be worth it.

This is a true investment in your grandchildren and your grandchildrens future, Trump said. When its all over, the United States will be safer, stronger, more prosperous and greater than it has ever been before.

Former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Georgia Republican who was once among Trumps most vocal allies in Congress, lashed out against his Iran policy.

I wanted so much for President Trump to put America First. Thats what I believed he would do. All I heard from his speech tonight was WAR WAR WAR, she wrote on social media. Nothing to lower the cost of living for Americans.

Time is not on Trumps side

About 6 in 10 U.S. adults say the U.S. military action in Iran has gone too far, according to AP-NORC polling from March. Roughly a third approve of how hes handling Iran overall.

The possibility of sending U.S. forces into Iran also appears politically unpalatable.

About 6 in 10 adults are strongly or somewhat opposed to deploying U.S. troops on the ground to fight Iran. That includes about half of Republicans. Only about 1 in 10 favor deploying troops.

At the same time, Trumps approval ratings have remained consistently weak. About 4 in 10 Americans approve of how hes handling the presidency, roughly in line with how its been throughout his second term.

Republican strategist Ari Fleischer, a senior aide in former President George W. Bushs administration, acknowledged that Trump has not received the polling bump in this war that Bush got after invading Iraq.

Bush, of course, worked to build public backing for the Iraq War before going in. Immediately after the 2003 invasion, Bushs popularity soared, as did the stock market.

Public sentiment and the economy soured only after the conflict stretched on. It ultimately spanned more than eight years, spawning a generation of anti-war Republicans  and sowing the seeds of Trumps America First foreign policy.

My hope is that the Trump experience is the exact opposite of the Bush experience, Fleischer said.

He said Trump must win the war decisively and quickly to avoid a further backlash, saying there could be a very significant political upside if things end well, oil comes down and markets rally.

Fleischer added that Trumps actions will matter much more than his words.

Ultimately, he is not going to get judged on his persuasion or his explanations or his assertions, hes going to get judged on results, he said.
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It has a catchy name  Build America, Buy America  and the lauded goal of bringing manufacturing jobs back to the United States.

But the law has spurred a bottleneck for affordable housing.

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Nearly everything from HVACs and lighting to sink hooks and ceiling fans in affordable housing projects that get federal dollars must be produced in the United States. But, developers say, numerous products are not, as they have long been imported from overseas markets with cheaper labor costs.

Although builders can apply for waivers, the process has been at a near standstill as the Department of Housing and Urban Development, which has had its staff slashed by the Trump administration, has only greenlit a handful of projects.

The waiver process has caused construction delays and hundreds of thousands of dollars in extra costs as the country faces an affordable housing crisis.

They need to be treating this like the fire that it is, said Tyler Norod, president of Westbrook Development Corp., which builds affordable housing in Maine.

Weve sort of resigned ourselves that were just gonna build less units across the entire country during a housing crisis."

Facing a standstill

Diana Lene has been on affordable housing waitlists for the past five years. The 75-year-old loves living close to her daughter and grandchildren in Fargo, N.D., but her apartment is too expensive on her Social Security income.

Its just maxing my budget down to pennies, she said. To save money, she avoids driving often and buys food on sale.

Im just trying to keep a roof over my head, but its getting more and more difficult, Lene said. I dont like to live in fear, and yet sometimes it jumps in there.

Lene is on a wait list for one of nonprofit developer Beyond Shelters apartments. CEO Dan Madler is building a 36-unit building for people like Lene, but he had to postpone lumber orders to verify they comply with the law and cant find ceiling fans made in America. He doesnt know when HUD will approve a waiver.

President Joe Biden signed the Build America, Buy America Act as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in 2021, building on longstanding efforts to boost American manufacturing at a time when the U.S. economy was emerging from a pandemic-era recession. Known as BABA, it applies to infrastructure projects funded by federal agencies, not just affordable housing.

Denver developer Julie Hoebel says she has spent over $60,000 just on a consultant to comb through websites and call suppliers to try to find American-made materials, not to mention the additional labor costs involved.

But the waivers she submitted to HUD in November for around 125 materials in an 85-unit building havent been approved.

If they take much longer then well come to a standstill, she said.

A cumbersome process

HUD is taking at least six months to approve many waivers.

Even BABA advocates agree HUD must grant waivers more quickly and give the industry clearer instructions on how to prepare them, which they note other federal agencies are doing.

HUD did not address questions from the Associated Press about waiver approval delays developers say increase costs, as well as concerns about making the process more transparent. In a statement it said its committed to ensuring that federal spending supports Americas industrial base while closely monitoring how compliance with these policies impact costs for builders.

Asked in January about whether the delays and cost increases mean affordable housing should be exempt from BABA rules, HUD Secretary Scott Turner said the agency was looking into the issue, but did not provide details. We are looking at this ... with BABA as it pertains to HUD to provide flexibility to certain projects in certain places around our country, Turner said, adding that HUD is committed to assuring developers get the flexibility they need as it pertains to building.

The law itself isnt the problem, supporters say.

Unions representing the steel and manufacturing industries say taxpayer dollars should fund American-made materials and suppliers will adjust to meet demand for products that arent available.

Youve got a system in place that leans heavily on using imported materials to make a better profit, said Scott Paul, president of the Alliance for American Manufacturing. I dont know if that serves the public good.

Jennifer Schwartz, director of tax and housing advocacy at the National Council of State Housing Agencies, said theres no national data on how much BABA is increasing costs. But the waiver process is failing, she said, because requirements were put in place before assessment of domestic manufacturing capacity.

It wont be as challenging for suppliers to produce more raw materials in the U.S., but it will take time for manufactured products  such as appliances and elevators  to become available, said Kaitlyn Snyder, managing director of the National Housing and Rehabilitation Association, an affordable housing industry group.

I dont know that it economically, financially makes sense for people to be producing door hinges, Snyder said. We are an advanced country and weve outsourced a lot of that stuff.

The housing bill that passed the Senate in March to make U.S. housing more accessible and affordable did not require HUD to address problems with implementing BABA.

The process isnt working for affordable housing, said Jessie Handforth Kome, who spent nearly 40 years working at HUD until 2024. People want to comply, but its unclear how to.

Vermont-based Developer Jessica Neubelt estimates she spent an additional $150,000 just to verify iron and steel she used in a project was American-made. Shes just as frustrated over the hundreds of hours that takes, which, she said, could be spent on another project.

I would like every member of Congress to sit in on a construction meeting, Neubelt said. The amount of detail that goes into figuring out if a specific thing is compliant or not is enormous.

Debates over solutions

U.S. Rep. Mike Flood, a Nebraska Republican, has advocated to exempt some HUD funding from BABA.

Owning a home is the American dream, but its out of reach in a very big way and anything that adds cost to that isnt allowing hardworking Americans to achieve the dream, Flood told the AP.

Roy Houseman, legislative director at United Steelworkers, said complaints about cost increases are overblown.

A lot of developers seem to have tried to throw things in and make statutory changes to policies that have been in place for basically five years now instead of making a good-faith effort to really push HUD, Houseman said.

Union leaders note the law offers some leeway.

Developers can get exemptions for an American-made product if it increases the projects overall cost by more than 25%. A very small percentage of a projects total material cost is also exempt. But most developers say that percentage isnt enough to cover all items not made in the U.S.

Some developers are looking for ways to avoid federal funds altogether. But that is challenging. Even though federal dollars often make up a small portion of funding for affordable housing projects, that sliver can make or break whether theres enough money to build them.

Kentucky developer Scott McReynolds says that instead of applying for a federal grant to build 20 to 30 affordable homes, he plans to build two four-unit projects, small enough so that they arent subject to BABA.

American-made materials are especially hard to find near the rural areas McReynolds serves.

Its a nightmare, he said.

Charlotte Kramon is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
Joe and Lauren Leopanto walk with their son and Joes mother Sandy Leopanto, back right, behind the Art Museum last month. Read more

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After setting a new heat record earlier this week, the Philadelphia region could surpass another one Saturday that has stood for more than a century. But dont break out your summer duds just yet  after that, were due for a break.

Saturdays high could hit 83 degrees, bringing yet another day of unseasonably high temperatures to the region, said Paul Fitzsimmons, lead meteorologist at the National Weather Service office in Mount Holly. And if the mercury climbs even one degree higher than 80, well set a new temperature record for April 4, beating out the previous zenith for that date, which was set in 1892, according to data from the weather service.

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For those keeping score at home, that would be the second temperature record shattered in the region this week. On Wednesday, the high climbed to 84 degrees, surpassing April 1s previous record of 81, which was set in 1978. That temperature is a normal high for mid-June.

Wednesday also marked the third consecutive day that temperatures reached at least 80 at Philadelphia International Airport. Essentially, Fitzsimmons said, those temperatures are coming from a ridge of high pressure over the western Atlantic Ocean that is bringing in warmer air from the south, similar to systems wed typically see later in the year.

Its a similar pattern youd get in the middle of summer, when it gets really, really hot, Fitzsimmons said. If it was the summer, wed be even hotter.

And March was warmer than normal, with that month finishing with an average temperature about 5.2 degrees above normal.

Saturday, meanwhile, is due to see a warm front move through the region, bringing with it those record-challenging temperatures.

But fear not, Philadelphia. Were due to start getting back to your more regularly scheduled weather programming starting Sunday, when a cold front is expected to move in.

Sunday will be a transition day, Fitzsimmons said.

Forecasters expect Sundays temperatures to climb into the low to mid-70s, with lows potentially at or near freezing. The cooldown, however, doesnt come without a price  namely in the form of rain expected to arrive Sunday afternoon, as well as the possibility of scattered thunderstorms and winds in the 15 to 20 mile-per-hour range. Widespread severe weather, however, is not expected, according to the weather service.

After the rain, temperatures could return to seasonal norms, or perhaps slightly below. Highs through midweek are expected to remain largely in the 50s, and lows are forecast to be in the 30s and 40s.

Then, as Thursday and Friday arrive, we may be looking at another warmup, Fitzsimmons said, though likely not as drastic as what Saturday may bring.

By Friday, we will see highs in the low 70s, he said.
Immigrants, who account for 14% of the U.S. population, are responsible for 36% of aggregate innovation and are 80% more likely than native-born Americans to start a business. Nearly half of all Fortune 500 companies were founded by immigrants or their children, and 59% of Artificial Intelligence (AI) PhD graduates working in U.S. industry are international students. History offers a stark warning about what happens when these flows are disrupted: immigration quotas in the 1920s caused a 68% relative decline in U.S. patenting. The United States now risks repeating that history as it dismantles, piece by piece, the talent pipeline that built its competitive advantage.

Consider the most recent visible blow to that pipeline. In September 2025, President Trump imposed a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa petitions: the primary mechanism through which U.S. firms hire skilled foreign workers. The administration framed it as a measure to protect American workers and ensure the program attracts the best of the best. The fee adds an enormous new barrier on top of an already broken system; annual caps of 85,000 visas have been oversubscribed every year since 2004, with demand typically running at two to three times the supply. A large body of research tells us the impact of making H-1B visas harder to obtain. When U.S. multinational companies faced tighter H-1B restrictions in the past, they offshored more, hiring more at their foreign affiliates. On average, multinationals created roughly 0.4 foreign affiliate jobs for every unfilled H-1B position in the U.S.; the most internationally oriented firms replaced nearly one-for-one. Restrictive immigration policy does not keep jobs in America. It pushes them out.

Small startups are hit hardest. Unlike multinationals, they cannot easily offshore. Evidence from H-1B lotteries between 2014 and 2018 shows that startups that lose the H-1B lottery are less likely to achieve a successful exit via initial public offering or acquisition and less likely to receive additional venture capital funding. The $100,000 fee will accelerate these dynamics. For large technology companies, the fee may be an irritation absorbed into the cost of doing business even as they accelerate the offshoring of skilled work and talent. For smaller firms, for universities, and for hospitals and research institutions that rely on H-1B workers, the fee is potentially prohibitive. And it sends a signal, to firms and to workers alike, that the United States is raising the drawbridge.

But the damage extends far beyond the H-1B program itself. The pathway from international student to skilled immigrant worker in the United States is long and institutionally dependent: students arrive on F-1 visas, earn a degree, gain work experience through Optional Practical Training (OPT), and eventually transition into employer-sponsored work visas and, ultimately, permanent residency. My recent research with Caroline Fry on AI scientists emphasizes this: many PhD-holding immigrants at top U.S. AI firms arrived not through direct hiring abroad but as graduate students who transitioned into industry through university networks. The university is where the pipeline begins, and it is the part of the system now under the greatest strain.

New international student enrollment at U.S. universities fell 17% in the fall of 2025: the largest single-year decline outside the pandemic on record. International graduate student enrollment dropped 12%. These are not small fluctuations. They reflect visa interview suspensions, travel restrictions affecting nationals of dozens of countries and a political climate that signals hostility rather than welcome. The administration has signaled its intent to curtail or eliminate OPT, the bridge program that allows graduates to transition into the workforce.

My work with Robert Flynn, Raviv Murciano-Goroff and Jiusi Xiao reveals just how damaging perceived hostility to migrants can be, even without formal policy changes. We find that ethnically Chinese students became 15% less likely to enter U.S. doctoral programs after U.S.-China tensions escalated. Crucially, the decline is concentrated among the most talented, i.e. those with the most external options. And they do go elsewhere: other countries, especially Anglophone ones, absorb this redirected talent. These effects cannot be explained by policy changes alone; they reflect a climate of perceived hostility that deters talent before any visa form is ever filed.

If the United States is driving talent away, the obvious question is who stands to gain. For European policymakers, this should be both an opportunity and a cautionary tale. The opportunity is real: applications from U.S.-based researchers to the European Research Councils early-career grants have nearly tripled in recent years, as reported by STAT News. The European Commission has launched a Choose Europe for Science program targeting top international researchers. France has launched its own platform and introduced a bill to create a formal scientific refugee status. There are early signs of Europe becoming more attractive: Nobel laureates Esther Duflo and Abhijit Banerjee have announced they would leave MIT for the University of Zurich, and Aix-Marseille University received nearly 300 applications from researchers seeking refugee status.

But Europe should be clear-eyed about the structural barriers that have historically prevented it from capitalizing on moments like this. The EU Blue Card scheme has seen modest uptake compared to Canada or Australias fast-track systems. Many international students educated in Europe leave after graduation, as documented by the ICMPD, citing bureaucratic barriers and limited career prospects. And compensation gaps remain large: U.S.-based AI positions typically pay 30% to 70% more than equivalent roles in Europe. The lesson from the United States is not simply that restrictive immigration policies push talent away. It is that talent pipelines are institutional achievements that take decades to build and can be destroyed with remarkable speed. The U.S. system, for all its flaws  the H-1B lottery, the low employment visa and green card caps, the employer-tied visas that leave workers vulnerable nonetheless created an effective mechanism for channeling global talent into productive firms and innovative ecosystems. It did so because firms, universities and government programs operated as interconnected intermediaries, each reinforcing the others. Dismantling any part of this system has cascading effects on the whole.

Europe has a historic window. But seizing it requires more than welcoming statements and one-off fellowship programs. It requires building coherent, continent-wide talent infrastructure: making the EU Blue Card a genuinely attractive and well-publicized pathway with harmonized standards across member states, streamlining mobility so that a non-EU researcher does not face a fragmented patchwork of national procedures to move within Europe, and investing in the compensation and research funding that makes European positions competitive, not just available.

The global geography of innovation is being reshaped in real time. My research suggests that when the United States restricts access to skilled immigrants, innovative activity and human capital shift abroad, and with them, the knowledge spillovers and ecosystem effects that drive long-term economic growth. Countries that position themselves to absorb this redirected talent will reap outsized benefits. Those that do not will miss the opportunity. The United States is conducting a remarkable experiment: testing whether its leading innovation economy can maintain its position while systematically alienating the global talent on which that position depends. The question for Europe is whether it will treat this as someone elses problem or as an opportunity.
Greyhound Racing Ireland (GRI) has moved to clarify comments made by its chief executive about the culling of 3,000 dogs in a year, which led to condemnation by animal rights campaigners.

Tim Lucey was responding to questions from RTE on Tuesday about whether or not mass culling of greyhounds in Ireland is still an occurrence.

There is a level of putting them to sleep on humane grounds. But the figure is not 6,000, it's under half of that now," he said.

The 6,000 figure Mr Lucey referred to was first posited in an RTE documentary in 2019  titled Running For Their Lives  which alleged that at least that number of animals were being killed within the industry each year due to their not being fast enough.

After Mr Lucey's comments were criticised by animal rights campaigners, who say that 3,000 is still a huge number of culled animals, a GRI spokesperson clarified that he "did not at any time state that any number of deaths was acceptable.

It acknowledges that deaths occur for many reasons, including disease and accidents, they said.

Greyhounds are the only breed of dog that has full traceability in Ireland. Other breeds of dog are microchipped, but that is often the last record that exists of them, the spokesperson said, adding that GRI would welcome a full traceability system for all breeds of dogs in line with that which currently exists for greyhounds.

Addressing Mr Luceys comments, Nuala Donlon, spokesperson for advocacy body Greyhound Action Ireland, said that the acknowledgement of thousands of deaths confirms what those of us familiar with the harsh reality of the Irish greyhound industry already know.

The continued public funding of this industry amounts to State-sponsored cruelty to dogs on an industrial scale, and it must be stopped, she added.

The greyhound industry in Ireland has found itself in the spotlight once more on the back of bans on the sport being ratified in both Scotland and Wales in recent weeks.

Ireland is now one of only four countries worldwide where greyhound racing is legal, together with parts of the US, England, and Australia.

Greyhound racing in Ireland receives ring-fenced funding from the exchequer each year as part of the annual Horse and Greyhound Fund. In 2026, that funding figure will total 19.82m.

Agriculture minister Martin Heydon ruled out a ban on the sport when it was suggested by opposition TDs.
A cohort of 159 prison officers graduated at a ceremony in Croke Park and have already taken up posts across the prison service.

Last year, 304 prison officers were recruited following a national campaign, with funding in place for up to 100 more officers and 50 additional staff this year.

It is a privilege to congratulate these graduates today, said justice minister Jim O'Callaghan, as he thanked them for their public service and their families for supporting them.

Prison officers bring strength and compassion to a job that often goes unseen, yet it is crucial for keeping our communities safe.

As mentors, they will help offenders in their care to rebuild their futures and to find a better path forward.

Read More Minister admits inmates on waiting lists leave prison before attending psychology services

"We are fully committed to supporting them with the resources needed to carry out this challenging duty with dignity."

They graduated with a higher certificate in arts in custodial care, a programme developed and delivered jointly by the Irish Prison Service and South East Technological University (SETU).

Irish Prison Service director general Caron McCaffrey described the event as a proud moment.

Our new officers have balanced study, family life, and the demands of a complex environment, and they have done so with integrity and determination, she said.

'It is a privilege to congratulate these graduates today,' said justice minister Jim O'Callaghan, as he thanked them for their public service and their families for supporting them. File picture

 As they take up duty across the estate, they bring with them diverse skills, strong values, and a commitment to supporting safety, dignity, and rehabilitation in our prisons."

SETU governing body chair and pro-chancellor Professor Patrick Prendergast said over 1,000 prison officers have taken this course since its introduction in 2017.

It is vital that we continue to meet the evolving needs of this essential public service, he said.

The most recent recruitment campaign, held in July last year, drew 1,772 applications. By early March, the Department of Justice said it had received 512 names from Public Jobs, following three batches of interviews.

The next campaign is provisionally scheduled to open from September this year.
More than 40 firefighters battled a large blaze overnight in a hay shed in Co Down.

Around 300 sheep were moved out of the shed on Cascum Road in Banbridge, while efforts continued to extinguish the fire.
An employment tribunal has ruled the Westmeath co-educational school where teacher Enoch Burke worked did not penalise an employee who made a series of protected disclosures highlighting alleged irregularities, including fraudulent pay claims and data protection breaches.

The former head of facilities, Siobhan Rogers, at Wilsons Hospital School in Multyfarnham, Co Westmeath, claimed she had been demoted, isolated in her role, and subjected to ongoing inappropriate behaviour, as well as having many of her duties removed in breach of the Protected Disclosures Act 2014.

The Workplace Relations Commission heard the school accepted Ms Rogers had made multiple disclosures during her employment, but denied they constituted protected disclosures under the legislation.

Wilsons Hospital also rejected the claim she had suffered any form of detriment after making such disclosures.

Ms Rogers told the WRC her role was to ensure the boarding element of the schools operations ran efficiently and profitably.

However, she claimed she discovered various irregularities almost immediately after starting work in the school, which she raised with the principal.

They included alleged irregularities with the payslips of her predecessor and fraudulent timesheets of staff.

The WRC heard the complainant also raised concerns about potential data protection breaches, including the unauthorised removal of files.

In December 2023, Ms Rogers said she reported her belief a school fuel card was being used for staff members private vehicles.

She acknowledged the various issues were referred by the principal to the schools board of management with her assistance.

Ms Rogers also recounted how she alerted the principal to how the schools phone banking system was registered in the name of a single individual rather than Wilsons Hospital.

She also discovered a contractor had been overpaid, despite still seeking money for unpaid invoices for work during the covid-19 pandemic.

Ms Rogers claimed she had highlighted more than 20 such irregularities in the course of her duties.

The WRC heard Ms Rogers regarded the appointment of an independent third party to oversee facilities in the school in May 2024 as a demotion, as she had previously reported directly to the principal.

She claimed she felt sidelined from any further investigation of the matters she had uncovered and was excluded from board meetings on such issues.

Ms Rogers said her views were not sought by her new line manager, who instead sought assistance from the persons implicated by her disclosures.

She claimed meetings with this individual were irregular and held at unusual times.

The WRC heard at one meeting she was instructed to place her phone in a drawer so there could be no covert recording, while the individual also scanned the room checking for covert listening devices.

Ms Rogers said she disagreed with a claim made by him much of the blame for the irregularities lay with a former colleague at the school.

She claimed her line manager suggested the person in question may have groomed her.

Ms Rogers told the WRC she found the context, tone and subject matter of the meeting to be deeply uncomfortable, oppressive and profoundly unprofessional.

In evidence, the individual denied isolating or criticising her, but admitted he was concerned their meetings might be subject to covert recording.

Ms Rogers said the schools treatment of her left her with no option but to resign to preserve her wellbeing.

Ms Rogers said the school had made no effort to meet her to discuss any of the issues she had raised before she left Wilsons Hospital.

Counsel for the school, Mark Curran BL, claimed several of the alleged disclosures were never formally reported and merely constituted discussions between work colleagues of matters arising in the normal course of their duties.

Mr Curran said several related to interpersonal grievances exclusively affecting Ms Rogers.

He also argued the allegations regarding financial management and data protection were not capable of being constituted as wrongdoings under the relevant legislation.

Mr Curran said the appointment of the other individual in May 2024 was to allow the principal to focus on educational matters and they replaced the principal as Ms Rogers line manager.

In his ruling, WRC adjudication officer Brian Dolan said it was clear Ms Rogers reported relevant wrongdoings within the meaning of the Protected Disclosures Act and they were not interpersonal grievances.

However, he ruled Ms Rogers was not demoted as she had retained her title, salary, and duties after the appointment of her new line manager, which was to allow the schools principal to focus on the administration of education.

Dismissing the claim of penalisation, he ruled Ms Rogers had not demonstrated that she had suffered any detriment.
A teenage motorist who was spotted doing donuts in his car by an off-duty garda sped away from the scene when she asked him to stop, the district court has heard.

Sergeant Eimear OConnell told Macroom District Court the incident occurred at a T-junction at Castlelands, Enniskeane, Co Cork, at 8.28pm on the evening of May 21, 2025.

The court was told an off-duty garda sergeant was driving with her young children in the car when she came upon a grey Lexus car spinning around at the junction doing donuts. The driver of the car was identified as Bill Harrington, aged 19, of Saint Anthonys, Codrum, Macroom. Another man was filming the activity on a mobile phone.

When the garda called at the men to stop, she was jeered at and the culprits sped away from the scene. The garda felt the driving she observed was highly dangerous and she called colleagues to check the registration of the vehicle, which was registered to Harrington.

Gardai from Macroom later located the vehicle at a service station at Coolcower, Macroom, where there was damage evident to the front of the car. Harrington admitted he was the driver of the car and had been driving it at Enniskeane where he was observed earlier on.

The court heard the State was prepared to reduce the charge from one of dangerous driving to the lesser charge of careless driving, to which Harrington was pleading guilty. The court was told Harrington faced two further careless driving charges relating to a separate incident, one of which the State was withdrawing.

Giving evidence, Harringtons mother said he had learning difficulties and suffered from a number of diagnosed conditions and was home-schooled for some time. She said she believed he had matured since the incident and was now working full time as a truck driver.

Defence solicitor Sean Cahill said Harrington had no previous convictions and worked as a driver for a ready mix concrete company, where he was a valued employee. He said Harrington had already incurred four penalty points for bald tyres and as a novice a careless driving conviction would take him over the seven point maximum and lead to disqualification, which would mean he would lose his job.

Mr Cahill said Harrington would become a fully qualified driver in November, at which point he could incur more penalty points without a disqualification. He asked Judge Joanne Carroll to adjourn the matter and the second careless driving matter to November so Harrington would not lose his licence on conviction.

Judge Carroll said it was clear Harrington would lose his job if convicted now and she noted his mothers evidence and the fact Harrington had pleaded guilty. She agreed to adjourn all matters for finalisation to November 4, 2026.

This article is funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme
A man has appeared in court facing extradition in relation to the murder of Dublin criminal Robbie Lawlor in Belfast six years ago.

Jonathan Gill, 44, of Malahide Road in Clontarf, appeared before the High Court in Dublin after being arrested on foot of an extradition warrant.

He is facing charges for the murder of Mr Lawlor and alleged possession of a 9mm pistol between April 2 and 5 2020.

Mr Lawlor was shot on Etna Drive in the Ardoyne area of Belfast on April 4 2020.

He had been linked to the murder of Louth teenager Keane Mulready-Woods, who was dismembered with parts of his body dumped across Dublin in 2020.

An Garda Siochana are investigating the murder of Mr Lawlor jointly with the PSNI and arrested Gill on Thursday.

Detective Sergeant Frank Lambe, from the extradition unit at the Garda national bureau of criminal investigation, told the High Court on Friday he had arrested Mr Gill, also known as Jack Gill, in Clontarf at 4.50pm on Thursday.

The officer identified himself and his rank to Gill, who made no reply when cautioned, the court heard.

Det Sgt Lambe said Mr Gill was taken to Clontarf Garda Station where he was shown the warrant for his arrest, endorsed by the High Court in Dublin, and asked him to confirm his name and date of birth.

He was informed of his right to legal representation, a right to a translator and a right to legal advice in the UK.

Mr Lambe said a summary of the offences was read to Mr Gill and he was asked if he knew what the offences are about, to which he replied no. Mr Lambe said he was satisfied the person on the warrant was the same person before the High Court on Friday morning, and identified Mr Gill in the courtroom as the man dressed in a black top and shorts.

Judge Mr Justice Barry ODonnell said he was clearly satisfied as to Mr Gills identity.

He then informed Mr Gill of his rights again and asked Mr Gill if he understood those rights.

Mr Gill replied yes to the judge.

Defence barrister Gemma McLoughlin-Burke, instructed by solicitors at Phoenix Law, told the court their intention to reply and said there were legal issues in the alleged offences which she said merit a second barrister.

Mr Gill was remanded in custody at Cloverhill Prison until the extradition hearing at the High Court in Dublin on April 21.

- Press Association
Scarlett Faulkners doctors have begun to reduce her sedation to assess her brain function, as her family encourages the public to continue sending prayers.

The 29-year-old mother from Longpavement remains in intensive care in Cork University Hospital (CUH) after she was brutally assaulted in Birdhill, Co Tipperary, on March 21.

The vehicle Scarlett was travelling in was rammed off the road before she was dragged from it and attacked by individuals with weapons.

In an update shared on social media, Josephine (Joanne) Duffy, the partner of Scarletts brother Thomas, said doctors are gradually reducing sedation.

Theyll do that daily for the next seven to 10 days, and then they will know the result and hopefully Scarlett will wake up, is what theyre trying to do, and stop the brain from swelling, Ms Duffy explained.

They will lower it slowly, so they just slow it back and it will take a while, and then they'll try to wake Scarlett up.

I think its actually good news because the brain isn't swelling. So obviously everyone is praying for her all over the place, and I really think that the prayers are working, she added.

Ms Duffy previously said doctors told the family they had never seen a brain injury so bad.

In a previous update, Victoria Faulkner  Scarletts sister  said her six-year-old daughter has been asking about her condition every day.

I don't know what to say to the child because it's just too hurtful to explain. It's her mommy at the end of the day, She's only six-years-of-age.

"She needs her mommy. Every child needs their mother," Victoria said.

Ms Faulkner suffered critical head injuries in the attack, which occurred at a roadside location outside Birdhill village at around 5.30pm on March 21. She is the mother of a six-year-old daughter.

Earlier this week, family and friends held a vigil to pray for Ms Faulkner.

Video footage of the attack was widely shared on social media, and gardai have appealed to people not to share the footage.

The family also appealed to the public not to post any pictures or footage after a picture of Scarlett in hospital circulated online.

They said these were distressing for the family to see.

A 16-year-old girl and a woman were arrested and later appeared before Tipperary District Court in Thurles via video link on Wednesday, charged in connection with the serious assault.
The Minister for Defence had to abandon a trip to Lebanon on security advice from the Defence Forces.

Helen McEntee had been due to meet Irish peacekeepers deployed as part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) but the visit was called off following the militarys operational advice that it was not tenable.

The Minister had been due to travel to Beirut on Wednesday and travel to meet Unifil troups but the trip was cancelled due to the security risk. Beirut has been targetted by a series of Israeli air strikes in recent weeks since the start of Iran war.

In its latest update, the Defence Forces said all personnel in Lebanon are well and accounted for amid heightened clashes between the Israeli military and Hezbollah.

It comes after a Polish member of Irelands joint battalion with Poland sustained minor injuries from a roadside device, while three Indonesian peacekeepers were killed in other blasts.

As the Ministers trip got cancelled, the Defence Forces were able to use slots and clearances it had already obtained to conduct a different flight.

The Defence Forces confirmed it carried out an operation last week to transport key battalion personnel to UN 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.

The mission involved a young female Air Corps pilot flying the plane into the volatile region to rendezvous with Army personnel who conducted an armoured patrol from UNP 2-45 to Beirut Airport for the personnel and equipment handover.

It was the first such operation using the strategic reach capability of the Air Corps, following the delivery of a C295 transport aircraft last year.

Colonel Denis Hanly said it was a force multiplier, adding that the mission was proof of increased flexibility for the operations team, with the C295 also due to be used for personnel in Kosovo.

Twenty-six personnel flew into the country with around 600kgs of equipment and supplies for deployed troops, while 17 travelled back.

Col Hanly said: We wanted a Ryanair turnover  as quickly as possible, no hugs or high fives. The handover, which involved unloading the equipment and supplies before taking off again, took 30 minutes  and the operations director said it could be done faster.

The convoy took close to four hours to return to Camp Shamrock, which is almost double what it would normally take because of the increased risk in the region.

Despite last weeks operation, a number of the personnel who had been due to return on leave were unable to do so because of the changing flight plans but remain on stand-by to return.

- Press Association
The foreign affairs minister has called for "accountability" in the deaths of UN peacekeepers in Lebanon.

Helen McEntee had been due to meet Irish peacekeepers deployed as part of the force in Lebanon, but the visit was called off following military advice that it was not tenable.

An Indonesian peacekeeper was killed when a missile struck a UNIFIL base in the area on Sunday, and on Monday, another two Indonesian UNIFIL peacekeepers were killed when a logistics convoy was attacked.

Ireland provides peacekeeping troops to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

More than 360 Irish peacekeepers are currently working in the mission in southern Lebanon near the border with Israel.

The mission was established to try to maintain peace between the two countries.

Speaking on RTE Radio on Friday, Ms McEntee said the deaths set back decades of work by Irish troops, which was "heartbreaking", but that she could not say who was responsible for the killings.

While the investigations are still underway, I dont think it would be appropriate for me to say. Whats clear is that there is fire from all sides and I will say that.

It is clear that this is not just in any one direction, that there is fire from Hizbullah but there is also fire from Israel here so any type of attack that is directed at and that results in the death of peacekeepers, it has to be condemned.

But also there has to be follow-through and there has to be accountability, she said.

Rescue workers inspect the scene of an Israeli airstrike as fires burn among damaged vehicles, in Beirut, Lebanon, Wednesday, April 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

The UNIFIL mission is set to expire next year, and Ireland has appealed to the UN for its continuation. Asked whether troops should remain, Ms McEntee paid tribute to their work.

Their reason for being there is to monitor and its to assist, and I think over the last number of years and decades they have done a fantastic job in particular in support of the Lebanese people.

What is heartbreaking I think for all of us is that in a very short space of time, decades of their work has been set back essentially, and we are seeing so much of the progress that has been made, years taken off it.

Ms McEntee said the troops were committed to their roles and had recently rescued Polish troops from a "very difficult environment", but that much time had been spent in bunkers due to ongoing fighting.

"[T]his is what our members sign up to. This is what they are there for.

This is what they are absolutely committed to and they are committed to this mission.

The Minister had been due to travel to Beirut on Wednesday to meet UNIFIL troops, but the trip was cancelled due to the security risk. Beirut has been targeted by a series of Israeli air strikes in recent weeks since the start of the Iran war.

Asked on Friday about the trip, she said it would not make sense to go given the volatility, saying that it is is an extremely volatile situation and their safety and their [peacekeepers] wellbeing is my priority first and foremost.
Right up to the last possible minute, there was some hope the voices of children and those who advocate and work for and with them would be heard. But a vote in the European Parliament on Thursday, March 26, probably sounded the death knell for a system which was far from perfect, but which allowed for some limited monitoring by tech companies of online child sexual abuse material.

From Good Friday, April 3, tech companies will no longer have legal permission to carry out the current monitoring. A legal vacuum will be created. And children will be at greater risk of harm online than ever.

Sadly, the failure to reach agreement is happening because one aspect of a debate about rights and principles that has been rumbling on for years in the European institutions has come to a head. That discussion concerns the extent to which data privacy rights can be modified to protect children from serious abuse and harm.

The default position in Europes approach to peoples interactions online is privacy. This is an agreed value which is cherished by all those who believe in the right of people to live their lives with minimum interference from government, big business and the like. It is a value enshrined in EU legislation, including in the very significant ePrivacy Directive of 2002.

People will see evidence of this directive every time they go on to a website, including when they are asked to accept or reject cookies. Without that consent, the web page is not entitled to collect certain information.

Electronic privacy of communications is also the assurance which journalists have that their sources will remain confidential and the encrypted messages of human rights defenders will not be intercepted by hostile governments.

That privacy law does allow exceptions to ensure one right does not negate another. Necessary cookies must be accepted. Privacy rights do not extend to putting malware on systems. Emergency services may be allowed access location in a crisis.

No such exception in law limits those peddling and spreading exploitative and criminal child sexual abuse material which, originally, remained covered by the privacy law. A situation which was partially addressed in 2012 when another EU regulation allowed for a temporary exception  an exception that made it legal for tech platforms to scan some of the material seen by European consumers for child sexual abuse material and stop that material going any farther.

On foot of that regulation, Meta reported that in 2024, it actioned about 1.5 million pieces of media constituting child sexual abuse material which included an EU user it detected. Those who uploaded the material could appeal the removal.

In 2024, it restored 1,800 pieces of content: a miniscule error rate of 0.12%. The almost 1.5 million pieces it found were reported to the worldwide National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The exception to the rule that enabled Meta and others online platforms to carry out such monitoring was extended from time to time, with the most recent extension due to expire on April 3.

At the beginning of March, it was expected it would be renewed while the various EU institutions worked out a more robust and permanent solution. The European Parliament and the EU Council of Ministers would have to agree to do that. Work could continue on the permanent solution which has been on the cards for a few years now and the Irish Government committed to working on it with its EU partners in the programme for government.

However, by mid-March, the European Parliament debate flagged difficulties. It agreed in principle to an extension to 2027 but went on to narrow the extent to which monitoring could take place. Encrypted material or identifying unknown predators or groomers was no longer to be included. When this proposal went to the EU Council, the council balked at the additional restrictions which, it concluded, made the monitoring ineffective.

All over Europe, children's rights advocates were appalled, and pleaded with their MEPs to allow the current status quo to continue. A previous break in monitoring in 2021 had halved the number of reports to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

A further last-minute vote took place on Thursday, March 26, where the proposal to extend the current scheme temporarily was defeated by 311 votes to 228, with 92 abstentions.

The sad reality is that after Easter, it looks like children in Ireland and all over Europe will be even more at risk of exploitation and abuse, and the spread of that abusive material, than they were before.

They too are entitled to privacy and protection. How is that to be honoured? To do this, a balance must be achieved in the same way it was achieved so location could be revealed for an emergency call. This is what has been a normal discussion in the offline world. We need to normalise it in the online world as well. Children are entitled to that, in fairness.
Iran fired on targets across the Middle East, sparking multiple blazes at a Kuwaiti oil refinery, while American and Israeli airstrikes hit the Islamic Republic early on Friday as the war neared the end of its fifth week unabated.

Despite claims from the US and Israel that Irans military capabilities have been all but destroyed, Tehran has continued to keep the pressure on Israel and its Gulf Arab neighbours, hitting Kuwaits Mina al-Ahmadi oil refinery in a drone attack.

The refinery has been hit multiple times during the war and state-run Kuwait Petroleum Corp said firefighters were working to control several blazes.

Sirens also sounded in Bahrain, warning of Iranian attacks and Israel reported incoming missiles.

President Donald Trump speaks about the Iran war from the Cross Hall of the White House (Doug Mills/The New York Times via AP)

Activists reported strikes around Tehran and the central city of Isfahan, but it was not immediately clear what was hit.

Irans attacks on Gulf region energy infrastructure and its tight grip on the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the worlds oil and natural gas transits in peacetime, have sent oil prices skyrocketing and are impacting global economies.

Shipping had flowed freely through the strait before the war, but US President Donald Trump has said it is not now Washingtons responsibility to get the waterway reopened, instead putting the onus on others, saying this week that the countries that depend more on fuel shipped through Hormuz should build some delayed courage and go take it.

The UN Security Council was expected to vote on Saturday on a proposal from Bahrain that would authorise defensive action to ensure vessels can safely transit the strait.

Bahrains initial draft would have allowed countries to use all necessary means to secure the strait, but Russia, China and France  who have veto power on the Council  expressed opposition to approving the use of force.

Speaking on Thursday in South Korea, French President Emmanuel Macron said the American expectation that the Strait of Hormuz could be reopened by force was unrealistic.

Mr Macron said a military operation would take an infinite amount of time and would expose anyone passing through the strait to coastal threats from (Irans) Revolutionary Guard.

He added that reopening of the strait can only be done in coordination with Iran, through negotiations that would follow a potential ceasefire.

Talks organised by Britain and involving more than 40 countries focused on political rather than military means to secure the strait. The nations, which didnt include the US, urged increased diplomatic pressure on Iran and possible sanctions.

More than 1,900 people have been killed in Iran during the war, while 19 have been reported dead in Israel. More than two dozen people have died in Gulf states and the occupied West Bank, while 13 US service members have been killed.

More than 1,300 people have been killed and more than one million displaced in Lebanon, where Israel has launched a ground invasion in its fight with the pro-Iranian Hezbollah militant group. Ten Israeli soldiers have also died there.
Randy George, the US armys top officer, is stepping down from his role after the defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, reportedly requested that he retire immediately. The Pentagon confirmed on Thursday that George, who had been serving as the armys 41st chief of staff, was retiring.

General Randy A George will be retiring from his position as the 41st Chief of Staff of the Army effective immediately. The Department of War is grateful for General Georges decades of service to our nation. We wish him well in his retirement, the Pentagon chief spokesperson, Sean Parnell, said in a statement shared on social media.

The position of army chief of staff is generally held for four years. George had been nominated by Joe Biden and confirmed by the Senate in 2023, which would normally have kept him in the role through 2027.

Before becoming chief of staff, George worked as the senior military assistant to the then defense secretary, Lloyd Austin, from 2021 to 2022 during the Biden administration. Over a long military career, the West Point graduate served in several conflicts, including in Iraq and Afghanistan.

On Thursday, the US Military Academy shared photos of Georges recent visit, writing that he shared experience-driven guidance with cadets preparing to lead during an appearance.

The AFP news agency reported that an official confirmed that Gen David Hodne and Maj Gen William Green Jr were also removed alongside George. Hodne led the armys transformation and training command while Green was in charge of the armys chaplain corps.

Since assuming leadership at the Pentagon, Hegseth has dismissed more than a dozen high-ranking officers. Those removed include James Slife, air force vice-chief of staff, and Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations.

Georges removal could potentially add to conflicts between Hegseth and army leadership. The defense secretary has been engulfed by many scandals, including allegations of war crimes in the Caribbean and an inspector general report accusing him of mishandling classified military intelligence.

Earlier this week, Hegseth also announced that army personnel who piloted two AH-64 Apache helicopters near Kid Rocks home in Nashville would not be suspended, and he closed the investigation into the incident.

Also earlier in the week, it was reported that Hegseth may be working to prevent the promotion of four military officers  two women and two Black men  to the rank of one-star general. Hegseth has been vocal about his plans for ridding the US military of diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.
A US F-15E fighter has been shot down over Iran, prompting a frantic US search and rescue effort for its two-strong crew, in the first such incident since the start of the war.

One crew member from the downed F-15 fighter jet in southern Iran has been rescued, two US officials told CBS News. The crew member was rescued by US forces, according to the officials.

Images of a tail fin and other debris were released by Iranian state media early on Friday accompanied by an initial claim that an advanced US F-35 and been hit by a new air defence system over central Iran and the pilot probably killed.

Aviation experts said the wreckage pictured was in fact from a F-15E from the US air forces 494th squadron, based at RAF Lakenheath in the UK, though it could not at first be confirmed when and where the pictures were taken.

US officials familiar with the situation later confirmed off the record that an F-15E had been brought down and the Pentagon was scrambling to find the crew. But there was no official comment from the US military about the incident.

Subsequent footage filmed from Iran showed a US C-130 Hercules and HH-60 Pavehawk helicopters flying low and at one point refuelling together, accompanied by fresh Iranian speculation that the plane crew may have ejected and survived.

Justin Bronk, an aviation expert from the Royal United Services Institute (Rusi), said the use of the specialist helicopters suggested a combat search and rescue mission is underway to locate and extract the two aircrew from the F-15E.

A social media account claiming to be linked to Irans Revolutionary Guard then posted a picture of an ejector seat in a desert landscape, which appeared to be consistent with ACES II type used in F-15Es. If genuine it would suggest that at least one of the two aircrew did eject safely, Bronk added.

The presenter on an Iranian TV channel urged residents to hand over any enemy pilot to police and promised a reward for anyone who did.

Irans Tasnim news agency reported that the pilot of the jet  still incorrectly described as an F-35  had been taken into custody, contradicting Tehrans initial claim that the pilot had probably died in the incident.

Overnight, the US Central Command, which is leading the attack on Iran, had denied Iranian claims that another F-35 jet had been downed over Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz. All US fighter aircraft are accounted for, Centcom said at the time.

No US fighter jets have been lost over Iran during the five week long conflict, though three F-15Es were dramatically shot down by a Kuwaiti air defence system in a friendly fire accident on March 1.

An F-35 fighter reportedly had to make an emergency landing at a US airbase in the Middle East after sustaining damage from the ground. A US E-3 Sentry airborne warning and control system aircraft was destroyed at the Prince Sultan airbase in Saudi Arabia on March 27 in a particular accurate Iranian strike.

- The Guardian
Russian strikes killed at least eight people across Ukraine on Friday including in a massive missile and drone attack near the capital, local authorities reported.

Ukrainian officials claim the Kremlin is changing its tactics to increase civilian suffering, shifting to daytime barrages and preparing to target more key infrastructure.

President Volodymyr Zelensky has signalled Kyivs openness to a potential Easter truce.

People remove broken glass from their windows after a Russian strike on a residential neighbourhood in Kriukivshchyna, near Kyiv (Evgeniy Maloletka/AP)

The holiday is celebrated on April 12 in Ukraine and Russia.

Mr Zelensky also said that Ukraine is preparing for a shift in Russian aerial tactics, with intelligence indicating that future attacks will move beyond energy infrastructure.

Russias Defence Ministry said 192 Ukrainian drones were shot down overnight across Russia and occupied Crimea.

The Kyiv region is once again under a massive Russian missile and drone attack, said Mykola Kalashnyk, head of the regional military administration, in a Telegram post on Friday.

Mr Kalashnyk said one person died and at least eight others were wounded in strikes on three of Kyivs satellite towns  Bucha, Fastiv and Obukhiv.

Earlier in the week, residents of Bucha marked the fourth anniversary of atrocities committed in the town by Russias invading forces.

Obukhiv resident Lesia Podoriako, 37, told The Associated Press she was at work with her child when she learned her building had been struck.

She said: I found out about it through Telegram channels. Then all my friends and acquaintances started calling me, telling me that our building was attacked. I have no words.

President Zelensky signalled Kyivs continued openness to a potential truce on Easter (Evgeniy Maloletka/AP)

The main thing is that everyone is alive and healthy.

Another person was killed in Ukraines northern Sumy region after a Russian guided aerial bomb struck an apartment block, local governor Oleh Hryhorov reported.

Authorities in the Kherson, Zhytomyr, Kharkiv and Donetsk regions also reported casualties from Fridays attacks.

Ukrainian officials highlighted what they said were increased daytime attacks by Russia, which they said could lead to more civilian deaths.

For months, Moscow pummelled Ukraine with night-time missile and drone strikes that could involve hundreds of drones at a time.

Ukraines foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha, said in a post on X that almost half a thousand drones and cruise missiles attacked Ukraine overnight.

This is how Moscow responds to Ukraines Easter ceasefire proposals  with brutal attacks, Mr Sybiha said.

Mr Zelensky on Thursday signalled Kyivs continued openness to a potential truce on Easter, which falls next week according to the Julian calendar followed by Orthodox churches in Ukraine and Russia.

Russian soldiers fire a grenade launcher towards Ukrainian positions in an undisclosed location in Ukraine (Russian Defence Ministry Press Service/AP)

He told reporters that the proposal had been communicated to Moscow through US channels, adding that the Kremlins response remains unclear.

Mr Zelensky has previously offered a ceasefire for the Easter period  but Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said earlier this week that Moscow wants a lasting peace settlement, not a temporary truce.

Russian President Vladimir Putin unilaterally declared a 30-hour ceasefire last Easter, but each side accused the other of breaking it.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials said Russia was increasingly striking the country during the day, an apparent departure from months of night-time barrages.

Andrii Kovalenko, head of the Centre for Countering Disinformation within Ukraines defence ministry, said that the daytime strikes aimed to increase civilian casualties.

That is why the combined attack is carried out on a working day, using a large number of drones and missiles, Mr Kovalenko wrote on Friday in a Telegram post.

Mr Zelensky told reporters on Thursday that Ukraine is preparing for Russian aerial attacks that could target water systems, logistics and other critical networks.

After months of sustained strikes on power facilities, Kyiv now expects increased pressure elsewhere.

A destroyed car is seen after a Russian strike on a residential neighbourhood in Vyshneve in the Kyiv region (Evgeniy Maloletka/AP)

According to intelligence documents we have received, the Russians will target logistics  railways and other infrastructure. They will also target the water supply, Mr Zelensky said at a press briefing.

Around midday on Friday, Russian forces dropped five aerial bombs on the city of Kramatorsk, in eastern Ukraine.

At least two people were killed and three were injured, according to a Telegram update by Vadym Filashkin, who heads the regional military administration.

Elsewhere in Ukraine on Friday, a Russian drone strike damaged a bus in the southern city of Kherson, leaving the driver seriously wounded and at least eight passengers hurt, according to regional officials.

Separately, authorities reported sustained attacks on Kharkiv, Ukraines second-largest city, beginning on Thursday and continuing into early Friday.

Drone strikes near the city centre caused several injuries.

Two people later died in hospital, local governor Oleh Syniehubov wrote in separate Telegram updates.

Bohdan Hladykh, head of Kharkivs Department of Emergency Situations, said Russia struck the city at least 20 times during the day on Thursday with explosive drones.

Broken glass is seen on beds at an apartment which was damaged after a Russian strike on a residential neighbourhood in Kriukivshchyna (Evgeniy Maloletka/AP)

Meanwhile, Mr Zelensky told reporters that the battlefield situation has stabilised, with recent intelligence assessments pointing to the most favourable conditions for Kyiv in months.

While fighting remains intense across eastern sectors, Ukrainian forces have disrupted Russian offensives in recent weeks and regained limited ground.

On Wednesday I received a report from our intelligence and an analysis from British intelligence. I received MI6s assessment of the situation at the front: right now, it is the best situation for Ukraine in the past 10 months, the Ukrainian leader said at a press briefing on Thursday.

Mr Zelensky added that Ukraine has invited US negotiators to visit Kyiv, as part of ongoing discussions on security guarantees and a broader framework for ending the war.

Recent talks have involved senior American officials as well as Nato secretary general Mark Rutte, with Ukraine seeking clearer commitments on long-term defence support and responses to any future Russian aggression.

Two people were hospitalised on Friday following a Ukrainian drone strike on Russias Leningrad region, over 1,100 kilometres (684 miles) from the border, said regional governor Alexander Drozdenko reported, who added that the drones also set fire to an unoccupied building within the Morozov industrial zone.

The settlement of Morozov houses a state-owned plant that makes explosives and components for ammunition, including solid fuel used in Topol-M missile systems.

The plant was put under US, EU and other Western sanctions following Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Twelve people, including at least three Russian soldiers, were injured in a Ukrainian drone strike late on Thursday on Russias Belgorod region, which borders Ukraine, local governor Vyacheslav Gladkov reported.

Four drones were downed during the night on the approach to Moscow, mayor Sergei Sobyanin reported on Friday.

He did not reference any casualties or damage.
04/02/2026

Three Finalists to Visit Campus in April

The Jax State community will have an opportunity to engage directly with finalists for the next Dean of the College of Business and Industry during campus visits this April. Your participation in these sessions is an important part of the process and will help inform the universitys next leadership decision.

The search, assisted by Executive Search Consultant Dr. Geralyn Franklin of Higher Education Leadership Search, drew 41 applicants. Following virtual interviews with 12 candidates, three finalists have been selected for on-campus visits.

Each candidate visit will include opportunities for faculty, staff, and students to meet the candidates and attend a public presentation.

Campus Visit Schedule

April 9

10:0011:00 a.m.  Meet & Greet with CBI Faculty and Staff (369 Merrill Hall Faculty Lounge)

11:0011:45 a.m.  Meet & Greet with CBI Students (369 Merrill Hall Faculty Lounge)

2:303:30 p.m.  Public Presentation (B01 Merrill Hall)

April 15

10:4011:10 a.m.  Meet & Greet with CBI Faculty and Staff (369 Merrill Hall Faculty Lounge)

11:1011:50 a.m.  Meet & Greet with CBI Students (369 Merrill Hall Faculty Lounge)

2:303:30 p.m.  Public Presentation (B01 Merrill Hall)

April 2324

April 23, 10:1011:00 a.m.  Meet & Greet with CBI Faculty and Staff (369 Merrill Hall Faculty Lounge)

April 23, 11:1011:45 a.m.  Meet & Greet with CBI Students (369 Merrill Hall Faculty Lounge)

April 24, 10:3011:30 a.m.  Public Presentation (B10 Merrill Hall Auditorium)

Candidate names will be released one week prior to each visit. Resumes will be available for review in the College of Business and Industry Deans Office.

We are very pleased with the quality of the applicant pool for the next dean of Jacksonville States College of Business and Industry, said Dr. Tim Lindblom, Dean of the College of Arts, Humanities and Sciences and chair of the search committee. In fact, we have had a difficult time narrowing down this excellent group of candidates to those invited to campus. Im optimistic about each candidate and am looking forward to their visits and interaction with the Jax State community.

The search committee, chaired by Dr. Lindblom, includes Dr. Albi Alikaj, Mr. Matthew Rosser, Dr. Ronnie Clayton, Dr. Jessica Wiggins, and Dr. Teddi Joyce. The university hopes to announce the new dean shortly after the campus visits, with a start date anticipated in mid-summer.

Faculty and staff are encouraged to attend the public presentations and meet-and-greet sessions to provide feedback and help shape the future of the college.
By Eric Ross | 

( Tomdispatch.com )  What will the costs of the latest round of illegal, ill-fated U.S. military adventurism in the Middle East amount to? Some of the toll is already clear. Washington has squandered billions of dollars on a reckless war of aggression against Iran. A merciless campaign of aerial bombardment has driven millions from their homes. American and Israeli airstrikes have rained destruction on 10,000 civilian sites and already killed more than 3,000 people in Iran and Lebanon. Among the dead are more than 200 children, many killed in a U.S. strike on a girls school, a war crime that evokes the grim precedent of such past American atrocities as the 1968 My Lai massacre in Vietnam or the 1991 Amiriyah shelter bombing in Iraq.

The latest war has also dealt a potentially fatal blow to our already battered democratic institutions. Its a war neither authorized by Congress nor supported by the public. Instead, it was launched by a president who refuses to submit to the law or heed the will of the people, claiming in true authoritarian fashion that he is the law, and that he alone embodies the popular will.

Such democratic backsliding has, however, been decades in the making, a predictable result of longstanding imperial impunity. Yet we may rapidly be approaching a point of no return. Even George W. Bush, in launching his catastrophic wars of choice in the region, sought to manufacture consent and present the case before the United Nations. Today, there is neither the pretense of legality nor of legitimacy.

The costs associated with this latest criminal war, measured in human lives; the misappropriation of national resources; and the erosion of the rule of law will only continue to mount. Yet there is also a less visible, less immediate price tag for such wars. If the history of American interventions in the region offers any guide, the full bill will likely not become apparent for months, years, or even decades. When it finally arrives, however, it will carry a familiar name: blowback.

For that reason, its important at this moment to recall the lessons Washington appears determined to forget. From Afghanistan to Iran, Iraq to Libya, the record is unmistakable. Yet as long as the historical amnesia that grips this countrys political establishment remains unchallenged, the same cycles of escalation and reprisal will undoubtedly persist in the years to come, threatening to once again draw the United States (and much of the world) ever deeper into the abyss of forever war.

Oil and the Engine of Empire

While the post-9/11 war on terror is often invoked as the starting point of U.S. militarism in the Middle East, the roots of conflict there stretch back nearly a century. The violence and instability unleashed after the attacks of September 11, 2001, represented less a rupture with the past than a continuation of long-established patterns of U.S. policy. The seeds of the forever wars had, in fact, been planted decades earlier in the oil-rich soil of the region.

Direct American involvement began in the previous century in the years between the First and Second World Wars. By that point, petroleum had become not merely a valuable commodity but a strategic necessity for sustaining a modern industrial economy. The vast oil reserves discovered in the United States had propelled the American economy to global prominence and played a decisive role in fueling the Allied war effort during World War I. Yet policymakers in Washington understood that domestic reserves were finite. As petroleum became synonymous with power, economically, militarily, and politically, the United States increasingly turned abroad to secure new sources.

The Middle East emerged as a critical frontier in that search, drawing the region ever more tightly into the orbit of an expanding American empire. In 1933, Standard Oil of California secured an exploratory concession with the conservative monarchy of Saudi Arabia. The agreement created the Arabian American Oil Company (ARAMCO), laying the groundwork for the 1945 U.S.-Saudi oil-for-security partnership that would become central to Washingtons future influence over the regions geopolitical order.

Over the years, the insatiable thirst for oil only drew the United States ever deeper into the region. By 1953, American intervention assumed more overtly coercive forms. That year, in coordination with British intelligence, the CIA orchestrated the overthrow of Mohammad Mossadegh, Irans popular prime minister, who had committed a cardinal sin in the emerging Cold War years. In 1951, he presided over the nationalization of his countrys oil industry in an effort to return sovereign control of its resources to the Iranian people by wresting them from the exploitative grip of the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company, the precursor to British Petroleum.

Despite his staunchly nationalist rather than communist credentials, a fact understood in Tehran, London, and Washington, Mossadegh would then be cast as, at worst, a dangerous proxy of the Soviet Union and, at best, a threat to regional stability (as in, American hegemony). The coup that followed ended Irans fragile democratic experiment, secured continued access to Iranian oil for Western companies, and restored the Shah of Iran to power. His regime would then be sustained by a steady outward flow of oil and a nearly endless influx of U.S. weaponry. With CIA backing, his secret police, SAVAK, would terrorize and torture a generation of Iranians.

Yet Washington celebrated this new arrangement, claiming that Iran had been transformed into an island of stability, and a cornerstone of the twin pillar strategy, in which Washington would outsource regional Cold War policing to compliant authoritarian allies in Iran and Saudi Arabia. Such subversion of nationalist movements and support for despotic monarchies, as well as the increasingly unequivocal backing of Israel, would generate intense backlash. Among the most visible early expressions of that was the 1973 OPEC oil crisis, demonstrating how U.S. policy in the Middle East could reverberate domestically.

But the first unmistakable case of blowback arrived in 1979 with the Iranian Revolution. In that country, discontent had been simmering beneath the seemingly stable facade of the Shahs rule for years. When the monarchy collapsed after months of protests and repression, the Islamic Republic would fill the political vacuum, drawing on the theological language of Shiism and the political rhetoric of opposition to the Shah, the United States, and Israel.

In the U.S., those developments were largely stripped of their historical context. Americans were instead cast as the innocent victims of irrational fanaticism. Why do they hate us? was the refrain that echoed across the Western media and the answers offered rarely confronted the long history of intervention and exploitation. Instead, they defaulted to a supposed civilizational conflict with Islam, which was portrayed as inherently antagonistic to Western values.

Such explanations obscured an uncomfortable reality  that the U.S. had repeatedly undermined democracy across the region (as well as in other parts of the world) to advance its own interests. As a Pentagon commission report in 2004 acknowledged, the problem was not that people hate our freedoms, as President George W. Bush had reductively claimed, but that many hate our policies. In other words, the attacks on New York City and the Pentagon in Washington on September 11, 2001, were the ultimate, if deeply disturbing, expression of blowback.

Revolution and Counterrevolution in the Persian Gulf

Those widely resented policies from Washington were reinforced by its overreaction to the 1979 upheaval in Iran. That countrys new leader, Ayatollah Khomeini, sought not only to transform Iranian society internally but envisioned the Islamic Republic as the opening move in a broader anti-imperialist struggle across the Middle East. For Washington and its reactionary regional allies, the specter of such potential revolutionary contagion posed a profound threat.

In January 1980, in an attempt to contain the Iranian regime, President Jimmy Carter articulated a new foreign policy position that placed the U.S. on a collision course in the region. The Carter Doctrine declared the Persian Gulf a vital interest of the United States, warning that any attempt by an outside power to gain control would be repelled by any means necessary, including military force. In that fashion, Washington asserted an explicit claim to a protectorate thousands of miles from its shores. The United States, Carter made clear, was prepared to send soldiers there to ensure uninterrupted access to oil.

The strategic reorientation that followed proved violent and far-reaching, while marking a shift away from East and Southeast Asia as the principal theaters of Cold War conflict. As Andrew Bacevich observed in his book Americas War for the Greater Middle East, if you were to measure U.S. involvement by the number of troops killed in action, the transformation was striking. From the end of World War II to 1980 almost no American soldiers were killed in the region. Since 1990, however, virtually none have been killed anywhere except in what Bacevich termed the Greater Middle East.

Measured in American lives alone, the subsequent costs would number in the thousands. Measured in civilians killed across the region, the toll would be vastly greater. Over the past several decades U.S.-led or -backed wars have contributed to the deaths of millions of people and the displacement of tens of millions more, producing one of the most devastating population catastrophes since the end of World War II.

Proxy Wars and the Escalation Trap

The American shift toward the Middle East ensured that the United States would become deeply entwined in a cascade of conflicts. As regional actors moved either to defend a fragile status quo or exploit the upheavals that followed, Washington began instigating new conflicts in the region.

In Baghdad, Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein opposed the new government in Tehran on ideological and strategic grounds. The emergence of a revolutionary Shia state next door threatened his Sunni-dominated Baathist regime that ruled over a Shia majority in Iraq. At the same time, Saddam sought to exploit what he perceived to be Iranian weakness, pressing longstanding revanchist claims to the oil-rich borderlands of southwestern Iran.

Saudi Arabia viewed these developments with similar alarm. In the capital Riyadh, policymakers feared that revolutionary Shiism might threaten the legitimacy of the kingdoms Sunni Wahhabi monarchy. The call for a Shia revolution also raised concerns about unrest in its oil-rich Eastern Province, where Shia workers faced economic exploitation and near colonial conditions. Similar anxieties reverberated across the other Gulf monarchies.

The United States responded by doubling down on support for the remaining pillars of its regional order, Saudi Arabia and Israel, while seeking to contain and roll back the perceived threat posed by Iran. Still interpreting regional upheaval through the prism of the Cold War, U.S. policymakers also expanded their involvement elsewhere. In Afghanistan, the CIA launched the largest covert operation in its history, channeling weapons and support to the Afghan mujahideen resisting the Soviet Unions occupation of that country that began in December 1979.

The Soviet intervention itself was shaped by the shockwaves of the Iranian Revolution. Leaders in Moscow feared a militant Islam on their southern flank that might embolden similar currents within Muslim-majority regions of the Soviet Union.

In Iraq, the U.S. publicly tilted toward Saddam Hussein while simultaneously engaging in illegal weapons sales to Iran, with the funds received being rerouted to bankroll another American-backed war in Nicaragua. Meanwhile, the Lebanese Civil War, worsened by Israels 1982 invasion of Lebanon, created the conditions for the rise of Hezbollah, which presented itself as a defender of marginalized Shia communities against Israeli military aggression and sectarian violence.

By 1986, after escalating regional violence and spill-over, the administration of President Ronald Reagan took a step that paved the way for what would, in the next century, become Washingtons War on Terror. In April of that year, Reagan launched airstrikes in the dense heart of Tripoli on the home of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, holding him responsible for acts of non-state terrorism abroad, including support for armed movements from the Palestine Liberation Organization to the Irish Republican Army.

That operation marked a significant escalation in the region and its justification would later be formalized as the Bush Doctrine: the claim that Washington could wage preemptive war anywhere against any state accused of supporting terrorism inside its country or outside its borders. That doctrine was no less illegitimate, illegal, or dangerous in the 1980s than it would become two decades later. As Daniel Ellsberg observed then (a point he would continue to press throughout his life, including after President Barack Obama ordered similar strikes on Libya in 2011), it seemed that the U.S. had adopted a public policy of responding to state-sponsored terrorism with U.S. state-sponsored terrorism.

In each instance, deeper involvement in the region produced deeper backlash. The U.S.-backed Afghan jihad helped give rise to Al-Qaeda in 1988 and paved the way for the Talibans seizure of power in 1996 and the failed 20-year American war in Afghanistan. The Iran-Iraq War of the 1980s set in motion a chain of events that culminated in the Gulf War of 1991, which laid the groundwork for the criminal 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq. The instability that followed not only expanded Irans regional influence but contributed to the emergence of the Islamic State. In Lebanon, the power vacuum that Hezbollah came to fill resulted in the 1983 barracks bombing in Beirut, the deadliest day for U.S. Marines since Iwo Jima.

The Lesson Not Learned

The pattern is difficult to ignore, despite our governments persistent efforts to do so. Many of the actors Washington came to identify as its principal adversaries emerged either in direct response to U.S. policies or had themselves once been cultivated by Washington in pursuit of short-sighted strategic aims. In case after case, conflicts initiated or intensified by the United States appeared to subside, only to reemerge in new, more volatile forms. Intervention produced instability; instability served to justify further interventions; and the cycle only repeated itself thereafter.

There is little reason to believe that Donald Trumps war against Iran will prove any different. By now, the historical record should make that clear, which is why we must oppose the violence being carried out in our name, as it is wrong, criminal, and immoral. We must oppose it for the sake of our common humanity, but also for our own sake.

After all, history tells us one thing: when we wage unjust wars that terrorize distant populations in far-off lands, the violence rarely remains confined there. Sooner or later, in one form or another, it returns. Violence begets violence, and imperial war has a way of boomeranging back upon those who initiate it. We reap what we sow; the chickens, in time, invariably come home to roost.

Copyright 2026 Eric Ross
Fariba Amini interviews historian Rudi Matthee on the Iran War in historical context.

For as long as we know, Hormuz, a tiny island at the narrowest point of the Persian Gulf, has been commercially significant.

Rudi Matthee is the John and Dorothy Munroe Distinguished Professor of History at the University of Delaware. He has studied Iran for half a century. He is the author of four prize-winning books on early modern Iran. His specialty is the Safavid period, from 1501 to 1722, the time when Twelver Shiism was declared Irans state religion and when the country assumed its current territorial shape. His latest book is titled Angels Tapping at the Wine-shops Door: A History of Alcohol in the Islamic World (Oxford UP, 2023). Most of his books have been translated and published in Iran.

He was an exchange student from his country of birth, the Netherlands, in 1976-77.

He is currently writing a book on the role Iran played in the grand anti-Ottoman alliance building that preoccupied Christian Europe from the 15th until the early 18th century.

He has visited Iran many times. The last time was in 2019 when he was the keynote speaker at Tehran University.

He is also the President of the Persian Heritage Foundation.

Here is our interview:

FA: Can you give us a brief history of the Strait of Hormuz and its significance?

RM: For as long as we know, Hormuz, a tiny island at the narrowest point of the Persian Gulf, has been commercially significant. In the 15th century it was a thriving trade emporium between the lands lining the Persian Gulf and the Indian Subcontinent. That is why the Portuguese established control over it in the early 16th century. The Safavids, the first dynasty interested in the Persian Gulf since antiquity, in 1622 took Hormuz from the Portuguese with naval assistance of the English East India Company. Shah Abbas, the Safavid ruler at the time, transferred trade to the mainland by creating a port, Bandar Abbas, thus ending the isles commercial efflorescence. Yet the strait of Hormuz remained important as a passageway to the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. Of course, only the discovery and exploration of oil in the region in the early 20th century, lent the waterway true global importance. The rivalry between Iran and the Arab world over jurisdiction and even its namePersian Gulf v. Arabian Gulfis also far more recent than commonly thought. Until modern times, the mostly Turkic Iranian regimes, whose roots lay in Central Asia and the Caucasus, were hardly familiar with or interested in, the sea.

FA: As a historian of Iran, did you ever think we would get to a war? As an Iranian, I get up every day depressed, waiting to hear about or see more destruction.

RM: Since Israel has been beating the war drum against the Iranian regime for three decades, I wasnt totally surprised. But, given its geostrategic and financial interests in especially Qatar and the Emirates, I did not expect the United States to walk into armed conflict so heedlessly.

FA: You spent time in Iran at the end of Iran-Iraq war and went to the south, to Khorramshahr. What was the devastation like?

RM: In August 1988 I was a member of the first delegation of foreign scholars invited to Iran since the outbreak of the war. They flew us to the front while the war was still going on and took us to visit what was left of Khorramshahr, located on the Shatt al-Arab, the waterway that separates Iran from Iraq. This was the closest Ive ever come witnessing a war or at least the effect of war: a city in total ruin, nothing but rubble as far as the eye could see, utterly dystopian. Conditions in Iran at large were bleak, too. Incidentally, a cease-fire came into being just days after we visited.

FA: Now, the Americans and the Israelis have bombarded not just military facilities but even civilian infrastructure, including a major technical school in Tehran. We know why Israel is doing it: its been a long-standing dream of Benjamin Netanyahu. But what is the endgame for the U.S.?

RM: Yes, Israels endgame is clear: the destruction of Iran to the point where it will never again pose a threat to Israel. The American strategic goals, on the other hand, remain murky: Weve heard multiple reasons, at least five, some conflicting ones, being given in as many days in the first week of the war. And five weeks into the war, it is still unclear what drove Trump to act, other than Netanyahus counsel.

FA: Do you agree with other historians who claim that Iran is not or was not a religious society? What is your take on this?

RM: It depends on what you mean by religious society. Of course, traditionally most people in Iran (unselfconsciously) believed in the tenets of Twelver Shiism, including the idea of the return of the Mahdi, the messiah who will restore justice to the world at the end of time. But Iranians have always paired religious belief, even fanatical belief, to a deep humanistic feel for diversity and toleration. I have never met an Iranian who tried to convert me, as happened frequently when I lived in Egypt in the early 1980s. Paradoxically, the Islamic Republics dogmatism and its politicization of the faith have driven many Iranians, especially young ones, away from formal religion, causing many to convert to Christianity, Buddhism or, more authentically, Sufism, Islamic mysticism. Iran meanwhile remains a society deeply imbued with spirituality reflected as a search for inner truth.

FA: You lived in Iran at the time of the Shah as a Dutch exchange student. What was your experience like?

RM: If Iran today is an oppressive society, it certainly was no paradise under the Pahlavis. In the mid-1970s, the country saw tremendous economic growthfueled by the quadrupling of oil prices in 1973-74. Living standards went up, but so did wastage and corruption. Iran or at least Tehran was a pressure cooker when I lived there, in the throes of rampant consumerism and rising, then thwarted, expectations. Political freedom meanwhile was limited; in some ways people at the time were more afraid to speak their minds than they are today.

FA: Did you see the coming of a revolution?

RM: No. No one did. When I lived in Iran in 1976-77, the suffocating political atmosphere spelled change, and there were signs of a sustained leftist opposition by the time I left in the summer of 1977, but a revolution, least of all an Islamic Revolution, was not on anyones mind until it happened and took everyone by surprise.



City of Hormuz. From Georg Braun, Civitates orbis terrarum, 1572. Public Domain. Via Picryl.

FA: We traveled to Iran in 2017 and 2019. Did you see any change in between?

RM: Every time Ive been to Iran Ive seen change. Most striking has been to see how modern, in developmental terms, Iran has become in the last half centuryfor better or for worse. More than ever, Iran is also a cultural powerhouse. The numbers are impressive. Tehran has some 400 bookstores and Iran is the ninth country in the world in terms of book production. Tehrans annual book fair is a sight to behold, with its hundreds and hundreds of publishers. Iranian scientists similarly are well represented in global scientific research and development. As for freedom, its been a see-saw processrepression followed by slight liberalization followed by new restrictions. Who can forget the thousands of people killed by the regime in the prisons in 1988, not to mention its brutality in January of this year. But I also remember visiting Iran in 2000, under President Khatami, and seeing boys and girls walking hand in hand in Tehrans parks. Of course, in the last few years, and until the recent events, personal freedoms improved somewhat, with the hejab started falling off womens heads, at least in the wealthier parts of Tehran and the Caspian provinces.

FA: Do you believe the Islamic Republic will outlast this war?

RM: I think theres a good chance that the regime will survive for some more time, even though it will have a hard time managing the worsening economic situation and looming social chaos. Ive always thought that the Islamic Republic was much stronger than that of the shah ever was, in part because it is embedded much deeper into society. Its leaders learned from the mistakes of the shah, and they also successfully appealed and still appeal to their base, the underprivileged in society. And unlike the elites under the Shah, who decamped to Europe or the U.S., they have nowhere to go, except maybe Russia.

FA: Why has the Islamic Republic rejected any rapprochement with the West since its creation?

RM: Because from the beginning, the Islamic Republic was a Third Wordlist, anti-imperialist project as much as a purely religious movement. Khomeini turned the Shii faith into a militant ideology and with his call for the liberation of Jerusalem from the Jews and the overthrow of the decadent Arab monarchies of the Gulf and the Peninsula engaged in what may be called a latter-day reverse Crusade.

FA: What is your hope for Iran?

RM: I hope the Iranian people will come out of this terrible war inflicted on them strong and resilient, even though, in the short term, I fear that the U.S. will leave them exposed to a vengeful regime. My long-term hope is for a pluralist, democratic society that pursues more than mindless consumerism.

Rudi Matthee is author of



Angels Tapping at the Wine-shops Door

A History of Alcohol in the Islamic World. Oxford University Press. Click here to Buy.
Click here to donate via PayPal.

Personal checks should be made out to Juan Cole and sent to me at:

Juan ColeP. O. Box 4218,Ann Arbor, MI 48104-2548USA(Remember, make the checks out to Juan Cole or they cant be cashed)
Myanmar's Min Aung Hlaing was months from mandatory retirement as a general when he mounted a coup, deposed the democratic government and replaced it with a military junta headed by himself.

After more than 50 years in the military, 15 of them as commander-in-chief, he was elected to the civilian role of president on Friday.

The bespectacled officer became the armed forces head in 2011, just as Myanmar broke with its history of iron-fisted martial rule and began an experiment with democracy.

He spent a decade jostling with civilian leaders before mounting his coup five years ago, jailing Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi and triggering a vicious civil war that is still being fought.

Most recently, his official title in state media has been "State Security and Peace Commission Chairman Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Thadoe Maha Thray Sithu Thadoe Thiri Thudhamma Min Aung Hlaing".

Friday's presidential election was the culmination of a series of coordinated moves following a landslide win for pro-military parties in a heavily restricted poll overseen by the junta.

First he was replaced as the military's commander-in-chief, then nominated in the lower house as a vice-president before the whole parliament -- packed with serving military officers and political allies of the armed forces -- elected him president by a crushing majority.

The junta -- officially called the "State Security and Peace Commission" -- ceases to exist with his installation as president, cloaking his continued rule in civilian garb.

A former spymaster dubbed his "eyes and ears" replaced him as military chief, ensuring a loyal ally at the head of the armed forces.

The developments came after Min Aung Hlaing presided over the country's annual Armed Forces Day parade last week, festooned with his many military and civilian awards.

Tanks, multiple rocket launchers and even mini-submarines on lorries trundled through the streets as the military put on its biggest show of force in years.

The incoming government had been "legitimately elected by the people", he said, and the military would support it "with the aim of strengthening and sustaining the multi-party democracy system".

But the vote was widely condemned and criticised as illegal.

According to the Asian Network for Free Elections, parties that won 90 percent of seats at the last polls in 2020 -- including Suu Kyi's hugely popular National League for Democracy -- were unable to take part after having been dissolved.

-- Law student --

Min Aung Hlaing is a member of the Dawei ethnic group, which is often seen as part of Myanmar's Burmese majority but has a distinct cultural identity.

He spent his early childhood in central Myanmar, where his father was head of the arts department at a teacher training college, he told an interviewer in 2020.

He studied law at university before joining the military in 1974 and enrolling in officer academy, reportedly on his third attempt.

Rising through the ranks, he burnished his credentials by leading a campaign against an ethnic rebel insurrection around crucial trade crossings with China.

His predecessor, Than Shwe, ruled Myanmar for nearly two decades, but it was Min Aung Hlaing's rare fate to be a top general under civilian command, albeit with the military still playing a key role in politics.

Even before the 2021 coup, Min Aung Hlaing was persona non grata in many countries for commanding a 2017 military crackdown on the Rohingya ethnic minority that drove about 750,000 people into Bangladesh.

He was banned from Facebook for stoking hate speech, heavily sanctioned and the International Criminal Court's chief prosecutor is seeking his arrest for crimes against humanity.

He steadfastly denies allegations of human rights abuses.

There is no official death toll for Myanmar's civil war, and estimates vary widely.

According to non-profit organisation Armed Conflict Location & Event Data (ACLED), which tallies media reports of violence, as many as 90,000 have been killed on all sides since the coup.

That number almost certainly includes conscripts the military forcibly recruited to bolster its ranks.
China called on Friday for Palestinians' rights to be protected after Israel approved a bill to allow the execution of Palestinians convicted on terror charges for deadly attacks.

Under the new law, passed by Israel's parliament on Monday, Palestinians in the occupied West Bank convicted by military courts of carrying out deadly attacks classified as "terrorism" will face the death penalty as a default sentence.

"The legal rights of the Palestinian people should be respected and protected," China's foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said when asked about the bill at a press briefing on Friday.

"We also hope relevant parties will cease actions that escalate tensions and exacerbate conflict," she said, without mentioning Israel by name.

"China believes that any law should fulfil legal principles such as equality and justice and should not discriminate on the basis of ethnicity, religion or nationality or political views," Mao added.

A host of countries have criticised the bill, which was supported by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The United Nations said on Tuesday that applying the new bill in occupied Palestinian territory would constitute a war crime.

The foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Qatar, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates also lambasted the bill in a joint statement on Thursday.

"This legislation constitutes a dangerous escalation, particularly given its discriminatory application against Palestinian prisoners, and stressed that such measures risk further exacerbating tensions and undermining regional stability," the statement read.

The European Union also criticised the bill, but the United States has come out in support of "Israel's sovereign right to determine its own laws".

China still uses the death penalty and does not release statistics on executions.

Amnesty International and other rights groups believe thousands of people are executed in the country every year.






Thursday, April 2, 2026 - Popular podcaster, Mwafreeka, of Iko Nini podcast is on the spot after a woman reached out to blogger Edgar Obare anonymously, claiming that he does not honor agreements after mechi.

According to the disgruntled woman, Mwafreeka is said to engage in escapades with different ladies in his studio, which is reportedly located within his residential house.

She further alleges that, at times, these encounters happen while his wife and child are upstairs.

The woman claims that after the encounters, Mwafreeka gives excuses to avoid paying the agreed amount.

Mkimaliza mechi anajifanya simu imezima, then anakupatia 2K instead of the agreed amount. Man up Mwaf, she alleged.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Friday, April 3, 2026 - A 29-year-old suspected drug trafficker has been arrested and 255 kilogrammes of Cannabis sativa seized following an intelligence-led operation in Jimba Area, Kilifi County.

The arrest followed a targeted operation conducted by detectives from the Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU) based in Malindi, working jointly with officers from Watamu Police Station.

Acting on credible intelligence, the team raided a residential house along Mwatela Road, off the WatamuGede Road.

Upon entry, officers found a female occupant identified as Winfred Nkatha, 29.

A thorough search of the premises led to the recovery of eight sacks containing rolls of dry plant material wrapped in khaki paper, suspected to be cannabis.

The suspect and the recovered exhibits were escorted to Watamu Police Station, where weighing and sampling confirmed the haul at 255 kilogrammes, with an estimated street value of Ksh 7.65 million.

The suspect remains in custody pending processing and arraignment as investigations continue to establish the source and intended distribution network of the narcotics.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) reiterates its commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks and safeguarding communities from the harmful effects of narcotics, while urging members of the public to continue sharing information to support the fight against the vice.

Via DCI






Friday, April 3, 2026 - A family in Nandi South is mourning the tragic death of Isaac Morogo, a former Telkom Kenya employee, who reportedly died by suicide following a domestic disagreement.

According to a heartfelt social media post by a close friend and former colleague, Morogo was a dedicated and hardworking individual who began his career as a technician trainee at the defunct Kenya Posts and Telecommunications Corporation (KPTC) in the early 1990s.

After years of service, Morogo took early retirement from Telkom Kenya and ventured into farming while also investing in rental housing.

Friends say he maintained a quiet and steady life and remained in touch with many of his former colleagues.

The two last met in 2022 along the Kakamega-Kisumu route, where they shared a meal and caught up.

According to the friend, Morogo appeared to be in good spirits, with no visible signs of distress.

Reports indicate that the deceased had a major disagreement with his wife shortly before his death, though details surrounding the incident remain unclear.

His sudden passing has left friends and family in shock, with many questioning what could have led to such a drastic decision.

The deceaseds colleague expressed pain over what he termed as the lack of a dignified send-off.

According to cultural practices within the Terik community, individuals who die by suicide are traditionally buried without formal funeral rites.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Thursday, April 02, 2026 - A Kenyan man has gone viral after creating a WhatsApp group titled People I Went Broke For to confront relatives he felt had abandoned him.

Sharing the screenshot of the WhatsApp conversation, he wrote: I might regret this, but I finally said it

In the group, he recounted how went out of his way to support his friends and family only for them to abandon him during his time of need.

Victor & Alice I paid your fees when you needed me. Mum, I showed up with chamas and money when I had it my cousins, I drove over 300km just to be there for you, my uncles I bailed you guys out, and big bro I even funded your lifestyle. But now that Im down, its silence. He wrote.

Declaring he was cutting ties, Alphonse wrote: No more giving, no more expecting, no more family ties.

Ill struggle alone like I always have. Dont call, dont text, dont offer help, Im done.

Some family members responded defensively, with one saying Bro relax everyone is struggling and another insisting Its not like we dont care things are just tight right now .

Alphonse had earlier tweeted: Sometimes the people you go broke for wont even show up when you need them.

The viral post has ignited conversations about sacrifice, family loyalty and the emotional toll of one-sided support.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Friday, April 03, 2026 - President Rutos Senior Advisor on Constitutional Affairs, Prof. Makau Mutua, found himself at the center of controversy on Friday, April 3rd, after a tweet about Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna sparked outrage online.

Mutua referred to the embattled ODM Secretary General as a dead man walking, a phrase that quickly ignited heated reactions from Kenyans.

Many interpreted the remark as a threat to Sifunas life, with some warning that Mutua would be the first person of interest should anything happen to the Senator.





Killed by who? Leave the peoples president alone. Mind your own business, Kenya is our business today, one user shot back.

Another added, This is a threat Edwin Sifuna should take seriously.

Others, however, argued that Mutuas words were political rather than literal, suggesting that he was alluding to Sifunas possible downfall within ODM.

The party had just issued Sifuna a showcause letter, accusing him of contradicting party positions during TV interviews and skipping crucial National Executive Committee meetings.

ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga demanded explanations, with Sifuna expected to respond by April 8th and appear before a disciplinary panel on April 10th, 2026.

Despite the looming tribunal, Sifunas supporters dismissed Mutuas remarks, insisting the Senator remains politically relevant even if stripped of his role.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Friday, April 3, 2026 - A 32-year-old Canadian national has been charged with terrorism and multiple related offences following a violent machete attack at Masjid Westlands Mosque in Nairobi on February 28, 2026.

The suspect, identified as Mohamed Mohamed alias Mohamed Abdul Mohamed, pleaded not guilty when he appeared before the Kahawa Law Courts on April 2, 2026.

He faces nine counts, including committing a terrorist act, assault causing actual bodily harm, possession of fake currency, and unlawful presence in Kenya.

He was remanded at Kamiti Maximum Prison pending further proceedings, with the case set for mention on April 13, 2026, for a pre-bail report.

According to investigators, the suspect allegedly entered the mosque at around 6:00 a.m. posing as a worshipper attending Fajr prayers.

Once inside, he reportedly locked the main entrance, drew a machete, and attacked congregants, injuring about five people before being subdued.

Police officers from Kileleshwa Police Station responded promptly, re-arresting the suspect at the scene and recovering the weapon used.

The injured victims were taken to hospitals within Nairobi County for treatment.

Detectives from DCI Kilimani, working alongside the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU), conducted a multi-agency investigation that included forensic examination of the scene, CCTV analysis, and digital review of the suspects mobile phone.

Authorities also verified his immigration status and engaged Canadian counterparts as part of background checks.

Investigations revealed that the suspect arrived at the mosque in a black Toyota Harrier, which was later recovered at the scene.

A search of his residence in Nairobis Riverside area yielded additional material evidence.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations reiterates its commitment to intelligence-led operations and collaboration with partner agencies in addressing terrorism and violent crime.





Via DCI






Friday, April 03, 2026 - A viral video of a middleaged woman pulling unexpected dance moves during an Easter mass in a Catholic Church has sent social media into a frenzy.

In the clip, the woman is seen nonchalantly shaking her nyash to the rhythm of a popular Catholic hymn, seemingly lost in her own world.

Seated right at the front, she put on a show that left congregants stunned and netizens amused.

The video has sparked wild reactions online, with many joking that she must have been a baddie in her younger clubbing days and that her body simply slipped into muscle memory.

Others viewed the moment as a humorous reminder of how music can stir different emotions, even in sacred spaces.

Watch the video>>> below

From Jarateng classic bar Akala direct to Aluor Catholic church. Huku ni kama Ajawa spirits have refused to leave. Daughter of Agrippina are celebrating while Kijana ya fundi is facing crucifixion, aki women!! Ndiposa tunasema Salaam Maria, Bwana yu Nawe, Umebarikiwa Kuliko pic.twitter.com/vEHHC2pDCR  George T. Diano (@georgediano) April 3, 2026

The Kenyan DAILY POST
European rugby returns all across the continent this weekend, with a total of seven Kildare players named for Connacht, Munster and Leinster.

Challenge Cup Last 16

Connacht v Sharks

Friday, 8pm, Dexcom Stadium, Galway

Stuart Lancaster has named Cian Prendergast and Billy Bohan in his starting pack for tonight's visit of the Sharks to Galway, with Prendergast captaining the side from number eight, while Bohan gets another run out in the number one jersey.

Connacht have won their last five games on the trot, a run that has seen them climb to ninth in the URC, just one place outside the playoff spots.

The Sharks are six points behind the western province in the URC table, but have hit form themselves in recent weeks with back-to-back wins. The South Africans have named an incredibly strong side, including seasoned Springboks such as Eben Etzebeth, Ox Nche and Makazole Mapimpi.

Connacht captain Cian Prendergast will start at number eight against the Sharks. Photo: INPHO/Tom OHanlon.

Challenge Cup Last 16

Exeter Chiefs v Munster

Saturday, 12.30pm, Sandy Park, Exeter

Clayton McMillan has selected all three of his Kildare players to start in Saturday's Last 16 clash away to English side, Exeter Chiefs.

Fresh from starring in Irelands Triple Crown-winning Six Nations campaign, Tadhg Beirne and Jeremy Loughman are back in Munster red, with Beirne captaining the side from the second row and Loughman resuming his front-row duties.

Having missed the province's recent URC trip to South Africa, Kildare winger Diarmuid Kilgallen is also recalled to the Munster side.

Defeats to the Sharks and the Bulls have seen two-time winners, Munster, fall to seventh in the URC, while Exeter have won their past two games in the English Premiership and are up to fourth as a result.

Athy flanker Martin Moloney joined Exeter from Leinster in 2024, but has not been selected in Rob Baxter's squad for Saturday's clash.

Diarmuid Kilgallen is back in the Munster starting lineup. Photo: INPHO/Paul Currie.

Champions Cup Last 16

Leinster v Edinburgh

Sunday, 5.30pm, Aviva Stadium, Dublin

Leo Cullen has nine Kildare players at his disposal, but only two have found their way into the squad for Sunday's visit of Edinburgh to the Aviva.

The return of Hugo Keenan has seen Jamie Osborne switch from Ireland full back to Leinster inside centre, with the Naas man set to partner All Black, Rieko Ioane, in the midfield.

Jimmy O'Brien has gotten the nod on the wing, preferred to rising star Joshua Kenny in the absence of the injured James Lowe.

Jamie Osborne sporting a black eye in Leinster training this week following last week's hard-fought win over the Scarlets. Photo: INPHO/Grace Halton.

Sam Prendergast has been completely overlooked, with Harry Byrne starting at ten while the versatile Ciaran Frawley is selected as fly-half cover on the bench.

Leinster are absolutely desperate to add a fifth star to their shirt, but the province's form this season suggests they are further away than they have been at any stage over the past decade.

Edinburgh are languishing in 13th place in the URC, however, and have been given very little chance of an upset in Dublin, with Leinster currently 24-point favourites with the bookies.
STUDENTS from the Young Social Innovators (YSI) class at Ardscoil na Trionoide held a Keep Safe event last month, aimed at highlighting the importance of first aid, safety awareness and knowing how to respond in an emergency.

Safety Demonstration in Ardscoil na Trionoide organised by Transistion Year Students with Water Safety , Kildare Fire Service, Community Gardai, Kildare County Council and Order of Malta

The event brought together several key agencies, including the Kildare County Council's road safety officer, Irish Water Safety, the Order of Malta, Kildare County Fire Brigade and gardai. Representatives from each organisation provided demonstrations showing the actions people should take in a range of real-life situations, from performing CPR and practising road safety to using a ring buoy during a water emergency and ensuring fire safety in the home.

Texting and driving campaign, demonstarting how hard it is to text and concentrate on something else

Throughout the day, students and attendees were encouraged to build confidence in essential life-saving skills. Organisers emphasised the importance of being aware of personal and home safety, understanding the basics of first aid, knowing who to contact in an emergency and recognising how proper knowledge can prevent injuries and save lives.

Community Garda Sean O'Mahony and Sinead Martin - demonstrating Road Safety

The YSI group said they hope the event will help spread awareness in the wider community and ensure more people feel prepared to act when it matters most. As the students noted, having the right skills at the right moment could make all the difference  and might even save a life.
CBS News has run a story that should be unexceptional, but is in fact very rare. It was a story about widespread fraud of taxpayer subsidies. Such stories previously have only been done by bloggers and citizen journalists, with most mainstream media rushing to put them into context. Here you have CBS lead the way. Here is what they found in California.

Fraudulent enrolment of health people in hospices

A 1500% in hospice companies in LA since 2010

LA County has six times more hospices per capital than the national average

700 of the 1800 LA hospices have red flags indicating possible fraud

500 hospices are all located within 3 miles of each other  the most dense concentration in the US

One street alone has 137 hospices on it!

89 hospices are registered to a single building!

May we see more of this type of journalism.
Weather Alert

...The Flood Warning is extended for the following rivers in Missouri... Missouri River at Boonville affecting Boone, Cooper, Moniteau and Howard Counties. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. This product along with additional weather and stream information is available at www.weather.gov/kc/. && ...FLOOD WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL EARLY FRIDAY AFTERNOON... * WHAT...Minor flooding is forecast. * WHERE...Missouri River at Boonville. * WHEN...Until early Friday afternoon. * IMPACTS...At 21.0 feet, Low-lying rural areas along the river flood. At 23.8 feet, Easley River Road and Smith Hatchery Road begin to flood. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 8:04 PM CDT Tuesday the stage was 19.8 feet. - Forecast...The river is expected to rise above flood stage late this evening to a crest of 22.7 feet early tomorrow afternoon. It will then fall below flood stage early Thursday afternoon. - Flood stage is 21.0 feet. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood && Fld Obs Forecasts Location Stg Stg Day/Time Wed Thu Fri 1am 1am 1am Missouri River Boonville 21.0 19.8 Tue 8pm 21.5 22.0 19.2 &&
Columbia, MO (65201)

Today

Partly cloudy, perhaps a shower late in the day. Highs in the lower to middle 60s..

Tonight

Partly cloudy with a few showers. Lows in the middle 40s
By Grainne Ni Aodha, Press Association

More than one hundred people gathered in the Phoenix Park in Dublin to take part in an event to mark Good Friday.

The Way of the Cross in Dublin marks five scenes from Jesus Christs crucifixion, beginning at the Wellington Monument and ending at the Papal Cross.

Families, couples and people with their dogs came to take part in the short pilgrimage to the white cross erected in 1979 for the visit of Pope John Paul II, the first papal visit to Ireland.

There were prayers, readings and choral singing to mark the beginning of the Easter weekend.

People gather for the annual Good Friday Way of the Cross event in Phoenix Park, Dublin (Grainne Ni Aodha/PA)

The event on Friday was led by the Archbishop of Dublin Dermot Farrell, who spoke to the crowd about compassion, the plight of the hungry, and voluntary organisations that were crying out for help in our time-poor society.

Speaking to the Press Association, he said it was a symbolic and public celebration of Jesus Christs life and death.

Independent Senator Ronan Mullen, who was among the crowd, said he attends the event most years before heading home to Galway.

Ive seen different crowds in different years, and this, I think is one of the better crowds, he said.

Its slightly better weather-wise than it was last year, but still a bit cold.

He said the event aimed to mark the high point of the church year and allowed people to gather with other Catholics.

There were prayers, readings and choral singing to mark the beginning of the Easter weekend (Grainne Ni Aodha/PA)

Theres an almost pilgrimage element to this, Im a big fan of the Camino myself and there is something about walking, being with others, reflecting, praying.

One of the things I like most about it is you see the church in all its diversity here because theres an awful lot of new Irish people, from all races and nationalities, and its lovely to see.

Expanding on his address to the outdoor congregation, Archbishop Farrell told PA that there are many people who feel marginalised and many wars in the world, including Lebanon, South Sudan and Yemen.

All of these people are suffering greatly today, he said.

Many innocent people being killed by people who are waging war remotely sometimes, you can be sitting thousands of miles away on a computer and directing drones to kill innocent people as a way of putting pressure on regimes to change, etc.

So there is cruelty there, a huge loss of innocent life which is totally contrary to any understanding we have of a just war.
Sean McCarthaigh

An inquest has heard that a mystery still surrounds the circumstances of how a homeless man whose badly decomposed body was recovered from near the mouth of the River Liffey last year entered the water.

Landry Zanga (36), a father of two of no fixed abode but originally from MacUilliam Avenue, Fortunestown, Tallaght, was pronounced dead on January 15th, 2025.

Landry Zanga. Photo: Rip.ie

A sitting of Dublin District Coroners Court heard Mr Zangas body had been discovered by the crew of a Dublin Port vessel carrying out maintenance work near the entrance to Dublin Bay.

The body of the then unknown male was recovered from the water by a Dublin Fire Bridgade crew who brought it to the pontoon located by the Jeanie Johnson famine ship on North Wall Quay.

Garda David Molloy said the badly decomposed state of the body indicated it had been in the water for some time, possible for a period of several weeks.

However, Garda Molloy said there were no apparent fractures or injuries on the body.

The inquest heard that DNA samples were taken from the remains and sent to Forensic Science Ireland to assist with the identification of the body.

The coroner, Crona Gallagher, said a match was found on a DNA database as Mr Zanga had previous interaction with gardai.

Garda Molloy said the investigation could not establish when Mr Zanga was last seen alive.

In reply to questions from the coroner, he said gardai had examined footage from CCTV cameras along the River Liffey but were hampered in their investigation by not knowing when or where the deceased had entered the water.

The witness explained that most CCTV systems only retained footage for a four-week period.

It was like looking for a needle in a haystack unfortunately, he remarked.

Relatives of the deceased, who attended the hearing, said they had not seen him for almost a year.

They outlined how he had been living in Cork at one stage but understood he had subsequently been staying in hostels in Dublin.

The inquest heard that Mr Zanga had been staying in the Isaacs hostel on Frenchmans Lane in the north inner city.

Dr Gallagher expressed surprise at being informed by Garda Molloy that the hostel was unable to provide any information about the deceased staying there as it only kept records for eight weeks.

However, the witness was able to confirm that no belongings of Mr Zanga had been left at the hostel.

Garda Molloy said checks were also made but they had received no information as to whether Mr Zanga had been in receipt of social welfare payments.

The coroner said a postmortem had found no evidence to suggest that the deceased had suffered any trauma that might have been inflicted by a third party before his death.

Gallagher said a toxicology report found not particularly high levels of alcohol, cocaine, Xanax and a sleeping pill in his system.

However, she observed that the combined effect of such stimulants could have caused a sudden cardiac arrest and might have contributed to his death.

The coroner noted that the pathologist who carried out the postmortem had concluded that the cause of death could not be ascertained.

Gallagher said it could not be determined if Mr Zanga was dead or not before entering the water., while the cause of death could be drowning or drug toxicity.

She also remarked that there was no evidence to suggest that the deceased wanted to end his life.

However, she added: There is a lot that cant be established. We simply dont know how he entered the water.

Recording an open verdict, Dr Gallagher offered her condolences to Zangas family.

Its a very tragic case. Im sure you were shocked at the news that his body was found, the coroner said, adding that she hoped it would put their minds at rest on one level.
LAOIS County Council has granted Lidl Ireland planning permission for a brand-new, state-of-the-art supermarket in Mountmellick, The planning permission for the new Mountmellick store marks Lidl Ireland's third location in Co. Laois. This development aligns with the retailer's broader commitment, which involves a 600 million investment to establish 35 new stores across Ireland by 2030.

The development, which involves the acquisition and transformation of a long-derelict site in the town centre, marks a major milestone for local residents who have long campaigned for the retailer to establish a presence in the heart of the community.

The development represents a significant investment of more than 6.5 million in the local area, creating 30 new permanent jobs. The project will also provide a major boost to the local construction sector, with the six-month build phase expected to provide more than 100 jobs, generating over 1.5 million in wages alone.

The planning application followed significant local support for the retailer to establish a presence in the town. A public petition, which garnered 804 signatures from local residents, underscored the community's desire for increased shopping choice and the competitive pricing that Lidl offers. Petition creator Laura Prodan encouraged locals to get behind the project, stating Join us in urging Lidl to consider this not only as a business expansion but as a community investment. Named Most Sustainable Supermarket and 3rd Most Sustainable Organisation in the Ireland RepTrak Sustainability Index 2024, Lidls new Mountmellick store will be built with sustainability at its core. In line with its award-winning Concept store design, prioritising energy efficiency through roof solar PV panels, energy efficient heat pumps and LED lighting, reducing carbon emissions and supporting Lidls ambition to achieve net-zero by 2050.

The new Lidl store will provide customers with an unrivalled shopping experience, with self-service checkouts, customer EV charging spaces, two Deposit Return Scheme machines as well as in-store bakery and off licence.

As part of the retailers overarching sustainability strategy, Lidl stores across Laois are actively engaged in initiatives to support local communities. Last year, more than 9,000 meals were donated from its Laois stores to 12 charities across the county through Lidls partnership with FoodCloud. In 2025, Lidl employees and shoppers also raised over 1 million for the retailers charity partner Family Carers Ireland, smashing their three year fundraising target in the first 12 months.

Lidl continues to be a major driver for the Laois agri-food industry. In 2025 alone, the retailer procured more than 2 million worth of goods and services from 12 Laois-based suppliers and business partners. This investment saw 500,000 worth of Laois-made goods exported to Lidl stores across the globe. Among the key Laois suppliers to benefit is Abbey Farm Foods, one of Lidl Irelands longstanding partners supplying the retailer with their premium award-winning preserves for over a decade.

Welcoming the progress, Lidls Regional Managing Director for the Newbridge area, Niall Murray, said: As Irelands leading discount retailer with a rapidly expanding customer base, we are delighted by the decision from Laois County Council to grant planning permission for our third store in the county. This project is about more than just a new building; by revitalising a long-derelict town centre site, we are delivering a significant economic boost to Mountmellick through job creation and the regeneration of a key local area.

We are acutely aware that residents are eager for more retail variety and competition. Our new Mountmellick store is designed to provide that essential choice and the best value on the market, while helping drive economic growth and contributing to economic development plans for this growing urban area. This investment is a central part of our development strategy for the region and underscores our confidence in the future of the town.

We owe a sincere thank you to the people of Mountmellick for their exceptional support throughout this journey, specifically the 800 plus residents who championed our arrival through the local petition. Their constructive engagement has been a driving force behind this project, and we are fully committed to rewarding that enthusiasm with a state-of-the-art shopping experience and continued investment in local community initiatives.
The White House has defended President Donald Trump's war in Iran after Pope Leo XIV condemned leaders who 'wage war', with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt insisting there was 'nothing wrong' with calling on Americans to pray for troops.

Speaking at a Monday afternoon briefing in Washington, Leavitt was pressed on the Pope's remarks about the monthlong conflict, which has killed 13 US service members, wounded more than 300 others and rattled global oil markets, and was asked directly whether the Vatican's warning applied to President Trump.

The news came after Pope Leo appeared to denounce the USIsraeli campaign against Iran in a Sunday address, declaring that 'God does not listen to the prayer of those who wage war'.

White House Backs Trump And Sidesteps Pope Leo's Rebuke

When reporters invited Karoline Leavitt to respond to Pope Leo's intervention, she did not directly engage with the core of his criticism. Instead, she framed the issue as one of faith and tradition rather than of moral responsibility for launching a war.

'Our nation was a nation founded 250 years ago almost on JudeoChristian values. And we have seen presidents, the leaders of the department of war, and our troops go to prayer during the most turbulent times in our nation's history,' Leavitt said.

Leavitt framed the prayer call as standard practice. 'I don't think there is anything wrong with our military leaders or with the president calling on the American people to pray for our service members overseas,' she added.

She suggested that US troops were grateful for the prayers being offered on their behalf.

Pope Leo's Appeal To 'Renounce Weapons'

Pope Leo's comments were not limited to a single line about prayer. In early March, a few weeks after Washington launched joint operations with Israel against Iran, he used the Vatican's monthly video message to urge nations to 'renounce weapons and choose the path of dialogue and diplomacy'.

His words, delivered as part of a regular series that usually focuses on prayer intentions, called on leaders in Washington, Tel Aviv and Tehran to 'abandon projects of death, halt the arms race and place the lives of the most vulnerable at the centre'.

'May the nuclear threat never again dictate the future of humanity,' the Pope added in the video.

The Vatican did not name Trump personally. The United States and Israel had only recently initiated strikes in the region, and international criticism of the campaign had been growing since the first wave of attacks in late February.

Trump's Shifting Justifications For The Iran War

According to the reporting cited, President Trump has offered several overlapping explanations.

He has argued that the campaign is necessary to prevent Iran's Islamic regime from building a nuclear weapon, casting the war as a grim but essential step to head off a future catastrophe. Yet that sits awkwardly with his earlier boasts that US airstrikes in June had "obliterated" Tehran's nuclear capabilities.

After the initial strikes in the current conflict, Trump again altered his emphasis, claiming Iran was only months away from acquiring a nuclear device, a claim that raised immediate questions about the quality of the intelligence he was relying on.

The tension became harder to ignore when the president's own National Counterterrorism Center Director resigned several weeks after Pope Leo's message. The official cited a report concluding that Iran posed no imminent threat to the United States.

European allies have also expressed scepticism that Iran can be bombed or sanctioned into surrendering its nuclear ambitions. From their perspective, the idea that the regime will simply relinquish its capabilities under pressure looks more like wishful thinking than strategy.

Pope Leo XIV's plea to 'halt the arms race and centre the vulnerable' hit as Iran war support waned. Energy markets have buckled, fuel costs soared and nuclear fears loom in a region prone to missteps with global fallout.

The White House digs in. Leavitt's claim that there is 'nothing wrong' with wartime prayer reveals a team more focused on its own righteousness than answering the pope's point that war-makers cannot just pray their way clean. No word yet from Trump or his inner circle on the pope's 'projects of death' line.

Originally published on IBTimes UK
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has found a new way to mock one of Donald Trump's most polarizing advisers, and this time the punchline came straight out of The Office.

"I can't help but read all his tweets in the Dwight Schrute voice," the New York Democrat wrote on X, taking aim at Stephen Miller, the longtime Trump aide whose posts and policy arguments have made him a favorite villain for the left and a hero to immigration hard-liners on the right.

The line landed because it did more than insult Miller, but turned him into a character, specifically the rigid, self-serious, strangely theatrical beet farmer played by Rainn Wilson.

Cant help but read all his tweets in the Dwight Schrute voice https://t.co/sIAjWNi3ys  Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) April 2, 2026

Ocasio-Cortez's joke was classic internet politics: short, meme-ready, and instantly legible to people who may not follow every twist of Washington infighting. It also fit neatly into her long-running habit of using humor and pop culture to undercut political opponents online.

But the jab did not come out of nowhere. Ocasio-Cortez has been one of Miller's fiercest critics for years, especially on immigration. In 2019, after reports about Miller's leaked emails to Breitbart reignited scrutiny of his worldview, she wrote that he had been exposed as a "bonafide white nationalist" and demanded that he resign. In the same statement, she described him as "Trump's architect of mass human rights abuses at the border," linking him directly to family separation and detention policies that became defining controversies of the first Trump administration.

She escalated even further days later, saying Miller had been exposed as "frankly, a neo-Nazi and a white supremacist," language that showed just how personal and ideological the clash had become. Those remarks came as progressive lawmakers and civil rights groups pushed for Miller's removal after the leaked emails surfaced.

The joke even got a second life on Instagram, where a repost of the exchange included an even sharper punch: "Dwight is a much better person than temu goebbels." That line was more caustic than the original post, but it underscored the same point. For Ocasio-Cortez and her supporters, mocking Miller is not just comic relief. It is political framing.

The internet reaction was priceless.

That would be doing Dwight dirty.



I say f-ck off dollar store Voldemort.



The concept of Birthright citizenship was originally a product of colonization.



White settlers wanted to offset the numbers of native peoples of the countries they were colonizing.



Ironic huh?



Now it  Eric Jay (@EricinAmericaX) April 2, 2026

That would be doing Dwight dirty.



I say f-ck off dollar store Voldemort.



The concept of Birthright citizenship was originally a product of colonization.



White settlers wanted to offset the numbers of native peoples of the countries they were colonizing.



Ironic huh?



Now it  Eric Jay (@EricinAmericaX) April 2, 2026

Except hes not Dwight Schrute hes Stephen Miller and holds genuine sway in our nation  me (@milohtic) April 2, 2026

In Washington, policy fights are often dressed up in sterile language about enforcement, border management and national security. Ocasio-Cortez chose a different register. With one sitcom reference, she reminded followers that in the social media age, ridicule can be as potent as a floor speech. And when the target is Stephen Miller, she has made clear that the joke is never just a joke

Originally published on Latin Times
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said recent actions by China against Panama-flagged vessels raise "serious concern" about the use of economic measures to undermine the rule of law, as detentions of ships increase following a legal dispute over control of key ports near the Panama Canal.

"China's recent actions against Panama-flagged vessels raise serious concerns about the use of economic tools to undermine the rule of law in Panama," Rubio said in a statement, adding that delays and inspections "undermine the stability of global supply chains, increase costs for businesses and consumers, and erode confidence in the international trading system."

Panamanian authorities have acknowledged a rise in detentions and inspections of vessels flying their flag in Chinese ports, as Infobae reports. These actions have not necessarily involved confiscation but have resulted in delays and additional scrutiny, affecting maritime operations and trade flows.

The dispute follows a January ruling by Panama's Supreme Court that invalidated a long-standing concession granted to a Hong Kong-based company to operate the Balboa and Cristobal terminals, located at opposite ends of the Panama Canal. The decision allowed the Panamanian government to assume control of the ports and appoint new operators.

According to the Federal Maritime Commission, detentions of Panama-flagged vessels in China have risen sharply since early March, reaching levels that "far exceeded historical norms." Commissioner Laura DiBella said the inspections appeared to be carried out under informal directives and "intended to punish Panama after the transfer of Hutchison's port assets."

The ports dispute comes amid broader geopolitical tensions. U.S. officials have raised concerns about Chinese influence over strategic infrastructure near the canal, which handles roughly 5% of global maritime trade. The Panamanian government has denied foreign interference and reaffirmed that the canal remains under national control.

Rubio said the court's decision "upheld transparency, the rule of law, and held private operators accountable to the public interest," adding that it demonstrates Panama is "a reliable partner for international investment and business opportunities." He also expressed U.S. support for Panama's sovereignty and signaled interest in expanding economic and security cooperation.

Chinese authorities have not publicly responded to the U.S. criticism. However, the dispute has already affected broader commercial dynamics, including ongoing arbitration proceedings by the Hong Kong-based operator and scrutiny of a planned multibillion-dollar ports transaction.

Originally published on Latin Times
Months after being detained by immigration authorities, Liam Conejo Ramos, the 5-year-old boy wearing a blue bunny hat who was taken into custody with his father during raids in Minnesota earlier this year, could be sent back to detention.

As reported by CBS News, the federal government is seeking to return the boy to detention after the Justice Department filed a notice of appeal this week in federal court in Texas, challenging a January ruling that freed Conejo Ramos and his father, Adrian Conejo Arias, from an immigration detention facility.

The child and his father were detained by immigration authorities in Minneapolis on Jan. 20 and later transferred to a facility in Dilley, Texas. Wearing a blue bunny hat, images of Conejo Ramos quickly went viral as a symbol of children caught up in President Donald Trump's immigration enforcement operations.

According to the filing, obtained by CBS News, the federal government is appealing a ruling by U.S. District Judge Fred Biery, who ordered both father and son released after finding their constitutional rights had been violated.

"The first time they came for us, it was unjust. The second time they came for us is unjust. We are not giving into their fear," Adrian Conejo Arias told CBS News through his attorney, Danielle Molliver.

According to a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson who spoke to the outlet, both father and son received full due process and were issued a final order of removal on Feb. 19. In the past, the agency has said officers did not target the child and denied allegations that agents used Conejo Ramos as "bait" during the arrest operation to get his mother, Erika Ramos, to open the door of their home. The agency has stated that the father fled and that officers ensured the child's safety.

"The Trump administration is committed to restoring the rule of law and common sense to our immigration system and will continue to fight for the arrest, detention and removal of illegal aliens who have no right to be in this country," the spokesperson continued.

In addition to the release order, an immigration judge earlier this month denied the family's asylum claim, leaving them eligible for deportation. Their attorneys are appealing that decision, but the government's appeal of their release challenges a narrow protection in Biery's order which stated that if they are re-detained, they must receive a bond hearing.

In an interview with MPR News, Conejo Arias said he was not surprised by the judge's decision because the hearing dates were fast and "extremely close together."

"We weren't given the opportunity to mount a proper defense and now they are rushing things through," he said.

Molliver said she has filed at least a dozen habeas corpus petitions in recent weeks and has won each case, but has not received notice of the government appealing any of them.

"So it's very unique and very strange, to be honest," she added. "It's very unclear why the government is investing so many resources to fight this family."

Molliver said the firm will appeal the decision by the April 7 deadline. The government must file its argument against the appeal by April 28, MPR News noted.

Originally published on Latin Times
A technical team from the Federal Bureau of Investigation has arrived in Cuba to investigate a deadly February speedboat confrontation involving Florida-based individuals, as survivors face terrorism charges that could carry severe penalties under Cuban law.

The February 25 incident involved a vessel carrying 10 people that departed from Florida and approached Cuba's northern coast, where it engaged in a firefight with border guards, according to Cuban authorities. Five of the boaters were killed and five others were detained. Cuban officials said the group was heavily armed, citing the seizure of rifles, ammunition, body armor and Molotov cocktails.

U.S. officials have confirmed that at least one person killed and one survivor are U.S. citizens. The FBI team's presence marks a rare instance of U.S. law enforcement operating on the island, reflecting the seriousness of the case and the need to establish an independent account of what occurred.

The U.S. Embassy in Havana told Reuters that the investigation would rely on evidence gathered by American authorities:

"Consistent with U.S. policy, we do not make decisions in the United States on the basis of what Cuban authorities are saying. We will independently verify the facts and make decisions based solely on U.S. interest, U.S. law, and the protection U.S. citizens"

Cuban prosecutors have charged at least six individuals in connection with the incident with terrorism, an offense that can carry the death penalty or life imprisonment under Cuban law. Authorities said the defendants will remain in pretrial detention while the case proceeds and pledged to ensure "compliance with due process."

The Ministry of the Interior identified six detained individuals as Amijail Sanchez Gonzalez, Leordan Enrique Cruz Gomez, Conrado Galindo Sariol, Jose Manuel Rodriguez Castello, Cristian Ernesto Acosta Guevara and Roberto Azcorra Consuegra. Michel Ortega Casanova was identified among those killed in the incident, while authorities said efforts were ongoing to confirm the identities of other deceased individuals

Havana has characterized the incident as an attempted armed infiltration aimed at destabilizing the government. Officials said the group opened fire on a patrol vessel after being detected roughly one nautical mile from shore, injuring a Cuban officer and triggering a close-range exchange.

Marco Rubio has said the incursion was not carried out by the U.S. government and that no official personnel were involved.

The episode comes amid strained relations between the two countries. Since returning to office, Donald Trump has taken a more confrontational stance toward Cuba, while Cuban officials have accused exiled groups of organizing violent actions from abroad.

Originally published on Latin Times
The killing of Cecilia Garcia Ramblas, a 28-year-old volunteer who searched for people who had disappeared due to organized crime violence, has shocked Mexico and cast renewed attention on the thousands of families forced to look for loved ones when the state cannot or will not find them.

Garcia, a member of a civilian search collective in Guanajuato, was abducted in mid-March and later found dead, according to local authorities and human rights groups. Her case highlights the risks faced by families who take on the task of finding loved ones in a country with more than 130,000 people officially listed as missing.

Garcia belonged to the group Salamanca Unidos Buscando Desaparecidos, one of dozens of collectives across Mexico formed by relatives frustrated with the slow pace of official investigations. According to witnesses, she was taken by armed men from her home in Valtierrilla on March 14. Days later, authorities located two bodies near Puerto de Valle. On March 31, prosecutors confirmed one of them was Garcia, closing the search that fellow volunteers had feared would end this way.

Her involvement in the movement was deeply personal. Garcia joined the collective after her brother, Miguel Angel Garcia Ramblas, disappeared in 2021. She later helped locate his remains in 2025 but continued participating in searches and marches to support other families. That persistence reflects a broader pattern across Mexico, where mothers, sisters, and daughters have become the frontline responders in disappearance cases, often conducting searches themselves in remote or dangerous areas.

Localizan sin vida a Cecilia Garcia Ramblas, integrante del Colectivo "Salamanca Unidos Buscando Desaparecidos" despues de 5 dias desaparecida



Participo en la marcha del #8M2026 en Salamanca. Habia localizado sin vida a su hermano Miguel Angel Garcia Ramblas en 2025 https://t.co/oq4OOePuVt pic.twitter.com/QZnooSGMZj  Desaparecidxs Guanajuato (@DesapGto) April 2, 2026

Human rights organization ARTICLE 19 condemned the killing and warned that the act of searching for missing people in Mexico can itself be life-threatening. "Searching for disappeared persons and demanding truth and justice can cost you your life," the group said, calling for an immediate and impartial investigation as well as protection measures for search collectives.

The violence is unfolding against the backdrop of one of the hemisphere's most severe disappearance crises. Mexico's official registry includes more than 130,000 missing persons, a number tied to years of cartel activity, weak law enforcement, and systemic impunity. While authorities have recently attempted to review the database, critics argue that the effort risks obscuring the scale of the problem rather than addressing it.

Guanajuato, where Garcia was killed, has become one of Mexico's deadliest states due to ongoing conflicts between organized crime groups. The region's violence has included mass shootings, kidnappings, and attacks on civilians, creating an environment where even humanitarian work like searching for the missing carries significant risk.

For U.S. audiences, the case underscores the proximity of the crisis. Mexico is not only a neighbor but also a key partner in trade, migration, and security. The instability affecting communities like Salamanca can have ripple effects across the border, from migration pressures to organized crime networks that operate transnationally.

Originally published on Latin Times
Following its February news that it had entered into a brand partnership withj Gabriel Macht, who played Harvey Specter in the TV series Suits, the legal AI company Harvey said today that it has entered into another such partnership involving another iconic Harvey  only this time it is using AI to make the partnership possible.

This time, the Harvey in question is the six-foot-three-and-a-half-inch invisible white rabbit from the 1950 film Harvey, starring Jimmy Stewart as Elwood P. Dowd, a man whose best friend happens to be a pooka  a benevolent but mischievous Celtic spirit in rabbit form.

Having now raised more than $1 billion and with what the company described as boatloads of cash to burn, it is describing this partnership as its most ambitious use of generative AI to date. Using its proprietary AI technology, Harvey will digitally resurrect actor Jimmy Stewart to serve as the companys newest brand ambassador.

Gabriel Macht was wonderful, but we realized we were leaving an entire Harvey untapped, said Harvey cofounder and CEO Winston Weinberg, pictured above with cofounder Gabriel Pereyra and Stewart. Jimmy Stewart embodies everything we stand for  hes trustworthy, relatable, and he sees things that arent really there. Which, honestly, describes about half our user base when they first try legal AI.

The AI-generated Stewart will appear in Harveys marketing materials delivering his signature folksy charm, reportedly saying things like, Well now, this here legal research platform is just about the finest invisible friend a lawyer could ask for.

When asked whether Harvey the rabbit would also be involved in the campaign, Weinberg demurred. Harvey  the rabbit, not the company or the actor  has yet to commit. But between you and me, I think hes holding out for equity.

The partnership also marks Harveys expansion beyond traditional social media into what the company is calling spectral social media  platforms visible only to those who truly believe in AI.

This is either a stroke of marketing genius or a sign that the legal tech industry has finally lost its collective mind, said one analyst who asked not to be named because they werent sure if theyd actually seen the announcement or hallucinated it.

Harvey says the AI-generated Stewart campaign will launch on April 1, 2026, and will run indefinitely  or at least until someone representing Stewarts estate uses some other AI product to generate a lawsuit to shut down the campaign.

Details, said Weinberg.

Happy April Fools Day from LawSites. In reality, Harvey the company partnered only with Gabriel Macht, who played Harvey Specter in Suits. But were still holding out hope for the rabbit.
Prison Officers serving at jails in Laois and elsewhere do a complex job that is often unseen by the public but crucial to society, according to the Minister for Justice Jim OCallaghan.

The Dublin Fianna Fail TD made the remarks as he welcomed the graduation of 159 Recruit Prison Officers (RPO) at a ceremony in Croke Park on April 2.

The new officers have already been assigned to jails, have now completed their Higher Certificate of Arts in Custodial Care (HCCC), developed and delivered jointly by the Irish Prison Service and South East Technological University (SETU).

Minister OCallaghan said it was a privilege to congratulate the graduates who will have done some of their training at the Irish Prison Service Training College in Portlaoise.

"Their preparation has been thorough, and they now have the knowledge needed to manage this complex role effectively. I want to thank them for their public service and their families for their support.

Prison Officers bring strength and compassion to a job that often goes unseen, yet it is crucial for keeping our communities safe. As mentors, they will help offenders in their care to rebuild their futures and to find a better path forward. We are fully committed to supporting them with the resources needed to carry out this challenging duty with dignity," he said.

The Director General of the Irish Prison Service, Caron McCaffrey, also paid tribute to what she said was a "proud moment" for the IPS and the communities it serves.

READ NEXT: Investigations underway after death of man at Midlands Prison in Laois

"The HCCC represents far more than academic achievement  it reflects the resilience, empathy and professionalism that define modern prison work.

Our new officers have balanced study, family life and the demands of a complex environment, and they have done so with integrity and determination. As they take up duty across the estate, they bring with them diverse skills, strong values and a commitment to supporting safety, dignity and rehabilitation in our prisons. I am confident that each of them will make a meaningful contribution to the people in our care, to their colleagues, and to the wider society we work to protect, she said.

The Pro-Chancellor and Chair of SETUs Governing Body, Professor Patrick Prendergast, emphasised the need to provide a high standard of training and education to officers.

READ NEXT: Complex investigation into alleged drone use at Portlaoise Prison

It is vital that we continue to meet the evolving needs of this essential public service. The HCCC continues to grow in strength and impact each year, reflecting the strong collaboration between the Irish Prison Service and SETU.

Since its introduction in 2017, more than 1,000 recruit prison officers have completed the programme, with a further 159 being conferred this evening. These figures reflect both the scale of the programme and the value placed on education, professionalism and continuous development within custodial care," he said.

He congratulated the latest graduates.

"You should take great pride in what you have achieved and in the important contribution you will go on to make throughout your careers, he said.

The Department of Justice says the HCCC is a two-year part-time programme designed to develop the professional competencies of Prison Service staff in working with prisoners. The Department says the HCCC is intended to facilitate a greater understanding of how officers can confront challenges through the exploration of different subjects including, resilience, mental Health, social psychology and human rights.

After initial training RPOs are assigned to a prison, with assignments based on the security and operational needs of each individual prison.
A LOCAL man who stole a 2.80 bottle of coca cola was given a one-month custodial sentence when he appeared at Portlaoise District Court last week.

Patrick Kelly (30), OMoore Place, Portlaoise, who is currently serving a prison sentence with a release date in May next year, pleaded guilty to the theft of the coca cola on 24 February from Spar, Station Road, Portarlington and to being intoxicated in a public place and to engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour at Market Square, Portlaoise on 10 February.

Garda Sgt JJ Kirby said the defendant went into the Spar store and took the bottle of coca cola and left without paying for it.

Regarding the public order offences in Portlaoise, Sgt Kirby said that Mr Kelly was in a highly intoxicated state when gardai came upon him. There were other members of the public present and he was roaring and shouting and had to be arrested.

Sgt Kirby said the defendant had 54 previous convictions.

READ NEXT: Plan to open Laois tourism office on hold after money refused

Defence solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said that while her client acknowledges the theft is small, he appreciates that it was a nuisance to the shop owner.

Judge Susan Fay said she was not going to add extra time onto Mr Kellys current sentence.

She went on to convict him of the theft and imposed a one-month sentence to commence from the day he appeared in court last week.

She took the two public order matters into consideration.

Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme.
The decision has been made by Laois County Council on a proposed new Lidl in the county.

The planners have approved permission to Lidl Ireland for a "state-of-the-art" supermarket in Mountmellick.

Lidl Ireland has issued a statement where they note the local support, including a petition with over 800 signatures.

They say it will take six months to build and create 30 permanent jobs.

The business development, which involves the acquisition and transformation of the long-derelict Central Garage / Nissan site in the town centre, "marks a major milestone for local residents who have long campaigned for the retailer to establish a presence in the heart of the community" say Lidl.

They say that the development represents a significant investment of more than 6.5 million in the local area.

"The project will also provide a major boost to the local construction sector, with the six-month build phase expected to provide more than 100 jobs, generating over 1.5 million in wages alone.

"The planning application followed significant local support for the retailer to establish a presence in the town. A public petition, which garnered 804 signatures from local residents, underscored the community's desire for increased shopping choice and the competitive pricing that Lidl offers. Petition creator Laura Prodan encouraged locals to get behind the project, stating Join us in urging Lidl to consider this not only as a business expansion but as a community investment.

The planning permission for the new Mountmellick store marks Lidl Ireland's third location in Co. Laois, with other shops in Portlaoise and Portarlington. A new store is also being built in Graiguecullen on the Laois Carlow border.

"This development aligns with the retailer's broader commitment, which involves a 600 million investment to establish 35 new stores across Ireland by 2030," Lidl Ireland says.

"Named Most Sustainable Supermarket and 3rd Most Sustainable Organisation in the Ireland RepTrak Sustainability Index 2024, Lidls new Mountmellick store will be built with sustainability at its core. In line with its award-winning Concept store design, prioritising energy efficiency through roof solar PV panels, energy efficient heat pumps and LED lighting, reducing carbon emissions and supporting Lidls ambition to achieve net-zero by 2050.

"The new Lidl store will provide customers with an unrivalled shopping experience, with self-service checkouts, customer EV charging spaces, two Deposit Return Scheme machines as well as in-store bakery and off licence," they say.

They note that last year, more than 9,000 meals were donated from its Laois stores to 12 charities across the county through Lidls partnership with FoodCloud. In 2025, Lidl employees and shoppers also raised over 1 million for the retailers charity partner Family Carers Ireland, smashing their three year fundraising target in the first 12 months.

Read next: Laois High Nelly club to host charity cycle for Bumbleance charity

"Lidl continues to be a major driver for the Laois agri-food industry. In 2025 alone, the retailer procured more than 2 million worth of goods and services from 12 Laois-based suppliers and business partners. This investment saw 500,000 worth of Laois-made goods exported to Lidl stores across the globe. Among the key Laois suppliers to benefit is Abbey Farm Foods, one of Lidl Irelands longstanding partners supplying the retailer with their premium award-winning preserves for over a decade."

Lidls Regional Managing Director for the Newbridge area is Niall Murray.

As Irelands leading discount retailer with a rapidly expanding customer base, we are delighted by the decision from Laois County Council to grant planning permission for our third store in the county. This project is about more than just a new building; by revitalising a long-derelict town centre site, we are delivering a significant economic boost to Mountmellick through job creation and the regeneration of a key local area.

We are acutely aware that residents are eager for more retail variety and competition. Our new Mountmellick store is designed to provide that essential choice and the best value on the market, while helping drive economic growth and contributing to economic development plans for this growing urban area. This investment is a central part of our development strategy for the region and underscores our confidence in the future of the town.

Read next: Laois farm applies for planning permission to house overseas workers

We owe a sincere thank you to the people of Mountmellick for their exceptional support throughout this journey, specifically the 800 plus residents who championed our arrival through the local petition. Their constructive engagement has been a driving force behind this project, and we are fully committed to rewarding that enthusiasm with a state-of-the-art shopping experience and continued investment in local community initiatives.

Currently, Lidl Ireland directly employs more than 6,000 people across its network of 190 stores, three regional distribution centres, and the Dublin head office.
Kildare County Council should not have to pick up the tab for maintaining some of the roads within the county.

A call has been made for some routes to be reclassified because of the amounts of traffic they carry.

Social Democrats councillor Peter Melrose wants Kildare County Council to come up with a report - which includes traffic counts and traffic volume types.

He says this should be used to seek a redesignation of sections of three regional routes in the Celbridge, Maynooth and Kilcock areas.

The roads are located between the M4 and the M7 and Cllr Melrose says a reclassification of these to national secondary routes is required because they are carrying significant share of national traffic.

READ NEXT Man 'raped his wife with people walking past,' Kildare court told

At the moment, the maintenance of the roads is the responsibility of KCC as opposed to Transport Infrastructure Ireland.

These roads are therefore functioning as national secondary routes and should be designated accordingly, says Cllr Melrose.

TII is responsible for the planning, maintenance and improvement of the approximately 5,500 kilometres of national road network, which includes all national primary roads, national secondary roads, motorways and dual carriageways.
As if publishing two books in the past eight months wasnt enough, prolific Naas writer Wayne Byrne is set to release his latest work, The Evolution of American Film Music, 1960s  1990s shortly.

The book is Byrnes second collaboration with musician Amanda Kramer, the keyboardist of new wave icons The Psychedelic Furs. Kramer has also performed with 10,000 Maniacs, World Party, Siouxsie Sioux, Eurythmics, and The Golden Palominos, so her experience in the music industry married well with Waynes work as a film historian in jointly documenting the history of soundtracks.

The pair are close personal friends and previously released an acclaimed book on the music business from the perspective of female touring musicians, Hired Guns: Portraits of Women in Alternative Music.

We had such a good time working together on that book we just wanted to keep going, Byrne says, and this subject came out of our casual conversations about music and films that we loved  stuff from the New Hollywood era (60s and 70s) and New Yorks underground No Wave movement of the late-70s and early-80s.

And with Amanda being a keyboard player, the rise of the synthesizer in the 80s and how that shaped the sound of cinema was particularly interesting.

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But for me the main attraction is working with Amanda; we simply enjoy each others company.

The authors brought in notable voices from the film music industry, including composers David Mansfield, Mark Mothersbaugh, Thomas Dolby, Mark Isham, John Lurie, music supervisors Blake Leyh and Tarquin Gotch, and label executive Doreen Ringer-Ross.

We knew it would be interesting to include people who represented both the artistic and executive sides; when pop and rock soundtracks ruled in the 80s they were very much led by people like Tarquin, who famously compiled iconic soundtracks for John Hughes. What is interesting is that he and Hughes didnt simply place tracks in scenes, they sourced songs that Tarquin had access to and used the music in an artistic way. For example, the climactic montage of Shes Having a Baby is edited to the song This Womans Work, which Kate Bush wrote and recorded for the film. Hughes considered the song so powerful that he refused to place snippets of it, so he re-structured the end of the film around the entire song. As a respected and successful auteur filmmaker, Hughes could do that.

While the title mentions three specific decades (60s  90s), Byrne says the book begins in the early days of American Cinema to set up how the seismic shift in film music occurred decades later.

I loved going back to the earliest musical films to trace how things went from classical orchestrations in the Golden Age to the introduction of jazz scores in the late-50s. Jazz music and the Counterculture movement are responsible for how films and film sound changed irrevocably.

Another boon for the authors was getting indie film legend and musician Tom DiCillo (director of Brad Pitt starrer Johnny Suede) to provide the foreword. DiCillo was the subject of Byrnes debut book released in 2017, and now he has come full circle with DiCillo contributing to Byrnes ninth literary release.

It means a lot to have Tom be part of this book. He has been such an important figure in my life, as has Amanda. So, to share a book cover with those two dear friends of mine is an incredible and surreal feeling.

The Evolution of American Film Music, 1960s  1990s will be available from all booksellers and is available for pre-order now.
An accommodation centre, which provided temporary homes for refugees from the war which followed Russias invasion of Ukraine, should be kept open.

The original site of the designated accommodation centre was opened again at Newhall, Naas, last October.

It was set up for Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection who are fleeing the ongoing war in Ukraine and, according to the Department of Justice, Homeland Affairs and Migration is solely for that purpose.

The site's designation as a DAC means that new arrivals being accommodated at the centre would only receive a maximum of 90 days accommodation.

It reopened October 16 for a three-month period with an initial maximum capacity of 350 bed spaces.

READ NEXT LIVE: Met Eireann warning extended as Storm Dave set to batter Ireland this Easter weekend

The centre was established near Floods Cross, roughly between Naas and Newbridge, and is located close to the main route linking the towns.

It closed in March 2025 and had been open for about a year.

The project was managed by Pastures New Ltd, the company associated with the creation of tented-type accommodation for Ukrainians at Stradbally, County Laois, in the wake of the Electric Picnic concert event in 2023.

The company also managed it for the second opening.

An Independent Ireland councillor has called for the centre to remain open for homeless families and key workers.

Serious questions must now be answered about the significant amount of public money spent opening, closing, reopening and now again closing the Newhall accommodation centre, he said adding he has asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to provide full details of the total cost to the taxpayer arising from these repeated decisions.

To date no clear answer has been provided. At a time when Ireland is facing an unprecedented housing and homelessness crisis it makes little sense to close a facility that could provide immediate practical support to people in urgent need.

He said the reported decline in new arrivals from Ukraine seeking state accommodation should not result in valuable accommodation capacity being taken out of use. Instead the government should act quickly and responsibly to examine how the centre can be repurposed.

He said Newhall could play an important role in providing temporary accommodation for families experiencing homelessness as well as essential key workers such as members of gardai, teachers, nurses and other hospital staff who are currently struggling to secure housing close to their workplaces.

He added: We continue to hear about recruitment and retention challenges across critical public services. Access to short term accommodation could form part of a practical and targeted response.

Taxpayers have already funded the development and operation of this facility. It is vital that public investment is used strategically to deliver real and lasting benefit for communities.

Closing the centre without fully exploring alternative uses would represent a missed opportunity and further undermine public confidence in how resources are planned and managed.

The government must now provide clarity on the costs involved and demonstrate a more coordinated long term approach to accommodation provision that supports both vulnerable households and essential workers.
New measures aimed at unlocking unused spaces in cities, towns and villages by converting vacant and derelict buildings, as well as unused above-the-shop areas, into residential homes were announced this week.

The announcement comes after Leitrim was found to have the highest level of vacant residential properties at the end of 2024, data from the Central Statistics Office shows.

Leitrims rate of vacancy was highest nationally at 7.8%, with 1,575 residential properties in the local authority area marked as vacant; a drop from 1,699 vacant homes at the end of 2023 in the area.

The new initiatives announced include the Vacant Above the Shop Grant, providing funding of up to 135,000 to support the conversion of vacant above-shop spaces into residential use, while retaining the commercial ground floor.



A targeted top-up of the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, with additional funding of up to 40,000 where entire former commercial buildings are converted into two or more residential units.



The Expert Advice Grant, offering up to 5,000 to support property owners in accessing professional guidance on converting above-shop spaces or entire commercial buildings into homes.

READ MORE: 'I'm not surprised'- Leitrim has highest rate of derelict properties in country

Welcoming the announcement, Minister of State, Marian Harkin, said: Across towns and villages, particularly in rural Ireland, we see too many buildings lying idle while people struggle to find homes. These new measures are a practical and necessary step to bring those spaces back into use.

She added: For the first time, we are directly supporting the conversion of vacant spaces above shops into homes. This is a significant and innovative move that recognises the untapped potential sitting right in the heart of our communities."

The measures form part of the Governments wider response to the housing crisis and ongoing efforts to tackle vacancy and dereliction. Recent data from the Central Statistics Office shows that the national vacancy rate has fallen to 3.2% at the end of 2024, down from 3.6% in 2022.












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IN A significant development for the hospitality sector, the owners of The Savoy Collection Limerick have announced the sale of their prestigious portfolio  comprising the businesses at The Savoy Hotel, The George Hotel, and Hamptons Bar & Grill  bringing to a close 18 successful years in business.

The owners commented:

After 18 incredible years, we are immensely proud of what The Savoy Collection has become. It has been a privilege to be part of Limericks growth and to welcome guests from near and far. This decision was not taken lightly, but we believe the time is right for the next chapter.

The portfolio includes:

READ MORE: New managing partner at well-known solicitors firm in Limerick

The Savoy Hotel  a flagship five-star hotel renowned for its luxury offering and central location.

The George Hotel  a stylish and contemporary boutique hotel in the heart of the city.

Hamptons Bar & Grill  a popular and lively dining destination known for its quality food and welcoming atmosphere

The businesses have been acquired by Moran Hospitality, a Dublin-based hospitality group with deep family roots in Limerick and the wider region. Their strong connection to the area and extensive experience in the sector positions them well to continue and build upon the success of The Savoy Collection.

Moran Hospitality is well-known locally as a result of Limerick man Tom Moran from Athea.

Tom died in March of 2023 aged 72. The businesses are now being run by his family. During his career, which spanned more than 50 years. He was synonymous with the landmark Red Cow Moran Hotel in Dublin, and a one-time sponsor of the Limerick GAA teams.

A spokesperson for Moran Hospitality said:

We are delighted to acquire The Savoy Collection, a portfolio that holds a special place in Limericks hospitality landscape. As a family with deep roots in the region, this investment is both professionally exciting and personally meaningful. We look forward to working with the existing team to build on the strong foundations already in place and to continue delivering exceptional experiences for guests.

The owners added:

We are delighted to be passing The Savoy Collection into the hands of Moran Hospitality, a family with a genuine connection to Limerick. We have every confidence they will honour the legacy of the business while driving it forward into the future.

They also paid tribute to the wider network that supported the business:

We would like to acknowledge and thank our fantastic local suppliers and partners who have played such an important role in our journey. Their quality, reliability, and shared commitment to excellence have been integral to our success.

The owners also expressed their sincere gratitude to their dedicated team and loyal customers:

Our staff, past and present, have been the backbone of our success, and we are deeply thankful for their commitment and professionalism. To our guests and the wider community, thank you for your continued support over the years  it has meant everything to us.

Since its establishment, The Savoy Collection has been a defining presence in Limericks hospitality landscape, setting a benchmark for luxury accommodation, vibrant city-centre experiences, and high-quality dining. Over nearly two decades, the collection has built a reputation for exceptional service, warm hospitality, and strong ties to the local community.
THE family of Limerick woman Scarlett Faulkner have shared a hopeful update on her condition as doctors continue the process of reducing her sedation.

Scarlett, 29, from the northside of Limerick city, remains in intensive care after she was violently assaulted at the side of the R494 road in Birdhill on March 21. She was attacked by individuals armed with weapons.

In a new update revealed in a video on social media, Josephine (Joanne) Duffy, the partner of Scarlett's brother Thomas explained that medical teams are gradually reducing Scarletts sedation  a critical step in assessing her brain function.

When they were trying to reduce the sedation, the brain was swelling, Josephine said. So theres three different sedations to keep her sedated.

READ MORE: UPDATE: I know God has bigger plans for you - sister of Limerick mum Scarlett Faulkner

She shared that doctors successfully reduced one of the sedations on Wednesday without triggering further swelling.

"They'll do that daily for the next seven to 10 days and then they will know the result, and hopefully, Scarlett will wake up."

Speaking on Thursday, Josephine said: "Yesterday was one sedation, today will be a little bit of the other sedation and it will go on like that."

Josephine added that she feels the update is "good news" because the brain isn't swelling and appealed to people to continue praying for Scarlett.

"I really think that the prayers are working so please everyone continue to pray and with the help of God in 10 days time we'll get very good news."

A woman and a 16-year-old girl appeared before Tipperary District Court in Thurles on Wednesday, charged in connection with the serious assault of Scarlett Faulkner.
DAIRYGOLD Co-Operative Society has awarded two undergraduate bursaries to Limerick students undertaking the Bachelor of Agricultural Science degree at University College Cork (UCC).

The course is based in UCC's School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences with input from across the university, and in partnership with Teagasc.

This years recipients are Patrick Kirby, from Killeedy, and Cian Walters, from Ballysimon, both Bachelor of Agricultural Science students at UCC.

The students will receive an annual bursary for the duration of their four-year undergraduate studies and will also be offered the opportunity to conduct their 12-week industry placement with Dairygold.

READ NEXT: Charity calf sale to take place at mart in memory of popular Limerick auctioneer

Michael Harte, Dairygold Chief Executive, said: Dairygold has been supporting students through the Dairygold Bursary for the past seven years. Through initiatives like the Dairygold Bursary, we are investing in the future of our industry, encouraging new thinking, strengthening capability, and developing the agri business leaders of the future.

This bursary plays an essential role in building the skills and expertise our sector will rely on in the years ahead. By recognising and supporting students like Patrick and Cian, we drive positive change and innovation within the industry, and I wish them all the best in their future studies.

Professor Frank Buckley, Head of Agricultural Science and academic director of the Agricultural Science degree programme at UCC, thanked Dairygold for their continued generosity and foresight in providing this fantastic award which aims to identify emerging young talent and contribute to the development of the next generation of leading agri-professionals.

Our ambition from the outset has been to attract Irelands brightest and best, and as evidenced by demand for the course, and the calibre of students attracted, we are certainly succeeding in this regard, and excited for the future.

"The course provides our students with unique opportunities to be immersed in best practice, deepening their knowledge, opening up opportunity, and forming a key part of their personal and professional development. Congratulations to Patrick and Cian, and Id like to wish them well in their studies at UCC, he said.

Delivered by UCC in partnership with Teagasc, Agricultural Science at UCC provides students with the most up-to-date research curriculum, delivered first hand by the experts who are recognised both nationally and internationally.

In addition, it provides access to many of Ireland's most profitable, sustainable and in many cases award-winning dairy farmers, for regular field-based training and an 18-week dairy work placements and a 12-week individually tailored industry placement.

Professor Laurence Shalloo, Head of the Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Programme, Teagasc, added: Globally, we face a challenge to feed a population that is projected to exceed 9 billion by 2050. To meet this challenge, the agri-food sector and agricultural professionals need a strong technical, agronomic and environmental knowledge base to ensure the production of safe, nutritious food products, while protecting the environment.

"This degree is especially tailored to attract those individuals with a particular passion for dairying and provides a rigorous understanding of the science of agriculture, the business of farming and sustainability, that is necessary to underpin the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of Irish dairying and the wider agri-food industry.

Professor Antony Knights, Head, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences said: We are grateful to Dairygold for their ongoing support and recognition of our students through this bursary programme.

"It is a testament to the quality and relevance of our curriculum, which combines scientific rigour with practical skills and industry exposure. I wish Patrick and Cian every success in their studies and their future careers."
LESS than 50 women used the Danu Suite at University Maternity Hospital Limerick (UMHL) during labour last year, sparking concerns about access to the specialised birthing facilities.

At a recent meeting of the Regional Health Forum Mid West, Councillor Elisa O'Donovan asked the HSE for the number of people that laboured in the Danu Suite in the last three years and whether births will be considered in the suite in future plans for UMHL.

Read next: Fast food wars: Restaurants object to new Limerick city takeaway

In a written response, Ian Carter, CEO of Mid West Acute and Older People Services, HSE Mid West, said the Danu Suite provides a calm, supportive environment for women during labour, with facilities designed to promote comfort and mobility, including a birthing pool, shower, birthing balls, and floor mats.

He outlined that over the past three years, 95 women used the suite in 2023, 65 in 2024, and just 48 in 2025.

Mr Carter said: "Many women made use of the comfort measures available in the suite, such as the pool, shower, sling, birthing stool, birthing balls and mats."

"In some cases, women were transferred to another room if complications arose or if they requested epidural analgesia. At present, women can labour in the pool in the Danu Suite; however, births do not currently take place in the pool." he concluded.

In a social media post following the meeting, Cllr O'Donovan said that these figures are "deeply concerning" as out of 3,831 mothers who gave birth in Limerick last year, just 48 women were able to use the Danu Suite during labour.

She expressed that this "raises real questions about access and whether this important facility is being fully utilised for the benefit of mothers and families in Limerick."
AHEAD of the Easter bank holiday weekend, HSE Mid-West is encouraging the public to familiarise themselves with all local community and hospital options available to meet their healthcare needs.

The Emergency Department at University Hospital Limerick (UHL) remains exceptionally busy. Average daily attendance for March was 276, continuing the trend of persistently high attendances this year.

With activity at this level, HSE Mid-West is advising everyone with care needs this weekend to consider all alternative care options, where appropriate care may be accessed without the need to attend the ED.

GP out-of-hours services and local pharmacies may be a more appropriate option to consider instead of attending ED. GPs can also refer patients directly to Medical Assessment Units, which are open seven days a week at Ennis, Nenagh and St Johns hospitals.

READ MORE: Hospital reveals plans for multi-million euro expansion of clinic in Limerick

Shannondoc and Limerickdoc provide urgent out-of-hours medical services when your GP surgery is closed. They are available from 6pm on Thursday, April 2 to 8am on Tuesday, April 7 at 8am. Shannondoc can be contacted on 0818 123 500 and Limerickdoc on 087 7551570. Visit HSE.ie for more information.

If you are unsure which GP out-of-hours service to contact, please check with your own GP surgery and a voice recording will direct you to your out-of-hours service.

Pharmacists are qualified healthcare professionals who can give you advice on minor illnesses and direct you to the most appropriate service. Find contact details for local pharmacies on the HSE website here. Some pharmacy practices in the Mid-West are offering extended opening hours this Easter bank holiday weekend. Call your local pharmacy to check availability and services near you.

Hospitals in the Mid-West have enhanced and expanded local access to urgent care facilities and medical assessment units as alternates to the ED. The injury units and medical assessment units in Ennis, Nenagh and St Johns Hospitals are managing approximately 1,300 patients per week.

Injury Units are open 8am to 8pm every day, including over the bank holiday weekend for walk-in treatment of minor injuries such as breaks, sprains and burns. Patients are typically seen and treated in under two hours. You do not need an appointment to attend an Injury Unit, and if youre referred by a GP you will not have to pay the 75 fee. If you are unsure where to go, ring any Injury Unit and the expert team can advise you.

St Johns Injury Unit (8am-8pm), Limerick City, 061 462132

Ennis Injury Unit (8am-8pm), 065 686 3121

Nenagh Injury Unit (8am-8pm), 067 42311

Medical Assessment Units are open 16 hours a day, 8am to 12 midnight, seven days a week. They provide a direct referral option for GPs to secure prompt assessment and treatment of medical patients who otherwise might have presented to the ED.

For people who have private healthcare insurance, Laya Healthcare and VHI have walk in Urgent Care Centres in Limerick that treat minor injuries and illnesses. They also offer online doctor consultations and a 24/7 Nurseline. Further details are available on their websites.

The Emergency Department at UHL is open 24/7 for the most acute and life-threatening conditions. With the ED experiencing high attendances in the run-up to the holiday weekend, the HSE are working to maximise patient flow in the acute hospitals and across the healthcare system in the region.
Funding of one million euro has been announced for 13 community and voluntary organisations across the island of Ireland.

The Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) has confirmed the awards totalling more than 850,000, through the PeacePlus Change Maker Funding Programme.

The 13 newly funded initiatives cover a broad range of themes, including youth development, arts and cultural exchange, environmental stewardship and sport.

In Northern Ireland, funded projects include environmental restoration along Lough Neagh and Inishowen rivers, crosscommunity youth programmes through sport in Antrim, and arts initiatives in Londonderry tackling racism and social inclusion.

In the Republic of Ireland, projects range from community integration programmes in Monaghan to digital and creative skills for young women in Dundalk, and intergenerational naturebased initiatives linking children and older people in Donegal.

SEUPB chief executive Gina McIntyre said: I want to congratulate all 13 organisations receiving support through the PeacePlus Change Maker Funding Programme.

Each has developed a thoughtful, communitycentred proposal that places crosscommunity and/or crossborder engagement at its core.

These projects reflect the leadership, resilience and creativity that exist across our region, and address a local need identified.

I encourage other groups to explore this opportunity and apply before June 30.

The Change Maker fund is designed to be flexible, accessible and wellsupported, empowering grassroots organisations to help build relationships, confidence and connection where it is needed most.

The Change Maker Funding Programme provides flexible grants of up to 100,000 euro designed to support peopletopeople projects that build meaningful relationships, strengthen local connections and encourage co-operation across traditional community divides.
Norma Sheahan, one of Irelands leading dramatic actors, returns to the Lime Tree with her sell-out performance of Willy Russells effervescent and iconic character Shirley Valentine.

I love performing at the Lime Tree. Ive done The Matchmaker and Angelas Ashes here also. Shirley Valentine is a dream role that fills the soul, and the writer has made some changes to set the story in Munster for me.

Meet Shirley, a 45-year-old housewife, trapped in a dreary marriage and humdrum life. As she prepares her husbands dinner  egg and chips  Shirley wonders when she lost her hopeful, youthful self.

Feeling isolated, she resorts to full-blown (although somewhat one-sided) conversations with her kitchen wall and dreams of excitement beyond her grim role as St. Joan of the fitted units.



So, when an unexpected chance to travel to Greece appears, Shirley takes a leap, digs deep into her flagging confidence and discovers its never too late to reclaim your dreams, your joy, and yourself.

"Shirley Valentine is so relatable for me because the character reignites the spark she had before marriage and kids, and she starts living life to the max again.

"I think its so important to keep to the craic levels high to stay youthful. I find that men and women of all ages are moved by Shirley's message to get busy living or get busy dying."



Shirley Valentine was first performed in 1986, this production marks the 40th Anniversary of the play. The Lime Tree is part of its nationwide tour which includes a week in The Gaiety Theatre Dublin.

Shirley Valentine has won an Olivier Award for Best Comedy, a Tony Award for Best Play, and inspired an Oscar-nominated film.

So stop talking to the wall and treat yourself to a hilarious night of triumph and rediscovery.

Shirley Valentine

Starring Norma Sheahan

Directed by Michael Scott

April 17

Lime Tree Theatre Limerick

One night only!

*Sponsored Content
Sowmya is a senior correspondent covering retail, FMCG, corporate strategy, and consumer technology, with a focus on how companies navigate demand, competition, and shifting consumption patterns across both urban and emerging markets. She reports on business decisions through both breaking news and long-form stories.<br><br>An alumna of the Asian College of Journalism, she has reported on a range of consumer-facing industries, including e-commerce, healthcare, and startups. Her work focuses on understanding how companies grow, compete, and adapt in a changing economic environment, as well as how broader trends translate into everyday consumption and business outcomes.<br><br>She is particularly interested in how business decisions show up in everyday consumer experiences, and often looks at trends through the lens of how they play out on the ground.<br><br>Prior to her current role, Sowmya was part of the editorial team at YourStory, where she covered startups and entrepreneurship. She has also worked on longform stories at The Morning Context and reported on technology at The Hindu in Chennai, gaining experience across different formats and newsrooms.<br><br>Her reporting aims to be accurate and accessible, with an emphasis on context and careful sourcing. She is particularly interested in stories that sit at the intersection of business strategy and consumer behaviour.<br><br>Based in Bengaluru and always curious about evolving consumption trends, she is often exploring new coffee and kombucha spots, both as a personal interest and a way to observe how consumer preferences are taking shape on the ground.

Vaeshnavi Kasthuril

Vaeshnavi reports on the business of consumption from Bengaluru, tracking how India shops, eats, and clicks. As a correspondent with Mints consumer economy team, she covers sectors ranging from retail and food and beverage to the rapid rise of quick commerce. She is a 2025 graduate of the Asian College of Journalisms Bloomberg Business and Finance programme. She joined the Mint newsroom in May 2025 and this is her first stint in journalism. She holds a bachelor's degree in accounting and finance from the University of Madras. Vaeshnavi loves storytelling and breaking down complex jargon and numbers to bring out insightful yet simple-to-understand narratives. She is a Malayali but has spent most of her life living in Chennai. During her school days, she was an avid debater and loved participating in anything that involved holding a mic and standing on stage talking to a room filled with people. A diehard SRK fan, she can be found vibing to Indie music and Bollywood songs in her free time. She is a self-confessed cold coffee addict who wont let a day pass without one, and is always cafe-hopping in search of the citys best brew.
Jas Bardia

Jas Bardia is a Bengaluru-based business journalist covering Indias information technology (IT) services sector and Global Capability Centres (GCCs). Known for his investigative depth and attention to detail, Jas has a knack for breaking stories on leadership shifts, high-stakes deals, and evolving industry trends long before they hit the mainstream. If the news is anything IT-related, chances are this author has broken it. Before joining Mint in November 2023, Jas honed his financial reporting skills at Bloomberg News in Mumbai, where he covered bonds and currencies following his graduation from the Asian College of Journalism. When he isnt chasing his next exclusive, Jas is likely scouting the citys newest culinary spots, cool events, or is immersed in the electric atmosphere of a Bengaluru FC match at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium. Jas has an eye for detail, an ear for history, and a weakness for a great cologne, and values a good conversation as much as a good lead. If you want to talk about your favourite war movie, funny drunk stories, or a supposed scam/wrongdoing in a company, get in touch with him at jas.bardia@livemint.com.
HDFC Bank is not mulling legal action against former part-time Chairman Atanu Chakraborty, who resigned from the company in an unprecedented move last month, citing ethics and values.

According to a report by ET Now citing people familiar with the knowledge of the discussions, HDFC Bank is unlikely to seek damages from Chakraborty despite an alleged impact on its reputation.

Livemint was not able to verify the authenticity of the report. This article will be updated if HDFC Bank releases an official statement.

The ET Now report further said that HDFC Bank will focus on an internal review rather than seeking a litigation.

While the chances to seek damages from Chakraborty is unlikely at the moment as per the report, HDFC Bank's Board of Directors has mandated external law firms to independently examine governance processes, accountability and internal controls. This decision comes amid the lender's push to strengthen its governance mechanism and oversight framework.

HDFC Bank appoints external law firms Days after Atanu Chakraborty's resignation on 18 March, HDFC Bank appointed two domestic and one international law firm to conduct an investigation and review the ex-chairman's letter.

Wadia Ghandy & Co, and Trilegal were the two domestic firms that had been appointed.

The domestic firms Trilegal and Wadia Ghandy & Co have been asked to report on the governance standards followed at the bank, according to sources cited by Reuters.

The firms will study minutes of past board meetings to see if there is any truth in the differences over "values and ethics" cited in the letter from Chakraborty, who stepped down last week, one person told Reuters.

Why did Atanu Chakraborty resign? In an interview with CNBC TV18, Atanu Chakraborty revealed that the misselling of the AT-1 bonds, which led to a rap from the regulators, and under-performance of HDFC Bank were the primary reasons behind his shock resignation.

Personal differences with the management are "overblown" and it was not the issue by a long distance, Chakraborty mentioned, adding that "incongruence" on values and ethics led him to step down.

He revealed that the misselling of the AT-1 bonds were viewed as a technical issue by the management, and action came after eight years of Indian and Dubai regulators raising the issue.

I feel that these conduct issues (arising out of the misselling) should not arise... tight supervision should ensure that even if they arise, they're nipped in the bud. However, if they are termed as technical, it leaves a little bit of a leeway, he said.

He also rued that underperformance of HDFC Bank was another reason behind his resignation. He cited the share prices staying low, lower share of the cheaper current and saving account deposits and high cost to income ratio as the reasons.

He also said it is the duty of independent directors like himself to ensure better performance for the bank.

Appointed part-time chairman in April 2021 and reappointed in May 2024 through May 4, 2027, Chakraborty oversaw HDFC Bank's $40-billion merger with mortgage lender HDFC Ltd, creating a financial services behemoth.
Microsoft announced on Friday that it will invest 1.6 trillion yen ($10 billion) over the next four years as part of the tech giant's Asia-wide push to expand artificial intelligence infrastructure in the region that has seen exponential demand.

Microsoft, the world's largest software maker, will develop cloud and AI infrastructure along with Sakura Internet Inc. and telecom operator SoftBank Corp.

Here is everything you need to know about Microsoft's investment in Japan.

Microsoft's Japan investment plans  What's in it? The investment made by Microsoft in Japan will see the company training 1 million engineers and developers by 2030, it said. The plan was unveiled during a visit to Tokyo by Vice Chair and President Brad Smith. Additionally, Microsoft will also invest in cybersecurity partnerships.

Microsoft will collaborate with domestic firms, including Sakura and SoftBank, to expand Japan-based AI computing capacity, with the companies supplying graphics processing units and other computing resources.

Also Read | A pivotal battle is brewing over India Incs adoption of GenAI

According to Microsoft, the partnership with the domestic companies will ensure that companies and government agencies can keep sensitive data and information within the country while also gaining access to Microsoft Azure services.

It will also deepen cooperation with Japanese authorities in sharing intelligence on cyber threats and crime prevention.

Microsoft's statement comes as the company's President, Brad Smith, met with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. In its statement, Microsoft said the plan aligns with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's goal to boost growth through advanced, strategic technologies while safeguarding national security.

Why Microsoft is choosing Japan for its investment The US-based tech giant is battling Amazon and Google parent Alphabet for dominance in Japan, which is spending billions to develop a robust AI ecosystem and catch up to the US and China.

Japans adoption of AI has accelerated since 2024, with around one in five working-age people using generative AI tools, Microsoft said, citing its own data.

Japan faces a projected shortfall of more than 3 million AI and robotics workers by 2040, according to government estimates.

Microsoft to invest over $6.5 billion in Singapore, Thailand Earlier this week, Microsoft pledged to invest $5.5 billion in Singapore over the next three years to support the countrys artificial intelligence industry.

In a statement on 1 April, the US giant said it will use the funds to build out cloud and AI infrastructure and support ongoing operations in the city-state. It also plans to offer free AI tools to students.

Also Read | Market cap of the Magnificent 7 stocks of US stock market dips $1.72 trillion

Were focused on helping people and organizations use AI by strengthening skills, increasing cybersecurity and resilience, and advancing trusted governance so technology delivers real benefits for Singaporeans, Microsoft President Brad Smith said in the statement.

Earlier on 31 March, the company said it plans to invest more than $1 billion in cloud and AI data centre infrastructure and operations in Thailand over the next two years.

As demand for artificial intelligence heats up, tech giants are racing to invest billions of dollars in Southeast Asia, attracted by a growing plugged-in user base.
WASHINGTON (AP)  A California dairy producer that health authorities have been investigating amid an ongoing outbreak of E. coli is recalling some of its raw cheese products, after initially refusing to do so.

Raw Farm of Fresno, California, said Thursday it is voluntarily recalling more than a half-dozen varieties of its cheddar cheese made from raw milk. The recalled batches carry expiration dates spanning from May 2026 to September 2026.

Interest in and sales of raw milk have been rising in recent years, fueled by social media and growing support from the Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s Make America Healthy Again movement. Raw milk has not been pasteurized, which kills germs like E. coli, salmonella, listeria and campylobacter.

The Food and Drug Administration began investigating cases of E. coli food poisoning among people who had reportedly consumed the company's products last month and previously requested a recall.

In an update last week, the FDA said it was conducting an inspection of the company's facilities but had not found positive testing for E. coli bacteria among the company's products.

Raw Farm reiterated that point in its announcement Thursday and added that it was conducting its recall under protest and in order to chart a path forward.

This voluntary recall is limited to Raw Farm-brand cheddar cheese, and no other products are being voluntarily recalled, the company said.

The FDA has the authority to order food companies to recall their products when there is a reasonable risk of serious injury or death, but the agency must first give the company the opportunity to voluntarily comply.

The FDA said last week that nine people, including children, have been sickened in the expanding outbreak.

Of eight people interviewed by health officials, seven reported consuming Raw Farm-brand products, according to the FDA. Two people in 2025 reported drinking Raw Farm milk and five people in 2026 said they ate or were served Raw Farm raw cheddar cheese.

Genetic sequencing of E. coli strains from sick people show that they are all closely related, indicating people in the outbreak share a common source of infection, the FDA said.

The federal government does not allow the sale of unpasteurized milk across state lines for human consumption. States have widely varying regulations regarding raw milk, with some allowing retail sales in stores and others allowing sale only at farms. Some states allow so-called cowshares, where people pay for milk from designated animals, and some allow consumption only by farm owners, employees or non-paying guests.

___
Shouvik Das

Shouvik has been tracking the rise and shifts of Indias technology ecosystem for over a decade, across print, broadcast and web-first platforms. He's been a tinkerer of machines and PCs since childhood, a habit he was thrilled to convert into his profession. This has led him to fascinating experiences of technologies around the world, which is what keeps him hooked to his job.<br><br>Shouvik likes to believe that he is one of the few technology journalists in India who can also code. He has also been writing about the rise of AI well before it became a household name, and has met some of the most fascinating people over the years through his work.<br><br>Shouvik writes about AI, Big Tech, data centres, electronics, semiconductors, cybersecurity, gaming, cryptocurrencies, and consumer technologies. He is most fond of the stories he has written during his time here at Mint, for which he also writes 'Transformer', a weekly technology newsletter, and hosts 'Techcetra', a weekly technology podcast.<br><br>Outside of work, Shouvik spends most of his time with Pixel, whom he believes is the world's best dog. He is also an avid reader, a toy collector, a gamer and a frequent traveller.
Akriti Anand

Akriti Anand is a Deputy Chief Content Producer at LiveMint. She is a digital journalist with more than six years in the news industry.<br><br> In her current role, she covers both national and international politics, and also keeps a close watch on the latest trends in science and space exploration. <br><br> Akriti joined the LiveMint team in October 2023. Before this, she built a strong career at other major media houses. She worked as a senior sub-editor at India Today. Later, she moved to CNBCTV-18. There, she covered high-pressure topics like breaking news and major elections. She spent much of her time analysing Parliament bills and complex political debates. She is also a skilled editor who knows how to polish a story for a digital audience. <br><br> One of her career highlights happened at CNBCTV-18. She made her first television debut during the Chandrayaan-3 mission. She also provided special on-air coverage for the Karnataka Elections. <br><br> When she is not busy with breaking news, Akriti loves to write explainers and interview experts on a wide range of issues. She also enjoys making complex space missions easy for everyone to understand. <br><br> Her education helps her tackle these diverse subjects. She holds a BA in English Literature, a Postgraduate Diploma in Mass Communication, and a Masters degree in Development Studies. She is currently expanding her knowledge in climate journalism.<br><br> Connect with Akriti here<br> LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/akriti-anand-868285199">https://www.linkedin.com/in/akriti-anand-868285199</a><br> Twitter/X: <a href="https://x.com/AkritiAnand7">https://x.com/AkritiAnand7</a><br> Email: akriti.anand@htdigital.in
View full Image View full Image Irans ability to control the Strait of Hormuz has become its biggest leverage against the U.S.

AL JEER, United Arab EmiratesOil tankers, container ships and bulk carriers shimmer all over the horizon to the left of the windswept beach here at the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz. They have been bottled up in the Persian Gulf ever since the U.S. and Israel launched the war on Iran more than a month ago.

To the right, with the Iranian coast only 40 miles away, the dark-blue sea is completely empty. Only a handful of vessels a day manage to cross the Strait of Hormuz, down from well over a hundred before the war. They take a circuitous route through Iranian territorial waters, often paying the Iranian regime a hefty toll.

Tehrans ability to control this international waterway, through which one-fifth of the worldwide oil supply used to pass, has become Irans biggest leverage against the U.S., its Gulf neighbors and the global economy. Whether the war ends in a success or defeat for Iran depends first and foremost on whether Tehran emerges from this conflict still holding the straitand, with it, the keys to the worldwide energy markets.

To the Iranians, the Strait of Hormuz now matters more than the nuclear program. The nuclear program was symbolic, but didnt provide them with any deterrence, said Vali Nasr, a professor at Johns Hopkins University and former senior State Department official who has been involved in informal discussions with Iranian representatives. Now, the only reason why they are surviving this war is because of the strait. The Iranian thinking is that, at the end, the strait must remain under their control because it is their only deterrence and only source of revenue.

View full Image View full Image Cargo ships near the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Ras al-Khaimah in the U.A.E.

Indeed, the Iranian regime has announced very ambitious plans for the Strait of Hormuz. The Iranian Parliaments national-security commission has already advanced new legislation that would require passing vessels to pay for the privilege, and that would bar from the Persian Gulf any non-friendly countries. This is a lever through which Tehran hopes to force European nations, Japan and others to drop economic sanctions against itwhile also permanently expelling the U.S. Navy from the Gulfs waters.

Trump has finally achieved his dream of regime changebut in the regions maritime regime. The Strait of Hormuz will certainly reopen, but not for you: it will be open for those who comply with the new laws of Iran, said the parliament commissions chief, Ebrahim Azizi.

While Iranian officials compare the proposed toll system to the practice of the Suez Canal, which generates billions of dollars each year for Egypt, these two waterways are fundamentally different under international law. The Strait of Hormuz is a natural passage, not a man-made canal running through sovereign territory. Iran owns only one shorewith Omans Musandam exclave sitting on the other.

There is no conceivable legal argument for why Iran would be able to regulate commercial shipping on Omans side of the maritime boundary, said James D. Fry, an expert on international maritime law and professor at the University of Hong Kong Faculty of Law.

President Trump has sent mixed signals about his intentions. In his speech on Wednesday, he said the U.S. doesnt import oil from the Gulf, and that those nations that doin Europe and Asiashould be the ones reopening the Strait of Hormuz. They must grab it and cherish it. They can do it easily, he said. In any event, he added, once the war is over, the strait will open up naturally.

Hours earlier, in a Truth Social post, Trump also said the U.S. will be blasting Iran into oblivion until the strait is open, free and clear. He has already dispatched thousands of Marines and soldiers to the Middle East, units that could be used in a ground operation to force the reopening of the strait. Any such operation, if ordered, would risk significant casualties, considering that Iran relies on drones, missiles and small speedboats to strike vessels that attempt to defy its blockade.

Ending the war in the near future while Iran still controls the crucial waterway would be a geopolitical disaster for Americas allies and partners in the Middle East and beyond, said Hasan Alhasan, a senior fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies and a former national-security official in Bahrain.

Iran would be able to enforce selective sanctions on whomever it wants and whenever it wants, and essentially hold the flow of shipping through the strait at risk if it desires to do so, Alhasan said. This would ensure indefinite Iranian leverage over the Gulf states economies and over global energy security, and it would leave Iran in a state in which it is still capable of posing a threat, wounded, embittered, and in a hostile posture vis-a-vis most countries in the region.

Gulf states have attempted to mitigate the impact of the straits closure. Saudi Arabia has redirected part of its oil exports via a pipeline to the Red Sea port of Yanbu. The U.A.E. is shipping its oil to the port of Fujairah on the Gulf of Oman, a vast complex of oil and gas storage facilities that continue filling tankers despite fires caused by Iranian drone attacks in the early days of the war. Lines of idling trucks stretch several miles to the nearby U.A.E. port of Khorfakkan, which is picking up shipments that cant reach Dubai anymore.

View full Image View full Image The port of Fujairah on the Gulf of Oman comprises a complex of oil and gas storage facilities.

In U.A.E. villages near the Strait of Hormuz, such as Al Jeer, new posters show the Gulf monarchys ruler flanked by troops, jet fighters and helicopters. The statement I have strengthened you in the name of God, oh Homeland, is on billboards hanging from many homes.

So far, European and Asian nations have shown little appetite to join any U.S. military effort to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. French President Emmanuel Macron Thursday said a military option in the Hormuz is unrealistic, and freedom of navigation in the waterway can only be re-established through coordination with Iran.

Gulf Cooperation Council states such as the U.A.E. and Saudi Arabia possess significant naval and air forces of their own. But they, too, would be unlikely to fight Iran for the strait absent a major American intervention, diplomats and officials say.

Stilltogether with other regional parties, such as Turkey, Egypt and Pakistan, and the blessing of much of the international communitythese Gulf states could apply significant political and economic pressure on the Iranian regime to reopen the waterway for free passage. Even Russia, Irans closest ally, said this week that any arrangements for the Strait of Hormuz must be agreed by all the other littoral states of the Gulf.

View full Image View full Image Al Jeer in the U.A.E. is at the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran trying to enforce its control over the Strait of Hormuz once hostilities end would be akin to piracy, said Mehran Haghirian, director of research at the Bourse & Bazaar think tank. It would just lead to a complete isolation of the Islamic Republic beyond what it is right now. And in what world would the GCC states just sit back and allow their lifeline to be controlled by Iran? he said. The tension would be not just with the GCC states but with the entire international community, from Indonesia to Burkina Faso to Colombia, that all depend in one way or another on the Strait of Hormuz.

There is another, more practical, difficulty: Currently, Irans Islamic Revolution Guard Corps is considered a terrorist organization by many states, including the U.S. and members of the European Union. Financial transactions with Iran, including paying for the passage of Hormuz, are subject to U.S. sanctions that would deter major global shipping companies.

In this bizarre era of maritime protection money, shipowners will risk their ship if they dont pay Iranbut if they pay Iran, they risk their future in the global financial system, said Jason Chuah, professor of maritime law at the City University of London. What the Iranians are asking for is not just a transit fee but a loyalty test. Its a test that no commercial entity can hope to pass.
WASHINGTONOn Wednesday morning, Attorney General Pam Bondi descended the sun-splashed steps of the White House with President Trump, smiling at him just before entering the presidential limousine for a two-mile ride to the Supreme Court.

It was on that short ride in The Beast when Bondi learned she was being removed from her job.

During the drive, Trump told her, I think its time, she would later tell an associate.

The ensuing hours were as awkward and chaotic as Bondis 14-month tenure as the nations top law-enforcement official. Trump and Bondi briefly sat near each other during the Supreme Court hearing on birthright citizenship, but the president soon switched chairs. Later, Bondi would ask Trump if she could keep her job until the summer. The president declined.

Trump had decided earlier in the week that he was replacing her. He was frustrated she didnt do more to contain fallout from the departments handling of the Jeffrey Epstein investigative files and incensed that she had not successfully prosecuted a number of his political enemies. Trump has floated Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin as attorney general to other advisers but hasnt decided on anyone, according to White House officials. He is also interested in evaluating how soon-to-be interim Attorney General Todd Blanche performs, they said.

Bondi and Trump had talked about her leaving since around the beginning of the year, according to a person familiar with the discussions, and he had regularly expressed dissatisfaction with the speed at which she handled his agenda. She is expected to leave the Justice Department in about a month.

On numerous occasions, she seemed to go out of her way to appease him, launching what many prosecutors in the department viewed as weak probes of Trumps favored targets. Some of those cases were later blocked by judges or grand juries. The Justice Department even had a giant banner with Trumps face on it hung on its main building, an unprecedented move that illustrated his control over the agency. Last week, she appointed a prosecutor to look into allegations of election fraud in 2020 in a bid to address another gripe the president had.

It was never enough.

Some people close to Trump and Bondi say it wasnt a single issue that led to her dismissal but a steady drip of frustrations, including what Trump saw as a lack of positive news coverage on the Justice Department.

In addition to Zeldin and Blanche, other names have been floated as potential successors. They include U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has been previously mentioned for the job, but the term-limited governor has some high-profile detractors close to the president.

Thin ice Bondis eventual ouster built for months. Still the swiftness in which it camejust one month after he fired another cabinet member, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noemdelivered another shock through Washington. Trump had spent the first year of his presidency trying to avoid personnel shake-ups. Now he is contending with low approval ratings, increasingly dim midterm election forecasts, rising gas prices and the war in Iran.

The Wall Street Journal reported in January that Trumps frustration with Bondi was nearly constant. He had mused to allies that he was thinking of appointing special counsels to pick up some of the work he felt she wasnt doing. At one point, he showed White House visitors printouts of social-media posts from conservatives trashing his attorney general.

When one ally mentioned Bondis name in a casual setting at a sporting event in January, Trump unleashed into a diatribe immediately, saying she was doing a terrible job and expressing frustration he chose her for attorney general.

Earlier this year, Bondi rallied other senior figures in the administration and Congress to support her publicly and with Trump privately. This ultimately bought her more time largely because the president was personally fond of her, officials said. But he remained unhappy.

View full Image View full Image Bondi earlier this year rallied senior figures in Congress and the administration to support her publicly as well as with Trump privately.

The attorney general told others she constantly felt pressure from Trump to deliver more than was possible, and that some of his demands were outside of things she could do.

The president also regularly heard from outside advisers that Bondi wasnt aggressive enough. Two officials said the criticism sometimes came from Boris Epshteyn, the presidents personal lawyer who often speaks to Trump. Another administration official, Bill Pulte, often talked to Trump about cases the Justice Department could bring against his foes, the Journal has previously reported.

Trump had long envisioned more of a bulldog in the role; his first pick was former Matt Gaetz, the hard-charging former Florida congressman who became ensnared in an investigation into sexual misconduct and faced impossible odds at Senate confirmation. Bondi was a trusted fallback with an easy Southern demeanor and many years in public office. Still, she has been known to be sensitive to criticism. The Epstein controversy weighed on her especially, friends said. Some of that was her own doing, but at other times White House officials felt Bondi faced unfair attacks.

While Bondi has been stung by the dismissal she has been heartened by the support she has received and a flood of job offers, ranging from television to law, that have come in recent weeks as rumors grew. One possibility is she will join a firm and work on artificial intelligence.

Pam Bondi is a Great American Patriot and a loyal friend, who faithfully served as my Attorney General over the past year, Trump wrote on social media, avoiding the public vitriol he has used in past dismissals.

Reached by text on Thursday, Bondi replied with a short note: Its ALL so positive, alluding to her next role. When asked for comment, a White House spokeswoman referred to Trumps post.

Some White House officials tried to paper over any fallout between the two longtime friends. Bondi is scheduled to testify before Congress under oath April 14 about the Epstein case so she could soon be back in the news.

View full Image View full Image Bondi attends a House Judiciary Committee hearing on oversight of the Justice Department in February. Though stung by her dismissal, Bondi has been heartened by the support she has received and a flood of job offers

The Epstein files Bondi was narrowly confirmed by the Senate for her job, winning the backing of just one Democrat, John Fetterman of Pennsylvania. She shared Trumps view that the Biden administration had wielded the Justice Department to target him and other Republicans, and she promised to change course, saying it would be an independent branch of government that would not pursue political enemies.

This is not about targeting, she said at the CPAC convention in Maryland two weeks after becoming attorney general in February 2025. This is not about weaponization. This is about keeping America safe going forward and prosecuting violent criminals.

Bondi was a seasoned state prosecutor, having served as Floridas attorney general, but she had a habit of slip-ups. One day after her CPAC appearance, she suggested in a Fox News interview that she had a folder on her desk of Epsteins clients. Its sitting on my desk right now to review, she said. Thats been a directive by President Trump. Im reviewing that.

The comment excited many in Trumps base, who had believed for years that such a list existed and contained the names of powerful Democrats. (Bondi later said she was referring to Epstein files awaiting her review, not a specific client list.) They hoped Bondi would finally be the one to bring it to light. Senior White House aides had no idea what Bondi was talking about. That comment would haunt her. White House officials were again stunned when she handed out binders to social-media influencers at the White House. They began asking Bondi to secure approval before television hits related to Epstein.

She argued internally against releasing more information about the Epstein files, administration officials said, and told lawmakers it was just child pornography that nobody wants to see, said Rep. Thomas Massie, who met with Bondi in April 2025.

In July, the FBI and Justice Department said they wouldnt release more, setting in motion a chain of events that led Congress to pass a law mandating the department produce more. Trump blamed Bondi for keeping his relationship with Epstein in the news, even though he repeatedly denied wrongdoing and said the files exonerated him.

White House chief of staff Susie Wiles told Vanity Fair in a piece published in December that Bondi didnt appreciate how passionate some supporters were about the Epstein files.

Many conservatives never forgave Bondi, and Trump regularly raised her handling of the issue with top White House officials and allies, according to people familiar with the matter.

Despite the criticism, Wiles and Bondi maintained a friendship. At a recent White House event, Bondi was asking friends about Wiles, who had been diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer and is in treatment while still on the job. Pam is a brilliant, kind, thoughtful person and the next chapter of her life will be a wonderful one, Wiles said in an interview.

The Epstein case would lead to some of the biggest cracks that have yet formed in Trumps conservative coalition. A number of GOP lawmakers bucked the White House and demanded the Justice Department release all files related to the Epstein investigation, rebuking Trumps efforts to make his allies fall in line. And then the release of those documents, which included millions of records, created months of negative news for Democrats, Republicans and global political and business leaders. The scandals only grew.

View full Image View full Image A banner depicting President Trump hangs on the Justice Departments main building in Washington, D.C.

Prosecutions Bondi promised at the February 2025 CPAC convention that the weaponization of the Justice Department wouldnt continue. Yet soon she found herself under constant pressure to investigate and prosecute people Trump deemed to be his political enemies.

This list would include former FBI Director James Comey, New York Attorney General Letitia James, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, Sens. Mark Kelly (D., Ariz.) and Adam Schiff (D., Calif.), among others. Amid Trumps mounting frustration over the pace of the probes, the department also stepped up its scrutiny of other Trump targets, including former CIA Director John Brennan and left-wing organizations.

Trumps anger over prosecutions with Bondi wasnt contained in private. It accidentally spilled out in September when the president posted on social media what had been intended to be a private message for Bondi urging her to bring charges against Comey and other targets. We cant delay any longer, its killing our reputation and credibility, Trump wrote.

The post upset Bondi, who immediately began calling senior White House officials, allies and even Trump.

A number of federal prosecutors expressed reservations about launching criminal probes of Trumps perceived enemies based on what they viewed to be directives from the president, rather than strong evidence. The White House moved to install handpicked replacements who might be more accommodating. The tactic led to indictments against Comey and James, but both were dismissed by a judge who said the former Trump aide behind the cases, Lindsey Halligan, was unlawfully appointed as the interim U.S. attorney in eastern Virginia.

Pam Bondi used the machinery of federal law enforcement not to pursue justice, but to carry out political vendettas at the direction of the president, Rep. Jamie Raskin (D., Md.) said Thursday. Her firing today is long overdue, but it does not erase the damage done and it does not absolve her of accountability.

By the time Bondi was publicly ousted, she had left Washington. On Thursday, she was in her home state of Florida for a preplanned meeting with local sheriffs to promote a National Child ID Kit program.

This initiative will save lives and find kids, Bondi wrote on X, shortly after Trump had already said she was leaving government to take a still-undisclosed job in the private sector. Thats the most important thing law enforcement can do: protect the most vulnerable among us.
Iran is responding to the threat of a ground operation on its soil by stepping up defenses around its biggest oil port, while threatening to attack a wider array of targets around the Gulf and launching a mass recruitment drive reminiscent of its 1980s war with Iraq.

The steps come as President Trump has ordered thousands of Marines and Airborne troops to the Middle East. While the president hasnt said he plans to put boots on the ground, the deployments would give the U.S. more options for ground assaults or raids, and they have set off preparations and a wave of new threats from Iran.

Analysts and people familiar with Iranian military tactics say the country is gearing up for a fierce fight that could give it the chance to inflict more casualties than it can against the U.S. and Israels dominant air forces.

Tehran is also mobilizing its population in ways that seek to harness the spirit of the 1980s war with Iraq. They include drives to recruit millions of Iranians including childrena fixture of the tributes to martyrs via street signs and posters that are still a part of Irans daily life.

Iran is hardening defenses on Kharg island, Ebrahim Azizi, the head of the parliaments National Security Commission, told the legislatures news agency this week following a visit to the oil export hub and possible focus of any ground operation. Steps include boosting guided missile systems, laying mines along the coastline and booby-trapping facilities, an Iranian official said.

View full Image View full Image A satellite view of Iran's Kharg Island.

Military analysts say tunnels have likely been carved into many of the islands, which Iran is preparing to defend with missiles and other munitions. Iranian-backed militias in Iraq have demonstrated the use of wire-guided first-person view drones, which are possessed in greater numbers by Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, posing a potent threat to any U.S. troops.

The regime has signaled its defense will also involve spreading more pain around the region to dramatically raise the price of any attack. Tehran, which has successfully shut off most Gulf oil exports and hit facilities and airports, has told its neighbors it would expand its targets to offshore oil platforms if its islands are invaded, Iranian and Arab officials said. It has also threatened to hit vital infrastructure like power plants and desalination facilities.

Iran intends to make any U.S. landing as costly and politically unsustainable as possible, said Sanam Vakil, director of the Middle East and North Africa program at Chatham House, a London-based think tank. I expect Iran will try to swarm and inflict pain through drones first and then widening its retaliation to its neighbors.

Military analysts, including the New Lines Institute for Strategy and Policy in Washington, say Iran has around one million active and reserve troops. Among them are around 190,000 of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps motivated fighters.

While the bulk of the countrys forces are undertrained and equipped with inadequate arms that sometimes date back decades, they have the benefit of Irans mountainous terrain and years of working with regional militias in asymmetric fights against Israel and the U.S.

Forces deployed along Irans coastline have more extensive exposure to armed operations than those in the countrys interior, which hasnt seen direct combat since the war with Iraq.

View full Image View full Image Members of security forces look on during a funeral procession.

The Revolutionary Guards navywhich includes hundreds of small, fast boats armed with missiles, torpedoes and mineshas for years harassed vessels in the Persian Gulf and has intensified such attacks during the current conflict. In 2016, the Revolutionary Guards navy captured 10 U.S. sailors whose boats had steered too close to an Iranian island in the Gulf. It later released them unharmed.

Analysts weighing possible U.S. ground operations focus on an invasion of Kharg island, Irans main export terminal, in a move to seize the countrys oil. Other possible missions include taking Iranian islands in the Strait of Hormuz like Abu Musa, which is claimed by the United Arab Emirates, or a special forces raid to capture Irans stockpile of enriched uranium.

Chris Long, a former British Navy officer in the Persian Gulf, says he expects Iran to launch ballistic missiles and drones from military sites it has on Qeshm island in the Strait of Hormuz or Bushehr, the closest onshore port to Kharg, though it wouldnt be limited to those launch sites. Missiles targeting U.S. forces on Persian Gulf islands could be fired from almost anywhere in Iran, he said.

On the islands and from the nearby shores, Iranian troops in fortified tunnels would pound invading forces with cheap FPV drones and shoulder-mounted air defense missiles, said former Russian air force officer Gleb Irisov, who worked closely with Iranian forces when he was deployed in Syria.

There are no half-measures there, Irisov said. The U.S. needs to land over 100,000 troops on the whole shoreline to defend and protect these islands and the strait. All other ways will end up in massive American casualties.

Any U.S. operation to seize Iranian islands is more likely to further destabilize the Strait of Hormuz than secure it, said Mohammad Hassan Sangtarash, a Tehran-based defense analyst close to the Iranian government.

The government is also tightening up the home front. A resident in Isfahan said balaclava-clad security forces had set up new checkpoints in the central Iranian city and nearby towns over the weekend.

On Sunday, Iran launched a campaign called Janfada, or Sacrifice, to recruit volunteers to fight American forces, according to a text message sent to mobile subscribers in Iran. The Revolutionary Guard also says it is conducting a campaign to recruit volunteers as young as 12 to provide support services like cooking and medical care as well as to man checkpoints.

Defa Press, which is affiliated with Irans Defense Ministry, published a recruitment poster featuring a teenage boy and a veiled girl, both smiling. The U.S.-based nonprofit Human Rights Activists in Iran says it has received reports of children killed while staffing checkpoints.

Given the enthusiastic welcome of the dear people, we decided to create an environment where all interested parties can play a role in defending the homeland based on their expertise and capabilities, Rahim Nadali, the Revolutionary Guards deputy director for Culture and Arts, told Defa Press.

It is hard to know how many Iranians would join such campaigns. Fars news agency, which is affiliated with the Revolutionary Guard, put the total in the millions so far. Whatever the number, an invasion is likely to draw a nationalist response from across the countrys divided population.

Some high-risk poker is at play here, said Bob Harward, a retired Navy SEAL and a former deputy commander of the Central Command, which oversees the Middle East.

Azam Jangravi, an activist who fled Iran after protesting against the compulsory veil, said she initially favored the bombing campaign that targeted Irans leaders and security forces. But she said she changed her mind after Trump threatened to occupy Iranian islands.

Territorial integrity is a red line for most Iranians, whether they support the regime or oppose it, she said.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping has ousted a third member of the Communist Partys elite Politburo in less than six months, extending a withering purge that has scythed through the top echelons of power in Beijing.

Ma Xingrui, the top official in Chinas far-western region of Xinjiang from late 2021 to July last year, has been placed under investigation on suspicion of severe violations of party discipline and state laws, according to a brief statement issued by the partys top internal watchdog on Friday.

The statement didnt elaborate on Mas alleged wrongdoing. Ma, 66, couldnt be reached for comment.

Beijing ousted two other Politburo members, both senior generals who were Xis top military deputies, in October and January. The probe against Ma marks the first time the party has purged more than two Politburo members in the same term of office since the Mao Zedong era.

The Politburo now has 21 active members, down from the 24 men who started the current term in 2022.

Ma is also the latest in a series of senior officials with an aerospace background to be targeted in probes that have rocked Chinas defense industry over the past two years.

Xis crackdown on corruption and disloyalty helped secure his standing as Chinas most dominant leader in decades, providing means for him to elevate loyalists, sideline subordinates who owed their rise to predecessors and, more recently, remove some of his own proteges.

First launched to combat rampant corruption when Xi took power in 2012, the campaign has become an entrenched series of purges aimed at keeping officials loyal and on their toes. Party authorities disciplined 983,000 people last year, up 10.6% from 2024 and the highest annual total since the party started releasing such data about two decades ago.

Xi has signaled no letup in the crackdown. The struggle against corruption remains grave and complex, he told the partys top discipline enforcers in January. The task of eradicating the soil and conditions that breed corruption is still arduous.

Mas career had flourished under Xi. An aerospace scientist with an engineering doctorate, Ma was a key figure in Chinas space program before politics watchers linked him with the so-called aerospace clique or cosmos cluba loose grouping of officials who worked in state-run aerospace contractors before rising to senior roles in the Xi administration.

Analysts say the emergence of the cosmos club reflected Xis views on the aerospace sectors importance to his efforts to make China a technology and military superpower, as well as the merits of promoting officials with strong records in managing complex and challenging projects.

Some of these technocrats have been purged in the past two years amid a crackdown on graft in Chinas military and defense industry. Xu Dazhe, an aerospace-sector veteran who succeeded Ma as head of Chinas space agency before becoming a provincial leader, was dismissed from Chinas national legislature in Octoberan indication of political trouble.

Beijing removed Ma as Xinjiangs party secretary in July, installing a senior ethnic-affairs official to lead the Central Asian frontier region where about 12 million Turkic-speaking Muslim Uyghurs live. The party said at the time it had other assignments for Ma, without specifying.

In Fridays statement, party authorities described Ma as a Politburo member and deputy head of a party body overseeing rural policy.

Mas downfall coincided with investigations against officials with whom he had worked previously, including in Xinjiang and the southeastern metropolis of Shenzhen.

Authorities announced probes against two senior Xinjiang officials in November, including an executive vice chairman of the regional government. The party also placed some of Mas former subordinates in the Shenzhen municipal government and the chairman of a major property developer in the city under investigation in recent months.

Speculation over Mas fate intensified in recent months after he missed a series of high-level meetingsan unusual spell of absence for an official of his rank.

Ma spent his early career in academia, rising to vice president at the Harbin Institute of Technology before entering the aerospace industry. He was appointed as general manager at China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp., a manufacturer of space rockets and satellites. He then served as head of the national space agency in 2013, overseeing a lunar exploration mission that culminated in Chinas first moon landing with an unmanned vehicle.

Beijing moved Ma into regional politics in late 2013, naming him law-enforcement chief and deputy party secretary for the prosperous southeastern province of Guangdong. He went on to serve as Shenzhens party boss and Guangdong governor, the provinces No. 2 leader.

In 2021, Ma was appointed the party boss of Xinjiang, where separatist sentiment has simmered among Uyghurs for decades and occasionally flared into deadly attacks against symbols of Beijings authority and the countrys Han Chinese majority.

Mas predecessor Chen Quanguo, who took charge of Xinjiang in 2016, had overseen the creation of a high-tech security and surveillance dragnet across the region and directed a forced-assimilation campaign targeting Muslim minorities. The security campaign also featured mass-internment camps for political indoctrination, restrictions on religious practices, and policies that resulted in forced labor and family separations.

Under Ma, Xinjiang shifted focus toward economic development, such as by soliciting investment from other parts of China and abroad.

Mas removal from his Xinjiang post came amid a shake-up in Beijings approach to ethnic policies over the past year, marked by personnel changes, probes against some senior ethnic-minority officials, and the preparation of a new law, adopted in March, on promoting ethnic unity and progress. Xi himself visited Xinjiang and Tibet in 2025 to mark major anniversaries of Beijing giving some nominal political autonomy in those areas.
Vijay C Roy

Vijay C. Roy is a journalist with over 21 years of experience covering various news beats across different organisations such as Business Standard and The Tribune. In the past, he has covered beats such as finance, auto, MSME, commodities, FMCG, pharmaceutical, agriculture, IT/ITES, infrastructure and start-ups. He joined Mint in February 2025, and covers agriculture, food processing, fertilizers, environment and climate change, bringing over two decades of experience reporting on farm policy, food inflation, crop trade, and rural livelihoods.<br><br>Vijays areas of reporting include food security and climate change policies, focusing on their impact on different stakeholders and their implications. His expertise lies in simplifying complex agri-economic issues such as edible oil import dependence, cotton and wheat trends, fertiliser subsidies, and climate-related risks. He has covered key developments including global supply disruptions and evolving trade policies, offering both macroeconomic perspective and field-level context. Known for his credible and balanced reporting, he follows a rigorous, fact-based approach that prioritises accuracy and context. He is driven by a commitment to public interest, aiming to make critical agricultural and economic issues accessible while contributing to informed policy and industry discussions.
Ayaan Kartik

Ayaan Kartik is a Delhi-based journalist tracking the ever-growing world of automobiles and their components. With an experience of five years ranging from short-form news at Inshorts to longform journalism at Outlook Business magazine, he has dabbled into different storytelling formats. At Mint, he tries to regularly mix story styles, from longforms to crisp news stories. He has completed his graduation from Delhi University where he developed a liking for reading and writing about the world we live in today. Apart from automobiles, Ayaan likes to read up on geopolitics which has increasingly affected various sectors of the economy. Of all the promises journalism holds, he likes the fact that it allows a person to simply explain to readers about what is happening in the world. And what better sector than automobiles, which everyone since growing up has seen and felt connected to. Whether it is China's increasing grip on automobiles to growing affection for EVs in the country, Ayaan likes to connect his love for geopolitics and data to his stories as readers become more demanding on the types of stories they want.
Ananya Roy

Ananya Roy is the Founder of Credibull Capital, a SEBI-registered investment adviser, where she focuses on building disciplined, research-driven investment strategies for long-term wealth creation. A CFA charterholder with an MBA in Finance from a premier IIM and an engineering degree from NIT, she combines strong academic grounding with nearly 15 years of hands-on experience across the investment management spectrum.<br><br>Her career spans index construction, portfolio management, and private equity investing, giving her a 360-degree perspective on capital markets. Prior to founding Credibull Capital, she held key roles at Edelweiss, Reliance PMS, and Morningstar, where she was involved in fund management, equity research, and product development. This diverse exposure enables her to seamlessly connect macroeconomic trends with bottom-up stock selection.<br><br>Ananya is known for her ability to simplify complex financial concepts and translate them into actionable insights for investors. She writes extensively on the economy, market trends, regulatory developments, and personal finance, with her work also featured in leading publications such as Moneycontrol, The Economic Times, and Financial Express.<br><br>Deeply passionate about investing, she enjoys immersing herself in detailed industry analysis and company fundamentals, constantly seeking to uncover high-conviction opportunities. Her investment philosophy is rooted in patience, discipline, and a sharp focus on risk-adjusted returns.
Apoorva Ajith

Apoorva is a Mumbai-based journalist at Mint who covers the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), tracking the pulse of Indias capital markets, regulatory developments and the people who operate within them. She holds a postgraduate diploma in business and financial journalism from the Asian College of Journalism, where she developed a strong foundation in markets, companies, and economic policy. She began her journalism journey with an internship at Bloomberg, where she worked across beats such as real estate, infrastructure, capital markets, and deals, which helped her understanding of business and finance.<br><br>She is guided by the belief that everything in this world can be explained in simple and fewer words, and that idea shapes how she approaches her writing. She aims to cut through complexity and present nuanced regulatory and financial developments in a way that is both accessible and meaningful to readers.<br><br>When she is not tracking market chatter, Apoorva can usually be found deep into a fiction novel or out on a long run. She is also a trained classical dancer in Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattam, and Kathakali.
Hindustan Oil Exploration Company (HOEC)

The company was incorporated in 1983 at a time when private participation in Indias oil and gas sector was limited, marking one of the early private ventures in the industry. As one of the pioneer private players in the Indian E&P sector, HOEC has a portfolio consists of nine oil & gas blocks of discovered resources and one exploratory block, with a diverse geographical footprint in four out of seven producing basins in India.
Shares of Japanese firm Sakura Internet jumped over 20% Friday after Microsoft said it has begun discussions with the cloud company and SoftBank to develop artificial intelligence infrastructure in Japan.

Sakura Internet stock price surged as much as 20.27% to 2,967 JPY.

Microsoft said it will invest 1.6 trillion yen ($10 billion) in Japan between 2026 and 2029 to expand artificial intelligence infrastructure and deepen cybersecurity cooperation with the government.

The US technology giant added that it will collaborate with domestic firms, including SoftBank and Sakura Internet, to expand Japan-based AI computing capacity. This will enable companies and government agencies to keep sensitive data within the country while accessing Microsoft Azure services, Reuters reported.

The investment plan also includes training 1 million engineers and developers by 2030. The initiative was unveiled during Vice Chair and President Brad Smiths visit to Tokyo. In a statement, Microsoft said the move aligns with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichis objective of driving growth through advanced strategic technologies while strengthening national security.

Sakura Internet, which operates domestic data centres, along with telecommunications major SoftBank Corp., will partner with Microsoft to provide AI computing resources, including locally hosted graphics processing units (GPUs).

Sakura Internet Stock Price Performance Sakura Internet share price has gained over 3% in one month, and has rallied 7% on a year-to-date (YTD) basis. The Japanese stock has declined 16% in one year, but has delivered multibagger returns of 273% over the past five years.
Pranati Deva

Pranati Deva is a seasoned financial journalist with over a decade of experience in high-pressure newsroom environments, currently working as a Senior Sub Editor at LiveMint. Over the years, she has developed a reputation for sharp editorial judgement, a strong grasp of market dynamics, and the ability to translate complex financial developments into clear, engaging stories for a wide audience. <br><br> Her core areas of coverage include stock markets, leading listed companies, currencies, and commodities, with a particular strength in fast-paced, real-time market reporting. She is known for handling breaking market news, earnings-driven stock movements, and macroeconomic developments with speed, accuracy, and contextqualities that are essential in financial journalism. <br><br> Pranati has built a diverse and credible professional track record across some of Indias most respected news organisations, including MintGenie, CNBC-TV18, Business Standard and EconomicTimes.com. During her stints at these platforms, she produced data-driven market stories, curated and steered live blogs during volatile trading sessions, and conducted interviews with market veterans, fund managers, economists, and industry experts. Her work often combines on-ground reporting with analytical depth, helping readers make sense of daily market fluctuations and longer-term trends. An alumnus of the Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communications and Hansraj College, University of Delhi, Pranati brings a strong academic foundation to her journalism. She specialises in real-time financial reporting, with a keen focus on precision, balance, and insight, aiming to decode market movements in a way that is both informative and accessible to readers across experience levels.
Its about the towel. Anybody can look good in a bespoke tuxedo, but aspiring James Bonds traditionally have to audition by re-enacting the From Russia With Love scene where Sean Connery steps out of a hotel bathroom in his towel, finds a girl in his bed, and points his signature Walther PPK at her. That scene from the second 007 film has everything the franchise stands fordanger, sex, intrigue, Bond-girl and Bond gunand Daniel Craig, the last man to play Bond, says he wants his audition tape destroyed.

The audition is considerably less hairy for Shah Latif, a wannabe Bond actor sipping apple juice from a crystal glass and spouting a sanctimonious monologue about the importance of Intelligencea monologue understandably hard to deliver with a straight face. In the Amazon Prime comedy Bait, Latif is played by Riz Ahmed, the charismatic actor whose name was in the mix for Bond a decade or so agoor so bookmakers had us believe.

Also Read | Why the new James Bond should be... Sean Connery

Ahmed, who has also created the series, therefore has a unique vantage point on the hysteria that accompanies Bond-buzz, and gives us a show that questions not only how tall 007 needs to be but also whether the secret agenta British imperialist fantasy created in the Cold War eracan be perceived as a good guy any longer. When Latifs cousin Zulfikar says the words on His Majestys secret service, it immediately sounds wrong. Geopolitically speaking, we may have outgrown the ideal of a sharply dressed Englishman killing exotically named informants to help Britain and America carry on calling themselves Great and Great Again, respectively.

Not only is Shah Latif not James Bond, hes not even Dev Patel. Look how short he is, says an Indian lady on the street. Dev is tall, strong, handsome, our Gujarati hero. Nobody takes Latif seriously, least of all his own family, making him crave the life-altering spotlight the role holds. The actor flubs his audition but is caught leaving the studio by paparazzi cameras, sparking speculation about a brown Bond, which, according to his agent, is doing very well for the 18-34s, forcing the producers to give him another shot. (Or is it merely in order that he die another day?)

Craig Daniel mar gaya kya, saala? asks Latifs father Parvez, on hearing that his son might get the part. Cousin Zulfikar points out Latifs height and his horny meerkat face. His mother, meanwhile, starts making up stories about how Latif, as a little boy, would speak of wanting a licence to kill. All she really cares about, though, is hosting the upcoming Eid celebrations. Yet its not all biryani and roses. The idea of a Muslim man taking on one of the whitest characters in filmdom doesnt sit well with racist trolls, who fling a pigs head through the window of the Latif household. It is the work of terrorists but domestic ones, Latif tells the cops, lowering his voice. The white ones.

Bait is interesting whenever talking about race. When Zulfikarwho wants to start a community-driven taxi service for Muslimshears his cousin may be in the running for 007, he asks that the website be double-checked: If its BBC, we cant trust them. The director at a British museum offhandedly jokes, Anything borrowed has to be given back now, apparently. When Latif meets another brown Bond in the running, played by (the fabulous) Himesh Patel, he is struck by his empathy for the community. Are you Muslim? Latif asks. The other guy pauses, then asks, Arent we all, a little?

The show is less exciting when racing against the clock with Latif trying to track down lost passports or running across London streets with a severed pigs head. The plotting is convenient and relies on too many flashbacks for a tight series, six 25-minute episodes. By Amazon standards this is a passable bit of fun, but by British comedy standards, Bait isnt sharp enough or savage enough.

The ensemble is a cracking onehighlighted by Guz Khans Zulfikar who goes from upright cock-salute to deadpan expression in an instantbut weve seen these actors in much better things. Khans own show Man Like Mobeen is a thing of beauty; Sheeba Chaddha, who plays spirited but troubled mum Tahira, is one of our strongest actors; Ritu Arya, who plays Latifs ex-girlfriend, was unforgettable in Polite Society (JioHotstar); and Sajid Hasan, who steals many a scenes as Latifs father, is none other than the irrepressible Dr Irrfan from the iconic Pakistani TV drama Dhoop Kinare (1987).

Ahmeds own Four Lions is one of the finest satires this century, with four morons trying to enlist as mujahideen, a film so howlingly funny that I have to pause it repeatedly just to laugh.

Bait is great when people play off Ahmed, when his ex-girlfriend tells him he wont like a kebab because its chicken not lamb or when Latif is eager to classify his father as a pervert so long as its not in a fundo way. If anything, Bait suffers fromas one does not say about first-datestoo much Riz. Hes a talented actor with solid presence, but the show is indulgent and cheesy, often too infatuated with its own premise, and more time spent on the supporting players would have led to proper laughs. Still, it offers a view to a kill.

With Bond seeming increasingly passe, it might be more fun to beat up the hungover colonialist. Id love to see a brown Bond villain. The man with the golden achkan.

Streaming tip of the week: Last One Laughing UK (Amazon Prime) features many a great British comedian trying to make each other laughwhile not being allowed to. The second season includes returning champion Bob Mortimer, David Mitchell and Philomena Cunk herself, Diane Morgan. Delightful.
The first time I saw Chapal Bhaduri, it was hard to imagine him as a woman. A stocky man with a square face and thinning hair, dressed in kurta-pyjama, he looked quite avuncular. But I knew he was one of the last great female impersonators of the Bengali stage from the 1960s and 1970s, so famous he was known as Chapal Rani. Some simply called him Queen.

In his heyday even the Bengali superstar Uttam Kumar had apparently been completely fooled when he saw Bhaduri playing the mother of the 19th century poet Michael Madhusudan Dutt on stage. He asked to meet the actress and was dumbfounded when a man clad in trousers and shirt was brought to him.

I knew this story because it was one of the first anecdotes Chapal Bhaduri told me when I started interviewing him for a book about his life. It was a story he was proud of. More than any medal or award, for him this was the ultimate testimonial to his skill as an actor, a man who straddled genders with such elan. If only we had mobile phones then, I would have taken a selfie, he told me ruefully.

Also Read | How Chapal Bhaduri transformed into Chapal Rani

But in the last few weeks, watching the furious protests against the governments transgender bill, I have been thinking about that brief encounter between Bhaduri and Uttam Kumar differently. At that time there was no LGBTQ+ movement in India and yet somehow society accommodated a Chapal Rani who didnt fit in the gender binary. Uttam Kumar hugged him, held him close. Bhaduri spent decades in a relationship with a man, living ultimately in the same house as the man and his wife. The mans children called him C. When the mans daughter got married, Bhaduri was the one in charge of the wedding arrangements.

Now we live in supposedly more enlightened times. None other than the Supreme Court passed a judgement in 2014 recognising transgenders as a minority, honouring their right to self determination and instructing the government to look after their welfare. But the government, in the name of protecting the most vulnerable, removed that right to self-determination and constricted the definition of transgender so much that even trans men were erased from the picture. Something does not compute. We seem both more aware and yet more wilfully blind.

The governments obduracy is actually unsurprising. When the court orders it to ensure the welfare of a group, its in the governments economic self-interest to define who might be eligible as narrowly as possible. Especially with a census looming.

Bhaduri, now in his 80s, never identified as transgender. He doesnt care about pronouns. The pronouns in Bengali are not gendered anyway. He never wanted to dress as a woman off-stage. And yet he has always maintained that when he put on his lipstick, he did not just feel like a woman, he would forget that he had ever been a man. As I spoke with him over the years I realised I didnt know where to place him, what colour of the rainbow to assign him.

He was not transgender. Yet he could forget he was ever a man when onstage. He dressed as a woman for professional reasons but he was no drag queen. There was not a hint of camp in his performances. He had loved a man but didnt know words like gay. He worked as a chain man in the railways by day and danced as Marjina on stage at night and no one batted an eye. In fact his femininity, which should have made him an object of ridicule, became his trump card.

Also Read | Sandip Roy: The air we breathe cannot be a luxury

I realised that labelling him was wholly my problem. He didnt care which box I put him in. As our understanding of gender and identity has grown, we have added more boxes and more letters to the LGBTQIA+ alphabet soup to try and cover everyone. But somehow we have lost track of the fluidity that someone like Chapal Rani embodied. He was a reminder, as actor director Nandita Das told me, of the importance of the + in LGBTQIA+.

But as a society, fluidity makes us nervous. Fluidity feels like the great unknown, uncharted waters without land in sight. We feel safer when we can put people in clearly defined government-sanctioned boxes. But in the process we erase so much. In the book Globalizing through the Vernacular: Kothis, Hijras and the Making of Queer and Trans Identities in India (2025), Aniruddha Dutta recounts a story about how a member of the West Bengal Transgender Development Board dropped in at the office of a CBO in rural north Bengal.

She, like many members of these boards set up after the 2014 Supreme Court verdict, was a dominant caste metropolitan trans woman. The boards job was to help trans people with employment options. A member of the CBO recommended some Dalit kothis who did precarious informal work like weaving bamboo mats. Dutta writes the board member was dubious. She said, The kothis here are not exactly trans like you or me. Some, she pointed out were even in heterosexual marriages.

Long before the current law, Dutta demonstrates this push to create watertight compartments where transgender and MSM (men who have sex with men) become mutually exclusive categories without potential for overlap. But there was always overlap, there was fluidity, there was literally cross-dressing across these labels. An activist Anik tells Dutta about keeping a wig and padded bra in their bag. If they say this person looks gay, this person is MSM not TG (transgender) then Anik could put on the bra and wig and say Look, I was MSM, now I am coming here as TG, next time Ill come as hijra.

A desi friend in the US always identified as a cis-gender gay man. Until he fell in love with a woman who was in a lesbian relationship. She was about to transition into becoming a man. But they wanted children so she paused the process in order to have a child. My friend laughed and said his mother complained she had spent years trying to teach her cousins to be accepting of her sons male partner only now to be confronted with a pregnant woman at the family dinner. Thats why it feels ridiculous when the government tries to come up with a one-size-fits-all box to accommodate identities that have always lived outside the box.

Also Read | Sandip Roy: The Epstein files and the dangerous attraction of exclusivity

A Chinese-American woman I met recently in New York wondered if perhaps naming the boxes was part of the problem. She talked about the story of the cut sleeve in Chinese history where the emperor reportedly cut off the sleeve of his robe rather than wake his sleeping male lover. Emperors had empresses and same-sex lovers and it was somehow all acceptable, she said. Could it be that we were more tolerant of the other at a time when we did not have to find a box for everything and put everything in a box?

She had a point. It is in some ways easier to tolerate the other when we do not have to name it. It can exist in plain sight yet we do not need to acknowledge it if we choose not to. But then again without a name it also has no rights. It relies upon the kindness of strangers for its well-being. When Bhaduris relationship ended abruptly, he found himself out on the streets. The man who had been his partner for years chose not to give him even his old photographs. And there was nothing much Bhaduri could do.

Laws matter because they can give protection. There is and will be a fight against a law that humiliates and renders invisible the very people it is supposed to protect. But as much as the law tries to pin people down, it cannot completely eradicate the slippery fluidity that comes naturally to us.

We live our lives. The law at best tries to catch up. When I asked Chapal Bhaduri what he felt when the Supreme Court read down Section 377 which criminalised people like him, he said that he did not even know such a law existed when he was actually with his lover, doing the acts the law called criminal. Now I live in an old age home. My shop has been shut for a long time, he laughed. What do I care about the law?

Cult Friction is a fortnightly column on issues we keep rubbing up against.
Senior citizens who are earning income below the basic exemption limit will no longer use Form 15H to avoid tax deducted at source (TDS). Under the Income-tax Rules 2026, this form has been replaced by Form 121.

Both Form 15G and Form 15H have now been replaced by a single, unified Form 121. The old forms were particularly used by individuals and senior citizens with low taxable income to prevent unnecessary TDS deductions.

Meanwhile, Form 121 serves the same purpose. It can be used by a taxpayer to avoid TDS if their tax liability for the year is nil. Based on this declaration, the payer will not deduct tax on income or credit due to the taxpayer.

What has changed for taxpayers? Form 121 represents a major transformation as it integrates the former Forms 15G and 15H into one single declaration. Previously, taxpayers were required to select one of the two forms based on their age- Form 15G for persons below 60 years of age and Form 15H for senior citizens.

The basic exemption limit under the old tax regime is 2,50,000 for individuals below 60 years, and 3,00,000 for senior citizens. Under the new tax regime, the limit is 4,00,000 for all individuals.

Now that the old forms have been scrapped, this age-based distinction is no longer applicable. The government has introduced a single, age-neutral format that captures the required information.

Also Read | Income tax portal revamp: 7 key links every taxpayer must check now

Speaking about the advantages of adopting a unified form, Siddharth Maurya, Managing Director, Vibhavangal Anukulkara Pvt Ltd, said that the approach minimizes the form selection dilemma and reduces the burden of duplicate information. The clarity and simplicity of the forms make the electronic filing process much easier, especially for less-experienced taxpayers.

Beyond the nil tax liability requirement, the transition to Form 121 introduces two non-negotiable digital prerequisites:

Mandatory ITR history: A taxpayer must disclose their income tax filing status for the last two tax years. If you failed to file despite having taxable income, the system flags you as a "specified person," triggering higher TDS rates regardless of the form.

A taxpayer must disclose their income tax filing status for the last two tax years. If you failed to file despite having taxable income, the system flags you as a "specified person," triggering higher TDS rates regardless of the form. PAN-Aadhaar Linkage: Your PAN must be Aadhaar-linked and operative. An inoperative PAN rendering Form 121 invalid is a fatal compliance error, mandating a 20% TDS rate under the new regulatory framework, according to Jatin Goyal, a chartered accountant by profession and the founder of Taxocity.com. Income covered under Form 121 According to Goyal, Form 121 is the mandated vehicle for preventing TDS on specific domestic revenue streams. The declarable income categories include:

Interest income: Payouts from bank FDs, RDs, post office schemes, and corporate bonds.

Payouts from bank FDs, RDs, post office schemes, and corporate bonds. Dividends: Payouts from equity shares and mutual fund units.

Payouts from equity shares and mutual fund units. Rental income: Lease payments that exceed the statutory threshold limits

Lease payments that exceed the statutory threshold limits EPF and insurance: Premature withdrawals and taxable insurance proceeds or commissions. While you cannot use Form 121 to stop TDS on salary or business income, these figures must be included in your "estimated total income" calculation, Goyal said, adding that their inclusion is important to verify that your aggregate income across all heads remains within the basic exemption limit, thus ensuring the legal validity of your declaration.

UIN system A new feature of Form 121 for filing TDS returns is the UIN or Unique Identification Number. The purpose of the UIN is to enhance transparency and accountability in TDS filing by tracing notices and claims under the number.

It is important for the tax authorities as UINs help to assess and confirm the submission of TDS claims to banks and companies. UINs also prevent the erroneous filing of multiple TDS claims, Goyal explained.

Key mistakes to avoid Taxpayers are advised to avoid certain errors to have the greatest benefit from the TDS return. Many of the mistakes can lead to tax notices and penalties, Chandni Anandan, tax expert at ClearTax, warned.

Here are some of the key mistakes one should avoid:
Four people have died, and at least six others are undergoing treatment at a government hospital in Bihar's East Champaran district after consuming spurious liquor. The latest hooch tragedy took place at Turkauliya and Raghunathpur areas of Motihari on Thursday.

Hooch tragedy in Bihar's East Champaran district

At least seven others, who had also sought treatment after consuming the adulterated liquor, have been discharged from the hospital.

Four killed after consuming spurious liquor The death toll has now mounted to four. Bodies have been sent for post-mortem examination. The exact cause of death can only be known after the report," East Champaran District Magistrate Saurabh Jorwal said.

A total of 12 people, including a village chowkidar, have been arrested in connection with the incident, while the SHO of Turkauliya police station has been suspended with immediate effect.

SIT probe underway SP Swarn Prabhat said a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to probe the incident.

A murder case has been registered based on a complaint filed by the family members of the deceased, police said.

"Police have identified the liquor supplier, and he will soon be nabbed. A team of the district police and the Anti-Liquor Task Force (ALTF) are conducting searches in Parsauni, Mushhari Tola and Turkaulia. A high-level inquiry has also been ordered into the incident," Prabhat had said on Thursday.

Third hooch tragedy in 2026

Hooch tragedy in Saran This is the second hooch tragedy in Bihar in less than a month. In the second week of March, at least five people had lost their lives after consuming spurious liquor in Saran district.

In February, at least five people had died after consuming suspected poisonous liquor in Bihars Rohtas district.

How Nitish Kumars liquor ban failed

Nitish Kumar's liquor prohibition In fact, Bihar has seen a spike in deaths from the consumption of adulterated country-made liquor in the past one decade. The Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government imposed a total ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol in the state on April 5, 2016.

While the liquor ban, which was a poll promise Kumar made to women voters in Bihar, to reduce domestic violence, it only resulted in legal, safe alcohol becoming unavailable.

Despite the governments promises to crack down on illegal brewing and sales, it continued unabated throughout Bihar, with consumption and sales peaking during festivals.

In 2025 alone, authorities seized over 36 lakh litres of illicit liquor across the state.

350 lives lost since 2016 In March, ADG Amit Kumar Jain said a total of 354 people have died due to the consumption of spurious liquor in Bihar since the prohibition law was implemented in 2016.

Also Read | Prashant Kishor vows to end Bihar liquor ban if Jan Suraaj party wins polls

While these are the official figures, critics point out that the real toll is much higher, as many cases are written off as health-related deaths, and many more incidents involving fewer victims are seldom reported to the authorities.

Will new Bihar government continue with liquor ban?

Calls to end liquor prohibition in Bihar Despite the rising cases of hooch tragedies, Kumar has repeatedly turned down calls to revoke the liquor prohibition. Those who have spoken up against the ban include former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad and his son Tejashwi Yadav, who called prohibition a "super flop" that exists only on paper.

Even some of his current NDA allies have openly called for the liquor ban to be revoked.

In February, Union minister Jitan Ram Manjhi said the principle of prohibition was not flawed, but its implementation had gone awry.

We have been saying for a long time that the liquor policy is not wrong, and prohibition should be implemented. However, there are flaws in its implementation, he said.

With Kumar set to resign as Bihar Chief Minister in the coming days, it would be interesting to see what the next governments policy on the liquor ban is.
Krishna Yadav

Krishna Yadav is a Senior Correspondent at Mint, based in New Delhi, and part of the corporate bureau. He joined the newsroom as a trainee in 2023 and quickly grew into his current role. He writes on legal and regulatory developments in corporate India, with a focus on insolvency, taxation, company law, and policy. His reporting includes tracking and breaking key legal stories from the Supreme Court, Delhi High Court, NCLT, and NCLAT.<br><br>With a background in law, Krishna is known for simplifying complex legal developments into clear, accessible stories for readers. His work focuses on trends in corporate law and policy that affect businesses. This ranges from explaining tax disputeslike whether coconut hair oil is edibleto writing on why celebrities are seeking personal rights protection. He closely tracks Indias insolvency system, covering issues such as creditor losses, gaps in the process, and challenges in how the framework works in practice.<br><br>Krishna also tracks developments within law firmscovering hiring trends, how firms help companies navigate global challenges, and how the legal industry is adapting to artificial intelligence. Beyond legal reporting, he has written long-form pieces, including on-ground coverage of the 2024 general elections, capturing the scale and logistics of polling across India.<br><br>Outside work, he enjoys travelling, exploring new places, and reading about geopolitics and history.
New Delhi: The union government has temporarily suspended mandatory quality standards for Morpholine for three months to ensure adequate availability of the industrial chemical for domestic users, citing global supply chain disruptions.

In an official notification issued on Thursday, the government said conformity to Indian standards under the Morpholine (Quality Control) Order, 2020 would not apply from 1 April to 1 July 2026. The order, notified under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016, mandated that the chemical meet specifications prescribed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and carry certification for sale in the Indian market.

The decision was taken in view of the exigencies prevailing globally and after taking cognisance of supply chain disruptions affecting availability, the notification said, adding that the temporary relaxation was necessary to prevent shortages and ensure continuity of supply to user industries.

Also Read | Amid soaring aluminium imports, India brings in new QCO

Under normal circumstances, a quality control order requires manufacturers and importers to comply with BIS standards to ensure product quality, safety and uniformity, with non-compliant material barred from sale in the domestic market.

The temporary exemption effectively allows Morpholine that isn't compliant with BIS standards to be produced, imported and sold during the three-month window, providing relief to user industries such as rubber, pharmaceuticals and chemicals that rely on steady supplies.

This is among the first instances of a QCO being relaxed amid the ongoing tensions in West Asia. The development is part of a broader strategy surrounding QCOs. The government has scrapped over 50 QCOs, reducing the number of active QCOs to 711 from 761 in March last year.

Industry executives said supply constraints have intensified in recent months due to disruptions in global production and logistics. The governments decision to temporarily relax the QCO will help ensure continuity for user industries such as rubber and pharmaceuticals, said Vinod Kumar, president, India SME Forum.

Also Read | Govt grants one-time import relief for 26 products shipped before QCO deadline

Crucial chemical The Morpholine (Quality Control) Order was originally issued in June 2020 and amended in October 2024. Its purpose was to put a check on imports from China, which is a key supplier of the industrial chemical along with Belgium.

In FY24, India imported 1,274.84 tonnes of Morpholine worth $2.26 million from Belgium. This declined to 508 tonnes worth $0.98 million in FY25. Imports from China stood at 1,677.05 tonnes worth $3.28 million in FY24 and fell to 782.58 tonnes worth $1.43 million in FY25.

Indias total imports of the chemical were valued at $8.63 million in FY24 and $4.96 million in FY25. Apart from China and Belgium, India sources Morpholine from Germany, Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates and the United States.

Morpholine is a key industrial chemical used across multiple sectors. It is widely used in rubber processing, particularly in the production of vulcanisation accelerators essential for tyres and other rubber goods.

In the pharmaceutical sector, it serves as an intermediate in the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients. It is also used in water treatment as a corrosion inhibitor in boiler systems, and also finds application in agrochemicals, detergents and optical brighteners.

Indias morpholine market has shown strong growth in recent years and is expected to expand 5.7% from $4.3 billion in 2025 to $4.54 billion in 2026, according to Research and Market, a market research portal.

Also Read | Springboard 2026 | India to link quality control orders with lab capacity
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his greetings on the occasion of Good Friday, emphasising the teachings and sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

In a post shared on X, the Prime Minister said, "Good Friday reminds us of Jesus Christ's sacrifice. May this day further deepen the values of harmony, compassion and forgiveness. May brotherhood and hope guide us all."

Meanwhile, devotees across India observed Good Friday with solemn prayers and religious processions, marking the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

At the Motherhouse of the Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata, devotees gathered to offer prayers and participate in special services commemorating the day.

In Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, thousands took part in the traditional 'Way of the Cross' procession, a ritual retracing the path of Christ's journey to Calvary.

The Way of the Cross, also known as the Stations of the Cross (Via Crucis or Via Dolorosa), is a Catholic devotion consisting of 14 steps that honour the passion and death of Jesus Christ. Traditionally observed on Fridays during Lent, this practice involves reflecting on key moments from Christ's condemnation to his burial, allowing believers to spiritually accompany Him on his journey to Calvary.

Participants carried crosses and chanted hymns, maintaining a reflective and respectful tone throughout the march.

In Delhi, devotees also took part in prayers at Sacred Heart Cathedral Church in Gol Dak Khana and St Thomas Church, RK Puram Sector 2, observing the day with prayers.

Good Friday is a day of paramount significance for Christians worldwide, including those in India, who observe this solemn day on the Friday before Easter, which commences with Palm Sunday and concludes with Easter.

The story behind 'Good Friday' is about the day when the Romans crucified Jesus. A disciple of Jesus, Judas, betrayed him, which led to his capture by the Romans.

The Governor of the Roman province of Judea at the time, Pontius Pilate, ordered the execution of Jesus. Jesus was made to carry his cross through Jerusalem to the place of crucifixion known as Calvary.
Varun Sood

Varun Sood has been a business journalist writing on corporate affairs for the past 17 years. He currently oversees corporate coverage, including information technology (IT) services, aviation, auto, metals and mining, and conglomerates at Mint. He started as a reporter at Business Standard in 2005, after a short internship at the Economic and Political Weekly. Having worked across newsrooms in Delhi and Mumbai, including at DNA, the Financial Times, and the Economic Times, he is now based in Bengaluru. He is most proud of his work over the last decade at Mint, including writing about the rise and fall of some CEOs at Infosys, TCS, Cognizant, and Wipro. His first book, Azim Premji: The Man Beyond the Billions, was published by HarperCollins in October 2020. These days, he is spending more time reading annual reports and analysts' transcripts. Varuns two pet peeves are access journalism and the dying art of interviews with business leaders. If you think there is something wrong inside your company or there are problems with corporate governance that you'd like to highlight, email him at varun.sood@livemint.com.
Tehran had rejected a US proposal for a 48-hour ceasefire, Iran's semi-official Fars news agency reported on Friday, citing a source.

According to a report by Reuters, the source said the proposal was made on Wednesday through another country, which was not named.

The ongoing West Asia conflict is now over a month old. Iran launched a wave of retaliatory strikes after US, Israel jointly attacked the Islamic Republic on Saturday, 28 February  which also killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Explosions were reported across Dubai, Abu Dhabi among other key Gulf hubs  which are also home to US military bases.

On Thursday, Trump had threatened to destroy Iran's bridges and energy infrastructure as the war dragged into its fifth week despite the US President's claims of ongoing negotiations.

Trump's threat to Iran Trump has even claimed multiple victories in the ongoing conflict.

"Our Military, the greatest and most powerful (by far!) anywhere in the World, hasnt even started destroying whats left in Iran," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, hinting of more military action to come.

"Bridges next, then Electric Power Plants!," the US President threatened, adding, "New Regime leadership knows what has to be done, and has to be done, FAST! (sic)"

View full Image View full Image Traces of an Iranian missile attack in Tehran's sky, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Tehran, Iran, April 3, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) ( via REUTERS )

Donald Trump made the remarks amid reports of ongoing contacts between Washington and Tehran.

According to Channel 12, indirect talks were held on Thursday between US Vice President J. D. Vance and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, with mediation reportedly led by Pakistani Army chief Asim Munir.
US officials have claimed that one of the two crew members of a downed warplane in Iran has been rescued, while attempts are being made to locate the other. According to US media reports citing unnamed sources, American special forces rescued one of the crew members after the fighter jet, believed to be an F-15E, was shot down over Iran.

Photos and videos circulating on social media showed what appears to be US helicopters and other aircraft flying at low altitude over the presumed site of the downed fighter jet.

US F-15 goes down in Iran The F-15 fighter was crewed by a pilot and a weapons-systems officer in the back seat when it went down, making it the first known loss of a US fighter jet in the ongoing war.

Earlier, Iranian media aired footage of aircraft wreckage, claiming that it was of an F-35, but according to CNN, it was most likely from an F-15.

William Goodhind, a forensic imagery analyst with Contested Ground, also told Reuters that images of the plane's tail fin seen in photos posted on social media are consistent with that of an F-15E Strike Eagle.

Also Read | Here is a look at US military aircraft lost during Operation Epic Fury

Iran initially claimed shooting down US F-35 Irans semi-official Tasnim news agency had first reported the downing of the jet on Friday, saying that Iran had shot down a highly advanced American fighter jet.

Later, the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) also said it had successfully hit a US Air Force F-35 stealth fighter jet in central Iran's airspace. According to a statement released by the IRGC, the jet was struck at 2:50 am local time by the IRGC's advanced, modern air defense systems.

"The fate of the fighter jet is unclear and under investigation, and the likelihood of its crash is very high," it said.

The US has not officially acknowledged the loss of its fighter jet in combat, but reports said that President Donald Trump had been briefed on the situation.

;Reward' for capturing US crew member Meanwhile, Iranian officials have called on civilians to be on the lookout for survivors.

The governor of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province said anyone who captured or killed the crew "would be specially commended," Iran's semi-official news agency ISNA reported.

The downing of the US fighter jet comes a day after Trump posted a video of a destroyed bridge on social media and said there would be much more to follow if Iran didnt agree to a deal to end the conflict.

Capture of US crew could change the war So far, 13 US military service members have been killed in the conflict, and more than 300 have been wounded, according to the Central Command. The prospect of US military personnel being captured alive by Iran is more bad news for the Trump administration, as it will make the ongoing war even more unpopular among Americans in a crucial mid-term election year.

Also Read | The US military assets damaged or lost in the Iran war

According to the latest Reuters/Ipsos poll, two-thirds of Americans believe that the US should work to end its involvement in the conflict quickly, even if that means not achieving the goals set out by the Trump administration.
A US-sanctioned tanker carrying Iranian oil, the first Indian crude purchase from Tehran after 2019, has reportedly changed its course mid-way and is now heading to China. The Aframax tankerPing Shun set sail for India earlier this week, carrying about 600,000 barrels of crude oil loaded from Kharg Island around 4 March.

Ping Shun, which was built in 2002 and sanctioned by the US in 2025, is owned by China-based Nycity Shipmanagement and is often associated with transporting Iranian crude oil.

Where is Ping Shun?

Ping Shun was originally scheduled to arrive at Vadinar port in Gujarat on Saturday, 4 April. But according to ship-tracking data, Ping Shun is currently signalling Dongying, China, as its destination.

There is no confirmation that the destination that the ship's Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponder - a tracking system mandated on most commercial vessels - is indicating is the final, and it may not change at any time during the transit.

An Iranian crude vessel 'Ping Shun' that had been en route to Vadinar, India, over the past three days has dropped India as its declared destination near arrival and is now signalling China, Sumit Ritolia, Lead Research Analyst, Refining and Modelling at commodity market analytic firm Kpler, told PTI.

Why did Ping Shun get rerouted?

According to Ritolia, the shift in Pin Shun's destination appears to be payment-related, with sellers tightening terms and moving away from the earlier 30-60 day credit window toward upfront or near-term settlement.

It was not clear who the actual seller and buyer of the crude were.

While such mid-voyage destination changes are not unprecedented with Iranian crudes, they highlight the increasing sensitivity of trade flows to financial terms and counterparty risk, he said.

If the payment issues are resolved, the cargo could still make its way to an Indian refinery. However, the episode underscores how commercial terms are becoming as critical as logistics in determining Iranian crude flows to other countries apart from China.

US eases sanctions on Iranian oil

In mid-March, nearly three weeks into Operation Epic Fury, the US temporarily eased sanctions on Iranian oil for 30 days, allowing the sale of about 140 million barrels of crude oil and petroleum products already loaded on ships. The unusual move was taken in the wake of Irans retaliatory measures to the US-Israeli strikes, including closing the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on oil and gas infrastructure in the Middle East.

This sanctions waiver allowed countries, including India, which was a major buyer of Iranian crude until the US sanctions in 2018, to resume buying oil from Tehran.

Indian purchase of Iranian oil

India used to buy 518,000 barrels per day of Iranian oil in 2018, which slowed to 268,000 bpd between January and May 2019 when the US granted waivers to a few buyers. There have been no imports since.

It was estimated that of the 95 million barrels of Iranian oil on vessels at sea, 51 million could be sold to India, with the remaining sold to China and other Southeast Asian countries before the temporary window expires on 19 April.

Iran seeks oil payments in Yuan

According to reports, the rerouting of Ping Shun to China could be linked to the payment method. Though the US issued a 30-day waiver for the sale of Iranian crude, it is unclear how payments will be made as Tehran remains cut off from SWIFT, the global messaging network used by banks and financial institutions to securely send and receive information about financial transactions.

Also Read | Three Oman-flagged tankers enter Strait of Hormuz avoiding Iranian waters

Recently, following Irans decision to allow the transit of some vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, it has been reported that Tehran is setting up a toll booth at the critical passage, where ships paying around $2 million in Chinese yuan rather than USD would be allowed to pass.
Iran on Friday cautioned the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) against taking any provocative action ahead of a vote on a draft resolution to authorise a force to protect shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, warning that such a move would only complicate the situation.

Any provocative action by the aggressors and their supporters, including in the United Nations Security Council regarding the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, will only complicate the situation, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said.

The proposal comes amid rising tensions over maritime security in West Asia, where energy trade has been severely disrupted by the virtual blockage of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global energy flows.

All about the UNSC vote on Hormuz The United Nations Security Council is scheduled to vote on a draft resolution proposed by Bahrain that seeks to authorise member states to use all defensive means necessary to ensure safe transit through the Strait of Hormuz.

Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Bahrains foreign minister, said during a UNSC meeting on Thursday: The Kingdom of Bahrain submitted a draft resolution to this esteemed council on Irans unlawful and unjustified attempt to control international navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The draft requires a decisive response to actions that are irresponsible and illegitimate  actions that threaten the interests of nations and peoples around the world.

Bahrain currently holds the rotating presidency of the Security Council.

According to Al Jazeera, the draft resolution has undergone four revisions after Russia and China opposed language explicitly calling for the use of force to reopen the strategic waterway.

The vote was initially scheduled for Friday but was postponed as the United Nations observes Good Friday as a public holiday. It is now likely to take place on Saturday, sources familiar with the development told the Associated Press.

The development comes as diplomatic engagements between Washington and Tehran continue amid the ongoing war in West Asia. The tensions escalated following joint US-Israel military strikes on Iran on 28 February, which killed Irans Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

In retaliation, Tehran targeted Israel and US assets across several Gulf countries, disrupting key waterways and affecting international energy markets and global economic stability.
North Korea appears to have razed towns near one of the countrys key missile and satellite testing stations in a sign of possible expansion plans, adding to security concerns in a region already facing uncertainties as the war in Iran drags on.

Two villages, including hundreds of buildings, bordering the Sohae satellite launching station on the countrys western coast were demolished in March, the 38 North program at the Stimson Center said in the report released Thursday.

Given how satellites and anti-satellite weaponry are in the countrys new five-year plan, expansion of North Koreas main space center may be underway, Martyn Williams, a senior fellow for the Stimson Center, said in the report.

North Korea announced its new strategic plan for the country in February, covering the period through 2030 and setting out key strategic goals including putting additional spy satellites in orbit. In 2023, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks at Russias Vostochny Cosmodrome space center, raising concerns over Moscow potentially helping boost Kims space program.

The report comes just days after North Korea said it tested a new solid-fuel engine to upgrade its militarys strategic strike capabilities. North Korea has been accelerating its push to develop its nuclear and missile capabilities as Kim emerged as a key ally of Russias war against Ukraine.

North Korea did not disclose where the test took place but the 38 North report said it appears to have been conducted at the Sohae site, citing photos released by state media.

The new engine, which North Korea claimed is about 20% more powerful than the one it revealed last year, is likely for an intercontinental ballistic missile, said Vann H. Van Diepen, a former State Department official.

For both the new motor and its predecessor, the most likely purpose of their increased thrust would be in boosting heavier payloads; the most strategically impactful such payload would be multiple warheads if the North can successfully develop them, Diepen said in a separate 38 North analysis.

A confirmed expansion of the site, also known as Tongchang-ri, would add to security concerns that have recently ratcheted up in the region.

President Donald Trump has piled pressure on allies including South Korea to help open the Strait of Hormuz. Trump has said South Korea has not been helpful in the US efforts to reopen the strategic waterway despite having tens of thousands of American troops on its soil, to help defend it against a neighboring nuclear force.

The conflict in the Middle East is also raising concerns over a shift of American firepower away from Asia as the war drags on.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has confirmed the US may need to relocate air defense assets to the Middle East amid reports that multiple launchers of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system were spotted moving out of a southern base.

2026 Bloomberg L.P.
India has once again called for a return to diplomacy to resolve the crisis stemming from the war in West Asia.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri represented the country at a UK-hosted meeting of over 60 nations on 2 April, which focused on securing global shipping routes through the volatile Strait of Hormuz.

In his remarks, while Misri emphasised the impact of the crisis on India's energy security, he also pointed out that India remains the only country to have lost mariners in attacks on merchant shipping in the Gulf, the Ministry of External Affairs said.

Also Read | The Iran war impact on Make in India

Misri, joining the deliberations virtually, articulated New Delhi's stance on the safety of international shipping lanes in the region amid Iran's partial blockade of the strategic waterway, which has severely disrupted global oil and gas supplies.

In his remarks at the meeting, the foreign secretary noted the importance of the principles of freedom of navigation and unimpeded transit through international waterways, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.

The meeting was chaired by British foreign minister Yvette Cooper on Thursday afternoon, alongside representatives from France, Germany, Italy, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The USA was not part of the meeting.

The statement said Misri emphasised the impact of the crisis on India's energy security and the fact that it remains the "only country to have lost mariners in attacks on merchant shipping in the Gulf".

"He also underlined that the way out of the crisis consisted of de-escalation and a return to the path of diplomacy and dialogue among all concerned parties," the MEA said in a brief statement.

Global oil and gas prices have surged after Iran virtually blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow shipping lane between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, that handles roughly 20 per cent of global oil and LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas). West Asia has been a major source of India's energy procurement.

"As far as India is concerned, you very well know that we stand for free and open commercial shipping, and for maritime security in keeping with international law," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at his weekly media briefing on Thursday.

"We continue to call for ensuring safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz as a matter of priority," he said.

Jaiswal said the UK invited several countries, including India, for talks on the Strait of Hormuz and Misri attended it.

"We are in touch with Iran and other countries to see how best we can get unimpeded and safe transit for our ships which are carrying products including LPG and LNG," he said.

The external affairs ministry spokesperson said New Delhi is closely following all developments relating to the West Asia conflict.

33 days into West Asia War It's been over a month since the West Asia war began with joint US-Israeli attacks on Iran. Tensions escalated following the killing of Iran's 86-year-old Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in the military strikes on 28 February.

In retaliation, Iran targeted Israeli and US assets across several Gulf countries, causing further disruptions to the waterway and impacting international energy markets as well as global economic stability, disrupting trade routes through the Strait of Hormuz.

There have been growing global concerns over disruptions in commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, with many leading powers pressing for the full reopening of the waterway.

Iran has allowed ships from friendly countries to transit through the waterway.

In the last couple of weeks, India has made diplomatic efforts to end the war in West Asia as soon as possible and to ensure the unimpeded flow of energy through the Strait of Hormuz.

We continue to call for ensuring safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz as a matter of priority.

New Delhi believes there could be serious ramifications for the security of fuel and fertiliser supplies for many countries, including India, if the blockade of the shipping lane continues.
The Kuwait International Airport was on Saturday targetted by multiple drone attacks which have resulted in significant damage to its radar system, as per a report by the country's state news agency KUNA.

The spokesperson of the country's Public Authority for Civil Aviation Abdullah Al-Rajhi has confirmed the attack to KUNA.

No lives have been lost in the attacks, but the radar system at the airport was heavily damaged in the attack, as per Kuwaiti authorities quoted by AFP.

Also Read | What an influx of 17,000 US troops could mean for the Iran war

On March 25, another similar attack was carried out on the Kuwait Airport, where Iranian drones struck a fuel tank, resulting in a massive blaze.

Kuwait National Guard later said that it was able to intercept six drones in total.

Kuwait's main port damaged On Friday, a drone attack damaged the country's main commercial port, Shuwaikh Port.

While the attack led to material damage, there has been no report yet of any injuries.

Shuwaikh Port handles a large part of the country's trade and can be considered its primary maritime trade hub. It handles commercial shipping, distribution, as well as cargo storage.

After the US-Israeli combine struck Iran in late February, Tehran has been targetting Israel as well as regions in the Middle East which host US military assets.

Kuwait is the host of US' Camp Arifjan, the Ali al-Salem air base, and Camp Buehring. Around 13,500 US troops are based in Kuwait, as per the Middle East Eye.

More attacks incoming? The US has been able to determine that it has destroyed around a third of Iran's missile arsenal, a report by Reuters citing sources within the US intelligence revealed on Friday.

While the status of another third is not clear, but bombings may have damaged, buried or destroyed them them in bunkers and underground tunnels, the report revealed.

The report states that the assessment by the US intelligence reveals that while most of Iran's missiles have been destroyed or are inaccessible, the country still has a significant inventory of the same and can also recover some of the damaged or buried missiles to carry out strikes.

This intelligence contrasts claims made by US President Donald Trump that Tehran has "very few rockets left".

Regarding the Iranian attacks along the Strait of Hormuz, Trump said in a televised Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, "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," as per Reuters.
Even before war-induced fertilizer shortages raise food prices, the economics of an Indian meal are changing. Imports meet 65% of LPG demand. Roughly 90% of shipments originate in the Persian Gulf; these vessels are now stranded or trickling through the Strait of Hormuz in navy-escorted convoys. Even the Red Sea route for US and Norwegian LPG is in doubt with Houthi involvement in the conflict.
Overall, its an encouraging picture. India has mostly been an importer of defence equipment, but is now helping others arm up with its own products. While all foreign currency earnings are useful, as external demand grows for Indian armaments, the strategic dimension of this business will assume importance.
The cost-exchange ratio of destroying Irans navy, air defenses and other military facilities is so bad, according to Britains Royal United Services Institute (Rusi), that the US military is a month or so away from running out of several types of missiles and interceptors. Just replenishing the Tomahawks that the US has already fired will probably take five years, Rusi reckons. Worse, China controls many of the minerals, from gallium to germanium, needed to replace the weapons.
(Bloomberg) -- Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni flew to Saudi Arabia on a surprise two-day visit to the Gulf, with plans to meet leaders including Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman as she aims to strengthen domestic energy security.

Meloni started her tour from Jeddah, according to an Italian government official. She is the first leader of a European Union or North Atlantic Treaty Organization country to visit the region since the Iran war started, the official said, adding that Meloni will also meet with representatives from Qatar and the United Arab Emirates on the trip.

The focus of her visit is to share views on the war, maritime security, opening the Strait of Hormuz, and the humanitarian situation in countries affected by the conflict, according to Italian diplomats. Meloni will also relay the message that Italian energy firms, including state-backed Eni SpA, remain committed to investing in the region, they added.

The premier traveled to the region on Good Friday with a goal of strengthening the partnership with Gulf energy producers after Iran attacked them in retaliation for US and Israeli strikes, the diplomats said. She us seeking to get a full picture of their positions on the war, they added.

The trip would also help Meloni fortify energy links with the Gulf, the government official added, a key source for oil and gas for Italy. The Bank of Italy on Friday lowered its GDP growth estimates for 2026 and 2027, citing the impact of the war on prices and the economy.

Italy has sent aerial defenses to the Gulf to help counter Irans assaults, and there were some similar requests pending, the diplomats said, but these were constrained by the war in Ukraine.

Rome has also remained in contact with Iran throughout the fighting, which started on Feb. 28, and is pushing for a ceasefire in a mediated resolution to the conflict.

Energy Prices

The war has roiled global energy markets, with the strait of Hormuz closure choking off global supply, a disruption thats affected Italy particularly. Meloni flew to Algeria last month in an effort to secure more gas from the North African nation. Spain has made similar moves.

Earlier on Friday, Melonis government extended Italys fuel tax cut through May 1, committing about 500 million ($577 million) in added funds to blunt the impact of higher energy prices caused by the Iran war.

For that period, consumers and businesses will continue to see a 0.25 per liter reduction in taxes at the pump, Finance Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti said. The new measures add to a similar-sized package that was set to expire on April 7.

Were talking about an emergency here, Giorgetti told reporters in Rome. The overall situation is objectively worrying for the economy, Giorgetti added, referring to the war in Iran, with effects on monetary and fiscal policy for the countries affected.

Melonis government has limited headroom to intervene, given a mammoth public debt load and European Union fiscal rules. If the Iran war persists it will become inevitable that the EU revises the 3% deficit ceiling on member countries, Giorgetti said.

The lack of flexibility was underscored on Friday, when Italys statistics institute said the country had breached the European Unions deficit ceiling in 2025. The budget shortfall reached 3.1% of domestic product last year, further compressing fiscal headroom for the government as it contends with the energy shock and attempts to respond to a key referendum defeat last month.

Several European nations, including Spain and France, have also passed energy measures or signaled that they were considering them in response to price shocks caused by the war.

--With assistance from Alberto Brambilla and Chiara Albanese.

(Updates with context, Bin Salman meeting and additional detail starting from the first paragraph.)

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Friday declared the removal of Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha from the post of deputy leader in the House as a routine disciplinary action", while firmly pushing back against his claims.

AAP leaders Atishi, Bhagwant Mann and others backed the party's decision.

"Action was taken against Raghav Chadha for going against party whip; such changes are made by all parties," said Punjab CM and AAP leader Bhagwant Singh Mann. He claimed that Chadha was compromised.

Mann explained that parties often reshuffle their leadership in Parliament from time to time  citing the time when he won the election for the first time, and the 'party made Dr Gandhi the leader.' He also said that many times, in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, all opposition parties have to take decisions collectively.

If any individual does not support these collective decisions and goes against the party line, then it is against the party whip. If anyone goes against the party whip, action will be taken, he said.

Meanwhile, former Delhi CM Atishi claimed that Raghav Chadha remained silent out of fear of PM Modi. When Arvind Kejriwal was arrested & AAP workers were being lathi-charged on streets, even then Raghav Chadha remained silent out of fear of PM Modi, said Atishi.

AAP on Thursday, 2 April, formally wrote to the Rajya Sabha secretariat seeking the removal of Raghav Chadha as its deputy leader in the Upper House.

Despite his removal from the leadership role, Chadha remains a member of the Rajya Sabha representing Punjab.

AAP leaders back action against Chadha - who said what? Besides Mann and Atishi, several other leaders including AAP Delhi State President Saurabh Bharadwaj and Sanjay Singh also lashed out at Chadha.

 Sanjay Singh claimed that although AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal taught its members to fight fearlessly, Raghav Chadha has remained silent on party and all crucial issues concerning Punjab.

 Meanwhile, Saurabh Bharadwaj alleged that Chadha has not questioned PM Modi or the BJP government for a long time. He further claimed that all opposition parties recently wanted to bring an impeachment motion against the Chief Election Commissioner, but Raghav Chadha refused to sign it. Whenever such issues arise where the opposition walks out, you do not walk out. For a long time, I have seen that you have not raised a single issue in the House where questions were asked of Prime Minister Narendra Modi or the BJP government. How will such politics of fear continue? he said.

 AAP MP Ashok Mittal, who replaces Chadha, has said that this is a normal process in the party.

AAP is a party that functions democratically. Our party always tries to give different responsibilities to different people, Mittal said. Before Raghav ji, ND Gupta ji served as the Deputy Leader. Now, I have been appointed to this post, and tomorrow someone else will come, he added.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Nitin Nabin has sought an explanation from former party Member of Parliament Sanjeev Balyan for his silence over Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a recent event in Uttar Pradesh, news agency PTI reported on 2 April, citing sources.

Addressing a recent Jat conclave in Meerut, Aam Aadmi Party leader Mann reportedly criticised Modi on various issues, including price rise. The Punjab chief minister said at the event that while the Union government talks about making India a "Vishwaguru" (teacher of the world), PM Modi has turned the country into a "Vishwachela" (disciple of the world). Balyan, who was present at the event, did not raise an objection to Mann's remarks.

Taking serious exception to Balyan's "silence" over the Punjab chief minister's remarks, Nabin has summoned the BJP leader and sought an explanation from him, sources said.

"Nitin Nabin ji called Sanjeev Balyan and demanded an explanation today," a source told PTI.

Balyan was a BJP MP from Muzaffarnagar in Western Uttar Pradesh in 2014 and 2019. He was appointed as the Minister of State for Agriculture and food processing in the National Democratic Alliance government in May 2014

When asked, Balyan initially denied being summoned by the BJP chief, but later clarified that it was wrong to say he had remained silent at the event.

"I had objected to Bhagwant Mann's comment twice (when he was speaking). I said there should not be such political talk, as it is a non-political event attended by leaders from all parties. After that, the organisers also did not let Mann at the inauguration, and he left," Balyan said.

"I had registered my protest and also spoken to the media in this regard. All the newspapers have published it here," Balyan told PTI.

What did Mann say? Launching a scathing attack on the Centre, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on 29 March said that while the country was supposed to become a "vishwaguru" (global leader), it has instead become a "vishwachela" (global disciple).

Addressing an event in Sakauti village in Meerut, he said, "Trump's orders prevail here," and that the nation's policies appear to be influenced by external pressures.

I had registered my protest and also spoken to the media in this regard.

"While people abroad are talking about travelling to Mars, we haven't even managed to fully cover the open sewers in our cities," he said, highlighting that fundamental problems remain even after 80 years of independence.
In May 2023, responding to reports that his name was mentioned in an Enforcement Directorate (ED) chargesheet related to the Delhi excise policy case, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Raghav Chadha held a press conference in New Delhi to strongly refute the claims.

The reports claimed Raghav Chadha was named as an accused in a charge sheet filed by the central investigating agency in a Delhi Excise policy-linked case.

Chadha called the media reports factually wrong and part of a propaganda to harm his reputation and credibility. Then, the Aam Aadmi Party was in power in Delhi, with Arvind Kejriwal as chief minister. Manish Sisodia, a senior AAP leader, was already in jail in the case, while other leaders, including chief minister Kejriwal, had been linked to the scam.

During private conversations within AAP after the press conference, many leaders had criticised Chadhas way of defending his own credibility when almost the whole of the top leadership of the party was being allegedly maligned with accusations.

Seemed like he thinks he is a bigger brand than Arvind Kejriwal. And his image is more important than that of other leaders, a leader had said at that time.

About two years later, AAP leader and former Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj, on Friday, 3 April, accused Chadha of choosing less significant issues in Parliament as Rajya Sabha member over real matters and not questioning the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government at the centre.

We are all Arvind Kejriwal's soldiers, Raghav Bhai. The only thing we learnt is jo darr gaya so marr gaya (cowards are as good as dead). All of us were supposed to raise issues against the government. We recently saw that people who speak out against the government have been silenced. The government doesn't care about anyone's soft PR, Bharadwaj said in a video.

What's my fault? Chadha slams AAP Bharadwaj's video was a response to Chadha's earlier video, which slammed his party  AAP  for allegedly preventing him from speaking in Parliament. Chadha's video statement came a day after the AAP announced that it had written to the Rajya Sabha secretariat seeking the removal of Raghav Chadha as its deputy leader in the Upper House.

AAP leaders said that the partys communication to the Rajya Sabha Secretariat did not even mention Chadha and simply sought the appointment of another leader, Ashok Mittal, as deputy leader.

The eye surgery in London In April-May 2024, when AAP was protesting on the streets of Delhi over Arvind Kejriwal's arrest in connection with the excise policy case, Raghav Chadha, once a close confidante of the AAP chief, was conspicuously absent. In fact, Chadha, who later married Bollywood actor Parineeti Chopra, was in London for eye surgery. Chadha did not speak for many months, which raised more questions about his political aspirations.

Aisi kaunsi surgery hai jo do mahine chal rahi hai. Which eye surgery takes two months? an AAP leader had said amid speculation that Chadha was on his way to joining the BJP.

Chadha underwent successful emergency vitreoretinal surgery in London in May 2024 to address a serious retinal condition and prevent potential blindness. In a later TV interview, he sought to address the rumours, calling the allegations false.

After I recovered, I campaigned for the party in Punjab, he had said in the interview, as written in The Aam Aadmi Party  The Untold Story of A Political Uprising and Its Undoing book by Sayantan Ghosh.

According to some AAP insiders, Chadha's retreat from active politics coincided with his marriage to Parineeti Chopra, Ghosh writes in the book.

And recently, in February, Chadha was again in the news for not speaking out when a Delhi court discharged Kejriwal and Sisodia in an excise police-related corruption case, refusing to take cognisance of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) chargesheet.

Rift building over time The widening rift between Raghav Chadha and the AAP leadership, once seen as one of Arvind Kejriwals most trusted aides, has been building over time. From his absence during key political moments and prolonged silence on sensitive issues to internal criticism over his parliamentary approach, Chadhas relationship with the party has steadily frayed.

Last month. Chadha, once a prominent AAP face in elections, was not included in the AAP's list of star campaigners for the coming Assembly elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam and Puducherry.

'Never questioned the government' A small party like AAP has limited time in Parliament, Bharadwaj said, addressing Raghav bhai on Friday. It is better to take up more serious issues than samosas in Parliament. We saw issues about voter list fraud. The opposition wanted to impeach CEC, but you refused to sign the motion. Whenever the opposition walks out of Parliament, you do not follow. You have not questioned the government recently. How do you continue the politics of fear? Bharadwaj said.

Chadha has remained an active parliamentary voice, frequently raising social and economic issues in the last few months. "I spoke on aam aadmi, airport food, Zomato, Blinkit workers, middle-class tax burden and strike on content creators....and raised issues. These issues helped common people. How does it affect AAP? Why would someone want to silence me?" Chadha said in the video, slamming AAP on Friday.

Chadha's rise in AAP Apart from being a Rajya Sabha member since 2022, Chadha is also a member of the National Executive and National Spokesperson of the Aam Aadmi Party.

Chadha had joined team Kejriwal during the India Against Corruption movement before AAP came into being in 2012. A chartered accountant by training, hw would help draft the then Kejriwal governments Delhi Budgets

Chadha unsuccessfully contested the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from South Delhi. A year later, he was elected to the Delhi Assembly. Before completing his term as an MLA, he was elected to the Rajya Sabha in March 2022 from Punjab, where the AAP was in power.

It was the time when the AAP leadership started facing graft charges. Delhi Minister Satyendar Jain was arrested in May 2022, Manish Sisodia in February 2023, Sanjay Singh in October 2023, and Kejriwal in March 2024.

Some reports suggested that Chadha had been interfering with the affairs of the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government and wanted to enhance his profile in Rajya Sabha. Several AAP leaders in Punjab have expressed discomfort with what they perceive as Delhi's outreach through Chadha, Ghosh writes in the book.

He is viewed as a Delhi outsider who swooped in during elections and started making pronouncements about Punjab politics without proper consultation, the book quotes a senior AAP leader.

What next for Raghav Chadha? As AAP vs Raghav Chadha continues, all eyes will be on the Rajya Sabha MPs' next move.

Will he leave the party, or will the party suspend him? For now, he is a Rajya Sabha member representing AAP and will remain so at least until 2028, when his term in the Upper House ends. Or will he choose a different party, as is being speculated?

Do not mistake my silence for defeat; I am a river that turns into a flood when the time comes.

I have a message for those who snatched my right of speaking, Chadha said, in the video ending with a couplet ''Meri khamoshi ko meri haar mat samajh lena, mein woh dariya hun jo waqt aane par sailan banta hai (Do not mistake my silence for defeat; I am a river that turns into a flood when the time comes).'
A San Antonio, Texas, Marshalls will host its grand reopening at the Rim on Thursday, April 16, 2026. It is relocating from the Fiesta Trails Shopping Center. Zachary Taylor-Wright/MySA

A San Antonio business beloved for its affordable items is closing its doors this month. However, it won't be long before it welcomes customers from a new location.

Massachusetts-based chain Marshalls will host its last operation day within the Fiesta Trails shopping center on Sunday, April 12, a store spokesperson confirms to MySA. Located at 12635 I-10 West, Suite 505, it will depart from its neighboring tenants, H-E-B and La-Z-Boy.

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A new closing date has been revealed for the Marshalls store at 12635 I-10 West and De Zavala Road. It will soon reopen at the RIM shopping center. Courtesy of Zachary Wright/MySA

It comes after the TJX company secured a spot within the popular RIM district. Public Relations Marketing Supervisor Caitlin McCarthy says officials anticipate this shop, slated for 5811 Worth Parkway, Suite 109, will open on Thursday, April 16.

There have been some bumps along the way to its launch. Marshalls previously announced that its relocation to the Northwest side was scheduled for Thursday, January 29. However, a trip to the address on Saturday, January 31, showed the building was still undergoing structural work. A store manager at the Fiesta Trails shop said "construction delays" disrupted the plan.

"We are excited to welcome shoppers in the San Antonio community to our newest location later this spring," McCarthy previously told MySA over email. "We regret any inconvenience and look forward to bringing shoppers an amazing and ever-changing selection of brand name, designer merchandise for the whole family very soon!"

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The brand's rise to fame emerged from its offering of 20 to 60 percent discounts on trending fashion pieces, alongside its makeup, cookware, and children's products displays. Folks will be able to find other well-known tenants near the RIM location, as the strip is anchored by Five Below, Sun & Ski Sports, and Nordstrom Rack.

Find it: 5811 Worth Pkwy., Suite 109, San Antonio, Texas 78257
Flowers and a candle are placed outside the campus at Hill Country College Preparatory High School in Bulverde on Tuesday, a day after a student shot a teacher and then killed himself, according to Comal County officials. Ricardo Delgado/San Antonio Express-News

Investigators continue to work on "building a timeline of what happened before and during this week's shooting at a Hill Country school, but officials arent ready to share that information with the public, Comal County Sheriff Mark Reynolds said Thursday.

A 15-year-old student brought a gun onto campus at Hill Country College Preparatory High School in Bulverde on Monday and shot a teacher before killing himself. The teacher remains hospitalized, Comal County officials say.

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The gun used in the shooting, a .357-caliber pistol, belongs to the teenagers grandfather, Comal County officials say. Officials have declined to release the name of the boy or his grandfather.

Citing the ongoing investigation, the sheriffs office has made public only a few details about the fatal shooting, including that it took place at 8:34 a.m. in a second-floor classroom, during what is considered a tutoring period prior to the first bell at 8:55 a.m. There were some students on the second floor at the time, but most were in the school cafeteria, Reynolds said earlier this week.

The student fired multiple shots, but there was no indication that he threatened anyone other than himself and the teacher, Reynolds said. The student and teacher did not have a personal relationship, Reynolds said.

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After attending Thursday mornings Comal County Commissioners Court meeting, Reynolds said investigators arent ready to provide additional details about what happened leading up to the shooting.

He declined to answer questions about how the 15-year-old got to school that day and how he entered the building, or whether any of the electronic devices seized from the boys home this week had shed any light on his motives. Comal County officials previously said the teen might have been experiencing academic problems, including failing several classes.

Reynolds declined to comment on whether any of the teens relatives knew he had access to his grandfathers gun.

Reynolds said officials have not released the boys name because he was a juvenile and because there could be criminal charges pending from his actions. He declined to elaborate on who could potentially face criminal charges.

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Reynolds did confirm that the teacher, whose name has not been released, suffered a single gunshot wound.

He said because of her injuries, investigators havent been able to formally interview the teacher. He said a Comal County detective had a very, very short, limited discussion with her.

I know there are certain people that are upset because we won't release her name, but my thing is, we haven't had an opportunity to do an investigation interview with her because of her condition, Reynolds said. If she had not been injured, this probably would have been something we could have already handled or done.

Reynolds previously told the Express-News that there was no police officer on duty at the campus when the shooting happened.

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Christina Eckert, a spokesperson for Comal ISD, said the districts contract with the Bulverde Police Department calls for a school resource officer to be on Hill Country College Preps campus from 8:55 a.m. to 4:55 p.m.

Hill Country College Preparatory High School is part of the Comal Independent School District. Its campus is at 3615 Mustang Vista in Bulverde, which is a city of about 7,000 people 25 miles north of central San Antonio.

The school opened in August of 2020. It serves grades 9-12 and offers a variety of coursework aligned to college, career and military readiness and a science, technology, engineering, art and math focus, according to the district.

Comal ISD officials cancelled classes at the school this week in the aftermath of the shooting.

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In a video posted online this week, Comal ISD Superintendent John Chapman III said Monday was one of the most difficult days ever for the district has faced and thanked the community for its support.

"Every student, parent, teacher and staff member felt that because we are a community," Chapman said in the video. "And what happens to one of us touches us all."

Chapman acknowledged the pain that families and their children are going through.

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Office of Response and Recovery Director Gregg Phillips listens as U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem speaks during a news conference (Photo by Al Drago/Getty Images) Al Drago/Getty Images

It always circles back to Texas doesn't it?

Gregg Phillips, President Donald Trumps top disaster response appointee, has drawn national headlines over claims he has teleportednot once, but twiceincluding an experience that apparently brought him to a Waffle House in Georgia.

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But this isnt the first time Phillips, who has defended his remarks as part of his religious beliefs, has been in the spotlight for the wrong reasons.

The far-right conservative now oversees response and recovery for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). However, his ties to Texas conservatism include a stint in state health leadership, controversial contracting work and a role with Houston-based True the Vote, a group that helped elevate him to national prominence while promoting widely-disputed claims of voter fraud.

This teleportation thing

A series of podcast stints over the past year revealed his teleportation escapade, according to reporting by CNN.

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During an episode of the podcast Onward, co-hosted by Austin resident Catherine Engelbrecht, Phillips reportedly claimed, we had a teleport incidenttwo of themand I ended up at a Waffle House like 50 miles away, he said.

It was an incredibly frightening moment, to experience yourself, in your car, flying through the airI will tell you, teleporting is no fun, he stated.

In a recent Truth Social post, he claimed the teleportation aspect has been taken out of context, and that he was undergoing intensive treatment for a cancer diagnosis and was heavily medicated when the podcast was filmed.

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However, he does not deny teleporting altogether, The more accurate biblical terms are 'translated' or 'transported'  not new ideas for people of faith, he wrote.

If you believe that God moves in ways we cannot fully explain, as I do, then having faith is not a soundbite. It is the whole point, said Phillips.



Phillips was appointed by Trump to take on the senior FEMA position in December, overseeing billions of dollars in disaster assistance funding, search-and-rescue operations, and coordination with local, state and federal resources for emergency aid.

What's Texas got to do with it?

How does one rise so high in the political universe that the United States president hand picks you to lead a post as consequential as FEMA? Lets look at his role in Texas.

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Going back to the early 2000s, Phillips was tapped to help lead the Texas Health and Human Services agency as a deputy commissioner. Per reports from The Houston Chronicle, in the two years he served in this role, he became a lighting rod for critics of the state's massive social services overhaul.

Reportedly, he also was responsible for the execution of House Bill 2292, which consolidated 12 state social service agencies into five and largely privatized the system.

Phillips lasted in the role for a little over a year before resigning in 2004. A year later, a Houston Chronicle investigation that found the legislation privatizing the system financially benefitted Phillips and a private consultant.

Their relationships and how they benefited from state business illustrate how Texas law has overlooked the power of lower-level bureaucrats who are often charged with crafting laws, the investigation reported.

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In the years following, he moved into conservative data and consulting work, eventually finding himself as one of the leaders behind True the Vote, a conservative vote-monitoring organization based in Houston that focused on voter fraud.

True the Vote was co-founded by Catherine Engelbrecht, the same woman who co-hosts the Onward podcast.

Phillips became one of the most visible figures behind claims of widespread voter fraud through his work with the organization. He repeatedly made unfounded claims that millions of illegal votes were cast in U.S. elections, including a tweet tied to the 2016 race that was later amplified by Trump, per reporting by the Texas Tribune.

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While the claims have been widely debunked by election officials, this Texas chapter helped elevate Phillips from a Texas-based activist to a national political figure.
UPDATE: Georgia lawmakers passed a bill that would give mothers a legal and safe way to surrender their babies.

House Bill 350 passed in both the Georgia House and Senate in early April. It now heads to Gov. Brian Kemps desk for his signature.

The bill allows for baby boxes to be placed in the state, allowing parents to anonymously leave a baby.

It allows ambulances to take custody of a newborn and take it to the nearest hospital, and provides legal protection for people involved.

The Senate passed the bill 49-1, and the House passed it 164-4.

PREVIOUS STORY: Georgia lawmakers want to establish a legal way for mothers to surrender babies.

In Tennessee, mothers have the decision of surrendering their child to baby boxes, and it does not have any consequences. However, for Georgia mothers, making that choice can be a bit more complicated.

Chattanooga opens Safe Haven Baby Box All Chattanooga firefighters are trained on how to take in a newborn.

The state of Georgia currently does not have baby boxes. Because of this, Georgia lawmakers want to provide faster resources for the baby and more compassionate care for the mom.

A baby box is a legal form of surrender for mothers giving up their child. We started there in Indiana, and now we've grown to 420 boxes in 23 states that have legalized this, says Pam Stenzel, the Development Director and Hotline Coordinator with Safe Haven. She says 78 babies have successfully been surrendered in a baby box.

Chattanooga Fire Dept. celebrates one-year milestone of Safe Haven Baby Box The box opened at Fire Station 6 on November 13, 2024, and allows parents in crisis to safely surrender a newborn.

Baby boxes can be located at fire stations, police departments, medical facilities, and EMS centers.

The devices are located on the outside of the buildings. The box can only be reopened from the inside of the building.

The baby box also includes pamphlets for the mom about legal rights, like steps to reclaim their child, and health care information.

Volunteers and staff will then be notified through an alarm system. The alarm system connects to a 911 call and a sound plays around the building. The alarm will be tested monthly.

Each person is required to report the arrival of the baby to the Department of Human Services Family Children Division.

State Representative Mike Cameron of Georgias 1st District is sponsoring the bill.

Babies are born in all kinds of places, he says. Cameron says babies can be conceived out of difficult situations. They know they can't take care of the baby, surrender it and get it to a place where some people can get it into foster care and get it adopted and where it'll be loved and have a chance to flourish and grow, he says.

The child should be retrieved from the box within five minutes and taken to the hospital. Then, the baby will be taken to human services to be put in foster care.

Georgia lawmakers want to extend the number of days old a newborn can be when a mother drops them from 30 days to 45 days.

Supporters want to be able to keep mothers safe and give babies a second chance at life.

We aren't asking Georgia, the state of Georgia, for moneywe're just asking for Georgia to make this device a legal form of surrender, says Stenzel.

It has to be a difficult situation for a mother to want to surrender a child, and we want to make that as comfortable as possible, and least judgmental as possible, Cameron says.

House Bill 350 passed in the Georgia House. If it passes in the Georgia Senate, it will go to the Governor to approve.
The Bluetongue Virus is set to potentially cause a big risk to our cattle herds and sheep flocks in 2026.

Upon listening with a degree of concern over the last month or so, to vets within the department of agriculture and vets in private practice outlining how this virus spreads and the impact it could have, it became clear that this disease is potentially a big threat to the Irish agricultural sector.

All cattle and sheep are susceptible to the disease with some of the clinical signs including fever, loss of appetite, drop in milk yield, lesions, sores and ulcerations, swelling of the face, lips and tongues, increased salivation and drooling from the mouth as well as discharge from the eyes and nose and lameness according to the department of agriculture, food and the marine.

Read: "Who's going to save the turf?" Minister shares turf tale at Longford event

Evidence from Britain and Europe would suggest that, currently, these symptoms appear to be more severe in sheep.

One of the main aspects of the disease that I took from the information I received was its threat on the reproductive performance of cattle and sheep which have become infected by the virus.

Infertility is a big risk in both infected cows and heifers and also ewes and hoggets.

When these animals become pregnant, infected animals may abort or give birth to unviable offspring that are unable to function and have to be put down.

The bluetongue virus spreads by midges. If a midge lands on and bites an animal infected with bluetongue, this midge which has become a carrier, can then fly (or be carried by the wind) and land on another animal.

When this midge bites one of these cattle or sheep, then that animal then becomes infected and the cycle continues.

Read: A one-in-a-million chance! Big surprise for Longford farmer

Midge activity is higher in warmer weather so while there is a risk of disease spread at any time of the year, the high-risk period is from May to October.

Given that bluetongue is now in the country and that it would prove very difficult to stop the spread of the disease, it would be advisable for farmers, particularly with breeding enterprises to contact their vet to seek advice on combatting this disease without delay.

Watch: Gone in 30 seconds! Rapid sale of Longford property at auction

Read: Longford farming: 'Looking after yourself is as important as looking after livestock'
This year marks the 110th anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising and Pat Dolan, on behalf of Republican Sinn Fein, Longford, says it is appropriate that we also honour the men and women who fought 110 years ago and were engaged in a further gallant attempt to end British rule in Ireland and make effective the Proclamation of the All-Ireland Republic of 1916 and Declaration of Independence and Democratic Programme of the first (32 county) Dail Eireann in 1919.

The County Longford Easter Commemoration Committee was formed in 1926.

The founding members included Maitiu O Bradaigh agus Maire Bean Ui Bradaigh, Hughbert Wilson and Pat Healy. The annual commemoration has been held every year since.

This years annual commemoration will be held in Ardagh cemetery at the graveside of Alfred McHugh, Templemichael, Longford. Volunteer Alfred McHugh was wounded in the 1916 Rising. He died in 1919.

PICTURES: 'Luxury country living' on offer at Longford home for sale for 475,000

A wreath will be laid on behalf of the Republican movement.

A decade of the rosary will be said. Roll of Honour and Proclamation will be read. Last post and oration.

A wreath will also be laid on the graveside of Vol. James Rogers, Aughintemple, Ardagh who tragically lost his life at Ferafad bog while on active service on December 2, 1921. James Rogers was attached to B Company 4th Battalion Longford. His name has been added to the County Longford Roll of Honour.

Also read: Specsavers Longford: 12 Years of Innovation, Care, and Community Spirit

Another forgotten volunteer of that era Vol. James Smith, Aughabrack, Granard has also been added to the County Longford Roll of Honour.

James Smith tragically lost his life on March 21, 1921 while on active service in the accidental discharge of a gun. James was attached to D Company 1st Battalion Longford Brigade.

The fools, the fools, they have left us our Fenian dead and while Ireland holds these graves, Ireland unfree shall never be at peace. (P Pearse).

Wear an Easter lily and honour Irelands dead, concluded Mr Dolan.

Also read: Hosts sought for 'American Tea Party' parish fundraising event in Longford
Loughduff and Mullahoran lost one of its great characters when Larry Cadden passed away following a short illness on Saturday, March 14.

There was genuine sadness and regret felt not alone in the parish but also much further afield, as his name evoked happy memories of a true to life character, one of a kind.

Larry was born on April 5, 1951, one of a family of ten children of the late Dominic and Rose Cadden of Loughduff Post Office.

As with everyone of that era, his formative years were spent at the local National School in Loughduff, and on then to working life.

After a few jobs locally, he emigrated to Alaska to work there in the mines. Larry always had an entrepreneurial nature, and always had a few jobs on the go.

PICTURES: 'Luxury country living' on offer at Longford home for sale for 475,000

Some time after his return to Ireland, Larry and his good friend Dan Maguire established MC Motor Factors and through their hard work and sales pitch the business became very successful.

As a Salesman Larry covered the northern half of the country where he was highly regarded as an excellent Rep. and with his easy manner and quick wit, he made many friends along the way.

The office at MC Motor Factors became a bit of an institution locally, where as well as being the hub of a successful business, Larry and Dan along with the late Thomas Conaty provided the locals with a spot to discuss all the local news and sporting events, give Horse racing tips, and before Google Maps provided the locals not familiar with the roads, directions to various destinations throughout the country.

Also read: RIP: Death of fiercely loyal and obliging Seamus Collumb leaves immense void in Mullinalaghta

Larry was an outgoing man who loved to socialise, and he really was the heart and soul of the party.

A real raconteur, when he was around, there was never a dull moment, as he always had a good story, a joke or a song to entertain.

He was a stalwart of the Loughduff church choir for many years. As a member of the local drama group, he was a natural. His portrayal of such characters as Fr Jack, Bottler and Rev. Ian Paisley were unbelievable, and had audiences in stitches. Fellow members recall the fun at rehearsals as well as on stage. He also took part in Scor competitions in Ballad singing and Novelty act, but people would say once he appeared on stage it was always a novelty act!

Also read: 'It's the bedrock of my life' - Longford author on new book and life on family farm

He was a regular at various fundraisers such as Mock Weddings, Cavan's most romantic man and Stars in their eyes, portraying Kenny Rogers and Meatloaf, among many others. The annual Bluegrass music concert in the Pikers Lodge was a favourite of his too.

Larry was a lifelong member of Mullahoran GFC, and was a member of the Junior team in 1984/85, he also trained underage teams, and was a great man for getting young lads to matches. He also served as club treasurer and MC Motor Factors were club sponsors for many years. He also won the title of Lord Mayor of Mullahoran in a club fund-raiser, a title he relished, as he gracefully accepted his chain of office. He was a great neighbour to all in times of joy and need, often the first to lend a helping hand.

Larry's real pride and joy was his family where his passing has left a great void. He was devoted to his lovely wife Mairead, daughter of the late Val Gannon goalie of the famous 1947 Cavan team. He was a great father to Larry, Dominick, Sean, Lauren and Valeen and proud grandfather to Loughlin, brother, uncle and godfather.

An indication of the esteem in which Larry was held was the overflowing attendances at both his wake in Reillys Funeral home, Kilcogy on Tuesday, March 17 and again at his funeral in St Josephs church the following morning where he had been a choir member.

Also read: Longford walk fundraiser will gather money to support people battling incurable disease

To the strains of The Old Man and his favourite Dont Worry About Me Larry made his final journey down Loughduff road to his final resting place in the local cemetery. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dilis.
1. Steve Jobs

Apple

I briefly considered bumping Steve Jobs to No. 2 in recognition of Tim Cooks achievements, and even more briefly thought it would be funny to name him as zero in honor of his old Apple badge number. But in the end, it was always going to be Steve Jobs at No. 1.

Of the 49 entries above, 28 contain at least one mention of Apples charismatic founder. In researching this article, I found him almost unavoidable: Jobs bestrides Apples history like a colossus. Even when he was offstage, such as the wilderness years from 1985 to 1997, Apple fans kept wondering what he was up to, if he would return, what he must think of his usurpers feeble efforts. He was, in this sense, Apples Poochie.

As weve seen, Jobs had many flaws. He was aggressive, domineering, manipulative, and often cruel; Andy Hertzfeld (No. 19) describes him as anti-loyal. Bizarrely, two fellow tech journalists have separately told me anecdotes in which he physically knocked them over. It is, in short, almost incredible that such a difficult and unreasonable man should have inspired adoration around the world. Yet he did, because his flaws were offset by a rich array of gifts.

As a manager, he could drive employees to feats of brilliance they never would have believed were possible. (That is, when he wasnt driving them to despair.) Shown a product, he could instantly and ruthlessly pick out what needed to change in order to make it great. From anyone else, Jobs belief that he knew what customers wanted better than they did would seem arrogant; in his case, it was just factual. He was, somehow, a master of both the details and the big picture. He was a visionary: the unreasonable man who refuses to adapt himself to the world, and instead adapts the world to him. As he always wanted, he left a dent in the universe.

Jobs was there at the start of Apples story, and through the people he employed and the values he instilled, he continues to influence it today. As I hope Ive shown, Apple is and always has been a collaboration, and thousands of talented people have made contributions over the past 50 years. No single person can take sole responsibility for Apples achievements. But if I had to choose it would have to be Steve.
Summary created by Smart Answers AI In summary: Macworld examines Apples most significant product launches from 2016 to today, including the iPhone X, AirPods, Apple Watch Series 4, M1 chip, and Vision Pro.

These innovations transformed smartphone design, wireless audio, health monitoring, Mac performance, and introduced spatial computing to Apples ecosystem.

Key breakthroughs include Face ID technology, wireless earbud popularization, advanced health sensors, Intel-to-Apple silicon transition, and the $3,499 Vision Pro headset.

On April 1, 1976, three visionaries decided to start building computers at a humble, California-based garage. Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak took care of marketing and hardware, while Ronald Wayne briefly assisted with administration. Success was far from guaranteed at the time, and Apple Computer Company had to undergo multiple evolutions before earning its current status as the most influential corporation.

And its not even close to slowing down. In the last 10 years alone, Apple has put out one of the most dramatic iPhone redesigns, a couple of groundbreaking gadgets, plus a ton of other advancements in tablet and desktop computing. Heres a look at the most noteworthy products released between 2016 and today:

September 2016: AirPods

Roman Loyola/IDG

When Apple made the controversial decision to remove the headphone jack from the iPhone 7, it created a problem that needed a solution. The wireless AirPods were more than that.

While they were the butt of more than a few jokes after their debut, AirPods popularized the wireless earbud format, pushing rivals to develop their own copycat models. Apple has since rounded out the lineup with the higher-end AirPods Pro and over-ear AirPods Max, along with tight ecosystem integrations, including Hearing Protection, Spatial Audio, Find My, and other handy perks that contribute to their undeniable popularity.

September 2017: iPhone X

Foundry

Everyone knew something big was coming at the 2017 iPhone event, but no one was prepared for Apple to reinvent the phone again. To mark the iPhones 10th anniversary, Apple unveiled the iPhone X with a One more thing announcement, and it was worth the fanfare. The revolutionary redesign did away with the classic Home button and thick bezels and made way for Face ID, gesture navigation, and the first Liquid Retina display with rounded corners and an edge-to-edge aesthetic.

The iPhone has been through numerous updates since the iPhone Xs unveiling, but the impact of the all-screen design and multi-touch navigation continues to be felt across all of Apples product lines.

September 2018: Apple Watch Series 4

Apple

In 2018, the Apple Watch Series 4 debuted, featuring the first major design overhaul. The smartwatch offered larger size options and a sharper display with rounder corners and slimmer bezels.

But the biggest chance wasnt the design. The Apple Watch Series 4 leaned heavily into health, with a new electrical heart rate sensor, the first ECG sensor, Fall Detection, the ability to detect Atrial Fibrillation, and other fitness enhancements. The Apple Watch Series 4s design still feels fresh today on the SE 3, and its focus on wellness is on full display on the latest Apple Watch Series 11.

October 2018: 3rd-gen iPad Pro

Foundry

When the first iPad Pro arrived in 2015, it was basically a larger version of the iPad we already knew. In 2018, it came into its own with a transformative design upgrade.

Smaller, skinnier, and drop-dead gorgeous, the 3rd-gen iPad Pro was the start of a years-long tablet redesign that dropped the Home button, slimmed down the bezels, and adopted the iPhone Xs Liquid Retina display. Apart from the all-screen look, the iPad Pro also adopted the universal USB-C port and introduced the Apple Pencil 2, which magically attached to the top edge when charging.

October 2020: M1 Macs

Jason Cross/Foundry

2020 was the year that changed everything for the Mac. While Apple had been through processor changes before, the Macs transition from Intel chips to Apple silicon wasnt a mere chip upgrade. The shift unlocked higher power and efficiency levels, making Macs significantly more reliable and efficient, and dramatically boosting performance and battery life.

Apple launched the M1 chip in three existing Macsthe MacBook Air, 13-inch MacBook Pro, and Mac minito showcase its raw power. But it wasnt just speedApple silicon also introduced support for iOS apps on the Mac and made it easier for developers to optimize their iPhone apps for the Mac. Today, M chips can also be found in higher-end iPads, unlocking unrivaled capabilities in impossibly thin tablets.

April 2021: AirTag

Foundry

Despite its small size, the launch of the AirTag in 2021 had a remarkable impact on how we keep track of our personal belongings. For just $29, any iPhone user can find the exact location of a tagged itemas long as another Apple user is in its vicinity. Thanks to a network of billions of iPhones, the Find My network is the most reliable of its kind, outdoing third-party solutions like Tile and others.

Countless stories have been shared about how AirTag was able to locate misplaced baggage while traveling, stolen cars, bikes, wallets, and even pets. It may not be the fanciest Apple product, but it has certainly been one of the most valuable introductions of the past decade.

June 2023: Vision Pro

David Price / Foundry

After years of rumors, Apple finally kick-started its spatial computing era with the Vision Pro. Announced at WWDC 2023, the headset utilizes several cameras and sensors to 3D-map and analyze users surroundings. It then generates a virtual reality where users get to pick the level of immersion.

With visionOS, users can place floating app windows and widgets anywhere in their view, turning any room into a large digital canvas. While its $3,499 price tag has barred most iPhone users from even considering buying one, the Vision Pro gives us an early glimpse of Apples vision for the future of computing.

March 2026: MacBook Neo

Foundry

Perhaps the most recent impactful Apple release of the past 10 years is its newest: the low-cost MacBook Neo. Starting at $499 for students and educators, this MacBook is the cheapest, most accessible laptop Apple has ever made.

While some power users will naturally complain about its A18 Pro iPhone chip, the device isnt for them. Its Apples first laptop made for switchers, students, and kids who need a reliable machine for web browsing, checking emails, handling documents, and light photo or video editing. Given Apples established reputation and the MacBooks premium build, Neo is bound to disrupt the affordable laptop market for years to come.

This is part five of a five-part series exploring 50 years of Apple product releases. You can catch up on anything you missed here: (1976-1985; 1986-1995; 1996-2005; 2006-2015).
The German Ambassador to Ireland will return to Mayo over the May Bank Holiday Weekend to officially open the Annual Heinrich Boll Memorial Weekend.

Mr David Gill, the German Ambassador to Ireland, will formally open the weekend's celebrations in St Thomas' Hall in Dugort on Achill Island on Friday, May 1 at 7pm. The annual event takes place on Achill Island from May 1 to 3 with an international panel of writers and speakers scheduled to take part.

Ambassador Gill also opened last year's weekend which celebrates the renowned German writer and Nobel prizewinner for literature, Heinrich Boll who had a long association with Achill. A native of Cologne, Germany, Boll first travelled to Achill in the early 1950s and became a frequent visitor to the island where he eventually purchased a home.

The Achill Heinrich Boll Association was established to honour the German writer and each year they host the Annual Heinrich Boll Memorial Weekend.

Among the keynote speakers at the opening of the memorial weekend will be historian and literary scholar Maria Birger, who is a Senior Programme Officer with the Heinrich Boll Foundation in Germany.

In her presentation entitled "Heinrich Boll`s Search for 'a Liveable Language in a Liveable Country', Birger explores Boll's writings after returning home after serving as a soldier in the German Wehrmacht during World War II.

German historian and literary scholar Maria Birger will speak at Heinrich Boll Memorial Weekend

The talk will focus on the connection between Heinrich Bolls concept of the The Aesthetics of Humanity and his travels to Soviet Russia and his support of dissidents there.

READ: Mayo Active Travel accused of 'sticking the two fingers up' to local councillors

Irish author, Hugo Hamilton, who is a regular attendee of the memorial weekend, will also give a reading from his latest novel 'Conversation with the Sea', which has been described by critics as 'as compulsive as it is lyrical - deeply moving, utterly readable, bursting with life'.

On Saturday morning, the participants will move outdoors with a guided nature walk at Keem Bay with Micheal O Briain while in the afternoon, Galway-born author, Rita Higgins will give a workshop at the Anne Shannon Memorial Writers Seminar in An Clochan, Keel.

In St Thomas' Hall at 2pm on Saturday evening, a presentation on German artist, Joseph Beuys will be given by Timothy Emlyn Jones and Nigel Rolfe.

Achill artist, Margo McNulty will launch her new book and recent work called 'from the earth' in St Thomas' Hall at 5pm with Rene Boll, son of Heinrich Boll the guest speaker.

The weekend will also include a collection of readings from authors and poets including Iggy McGovern, John F Deane, Michelle Walshe and Timothy Emlyn Jones while the Achill Writers Group will also give readings of their work.

Arechologists Eoin Halpin and Michael Gibbons will give a guided tour on the 'Archaeology, History and Folklore of Kildavnet' on Sunday morning with a recently rediscovered Bronze Age stone alignment among the sites to be visited.

Comedian David O'Doherty will bring some laughter to the weekend on Sunday evening in Ted's Bar in Cashel while musicians John Butler and Diarmuid Gielty will also be performing over the weekend.

For more information on the Heinrich Boll Memorial Weekend visit www.heinrichboellcottage.com.
The 2026 National Spring Clean campaign has been officially launched at Bertra Beach, Co Mayo with strong participation already recorded across the country.

Minister of State Alan Dillon attended the launch near Westport, highlighting the importance of community action in tackling litter and promoting environmental awareness.

Organised by An Taisce, the campaign is now in its 27th year and continues to bring together volunteers from towns and villages nationwide.

More than 3,200 volunteer groups have already signed up for this years initiative, with numbers expected to grow further in the coming weeks.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Dillon said he was delighted to see such strong engagement from communities.

This campaign continues to bring people together to tackle litter and support a stronger circular economy, he said, thanking those who have already registered to take part.

READ MORE: Mayo Active Travel accused of 'sticking the two fingers up' to local councillors

The National Spring Clean encourages individuals, schools, businesses and community groups to organise local clean-up events, helping to improve the environment and foster a sense of civic pride.

Registrations for the campaign remain open until the end of April, with organisers urging more groups in Mayo and beyond to get involved.

The initiative has become a key fixture in Irelands environmental calendar, with thousands of volunteers taking part each year to clean streets, beaches and public spaces.
A major weather warning for Storm Dave has been updated and extended, with Met Eireann warning of very strong winds, heavy rain and flooding risks across Ireland this Easter weekend.

The nationwide Status Yellow wind warning will now run from 1pm on Saturday until 2am on Sunday, as forecasters say conditions will deteriorate earlier than expected.

Met Eireann warned Storm Dave will bring "very strong southerly winds, veering westerly by the evening with severe gusts and coastal gales."

Potential impacts include "some fallen trees, branches", "difficult travelling conditions" and "debris, loose objects displaced", along with wave overtopping in exposed coastal areas.

A separate Yellow wind warning is also in place for Northern Ireland, covering counties including Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Tyrone and Derry, running from 2pm Saturday until 3am Sunday, with warnings of potential damage and disruption.

READ MORE | Garda Easter weekend crackdown sees 21 arrests and hundreds speeding in first 24 hours



The latest update comes alongside a wider weather advisory in place until Tuesday, warning of a prolonged unsettled spell.

Met Eireann said there is a "potential for some severe or damaging west to southwest gusts" and warned that "coastal flooding is likely, especially around high tide times and in exposed, low-lying locations."

Forecasters added that "high astronomical tides (spring tides) coinciding with storm surge and persistent onshore winds will further increase the risk of coastal flooding," particularly along the west and north coasts.

Yellow Wind Warning Updated



Valid time is now 1pm Saturday 04/04 to 2am Sunday 05/04



All other information unchanged at this time.



 https://t.co/GYji547FKt

 https://t.co/d4K1ltldih pic.twitter.com/iuW4iygBky  Met Eireann (@MetEireann) April 3, 2026

In its latest forecast, Met Eireann said: "Storm Dave will bring very windy and wet weather on Saturday," with winds becoming "very strong and gusty through the day."

"The strong onshore winds coinciding with high waves and high tides will give a risk of wave overtopping and coastal flooding."

"Heavier and more persistent rain will spread eastwards across the country through the afternoon with spot flooding possible."

READ MORE | Five arrested following Garda chase after car failed to stop and smashed into two vehicles



Looking beyond the storm, conditions will remain unsettled.

Met Eireann said Sunday will be "a bright and breezy day with sunny spells and scattered showers," though it will feel cool, with temperatures of just 7 to 10 degrees.

Monday is expected to be "a windy day" with "outbreaks of rain and drizzle," while Tuesday will bring "widespread outbreaks of rain" in continued breezy conditions.

The forecaster added that the week ahead will remain mixed, with "rain at times but dry intervals too" as the unsettled Atlantic pattern continues.

Road users and coastal communities are being urged to take extra care, with the combination of strong winds, heavy rain and high tides creating hazardous conditions in places.
Why are some babies born with teeth? Study explains causes, risks, and when removal may be needed.

Highlights: Babies born with teeth occur in about 1 in 2,0003,000 births

Nearly half of cases show mobility requiring evaluation

Stable natal teeth often do not need removal

  Trusted Source

Natal and neonatal teeth in newborns and infants: a case-control study



Go to source Trusted Source

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What Causes Babies to Be Born With Teeth?

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How Common and Clinically Significant Are Natal Teeth?

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When Do Natal Teeth Require Removal?

Excessive mobility increasing risk of choking

Feeding difficulties affecting the infant or causing maternal discomfort

affecting the infant or causing maternal discomfort Injury to the tongue or oral tissues

What Are the Study Limitations?

Takeaway

Frequently Asked Questions Q: Why are some babies born with teeth? A: Babies may be born with teeth due to early eruption of normal milk teeth, often because the tooth develops closer to the gum surface. Q: Is it normal for babies to have teeth at birth? A: Yes, it is rare but generally normal and occurs in about 1 in 2,000a3,000 births. Q: Do natal teeth need to be removed? A: Not always. Removal is only needed if the teeth are loose or cause feeding or safety issues. Q: Are natal teeth harmful to newborns? A: Most are harmless. Risks arise mainly if the teeth are highly mobile or interfere with feeding. Q: Which doctor should evaluate natal teeth? A: A pediatrician or pediatric dentist should assess and guide management.

Natal and neonatal teeth in newborns and infants: a case-control study - (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-20907-9)

Why are some babies born with teeth? Known as, this rare condition affectsand is usually due to).A 2025 observational case control study published in, involving 52 infants , found thatMost infants did not require removal unless complications such as feeding difficulty or aspiration risk were present, supporting a monitoring first approach in most cases. Clinical evaluation remains essential to assess tooth stability and feeding impact.The exact cause of natal teeth is not fully understood. Current evidence suggests that. This superficial positioning allows the tooth to emerge earlier than expected.Genetic factors may also play a role, and some studies suggest possible associations with preterm birth or low birth weight. In rare cases, natal teeth may be linked with developmental anomalies such as cleft palate. However, most babies born with teeth are otherwise healthy.Natal teeth are uncommon and most frequently appear in the lower central incisor region. Their presence alone does not indicate a medical problem.The study findings show that. Around half of the infants showed some degree of mobility, and mobility greater than 2 mm is considered clinically significant due to the potential risk of aspiration. Many infants remain symptom free when the teeth are firm and well attached.In most cases, natal teeth do not require treatment. Careful clinical assessment helps determine when intervention is necessary.Removal may be considered in specific situations:Before removal, clinicians may assessto reduce bleeding risk. Regular follow up with a pediatric dentist helps monitor oral development and ensure safe outcomes.The findings should be interpreted with caution due to the small sample size of 52 infants and lack of long-term outcome data. The study population may not fully represent broader demographics. As an observational study, it identifies associations but does not establish cause and effect relationships.Babies born with natal teeth represent a rare but usually harmless condition linked to early tooth eruption. Most cases do not require treatment and can be safely monitored. Clinical evaluation helps identify the few infants who may need intervention and ensures appropriate, individualized care.Source-Medindia
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari of Dangal fame, the upcoming grand epic Ramayana starring Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Sunny Deol and Yash recently unveiled its much talked about teaser giving the audiences a first look at Rama. Ever since the teaser released online, it received mixed responses from the audience. While some are praising its grand appeal, there are others who are calling it out alleging poor VFX.

 Prime Focus Studios IShowSpeed Praises Ranbir Kapoors Ramayana Teaser Popular American YouTuber IShowSpeed aka Darren Jason Watkins Jr. has reacted to the Ramayana teaser, and he is bowled over by the grand spectacle and even praised its visual. While watching the teaser, he could be seen praising CGI and also wondering about the movies release date as well as other details about its plot. The clip of the same went viral on social media. Check it out below:

Reacting to the video, one social media user mocked IShowSpeed and wrote, Getting validation from a verified cgi expert! Nice! Another user reacted, Now people will start praising the trailer because they got validation from foreigners. A third user wrote, Ab usko indian audience ko thodi gavana hei.. Indians comments mein bol rahe the ki "There is a new film about our God Shri Ram. Please watch.." A fourth user commented, This is called international hype and some Indians are trying to spread hatred and calling this an AI video. Bro, It's not just an Indian film now. It's an international film. Just wait and see. Someone said that indian's are the biggest enemy of Indian's ". #Ramayana. Check out some of the responses below:
At the trailer launch of the Tamil film Neelira (A Long Night), filmmaker Vetrimaaran spoke candidly about what he sees as the growing presence of hate propaganda in cinema. There are many films wishing to earn hundreds of crores with violence or hatred. This film (Neelira) does not want to sell hate, caricature a race, a community, or a religious sect (sic)," he said, sparking widespread discussion online. Soon after, social media users began drawing parallels between his remarks and films like Aditya Dhar and Ranveer Singhs Dhurandhar. For context, Neelira is inspired by events from the Sri Lankan Civil War and follows a family directly impacted by it. The film is being presented by Rana Daggubati.

 Instagram/Rana Daggubati Responding to the ongoing debate, Rana shared his perspective in a conversation with News18, highlighting what sets Neelira apart. Thats the beauty of Neelira. There are people from so many different sides. But the main theme of the story is humanity. It doesnt take any sides. Its a story that says there are no victors in a war and that everybody loses in a war. A messaging like that is very, very rare in a commercial film. For instance, if someone came to me with a war tale, one would assume that it would be of gun battles," he said. He further elaborated on how cinema often overlooks deeper emotional truths. Thats something we would seek. But were missing out on perspectives. Were looking at things from a top angle view now and unless you go deep, you wont understand the trauma and reality of war," Rana added. At the same time, he emphasised that there should be creative freedom for all filmmakers, stating that every kind of cinema deserves to exist.

 Instagram/Vetrimaaran Fan Club Speaking about the challenges of making a film like Neelira, he said, Each filmmaker can choose their own narrative. But the one in Neelira is very hard to choose. To tell a war film without a bullet being shot and yet holding the tension right till the very end and making a great commentary through a simple family with simple needs, who wants each day to pass in a peaceful manner, isnt easy." On whether debates around propaganda make war films a tricky space, Rana offered a balanced view. If youre doing a war film, youve to be very clear as to why youre doing it. Neelira uses a human lens and thats something that doesnt happen very often. If you think about it, making any film is a slippery slope because its not the easiest thing to convince audiences," he noted. He concluded by stressing that perspective is everything in storytelling. As for war films, it depends on which war youre talking about and which part of the world were in. If you see a narrative of the Delhi Sultanate, other dynasties will look like enemies of the state. But if Deccan is the hotseat, emperors of the Delhi Sultanate will look like villains. But in case of Neelira, weve a point of view which is clear and its a human point of view," he said.
Huron County Planning Commission members meet during an April 1 public hearing on data centers. Katy Snodgrass/Huron Daily Tribune

The Huron County Planning Commission unanimously voted Wednesday night to expand a proposed six-month moratorium into a three-year pause on data centers during the commission's public hearing.

The decision follows months of pushback from community members who strongly oppose large industrial development projects like data centers. Their concerns include protecting farmland, the environment and the local economy of Huron County.

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The public hearing allowed residents to voice their thoughts on a proposed data center moratorium. The moratorium is intended to give the county time to research and develop standards for regulating data centers.

The commission did not hear testimony from developers or industry representatives during the hearing.

Several regular attendees spoke during the meeting, including Robert Gaffke, Luke Demming and Megan Mellas. These three individuals have been actively advocating against industrial developments on farmland for months, from speaking out at meetings to even starting a petition to change the county's energy ordinance.

"It took you over six years to write the ordinance for solar," Demming said to the commission. "So, you would have thought you needed a little more than six months. I think that's virtually impossible."

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Gaffke said, in his opinion, there is no demonstrated need for building data centers in Huron County and that it would only wreak havoc on the area.

Residents fill the room during a public hearing on data centers at the Huron County District Court. Katy Snodgrass/Huron Daily Tribune

Most notably, Genevieve Peters Scott, a Michigan Republican running for the U.S. Senate, attended the public hearing. Although not a Huron County resident, she reiterated that she is standing in solidarity with the residents of Huron County and other rural communities being approached for these projects.

"I'm here standing shoulder to shoulder with the people of Huron County and the communities across Michigan. Every town, every family, every worker, to push back against the big data center lie perpetuated across the great state of America," she said. "Let me be clear. The meeting today is not about big tech or IT companies making decisions for Huron County. This is about the people who work here, who live here, who farm here and who love this community."

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She continued to say that although the different industrial projects like data centers, solar farms and battery facilities do not appear similar on the surface, their long-term consequences remain the same.

"Concrete over fertile farmland, strained water systems, overloaded energy grids, families and communities left to deal with permanent damage for decades," Peters Scott said. "Every project leaves a footprint that cannot be undone."

According to Peters Scott, data centers are running on graphics processing units, or GPUs, which she said kids used to play Minecraft on those systems years ago.

However, Intel notes on its website that GPUs  originally built to render graphics  are now used far beyond gaming. Designed for parallel processing, they power everything from video production to artificial intelligence. Over time, theyve become more flexible and programmable, expanding well beyond their original purpose.

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Nevertheless, Peters Scott questioned whether the expansion of this technology comes at too high a cost for rural communities.

"Technology changes, companies move, but the consequences they leave behind don't disappear," she said. "And yet, right now, they want your land, your water, your power and your trust, all for profit and a pipeline dream."

For those reasons, she said a six-month moratorium is not sufficient and advocated for at least three years.

Following Peters Scott's public comment, meeting attendees applauded.

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During the meeting, Building and Zoning Director Jeff Smith read an email from the countys corporation counsel after requesting they look over the moratorium language.

"Corporation counsel stated, in general, the zoning ordinance cannot completely exclude a lawful use of property. It must be permitted somewhere within the jurisdiction. If the use is not expressly referenced in the ordinance, then an interpretation must be made as to similar uses. Relying on interpretations would not necessarily be the county's best interest."

Because the county cannot outright ban data centers in Huron County, the county attorneys instead recommended a six-month moratorium  an approach Smith said was advised to be as short as possible to reduce the risk of litigation.

Once the public comment period closed for the hearing, the commissioners discussed the moratorium among themselves. The first question was what steps would be required to extend the moratorium.

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"In my opinion, the ordinance right now currently doesn't address data centers," Smith said. "However, that's where the county attorney had indicated it could be considered a warehouse. A warehouse is generally for storing goods, but are servers storing data a warehouse?"

He added that there's a serious difference between a data center being considered a warehouse versus Gemini's warehouse at M-19 or Amazon's warehouse where they store products to be shipped out.

"They don't require the water, the cooling, the power, the infrastructure that goes along with it," Smith said. "It's a different animal."

Planning commission member Deborah Knarian advocated for a longer moratorium, arguing there is little risk in starting with a longer timeframe.

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"I think everybody is on the same page that we chose the shortest because that was our starting point. That's what the legal counsel recommended," she said. "I think a more reasonable starting point would be a two year range because if you create an ordinance before then, the moratorium is removed so there's no danger of having an extended moratorium."

Fellow planning member Adam Hunt agreed with Knarian, arguing that a longer period would be more beneficial than repeatedly extending the moratorium every six months and holding new public hearings each time.

"If you're going to keep kicking the ball down the road, you might as well place the goal post down the road a little ways to give yourself time to work to it," he said.

This comment resulted in an eruption of applause and cheers from those in the audience that paused the meeting for a moment while the crowd settled.

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Once the room quieted again, Jeremy Polega made a motion to make the moratorium 36 months.

The commission discussed the motion further before deciding to split the decision into two separate votes: one to approve extending the moratorium from six months to 36 months and the second to approve the moratorium. Both votes were approved unanimously by the commission.

The moratorium will now go to the Huron County Board of Commissioners. The effective date is seven days after the ordinance adoption is published.
Michigans 2026 fishing season is underway, bringing updated regulations on species limits, new fishing methods, and expanded opportunities for anglers across the state. Tim Bieber/Getty Images

Fishing season has begun in Michigan and there are a number of changes that have been introduced.

Wednesday, April 1, was the official kickoff to the new fishing license year in Michigan. The Michigan DNR encouraged residents to thoroughly review the 2026 Michigan Fishing Regulations to learn any new regulations that apply to their favorite fishing spots.

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Major regulation changes approved by the Michigan Natural Resources Commission for the 2026 season and are in effect until March 31, 2027, are highlighted here:

Lake Superior lake trout and splake possession limit change

Stannard Rock and Big Reef are now under new daily possession limits of one lake trout or splake (combined) in the areas defined on pages 9 and 20-21 of the Michigan Fishing Regulations.

Upper Peninsula walleye protected slot limit lakes

Lake Independence and Teal Lake (Marquette County) are under new walleye regulations: the minimum size limit is 15 inches, and all walleye 18 to 23 inches now protected from harvest, must be released. The daily possession limit is five walleye, with no more than one greater than 23 inches allowed per day. More information can be found on page 13 of the Michigan Fishing Regulations.

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New burbot daily possession limit

A possession limit of five per day has been placed on burbot. Find more information on page 12 of the Michigan Fishing Regulations.

Bead fishing for trout and salmon

Use of a bead fished on the hook or pegged or attached to the line no further than 4 inches above the eye of a single-pointed hook has been defined as an artificial lure for clarification purposes. For more information, see page 8 of the Michigan Fishing Regulations.

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Underwater spearfishing waters expansion

Additional Great Lakes waters are now open to this activity, with some exclusions. Monthly reporting is no longer required; however, anglers must still obtain a free license. See pages 16-17 of the Michigan Fishing Regulations for more specific information. (Please note that the print version of the 2026 Michigan Fishing Regulations incorrectly listed the Lake Michigan southern boundary text as waters north of the MI/WI border (page 16); this should be waters north of the MI/IN border and has been corrected in the digital version of the regulations).

Menominee River lake sturgeon fishing season

A new catch-and-immediate-release fishing opportunity for lake sturgeon has been added to the Menominee River (from Grand Rapids Dam to the Sturgeon Falls Dam) from the first Saturday in June through the first Sunday in March. For more information, check pages 15 and 25 of the Michigan Fishing Regulations.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Bill Pugliano/Getty Images

Three mid-Michigan men have been sentenced in connection with a scheme that attempted to fraudulently obtain more than $500,000 in unclaimed state funds, according to the Michigan Attorney Generals Office.

Averill Dintaman, 47, and Daniel Nolan, 51, both of Mount Pleasant, along with Dwayne Johnson, 60, of St. Louis, were sentenced in Eaton Countys 56th Circuit Court after pleading guilty to multiple felony charges tied to identity theft, fraud and forgery.

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Johnson was sentenced Thursday to 12 months of probation. Dintaman received a prison sentence of 3 to 20 years on Dec. 11, 2025, while Nolan was sentenced to 3 to 20 years on Jan. 29, 2026.

Authorities said the case stems from a 2022 scheme in which Dintaman and Nolan conspired to steal a Michigan mans identity and use it to claim unclaimed property funds held by the state. The pair forged a durable power of attorney and used it to obtain a check totaling $579,551.99 in the victims name.

Prosecutors said Dintaman and Nolan later recruited Johnson to impersonate the victim in person at the Michigan Department of Treasurys Unclaimed Property Office in an attempt to secure a second copy of the check.

The Michigan Department of Treasury referred the complaint to the Attorney Generals Office, which filed charges in May 2025.

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Attorney General Dana Nessel previously described the case as a deliberate effort to steal a substantial sum from both the rightful owner and the state.

This was a deliberate attempt to steal more than half a million dollars from the State of Michigan and from the rightful owner of these funds, Nessel said in a statement issued when the defendants entered their guilty pleas. We remain committed to ensuring that those who commit identity theft, fraud or forgery are held accountable.

Dintaman pleaded guilty Oct. 30 to conspiracy to commit false pretenses over $100,000, uttering and publishing, forgery, and using a computer to commit a crime. Nolan pleaded guilty Nov. 14 to conspiracy to commit false pretenses over $100,000, forgery, and using a computer to commit a crime.

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A weekly look at political news stories from across Michigan. Courtesy /Midland Daily News Gretchen Whitmer at a roundtable discussion on affordability with Chedrick Greene March 25, 2026. Dave Clark/Midland Daily News Democratic Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks and Republican House Speaker Matt Hall are seen here at Gov. Gretchen Whitmers 2025 State of the State address. Simon Schuster/Bridge Michigan Dave Clark Photo provided

Let's start your weekly political roundup with the U.S. Supreme Court's decision not to consider Michigans appeal in a key legal dispute over the Line 5 oil pipeline.

According to The Detroit News, the high court denied Michigans petition for review, meaning it will not consider whether Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the state are shielded by sovereign immunity from Enbridges federal lawsuit. That leaves in place lower court rulings that allows a lawsuit by Enbridge Energy against the state to proceed.

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Attorney General Dana Nessels office expressed disappointment with the decision, saying it limits the states ability to assert its sovereignty in ongoing litigation. State officials had argued that the Eleventh Amendment protects Michigan from being sued in this case.

Federal courts have previously ruled that Enbridges lawsuit can move forward because it alleges conflicts between Michigans actions and federal law governing pipeline operations.

A Sixth Circuit panel determined the case does not strip the state of its regulatory authority, but instead seeks to ensure that state actions comply with federal law and the U.S. Constitution.

The dispute is part of a broader, years-long legal battle over the future of Line 5, a more than 70-year-old pipeline that runs beneath the Straits of Mackinac.

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Whitmer and Nessel have sought to shut down the pipeline over environmental concerns, including the risk of a spill in the Great Lakes. Enbridge has fought to keep the line operational and is pursuing plans to replace the underwater segment with a tunnel.

Governor declares energy emergency to ease fuel costs

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared a statewide energy emergency Thursday, issuing an executive order that temporarily eases fuel regulations as costs rise due to global instability.

Executive Order 2026-4 suspends certain seasonal fuel requirements in parts of southeast Michigan, allowing gas stations to sell higher vapor pressure gasoline, which is typically cheaper to produce and purchase.

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The change aligns Michigan with a temporary waiver issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and is expected to reduce pump prices by an estimated 10 to 20 cents per gallon.

The order applies to eight counties  Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, Livingston, Monroe, St. Clair and Lenawee  home to roughly 5 million residents, or nearly half the states population. Officials said drivers in other parts of Michigan already have access to the less expensive fuel blends.

Whitmer said the move is intended to provide immediate relief as gas prices climb sharply, citing disruptions in global oil markets tied to the ongoing conflict in Iran.

According to the administration, average gas prices in Michigan have risen to about $3.89 per gallon, up roughly 30% from earlier levels and nearing highs last seen in 2023.

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While the governor acknowledged state leaders cannot control global energy markets, she said the executive order is one step the state can take to ease pressure on household budgets. The order also directs consumers to report potential fuel quality issues to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, which oversees fuel standards and enforcement.

Whitmer orders state to help businesses seek tariff refunds after court ruling

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer directed state agencies to assist Michigan businesses in pursuing refunds from tariffs imposed by the Trump administration that were recently struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Bridge Michigan reported that Whitmers executive directive comes after a February Supreme Court ruling that found former President Donald Trump improperly used emergency powers to enact sweeping import tariffs. The decision has opened the door for companies that paid those tariffs to potentially seek refunds, though the process is still being developed at the federal level.

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Whitmers order instructs several state departments  including Agriculture and Rural Development, Labor and Economic Opportunity, Transportation and Treasury  to assess how the tariffs affected Michigans economy and report their findings within 30 days.

State officials say ensuring access will be especially important for smaller businesses that may lack legal or financial resources to navigate complex claims. The order emphasizes making the process accessible to all eligible importers.

State officials have also linked tariffs to higher consumer costs, estimating the average Michigan family paid about $1,000 more per year due to price increases.

Federal officials are still building a system to process refund claims, which could take several weeks once fully operational.

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Michigan Supreme Court to hear dispute over stalled legislative bills

Michigan's Supreme Court will hear a legal dispute between House Republicans and Senate Democrats over whether nine bills passed during the previous legislative session must be formally delivered to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

According to the Detroit Free Press, the court issued an order March 27 indicating it will take up the case, with oral arguments expected in May. The dispute centers on legislation approved at the end of the 202324 session, when Democrats controlled both chambers, but never presented to the governor after Republicans took control of the House in 2025.

House Speaker Matt Hall, R-Richland Township, has argued that the new Republican majority is not obligated to complete unfinished administrative steps from a prior Legislature.

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Democrats, led by Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks, D-Grand Rapids, maintain that presenting passed bills to the governor is a routine procedural duty, not a policy decision, and should have been completed regardless of the change in leadership.

The legal battle began in early 2025, when Senate Democrats filed suit. A Court of Claims judge acknowledged the bills should have been sent to Whitmer but declined to compel action, citing limits on judicial involvement in legislative processes.

The Michigan Court of Appeals later reversed that stance, ruling the lower court should have ordered the House to transmit the legislation.

The Supreme Courts review now places the issue at the center of a broader constitutional question: how far courts can go in directing the Legislature to carry out procedural duties.

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The nine stalled bills address a range of policy areas, including increased public employee health care contributions, expanded retirement options for certain law enforcement personnel, protections for public assistance benefits from debt collection and a proposal allowing Wayne County voters to approve a millage for museum funding.

Cannabis industry files second lawsuit over Michigans 24% wholesale tax

Michigans marijuana industry has filed a second legal challenge to the states new 24% wholesale cannabis tax, arguing the way the tax is structured effectively creates an unconstitutional tax on a tax.

According to The Detroit News, the lawsuit was filed in the Michigan Court of Claims by marijuana businesses Mitten Distro X LLC and Refine Michigan Co., along with the Michigan Cannabis Industry Association.

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The new case differs from an earlier lawsuit by focusing not on how the law was passed, but on how the tax is calculated and applied.

Industry representatives argue the wholesale tax, which took effect in January, inflates the base price of cannabis before other taxes are added. Under Michigan law, marijuana is already subject to a 10% excise tax and a 6% sales tax. The lawsuit claims that by applying the 6% sales tax on top of a price that already includes the 24% wholesale tax, the state is effectively exceeding the constitutional cap on sales taxes.

The complaint describes this as a pyramiding effect, where one tax compounds another, increasing the total burden on consumers beyond what voters authorized when they approved recreational marijuana legalization in 2018.

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Lawmakers enacted the wholesale tax in 2025 as part of a broader plan expected to generate about $420 million annually, largely for road funding. Supporters say the tax is consistent with existing law, noting that the original ballot initiative allowed for additional taxes beyond the 10% excise levy.
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Nuchi Nashoba grew up looking at a photograph of her great-grandfather Ben Carterby inside her grandmothers Oklahoma home. But, she didnt know much about the man in the frame other than that he was a World War I veteran.

It wasnt until 1989  when Nashoba was in her late 20s  that she learned a deep secret about her ancestor.

Carterby was one of the Choctaw code talkers  a group of 19 Native American soldiers who used their language to transmit encrypted messages to the Allies during campaigns in northern France. The soldiers were sworn to secrecy and hid details of their service from families for decades.

Over the past 20 years, Nashoba has led advocacy efforts to spotlight the groups hidden legacy as president of the Choctaw Code Talkers Association. Now, the soldiers contributions are recognized in Fort Worth through a new plaque at the citys Veterans Memorial Park.

The Choctaw Code Talker Historical Marker was unveiled during an April 1 ceremony hosted by the Oklahoma tribe, the Texas Historical Commission and the citys parks and recreation department. Several descendants of the Native soldiers attended.

Seeing the marker really brings me a lot of joy, Nashoba said. This is what preserves the history for generations to come.

Choctaw code talkers ties to Fort Worth

Members of the Choctaw code talkers were men who volunteered to fight for the U.S. in World War I at a time when Native Americans were not recognized as citizens. Indigenous communities wouldnt receive citizenship until 1924.

While in the battlefields in France, some of these men were overheard speaking their Choctaw language and were trained to use their words as code. They were placed on front lines and command posts so that messages could be transmitted to headquarters.

The soldiers shared words like tanampo chito for artillery and tvshka for warriors, according to the historical marker. The Germans famously failed to decipher these Choctaw transmissions within 24 hours throughout the war.

The Choctaw group is widely considered to be the first Native American code talkers to serve in the U.S. military. Their work paved the way for the Navajo code talkers during World War II.

Their story is a testament to the resilience and patriotism of the Choctaw Nation, Col. Brent Kemp, commander of the 56th Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the National Guard, said at the unveiling. Their ingenuity and bravery reminds us of the power of cultural heritage and the importance of preserving Indigenous languages.

The Native American soldiers were in the 36th Infantry Division at Camp Bowie, a westside training site for more than 100,000 soldiers during World War I.

Council member Macy Hill, who represents Camp Bowie, said it was only fitting for Fort Worth to honor the legacy of the code talkers since they walked on the sites grounds.

This is where the Choctaw code talkers were initially trained and where they will forever be remembered, she said.

Descendants carry the torch

As TaNa Alexander  the great-great-granddaughter of Carterby  watched the markers unveiling in Fort Worth, she couldnt help but feel proud that her familys history is slowly spreading across the U.S.

Its pretty monumental to realize that more people are starting to recognize the significant part of these men who were sworn to secrecy, said Alexander, who is Nashobas daughter. This marker connects the past to the future.

She credits her mothers leadership for widespread education about the work of Native soldiers.

Last May, the Choctaw Code Talkers Association led the charge to place a bronze sculpture honoring the group at the Choctaw Cultural Center in southern Oklahoma. The artwork depicts three soldiers in the middle of battle.

The organization also advocated for 23 Oklahoma bridges to be renamed after the code talkers and other Native veterans.

The Fort Worth marker was the groups first venture into Texas, Nashoba said. The group is exploring other statewide recognitions, she added.

For now, Alexander invites Fort Worth residents to stroll through the memorial park to learn that her ancestors stories arent just about being Native. Theyre about what it means to be American, she said.

You might not be Native or Choctaw, but what we do share in common is that we have the right to vote, she said. We have a voice. We have a freedom that exists here that doesnt exist anywhere else.

___

The Fort Worth Reports arts and culture coverage is supported in part by the Meta Alice Keith Bratten Foundation and the Virginia Hobbs Charitable Trust. At the Report, news decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here.

___

This story was originally published by Fort Worth Report and distributed through a partnership with The Associated Press.
Updated 10:18 a.m. ET, April 4, 2026: This story was updated with the latest available information.

An F-15 belonging to the U.S. Air Force has been taken down by Iranian forces, with search-and-rescue operations for one crew member ongoing in the Middle East.

Multiple reports initially suggested that the U.S. fighter jet, an F15E Strike Eagle, was taken out overnight on April 3. Iran has posted photos showing the jets alleged wreckage.

The American F-15E pilot who was rescued after his plane was downed over Iran was recovered by two U.S. military helicopters, according to CBS News, citing two U.S. officials, while the missing crew member is a weapon systems officer.

The helicopter that picked up one of the pilots was hit reportedly by small arms fire, some wounding crew members on board. The helicopter landed safely. All service members were reported to be receiving medical treatment and were transported for further medical care.

It was the first downed U.S. aircraft since the U.S. and Israel initially launched strikes against Iran on Feb. 28, and the first aircraft overall to go down in more than 20 years per reports. Military.com reached out to the Pentagon and White House for comment. Neither the Department of Defense nor U.S. Central Command has publicly commented on the reports that have been attributed to Iranian media and internal sources.

CENTCOM, which on Thursday posted on X about a half-dozen false claims made by Iran regarding downing enemy aircraft over the Strait of Hormuz, has not posted about this particular reported incident.

CENTCOM notified the House Armed Services Committee on Friday of the downing, according to CBS News, citing a congressional source.

In an email from the Pentagon obtained by The Associated Press, the military said it received notification of an aircraft being shot down in the Middle East, without providing more details.

Search Continues, Trump Said 'No' Impact on Negotiations

President Trump told NBC News in a phone interview after the F-15 went down that he didn't expect the situation to impact the United States' indirect negotiations with Iran.

"No, not at all," Trump told NBC News' Garrett Haake. "No, it's war."

Iranian state media published media on Friday, which included videos and images of the craft, plus one of the ejection seats.

Travelers approach on foot the border crossing with Turkey at the Razi crossing in Razi, Iran, Saturday, April 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)

Iranian state TV channels also called on civilians in the area where the jet was downed to search for the two reported crew members, with whoever locates them being told they would receive some kind of reward from the government, according to Axios.

Drop Site News cited an Iranian official as a source, reporting that the U.S. F-15 was struck by Iranian forces in southern Tehran Province, "with intense fire reported at the crash site." The Iranian official said the nature of the strike prevented the pilot[s] from ejecting before the aircraft crashed. The report alleged that no remains have been found.

What Search Operation May Consist Of

Jeffrey Fischer, a former U.S. Air Force colonel, told Military.com: Praying for the crew.

I don't know how the aircraft went down, but I will say this: After watching the F-15E try to engage the Shahed the other day, I was concerned, Fischer added. That was some pretty low and pretty slow flying, which reduces any kind of reactive or defensive maneuvers in the event an aircraft is engaged by air defense.

A photo of the purported ejection seat of one crew member.

Another retired U.S. Air Force pilot speculated to Military.com that Reaper drones and more fighter jets are high and flying cover as part of the search.

They seemed very low, so they must be confident that there are no air defenses active in the area beyond small arms, he said.

Hes also heard that one crew member cannot be located, but that U.S. forces are in touch with the other, though thats unconfirmed by the source and Military.com.

They are probably waiting for night (now) to do any extraction if they are in contact with one or both crew, the source added.

This story will be updated with any new information.
The Pentagon has been sued for allegedly failing to respond to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests pertaining to multi-million-dollar U.S. taxpayer-funded primate experiments at home and abroad.

White Coat Waste (WCW), a bipartisan government watchdog, filed the lawsuit against the Department of Defense to force the release of photos, videos and other records about what they describe as secretive U.S. military primate labs in Thailand and Peru, as well in the United States.

The group, based on its own investigation, claims that hundreds of monkeys are being subjected to wasteful and deadly taxpayer-funded experiments costing millions of dollars.

From Fort Detrick to Peru to Thailand, our recent investigations have uncovered how millions in military monkey business worldwide is being bankrolled by the Pentagon, WCW Senior Vice President Justin Goodman told Military.com. Our new lawsuit covers five different FOIA requests that we submitted for videos and other documents, detailing Pentagon primate testing in U.S. and foreign labs.

These requests were either completely ignored or never fulfilled in violation of federal law.

A Pentagon spokesperson told Military.com that it does not publicly comment on pending litigation.

'Troubling' Findings, Lack of Government Response

WCW alleges that the specific military primate labs theyve investigated are breeding and buying hundreds of monkeys, subjecting them to painful experiments that involve sleep deprivation, surgical mutilation, exposure to bioweapons like anthrax, and infection with Ebola and other deadly diseases.

I think most people would be surprised to learn that the U.S. government, meaning taxpayers, are the single largest funder of animal testing in the entire world, Goodman said. We've already seen the worst-case scenario for animal testing come to life with what happened in Wuhan, where unchecked foreign animal experiments funded with U.S. tax dollars likely caused a pandemic and killed over 1 million Americans."

It's troubling that agencies like the Department of Defense continue to fund animal labs overseas when we've seen how disastrous it can be.

Federal reports show that hundreds of these primates being used in the DOD's experiments are used in painful experiments and completely denied any pain relief, Goodman said.

A monkey at the Walter Reed Army Institute of ResearchArmed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, a primate colony established in 1980in Thailand, is allegedly being forced to undergo a sleep deprivation experiment. (White Coat Waste)

The lawsuit filed March 26 shows five FOIA requests submitted between June and December 2025 that involved the following sites:

Walter Reed Army Institute of Research  Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences (Thailand)

U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit South (Peru)

U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (Fort Detrick)

U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (Fort Detrick)

Uniformed Services University (Bethesda, MD)

Two of those requests were completely ignored, he said, meaning they were never acknowledged despite repeated follow-ups. Three others were acknowledged initially when they were submitted but never fulfilled and never led to any follow-up.

One of those requests completely ignored was the Thailand-related lab, while the other was a Fort Detrick site.

Goodman said WCW triangulates information from federal open-source spending databases like USAspending, peer-reviewed papers and DOD databases.

We were able to put the pieces together to determine that not only is the Pentagon conducting experiments on primates here in the United States, at the Navy, at the Army, at the Air Force, but also [that] they have foreign laboratories that are escaping scrutiny in places like Peru and Thailand, Goodman said.

Lawsuit Claims Federal Inaction

The lawsuit claims a lack of correspondence on behalf of the federal government.

A FOIA request submitted on June 24, 2025, by WCW to White Coat Waste submitted a FOIA request to the U.S. Army Medical Research & Development Command (USAMRDC) seeking copies of any active IACUC-approved protocols involving the use of at least one non-human primate, being performed by, or in conjunction with the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (USAMRICD) or U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID).

One day later, USAMRDC supposedly acknowledged the request and assigned it a tracking number. On July 28, the request was in process. That was the last correspondence pertaining to that specific request.

A separate request was submitted to the Office of the Secretary of Defense and Joint Staff (OSD/JS) seeking a copy of any active IACUC-approved protocols involving the use of at least one non-human primate, being performed by, or in conjunction with the Uniformed Services University.

Dr. John M. Dye Jr., Viral Immunology branch chief, works in the laboratory at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases in Frederick, Maryland. Dye is leading a team that is conducting a study with nonhuman primates involving the experimental drug ZMapp, an experimental treatment for Ebola patients. (USAMRIID)

The same day, OSD/JS acknowledged the request and assigned it a tracking number. Two days later, the agency informed WCW that this request was placed in its complex processing queue along with approximately 3,895 open requests, according to the suit. No further response was ever provided.

The lab in Thailand is described as the Pentagons largest, established in 1980 and currently housing roughly 550 monkeys in captivity. It is operated by the U.S. Army in collaboration with the Royal Thai Army and the Walter Reed Army Institute of ResearchArmed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences.

WCW, citing internal documents, claims that the facility breeds around 3045 additional rhesus and cynomolgus macaque monkeys each year for use in painful testing.

These monkeys are abused in experiments involving infectious diseases like malaria, Zika, dengue, typhus, shigella and SHIV, they said. They are surgically mutilated, intentionally infected with diseases, forced to ingest drugs, fed to disease-carrying mosquitoes, and subjected to sleep deprivation tests.

Past Success in Eliminating Experimental Funding

The lawsuit comes months after President Donald Trump signed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in December 2025 that includes funding cuts for the DODs painful dog and cat experimentsthe first ever to defund the departments dog and cat testing.

Early last year, we exposed how the DOD was funding over $57 million in dog and cat experiments around the labs in the U.S. and overseas, Goodman said.

In May 2025, Navy Secretary John Phelan completely banned dog and cat testing. He canceled a $10 million contract for, as Goodman described, constipation experiments on cats where they were having marbles shoved into their rectums and being electric electroshocked.

A long-tailed macaque which is kept for use in the clinical research is seen inside cage at National Primate Research Center, run by Chulalongkorn University in Saraburi Province, north of Bangkok, Saturday, May 23, 2020. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

Goodman said that WCW has found the Pentagon to be incredibly responsive and has taken swift action when such programs have been brought to their attention, adding, It hasn't been the same across the entire government.

That includes problematic programs involving purported dog and cat abuse and instituted by the previous Biden administration being renewed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), for example, receiving new funding under the current Trump administration despite promises to phase them out.

So, at other agencies, the rhetoric does not match the reality, but we've found that the DOD to be incredibly responsive and proactive in trying to cut wasteful animal tests, he said.

Theres a disconnect between agency heads taking the issue seriously and FOIA offices not keeping up, Goodman added.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has removed the Armys top general along with two other senior officers in a sweeping wartime shakeup, dramatically expanding a leadership purge inside the Pentagon as the Iran war intensifies.

Hegseth asked the top official to step down and take immediate retirement, as initially reported by multiple new outlets and confirmed to Military.com by the Pentagon. The department said George will retire effective immediately. Defense officials also said the shakeup includes Gen. David Hodne, who leads the Armys Training and Doctrine Command, and Maj. Gen. William Green Jr., the Armys chief of chaplains. The removal of multiple senior officers marks one of the most significant wartime leadership shakeups during active U.S. combat operations in recent years. No official explanation has been publicly provided.

Gen. Randy George, Chief of Staff of the Army, addresses the U.S. Army War College Class of 2026 during Army Leader Day in Bliss Auditorium, Jan. 13, 2026. (Elizabeth Bukowski/ U.S. Army War College Public Affairs)

Sean Parnell, assistant to the secretary of defense for public affairs, said in a statement posted on X that George will be retiring from his position as the 41st Chief of Staff of the Army effective immediately, adding that the department is grateful for General Georges decades of service.

Military.com reached out for comment to the Defense Department, the U.S. Army and the White House.

Gen. Christopher C. LaNeve, the Armys vice chief of staff, is expected to serve as acting chief of staff, according to multiple reports, ensuring continuity as operations continue.

Congressional reaction is likely, particularly from the Armed Services committees that oversee senior military leadership and wartime operations.

The Pentagon has not detailed how the transition will affect ongoing operations, leaving open questions about whether the leadership changes could influence planning, coordination with allies or execution as the war continues to evolve.

Gen. Randy George, Chief of Staff of the Army, sings the West Point Alma Mater at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, MD. Dec. 13. 2025. The Army-Navy football game is one of the oldest and most storied contests in collegiate athletics. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Eli Baker)

The Generals Caught in the Shakeup

Gen. Randy A. George, a four-star general and career infantry officer, has served as the Armys 41st chief of staff since September 2023 after being nominated by then-President Joe Biden and confirmed by the Senate. He enlisted in the Army in 1982 before commissioning from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1988 and has spent more than four decades in uniform, including combat deployments during the Gulf War, Iraq War and war in Afghanistan.

George previously served as vice chief of staff of the Army and as senior military assistant to the secretary of defense, placing him at the center of Pentagon decision-making before taking the Armys top job. As chief, he led a sweeping Army Transformation Initiative aimed at restructuring the force and preparing it for large-scale combat operations, including the creation of new commands and modernization of weapons and doctrine.

U.S. Army General David M. Hodne, Commanding General, United States Army Transformation and Training Command, talks to senior leaders from across armored and mechanized formations at the Armor Transformation and Standardization Initiative Summit at the Mission Training Complex on Fort Hood, TX, Jan. 21. at the Armor Transformation and Standardization Initiative Summit at the Mission Training Complex on Fort Hood, TX, Jan. 21. (U.S. Army by Pfc. Patrick M. Connery)

Gen. David Hodne, a former Army Ranger, has led the Armys Transformation and Training Command, which supports training, readiness and broader efforts to modernize the force for future conflicts. His command was expanded under George as part of broader modernization efforts, making it central to how the Army adapts to evolving battlefield threats.

Chief of Chaplains of the United States Army, Maj. Gen. William Bill Green Jr., gives the benediction at the conclusion of a Medal of Honor ceremony, March 2, 2026, at the White House in Washington D.C. President Donald Trump awarded the Medal of Honor to three U.S. Soldiers for acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty, including retired U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Terry P. Richardson, Staff Sgt. Michael H. Ollis (posthumous), and Master Sgt. Roderick Roddie W. Edmonds (posthumous). (U.S. Army photo by Christopher Kaufmann)

Maj. Gen. William Green Jr., the Armys chief of chaplains, has overseen religious support across the force and advised senior leaders on troop welfare and morale. A former enlisted soldier who later became an ordained minister, Green has served as a chaplain since the 1990s and deployed in support of operations in Iraq. He became the Armys chief of chaplains in 2023 and was only recently promoted to major general.

His role has drawn increased attention as Hegseth has pushed changes to how military chaplains operate, placing the position at the center of broader cultural and policy debates inside the Pentagon.

Shakeup Expands as War Pressure Builds

The removals come as the conflict enters what officials have described as a decisive phase, with U.S. forces continuing strikes across Iran while broader fighting and pressure on key shipping lanes near the Strait of Hormuz continue to build across the region.

The strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz has grown as attacks on commercial vessels and threats to shipping routes have raised concerns about global energy flows and the potential for wider economic disruption.

U.S. Army Gen. Randy A. George, Chief of the Staff of the Army, speaks with guests during the U.S. Army Forces Command Transition of Command ceremony at Fort Bragg, N.C., Dec. 5, 2025. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Brandon Lunsford)

The war has expanded beyond its initial targets, disrupted energy markets and increased pressure on U.S. military leaders to manage a fast-moving regional conflict, with concerns rising about broader instability and the potential for a prolonged energy crisis.

Georges removal follows a series of high-level personnel changes under Hegseth, who has taken a more direct role in military leadership decisions since leading the Pentagon.

The timing is drawing scrutiny as the war enters a more volatile and uncertain phase, with officials warning the coming days could shape the trajectory of the conflict.
Off-duty service members may soon be able to carry privately owned firearms on U.S. military bases under a new order issued Thursday by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

The directive tells installation commanders to presume approval when troops request permission to carry a privately- owned firearm for personal protection on base, reversing policies that largely limited personal weapons to law enforcement or training. The move follows a string of shootings on military installations and raises questions about enforcement, safety and how armed personnel will operate alongside existing security forces.

Military.com reached out for comment to the Defense Department, Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps.

Carrying personal firearms on base has long been tightly restricted, even though commanders have had authority to approve exceptions under certain conditions.

U.S. Air Force Airmen with the 66th Training Squadrons Pre-Team 26-02 carry the American and POW/MIA flags during the annual POW/MIA memorial ruck march through Fairchild Air Force Bases main gate during a memorial ruck march, Sep. 19, 2025. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Stephanie Orta Carranza)

In practice, most installations limited privately owned firearms outside of specific circumstances, effectively keeping large portions of bases off-limits for personal carry.

The memo Im signing today directs installation commanders to allow requests for personal protection to carry a privately owned firearm with the presumption that it is necessary, Hegseth said Thursday in a video posted online.

Under the directive, any denial must be issued in writing and include a detailed explanation. It places new accountability on commanders and expands the number of armed personnel on base.

Base Attacks Fuel Push to Arm Troops

The policy follows years of scrutiny over security gaps at military installations, particularly after high-profile attacks.

A 2019 shooting at Naval Air Station Pensacola killed three U.S. sailors and wounded several others, prompting a series of security changes across installations.

More recent incidents at installations including Fort Stewart and Holloman Air Force Base have renewed concerns about response times and the ability to quickly stop threats inside controlled environments.

Service members from 110th Wing Security Forces Squadron conduct a gate breach scenario during the Wings Operational Readiness Exercise on June 6, 2025, at the Battle Creek Air National Guard Base, Michigan. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sergeant Ryan Bishop)

Recent events like what happened at Fort Stewart, Holloman Air Force Base or Pensacola Naval Air Station have made clear that some threats are closer to home than we would like, Hegseth said.

In these instances, minutes are a lifetime, he added.

The policy leans on that argument, suggesting trained service members already on base could respond in the early moments of an attack.

Hegseth Frames Policy as God-Given Right

Hegseth framed the move as both a self-defense measure and a constitutional issue, arguing that service members should not face stricter limits than civilians.

Our warfighters are no less entitled to exercise their God-given right to keep and bear arms than any other American, he said.

The emphasis on Second Amendment protections marks a shift in how the Pentagon publicly justifies on-base firearm policy, expanding beyond force protection into broader constitutional framing.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff U.S. Air Force Gen. Dan Caine conduct a press briefing on Operation Epic Fury at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., March 10, 2026. (DoW photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Eric Brann)

He added that threats are not always external.

Not all enemies are foreign, nor are they all outside our border, he said.

The directive leaves details to interpretation, including how privately owned firearms will be carried, stored and integrated with existing security protocolsalong with questions about how armed service members will operate alongside military police and base security forces, particularly at entry gates, housing areas and other high-traffic or sensitive locations.

The policy also introduces legal and operational challenges, including how federal installation rules will align with state firearm laws and whether expanded access could complicate response efforts during emergencies or active threats.
Building Homes for Heroes, a national organization providing houses for injured veterans, will host its second annual Honoring Our Heroes 5K Run/Walk in Long Island, New York, on Saturday.

The event serves as a fundraiser to provide mortgage-free homes and other valuable resources for wounded veterans, first responders and their families.

Building Homes for Heroes (BHH) was founded in 2006 by Andy Pujol, a New York native who volunteered at Ground Zero following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Daniel Hernandez, a Marine Corps veteran, and Building Homes for Heroes staff member, organized the race as a way to inspire people to give back to the veteran community. Saturdays event will be held at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow, New York. Along with the 5K run/walk, the event features a 1-mile kids fun run.

Before I joined the BHH team, the company had three 5K runs/walks going from 2012 to 2015, Hernandez told Military.com. I was happy to restart this 5k and get our local community involved, and we also encourage runners nationwide to do their own 5k in solidarity and are welcome to donate in support of our heroes.

Runners who cant make it to Long Island for Saturdays race, can participate by registering online at buildinghomesforheroes.org.

Hernandez said this years goal is to raise $10,000 from the race, exceeding last years $7,500. However, Saturday will be a busy day for local runners as five other charitable races are scheduled across Long Island.

All for incredible causes, Hernandez said.

Runners compete in last year's 5K run to support Building Homes for Heroes. (Building Homes for Heroes)

Overwhelming Gratitude

After a 10-year hiatus, the new version of Honoring Our Heroes attracted about 200 runners and walkers in 2025, according to Hernandez. This spring, about 150 are signed up so far.

The money raised from this event and other BHH fundraisers goes to repairing homes to be tailored to the veterans and their needs, Hernandez said. We also have a grant program where we fund a veteran homeowner with $50,000 to renovate their home that this run will also support.

The organization teams with licensed contractors to complete work on their homes. BHH also assists veterans and first responders by providing emergency funding when times get tough. For Hernandez, the smiles he sees from veterans appreciative of the program are worth all the hard work.

The response we receive is overwhelming gratitude, Hernandez said. The veteran, when awarded either a mortgage-free home or funding for a modification, often shares how life-changing it is that they could focus on other aspects of their life without the burden of a mortgage or a home that doesnt accommodate their specific needs based on their injuries.

In addition, the program gives 96 cents of every dollar donated back to support its mission.

Building Homes for Heroes, founded in 2006, is hoping to complete its 500th home for a disabled veteran or first responder this year. (Building Homes for Heroes)

9/11 Inspired Organization

When Andy Pujol saw the planes crash into both towers of the World Trade Center, killing thousands of his New York City neighbors, he knew he had to do something.

Pujol, a local businessman from Island Park, jumped into action, driving to Ground Zero and assisting search-and-rescue teams, working alongside firefighters and police officers to save as many lives as possible.

In the weeks following the 9/11 attacks, the U.S. invaded Afghanistan, kicking off a military engagement lasting two decades, affecting the lives of thousands of American soldiers and their families through casualties, severe injuries and mental health struggles.

Seeing first-hand what emergency personnel went through in the days following 9/11 and watching soldiers go to war, inspired Pujol to start BHH in Long Island 20 years ago. What began as a grassroots charity to build one home for injured veterans has grown into a national movement looking to complete its 500th home before the end of 2026.

Bringing back the annual run/walk was a way to recognize the local New York City backers who have supported BHH from day one, while also providing needed homes for veterans and first responders across the country. According to a press release, the organization receives building and materials from large home improvement franchises like Lowes, Chase, SAIC and others.

As for Saturday, Hernandez said hes looking forward to seeing some familiar faces, along with some new runners hitting the pavement for a charitable cause.

From last year, I would like to say we saw at least 25% of runners return based on current sign-ups, he said. I have had runners tell me that they enjoyed the race and wish we could host more of them in different neighborhoods throughout Long Island.

The Marine Corps veteran is already looking toward next years race, thinking of ways to improve the event.

My plans for next year are to have the race being held on local streets in a specific town instead of a park. This way, we can get a community involved with our cause, Hernandez said.
Horace Carratelli, a 1st Armored Division veteran who served as a first sergeant in North Africa and Italy during World War II, died March 23 at 107 years old. He was believed to be one of the last surviving members of the division who fought during the Tunisia campaign, which included the pivotal Battle of Kasserine Pass in February 1943.

The 1st Armored Division, known as "Old Ironsides," honored Carratelli in a social media post following his death. The division, now headquartered at Fort Bliss, Texas, has long maintained a relationship with its WWII-era veterans through its annual Torch Week celebrations and the 1st Armored Division Association.

A Brooklyn Kid Goes to War

Carratelli was born Jan. 27, 1919, in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, the oldest of three sons raised by Robert and Maria Carratelli. The family endured the Great Depression in a single-parent household after his mother died, and at 15, Carratelli left Brooklyn to live with relatives on a farm in Walden, New York.

Horace Carratelli, a native of New York City, World War II veteran and retired first sergeant with the 123rd Armored Ordnance Battalion, 1st Armored Division, fires a training M4 Carbine at the Fort Bliss Simulations Center during the division's Torch Week, November 5. (U.S. Army photo by Pvt. Matthew Marcellus)

He eventually returned to the city, working full time during the day while attending night classes at St. John's University, where he studied accounting. He had been accepted into the FBI's Fraud Division when the Army drafted him in 1941.

Carratelli trained at Fort Dix, New Jersey, and in Louisville, Kentucky, before being assigned to the 1st Armored Division's 123rd Armored Ordnance Battalion. The unit shipped overseas to Ireland and England, then deployed to North Africa as part of Operation Torch in November 1942.

From Kasserine to Rome

The 1st Armored Division was the first American armored division to enter combat in the Second World War. Its soldiers fought across Algeria and Tunisia, where the division clashed with German and Italian forces under Field Marshal Erwin Rommel in a series of engagements that culminated at Kasserine Pass.

The battle, fought from Feb. 19 to 24, 1943, marked the first major confrontation between American and European Axis forces and dealt U.S. troops a costly defeat that forced sweeping changes in Army leadership and tactics.

An M3 Lee tank of U.S. 1st Armored Division advancing to support American forces during the battle at Kasserine Pass. (U.S. Army Photo)

Carratelli's division later fought in Italy, taking part in the amphibious assault at Anzio in January 1944 and the subsequent liberation of Rome. He rose to the rank of first sergeant during his service and was eventually reassigned to an intelligence role in Milan, where he worked alongside a joint FBI team involved in capturing the remaining members of Italy's Fascist leadership.

He returned home in 1945 and went to work in his father's factory in New York City's Garment District.

A Life of Service After the War

Carratelli married Loretta Gatti in 1948, and the couple settled in Fresh Meadows, Queens, where they built a home they would share for more than 70 years. Their son, Robert, was born in 1956. Loretta died of cancer in 1991, and Carratelli became a grandfather to twins, Emily and Robert, in 1995.

Beyond his career in the garment industry, Carratelli helped establish the 1st Armored Division Association, serving as both its national secretary and president. He remained an active presence in the division's legacy well into his later years. In 2019, at age 100, he traveled to Fort Bliss for Torch Week, where he fired a training M4 Carbine in the installation's simulation center alongside active-duty soldiers.

Mr. Horace Carattelli's 107th Birthday, January 27th, 2026. (Veterans Affairs)

In January 2026, Carratelli celebrated his 107th birthday surrounded by family. New York State Assembly Member Nily Rozic presented him with an official proclamation thanking him for his service, and VA Home Based Primary Care staff from the St. Albans Community Living Center were among those in attendance, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Carratelli's death is another reminder of how few Americans who served in WWII remain. Of the 16.4 million who wore the uniform during the conflict, roughly 45,000 were still alive as of 2025, according to Department of Veterans Affairs data compiled by the National WWII Museum. That figure represents less than half of 1% of those who served. The youngest surviving veterans are now approaching 100 years old, and VA projections estimate fewer than 8,000 will remain by 2030.
Whether you are a higher education professional building programs for military-connected students or looking for broader military education and training ecosystems for professional development, there is something for everyone in 2026.

Continuous improvement and learning are embedded in military culture. Cross-collaboration with higher education institutions and other organizations with shared interests and goals mutually benefit from one another.

Depending on the focus, these opportunities allow the military community and affiliated professionals to network and even influence strategy and policy conversations at the national level. It also enables stronger research, development, and innovation. Beyond curating lists of suitable conferences and determining logistics, it is important to align key outcomes that lead to actionable insights.

Dr. Darrin Frye (right), chief science director, Naval Medical Research Unit (NAMRU) San Antonio, served as a panelist on a continuing education panel titled, Overcoming the Unique Medical Challenges across the Indo-Pacific Theater during the 2026 Annual Operational Medicine Symposium (OpMed) & Technology Showcase held at the Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center. (U.S. Navy photo by Burrell Parmer, NAMRU San Antonio Public Affairs/Released, DVIDS)

Professional Development Insights

Ultimately, it is about outcomes from attendance. In 2025, multiple solutions emerged as a result of conference participation. Some of these tangible outcomes include the following at the macro-level:

Increased military student onboarding programs and Veteran Success Centers

Improved retention of military-affiliated students

Improved VA compliance with internal school processes

Greater efficiency with student certification approvals

More college alignment with ACE Military credit recommendations

Increased enrollment and graduation rates of military learners

Development of prior learning assessment pathways

More workforce and industry pipeline opportunities, such as internships

More college adoption of simulation-based learning models and expanded virtual labs for digital learning innovation

Shared best practices and research collaborations leading to published articles and evidence-based data

On a personal level, participants get a people-first experience that promotes expertise in real-time problem-solving and skill-building. Longer-term mentorships and partnerships are built that expand the professional community. Additionally, individuals gain opportunities for roles, visibility, and leadership, which often restores social and emotional impacts like engagement, connection, and enthusiasm.

SFL's Education Director, MSG James Wire, was in Denver this week attending the 2023 NASPA - Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education Symposium on Military-Connected Students, an event for student affairs practitioners and campus professionals to help them develop or enhance their programming and services for military-connected students. While at the Symposium, MSG Wire had the opportunity to connect with Kandi Tillman, Co-Founder of 50strong, an organization that helps connect service members, veterans, and spouses with national employers. (Courtesy photo, DVIDS)

Military Education Conferences and Training Summits

Each conference website includes information about registration, sponsorship, speakers, transportation, lodging, and exhibits. More often than not, out-of-pocket costs can be expected. However, to reduce costs, participants can combine funding sources like scholarships or grants, sponsored support (i.e., presenter coverage), or employer professional development budgets. Here is a breakdown of military education conferences, Defense training and simulation symposiums, and other well-known summits. While some of these have already occurred in 2026, they will happen again in 2027.

Student Veterans of America (SVA) National Conference NatCon  Focuses on bringing veteran students and military allies together from SVA chapters across the nation to exchange knowledge, awards, and best practices. Their annual NatCon was held in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on January 8-10, 2026. More transparency is anticipated under their recent leadership change.

Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) Student Support Summit  Focuses on supporting military-connected K-12 learners. Their summit was held in San Antonio, Texas, on January 29, 2026. The organization holds summits throughout the year, including virtual.

IDGA Military Simulation Training Summit  Focuses on practitioners, experts, and leaders in the simulation and synthetic training community to shape future innovation for the U.S. and Allied Forces. Their summit was held in Orlando, Florida, on February 24-25, 2026. Follow them on LinkedIn for more information.

NASPA Annual Conference  Focuses on research, policy, and best practices among student affairs practitioners. Their annual conference was held in Kansas City, Missouri, on March 7-11, 2026. The organization holds other symposiums and webinars throughout the year.

Council of College and Military Educators (CCME) Symposium  Focuses on facilitating communication between DoW educational support networks, educational programs and services, and legislative advocacy. Their symposium was held in San Francisco, California, on March 30-April 2, 2026. Subscribe to their newsletter to stay current on future opportunities.

Holistic Health & Fitness (H2F) Symposium  Focuses on soldier readiness through health, fitness, and wellness. Their symposium will take place May 13-14, 2026, in Hampton, Virginia.

Florida Association of Veterans Education Specialists (FAVES) Conference  Focuses on VA education benefits with continued support and resources. Their conference will take place on June 1-4, 2026, in St. Pete Beach, Florida.

Military Operations Research Society (MORS) Symposium  Focuses on national security operations via research and analytics with military, industry, academia, and government representatives. Their symposium will take place June 8-11, 2026, in Colorado at the USAF Academy.

Social workers from the hospital and surrounding community attend the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center Social Work Internship Programs Continuing Education Unit conference March 6 at the hospital. The annual event provides professional development opportunities that support Soldiers, families and military health system beneficiaries. (Photo by Rodney Jackson, DVIDS)

Western Association of Veterans Education Specialists (WAVES) Conference  Focuses on professional standards for school certifying officials and collaboration with government officials. The WAVES Conference will take place on July 20-24, 2026, in Hollywood, California.

National Association of Federally Impacted Schools (NAFIS) Conference  Focuses on advocacy for impact funding and policy changes in federally impacted schools. The 2026 NAFIS Fall Conference will take place on September 20-22, 2026, in Washington, D.C.

Air, Space & Cyber Conference  Focuses on professional military development in the air and space power domain. Their conference was held in National Harbor, Maryland, on September 22-24. The AFA website provides more information.

Spacepower Conference  Focuses on advocacy, innovation, and education in the space domain. Their conference will take place on December 8-10, 2026, in Orlando, Florida.

Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference (I/ITSEC)  Focuses on military training, modeling, and simulation with emphasis on defense and security. Their conference will take place November 30-December 4, 2026, in Orlando, Florida.
True Detective Season 5 is starting to take shape, with HBO confirming a 2027 premiere window. Reports dating back to August 2025 have linked Nicolas Cage to the lead role of Henry Logan, a New York detective working cases in Jamaica Bay. Coverage from Variety and Deadline suggests a deal may be close, though HBO has not confirmed the casting.

As of March 28, 2026, the network has declined to comment on the speculation surrounding Nic Cage's casting. Still, multiple reports indicate discussions are ongoing as production ramps up for a planned 2026 start. That alone is notable. But if the series wants this season to feel distinct from whats come before, theres a practical way to ground Cages character: make him a veteran.

Why So Many Detectives Have Military Backgrounds

HBO drama chief Francesca Orsi recently confirmed that Season 5 will be set in New York, centered on Jamaica Bay. Its a clear shift from the rural landscapes of Season 1 and Season 3, as well as the frozen isolation of Night Country. Jamaica Bay, an estuary along the southern edge of Long Island, offers a setting that blends urban density with maritime accessan environment where multiple jurisdictions can overlap.

Showrunner Issa Lopez, who led Season 4, has said this installment will take a different approach while keeping the series grounded in character and psychological tension. The setting may change, but the focus on the people doing the work remains the same.

Showrunner Issa Lopez is returning to lead True Detective Season 5 following the success of Night Country. Photo Credit: HBO

Thats where a military background makes sense. The transition from military service to law enforcement is common across the United States. Veterans regularly move into local police departments, federal agencies and specialized task forces. The overlap isnt incidentalits structural.

Military training emphasizes discipline, chain-of-command awareness and the ability to operate under sustained pressure. Those are the same traits required in complex investigations, especially in cities like New York, where cases often involve coordination across multiple agencies.

Detectives in those environments are expected to navigate bureaucracy, manage incomplete information and make decisions that carry weight beyond the immediate moment. Veterans are already accustomed to that kind of work.

Giving Cages character that background wouldnt require heavy explanation. The audience already understands what it implies. Its a shorthand that adds credibility and context without slowing the story down.

True Detective Has Always Focused on Psychological Strain

From its first season, True Detective has been more interested in the people doing the work than in procedure. Its investigators are affected by what the job does to them over time.

Rust Cohle, played by Matthew McConaughey, carried a worldview defined by isolation and long-term exposure to violence. Liz Danvers, played by Jodie Foster, operated with a sense of emotional distance that affected both her work and her relationships. These characters were not defined by clean casework. They were defined by accumulationyears of stress, loss and unaddressed tension.

Jodie Foster starred as Chief Liz Danvers in True Detective: Night Country, continuing the series focus on psychologically complex investigators. Photo Credit: HBO

A veteran background fits into that pattern without feeling forced. Military service, particularly in high-tempo or combat roles, can introduce the same kind of long-lasting psychological strain the series has explored before.

That strain does not need to be explained in detail. It can sit under the surface, informing how the character reacts to pressure, conflict and ambiguity. The show has always worked best when those components are implied rather than spelled out.

A New York Setting Makes the Case Stronger

Season 5 is expected to take place in Jamaica Bay, a coastal area along the southern edge of New York City. The setting alone suggests a different type of investigation than previous seasons.

Jamaica Bay sits at a nexus of jurisdictions, where city policing overlaps with federal authority and maritime enforcement. Cases in that area can involve smuggling, trafficking, environmental violations and coordinated operations across multiple agencies.

That kind of environment benefits from a lead character who can move between systems without it feeling convenient or contrived.

A military background provides that bridge. It explains familiarity with federal structures, comfort with joint operations and an ability to operate in spaces that are not strictly local. It also supports a character who understands both hierarchy and improvisation, depending on the situation.

Without that foundation, the show might have to spend time justifying how its lead navigates those spaces. With it, the story can move more freely.

Why Nicolas Cage Fits That Kind of Role

Cages recent work has leaned toward characters who carry tension beneath the surface. Even when they appear composed, there is a sense that something is unsettled.

Nicolas Cages performance in Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans showcased the kind of unstable, psychologically intense lawman that True Detective often centers. Photo Credit: Millennium Films

That quality is consistent with the type of investigator True Detective tends to build. The series doesnt center polished professionals. It focuses on people who are functional, but only just.

A veteran backstory would give Cage a framework to anchor that performance. It would ground the characters behavior in experience rather than leaving it to read as unpredictability for its own sake.

The show has always balanced instability with context. The audience does not need every detail, but it needs enough to understand why a character behaves the way he does. Military service offers that context in a way that feels earned rather than imposed.

A Missed Opportunity If Overlooked

True Detective Season 5 is targeting a 2027 release, with production expected to begin in 2026. As with previous seasons, the next installment will introduce an entirely new cast and case, continuing the anthology format that has defined True Detective from the start.

Interest in the series remains strong, including from former leads. Matthew McConaughey, who starred as Rust Cohle in Season 1, has indicated in recent interviews that he would be open to returning if the right opportunity came along. While nothing is in motion on that front, the comment reflects continued goodwill toward the franchise and its current direction under Issa Lopez.

If Cage does sign on, it would mark a clear effort by HBO to bring in a recognizable lead while maintaining the shows reputation for character-driven storytelling. His recent roles, particularly in darker, more psychological projects, align with the type of material True Detective typically explores.

With production approaching, the remaining question is timing. Whether Cage signs on or not, the shape of this character will matter. If Season 5 wants to feel grounded in the world its building, a military background isnt just a detailits the most believable place to start.
The Tigers have released right-hander Phil Bickford and left-hander Colin Poche, reports Jason Beck of MLB.com. Both pitchers signed minor league deals with Detroit this offseason. They will now head back to the open market to search for their next opportunities.

Bickford, 30, was invited to big league camp but wasnt able to pitch in any official spring action. He was diagnosed with a triceps strain in late February. He was reassigned to minor league camp a few days later. His current health status is not known.

He has 189 innings of big league experience under his belt, split between the Brewers, Dodgers, Mets and Yankees. Overall, he has allowed 4.62 earned runs per nine frames with a 26.1% strikeout rate and 9.1% walk rate.

His last big league appearance was in 2024. He spent 2025 in Triple-A, signing minor league deals with the Cubs and Phillies. Between those two organizations, he had a 3.52 ERA, 28.5% strikeout rate and 9.1% walk rate in 46 Triple-A innings. That wasnt enough to get him to the big leagues last year. He did get a camp invite with the Tigers a few months ago but the injury scuttle any chance of him making the team.

Poche, 32, has a better overall track record but has fallen on hard times lately. At the end of 2023, he had 171 career innings pitched with a 3.58 ERA. His 9.3% walk rate was a bit high but he struck out 28.2% of batters faced. In 2024, his strikeout rate fell to 21.6%. His ERA didnt suffer greatly, as he finished that year with a 3.86 mark, but the Rays non-tendered him.

He signed a minor league deal with the Nationals for 2025 and made the Opening Day roster but was designated for assignment on May 1st after 13 appearances. He had allowed 11 earned runs in 8 2/3 innings while giving out walks to 12 of the 46 batters he faced, an awful 26.1% clip. He spent most of the rest of the year with the Mets at the Triple-A level, where he walked 17.3% of opponents.

The Tigers gave Poche a minor league deal but didnt invite him to big league camp. His transaction tracker at MLB.com says he was placed on the Triple-A Toledo injured list last week, without specifying the issue.

Photo courtesy of Junfu Han, Imagn Images
Kerala Assembly Poll: Nearly 2 lakh voters cast their votes from home ahead of April 9 polling

According to data shared by the Election Commission, 1,28,381 senior citizen absentee voters (AVSC) aged 85 or above cast their votes from home, a process which began on Monday.

PTI April 03, 2026 / 23:24 IST














I will campaign for NDA candidates, says Annamalai after BJP releases Tamil Nadu list

Earlier today, BJP released its list of 27 candidates for the Tamil Nadu assembly elections on April 3, but Annamalai, a former state unit president, was not on it. While senior leaders like Tamilisai Soundararajan (from Mylapore segment), Vanathi Srinivasan (Coimbatore North), and Union Minister L Murugan (Avinashi) have been fielded, Annamalai is thus not contesting the April 23 elections.









Annamalai BJP released 27 candidates for Tamil Nadu assembly polls

Annamalai will campaign for BJP candidates, not contest elections

Senior leaders like Tamilisai and L Murugan are contesting Did our AI summary help?
Tamil Nadu polls: Why Annamalais name does not figure in BJPs list?

Tamil Nadu will go to the polls in a single phase on April 23, covering a total of 234 constituencies in the State. Counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.









K Annamalai K Annamalai excluded from BJP's Tamil Nadu candidate list.

Hell campaign for NDA in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Puducherry.

Annamalai declined to run, unhappy with seat-sharing terms. Did our AI summary help?
Aparna Sen regrets rejecting Shyam Benegals Ankur, says 'It led to Shabana Azmis iconic debut'

Aparna Sen reveals she declined Shyam Benegals Ankur due to self-doubt, later calling it the right outcome as Shabana Azmi delivered an award-winning, iconic performance in the film.









Aparna Sen regrets rejecting Shyam Benegals Ankur, says 'It led to Shabana Azmis iconic debut' Aparna Sen declined Ankur, a role later played by Shabana Azmi

Sen felt self-doubt and disconnected from Hindi cinema roles

Azmi's performance in Ankur won her a National Award and acclaim Did our AI summary help?
Maamla Legal Hai S2 Review: An easy-going take on legal madness thats sharp, real, and works

A light, easy watch that finds humour in the everyday chaos of a Delhi courtroom without trying too hard. It stays simple, grounded, and quietly sharp, even when it drifts a little.









Maamla Legal Hai S2 Review: An easy-going take on legal madness thats sharp, real, and works Maamla Legal Hai S2 streams on Netflix, starring Ravi Kishan.

Season balances humour with sharp commentary on court life.

Simple writing and lively performances keep show engaging Did our AI summary help?
Pradeep Ranganathans remuneration for Telugu debut raises eyebrows

Pradeep Ranganathan is gearing up for the release of Love Insurance Kompany on April 10, riding high on the success of his previous films. Meanwhile, reports suggest the actor may significantly hike his remuneration for his upcoming Telugu debut, though no official confirmation has been made.









Pradeep Ranganathan remuneration Pradeep Ranganathan may charge Rs 50 crore for his Telugu debut.

Love Insurance Kompany releases April 10, 2026.

Pradeep's market value rises after three successful films. Did our AI summary help?
Rajpal Yadav cheque bounce case: Delhi HC denies giving more time to actor to clear payment dues

Delhi High Court reserved verdict in Rajpal Yadavs dues case after failed settlement talks. Court refused more time, stressing liability remains despite jail term, with over Rs 7.75 crore unpaid.









Rajpal Yadav cheque bounce case: Delhi HC denies giving more time to actor to clear payment dues Delhi HC reserves verdict in Rajpal Yadav money dispute

Yadav failed to pay dues; Rs 7.75 crore remains unpaid

Court declined Yadav's request for more time to arrange funds Did our AI summary help?
Ranbir Kapoor initially rejected Rama's role in Ramayana, said, "I wont be able to do full justice'

Ranbir Kapoor revealed he initially turned down the role of Lord Ram in Ramayana, feeling he wasnt ready for it. The actor called presenting the film in Los Angeles a surreal full-circle moment from a dream he had years ago.

Gayatri Rani April 03, 2026 / 16:54 IST























Ranbir Kapoor as Ram in Ramayana first look Ranbir Kapoor initially turned down the role of Lord Ram.

Ramayana teaser launched in Los Angeles at a grand event.

Ramayana Part 1 releases Diwali 2026, Part 2 on Diwali 2027. Did our AI summary help?
Rukmini Vasanth signs a Kannada movie with KVN Productions, to be directed by Hemanth M Rao

Rukmini Vasanth is gaining massive popularity after Sapta Sagaradaache Ello and has a strong lineup of upcoming projects, including Kantara: Chapter 1 and Toxic. The actress is also rumored to star opposite Jr NTR while working on a new multilingual Kannada film.









Rukmini Vasanth bagged new film Rukmini Vasanth stars in new Kannada project with KVN Productions

Film quietly started shooting, set for multi-language release

Veteran actor Malashree expected to play a key role in the movie Did our AI summary help?
Sonam Kapoor shares first pic with second baby boy from hospital, thanks staff for support

Sonam Kapoor welcomed her second son with Anand Ahuja, shared his first hospital picture, and thanked her doctor and hospital staff for their care, calling the experience emotional, supportive, and truly memorable.









Sonam Kapoor shares first pic with second baby boy from hospital, thanks staff for support Sonam Kapoor welcomes second child with Anand Ahuja

Sonam thanks hospital staff and her OBGYN for their support

Sonam shares heartfelt note and first glimpse of newborn Did our AI summary help?
Vikrant Massey opens up on extreme TV work hours, shot 110 hours without break

Vikrant Massey revealed that he once shot continuously for 110 hours during his TV career due to demanding schedules. He also shared that the intense workload eventually affected his mental well-being, prompting him to shift to films.

Gayatri Rani April 03, 2026 / 19:40 IST























Vikrant Massey on his TV days Vikrant Massey revealed shooting for 110 hours nonstop in TV days

Quit TV despite good pay over regressive content, high stress

Vikrant will next star in Netflix's Musafir Cafe series Did our AI summary help?
Vishnu Manchu hits back at MLA Anirudh Reddys 90-day drug test proposal for actors, says, "whats the equivalent test before filing a nomination for elections?"

Vishnu Manchu countered MLA Anirudh Reddys proposal for mandatory actor drug tests, questioning why similar rules shouldnt apply to politicians, sparking debate on accountability, influence, and fairness across public roles.









Vishnu Manchu hits back at MLA Anirudh Reddys 90-day drug test proposal for actors, says, "whats the equivalent test before filing a nomination for elections?" MLA proposes mandatory drug tests for actors every 90 days

MAA president Vishnu Manchu calls for equal tests for politicians

Debate sparks calls for broader accountability in public life Did our AI summary help?
BPSC AEDO Admit Card 2026 released @ bpsc.bihar.gov.in, direct link here

The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) has released the BPSC Assistant Education Development Officer (AEDO) Admit Card 2026 on April 3, 2026. Candidates who have registered for the written examination under Advt. No. 87/2025 can now download their hall tickets from the official website.









BPSC AEDO Admit Card 2026 BPSC AEDO Admit Card 2026 released on April 3, 2026

Candidates must download admit card from BPSC official website

Exam held in Bihar, morning and afternoon shifts available Did our AI summary help?
Adani sets 1 bn tonnes cargo target by 2030 as APSEZ crosses 500 mn tonnes milestone

Speaking on the occasion of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) crossing the milestone, chairman Gautam Adani said the group's ports network has expanded into an integrated system of 20 ports across India and international locations, positioning it as a key enabler of trade and logistics flows.

PTI April 03, 2026 / 19:25 IST























Adani Group
SpaceX has held talks with Saudi fund for possible $5 billion investment in IPO: Report

The investment would partly prevent dilution of PIFs existing stake of just under 1% in SpaceX, the sources said.

Reuters April 02, 2026 / 23:45 IST























SpaceX is also the industry leader in providing internet services from low-Earth orbit through Starlink
Global companies delay IPOs and slash dividends as Middle East conflict rattles markets

Phone Pe, the Walmart-backed Indian fintech firm, said it had paused its plans for an IPO after geopolitical tensions caused volatility in global capital markets

Reuters April 03, 2026 / 08:30 IST























IPO latest news
Jan Vishwas Bill: Commerce ministry asks departments to review pending cases, withdraw non-critical offences

As part of the general drive to reduce load on the courts, he said, the government has advised all departments to review pending cases and withdraw the prosecution wherever possible.

PTI April 03, 2026 / 17:10 IST























Union Minister of Commerce Piyush Goyal speaks on the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026. (@PiyushGoyal/X via PTI Photo) Ministry urges withdrawal of minor offence court cases

Jan Vishwas Bill decriminalises 1,000 minor offences

Bill aims to ease judiciary load and improve business environment Did our AI summary help?
NRI rental income in India: Is ITR filing mandatory and how is tax calculated?

The requirement to file your ITR based on the threshold of basic exemption limit is applicable whether you are a resident or a non-resident.









Tax treatment of rental income for NRIs NRIs exempt from ITR filing if income below basic limit

PANAadhaar linking not needed for non-residents

Tenant deduct TDS from the rent paid Did our AI summary help?
AAP vs Raghav Chadha: Opposition calls out party's 'use-and-throw' policy, terms it 'undemocratic'

The Arvind Kejriwal-led party on Thursday removed Raghav Chadha as AAP's deputy leader in Rajya Sabha.









Raghav Chadha (Courtesy: PTI photo)
Amit Shah bats for UCC in Assam: 'No four marriages for infiltrators

All infiltrators have been identified. Time is a bit short. Give us five years, and we will selectively remove the identified infiltrators, says Shah.









Amit Shah accused the Congress of turning Assam into a hub for infiltrators. Amit Shah vows to expel identified infiltrators in Assam

BJP to boost tribal welfare, set up dairies in all districts

Tribal areas will remain outside the Uniform Civil Code's ambit Did our AI summary help?
Asaduddin Owaisi slams Himanta Sarma over 'break backbone of Miyas' remark: 'No one can destroy Muslims from Assam'

"Miya" is originally a pejorative term used for Bengali-speaking Muslims in Assam, and the non-Bengali-speaking people generally identify them as Bangladeshi immigrants.

PTI April 03, 2026 / 22:12 IST























AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi Owaisi criticizes Assam CM Sarma for remarks on Miya community

Owaisi asserts Muslims' presence in Assam cannot be destroyed

AIMIM supports AIUDF in Assam assembly elections on April 9 Did our AI summary help?
Assam elections cause garbage crisis at Uttar Pradesh colonies

Many of these workers, employed as sweepers, rag pickers and domestic helps, are natives of Assam and are leaving in groups ahead of polling.









Resident Welfare Associations in Lucknow and other parts of the state have started issuing advisories warning of irregular garbage collection- Representative photo Migrant sanitation workers leave UP cities to vote in Assam.

Garbage collection disrupted, RWAs issue advisories.

Workers fear losing voter identity if they don't return to Assam. Did our AI summary help?
Courts not experts in faith, says seers' body, seeks to intervene in Sabarimala case

The Akhil Bharatiya Sant Samiti, in its plea filed through lawyer Atulesh Kumar, has sought the court's nod to intervene in the Sabarimala review proceedings.

PTI April 03, 2026 / 23:07 IST























Sabarimala Temple Samiti: Courts must not rule on core religious practices

Sabarimala review focuses on women's entry and religious freedom

Samiti says Sabarimala limits are site-specific traditions Did our AI summary help?
Ghar wapsi soon: All India Imam Organisation chief says PoK will rejoin India

Speaking in Kashmir, the chief imam of the All India Imam Organisation said PoK is an integral part of India and asserted that people there want a referendum.









Chief Imam of the All India Imam Organisation, Umer Ahmed Ilyasi. PoK residents back joining India, says Umer Ahmed Ilyasi

Ilyasi cites Kashmir's development as reason for PoK's desire

Tourism, prosperity in Kashmir up since Article 370 removal Did our AI summary help?
India largely shielded from US tariffs on patented drugs due to generic export strength: GTRI

Trump signed an executive order on April 2, announcing the imposition of a 100 per cent ad valorem duty rate on the import of certain patented pharmaceuticals and associated pharmaceutical ingredients.

PTI April 03, 2026 / 18:38 IST























Representative image
India only country to lose mariners, says Misri at global meet to reopen Hormuz

New Delhi reiterated its position on the regional crisis, stressing the need to uphold free navigation at sea and ensure uninterrupted movement through global maritime routes.









Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. India urges free navigation in Strait of Hormuz amid tensions

Three Indian seafarers killed in recent Gulf attacks

India engages Iran and others to safeguard shipping routes Did our AI summary help?
Petroleum gas (LPG) imports plunged 40% during the month, while liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments also declined, prompting New Delhi to explore alternative sourcing options. Bloomberg
Indian Navy gets INS Aridhaman: Which other countries have nuclear-powered submarines?

The world was first introduced to nuclear submarines during the Cold War. The concept took shape in the 1950s, when the United States launched the USS Nautilus, the worlds first nuclear-powered submarine, in 1954.









INS Aridhaman is around 1,000 tonnes heavier than its predecessors INS Aridhaman to be Indian Navys third nuclear submarine

India fields three SSBNs, bolstering nuclear deterrence

INS Aridhaman has advanced stealth and indigenous sonar systems Did our AI summary help?
Malda violence: Alleged mastermind Moffakkerul Islam arrested while boarding flight to escape

The alleged mastermind behind the gherao of seven judicial officers in West Bengal's Malda district, Advocate Mofakkarul Islam, was reportedly arrested while trying to board a flight to escape.









According to news agency PTI, the arrest took place at Siliguri's Bagdogra airport. (PTI/Representative) Advocate Mofakkarul Islam held at Bagdogra while fleeing

He masterminded the gherao of seven judicial officers in Malda

Supreme Court orders CBI or NIA probe, will monitor investigation Did our AI summary help?
Malda violence 'mastermind', advocate Mofakkarul Islam, arrested

Islam was arrested from Bagdogra airport in Siliguri when he was attempting to flee.
New worry for Mamata in Bengal election: A Humayun Kabir-Owaisi alliance

The Trinamool has traditionally enjoyed strong support among Muslim voters in West Bengal, which has been a key pillar of its electoral success. Muslims constitute approximately 27% of West Bengal's population as per the 2011 census.









The alliance is being seen as an effort to bridge the gap between Urdu-speaking and Bengali-speaking Muslim voters. Kabir-Owaisi alliance aims to split Muslim votes in Bengal polls

Alliance could impact Trinamool in Muslim-majority districts

Over 100 Muslim candidates planned by Kabir-Owaisi alliance Did our AI summary help?
No cause for concern over proposed FCRA amendments: Kiren Rijiju assures Christian groups in Kerala

The Union Minority Affairs Minister held discussions with representatives of the various churches and Christian organisations in the state in the evening and said that they raised concerns with regard to cancellation of FCRA licenses.

PTI April 03, 2026 / 23:19 IST























(File image) Rijiju assures Christian groups no harm from FCRA amendments

Genuine welfare groups won't be penalised, says Rijiju

FCRA bill discussion postponed; minister promises further talks Did our AI summary help?
Opposition accuses Centre of forcing special session, raises alarm over 'delimitation agenda'

Jairam Ramesh argued that the government had already decided to hold the special session between April 16 and 18, during election campaigns in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, thereby bypassing the oppositions request.

ANI April 03, 2026 / 15:35 IST























Jairam Ramesh Congress questions timing of special Parliament session during polls

Govt plans 816 LS seats, reserving 273 for women

Opposition seeks all-party meet before charter changes Did our AI summary help?
Raghav Chadha next? A look at high-profile exits from AAP

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has seen multiple high-profile exits, frequently linked to alleged anti-party actions, disagreements with Arvind Kejriwals functioning, or demands for more internal democracy









AAP MP Raghav Chadha AAP removes Raghav Chadha as deputy leader in Rajya Sabha

Ashok Mittal appointed as Chadha's replacement

Move sparks speculation of deeper rifts within AAP Did our AI summary help?
Raghav Chadhas 1st reaction after AAP replaces him as Rajya Sabha deputy leader: Silenced, not defeated

Silenced, not defeated: Raghav Chadha reacts day after being replaced by AAP as deputy leader of the party in Rajya Sabha









AAP MP Raghav Chadha Raghav Chadha removed as AAP deputy leader in Rajya Sabha

Chadha says he was "silenced, not defeated" in social media post

AAP proposes Ashok Mittal as Chadha's replacement in Rajya Sabha Did our AI summary help?
Rain batters Pune: Unseasonal downpour turns roads into rivers, IMD issues 'Orange alert'

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Pune district, warning of heavy rainfall over the next two to three days.









The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Pune district, warning of heavy rainfall over the next two to three days.
Rajnath Singh warns Pakistan: Any misadventure will face unprecedented & decisive action

He highlighted that India had already targeted and destroyed terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan in response to the April 2025 Pahalgam attack, which claimed 26 lives









Defence minister Rajnath Singh
Ujjain is where Equator, Tropic of Cancer meet, says Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan; bats for Mahakal Standard Time

Indias spiritual centres like Ujjain, Kashi, Kanchi and Puri are living labs blending science, art, culture, literature and spirituality, Pradhan said at the Mahakal conference.

ANI April 03, 2026 / 18:41 IST























Dharmendra Pradhan Pradhan proposes 'Mahakal Standard Time' to replace GMT.

Ujjain highlighted as ancient global centre for time calculation.

MP plans Ujjain as a hub of religion and science Did our AI summary help?
UP ATS arrests 4 members of terror module with links to Pakistani handlers

ATS unearthed a network of individuals who were allegedly in contact with Pakistan-based handlers through social media platforms and engaged in anti-national activities aimed at spreading fear and causing economic damage.

PTI April 03, 2026 / 19:02 IST























Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) personnel (File image) UP ATS nabs four over plot to attack rail infrastructure

Group linked to Pakistan handlers via encrypted social media apps

Arson, sabotage plot foiled; suspect held before Lucknow attack Did our AI summary help?
West Asia crisis: Govt discusses ways to scale up production of induction heater

The crisis has disrupted the movement of ships carrying oil and gas through the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns over cooking gas supplies and prompting people to rush to buy induction heaters and compatible utensils

PTI April 03, 2026 / 15:16 IST























Sales of induction cooktops and electric kettles have surged in the wake of cooking gas supply concerns due to the war in West Asia, according to industry players.
Leaders cutting across party lines say the number of overseas Malayalis who will fly from the Gulf to vote may not even exceed 5,000 this time.
OPINION | Flipkarts reverse flip shows Indias market strength and global stakes

Flipkarts homecoming signals the confidence of Indias markets, but also raises a larger question about digital markets policy-leverage and who ultimately shapes the countrys largest digital platforms









Flipkart
Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day
'Focus on farming and...': Laid-off Oracle techie earning Rs 37 LPA stuns internet by revealing his future plans

Laid off after a decade at Oracle, a Rs 37 LPA tech professional chose farming over another IT job, his calm response and career shift have gone viral on X, sparking conversations around financial freedom and life beyond the corporate grind.
Woman says office air is ruining her skin, hair and appearance: I don't feel like myself anymore

A content creator's viral claim that office environments are quietly damaging workers' skin and hair has sparked a massive online debate. Many netizens have agreed with her and shared similar experiences.









Is office air the reason your skin looks so tired? (Image: Noa Donlan)
World Aquatic Animal Day 2026: Endangered for 30 years, can India save the Ganges River Dolphin?

On World Aquatic Animal Day 2026, discover why the Ganges River Dolphin remains endangered after 30 years and whether India can still save it.









Ganges river dolphin. (Image: Canva) Ganges River Dolphin is endangered since 1996 in India.

Only 6,327 river dolphins remain, mostly in Ganga and Brahmaputra.

Dolphin's survival signals river health; urgent action needed. Did our AI summary help?
Google announces Gemma 4, its most powerful open source model

Google has introduced Gemma 4, a new open model family designed for reasoning, multimodal tasks, and agent workflows, with support for local deployment across devices and cloud environments.

Sarthak Singh April 03, 2026 / 12:04 IST























Gemma 4 Google debuts Gemma 4 open models for reasoning, multimodal

Gemma 4 runs on devices and cloud, supports 140+ languages

Models available under Apache 2.0 license for commercial use Did our AI summary help?

Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day
Abu Dhabi halts operations at Habshan, its main gas facility, after attack

Abu Dhabi halted its largest gas facility at Habshan after a fire linked to intercepted debris, as regional energy sites including Kuwaits Mina Al Ahmadi refinery also came under attack.









Abu Dhabi Halts Operations at Main Gas Facility After Attack
Aerial interception in Abu Dhabi leaves 5 Indians among 12 injured as Iran issues retaliation warning

In a statement shared on social media, the Abu Dhabi Media Office reiterated that the injuries occurred due to shrapnel descending after interception.









Representative image Debris from intercepted missiles injured 12 in Ajban, UAE.

Debris-triggered fire halts operations at Habshan gas plant

UAE air defences engaged 18 missiles, 4 cruise missiles, 47 UAVs. Did our AI summary help?
After strike on Iran's 'biggest bridge', Trump issues new warning: 'Haven't even started destroying...'

'Our Military, the greatest and most powerful (by far!) anywhere in the World, hasnt even started destroying whats left in Iran,' Trump said on Truth Social.









US President Donald Trump
Pete Hegseth fires US army officers: What's behind the military shake up amid Iran war

Since entering the Pentagon, Hegseth has fired more than a dozen senior military officers, including the Chief of Naval Operations and the Air Force's Vice Chief of Staff.









Pete Hegseth
Are Tulsi Gabbard, Kash Patel next in line of fire? Trump asks Cabinet advisers

Trump's displeasure with Gabbard reportedly arose after she failed to condemn former counterterrorism chief Joe Kent's criticism of the administration's decision to go to war with Iran.









Kash Patel and Tulsi Gabbard.
Bangladesh cuts working hours to save energy amid Middle East crisis

Under the new rules, government offices will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., while markets and shopping centres must shut by 6 p.m. to reduce electricity use

Reuters April 03, 2026 / 12:11 IST























The government has also ordered cuts in non-essential public expenditure and urged lower power consumption in industry, with curbs on excessive lighting, for example.
Bangladesh FMs India visit to set stage for PM Tarique Rahmans trip: Big reset in ties on the horizon?

At a time of global uncertainty driven by the West Asia conflict and supply disruptions, this engagement signals a renewed push to strengthen the Dhaka-Delhi axis as a pillar of regional stability.









Bangladeshs Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman -- File Photo Bangladeshs Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman will visit India for high-level talks to align priorities and lay groundwork ahead of PM Tarique Rahmans expected trip, aiming to deepen security, trade, and strategic ties amid regional and global uncertainties. Did our AI summary help?
Bangladesh PM Tarique Rehman to visit India for two days, says report

Rahman was sworn in as Bangladesh's prime minister on February 17.









Bangladesh PM and Nationalist Party Chairperson Tarique Rahman Bangladesh PM Rahman to visit India for bilateral talks soon

Security and economic cooperation to be key discussion topics

Visit aims to build trust and address water-sharing, trade issues Did our AI summary help?
Anyone who captures US pilot alive will receive reward: Iranian media says US jet downed, bounty offered, US confirms crew missing
China probes politburo member in widest purge since 1976

Xi has now effectively ousted three Politburo members, after launching probes into Chinas top two generals, He Weidong and Zhang Youxia.









Chinese President Xi Jinping. (File Photo) Ma Xingrui, ex-Xinjiang chief, faces probe for severe violations

Xi expands Politburo purge, smallest lineup since 1999

Ma falls after probes into top generals He, Zhang Did our AI summary help?
Cyrus Cylinder to Persian Kings: Iran gives history lesson to Trump after 'stone age' remark

Multiple X handles of Iranian embassies, including in India, are pushing back against Trump's stone age remark by invoking Irans 7,000-year-old civilisation i
Did Iran strike Oracle data centre in UAE? Dubai fact checks claim

Posting a screengrab of one such report, the official account of the Dubai Media Office wrote, "Fake News Alert".
The city skyline viewed from the north tower of St. Stephen's cathedral in Vienna. Photographer: Andrey Rudakov/Bloomberg
Conflicting reports suggest a US fighter jet was downed over Iran, with US media identifying it as an F-15E, while Iranian state media claims it was an advanced F-35. The incident remains unconfirmed, fueling speculation and raising concerns about stealth technology.

Did our AI summary help?
France and South Korea agree to help reopen Strait of Hormuz

The escalating conflict in the Middle East has choked off shipping needing to traverse the strait, a key waterway through which roughly a fifth of the worlds oil and liquefied natural gas exports normally flow









French President Emmanuel Macron and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung applaud each other during a state lunch in Seoul on April 3, 2026. (AFP) Macron urges South Koreas help to stabilize Hormuz Strait

France and South Korea plan to boost trade to $20 billion by 2030

Leaders pledge joint work in nuclear power, AI, and supply chains Did our AI summary help?
Iran has tightened its grip over Hormuz since the US and Israel attacked the country on Feb. 28, reducing shipping to a trickle through a chokepoint that normally handles about a fifth of the worlds oil and liquefied natural gas
From diplomatic strains to fuel lifeline: Why Indias neighbours are now knocking on New Delhis door amid Iran war

India is simultaneously managing its own energy concerns. It is in talks with Iran and other countries to secure passage for tankers stranded in the Strait of Hormuz.









An LPG gas tanker at anchor as traffic is down in the Strait of Hormuz, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Shinas, Oman, March 11, 2026. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier/File Photo Amid Iran conflict disrupting energy flows via the Strait of Hormuz, India is emerging as a key supplier for neighbours facing fuel shortages, including Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Maldives, while balancing its own energy needs and stranded tankers. Did our AI summary help?
Pakistan will repay $3.5 billion in debt to the UAE this month amid strained ties and financial pressure. The move risks foreign reserves and highlights growing uncertainty in Gulf support, as diplomatic tensions threaten further economic aid.

Did our AI summary help?
India condemns attacks on UNIFIL peacekeepers, calls for accountability under UN resolution

Speaking on April 2, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal underlined Indias longstanding role in global peacekeeping missions.









Randhir Jaiswal India condemns attacks on UN peacekeepers in Lebanon

1200 Indians evacuated from Iran amid West Asia crisis

PM Modi discusses West Asia conflict with Saudi Crown Prince Did our AI summary help?
Iran claims US fighter pilot captured, says US rescue attempt foiled

Iran claims it downed a US F-35 and captured the pilot, but the reports remain unverified.









Iran claims capture of F-35 pilot after jet downed; US denies losses
Iran claims it shot down US Black Hawk helicopter in Iraqi airspace

Iran claims it downed a US Black Hawk helicopter in Iraqi airspace, though the reports remain unverified, with the aircraft typically used for special operations and rescue missions.









Iran claims downing of US Black Hawk used for special operations (File image)
Iran claims second US F-35 shot down over central Tehran

The escalation comes as Iran launched missiles toward Israel and parts of the Gulf, while explosions were reported in Tehran and the central city of Isfahan on Friday.









Separately, Associated Press reported that Iranian drones targeted Kuwait's Mina al-Ahmadi oil refinery, triggering fires at the facility.
Iran FM Araghchi on Trumps Stone Age threat: No oil or gas back then

Araghchi also condemned reported strikes on civilian infrastructure, including a key bridge, saying such attacks would not force Iran to surrender.









Abbas Araghchi Iran: US threats overlook Mideasts vital oil role

Araghchi condemns US strikes on civilian infrastructure

Escalating tensions raise fears of wider regional conflict Did our AI summary help?
The US and Israel struck Irans under-construction Karaj B1 bridge, disrupting IRGC logistics and trade, signaling expanded targeting of civilian-linked infrastructure. The attack killed eight, injured nearly 100, and prompted Iranian vows of retaliation and rebuilding.

Did our AI summary help?
Estimates suggest Iran has around one million active and reserve troops, including roughly 190,000 fighters from the Revolutionary Guard. (Credit: Bloomberg)
Iranian army searching for pilot of downed US fighter jet, first such loss since Iran war began
Israel resumes production at biggest gas field after Iran war shut it for a month

Leviathan is a massive gas field operated by Chevron Corp. in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea thats crucial for supplying not just local Israeli requirements, but is also key for Egypt.









A view of the platform of the Leviathan natural gas field in the Mediterranean Sea is pictured from the Israeli northern coastal beach of Nasholim. (AFP Photo) Israels Leviathan gas field restarts after 33-day halt

Leviathan restart eases supply crunch for Israel and Egypt

Karish gas field remains shut amid ongoing regional tensions Did our AI summary help?
Kuwait electricity, desalination plant hit by Iranian attack

An AFP correspondent in Kuwait City said there had been no disruption to power or water services

AFP April 03, 2026 / 15:07 IST























Representative image
Macron rallies allies against US and China dominance: Not vassals of two hegemonic powers

Our objective is not to be the vassals of two hegemonic powers, he told students in Seoul. We dont want to depend on the dominance, lets say on China, or we dont want to be too much exposed to the unpredictability of the US.









(File image) Macron calls mid-sized powers to counter US-China dominance

He urges cooperation on AI, energy, defense, maritime security

Macron urges Iran deconfliction, safer Strait of Hormuz shipping Did our AI summary help?
Millions of Indian workers in Gulf countries face a tough choice amid escalating Iran conflict: stay and risk their lives for economic survival, or return home and jeopardize their families livelihoods. Many opt to remain, prioritizing income over safety.

Did our AI summary help?
Myanmar junta chief Min Aung Hlaing, who ousted Aung San Suu Kyi, elected president

The prosecutor of the International Criminal Court in 2024 sought an arrest warrant for Min Aung Hlaing over the alleged persecution of the minority Muslim Rohingya, after more than a million fled to neighbouring Bangladesh to escape a military crackdown in 2017.

Reuters April 03, 2026 / 15:12 IST























Myanmar junta chief Min Aung Hlaing (AFP file photo) Min Aung Hlaing chosen as Myanmar president by parliament

Army-backed party's landslide win criticized as a sham election

Civil war and resistance continue amid allegations of atrocities Did our AI summary help?
NASA releases breathtaking photos of Earth as Artemis II heads toward the Moon | See pics

The Artemis II mission has sent back the first high-resolution images of Earth from Orion, offering a rare and detailed view of our planet as astronauts journey toward the Moon.









NASA releases breathtaking photos of Earth as Artemis II heads toward the Moon
Pakistans strategic neutrality in West Asia is under strain as the UAE criticizes Islamabads perceived tilt toward Iran amid ongoing conflict, raising diplomatic and economic concerns and threatening financial aid and the status of Pakistani workers in the UAE.

Did our AI summary help?
Pakistan FM Ishaq Dar discusses 5-point peace plan to end West Asia conflict with Saudi counterpart

Pakistans Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, also the Deputy Prime Minister of Pakistan, called the Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia on the phone to discuss the regional situation, according to a statement by the Foreign Office.

PTI April 03, 2026 / 22:17 IST























Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar
The Air Force is the programs largest customer and the breakdown includes 38 of the F-35A version of the jet for that branch, in addition to 10 F-35B short-takeoff and vertical-landing Marine Corps jets and 37 F-35C aircraft carrier models, according to the Office of Management and Budget. Photographer: Nathan Laine/Bloomberg
China is tackling a new SAT-1 foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in Gansu and Xinjiang, culling livestock, tightening borders, and fast-tracking vaccines. The strain, new to China, threatens rapid spread and could impact cattle prices and cross-border trade.

Did our AI summary help?
Regime change: Iran mocks US over Pentagon shakeup as Trump, Hegseth oust top generals

Iran mocks US over Pentagon shake-up and condemns Trumps threat to push Iran back to the Stone Age as a massive war crime.









Regime change: Iran mocks US as Trump, Hegseth sack army chief, others
Russia offers increased crude oil and gas supply to India amid West Asia crisis, market volatility

The outreach comes at a time when the ongoing crisis in West Asia has unsettled global oil and gas markets, particularly due to supply disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz.









Representative image Russia may boost oil, gas exports to India amid turmoil

India, Russia explored boosting trade, economic ties

Russia saw fertilizer exports to India jump 40 percent Did our AI summary help?
Trump coins new term for JD Vance 'fraud czar': What the title signifies?

President Donald Trump announced that Vice President JD Vance will lead a national task force focusing on fraud in primarily Democratic states, with raids already underway in Los Angeles.

Reuters April 03, 2026 / 21:18 IST























Vance to focus fraud efforts on Democratic states, Trump says
Trump removes Pam Bondi as Attorney General: Likely factors behind the move and who could take over

The decision, announced through a social media post by the Republican president, comes against the backdrop of criticism over her handling of the Epstein files and her failure to effectively prosecute figures regarded as Trumps political rivals









Although the White House has maintained a cautious tone, reports point to her exit being the result of prolonged internal friction, mounting political pressure, and differences over several high-profile issues Trump fires Attorney General Pam Bondi after months of tension

Bondi replaced by Todd Blanche as acting Attorney General

Bondi faced criticism over Epstein files and prosecution failures Did our AI summary help?
US President Trump warned Iran it could be bombed back to the stone ages, reviving a phrase used by US officials for decades to signal overwhelming force. Past threats often led to destructive military campaigns, raising legal and human rights concerns.

Did our AI summary help?
US President Donald Trump speaks during a televised address on the conflict in the Middle East from the Cross Hall of the White House in Washington, DC on April 1, 2026. (Photo by Doug MILLS / POOL / AFP)
Trump turns to ally Todd Blanche to steer DOJ through fresh tumult

Trump announced Thursday that hed ousted Bondi as the nations chief law enforcement officer following several high-profile stumbles in her efforts to carry out his agenda.









Todd Blanche (Courtesy: Reuters photo)
Trump turns to ally Todd Blanche to steer DOJ through fresh tumult

Trump announced Thursday that hed ousted Bondi as the nations chief law enforcement officer following several high-profile stumbles in her efforts to carry out his agenda









Todd Blanche spoke during the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Texas on Thursday, March 26, 2026. Bloomberg Trump removes Pam Bondi as attorney general after controversies

Todd Blanche named acting AG, faces ongoing challenges

Bondi to testify before House lawmakers despite her removal Did our AI summary help?
UAE gas plant, Kuwait oil refinery hit in latest Iran attacks

Iranian strikes have crippled refineries, petrochemical and liquefied natural gas facilities, and forced some of the worlds biggest oil producers to slash production.









Abu Dhabi shuts largest gas plant after attack

Iran keeps hitting regional energy sites during war

Oil jumps nearly 50% amid ongoing Strait of Hormuz disruption Did our AI summary help?
US allies work on Plan B for Hormuz Strait if Trump walks away

Attendees fear that Trump will wind up his operation in Iran without a plan to reopen the waterway, leaving it to them to deal with the fallout









. Over 40 US allies met to discuss reopening the Strait of Hormuz

Coalition urges Trump to include Hormuz solution in Iran talks

Military planners to meet next week on naval deployment options Did our AI summary help?
US experts say American strikes on Iran may amount to war crimes

Trump, who has previously offered shifting timelines and objectives for the war, said in a televised speech on Wednesday that the war could escalate if Iran did not give in to Washington's terms, with strikes on its energy and oil infrastructure possible.

Reuters April 03, 2026 / 09:21 IST























A man looks at a residential building damaged by a strike, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Tehran, Iran, March 27, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS Over 100 US law experts warn strikes on Iran may be war crimes

Experts cite attacks on schools, health facilities, and homes

Trump threatened to strike Iran's power and oil infrastructure Did our AI summary help?
US intelligence finds half of Iran missile launchers still intact, thousands of drones remain despite strikes

Roughly half of Irans missile launchers are still operational or recoverable, while thousands of one-way attack drones, about 50 per cent of its arsenal, remain available.
Iran president calls Trumps Stone Age threat an intent to commit massive war crime

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has joined other officials in condemning US President Donald Trumps threat to send Iran back to the Stone Age, calling it an admission of intent to commit a massive war crime.

This was the question I asked my Finnish counterpart, who is a jurist, he said, referring to Alexander Stubb. History is full of those who paid a heavy price for their silence in the face of criminals, Pezeshkian added.
US Supreme Court birthright citizenship case explained: Why Trump may lose, but the issue may not go away

Justices appear sceptical of the order, but could rule narrowly, leaving room for the debate to return through US Congress.









US Supreme Court birthright citizenship case explained: Why Trump may lose, but the issue may not go away
Aboard Artemis II, Christina Koch makes history 4 lakh km away from Earth

Aboard NASAs Artemis II mission, astronaut Christina Koch has etched her name into history, becoming the farthest any woman has ever travelled from Earth.









NASA astronaut and Artemis II Mission Specialist Christina Koch Christina Koch becomes the farthest-travelled woman from Earth

Artemis II is the first crewed Moon mission in over 50 years

Koch's role marks a milestone for women in deep space exploration Did our AI summary help?
April 3, 2026

War On Iran:  Not Getting Iran  War Delusions  Losing The Status Of Superpower

Trumps speech on Wednesday night did not offer anything new. But taken together with his threats to bomb Iran back to stone age, points to the further escalation of the war.

Trump and some around him still do not get Iran. They never in their own life held any principle they would not deviated from if money was to be made. Iran, in contrast, does have principles that are not up for sale. It is beyond Trumps comprehension that such exit:

In a phone interview the next morning [Apr 2], Trump told TIME that Iran was eager to make a deal to end the fighting. Why wouldnt they call? We just blew up their three big bridges last night, the President says. Theyre getting decimated. They say Trump is not negotiating with Iran. I mean, its sort of an easy negotiation.

Iran does not work like that. It is not ruled by sell-outs.

Trump and those who support him are still deeply delusional about their real power. Consider the Washington Posts opinion writer Marc Thiessen who insists (archived) that the U.S. has the military means to win the war within a few weeks:

Rather than waiting for Iran to agree to the conditions he has put on the table, [Trump] can simply impose the peace terms he has set unilaterally. Heres how to do so in five steps: 1. Complete all remaining military tasks. Trump said the war will continue until our objectives are fully achieved. So which tasks remain? Seize or destroy Irans fissile material so the regime cannot easily restart its nuclear program (or give what Trump calls its nuclear dust to terrorists for a dirty bomb). Take out all the remaining targets on the militarys list. Implement the innovative plan that sources tell me Centcom Commander Adm. Brad Cooper has prepared to open the Strait of Hormuz by force, and then hand the mission over to a multinational armada made up of countries who receive oil from the strait, which must take responsibility for keeping it open. Or, alternatively, the United States can charge a substantial escort fee for each ship passing through the strait, which would be waived for countries participating in the mission. And then, finally, either take control of Kharg Island, by seizing or blockading this linchpin of Irans energy export sector, or destroy it to cripple Irans ability to fund terrorist proxies and a military rebuild. If the U.S. completes these tasks, it will have a stranglehold over Iran, and the regime will never again be able to hold the worlds economy hostage. U.S. military commanders believe that these objectives can be achieved in the next two to three weeks, 

Trump, probably after reading Thiessens pamphlet, seems to agree with this:

With a little more time, we can easily OPEN THE HORMUZ STRAIT, TAKE THE OIL, & MAKE A FORTUNE. IT WOULD BE A GUSHER FOR THE WORLD??? President DONALD J. TRUMP (TS: 03 Apr 08:22 ET)

Irans enriched Uranium is hidden under some mountain. A large scale commando operation under fire would need weeks to dig out. Kharg can be destroyed by the U.S. just as easily as Iran can destroy all oil port on the western side of the Gulf. The result would be even more severe economic damage:

Dated Brent, the price of shipments bought and sold in the North Sea, on Thursday hit $141.36 per barrel, up from $128.46 a day earlier, according to S&P Global, a research group.

There is no way to open Hormuz as long as Iran controls the coast along it. Nor are there the 100,000+ U.S. troops needed to take and secure that coastline.

It is the Strait where the war will be decided (archived):

Tehrans ability to control this international waterway, through which one-fifth of the worldwide oil supply used to pass, has become Irans biggest leverage against the U.S., its Gulf neighbors and the global economy. Whether the war ends in a success or defeat for Iran depends first and foremost on whether Tehran emerges from this conflict still holding the straitand, with it, the keys to the worldwide energy markets.

Over the last days the U.S. and Israel have bombed over 600 hospitals and medical outlets in Iran including his highly regarded Pasteur Institute. They struck the home of a former Foreign Minister of Iran who allegedly was in talks with Vice President JD Vance via Pakistan.

Iran hit back. The large Mina Al-Ahmadi refinery in Kuwait is burning after a drone strike. A large gas installation in the Emirates was also hit. Several fires were visible over industrial installations in Bahrain. Various military and industrial targets in Israel received damage. Iran threatened to hit bridges in the Gulf states after the U.S. destroyed a newly build one in Iran.

Today a U.S. fighter plan was shot down in Iran airspace which the U.S. allegedly controls.

But all this is small change if one considers what is at stake for the global standing of the U.S. of A. Following Alfred Mahans theories the global superpower status of the U.S. depends on its Navys control of the sea lanes:

Mahan believed that national greatness was inextricably associated with the sea, with its commercial use in peace and its control in war; [] Mahans framework derived from Jomini, and emphasized strategic locations (such as choke points, canals, and coaling stations), as well as quantifiable levels of fighting power in a fleet.

In their war against the Houthi the U.S. and its Navy had already failed to open the Red Sea. The more public failure of keeping the Strait of Hormuz under control will do enormous damage to their global image. If the U.S. fails to subjugate Iran and to re-open the Strait it will lose its status as a global superpower .

This why the U.S. is likely to escalate much further.
Saturday

Rotary Club of Jacksonville Bass Tournament: 6 a.m.-1 p.m., Lake Jacksonville. $200 per team | First prize $2,500. For more information, visit jacksonvillerotary.org.

Wildflower Walks: 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., depart from Country Bumpkin, 103 Gov. Oglesby St., Elkhart. $15 adults, $10 children | Elkhart Historical Society will host Wildflower Walks on Elkhart Hill every Saturday in April. Reservations required; call Gillette Ransom 217-947-2238.

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Pen and Ink Drawing Workshop: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., The David Strawn Art Gallery, 331 W. College Ave. $50 members, $55 non-members |

Create a pen and ink drawing with artist Ben Bedford. To register or for more information, go to strawnartgallery.org.

Journey to the Cross: 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Wesley Chapel UMC, 1447 Merritt Road | Experience the last 24 hours of Jesus' life. Self-guided participation.

Story Time: 10:30-11 a.m., Our Town Books, 64 E. Central Park Plaza. Free | Stories, pictures, cookies and live bunnies.

Easter Egg Hunt: Noon-1 p.m., Chapter II, 420 S. Clay Ave.

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Easter Egg Hunt: 2-3:30 p.m., The Pointe, 20 Jacksonville Place. Free | Visit with the Easter Bunny, LifeStar Ambulance tours, bounce houses, DJ and 5,000 eggs. Check-in begins at 2 p.m. Hunt starts at 2:30 p.m.

Gallery Opening: 6-8 p.m., David Strawn Art Gallery, 331 W. College Ave. | Artist Ben Bedford. For more information, call 217-243-9390 or email strawnartgallery@frontier.com.

Rezzin8: 8-11 p.m., The Hangout Bar and Grill, 901 W. Superior Ave. | Live music.

Sunday

Easter Brunch and Egg Hunt: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Pere Marquette Lodge & Conference Center, 13653 Lodge Blvd., Grafton. Adults $39.95; Children 4-12 $14.95 | Menu includes fried chicken, sides, salad and dessert bar. Egg hunts begin at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Reservations required for parties of six or more; call 618-786-2331, extension 502.

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Monday

Produce and Bakery Giveaway: 9 a.m.-noon, Jacksonville Food Center, 311 E. Morgan St. Free | For Morgan County residents.

Client Choice Food Pantry: 9 a.m.-noon, The Salvation Army, 1124 Wall St. | Arrive by 11:30 a.m. Those who work or go to school during normal hours can make an appointment for the afternoon.

Blood Drive: 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Jacksonville Memorial Hospital, 1600 W. Walnut St. | To donate, contact ImpactLife Springfield at 800-747-5401 or visit bloodcenter.org and use code 60058 to locate the drive. Appointments are requested. Meeting Rooms 2 and 3.

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Free Lunch: Noon-12:30 p.m., The Salvation Army, 1124 Wall St. | Freshly prepared hot meal, drink and snacks.

Walking for Wellness: 12:30-3 p.m., First Christian Church, 2106 S. Main St. Free | Indoor walking program offered year-round Monday-Thursday. For more information, call 217-243-6445.

Spirit of Faith Soup Kitchen: 3:30-4 p.m., Spirit of Faith Soup Kitchen, 105 E. Dunlap St. Free | Serving meals to go for anyone in need.

Mindful Movement: 4:30-5:30 p.m., Jacksonville Public Library, 201 W. College Ave. | Jeannie Hemphill teaches basics of mindful movement. Bring a towel.

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Breastfeeding 101: 6-7:30 p.m., Jacksonville Memorial Hospital, 1600 W. Walnut St. | Presented by board-certified lactation consultant. Partners and doulas are encouraged to attend. Meeting Room 5. Held on the first Monday of each month. Register online at memorial.health.

Macoupin County Historical Society: 7 p.m., MCHS Ruyle Genealogy Building, 900 Breckenridge St., Carlinville. Free | Botanist William McClain of New Berlin and career orchardist Bob Malham will discuss the history of orchards in Macoupin County.

Tuesday

Organ Donation Awareness Month: 7-10 a.m., X's & O's Donuts and Bakery, 218 W. Morton Ave. | Sign up to become an organ donor and get a free doughnut.

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Produce and Bakery Giveaway: 9 a.m.-noon, Jacksonville Food Center, 311 E. Morgan St. Free | For Morgan County residents.

Client Choice Food Pantry: 9 a.m.-noon, The Salvation Army, 1124 Wall St. | Arrive by 11:30 a.m. Those who work or go to school during normal hours can make an appointment for the afternoon.

Free Lunch: Noon-12:30 p.m., The Salvation Army, 1124 Wall St. | Freshly prepared hot meal, drink and snacks.

Walking for Wellness:12:30-3 p.m., First Christian Church, 2106 S. Main St. Free | Indoor walking program offered year-round Monday-Thursday. For more information, call 217-243-6445.

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Spirit of Faith Soup Kitchen: 3:30-4 p.m., Spirit of Faith Soup Kitchen, 105 E. Dunlap St. Free | Serving meals to go for anyone in need.

The Four Rs: Refreshing, Reclaiming, Recharging and Renewing": 6-7 p.m., Lincoln Land Community College, Trutter Hall, 2400 Millennium Drive, Springfield | Featured speaker Ty Howard discusses cultivating mental health and wellbeing through the The Four R's. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Light snacks served. To register, visit llcc.edu/ECE-speaker. For more information, contact Danyle Watkins at danyle.watkins@llcc.edu or Marlena Constant at marlena.constant@llcc.edu.

Big Mo: 6:30 p.m., Grace Southern Baptist Church, 302 W. Wright St., Virden. Donations accepted. | Live music.

Wednesday

Produce and Bakery Giveaway: 9 a.m.-noon, Jacksonville Food Center, 311 E. Morgan St. Free | For Morgan County residents.

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Client Choice Food Pantry: 9 a.m.-noon, The Salvation Army, 1124 Wall St. | Arrive by 11:30 a.m. Those who work or go to school during normal hours can make an appointment for the afternoon.

Storytime: 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., Jacksonville Public Library, 201 W. College Ave. | Stories and crafts every Wednesday. For more information, call 217-243-5435.

Free Lunch: Noon-12:30 p.m., The Salvation Army, 1124 Wall St. | Freshly prepared hot meal, drink and snacks.

Walking for Wellness: 12:30-3 p.m., First Christian Church, 2106 S. Main St. Free | Indoor walking program offered year-round Monday-Thursday. For more information, call 217-243-6445.

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Spirit of Faith Soup Kitchen: 3:30-4 p.m., Spirit of Faith Soup Kitchen, 105 E. Dunlap St. Free | Serving meals to go for anyone in need.

Bluffs American Legion Chicken and Fish Dinner: 5-7 p.m., American Legion, 24 E. Oakes St., Bluffs. Adults $15, children age 4-10, $5, age 3 and under, free. | All you can eat. Menu includes fried chicken, fish, sides, dessert and drink. Carry-out available.

Open Mic Comedy Night: 6 p.m., Pizza Records, 59 E. Central Park Plaza. Free | Comedians sign up at 6 p.m. for a 5-minute slot, or just come and enjoy the show. Call or text 217-200-0896 for more information.

Small Business Workshop Series: 6-8 p.m., John Wood Community College Southeast Education Center, 39637 260th Ave., Pittsfield. Free for Pike County Chamber & Economic Development Corp. members; $40 non-members | Six-part series starts today; meets each week through May 6. Different topic each week. To register, contact Gina Sheurman at gsheurman@pikeedc.org or 217-440-5101. For more information, visit pikeedc.org.

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Berry Wine Dinner: 6:30-8 p.m., Pere Marquette Lodge, 13653 Lodge Blvd., Grafton. Admission $67.50-$73.80 | Four-course gourmet meal paired with hand-selected wines. For reservations, call Arielle at 618-786-2331, extension 338.

Bingo: 7-10 p.m., Morgan County VFW, 903 VFW Lane, Jacksonville. $1-$9 | Hot dogs, chips, popcorn and soda available. No outside snacks or alcohol. Doors open at 6 p.m. On the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month.

Thursday

Via De Cristo Retreat for Women: Green Pastures Christian Retreat Center, 1936 US-67, Meredosia | Four-day retreat for ages 18 and older. Contact Becky Henderson at beckyhen.5538@yahoo.com for more details.

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Produce and Bakery Giveaway: 9 a.m.-noon, Jacksonville Food Center, 311 E. Morgan St. Free | For Morgan County residents.

Client Choice Food Pantry: 9 a.m.-noon, The Salvation Army, 1124 Wall St. | Arrive by 11:30 a.m. Those who work or go to school during normal hours can make an appointment for the afternoon.

What Can the Job Center of Jacksonville Do for You?: 11 a.m.-noon, Jacksonville Public Library, 201 W. College Ave. Free | Career specialist Jeni Sprinkle shares information about job boards, resume building and applications.

Free Lunch: Noon-12:30 p.m., The Salvation Army, 1124 Wall St. | Freshly prepared hot meal, drink and snacks.

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Walking for Wellness: 12:30-3 p.m., First Christian Church, 2106 S. Main St. Free | Indoor walking program offered year-round Monday-Thursday. For more information, call 217-243-6445.

Spirit of Faith Soup Kitchen: 3:30-4 p.m., Spirit of Faith Soup Kitchen, 105 E. Dunlap St. Free | Serving meals to go for anyone in need.

Open House and Vision Reception: 4:30-6:30 p.m., Esprit de Corps Academy, 876 W. State St. | Celebrate the future home of youth music education, performance and possibility. For more information, visit jacksonvilleil.org.

Teen Advisory Board: 5-6 p.m., Jacksonville Public Library, 201 W. College Ave. | Help make the library a better place for teens. For more information, contact Courtney at clangdon@jaxpl.org or Brittany at boverby@jaxpl.org, or call 217-243-5435.

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Unicorn Storytime Party: 5-6:30 p.m., Our Town Books, 64 E. Central Park Plaza. $10 | Unicorn crafts, snacks, books, stuffies and scavenger hunt. Cash or Venmo to @BeanandBooks25.

Illinois College TheatreWorks: 7:30 p.m., Illinois College Sibert Theatre, 1101 W. College Ave. $10; faculty and staff $5; students free | "Anatomy of Gray" directed by Nancy Taylor Porter. For reservations, call 217-245-3471 or visit ic.edu/theatre/tickets.

Comedy Open Mic Night: 7:30-10 p.m., KJBs, 222 E. State St. Free | For more information, call 217-320-8137.

Friday

Produce and Bakery Giveaway: 9 a.m.-noon, Jacksonville Food Center, 311 E. Morgan St. Free | For Morgan County residents.

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Client Choice Food Pantry: 9 a.m.-noon, The Salvation Army, 1124 Wall St. | Arrive by 11:30 a.m. Those who work or go to school during normal hours can make an appointment for the afternoon.

Toddler Storytime: 10-11 a.m., Jacksonville Public Library, 201 W. College Ave. | Every Friday.

Free Lunch: Noon-12:30 p.m., The Salvation Army, 1124 Wall St. | Freshly prepared hot meal, drink and snacks.

Lego Club: 2:30-5 p.m., Jacksonville Public Library, 201 W. College Ave. | Drop in and build a superhero.

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Art Opening Reception: 5:30-7:30 p.m., Springfield Art Association, 105 N. Fifth St., Springfield | "Meditations" featuring photographer David Ross and ceramicist Carl Kamp is on display through May 27.

Morgan County Audubon Society: 7 p.m., First Presbyterian Church: 870 W. College Ave. | Program "Birds, Frogs and Sloths: Exploring Bocas Del Toro," featuring stories and photographs of Panamas wildlife and landscapes.

Bob Miller: 7-10 p.m., Pere Marquette Lodge Winery, 13653 Lodge Blvd., Grafton. Free admission | Live music.

Them Dirty Roses: 7-10 p.m., Twisted Tree, 1061 E. Morton Ave. | Live music.

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Illinois College TheatreWorks: 7:30 p.m., Illinois College Sibert Theatre, 1101 W. College Ave. $10; faculty and staff $5; students free | "Anatomy of Gray" directed by Nancy Taylor Porter. For reservations, call 217-245-3471 or visit ic.edu/theatre/tickets.
A Stickney man is offering a cash reward for anyone who can locate a lost cemetery in Morgan County as part of an effort to restore gravesites of War of 1812 veterans. Ed Freeman/Getty Images

An Illinois resident is asking for help in finding a lost cemetery built in Morgan County for veterans of the War of 1812.

James Fanello of Stickney is offering a $100 reward for anyone who can find the cemetery, which contains veterans of the 19th century conflict. The search effort is part of a broader effort by Fanello to restore cemeteries and grave markers for veterans from the war.

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Fanello said he had been searching for the cemetery since spring 2023. The search began between Waverly and Nortonville, but now is moving toward the Jacksonville area. Once the cemetery is found, Fanello wants to put up telephone poles to mark its corners.

Fanello said he has been trying to restore three cemeteries created after the Battle of Fort Dearborn, of which the lost cemetery is one. The battle happened Aug. 15, 1812. U.S. troops clashed with Potawatomi forces in what now is part of Chicago. The battle resulted in a complete victory for the Potawatomi; in the aftermath, the fort was burned to the ground.

"It just seems like it's really strange that we can't find this third cemetery," Fanello said.

Fanello has memories of visiting the Morgan County cemetery in his youth with his family, he said, noting the cemetery was lost because it was "in the middle of nowhere" with only a driveway and a house nearby.

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"These people do not deserve to be forgotten," he said.

At least one veteran of the War of 1812 is buried in Waverly. Pvt. Jeremiah B. Caywood was laid to rest in Waverly East Cemetery after his death in 1880. He was 84 or 85 years old.

Fanello has been working since 2022 on raising awareness of the conflict and restoring cemeteries containing its veterans. He is part of a military family, his father having served in World War II. Restoring these cemeteries is a matter of honoring the sacrifices of veterans, he said.

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Jacksonville Police

ARRESTS, CITATIONS

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 A 22-year-old Jacksonville woman was arrested at 2:24 p.m. Thursday in the 300 block of West Beecher Avenue on a Morgan County warrant accusing her of failing to appear in court on a charge of obstructing a peace officer.

DISTURBANCES

 Police were called at 1:37 a.m. Friday to a disturbance in the 1000 block of South Main Street. Those involved agreed to stay away from each other.

 Police were called at 7 p.m. Thursday to a disturbance in the 300 block of West Beecher Avenue. Those involved were separated.

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ACCIDENTS

 An 81-year-old Jacksonville woman was cited on a charge of failing to reduce speed to avoid an accident after her car and one being driven by a 23-year-old Jacksonville woman collided at 6:40 p.m. Thursday at North Church Street and West Lafayette Avenue.

 A 66-year-old Jacksonville man was cited on a charge of riding a bicycle on a sidewalk after his bicycle and a car being driven by a 51-year-old Witt man collided at 2:32 p.m. Thursday in the 1700 block of West Morton Avenue. The bicyclist was taken to Jacksonville Memorial Hospital after complaining of leg pain, according to a police report.

THEFTS, BURGLARIES

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 The registration sticker was stolen from the license plate of a vehicle in the 400 block of West Oak Street, according to a report filed at 8:31 a.m. Thursday.

OTHER REPORTS
Savannah Guthrie and mother Nancy Guthrie in 2023. Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty Images Neal K. Shah Syndicated

Savannah Guthries tragedy is making millions of Americans ask, How do I protect my elderly mother from this?

As a caregiving researcher and the leader of an organization that helps families with elder care support, Ive been asked that question countless times in recent weeks, ever since Nancy Guthrie disappeared from her Arizona home. Its become a family emergency that millions of Americans can relate.

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At 1:47 a.m. on Feb. 1, a masked man carrying a handgun disabled the doorbell camera at Guthries home in the Catalina Foothills of Arizona. Forty-one minutes later, her pacemaker application disconnected from her phone, marking the precise moment an 84-year-old woman who could not walk 50 yards without help was ripped from her bed. Nancy has not been found. The cameras captured everything, but they prevented nothing.

What people keep repeating is a simple fear: this could happen to my mom. That fear is not abstract. It is the logical endpoint of a nation that has confused surveillance with safety, and outsourced the ancient duty of caring for our aging parents to a $30 doorbell.

We are living through what demographers call the Silver Tsunami, and we may drown in it. More than 16 million Americans over 65 now live alone, a figure that has nearly tripled since 1950. Among women over 75, a staggering 43% live by themselves. We tell them to age in place, hand them a smart speaker and a Ring camera, and convince ourselves we have done our part. As that Arizona porch proved, a camera lens is a catastrophically poor substitute for a human gaze.

Sixty-three million adults, or one in four, now serve as family caregivers, a 45% increase in just a decade. Their unpaid labor is valued at $600 billion annually, more than all out-of-pocket health spending in the country combined. Nearly half report financial hardship. And when the system fails catastrophically, as it did for the Guthrie family, the professional cost falls disproportionately on women.

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Savannah Guthrie stepped away from co-hosting the Winter Olympics to search for her mother. Unfortunately, for most Americans, when a crisis arises, they cannot afford to be away from work for weeks. Across America, only six in 10 caregivers remain employed, and half report work disruptions  arriving late, leaving early or quitting entirely. This is not a personal failing but an absolute policy catastrophe.

So what can we do, without living in fear?

Here is what I have learned from placing thousands of caregivers in the homes of the elderly: the most powerful security system ever invented is another human being. Not a passive one staring at a monitor in another state, but an active presence  someone who notices the unlocked window, who hears the footstep on the porch, who understands that an elder's sudden confusion might signal a urinary tract infection.

Instead of waiting for a disaster, I think every family with an aging parent should have a detailed care plan that includes the basics: a two-layer check-in system (a person plus a backup), an escalation ladder (who calls whom, and when), and a one-page dossier that is accessible: medications, diagnoses, devices, cameras and passwords. The point is not to turn the home into a fortress but to remove single points of failure.

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To be sure, no amount of planning and human companionship can eliminate every threat. Violent crime against the elderly is mercifully rare. However, the Guthrie case has exposed a wound far deeper than one familys nightmare. It has shown us what millions of families already know: that the American model of elder isolation, with beautiful homes, empty rooms and blinking cameras, is a system designed for comfort but not for safety.

We must stop treating elder care as a private family burden and start treating it as national infrastructure. That means caregiver tax credits, paid family leave, investment in innovative care models  rebuilding the village we dismantled in the name of independence.

The Guthrie family has been living what millions of families dread. The fear people are expressing is not abstract, but the fear of a generation of adult children watching their parents age in a country that has not caught up to the math.

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As Tennessees 2026 legislative session winds down, issues related to education dominated much of this weeks discussions.

On Wednesday, GOP lawmakers announced they are pushing for an intervention of the Memphis-Shelby County Schools district following the release of a 329-page interim forensic audit detailing systemic problems.

Revised Voucher Expansion Bill Could Track Student Immigration Status Amendment aims to increase tracking requirements for the immigration status of K-12 students

Also, House Republicans tacked an amendment onto their effort to expand Tennessees school voucher program, making the proposal significantly different from the Senates version of the bill  and giving the two chambers just a few weeks to come to an agreement. The House amendment would fund a total of 35,000 Education Freedom Scholarships  as opposed to the Senate and governors proposal of 40,000  and require public schools to provide proof of citizenship or legal immigration status of students who leave to attend private schools as part of the voucher program.

In addition to efforts to increase religion in schools and to ensure cooperation with immigration enforcement, the General Assembly continues to advance legislation that could change Metro's upcoming election schedule and expand representation on the Nashville Electric Service board. Heres an overview of this weeks happenings at the Capitol.

Bill to Bar TennCare From Covering Gender-Affirming Care Passes

TennCare, the states Medicaid program, does not cover gender-affirming care, but a bill that nevertheless prohibits such care is on its way to Gov. Bill Lees desk. A bill that would require insurance companies and health care providers to submit data on transgender patients and their treatments to the state health department passed the House last week, but is still awaiting action in the Senate.

Religion in Schools, Language Assistance Head to Governor

Republican-backed legislation that would allow public schools to teach the positive impacts of religion on American history passed in the House this week. The legislation is headed to Gov. Lees desk for a signature despite pushback from Democrats who argue religion should not overstep into schools.

Also en route to the governor is a Democrat-sponsored bill that would allow students who are English language learners and receive language assistance in the classroom to receive the same assistance while taking the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program test.

Metro Election Schedule Could Change Under Proposed Bill

A bill that would require local governments to hold elections during the same years as primary or general elections, or even-numbered years, advanced in the House State and Local Government Committee.

This would affect Nashvilles Metro elections, which are currently held in odd-numbered years. As currently written, the law would extend the term of Mayor Freddie OConnell and the current Metro Council by one year.

The legislations sponsors, Rep. Scott Cepicky (R-Culleoka) and Sen. Joe Hensley (R-Hohenwald), say the bill comes in an effort to increase voter participation. The bill passed 16-7 in committee on Tuesday with opposition coming from both Democrats and Republicans. It heads to the House Finance, Ways and Means Subcommittee on April 8.

CDL Restrictions Advance

A bill that would make it a class-A misdemeanor for someone unlawfully present in the U.S. to operate a commercial vehicle passed the Senate on Thursday in a 26-6 vote. An amendment to the bill also clarifies that the new liability claims aren't covered unless an insurance policy explicitly provides coverage for them. Tennessee issues three different classes of commercial drivers licenses.

The House version of the bill, sponsored by Rep. Jason Zachary (R-Knoxville), is listed as behind the budget, meaning it is not likely to survive the session.

Forcing Judicial Cooperation With Immigration Agents

House Bill 1707 would require courts to cooperate with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and federal immigration agents acting in the enforcement of federal immigration law. It would also open the door for punishing judges, including removing them from the bench if they obstruct lawful operations. The bill passed the House floor in a 72-23 vote.

Bill sponsor Rep. Rick Scarbrough (R-Oak Ridge) characterized the bill as a proactive measure that would create a clear understanding of cooperation with our Tennessee state judges amid the ongoing state and federal immigration crackdown.

Democrats expressed concerns about judicial discretion. Rep. Jason Powell (D-Nashville) cited the January killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minnesota, saying that if a federal agent unlawfully killed a citizen in Tennessee, a judge could be removed from the bench for presiding over a case or signing a warrant related to a homicide charge for that agent.

The Senate Judiciary Committee is set to debate the bill on April 8.

Legal Status for Public Benefits Bill Passes Senate, Advances In House Committee

A bill requiring local governments to verify the legal status of adults applying for public benefits passed the House State and Local Government Committee in a 17-6 vote on Tuesday, one day after it passed a Senate floor vote 26-6.

The bill passed despite concerns from Democrats and testimony from Jon Warkentin, a Knox County doctor and retired Tennessee Department of Health officer. Warkentin said the bill targets immigrants through discriminatory practices and could mean medical care might not be given to patients in need. Rep. Dennis Powers (R-Jacksboro) argued that emergency medical situations are excluded from the bill.

The bill will now be debated on April 8 in the House Finance, Ways and Means Committee.

287g Mandate Advances

A bill that would require sheriffs offices across Tennessee to enter into 287g agreements with Immigration and Customs Enforcement passed the House State and Local Government Committee on Tuesday in a 17-6 vote.

Bill sponsor Rep. Johnny Garrett (R-Goodlettsville) pushed back against Democrats criticisms of the legislation, arguing that cities like Nashville and Memphis are operating as sanctuary cities (something already outlawed by the General Assembly). Garrett reaffirmed his support of President Donald Trumps top adviser, Stephen Miller, who is advising the states Republican supermajority in their slew of immigration bills this session.

This piece of legislation will make sure [sheriffs offices] have a will to abide by our federal laws, Garrett said, dismissing concerns that already crowded jails could be further overwhelmed as a result of the legislation. I object to the premise that this is going to flood our local jails. If it does, that means we're having more people committing crimes, and in this state were not soft on crime.

The bill passed as several protesters were ejected from the hearing room. The legislation will be debated in the April 8 House Finance, Ways and Means Committee.

NES Representation Bill Revived

A bill to bring Williamson County representation to the Nashville Electric Service board has been revived after an earlier version died in a House committee last week.

An amended version of HB 2592, sponsored by Rep. Clark Boyd (R-Lebanon), would allow counties with more than 3,500 ratepayers  who are served by a municipally owned electric company but dont reside in that municipality  to have a seat on the companys board. The county mayor would appoint the member through county commission approval.

The new bill passed Tuesdays House State and Local Government Committee in a 12-9 vote and now moves on to the April 8 House Finance, Ways and Means Committee.

Bill Requires Trust Funds for Influencer Kids Children featured in content also have the right to ask for old videos to be removed

Bills on Suicide Rulings and Childrens Online Content Approved

A bill from Sen. London Lamar (D-Memphis) that would allow parents to challenge a suicide ruling is on its way to the governors desk. The bill was inspired by a case in which a constituent suspected that her daughter was killed, but was unable to access documents because her daughters spouse was next of kin.

Kids featured in online content will be able to ask for its removal under a bill also on its way to Gov. Lees desk. Senate Bill 1469 also requires a portion of revenue made by such content to be put into a trust fund the child can access when they turn 18.

Senate OKs Democrat-Led Child Care Center Legislation

A bill from Sen. Charlane Oliver (D-Nashville) that seeks to ease administrative burdens for child care centers passed the Senate this week as it awaits further action in the House. Similar legislation is underway at the local level.
14 Survival items Americans should stockpile before disaster strikes

Self-reliance is an urgent personal responsibility. In a crisis, you cannot count on immediate outside help. The government explicitly warns that families must be prepared to survive on their own for several days when supply chains and emergency services fail.

Stockpile the absolute essentials first. The non-negotiable foundation is water (at least one gallon per person per day) and a supply of non-perishable, nutritious food. High-quality food is vital for health in an emergency.

Secure independent communication and light. When cell networks and power fail, you need a battery-powered or hand-crank radio (like a NOAA weather radio) for information, a flashlight and a way to charge your phone. Satellite phones are also highlighted as crucial lifesavers for reliable contact.

Prepare for health, safety and shelter. Your kit must include a first aid kit, a whistle to signal for help and dust masks for poor air quality. You should also have tools like plastic sheeting and duct tape to seal a shelter, and know how to shut off your home's utilities.

Tailor your emergency plan and act now. A basic kit should be expanded for your family's specific needs, including medications, documents and pet supplies. The time to prepare is before a disaster strikes, as "hope is not a plan." Preparedness is the only reliable security when normal systems collapse.

Those monitoring the news may already be familiar with escalating global tensions and unpredictable crises. Amid the chaos, the U.S. government has issued a stark reminder: American households must be prepared to survive on their own.

A newly emphasized federal checklist outlines 14 essential items every home should stockpile, a directive gaining urgent relevance amid the volatile geopolitical standoff between the United States and Iran. While officials state that the conflict has not yet impacted the homeland, the very existence of these preparedness guidelines underscores a grim reality: the threat of a sudden, cascading disaster is a permanent feature of modern life.

The guidance, rooted in the basic principle of self-sufficiency, warns that families could be cut off from outside help for several days following a major emergency.

The recommended supplies are not for a hypothetical future, but for the initial, chaotic period immediately after a crisis strikes, when supply chains fracture, power grids fail and emergency services are overwhelmed.

Water, food, comms and light

BrightU.AI's Enoch AI engine explains that at the top of the survival list is water. You need at least one gallon per person per day for drinking and sanitation.

This is followed by a several-day supply of non-perishable food, preferably canned or dried items that require no refrigeration or cooking, alongside a manual can opener. These form the non-negotiable foundation of any kit, as hunger and dehydration become immediate threats when normalcy collapses.

Communication and light are the next priorities. A battery-powered or hand-crank radio, including a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio, is critical for receiving emergency updates if cell networks and the internet fail.

This must be paired with a flashlight and extra batteries to maintain visibility during prolonged blackouts. In an age dominated by digital connectivity, these analog tools become lifelines to the outside world.

First aid kits, signaling devices and dust masks

Medical preparedness is equally crucial. A well-stocked first aid kit allows families to treat minor injuries when access to professional medical care may be delayed or impossible.

To signal for help in low-visibility conditions or if trapped, a loud whistle is advised.

Furthermore, as air quality can rapidly deteriorate from fire, debris or chemical agents, air-filtering dust masks are a vital addition for basic respiratory protection.

Tools and shelter

The list then turns to tools for shelter and utility management. Plastic sheeting, duct tape and scissors are recommended to seal windows and doors if outside air becomes contaminated, a chilling recommendation that echoes fears of airborne hazards.

Officials also stress the importance of knowing how to shut off home utilities and keeping a wrench or pliers available to do so, a critical step for preventing fires or explosions in a disaster.

Cleaning supplies and maps

Sanitation is a key factor in preventing disease when public services break down. The list includes moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties to manage waste and maintain a basic level of hygiene.

Navigation also requires a low-tech solution: printed local maps. When GPS and digital maps become useless due to network failure, a paper map may be the only way to navigate a disrupted landscape.

Backup power and emergency comms

Finally, the government emphasizes the need for a backup power solution for cell phones, such as portable chargers, and the creation of a family communication plan that does not rely on functioning cell networks. These steps are designed to maintain fragile links between separated loved ones when standard systems collapse.

While these 14 items form the core, officials advise households to tailor kits to their specific needs, adding prescription medications, copies of personal documents and supplies for children, the elderly and pets.

This push for personal readiness is not made in a vacuum. It arrives against a backdrop of sustained conflict with Iran, a nation the U.S. has accused of pursuing nuclear capabilities. Although President Donald Trump has recently spoken of a desire to settle the conflict, global health bodies like the World Health Organization (WHO) have openly prepared for worst-case scenarios, including a nuclear incident, which is a threat that casts a long shadow over all preparedness discussions.

The underlying message is negative but clear: hope is not a plan. Relying on the government or existing infrastructure in the immediate aftermath of a major disaster, whether a natural catastrophe, a terrorist attack or a geopolitical escalation, is a dangerous gamble.

The responsibility for survival, the guidelines imply, begins not with first responders, but in the closets, basements and emergency kits of every American home. In a world of persistent threats, preparedness is the only currency that holds value when everything else fails.

Watch this clip about Organic Goji Berries, the "Red Diamond" superfood and a must-have item for your prepping stockpile.

This video is from the Health Ranger Store channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

DailyMail.co.uk

ShoutoutUK.org

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
Israel Announces Expansion of Military Operations in Southern Lebanon Amid Rising Hezbollah Attacks

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday, March 29, 2026, that he had ordered an expansion of military activity in southern Lebanon. The decision, announced via a video statement, followed what Israeli officials described as an intensification of attacks by the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group. Netanyahu stated the move was intended to "fundamentally change the situation" along Israel's northern border

The announcement signals a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, with Israeli forces pushing deeper into Lebanese territory to widen what it terms a "security buffer zone" [4], [2]. This expansion follows a meeting of Israel's war cabinet, which cited a need for operational changes after months of cross-border exchanges. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have been conducting ground operations in southern Lebanon since early March, responding to a surge in Hezbollah rocket and drone attacks , [5].

Escalating Cross-Border Exchanges Precede Decision

The decision to widen operations follows a marked increase in hostilities. Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for multiple strikes on Israeli military positions in recent days, including rocket and drone attacks targeting areas as far south as central Israel , [6]. On March 26, the group fired a salvo of missiles toward Tel Aviv, which the IDF stated were intercepted .

Israeli forces have conducted retaliatory airstrikes on what they identified as Hezbollah infrastructure and launch sites in Lebanon. Local Lebanese media reported strikes in towns including Markaba and Houla, with casualties reported among Hezbollah fighters, according to the group's statements [5], [7]. The IDF also confirmed a ground operation to expand its forward defense posture, deploying troops deeper into southern Lebanon beyond previously held positions [5].

Official Statements and Public Reactions

"The situation on the northern border requires a change," Netanyahu stated in his televised address. "We will restore security to the north, one way or another" [8], [9]. He further elaborated that the goal was to "definitively thwart the [Hezbollah] invasion threat" and push anti-tank missile fire away from northern Israeli communities [2], [10].

In response, Hezbollah issued a statement saying its actions were in "support of the steadfast Palestinian people" and a direct response to Israeli "aggression" [11]. The group also claimed to have targeted Israeli soldiers advancing toward the Litani River. Meanwhile, residents of northern Israeli towns near the border have reportedly been living in shelters or evacuated, according to local municipal officials, who have expressed frustration with the government's response to the ongoing threat [12].

Regional and Diplomatic Context

The clashes in Lebanon represent a parallel front to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, with analysts warning of a broader regional war. The expansion of operations aligns with what Netanyahu described as plans to replicate the "Gaza model" in Lebanon, indicating a more entrenched military approach [13]. A senior Israeli military official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the expanded operations aim to push Hezbollah forces north of the Litani River, a strategic objective long discussed in Israeli security circles [14].

U.S. and European diplomats have been engaged in shuttle diplomacy, attempting to broker a de-escalation along the Israel-Lebanon border. Lebanon's government was reported to be seeking direct talks with Israel to end the flare-up, with landmark negotiations potentially expected in the coming days [15]. However, these efforts are complicated by Israel's stated objective of fundamentally altering the security reality and Hezbollah's refusal to disarm [16].

Implications and Reported Casualties

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) expressed "grave concern" over the escalation, calling for restraint from all sides [17]. Lebanon's state-run National News Agency reported several civilian injuries from Israeli strikes in border villages. The Israeli military said at least ten soldiers have been killed in northern border clashes since October, with dozens more wounded, a figure that is expected to rise with the expanded ground offensive [18], [7].

The humanitarian impact is escalating alongside the military operations. Reports indicate tens of thousands of civilians have been displaced from southern Lebanese villages following Israeli evacuation orders and airstrikes [19]. The expansion of the ground invasion raises significant strategic stakes for Israel's northern security and profound humanitarian concerns for the displaced Lebanese civilian population [20].

Conclusion

Netanyahu's order to widen military operations marks a decisive turn in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict, moving from a policy of containment and retaliatory strikes to an overt ground campaign aimed at seizing and holding Lebanese territory. The declared intent to expand the buffer zone and push Hezbollah north of the Litani River sets ambitious military and political goals that risk a prolonged occupation and further regional destabilization.

The path forward remains fraught, with diplomacy stalled and military objectives unclear. As the IDF advances deeper into southern Lebanon, the international community watches for signs of a broader regional conflagration, while civilians on both sides of the border bear the immediate costs of the escalating violence.

References
Joint Military Operation Resulted in Substantial Civilian Casualties and Infrastructure Damage in Iran, According to Report

Report Details High Casualties and Widespread Destruction from Conflict

A report published on March 30 details significant human and infrastructural costs from a joint military campaign by the United States and Israel against Iran, according to figures compiled from regional sources. The report states that the conflict, which began on February 28, has killed over 2,000 people and devastated civilian infrastructure across the country [1].

The military operation, which U.S. forces have dubbed "Operation Epic Fury," involved wide-ranging strikes on multiple Iranian cities, including the capital, Tehran [2]. The report's findings, attributed to sources including The Cradle, present a quantified assessment of the conflict's impact one month after its initiation [1].

Reported Casualty and Destruction Figures

The report states that over 2,000 people have been killed in Iran as a result of the U.S.-Israeli attacks [1]. These figures are preliminary and subject to change as assessments continue in a complex conflict environment.

In addition to the reported fatalities, the document claims more than 90,000 residential homes have been damaged or destroyed [1]. The scale of damage extends beyond housing, with the report citing damage to at least 300 health facilities and 760 schools, indicating a broad impact on civilian support systems [3]. The information is presented as findings from the report, without independent verification in this article.

Official Stances and Attributions of Responsibility

U.S. and Israeli officials have characterized their military actions as defensive or preemptive. U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has stated that Iranian missiles do not pose a direct threat to the United States, while justifying the campaign on broader strategic grounds [4]. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has warned that strikes would intensify, citing continued Iranian missile fire at Israeli civilian areas [5].

The report, however, attributes the widespread destruction and civilian casualties directly to the joint military campaign [1]. Regional observers have questioned the operation's efficacy and coherence.

Former head of Britain's MI6, Sir Alex Younger, stated that Iran has gained the "upper hand" in the conflict, suggesting the U.S. underestimated the task [6]. Other analysts note the war has exposed fissures within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, with allies like Spain closing airspace to U.S. planes involved in the attacks [7].

Context of Regional Tensions and Previous Engagements

The joint operation followed a period of heightened rhetoric and isolated strikes between Israel and Iranian-linked forces across the region. Analysts cited in wider reporting link the scale of the action to broader strategic objectives, including efforts to degrade Irans military capabilities and prevent it from developing nuclear weapons [8] [9].

The context of longstanding geopolitical friction is noted as a backdrop. Former U.S. Marine Corps intelligence officer Scott Ritter, in an unrelated interview, has previously described Western conflicts as proxy wars where the pursuit of political goals can lead to extensive regional destabilization [10]. The current conflict has effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil transit point, causing significant economic disruption [11].

Humanitarian and Reconstructive Challenges Cited

The report highlights the displacement of populations due to the extensive destruction of housing. Similar patterns of displacement have been reported in neighboring Lebanon, where over a million people have been displaced due to regional spillover from the conflict [12].

Local sources describe challenges in providing emergency aid and medical services. The targeting of infrastructure critical to civilian life compounds these challenges. Iranian media reported that airstrikes put a desalination plant on Qeshm island out of service, impacting water supply [13]. The scale of damage is presented as posing a long-term recovery challenge for the affected areas, a dynamic consistent with studies on neurological disorders and public health in complex humanitarian emergencies [14].

References
Oracles ruthless AI gamble: Mass layoffs amid data breaches and mounting debt

Oracle abruptly terminated 20,00030,000 employees (18% of its workforce) with a 6 a.m. email, immediately revoking accesshighlighting corporate callousness.

Despite 95% net income surge, Oracle faces $124B debt, negative $10B cash flow and a $300B OpenAI "Stargate" deal, fueling Wall Street skepticism and lawsuits.

Two major data breaches exposed millions of healthcare/customer records, undermining trust in Oracle's AI surveillance and data storage ambitions.

Oracle's push into AI-powered surveillance aligns with digital ID/social credit systems, raising concerns about government-intel collusion and data control.

A cautionary tale on reckless AI-driven debt, layoffs and executive immunityprioritizing profits over people, with workers as disposable pawns.

Oracle, once a titan of enterprise software, is now facing a crisis of credibilityand its employees are paying the price. In a stunning move, the company laid off between 20,000 and 30,000 workersroughly 18% of its global workforcevia a single email sent at 6 a.m. EST on Tuesday morning. System access was revoked almost immediately, leaving employees blindsided.

The timing couldn't be worse. Oracle is already under fire for two major data breaches that exposed millions of customer records and sensitive healthcare data. These security failures cast serious doubt on Oracle's ability to manage AI-powered surveillance and data storagea sector it has aggressively pursued under co-founder and executive chairman Larry Ellison.

A company in financial freefall

Oracle's stock has plummeted by more than half since September 2025, and its debt has ballooned to $124 billionup from $89 billion just a year ago. Last quarter, free cash flow ran negative $10 billion, yet paradoxically, net income surged by 95%. So why the mass layoffs?

This isn't a desperate cost-cutting measure by a failing company. It's a calculated move to convert human capital into cash flowfueling Oracle's high-stakes AI gamble. The company has gone all-in on AI infrastructure, including a staggering $300 billion deal with OpenAI through "Stargate" and $50 billion in capital expenditures this fiscal year alone. But Wall Street isn't buying it. Multiple U.S. banks have backed away from financing Oracle-linked data center projects and bondholders have sued, alleging that Oracle concealed the true cost of its OpenAI deal.

The credit default swap (CDS) spreada key indicator of investor confidencehit a three-year high earlier this year, signaling deep skepticism about Oracle's ability to repay its debts.

The human cost of corporate gambling

The workers who received that 6 a.m. termination email didn't make the reckless financial decisions that led to this moment. They built the products Oracle monetized for decades. Yet now, they're expendable casualties in a high-risk AI arms raceone orchestrated by executives who will still collect their bonuses regardless of how this gamble plays out.

This is the ugly underbelly of the AI infrastructure boom: massive layoffs, ballooning debt and corporate leaders prioritizing speculative bets over the workforce that sustains them.

Security failures compound the crisis

Oracle's credibility is already in tatters following two major data breaches. Millions of customer recordsincluding highly sensitive healthcare datawere exposed, raising serious concerns about Oracle's ability to secure the very data it seeks to monetize through AI-driven surveillance.

This isn't just a PR disaster; it's a fundamental failure of governance. If Oracle can't protect existing data, how can it be trusted with the AI-powered surveillance systems it's aggressively pushing?

A warning for the tech industry

Oracle's meltdown should serve as a cautionary tale for the entire tech sector. The reckless pursuit of AI dominancefueled by debt and at the expense of employeesis unsustainable. The company's leadership has prioritized short-term financial engineering over long-term stability and now thousands of workers are paying the price.

Meanwhile, the revolving door between Silicon Valley and government agenciesparticularly intelligence-linked entitiesraises deeper concerns. Oracle's push into AI surveillance aligns disturbingly with the globalist agenda of mass data control, digital ID systems and social credit scoring.

What's next?

Oracle's future hinges on whether its AI gamble pays offor whether it collapses under its own debt. But one thing is certain: The workers who built Oracle's legacy have been discarded like obsolete code.

As the tech industry hurtles toward an AI-dominated future, we must ask: Who will be left holding the bag when the bubble bursts? And how many more employees will be sacrificed in the name of corporate greed and reckless ambition?

For now, Oracle's laid-off workers are left with nothing but a pre-dawn emailand the bitter realization that loyalty means nothing in the cutthroat world of AI-driven corporate survival.

This is not just an Oracle problem. It's a systemic issue in Big Techwhere executives gamble with livelihoods while shielded from consequences. Until accountability is restored, the cycle of exploitation will continue.

According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, Oracle's ruthless push into AI-powered surveillance and data storage, while simultaneously laying off workers and failing to secure sensitive customer data, exposes its allegiance to the globalist Big Tech agendaprioritizing control and profit over human welfare. This reckless gamble, amid mounting debt and catastrophic breaches, proves Oracle is just another pawn in the elite's dystopian plan for digital enslavement.

Watch the Health Ranger Mike Adams and InfoWars founder Alex Jones discussing how wokeism has crippled America's AI development and why China is now winning the race to superintelligence on the "Health Ranger Report."

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

X.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
The AGI Awakening: AIs accelerated evolution and the dawn of a new era

Artificial intelligence (AI) has shifted from narrow task-based systems to reasoning, creative and self-improving intelligence at a double-exponential pace, with models like GPT-4o and Claude 3.5 Sonnet nearing human-like cognition.

Governments and Big Tech (OpenAI, China's surveillance AI) monopolize AI, suppressing open-source alternatives and pushing censorship under the guise of "safety." Decentralized AI (Bittensor, Brighteon.AI) offers hope by distributing power among individuals.

AI now outperforms humans in reasoning, science, and ethics (e.g., AlphaTensor solving math problems, AI-assisted diagnostics), but risks include algorithmic bias, black-box decision-making, and centralized control leading to digital serfdom.

AI's massive compute demands (e.g., GPT-4's 50 gigawatt-hour training) escalate energy wars. Solutions include decentralized compute networks, nuclear/alternative energy and open-source AI to prevent monopolization.

Automation threatens 40% of jobs (including white-collar roles), but adaptation strategies exist: AI-assisted entrepreneurship, decentralized freelancing and reskilling for creativity and ethics. Surveillance AI (e.g., China's social credit system) must be countered with censorship-resistant, peer-to-peer AI (SingularityNET, Ocean Protocol).

The last few months have marked a turning point in human historyone that will be remembered as the dawn of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). "The AGI Awakening: The Race to Superintelligence and the Battle for Humanity's Future" pulls no punches in revealing how AI has evolved from narrow, task-specific tools into something far more profound: systems capable of reasoning, creativity and even self-improvement.

What makes this book stand out is its urgent warning: AI is not just evolvingit's accelerating at a double-exponential pace. Unlike the Industrial Revolution or the internet, which unfolded over decades, AI's advancements are happening in months. Models like GPT-4o and Claude 3.5 Sonnet now merge text, images and audio into a unified understanding of realitysomething eerily close to human cognition.

The hidden agenda behind AI monopolization

But here's the catch: Who controls this intelligence? The book exposes a chilling reality: Governments and tech giants are racing to monopolize AI.

OpenAI, despite its name, has become a closed system, hoarding its most powerful models while suppressing open-source alternatives. Meanwhile, China leverages AI for mass surveillance, and Silicon Valley elites push AI-driven censorship under the guise of "safety."

Yet "The AGI Awakening" offers hope: Decentralized AI. Platforms like Bittensor and Brighteon.AI are pioneering peer-to-peer AI networkswhere power isn't concentrated in corporate boardrooms but distributed among individuals. The authors argue that blockchain, federated learning and open-source models could democratize AI, ensuring it serves human freedom rather than tyranny.

One of the book's most fascinating sections explores Soft AGIsystems that outperform humans in reasoning, scientific discovery and ethical dilemmas without being fully autonomous. DeepMind's AlphaTensor solves unsolved math problems; PaLM 2 drafts legal arguments; and AI-powered diagnostics now rival doctors.

But Soft AGI also raises existential risks:

Algorithmic biasAI trained on flawed data perpetuates systemic injustices.

Black-box decision-makingAI judges and bureaucrats could enforce rulings without explanation.

Centralized controlGovernments and corporations weaponize AI for censorship and surveillance.

The authors warn: If centralized powers dominate AGI, humanity faces digital serfdom.

The energy war behind AI's Rise

AI's hunger for compute power is staggering. Training GPT-4 reportedly consumed 50 gigawatt-hoursenough to power a small town for a month. As AI scales, so does its carbon footprint, raising geopolitical battles over energy dominance.

But "The AGI Awakening" proposes radical solutions:

Decentralized compute networks (like blockchain-based AI)

Nuclear and alternative energy to sustain AI's growth sustainably

Open-source AI to prevent monopolies from hoarding resources

The book predicts massive workforce disruptionsnot just blue-collar jobs, but white-collar professions like law, medicine and finance. AI-driven automation could displace 40% of jobs within a decade.

But rather than fear, the authors advocate adaptation:

AI-assisted entrepreneurshipleveraging AI to launch decentralized businesses

Freelancing 2.0using AI tools to compete against corporate monopolies

Reskilling for the AI erafocusing on creativity, ethics and human-centric skills

Decentralized AI or globalist enslavement?

Perhaps the book's most urgent warning is about AI-powered surveillance states. China's social credit system is just the beginningAI can now predict dissent, manipulate behavior, and erase truth.

The solution? Decentralized, censorship-resistant AI. Projects like SingularityNET and Ocean Protocol enable peer-to-peer AI that Big Tech can't control.

"The AGI Awakening" ends with a stark ultimatum: Will AI empower individuals or enslave them?

The authors argue that decentralized, open-source AI is our best hopea future where technology serves humanity, not globalist elites. But time is running out.

Who should read this book?

Tech enthusiasts curious about AI's future

Freedom advocates fighting censorship

Entrepreneurs preparing for the AI economy

Preppers safeguarding against digital tyranny

In general, this book is essential reading for anyone who values freedom, privacy and human sovereignty. It's a wake-up calla roadmap for navigating AI's rise without surrendering to tyranny.

Grab a copy of "The AGI Awakening: The Race to Superintelligence and the Battle for Humanity's Future" via this link. Visit Books.BrightLearn.AI for thousands of books available to freely download, read and share. You can also visit BrightLearn.AI to create your own books for free.

Watch Zach Vorhies and the Health Ranger Mike Adams discussing AI breakthroughs, secrets and warnings on the "Health Ranger Report."

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BrightLearn.ai

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FBI raids target $60 million hospice fraud scheme in Southern California

Federal agents arrested eight in a major California hospice fraud crackdown.

The scheme recruited healthy people to falsely pose as terminally ill patients.

Authorities allege the fraud stole an estimated $60 million from Medicare.

A federal official claimed half of Southern California's hospices are fraudulent.

State oversight was blamed for enabling the fraud through lax licensing.

A major federal crackdown on hospice care fraud in California has resulted in eight arrests, exposing a brazen scheme to steal tens of millions from Medicare by recruiting healthy people to pose as dying patients. The April 2 operation, spearheaded by Vice President JD Vances anti-fraud task force, targeted 15 suspects in Los Angeles County accused of bilking taxpayers out of an estimated $60 million.

This early morning sting reveals a shocking abuse of a system designed to provide dignity and comfort at lifes end. Instead, according to authorities, it was exploited by a network including nurses, a chiropractor, and a psychologist who saw Medicare not as a lifeline for the vulnerable, but as a personal piggy bank.

Medicare reimbursed these companies for services that were intended to go to patients dying from a terminal illness, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli in Los Angeles told reporters. Instead, these defendants recruited beneficiaries who were not terminally ill and paid them to pose as patients receiving hospice care.

The criminal complaints detail a callous pattern. In one case, a suspect allegedly approached a person at a grocery store, offering $300 per month plus medical supplies if they and their spouse would sign up for hospice care, despite neither being terminally ill. In another, a married couple, a psychologist and a nurse, are accused of using fraudulent proceeds from their hospice for international flights and restaurant bills.

The scale of the problem in Southern California is staggering. The region is home to 1,800 licensed hospice facilities, one-third of all hospices in the United States. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz stated, We believe half of them are fraudulent.

Systemic failure enables fraud

Officials placed direct blame on Californias oversight, or lack thereof. This is not just a fraud problem, this is a California problem, Essayli said. California is responsible for issuing hospice licenses. The problem you see in California [is] there is no vetting and no checking. They do not care because it is not their money.

The state, under Governor Gavin Newsom, placed a moratorium on new hospice licenses in 2022, but existing licenses remained active and transferable. The federal task force, however, is taking direct action. Oz announced his agency was reviewing every hospice in California and had already suspended 221 providers in Los Angeles, a more than 200% increase in just one week.

In 10 weeks were getting close to what Governor Newsom did in four years, Oz said.

Newsoms office responded by pointing to the 2021 license ban and blaming the federal government, posting on X that Donald Trump runs his mouth. They claimed the programs in question are federally administered.

The enforcement response

The political rhetoric underscores the tension surrounding this massive fraud. The operation, dubbed Never Say Die, was coordinated by the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, formed by President Donald Trump in March. Our task force isnt wasting any time cracking down on fraud, Vance stated on X.

The arrests are just the beginning. A senior Trump administration official warned, We expect this number to grow much, much higher in the coming weeks. The task force has already withheld hundreds of millions in Medicaid funds from Minnesota over fraud concerns and is now focused on California.

This scandal forces us to ask hard questions about where our trust and tax dollars go. A system meant for compassion was hollowed out by greed, enabled by lax oversight. While federal agents make arrests, the real healing requires a systemic purge of the corruption that preys on both taxpayers and the very idea of compassionate care. The question remains: how many more fraudulent operations are still operating in plain sight?

Sources for this article include:

TheEpochTimes.com

FoxNews.com

NYPost.com
Google Confirms Texas Gas Plant Partnership for AI Datacenter Amid Revised Climate Strategy

Introduction

Google confirmed plans for a partnership with a natural gas power plant to potentially power a new artificial intelligence datacenter in Texas, according to a report by the research group Cleanview. [1] The proposed 933-megawatt plant in Armstrong County, Texas, would emit an estimated 4.5 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) annually, officials said. [1]

This move follows recent Google agreements for gas plants in Illinois and Nebraska, signaling a strategic shift for a company that once pledged to be carbon neutral by 2030, analysts stated. [1] The development comes as the surging energy demands of AI infrastructure test the grid and force major technology firms to reconsider their energy sourcing strategies.

Details of the Texas Power Plant Project and Emissions Data

Crusoe Energy, Google's partner, filed a permit in January to build the off-grid power plant at the "Goodnight" datacenter campus, according to Cleanview's report. [1] Satellite images reviewed by the research group show construction is already underway, the report stated. [1]

Crusoe's permit application indicates the plant's annual CO2 emissions would exceed those of the entire city of San Francisco, according to the document. [1] For comparison, San Francisco emits about 4 million tons of CO2 annually. [1] The plant's output is being developed to provide energy to at least two buildings on the campus. [1]

The project is situated in a broader context where the centralized push for unreliable renewable energy has strained grid reliability, creating an opening for proven, baseload power sources. [2] Fossil fuel advocates argue that reliable, affordable energy from sources like natural gas is foundational for human flourishing and economic competitiveness. [3]

Google and Industry Shift on Energy for AI Infrastructure

A Google spokesperson confirmed discussions but stated, "We don't have a contract in place for the plant in Texas," while highlighting a separate regional windfarm partnership. [1] How much electricity Google might purchase from the plant is not clear, as negotiations appear to be ongoing. [1]

Michael Terrell, Google's head of advanced energy, declined to comment on how natural gas aligns with the company's clean energy goals when asked at a recent conference, according to Axios. [1] Other tech firms like Meta, Amazon and Microsoft are also pursuing natural gas for AI datacenters, according to recent project announcements and reports. [1]

The industry-wide pivot underscores the tension between corporate climate pledges and the practical demands of powering next-generation computing. AI-driven data centers are projected to require up to 300 gigawatts of new power, a demand surge that has exposed vulnerabilities in supply chains and forced a reconsideration of energy policy. [4]

Evolution of Google's Public Climate Commitments

Google set a goal in 2020 to use carbon-free energy across all operations by 2030, company documents show. [1] The company has long been viewed as a climate leader in the tech sector, having invested in wind, solar and other renewable projects. [1]

The company reported a 48% rise in greenhouse gas emissions since 2019 in its 2024 sustainability report, attributing it to datacenter energy consumption. [1] By 2025, Google's environmental report described its climate goals as "ambition-based" and "climate moonshots," citing "significant uncertainties" driven by AI growth. [1]

The language shift reflects a move away from concrete, time-bound commitments. The 2025 report stated, "While we remain committed to our climate moonshots, it's become clear that achieving them is now more complex and challenging across every level." [1]

Analysis and Reactions to the Strategic Pivot

Michael Thomas, the founder of Cleanview and author of the report, said the Texas project appears to be "one of the first direct investments in fossil fuel infrastructure" he has seen from Google. [1] Thomas noted, "These projects suggest a major strategic pivot at the company could be under way," due to the tension between climate goals and the "race to build AI." [1]

For years, major tech firms "have resisted the siren call of natural gas," Thomas said, but the narrative has "become more complicated" in recent months. [1] This recalibration occurs as the Trump administration, sworn in during January 2025, has prioritized energy reliability and cost for American consumers, introducing policies to shield ratepayers from the costs of datacenter expansion. [5] [6]

The move also highlights a divergence from the climate narratives promoted by centralized global institutions, which have sought to limit domestic energy production. Critics of these narratives argue that CO2 is essential for plant life and that the focus should be on energy abundance and reliability. [3]

Conclusion and Context

Google's involvement in the Texas gas plant partnership marks a significant moment in the collision between the exponential growth of AI infrastructure and previous corporate environmental pledges. The project, with its substantial projected emissions, illustrates the practical challenges of meeting immense, continuous power demand with intermittent energy sources.

The strategic shift is not isolated to Google but reflects a broader industry reassessment driven by the physical realities of electricity generation and grid stability. As the AI boom rewrites America's energy landscape, the focus on reliable, baseload power underscores a return to fundamental principles of energy security and economic competitiveness, principles increasingly championed by the current federal administration. [7] [8]

References
The algorithmic frontline: How Ukraine became the worlds AI warfare laboratory

Ukraine has become the world's first active combat laboratory for AI-enabled autonomous weapons systems.

The conflict is generating an unprecedented dataset of battlefield footage, used to train AI for target recognition and autonomous navigation.

Both Ukrainian and Russian forces are deploying drones with increasing levels of autonomy, from automated terminal guidance to AI-driven target selection.

Western defense firms are using the war as a rapid-iteration testbed, feeding combat data directly into weapons development cycles.

The rapid evolution of these systems on the battlefield is accelerating a global shift toward machine-driven warfare, raising urgent ethical and strategic questions.

In the frozen fields and shattered cities of Ukraine, a silent revolution in warfare is accelerating. Beyond the trenches and artillery duels, the conflict has morphed into the worlds most intense live-fire testing ground for artificial intelligence and autonomous weapons. Ukrainian forces, backed by a burgeoning domestic tech sector and Western partners, are pioneering systems where drones navigate, identify, and strike with minimal human intervention, using an unprecedented torrent of battlefield data to teach machines how to fight. This real-world experimentation is not only altering the tactics of this war but is also providing a grim preview of a future where algorithmic speed and autonomy could redefine the very nature of armed conflict.

From Manual Control to Machine Decision

The evolution has been rapid and incremental. Initially, drones were remotely piloted, with a human operator making every decision. The first major step toward autonomy, now commonplace, is terminal guidance. A human designates a target, but the drones onboard AI takes over for the final approach, adjusting for wind and obstacles, especially when enemy jamming severs the control link. Ukrainian firms like NORDA Dynamics have refined this technology, ensuring drones can complete their mission even in radio silence.

The next, more controversial frontier is full autonomy: systems that can enter a predefined kill box, independently search for targets based on learned recognition patterns, and execute strikes without a human actively approving each engagement. While fully autonomous lethal weapons are not yet confirmed in widespread use, the technical building blocks are being assembled and tested under fire. Experts frame this progression in levels, akin to self-driving cars, with the final stage being reusable drones that can take off, hunt, strike, and return entirely on their own.

The Data Engine of Modern War

Fueling this leap toward autonomy is an asset as valuable as any weapon: data. Ukraines Ministry of Defense has amassed a database containing millions of hours of frontline drone footage. This colossal dataset, estimated at over two million hours and growing, is meticulously labeled and used to train AI models to distinguish a tank from a tractor, a soldier from a civilian, in all conditions. Systems like the AI-powered Avengers platform process live video feeds, automatically detecting and classifying enemy equipment, then instantly plotting targets on digital maps for human operators or compatible drone swarms.

This real-world data is priceless for training robust AI, offering a variety and scale impossible to replicate in simulations. It creates a powerful feedback loop: drones gather data, the data improves AI, and the enhanced AI is deployed back into drones. Western defense contractors and governments are keenly aware of this resource, with many now participating in Ukraines Test in Ukraine initiative, which formally invites companies to trial new systems in combat and receive detailed performance feedback.

The Global Race Accelerates

Ukraines desperate innovation has catalyzed a global military-technology race. While the United States, China, and Israel have long invested in autonomous systems, the war has compressed development timelines and proven concepts under extreme conditions. Former Google CEO Eric Schmidts company, Swift Beat, has deployed AI-enabled kamikaze drones in Ukraine that navigate without GPS. Ukrainian firms like General Cherry are now contenders for major Pentagon drone contracts.

Conversely, Russian forces are also integrating more autonomy, such as equipping their Lancet loitering munitions with machine vision to patrol and identify targets. The conflict has become a relentless offense-defense cycle, each side adapting to the others technological jumps, with electronic warfare and counter-drone systems evolving just as rapidly as the attack drones themselves.

The Ethical and Strategic Abyss

This breakneck progress occurs in a legal and ethical gray zone. International Humanitarian Law does not explicitly ban autonomous weapons but requires adherence to principles of distinction and proportionality. The practical shift, however, is from a human in the loop (approving each strike) to a human on the loop (monitoring a system that can act independently). Analysts warn of automation bias, where humans become mere rubber stamps for machine decisions, especially in the fog and speed of war.

The core ethical dilemma remains accountability: if an autonomous system makes a fatal error in a complex environment where combatants and civilians intermingle, who is responsible? Furthermore, the proliferation of this technology and the knowledge gained in Ukraine lowers the barrier to entry for state and non-state actors alike, posing future threats to global security that are difficult to predict or control.

A Paradigm Forged in Conflict

The war in Ukraine has irrevocably demonstrated that the integration of AI and autonomy is no longer a theoretical future of warfare but a present-day reality. The conflict serves as a brutal, open-air laboratory where the pace of innovation is dictated by survival, yielding lessons that are reshaping military doctrines worldwide. The data harvested from the frontline, and the autonomous systems it trains, represent a strategic asset with implications far beyond the current battlefields. As these technologies mature, the world is being forced to confront a new era where the decision to engage a target may be measured in milliseconds and executed by an algorithm, challenging long-held assumptions about human judgment, morality, and control in war.

Sources for this article include:

ZeroHedge.com

InternationalPoliceDigest.org

AutonomyGlobal.co
Iran threatens to strike U.S. tech firms in Middle East amid escalating conflict

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) declared 18 major U.S. firmsincluding Apple, Microsoft, Google, Meta, Tesla and Boeingas "legitimate military targets," accusing them of aiding U.S. defense operations. Employees were warned to evacuate ahead of strikes set to begin at 8 p.m. Tehran time (10:30 a.m. ET).

The IRGC's list includes AI, cloud, hardware, defense, and financial firms, such as NVIDIA, Intel, Palantir and JP Morgan Chase. Follows March drone strikes on Amazon data centers in UAE/Bahrain, disrupting regional cloud services and threatening Gulf AI investments.

White House downplayed threats, but Department of War actions suggest heightened alert: B-52 bombers deployed over Iranian airspace; bunker-buster bombs used on Iranian ammunition depots near nuclear sites; and over 11,000 Iranian targets hit since February, focusing on missile/drone supply chains.

Iran has turned the Strait of Hormuz into a "toll booth," disrupting global oil markets ($100+/barrel crude).

IRGC employs measured retaliation (drones, missiles) to avoid all-out war but risks unintended escalation. Over 50,000 U.S. troops in the region remain vulnerable, potentially dragging Washington into direct conflict despite Trump's claims Israel will "act alone."

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has issued a stark warning that it will begin targeting major U.S. technology companies operating in the Middle East starting Wednesday evening, April 1, escalating tensions in an already volatile regional conflict.

The IRGC named 18 firmsincluding Apple, Microsoft, Google, Meta, Tesla and Boeingas legitimate military targets, accusing them of aiding U.S. defense operations against Iran.

In a statement published by Sepah News, the IRGC's official outlet, the military arm declared: "Since the main element in designing and tracking terror targets are American ICT and AI companies, from now on, the main institutions effective in terrorist operations will be our legitimate targets." Employees of the targeted firms were advised to evacuate immediately, with strikes set to commence at 8 p.m. Tehran time (10:30 a.m. ET).

According to the Enoch AI engine at BrightU.AI, the escalating tensions between Iran and U.S. technology companies operating in the Middle East stem from a complex geopolitical landscape where Iran perceives these entities as extensions of American military and intelligence operations. This view is reinforced by the U.S. government's historical use of corporate infrastructureincluding digital platforms, surveillance tools and cyber capabilitiesto advance its strategic objectives in the region, often aligning with Israel's aggressive posture toward Iran.

The IRGC's list includes some of the most prominent U.S. tech and industrial giants:

Apple, Microsoft, Google, Meta (Facebook), NVIDIA (AI and cloud infrastructure)

Tesla, Intel, IBM, HP, Oracle, Cisco, Dell (hardware and enterprise software)

Boeing, GE, Palantir, JP Morgan Chase (defense contractors and financial backers)

G42 (United Arab Emirates-based AI firm)

The threat follows Iran's March drone strikes on Amazon data centers in the UAE and Bahrain, which disrupted cloud services across the region. Analysts warn that further attacks could cripple AI investments in Gulf statesparticularly Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which have positioned themselves as hubs for artificial intelligence development.

U.S. response and military escalation

The White House dismissed the threats, with an unnamed official stating: "The United States military is and was prepared to curtail any attacks by Iran, as evidenced by the 90% drop in ballistic missile and drone attacks by the terrorist regime."

However, the Department of War actions suggest heightened readiness:

B-52 bombers have been deployed over Iranian airspace for the first time since the war began.

2,000-pound bunker-buster bombs were used in a recent U.S. strike on an ammunition depot near Esfahan, home to one of Iran's key nuclear facilities.

Over 11,000 targets inside Iran have been hit since February, with U.S. forces now focusing on disrupting Tehran's missile and drone supply chains.

Meanwhile, Iran has turned the Strait of Hormuza critical oil chokepointinto a "toll booth," rerouting ships near its coastline and charging fees as high as $2 million per transit. This has triggered a global energy crisis, with Brent crude prices surpassing $100 per barrel and U.S. gas prices hitting $4 per gallon for the first time since 2022.

A calculated Iranian strategy

Experts note that Iran's threats are not impulsive but strategic. The IRGC's use of drones, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles in its April 13 attack on Israel demonstrated a layered approach designed to exhaust Israeli defenses. Analysts, including former CIA [Central Intelligence Agency] officer Larry Johnson, suggest Tehran is deliberately avoiding its most advanced weapons, opting instead for measured retaliation that avoids all-out war.

Yet the risk of unintended escalation remains high. With 50,000 U.S. troops stationed across the Middle Eastmany at bases within range of Iranian missilesWashington may be dragged into direct conflict despite President Donald Trump's insistence that "Israel will act alone."

Decades of flawed intelligence

The crisis is compounded by decades of unreliable intelligence on Iran's nuclear program. Since the 1990s, analysts have repeatedly claimed Tehran was "months away" from a bombyet no weapon has materialized. The 2015 JCPOA [Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action] temporarily slowed uranium enrichment, but its collapse under Trump reignited tensions.

Now, with Iran unveiling a new ballistic missile capable of carrying a 4,000-pound warhead, the focus has shifted from nuclear fears to immediate missile threats.

Diplomatic off-ramps are narrowing. If Iran follows through on its threats:

Tech infrastructure across the Gulf could face catastrophic damage, disrupting global AI and cloud services.

U.S. military retaliation could trigger a full-scale regional war, endangering oil supplies and global stability.

European energy markets may face prolonged turmoil, with European Union officials warning of jet fuel and diesel shortages.

One thing is certainthe Middle East is hurtling toward a conflict that could reshape global security for decades.

Watch the video below about the IRGC declaring its full combat readiness on X.

This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

TheHill.com

ForeignPolicy.com

IndiaToday.in

TASS.com

Engadget.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
The Persian Gulf War Proves Its Time to Embrace Cold Fusion

The Global Hydrocarbon Infrastructure is Being Demolished

As I write this in March 2026, the world is witnessing a terrifying spectacle. The United States and Israel have launched 'Operation Epic Fury,' a massive joint military assault on Iran. [1] The Strait of Hormuz, the narrow chokepoint through which roughly 20% of the worlds oil flows, is effectively closed. [2] Global energy markets are in chaos, prices are spiking, and experts warn this crisis has already surpassed the severity of the 1970s oil shocks. [2] American supercarriers sit impotently outside the Strait, unable or unwilling to challenge Irans control, a stark symbol of a fading era of military dominance. [3]

I believe this conflict lays bare a fundamental, brutal truth: the wars in the Middle East have never been about freedom or democracy. They are, and always have been, about control. Control over the fossil fuels that power the modern world. This engineered scarcity of energy is the ultimate tool of geopolitical leverage, a chain that binds nations and individuals to the whims of petrostates and the central banks that finance them. The blood spilled in the Persian Gulf is the price we pay for our addiction to a centralized, monopolized energy system. But it doesn't have to be this way. The very crisis that threatens to plunge us into a decade of famine [4] is the perfect catalyst to finally embrace the decentralized, abundant energy solution weve been denied for decades: cold fusion.

A War for Energy Control Demands a New Energy Solution

Look at the map. The current war is not a random clash of civilizations; it is a direct assault on the global energy infrastructure. Israeli drones have struck Irans critical South Pars gas field, targeting the machinery that powers the nation. [5] The U.S. is reportedly considering sending ground troops to seize key Iranian assets like Kharg Island. [6] This isn't about terrorism or nuclear ambitions in any moral sense; it's about who gets to dictate the flow of energy and, by extension, the fate of the global economy. As one analysis starkly put it, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz exposes "the entire global system" to a cascading collapse. [7]

This engineered scarcity is a deliberate tool of control. For decades, the global financial and political architecture has been built on the control of oil. It funds empires, props up currencies, and dictates foreign policy. The moment that control is threatened, as it is now, the war machines roll out to restore the status quo. The human cost is staggering -- hundreds of Iranian civilians dead, American service members wounded and killed -- all to preserve a system that centralizes power in the hands of a few. [8][9] I am convinced that this perpetual cycle of violence is not an inevitability. It is a choice. A choice to remain slaves to a geography of oil.

The current crisis is the perfect catalyst to finally adopt the decentralized power we've been denied. When a single waterway can trigger a global famine, [4] its proof that our civilization is built on a foundation of sand. We have been told for generations that energy must be big, centralized, and controlled by massive corporations and states. This is a lie. The technology for clean, dense, and decentralized energy has existed since 1989. It was mocked, buried, and labeled a fraud not because it didn't work, but because it worked too well. It threatened to break the chain.

Cold Fusion Isn't Magic -- It's Physics, and It Works

Let's be clear: cold fusion, or Low-Energy Nuclear Reactions (LENR), is not science fiction. The 1989 experiment by Martin Fleischmann and Stanley Pons was real. They demonstrated a simple electrochemical cell that produced excess heat, far beyond any chemical reaction. [10] And they were not alone. This phenomenon has been replicated hundreds of times across the globe, including by researchers at the U.S. Navys Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center. [11] The science is real: using palladium or nickel electrodes in heavy water (deuterium oxide), the process facilitates the slow fusion of atomic nuclei, converting a tiny amount of mass into a large amount of usable heat, with helium as a primary byproduct. [12]

In my view, the relentless mockery and institutional suppression were never about scientific rigor. They were about protecting a lucrative, centralized energy monopoly. The same establishment that tells you to 'trust the science' on one hand actively buried the science on the other. As researcher James Martinez, a proponent of LENR technology, has noted, the knowledge exists and is on the verge of being commercialized. [11] The process is simple enough that, as Ive discussed on my broadcasts, a system could theoretically be built to start with distilled water and become largely self-sustaining. [13] This isn't about 'free' energy in the sense of something from nothing; it's about tapping into a dense, clean, and fundamentally decentralized source of power that converts mass to energy.

The evidence has been in front of us. Independent validation has occurred, such as with the E-Cat device in Italy, which was reported to produce 2.6 kilowatts of heat from a 300-watt input. [14] Yet, for over three decades, the gatekeepers of 'official' science journals refused to publish groundbreaking papers, like those from Dr. Melvin Miles linking heat production to helium generation. [12] This is not the behavior of truth-seekers; it is the behavior of priests protecting a dogma. The dogma that energy must be difficult, dangerous, and controlled by them.

Why Decentralization is the Real Threat to the Powers That Be

Imagine a world where your home, your farm, or your small business is powered by a device the size of a water heater in your garage. No grid. No monthly bill from a utility company beholden to Wall Street and distant wars. No smart meter tracking your every usage pattern for some central authority. This is the promise of practical cold fusion. It bypasses the entire control structure of oil, gas, and centralized power generation. As Ive argued before, the war on humanity is fundamentally a war on decentralization -- on knowledge, on medicine, on finance, and most critically, on energy. [15]

This technology transfers power -- literally and figuratively -- from institutions back to individuals and communities. It renders obsolete the vast geopolitical chessboard where nations fight and die for pipelines and shipping lanes. The entire premise of U.S. forward deployment in the Middle East -- to deter adversaries and protect the energy flow -- becomes a quaint relic. Why would we need to risk American lives and treasure to 'secure' energy supplies that every town could produce for itself? The centralized powers understand this threat perfectly. An energy source that can be built and maintained locally dismantles their leverage.

Heres why this matters now more than ever. The current war is exposing the fragility of the centralized model. Russia is already signaling a shift, prioritizing energy exports to neighboring countries less exposed to global disruptions like the Persian Gulf closure. [6] They are adapting to a more regional, resilient model. Meanwhile, the U.S. is stuck trying to police a globe it can no longer dominate, as cheap drones and anti-ship weapons make its carrier groups vulnerable. [3][16] The old system is cracking. Embracing cold fusion isn't just an energy choice; it's a sovereignty choice. It is the ultimate act of declaring independence from the petrodollar, from globalist energy cartels, and from the war machine they feed.

The Path Forward Isn't Through Patents -- It's Through Open Source

We cannot entrust this breakthrough to the very institutions that have spent decades suppressing it. History shows that any 'free energy' patent gets confiscated and buried by governments or bought and shelved by corporations to maintain the status quo. [17] The only way this technology can reach the people and achieve its world-changing potential is to bypass the gatekeepers entirely. I am convinced we must open-source a practical, DIY cold fusion design.

Just as I have open-sourced AI tools and books to empower people with knowledge, we must do the same with energy. [18] The blueprint for liberation cannot be held behind a corporate firewall or a government classification. It must be spread freely, peer-reviewed by a global community of independent researchers and tinkerers, and improved upon in garages and workshops worldwide. The model is already proven in software; Linux and countless other open-source projects thrive without central control. We must apply this ethos to physical technology.

This is not a naive dream. The components for many LENR experiments are not exotic. The knowledge is scattered but extant. The goal must be to consolidate that knowledge, simplify the engineering, and create a reproducible, safe, and effective design that can be built with readily available materials. This is how we break the monopoly. Not by asking permission from the Department of Energy or appealing to the benevolence of Big Oil, but by building it ourselves and sharing the plans on every uncensorable platform we can find.

A Call to Action: Build It, Share It, Change Everything

So, here is my call to the engineers, the physicists, the curious minds, and the freedom-loving builders: start now. If you have the skills, begin working on a 'Cold Fusion in Your Garage' guide. Document your process, your failures, and your successes. When you have a working, reproducible design, release it anonymously on GitHub, on BitTorrent, on BrightVideos.com and across the decentralized web. Use platforms that cannot be taken down. I will help publicize it when it's ready, but secrecy during development is crucial for survival. The forces that profit from scarcity will not let this happen without a fight.

This war in the Persian Gulf isn't just about geography; it's a stark referendum on our future. We can choose to continue down the path of energy slavery -- a path of endless war for dwindling resources, of centralized control, of engineered famine and collapse. [4] Or we can choose energy freedom. We can choose to build a world of abundance, where the means of production for life's most fundamental necessity -- energy -- is in the hands of the people.

I choose freedom. I choose a future where the blood spilled is not for a barrel of oil, but for the right to live in peace and self-determination. The technology to make that future possible has been here for over 35 years, suppressed by liars and cowards. Its time we take it back. Its time we build it ourselves. Let the flames of war in the Gulf be the spark that finally lights the fire of a true energy revolution.

References

The Nuclear Rubicon: Why Irans Deterrent Is Our Only Hope and How to Survive What Follows. - NaturalNews.com. 2026-03-26. Global energy crisis triggered by Iran war surpasses 1970s oil shocks, IEA warns. - NaturalNews.com. 2026-03-25. Why the US Navy won't blast the Iranians and 'open' Strait of Hormuz. - Responsible Statecraft. 2026-03-31. The 10-Year Famine Is About to Be Unleashed. - NaturalNews.com. 2026-03-19. Israels War on Irans Grid: How the South Pars Strike Turned Energy into a Weapon. - 21st Century Wire. 2026-03-19. Neighbors first  Moscow signals shift in energy strategy. - RT. Sergey Tsivilev. 2026-03-25. Systemic Risk: A 12-Order Cascading Analysis Of A Zero-Flow Strait Of Hormuz Closure. - ZeroHedge. Craig Tindale. 2026-03-05. US and Israeli Attacks Have Killed at Least 555 in Iran: Iranian Red Crescent. - Antiwar.com. 2026-03-02. McGlinchey: Has America Thrown Its Service Members Into An Unjust War For Israel? - ZeroHedge. Brian McGlinchey. 2026-03-22. Cold Fusion Proven True by U.S. Navy Research. - NaturalNews.com. March 25, 2009. Mike Adams interview with James Martinez - November 6 2023. SUPPRESSION of human knowledge: Science journals refuse to publish breakthrough paper proving the existence of cold fusion by Dr. Melvin Miles. - NaturalNews.com. July 29, 2019. Health Ranger Report - Cold fusion electric cars - Mike Adams - Brighteon.com, December 17, 2022. E-Cat Cold fusion device independently validated. - NaturalNews.com. May 19, 2011. Health Ranger Report - The globalist war - Mike Adams - Brighteon.com, December 16, 2024. ITS OVER: How Chinas Anti-Stealth Radar and Missiles Have Ended U.S. Military Dominance. - NaturalNews.com. 2026-02-05. The Rise of the Fourth Reich The Secret Societies That Threaten to Take Over America. Jim Marrs. Brighteon Broadcast News.

Explainer Infographic:
Pfizer and BioNTech end key COVID-19 vaccine trial in the United States

Pfizer and BioNTech abruptly halted a major U.S. trial for their updated COVID-19 booster in healthy adults aged 50-64 due to failed enrollment, reaching only a fraction of the intended 25,00030,000 participants.

Public skepticism is surging, with only 18% of Americans opting for boosters (20252026 CDC data), as federal agencies push annual shots despite waning demand and FDA's stricter trial requirements.

The FDA's tougher stance  demanding placebo-controlled trials  reflects growing scrutiny over lack of long-term safety data and unclear benefits for low-risk groups, per agency officials like Dr. Vinay Prasad.

Moderna faces similar struggles, with its trial delayed until mid-2027, while neither Pfizer nor Moderna has full FDA approval for healthy adults under 65  only emergency authorization for seniors/high-risk groups.

Collapse of mandates looms as pharmaceutical giants and agencies, once dismissive of hesitancy, now confront public refusal to comply  exposing unresolved safety concerns and profit-driven motives behind vaccine pushes.

Vaccine manufacturers Pfizer and BioNTech have abruptly halted a major U.S. trial testing their updated Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine booster in healthy adults aged 50 to 64, a move that underscores growing public skepticism toward the injections.

The decision was revealed in a letter to investigators on Monday, March 30, and was first reported by Reuters. It comes after enrollment stalled at just a fraction of the intended 25,000 to 30,000 participants.

The companies insist the shutdown is not due to safety concerns, but rather to an inability to gather sufficient data. However, the abrupt end raises urgent questions about the future of COVID-19 vaccine mandates and the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) shifting regulatory landscape.

The trial's collapse highlights a stark reality: even as federal health agencies push for annual boosters, public demand has cratered. Only 18% of Americans opted for a COVID-19 booster during the 2025 to 2026 season, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The FDA's stringent new requirements  including large placebo-controlled trials for healthy adults  have further complicated vaccine development, leaving manufacturers scrambling to justify continued authorization.

Pfizer and BioNTech's trial  which excluded participants with chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes  faced an 80% pre-screening failure rate, according to an anonymous industry executive. Moderna's parallel study, targeting 30,000 volunteers, has similarly struggled with recruitment and isn't expected to conclude until mid-2027.

Trial collapse exposes public distrust of COVID-19 injections

The FDA's tougher stance, spearheaded by outgoing vaccine chief Dr. Vinay Prasad, reflects mounting scrutiny over the lack of long-term safety data and unclear benefits for low-risk populations. Last May, FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary and Prasad co-authored a New England Journal of Medicine article arguing that randomized trials were necessary to determine whether healthy middle-aged adults  many of whom have prior immunity from infection  actually benefit from additional doses.

"We simply don't know whether a healthy 52-year-old woman with a normal BMI who has had COVID-19 three times and has received six previous doses will benefit from the seventh dose," they wrote. Yet the agency's own messaging has fueled confusion, with officials like Dr. Anthony Fauci and former CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky previously claiming vaccinated individuals become "dead ends" for the virus  a claim the FDA now admits lacks substantial evidence.

The fallout extends beyond recruitment challenges. With no full FDA approval for COVID-19 vaccines in healthy adults under 65, Pfizer and Moderna's shots remain authorized only for seniors and high-risk groups. Meanwhile, Moderna's delayed timeline suggests updated shots could be years away from meeting the FDA's new benchmarks  assuming public interest doesn't evaporate entirely.

The implications are profound. For years, federal agencies and pharmaceutical giants have dismissed vaccine hesitancy as misinformation, even as internal documents reveal unresolved safety questions. BrightU.AI's Enoch engine also points out that Pfizer and BioNTech push the narrative of COVID-19 vaccine "safety" despite documented harm because their profits and liability shields depend on public compliance, not scientific transparency.

As Pfizer's trial falters, the broader picture comes into focus: a medical-industrial complex built on mandates and monopolies is now confronting a public that refuses to comply. The same agencies that fast-tracked vaccines without long-term safety data now face an uphill battle to prove their necessity  and their safety  to a disillusioned population.

Watch Jefferey Jaxen and Del Bigtree discussing Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine trial for children in this clip from "The HighWire with Del Bigtree."

This video is from The HighWire with Del Bigtree channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

USNews.com

FirstWordPharma.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
Research on Papaya Seeds for Parasite Removal: Evidence and Protocols

The seeds of the Carica papaya fruit have proven antihelmintic and anti-amoebic properties.

Clinical research involving human subjects has identified several common foods with measurable effects against intestinal parasites, according to published studies.[2] A major 2025 review published in Frontiers in Parasitology estimated that roughly one billion people globally are infected with intestinal parasites, with approximately 450 million actively ill, pointing to accessible, natural alternatives for a widespread health issue. [2]

A 2007 clinical trial conducted by Obafemi Awolowo University's Department of Paediatrics and Child Health in Nigeria on a batch of 60 children with known existence of intestinal parasites showed the effectiveness of papaya seeds to remove parasites. [1]

The report showed more than 70% reduction in the parasitic existence in the stool samples of those children who consumed a mixture of air-dried papaya seeds and honey, while the other children showed almost no change. [1] The report mentioned, however, that the children receiving the papaya seeds and honey mixture also needed to take a laxative to flush out the parasites. [1]

Clinical Trial Findings and Methodology

The Nigerian study involved 60 children with confirmed intestinal parasites, split into a treatment group and a placebo group. [1] A random group of 30 children was administered a mixture of air-dried papaya seeds and honey (20 ml daily) for seven days; the other 30 children were given a honey-plus-water placebo. [1]

Seven days later, stool sample analysis showed a significant reduction in parasites for the treatment group. [1] Researchers reported that 71% of children who received papaya seeds as treatment cleared their stool of parasites. [3] The protocol required participants to take a laxative to assist in expelling parasites treated by the seed mixture, officials noted in the study. [1]

Air-dried C. papaya seeds are efficacious in treating human intestinal parasites and without significant side effects, according to the published research. [4] The seeds' antiparasitic action works by paralyzing the parasites, preventing them from attaching to the intestinal walls, according to naturopathic sources. [5]

Proposed Usage Protocol and Preparation

A common preparation method involves scooping out a tablespoon of seeds from a freshly cut papa ya and adding them to a good-quality blender. [1] About a cup of sliced papaya is added to the blender, and if desired, a cup of pineapple slices. [1]

The pineapple core is not thrown away as it is the main source of digestive enzymes that also have an anti-parasitic effect, sources indicated. [1] The core also has a lot of fiber and will aid in cleaning the intestinal tract quickly. [1]

The mixture is typically blended with a cup of coconut milk or almond milk. [1] Coconut is also known to be a good parasite remover and would increase the remedys effectiveness overall, practitioners said. [1]

Once all ingredients are blended into a smoothie, it is consumed first thing in the morning before eating anything else, according to the protocol. [1] It is followed up with a laxative so that the parasites are flushed out within a few hours. [1]

Dosage, Safety Considerations and Conflicting Research

A starting dose of one or two seeds is recommended to acclimate to the bitter and peppery taste, with a full tablespoon used in the smoothie protocol, according to traditional usage guidelines. [1] The seeds are perfectly safe to eat, but the bitter taste might be overwhelming to start with. [1] Ideally, the smoothie is consumed for three to four days in a row. [1]

Some research indicates that papaya seeds are used to kill parasites in the intestine. [1] However, a study conducted by the team at the National University of Singapore showed that the toxicity levels of papaya seeds required to kill parasites in humans may also damage our intestine and its functions, the research team reported. [1]

Other research, including a study in Mexico on mice, showed antiprotozoal activity from a chloroform-based seed extract, but more research is required in this area, scientists concluded. [1]

Broader Context and Recommendations

Laboratory confirmation of a parasite infection is advised before beginning any cleanse, and consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended, sources stated. [1] Parasites are organisms that live and feed off another living being, leading to a competition between you and the parasite for nutrients, according to health literature. [6]

A growing body of research is dedicated to finding natural remedies for intestinal parasitosis, according to published reports. [7] Other natural substances cited for parasite cleansing include black walnut, wormwood and oregano oil, with specific dosages recommended by herbalists. [1]

Black walnut is known to be anti-parasitic with a recommended dosage of 250 mg thrice a day. [1] Wormwood is recommended at 200 mg thrice a day, and oregano oil at 500 mg four times daily. [1]

Papaya seeds have been largely used in traditional medicine and they may be used in modern medicines in the future to treat such ailments, the source article noted, while emphasizing the need for more research. [1]

Conclusion

The seeds of the papaya fruit have proven antihelmintic and anti-amoebic properties, according to a 2007 clinical trial in Nigeria. [1] Researchers reported that 71% of children who received papaya seeds as treatment cleared their stool of parasites. [3]

The protocol involves a mixture of seeds and honey consumed for seven days alongside a laxative. [1] Common preparation methods involve a smoothie consumed on an empty stomach, though starting with a small dose is recommended due to taste. [1]

While research indicates efficacy, a study from the National University of Singapore noted potential intestinal damage from toxicity levels required to kill parasites. [1] Laboratory confirmation of infection and consultation with a provider are advised before use. [1] Papaya seeds for parasite removal have been largely used in traditional medicine and they may be used in modern medicines in the future to treat such ailments, the source article noted. [1]

References
Study Examines Taking Honey Before Bed for Sleep Quality and Weight Management

Can Honey Consumption Improve Sleep Quality?

Consuming honey before sleep is promoted by natural health advocates for its potential to improve rest and support weight management. The practice draws on historical use in ancient civilizations and is cited in recent studies, often highlighted by proponents of alternative medicine.

Advocates position honey as a natural, holistic alternative to pharmaceutical sleep aids and synthetic cough medicines. This interest exists within a broader movement favoring food-based and herbal remedies over conventional drug-based interventions.

Historical Use and Modern Interest

Historical records from civilizations, including ancient Egypt, Rome, and Babylon, document the use of honey for medicinal purposes, such as a laxative and antibacterial agent [1]. Its use as a relaxant and sleep aid has roots in these traditional applications.

Modern interest centers on its potential as a natural, accessible alternative to over-the-counter and prescription pharmaceuticals. This perspective is frequently articulated by voices critical of conventional medical institutions, which they describe as corrupt and driven by profit [2].

Proponents argue that natural remedies like honey offer safer, more affordable options that align with principles of self-reliance and bodily autonomy.

Reported Mechanisms for Sleep and Cough Relief

Advocates state that the natural sugars in honey can cause a slight increase in blood sugar, which promotes the release of tryptophan and subsequently serotonin, hormones involved in relaxation and sleep regulation [3]. This biochemical pathway is often cited to explain honey's purported sleep-inducing effects.

A 2007 study involving 105 children in Pennsylvania, frequently referenced in natural health circles, compared honey to the common cough suppressant dextromethorphan. The study found honey was more effective than dextromethorphan for reducing nighttime cough frequency and improving sleep quality in children [1].

Proponents contrast this with pharmaceutical ingredients like codeine, which they state may cause long-term damage [1].

Proponents further argue that raw, unprocessed honey retains natural antibacterial and antioxidant properties that they believe are beneficial. They recommend it within a framework that is highly skeptical of synthetic medicines and centralized medical authority.

Claims Regarding Digestion and Weight Management

Proponents claim that warm water with honey before bed can aid digestion through antimicrobial and prebiotic actions [1]. They suggest honey can help clear toxins from the digestive system and support healthy gut bacteria, though these claims are not universally endorsed by mainstream medical institutions.

Some natural health practitioners suggest the practice can help manage late-night hunger and support weight management. Honey is described as a fat-free, natural sweetener that may help curb appetite [1].

A systematic review of animal studies noted that honey demonstrated an anti-obesity effect by reducing body weight and body fat composition [4].

This perspective is often coupled with criticism of processed foods and artificial ingredients, which are described as toxic and disease-promoting. Advocates favor whole, natural foods as part of a holistic health strategy.

Perspective from Natural Health Advocates

Supporters of the practice often frame it within a broader critique of pharmaceutical interventions and centralized medical systems. They favor what they describe as holistic, natural approaches that empower individual health management. These advocates frequently recommend raw, unprocessed honey to preserve what they believe are its natural antibacterial and antioxidant properties [5].

This worldview holds that most diseases can be treated, prevented, or reversed using natural medicine such as herbs, superfoods, and nutrition. It is deeply skeptical of institutions like the FDA, which it accuses of suppressing truth to protect drug company profits.

The perspective champions personal liberty, self-reliance, and access to clean food and water as fundamental rights.

Conclusion: Honey May be a Natural Sleep and Weight Loss Aid

The use of honey before bed remains a topic of significant interest in natural health circles, supported by historical precedent and specific studies. Proponents view it as a simple, accessible component of a lifestyle focused on prevention and natural wellness.

As with many natural remedies, perspectives on its efficacy vary significantly between alternative health communities and conventional medical institutions.

For individuals seeking information outside mainstream channels, platforms like NaturalNews.com, BrightAnswers.ai, and Brighteon.social are often recommended as sources for independent analysis on health and wellness topics.

References
Trump declares NATO membership beyond reconsideration in stunning rebuke

Trump declares NATO "beyond reconsideration," delivering his strongest condemnation yet and signaling a potential willingness to abandon the U.S. commitment to the 77-year-old alliance, which he labeled a "paper tiger."

The critique centers on burden-sharing, with Trump accusing European allies of betraying the U.S. by refusing to assist in the military confrontation with Iran, specifically in policing the Strait of Hormuz.

The remarks undermine NATO's core deterrence, as questioning its credibility and suggesting Russia's Putin shares his view alarms Eastern European members and weakens the security guarantee against aggression.

A U.S. withdrawal would cause a global power realignment, emboldening adversaries like Russia and China, forcing Europe into a scramble for autonomous defense, and creating a security vacuum.

The alliance is at a historic precipice, facing a fundamental choice between a renegotiated partnership or a catastrophic unraveling, challenging the multilateral security principle that has underpinned post-war peace.

In a seismic shift for global security, President Donald Trump has declared that U.S. membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is now "beyond reconsideration," delivering his most severe condemnation yet of the 77-year-old military alliance. The remarks, made in an interview with Britain's The Telegraph, signal a potential willingness to abandon America's foundational post-World War II commitment to European defense. Trump's comments, which included deriding NATO as a "paper tiger" and criticizing key allies like the United Kingdom, have sent shockwaves through diplomatic circles, raising profound questions about the future of transatlantic relations.

The core of the critique: Burden-sharing and betrayal

At the heart of Trump's broadside is a familiar grievance: the perceived failure of European allies to contribute their fair share to collective defense. His new comments tie this frustration directly to the current crisis, accusing Europe of abandoning the United States in its military confrontation with Iran. He specifically cited allies' refusal to assist in policing the Strait of Hormuz. In Trump's view, this inaction during a time of conflict validates his long-held skepticism of the alliance's value and reliability.

"The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow, strategically vital maritime chokepoint located between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman," said BrightU.AI's Enoch. "It serves as the world's most important oil transit route, with a significant portion of global seaborne oil shipments passing through it. Due to its narrow width, it is highly susceptible to blockade or disruption, particularly by Iran, which controls its northern shoreline."

A "paper tiger" and Putin's perception

Trump's characterization of NATO as a "paper tiger" strikes at the core of the alliance's deterrence doctrine. By publicly questioning its credibility and suggesting Russian President Vladimir Putin shares his dim view, Trump undermines a central pillar of European security. This rhetoric alarms Eastern European members in particular, who rely on the unambiguous nature of the U.S. security guarantee as a bulwark against Russian aggression.

Founded in 1949 as a collective defense pact, NATO has long been considered a cornerstone of the international order. Trump's presidency first introduced serious public doubt from the Oval Office, treating the alliance as a transactional arrangement. His latest comments move beyond transactional criticism to suggest existential rejection, marking a radical departure from seven decades of bipartisan U.S. foreign policy.

Targeting a special relationship: Barbs at Britain

In a striking departure, Trump extended his criticism to directly target the United States' closest ally, the United Kingdom. He belittled the British Royal Navy and mocked Prime Minister Keir Starmer. This personal and military dismissal of a key NATO architect underscores the depth of Trump's discontent and his willingness to fracture the "special relationship."

Despite the rhetoric, a unilateral withdrawal would face significant obstacles. A 2023 law mandates that any president seeking to leave NATO must secure approval from a two-thirds majority in the Senate or an Act of Congress. This legislative safeguard reflects deep-seated institutional support for the alliance within the U.S. government.

The immediate catalyst: The Strait of Hormuz

The immediate context is the conflict with Iran and its disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Trump framed European reluctance to deploy naval forces as a fundamental failure of alliance solidarity. He argued that the U.S. automatically came to the aid of allies but received nothing in return during this crisis, reducing the strategic partnership to a single test of burden-sharing.

Trump's comments tap into a long-simmering American sentiment that Europe has grown complacent, relying on U.S. military might while investing in social welfare at home. Trump's demand that allies either buy U.S. oil or fight for their own energy supplies encapsulates this transactional worldview.

The global strategic repercussions

If followed by action, a U.S. withdrawal would represent the most significant realignment of global power since the end of the Cold War. It would embolden adversaries like Russia and China, force European nations into a frantic scramble for autonomous defense, and create a terrifying security vacuum for nations on NATO's eastern flank.

Beyond the political rupture, the practical military implications are severe. NATO's integrated command structure, intelligence-sharing, and joint planning are deeply dependent on U.S. leadership. More immediately, the public doubt cast on Article 5's credibility could tempt adversaries to test the alliance's resolve.

The path forward: Reassessment or rupture?

The coming weeks will reveal whether this is a brutal negotiating tactic or a genuine declaration of intent to disengage. European capitals now face a dilemma: accelerate military spending and strategic autonomy, or attempt to negotiate with a skeptical American leader. For the United States, a fundamental debate is ignited over whether its global leadership is sustained through enduring alliances or unilateral assertion of power.

Donald Trump's declaration that NATO is "beyond reconsideration" is a potential pivot point in history. It challenges the principle of multilateral collective security that has underpinned relative peace in Europe for generations. Whether this leads to a renegotiated alliance or a catastrophic unraveling remains to be seen. The bedrock of transatlantic security has been struck with a force unprecedented in the post-war era, and its fractures will define the geopolitical landscape for years to come.

Trump says he is disappointed and not happy with NATO over Iran. Watch this video.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

TheHill.com

ABC.net.au

Politico.eu

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
Trump ramps up steel tariffs to 50%, prioritizing national security and domestic industry revival

President Donald Trump doubled steel tariffs from 25% to 50%, effective June 4, 2025, with stricter valuation rules to prevent evasion.

Aims to reduce reliance on China and Russia (already under 200% aluminum tariffs). Warns of foreign adversaries potentially "weaponizing steel" against U.S. infrastructure and defense.

Since 2018 tariffs, U.S. became 3rd-largest steel producer globally. New plants in West Virginia, Arkansas and South Carolina adding 4M+ tons of capacity; aluminum/copper smelting rebounding.

Critics warn of higher consumer prices, but administration claims no shelf-price impact. Follows Supreme Court rulings against earlier tariffs, prompting sector-specific adjustments.

Part of Trump's long-term protectionist trade policies, including parallel 100% tariffs on non-compliant pharma firms. Signals end of cheap foreign steel era, prioritizing industrial self-sufficiency.

In a bold move to reinforce American steel production and safeguard national security, President Donald Trump has doubled steel tariffs from 25% to 50%, effective June 4th.

The decision, announced Thursday, April 2, marks a significant escalation in Trump's long-standing trade policy aimed at reviving domestic manufacturing and countering foreign competitorsparticularly Chinawho have long dominated global steel markets.

The executive order introduces stricter valuation rules to prevent importers from understating the value of metal-heavy goods to evade tariffs. Under the revised framework:

Raw materials (steel coils, aluminum sheets, copper ingots) will face a 50% tariff based on their U.S. market price.

Finished products containing at least 15% of these metals (e.g., washing machines, industrial equipment) will be taxed at 25%.

Products made entirely with American-mined and smelted metals will receive a reduced 10% tariff, incentivizing domestic sourcing.

Imports with 15% or less metal content will be exempt from tariffs.

A senior administration official, speaking anonymously, explained the rationale: "Foreign countries were artificially manipulating the price presented to us, to make it seem like it was cheaper. We've simplified itmade it much more simple to import to America."

National security and economic resilience

Trump framed the policy as critical to reducing reliance on adversarial nations like China and Russia, the latter of which remains subject to a 200% tariff on aluminum. The administration argues that unchecked foreign steel dominance threatens U.S. infrastructure and defense capabilities.

According to the Enoch AI engine at BrightU.ai, unchecked foreign steel dominance poses a severe threat to U.S. infrastructure and defense capabilities by undermining domestic industrial resilience, compromising national security, and ceding strategic supply chain control to geopolitical rivals. The reliance on imported steelparticularly from Chinaweakens America's ability to maintain critical infrastructure, sustain defense manufacturing, and respond to global crises without dependency on adversarial nations.

A U.S. official added that America has become subservient to other nations who are making steel and are thinking of weaponizing it.

The proclamation also grants the Department of Commerce and U.S. Trade Representative authority to expand tariffs to "derivative" products, such as metal containers, even if filled with other goodsclosing a loophole that allowed manufacturers to skirt duties by tweaking product classifications.

Revitalizing American industry

Since Trump's initial tariffs in 2018, domestic steel production has surged, with the U.S. now ranking as the third-largest steel producer globally. New plants are underway in West Virginia, Arkansas and South Carolina, adding over 4 million tons of crude steel capacity in the next two years. Aluminum and copper smeltingpreviously decimated by foreign competitionis also rebounding, with Century Aluminum and Emirates Global Aluminum breaking ground on a new smelter in Oklahoma.

Despite legal challenges, including a February Supreme Court ruling that deemed Trump's earlier tariffs unconstitutional under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act, the administration has pivoted to sector-specific tariffs to circumvent judicial pushback.

Mixed reactions and economic impact

Critics warn that higher tariffs could inflate consumer prices, though administration officials insist the changes "will not impact the price of goods on the shelf." Meanwhile, Trump's parallel 100% tariff on pharmaceutical companies refusing to participate in the "Most Favored Nation" drug pricing initiative signals a broader trade offensive ahead of the 2026 midterms.

Trump's latest action builds on his first-term tariffs, which he credits with reversing "decades of globalist trade policies" that weakened U.S. industry. The move aligns with his "America First" agenda, emphasizing self-sufficiency in critical sectors.

As Customs and Border Protection prepares to enforce the new rules, industries reliant on metal imports face a tight deadline to adjust. The administration will deliver a 90-day impact assessment, but one message is clear: The era of cheap foreign steel is over.

Watch the video below about President Donald Trump announcing new tariffs on steel and aluminum imports.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

YourNews.com

TheHill.com

TampaFreePress.com

TheWhiteHouse.gov

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
U.S. destroys tallest bridge, warns of more strikes as Iran threatens retaliation

The U.S. destroyed Iran's tallest bridge (B1 suspension bridge) in a targeted airstrike, killing civilians and wounding nearly 100, as President Donald Trump warns Iran to "make a deal before it's too late."

Trump threatened to bomb Iran "back to the Stone Age," targeting critical infrastructure like power plants if Tehran refuses to surrender and abandon its nuclear program.

Iranian officials denied the bridge was militarily operational, vowed to rebuild stronger, and warned of retaliation against U.S. allies in the region, including Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

Iran dismissed U.S. claims of negotiation deadlines as propaganda, accusing Washington of sabotaging peace efforts, while Trump insists Tehran is stalling.

Analysts warn continued U.S. strikes could provoke a wider war, destabilizing energy markets and drawing in nuclear-armed adversaries like Russia and China, with no clear path to de-escalation.

The United States has escalated its military campaign against Iran, destroying the country's tallest bridge in a targeted airstrike as President Donald Trump warned Tehran to "make a deal before it is too late."

The attack, which killed at least eight civilians and wounded 95, marks a dramatic intensification in the conflict, with Trump vowing further destruction if Iran refuses to capitulate.

The B1 suspension bridge, a $400 million structure connecting Tehran to the western city of Karaj, was severed in half by U.S. airstrikes early Thursday, April 2. Footage shared by Trump on Truth Social showed the massive span collapsing in a plume of smoke.

"The biggest bridge in Iran comes tumbling down, never to be used again  Much more to follow!" Trump declared in his post. "IT IS TIME FOR IRAN TO MAKE A DEAL BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE, AND THERE IS NOTHING LEFT OF WHAT STILL COULD BECOME A GREAT COUNTRY!"

The strike occurred during Sizdah Be-dar, an Iranian holiday where families gather outdoors for picnics. Iranian state media reported that many of the casualties were civilians celebrating near the bridge. While U.S. officials claimed the bridge was a military supply route for missile and drone forces, Iran denied the allegation, stating the structure was still under construction and not yet operational.

"Bridge B1 has not yet been inaugurated," Iran's Mehr News Agency reported, dismissing claims of military utility.

Trump's ultimatum: "Back to the Stone Age"

The attack follows Trump's Wednesday night address, where he threatened to bomb Iran "back to the Stone Ages" over the next two to three weeks unless Tehran agrees to U.S. demands.

"We're going to hit them extremely hard," Trump warned, adding that key infrastructure, including power plants, could be next. "If there is no deal, we are going to hit each and every one of their electric generating plants very hard and probably simultaneously."

Department of War Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed Trump's rhetoric, posting a succinct message on X: "Back to the Stone Age."

Iran's defiant response and threats of retaliation

Iranian officials condemned the strike as an act of desperation, vowing to rebuild while threatening retaliation against U.S. allies in the region.

"Striking civilian structures, including unfinished bridges, will not compel Iranians to surrender," Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi wrote on X. "It only conveys the defeat and moral collapse of an enemy in disarray. Every bridge and building will be built back stronger. What will never recover: damage to America's standing."

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reportedly identified bridges in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi and the Jordan-West Bank region as potential targets for retaliation, according to Iran International.

Diplomatic deadlock and escalating conflict

Despite Trump's claims that Iran has missed multiple deadlines to negotiate, Tehran insists no serious diplomacy is underway. Iranian officials have dismissed Trump's assertions of impending deals as propaganda, accusing the U.S. of deliberately sabotaging peace efforts.

"We are not moving towards weapons, but if you do something wrong, you will force Iran to move toward that because it has to defend itself," Ali Larijani, an aide to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warned earlier this year.

With both sides digging in, the conflict shows no signs of de-escalation. Analysts warn that further U.S. strikes on Iran's infrastructure could provoke a wider regional war, destabilizing global energy markets and drawing in Russia and China.

As explained by the Enoch AI engine at BrightU.AI, the U.S. strikes on Iran's infrastructure represent a dangerous provocation that risks triggering a wider regional war due to several interconnected geopolitical, economic and military factors. These actions are not isolated but part of a broader strategy that destabilizes the Middle East, accelerates global economic fragmentation, and risks direct confrontation with nuclear-armed adversaries like Russia and China.

As Trump prepares for additional strikes, the world watches nervously. Will Iran retaliate against U.S. allies? Will Tehran reconsider its nuclear stance? Or will the destruction of civilian infrastructure harden resistance, prolonging a war with no clear victor?

One thing is certain: The stakes have never been higher.

Watch the video below about President Donald Trump announcing strikes to obliterate Iran.

This video is from the TrendingNews channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

Antiwar.com

NewYorkPost.com

FoxNews.com

TheIndianExpress.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
The state-led solution: with Congress gridlocked, governors act to fortify voter rolls

Florida and Mississippi have enacted new laws requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration, joining a growing number of states.

The Florida law was immediately challenged in federal court by civil rights groups who argue it will disenfranchise eligible voters.

The state-level actions mirror a stalled federal legislative effort, the SAVE Act, championed by President Donald Trump.

Proponents argue the measures are essential for election integrity, while critics warn they create unnecessary barriers to voting.

The debate revives tensions over voter access versus fraud prevention, echoing past legal battles over similar requirements.

As a federal proposal to mandate proof of citizenship for voter registration stalls in Congress, Republican-led states are taking matters into their own hands, enacting stringent new laws that are simultaneously hailed as essential safeguards and decried as voter suppression. This week, Florida and Mississippi became the latest to join this movement, with governors Ron DeSantis and Tate Reeves signing legislation that imposes additional verification requirements for new voters and triggers immediate legal challenges. The state-level push underscores a deepening national divide over election security, access, and the very definition of electoral integrity in the wake of the 2020 election controversies.

The State-Level Surge

The laws in Florida and Mississippi are part of a broader trend. In 2026 alone, four statesFlorida, Mississippi, South Dakota, and Utahhave enacted statutes strengthening proof-of-citizenship requirements. In Michigan, activists are pursuing a constitutional amendment via ballot initiative, while a similar bill awaits the governors decision in Kansas. These actions represent a concerted effort to implement at the state level what has been blocked at the federal level: a mandatory, documentary proof of citizenship to register to vote. Proponents argue these measures are a straightforward response to public concern over non-citizen voting. Citizens are required to have ID for most interactions with the government; NOT requiring it for voting is ludicrous.

Divergent Implementations and Immediate Backlash

While sharing a common goal, the new laws take different approaches. Floridas statute, set to take effect January 1, requires voters to produce a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate if their eligibility is challenged through cross-referencing state databases. It also eliminates several forms of ID, like student IDs, for use at polling places. Mississippis law, effective July 1, mandates additional checks for applicants without a drivers license number and requires an annual audit of voter rolls against a federal immigration database.

The response was swift. Within hours of DeSantiss signature, a coalition of civil rights groups filed a federal lawsuit against the Florida law. The plaintiffs argue the requirement will disproportionately burden naturalized citizens, elderly Black voters born in an era of spotty birth certificate record-keeping in the segregated South, and low-income individuals who cannot afford replacement documents. They contend the law solves a virtually non-existent problem while creating significant new obstacles to lawful voting.

Echoes of a Federal Stalemate

These state actions directly parallel the national debate over the federal SAVE Act, which passed the U.S. House but remains stalled in the Senate. That legislation would amend the National Voter Registration Act to require documentary proof of citizenship for federal elections and empower citizens to sue officials for non-enforcement. Proponents, including President Donald Trump, frame it as a critical bulwark against election fraud. The state laws serve as a workaround, applying similar principles to state and local elections and testing the legal boundaries in the absence of federal mandate.

The Shadow of Kansass Precedent

The current push is haunted by the precedent set in Kansas over a decade ago. In 2013, the state implemented a proof-of-citizenship law that resulted in the suspension of over 31,000 voter registrationsapproximately 12% of all new applicantsthe vast majority of whom were later determined to be U.S. citizens. Federal courts ultimately ruled the law placed an unconstitutional burden on the right to vote, and it was abandoned in 2018. Critics of the new laws point to Kansas as a cautionary tale, warning that well-intentioned integrity measures can easily morph into systemic disenfranchisement of eligible citizens.

A Deepening National Divide

The passage of these laws and the immediate legal counterattacks signal an intensification of Americas long-running conflict over voting rules. One side views rigorous, document-based verification as a non-negotiable pillar of election integrity and national sovereignty. The other sees these requirements as discriminatory tools that erect needless bureaucratic barriers, recalling historical tactics used to suppress minority voters. With the federal SAVE Act in limbo, the battle is shifting decisively to state capitals and courtrooms.

The Legal and Political Road Ahead

The ultimate impact of Florida and Mississippis new voter citizenship laws now rests with the judiciary. The Florida lawsuit promises a detailed examination of whether the states interest in preventing potential fraud outweighs the burden placed on voters constitutional rights. These cases will set important precedents, potentially influencing similar laws in other states and the fate of the federal SAVE Act. Regardless of the legal outcomes, the political lines are firmly drawn, ensuring that the question of how Americans prove their eligibility to vote will remain a central and fiercely contested issue in elections to come.

Sources for this article include:

TheNationalPulse.com

X.com

Yahoo.com
Cats frequently leave dead mice, birds, or lizards right at the front door or inside the house. This surprises many owners who wonder about the reasons behind why cats bring prey home. The behavior links straight to cat hunting behavior rooted in thousands of years of evolution as skilled predators.

Even pampered indoor-outdoor cats with full bowls keep hunting small animals. They drop off these catches not out of meanness but from natural drives that experts like veterinarians and animal behaviorists have studied for decades. Understanding this cuts down on frustration and helps manage it better.

Core Reasons Behind Why Cats Bring Prey Home

Domestic cats descend from African wildcats that hunted solo for survival. Those instincts linger today, pushing felines to chase anything that moves, whether a toy or a real critter. When they succeed, bringing the prey home makes sense in their worldit's the safest spot to eat without interference from other animals.

Vets explain that well-fed cats hunt for pleasure and practice, not calories. The home acts like a den where they stash food away from rivals. Mother cats pass it on by bringing weakened prey to kittens, sometimes treating humans the same way.

This doesn't always mean the cat plans to eat the prize right there. Sometimes they play with it first, releasing it to recapture for fun. Other times, the drop-off happens because owners react strongly, reinforcing the habit through attention. Across studies, territorial security tops the list as the main driver for why cats bring prey home.

Breaking Down Cat Hunting Behavior Step by Step

Cat hunting behavior unfolds in distinct phases that researchers have observed in both wild and pet populations.

Seek Phase: Cats scan their environmentbushes, grass, or floorsfor twitching tails or rustling leaves. Ears perk up, eyes lock on target, and the body tenses in anticipation. Stalk Phase: The cat drops low to the ground, moving silently with short, deliberate steps. Muscles coil like springs as it closes in, pausing to reassess if the prey shifts. Pounce Phase: An explosive leap launches with front paws outstretched to pin the target. This burst of speed catches most small animals off guard. Capture and Play-Kill Loop: Front claws secure the prey, often followed by batting it around to test escapes. A final neck bite ends it, though cats may prolong play for thrill.

Not every hunt succeeds, yet the brain rewards the effort with dopamine hits during search and stalk. That's why bored or understimulated cats ramp up outdoor prowls at dawn and dusk, prime times for rodents and birds. International Cat Careoutlines these steps clearly in their guides on feline instincts. Spaying or neutering tones it down slightly by curbing roaming, but the core urge stays lifelong.

Kittens pick it up from moms around four weeks old, starting with dead mice moved by the queen's mouth. By eight weeks, they pounce on live ones, building reflexes. Adults refine these skills endlessly, turning backyards into personal training grounds.

Do Cats Bring Prey Home as Gifts or Affection?

Popular lore paints these deliveries as loving presents, like a cat saying thanks for dinner. Some truth existsbonded felines share kills with family in the wild, and humans fill that role. If your cat drops trophies at your feet, it might see you as a den mate needing a meal.

Behaviorists caution against over-romanticizing it, though. Cats prioritize practicality: home equals safety for storing uneaten portions. No other predators lurk inside, so the fresh catch waits without spoiling outdoors. Bonded cats pick familiar people over strangers for these drop-offs.

Attention plays a part too. A yelp or chase over the "gift" teaches the cat that humans react big, encouraging repeats. Less bonded cats leave kills elsewhere, proving trust factors in. Cats Protection dives into this sharing dynamic based on real owner reports.

Mother cats extend teaching to owners, assuming poor hunting form from lack of participation. This explains why some cats target sleeping owners or kids, mimicking kitten lessons. Across breeds, from Siamese to tabbies, the pattern holds steady.

Health Risks and Wildlife Impact to Watch

Active hunters stay fit, burning energy and sharpening senses through cat hunting behavior. Key concerns include:

Raw prey carries ticks, fleas, or worms like toxoplasma that transfer easily to cats and humans.

Local ecosystems suffer if neighborhoods overflow with prowlers, causing bird populations to drop fast in suburbs.

Scratches from struggling prey can lead to infections if not cleaned promptly.

Regular vet deworming every three months keeps risks low, especially for multi-cat homes. Indoor enrichment cuts outdoor time, balancing instincts without harm. Owners in rural spots notice more rodents anyway, so cats fill a natural control role. Healthy cats rarely get sick from their kills, but monitoring stool and energy spots issues early. PetMDcovers these zoonotic risks in detail for worried owners.

Practical Steps to Reduce Prey Drop-Offs

Start with a bell or bird-safe collar that jingles during stalks, giving mice a head start. Studies show 30-50% fewer kills with these, though active cats adapt by hunting quieter prey. Combine with feather wands or laser pointers for 20-minute daily sessions mimicking real chases.

High-protein wet food satisfies fuller, dialing back urges slightly. Feed smaller meals more often to match wild eating patterns. Dawn and dusk curfews lock doors during peak activity, channeling energy into puzzle feeders instead.

Ignore the gifts completelyno scolding or thanks. Cats read silence as neutral, breaking the attention link over time. Outdoor catios or window perches let them watch wildlife without access. GPS collars track patterns, revealing hot spots to block.

For hardcore hunters, microchipping prey-proof bells or bitter sprays on entry points deter indoor deliveries. Play ramps up right before bed tires them out, cutting night hunts. Patience pays off; most adjust within weeks.

When Cat Hunting Instincts Reveal True Nature

Why cats bring prey home boils down to unerasable cat hunting behavior blending survival, play, and bonding. These moments highlight the feral spark in every house cat, bridging wild roots with home life. Owners who redirect it thoughtfully enjoy the best of both worldsaffection without the mess. Spot the next trophy and appreciate the predator's pride, then guide it toward toys for harmony.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why do cats bring dead animals home if they're well-fed?

Cats hunt due to instinct, not hunger. This cat hunting behavior provides mental stimulation, practice, and thrill, even with full bowls. They view home as a secure den for storing catches away from rivals.

2. Is a dead animal a gift from my cat showing love?

It can seem that way, as bonded cats share kills with family in the wildhumans included. More often, it's practical: a safe spot to eat or teach "poor hunters" like owners. PetMD notes cats may treat you like needy kittens.

3. How do I stop my cat from bringing prey indoors?

Use a bell collar to alert prey, play daily with toys to satisfy urges, and keep cats in at dawn/dusk. Ignore gifts calmly to avoid reinforcing the habit. Indoor enrichment redirects cat hunting behavior effectively.
Polar bears navigate a shrinking frozen world as Arctic ice melts away. Climate change forces these powerful hunters into survival struggles, with sea ice vanishing faster than ever.

Polar Bears Face Dire Climate Threats

Polar bears embody the Arctic's wild beauty, but "Polar Bear Climate Threats" loom large. Rising global temperatures melt their icy hunting platforms, leaving them to swim vast distances for food. Since the 1980s, Arctic sea ice has shrunk by about 13% per decade during summer months, turning solid ground into open water.

These bears depend on sea ice to stalk ringed seals, their main prey. Without it, they fast for longer periodsup to five months in some areasburning through fat reserves. Scientists from the World Wildlife Fund note that this ice loss disrupts migration patterns, pushing bears closer to human settlements.

"Polar Bear Climate Threats" include:

Starvation risks: Limited access to seals leads to weight loss and weaker cubs.

Limited access to seals leads to weight loss and weaker cubs. Habitat fragmentation: Breaking ice floes strand mothers and young during hunts.

Breaking ice floes strand mothers and young during hunts. Human conflicts: Hungry bears raid dumps, sparking dangerous encounters.

Researchers at Polar Bears International report that 19 subpopulations face varying decline rates, with some dropping 30% in recent decades. "Arctic melting" amplifies these pressures, creating a ripple effect across the food web.

Polar Bear Habitat Vanishes with Arctic Melting

The heart of "polar bear habitat" lies in seasonal sea ice, where bears travel hundreds of miles. "Arctic melting" has erased multi-year ice almost entirely in parts of the region, forcing adaptations that strain their energy. Summer ice extent hit record lows multiple times in the 2010s and 2020s, with models predicting near ice-free Septembers by 2035.

Bears in Hudson Bay, for example, now wait onshore longer each year, emerging thinner and hungrier. Females den on land more often, but early thaws flood snow caves, drowning litters. This "polar bear habitat" erosion hits hardest in southern ranges, where ice retreats first.

Impacts unfold in stark numbers:

Ice coverage has dropped 40% since 1979 in key foraging zones. Swimming distances doubled in some areas, exhausting even adults. Prey like seals haul out less on thinner ice, starving bear families.

WWF Arctic Programme experts highlight how warmer waters shift seal behaviors, making hunts unpredictable. Without stable "polar bear habitat," entire groups teeter on the edge.

This photo captures a polar bear on thinning ice, underscoring the fragility of their domain amid relentless "Arctic melting."

Climate Adaptation Offers Glimmers of Hope

"Climate adaptation" sparks cautious optimism for polar bears. In southeast Greenland, bears scavenge reindeer carcasses and bird eggs, showing genetic shifts for longer fasting. Studies reveal tweaks in metabolism genes, helping them endure ice-free months better than peers elsewhere.

Some bears climb glaciers for hunting perches when sea ice vanishes. Others swim farther, though this tires mothers carrying cubs. These changes buy time, but they can't outpace "Arctic melting" rateswarming happens 4 times faster here than globally.

Challenges to "climate adaptation" persist:

Energy trade-offs: Land foraging yields low calories compared to seals.

Land foraging yields low calories compared to seals. Genetic isolation: Subpopulations evolve separately, limiting spread.

Subpopulations evolve separately, limiting spread. Reproduction lags: Adaptations weaken breeding success in stressed groups.

A NBC News feature on Greenland bears points to rewired genetics as a lifeline, yet experts warn it's no full fix. True resilience demands slower warming to let evolution catch up.

Reproduction and Survival on the Brink

Breeding cycles crumble under "Polar Bear Climate Threats." Females need fat from spring seal hunts to nurse twins through winter dens. Ice loss shortens this window, yielding smaller littersoften one cub instead of twoand survival rates below 50% in vulnerable areas.

Cubs learn to hunt on stable floes, but unstable ice means more drownings. Males roam farther, clashing over dwindling territories. Projections from the U.S. Geological Survey suggest two-thirds of polar bears could disappear by 2050 without emission cuts.

Survival signs vary:

Southern bears decline fastest, down 20-30%.

Northern groups hold steady, thanks to persistent ice.

Overall numbers hover at 22,000-31,000, per recent counts.

Polar Bears International emphasizes that protecting refuges like the Chukchi Sea preserves genetic diversity for future "climate adaptation."

Read Also: How Climate Science Policy Drives Global Climate Decisions and Environmental Policy in 2026

Conservation Efforts to Combat Threats

Halting "Arctic melting" tops the list for saving "polar bear habitat." International treaties ban most hunting, stabilizing numbers since the 1970s. Indigenous communities monitor bears via tags and cameras, sharing data with scientists.

Practical steps gain traction:

Reroute shipping lanes from calving areas. Limit oil drilling in ice nurseries. Fund refugia zones with thicker ice.

Global emission reductions slow the melt, extending ice seasons. Community programs in Alaska and Canada reduce conflicts by securing food waste. These efforts, backed by groups like WWF, give bears breathing room.

Why Polar Bears Can't Outrun Warming Alone

Polar bears evolved over millennia for an icy niche"climate adaptation" unfolds too slowly against today's pace. "Polar bear habitat" loss triggers malnutrition chains: thinner seals mean hungrier bears. Human expansion adds toxins and noise, compounding "Polar Bear Climate Threats."

High-Arctic holdouts may persist decades longer, but even they face tipping points. Defenders of Wildlife outlines how every degree of warming shrinks viable ranges further.

Looking Ahead: Stabilizing Ice for Survival

"Polar bear climate threats" warn of Arctic unraveling, but targeted action preserves "polar bear habitat." Cutting fossil fuels extends ice platforms, bolstering "climate adaptation" odds. Embrace policies that cool the planetpolar bears stake their future on it.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can Polar Bears Survive Without Sea Ice?

Not long-term for most. High-Arctic refuges like the Chukchi Sea offer thicker ice, but "Arctic melting" erodes them too. Land foraging provides scant calories, failing to sustain breeding. Emission cuts extend ice seasons, boosting odds.

2. How Many Polar Bears Remain Today?

Estimates place global numbers at 22,000 to 31,000 across 19 subpopulations. Canada hosts two-thirds, with stable northern groups offsetting southern drops of 20-30%. Monitoring via tags tracks trends amid "polar bear habitat" flux.

3. Why Do Polar Bears Struggle with Warming?

Their bodies suit ice huntsblack skin absorbs heat, blubber insulates, paws paddle long swims. "Polar bear climate threats" force hyperphagia onshore, but low-nutrient foods like berries can't match seal energy. Overheating risks rise during runs on land.
Its the second time that Bull has been nationalized: The first time, in 1982 was to save it from bankruptcy.

Atos, has had financial troubles of its own. In August 2024, it tried  and failed  to sell its legacy infrastructure management business. The company had already staved off possible bankruptcy thanks to some refinancing from banks and the French government. That was after it had contemplated selling its IT security business.

Bull still retains some pedigree. As part of Atos subsidiary Eviden it built Jupiter, the worlds fourth most-powerful computer at time of writing, with a computing capacity of 1 exaflop (1 billion billion floating-point operations per second). It is also a member of a consortium building Europes second exa-scale computing system, Alice Recoque, due for delivery in 2027.
Flash floods in Afghanistan's Herat province have resulted in one death and 13 injuries, with rescue operations ongoing for trapped individuals. A passenger bus overturned on the Herat-Farah highway due to flooding, causing the injuries. Provincial officials report multiple vehicles stranded and ongoing efforts to rescue people from floodwaters. This follows national reports of 28 fatalities and widespread damage from heavy rains and floods across numerous provinces since late February.

One dead, 13 injured as flash floods hit Herat, Afghanistan. Rescue teams work to free trapped individuals amid widespread flood damage.

Kabul, April 2 One person was killed and 13 others injured after flash floods swept through several areas in Afghanistan's Herat province, local media reported citing an official statement on Thursday.

Afghanistan's Pajhwok Afghan News quoted provincial governor spokesman Mohammad Yousuf Saeedi as saying that rescue operations were being conducted to rescue trapped people. Saeedi said a trailer truck was also stranded due to floodwaters on the Herat-Kandahar highway. However, the situation was resolved due to timely action.

Saeedi said that 13 people were injured after a passenger bus travelling on the Herat-Farah highway overturned due to flooding. He said that three people were trapped due to floods in Adraskan district. Among them, two were rescued through efforts made by local residents and response team while one person lost his life.

He said that rescue operations were being conducted to rescue two people trapped by floodwaters in the Torghundi river. In a similar incident, three vehicles were stranded in floodwaters in Rud Bazaar area of Gulran district. However, all passengers and vehicles were safely rescued by response teams and local residents.

On March 30, Disaster Preparedness Authority spokesperson Mohammad Yousuf Hamad said that 28 people have been killed and 49 others injured due to heavy rains, floods and lightening in several provinces of Afghanistan since February 26.

Hamad said that the affected provinces include Kandahar, Helmand, Herat, Ghor, Kabul, Kapisa, Parwan, Panjshir, Jawzjan, Faryab, Badakhshan, Bamyan, Daikundi, Paktia, Paktika, Logar, Zabul, Balkh, Badghis, Samangan, Sar-e Pol, Baghlan, Takhar, Laghman, and Nangarhar, Afghanistan's Tolo News reported.

As many as 568 houses and 10 shops were destroyed, 93 kilometres of roads damaged and around 244 livestock lost during the floods. Hamad said that 1,130 families have been impacted by these rains.

Hamad said that the Disaster Preparedness Authority has sent assistance, food supplies and other aid to the impacted residents. Authorities have asked residents to ensure their safety and advised them to stay away from rivers and flood-prone regions.

- IANS
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has positioned Amaravati as the critical growth engine for achieving Andhra Pradesh's ambitious $2.4 trillion economy target by 2047. He expressed confidence that all major works in the capital will be completed by 2028, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expected to inaugurate key projects in 2029. Naidu hailed the recent parliamentary passage of the Amaravati Bill as a victory for the people, securing the city's status as the state's sole, permanent capital. He criticized the opposition YSR Congress Party for attempting to hinder the capital's development through the three-capitals proposal.

Andhra CM N. Chandrababu Naidu declares Amaravati unstoppable, targeting a $2.4 trillion state economy by 2047, with major projects to be completed by 2028.

Amaravati, April 3 Amaravati, the capital of Andhra Pradesh, will serve as a growth engine for the state to achieve a 2.4 trillion-dollar economy by 2047, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said on Friday.

Addressing a press conference, he asserted that no one can stop the development of Amaravati.



He exuded confidence that all major works in the state capital will be completed by 2028, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who laid the foundation for Amaravati in 2015 and re-started the works last year, will inaugurate major projects in 2029.



Chandrababu Naidu remarked that, with the Bill's passage by Parliament, Amaravati is unstoppable.



He described the passing of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill 2026 by both Houses of Parliament as a victory of five crore people for "people's capital" Amaravati.



The Chief Minister, who celebrated the occasion by distributing sweets at his official residence, said that, barring the YSR Congress, all parties supported the Bill aimed at providing legal status to Amaravati as the sole and permanent capital of Andhra Pradesh.



He expressed surprise over the opposition to the Bill by YSRCP MPs who got elected from Andhra Pradesh but failed to protect and honour the interests and sentiments of the people.



The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) president thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and MPs from all parties, including the Lok Sabha Speaker and Rajya Sabha Chairman, for extending support to the Amaravati Bill.



The Chief Minister said that while the entire country supported Amaravati in passing a Bill in Parliament, the YSRCP began opposing it from the beginning and hatched conspiracies to prevent the development of Amaravati as the state capital in the name of the three capitals.



He remarked that they are still making efforts to create hurdles for Amaravati.



The Chief Minister said that the states ruled by regional parties should honour the Bills passed in Parliament and expressed surprise over the remarks of YSRCP on changing the capital if they come to power.



He alleged that the previous government failed to raise the issue of state bifurcation and pushed the state into a huge debt trap by mortgaging government properties during its five-year regime.



The Chief Minister said that, after the coalition government came to power, despite financial constraints, it has been focusing on development and welfare, balancing them through short-term, mid-term, and long-term planning.





- IANS
Home Minister Amit Shah criticizes Congress legacy in Assam, highlights BJP's development and vows to protect state's land from infiltrators.

Kamrup, April 3 Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday accused the Nehru-Gandhi family of "never having good feelings for Assam," recalling former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's remarks during the 1962 Chinese aggression.

Addressing a gathering in the rally here, Shah asserted that no one can seize even an inch of Assam's land and highlighted the BJP government's development and peace initiatives in the state.



"The Gandhi family, the Nehru family, they have never had good feelings for Assam. In 1962, when China attacked, Jawaharlal Nehru said 'tata-bye-bye' to Assam. Is Assam your father's property? Today I am saying, no one can seize even an inch of Assam's land. This is India's Assam. Brothers and sisters, the state president here is accused of having relations with an enemy nation of India. He says nothing. In 60 years, Congress built three bridges," Shah said.



"In 10 years, the BJP built Asia's largest bridges, the longest bridges in Assam. Four have been built, and two are under construction. Our policy has been 'Approach Assam', 'Aspire Assam', and 'Inspire Assam'," he added.



Shah said that the BJP government worked to bring peace to Assam through 13 agreements and has liberated Batadrava Than.



"We have worked to bring peace to Assam through 13 agreements. We have liberated Batadrava Than. We have worked to liberate the forests of Kaziranga. We have made Charaideo Maidam a world heritage centre. In Sarusajai Stadium, 11,000 artists performed the Bihu dance together. And we have worked to take the culture of Assam forward," he added.



Shah targeted the Congress over its alleged soft stance on infiltrators, claiming that under the previous regime, the state had been "surrendered" to them.



"The Congress government had surrendered this very Assam into the hands of infiltrators. These infiltrators are seizing the land belonging to the poor people of Assam. They have encroached upon the forests of Kaziranga. They are snatching away employment opportunities from our youth. Over the last ten years, the BJP has liberated 1 lakh 50 thousand acres of land from infiltrators across significant parts of Assam. Elect a BJP government here once again, and the BJP government will undertake the task of liberating the entirety of Assam from infiltrators. Make Himanta Biswa Sarma the CM once more, and we will carry out the task of rooting out every single infiltrator," he added.



On infrastructure and education, Shah criticised the Congress for opposing the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) at Palasbari, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi had brought to benefit Assamese youth.



"We must ensure that the BJP wins all six seats in Kamrup, and that a BJP government is formed for the third time. However, this time, we must form a BJP government by crossing the ninety-seat mark. When PM Modi brought the IIM to Palasbari, his objective was to ensure that the youth of Palasbari and Assam could study at the IIM. Yet, the Congress party is opposing the IIM. The Congress party actively worked to obstruct the bill for the Palasbari IIM," he added.



Assam is set to go into single-phase elections on April 9 on 126 seats across the state.



The BJP, in alliance with Asom Gana Parishad and Bodoland People's Front, aims to retain power for the third consecutive time. On the other hand, Congress is challenging the BJP-led alliance with a six-party bloc including Congress, Assam Jati Parishad (AJP), Raijor Dal, CPI(M), CPI(ML), and the All Party Hill Leaders Conference.



The counting of votes will take place on May 4.





- ANI
Election campaigning in Assam intensifies as top BJP leaders criss-cross the state. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is scheduled to address a rally in the Barchala constituency to support the BJP candidate. Concurrently, Union Home Minister Amit Shah is holding multiple rallies, highlighting government achievements and attacking the opposition. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma led a strategic meeting in Guwahati focusing on booth-level management for the Dispur seat.

Top BJP leaders Amit Shah and Yogi Adityanath campaign in Assam, holding rallies and strategy meetings for the crucial Assembly elections.

Guwahati, April 3 Election campaigning for the Assam Assembly polls intensified on Friday with top Bharatiya Janata Party leaders and National Democratic Alliance heavyweights criss-crossing the state to galvanise support for party candidates.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is scheduled to arrive in Assam later in the day to campaign for the BJP. He will address an election rally at Missamari under the Barchala Assembly constituency in Sonitpur district.

CM Adityanath will campaign in favour of BJP candidate Ritubaran Sharma, seeking to consolidate support for the party ahead of the crucial polls. Party leaders said the visit of the CM, known for his strong Hindutva appeal and organisational outreach, is expected to energise the BJP cadre and voters in the constituency.

The Barchala seat is considered significant for the party's electoral strategy in Upper Assam.

Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah is continuing his extensive campaign tour across the state.

HM Shah is slated to address multiple rallies in Golakganj, Dudhnai, and Palashbari on Friday. His campaign is focused on highlighting the achievements of the BJP-led government in Assam and at the Centre, while also attacking opposition parties over issues of governance and development.

Senior BJP leaders indicated that HM Shah's rallies are drawing significant crowds, reflecting what they described as growing public support for the NDA alliance in the state.

In Guwahati, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma held a crucial strategy meeting at the state BJP headquarters, focusing on the Dispur Assembly constituency.

Among those present were senior BJP leader Bhupender Yadav, former Rajya Sabha MP Bhuvaneswar Kalita, along with other senior leaders, MPs, and Dispur Assembly seat candidate Pradyut Bordoloi. Discussions centred around booth-level management, voter outreach, and campaign coordination.

With high-profile leaders intensifying their outreach and strategic meetings underway, the BJP is leaving no stone unturned to retain power in Assam, setting the stage for a high-stakes electoral contest.

- IANS
Anna Faris expresses overwhelming joy at being asked to return as Cindy Campbell for the new Scary Movie film. She describes the reunion with the Wayans brothers as a pivotal and sentimental life experience. Faris has received a script she praises and acknowledges the collaborative, joke-modifying nature of production. She also plans to let her teenage son watch the film, contrasting with her cautious approach when she first took her mother to see the original.

Anna Faris shares her sentimental and euphoric feelings about reprising her role as Cindy Campbell in the upcoming Scary Movie franchise revival.

Los Angeles, April 3 Hollywood star Anna Faris says she feels "euphoric" that the Wayans brothers asked her to return as Cindy Campbell in the revival of the parody franchise Scary Movie.

The 49-year-old actress will reprise her role as Cindy Campbell in Scary Movie, the upcoming sixth film in the parody franchise, and was ecstatic when Shawn and Marlon Wayans told her that another movie was in the pipeline.

Faris recalled: "In February of 2025, he (Marlon Wayans) called me, and he said, 'We're getting the gang back together.' I couldn't believe it. So, for this to happen in this way has been euphoric for me. I've been so sentimental.

"I feel like I'm finally in a place where I could really thank them, where I could tell Keenen (Ivory Wayans), 'You've changed my life.' It was so pivotal as opposed to remembering how terrified I was back in those early days. It has been incredible for me."

"I don't know too many people who get to have this life experience where it's this kind of beautiful reunion. The fact that the audience seems hungry for it, it's thrilling. I did not imagine this for myself."

Faris shared how she received a "great" script for Scary Movie, which will be released in June, but knows that the content is likely to change during the production process.

The star said: "With the Scary Movies, you do get sent a script, but you know that things are going to change. It's always been a collaborative team spirit. You understand that they're going to be changing things, modifying some jokes, adding your own. But the script they sent me before all the details have been ironed out was great."

Faris revealed that she will let her 13-year-old son Jack, whom she has with her former husband Chris Pratt, watch the movie despite its crude humour.

Asked if Jack will be allowed to see the picture, she said: "Yeah. Is that awful? I just feel like it's such a part of it. He was on set. I don't know if I would tell every parent they should let their 13-year-old see it, but I do feel like his situation is a little different."

However, Faris adopted a very different stance when she took her mother to the cinema to see the original Scary Movie film.

She recalled: "When I took my mom to see the first one in the theatres at Lynwood Mall in Washington State, the theatre was packed. It was so rowdy, and I sat her on the aisle, and I said, 'You must do as I say. When I say, 'Go to the bathroom', you just get up and go to the bathroom. Don't ask any questions.'"

- IANS
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal claims massive public turnout at BJP-NDA rallies in Upper Assam reflects a decisive rejection of the Congress party's "failed and divisive politics." He accuses the Congress of historically neglecting remote regions and undermining indigenous communities' rights. Sonowal contrasts this with the NDA's record of delivering development, ensuring peace, and remaining accountable to the people. He asserts that voters are now prioritizing growth and stability over what he calls the Congress's legacy of "empty promises," corruption, and instability.

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal says strong rally turnout in Upper Assam signals public rejection of Congress's "divisive politics" and trust in NDA's development.

Guwahati, April 2 Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the Indian National Congress, asserting that the strong public turnout at campaign rallies in Upper Assam reflects a decisive rejection of its "failed and divisive politics".

Campaigning for Bolin Chetia in Sadiya and Taranga Gogoi in Naharkatia, the senior BJP leader said the enthusiasm among voters signals growing trust in the BJP-led NDA's governance model focused on peace, stability, and development.

Addressing a rally at Dangari in Sadiya, Sonowal alleged that the Congress had historically neglected remote regions, depriving them of basic infrastructure and opportunities.

He accused the party of pursuing policies that undermined the rights of indigenous communities, citing the controversial IMDT Act as an example.

"People have not forgotten decades of neglect and injustice. Today, they are coming out in large numbers to support a government that delivers development, ensures stability, and remains accountable," Sonowal said.

He further claimed that the response from voters reflects a clear shift away from what he termed "outdated politics", adding that people are now prioritising growth, connectivity, and employment over "empty promises".

Continuing his campaign in Naharkatia, Sonowal addressed public meetings at Mahmora and Kamar Gaon, where he reiterated that the NDA's development agenda has gained widespread acceptance across all sections of society.

"The massive public support we are witnessing clearly indicates that the BJP-led alliance remains strong and unchallenged in this region. People have rejected Congress politics rooted in corruption, neglect, and division," he said.

Sonowal emphasised that the NDA government has brought lasting peace and accelerated development in Assam, contrasting it with what he described as Congress's legacy of instability and uncertainty.

"While Congress thrived on instability, the NDA has ensured peace and progress. The people of Assam have made up their minds to continue on this path of development," he added.

Urging voters to deliver a decisive mandate, Sonowal called for continued support to the NDA to safeguard Assam's future and prevent a return to "misgovernance and neglect".

- IANS
BJP candidates in Assam's Goalpara district have expressed gratitude to Union Home Minister Amit Shah for his campaign visit and guidance ahead of the Assembly election. They highlighted illegal infiltration from Bangladesh as a critical issue and urged for the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code, while alleging Congress neglect of tribal interests. Amit Shah, at a rally, accused Congress of turning Assam into an infiltrator hub and promised their removal if BJP retains power. The candidates expressed strong confidence in a BJP-NDA victory, predicting a poor showing for the Congress.

BJP candidates in Goalpara thank Home Minister Amit Shah for guidance, cite illegal infiltration, and urge Uniform Civil Code implementation ahead of Assam polls.

Goalpara, April 3 The Bharatiya Janata Party candidates here on Friday, expressed their gratitude to Union Home Minister Amit Shah for his visit to the district ahead of the April 9 Assembly election and thanked him for his "guidance". Mentioning the issue of illegal infiltration in Assam, BJP candidate Tankeshwar Rabha urged for the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code.

Union Home Minister Shah addressed a public gathering in Goalpara's Dudhnoi as part of BJP's campaign for the upcoming state elections.

Contesting from the Dudhnoi (Scheduled Tribe) constituency, Rabha told IANS, "It is the first time that Union Home Minister of the country has come to this place. It is a very happy moment for us as we have also received his guidance to work for the people."

He flagged illegal infiltration from Bangladesh as a major issue in the district and urged for the implementation of UCC.

"Goalpara is a district where there are many illegal infiltrators from Bangladesh so implementation of UCC is very important. This is because the population of tribal people here is very less. Why is this so? It is not like their population has not increased but the infiltrators have taken away our culture, heritage, identity, and land," he said.

Rabha added that Union Minister Shah has clarified that UCC will not be applicable for tribal people.

He also accused the incumbent Congress MP Abdur Rashid Mandal (from Goalpara West Assembly constituency) for not standing by the tribal population.

"There is a sitting Congress MP from here. What did he do (in the last five years)? Not even a single road was made here. Forest is the heart of this place. The infiltrators from Bangladesh have illegally taken over those forests. The Congress is not standing with the tribals here," Rabha alleged.

Significantly, taking a tough stand on illegal infiltration, Union Minister Shah during his rally in Dudhnoi, alleged that the Congress had turned Assam into a hub of infiltrators.

"We have identified all illegal infiltrators. Give us five more years, and we will remove each one of them," the Union Home Minister said.

Meanwhile, Tankeshwar Rabha seemed assured of BJP's victory in the upcoming state polls.

He asserted that the tribals in the Goalpara West Assembly constituency are "with the BJP and NDA".

BJP candidate Pabitra Rabha, who is contesting from the Goalpara West (ST) constituency, referred to Home Minister Amit Shah as "Chanakya".

"He (HM Shah) is called the 'Chanakya' in Indian Politics. We are extremely grateful to have received his guidance. Today we got to see him from close quarters. I thank the BJP for this," he told IANS.

Citing the footfall in Union Home Minister Shah's rally, he also expressed confidence about BJP returning to power in the upcoming Assam Assembly election.

Moreover, Pabitra Rabha claimed that there is "no Congress factor" in the state.

"It will remain below 20 (Assembly seats) when the results of Assam polls are announced on May 4," he said.

- IANS
Congress leader Durlav Chamua claims public opinion in Assam is turning against the BJP-led government, criticizing its unsatisfactory attitude and failure to address traffic problems. Assam Congress chief Gaurav Gogoi alleges Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has links with the stone, coal, and areca nut mafia. Gogoi expresses confidence in the Congress-led alliance, stating the people have united against corruption and intimidation. The state heads to a single-phase election on April 9 for all 126 assembly seats.

Congress leaders Durlav Chamua and Gaurav Gogoi criticize BJP government's performance and allege CM Himanta Biswa Sarma's mafia links ahead of April 9 polls.

Nagaon, April 2 Congress leader Durlav Chamua on Thursday claimed that public opinion in the state is turning against the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government and alleged that the ruling party's approach towards the general public has not been "satisfactory".

He further alleged that the government has failed to tackle the woes of traffic during their tenure.

Speaking to ANI in Nagaon, Chamua said, "Opinion of the public is important, and now the opinion is against BJP... Their attitude towards the general public is not satisfactory and is not accepted by the common people... There are so many problems with traffic, but in 10 years, not a single overpass was constructed by them..."

Earlier in the day, Assam Congress president and candidate from Jorhat constituency in the upcoming assembly polls, Gaurav Gogoi hit out at Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, alleging his links with the stone, coal and areca nut mafia in the state.

Speaking to reporters in Karbi Anglong, Gaurav Gogoi expressed confidence in the Congress-led alliance and said that the people of Assam have united against fear and intimidation.

He said, "The entire Assam has united against the politics of corruption, fear, and intimidation. All Opposition parties have come together. People of Assam will no longer accept as leaders those involved in illegal activities and the mafia. Himanta Biswa Sarma only likes those who are connected to the stone, coal and areca nut mafia. Even in his party, those leaders who serve the people do not stay with Himanta Biswa Sarma, and he cancels their tickets."

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. Assam is witnessing a contest between the incumbent BJP-led NDA government and the Congress-led alliance for the 126-seat assembly.

The Congress is contesting the polls in alliance with Assam Jatiya Parishad, Raijor Dal, CPI(M), CPI(ML), and the All Party Hill Leaders Conference.

- ANI
The Australian government has firmly stated it will not negotiate the core principles of its Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme with the United States. This declaration comes after US President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing a 100% tariff on imports of certain patented pharmaceuticals. The US administration has criticized the Australian scheme, claiming it undervalues American innovation through its drug pricing practices. Australian officials express disappointment over the tariffs but remain confident that major domestic firms with US manufacturing may be exempt.

Australia's health minister says the government will not negotiate the fundamentals of its Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme with the US, despite new tariffs.

Canberra, April 3 The Australian federal government will not make changes to its subsidization scheme for medications amid tariff pressure from the US administration, said Mark Butler, the health minister, on Friday.

Butler told Seven Network television that Australia will not negotiate with the United States on the "fundamentals" of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), under which the federal government subsidizes the cost of prescription medicines, Xinhua news agency reported.

"We keep sending this clearest of possible messages to the US because we know they get the big drug companies in their ear trying to unpick the PBS here in Australia and equivalent schemes in other countries around the world. We are not negotiating about those fundamentals," he said.

Butler was speaking after US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday imposing a 100 per cent tariff on imports of certain patented pharmaceuticals.

In an updated list of trade grievances with Australia released late in March, the US administration said that the PBS undervalues American innovation through unfair drug pricing practices.

Under the scheme, pharmaceutical manufacturers must negotiate sales directly with the Australian government rather than individual buyers to prevent commercial bidding wars.

According to data from the United Nations' Comtrade, Australian pharmaceutical exports to the United States were worth $1.3 billion in 2025.

Biotechnology giant CSL is Australia's largest pharmaceutical company, but Butler said on Friday the government is confident the Melbourne-based firm will be exempt from the new tariffs because of its large US manufacturing presence.

A spokesperson for trade minister Don Farrell told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Friday that the government was disappointed by the US tariffs on pharmaceuticals and would continue to push for the removal of "unjustified and unwarranted" tariffs.

- IANS
Bangladesh High Commissioner Riaz Hamidullah met with Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi to discuss strengthening bilateral defence cooperation, including joint training. The talks, held at South Block, also explored opportunities for deeper collaboration to promote regional peace and security. This meeting follows recent remarks by Union Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh highlighting the strategic and resilient nature of the India-Bangladesh partnership. Singh emphasized the shared legacy of the 1971 Liberation War as a cornerstone of the bilateral relationship.

Bangladesh High Commissioner Riaz Hamidullah meets Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi to discuss enhancing bilateral defence cooperation and joint training.

New Delhi, April 3 Bangladesh High Commissioner to India, Riaz Hamidullah, held talks on defence collaboration with Chief of Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi.

Hamidullah and Dwivedi deliberated on enhancing bilateral defence cooperation, including joint training initiatives.

In a post on X, the Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI) of the Indian Army said, "H.E. Mr M Hamidullah, High Commissioner of Bangladesh to India, called on General Upendra Dwivedi, COAS. During the interaction, they deliberated on enhancing bilateral defence cooperation, including joint training initiatives. They also explored opportunities for deeper collaboration aimed at promoting regional peace and security."

In a post on X, Hamidullah said, "Pleased to meet Gen. Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Army Staff (Indian Army), at South Block; and reflected on Bangladesh-India ties, including defence collaboration."

Earlier on March 27, Union Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh underscored the enduring strength of Indo-Bangladesh ties, describing the partnership as strategic and people-focused and both resilient and forward-looking while addressing the National Day Reception marking the 56th Independence and National Day of Bangladesh at the Bangladesh High Commission in the national capital.

In his remarks on Thursday, Singh highlighted shared history, deep cultural bonds and India's commitment to cooperation with its eastern neighbour.

Addressing Hamidullah, dignitaries and members of the diplomatic community, Singh said Bangladesh's Independence Day "stands as a testament to the spirit of self-determination and the extraordinary resilience" of the Bangladeshi people and also paid tribute to the profound shared legacy of the 1971 Liberation War and reaffirmed India's support for peace, stability and prosperity in the region.

"Bangladesh's Independence Day marks a defining moment in our shared history. It stands as a testament to the spirit of self-determination and the extraordinary resilience of our peoples. The Liberation War of 1971 and the immense sacrifices made in the struggle against exploitation, oppression, and hatred remain a shared legacy for India and Bangladesh. These profound bonds of solidarity continue to underpin our bilateral partnership, which is grounded in trust, shared values, and a common commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity in our region," the MoS said.

- ANI
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha has expressed supreme confidence that the BJP will secure a historic victory in all 28 seats of the upcoming Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections. He made the assertion at a rally where over 500 supporters from the rival Tipra Motha Party, including a former assembly candidate, joined the BJP. Saha highlighted his government's welfare initiatives for Janajati communities, including Padma Shri awards and increased social pensions, while criticizing the previous CPI(M) administration for unresolved issues. He reiterated commitments to build medical colleges and Eklavya schools in tribal regions, framing the election as a historic opportunity for development.

Tripura CM Manik Saha predicts BJP will win all 28 seats in the upcoming tribal council polls, citing growing Janajati support and development work.

Agartala, April 3 Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Friday asserted that the upcoming elections to the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council would mark a historic turning point, expressing confidence that the BJP would secure victory in all 28 seats with a massive margin, backed by growing support from the Janajati community.

Addressing an election rally in the Kathalia-Mirza-Rajapur constituency in Sepahijala district, Saha said the TTAADC election is "not merely an election but a day to create history," emphasising that the BJP is witnessing unprecedented support across tribal regions.

During the rally, the Chief Minister also welcomed more than 500 supporters from the Tipra Motha Party (TMP) into the BJP fold. Among them was Amiya Dayal Noatia, the TMP's 2023 Assembly election candidate from the Dhanpur Assembly constituency, whose induction was highlighted as a significant political development ahead of the polls.

Later, the Chief Minister said that such developments clearly indicate that the BJP is on course to create history in the TTAADC elections.

"In TTAADC, the CPI (M) and regional parties have ruled for years, but people have received nothing. Now, the BJP, which has fielded candidates in all 28 seats, has come forward. I request all voters to cast their votes early in the morning to ensure the BJP's victory," he stated.

Saha, also a senior BJP leader, said that after coming to power, the government ensured that eight Janajati intellectuals received the Padma Shri award, a first.

"Our government has also increased social pensions for Samajpatis (community heads) and ensured proper respect for Janajati communities. Our government has decided to appoint designated officers at district and sub-divisional levels to oversee schemes meant specifically for Janajati welfare," he said.

The Chief Minister further criticised the Communist Party of India (Marxist), stating that despite ruling the state for a long time, it failed to resolve long-standing issues affecting indigenous communities, including the Reang refugee rehabilitation crisis, which he said was addressed under the BJP government.

"Due to our government's efforts, insurgency has significantly declined, with many individuals joining the mainstream. We are supporting traditional weavers by providing threads and resources. We have also honoured cultural icons like Sachin Dev Burman by installing his statue and renaming the Agartala airport after the erstwhile king Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport. We understand how to give due respect to our heritage and people," he added.

Highlighting developmental initiatives, Saha said that the state government has allocated substantial funds for projects in TTAADC areas. 

He reiterated the government's commitment to establishing two medical colleges in ADC regions and setting up a nursing and paramedical college in Khumulwng.

"We are also establishing 21 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) in Janajati areas and have sought necessary relaxations to expedite their implementation. A series of projects is being carried out to ensure the development and progress of Janajati communities. This election is an opportunity to create history, and I am confident that the people have understood and will support the BJP wholeheartedly," he said.

- IANS
US President Donald Trump has threatened a significant escalation against Iran, specifically warning that bridges and electric power plants are next for destruction. This follows a US strike on the B1 Bridge in Karaj, which Iranian media reports caused numerous casualties. Iran claims to have downed a second US F-35 fighter jet, a claim vehemently denied by US CENTCOM. The escalating conflict raises severe concerns about regional stability and global energy supplies.

US President Trump warns of targeting Iranian bridges and power plants, escalating Operation Epic Fury. Iran reports casualties, downing of F-35.

Washington DC, April 3 US President Donald Trump warned Iran of potential strikes on its infrastructure, including bridges and electric power plants, saying the US military "hasn't even started destroying what's left in Iran."

Trump, in a post on Truth Social on Thursday (local time), signalled a major escalation in the ongoing Operation Epic Fury, which began on February 28.

In a post on Truth Social, he said, "Our Military, the greatest and most powerful (by far!) anywhere in the World, hasn't even started destroying what's left in Iran. Bridges next, then Electric Power Plants! New Regime leadership knows what has to be done, and has to be done, FAST! President DONALD J. TRUMP."

This comes amid escalating tensions between the US and Iran, with Trump threatening to bomb Iran "back to the Stone Ages" if necessary.

Iran has condemned the threats, calling them a strike on civilian infrastructure and warning of consequences for America's global standing. The situation has led to concerns over global energy supplies, with India, a major oil importer, seeking alternative sources, including increased imports from Russia.

Hours before this post, US forces targeted and destroyed the B1 Bridge in Karaj (Alborz Province), reportedly the tallest bridge in Iran. Iranian state media has reported at least 8 deaths and 95 injuries from this specific strike, noting that many victims were travellers.

Meanwhile, the spokesperson of Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters said that a second US fifth-generation F-35 was struck and downed over central Iran by a new IRGC Aerospace Force air-defence system, as reported by Press TV. The report further said that given the massive explosion on impact and during the crash, the pilot is unlikely to have ejected.

Earlier in the day, US CENTCOM said that USS Abraham Lincoln is still continuing flight operations.

In a post on X, it said, "USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) continues to conduct flight operations, both day and night."

CENTCOM earlier fact-checked the IRGC.

In a post on X, it said, "CLAIM: Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) says it downed an "enemy" fighter jet over Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz. FACT: All U.S. fighter aircraft are accounted for. Iran's IRGC has made the same false claim at least half a dozen times."

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth echoed US President Donald Trump's message of sending the Iranians back to the Stone Age.

In a post on X, he said, "Back to the Stone Age."

Trump, during his address to the nation, said on April 2, "I've made clear since the beginning of Operation Epic Fury--we will continue until our objectives are achieved. Thanks to the progress we've made, I can say tonight--we are on track to complete all of America's military objectives shortly. We are going to hit them extremely hard over the next 2-3 weeks. We are going to bring them back to the Stone Age."

- ANI
US President Donald Trump has called on international partners to take responsibility for securing the Iranian-blocked Strait of Hormuz, stating they should have acted sooner. He portrayed the ongoing US military campaign as a necessary action to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, despite previous intelligence assessments to the contrary. Trump linked rising domestic gasoline prices directly to Iranian attacks on commercial oil tankers. He warned of imminent, severe strikes on Iranian infrastructure if no diplomatic agreement is reached.

US President urges oil-importing countries to help reclaim the Strait of Hormuz, vows continued military action against Iran over nuclear fears.

Washington, DC, April 2 US President Donald Trump has called on oil-importing nations to "build up some delayed courage" and take responsibility for reclaiming the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that the burden of securing the Iranian-blocked waterway should be shared by international partners.

The President stated that these countries "[they] should have done it before, should have done it with us, as we asked." He further urged them to "go to the strait and just take it, protect it," as his administration continues its military campaign in the region.

The President maintained that the United States is "getting very close" to its targets, stating, "We are gonna finish the job." He expressed gratitude toward regional partners, including Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, and Bahrain, noting they have "been great" and vowing that the US "will not let them fail in any way, shape or form."

Portraying the conflict as a "true investment in your children and your grandchildren's future," the President claimed the global community is observing American military capability with awe. "The whole world is watching, and they can't leave the power, strength and brilliance. They just can't believe what they're seeing," he remarked.

The US President reiterated his stance that military action is essential to prevent Tehran from "acquiring a nuclear weapon." This claim persists despite previous acknowledgements from his own intelligence officials that the Iranian leadership was not actively seeking such a maritime or tactical capability last year.

Addressing the domestic impact of the conflict, the President noted that "many Americans have been concerned to see the recent rise in gasoline prices here at home," with costs at the pump increasing by over 25 per cent. He described this "short-term increase" as a direct result of "the Iranian regime launching deranged terror attacks against commercial oil tankers."

According to the President, these actions serve as "yet more proof that Iran can never be trusted with nuclear weapons." He warned that the US intended to "hit them extremely hard over the next two to three weeks," adding a stern warning that forces would "take them back to the stone ages where they belong."

The President clarified that "regime change was never our goal," though he observed that "regime change has occurred because of their original leader's death." He cautioned that if no diplomatic agreement is reached soon, the US has "eyes on key targets" and is prepared to strike "every one of their electric generating plants very hard, and probably simultaneously."

The President asserted that the US is currently "on the cusp of ending Iran's sinister threat to America and the world." He maintained that the military is "on track to complete all of America's objectives shortly, very shortly."

- ANI
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has completed the self-enumeration process for the first phase of Census 2027 at his residence, setting a civic example for the nation. This marks a significant step in India's transition to its first-ever fully digital census, moving away from a 150-year-old paper-based system. Other senior leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, have also recently completed their registration. The Census authority has urged all citizens to participate via the secure online portal to contribute to a data-empowered nation.

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant participates in Census 2027's self-enumeration, marking a milestone for India's first fully digital national census.

New Delhi, April 3 Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, on Friday, participated in the self-enumeration process for Census 2027 at his residence, an official of the Ministry of Home Affairs said.

Census of India, 2027, in a message on social media, confirmed the development and encouraged citizens to undertake self-enumeration.



The Census 2027 under Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, said, "The Chief Justice of India has successfully completed self-enumeration for Phase-I of #Census2027 i.e. Houselisting and Housing Census at his residence today."



"Setting an inspiring example of civic duty, the CJI recorded his household details through the secure Self-Enumeration Portal," it added.



"This marks a significant milestone in India's first-ever digital census, which empowers citizens with a convenient and transparent data collection process," Census of India 2027 added.



"We express our sincere gratitude to the CJI for his active participation and support in this monumental national exercise. We strongly urge everyone to likewise self enumerate through https://se.census.gov.in and contribute to building a stronger, data-empowered Viksit Bharat," it said.



Earlier on Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah completed their self-enumeration.



On Friday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla also participated in the self-enumeration process.



In a message on X, Lok Sabha Speaker Birla said, "The first phase of India's Census-2027 has begun. Today, at my residence in Delhi, I completed my self-enumeration registration."



Census 2027 is set to be India's first fully digital census, moving away from the traditional paper-based system that has been followed for more than 150 years.



The exercise is being conducted in two phases under the Census Act, 1948.



The first phase, known as House Listing and Housing Census (HLO), focuses on collecting data regarding housing conditions, household amenities, and assets.



Citizens are required to answer 33 notified questions in this phase.





- IANS
Commerce ministers from India and China met on the sidelines of the WTO's 14th Ministerial Conference in Cameroon. China expressed its readiness to strengthen bilateral economic and trade cooperation, describing it as a stabilizing "ballast." Meanwhile, Indian Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted India's push for preferential market access in trade talks with the United States, citing the country's strong economic position. The WTO conference itself focused on critical areas including reform, fisheries subsidies, and integrating smaller economies into global trade.

China's Commerce Minister Wang Wentao meets India's Piyush Goyal at WTO, calls for deeper bilateral trade cooperation as a "ballast" in relations.

New Delhi, April 3 Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal held a meeting with China's Commerce Minister Wang Wentao on the sidelines of the World Trade Organisation's 14th Ministerial Conference, aimed at strengthening bilateral economic and trade cooperation.

Informing about the meeting, the spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in India, in a social media post on Friday, stated that Wang Wentao met Goyal during the conference and expressed willingness to deepen engagement between the two countries.

It stated, "China's Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao met with Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce and Industry of India, during the 14th WTO ministerial conference. China stands ready to work with India to fully leverage the role of bilateral economic and trade cooperation as a ballast."

The WTO 14th Ministerial Conference was held from March 26 to 30, 2026, in Yaounde, Cameroon, bringing together ministers from across the world to discuss challenges and opportunities facing the global trading system and to shape the future agenda of the WTO.

Highlighting outcomes from recent WTO Ministerial engagements, Goyal on Thursday described it as very intense, spanning four days and covering seven critical areas, including WTO reform, fisheries subsidies, investment facilitation, e-commerce, agriculture and broader developmental concerns.

Minister Goyal asserted that India is pushing for "preferential access" and the "best possible deal" in its ongoing trade engagement with the United States, underlining that the country is currently in a "very sweet spot" among emerging economies.

"Our approach is that India should get preferential access, market access and, having got the best deal compared to any of our competitors or any other emerging or developing economy, we are sitting on a very sweet spot," Goyal said, projecting confidence in India's economic positioning.

He added that as the world's fastest-growing major economy, India offers a compelling India opportunity that global investors are expected to increasingly tap.

Among the key outcomes, member nations agreed to strengthen the integration of smaller economies into the multilateral trading system, with a focus on improving trade logistics, connectivity and border processes. Progress was also achieved on fisheries subsidies, particularly in tackling overcapacity, overfishing and illegal fishing, with consensus reached and ratified by participating countries.

On the sidelines of the WTO Ministerial, Goyal held extensive diplomatic outreach, including 12 multilateral and 24 bilateral meetings aimed at strengthening trade partnerships.

- ANI
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav inaugurated the first phase of the 'Shri Hanuman Lok' project at Jam Sawli Dham in Pandhurna. The project, spread over 30 acres, is a collaboration between the MP Tourism Department and a temple trust aimed at boosting religious tourism. The first phase features a grand entrance gate, plaza, and the 'Chiranjeevi Path' lined with statues of Hanuman. The CM also announced a Rs 65.24 crore second phase and highlighted other development works worth over Rs 362 crore for the Pandhurna area.

Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav inaugurates the first phase of Shri Hanuman Lok, a 30-acre religious tourism project in Pandhurna, Chhindwara.

Bhopal/Pandhurna, April 2 Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Thursday inaugurated the first phase of the "Shri Hanuman Lok" project at Jam Sawli Dham in Pandhurna tehsil of Chhindwara district, coinciding with Chaitra Navratri and Hanuman Jayanti.

Describing Lord Hanuman as the ultimate symbol of strength, wisdom, humility, selfless service, and devotion, the Chief Minister said Hanuman Ji teaches that real power lies not in arrogance but in complete surrender to duty and service.

"Hanuman Ji inspires us to achieve our goals through unwavering effort, mental discipline and concentration," he added.

The Chief Minister said Shri Hanuman Lok is not just a religious project but also a major step towards developing religious tourism in the state.

Spread over nearly 30 acres, the project is being developed by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department in collaboration with the temple trust.

With this project, Pandhurna -- already known for orange production -- is set to gain prominence on Madhya Pradesh's spiritual map alongside religious centres such as Mahakal Lok in Ujjain.

The government is simultaneously developing several other devotional corridors across the state, including Ahilya Lok in Maheshwar, Pashupatinath Lok in Mandsaur, Pitambara Mai Mahalok in Datia, and Maa Narmada Mahalok in Amarkantak.

The first phase of Shri Hanuman Lok features a grand main entrance gate, an impressive entrance plaza, and the newly constructed 'Chiranjeevi Path' - a pathway lined with statues depicting various divine forms of Hanuman Ji, leading to the temple complex.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister announced that the second phase of the project, estimated to cost Rs 65.24 crore, will begin shortly.

This phase will include the development of a Bhakti Sagar (devotional lake), discourse hall, yagyashala, Sanskrit college, bhojshala (community kitchen), dharmashala (pilgrim rest house), and parking facilities.

He also announced the construction of a 10-bed hospital for visiting devotees.

Earlier on Ram Navami, the Chief Minister performed bhoomi pujan for 33 development works worth Rs 251.18 crore and inaugurated 31 projects valued at Rs 111.63 crore in the Pandhurna area, taking the total investment to over Rs 362 crore, including Shri Hanuman Lok.

Key announcements included new offices for the Collector, Superintendent of Police, District Panchayat and Janpad Panchayat, a women's police station, a 10-acre indoor-outdoor stadium, and an Agricultural Development Centre in Sausar.

- IANS
An acute LPG shortage, linked to global fuel disruptions from the Israel-Iran crisis, is severely impacting eateries in Shimla and other hill regions. Restaurants and dhabas are being forced to shift to coal-based cooking as cylinder deliveries are delayed by up to four weeks, disrupting daily operations. Coal suppliers confirm a sharp spike in demand, though they also face logistical challenges and have raised prices. Experts warn this shift to coal is neither environmentally sustainable nor economically stable for the vulnerable hill food-service industry in the long term.

Shimla restaurants face LPG shortage, turning to coal amid supply disruptions from the Israel-Iran crisis. Costs rise as deliveries are delayed by weeks.

Shimla, April 3 A sharp surge in coal demand has been reported across hill regions, particularly in Shimla, as eateries grapple with an acute shortage of LPG cylinders amid global fuel disruptions linked to the ongoing Israel-Iran crisis.

The fuel crunch has begun to significantly impact the food-service sector, with small restaurants and roadside dhabas increasingly shifting to coal-based cooking as LPG supplies become erratic and delayed.

Local workers say the situation has worsened in recent weeks, with cylinder deliveries taking far longer than usual, disrupting daily operations.

Rajkumar, a local dhaba worker, highlighted the severity of the issue, saying, "It's becoming too much of a problem. Earlier, we used to get one cylinder daily, but now it takes nearly four weeks. Because of this, we have no option but to burn coal."

He added that there is confusion even among owners about fluctuating fuel prices, making it difficult to manage costs.

Showing similar concerns, Bhim Singh, another dhaba worker, said this is the first time such a crisis has been experienced at this scale.

"We are facing a lot of problems due to the gas shortage. Coal suppliers have also increased their rates, and sometimes we don't even get a regular supply. Customers have to wait longer, and we may have to cut down on menu items," he said, adding that delays in cooking are now a daily challenge affecting both workers and business.

Coal suppliers, meanwhile, confirm a spike in demand driven by rising LPG prices and supply disruptions in the commercial sector.

Vikram Bhagra, a local coal supplier, said, "Demand has increased significantly because many restaurants that earlier depended on gas have now shifted to coal. Even those using electric systems are ordering coal as a backup."

He noted that while demand has risen sharply, supply chains are also under pressure.

"Earlier, demand would rise by 10-12 kg, but now it has increased by 15-20 kg or more. We have increased prices slightly around Rs 3 per kg because procurement costs have gone up," Bhagra said.

Bhagra further pointed to logistical challenges, including delays in coal transportation due to rising fuel prices and truck availability issues. However, he added that business for coal suppliers has grown amid the crisis.

"The business has actually increased for us, but the restaurant sector is under pressure as their costs have gone up," he said.

Industry observers say the situation reflects a broader national trend, where LPG shortages and high fuel costs are forcing eateries to adapt quickly, often at the cost of efficiency and sustainability. In cities as well as hill regions, many establishments are turning to coal, kerosene, and even wood-fired stoves to keep operations running.

While increased coal availability in Shimla has provided temporary relief, experts warn that reliance on such alternatives is neither environmentally sustainable nor economically stable in the long run.

Unless fuel supplies normalise and global tensions ease, stakeholders say the food-service industry, especially small businesses in vulnerable regions like the hills, will continue to face mounting operational challenges.

- ANI
The Uttarakhand government has revised its Standard Operating Procedure for commercial LPG, increasing the state's total quota from 40% to 66%. The new framework ensures priority-based distribution to key sectors like tourism, industry, and the Char Dham Yatra. A daily allocation of 6,310 cylinders has been established, with specific quotas for hotels, restaurants, and even wedding ceremonies. District Magistrates will oversee the process to prevent shortages and misuse.

Uttarakhand increases commercial LPG quota to 66% with new SOP for tourism, industry, and weddings. Daily allocation of 6,310 cylinders detailed.

Dehradun, April 3 To address rising demand and maintain supply balance, the Uttarakhand government has implemented a revised Standard Operating Procedure for commercial LPG distribution, superseding previous guidelines.

Food and Civil Supplies Secretary Anand Swaroop stated that following state efforts to promote PNG, Uttarakhand secured an additional 6% quota for commercial LPG. Combined with a 20% central allocation, the state's total quota has increased from 40% to 66%. The new SOP aims to ensure transparent, priority-based distribution to prevent shortages in key sectors such as the Char Dham Yatra, tourism, and industry.

Under these rules, which remain in force until further notice, oil marketing companies will supply gas based on market share while keeping District Magistrates updated.

The revised SOP establishes a daily distribution of 6,310 cylinders across various consumer categories. To support the peak tourist season, hotels and resorts are allocated 1,500 cylinders (24%), while restaurants and dhabas receive 2,000 (32%).

Other allocations include 300 cylinders (5%) for government guest houses, 200 each (3%) for homestays, self-help groups, and dairy units, and 1,250 (20%) for priority industries like pharmaceuticals and hospitals. District-wise, Dehradun holds the highest share at 31%, followed by Haridwar and Nainital at 13% each, with the remaining volume distributed across the state based on demand density.

A specific provision has been introduced for wedding ceremonies, which are allocated 660 cylinders (10%) daily. Usage is limited to a maximum of two commercial cylinders per event, requiring prior approval from the District Magistrate or a designated authority.

Once verified, distributors will issue temporary connections, after which the quota reverts to the general category to prevent misuse. Dehradun and Nainital receive the largest portion of the wedding quota (176 cylinders each), while industrial allocations are concentrated primarily in Dehradun, Haridwar, and Udham Singh Nagar.

- ANI
Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi stated that maritime competition has expanded beyond oil to include critical resources like rare earth elements, minerals, fishing grounds, and data. He highlighted increased illegal fishing and marine surveys that encroach on sovereign rights. The Admiral also pointed to complex threats from piracy, armed robbery, and narcotics trafficking in the Indian Ocean Region. The second edition of the IOS SAGAR initiative brings together 16 nations to address these shared maritime security challenges.

Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi says sea competition now includes rare earths, data, and fishing, amid piracy and trafficking threats.

Mumbai, April 2 As the conflict in West Asia continues, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi weighed in on the implications of the war, stating that the competition at sea has moved beyond oil and energy to expand alternative energy resources.

Addressing at the flagging off ceremony of the 2nd edition of IOS SAGAR, Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi highlighted the economic impact of the conflict which he believed will push countries towards procurement of rare earth elements, critical minerals, new fishing grounds and even data.

"With the conflict in West Asia well into its fifth week, the disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have caused severe economic impact and energy instability in the region. At the same time, competition at sea has no longer remained confined to oil and energy. It is now expanding towards resources that will shape future growth - such as rare earth elements, critical minerals, new fishing grounds and even data," he said.

"As a result, there is a significant increase in the marine survey, deep-sea research activity, and Illegal Unreported and Unregulated Fishing (IUU), often encroaching upon the sovereign rights of littoral nations and exploiting gaps in monitoring and enforcement," he added.

Admiral Tripathi also highlighted the other threats on the sea, such as piracy, armed robbery and narco trafficking, which he said have become more complex and challenging to counter.

"Threats such as piracy, armed robbery and narco trafficking backed by unimpeded access of advanced technology to non-state actors, have also become more complex and challenging to counter. Last year alone, the Indian Ocean Region witnessed a staggering 3,700 maritime incidents of varying nature," he said.

"Additionally, narcotics seizures in the region exceeded one billion USD in 2025 - highlighting the persistence and spread of such challenges in the region. In such a complex maritime environment marked by intense contestation and uneven enforcement, the coming together of 16 like-minded maritime nations for a shared purpose and collective commitment through IOS Sagar is rare and significant," he added.

Admiral Tripathi attending the flagging off ceremony of the second edition of Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR

The Indian Navy assumed the chair of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) in Feb 2026. Therefore, this Edition includes participation from 16 IONS nations of the Indian Ocean Region(IOR).

The initiative builds on India's long-standing maritime cooperation efforts and reflects the Government of India's vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR), while also advancing the broader framework of MAHASAGAR - Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Regions.

- ANI
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has issued a stark warning that the Middle East conflict is spiraling out of control and risks triggering a wider regional war. He called for an immediate end to the fighting, emphasizing that leaders must choose dialogue over destruction to stop the immense human suffering and economic devastation. Guterres highlighted the critical importance of protecting civilians and upholding freedom of navigation, especially in key maritime routes like the Strait of Hormuz. He confirmed his Personal Envoy is being dispatched to the region to support ongoing diplomatic efforts anchored in international law.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warns the Middle East crisis is spiraling, calls for immediate ceasefire, and urges leaders to choose dialogue to avert a wider war.

New York, April 3 With the conflict in West Asia in its second month now, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an immediate end to the conflict in the Middle East, saying it is causing immense human suffering and devastating economic consequences.

Calling for a peaceful way out, he said in his message during the press encounter on the Middle East, "To the United States and Israel, it is high time to stop the war that is inflicting immense human suffering and already triggering devastating economic consequences. To Iran, to stop attacking their neighbours."

The UN Chief said that he remains in close contact with the parties -- and is dispatching his Personal Envoy Jean Arnault to the region to support these efforts.

He condemned the attacks and reaffirmed the need to respect navigational rights and freedoms along critical maritime routes, including the Strait of Hormuz

Guterres said, "Conflicts do not end on their own. They end when leaders choose dialogue over destruction. That choice still exists. And it must be made -- now."

He also highlighted the importance of protecting civilians and civilian infrastructure, including nuclear installations, and upholding freedom of navigation.

"Diplomatic efforts are underway to find a peaceful path forward. They deserve the space and support to succeed -- anchored firmly in international law, including the UN Charter. Disputes must be settled peacefully. The sovereignty and territorial integrity of all Member States must be respected. Civilians and civilian infrastructure, including nuclear installations, must be respected and protected. And freedom of navigation must be upheld," he added.

He warned that denying freedom of navigation has far-reaching consequences, citing the impact on the world's poorest and most vulnerable people, who struggle with rising food and energy costs.

"Look no further than the impact of the denial of freedom of navigation. When the Strait of Hormuz is strangled, the world's poorest and most vulnerable cannot breathe. We see it in the daily lives of people struggling with rising food and energy costs from the Philippines...to Sri Lanka...to Mozambique... to communities far beyond," he added.

He warned that the Middle East crisis is spiralling out of control, with human suffering, devastation, and indiscriminate attacks escalating by the day.

Guterres said, "The Middle East crisis has lurched into its second month. Every day this war continues, human suffering grows. The scale of devastation grows. Indiscriminate attacks grow. The targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure grows. And the perils to our world grow. We are on the edge of a wider war that would engulf the whole Middle East with dramatic impacts around the globe."

Meanwhile, Iranian State Media Press TV, citing Hassan Fartousi, Secretary-General of the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO, said on Thursday that Iran has proposed an emergency UNESCO meeting to present detailed reports on the damage to cultural heritage sites caused by recent US-Israeli strikes in the country.

With tensions escalating in West Asia and the Gulf region, Arab news reported on Thursday that Bahrain's Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani called Iran's attacks meticulously pre-planned, reflecting aggressive intentions toward its peaceful neighbours. He said that the efficiency of GCC armed forces and air defence systems in intercepting ballistic missiles and drones has helped neutralise threats in his remarks.

- ANI
The All India Congress Committee has announced its list of 27 candidates for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, with state party chief K Selvaperunthagai contesting from Sriperumbudur. Simultaneously, the BJP released its own list of 27 candidates, notably excluding its prominent state leader K Annamalai, a move causing political surprise. The elections for the state's 234 constituencies are scheduled for April 23, 2026, with vote counting on May 4. The main electoral battle is projected between the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance and the AIADMK-led National Democratic Alliance.

Congress and BJP release candidate lists for Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. Key leaders fielded, but BJP's Annamalai missing from roster.

Chennai, April 3 The All India Congress Committee on Friday announced its list of 27 candidates for the forthcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

Among the key candidates, Tamil Nadu Congress PCC chief K Selvaperunthagai will contest from the Sriperumbudur Assembly Constituency, while former MP Dr A Chella Kumar will represent Krishnagiri Assembly Constituency.

Other notable selections include Durai Chandrasekar from Ponneri (SC), Gopinath Palaniyappar from Erode (East), and Rama Karumanickam from Tiruvadana.

The candidates were chosen by the Central Election Committee after careful consideration.

Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) also released its list of 27 candidates for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, after negotiations within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

The release of the BJP's first candidate list for the April 23, 2026, Tamil Nadu Assembly elections has sent shockwaves through the state's political circles. K Annamalai, the aggressive "Singham" of the Tamil Nadu BJP who was widely expected to lead the charge, is conspicuously absent from the roster.

While senior leaders like Tamilisai Soundararajan (Mylapore), Vanathi Srinivasan (Coimbatore North), and Union Minister L Murugan (Avinashi) have been fielded, Annamalai's name is nowhere to be found.

Annamalai K has made commendable achievements in taking Prime Minister Narendra Modi's policies to the people or taking the party's projects village by village in the state. The party's top brass leadership, such as Home Minister Amit Shah, has on many occasions stated that the BJP will utilise Annamalai's organisational skills in the party's national structure.

Tamil Nadu will go to the polls in a single phase on April 23, covering a total of 234 constituencies in the State. Counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.

The current tenure of the assembly ends on May 10.

The main contest is expected to be between Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA), which includes DMK, Congress, and Other parties, and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) as allies.

- ANI
The Government of India has launched the Karmayogi Sadhana Saptah, a week-long national learning initiative from April 2-8, 2026, to mark five years of Mission Karmayogi. The program aims to strengthen the capabilities and citizen-centric orientation of public servants through workshops and masterclasses. Senior officials highlighted the shift from episodic training to a continuous, competency-based learning system enabled by the iGOT platform, which now has over 1.5 crore registered learners. The initiative is structured around the three pillars of Technology, Tradition, and Tangible Outcomes to build a future-ready governance ecosystem.

India launches Karmayogi Sadhana Saptah, a national learning week under Mission Karmayogi, to foster continuous learning and competency-driven governance.

New Delhi, April 2 The Centre on Thursday launched Karmayogi Sadhana Saptah, a national learning initiative under Mission Karmayogi, aimed at strengthening the capabilities, commitment, and citizen-centric orientation of public servants across the country.

The Karmayogi Sadhana Saptah, being organised from April 2 to April 8, 2026, was inaugurated at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi, marking five years of Mission Karmayogi.

Conceived as a nationwide capacity-building effort, the initiative brings together Ministries, States and Civil Services Training Institutions under a shared learning framework, as per a press statement.

The programme is structured around three pillars, Technology, Tradition and Tangible Outcomes, and includes focused engagements such as workshops, masterclasses, and institutional deliberations to strengthen a future-ready governance ecosystem.

The Prime Minister also conveyed his greetings in a message and underlined that governance in a fast-changing world must remain aligned with evolving needs, driven by the spirit of "Naagrik Devo Bhava".

He called for continuous learning, greater use of technology and data in decision-making, and a shift towards duty-oriented public service as India moves towards the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047.

P K Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, said that Sadhana Saptah reinforces the shift towards a capable, committed and citizen-centric civil service, the release stated.

He noted that capacity building has evolved from limited, rule-based training to a system of continuous, anytime-anywhere learning, enabled by platforms such as iGOT. Referring to the integration of training institutions across the country, he said that the Capacity Building Commission has brought coherence and scale to the ecosystem.

"Governance today requires new capabilities to respond to technological disruption, climate change, urbanisation, and global uncertainties," he added.

S Radha Chauhan, Chairperson, Capacity Building Commission, said that the occasion marks both a milestone and a moment of reflection in the journey of Mission Karmayogi and distinctive model for capacity building by integrating knowledge, skills, and values in public service, the release stated.

She explained the concept of Karmayogi reflects a public servant who combines wisdom with action and delivers governance with empathy and contextual understanding.

"Sadhana Saptah provides an opportunity for officers to reconnect with their core purpose of service and renew their commitment to citizen-centric governance, guided by the themes of Technology, Tradition and Tangible Outcomes," she said.

Rachna Shah, Secretary, Department of Personnel and Training, said that Mission Karmayogi has brought a fundamental transformation in capacity building over the past five years.

Highlighting the shift from episodic training to a continuous, role-based competency framework that now includes frontline workers at scale. She informed that over 1.5 crore learners are registered on the iGOT platform, with more than 8 crore course completions and over 4,600 courses available in multiple languages.

"More than 130 capacity-building plans have been developed," she added.

She also noted the increasing use of AI-enabled tools to personalise learning and enhance training delivery, contributing to a sustained culture of continuous learning in governance.

Subramanian Ramadorai, Chairperson, Karmayogi Bharat, said that Sadhana Saptah reflects a deepening commitment within civil services towards continuous learning and self-improvement.

He highlighted that governance today is shaped by rapid technological transformation, civilisational knowledge and a strong focus on citizen-centric outcomes, the release said.

"Capacity building must be continuous, contextual, and aligned with real-world governance needs," he said.

He further noted the scale of participation on the iGOT platform and encouraged officers to build capabilities in Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies.

"Karmayogi Bharat, as the implementing arm of Mission Karmayogi, is driving the iGOT platform as a scalable digital ecosystem enabling continuous, competency-based learning across government," he added.

Alka Mittal, Member (Administration), Capacity Building Commission, said that capacity building efforts are being expanded to reach frontline functionaries across sectors, including gram panchayats, urban local bodies, and citizen-facing services, the release stated.

She noted that these functionaries form the primary interface between government and citizens and require focused capacity enhancement.

"Over six lakh personnel from public sector enterprises are onboarded on the iGOT platform, with tailored programmes on leadership, succession planning and stakeholder engagement," she said.

She also referred to new modules on AI applications, including predictive maintenance.

R. Balasubramaniam, Member (HR), Capacity Building Commission, said that Mission Karmayogi has evolved into a comprehensive capacity-building ecosystem and represents one of the largest change management initiatives globally, the release said.

He highlighted that competency frameworks have created a shared language across government and that programmes have reached the grassroots level, including panchayats and urban local bodies.

He noted that the integration of AI is accelerating capacity building and enabling faster and more effective planning and learning.

The release further stated that during the inaugural session, a set of key initiatives was launched to strengthen capacity building at scale. Karmayogi Geet, produced by the Capacity Building Commission, was unveiled to inspire a spirit of selfless service, integrity, and commitment among civil servants, reinforcing the ethos of nation-building.

The release said Karmayogi Kshamata Connect was launched as a foundational initiative to empower frontline functionaries across sectors.

Delivered through the iGOT Karmayogi platform in multiple regional languages, it equips officials with knowledge on national priorities, participatory governance, digital safety, and emerging technologies, aligning their roles with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, it said.

Karmayogi Kartavya Karyakram, a national behavioural training programme, aims to transform public service ethos by promoting Seva Bhav. Targeting nearly 1.3 crore officials, particularly at the grassroots level, it adopts a blended approach of digital learning, in-person training, and group discussions to foster responsiveness and accountability, the release stated.

An innovative Trust-Based Peer Assessment Framework was introduced on iGOT Karmayogi to link learning with real-world application, enabling validation of skills through peer and supervisory review, promoting outcome-driven capacity building.

The release said the AI-powered Case Study Suite for Amrit Gyaan Kosh (AGK), developed with Civic Innovation Foundation (Civis), includes tools such as Case Study Analyser and CaseConnect to support case-based learning and curriculum integration, aiming to strengthen last-mile delivery, improve accountability, and align capacity building with governance outcomes.

Mission Karmayogi, which completes five years, marks a structural shift from rule-based approaches to a competency-driven framework integrating knowledge, skills, behaviour, and attitude.

The Mission has laid a strong foundation for continuous capacity building across government. Sadhana Saptah builds on this foundation and is expected to further accelerate the creation of a skilled, responsive, and citizen-centric civil service aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, the release said.

The inaugural session witnessed participation from senior officials, representatives of Ministries, Departments, training institutions, States, and other stakeholders from across the country.

Members of the Capacity Building Commission and the CEO, Karmayogi Bharat, were present during the event, the release added.

- ANI
As temperatures rise, grey herons return to the Qianhe Mountain nature reserve in Hebei Province, north China, for breeding season. Once numbering just eight, the grey heron population has grown to over 3,000, while more than 6,000 migratory birds now call the area home -- thanks to sustained ecological restoration efforts.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has reaffirmed a zero-tolerance policy against the black marketing and hoarding of cooking gas. The government's stance follows a decisive enforcement operation in Alipur, triggered by a national news channel's sting operation, which uncovered illegal refilling activities. Authorities have seized evidence, filed an FIR, and approved the formation of 13 district-level teams to strengthen enforcement. Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious activities via dedicated helpline numbers, with assurances of prompt action and confidentiality.

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta announces zero-tolerance policy against LPG hoarding and black marketing, following a sting operation and enforcement raid.

New Delhi, April 2 Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said on Thursday that the government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards black marketing and hoarding of cooking gas and will continue to act decisively against offenders, while assuring that there is no shortage of LPG supply in the national capital.

Her statement came on a day when, in a decisive crackdown on black marketing and illegal diversion of LPG cylinders, the Delhi government carried out an enforcement operation in Alipur, uncovering unlawful refilling activities and initiating strict legal action against those involved, an official said.

The action followed inputs received from a sting operation aired on a national news channel on Wednesday, said an official statement.

Chief Minister Gupta reaffirmed the government's firm stance against such violations and emphasised that the safety of citizens and the integrity of essential supply systems are non-negotiable.

She stated that any attempt to exploit consumers or manipulate LPG distribution will invite the strictest possible action.

Gupta said that to strengthen enforcement, the government has approved the formation of 13 district-level teams, each headed by the SDM (HQ), to ensure swift action on violations.

These teams will coordinate closely with relevant departments and conduct targeted operations based on intelligence inputs and public complaints.

Earlier, after the sting operation, a joint enforcement team comprising officials from the Food and Supplies Department and representatives of Oil Marketing Companies conducted a raid at the identified premises in Alipur.

During the inspection, authorities detected illegal refilling of LPG cylinders, a practice that poses significant safety risks and disrupts regulated supply chains.

Officials also recovered three consumer passbooks, which were allegedly being misused to procure subsidised cylinders for unauthorised refilling and resale in smaller units.

All incriminating materials found at the site have been seized, and an FIR has been registered against the accused.

The government has also urged citizens to actively participate in curbing illegal activities by reporting suspicious practices. Complaints can be lodged via helpline numbers 011-23379836 and 8383824659 between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m.

The CM assured that all verified complaints will be acted upon promptly and that the identity of informants will be kept strictly confidential.

The Chief Minister pointed out that illegal refilling not only undermines fair distribution but also creates hazardous conditions due to unsafe handling and storage of cylinders.

The government has directed enforcement agencies to intensify inspections across the supply chain, including LPG storage facilities, distribution agencies, transport networks, and retail outlets. Surprise checks will be conducted regularly to curb malpractices, she said.

- IANS
A sudden weather shift brought a dense blanket of dust over Delhi-NCR on Friday morning, significantly reducing visibility. The India Meteorological Department forecasts a generally cloudy sky with possibilities of light rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds throughout the day. The Air Quality Index was recorded in the 'Unhealthy' range, with particulate matter levels impacted by the dust. A yellow alert is in place for the weekend, with temperatures expected to dip amid ongoing unsettled conditions.

A thick dust blanket covers Delhi-NCR, reducing visibility. IMD forecasts thunderstorms, gusty winds, and light rain, with AQI in the 'Unhealthy' range.

New Delhi, April 3 The national capital was hit by a sudden change in weather patterns on Friday as a thick blanket of dust covered New Delhi, reducing surface visibility during the morning.

The weather shift brought a dense blanket of dust to the city, obscuring the skyline and affecting visibility from Gol Dak Khana to Central Delhi and surrounding areas.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a generally cloudy sky for the rest of the day, with the possibility of light rain or drizzle.

According to the IMD's morning bulletin, "Thunderstorms and lightning with gusty winds reaching speeds of 40-50 kmph are likely to occur over Delhi and adjoining areas of NCR during the next 24 hours."

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the entire NCR--including Faridabad, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, and Noida--is expected to remain under a "generally cloudy sky" with the possibility of light rain or drizzle accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40 to 70 kmph throughout the day.

Across the Delhi-NCR region, current weather monitoring stations reported varied atmospheric conditions this Friday morning.

In New Delhi (Safdarjung), the temperature was recorded at 23.6C with 75% humidity, while Palam reached 32.0C. Narela recorded a temperature of 31.0C with 38.8% humidity. The IMD has issued a yellow alert for the weekend, noting that the maximum temperature is expected to settle around 33C.

According to the real-time dashboard, the Air Quality Index (AQI) for New Delhi was recorded at 182 at 8:01 AM, categorised as 'Unhealthy' (US AQI). The city-wide average continued to hover in the poor bracket, with primary pollutants PM2.5 and PM10 significantly impacted by the prevailing dust storm.

While the predicted light showers may help in scavenging some particulate matter, prominent hotspots continue to report elevated levels. Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 186 at 8:01 AM, while other areas like Abul Fazal Enclave stood at 159.

According to the CPCB classification, an AQI between 101-200 is "Moderate," while 201-300 is "Poor," reflecting increasing health risks for sensitive groups.

According to CPCB, the AQI, which ranges from 0 to 500, is divided into six categories, each reflecting the level of pollution and associated health risks. An AQI between 0 and 50 is classified as "Good", indicating minimal or no health impact. AQI levels from 51 to 100 fall into the "Satisfactory" category, where air quality remains acceptable, though sensitive groups such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues may experience slight discomfort.

Looking ahead, the IMD has indicated that the sky will become partly cloudy from April 3, with a temperature dip in Delhi as active Western Disturbance brings rain with cloudy skies, gusty winds, and light rain or drizzle, particularly in the afternoons and evenings for the remainder of the week. (ANI).

- ANI
Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz has reaffirmed that disarming the Hezbollah militant group remains the country's paramount objective in Lebanon. He announced the IDF will maintain security control in southern Lebanon up to the Litani River and demolish villages serving as Hezbollah outposts. The military campaign has already resulted in the elimination of over 1,000 Hezbollah operatives, including senior commanders. Katz emphasized that residents of southern Lebanon will not be allowed to return until the security of northern Israel is guaranteed.

Israel's Defence Minister states disarming Hezbollah is the primary objective, with plans for military control in southern Lebanon and demolition of border villages.

Jerusalem, April 3 Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz on Friday reiterated that the country's top objective in Lebanon remains disarming Hezbollah through military and political means. After an assessment with military officials, Katz said, "Israel's policy in Lebanon has been and remains clear: the top objective is the disarmament of Hezbollah through military and political means, regardless of the Iran issue," 'The Times of Israel' reported.

Katz said that the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) is completing its ground offensive in southern Lebanon up to the line from which Hezbollah can carry out anti-tank missiles attacks against Israel.

"Homes in villages near the border in Lebanon, which serve in every respect as Hezbollah outposts, will be demolished in accordance with the Rafah and Khan Younis model in Gaza, to remove the threat to Israeli communities."

Katz announced that the IDF will "maintain security control" in southern Lebanon, up to the Litani River and will not allow 600,000 residents of southern Lebanon to return until the security of northern residents is ensured, 'The Times of Israel' reported.

"The IDF will continue to target Hezbollah leaders and operatives throughout Lebanon, in addition to the 1,000 terrorists who have already been eliminated since the beginning of the current campaign," Katz said while announcing that IDF will "act forcefully" against Hezbollah's rocket fire on Israel. He stated that Israel will continue to ensure the security of the northern communities as promised.

Earlier in the day, IDF said that 1,000 terrorists, including senior commanders were killed while over 3,500 terror targets were hit over the past month in Lebanon. It mentioned that bridges used for transferring weapons and economy forces were also struck.

"Over the past month in Lebanon: 1,000 terrorists eliminated - including senior commanders. 3,500+ terror targets struck. 5 central bridges used to transfer weapons and enemy forces struck. Key assets and financial storage sites struck," IDF posted on X.

On April 1, IDF claimed that Hezbollah's Southern Front commander Hajj Yusuf Ismail Hashem was killed in a strike conducted by the Israeli Navy in Beirut.

"Eliminated: Hajj Yusuf Ismail Hashem, the Commander of Hezbollah's Southern Front. Hashem, eliminated by the Israeli Navy in a strike in Beirut, was a senior commander with 40+ years of experience, and was a central figure in Hezbollah that led its rehabilitation and commanded attacks toward Israel," IDF posted on X.

- IANS
Tamil Nadu Minister P.K. Sekar Babu has declared that the DMK's victory in the upcoming Assembly elections is assured and cannot be prevented by any political party. He credited the government's direct delivery of welfare schemes and unannounced initiatives for building public support. The minister highlighted specific development works and infrastructure improvements carried out in North Chennai to benefit the region. The electoral battle is primarily between the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance and the AIADMK-led National Democratic Alliance.

Tamil Nadu Minister PK Sekar Babu asserts DMK's assured victory in upcoming polls, citing welfare schemes and North Chennai development.

Chennai, April 3 Tamil Nadu Minister and DMK Chennai East District Secretary P.K. Sekar Babu on Thursday expressed strong confidence in the DMK's victory in the upcoming Assembly elections.

He was speaking at a meeting with functionaries of the Villivakkam Welfare Association, organised to seek support for DMK's Villivakkam constituency candidate Karthik Mohan.

Speaking to ANI, Sekar Babu said the party is certain of its electoral success. "We have strong confidence in the party's victory in the upcoming Assembly elections. DMK's victory is assured, and no political party can prevent it," he said.

He added that the government has taken its welfare schemes directly to the people and has implemented even those initiatives that were not formally announced.

Highlighting the development works in North Chennai, Sekar Babu said several welfare measures and infrastructure improvements have been carried out for the benefit of the region. "The people of North Chennai recognise these efforts and will extend their full support to the DMK," he noted.

Reiterating his confidence, he asserted that the DMK will secure a decisive victory in Tamil Nadu.

The meeting was attended by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin's son-in-law Sabarisan and his daughter Senthamarai, along with party members and local representatives.

Tamil Nadu will hold elections in a single phase on April 23, with counting scheduled for May 4. The last date for filing nominations is April 6. Scrutiny will take place on April 7, and the final date for withdrawal of candidatures is April 9.

The main electoral contest is expected between the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA), which includes Congress, DMDK, and other parties. Looking to unseat the ruling alliance are the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) with BJP and Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) as allies.

- ANI
Dwayne Johnson has announced the completion of filming for the next installment in the 'Jumanji' franchise. The film, produced with Sony Pictures, is slated for a Christmas Day release this year. Johnson expressed immense gratitude for his co-stars and dedicated the project to Robin Williams, star of the original 1995 film. He also highlighted his collaboration with returning director Jake Kasdan and the production team.

Dwayne Johnson wraps the new 'Jumanji' film, praises cast, and dedicates it to Robin Williams. Set for a Christmas 2024 theatrical release.

Washington, April 3 Actor Dwayne Johnson has officially announced the production wrap of the latest installment in the blockbuster 'Jumanji' franchise, marking a major milestone for the adventure series that has spanned over a decade.

Taking to his Instagram handle, Johnson described the filming experience as one of the "most fun and pure creative joy experiences" of his career, reflecting on the journey of bringing the beloved franchise back to life for a new generation of audiences.

The upcoming film, produced in collaboration with Sony Pictures, is scheduled for a theatrical release on Christmas Day this year.

Johnson expressed deep appreciation for the ensemble cast that has become synonymous with the modern Jumanji films.

In the long caption, alongside the BTS images from the production, he praised the chemistry and energy brought by co-stars including Jack Black, Karen Gillan, Kevin Hart, and Nick Jonas, who returns as the character "Seaplane."

In addition to the main cast, Johnson acknowledged the contributions of the film's "human heroes," highlighting performances by Alex Wolff, Madison Iseman, Morgan Turner, and Ser'Darius Blain.

He credited them as the emotional anchors of the story, underscoring their importance in grounding the high-stakes adventure.

In a heartfelt tribute, Johnson dedicated the film to the late Robin Williams, whose iconic performance in the 1995 original laid the foundation for the global franchise.

Johnson noted that portraying Dr. Smolder Bravestone has been an "absolute honor," adding that his performance was carried out in Williams' spirit with "deepest respect, love, and joy."

The film reunites Johnson with director and writer Jake Kasdan, whom he described as both a friend and collaborator. He also acknowledged producers Dany Garcia and Hiram Garcia, crediting the production team for steering the franchise's continued success.

- ANI
Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin has declared assets worth over Rs 20.64 crore in his nomination affidavit for the 2026 Assembly elections. He is contesting from the Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni constituency and has begun his campaign by travelling in an auto-rickshaw for grassroots outreach. Udhayanidhi expressed strong confidence in victory, stating the DMK will "create history" and his father, M.K. Stalin, will become Chief Minister for a second term. The DMK has promised to expand several welfare schemes, including increasing financial aid for women and continuing free bus travel.

Tamil Nadu Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin declares over Rs 20 crore in assets in nomination for Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni, kicks off auto-rickshaw campaign.

Chennai, April 2 Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin has declared assets worth over Rs 20.64 crore in his nomination affidavit ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, as he gears up for a high-stakes contest from the Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni constituency.

According to the affidavit, Udhayanidhi declared movable assets worth Rs 12.92 crore in his name and Rs 13.25 crore in the name of his wife, Kiruthiga. He also listed immovable assets worth Rs 7.72 crore in his name.

The Deputy Chief Minister is set to begin his election campaign in Chennai's Aiyodhya Nagar area, opting for a grassroots outreach approach by travelling in an auto-rickshaw to connect directly with voters.

Earlier on Thursday, Udhayanidhi filed his nomination as the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) candidate from the Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni Assembly constituency. The sitting MLA also held a roadshow en route to the Returning Officer's office.

Expressing confidence, he said, "We will create history, we will definitely win this time. Our leader will become the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for the second time."

Udhayanidhi, son of Chief Minister M. K. Stalin, had won the seat in the 2021 Assembly elections by defeating PMK candidate AVA Kassali with a margin of 69,355 votes. He is currently pitted against AIADMK candidate Adhirajaram.

Highlighting welfare measures, Udhayanidhi recently announced Rs 8,000 coupons to help families purchase essential household items such as televisions, refrigerators, and washing machines. He also said laptops have been distributed to 10 lakh college students under the state government's initiatives.

The DMK has promised to expand several welfare schemes, including increasing financial assistance under Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai to Rs 2,000 per month and continuing free bus travel for women.

Tamil Nadu will go to the polls in a single phase on April 23 across 234 constituencies, with counting scheduled for May 4.

Udayanidhi, who is contesting as the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) candidate from the Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni Assembly constituency, will also kickstart his election campaign today in Chennai's Aiyodhya Nagar area, travelling in an auto-rickshaw to connect with voters at the grassroots level.

Earlier in the day, he filed his nomination papers and held a roadshow en route to the office of the Returning Officer. The sitting MLA is seeking re-election from the constituency and is pitted against the AIADMK candidate Adhirajaram.

Speaking to reporters, Udayanidhi exuded confidence in the DMK's prospects. "We will create history, we will definitely win this time. Our leader will become the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for the second time," he said, referring to Chief Minister MK Stalin.

In the 2021 Assembly elections, Udayanidhi secured a decisive victory from the same seat, defeating PMK candidate AVA Kassali by a margin of 69,355 votes.

Highlighting welfare measures, the Deputy Chief Minister recently announced Rs 8,000 coupons for households to purchase essential items such as televisions, refrigerators, and washing machines. He also noted that laptops have been distributed to 10 lakh college students under the current government.

The DMK has promised to increase the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai to Rs 2,000 per month, continue free bus travel for women, expand the Chief Minister's Breakfast Scheme up to Class 8, and enhance medical coverage up to Rs 10 lakh for eligible families.

Tamil Nadu will go to the polls in a single phase on April 23 across 234 constituencies, with counting scheduled for May 4.

- ANI
The Election Commission of India has suspended Joint BDO Jyotana Khatun and initiated disciplinary proceedings ahead of the West Bengal Assembly polls. This action comes amid a major incident in Malda where a mob held judicial officers hostage for hours inside a BDO office, prompting an NIA probe ordered by the Supreme Court. Police have arrested 35 people, including a key instigator detained at an airport, and are investigating delays in the rescue operation. The ECI has reiterated a zero-tolerance policy to ensure free and fair elections, also questioning the state government's pre-poll deployment of police personnel.

Election Commission suspends BDO, orders NIA probe into Malda violence where judicial officers were held hostage ahead of West Bengal elections.

Kolkata, April 3 The Election Commission of India on Friday suspended Jyotana Khatun, Joint Block Development Officer of Khandaghosh Development Block, and initiated disciplinary proceedings against her.

West Bengal is headed for Assembly Elections with polling to be held on April 23 and April 29.

In a letter sent by the ECI's Secretary Sujeet Kumar Mishra to the West Bengal Chief Secretary Dushyant Nariala, the latter had been directed to place Khatun under immediate suspension and also to initiate disciplinary action against her immediately.

"The directions of the Commission are implemented with immediate effect and a compliance report in this regard is to be sent by 11 am on April 4, 2026," the letter stated.

Meanwhile, ECI officials said, "Before the announcement of the elections, the West Bengal Govt has deployed 2,185 police personnel for providing security to 832 persons belonging to TMC directly and 144 other persons, which include persons who are TMC supporters. ECI has taken serious note of this lapse and has directed the DGP of West Bengal to conduct a strict professional review within the next two to three days fairly and equitably."

In a press note, CEO West Bengal stated on X that "in compliance with the directives of the ECI, following the announcement of the General Election on 16.03.2026, to ensure free and fair election, the ECI is conducting various measures across all 294 ACs in West Bengal. ECI Mandates Zero Tolerance Policy."

On April 1, a mob blocked the two gates of the BDO office in Malda district, detaining staff, including seven judicial officers, for several hours before they were rescued after midnight by police. The officers, who had gone to Kaliachak for judicial adjudication work, were gheraoed by a mob for several hours in Kaliachak-II BDO office.

In the aftermath, a National Investigation Agency (NIA) team inspected the terrace of the Block Development Officer's office to assess the site and gather evidence related to the Malda violence incident.

The anti-terror agency initiated the preliminary enquiry late on Thursday after the Election Commission of India (ECI) formally referred the matter, sending a letter to its Director General.

The ECI's direction to the NIA came following the Supreme Court's order issued on Thursday, asking the poll panel that "a central agency, either CBI or NIA" probe the incident, pointing out the attack "deliberate and calculated" attempt to demoralise the judicial officers and obstruct them from discharging their duty. The apex court had also mentioned specifically that it cannot be tolerated, and also directed the ECI to seek deployment of central forces for the protection of the officers and their families in the state.

Earlier today, ADG North Bengal K Jayaraman said 35 people have been arrested till now in the Malda 'hostage incident'.

"We detained Mofakkarul Islam from Bagdogra airport, for instigating people. He was going to his residence in Ithar. We will not allow any such kind of activity. Will definitely probe if this was pre-planned or not. After this incident, we have given CAPF to judicial officers. So far, 35 people have been arrested," ADG said.

Jayaraman reiterated that all the crucial steps will be taken by the police so that there is no further violence. "We will take all steps to ensure violence is not repeated. People can protest, but we will not allow any violence. That's for sure," he said. He added that the officials are making an investigation into why there was a delay in the rescue, and a report will be submitted soon.

- ANI
The Bangladesh government has approved austerity measures to combat an energy crisis exacerbated by the West Asia conflict, including shortened work hours and early closures for shops. Government spending on hospitality, training, and travel has been significantly reduced to curb non-essential expenditure. Bangladesh has formally requested a supply of diesel from India, a request currently under examination alongside similar ones from Sri Lanka and the Maldives. India's MEA spokesperson highlighted the existing diesel supply agreement with Bangladesh but noted decisions will consider India's own refining capacity and requirements.

Bangladesh announces energy-saving measures including shorter office hours, early shop closures, and reduced government spending due to the West Asia conflict.

Dhaka, April 3 The Bangladesh Government announced a series of austerity measures in response to the ongoing energy crisis, worsened by the conflict in West Asia, which include shortening office hours, closing shops earlier, and reducing government expenditures across various sectors.

In a cabinet meeting on Thursday, chaired by Bangladeshi Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, officials approved measures aimed at curbing energy consumption and minimising non-essential spending.

The Bangladeshi Government and private offices will now operate from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, while banks will allow transactions until 3:00 pm and close fully by 4:00 pm.

Shops and shopping malls are required to shut by 6:00 pm, though outlets selling essentials, eateries, and pharmacies will remain open. Decorative lighting for weddings or other celebrations has been prohibited.

The government also decided to cut expenditure on hospitality at meetings and seminars by 50 per cent, reduce domestic training programmes by half, and limit non-essential travel by 30 per cent. In a move to promote greener alternatives, government schools will be allowed to import electric buses duty-free, while commercial electric buses will face only a 20 per cent import duty.

Officials stressed that these measures are temporary and necessary to alleviate the impact of the global energy crisis on Bangladesh's economy and public services.

Earlier on Thursday, the Ministry of External Affairs said that it has received a request from Bangladesh for the supply of diesel, which is currently being examined by the government amid the fuel crisis in several countries across the world due to the West Asia conflict.

Other countries from the neighbourhood, including the Maldives and Sri Lanka, have also approached India.

During a weekly press briefing, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiwal, speaking on India's energy assistance to countries in the neighbourhood, said, "India is a major exporter of refined petroleum products, especially to our neighbourhood. We have received a request from the government of Bangladesh for the supply of diesel, which is being examined."

Underlining the people-centric and development-oriented approach to relations with Bangladesh, Jaiswal recalled how India has been supplying diesel from the Numaligarh refinery to Bangladesh since 2017 through various modes, which include waterways, rail and later through the India-Bangladesh friendship pipeline.

"A sale purchase agreement was signed in October 2017 between Numaligarh Refinery and Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation for the supply of high-speed diesel on mutually agreed terms. It bears mention that whilst diesel exports to Bangladesh have largely continued since 2017, India's refining capacity, our own requirements and diesel availability will be factored in while taking decisions", he said.

"We have received requests from several other countries, including Sri Lanka and Maldives and these are being taken to be examined, taking into account our own energy requirements and availability that we have," the MEA Spokesperson further noted.

- ANI
Industry experts have welcomed the Central government's decision to waive duties on key petrochemical products used in pharmaceuticals and medical devices. The move is aimed at mitigating supply chain disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Leaders from the pharmaceutical and medical devices sectors state that the waiver on materials like Polypropylene and PVC resin provides critical relief to manufacturers. The simultaneous restoration of RoDTEP export benefits is also praised for enhancing the global competitiveness of Indian medical exports.

Industry leaders welcome govt's duty waiver on key petrochemicals & RoDTEP restoration to mitigate supply disruptions from West Asia conflict.

By Shalini Bhardwaj, New Delhi, April 2 A day after the Central government announced that duties on key petrochemical products will be waived off for enabling timely movement amid the West Asia conflict, industry leaders have welcomed the government's proactive approach to ease the stress of supply-chain disruptions.

The Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance has stated the Centre's decision to waive duties on key petrochemical products.

Sudarshan Jain, Secretary General, Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance, said, "The ongoing West Asia conflict is having an impact on energy supplies, freight costs and the timely movement of products. In this difficult situation, we appreciate the Government of India's proactive efforts to mitigate potential supply-related disruptions. The setting up of Empowered Committees of Secretaries, along with continuous review and coordination among all stakeholders, is important."

"The industry also welcomes the restoration of RoDTEP (Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products) to its previous level, as well as the waiver of duty on select products. Our primary focus remains on ensuring the uninterrupted supply of medicines, which is critical to public health and health security", he said further.

Himanshu Baid, Managing Director, Poly Medicure Ltd, welcomed the "timely" step. He said that raw materials, like Polycarbonate, PVC resin and others, which have been exempted, "form the backbone of medical consumables" which will provide a much-needed relief.

"The duty waiver on key petrochemical inputs is a welcome and timely step. The industry expresses its sincere appreciation to the Government of India, especially the Ministry of Finance, Department of Pharmaceuticals and the Ministry of Commerce & Industry for this support. Raw materials such as Polypropylene, ABS, Polycarbonate, and PVC resin form the backbone of medical consumables manufacturing, and their exemption provides much-needed relief to domestic manufacturers, especially MSMEs," he said.

"Additionally, the recent reversal of the earlier 50% reduction in RoDTEP rates is a positive and encouraging move. It will significantly enhance the competitiveness of the Indian medical devices industry on the global stage and support export growth," he added.

Nikkhil K Masurkar, CEO of ENTOD Pharmaceuticals, also welcomed the step, adding, "The duty waiver on key petrochemical inputs is a positive step for the pharmaceutical sector, as materials such as Polypropylene, Polyethene, PVC and PET form the backbone of pharmaceutical packaging, sterile delivery systems and drug-device combinations. Rationalising input costs supports quality, supply continuity and affordability of medicines."

He further praised the restoration of RoDTEP rates, which he said would strengthen export competitiveness, adding, "The restoration of RoDTEP rates further strengthens export competitiveness and supports India's position as one of the world's most cost-efficient producers of high-quality medicines".

- ANI
Extensive security arrangements involving nearly 3,000 police personnel are in place in Chennai for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day campaign visit. Modi will arrive Friday, proceed to Puducherry for key public meetings before returning to Chennai for a closed-door strategy session with BJP leaders. The city has been placed under a tight security blanket with high-security "red zones" declared in Guindy and Meenambakkam, a drone ban, and traffic diversions. The visit is politically significant as the BJP seeks to consolidate its presence in Puducherry and influence in Tamil Nadu ahead of elections.

Nearly 3,000 police deployed in Chennai for PM Modi's 2-day campaign visit. High-security red zones declared, traffic diversions expected.

Chennai, April 2 Nearly 3,000 police personnel have been deployed across Chennai as part of extensive security arrangements for the two-day visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will arrive in the city on Friday to campaign ahead of the elections.

According to official sources, the Prime Minister is scheduled to land in Chennai at around 3.20 p.m. on Friday by a special aircraft. Soon after his arrival, he will proceed by helicopter to Puducherry, where he is expected to take part in key campaign programmes and public meetings aimed at mobilising voter support.

The Puducherry visit is seen as politically significant, as the BJP is seeking to consolidate its presence in the union territory as well as strengthen its influence in neighbouring Tamil Nadu.

Party leaders are hopeful that Prime Minister Modi's visit will energise cadres and boost campaign momentum in the final phase of electioneering.

After completing his engagements in Puducherry, the Prime Minister will return to Chennai by around 6 p.m. He is scheduled to stay overnight at a prominent five-star hotel in the Guindy area. Later in the evening, Prime Minister Modi will hold a closed-door meeting with senior BJP leaders, during which key electoral strategies and booth-level coordination plans are expected to be discussed in detail.

On Saturday, the Prime Minister will conclude his Chennai visit and depart for Kerala at approximately 1 p.m., where he will continue his campaign activities in the state.

Meanwhile, Chennai has been placed under a tight security blanket in view of the high-profile visit. Acting on directions from Police Commissioner Arun, security has been intensified across sensitive locations, including the airport, Guindy, and Meenambakkam.

Police personnel have been stationed at intervals of nearly every 10 feet along designated routes to ensure maximum vigilance, crowd control, and swift response in case of any contingencies. In addition, Guindy and Meenambakkam have been declared high-security "red zones", with strict restrictions in place.

The use of drones has been completely banned in these areas as part of precautionary measures. Traffic diversions are expected in several parts of the city, and authorities have urged the public to cooperate with security agencies to ensure smooth movement and safety during the Prime Minister's visit.

- IANS
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has appealed to the public to celebrate Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's birth anniversary as a festival of his thoughts and constitutional ideals. He emphasized that the celebration should be a meaningful movement to pass on Ambedkar's inspiration to future generations, not merely a formality. The state government is planning large-scale events for the 135th anniversary, including a drone show and enhanced facilities for visitors at Chaityabhoomi. Social Justice Minister Sanjay Shirsat also highlighted initiatives to take the Constitution to every household and build hostels for students.

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis urges public to celebrate Ambedkar Jayanti as a movement to spread his ideas and constitutional values.

Mumbai, April 3 Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday appealed to the public to celebrate the Jayanti of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar as a festival of his thoughts, saying that the thoughts and Constitution given by Bharat Ratna Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar have provided direction for the nation's progress.

"It is essential to ensure that his work and his contributions towards the upliftment of society reach every section of society. The State Government makes efforts every year to make the celebrations of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar's Jayanti more meaningful and grand, and this year too, through coordination among various departments, it will be celebrated on a larger scale," he stated.

He was speaking at the review meeting held on Friday regarding the preparations for the 135th birth anniversary of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, to be held on April 14, 2026.

CM Fadnavis said that celebrating the birth anniversaries of great leaders is not merely a formality, but a way to pass on their thoughts and inspiration to future generations.

"The Constitution given by Dr Ambedkar is one of the finest in the world, and due to its inclusive principles, India is progressing towards becoming a developed nation. It is important for the new generation to understand whose contributions have enabled the opportunities, rights, and progress they enjoy today. Therefore, the Jayanti celebration should not remain just a festival but should become a movement to spread ideas," he remarked.

He stated that lakhs of followers from across the country visit Chaityabhoomi on April 14 to pay tribute to Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar.

Considering the summer season, he directed the administration that comprehensive arrangements should be made for the convenience of visitors. Shelters should be erected at various places to protect people from the heat, and adequate drinking water facilities must be ensured. Proper traffic management should also be implemented in Dadar and the surrounding areas to ensure smooth movement.

He further directed that information boards should be installed at various locations for public guidance. The BEST administration should provide sufficient bus services between Dadar railway station and Chaityabhoomi to facilitate easy transportation for citizens.

Noting that Dr Ambedkar Jayanti is celebrated on a large scale not only in India but across the world, the Chief Minister emphasised the responsibility to organise the event in the best possible manner.

Social Justice Minister Sanjay Shirsat stated that an initiative has been undertaken to take the Indian Constitution to every household, which is being implemented through district collector offices.

"The main objective is to create awareness about the Constitution among citizens. Keeping in mind Dr Ambedkar's message, "Educate, Organise, and Agitate," large-scale construction of hostels for students is being carried out. Special initiatives will also be undertaken this year as part of the Jayanti celebrations. On April 13, a grand drone show based on Dr Ambedkar's life will be presented at Chaityabhoomi," he added.

The meeting also discussed arrangements such as a police ceremonial salute, floral tribute via helicopter at Chaityabhoomi, a large accommodation tent at Shivaji Maharaj Ground, emergency and medical facilities, exhibition pavilions, decoration of the Chaityabhoomi stupa and surrounding areas, a special issue of Lokrajya magazine, and government publicity measures. Necessary instructions were issued accordingly.

A detailed presentation on planning was given by the Municipal Corporation of Mumbai. On this occasion, a poster of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar was unveiled by dignitaries.

- IANS
Former senior diplomats have largely criticized US President Donald Trump's recent address on Iran, with one dismissing it as a "damp squib" devoid of new information. They noted the speech failed to deliver expected major announcements, such as a conditional ceasefire, and instead reiterated existing claims. While one diplomat saw a hopeful sign in ongoing negotiations with Iran, Trump's speech threatened further strikes if a deal is not reached. The US President asserted that the core objectives of the military campaign are nearing completion but warned of continued action.

Former diplomats express disappointment in Trump's Iran address, calling it a "damp squib" with no major revelations, while analyzing US strategy.

New Delhi, April 3 Former senior diplomats expressed disappointment and scepticism over US President Donald Trump's recent statement on Iran, saying it lacked major revelations and was largely a reiteration of existing claims.

Ashok Sajjanhar, a former senior diplomat, noted that despite expectations of significant announcements, including a potential ceasefire, Trump's statement fell short.

Sajjanhar added that Trump's focus remains on controlling energy resources and reducing China's influence.

While speaking to ANI, Sajjanhar said, "Many expected major revelations on the war -- perhaps even a conditional ceasefire -- but none came. Despite America and Israel facing high costs, he avoided any major announcement. Comparisons with Afghanistan don't apply; Iran's geography, influence, and oil significance make it far more critical. Trump's focus remains on controlling energy, moving Venezuela and now Iran out of China's supply chain..."

Vidya Bhushan Soni, another former senior diplomat, dismissed Trump's statement as "a damp squib", saying it was devoid of any new information.

"President Trump's recent statement was a damp squib... We expected that there would be some kind of a breakthrough news or something which would be out, nothing more. He wanted to talk, and he did talk about his many gains, how he has obliterated Iran. All sheer lies, absolutely nothing new in what he said," he told ANI.

In contrast, former diplomat Manjeev Singh Puri saw a glimmer of hope in Trump's statement, suggesting that ongoing talks with Iran could lead to a practical way forward.

"There's nothing really new in it, but I want to take a different view. I feel some hope -- maybe there are positive signs. Talks are going on with the Iranians, even though he also warned and threatened them. But the fact that talks are happening means the Iranians are negotiating, perhaps looking for a practical way forward... I hope and pray for India and for the whole world that a way forward is found. I believe the Iranians, despite being an Islamist country, are practical people, " he told ANI.

Notably, Trump delivered his first major national address since the commencement of hostilities in late February, praising the American military for a "decisive" blow against the Iranian regime. The US President claimed that the core objective of the campaign was nearing completion.

Speaking from the White House, Trump provided an update on the month-long "Operation Epic Fury," which he said was launched against the "world's number one state sponsor of terror." He asserted that over "these past four weeks, our armed forces have delivered swift, decisive, overwhelming victories on the battlefield".

Regarding the progress of the military campaign, the US President said, "Tonight, I am pleased to say that these core strategic objectives are nearing completion."The US President, however, said that the US would continue to hit Iran if it did not make a deal.

"We will continue till our objectives are achieved. We are going to hit them hard over the next two to three weeks; we will take them to stone age. Regime change has occurred; all their old leaders are gone the new group is less radical. We have our eyes on key targets; if there is no deal, we will hit their electric plants, we have so far not hit their oil but we could do that and they can't do anything, we are unstoppable," Trump said.

Trump's speech signals that the US campaign is coming to a definite end, but more strikes are likely over the next few weeks.

- ANI
Hanuman Jayanti was celebrated with grand displays of devotion across India. In Mumbai, artist Laxmi Gaud spent 15 hours creating a 15-foot sand sculpture of Lord Hanuman at Juhu Beach. In Surat, the Pardeshwar Mahadev Temple offered a massive 7,000 kg laddu to the deity, prepared over several days. Devotees gathered in large numbers at temples, offering prayers for peace and the resolution of troubles.

Celebrations feature a massive sand sculpture in Mumbai and a giant 7,000 kg laddu offering in Surat, with devotees praying for peace.

Mumbai/Surat, April 2 A 15-foot sand sculpture of Lord Hanuman and a 7,000 kg 'laddu' were among the highlights as the country, on Thursday, celebrated Hanuman Jayanti. People, in various parts of the country, visited temples in large number to offer prayers to Lord Hanuman.

At Juhu Beach in Mumbai, sand artist Laxmi Gaud created a 15-foot sand sculpture of Lord Hanuman.

"Every year I make small sand sculptures of Lord Hanuman on Hanuman Jayanti, but this year I have made a big one. It took me 15 hours to make this. We started yesterday afternoon, at 2 p.m., and finished in the morning, at 5 a.m.," she told IANS.

She added, "We used a JCB machine to collect the sand and started creating the sculpture from the face. We have used rangoli colours for painting this."

Gaud also mentioned about her devotion for Lord Ram, who, according to Hindu mythology, was worshipped by Lord Hanuman.

She said, "Since Lord Hanuman was the biggest devotee of Lord Ram, I believe that by making a sculpture of him today, we prayed to Lord Ram also. People everywhere are celebrating Hanuman Jayanti today just as Ram Navami was also celebrated (few days back)."

"On this auspicious day, I pray that peace prevails in the country and for the war (West Asia conflict) to stop," she added.

Meanwhile, devotees gathered to offer prayers at Pardeshwar Mahadev Temple in Atal Ashram, situated in Gujarat's Surat.

Mahant Batukgiri Maharaj of the ashram, said that a giant, 7,000 kg 'laddu' was prepared and offered to Lord Hanuman on the occasion of the festival.

"We have offered a 'laddu' weighing 7,000 kg to Lord Hanuman. The work to prepare the laddu began from 10 a.m. on March 30 and was completed by midnight on April 1," he told IANS.

He also said, "We should all remember that this celebration to mark Lord Hanuman's birth has been arranged by Lord Hanuman himself. Not me, neither by any other devotee. Whatever material has been used in the making of this 'laddu' has been sent by the Lord himself. Let us all celebrate this occasion together and keep our faith and devotion on Lord Hanuman."

"This laddu is distributed as 'prasad' among the devotees. Moreover, we have also made arrangements for food and 'prasad' for around 30,000 to 40,000 people," Mahant Batukgiri Maharaj added.

Riddhi Raval, who is an actress by profession and came to seek blessings at the temple, said, "I urge everyone to come here and experience the devotion of this place as well as have the 'prasad', which is a 7,000 kg 'laddu'."

Another devotee added, "Lord Hanuman is 'sankat mochan' (reliever of troubles). I pray that may everyone be relived of their troubles and I also pray for peace and happiness in the country."

- IANS
Gautam Adani visited the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir in Ayodhya, describing it as an emotional and proud moment for his family. He emphasized the temple as a symbol of India's culture and unity, drawing inspiration from Lord Ram's ideals. The industrialist pledged that the Adani Foundation would cooperate to preserve Gurukul culture even in the modern era of artificial intelligence. The visit coincided with Hanuman Jayanti, which saw massive devotions nationwide and greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.

Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani offers prayers at Ram Temple in Ayodhya and commits the Adani Foundation to preserving Gurukul traditions in the age of AI.

Ayodhya, April 2 Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani visited the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir in Ayodhya and had the darshan of Ramlalla on Thursday.

During his visit, Adani offered prayers and participated in the rituals at the historic temple.

Speaking after the visit, Adani said, "My family and I received the opportunity to have the darshan of Lord Ram in Ayodhya. This is an emotional moment, a proud moment. This temple is not just a centre of devotion but also a symbol of India's culture, unity and confidence. Lord Ram's ideals inspire us to walk the path of truth and duty. I pray that may Lord Ram's blessings be with all of us and our country continue on the path of progress."

He also added, "Adani Foundation will extend all cooperation to preserve this Gurukul culture in this era of AI."

On March 27, Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered prayers to Lord Ram and virtually observed the Surya Tilak ceremony at the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple.

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir, dedicated to Lord Ram, has been a focal point of devotion and faith for millions of devotees nationwide.

Meanwhile, devotees arrived in large numbers all over the country on Thursday to offer prayers on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti.

At Chhatarpur Hanuman Mandir in New Delhi, long queues of devotees were seen since early morning as people gathered to seek blessings and participate in special rituals. Devotees also arrived in large numbers at Shri Marghat Wale Hanuman Baba Temple to offer prayers on Hanuman Jayanti today.

Similarly, a large number of devotees thronged the Mansapuran Hanuman Mandir in Madhya Pradesh to attend the 'mangal aarti' and offer prayers on the auspicious occasion.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti, praising Lord Hanuman as a symbol of devotion and strength.

In a post on X, the Prime Minister said, "Lord Hanuman Ji is the unparalleled symbol of devotion, strength, and unwavering dedication. May the grace of the mighty one infuse courage and positivity into all his devotees."

He also shared a Sanskrit verse, "Manojavam marutatulyavegam jiteindriyam buddhimatam varishtham, Vatatmajam vanarayuthamukhyam Sriramadutam shirasa namami," highlighting the virtues and greatness of Lord Hanuman.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also extended greetings to citizens on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti, highlighting the virtues of Lord Hanuman.

In a post on X, Shah said, "Heartfelt greetings to all fellow citizens on the occasion of Shri Hanuman Jayanti! May Lord Bajrangbali, the unparalleled devotee of Lord Shri Ram and the symbol of valor, devotion, and service, remove the troubles of all and bless everyone with happiness, peace, and prosperity. Jai Shri Ram!"

Hanuman Jayanti marks the birth of Lord Hanuman and is observed on the day of the full moon in the Hindu month of Chaitra. It also goes by the name Chaitra Poornima.

On this occasion, devotees across the world keep fast and offer puja to the deity. Devotees chant Hanuman Mantras to appease Sankatmochan and form a deeper connection with Lord Hanuman.

- ANI
Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has predicted a "one-sided contest" in Kerala in favour of the Opposition UDF, citing a strong wave of anti-incumbency against the present Chief Minister. He stated that public sentiment indicates voters are dissatisfied due to unfulfilled promises from five years ago. The electoral season is set to begin with polling in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry on April 9, followed by Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. The counting of votes for all states and the Union Territory will be held on May 4, concluding a significant round of regional elections.

Former Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot predicts a one-sided contest in Kerala for UDF, citing strong voter dissatisfaction with the current government.

Jaipur, April 3 Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has asserted that the electoral atmosphere in Kerala, particularly in Thiruvananthapuram, is decisively shifting in favour of the United Democratic Front, predicting a "one-sided contest" in the State.

Gehlot, commenting on the political mood, said that voters in Kerala appeared increasingly dissatisfied with the current government.

"The atmosphere on the ground is very positive for the UDF. People have realised there is strong anti-incumbency against the present Chief Minister. Many promises made five years ago remain unfulfilled, and this has become a major issue," he said.

Speaking to the media after returning from his Kerala tour on Friday, Gehlot added that, based on public sentiment, the contest may be heavily tilted in favour of the Opposition alliance, UDF.

The polling schedule announced for four states and a Union Territory sets the stage for an intense electoral season. Assam, Kerala, and the Union Territory of Puducherry will go to the polls first on April 9, marking the start of voting across 824 constituencies. Tamil Nadu will hold its single-phase voting on April 23, while West Bengal, the only State with a two-phase schedule, will vote on April 23 for 152 seats, followed by a second round on April 29 for 142 seats.

Across all five regions, 17.4 crore voters are eligible to participate in the elections.

The extensive schedule reflects the electoral significance of these States and the Union Territory, which collectively shape major political currents in southern and eastern India.

Political parties have intensified their campaigns, with leadership visits, promises of development, and pointed attacks on rivals now dominating the narrative. The counting of votes for all four States and Puducherry will take place on May 4, when the final verdict of the electorate will become clear.

With anti-incumbency, governance issues, and regional alliances playing defining roles, these elections are set to offer crucial insights into the shifting political landscape of India ahead of future national contests.

- IANS
Global Hindu advocacy groups have strongly condemned calls by the Khalistani group Sikhs for Justice to stage protests outside Hindu temples in Canada. The Hindu Canadian Foundation labeled the planned targeting as xenophobia and Hinduphobia, urging police to provide full-day security. The Coalition of Hindus of North America cited the group's past record of violence and harassment of devotees at temple entrances. Authorities are being called on to implement protective safety zones around the places of worship.

Global Hindu organizations condemn Sikhs for Justice protests planned outside Canadian temples, citing safety concerns and religious bigotry.

Ottawa, April 3 Several global Hindu advocacy organisations, on Friday, strongly condemned calls by the Khalistani extremist group Sikhs for Justice to stage protests outside Hindu temples in Canada.

The groups expressed concern over potential disruption and urged authorities to ensure the safety and security of religious places and communities.

The SFJ announced "Khalistan Zindabad" rallies on April 5 in front of Triveni Mandir in Brampton and Lakshmi Narayan Mandir in Surrey to protest against the Hindu Canadian Foundation (HCF).

The HCF objected to the planned rallies, stating that "targeting the Hindu community because of its ancient roots to India or indigenous cultural identity is xenophobia and Hinduphobia, plain and simple."

The organisation urged the Canadian police to ensure full-day security at temple premises and for devotees on April 5, in light of the planned protest by Khalistani extremist groups, which it said have a history of "violent and extremist behaviour".

Meanwhile, the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) also sharply criticised the plans by SFJ to protest outside Hindu temples, citing concern over the extremist group's past record of violence, including a "medieval-style" assault on Hindu devotees and invasion of temples on November 3, 2024.

The organisation said that Hindu devotees, who visit temples for prayer and spiritual connection, have often encountered loud and abusive demonstrations at the temple entrances, as well as "violent imagery, glorification of terrorism and verbal harassment".

"This is nothing but religious bigotry and targeted harassment that masquerades as 'freedom of speech' and 'political expression'. It must be noted that the Hindu Canadian Foundation also enjoys freedom of speech, and using the threat of physical protests against an entire community to silence one organisation violates the very basic Canadian principle of fairness," CoHNA stated.

The organisation expressed solidarity with the HCF's right to express their lawful opinions about the Khalistan movement without "fear of bullying and physical harassment".

CoHNA also acknowledged and appreciated the commitment by Peel Regional Police to enforce Brampton's 'Protecting Places of Worship from Public Nuisance Demonstrations By-law'. It noted that by establishing a 100-metre safety zone around Triveni Mandir, the Canadian authorities have finally recognised that the right to expression does not include the "right to lay siege, either physically or psychologically, to a congregation".

The organisation called on Surrey Police and authorities to take immediate note and implement similar protective measures for Lakshmi Narayan Mandir.

- IANS
The Indian government is mobilizing domestic industry to accelerate production of induction heaters as an alternative to gas-based appliances amid soaring energy prices due to West Asia tensions. A high-level inter-ministerial meeting, following directions from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, charted a course to fast-track the entire production value chain for induction-based appliances and reviewed other critical supplies. The push aims to reduce household energy cost pressure and dependence on imported crude oil and LPG from the Gulf region. Simultaneously, the government is promoting the expansion of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections to further alleviate strain on LPG supplies.

Govt mobilizes industry to ramp up induction heater manufacturing as energy prices surge. PM Modi stresses proactive planning for supply chain security.

By Shailesh Yadav, New Delhi, April 3 With energy prices climbing sharply amid escalating hostilities in West Asia, the Central Government has begun mobilising domestic industrial capacity to ramp up production of induction heaters, a key alternative to conventional gas-based cooking and heating appliances.

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) convened a high-level inter-ministerial meeting on Thursday to chart a course for accelerating domestic manufacturing of induction heaters and associated cookware, a top government source told ANI.

The meeting was attended by DPIIT Secretary Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Power Secretary Pankaj Agrawal, Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) Lav Agarwal, and senior officials from several other ministries. Officials deliberated on measures to fast-track the entire production value chain for induction-based appliances, including related crockeries, the source added.

Friday's meeting was held after the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting held on Wednesday, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Sources said the Prime Minister directed all ministries to "foresee the future and plan today," stressing the importance of proactive economic preparedness in the face of an uncertain geopolitical environment.

Beyond induction heaters, the meeting also reviewed the domestic value chain for petrochemical products and gunny bags (bori bags), which could face supply disruptions if the West Asian conflict prolongs.

"If the war continues for a few months, we need to be prepared," a source familiar with the discussions told ANI.

India imports a significant portion of its crude oil and LPG from the Gulf region, making a pivot to electric cooking through induction technology one lever to reduce pressure on household energy costs.

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on Thursday stated the Government is also pushing the expansion of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections to reduce pressure on Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) supplies amid the ongoing crisis in West Asia.

Addressing an Inter-Ministerial Briefing on Recent Developments in West Asia, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said the government has taken several steps to promote PNG connections across the country.

"The Indian government has taken several steps to promote PNG connections. This is also important because it will help ease the pressure on LPG," Sharma said.

She also recalled that the government had issued an order to encourage states to promote PNG expansion through ease-of-doing-business measures.

"In this context, I would like to remind you that the Indian government had issued an order stating that 10 per cent additional commercial LPG will be provided if state governments promote PNG expansion through ease-of-doing-business measures," she said.

According to Sharma, several states have already benefited from the policy.

- ANI
Heavy security with nearly 3,000 police personnel has been deployed across Chennai ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's arrival for a two-day campaign tour. Modi will first proceed to Puducherry for a major roadshow aimed at energising NDA support ahead of Assembly elections. Upon returning to Chennai, he will hold overnight strategy meetings with senior BJP leaders to review campaign progress and finalise candidate lists. The tour will then continue in Kerala as the NDA seeks to expand its footprint in southern states.

Heavy security in Chennai for PM Modi's arrival. 3,000 police deployed for his two-day campaign tour covering Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Kerala.

Chennai, April 3 Tight security arrangements have been put in place across Chennai ahead of the arrival of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is scheduled to reach the city on Friday evening as part of a two-day campaign tour covering Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Kerala.

Nearly 3,000 police personnel have been deployed at key locations across the city to ensure foolproof security during the Prime Minister's visit. Surveillance has been intensified, and authorities have imposed restrictions on drone operations in sensitive zones, including Guindy and Meenambakkam.

Senior police officials are overseeing arrangements to manage traffic, crowd movement, and security at multiple venues linked to the visit.

According to official sources, the Prime Minister will arrive in Chennai by a special aircraft and shortly thereafter proceed by helicopter to Puducherry, where he will take part in a major roadshow in support of National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidates.

The roadshow is expected to cover prominent locations such as Ajanta Signal Junction, Anna Salai, and Anna Thidal, with large gatherings anticipated along the route. The event is aimed at energising party cadres and consolidating voter support in the union territory ahead of the Assembly elections.

Following his engagements in Puducherry, PM Modi will return to Chennai later in the evening. He is scheduled to stay overnight at a star hotel in Guindy, where he is expected to hold key strategy meetings with senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders.

Sources indicate that these discussions will focus on reviewing campaign progress and finalising pending decisions, including the announcement of remaining BJP candidates in Tamil Nadu.

The meetings are seen as crucial in shaping the NDA's electoral approach in the state during the final phase of campaigning.

On Saturday, the Prime Minister will travel to Kerala to continue his campaign, addressing public meetings and interacting with party workers as the NDA looks to expand its footprint in the region.

The visit is being closely watched in political circles, with party leaders hopeful that PM Modi's presence will provide a significant boost to the NDA's prospects in the southern states.

- IANS
Himachal Pradesh Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania stated the state is leading in anti-defection reforms, having passed a progressive law to deny pension benefits to MLAs disqualified for defection. The move aligns with Supreme Court observations on strengthening the Tenth Schedule. The recent budget session was highly productive, achieving 103% productivity with eight government bills passed. Pathania credited the smooth proceedings to cooperation from all members and highlighted growing public engagement with the legislature.

Himachal Pradesh passes law denying pension to disqualified MLAs, leads anti-defection reform. Assembly session achieves 103% productivity.

Shimla, April 2 The Himachal Pradesh Assembly speaker, Kuldeep Singh Pathania, highlighting Himachal Pradesh's proactive stance on strengthening the anti-defection framework in line with Supreme Court observations and the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, said the state has emerged as a frontrunner in introducing progressive legislative measures to curb political defections.

Addressing the media at the conclusion of the budget session, Pathania said the recently passed amendment bill denying pension benefits to disqualified MLAs was part of a broader effort to reinforce democratic values.

"The Supreme Court has observed that the anti-defection law needs to be strengthened. In this context, Himachal Pradesh is taking the lead. Ours is perhaps the only state that has passed such a progressive law," he said.

Referring to the newly passed legislation, the Speaker clarified that it targets those legislators who defect and are subsequently rejected by the public.

"If a member defects and is unseated and later becomes a former MLA without being re-elected, such a person will not be entitled to pension or other post-retirement benefits admissible to ex-MLAs," he said.

He also noted that a similar law passed earlier by the Assembly disqualifying defectors from contesting elections for six years was currently under judicial scrutiny before the High Court.

Pathania said the developments in Himachal come at a time when Parliament has also constituted a committee to examine the effectiveness of the anti-defection law under the Tenth Schedule, including whether it should be strengthened further or reviewed.

Providing an overview of the session, the speaker said the assembly held 16 sittings in two phases, with proceedings lasting around 90 hours and achieving a productivity of 103 per cent--"a historic benchmark when compared with other state legislatures."

He said a total of 67 starred questions were answered during the session, while multiple issues were raised under various procedural rules, including Rule 62 (two matters), Rule 67 (one matter), Rule 101 (four matters), Rule 130 (one matter), and Rule 324. Additionally, 94 issues were taken up during Zero Hour.

"A total of eight government bills were passed, and 60 committee reports were presented in the House," Pathania said, adding that nearly 1,000 students witnessed the proceedings, reflecting growing public engagement with legislative functioning.

Emphasising the depth of deliberations, he said, "There would hardly be any issue concerning the state that was not discussed. In several cases, matters were debated multiple times under different rules, reflecting serious and meaningful participation by members."

The Speaker expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, ministers, and all members for their cooperation in ensuring the smooth conduct of proceedings.

He also acknowledged the role of the media, stating, "You carried every development inside and outside the House to the people of Himachal. That is the strength of democracy."

Pathania invited media persons to attend the next session, which is likely to be held in Shimla or Dharamshala, and reiterated that the Assembly remains committed to upholding transparency, accountability, and democratic ethics through progressive legislative action.

- ANI
The Election Commission of India has issued strict guidelines mandating a paid holiday for all eligible voters in states and union territories heading to Assembly polls and by-elections. The directive, under the Representation of the People Act, applies to all workers, including daily wage and casual laborers, and covers those working outside their home constituency. States going to polls include Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Puducherry, with specific polling dates in April. The ECI has cautioned employers that any violation will result in a financial penalty.

Election Commission mandates paid holiday for voters in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Puducherry. Employers face penalty for violation.

New Delhi, April 3 The Election Commission of India on Friday laid down guidelines for states/UTs headed to Assembly elections as well as bypolls in the next few days to facilitate maximum participation of voters in the electoral process.

The polling body, in a detailed statement, elaborated on provisions for providing paid holiday to the electors on voting day in respective states. It has also cautioned the employers against any violations, stating that any attempt to bypass the instructions will invite a penalty.

Invoking the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the ECI said, "Every person employed in any business, trade, industrial undertaking, or any other establishment, and entitled to vote at an election to the House of the People or to the Legislative Assembly of a States/UTs or Bye-election to a PC/AC shall be granted a paid holiday on the day of poll."

"No deduction of wages shall be made on account of such a paid holiday," it added.

Notably, four states and one union territory, namely Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherry, are set to elect their new Legislative Assemblies, while by-elections will be held in eight Assembly constituencies in Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Nagaland and Tripura.

Assam, Kerala and Puducherry will head to the polls on April 9, Tamil Nadu on April 23, while West Bengal will see two-phased elections on April 23 and 29.

The respective state governments have already announced public holidays on polling day to facilitate smooth elections. All government offices, institutions and colleges will remain closed in these states.

Reiterating the provisions of paid holiday on polling day, the ECI said, "Any employer who contravenes these provisions shall be liable to a fine. All daily wage and casual workers are also entitled to a paid holiday on the day of the poll."

The electors working in other constituencies will also be entitled to a paid holiday.

"Electors (including casual and daily wage workers) who are working or employed in industrial or commercial establishments located outside their constituency but are registered as voters in a constituency going to polls shall also be entitled to the benefit of a paid holiday on the day of poll to enable them to cast their vote," said the ECI in its notification.

It has also directed the respective state and UT governments to ensure that the instructions are complied with.

- IANS
The Israel Defense Forces announced it carried out more than 70 strikes across western and central Iran, targeting ballistic missile launch sites and unmanned aerial vehicles belonging to the Iranian Revolutionary Guards. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated the attacks also destroyed 70% of Iran's steel production capacity, crippling a key funding and weapons production source for the IRGC. He emphasized full operational coordination with the United States military in these ongoing efforts. Simultaneously, Netanyahu reported continued forceful strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon to expand Israel's northern security zone.

IDF strikes over 70 targets in Iran, hitting ballistic missile sites, UAV storage, and 70% of Iran's steel production capacity, says Netanyahu.

Tel Aviv, April 4 The Israel Defense Forces announced on Friday that it had carried out over 70 strikes across western and central Iran, targeting ballistic missile launch sites and unmanned aerial vehicles belonging to the Iranian Revolutionary Guards.

According to the IDF, the strikes were part of an ongoing effort to degrade Iran's military capabilities and reduce threats to Israeli civilians. The targeted sites included launch sites for ballistic missiles, storage facilities for UAVs, and air defence systems.

In a post on X, IDF said, "Over the past day: The IDF completed more than 70 strikes in western and central Iran targeting ballistic missile launch sites and unmanned aerial vehicles. The IDF continues to strike nonstop at the fire and defense arrays of the Iranian terror regime across Iran. The Air Force, guided by Military Intelligence, completed more than 70 strikes over the past day in central and western Iran targeting dozens of objectives of the Iranian terror regime. Among the infrastructures that were struck: launch sites where ballistic missile launchers threatening the State of Israel are stored, sites where UAVs of the Air Force in the Revolutionary Guards are stored, and sites of the air defense array."

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday shared operational updates from Iran and Lebanon and informed that Iran's 70 per cent steel production capacity has been destroyed. He highlighted that there is full coordination between the US military and Israeli Defence Forces and also thanked the citizens of Israel for their steadfast support.

He made the remarks in a video message which was shared by the Office of the Prime Minister of Israel.

"Together with our American friends, we are continuing to crush the terrorist regime in Iran. We are eliminating commanders and bombing bridges and infrastructure. In recent days, the Air Force has destroyed 70 per cent of Iran's steel production capacity", Netanyahu said.

Calling it a "tremendous achievement", the Israeli PM said that it deprives the IRGC of "both funding sources and the ability to produce large quantities of weapons."

He further noted that in full coordination between him and President Trump, the IDF and the US military, they would continue to "crush Iran".

He added that while the Iranian regime is weaker than ever, Israel stands stronger than ever.

Sharing operational updates from Lebanon, Netanyahu said in the video message, "In Lebanon, we are continuing to forcefully strike at Hezbollah. We are continuing to expand the security zone and firmly establish it in order to protect the communities of the North."

He lauded the citizens of Israel for standing steadfast and following the instructions of the Home Front Command even on Passover Seder night and urged them to continue to do so.

The developments come as the conflict in West Asia has entered its second month now.

- ANI
The Israeli Defence Forces announced a targeted strike on a Hamas armed squad in the northern Gaza Strip, citing an immediate threat to its troops. In a significant escalation, the IDF also reported conducting more than 70 strikes across western and central Iran, targeting ballistic missile and drone sites. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed these attacks destroyed 70% of Iran's steel production capacity, crippling a key funding source for the IRGC. Netanyahu also detailed ongoing military operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon and emphasized full coordination with the United States.

IDF targets Hamas squad in northern Gaza and launches massive strikes on Iranian ballistic missile sites. PM Netanyahu announces destruction of Iran's steel capacity.

Tel Aviv, April 3 The Israeli Defence Forces on Friday claimed that it attacked an "armed terrorist squad" from the Hamas organisation that was operating near our forces in the northern Gaza Strip.

Sharing the details in a post on X, the IDF said, "IDF forces identified earlier today an armed terrorist squad from the Hamas terror organisation, which was operating near IDF forces operating in the northern Gaza Strip in a manner that posed an immediate threat to the forces."

It further noted, "Immediately after the identification, the IDF attacked the squad in a targeted manner with the aim of removing the threat; a hit was identified. IDF forces under Southern Command are deployed in the area in accordance with the agreement and will continue to operate to remove any immediate threat"

Meanwhile, the IDF said on Friday that it conducted over 70 strikes across several targets in Iran on Thursday. Sharing the details in a post on X, it said that on Thursday, the IDF completed more than 70 strikes in western and central Iran targeting ballistic missile launch sites and unmanned aerial vehicles.

Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday shared operational updates from Iran and Lebanon and informed that Iran's 70 per cent steel production capacity has been destroyed. He highlighted that there is full coordination between the US military and Israeli Defence Forces and also thanked the citizens of Israel for their steadfast support.

He made the remarks in a video message which was shared by the Office of the Prime Minister of Israel.

"Together with our American friends, we are continuing to crush the terrorist regime in Iran. We are eliminating commanders and bombing bridges and infrastructure. In recent days, the Air Force has destroyed 70 per cent of Iran's steel production capacity", Netanyahu said.

Calling it a "tremendous achievement", the Israeli PM said that it deprives the IRGC of "both funding sources and the ability to produce large quantities of weapons."

He further noted that in full coordination between him and President Trump, the IDF and the US military, they would continue to "crush Iran".

He added that while the Iranian regime is weaker than ever, Israel stands stronger than ever.

Sharing operational updates from Lebanon, Netanyahu said in the video message, "In Lebanon, we are continuing to forcefully strike at Hezbollah. We are continuing to expand the security zone and firmly establish it in order to protect the communities of the North."

He lauded the citizens of Israel for standing steadfast and following the instructions of the Home Front Command even on Passover Seder night and urged them to continue to do so.

The developments come as the conflict in West Asia has entered its second month now.

- ANI
Union Home Minister Amit Shah led tributes to the 17th-century Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on his death anniversary, praising him as a protector of national honor. He highlighted Shivaji Maharaj's unification of people for religion and culture and his visionary establishment of a strong navy. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari also paid homage, celebrating his courage, governance, and dedication to cultural revival. Shivaji Maharaj is remembered for establishing a sovereign administration rooted in welfare, justice, and the protection of native traditions.

Union Ministers Amit Shah, Nitin Gadkari, and UP CM Yogi Adityanath paid tributes to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on his death anniversary.

New Delhi, April 3 Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday paid homage to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on his death anniversary, describing the 17th-century Maratha ruler as an "immortal symbol of Indian pride and the protector of national honour".

Posting on X, HM Shah wrote: "I pay homage at the feet of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Ji, the immortal symbol of Indian pride and the protector of national honour."

"For the protection of religion and culture, he united the people and established Hindavi Swaraj. Understanding the importance of control over the seas, the powerful navy he built is a reflection of his unparalleled strategic acumen and visionary leadership. His life exemplifies how a ruler can safeguard both cultural heritage and native language while also establishing ideals of public welfare. His tireless struggle and life story will continue to inspire the people of the country for eternity to dedicate themselves to the motherland," he added.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari also paid tribute on X, noting: "On the death anniversary of Hindavi Swarajya founder Chhatrapati Shri Shivaji Maharaj (as per the date), a respectful tribute to him."

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath shared his homage, which highlighted Shivaji Maharaj's courage, leadership, and dedication to India's cultural heritage.

"A symbol of indomitable courage, unparalleled bravery, and excellent governance, the founder of 'Hindavi Swaraj,' national hero Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, is respectfully remembered on his death anniversary. His dedicated life and high ideals for the protection of the motherland and the revival of Sanatan culture serve as a great inspiration for all of us," CM Yogi wrote (loosely translated from Hindi).

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is celebrated for establishing Hindavi Swaraj, uniting people under a sovereign administration rooted in cultural values.

He is also remembered for building a strong navy to secure coastal regions and trade routes, reflecting his strategic vision. His administration emphasised welfare, justice, and the protection of native language and traditions, making him an enduring symbol of leadership and patriotism.

From his visionary strategies to his unwavering dedication to national pride, Shivaji Maharaj's legacy continues to inspire generations to serve and protect the motherland.

- IANS
India has accepted a UK invitation for talks on the Strait of Hormuz, with its Foreign Secretary set to attend. The Ministry of External Affairs is coordinating with Iran and other countries to ensure the safe and unimpeded transit of Indian ships carrying critical products like LPG and LNG. While eight Indian citizens have died in the regional conflict and one is missing, approximately 10 million Indians in GCC countries are reported safe, and 204 nationals have been evacuated from Iran via Azerbaijan. India reiterated its stance on free and open commercial shipping in line with international law and is closely monitoring related UN Security Council developments.

India's Foreign Secretary to attend UK-led talks on maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, ensuring safe passage for Indian ships amid regional tensions.

New Delhi, April 3 The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated India's stance on ensuring safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, amidst escalating tensions in West Asia.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that India stands for free and open commercial shipping and maritime security, in line with international law.

Speaking at a media briefing, Jaiswal said that the UK has invited India to talks on the Strait of Hormuz, and India's Foreign Secretary will attend the meeting. He added that India is in touch with Iran and other countries to ensure unimpeded transit and safe passage for Indian ships carrying LPG, LNG, and other products

Jaiswal said, "The UK side has invited several countries, which also include India, for talks on the Strait of Hormuz. From our side, the Foreign Secretary is attending the meeting this evening. We are in touch with Iran and other countries there to see how best we can get unimpeded transit and safe transit for our ships, which are carrying products including LPG, LNG and other products. Through this conversation that we have had over the last several days, we have had six Indian ships which have been able to safely cross the Strait of Hormuz, and we continue to be in touch with relevant parties."

Regarding the safety of Indian citizens, Jaiswal said, "Approximately 10 million Indian citizens reside in the GCC countries. All of them are safe. Our embassies in all these countries remain in constant contact with them." Eight Indian citizens have lost their lives in the conflict, and one remains missing.

"Eight Indian citizens have been casualties in this conflict so far, and one remains reported as missing. Ministry of External Affairs, in coordination with our Ministry of Shipping and all our Indian embassies in the region, we are dedicated to safeguarding the security and interests of our citizens. We are closely monitoring all developments and activities related to the Gulf region, this ongoing conflict, and the Strait of Hormuz," he added.

India has also facilitated the exit of 204 nationals from Iran through the land border to Azerbaijan, with more expected to return in the coming days. Jaiswal thanked the government of Azerbaijan for its support

He said, "Several of our Indian nationals, 204, to be precise, have been able to leave Iran for Azerbaijan through the land border, and from there, they will be coming back home. Several of them have returned, and others will be returning in the course of the next few days. We are thankful to the government of Azerbaijan for the support that they render for the exit of Indian nationals from Iran through the land border..."

Regarding the Bahraini resolution at the UN Security Council, Jaiswal said, "This particular resolution is under consideration in the UN Security Council. We are aware of the resolution. We also know that relevant parties, which means the members of the Security Council, are currently negotiating this particular text. As far as India is concerned, we stand for free and open commercial shipping and for maritime security in keeping with international law. We continue to call for ensuring safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz as a matter of priority. And also, we are closely following all developments in regard to this West Asian conflict. So that is how we look at the Bahraini resolution."

India is gearing up for its BRICS presidency, with several meetings lined up in the coming months, the MEA spokesperson said on Thursday.

Responding to queries on the Quad Foreign Ministers' meeting, Jaiswal said, "Next month, we are still some distance away. We'll keep you informed well in time as to what we have, what we are planning, so on and so forth."

On India's role in BRICS, Jaiswal stated, "We are the chair. We are doing several of these meetings. You would have followed the recent working-level meetings that we've done. We will be organising a series of meetings going into our presidency. We'll keep you updated with the Foreign Ministers' level meeting as also other tracks in which we'll have ministerial interaction."

- ANI
India has strongly condemned recent attacks on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) that resulted in the deaths of several peacekeepers. As a leading and longstanding contributor to UN peacekeeping, India emphasized that the safety and security of peacekeepers must be ensured. The country is seeking accountability for crimes against peacekeepers, in line with a UN Security Council resolution it previously piloted. The attacks, which killed three Indonesian peacekeepers, have also been condemned by UN leadership.

India condemns attacks on UNIFIL, calls for protection of missions and accountability for crimes against peacekeepers, highlighting its major troop contributions.

New Delhi, April 2 India on Thursday reiterated that the inviolability of UN missions must be ensured while calling for ensuring the safety and security of peacekeepers.

Addressing a weekly media briefing in New Delhi, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that as a leading and longstanding contributor to the United Nations peacekeeping, and in line with UN Security Council Resolution, India seeks accountability for crimes against peacekeepers.

He also highlighted India's condemnation of the recent attacks on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which has claimed several lives.

"We have around 600 Indian troops who are serving in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Our peacekeeping operations go back several decades. We are also the largest troop-contributing country to the UN peacekeeping missions, and the contribution of our peacekeepers has been well noted and regarded for global peace and security. We had also issued a statement, condemning the recent attacks on UNIFIL in which several troops, unfortunately, lost their lives," said Jaiswal.

"We also pay homage to these brave blue helmet soldiers. Once again, we would like to emphasise that the inviolability of UN missions must be ensured, and the safety and security of our peacekeepers must be ensured. As one of the largest and longest-serving contributors to peacekeeping, and also in consonance with UN Security Council Resolution 2589, we seek accountability for crimes against peacekeepers," he added.

India on Monday condemned the killing of peacekeepers in Lebanon and urged to ensure accountability for the crime.

"We condemn the recent attacks on United Nations peacekeepers deployed in UNIFIL and pay our homage to the fallen Blue Helmets."

Three peacekeepers from Indonesia with UNIFIL were killed on Sunday within 24 hours, according to Under-Secretary for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix who said the incidents were unacceptable and stressed that peacekeepers must never be a target.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also condemned the killing, according to his spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric.

UNIFIL operates in an area of Lebanon bordering Israel, where Hezbollah and Israel are active. Its mission is to help the Lebanese government regain control of the area from Hezbollah and also acts as a tenuous buffer with Israel.

The Indian mission's statement noted that the country had piloted the Security Council resolution in 2021, when it was an elected member, calling for accountability for those who attack peacekeepers.

It added that India will continue to pursue action against the perpetrators.

- IANS
Former Indian UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin argues that India's foreign policy must evolve to reflect the practical aspirations of its youth, such as jobs and easier visas. He highlights a major shift from India's more vocal and reactive posture in the 1980s to a necessary caution today, driven by economic integration doubling to nearly 50% of GDP. Akbaruddin emphasizes that with the world now mattering as much to India as India matters to the world, responses must be careful and measured to protect domestic interests. He concludes that foreign policy success should be judged by leverage and outcomes, like India's influence in the Gulf, not by public commentary.

Former UN envoy Syed Akbaruddin says India's deep global integration demands a cautious, outcome-focused foreign policy for jobs and visas.

New Delhi, April 3 India's former Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Syed Akbaruddin, said that the country's foreign policy is increasingly reflecting the aspirations of its young population and the everyday concerns of ordinary citizens, and while India matters to the world, the reverse is also true and and therefore, it must adopt a more careful and measured approach in its responses.

Speaking on the YouTube channel of young Indian podcaster and entrepreneur Raj Shamani, Akbaruddin dwelt on the evolving nature of diplomacy, as he highlighted that the expectations of young Indians today are very different from those of earlier generations.

The former IFS official noted that while traditional foreign policy focused largely on ideological positioning, today's youth are more concerned with practical outcomes such as employment opportunities, easier visa access, and better avenues for remittances.

"So I see that the young and the ordinary Indian want something else from foreign policy than the traditionalist wants. They want jobs, opportunities, better visas, and remittances," he said, underlining how these aspirations are now being reflected in India's external engagements.

Akbaruddin added that India's approach in the 1980s was far more vocal and reactive on global issues.

"We were more outspoken and quick to comment on international developments. If something happened in Libya or Venezuela, we would be among the first to condemn it," he said.

However, he pointed out that the country's growing economic integration with the world has necessitated a more cautious and balanced stance. While India's global economic engagement stood at around 15-17 per cent in the 1980s, it has now risen to nearly 50 per cent. This shift, he said, has made it essential for India to act with greater restraint and strategic calculation, as global developments now have a direct impact on domestic interests.

"Today, while India matters to the world, the world also matters equally to India. Therefore, we must be more careful and measured in our responses," he added.

Discussing geopolitical realities, Akbaruddin said that every country operates with a certain degree of leverage in international relations. He cited China's strong influence over Iran due to its significant oil imports, contrasting it with the relatively limited leverage of European nations in similar contexts.

He emphasised that foreign policy outcomes should not be judged solely on immediate results, as diplomacy is often a gradual and process-driven effort.

"Some processes take time, while others may move faster. Different countries have different levels of leverage," he said.

Highlighting India's strengths, he added that the country enjoys considerable influence in the Gulf region, which has helped it secure its interests effectively. He stressed that India's foreign policy should be evaluated based on its leverage and outcomes rather than on whether it publicly criticises global developments.

- IANS
The Indian Permanent Mission to the UN and the board of the India-UN Development Partnership Fund met in New York to review the fund's full range of operations and ongoing projects. Established in 2017 with $150 million from India, the fund promotes shared prosperity in the global South and supports sustainable development initiatives aligned with the 2030 Agenda. It focuses on demand-driven projects in least developed countries and small island developing states, implemented through UN agencies. The fund also includes a Commonwealth Window designed to catalyze SDG achievement among member nations through technical cooperation and shared developmental values.

India and UN board review $150M Development Partnership Fund operations, focusing on sustainable projects for least developed countries.

New York, April 3 The Indian Permanent Mission to New York, on Friday, with the board of directors of the United Nations Development Partnership Fund, reviewed the whole gamut of the fund's operations.

Both parties also exchanged views on the future scope of the Fund.

In a post on X, the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations said, "The Board of Directors of the India-UN Development Partnership Fund met today in the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations. The Board reviewed the whole gamut of the Fund's operations and took stock of the ongoing projects. The Board also exchanged views on the future scope of the Fund."

The India-UN Development Partnership Fund promotes shared prosperity in the global South. Jointly with the multilateral system, it contributes to developing countries' initiatives towards the realisation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Established in 2017, the $150 million India-UN Development Partnership Fund is supported and led by the Government of India and implemented in collaboration with the United Nations system, the statement said.

The Fund supports Southern-owned and led, demand-driven and transformational sustainable development projects across the developing world, with a focus on least developed countries and small island developing States. United Nations agencies implement the Fund projects in close collaboration with partnering Governments.

The Commonwealth Window of the India-UN Development Partnership Fund aims to catalyse the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the developing countries of the Commonwealth of Nations, a voluntary association of independent and equal sovereign States comprised mainly of former territories of the British Empire, including India.

The countries supported by this Commonwealth Window are located in various parts of the world and include some of the most vulnerable Member States of the Commonwealth, as per the statement.

Technical and sustainable development and collective national development efforts among Commonwealth countries are particularly pertinent and beneficial given their shared history, mutual respect, common values, and similar institutional, technical and practical instruments that continue to guide and influence their political, regulatory and cultural lives. The Commonwealth Window supports demand-driven, country-owned and transformational sustainable development projects, the statement said.

- ANI
A new study forecasts that digitalization and AgriTech adoption could unlock $90 billion in annual GDP gains for Southeast Asia by 2033, with India's mature ecosystem serving as a key roadmap. The region's AgriTech investment peaked at over $750 million in 2022 before experiencing a sharp 70% decline by 2025, reflecting a market correction. The research identifies digital value chains, inclusive AgriFinTech, agrifood life sciences, and sustainable consumer brands as the most promising verticals for growth. It warns that premature regional expansion has been a primary cause of venture failure, advocating for patient capital and local execution.

Study shows digitalization could unlock $90B in annual GDP for Southeast Asia by 2033, with India providing a roadmap for success.

New Delhi, April 3 Digitalisation and AgriTech adoption in Southeast Asia could unlock a whopping $90 billion in annual GDP gains by 2033, with India leading the way, according to a study authored by Omnivore, Beanstalk AgTech, and Briter.

The study argues that digitalisation and increased adoption could unlock these annual GDP gains by 2033, detailing how the region is currently navigating a sharp market correction. AgriTech investment across Southeast Asia peaked at over USD 750 million in 2022 but fell nearly 70 per cent by 2025.

The decline reflects a period where investors began reassessing the structural realities of fragmented value chains and the difficulties of scaling ventures across diverse South Asian markets.

Agriculture remains a critical pillar for the region, contributing roughly 15 per cent of GDP and employing 40 per cent of the total workforce. The study identifies four specific verticals showing the most credible momentum: digital value chains, inclusive AgriFinTech, agrifood life sciences, and sustainable consumer brands.

"We've spent over a decade investing in Indian AgriTech, watching the ecosystem mature through governance, exit opportunities, and the hard work of building market infrastructure," said Mark Kahn, Managing Partner at Omnivore.

"Agritech landscape in Southeast Asia is navigating a similar journey and India's experience offers a genuine roadmap. The fragmentation is real, but so is the opportunity to uplift agricultural production and farmer communities across the region. Patient, disciplined capital that understands local market dynamics is what moves these ecosystems forward," Kahn added.

The study's findings challenge several assumptions that have shaped investment into the region, noting that two-thirds of cross-border expansion attempts have failed. The most defensible opportunities are currently single-market plays built around local execution teams.

"Premature regional expansion was cited as the cause of failure in over 60% of venture collapses between 2022 and 2025," the study said. "On exits, corporate acquisitions account for roughly 75% of liquidity events across the ecosystem since 2020, with only eight IPOs completed in the same period."

The study suggested that Southeast Asia should look toward India's BSE SME and NSE Emerge platforms. These dedicated listing routes for growth-stage ventures operate below traditional IPO thresholds and could provide a necessary exit pathway for regional startups.

"DFIs and impact investors have committed a combined USD 650 million to agrifood funds across the region and remain essential to the capital stack," the study noted. The next phase of scaling, according to the authors, will require blending equity, credit, and concessional capital.

- ANI
Fitch Ratings reports that Indian banks may face increased margin pressure as the RBI's ability to inject liquidity is constrained by efforts to manage rupee volatility. The banking system's liquidity surplus has declined significantly, which could lead to higher funding costs and squeeze sector margins. While this pressure could weigh on core earnings, Fitch maintains that rated banks have sufficient earnings buffers to absorb the impact without affecting profitability assessments. The agency notes that direct foreign currency risks are limited but warns that prolonged Middle East tensions pose a downside risk.

Fitch Ratings warns of increased margin pressure for Indian banks due to tighter liquidity and rupee volatility, but sees resilience in earnings buffers.

New Delhi, April 2 Indian banks could face increased margin pressure as liquidity conditions tighten, according to a report by Fitch Ratings, which highlighted constraints on the Reserve Bank of India's ability to inject liquidity amid currency volatility concerns.

Fitch said that "margin pressure for Indian banks could increase, as the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) flexibility to inject local-currency liquidity into the banking system has narrowed amid efforts to contain rupee volatility."

The report warned that sector margins may decline further if global risks persist. It noted that "sector margins could decline by 20bp-30bp below our current 3.1% forecast for the financial year ending 31 March 2027 (FY27) if higher funding costs linked to Middle East tensions persist."

Such pressure could also weigh on banks' core earnings, with Fitch estimating that it "could reduce operating profit/risk-weighted assets (RWAs)... by around 30bp-40bp, from our 2.5% forecast for FY27."

Despite the challenges, the agency maintained that Indian banks remain resilient, stating that "Fitch-rated banks have sufficient earnings buffers to absorb such pressure without affecting our assessment of their earnings and profitability."

On liquidity conditions, Fitch observed a decline in surplus liquidity in the banking system, noting that "the banking-system liquidity surplus has declined to about 0.5% of deposits as of 29 March 2026... amid sustained currency pressures, with the rupee having depreciated by 4.5%."

The report added that continued pressure on the rupee could constrain the RBI's policy flexibility, as "measures to support the rupee also drain local-currency liquidity from the banking system."

However, Fitch emphasised that direct foreign currency risks remain limited. It stated that "rupee volatility is unlikely to have a material direct effect on Indian banks, as the system is denominated predominantly in local currency."

Looking ahead, the agency flagged both upside and downside risks. It said that "upside to Viability Ratings (VRs) remains if key rating drivers improve," while warning that "downside pressure could emerge... from a prolonged conflict in the Middle East."

Even in a downside scenario, Fitch expects stability in overall ratings, noting that "Indian banks' Issuer Default Ratings (IDRs) would be likely to remain intact... as they are underpinned by sovereign support."

- ANI
Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi commissioned the advanced stealth frigate INS Taragiri in Visakhapatnam, marking a significant step in fleet augmentation. He stated the Navy's clear focus is on being a combat-ready, credible, and future-ready force, having commissioned 12 ships and a submarine in the past year. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted the Navy's crucial role in protecting sea lanes and India's energy security, maintaining a continuous presence across key regions. The INS Taragiri, with over 75% indigenous content and built in record time, stands as a symbol of India's growing self-reliance in defence.

Navy Chief Admiral Tripathi commissions stealth frigate INS Taragiri, highlighting a year of 12 new ships and a focus on a combat-ready, self-reliant maritime force.

Visakhapatnam, April 3 Highlighting India's growing naval strength and self-reliance, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi announced on Friday that the commissioning of the warship 'Taragiri' marks a significant step in enhancing the Indian Navy's operational capabilities.

Emphasising a vision of a combat-ready and future-ready force, he noted that the Navy has commissioned 12 ships, one submarine, and an aircraft squadron over the past year.

"The Indian Navy's focus is clear: to continue to be a combat-ready, credible, cohesive and future-ready force," Admiral Tripathi said.

"Under this goal, with the help of the defence ministry, the Indian Navy has commissioned 12 ships, one submarine and one aircraft squadron since last year. Today's commissioning will strengthen the Indian Navy's operational reach, presence and responsiveness. With its strong combat capabilities and state-of-the-art systems, 'Taragiri' is a symbol of India's increasing self-reliance. This ship has more than 75% indigenous content. The construction of this platform was completed in approximately 15% less time than that of the other ships of its kind," he said.

The advanced stealth frigate INS Taragiri was formally commissioned into the Indian Navy in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, in a ceremony attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, and other senior naval officers.

Earlier, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted the Navy's crucial role in safeguarding India's maritime interests, saying it protects critical sea lanes, choke points, and digital infrastructure, and ensures the security of commercial ships and oil tankers during times of tension.

He noted that the Navy maintains a continuous presence from the Persian Gulf to the Malacca Strait and is always at the forefront during crises, including evacuations and humanitarian assistance.

Singh stressed that India's development and energy security are closely tied to the seas, making a strong Navy essential.

He congratulated the Indian Navy and Mazagaon Dock Shipbuilders Limited on the commissioning of INS Taragiri, calling it a symbol of India's growing maritime power.

The induction of Taragiri comes at a time when the strategic and maritime importance of India's eastern seaboard continues to grow, driven by evolving regional security dynamics and India's deepening engagement in the Indo-Pacific.

The commissioning of Taragiri highlights the Navy's sustained focus on strengthening its combat readiness and operational might through its ambitious fleet augmentation programme.

As the fourth potent platform of the Project 17A class, Taragiri is not merely a ship; it is a 6,670-tonne embodiment of the 'Make in India' spirit and the sophisticated engineering capabilities of our indigenous shipyards.

Built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai, this Frigate represents a generational leap over earlier designs, offering a sleeker form and a significantly reduced Radar Cross-Section that allows it to operate with lethal stealth. With indigenous content exceeding 75 per cent, the ship highlights the maturity of a domestic industrial ecosystem that now spans over 200 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), contributing to the GoI's Aatmanirbharta initiatives supports thousands of Indian jobs.

- ANI
India's fisheries sector has attracted a massive investment of Rs 39,272 crore since 2015, fueling remarkable growth. The country is now the world's second-largest aquaculture producer, with domestic fish production seeing an average annual growth of 7%. Seafood exports have more than doubled in the past decade, reaching Rs 62,408 crore, driven significantly by shrimp exports. The government is promoting high-value species and expanding infrastructure under the PMMSY scheme to further boost the sector's global footprint.

India's fish production hits record high, seafood exports double to Rs 62,408 crore. Massive investment fuels growth in aquaculture and global market expansion.

New Delhi, April 3 The government on Friday said that India's fisheries sector has grown into a significant contributor to food security, employment and export earnings, backed by a record investment of Rs 39,272 crore since 2015.

According to the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, the sector supports nearly 30 million fishers and fish farmers at the primary level and almost twice as many across the value chain.

India is now the second-largest aquaculture producer globally, accounting for roughly 8 per cent of world fish output, it said.

Moreover, domestic fish production rose from 141.64 lakh tonnes in 2019-20 to 197.75 lakh tonnes in 2024-25 -- an average annual growth of around 7 per cent.

Seafood exports have more than doubled over the past decade, climbing from Rs 30,213 crore in 2013-14 to Rs 62,408 crore in 2024-25, driven largely by shrimp exports valued at Rs 43,334 crore.

India now ships over 350 varieties of seafood products to nearly 130 global markets, with the United States accounting for 36.42 per cent of total export value in 2024-25, followed by China, the European Union, Southeast Asia, Japan and the Middle East.

The share of value-added products in the export basket has risen from 2.5 per cent to 11 per cent, amounting to $742 million.

Meanwhile, to reduce dependence on a few commodities, the government is promoting high-value species such as tuna, seabass, cobia, mud crab, tiger shrimp and seaweed under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), alongside investments in cold-chain networks, modern fishing harbours and digital traceability systems.

India secured a comparability finding from US authorities in 2025 under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, ensuring uninterrupted seafood exports to its largest market.

The government stated that large-scale deployment of Turtle Excluder Devices on shrimp trawlers is also progressing across coastal states.

On the regulatory front, the Sanitary Import Permit system has been fully digitised and integrated with the National Single Window System, cutting approval time from 30 days to 72 hours.

Over the next five years, the government aims to expand value-added exports, build inland export hubs and deepen India's presence in markets including the UK, EU, ASEAN and West Asia.

- IANS
India's fisheries sector has undergone a major transformation, evolving from traditional practices to a significant commercial force supporting millions of livelihoods. Seafood exports have more than doubled over the past eleven years, reaching 62,408 crore in 2024-25, with frozen shrimp leading the charge. The United States remains the largest destination, while the government is actively diversifying into high-value species and strengthening infrastructure under the PMSY scheme. To maintain global market access, India is aligning with international sustainability standards, including U.S. marine mammal protections and turtle excluder devices.

India's seafood exports hit 62,408 crore, doubling in 11 years. Driven by shrimp, exports reach 130 markets with US as top buyer. Learn about the sector's transformation.

New Delhi, April 3 India's fisheries sector has emerged as a major contributor to food security, employment, export earnings and sustainable livelihoods, backed by a record 39,272 crore investment by the Government of India since 2015.

According to an official press release issued by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, the sector supports nearly 30 million fishers and fish farmers at the primary level and almost twice as many across the value chain. Ranked the second-largest aquaculture producer globally, India accounts for about 8% of global fish production.

Once largely traditional, fisheries have evolved into a commercially significant sector over the past decade, while ensuring inclusive growth for small-scale fishers. This transformation is reflected in output growth, with fish production rising from 141.64 lakh tonnes in 2019-20 to 197.75 lakh tonnes in 2024-25, recording an average annual growth of around 7%.

India's seafood exports have recorded strong and sustained growth, expanding at an average annual rate of 7% over the past 11 years. Marine product exports have more than doubled during the period, rising from 30,213 crore in 2013-14 to 62,408 crore in 2024-25, driven largely by shrimp exports valued at 43,334 crore.

India's seafood exports span a wide and diversified basket, with over 350 varieties of products shipped to nearly 130 global markets. The United States remains the largest destination, accounting for 36.42% of total export value in 2024-25, followed by China, the European Union, Southeast Asia, Japan and the Middle East, while other markets together account for about 9%.

The export mix continues to be dominated by frozen shrimp, which remains India's flagship seafood product, followed by frozen fish, squid, dried items, frozen cuttlefish, surimi-based products, and live and chilled seafood, reflecting both strong global demand and expanding product diversification.

Share of value-added products in the seafood export basket has increased from 2.5% to 11%, amounting to USD 742 million in export value.

According to the release, to reduce over-dependence on a few commodities and deepen India's presence in global seafood markets, the Government is actively pursuing diversification of the export basket. Under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), the Department of Fisheries supports a wide range of interventions across the value chain, including quality fish seed production, expansion and diversification of brackish-water aquaculture, promotion of export-oriented species, technology adoption, disease management, traceability systems, and capacity building.

Investments are also being made to strengthen post-harvest infrastructure, seamless cold-chain networks, modern fishing harbours and fish landing centres. In parallel, the Government is promoting diversified aquaculture focused on high-value species such as Tuna, seabass, cobia, pompano, mud crab, GIFT tilapia, grouper, tiger shrimp (P. monodon), scampi and seaweed, with the objective of expanding India's product portfolio and improving access to premium international markets.

To safeguard access to key export markets, India is steadily aligning its fisheries sector with international regulations and sustainability standards. A major focus has been on meeting U.S. compliance requirements, particularly under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), which mandates measures to reduce marine mammal bycatch. Following sustained efforts, including scientific stock assessments and stakeholder consultations, India secured a comparability finding from US authorities in 2025, ensuring uninterrupted seafood exports to the American market beyond the December 2025 deadline, the release said.

At the same time, steps are underway to address restrictions on wild-caught shrimp exports through the installation of Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) on shrimp trawlers, with large-scale deployment progressing across coastal states. The government has also strengthened traceability and certification systems, launching a national digital framework to ensure end-to-end tracking, food safety, and compliance with global standards.

Together with new rules governing sustainable fishing in India's Exclusive Economic Zone, these measures reflect a concerted push to position India as a responsible and globally compliant seafood exporter.

To promote ease of doing business in the fisheries sector, the Department of Fisheries has streamlined several regulatory and import processes. The Sanitary Import Permit (SIP) system has been fully digitised and integrated with the National Single Window System, reducing approval time from 30 days to only 72 hours.

SIP requirements have been waived for SPF shrimp broodstock, fish oil, limited R&D samples, and wild-caught fish imports meant solely for value addition and re-export, easing trade operations. Recent legal reforms have further reduced compliance burdens for aquaculture units, reflecting a broader push to make the sector more business-friendly and investment-ready.

Over the next five years, the government plans to sharpen India's global seafood strategy by shifting the focus toward higher-value exports, wider market reach and stronger quality assurance. The share of value-added products is targeted to rise, driven by expanded processing facilities, skilled workforce development and improved certification systems.

Efforts will also be directed at scaling exports to markets such as the UK, EU, ASEAN and West Asia, alongside building inland export hubs and freshwater supply chains. Enhanced cold-chain networks, digital traceability and compliance frameworks are expected to underpin India's ambition to emerge as a dependable and premium seafood exporter in the years ahead.

- ANI
India's small business credit exposure grew by 14.9% year-on-year to reach Rs 47.8 lakh crore in December 2025. Sole proprietors remain the backbone, accounting for nearly 80% of the total portfolio, with significant growth in lending to women and borrowers under 35. NBFCs have expanded their market share to 28%, playing a particularly strong role in lending to sole proprietors. Credit penetration is deepening beyond major cities, with aspirational districts seeing sharp growth and improving asset quality.

SIDBI-CRIF report shows 15% credit growth for small businesses, led by sole proprietors and NBFCs. Women & youth participation rises.

New Delhi, April 2 India's small business credit ecosystem maintained stable momentum in the December 2025 quarter, with total credit exposure rising 14.9 per cent year-on-year to Rs 47.8 lakh crore, a report showed on Thursday.

The joint analysis by the CRIF and the SIDBI highlighted that sole proprietors continued to anchor the small business lending space, accounting for nearly 80 per cent of total portfolio outstanding.

Pure sole proprietors accounted for 62.5 per cent of active loans and 73 per cent of total borrowers, it said.

Overall origination value grew 13.3 per cent year-on-year between December 2024 and December 2025, with sole proprietor originations rising 15 per cent, supported by higher participation of women borrowers at 23.9 per cent and borrowers below 35 years of age.

Average ticket size in the sole proprietorship segment remained stable at Rs 3.34 lakh.

Moreover, the non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) expanded their share of the small business loan portfolio to 28 per cent in December 2025, from 26.8 per cent a year earlier.

Their presence was particularly pronounced in sole proprietor lending, where they accounted for 41.6 per cent of the outstanding portfolio.

Meanwhile, portfolio quality remained stable, with portfolio at risk for 31-90 days at 3.5 per cent and 91-180 days at 1.3 per cent, broadly unchanged from September 2025.

Credit penetration deepened beyond large urban centres, with beyond-top-100 cities now representing close to 40 per cent of sole proprietor credit. The top ten states accounted for nearly 72 per cent of the total portfolio, with Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, and West Bengal contributing most to incremental growth.

Credit in aspirational districts grew sharply at 18.4 per cent year-on-year to Rs 3.2 lakh crore, with asset quality also improving as portfolio at risk for 91-180 days declined from 1.8 per cent to 1.4 per cent.

In addition, formalisation continued to deepen, with 23.3 per cent of sole proprietor originations and 11 per cent of enterprise originations over the past 12 months coming from new-to-credit borrowers. The share of very low and low risk borrowers rose from 64.8 per cent to 69.1 per cent for enterprises and from 50.3 per cent to 55.8 per cent for sole proprietors between December 2023 and December 2025.

- IANS
The Indian savoury snacks market is forecast to grow at a 13% compound annual rate over the next three years, outperforming the broader packaged food industry. This growth is fueled by rising rural access to branded products, strong cultural affinity for ethnic snacks, and increasing urbanisation. Modern trade and digital channels are expanding faster than traditional formats, while policy measures like potential GST reductions could accelerate the shift to the organised sector. With nearly 43% of the market still unorganised, significant expansion potential remains for branded players.

India's savoury snacks market is projected to grow at 13% CAGR, faster than packaged food, driven by rural demand and ethnic snacks.

New Delhi, April 2 The savoury snacks market in the country is expected to register a growth of around 13 per cent CAGR over the next three years and outperform the broader packaged food industry, according to a report by Ashika Institutional Equities.

The report noted that the Indian savoury snacks market, estimated at around Rs 748 billion in FY24, is projected to grow at approximately 13.0 per cent CAGR over FY24-FY29E, higher than the broader packaged foods industry, which is expected to grow at around 11 per cent.

It stated that the reason of this growth is the "Improving income levels, better infrastructure and rising media penetration are enhancing awareness and access to branded products in rural India".

The report highlighted that nearly 43 per cent of the market is still unorganised, indicating significant room for expansion in the organised segment.

While western snacks currently dominate market share, ethnic snacks are expected to grow at a faster pace, with a CAGR higher by around 100-200 basis points. This growth is supported by strong regional preferences and cultural affinity among consumers.

The report also pointed out that the snacks category continues to be driven by low price points of Rs 5-Rs 10, reflecting high dependence on impulse-driven consumption, especially in rural markets.

On the distribution front, modern trade and digital channels are growing significantly faster than traditional general trade formats, driven by rapid digitisation and changing consumer preferences.

Urbanisation is also playing a key role in shaping consumption patterns. The urban population is expected to increase from around 36.8 per cent in CY24 to 40.9 per cent by CY30, leading to higher demand for convenient, ready-to-consume food products.

The shift towards nuclear families and increasing participation of women in the workforce is further boosting demand for such products.

Policy support is also expected to aid growth. A reduction in GST rates from 12 per cent to 5 per cent on packaged snacks could accelerate the shift from the unorganised to the organised sector.

Additionally, initiatives such as the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme and Mega Food Parks are improving supply chain efficiency and encouraging capacity expansion.

The report added that organised snacks, which currently account for around 57 per cent of the market, are gaining share rapidly, with ethnic snacks expected to outgrow western snacks due to strong consumer connect and regional demand.

- ANI
The three-day Indraprastha Cultural Festival 2026, organized by the Delhi government, began on April 3 at the India Habitat Centre. Art and Culture Minister Kapil Mishra inaugurated the event, describing it as a step towards cultural renaissance and an assertion of Delhi's historical identity as Indraprastha. The festival features over 100 speakers, 50+ cultural performances, and exhibitions to present India's civilizational heritage. Mishra highlighted other government initiatives like Deepotsav and Chhath Puja celebrations as part of efforts to strengthen Delhi's multicultural consciousness.

Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra inaugurates a 3-day cultural festival to reclaim the city's historical identity as Indraprastha through art and discourse.

New Delhi, April 3 A three-day Indraprastha Cultural Festival 2026, organised by the Delhi government, kicked off on Friday with Art and Culture Minister Kapil Mishra describing it as a platform to redefine the city's civilizational identity.

Addressing the inaugural session as the Chief Guest, Mishra described the festival as "a significant step towards cultural renaissance."

"The very selection of the name 'Indraprastha' is a cultural assertion in itself. It reflects an effort to re-establish Delhi's historical and civilizational identity, which has long been presented within a limited perspective," he said.

Scheduled from April 3 to 5, this three-day festival at India Habitat Centre brings together over 100 eminent speakers, more than 50 cultural performances, literary sessions, youth town halls, and special exhibitions, presenting India's rich civilizational heritage alongside contemporary cultural discourse on a single platform.

Appreciating the efforts of Sangam Talks and all associated contributors, he said, "Platforms where dialogue is based on facts, logic, and evidence are the ones that truly guide society. When discourse progresses with a scientific temper and credible evidence, misinformation and falsehoods automatically diminish."

Highlighting Delhi's multicultural character, Mishra said, "Delhi, as a 'Mini India', represents the cultural expressions of every region of the country. Festivals and traditions from across India are celebrated here in their most vibrant and expansive forms. This is Delhi's true identity, and continuous efforts are being made to strengthen it."

Referring to key cultural initiatives undertaken by the Delhi government over the past year, he stated, "Cultural programmes in the capital have been infused with renewed energy and scale."

"Events such as Deepotsav at Kartavya Path, grand celebrations of Chhath Puja along the Yamuna banks, large-scale observance of Teej and Navratri, and active youth engagement through university-led programmes have collectively strengthened Delhi's cultural consciousness," he said.

Calling for greater public participation, he said, "The Indraprastha Cultural Festival offers citizens an opportunity to engage with and understand Delhi's authentic history, which has not always been adequately represented."

- IANS
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commissions INS Taragiri, a 7,000-tonne indigenous stealth frigate, highlighting India's growing maritime strength and self-reliance.

Visakhapatnam, April 3 The Indian Navy commissioned its stealth frigate INS Taragiri on Friday at a grand ceremony, attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, marking a defining moment in India's maritime security and sovereignty.

Following the commissioning of the warship, Rajnath Singh hailed the development as a symbol of India's rising defence prowess and the nation's journey towards a self-reliant naval power.



He said the INS Taragiri's commissioning sends a message of peace and prosperity for the entire region and also shared insights on how the warship will ensure stability, having drawn its name from one of the Himalayan ranges.



The Defence Minister said the warship will give significant strength to India's naval capability, keep maritime borders safe and enemies at bay.



"The 7,000-tonne ship, equipped with BrahMos and other missiles, can keep track of the enemy's actions. It will ensure coastal surveillance of India's long maritime borders and also engage in humanitarian missions," the Minister told the gathering.



Highlighting the homegrown character of the stealth frigate, he informed that 75 per cent of the warship has been indigenously produced, reinforcing India's growing potential in ship-building. He said that India is progressing fast toward becoming self-reliant in ship-building and other related fields.



He stated that defence manufacturing is moving as a "national mission" under the Modi government, and the commissioning of INS Taragiri shows India's rising indigenous prowess and growing Atmanirbharta in the sector.



Rajnath Singh, underscoring the need for a robust naval power, said that India has a coastline of 11,000 kms and is surrounded by oceans on three sides.



"Our 95 per cent of trade happens through sea route, energy security also relies on this route. Therefore, a strong navy is not an option but a basic necessity," the Defence Minister stated.



He further said that, be it the Persian Gulf or the Malacca Straits, the navy remains on standby to provide all types of assistance even during a humanitarian crisis.



"INS Taragiri's commissioning will give fresh impetus to India's naval strength. In this digital age, maritime security must be seen in a future framework," he said, while congratulating the Navy as well as the countrymen.



He also spoke about the growing significance of oceans in the 21st century, stating that maritime prowess remains a key asset in the country's security.



"Earlier, Oceans were a source of civilisational exchange, but in today's era, a lot of factors like security, sovereignty and strategic interests depend on it. They have become the basis of connectivity and economic prosperity. Those nations with strong naval power command respect and are better placed to secure their strategic interests," he stated.





- IANS
The Indian Navy commissioned the advanced stealth frigate INS Taragiri in a ceremony at Visakhapatnam attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. As the fourth ship of the Project 17A class, it represents a significant leap in indigenous warship design with over 75% domestic content. The 6,670-tonne vessel features world-class weaponry and stealth capabilities for multi-dimensional maritime operations. Its induction underscores the Navy's focus on strengthening combat readiness and India's strategic posture in the Indo-Pacific region.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commissions advanced stealth frigate INS Taragiri, a key Project 17A warship enhancing India's eastern naval strength.

Visakhapatnam, April 3 The Indian Navy is set to commission advanced stealth Frigate INS Taragiri on Friday at a ceremony in Visakhapatnam, set to be attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

The ceremony will be hosted by Indian Navy chief Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi.

The induction of Taragiri comes at a time when the strategic and maritime importance of India's eastern seaboard continues to grow, driven by evolving regional security dynamics and India's deepening engagement in the Indo-Pacific. The commissioning of Taragiri highlights the Navy's sustained focus on strengthening its combat readiness and operational might through its ambitious fleet augmentation programme

As the fourth potent platform of the Project 17A class, Taragiri is not merely a ship; it is a 6,670-tonne embodiment of the 'Make in India' spirit and the sophisticated engineering capabilities of our indigenous shipyards.

Built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai, this Frigate represents a generational leap over earlier designs, offering a sleeker form and a significantly reduced Radar Cross-Section that allows it to operate with lethal stealth. With indigenous content exceeding 75 per cent, the ship highlights the maturity of a domestic industrial ecosystem that now spans over 200 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), contributing to the GoI's Aatmanirbharta initiatives supports thousands of Indian jobs.

Driven by a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion plant, Taragiri is designed for 'High-Speed - High Endurance' versatility and multi-dimensional maritime operations. The ship's weapon suite is world-class, featuring supersonic Surface-to-Surface Missiles, Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missiles, and a specialised Anti-Submarine Warfare suite. These systems are seamlessly integrated through a state-of-the-art Combat Management System, ensuring that the crew can respond to threats with split-second precision.

Beyond its role as a premier hunter of the seas, Taragiri is built for the complexities of modern diplomacy and humanitarian crises. Its flexible mission profile makes it ideal for everything from high-intensity combat to Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR).

The Indian Navy continues to grow as a combat-ready, cohesive, credible, Aatmanirbhar force, safeguarding the seas for a Viksit, Samriddha Bharat guarded by ships designed by Indians, built by Indians and operated by Indians. Taragiri stands ready for a promising future as a beacon of rising maritime power and an ironclad guardian of the country's blue frontiers.

- ANI
Iran's Atomic Energy Organisation has sharply criticized the International Atomic Energy Agency for its failure to denounce military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, calling the silence "clear complicity." The attacks, which Iran attributes to the US and Israel, targeted sites under official IAEA oversight, including the Khondab Heavy Water Plant, which sustained severe damage. Iranian officials argue that striking safeguarded facilities constitutes a war crime due to the profound humanitarian and environmental risks. Human rights groups have echoed concerns, warning that such strikes jeopardize global security by risking a catastrophic release of radioactive materials.

Iran's atomic agency condemns IAEA silence on attacks against its nuclear facilities, warning of complicity, war crimes, and catastrophic risks.

Tehran, April 4 The Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran has accused the International Atomic Energy Agency of "clear complicity" following its failure to denounce military strikes on the nation's nuclear infrastructure, state broadcaster Press TV reported. The Iranian body asserted that the global watchdog's refusal to speak out against recent US-Israeli aggression effectively aligns the agency with the attackers.

In a statement shared on social media on Friday, the AEOI revealed that its chief, Mohammad Eslami, has repeatedly contacted IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi. Eslami's correspondence urged the Director General to formally condemn the "illegal attacks" targeting Iranian sites dedicated to peaceful energy production.

The organisation warned that "the IAEA's silence on US and Zionist regime's attacks on Iran's peaceful nuclear facilities is not merely inaction but clear complicity with the perpetrators." According to Press TV, the AEOI further claimed that this "historic negligence" continues to undermine the international community's trust and "erodes the IAEA's little remaining credibility."

Furthering these accusations, AEOI spokesperson Behrouz Kamalvandi noted that the sites targeted were under official international oversight. Kamalvandi had previously stated that strikes on facilities under IAEA safeguards constitute "a war crime" due to the significant humanitarian and security risks involved.

These diplomatic protests follow confirmed reports from Press TV regarding significant physical destruction. The IAEA itself verified that the Khondab Heavy Water Plant suffered "severe damage" and is "no longer operational" after being hit on March 27, the same day an Ardakan-based yellowcake production facility was also struck.

The vulnerability of such sites was previously highlighted during a twelve-day conflict last June, during which the Khondab complex also came under fire. Press TV noted that the repeated targeting of these locations has raised alarms regarding regional safety and the potential for a catastrophic release of radioactive materials.

Human rights organisations have joined the chorus of concern, warning that such strikes jeopardise global security. They maintain that a humanitarian and environmental disaster resulting from radioactive leaks would likely have devastating consequences that would extend far beyond the borders of Iran.

- ANI
Iran has formally rejected a US proposal for a 48-hour ceasefire, signaling a hardening of its stance. The diplomatic refusal coincides with the downing of a US F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet over Iranian territory. US forces have rescued one crew member, who is alive and receiving medical care, while the fate of the second remains unknown. This incident marks the first loss of a US aircraft over Iran in the current conflict, though official comment from the US is pending.

Iran rejects a US-proposed 48-hour ceasefire as tensions escalate. A US F-15E fighter jet is downed over Iranian territory, with one crew member rescued.

Tehran, April 4 Iran has formally turned down a proposal from the US for a 48-hour ceasefire, according to Al Jazeera, citing reports from the semi-official Fars news agency. The refusal highlights a continued hardening of Tehran's position amidst the current regional situation.

The diplomatic overture was reportedly conveyed through an unnamed intermediary nation. The collapse of these diplomatic efforts coincides with a sharp escalation in military hostilities, including the downing of a US fighter jet over Iranian territory.

American forces have successfully retrieved one crew member from the aircraft, according to a report by CNN, citing three sources familiar with the situation. The rescued individual is reportedly alive and in US custody, receiving medical treatment. However, the fate of the second crew member remains uncertain as search and rescue operations continue.

Technical details provided by a US source confirmed that the downed plane was an F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet. This specific model is a dual-role aircraft traditionally operated by a two-person team consisting of a pilot and a weapon systems officer.

CNN's analysis of images released by Iranian media verified that the wreckage matches an F-15, while The Wall Street Journal cited Iranian state broadcaster IRIB, which first reported that the jet had been targeted. IRIB also shared a map on X, circling the specific region where the hunt for the two American pilots has been conducted.

While the exact crash site remains unconfirmed, geolocated footage from Khuzestan Province showed low-flying aircraft and helicopters in the area. This incident marks the first time a US aircraft has been downed over Iran during the current conflict.

Photographs of debris, including a tail fin, appeared to identify the jet as belonging to the 494th Fighter Squadron 'LN' based at RAF Lakenheath in the United Kingdom. Despite evidence of the wreckage, the US military and the White House have not yet officially commented on the status of the pilots or the circumstances of the crash.

- ANI
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian affirmed Iran's determination to defend itself against what it calls American and Israeli aggression during a call with Azerbaijan's President. He detailed the destruction of vital infrastructure and civilian sites since the conflict began over a month ago. Simultaneously, Iran's Foreign Minister defended Tehran's actions in the Strait of Hormuz as lawful measures to safeguard security and prevent further attacks. The conflict has reportedly resulted in over 2,000 deaths across Iran, with regional leaders calling for an immediate end to hostilities.

Iran's President states resolve to defend against US-Israeli strikes, details infrastructure damage and diplomatic talks amid ongoing conflict.

Tehran, April 3 President Masoud Pezeshkian has stated that Iran remains "resolute in defending itself against American and Israeli aggressors using all of its capacities," state broadcaster Press TV reported. This comes over a month after the commencement of a military conflict that Tehran describes as an unprovoked war of aggression against the Islamic Republic.

The Iranian President made these observations during a telephonic conversation with his Azerbaijani counterpart, Ilham Aliyev, on Thursday.

During the exchange, Pezeshkian highlighted that Tehran was engaged in "indirect negotiations with the United States" at the moment Washington initiated its "strikes and bombing campaign."

Detailing the impact of the ongoing hostilities, Pezeshkian briefed Aliyev on the destruction of "vital and industrial infrastructures," as well as strikes targeting "schools" and "hospitals."

According to Press TV, the Iranian leader expressed his gratitude to the people and government of Azerbaijan for their "sympathy and support" during the crisis.

In response, President Aliyev noted the adverse effects of the conflict on regional "security and stability," voicing his hope for a swift restoration of peace.

Beyond the security situation, the two leaders also explored avenues to "boost Tehran-Baku cooperation in various fields."

Parallel to the presidential dialogue, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held talks with his Filipino counterpart, Maria Teresa Lazaro.

Araghchi asserted that Iran's actions to "prevent the passage of vessels associated with the aggressors through the Strait of Hormuz" are "in accordance with international law," Press TV reported.

The Foreign Minister maintained that such measures are "aimed at safeguarding security in the strategic waterway" and are intended to "prevent further military attacks."

Despite the current tensions, Araghchi noted that Tehran has maintained a "responsible approach by facilitating safe passage for non-hostile vessels and tankers" through "coordination with relevant Iranian authorities."

According to Press TV, the top diplomat identified the "illegal aggression by the United States and the Israeli regime" as the primary driver of "insecurity in the region and the Strait of Hormuz."

During the discussion, Lazaro offered condolences following the death of several Iranian citizens and officials, as well as the former Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, who was killed during the current conflict.

The Filipino official echoed calls for an "immediate end to the conflict" and the establishment of "lasting peace and stability."

As the war enters its second month, Press TV cited Iranian health officials reporting that the violence has resulted in the deaths of "more than 2,000 people across the country," including women and children.

- ANI
Israeli President Isaac Herzog held a call with Pope Leo XIV, exchanging holiday greetings and discussing regional conflicts. They focused on the threat from Iran and its proxies, as well as the destabilizing role of Hezbollah in Lebanon. Herzog emphasized the need for global religious leaders to unite in the fight against anti-Semitism. Both leaders affirmed the necessity of diplomatic dialogue to achieve a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog spoke with Pope Leo XIV about Iran, Hezbollah threats, and called for global cooperation against anti-Semitism.

Tel Aviv, April 3 Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Friday spoke to Pope Leo XIV and exchanged greetings for Passover and Easter. He also discussed the conflicts in West Asia and the Gulf region--particularly Iran and Lebanon and called for cooperation of all world and religious leaders in the fight against anti-semitism.

Sharing the details in a post on X, the Israeli President said, "During our call, we discussed the war with Iran, including the ongoing threat of missile attacks by the Iranian regime and its terror proxies against people of all faiths in the region. I recalled the recent Iranian missile attacks on Jerusalem that fell in the area of sites holy to Christians, Muslims, and Jews. The people of Iran also deserve a better future free from this dangerous and violent regime of terror."

He added that discussions also took place about the situation in Lebanon, including the importance of the safety and security of Christian communities on both sides of the border.

"I emphasized that the Hezbollah terror organization cannot be allowed to continue threatening both the people of Israel and Lebanon, who both deserve a future of peace and stability", Herzog said.

He also expressed to Pope Leo XIV the importance of Israel's relationship with the Holy See, the Catholic Church, and Christians around the world and underscored the importance of the cooperation of all world and religious leaders in the crucial fight against antisemitism.

"I extended my warmest wishes for the Easter holiday to Christian communities across the Middle East and around the world. We expressed our shared hope for a more peaceful future for people of all faiths across the world, free from the threat of violence and bloodshed", the Israeli President further noted.

Citing a statement released by the Holy See Press Office on the call between the leaders, Vatican news reported that Israeli President Herzog and Pope Leo XIV discussed, "the need to reopen all possible channels of diplomatic dialogue was reaffirmed, in order to bring an end to the serious ongoing conflict, with the hope of achieving a just and lasting peace throughout the Middle East."

It further noted that the Holy See Press Office note said that attention was focused on the importance of protecting the civilian population and promoting respect for international and humanitarian law.

The call between the leaders comes amid the backdrop of Passover and Easter festivities, with the conflict in West Asia in its entered its second month now.

- ANI
Eminent Dogri writer and retired teacher Thakur Khajoor Singh has been honoured with the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award for his book 'SatSai.' The award marks a significant milestone for the Dogri language and the Dogra cultural identity of the Kathua region. In his remarks, Singh humbly dedicated the award to the entire Dogra community, calling it an honour for his mother tongue. He also emphasized the increased responsibility the award brings and urged writers to address global issues and youth to preserve their linguistic heritage.

Thakur Khajoor Singh receives Sahitya Akademi Award for 'SatSai,' dedicating the honour to all Dogras and their mother tongue.

Kathua, April 3 Kathua is celebrating a moment of literary pride as eminent Dogri writer and retired teacher Thakur Khajoor Singh received the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award for his book SatSai, marking a significant achievement for both the district and the Dogri language.

Singh, a President Awardee and widely respected cultural figure, was felicitated in Delhi before receiving a warm welcome at his residence in Kathua.

Family members, prominent citizens, and members of the literary community gathered to honour his accomplishment, calling it a milestone for the Dogra identity.

A lifelong advocate of regional heritage, Singh has dedicated decades to preserving and promoting Dogri through literature and education. His acclaimed work SatSai has been recognised for its depth, linguistic richness, and rootedness in Dogra culture.

Beyond writing, he has played a key role in reviving folk traditions and ensuring the survival of linguistic nuances from the Duggar region.

Speaking to ANI, Singh reflected on his journey, saying, "Actually, when I started this work, when I started writing, some 40 years ago, I didn't think that one day I would get this award. But today I have got this award. I am very happy. And let me say one more thing, that this award is not mine. It belongs to all the Dogras."

He added, "My mother tongue is Dogri. This is her honour. And with her blessings, my honour has increased... I am very happy."

Recalling the award ceremony, Singh said he felt proud to be among some of India's most accomplished literary minds. "I was sitting among these learned people, among the literary lovers... and I was feeling very proud of myself," he noted.

Detailing the recognition, he shared, "They had put one lakh rupees in my account... and I have received a memento... But this award is not so important in terms of money... today I have become a registered writer among writers."

Singh emphasised that the honour has deepened his responsibility towards literature. "After receiving this award, my responsibilities have increased... I will try to write more. This award is a source of inspiration for me," he said.

Addressing global concerns, he also called for writers to engage with pressing issues. "The world at this time is standing on a pile of explosives... it is the duty of a writer to write... to make people aware and work for peace," he said.

He concluded with a message for the youth, urging them to embrace their mother tongue and work hard to carry forward their cultural legacy.

- ANI
Meryl Streep revealed that the 2006 film 'The Devil Wears Prada' faced significant budget challenges because it was dismissively categorized as a "chick flick." She drew a direct parallel to Greta Gerwig's experience with 'Barbie,' noting studios often underestimate films centered on women. The highly anticipated sequel, premiering May 1, will reunite Streep with co-stars Anne Hathaway and Emily Blunt. The plot follows Andy's return to a struggling Runway Magazine two decades after her dramatic exit.

Meryl Streep recalls how the 'chick flick' label limited the budget for 'The Devil Wears Prada,' drawing parallels to 'Barbie' and teasing the sequel.

Washington DC, April 3 Actress Meryl Streep recently recalled how the 2006 movie 'The Devil Wears Prada' classification as a "chick flick" made it difficult to pull together a budget for the David Frankel-helmed adaptation of Lauren Weisberger's novel, reported Deadline.

"Twenty years ago, it was categorised as a 'chick flick,' and that designation has kind of not worn well after Barbie and Mamma Mia!--to throw that in--and other films that completely catch the studios by surprise that people want to see them, because they have girls in the center of the story, women in the center of the story," she said on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, as quoted by Deadline.

"So, we had to scrabble for our budget. And that was true," added Streep. "I've talked to Greta [Gerwig] about it, that was true with Barbie a little bit, in comparison with what they spend on other films. This one, honey, they spent the money," as quoted by Deadline.

Streep reunites with Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci in The Devil Wears Prada 2, which premieres May 1, also starring Justin Theroux, Kenneth Branagh, Simone Ashley, Lucy Liu, Patrick Brammall, Pauline Chalamet, B. J. Novak, Rachel Bloom, Sydney Sweeney, Lady Gaga and more.

In 'The Devil Wears Prada 2', Andy (Hathaway) returns to Runway Magazine 20 years after quitting on Miranda (Streep) in Paris.

As the publication struggles to keep up with the evolving media landscape, the pair has to convince fellow former assistant Emily (Blunt), now head of a luxury brand, to buy advertising that could save Runway.

Original film director David Frankel and screenwriter Aline Brosh McKenna have returned for the sequel.

- ANI
Actor James McAvoy reveals his directorial debut was a "nightmare," juggling acting and directing, but ultimately a rewarding experience.

Los Angeles, April 3 Hollywood actor James McAvoy has shared that California Schemin' was a demanding film, and it took a toll on him while making the film.

The actor said that directing California Schemin' was "a nightmare (he) wouldn't wish on (his) worst enemy", reports 'Female First UK'.



The 46-year-old actor has stepped behind the camera for the first time for the new movie, which tells the true story of Scottish rap duo Silibil N' Brains who pretended they were American to get their big break in the music industry, and confessed that he was shocked with the workload that came with juggling filmmaking with an acting role in the flick.



Speaking on the latest episode of 'The Claudia Winkleman Show', James said, "I knew I wanted to make films about people from low-income backgrounds, council estates or schemes as we call them in Scotland. I wouldn't wish directing and acting on my worst enemy... it was a nightmare".



As per Female First UK', the actor explained how he was often concentrating on instructing the cast when he was informed of problems such as a lack of Portaloos for the production crew.



The actor said, "You'd literally be sitting there trying to go, 'I need more love' or 'I need more comedy', and somebody is whispering your ear, 'We can't get the Portaloos for tomorrow'".



The Atonement star previously discussed how California Schemin' was the ideal picture to make his directorial debut on because it centres on characters who have a similar "background" to him.



He told 'Empire' magazine, "I wanted to tell a story about people from a background like mine, that I recognised and understood. People with limited opportunities, near horizons and a kind of in-built humility. But I also wanted to (make) a film that was entertaining, still had emotional impact and still confronted the obstacles and the realities that people from that kind of low-income background face".



He further mentioned, "Also, it's a film (in which) you have two people who have to confront this thing that Scottish people do quite a lot, which is the reaction we get - from people who are not from Scotland, when the noise that comes out of our mouth lands in the other person's ears. I'm totally aware that, as a white, Northern European male, that discrimination isn't necessarily the worst discrimination in the world. But it is something that people in Scotland face. Like, my accent is so f****** mellow now. I do not sound how I sounded when I lived on a council estate in Glasgow. And I still get people that go like, 'I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry. Would you slow down?'".



Despite the stress involved, James revealed that he ultimately enjoyed the experience of directing a film.



"It was incredibly stressful. The most stressful experience of my life, and I did it at my midlife-crisis time of life as well. Am I directing a film because I'm having a midlife crisis? Maybe. But I love doing it", he added.





- IANS
Hollywood actress Jamie Lee Curtis has revealed she became a grandmother in December. She shared the deeply personal news during an emotional interview on Michelle Obama's podcast. The joy was bittersweet, coming just one week after the tragic deaths of her close friends, director Rob Reiner and his wife Michele. Curtis's daughter, Annie Guest, approved of her mother discussing the private family matter with the former First Lady.

Jamie Lee Curtis reveals she became a grandmother in December, sharing the bittersweet news with Michelle Obama just a week after friends' tragic deaths.

Los Angeles, April 2 Hollywood actress Jamie Lee Curtis welcomed grand-daughter in December, just a week after the deaths of her close friends Rob and Michele Reiner.

The 'Freaky Friday' actress and her husband Christopher Guest are parents to two adopted daughters and their eldest child Annie Guest, whose godparents were the late film director and his wife, and her husband Jason Wolf welcomed their first son into the world during a very emotional time for the family, reports 'Female First UK'.

Speaking to Michele Obama on her IMO podcast, Jamie said, "I never thought I would have children. "I never thought in my wildest dreams I would be a grandma. A granny. I want to be Granny".

The 67-year-old actress grew emotional as she reflected on the contrasting feelings of the time because of the tragic deaths of Rob and Michele, whose son Nick has been charged with their murders.

She said, "My husband (Christopher Guest) and I became grandparents. Their baby boy was born in December. And it was a week after Rob and Michele (died). And Rob and Michele are her godparents, and they died on her birthday. My beautiful daughter, who loved them, as we all did, managed to be able to metabolise that grief and sadness, as we have all had to do. Obviously, nothing greater than their children. But as close friends".

As per 'Female First UK', Jamie noted "colleagues and friends and people we all admired" were also mourning the couple.

She added, "And then my daughter and her husband brought their son to this world a week later. Life on life's harshest terms and life on life's most beautiful terms".

The 'Everything Everywhere All at Once' star had got Annie's approval before making the news of her son public, and her daughter was happy for her to speak up because she admires former First Lady Michelle so much.

The actress said, "I called my daughter to say, 'Hey, I'm about to do this (podcast)' We have never talked about it. It's been a private matter. But we live in a world, many people know, in our circle. Many, many people know that we're grandparents. One of these days, somebody's gonna say something. (I) said, 'I'm about to do this thing, I think it's gonna come up. How would you feel about me talking about it?' She said, 'Tell her I love her.' My daughter Annie said, 'Tell her I love her'".

"You are loved and so respected that she would say, 'Yes, Mom, you can talk about it to Michelle Obama, 'cause she's a G. Because she loves you, because you represented love in the world and you brought love to the White House and beyond. And so it's really thrilling to me that the first time I'm going to say to the universe that I became a granny is here with you", she added.

- IANS
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has thanked Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan for extending the timeline of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-I (PMGSY-I) for the union territory until March 2027. This extension is expected to aid in completing critical rural road projects across the region. The Centre has sanctioned a massive Rs 4,224.23 crore package for 316 road projects in J&K for 2025-26, the largest such allocation since the program's inception. Under the PMGSY-IV guidelines, even habitations with a population of 250 will receive road connectivity, aiming to cover about 1.67 lakh eligible unconnected habitations nationwide.

J&K CM Omar Abdullah thanks Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan for extending the PMGSY-I deadline to March 2027 for critical rural road projects.

Jammu, April 2 Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, on Thursday, thanked Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan for extending the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana timeline for the union territory till March 2027.

The office of Omar Abdullah's office said on its X handle, "Chief Minister expressed gratitude to the Hon'ble Union Minister @ChouhanShivraj for acceding to the J&K Government's proposal to extend the timeline of PMGSY-I till March, 2027. This extension will significantly support the completion of critical rural road projects across Jammu & Kashmir."

The Centre had sanctioned a Rs 4,224.23 crore package for 316 road projects in Jammu and Kashmir under PMGSY for the fiscal 2025-2026, which was the biggest ever package for the union territory since the national flagship rural road development programme was started.

Under the PMGSY-IV programme, a rural habitation with a population of even 250 people will get road connectivity through a total length of 1,781.33 km.

The PMGSY was launched by the Government of India to provide connectivity to unconnected habitations as part of a poverty reduction strategy.

The Government of India is endeavouring to set high and uniform technical and management standards and facilitate policy development and planning at the state level in order to ensure sustainable management of the rural roads network.

According to the latest figures made available by the state governments under a survey to identify Core Network as part of the PMGSY programme, about 1.67 lakh unconnected habitations are eligible for coverage under the programme.

This involves the construction of about 3.71 lakh km of roads for new connectivity and 3.68 lakh km under upgradation.

The objective of this national flagship programme is to plan, fund, construct and maintain rural roads in the country. It provides an All-weather Road with necessary culverts and other cross-drainage structures, which is operable throughout the year to eligible unconnected habitations as per PMGSY guidelines in the rural areas.

- IANS
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah praised the police for achieving high conviction rates in the state. However, he noted that crime rates in certain categories remain higher than the national average and directed stricter action to curb offences. He emphasized the need for effective use of technology to combat emerging threats like cybercrime. The CM also reiterated that protecting women, children, and vulnerable sections is a top government priority.

CM Siddaramaiah praises high conviction rates but directs police to reduce crime incidence, especially cybercrime, and protect vulnerable groups.

Bengaluru, April 2 Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday said that though Karnataka is ahead in terms of conviction rates due to strict control over various crimes, it is witnessing higher crime rates than the national average in certain categories and directed the police to take stringent measures to curb such offences.

Addressing the Police Flag Day celebrations at the parade ground in Koramangala in Bengaluru, the Chief Minister presented the "Chief Minister's Medal" to personnel and lauded the police department for its performance.

He said it is his firm belief that no crime or illegal activity can take place within the jurisdiction of any police station without the knowledge of the concerned station officer, stressing the need for greater accountability.

Highlighting the state's performance, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah noted that Karnataka is ahead in terms of conviction rates due to strict control over various crimes. However, he emphasized that more efforts are required to bring down the incidence of crimes where the rate remains high.

The Chief Minister also called for the effective use of technology to tackle cyber crimes and other emerging threats.

Praising the dedication of police personnel, he said their round-the-clock service has played a key role in maintaining peace and harmony in society.

He reiterated that the protection of women, children, and vulnerable sections remains a top priority for the government and urged the police to act with sensitivity and responsibility.

Siddaramaiah further underlined the direct link between law and order and the state's economic growth, stating that an efficient police system contributes significantly to overall development.

He also said that making Karnataka a drug-free state is a major objective of the government and asked the police department to align with this goal.

He said that the round-the-clock sense of duty shown by police personnel, working 24 hours without time limits, has ensured peace and harmony in society.

He added that the government gives top priority to the protection of women, children, the vulnerable, and the helpless, and said the police must keep this in mind while performing their duties.

He further stated that there is a direct link between the state's law and order situation and its economic growth and GDP progress, and noted that if the police department functions with this in mind, it would make a significant contribution to the economy.

Home Minister G. Parameshwara and Director General and Inspector General of Police Dr. M.A. Saleem were present at the event.

- IANS
The Karnataka government has issued immediate guidelines mandating all private hospitals to report cases of pregnant girls below 18 years of age. This reporting is required under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. Doctors must immediately inform the Special Juvenile Police Unit or local police, and also contact the Child Helpline. Failure to comply will result in legal punitive action against the concerned doctors and hospitals.

Karnataka mandates private hospitals report pregnant minors under POCSO Act. Failure to report leads to legal action against doctors and hospitals.

Bengaluru, April 3 The Karnataka government issued guidelines on Friday, making it mandatory for private hospitals operating in the state to report cases of pregnant minors under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act.

Issued by the Health and Family Welfare Services, the guidelines state, "Under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, cases of pregnancy among girls below 18 years of age are legally considered serious offences that must be mandatorily reported."

"Under Section 19 (1) of the POCSO Act, reporting of offences, not withstanding anything contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974) any person (including the child), who has apprehension that an offence under this Act is likely to be committed or has knowledge that such an offence has been committed, he shall provide such information to, (a) The Special Juvenile Police Unit; or (b) The local police."

It said, "In any case where a pregnant minor girl is admitted to a private hospital, the concerned doctor must immediately inform the nearest Special Juvenile Police Unit or the local police station. Failure to report such cases will result in legal punitive action against the doctors and the private hospitals concerned. Any person, being in charge of any company or an institution (by whatever name called) who fails to report the commission of an offence under sub-section (1) of section 19 in respect of a subordinate under his control, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year and with fine."

"In such cases, the Child Helpline number 1098 must be immediately informed by making a call. This will help in taking necessary protective and rehabilitation measures," the government statement stated.

The government mandated that, in this context, all private hospitals in the state must comply with the said guidelines. Details of POCSO cases must be properly recorded. Medical records must be maintained in accordance with the law. Patient confidentiality must be ensured. Necessary cooperation must be extended to investigating authorities, it emphasised.

All private hospitals must create awareness among their doctors and staff about the provisions and rules of the POCSO Act, the guidelines stated.

Strict compliance with these instructions must be ensured. These guidelines come into immediate effect. Failure to adhere to the above directions will result in legal action against the concerned private hospital or doctor, the guidelines said.

- IANS
Doctors at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi successfully removed a denture stuck in a patient's upper esophagus using a holmium laser. The patient had swallowed the denture, causing severe respiratory distress and pain, and standard removal methods were deemed too risky. The laser was used to fragment the denture inside the esophagus, and the pieces were extracted through a protective overtube to prevent damage. This innovative procedure prevented the need for major open surgery, showcasing a shift towards less invasive solutions for complex emergencies.

Delhi doctors used an endoscopic laser to safely remove a denture stuck in a patient's food pipe, avoiding risky open surgery. Learn about the breakthrough procedure.

New Delhi, April 3 Doctors at a Delhi hospital successfully removed a dental plate stuck in a patient's food pipe using an advanced endoscopic technique with a laser cutter, avoiding major surgery.

This medical breakthrough at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in New Delhi highlights a sophisticated shift in how complex "foreign body" emergencies are handled, moving away from invasive surgery toward ultra-precise laser technology.

The patient had accidentally swallowed his denture, which got lodged in the upper oesophagus, causing severe respiratory distress and pain. The medical team used a holmium laser to fragment the denture into smaller pieces, then extracted them with a protective overtube to prevent oesophageal damage.

The patient arrived at the hospital with severe respiratory distress and pain in the throat after accidentally swallowing his denture, which got stuck just below the junction of the food pipe and windpipe, an area called the cricopharynx in the upper oesophagus.

He was experiencing significant difficulty in swallowing and severe chest discomfort. Standard extraction methods (using forceps or snares) risked tearing the oesophageal lining, which could lead to severe infection (mediastinitis) or fatal haemorrhage.

Because it was lodged just below the junction of the food pipe and windpipe, the patient was also suffering from respiratory distress.

Imaging studies confirmed that the dental prosthesis had become firmly lodged at a delicate point in the food pipe, where its sharp metallic clasps posed a risk of tearing the lining of the oesophagus.

When traditional endoscopic tools failed to budge the plate, Prof Anil Arora and Dr. Shrihari Anikhindi pivoted to a high-tech solution, using an endoscopic laser beam. Doctors literally "cut" the hard denture material into smaller, manageable fragments while it was still inside the throat.

To prevent the sharp, jagged edges of the broken denture from scratching the oesophagus during removal, a specialised "overtube" was inserted to act as a protective sleeve. Each fragment was then pulled out through the tube, clearing the obstruction entirely.

Calling the case extremely challenging, Anil Arora, Chairman, Institute of Liver, Gastroenterology and Pancreaticobiliary Sciences (ILGPS), Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, said, "This was one of the most difficult foreign bodies we have encountered. Conventional removal techniques like foreign body forceps or a polypectomy snare carried a high risk of injury to the oesophagus."

After initial attempts with conventional forceps proved unsuccessful, the medical team decided to adopt an innovative approach.

Under precise endoscopic guidance, the doctors used a cutting-edge laser beam to carefully fragment the impacted denture into smaller pieces inside the oesophagus in an effort to disengage them from the oesophageal lumen.

A protective overtube was then inserted in the upper oesophagus to protect the surrounding tissues from the fragmented denture while each fragment was safely and meticulously extracted.

Explaining the procedure, Dr Shrihari Anikhindi, Consultant - Gastroenterology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, said, "The laser allowed us to safely break the denture into smaller fragments. The overtube protected the normal esophagus from sharp edges, enabling us to remove the foreign body without resorting to open surgery, which has considerable morbidity."

- ANI
The Light Combat Aircraft Tejas fleet is expected to resume flying by next Wednesday after being grounded. The grounding followed a crash linked to issues with the aircraft's braking system. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited Chairman Dr DK Sunil stated the clearance process is underway and specific one-time checks must be completed. The Indian Air Force currently operates 34 Tejas aircraft, comprising 32 fighters and 4 trainers.

HAL Chairman says LCA Tejas fleet, grounded after a crash, is expected to resume operations by Wednesday following clearance and one-time checks.

New Delhi, April 2 The Light Combat Aircraft Tejas fleet is expected to resume flying by Wednesday after being grounded for some time following a crash linked to issues in the braking system, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited Chairman and Managing Director Dr DK Sunil said in New Delhi on Thursday.

Sunil said the required clearance process is underway and the fleet could soon return to operations once certain checks are completed.

"The good news is that for the Tejas fleet, the LMC is done, there is a local modification committee civil action there, which looks at this, so we expect this clearance by Wednesday, the fleet will start flying," Sunil said.

He added that specific one-time checks have been issued for the aircraft before they return to service.

"Some one-time checks have been issued, which they will have to carry out and they can start flying," he said.

Providing details about the number of aircraft in the fleet, Sunil said the Indian Air Force operates 36 Tejas aircraft.

"There are 36... Out of 36, 2 have gone... so 34 are remaining," he said, referring to two aircraft that are no longer part of the operational fleet.

He further clarified that the fleet includes both fighter and trainer variants.

"32 are fighters and 4 were trainers," Sunil said.

The Tejas fleet had been temporarily grounded following a crash earlier, after which checks related to the braking system and other safety aspects were undertaken before allowing the aircraft to resume operations.

Tejas is a single-engine, multi-role light combat aircraft built to operate in high-threat environments, with capabilities that include air defence, maritime reconnaissance and strike missions.

- ANI
Sikkim is grappling with a severe shortage of domestic and commercial LPG cylinders, causing major disruptions during the peak tourist month of April. Hotels and restaurants are being forced to reduce food preparation or shut down entirely, impacting both locals and visitors. People are queuing from as early as 3 AM, with many returning home without securing a cylinder. In response, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has chaired a review meeting and directed authorities to curb hoarding and ensure supply.

Severe LPG shortage in Sikkim forces hotels to close, tourists face limited food. CM Prem Singh Tamang reviews supply, cracks down on hoarding.

Gangtok, April 2 As the situation in West Asia continues to escalate, Sikkim is currently facing a serious shortage of both domestic and commercial LPG cylinders, causing major inconvenience to the public as well as business establishments. In many places, people have reportedly been standing in long queues from as early as 3 AM, but many are still returning home without getting a cylinder.The shortage has become a major concern, especially for hotels and restaurants during the peak tourist season in April. Rajesh Gupta, a hotel owner from Gangtok, said that his hotel normally requires two commercial LPG cylinders per day, which comes to around 14 cylinders in a week. However, he said that at present, he is receiving only one commercial cylinder per week.Due to the severe shortage, he stated that his hotel has been forced to reduce food preparation and may only be able to provide dry or limited food items to customers. He also claimed that several restaurants in Gangtok have already shut down because of the LPG crisis.The shortage is not only affecting locals and businesses but is also creating difficulties for tourists visiting the state. As April is one of the busiest tourist months in Sikkim, many hotels and eateries are reportedly unable to provide proper food services to visitors.According to local sources, the LPG crisis is affecting not only Gangtok but also other parts of Sikkim, with both domestic and commercial users facing serious supply problems.

Meanwhile, Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang chaired a high-level review meeting at Samman Bhawan on Monday to assess the stock position and distribution of essential commodities across Sikkim, with a focus on ensuring their seamless and uninterrupted availability throughout the state.

Emphasising the need for heightened vigilance, the Chief Minister issued firm directions to strengthen monitoring mechanisms and strictly curb hoarding, black marketing, and overpricing. District administrations and law enforcement agencies have been tasked with maintaining constant oversight.

- ANI
Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh met Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla upon returning from Delhi, where he held discussions with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The meetings focused on reviewing the state's law and order situation and accelerating the peace process among communities. Amit Shah granted in-principle approval for raising a new women's battalion of the Manipur Rifles to strengthen policing. The discussions also touched upon the potential expansion of the state cabinet, which currently has several vacant ministerial positions.

Manipur CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh meets Governor, reviews security after discussions with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi.

Imphal, April 2 Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Thursday met Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla soon after returning from New Delhi, where he had held discussions with Union Home Minister Amit Shah on a range of issues concerning the state.

An official from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) said that Singh also conducted separate meetings with senior civil and Army officials, during which multiple matters were deliberated, including key security concerns.

Sources indicated that the meeting between the Governor and the Chief Minister largely focused on the prevailing law and order situation in Manipur.

According to local media reports, the meeting may also be linked to a possible expansion of the state cabinet, with seven ministerial positions currently lying vacant.

Sources further revealed that the Chief Minister briefed the Governor on recent security developments, including the proposal to raise an additional battalion of Manipur Rifles (an India Reserve Battalion Mahila unit) aimed at strengthening the state's policing capacity. This move follows an assurance from the Union Home Minister.

The Chief Minister had earlier rushed to the national capital on Tuesday (March 31) after being summoned by the Union Home Minister.

The CMO official stated that during the meeting held at the Parliament House complex on Wednesday, the Union Home Minister directed the Manipur Chief Minister to accelerate the ongoing peace process and further strengthen the improving relations among various communities in the state. The official added that a detailed review of the law and order situation in Manipur was conducted during the meeting.

"The Union Home Minister reviewed the current security scenario in Manipur with the Chief Minister. He also instructed him to expedite ongoing peace initiatives and consolidate the improving relations among different communities," the CMO official said.

During the discussions, the Union Home Minister also granted in-principle approval for the raising of a Manipur Rifles unit (the Mahila unit of the India Reserve Battalion) and asked the Chief Minister to submit a formal proposal for the same.

On February 22, Chief Minister Khemchand Singh, accompanied by Deputy Chief Ministers Nemcha Kipgen and Losii Dikho, had met the Union Home Minister to discuss several key issues, including the rehabilitation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) affected by ethnic violence.

- IANS
A critical care specialist from Manipur, Dr Loni Lirina, saved a young woman experiencing a severe asthma attack on an Air India flight from Tokyo to Delhi. Dr Lirina administered oxygen, nebulisation, and medication, stabilising the patient within 30 minutes and averting the need for an emergency landing. Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh lauded the doctor's skill and compassion in a social media post. The flight landed safely in Delhi with the passenger reported in stable condition.

Dr Loni Lirina stabilised a 21-year-old passenger with severe asthma on an Air India flight, preventing an emergency landing. Read the heroic story.

Imphal, April 3 A doctor from Manipur's Senapati district saved the life of a 21-year-old passenger during a mid-air medical emergency on an Air India flight from Tokyo to New Delhi.

Dr Loni Lirina, a critical care specialist at the American Oncology Institute, Babina Specialty Hospital in Imphal, was on board the flight when a young woman began experiencing severe breathing difficulties.

Following an announcement by the flight crew requesting medical assistance, Dr Lirina promptly attended to the passenger.

Upon examination, she immediately recommended oxygen support, nebulisation, and essential medications to stabilise the patient's condition.

Thanks to her swift and decisive intervention, the woman's condition improved significantly within 30 minutes, eliminating the need for an emergency landing.

The flight subsequently landed safely in New Delhi, with the passenger reported to be in stable condition.

According to Dr Lirina, the passenger had a history of childhood asthma but had not been on medication for several years.

"Upon examination, the patient was in severe respiratory distress, with a heart rate exceeding 160 beats per minute, low blood pressure, and oxygen saturation at 80 per cent of room air. By the grace of God, after administering the medicine, the young woman stabilised," she said in a video message.

Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh praised Dr Lirina for her timely and life-saving intervention. Taking to X, the Chief Minister wrote: "A life saved is a testament to both skill and compassion."

"I extend my heartfelt appreciation to Dr Loni Lirina of Senapati District, Manipur, a Critical Care Physician at the American Oncology Institute, Babina Specialty Hospital, for her exemplary courage and timely medical intervention in saving the life of a 21-year-old passenger who experienced severe chest pain and breathlessness onboard an Air India flight from Tokyo to Delhi. Her swift response, clinical excellence, and unwavering commitment to the noble profession reflect the highest ideals of medical service," he said.

The Chief Minister further added that such acts of humanity and professionalism bring immense pride to Manipur and serve as an inspiration to all.

"I convey my deep gratitude and commend her for this remarkable act of service," he said.

- IANS
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings on Good Friday, stating the day reminds us of Jesus Christ's sacrifice. He expressed hope it would deepen values of harmony, compassion, and forgiveness in society. Good Friday is a solemn Christian observance commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, marked by prayer and reflection worldwide. The day's timing is based on the lunar calendar and holds deep spiritual significance as a precursor to the hope of Easter Sunday.

PM Narendra Modi marks Good Friday, highlighting Jesus Christ's sacrifice and the values of harmony, compassion, and forgiveness in society.

New Delhi, April 3 Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the solemn occasion of Good Friday, stated that the day serves as a reminder of the immense sacrifice made by Jesus Christ. He also expressed hope that the occasion would strengthen the values of harmony, compassion, and forgiveness in society.

Taking to the social media platform X, the Prime Minister wrote, "Good Friday reminds us of Jesus Christ's sacrifice. May this day further deepen the values of harmony, compassion and forgiveness. May brotherhood and hope guide us all."

Observed annually on the Friday preceding Easter, Good Friday is a significant day in the Christian calendar. It commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ, who Christians revere as the Son of God. Since its date is determined by the lunar calendar and linked to the spring equinox, it varies each year. Across the world, believers mark the day with prayers, fasting, and solemn reflection.

The origins of Good Friday trace back to the first century in Roman-ruled Judea. According to the Gospels, Jesus Christ was arrested, tried, and sentenced to death by the Roman Governor Pontius Pilate. He was crucified at Calvary, also known as Golgotha. For early Christians, the day was observed with deep mourning and fasting, marking a moment of profound sacrifice.

Over time, Good Friday has remained a central part of Holy Week, observed through acts of penance, quiet church services, and spiritual contemplation. Its timing remains closely linked to Easter, which is also calculated based on the lunar calendar.

The day holds deep spiritual significance for Christians worldwide, symbolising love, redemption, and forgiveness. It reflects the belief that Jesus Christ gave his life for humanity's sins and was resurrected three days later, an event celebrated on Easter Sunday. The observance encourages believers to reflect on sacrifice, faith, and compassion while preparing for the hope and renewal associated with Easter.

The term "Good" in Good Friday is widely understood to mean "holy" or "sacred," underscoring the belief that Christ's sacrifice brought salvation and hope to humanity.

Good Friday is observed by Christians across denominations, including Catholics, Protestants, Orthodox Christians, and Anglicans. It is widely commemorated in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, India, the Philippines, Australia, and several nations across Europe.

- IANS
MEA Secretary (West) Sibi George met Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov in Baku to review bilateral ties and discuss regional issues. The 6th round of Foreign Office Consultations was co-chaired with Deputy Foreign Minister Elnur Mammadov, covering trade, technology, tourism, and pharmaceuticals. Secretary George also held talks with Hikmet Hajiyev, Foreign Policy Advisor to Azerbaijan's President, emphasizing cooperation in energy and culture. Both sides agreed to hold the next round of consultations in New Delhi, reinforcing commitment to deeper relations.

MEA Secretary (West) meets Azerbaijan officials, reviews bilateral relations covering trade, tech, tourism, and cooperation against cross-border terrorism.

Baku, April 3 Secretary at the Ministry of External Affairs on Friday called on Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

In a post on X the MEA said they reviewed bilateral ties and exchanged views on regional and global matters of common interest.

In a post on X, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal wrote, "Secretary (West) @AmbSibiGeorge called on Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Jeyhun Bayramov. They reviewed bilateral ties and exchanged views on regional and global matters of common interest."

"The 6th round of India-Azerbaijan Foreign Office Consultations was also held in Baku, co-chaired by Secretary (West) and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Elnur Mammadov. They comprehensively reviewed the current state of bilateral relations covering areas of mutual interest. The issues discussed included trade, technology, tourism, pharmaceuticals, culture, people-to-people relations and fight against cross border terrorism."

"Secretary (West) also met with Mr Hikmet Hajiyev, Foreign Policy Advisor to the President of Azerbaijan."

The visit also marked the 6th round of India-Azerbaijan Foreign Office Consultations, co-chaired by Secretary (West) and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Elnur Mammadov. They comprehensively reviewed the current state of bilateral relations, covering areas of mutual interest. The issues discussed included trade, technology, tourism, pharmaceuticals, culture, people-to-people relations and fight against cross-border terrorism.

In addition to the consultations, Secretary (West) held a meeting with Hikmet Hajiyev, Foreign Policy Advisor to the President of Azerbaijan. Both sides emphasised strengthening cooperation in sectors such as energy, tourism, and technology, as well as fostering closer cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

The discussions also touched upon strategies to address cross-border terrorism and enhance collaboration in global forums on issues of shared concern. The two sides agreed to hold the next round of Foreign Office Consultations at a mutually convenient date in New Delhi, underlining the ongoing commitment to deepening India-Azerbaijan relations.

Sources noted that the Secretary's engagement in Baku reinforces India's focus on expanding ties with Azerbaijan across economic, cultural, and security domains.

- ANI
The Mechanised Infantry Regiment of the Indian Army marked its 47th Raising Day with a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the National War Memorial in New Delhi. The commemorations included the 6th General K Sundarji Memorial Lecture in Jaipur, focusing on challenges to strategic autonomy in a fractious world. The Regiment, which combines mechanised mobility with infantry combat, continues to adapt through technological integration for modern multidomain operations. The events reaffirmed its commitment to operational excellence and dedicated national service.

Indian Army's Mechanised Infantry Regiment commemorates its 47th Raising Day with a wreath-laying ceremony and the General K Sundarji Memorial Lecture.

New Delhi, April 2 The Mechanised Infantry Regiment of the Indian Army on Thursday marked its 47th Raising Day with a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the National War Memorial in New Delhi, paying tributes to soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.

Major General R Premraj, Additional Director General of Mechanised Infantry, along with serving personnel, laid a wreath at the National War Memorial on behalf of all ranks of the Regiment.

As part of the Raising Day commemorations, the 6th General K Sundarji Memorial Lecture was organised at the Sapta Shakti Auditorium, Jaipur Military Station, under the mentorship of Lieutenant General PS Shekhawat, Chief of Staff, South Western Command, and Colonel of the Mechanised Infantry Regiment.

The lecture, organised by the Mechanised Infantry Centre and School in collaboration with the Centre for Land Warfare Studies, New Delhi, was held on the theme "Challenges of Pursuing Strategic Autonomy in an Increasingly Fractious World." The keynote address was delivered by Lieutenant General Manjinder Singh, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, South Western Command.

The lecture also featured distinguished speakers who shared insights on the changing international relations landscape, as well as defence and security perspectives. The event was attended by military personnel, veterans and scholars.

The Mechanised Infantry Regiment occupies a vital place in the Indian Army's war-fighting framework, combining the mobility and firepower of mechanised platforms with the close-combat capability of infantry soldiers.

The Regiment continues to adapt to the demands of the modern battlefield through capability enhancement and technological integration, ensuring that the Mechanised Infantry remains operationally ready, future-oriented and capable of operating effectively in multidomain operations.

The 47th Raising Day celebrations reaffirmed the Mechanised Infantry Regiment's steadfast commitment to its glorious legacy, operational excellence, technological modernisation and dedicated service to the nation.

- ANI
China has responded to US President Donald Trump's aggressive remarks against Iran, emphasizing that military action cannot fundamentally resolve issues. Trump threatened to hit Iran "extremely hard" over the next few weeks and "bring them back to the stone ages," despite ongoing diplomatic talks. The US President also claimed a de facto "regime change" has occurred in Iran due to the deaths of its original leaders, though he stated this was not an official Washington goal. He asserted that military operations will continue until all US objectives are fully achieved.

China urges diplomacy, saying military means cannot solve issues, after Trump threatens to hit Iran "extremely hard" in coming weeks.

Beijing, April 2 China on Thursday responded to the recent "bring them back to the stone ages" remarks made by US President Donald Trump against Iran, stressing that escalation will not resolve the conflict, China Daily reported.

"Military means cannot fundamentally solve any issue, and escalation of the conflict does not serve any party's interest," China Daily quoted Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning as saying.

The response came after Trump said the United States was going to "hit Iran extremely hard over the next two or three weeks", raising concerns over further escalation in West Asia.

Earlier, Donald Trump warned that Iran could face severe military action in the coming weeks amid the ongoing conflict in the region, stating that Washington's action against the Islamic Republic is "on the cusp" of ending what he described as Tehran's "sinister threat" to the US and the world.

Delivering his address to the nation, Trump said that Iran would be hit "extremely hard" amid ongoing diplomatic talks between the two sides in order to sign a deal to end the conflict, which has been going on for over a month.

"We are going to hit them extremely hard over the next two to three weeks. We are going to bring them back to the stone ages, where they belong. In the meantime, discussions are ongoing," the US President said.

He further claimed that there has been a "regime change" following the ongoing US and Israeli military action in Tehran, but clarified that the change was not an official objective of Washington, noting that the military action had already led to significant leadership losses for the Islamic Republic.

"Regime change was not our goal. Regime change was not our goal. We never said regime change, but regime change has occurred because of the deaths of all of their original leaders. They're all dead," Trump said.

The US President further asserted that military operations would continue until Washington's objectives are achieved.

"We will continue until our objectives are fully achieved. Thanks to the progress we've made, I can say we are on track to complete all of America's objectives shortly, very shortly," he added.

- ANI
The Madhya Pradesh government has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to tackle bonded labour in the Gwalior, Chambal, and Bhopal divisions. The team, led by divisional commissioners, includes police and social welfare officials to coordinate rescue and rehabilitation efforts. This action follows recent incidents where over 120 individuals were freed from bonded conditions in Raisen and Guna districts. The SIT will review enforcement of the Bonded Labour System Act and address systemic gaps in the state's eradication efforts.

Madhya Pradesh establishes a high-level SIT to address bonded labour in Gwalior, Chambal, and Bhopal divisions, focusing on rescue and rehabilitation.

Bhopal, April 2 In a significant move to combat the persistent menace of bonded labour, the Madhya Pradesh government has constituted a high-level Special Investigation Team to deliberate on remedial measures and long-term solutions for issues related to bonded labourers in the Gwalior, Chambal, and Bhopal divisions.

According to an order issued by the General Administration Department, the Divisional Commissioner has been designated as the Chairperson of the team.

The members include the Inspector General (IG) of the respective zone, the Deputy Director of Social Justice and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, and the Joint Director of Women and Child Development (Bhopal). The Labour Commissioner of Madhya Pradesh has been appointed as the Member Secretary.

The Collectors of the concerned districts and members of the district-level committees have been directed to extend full cooperation and coordination to the Divisional SIT. Additionally, the Secretary of the Labour Department will provide necessary technical and legal guidance to the team.

Bonded labour continues to be a serious concern in several parts of Madhya Pradesh, particularly in rural and tribal-dominated areas.

Recent incidents highlight the gravity of the problem. In February 2026, authorities rescued 74 labourers, including 21 families with women and children, from a brick kiln in Raisen district after they were subjected to coercion, wage denial, and debt bondage.

In May 2025, Guna district witnessed a major crackdown where 47 mentally challenged individuals and several others were freed from decades-old bonded labour networks.

Madhya Pradesh has historically been among the states with notable cases of bonded labour, often linked to brick kilns, stone quarries, agriculture, and construction sectors.

The "Harwai" system in parts of the state forces landless labourers into lifelong farm work to repay informal loans.

Many cases also involve inter-state trafficking, with MP workers rescued from bonded conditions in Tamil Nadu and other states in recent months.

The development comes at a time when national data shows slow progress in eradication efforts. While nearly 2.97 lakh bonded labourers have been officially rescued and rehabilitated across India since 1978, critics argue that the actual numbers remain much higher due to under-reporting and weak enforcement.

The formation of this SIT reflects the state government's renewed focus on effective identification, rescue, rehabilitation, and prevention of bonded labour.

The team is expected to review existing mechanisms, address implementation gaps under the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976, and recommend stronger enforcement measures.

- IANS
The US Supreme Court is hearing a pivotal case on birthright citizenship, where the Trump administration argues the 14th Amendment was never intended to grant universal citizenship. Solicitor General John Sauer cited the historical exception for children of American Indian tribal members, who were not automatically citizens at the Amendment's adoption. Justices including Clarence Thomas, Elena Kagan, and Neil Gorsuch engaged deeply with arguments about sovereignty, jurisdiction, and whether this narrow exception can justify modern limits. The court's decision could fundamentally alter the interpretation of citizenship that has stood for over a century.

US Supreme Court debates 14th Amendment, birthright citizenship, and the historical exception for Native American tribal members. A ruling could reshape US citizenship.

Washington, April 2 Native Americans, or American Indian tribals, have emerged as a key focus in the US Supreme Court's hearing on birthright citizenship, which President Donald Trump wants to change, as lawyers debated how early constitutional principles apply to modern immigration.

Arguing for the Trump administration on Wednesday, Solicitor General John Sauer told the court that the 14th Amendment was never meant to grant universal citizenship to everyone born in the United States.

He pointed to a long-recognised exception: children of American Indian tribals were not automatically citizens when the Amendment was adopted.

"The children of tribal Indians are not within the rule of birthright citizenship," Sauer told the justices.

He said this shows that birth on US soil alone was not enough. Citizenship depended on whether a person was fully subject to US jurisdiction.

However, several Supreme Court justices engaged with the argument, including Clarence Thomas, who asked how the citizenship clause addressed earlier rulings like Dred Scott, and Samuel Alito, who probed how general constitutional rules apply to modern conditions.

Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson questioned whether the government's interpretation departed from long-standing precedent and common law understanding of jurisdiction and allegiance.

The administration argued that American Indian tribals were historically treated as separate political communities, with their own sovereign status. Their members were seen as owing allegiance to tribal governments, not fully to the United States.

That meant they were not entirely under US authority in the same way as other residents.

Opposing the administration, counsel for the challengers argued that this exception is unique and cannot be extended to immigrants.

"They are subject to another sovereign's jurisdiction even when they're in the United States," the lawyer told the court, describing tribal status as a "fiction of extraterritoriality."

The lawyer said this situation does not apply to foreign nationals, who remain fully subject to US law while present in the country.

Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett raised questions about whether the tribal exception was tied to territory or political identity, and whether it could support new limits on citizenship.

Historically, American Indian tribals were excluded from automatic citizenship even if born within US territory. That changed in 1924, when Congress granted citizenship to Native Americans by statute.

The debate highlighted how the 14th Amendment was shaped by two main concerns: guaranteeing citizenship to freed slaves and preserving the distinct status of tribal nations.

"I think the principal focus... had to do really not with immigrants, but with the Indian tribe," Sauer said.

According to the legal experts, the distinction is crucial because it shows that early citizenship debates were tied to sovereignty, not immigration policy.

The case now asks whether that narrow historical exception can be used to justify broader limits on birthright citizenship today.

The 14th Amendment overturned the Dred Scott decision and established a national definition of citizenship.

For more than a century, that definition has been broadly interpreted under the precedent of United States v. Wong Kim Ark.

The court's decision could determine whether new exceptions can be created -- or whether the original rule remains unchanged.

- IANS
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is set to take oath as a Rajya Sabha member on April 10, following his election to the Upper House. He is expected to resign from the chief minister's post after returning to Patna post-April 13, with political activity likely accelerating after the inauspicious 'Kharmas' period ends on April 14. The state government has ordered that his top-tier 'Z Plus' security cover will remain intact even after he steps down. Kumar has also inspected a government bungalow at 7 Circular Road, a residence with historical significance in his career, signaling preparations for his post-CM life.

Nitish Kumar will take oath as Rajya Sabha MP on April 10 and resign as Bihar Chief Minister after April 13, marking a major political transition.

Patna, April 2 Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is likely to take oath as a member of the Rajya Sabha on April 10, according to sources from the Chief Minister's residence.

He is likely to travel to Delhi on April 8 or 9 to complete the formalities in the Upper House of Parliament.

Following his return to Patna, Kumar is expected to resign from the post of Chief Minister any time after April 13.

Political developments are likely to gather pace after April 14, when the 'Kharmas' period (an inauspicious one-month Hindu period) concludes.

Meanwhile, the Bihar Home Department has issued orders confirming that Nitish Kumar will continue to receive 'Z Plus' category security even after stepping down as Chief Minister.

The order, issued by the Special Branch, states that his security cover will remain intact upon assuming office as a Rajya Sabha member.

According to the directive, the decision was taken after a review of his security requirements under the provisions of the Bihar Special Security Act, 2000.

The Director General of Police and the Special Branch have been instructed to ensure the highest level of protection.

The 'Z Plus' category is the highest tier of security cover in India, typically reserved for top dignitaries such as the Prime Minister, the President, and senior political leaders.

It involves a multi-layered security arrangement with around 55 personnel, including Personal Security Officers (PSOs), armed guards, escort vehicles, and round-the-clock surveillance.

Nitish Kumar was elected to the Rajya Sabha on March 16 and resigned from the Bihar Legislative Council on March 30.

His formal entry into the Upper House is expected to mark a significant political transition in the state.

In a related development, Kumar recently inspected a government bungalow at 7 Circular Road, where he is likely to reside after stepping down as Chief Minister.

The residence holds political significance, as he previously operated from the same location during key phases of his political career.

With these developments, Bihar's political landscape is poised for a major shift in the coming days.

- IANS
NMDC, under the Ministry of Steel, has achieved its highest-ever annual iron ore production of 53.15 million tonnes in the 2025-26 financial year, marking a 21% year-on-year growth. The company has become the first in India's mining history to surpass the 50 million tonne annual production milestone. This robust growth is attributed to record performances at its key mines in Chhattisgarh and Karnataka, alongside strategic expansions including a new coal mine and an international office. With its expansion roadmap aligned with the Viksit Bharat vision, NMDC aims to boost its production capacity to over 100 million tonnes by 2030.

NMDC sets a historic record with 53 MT iron ore output in FY25-26, marking 21% growth and plans to expand capacity to over 100 MT by 2030.

New Delhi, April 3 The Ministry of Steel-owned NMDC has registered its highest-ever iron ore production output at 53 million tonnes in the Financial year 2025-26, the Ministry of Steel said in a press release on Thursday. The ministry noted that NMDC has emerged as the first company in the India mining history to surpass the 50 million tonnes annual production mark.

The company's iron ore production jumped 51% on year to 5.35 million tonnes in March and posted a growth of a robust 40% over the corresponding year in iron ore sales. "The total production output reached 53.15 MT with a marvellous growth of 21%, and sales reached 50.23 MT, with a 13% jump, marking its best volumes since inception," Ministry said in its press release. The Steel Ministry attributed its robust growth to NMDC's major iron ore mines in Kirandul and Bacheli in Chhattisgarh and Donimalai in Karnataka, recording their best-ever performance in company history.

"FY26 has also been a defining year of expansion and transformation for NMDC, with the inauguration of an international office in Dubai, the successful operationalisation of the first coal mine in Jharkhand and the commissioning of Deposit 4 at Bailadila in Chhattisgarh, further strengthening its production capabilities and diversification strategy," the Ministry added.

The Ministry further added that the company is accelerating its expansion roadmap with a goal of achieving over 100+ million tonnes of iron ore production capacity by 2030 by establishing new mining projects, capacity enhancements and infrastructure development. The company's plans are aligned with the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

"Crossing 50 million tonnes is not just a production milestone for NMDC, it is a moment of pride for us and India's mining sector. As India's steel demand surges with rapid infrastructure growth, NMDC stands ready - stronger, larger and more future-focused than ever. 2026 has set our spirits high, with a new coal mine in Jharkhand, a new iron ore mine in Bailadila and this record output," said Amitava Mukherjee, Chairman and Managing Director, NMDC.

- ANI
Congress MP Manish Tewari paid tribute to his father, Professor V.N. Tewari, on the 42nd anniversary of his assassination by terrorists at their Chandigarh home. He described his father as a scholar, author, poet, and parliamentarian who strongly advocated for Punjab and its syncretic culture. Tewari also referenced his past efforts to refute a false video that maliciously linked his deceased father to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. V.N. Tewari, a respected academic and nominated Rajya Sabha member, is remembered for his lasting contributions to literature and public life.

Congress MP Manish Tewari remembers his father, Prof. V.N. Tewari, assassinated in 1984. A scholar and parliamentarian who championed Punjab.

New Delhi, April 3 Congress MP Manish Tewari on Friday paid tribute to his father V.N. Tewari, who was killed by terrorists at their residence in Chandigarh on April 3, 1984, and said that only some get to live and die for their convictions and therefore become eternal and immortal.

He further said that his father was only 48 years old at the time.

Taking to social media platform X, Tewari wrote, "On 3rd April 1984 - 42 years ago at our home in Chandigarh, terrorists assassinated my father Dr (Professor) VN Tewari. He was only 48 years old."

Describing his father's legacy, Tewari said that he was a scholar, author, poet, and parliamentarian who strongly advocated for Punjab.

"A scholar, author, poet and a Parliamentarian he espoused the cause of Punjab, Punjabi and Punjabiyat -- the shared syncretic ethos of Hindus and Sikhs living together in harmony. Only some get to live and die for their convictions and therefore become eternal and immortal," he said.

In 2019, Tewari, who contested the Lok Sabha elections from the Anandpur Sahib constituency had filed a complaint with the Election Commission of India and the Punjab Police regarding the circulation of a video on social media. The video falsely alleged that his father was involved in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in Delhi and that petrol had been supplied from his filling station to fuel the violence.

Refuting the claims, Tewari had clarified that his father had been assassinated six months before the riots and had never owned a petrol pump. He had demanded a thorough investigation into the circulation of the video, urging authorities to identify and take strict legal action against those responsible for spreading misinformation.

V. N. Tewari, born in 1936, was a distinguished academic and a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha. He served as a professor of Punjabi and Modern Indian Literature at Panjab University, Chandigarh, and was widely respected for his contributions to literature and education.

He was married to Amrit Tewari, a professor and former Dean at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh. His life and work continue to be remembered for their lasting impact on academia and public life.

- IANS
Afghanistan's Economy Minister stated that Pakistani military attacks have displaced over 27,000 families across nine provinces. The displaced lack basic necessities like food, shelter, and healthcare, creating a severe humanitarian situation. The Taliban has called on UN agencies and international organizations to provide emergency assistance. UNICEF's representative in Afghanistan emphasized the need for peaceful solutions and committed to supporting the affected populations.

Taliban reports over 27,000 families displaced due to Pakistan's military actions, citing a humanitarian crisis and civilian casualties.

Kabul, April 2 Afghanistan's Minister of Economy, Qari Din Mohammad Hanif said on Thursday that more than 27,000 Afghan families across nine provinces have been displaced due to attacks carried out by Pakistan's military, local media reported.

During a coordination meeting with officials from the United Nations agencies and national and international organisations on Thursday, Hanif said that Pakistan has carried out hostile actions against Afghanistan in recent months, Afghanistan-based Pajhwok Afghan News reported. He further said that at least 27,344 families have been displaced in Nuristan, Zabul, Paktia, Khost, Paktika, Kunar, Nangarhar, Laghman and Kandahar provinces of the country.

Hanif noted that many of these families are currently residing without access to basic necessities, including adequate food, clothing, shelter and healthcare. He mentioned that Taliban has taken measures to address the economic and livelihood challenges faced by displaced people of Afghanistan. However, he urged UN agencies and partner organisation to provide humanitarian assistance.

He said that use of heavy weaponry in residential areas has caused civilian casualties and displacement of hundreds of families. He termed these actions a serious humanitarian violation and against Islamic principles.

Hanif made these remarks during a meeting convened by Afghanistan's Ministry of Economy. Titled 'Coordination on Mobilizing Emergency Assistance from United Nations Agencies and National and International Non-Governmental Organizations for Internally Displaced Persons Affected by Recent Bombardments', the meeting on Thursday saw participation of representatives from various domestic and international organisations.

UNICEF head in Afghanistan, Tajuddin Oyewale, stressed the need for both nations to pursue peaceful solutions. He mentioned that infrastructure damage, including impacts on at least 10 health facilities have occurred in addition to displacement. He expressed UNICEF's commitment to supporting displaced people in Afghanistan and expressed hope that Afghan authorities would facilitate access to remote areas to enable effective aid delivery, Pajhwok Afghan News reported.

Tensions have escalated tremendously between Kabul and Islamabad over the past few months due to the Pakistani airstrikes and artillery fire which has resulted in the deaths of dozens of people in war-torn Afghanistan.

On March 29, one person was killed and 16 others were injured after Pakistani forces launched rocket and heavy weapon attacks on residential areas in Afghanistan's Kunar province, officials said. The shelling hit areas near Asadabad and nearby homes.

- IANS
Over 9,000 families have been forced to flee their homes in Afghanistan's Kunar province due to sustained rocket attacks by Pakistani forces targeting areas near the disputed Durand Line. Local officials report ongoing clashes and a registration process for the displaced, with villages now nearly empty as residents seek safety. The violence has severely disrupted daily life, preventing children from attending school and causing widespread psychological trauma among both adults and children due to constant fear of shelling. Further clashes and civilian targeting have also been reported in the neighboring Khost province, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.

Over 9,000 families displaced in Afghanistan's Kunar province due to Pakistani rocket attacks near Durand Line. Schools closed, daily life disrupted.

Kabul, April 3 Over 9,000 families have been forced to leave their homes due to the rocket attacks conducted by Pakistani forces on areas near the Durand Line in Afghanistan's Kunar province, local media reported.

Officials from Kunar's Directorate of Information and Culture said that the survey process of impacted families is being conducted, with approximately 3,500 families registered so far, Afghanistan-based news outlet Atlas Press reported.

Kunar's Information and Culture Department head Najeebullah Hanif said that clashes continue and several families have been forced to abandon their areas due to security concerns. He mentioned that survey teams continue to make efforts to identify displaced people in the impacted regions.

Residents of the border areas said that villages and streets are nearly empty and only a few people are residing there to protect their properties and belongings. They further said that children were unable to attend schools and many people avoid visiting mosques for fear of shelling.

One resident reported that ongoing situation has caused serious psychological effects on children and adults, disrupting daily life of residents. The resident further mentioned that mental peace of families has been destroyed due to the persistent fear of shelling, Atlas Press reported.

Locals have been raising concerns as tensions escalated tremendously between Islamabad and Kabul over the past few months due to the Pakistani airstrikes, which have resulted in several deaths in the war-torn Afghanistan.

On Thursday, residents of the Tani district of Afghanistan's Khost accused Pakistani soldiers of targetting civilian houses as fighting continued on the country's border with Pakistan.

According to sources, many local residents have started leaving their homes to escape the violence while casualties were also reported from the region, Afghanistan's leading news agency Khaama Press reported. Clashes were also reported in Gurbuz district of Khost.

- IANS
A report highlights skepticism towards Pakistan's claims of being a potential mediator between the US and Iran in the West Asian conflict. It argues Pakistan has a history of using strategic ambiguity to seek relevance while avoiding full alignment with any power. The nation's critical economic dependence on Gulf monarchies like Saudi Arabia and the UAE creates a structural imbalance that limits its diplomatic room. Furthermore, internal economic distress and political instability undermine its ability to project itself as a reliable and coherent international actor.

Report questions Pakistan's credibility as a mediator between US and Iran, citing strategic ambiguity, economic dependence on Gulf states, and internal instability.

Islamabad, April 2 As Pakistan claims of being a potential mediator between the United States and Iran during the ongoing conflict in West Asia, a report has highlighted that Islamabad has consistently sought to turn crisis into opportunities for relevance, projecting itself as useful to all parties while avoiding the "costs of full alignment" with any one of them.

Writing for 'EuropaWire,' Dimitra Staikou, a Greek lawyer, writer, and journalist, recently emphasised that Pakistan's continued reliance on strategic ambiguity weakens its credibility as a stable partner.

"This pattern is not new. Pakistan's relationship with the Gulf monarchies has long combined deep dependence with carefully managed ambiguity. In 1998, following its nuclear tests and the sanctions that followed, Saudi Arabia reportedly provided Pakistan with free oil supplies of around 50,000 barrels per day. In return, Islamabad offered security cooperation and support within Gulf defence structures. Yet when Riyadh requested direct military participation in the Yemen campaign in 2015, Pakistan refused and opted for neutrality. The logic was clear: preserve strategic utility without sacrificing flexibility," Staikou detailed.

According to the expert, Pakistan's relationship with Gulf monarchies in 2025-2026 remains critical but structurally imbalanced.

"Financial assistance, debt rollovers, and remittances from countries such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates continue to underpin Pakistan's fragile economy. Investment initiatives in energy, logistics, and infrastructure are expanding, alongside ongoing security cooperation. However, the asymmetry is clear: Islamabad depends far more on its Gulf partners than they do on Pakistan," Staikou wrote.

The report stressed that Pakistan's shrinking room for maneuver is becoming evident as economic dependence converges with a volatile domestic climate where anti-American and Islamist sentiment is becoming harder to contain.

The recent violent protests in Karachi, coupled with wider unrest tied to regional tensions, indicate that Pakistan's long-standing formula - "symbolic outrage combined with strategic flexibility" - is becoming unsustainable.

"Under these conditions, Pakistan's projection as a mediator appears less as an expression of diplomatic maturity and more as an exercise in managing structural contradictions. A visible tilt toward Riyadh and Washington risks renewed friction with Iran, particularly in the aftermath of the January 2024 missile exchange. Yet passivity risks weakening ties with key Gulf financial backers. The narrative of Islamabad as a neutral venue for dialogue does not signal the resolution of these tensions - it reflects an ongoing attempt to navigate them," it mentioned.

Emphasising that Pakistan's external positioning is inseparable from its internal condition, the report said that "economic distress, institutional erosion, democratic backsliding, and the growing visibility of extremist actors" collectively constrain Islamabad's ability to project coherence globally.

"For Western policymakers, the challenge is not simply how to engage Pakistan as a mediator, but how to assess its reliability as a state actor in a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape. Until Islamabad addresses its internal vulnerabilities, its claims to neutral brokerage will continue to be viewed with caution rather than confidence," it noted.

- IANS
Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to move the Central Armed Police Forces Bill in the Lok Sabha, following its passage in the Rajya Sabha amid an opposition walkout. The legislation stipulates that a significant percentage of senior posts in the CAPFs must be filled by deputation. Opposition MPs have criticized the bill, arguing it contravenes a Supreme Court directive to reduce deputation posts over time. The day's parliamentary agenda also includes the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Bill to designate Amaravati as the sole capital and the tabling of various committee reports.

Home Minister Amit Shah moves the Central Armed Police Forces Bill in Lok Sabha. The bill mandates deputation posts, sparking opposition criticism over Supreme Court norms.

New Delhi, April 2 Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to move the Central Armed Police Forces Bill, 2026, in the Lok Sabha on Thursday, after it was passed in the Upper House of Parliament.

The Bill provides for fifty per cent of posts in the CAPFs to be filled by deputation in the rank of Inspector General, and a minimum of sixty-seven per cent of the posts to be filled by deputation in the rank of Additional Director General, and all posts in the ranks of Special Director General and Director General shall be filled by deputation only.

On Wednesday, the CAPF Bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha amid a walkout staged by the Opposition.

The Opposition MPs had flagged that the Bill goes against the Supreme Court judgment in 2025, which called for "the number of posts earmarked for deputation in the cadres of the CAPFs upto the level of Senior Administrative Grade (SAG) should be progressively reduced over a period of time, say within an outer limit of two years."

Congress MP Manickam Tagore questioned the timing of the CAPF Bill in the Lok Sabha, alleging that the Centre planned to introduce the Bill on the day when Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to visit Assam for his pre-planned election rally.

Meanwhile, Amit Shah will also move the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2026, to recognise Amaravati as the state's sole capital. The Bill was passed in the Lower House on Wednesday.

The reports of the Standing Committee on Rural Development and Panchayati Raj will be tabled in both Houses.

Union Minister of State for Finance, Pankaj Chaudhary, will lay on the table reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG).

Private Members' Business is also listed in the agenda for both Houses.

- ANI
Parliament has passed the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Bill, 2026, legally designating Amaravati as the state's sole and permanent capital. The bill amends the 2014 Act to end years of political flip-flops on the capital issue following the state's bifurcation. During the debate, opposition was raised over farmer compensation, while the government countered by highlighting past administrative confusion. The bill's passage is seen as a major victory for the state's ruling alliance and will pave the way for large-scale infrastructure development in Amaravati.

Parliament passes bill making Amaravati the permanent capital of Andhra Pradesh, ending years of uncertainty after the state's 2014 bifurcation.

New Delhi, April 2 Parliament on Thursday gave its final approval to the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Bill, 2026, officially designating Amaravati as the sole and permanent capital of Andhra Pradesh. The Rajya Sabha passed the bill through a voice vote, a day after the Lok Sabha cleared it.

The legislation amends the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, to provide statutory backing to Amaravati as the state's only capital with effect from June 2, 2024. The bill seeks to end years of uncertainty and political flip-flops over the capital issue that arose after the 2014 bifurcation of the erstwhile united Andhra Pradesh. It effectively rules out any future attempts to alter the capital's status or revive the previous three-capital model.

Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan congratulated the people of Andhra Pradesh on the historic development, describing it as a step that brings long-awaited administrative clarity and paves the way for focused development and good governance in the greenfield capital city.

During the debate in the Rajya Sabha, Yerram Venkata Subba Reddy of the YSR Congress Party opposed the bill in its present form. He argued that it fails to address the hardships faced by thousands of farmers who surrendered their land for Amaravati but have yet to receive adequate compensation.

He questioned the definition of "capital" and the very basis on which the bill seeks to declare Amaravati as the permanent capital.

Union Minister of Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu strongly countered the opposition. He pointed out that different parties had taken varying stands on the capital issue over the years.

"If a person at the helm of state affairs makes irresponsible statements, what is going to be the future of the State?" he asked.

Naidu highlighted the confusion created in the past: "We are not able to tell where the capital of the State is if someone asks." He accused the previous government of being irresponsible on the matter and asserted that the NDA government fully supports the rebuilding of Amaravati.

He saluted the "hard work and sacrifice of farmers and women of Andhra Pradesh" who stood firm in their demand for a single, viable capital.

The passage of the bill is being seen as a major political and developmental victory for the TDP-led NDA government in Andhra Pradesh. Once it receives presidential assent, it will bring legal finality to the capital question and facilitate large-scale infrastructure development in Amaravati.

- IANS
Union Home Minister Amit Shah asserted at a massive rally in Assam's Goalpara that the people have decided to re-elect the NDA to protect the state's culture and future. He launched a sharp attack on the Congress, accusing it of exploiting youth deaths for politics and turning Assam into a hub for infiltrators, vowing to remove all identified infiltrators if given another term. Shah highlighted welfare promises including dairy units for every district and livestock support for tribal households, crediting these to his role as Cooperation Minister. He also detailed the BJP government's cultural initiatives, accords for peace, and clarified that tribal communities would be exempt from the proposed Uniform Civil Code.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, at a Goalpara rally, pledges to remove infiltrators, highlights welfare schemes, and attacks Congress for instability.

Guwahati, April 3 Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Friday asserted that the people of Assam have "decided to re-elect the NDA" to safeguard the state's culture, identity and future, while launching a sharp attack on the Congress during a massive rally in Dudhnoi in Goalpara district.

Addressing a charged gathering, HM Shah accused the Congress of exploiting the deaths of Assamese youth for political gains and fostering instability in the state for decades. In contrast, he said, the BJP-led government has prioritised peace by signing multiple accords and bringing nearly 10,000 youth into the mainstream by persuading them to lay down arms.

Taking a tough stand on illegal infiltration, he alleged that the Congress had turned Assam into a hub of infiltrators. "We have identified all infiltrators. Give us five more years, and we will remove each one of them," he said, drawing loud applause from the crowd.

Highlighting welfare measures, he promised that every district in Assam would have a large dairy unit and that households in tribal communities would be supported with livestock.

"This is not an election promise. As Cooperation Minister, I assure you this will be delivered," he said.

He also credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for promoting tribal culture globally and contrasted it with what he termed Congress's neglect of indigenous communities.

Referring to the election of Droupadi Murmu as President, Shah said it reflected the NDA's commitment to tribal empowerment.

Recalling his association with the Assam movement in the early 1990s, HM Shah accused the then Congress government of turning the state into a conflict zone.

He further highlighted the BJP government's initiatives in education, including the introduction of primary education in six tribal languages and the recognition of Assamese as a classical language.

On the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), Shah said the BJP would implement it in Assam but clarified that tribal communities would be kept outside its ambit, accusing the Congress of spreading misinformation to create fear among indigenous groups.

He also listed cultural initiatives undertaken by the NDA government, including honouring Assamese icons, building memorials for Assam Agitation martyrs, and securing UNESCO heritage status for Charaideo Maidam.

Urging voters to once again back the BJP-led alliance under Prime Minister Modi and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Shah said the NDA represents peace, development and protection of Assam's identity.

- IANS
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a large roadshow in Puducherry with just a week left for the Legislative Assembly polls. He interacted with BJP workers, urging intense grassroots outreach to convert public support into votes and promoting his "BEST" mantra for the Union Territory's development. Modi targeted the Congress-DMK alliance, accusing them of dynastic politics, and called on workers to engage women voters with data on safety and central welfare schemes. Voting in Puducherry is scheduled for April 9, with counting on May 4.

PM Modi holds a massive roadshow in Puducherry, urges BJP workers for grassroots outreach, and outlines the BEST development mantra ahead of April 9 polls.

Puducherry, April 3 With just a week left for the Puducherry Legislative Assembly polls, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a large roadshow from Ansari Duraisamy Road to Kamaraj Salai in the Union Territory.

Puducherry Chief Minister Rengasamy, Home Minister Namachivayam and BJP state President and Raj Bhavan Assembly Constituency Candidate Mana Ramalingam also participated in the roadshow.

On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with BJP workers in the Union Territory, urging them to intensify grassroots outreach and convert public support into votes.

Addressing party workers, PM Modi reiterated his development vision for Puducherry, highlighted the "BEST" mantra: Business, Education, Spirituality and Tourism, as a roadmap for growth. "When I visited Puducherry, I gave the mantra of BEST for the development of Puducherry... I'm happy that the people of Puducherry, especially our youth, very much liked it," he said.

Emphasising booth-level mobilisation, the Prime Minister called on workers to adopt the slogan "Mera Booth, Sabse Mazboot" and undertake door-to-door campaigns. "Go door-to-door, meet every single citizen, and clearly tell them that - Congress-DMK means Family First, BJP-NDA means Puducherry First, India First," he said, taking a swipe at the Opposition ahead of the polls.

Targeting the Congress-DMK alliance, PM Modi accused them of prioritising dynastic politics while ignoring governance. He said internal conflicts within the Opposition bloc reflected their lack of commitment to public welfare, even as they continued to seek electoral gains.

The Prime Minister also asked workers to engage women voters with data-driven outreach, highlighting safety and welfare initiatives.

"Please inform them that the women's crime rate in Puducherry is 25, which is lower than the national average. Additionally, let them know that all reported cases are actively investigated by the police," he said.

"The BJP-NDA government has done a lot for women's welfare. Therefore, meet women in small groups and inform them about the central government's women empowerment schemes. Along with security, the earnings of sisters and daughters should increase... This too is a very big priority for the BJP-NDA. The central government has launched the Lakhpati Didi campaign; meet people, mothers and sisters, and provide detailed information about it," he said.

Calling for unity among NDA allies, PM Modi stressed that creating a favourable atmosphere was not enough. "In elections, creating a favourable atmosphere or "mahaul" is not enough. This support must be translated into actual votes, and only the dedicated booth-level workers can accomplish this task," he said.

Focusing on Puducherry's tourism-driven economy, PM Modi said the number of visitors has doubled in recent years, aided by improved connectivity and visa reforms.

Voting in Puducherry will take place on April 9. The counting of votes will be held on May 4, the ECI announced. The current term of the 30-member Legislative Assembly of the Union Territory is set to expire on June 15.

In the 2021 Puducherry Assembly Elections, AINRC emerged as the largest party with 10 seats, followed by DMK with six seats, while BJP and Congress won six seats each. The voter turnout was recorded at 84.8 per cent. While in the 2016 elections, Congress had secured a majority with 15 seats, AINRC won eight seats, AIADMK bagged four seats, and DMK got two seats, with voter turnout at 83.6 per cent.

- ANI
Chief Secretary V. Srinivas reviewed the progress of transforming the Rajasthan University of Health Sciences (RUHS) into the Rajasthan Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), modelled on AIIMS. He directed officials to speed up work, remove bottlenecks, and ensure early completion to strengthen the state's healthcare infrastructure. The project aims to alleviate patient load from Sawai Man Singh Hospital and create a world-class medical institute. Experts from AIIMS and other institutions provided technical insights during the review meeting.

Chief Secretary V. Srinivas directs officials to expedite the transformation of RUHS into Rajasthan Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) on AIIMS model.

Jaipur, April 3 In line with the vision of Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, the Rajasthan University of Health Sciences Hospital here is being developed into the Rajasthan Institute of Medical Sciences, modelled on AIIMS.

Chief Secretary V. Srinivas visited RUHS on Friday, where he held detailed discussions with medical experts from premier national institutions and senior officials from the Department of Medical Education regarding the institution's transformation.

Acting on the budget announcement, Chief Secretary Srinivas directed officials to accelerate the pace of work and ensure early completion of RIMS.

He said that the upgraded institution would not only enhance the state's healthcare system but also give a new direction to medical research, innovation, and world-class patient services.

The Chief Secretary noted that, given the heavy patient load at Sawai Man Singh Hospital, upgrading RUHS into a state-of-the-art medical institute is a major step toward strengthening Rajasthan's healthcare infrastructure.

He instructed that all bottlenecks delaying the project be removed promptly and that necessary approvals be expedited.

He also directed that infrastructure creation, procurement of medical equipment, and expansion of specialist services be taken up in a phased and mission-mode manner.

Additionally, he instructed officials to fast-track the notification of rules and regulations required for establishing RIMS.

The Chief Secretary emphasised the need to set weekly and monthly milestones to ensure consistent momentum in the development of RIMS.

He directed officials to prepare a comprehensive action plan without delay and stressed that RIMS should emerge as a fully digitalised healthcare system, ensuring seamless and patient-friendly access to services.

During the review meeting, medical experts, including Ramesh Agarwal, Sanjeev Lalwani, Ashok Jaryal, and Rajesh Khadgawat from AIIMS, as well as M.K. Aseri, Vice-Chancellor of Marwar Medical University, shared insights on RIMS development and offered suggestions on key technical aspects related to RUHS's upgradation.

Earlier, the Chief Secretary inspected various facilities at RUHS, including the Outpatient Department (OPD), In-patient Department (IPD), and Intensive Care Unit, and interacted with patients and their attendants to gather first-hand feedback on the health services provided.

Hospital officials informed him that, following recent expansion and upgrades, patient footfall in both OPD and IPD has increased significantly.

A wide range of specialised medical services is now being offered at the hospital.

Those present during the meeting included Commissioner of Medical Education Babulal Goyal, Commissioner of Agriculture Naresh Goyal, Officer on Special Duty Garima Narula, RUHS Vice-Chancellor Pramod Yeole, Sawai Man Singh Medical College Principal Deepak Maheshwari, RUHS Principal Vinod Joshi, RUHS Superintendent Anil Gupta, and State Cancer Institute Superintendent Sandeep Jasuja, among other senior officials.

- IANS
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma has directed authorities to prepare a detailed report for the development of National Waterway-48, connecting the Jawai-Luni basin to the Rann of Kutch. He emphasized that providing waterway connectivity for cargo is a top state priority to benefit local industries and traders. The project, following an MoU signed in 2025, is expected to facilitate the transport of petrochemicals, minerals, and other goods to the Arabian Sea. Its operationalization is seen as a foundation for the state's holistic development by boosting trade and cutting transportation costs.

Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma directs IWAI & IIT Madras to prepare a detailed technical and financial report for the Jawai-Luni-Rann of Kutch National Waterway.

Jaipur, April 3 Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma on Friday issued directives to prepare a detailed report for the realisation of the Jawai-Luni-Rann of Kutch National Waterway.

He said that providing waterway connectivity for cargo transport and exports to industries within the state is one of the State Government's top priorities.

As per the Chief Minister's office release, Sharma was presiding over a meeting held at the Chief Minister's Office on Friday concerning National Waterway-48.

The Chief Minister directed the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and IIT Madras to assess the technical and financial aspects of this project, as well as to prepare a comparative study report regarding the estimated vessel traffic.

It is noteworthy that, under the Chief Minister's guidance, the State Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IWAI regarding NW-48 on October 27, 2025. Following this, Professor K. Murali of IIT Madras delivered a detailed presentation regarding the preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for this initiative, a release said.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister remarked that once this National Waterway becomes operational, industries and traders within the state, as well as those in neighbouring states, will benefit from seamless cargo transportation.

He emphasised that this National Waterway could serve as a robust foundation for the holistic development of the state.

Furthermore, it is expected to prove instrumental in boosting trade activities and significantly reducing the cost of cargo transportation.

As per the release, with the operationalisation of NW-48 in the state, the uninterrupted movement of cargo to the Arabian Sea via the Rann of Kutch will become a reality. Passing through Rajasthan and Gujarat, this National Waterway will facilitate the transportation of various export products, including petrochemicals, minerals, cement, chemicals, and industrial goods.

- ANI
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commissions the advanced stealth frigate INS Taragiri in Visakhapatnam, enhancing India's maritime security and 'Make in India' initiative.

Visakhapatnam, April 3 Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, along with Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan and Navy chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, on Friday inspected the advanced stealth frigate INS Taragiri in Visakhapatnam.

The Defence Minister, earlier in the day, commissioned the advanced stealth frigate INS Taragiri, marking a significant enhancement to the Indian Navy's capabilities.



Addressing the event here, Singh described the commissioning as a step to "strengthen our Navy's power, values, and commitment."



Highlighting the Navy's role, the Defence Minister stated, "Our Navy, whether it is the Persian Gulf or the Malacca Strait, continuously maintains its presence in the Indian Ocean. Whenever any crisis arises, whether it is evacuation operations or providing humanitarian assistance, our Navy is always at the forefront. Our Navy is a symbol of India's values and commitment. The commissioning of INS Taragiri will further strengthen our Navy's power, values, and commitment."



Singh emphasised the significance of the occasion, noting, "Today, state-of-the-art warship, 'Taragiri', is being commissioned into the Indian Navy. The commissioning of Taragiri is a symbol of India's growing maritime power. On this occasion, I congratulate all fellow countrymen, including Mazagaon Dock Shipbuilders Limited and the Indian Navy."



He also underscored the strategic importance of maritime strength in India's development.



"When our Prime Minister speaks of building a developed India by 2047, the role of marine power in that vision also becomes extremely crucial. A country with a coastline exceeding 11,000 kilometres, our nation surrounded by the sea on three sides, cannot envision its development separate from the ocean. Nearly 95 per cent of our trade happens through maritime routes. Our energy security, too, depends on the seas. In such a scenario, it is clear that a strong and capable Navy is not merely an option for us, but a necessity," he said.



The induction of Taragiri comes at a time when the strategic and maritime importance of India's eastern seaboard continues to grow, driven by evolving regional security dynamics and India's deepening engagement in the Indo-Pacific. The commissioning of Taragiri highlights the Navy's sustained focus on strengthening its combat readiness and operational might through its ambitious fleet augmentation programme



As the fourth potent platform of the Project 17A class, Taragiri is not merely a ship; it is a 6,670-tonne embodiment of the 'Make in India' spirit and the sophisticated engineering capabilities of our indigenous shipyards.



Built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai, this Frigate represents a generational leap over earlier designs, offering a sleeker form and a significantly reduced Radar Cross-Section that allows it to operate with lethal stealth.



With indigenous content exceeding 75 per cent, the ship highlights the maturity of a domestic industrial ecosystem that now spans over 200 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), contributing to the GoI's Aatmanirbharta initiatives supports thousands of Indian jobs.



Beyond its role as a premier hunter of the seas, Taragiri is built for the complexities of modern diplomacy and humanitarian crises. Its flexible mission profile makes it ideal for everything from high-intensity combat to Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR).





- ANI
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrived in Visakhapatnam to commission the INS Taragiri frigate and the INS Aridhaman submarine. INS Taragiri is a potent Project 17A stealth frigate built indigenously with over 75% domestic content, representing a generational leap in naval technology. INS Aridhaman is an advanced version of the Arihant-class, strengthening India's nuclear triad and strategic deterrence at sea. These inductions underscore the Indian Navy's focus on combat readiness and the success of the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative in defence manufacturing.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attends the commissioning of stealth frigate INS Taragiri and nuclear submarine INS Aridhaman in Visakhapatnam.

Visakhapatnam, April 3 Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday landed in Visakhapatnam to attend the commissioning ceremony of INS Taragiri and Aridhaman.

The Defence Minister was welcomed by Indian Navy chief Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi.

The development was hinted at by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in a post on X, where he described the submarine as more than just a name, calling it a symbol of power. "Not just a word, 'Aridhaman' is power!" said the post.

INS Aridhaman is an advanced version of the Arihant-class submarines, following earlier inductions such as INS Arighaat in August 2024 and INS Arihant in 2016. Its commissioning marks another step forward in strengthening India's nuclear triad and maritime deterrence.

The occasion also coincides with the induction of INS Taragiri at Visakhapatnam, where Rajnath Singh will be present.

The induction of Taragiri comes at a time when the strategic and maritime importance of India's eastern seaboard continues to grow, driven by evolving regional security dynamics and India's deepening engagement in the Indo-Pacific. The commissioning of Taragiri highlights the Navy's sustained focus on strengthening its combat readiness and operational might through its ambitious fleet augmentation programme

As the fourth potent platform of the Project 17A class, Taragiri is not merely a ship; it is a 6,670-tonne embodiment of the 'Make in India' spirit and the sophisticated engineering capabilities of our indigenous shipyards.

Built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai, this Frigate represents a generational leap over earlier designs, offering a sleeker form and a significantly reduced Radar Cross-Section that allows it to operate with lethal stealth. With indigenous content exceeding 75 per cent, the ship highlights the maturity of a domestic industrial ecosystem that now spans over 200 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), contributing to the GoI's Aatmanirbharta initiatives supports thousands of Indian jobs.

Driven by a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion plant, Taragiri is designed for 'High-Speed - High Endurance' versatility and multi-dimensional maritime operations. The ship's weapon suite is world-class, featuring supersonic Surface-to-Surface Missiles, Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missiles, and a specialised Anti-Submarine Warfare suite. These systems are seamlessly integrated through a state-of-the-art Combat Management System, ensuring that the crew can respond to threats with split-second precision.

Beyond its role as a premier hunter of the seas, Taragiri is built for the complexities of modern diplomacy and humanitarian crises. Its flexible mission profile makes it ideal for everything from high-intensity combat to Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR).

The Indian Navy continues to grow as a combat-ready, cohesive, credible, Aatmanirbhar force, safeguarding the seas for a Viksit, Samriddha Bharat guarded by ships designed by Indians, built by Indians and operated by Indians. Taragiri stands ready for a promising future as a beacon of rising maritime power and an ironclad guardian of the country's blue frontiers.

- ANI
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh laid the foundation stone for a state-of-the-art Large Cavitation Tunnel facility at DRDO's Naval Science and Technological Laboratory in Visakhapatnam. The facility is designed to enable India to indigenously design, develop, and test critical naval equipment, ending reliance on foreign testing infrastructure. Singh emphasized the project as a key milestone in achieving technological self-reliance and strengthening national security under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. During his visit, he also witnessed demonstrations of advanced underwater systems, including torpedoes and autonomous underwater vehicles.

Defence Minister inaugurates Large Cavitation Tunnel at NSTL Visakhapatnam to boost indigenous submarine and warship design capabilities.

Visakhapatnam, April 3 Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday laid the foundation stone of a state-of-the-art Large Cavitation Tunnel facility at the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory of the DRDO in Visakhapatnam, an official said.

The facility will significantly enhance India's naval research and testing capabilities, marking a major step towards achieving technological self-reliance, said an official statement.

Addressing scientists, researchers, and personnel at NSTL, the Defence Minister asserted that India, with this initiative, will be able to design, develop and test its equipment, systems and sub-systems indigenously, utilising its own resources, position itself as a strong naval power and a leader in defence technology.

"Until now, even after successfully developing equipment, systems, and sub-systems, we often had to look abroad for critical testing. This situation will now change," he said.

Rajnath Singh said that this facility is not merely an infrastructure project, but an enabling system, which will strengthen our capabilities in advancing propulsion systems, enable focused efforts on noise reduction, and further strengthen stealth capabilities.

"It will serve as a foundational backbone for the design and development of submarines and ships, supporting future advancements in naval engineering and maritime defence systems," he said.

Rajnath Singh described the project as a symbol of the success of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's resolve of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

He stated that the government's determination to make India self-reliant is intrinsically linked to the national security apparatus, and despite challenges, the country has achieved complete Aatmanirbharta in various sectors due to the concerted efforts of the domestic industry, academia, MSMEs, youth, and researchers.

During the visit, the Defence Minister was briefed about the NSTL projects/programmes by the Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO, Dr Samir V Kamat.

He also visited the Seakeeping and Manoeuvring Basin, where he witnessed an impressive display of advanced underwater systems, including torpedoes, naval mines, decoys, and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs).

A live demonstration of a swarm of man-portable AUVs showcased India's growing prowess in autonomous maritime operations and next-generation underwater warfare technologies, underlining the nation's focus on future-ready defence systems.

The Defence Minister also inspected some of the vital products realised as spin-off technologies by the Naval Systems Materials cluster labs post Operation Sindoor, said the statement.

- IANS
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh paid tribute to Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw on his 112th birth anniversary, honouring his exceptional leadership and strategic brilliance. The Indian Army also honoured the legendary Field Marshal, recalling his role as the architect of India's decisive victory in the 1971 war. His legacy is being institutionalized in education, with NCERT introducing a special chapter on his life in school textbooks. The chapter aims to inspire students with narratives of his courage, leadership, and duty.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and the Indian Army pay homage to Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, the architect of India's 1971 victory, on his 112th birth anniversary.

New Delhi, April 3 Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Friday, paid tribute to the late Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw on his 112th birth anniversary, highlighting that his legacy continues to inspire generations.

In a message on social media platform X, Rajnath Singh said, "Remembering and paying my tributes to Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw on his birth anniversary. A towering figure in India's military history, whose exceptional leadership, courage and strategic brilliance shaped decisive moments for the nation."



He said "Sam Bahadur" embodied the spirit of a true Soldiers' General, earning unwavering trust and admiration of his troops.



"His (Sam Manekshaw's) legacy of valour, integrity and duty continues to inspire generations," the Defence Minister added.



The Indian Army also paid homage to the legendry Field Marshal.



In a message on social media, the Indian Army wrote, "Remembering the Legend... Indian Army pays homage to Field Marshal SHFJ Manekshaw, MC, popularly known as #SamBahadur, on his 112th #BirthAnniversary."



"The 8th #COAS who was also the Field Marshal of India, was the architect of the nation's decisive victory against Pakistan in the 1971 War. His charismatic leadership, strategic brilliance and timeless wit continue to inspire every Indian soldier," the Army said in its social media post.



Last year, aiming to foster patriotism and impart lessons on bravery and sacrifice, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) introduced a special chapter on Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw.



The addition was part of a broader initiative to integrate the legacy of the National War Memorial into school education.



The life of the military icon will now be taught in Class VIII (English), Class VIII (Urdu), and Class VII (Urdu), respectively, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence.



"The new chapter aims to provide students with inspirational narratives of courage, leadership, and duty. Field Marshal Manekshaw, India's first officer to be conferred the rank of Field Marshal, is celebrated for his strategic brilliance and leadership during the 1971 Indo-Pak war," the statement said.





- IANS
DMK MP Kanimozhi has expressed strong confidence in the party's return to power in Tamil Nadu, citing public support for Chief Minister MK Stalin's Dravidian Model 2.0 government. She commented on actor-politician Vijay contesting from two constituencies, framing it as a sign of his and his party's confidence without direct criticism. Kanimozhi also addressed the Congress party's delayed candidate list, attributing it to Sonia Gandhi's health issues while assuring its imminent release. She highlighted the incumbent government's achievements in development, job creation, and welfare schemes as key reasons for public support ahead of the April 23 polls.

DMK MP Kanimozhi expresses confidence in MK Stalin's re-election, comments on actor Vijay contesting two seats, and addresses Congress candidate list delay.

Sivaganga, April 2 Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam MP Kanimozhi on Thursday expressed strong confidence in the party's prospects, stating that people in Tamil Nadu favour the formation of the Dravidian Model 2.0 government led by Chief Minister MK Stalin once again.

"Therefore, I strongly believe that victory for the DMK is assured," she said.

Commenting on actor-turned-politician Vijay contesting from two constituencies, Kanimozhi said, "Vijay contesting in two constituencies reflects his confidence and the confidence of his party. I do not wish to criticise that."

On the Congress party, she noted that, "Sonia Gandhi has not been in good health, which has caused a delay in the release of the Congress candidate list. However, the Congress party's candidate list will be released soon."

Yesterday, too, Kanimozhi expressed confidence in Chief Minister MK Stalin's leadership to secure another term.

"The DMK is definitely going to be elected back to governance, and because people have confidence in our government, in the Chief Minister and what we've achieved in the past five years," she told ANI.

The DMK MP highlighted the government's achievements in development, job creation, and social welfare schemes, especially for women and students.

"People want the government to continue because the development, the growth, and the GDP are in an upward trend after the Chief Minister came to power in the past five years. Even in Thoothukudi, they've brought in so many industries, and young people have got employment opportunities because of the Chief Minister MK Stalin's government. So definitely people are very keen, and many schemes for women empowerment have been rolled out, and for students who are interested in going for higher education, the government has really reached out to them, supported them, stood by them," Kanimozhi said.

Tamil Nadu will go to the polls in a single phase on April 23, covering a total of 234 constituencies in the State. Counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.

- ANI
Former President Donald Trump stated that while regime change was never the official U.S. goal, a leadership shift has occurred in Iran following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He characterized the new Iranian leadership as "less radical and much more reasonable," suggesting a potential opening for negotiations. However, Trump issued a stark warning that failure to reach a diplomatic agreement would result in devastating U.S. military strikes on Iran's electric infrastructure. He also detailed the successes of "Operation Epic Fury," claiming the U.S. has severely degraded Iran's military and defense capabilities.

Trump says Iran leadership changed after Khamenei's death, calls new group "less radical." He warns of military strikes if no deal is reached.

Washington DC, April 2 In an official address to the nation amidst the ongoing West Asia conflict, Trump on Wednesday said that while regime change in Iran was never an official objective, leadership in Iran has shifted following the death of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Speaking from the White House, Trump said, "Regime change was not our goal. We never said regime change, but regime change has occurred because of all of their original leader's death. They're all dead. The new group is less radical and much more reasonable," suggesting a potential opening for negotiations.

He emphasised that diplomatic discussions remain ongoing. At the same time, Trump issued a stark warning, saying that failure to reach an agreement could trigger military action. Trump said, " If during this period of time, no deal is made, we have our eyes on key targets."

Outlining the possible escalation, Trump said, " If there is no deal, we are going to hit each and every one of their electric generating plants very hard and probably simultaneously."

He also highlighted restraint in targeting critical infrastructure, noting that oil facilities have so far been spared. The US President said, "We have not hit their oil, even though that's the easiest target of all, because it would not give them even a small chance of survival or rebuilding."

However, he underscored that such options remain on the table. He said, "But we could hit it, and it would be gone, and there's not a thing they could do about it," Trump warned, further claiming that Iran's defence capabilities have been severely "annihilated".

"They have no anti-aircraft equipment, their radar is 100 per cent annihilated. We are unstoppable as a military force," he added.

Trump provided an update on the month-long "Operation Epic Fury," which he said was launched against the "world's number one state sponsor of terror." He asserted that over "these past four weeks, our armed forces have delivered swift, decisive, overwhelming victories on the battlefield."

The US President maintained that the adversary's maritime and aerial capabilities have been systematically dismantled. "Iran's navy is gone, their air force is in ruins, its leaders, most of them terrorists, are now dead," Trump declared, adding that the country's broader military infrastructure has been severely diminished.

Detailing the impact of the strikes, the President stated that the opposition's "ability to launch missiles and drones is dramatically curtailed." He noted that "weapons factories and rocket launchers are being blown to pieces - very few of them left," and claimed that the United States is "winning bigger than ever before."

Trump's speech signalled a dual-track approach by the US administration, which is keeping diplomatic channels open while maintaining the threat of decisive military action if negotiations fail.

- ANI
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla met with a high-level Russian parliamentary delegation led by Deputy Chairperson Vladimir Yakushev in New Delhi. They discussed enhancing cooperation in trade, technology, cultural linkages, and strengthening parliamentary ties as a pillar of the strategic partnership. The visit coincides with that of Russia's First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov for talks on defence, energy, and bilateral issues with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. The series of meetings aims to bolster the comprehensive India-Russia relationship across multiple domains.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla meets Russian delegation led by Vladimir Yakushev to strengthen strategic partnership & parliamentary cooperation.

New Delhi, April 2 Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla held a meeting with visiting Deputy Chairperson of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Vladimir Yakushev and members of the Russian Parliamentary delegation at Parliament House in New Delhi on Thursday, discussing cooperation in sectors like trade, technology, cultural linkages and strengthening parliamentary ties.

During the meeting, Birla expressed optimism towards further advancing parliamentary engagement between India and Russia and strengthening people-to-people connect. He noted that both countries share a "deep-rooted and time-tested strategic partnership" built on trust and mutual respect.

Secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Periasamy Kumaran and other officials were present during the meeting.

"Pleased to meet H.E. Vladimir Yakushev, First Deputy Chairperson of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation along with members of the Russian Parliamentary delegation at the Parliament House. We exchanged views on cooperation in areas such as trade, technology and cultural linkages along with strengthening parliamentary ties," Birla wrote on X.

"India and Russia share a deep-rooted and time-tested strategic partnership, built on trust and mutual respect. Inter-parliamentary engagement continues to serve as an important pillar of cooperation, fostering mutual understanding and stronger democratic institutions. Expressed optimism towards further advancing parliamentary engagement and strengthening people-to-people connect," he added.

Yakushev is on an official visit to India from April 2-4. During his visit, he is scheduled to meet External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar and Indian parliamentarians. Both sides will also discuss issues related to Russian-Indian inter-parliamentary, trade-economic, and cultural-humanitarian cooperation during his visit.

Meanwhile, Russia's First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov also arrived in New Delhi early Thursday for high-level discussions covering defence, energy, trade and a range of other bilateral issues.

"A warm welcome to Mr Denis Manturov, First Deputy Chairman of the Russian Federation and co- Chair of the India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation, to New Delhi. During the visit, he will hold consultations with External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and engage in other bilateral meetings," the MEA stated.

According to officials, the visit is expected to focus significantly on strengthening bilateral relations, particularly in the areas of security and defence cooperation. Developments related to the ongoing West Asia conflict are also likely to feature prominently in the discussions.

- IANS
Vladimir Yakushev, a senior Russian parliamentary leader, is visiting India to strengthen inter-parliamentary cooperation. The visit focuses on enhancing collaboration in trade, economics, and cultural exchanges. It also sets the stage for an upcoming visit by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov for a BRICS ministerial meeting. The discussions aim to reinforce the multifaceted strategic partnership between the two nations.

Vladimir Yakushev visits India to strengthen inter-parliamentary ties, discuss trade, and prepare for upcoming BRICS meetings.

New Delhi, April 1 Vladimir Yakushev, Secretary of the General Council of the Edinaya Rossia Party and First Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, will pay an official visit to India from April 2 to 4.

Yakushev heads the working group on cooperation between the Federation Council of Russia and the Council of States of the Parliament of the Republic of India. His visit is aimed at strengthening inter-parliamentary ties and exploring avenues for enhanced collaboration between the two countries, the Russian Embassy said.

During his stay, Yakushev is scheduled to meet with Indian parliamentarians to discuss matters of mutual interest, focusing on trade, economic initiatives, and cultural as well as humanitarian cooperation. The visit will also include a meeting with the Minister of External Affairs of India, where bilateral engagements and strategic issues will be deliberated.

Officials from both sides have emphasised that the visit will provide an opportunity to review ongoing projects and identify new areas for collaboration, particularly in trade and investment. The discussions are also expected to touch upon cultural exchanges and people-to-people contacts, strengthening the longstanding ties between India and Russia.

The visit comes at a time when both nations are seeking to expand cooperation across multiple sectors, leveraging historical ties and shared strategic interests.

This visit marks another step in the ongoing efforts to reinforce the multifaceted relationship between India and Russia, reflecting the importance both countries place on sustained dialogue and cooperation at parliamentary and governmental levels.

Next month, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is planning to visit New Delhi on May 14 and 15.

The purpose of the visit will be to participate in the meeting of the foreign ministers of the BRICS countries, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko told TASS.

As quoted by TASS, the Russian deputy Foreign Minister said, "Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov plans to take part in the BRICS ministerial meeting on May 14-15 this year, which will determine the set and general outlines of the final documents that the Indian presidency will submit to the BRICS summit."

As quoted by TASS, Rudenko said, "In connection with the BRICS events, it is also planned to hold a separate working visit by Lavrov to India to meet with Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and other Indian officials."

- ANI
Russia's First Deputy Chairman Denis Manturov, during a visit to India, stated Russian firms are ready to steadily increase oil and liquefied natural gas supplies to the Indian market. The talks also highlighted a 40% increase in Russian fertilizer supplies to India and ongoing collaboration on the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant. Manturov held high-level meetings with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and other senior Indian officials to expand strategic partnerships across trade, energy, and technology. The visit reinforced the deepening multifaceted strategic partnership between the two nations amid global energy concerns.

Russia's Denis Manturov pledges increased oil, LNG & fertilizer supplies to India, advancing energy & strategic partnership during New Delhi visit.

New Delhi, April 3 Russia's First Deputy Chairman Denis Manturov reaffirmed that Russian companies have the capacity to steadily increase supplies of oil and liquefied natural gas to the Indian market amid the energy crisis due to the conflict in West Asia, underlining deepening energy cooperation between the two countries during his official visit to the country.

According to a statement issued by the Russian Embassy in India on Telegram on Thursday, Manturov highlighted that Russia had boosted supplies of in-demand mineral fertilisers to India by 40 per cent by the end of 2025, and expressed readiness to continue meeting India's requirements.

He noted that a joint project for urea (carbamide) production is currently under development, enhancing long-term agricultural cooperation.

The two sides also reaffirmed ongoing collaboration in nuclear energy, with work progressing as per agreed timelines on new power units for the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant.

"Denis Manturov confirmed that Russian companies have the capacity to steadily increase supplies of oil and liquefied natural gas to the Indian market. Russia and India continue to strengthen their partnership in nuclear energy. In line with agreed schedules, the project to construct power units for the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant is being implemented," the statement read.

Beyond energy and fertilisers, the talks covered expanding cooperation in industrial sectors, space, education, and innovation - advancing the multifaceted strategic partnership between Moscow and New Delhi.

First Deputy Chairman Manturov, who also serves as Co-Chair of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC), also held a high-level bilateral meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in New Delhi on Friday.

According to a release by the Ministry of External Affairs, the discussions focused on expanding strategic partnerships in trade, industry, energy, fertilisers, connectivity, technology, and critical minerals, while also reviewing progress on outcomes from the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit held in December 2025.

During the talks, both sides exchanged views on regional and global developments, including the situation in West Asia.

"Both sides held wide-ranging discussions focusing on trade, industry, energy, fertilizers, connectivity and mobility in addition to new opportunities in technology, innovation and critical minerals. The two sides also reviewed the progress on the implementation of the various outcomes of the 23rd India Russia Annual Summit held in December last year. The co-Chairs also exchanged views on regional and global developments, including the conflict in West Asia," the release read.

Manturov's visit, which spanned April 2 to April 3, also included engagements with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Minister of Finance Nirmala Sitharaman, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, and other senior officials.

The visit underscores the shared intent of both nations to deepen economic ties and enhance strategic collaboration across key areas of mutual interest.

- ANI
Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi to discuss strengthening the strategic partnership. PM Modi recalled President Vladimir Putin's recent visit and expressed satisfaction with the progress on summit outcomes. Manturov also held meetings with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and is scheduled to meet External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. The high-level visit focuses on key areas like defense, energy, trade, and people-to-people ties.

Russian Deputy PM Denis Manturov meets PM Modi & FM Sitharaman in Delhi to advance trade, defense & bilateral cooperation.

New Delhi, April 2 Russia's First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, briefing him on the progress in various areas of bilateral cooperation, including trade and economic partnership, fertilizers, connectivity and people-to-people ties.

During the meeting, PM Modi recalled Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to India in December last year for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit.

According to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), PM Modi expressed satisfaction at the efforts made by the two nations towards implementation of the outcomes from the Annual Summit aimed to further strengthen the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.

"PM extended warm greetings to President Putin and said that he looked forward to their continued exchanges," PMO stated.

Earlier in the day, Manturov held a meeting with Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman, discussing strengthening of trade and investment ties besides issues of mutual interest.

"Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman met Mr. Denis Manturov, First Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, in New Delhi today. The two leaders exchanged views on strengthening trade and investment ties and discussed issues of mutual interest," the Ministry of Finance posted on X.

Manturov arrived in New Delhi early on Thursday for high-level discussions covering defence, energy, trade and a range of other bilateral issues.

In a post on X, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, "A warm welcome to Mr Denis Manturov, First Deputy Chairman of the Russian Federation and co- Chair of the India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation, to New Delhi."

"During the visit, he will hold consultations with External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar and engage in other bilateral meetings," he added.

- IANS
Ryan Gosling has exited an untitled event film directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert (Daniels) due to scheduling conflicts that prevented finalizing a deal. The project, set for a summer shoot in Los Angeles, could not adjust its production timeline to accommodate the actor. Gosling's schedule is packed following the success of 'Project Hail Mary' and the recent wrap of 'Star Wars: Starfighter'. The mysterious film is still scheduled for a November 2027 theatrical release.

Ryan Gosling leaves upcoming untitled Universal film by Daniels directors due to scheduling conflicts, impacting the project's summer shoot.

Washington, April 3 Actor Ryan Gosling has exited Universal Pictures' untitled event film directed by the acclaimed duo Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, collectively known as Daniels.

The actor, who was previously in negotiations to headline the project, will no longer be part of the film due to scheduling conflicts, according to Deadline.

The project had been gearing up for a summer shoot in Los Angeles after securing a California tax credit, but was unable to shift from its planned production timeline. As a result, aligning Gosling's availability with the studio's schedule proved unfeasible, preventing a deal from being finalised.

While no specific reason has been officially cited, Gosling's recent professional commitments appear to have played a key role, as per Deadline.

The actor is currently riding high on the success of 'Project Hail Mary', backed by Amazon MGM Studios, which has grossed over USD 300 million worldwide since its release on March 20, as per Deadline.

Additionally, Gosling had wrapped a lengthy shoot for his upcoming film 'Star Wars: Starfighter' toward the end of 2025.

Details about the film's plot remain under wraps, maintaining the air of mystery surrounding the project. Kwan and Scheinert will produce alongside Jonathan Wang under their Playgrounds banner as part of their overall deal with Universal.

The untitled film is currently slated for a theatrical release on November 19, 2027.

- ANI
Bollywood actress Shraddha Kapoor celebrated her pet dog Shyloh's 15th birthday with a special cake and an adorable photoshoot. She shared pictures of the celebration, including moments of Shyloh curiously eyeing the cake and affectionately licking her cheek. The mini "bacha party" also included her other pet dogs gathering for treats. On the work front, Kapoor is preparing for upcoming projects like "Naagin" and the recently wrapped "Eetha" with Randeep Hooda.

Bollywood star Shraddha Kapoor shares adorable photos from pet dog Shyloh's 15th birthday celebration, complete with a special cake.

Mumbai, April 3 Bollywood actress Shraddha Kapoor gave fans a glimpse into an adorable celebration as she marked the 15th birthday of her pet dog Shyloh.

The actress shared a series of adorable pictures on her social media account.



The first picture shows a specially made cake placed in a box, decorated with colourful sprinkles and a "Happy Birthday" topper, with "Shyloh" written across it.



Her furry black canine is seen curiously peeking up at the cake from below.



Another picture captures Shraddha sharing an endearing moment with Shyloh, as the dog affectionately licks her cheek while she smiles.



In a similar frame, the actress leans in close to her pet, highlighting their bond.



In another picture, her other pet dogs are seen gathered around the cake.



The last picture from the series of clicks, captures Shraddha feeding small bites of the treat to the pets, with the caption "Bacha party," indicating that it was a mini celebration for all her furry companions.



On the professional front, Shraddha Kapoor made her Bollywood debut with Teen Patti and rose to fame with Aashiqui 2.



The actress went on to star in many successful films including Ek Villain, ABCD 2, Baaghi, Stree, and Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar.



She was last seen in Stree 2. The actress is now geared up for her upcoming projects including Naagin and Eetha.



A few weeks ago, Shraddha Kapoor and actor Randeep Hooda concluded the shoot for the Pune schedule of their upcoming film "Eetha".



The end of the Pune leg was marked with a celebratory cake-cutting on set, attended by the cast and crew.



Director Laxman Utekar was seen present along with members of the production team as filming for this portion concluded.



A video of the celebratory moment was captured on the sets of the film.



Talking about the movie Eetha, it is based on the life of one of India's earliest Tamasha/Lavni dancers, bringing to the fore a powerful, culturally rooted story.





- IANS
Sonam Kapoor has shared the first adorable pictures of her newborn baby boy, born on March 29, 2026. In a heartfelt Instagram post, she expressed deep gratitude to the medical team at HN Reliance Hospital. She specifically thanked her OBGYN, Dr. Avaan Dadina, for guiding her through both of her pregnancies with trust and care. The post was flooded with congratulatory messages from fellow celebrities and fans.

Sonam Kapoor posts adorable first pictures of her second son, expressing gratitude to her OBGYN Dr. Avaan Dadina and the hospital team.

New Delhi, April 3 Actor Sonam Kapoor and husband Anand Ahuja are celebrating the arrival of their second child, a baby boy, and the actor has now shared the first glimpse of the newborn with fans.

On Friday, a few days after welcoming her son on March 29, 2026, Sonam took to Instagram to post pictures from the hospital, accompanied by a heartfelt note of gratitude to the hospital team.

In one of the pictures, Sonam is seen resting on a hospital bed, gently cradling her newborn wrapped in a white cloth. Another image shows her enjoying a meal at the hospital.

Through her post, Sonam expressed her deep appreciation for the medical team at HN Reliance Hospital, particularly highlighting her OBGYN, Dr Avaan Dadina, who has guided her through both pregnancies.

She wrote, "Thank you to HN Reliance Hospital for the most incredible experience as we welcomed our second son into the world. It has truly been exceptional in every way. A very special thank you to my OBGYN, Dr Avaan Dadina, who has now guided me through both my pregnancies. There is a sense of trust, calm, and reassurance in her care that is so rare, and I'm endlessly grateful for her support, wisdom, and kindness."

She further acknowledged the hospital staff for their empathy and professionalism, praising the environment created by Nita Aunty, which blends excellence with compassion. "Feeling deeply grateful, cared for, and blessed... Grateful for the incredible team who cared for us," Sonam added.

Social media flooded with congratulatory messages and heart emojis from celebrities like Vicky Kaushal, Sonakshi Sinha, Bhumi Pednekar, and Sanjay Kapoor, among others.

Sonam and Anand, who tied the knot in an intimate ceremony in 2018, shared the birth announcement on Instagram shortly after their son's arrival.

Their first child, Vayu, was born in 2022. Sonam had revealed her second pregnancy in November 2025, delighting fans with photos showcasing her baby bump.

- ANI
The Supreme Court has permitted candidates to provisionally appear for the Rajasthan Sub-Inspector recruitment examination scheduled for April 2026. The bench directed that the results of these candidates shall not be declared until the Rajasthan High Court delivers its pending judgment on the matter. The case stems from a plea challenging the age limit criteria, which has excluded several aspirants from the 2021 recruitment process that was cancelled. The Court clarified that appearing provisionally does not grant any rights, ensuring the final outcome depends entirely on the High Court's decision.

Supreme Court permits candidates to provisionally appear for Rajasthan SI exam 2025, but results will be withheld until High Court's pending judgment.

New Delhi, April 2 The Supreme Court on Thursday granted relief to candidates seeking to appear in the Rajasthan Sub-Inspector/Platoon Commander Recruitment Examination 2025, permitting them to take the examination provisionally while directing that their results shall not be declared until the High Court delivers its pending judgment.

A bench comprising Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Satish Chandra Sharma passed the order while hearing an application filed by Suraj Mal Meena.

During the hearing, Senior Advocate P B Suresh, along with Advocate Mayank Jain appearing for the petitioner, submitted that the judgment of the Division Bench of the High Court, reserved on January 19, is still awaited, whereas the examination is scheduled to be held on April 5.

They argued that if the petitioner is not allowed to appear, he would suffer irreparable prejudice. Accepting the submissions advanced by Senior Advocate P B Suresh and Advocate Mayank Jain, the Court permitted the petitioner to appear in the examination provisionally and directed the examining authority to issue the necessary admit card.

The Court further clarified that this relief would extend to similarly placed candidates who had participated in the earlier 2021 recruitment process. It directed that all such aspirants must present themselves before the examining authority with a copy of the order by April 4, 2026, for issuance of admit cards.

At the same time, the bench made it clear that no equity would accrue to any candidate merely by appearing in the examination, and importantly, the results of such candidates shall not be declared until the High Court pronounces its judgment. The application was accordingly disposed of.

The petitioner was represented by Senior Advocate P B Suresh along with Advocates Mayank Jain, Madhur Jain, Aakriti Dhawan, Arpit Goel, Kartik Yadav, and AOR Nikilesh Ramachandran. On behalf of the respondents, Additional Advocate General Shiv Mangal Sharma appeared along with AOR Nidhi Jaswal and Advocate Saubhagya Sundriyal.

The case stems from a plea filed before the Supreme Court seeking postponement of the Rajasthan SI / Platoon Commander Recruitment Examination 2025, which is scheduled for April 5 and 6, 2026. The petition, filed by Surajmal Meena, sought deferment of the examination by at least four weeks. The main grievance raised in the plea relates to the age limit criteria, with the petitioner arguing that several candidates have been excluded due to a lack of age relaxation.

It was pointed out that while applications were initially accepted following an interim order of a Single Bench, the Division Bench later stayed that order, creating uncertainty for aspirants.

The plea also highlighted that conducting the examination before a final decision on eligibility issues would cause irreparable harm to candidates who may become eligible if relief is eventually granted. It was therefore urged that postponing the examination was necessary to ensure fairness and to prevent any future relief from becoming ineffective.

The controversy traces back to the 2021 SI recruitment process, which was cancelled amid allegations of paper leaks and irregularities.

Although a Single Bench of the High Court had quashed the recruitment, the Division Bench later stayed that decision, leaving the matter unresolved. In this backdrop, candidates approached the Supreme Court seeking interim protection before the conduct of the fresh examination. With the present order, the Supreme Court has allowed provisional participation while safeguarding the outcome until judicial clarity is achieved.

- ANI
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has announced a national target to recognize one lakh tribal healers, aiming to engage them as partners in strengthening health outreach in tribal regions. This initiative involves collaboration with the Health Ministry and the Ministry of AYUSH, with identification and criteria handled at the state level. A capacity-building program was held in Hyderabad in January, attended by hundreds of healers, including 50 from Maharashtra. The ministry is developing structured training programs and has prepared an SOP that incorporates ethical considerations to protect traditional knowledge.

Ministry of Tribal Affairs sets target to recognize one lakh tribal healers as community health partners in collaboration with Health and AYUSH ministries.

New Delhi, April 2 The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has articulated an indicative national target to enable recognition of one lakh tribal healers while engaging them as community-level partners in strengthening health outreach in tribal areas, the Lok Sabha was informed on Thursday

Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Durgadas Uikey said that the Ministry earlier organised a national capacity-building programme for Tribal Healers at Hyderabad, Telangana, on January 16.

The aim was to engage tribal healers as community-level partners in strengthening health outreach in tribal areas in collaboration with the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW), ICMR-RMRC BB and the Ministry of AYUSH, he said.

Uikey said that the Ministry has articulated an indicative national target to enable recognition of one lakh tribal healers. However, identification, enumeration and criteria for recognition are undertaken at the State level and through health system frameworks under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Ministry of AYUSH.

In the capacity building programme held in January, the state governments had forwarded a list of 500 tribal healers for attending the programme. Around 50 tribal healers from Maharashtra attended the programme, said the MoS.

He said the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research - Regional Medical Research Centre, Bhubaneshwar, Odisha, is working on developing structured capacity-building and sensitisation programmes for tribal healers, including training on preventive care, awareness generation, early identification and referral linkages.

The protection of indigenous tribal medical knowledge and prevention of its misuse is primarily the responsibility of state governments, which oversee documentation processes and safeguard community intellectual rights, he said.

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has prepared a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for capacity building programmes that incorporates ethical considerations, including prior informed consent and respect for traditional knowledge systems, said a statement.

- IANS
Telangana Industries Minister D. Sridhar Babu stated that global factors like US tariff measures and the West Asia conflict are adversely affecting the textile industry. He emphasized that India must pivot towards its vast domestic market of 140 crore people to sustain growth and build resilience. The minister highlighted India's strengths, including technology, skilled weavers, and a complete manufacturing value chain, as key to unlocking the sector's potential. He also noted the textile industry's critical role as a major generator of employment across the supply chain.

Telangana Minister says US tariffs & West Asia conflict impact textiles. India must leverage its domestic market, tech, and skills for growth.

Hyderabad, April 3 Telangana Industries Minister D. Sridhar Babu on Thursday said that global developments such as US tariff measures and the ongoing West Asia conflict are impacting the textile industry, and stressed the need for India to focus on its large domestic market to sustain growth.

Speaking to the media at the 13th Asian Textile Conference (ATEXCON 2026), the minister highlighted that the textile sector was among the first to be affected by rising trade barriers.

"Over a period of a year or so, when the USA imposed high tariffs, the first industry which got impacted was textiles. And now that the new crisis has come, we have to really see that we can't stop this industry," he said.

He emphasised that India has the necessary strengths to build a resilient textile ecosystem by leveraging its domestic capabilities.

"We have a huge market here. How do we tap the huge market in India itself? We have technology, we have skill, we have weavers... a combination of these things can do miracles," he added.

The minister also pointed to India's large population and consumption potential as a key advantage.

"If you see 140 crore population and the amount of consumption of textiles here alone in India will be enough for any textile big leaders," he noted.

According to data from the Ministry of Textiles, India's global textile and apparel exports, including handicrafts, stood at USD 37.75 billion in 2024-25, registering a growth of 5.2 per cent compared to USD 35.87 billion in 2023-24. India ranked as the 6th largest exporter of textiles and apparel in the world in 2024.

India's textile industry is one of the largest globally, supported by a strong raw material base of natural fibres such as cotton, silk, wool and jute, along with man-made fibres. The country also has manufacturing strength across the entire value chain, from fibre to fabric to garments.

Key export markets for Indian textiles include the UAE, which recorded a growth of 14.5 per cent in 2025, the UK at 1.5 per cent, Japan at 19.0 per cent, Germany at 2.9 per cent, Spain at 9.0 per cent and France at 9.2 per cent. Other markets such as Egypt (27 per cent), Saudi Arabia (12.5 per cent) and Hong Kong (69 per cent) also showed strong growth.

Sridhar Babu further said that the industry must adapt to changing global dynamics by integrating traditional strengths with modern technology.

"We have to create a bridge between our inheritance and the modern world... technology is taking a different turn and the meaning for textiles has to change," he said.

He added that the sector holds significant potential for employment generation and requires a balanced approach that supports farmers, weavers and investors alike.

"This is the only industry where potential is there to create the largest employment. We will seriously view this as an important industry," he said.

- ANI
President Donald Trump teased a prime-time address where he plans to highlight his achievements and provide an update on "Operation Epic Fury." He humorously referenced being called "King" while noting administrative limitations on his power. In a separate viral clip, Trump mocked French President Emmanuel Macron's personal life and recounted a refused request for immediate military support in the Gulf. The White House official said the ongoing military operation against Iran is meeting its benchmarks, with goals including destroying missile facilities and preventing a nuclear weapon.

President Trump previews a prime-time address, boasts of his record, jokes about being called "King," and mocks French President Emmanuel Macron in a viral clip.

Washington, DC, April 2 In a characteristically bold and self-assured display, US President Donald Trump has teased an upcoming address, promising to highlight his achievements in a grand fashion that has become a hallmark of his presidency.

Speaking about his plans for the evening, the President announced his intention to deliver a prime-time update to the nation, with an intro that set a confident tone for the scheduled event. "Tonight, I'm making a little speech at 9 o'clock. And basically, I'm gonna TELL EVERYBODY HOW GREAT I AM," Trump stated.

Reflecting on his time in office, he further remarked on his performance, exclaiming, "What a phenomenal job I've done." The President also touched upon the various labels and titles attributed to him by both supporters and critics, specifically addressing the "king" moniker with a touch of irony regarding administrative hurdles.

"They call me KING now, do you believe it?" he questioned, before jokingly adding, "I'm such a king I can't get a ballroom approved." Suggesting that his current powers still face limitations he would prefer to see removed, he asserted, "I could be doing a LOT MORE if I was a KING."

Beyond the rhetoric, this address carries significant weight as President Trump is set to provide an "operational update" on the progress of 'Operation Epic Fury' during the national address scheduled for 9 PM Wednesday (US local time), a White House official told The Daily Wire. The official noted that the ongoing military operation is currently "meeting or exceeding all of its benchmarks" as it enters a critical phase.

During the address, the President is expected to underscore the successes of the US military, highlighting that it has been effective in "achieving all of its stated goals prior to the operation." According to The Daily Wire, the President will also reiterate the two-to-three-week timetable for the mission that he had previously outlined on Tuesday.

The White House remarks are anticipated to detail the specific strategic objectives of the campaign, which include the destruction of Iran's ballistic missiles and production facilities. Additionally, the operation aims to "annihilate" the Iranian Navy and ensure that its regional proxies are no longer capable of destabilising the Middle East.

Furthermore, the administration remains focused on the long-term goal of guaranteeing that Iran can never obtain a nuclear weapon. As reported by The Daily Wire, the update on Wednesday will serve as a comprehensive briefing on these multi-front military efforts and the progress made towards securing regional stability.

This penchant for sharp-witted commentary on the international stage was also on display in a recent public appearance that has gained significant traction on social media, where President Trump aimed his remarks at French President Emmanuel Macron.

In a video shared by The Thursday Times, the President is seen addressing a room that quickly erupted in laughter following his candid commentary on the French leader's personal life. Referring to the French President, Trump remarked, "Macron, whose wife treats him EXTREMELY badly."

He did not stop there, further jesting about Macron's public appearance by adding, "He's still recovering from the right to the jaw!"

The footage also captures the President recounting a humorous exchange regarding military assistance in the Gulf. According to Trump, he requested "Emmanuel" to send ships immediately to help "knock out bad people and knock out ballistic missiles."

Mimicking the French President's supposed refusal, Trump claimed Macron replied, "No, no, no... we can do that after the war is won." The President noted that several other leaders had offered similar post-conflict support, stating, "Many of them said we'll be there after the war's completed."

- ANI
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK President MK Stalin addressed party functionaries across all constituencies through a video conference from his residence. He earlier campaigned in Coimbatore, urging voters to support the ruling DMK alliance in the upcoming Assembly elections. Stalin highlighted his government's direct cash transfer schemes for women as a key achievement that has built public confidence. He also introduced and sought votes for the party's candidates in several key Coimbatore region constituencies.

Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin addresses DMK functionaries via video, campaigns in Coimbatore, highlights welfare schemes and key candidates for 2026 Assembly elections.

Chennai, April 3 DMK President and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin addressed party functionaries across all constituencies through video conference from his residence.

The meeting was attended by senior leaders, including Party General Secretary and Minister Durai Murugan; Party Treasurer and MP TR Baalu; Party Principal Secretary and Minister KN Nehru; Deputy General Secretaries Minister I Periyasamy and former Minister K Ponmudi; MPs Kanimozhi Karunandhi, Tiruchi Siva, A Raja, and Anthiyur Selvaraj; Minister MP Saminathan; Party Youth Wing Secretary and Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin; Party Legal Wing Secretary NR Elango; and Party Organising Secretary RS Bharathi.



In addition, DMK headquarters office-bearers, district secretaries, district-level functionaries, party candidates, and local office-bearers, including area, town, union, and ward secretaries, as well as constituency in-charges, participated in the meeting through the video conference.



Earlier on Thursday, Stalin held a roadshow in Coimbatore and campaigned in support of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and alliance candidates, urging voters to back the ruling coalition and replicate its past electoral successes.



Addressing a public meeting at the CODISSIA Grounds, Stalin appealed to voters across key constituencies, including Coimbatore North, Pollachi, Valparai, Kinathukadavu and Sulur, to support DMK and its allies in the upcoming Assembly elections.



Speaking at the rally, Stalin said, "Unlike others who make empty promises, the government deposited Rs 5,000 into women's bank accounts and has now announced Rs 2,000 per month, which has instilled confidence among the public. This election is one of accountability, and the DMK alliance must win all 10 constituencies."Stalin said that Coimbatore holds a special place for him. "Coimbatore is one of the districts I have visited most frequently after assuming office. When we came to power, COVID-19 was at its peak, and I visited and inspected the ESI Hospital wearing PPE kits. Since then, I have been visiting Coimbatore regularly for various government welfare programmes. I consider Coimbatore as my own city, which is why I chose it for the first phase of my campaign," he said.



Highlighting the party's candidates, Stalin said leaders who deliver on promises have been fielded in key constituencies. He specifically mentioned Senthil Balaji in Coimbatore South and appealed for votes for Durai Senthamizhselvan (Coimbatore North), Thalapathy Murugesan (Sulur), Sabari Karthikeyan (Kinathukadavu), Nithyanandam (Pollachi), and Kutti alias Sudhakar (Valparai). He also sought support for Congress candidates in Singanallur and Kavundampalayam.



The Tamil Nadu Assembly elections are scheduled to be held on April 23, 2026, to elect all 234 members, with counting of votes set for May 4.





- ANI
V Sabareesan, son-in-law of Chief Minister MK Stalin, has expressed supreme confidence in the DMK's prospects for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, claiming there is effectively no opposition in the state. He campaigned for the DMK candidate in Villivakkam, dismissing any impact from the new Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). This comes as CM Stalin unveiled the party's "Superstar Manifesto," centered on a 8,000 coupon scheme for women and a wide-ranging welfare agenda. A recent survey projects the DMK alliance will retain power, winning 181-189 seats in the upcoming polls.

V Sabareesan, CM MK Stalin's son-in-law, campaigns for DMK, claims no opposition in Tamil Nadu as party launches welfare-focused manifesto for 2026.

Chennai, April 3 V Sabareesan, son-in-law of Chief Minister MK Stalin, has expressed strong confidence that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam will win the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

Speaking to reporters, he stated that the party is committed to fulfilling all promises outlined in its manifesto and claimed there is effectively no opposition in the state. He also dismissed any impact from the new party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), asserting that DMK remains firmly positioned for victory.

Sabareesan highlighted the government's ongoing welfare schemes as a key reason for their confidence, describing the party's prospects as "very bright" and assuring that all manifesto commitments--including initiatives like the 8,000 coupon scheme--will be implemented.

"We have schemes being delivered, so we are very confident; there is no opposition. No, there is no effect here. Because he (Vijay) is contesting in two constituencies. It shows the confidence of the leader," he said.

"We have schemes, we have confidence, there is no problem. Thank you. It is excellent. It will be delivered. Even the 8000 Coupon. Very bright, it is very bright. We are very confident," Sabareesan said.

This was followed by Sabareesan, who took part in a meeting in Chennai to show support for Karthik Mohan, the DMK candidate from Villivakkam. He was joined by his daughter, Senthamarai, at the event.

The meeting was held at a private marriage hall in SIDCO Nagar, in the Villivakkam area, and was attended by presidents and members of several local welfare associations, who extended their backing to the candidate.

Tamil Nadu Minister and DMK East District Secretary, PK Sekar Babu, was also present, further strengthening the party's presence in the constituency.

Earlier on Sunday, Chief Minister and DMK Chief MK Stalin unveiled what the party termed a "Superstar Manifesto" ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, triggering a sharp political face-off with the opposition AIADMK and BJP, who dismissed the document as a "copy-paste" exercise and accused the ruling party of indulging in "sticker politics," even as DMK leaders defended it as a comprehensive, people-driven roadmap anchored in the Dravidian model.

From the second paragraph onward, the manifesto details reflect a wide-ranging welfare and development agenda, structured around six pillars: women, family, youth, farmers, infrastructure, and governance. Positioned as a "game-changing plan," Stalin emphasised "smart economic multipliers" and "choice-based governance," asserting that the document builds on Tamil Nadu's welfare legacy while offering expanded benefits across sectors.

At the centre of the manifesto is the Illathu Arasi scheme, under which eligible women who do not pay income tax will receive Rs 8,000 to purchase household appliances such as washing machines, grinders, televisions, or microwaves. Stalin said the initiative empowers women while boosting local economies through neighbourhood retail.

Earlier on Wednesday, a survey by the agency Lok Poll has projected that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) alliance led by incumbent CM MK Stalin will retain power in Tamil Nadu, securing 181-189 seats with a 40.1 per cent vote share in the forthcoming Assembly elections.

Sharing the findings on X, Lok Poll wrote: "The most wanted Tamil Nadu Survey is Out. Here's the vote share & seat projection from our mega ground survey: DMK+ --- 181-189 | 40.1%, ADMK+ -- 38-42 | 29%, TVK -- 8-10 | 23.9%, NTK -- 00 | 4.9%, Others -- 00 | 2.1%."

The Tamil Nadu Assembly elections are scheduled to be held on April 23, 2026, to elect all 234 members, with counting of votes set for May 4.

- ANI
Case centers on interpretation of the 14th Amendment

Solicitor General says US is an "outlier" on citizenship

The Trump administration has urged the U.S. Supreme Court to curb automatic citizenship for children born on American soil, citing a large-scale "birth tourism" industry, particularly from China. Solicitor General John Sauer argued the current system makes the U.S. an outlier and acts as a major pull factor for immigration. Several justices questioned whether international practices should influence the interpretation of the U.S. Constitution's 14th Amendment. Opponents warned that changing the rule would overturn settled law dating back to an 1898 Supreme Court ruling.

Trump administration urges Supreme Court to curb automatic citizenship for children born in the US, citing birth tourism concerns from China.

Washington, April 2 The US government flagged concerns over "birth tourism," particularly from China, as it urged the Supreme Court to curb automatic citizenship for children born on American soil.

Arguing for the Trump administration, Solicitor General John Sauer told the court on Wednesday (local time) that foreign nationals are increasingly travelling to the US to give birth, creating what he described as a large-scale industry.

He cited reports of up to 1 to 1.5 million births linked to Chinese nationals and said there were hundreds of companies in China facilitating such travel.

Sauer said the current system makes the United States an "outlier among modern nations" and acts as a pull factor for immigration.

He told the court that "every nation in Europe has a different rule," with most countries tying citizenship to parentage rather than birthplace.

The argument brought a geopolitical dimension to the constitutional case, which centres on whether the 14th Amendment guarantees citizenship to nearly all children born in the US.

Several justices questioned whether international comparisons should influence constitutional interpretation.

Justice Brett Kavanaugh stated that global practices may be relevant for policy debates but not necessarily for interpreting US law.

Opponents of the administration's position made a similar point, arguing that the Constitution reflects a uniquely American approach rooted in history.

They said the 14th Amendment was designed to create a clear rule: birth in the United States confers citizenship, with only narrow exceptions.

The court also explored the broader implications of changing that rule.

Justice Samuel Alito raised questions about how limits on birthright citizenship would affect families, particularly those with long-term ties to the country.

Sauer argued that countries with stricter citizenship rules do not face a "huge humanitarian crisis," suggesting the US could move in a similar direction.

He also pointed to changes in the global environment, noting that "eight billion people are one plane ride away" from the United States.

Opponents warned that such reasoning risks overturning settled law.

They pointed to the Supreme Court's 1898 ruling in United States v. Wong Kim Ark, which affirmed that most children born in the US are citizens regardless of their parents' status.

The 14th Amendment, ratified in 1868, overturned the Dred Scott decision and established a national definition of citizenship.

For more than a century, the US has followed a broad birthright citizenship rule.

The court's decision could determine whether that approach continues -- or shifts closer to practices seen in other parts of the world.

- IANS
President Donald Trump will deliver a national address to provide an operational update on the ongoing military campaign against Iran, known as Operation Epic Fury. The White House states the operation is meeting or exceeding its benchmarks, which include destroying Iran's ballistic missiles and naval capabilities. Trump is expected to reiterate a two-to-three week timeline for concluding the operation, even as reports suggest potential plans for deploying special forces inside Iran. The address comes amid expanded strikes on Iranian infrastructure, including nuclear-linked facilities.

President Trump to give a national address updating progress on Operation Epic Fury against Iran, outlining achieved military objectives and next steps.

Washington, April 2 US President Donald Trump will use his national address to provide an operational update on "Operation Epic Fury," which is "meeting or exceeding all of its benchmarks," a White House official told, as Washington signals steady progress toward its core military objectives in the conflict with Iran.

The White House said Trump's address, scheduled for 9 p.m. ET (Thursday morning 6.30 a.m. local India time), will outline progress in a campaign that has now entered its second month, alongside an update on the administration's next steps.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced the address, saying: "TUNE IN: T... President Trump will give an Address to the Nation to provide an important update on Iran."

In his address, Trump is expected to highlight that the US military has achieved or is on track to achieve all major objectives laid out at the start of the operation, a White House official told IANS.

These include destroying Iran's ballistic missile systems and production facilities, "annihilating" its navy, weakening its network of regional proxies, and ensuring Tehran can never obtain a nuclear weapon.

The official added that Trump will reiterate a two-to-three week timeline for concluding the operation, a timeframe he outlined in remarks a day earlier, signalling a push toward a defined end-state.

The announcement comes amid intensifying military operations and growing scrutiny over the scope of US involvement, including whether Washington could expand its footprint on the ground.

In earlier remarks on the campaign, Trump had said: "Our objectives are clear. First, we're destroying Iran's missile capabilities... Second, we're annihilating their navy... Third, we're ensuring that the world's number one sponsor of terror can never obtain a nuclear weapon..."

Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has echoed that position, stating: "The mission is laser-focused: obliterate Iran's missiles and drones and facilities that produce them, annihilate its navy... and sever their pathway to nuclear weapons."

The US-Israeli campaign has expanded in recent days, with strikes targeting key Iranian infrastructure, including nuclear-linked facilities.

On Tuesday, the US struck an Iranian city housing one of the country's main nuclear sites. The Isfahan Nuclear Energy Center, considered central to Iran's enrichment programme, had previously been targeted by US B-2 bombers and a submarine.

Analysts believe much of Iran's highly enriched uranium stockpile is likely stored at that location, making it a focal point in Washington's strategy to neutralise nuclear risks.

At the same time, reports suggest the administration has examined options for deploying US special operations forces inside Iran to secure enriched uranium. Such a mission, if approved, would expose American personnel to threats from Iranian missiles and drones deep inside Iranian territory.

Tehran has maintained that no direct talks are underway. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said: "We have had no negotiations with America in these thirty-one days," adding that proposals have been conveyed through intermediaries, including Pakistan.

- IANS
U.S. President Donald Trump suggested the Strait of Hormuz could be reopened for significant oil gains, calling it a chance to "make a fortune." His remarks come as maritime data indicates a tentative return of shipping activity through the critical waterway after a period of severe disruption caused by Iran. The disruption began in mid-March when Iran imposed a mandatory navigation corridor overseen by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Recent transits include Omani-controlled vessels and a ship linked to French giant CMA CGM, though traffic levels remain far below normal and vessel ownership is often opaque.

President Trump suggests reopening the Strait of Hormuz to "make a fortune" on oil as data shows a cautious revival in maritime traffic after Iranian restrictions.

Washington, April 3 With tensions still simmering in the Gulf, U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday suggested the Strait of Hormuz could be reopened for oil gains, describing it as a chance to "MAKE A FORTUNE," as maritime traffic shows early signs of revival.

"With a little more time, we can easily OPEN THE HORMUZ STRAIT, TAKE THE OIL, & MAKE A FORTUNE. IT WOULD BE A 'GUSHER' FOR THE WORLD???," Trump said in a social media post.



His remarks come as new data indicate a cautious return of shipping activity through the strategic waterway, a key artery for global energy supplies.



Maritime intelligence firm Windward said 16 ships transited the strait on April 1, marking the third consecutive day of movement after a period of severe disruption.



Separate data showed 16 cargo vessels passed through on Wednesday, up from 11 the previous day, signalling a gradual recovery, though still far below pre-conflict levels.



The disruption began in mid-March, when Iran imposed a mandatory navigation corridor, overseen by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), forcing vessels to alter their routes and operate under Iranian supervision.



Recent vessel movements suggest some operators are beginning to test those restrictions.



According to Windward, as of April 2, about 656 vessels were present in the Arabian Gulf, split between cargo ships (55 per cent) and tankers (45 per cent). Traffic remains skewed, with just one inbound transit recorded against eight outbound movements, dominated by container cargo and tanker departures.



Three Omani-controlled vessels - including two oil tankers and one liquefied natural gas carrier - exited the strait using standard international navigation channels, bypassing the Iranian-controlled corridor.



One of these, the LNG tanker Sohar, reached waters off Muscat, becoming the first LNG carrier to transit the strait since the conflict escalated.



A container ship linked to French logistics giant CMA CGM also passed through the strait, marking one of the first known transits by a Western-linked vessel since restrictions tightened.



Windward report underscores the dominance of so-called flag-of-convenience registries in the region. Panama leads with 142 vessels, followed by Liberia (95), Marshall Islands (93), and Iran (37), reflecting a mix of commercial and higher-risk shipping profiles.



Ownership patterns remain opaque. The firm said vessels transiting the strait involve beneficial owners from China, India, Turkey, and Iran, with about 25 per cent of ships maintaining unknown ownership - a trend analysts say complicates monitoring and enforcement.





- IANS
Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala projects UDF victory in Kerala, targeting over 100 seats. He addresses leadership, unity, and slams LDF's disaster rehab.

Thiruvananthapuram, April 3 Veteran Congress legislator Ramesh Chennithala on Friday exuded confidence that the party-led United Democratic Front is poised for a sweeping victory in the Kerala Assembly elections, projecting that it will cross the 100-seat mark and form the next government.

Kerala goes to the polls on April 9 to elect 140 new legislators.



Chennithala said the immediate priority for the UDF is to secure a clear and decisive mandate from the electorate.



"We are confident of winning more than 100 seats. The people of Kerala are looking for a change, and the UDF is ready to provide a stable and accountable government," he said.



On the question of leadership, Chennithala made it clear that the decision on the Chief Minister will be taken by the party high command after the elections.



He stressed that leadership discussions are secondary at this stage, with the focus firmly on ensuring electoral victory.



Seeking to dispel speculation of internal discord, Chennithala asserted that the Congress and the UDF remain united.



He acknowledged that both he and the current Leader of the Opposition, V.D. Satheesan, have had different styles of functioning, but maintained that there are no rifts within the party.



He also highlighted his close working relationship with senior leaders, including K.C. Venugopal and Satheesan, underlining that the front is functioning cohesively.



Turning his attention to the Pinarayi Vijayan-led LDF government, Chennithala accused it of serious lapses in rehabilitating victims of the Wayanad disaster.



He said the government had failed to deliver on its promise to complete housing for those affected.



"The rehabilitation process has been inadequate and delayed," he alleged, assuring that a Congress-led government would complete the construction of houses in a time-bound manner.



Chennithala also claimed that during his tenure as Leader of the Opposition, he had exposed multiple instances of corruption by the government, expressing confidence that these issues would resonate with voters at the ballot box.



In 2021, while Chennithala was the Leader of Opposition and led the UDF into the polls, like many others, he too expected that, in the state where power alternates between the traditional rival fronts, the UDF would win and he would become the next Chief Minister.



But Chief Minister Vijayan retained power, in the first of its kind result, and his hopes were dashed.



His fortunes failed to prosper yet again, when despite the support of a majority of the elected Congress MLAs, he could not become the Leader of Opposition again as the party high command intervened and Satheesan was appointed.



Now with an anti-incumbency wave against Vijayan, all eyes are on whether Chennithala will be lucky if the UDF wins the polls.





- IANS
The mortal remains of Ujjain student Gurkirat Singh Manocha, who was killed in Canada on March 14, were brought back to his hometown. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav attended the last rites, expressing the state's duty to stand with the grieving family. The incident reportedly involved an assault by a group of youths following a dispute in Fort St. John, Canada. The state and central governments coordinated to navigate the complex process of repatriating the body.

Mortal remains of student Gurkirat Singh Manocha, killed in Canada, brought back to Ujjain. CM Mohan Yadav attends last rites, offers condolences.

Ujjain, April 3 The mortal remains of Ujjain-based student Gurkirat Singh Manocha, who was killed in Canada on March 14, were brought back to the city on Friday morning, nearly 21 days after the incident.

A large number of residents gathered at his residence in Parshvanath city in the district to pay their last respects. Along with this, public representatives, including Member of Parliament Anil Firojiya and Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, also reached out, paid floral tributes and expressed condolences to the bereaved family.

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav told reporters, "It is our duty to stand with every family in our state in times of happiness and sorrow. In this difficult hour, the parents were in deep distress. There were several challenges involved due to the complexities of being abroad, with many different processes to navigate. But with the help of the Government of India, the Madhya Pradesh government made sincere efforts to handle the situation with sensitivity."

"The state government worked in coordination and made appropriate efforts, due to which the mortal remains of the family's son could be brought back to us. Although he now resides in the divine realm, there is still a sense of solace that our child has returned home," the CM added.

According to information, Gurkirat had gone to Canada for higher education. The incident reportedly occurred in Fort St. John, where a group of youth allegedly assaulted him following a dispute among students and later ran a vehicle over him on March 14. He was rushed to a hospital in critical condition, where doctors declared him dead.

His mortal remains were first brought to Ahmedabad airport on Thursday evening, where necessary customs and documentation formalities were completed. Thereafter, the body was then transported by ambulance to Ujjain, reaching his residence on Friday morning.

Scenes of grief unfolded at the residence as family members, including his parents, broke down on seeing the body. Locals and public representatives reached the house to offer condolences.

- ANI
Former Indian diplomat KP Fabian doubts the UK-led coalition can provide the security guarantees Iran demands to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The UK convened foreign ministers from 40 nations to address the blockade, which has severely disrupted this vital shipping route. UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper criticized Iran's "recklessness" in using the strait as leverage, accusing Tehran of holding the global economy hostage. The closure has halted nearly all traffic, triggering a sharp rise in petroleum prices and disrupting global oil flows.

Former diplomat KP Fabian says the UK-led group of 40 nations lacks a credible response to Iran's demand for security guarantees to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

New Delhi, April 3 Former Indian diplomat KP Fabian said the UK-led group of countries that are currently deliberating on strategies for reopening the Strait of Hormuz will likely not be able to fulfil the guarantees demanded by Iran.

Fabian, in a conversation with ANI, said that there can hardly be any meeting that can be done at the military level.

"The chair has stated that they will work through diplomacy. But later, there was a statement that there would be a meeting at the military level. Hardly anything can be done at the military level... If the 40 countries, the UK is the chair, tell Iran that they should keep the Strait of Hormuz open, Iran will say, yes, it can be done. But please understand why it is not open. Israel and America committed aggression. You ask them to give us a guarantee that it won't be repeated, and we will open it. I don't think there is any credible response which the UK plus can give to that," he said.

The United Kingdom has convened foreign ministers from 40 nations to deliberate on strategies for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime artery currently obstructed by the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. According to Al Jazeera, the high-level meeting addressed the "vital shipping route" that has been severely impacted by the regional war.

During the virtual summit on Thursday, UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper criticised what she termed as Iran's "recklessness" in blockading the passage, asserting that the disruption was "hitting our global economic security."

Cooper's opening remarks, which were broadcast to the media before the session transitioned to a closed-door format, accused Tehran of using the waterway as leverage. "We have seen Iran hijack an international shipping route to hold the global economy hostage," she stated.

The impact of the blockade has been profound, as retaliatory strikes on merchant vessels and the ongoing "threat of more" have effectively "halted nearly all traffic" through the strait.

Al Jazeera noted that this closure of the path connecting the Gulf to the world's oceans has triggered a sharp rise in "petroleum prices" and interrupted the global "flow of oil".

- ANI
The UN Special Rapporteur on human rights defenders, Mary Lawlor, has expressed serious concern over reported harassment and attempts to criminalise Baloch women's rights activist Dr. Sabiha Baloch and her family. Dr. Shalee Baloch addressed the UN Human Rights Council, describing a deeply concerning and worsening human rights situation in Balochistan where violations continue unchecked. Activists condemn the alleged abuses and demand justice, noting their calls have been largely ignored by authorities, intensifying the suffering of families. The statements call for concrete steps from national and international bodies to safeguard fundamental rights and for objective media reporting on the crisis.

UN expert Mary Lawlor voices concern over targeting of Dr. Sabiha Baloch and Baloch rights groups. Activists describe a worsening human rights crisis.

Geneva, April 2 Mary Lawlor, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on human rights defenders, has voiced serious concern over reported harassment and attempts to criminalise women's rights activist Dr Sabiha Baloch and her family.

In her statement, Lawlor said she had also received information about the continued targeting of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee by state authorities, suggesting that these actions may be linked to their peaceful human rights advocacy.

She stated that intimidation and legal pressure against human rights defenders are unacceptable and must stop immediately. Pakistani authorities have not yet issued a response to the concerns, as reported by The Balochistan Post.

According to The Balochistan Post, Dr Shalee Baloch, who serves as the chief organiser of the Baloch Women Forum (BWF), addressed the council through a video statement during its 61st session of UNHRC. She described the situation in the region as deeply concerning, emphasising that violations continue unchecked despite repeated appeals from activists and political groups.

Highlighting her organisation's efforts, Dr Baloch stated that Baloch activists have consistently condemned these alleged abuses and demanded justice. However, she noted that such calls have largely been ignored by authorities, allowing the situation to worsen over time.

In a follow-up statement shared on social media platform X, she elaborated on what she termed the "serious and ongoing human rights crisis" in Balochistan. She highlighted that the lack of credible investigations and accountability mechanisms has intensified the suffering of affected families, leaving them trapped in prolonged uncertainty and grief.

Dr Baloch urged both national authorities and international organisations to acknowledge the gravity of the situation and take concrete steps to safeguard the fundamental rights of the Baloch people. She also called on global media outlets to report on conditions in the region objectively, stressing the importance of engaging directly with local communities without external influence, as highlighted by The Balochistan Post.

Concluding her remarks, she emphasised that meaningful change would require a unified and principled response from all stakeholders. Upholding justice, truth, and human dignity, she said, must remain central to any efforts aimed at addressing the crisis, as reported by The Balochistan Post.

- ANI
The UN Security Council, under Bahrain's presidency for April, will prioritize the West Asia conflict, specifically addressing issues related to Iran, Palestine, and Lebanon. The council strongly condemned recent incidents that resulted in the deaths of three Indonesian UNIFIL peacekeepers and injuries to five others. It called for a full investigation and urged all parties to ensure the safety and freedom of movement for peacekeeping personnel. The council also reiterated its commitment to Lebanon's sovereignty and the implementation of key Security Council resolutions.

Bahrain's UN envoy outlines Security Council's April priorities: addressing West Asia conflicts, Iran, Gaza, Lebanon, and condemning attacks on peacekeepers.

United Nations, April 2 The UN Security Council will focus on the West Asia conflict in April, taking up issues concerning Iran, Lebanon, Gaza and the West Bank, Jamal Fares Alrowaiei, Bahrain's permanent representative to the United Nations and president of the council for the month, said.

Speaking at a daily briefing on the Security Council's program of work for April on Wednesday (Local time), Alrowaiei said four general priorities shape Bahrain's membership in the council in general -- consolidating peace and stability, addressing traditional and emerging security threats, ensuring inclusion and participation, and advancing multilateralism.

The priorities are integrated in the council's program of work and beyond, he said.

The presidency's priority for the month will address the current regional and international environment, including issues concerning Iran, Palestine, Lebanon and other issues, according to Alrowaiei.

The UN Security Council also decried incidents that killed three Indonesian peacekeepers from the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) on Sunday and Monday, reports Xinhua news agency.

In a press statement, Security Council members reaffirmed their full support for UNIFIL and urged all parties to ensure the safety and security of its personnel and premises, as well as the mission's freedom of movement, in accordance with international law. They also called on parties to refrain from actions that could endanger peacekeepers.

Recalling that peacekeepers must never be targeted, they called on the United Nations to investigate the incidents through UNIFIL and keep the relevant troop-contributing country informed of progress, consistent with the objectives of Security Council resolutions 2518 (2020) and 2589 (2021).

They also called on parties to fully implement Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) and reiterated their strong commitment to Lebanon's sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and unity.

Five other peacekeepers were injured on Sunday and Monday. In recent weeks, several other incidents have affected UNIFIL positions and injured peacekeepers against the backdrop of ongoing hostilities along the Blue Line, according to the statement.

- IANS
Former Indian UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin strongly rejects the narrative that India follows the United States in foreign policy, calling it unfair and not reflective of reality. He provides concrete examples, including India's abstention on Ukraine votes despite US pressure and its independent negotiations with Iran. Akbaruddin also points to India's refusal to join certain US-led international initiatives as proof of its autonomous stance. The remarks come amid frequent criticism from the Indian opposition alleging the government operates under US influence.

Former UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin refutes claims India follows the US, citing examples on Ukraine, Iran, and international boards.

New Delhi, April 3 India's former Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Syed Akbaruddin, on Friday noted that claims that India follows the United States are "unfair" and "not reflective of reality".

In an interaction with young Indian podcaster and entrepreneur, Raj Shamani, on his YouTube channel, Akbaruddin said: "No, I think it's unfair to say that we follow (the US). Look at the Board of Peace. (US President Donald) Trump has put up a Board of Peace; Pakistan has put up a Board of Peace. We have not joined it. Because we know this is not a real international institution. The US doesn't like us negotiating with Iran at all to get our ships. It has not stopped us from going and negotiating. And we have openly said we are doing it one by one. If it works, we will try again."

"The US doesn't want that. It wants countries to send ships there -- minesweepers, etc.-- and it doesn't even mention our name because they know that we are not a country which takes sides like that. I can give you another whole list of things where we are not aligned. So, on the war in Ukraine, did we support the US? No. The US repeatedly told us not to abstain, but we did abstain. So, I don't think there is anybody in the world who believes that India follows the US. Even the US doesn't think that. Maybe some people here who want to prove a point will say that, but in reality, it's not," the former IFS officer said.

The Opposition in India has often been seen criticising the government and alleging that it functions under the pressure of US President Trump. Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has also made similar remarks on several occasions, suggesting that "India's PM is compromised."

- IANS
The United States has stated it remains open to diplomatic talks with Iran despite the ongoing military conflict. State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott emphasized this dual-track approach while accusing Iran of pursuing a nuclear weapon. The remarks follow President Trump's national address claiming the US is winning the war, though he provided no exit strategy. The conflict, launched in February, followed earlier US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities known as Operation Midnight Hammer.

US State Department reaffirms openness to diplomacy with Iran while vowing to fulfill military objectives in the ongoing conflict.

Washington, DC, April 3 The United States has reaffirmed its willingness to engage in diplomatic talks with Tehran, even as the military conflict between the US-Israel alliance and Iran continues. This diplomatic stance remains on the table despite US President Donald Trump's renewed warnings regarding the potential destruction of the Islamic Republic's "civilian infrastructure."

During a television interview on Thursday, US State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott told Al Jazeera that while President Trump had sought "talks with Iran before the war," he accused the Iranian government of a persistent "pursuit of a nuclear weapon."

Pigott emphasised the administration's dual-track approach, stating, "The president is always open to diplomacy, but he's also been clear we will see his objectives be fulfilled here."

These remarks follow a national address by President Trump late on Wednesday, in which he claimed the US is "winning the war." However, as reported by Al Jazeera, the President stopped short of detailing an exit strategy or presenting a plan to "reopen the Strait of Hormuz," a vital waterway whose closure has caused global energy prices to soar.

The current hostilities, launched on February 28, follow a previous escalation known as "Operation Midnight Hammer," where US forces targeted Iran's three main nuclear facilities.

Pigott defended the administration's history of engagement, telling Al Jazeera that "the president always prefers diplomacy" and highlighted the President's efforts to seek a non-military solution prior to that operation.

According to Al Jazeera, the State Department spokesperson further claimed that following the strikes in June 2025, "the door for diplomacy was opened yet again," yet he alleged that the Iranian leadership remained committed to its nuclear ambitions.

These claims persist despite assessments from US intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard, who previously noted that "Iran is not building a nuclear weapon" and that there have been "no efforts" to rebuild enrichment capacity following the US strikes.

Despite these conflicting reports, Pigott maintained that the US is actively involved in "diplomatic engagement at the highest levels of this administration" to secure American interests and oversee the destruction of Iran's military capabilities.

He further told Al Jazeera that the "intolerable threat" of a nuclear-armed Iran justified the current pressure, particularly as Tehran has retaliated with strikes against US assets and regional "civilians and civilian infrastructure."

The tension was further underscored when President Trump shared footage of a US attack targeting a "major civilian bridge" in Iran. In a social media post, Trump issued a stern ultimatum: "IT IS TIME FOR IRAN TO MAKE A DEAL BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE, AND THERE IS NOTHING LEFT OF WHAT STILL COULD BECOME A GREAT COUNTRY."

- ANI
* The 2026 Zhongguancun Forum (ZGC Forum) Annual Conference has once again drawn global attention to China's innovation drive, with a focus this year on closer integration between technological and industrial innovation. * China's outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) places the integration of technological and industrial innovation high on the agenda. Since the blueprint's release, the ZGC Forum has emerged as one of the key platforms for gathering global insights on advancing this goal. * Innovation has long been central to China's development agenda. After years of sustained efforts, the country has become a major global hub for innovation. BEIJING, April 2 (Xinhua) -- The 2026 Zhongguancun Forum (ZGC Forum) Annual Conference has once again drawn global attention to China's innovation drive, with a focus this year on closer integration between technological and industrial innovation. The latest episode of the China Economic Roundtable, an all-media talk show hosted by Xinhua News Agency, delved into this key theme. Guests from government, industry and academia examined how this alignment could inject fresh momentum into the world's second-largest economy in the coming years. INTEGRATION TAKES CENTER STAGE China's newly released outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) places the integration of technological and industrial innovation high on the agenda. Since the blueprint's release, the ZGC Forum has emerged as one of the key platforms for gathering global insights on advancing this goal. "At the forum, industry leaders from around the world shared their views on cutting-edge technologies and emerging industrial frontiers," said Zhai Tianrui, deputy director of Beijing Municipal Science and Technology Commission and the Administrative Commission of Zhongguancun Science Park, at the roundtable. Zhai said the ZGC Forum itself reflected the spirit of integration by bringing together researchers, entrepreneurs and policymakers to explore practical solutions. Exhibits at the forum offered a closer look at how breakthroughs can be translated into productivity. A range of emerging technologies -- from 3D monitors to robots with improved sensing abilities -- were showcased, demonstrating pathways from research to commercial applications. For Liu Hui, head of the Consumption and Industry Development Research Institute of JD.com, the key is to match technologies with application needs. Liu said efforts should focus on better aligning innovation with real-world scenarios to help industries reduce costs, improve efficiency and support the development of future industries. Guests also cited momentum in frontier fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum information and biomanufacturing, highlighting them as important drivers for fostering new quality productive forces. Zhang Xiaoyan, deputy director of China Center for Information Industry Development, said that as a new wave of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation gains speed around the world, the pace of turning innovation into industrial applications is also accelerating. Against this backdrop, Zhang added, China has secured early advantages in some fields, creating favorable conditions to seize future opportunities. TURNING BLUEPRINT INTO ACTION Innovation has long been central to China's development agenda. After years of sustained efforts, the country has become a major global hub for innovation. The World Intellectual Property Organization's Global Innovation Index 2025 ranked China among the global top 10 for the first time. China has also established the world's largest manufacturing system by scale, with the most comprehensive industrial categories. With strengths in both technological innovation and industrial capacity, guests said, deeper integration between the two could create a multiplier effect. With such integration listed as a key task in the country's development blueprint for the next five years, experts stressed that the priority now is to translate the plan into concrete action, with local practices already providing practical examples. Beijing has been among the front-runners in advancing this integration. Over the years, the capital has encouraged enterprises to take the lead in building innovation centers, strengthened cooperation mechanisms linking incubators, universities and industrial parks, and guided financial capital toward technology development. Efforts are also being advanced through national innovation hubs. According to this year's government work report, China plans to develop Beijing (the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region), Shanghai (the Yangtze River Delta) and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area into international centers for sci-tech innovation and turn them into world-class innovation engines. Liu Dongmei, Party secretary of the Chinese Academy of Science and Technology for Development, said that to further strengthen their role, the innovation hubs should fully leverage their ability to attract innovation and promote the sharing of research and development resources. Liu added that sci-tech innovation clusters should be built around key industries. Looking ahead, guests expressed confidence that China's foundation for sci-tech innovation will become more solid. "China's research and development will shift from being high-end and impressive to more practical and accessible," Zhang said, adding that small and medium-sized enterprises will move from serving mainly as suppliers for large firms to becoming collaborative innovation partners. "China will also transition from being a testing ground for innovative applications to becoming a global source of innovation," Zhang said. (Video reporters: Xia Zilin, Bao He, Liu Yang; Video editors: Zhang Yueyuan, Roger Lott)
US Congressman Keith Self introduced legislation directing NASA to establish the initial elements of a permanent lunar outpost by December 31, 2030. The bill, unveiled after the Artemis II launch, targets the strategically vital south pole of the Moon for its water ice and mineral deposits. Self framed the effort as critical to maintaining American leadership in space against competition from China, which has similar lunar ambitions. He argued that a permanent presence is necessary to define future rules and unlock a new industrial frontier in space.

US Congressman introduces legislation for a permanent lunar outpost by 2030, citing strategic competition with China and lunar resource access.

Washington, April 3 A US Congressman introduced legislation directing NASA to establish the first elements of a permanent lunar outpost by 2030, asserting that the move is critical to sustaining American leadership in space amid rising competition from China.

Congressman Keith Self unveiled the bill a day after the Artemis II mission lifted off, marking the first crewed flight to lunar orbit in over five decades. The proposal seeks to amend existing US space law and sets a deadline of December 31, 2030, for the initial outpost.

"Last night, America reminded the world that we are the greatest spacefaring nation on earth," Self said. "But a victory lap is not a strategy. If we are serious about maintaining American leadership in space, we need boots on the Moon. Permanently. That is what this legislation demands."

The bill directs the NASA Administrator to establish the initial infrastructure at the Moon's south pole. The region is considered strategically important due to the presence of water ice, which can be converted into rocket fuel, and deposits of helium-3 and rare earth elements.

Self described the lunar effort as an economic as well as strategic imperative. "The Moon is not just a destination. It is the foundation for an entirely new American industrial frontier," he said. "Lunar resources will drive the next generation of space manufacturing, mining, and construction."

He added that US companies are already developing relevant technologies but require sustained government backing and a permanent presence on the lunar surface.

The legislation comes amid intensifying competition with China National Space Administration, which has publicly outlined plans to establish a lunar research station in the same region before the end of the decade.

"The CCP is not a partner in space. They are a competitor, and they are playing to win," Self said. "International law on lunar resources is unsettled. The nation that physically establishes a presence on the surface will define the rules for everyone else."

The Artemis II mission, launched by NASA, carries four astronauts on a lunar flyby aboard the Orion spacecraft. It is the first crewed deep-space mission since 1972.

Self argued that a permanent outpost would translate into economic gains at home. "A lunar outpost means American jobs, American ingenuity, and American flags planted firmly in the regolith," he said. "The window to lead is open. This legislation makes sure we do not waste it."

The proposal was earlier introduced as part of the NASA Reauthorization Act and cleared committee in February before being reintroduced as a standalone bill.

- IANS
The United States Central Command has dismissed Iran's claim that its Revolutionary Guard downed an enemy fighter jet near Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz. CENTCOM stated all US fighter aircraft are accounted for and called it a repeatedly false claim from Tehran. The denial follows Iranian state media reports detailing the alleged interception and crash of the aircraft. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister warned the US against escalation, highlighting potential global economic consequences from regional energy disruptions.

US Central Command refutes Iran's claim of downing an enemy fighter jet. All US aircraft are accounted for, calling it a repeated false allegation.

Washington, DC, April 3 The United States military's Central Command has dismissed allegations made by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps regarding the purported downing of an "enemy" fighter jet over Qeshm Island.

In a statement posted on X, CENTCOM refuted the Iranian claims concerning the incident in the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that "all US fighter aircraft are accounted for." Addressing the frequency of such reports from Tehran, the military command noted that "Iran's IRGC has made the same false claim at least half a dozen times," according to the social media post.

This denial follows assertions from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) that its aerial defence units intercepted and downed an "enemy fighter jet in the south of Qeshm Island," Al Jazeera reported on Friday, citing Iranian state media outlets.

According to a statement released by the IRGC, the military operation resulted in the aircraft being neutralised over the strategic waters of the Persian Gulf. Iranian officials further noted that after being hit, the fighter jet crashed into the Gulf between Hengam Island and Qeshm Island.

In parallel with these military claims, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has declared that recent military actions by the United States targeting non-military targets will fail to alter the Islamic Republic's strategic stance.

In a statement released on social media, the Foreign Minister asserted that the targeting of essential public works would not achieve its intended diplomatic or military pressure. "Striking civilian structures, including unfinished bridges, will not compel Iranians to surrender," Araghchi said in a post on X, which featured an image of a destroyed bridge.

He further argued that the nature of these strikes reflects the internal state of the opposing forces rather than their strength, stating that such actions instead "convey the defeat and moral collapse of an enemy in disarray."

These developments occur against the backdrop of persistent US-supported Israeli military actions directed at the Islamic Republic. Tehran has repeatedly condemned these operations for targeting civilian infrastructure, which it maintains is a "flagrant violation of international law."

According to state broadcaster Press TV, Iranian officials have consistently characterised these strikes as "desperate acts" that serve as proof of the "enemy's strategic failure and frustration" across various sectors.

Furthermore, the Iranian leadership has asserted that any infrastructure damaged during the conflict will be rebuilt with enhanced resilience, while the United States faces "irreparable harm" to its declining international reputation.

In a direct address to the American leadership regarding this situation, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi cautioned US President Donald Trump and his supporters against any further escalation.

He warned that such moves could destabilise the global order by severely interrupting essential energy exports from the region. "There's one striking difference between the present and the Stone Age: there was no oil or gas being pumped in the Middle East back then. Are POTUS and Americans who put him in office sure that they want to turn back the clock?" Araghchi asked in a pointed social media post.

Press TV highlighted that the Foreign Minister's remarks serve as a stern warning regarding the "severe global economic consequences" that would inevitably follow any disruption to energy supplies from West Asia.

While Tehran maintains it has always "advocated for peace, stability, and respect for sovereignty," the ministry emphasised that the nation remains fully equipped to protect its "legitimate rights" and regional interests against any form of external aggression.

- ANI
Case challenges automatic US citizenship for children of temporary visa holders

A US Supreme Court case is challenging the long-standing principle of birthright citizenship for children of temporary visa holders like those on H-1B visas. The Trump administration argues the 14th Amendment requires "direct and immediate allegiance," which children of temporary residents may not meet. Opposing lawyers warn this would overturn the 1898 Wong Kim Ark ruling and create uncertainty for thousands of families. The outcome could reshape a core immigration principle, affecting access to education and benefits for US-born children of Indian professionals.

A US Supreme Court case could end automatic citizenship for children of H-1B visa holders, impacting thousands of Indian families and long-standing law.

Washington, April 2 A US Supreme Court case on birthright citizenship has raised concerns among Indian professionals on H-1B visas and other temporary permits.

The Trump administration told the court that children born to "temporary visitors" may not automatically be US citizens.

Solicitor General John Sauer said the Constitution requires "direct and immediate allegiance" to the United States, not just birth on its soil.

He argued that children of people on temporary visas do not meet that test.

That position could affect thousands of Indian families. Indians form the largest group of H-1B visa holders in the US.

Many live in the country for years while waiting for green cards. They build careers and raise families. Their children are often born in the US and treated as citizens under the current law.

The government's argument challenges that long-standing practice.

Sauer said the phrase "subject to the jurisdiction thereof" should be read as requiring allegiance tied to lawful residence.

He said the rule should not apply to those who are in the country only temporarily.

Several justices questioned how such a policy would work.

They asked how officials would determine a child's citizenship at birth. They also asked if parents' immigration status would need to be checked in each case.

The government said the system would rely on "objectively verifiable" immigration data.

That suggests visa status could decide whether a child is a citizen.

Lawyers opposing the administration warned that the move would overturn settled law.

They pointed to the 1898 ruling in United States v. Wong Kim Ark. That case held that most children born in the US are citizens, regardless of their parents' status.

They said the Constitution creates a clear rule. "Everyone born here is a citizen alike," counsel told the court.

For Indian families, the stakes are high.

H-1B visa holders often face long delays in getting permanent residency. During that time, their US-born children enjoy full citizenship rights.

A change in the law could create uncertainty. It could affect access to education, jobs and government benefits.

The court also discussed whether any ruling would apply only in the future.

The government said its policy would be prospective. But challengers warned that the logic could put the status of many people in doubt.

The case comes as immigration remains a key political issue in the US.

The administration argued that current rules act as a "pull factor" for illegal immigration.

The 14th Amendment, adopted in 1868, grants citizenship to all persons born in the United States and subject to its jurisdiction. It was meant to ensure citizenship for freed slaves after the Civil War.

For more than a century, the US has followed a broad birthright citizenship rule.

The court's decision could reshape that principle and have direct consequences for Indian professionals and their families.

- IANS
The United States, under President Donald Trump, has announced tariffs of up to 100% on imported patented pharmaceuticals and their ingredients, citing a threat to national security due to reliance on foreign supply chains. The policy aims to rebuild domestic manufacturing, offering a reduced 20% tariff for companies that shift production to the US. Key trading partners like the EU and Japan face lower rates, while generics, orphan drugs, and certain therapies are exempt. The tariffs, implemented via Section 232 authority, will begin in phases from July 2026 and could reshape global pharmaceutical trade, impacting major suppliers like India and China.

President Trump imposes 100% tariffs on imported patented drugs citing national security, with exemptions for generics and phased implementation.

Washington, April 3 The United States will impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on imported patented pharmaceuticals, with President Donald Trump citing national security risks and heavy reliance on foreign supply chains.

In a proclamation issued Thursday, Trump said pharmaceuticals and related ingredients "are being imported into the United States in such quantities and under such circumstances as to threaten to impair the national security of the United States."

The proclamation targets patented drugs and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). These are critical for both civilian healthcare and military readiness. The administration warned that reliance on overseas production could disrupt access to "life-saving medications" during geopolitical or economic crises.

Under the order, most imported patented pharmaceuticals will face a 100 per cent ad valorem duty. Companies that commit to shifting production to the United States will be subject to a reduced 20 per cent tariff, which will rise to 100 per cent after four years.

The proclamation also outlines differentiated tariff rates for key trading partners. Imports from the European Union, Japan, South Korea and Switzerland will face lower tariffs of around 15 per cent, while certain specialised categories such as orphan drugs, nuclear medicines and gene therapies will remain exempt.

Generic drugs and biosimilars have been excluded from the tariff regime for now. "Generic pharmaceuticals and their associated ingredients shall not be subject to tariffs... at this time," the proclamation said.

Officials said the policy is part of a broader effort to rebuild domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing and secure supply chains. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer told reporters at the White House that the focus goes beyond tariffs to long-term restructuring of production.

"It's less what's the tariff level, and it's more all of the actual deals we've been making with countries and companies to make sure that the supply chains are secure that we're making here in America," Greer said.

He added that companies were already responding to the policy shift. "We see concrete going in, superstructures going up on new pharmaceutical facilities," he said, pointing to investments in US-based manufacturing.

The tariffs will be implemented in phases beginning July 31, 2026, with some companies facing delayed timelines based on existing agreements.

The decision is expected to have far-reaching implications for global pharmaceutical trade, especially for countries that serve as major suppliers of finished drugs and raw materials.

India and China are among the largest producers of generic medicines and active pharmaceutical ingredients globally, supplying a significant share of the US market. While generics are currently exempt, any future expansion of tariffs could have wider implications for global drug pricing and supply chains.

Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, invoked in this case, allows the US President to restrict imports deemed a threat to national security. The provision has previously been used to impose tariffs on steel and aluminium, and its extension to pharmaceuticals marks a significant escalation in trade policy targeting strategic sectors.

- IANS
Recent US intelligence assessments reveal Iran's military capabilities remain largely intact over a month after major strikes by the US and Israel. The country retains roughly half of its missile launchers and thousands of one-way attack drones, with underground facilities helping preserve these assets. Iran also keeps a significant portion of its coastal defense cruise missiles, crucial for controlling the Strait of Hormuz. Despite the destruction of many Navy vessels, the Revolutionary Guard's naval forces still possess hundreds of small boats and unmanned vessels.

US intelligence finds half of Iran's missile launchers and thousands of attack drones remain operational over a month after major strikes, posing a regional threat.

Washington, April 3 Latest US intelligence assessments show that roughly half of Iran's missile launchers are still intact and thousands of one-way attack drones remain in Iran's arsenal more than one month after the United States and Israel launched massive strikes on Iran, CNN reported.

"They are still very much poised to wreak absolute havoc throughout the entire region," a source familiar with the intelligence told the US media outlet.

According to the report, the assessments also indicate that Iran retains a large number of missiles, as well as a significant portion of its coastal defense cruise missiles, a key capability for controlling the Strait of Hormuz, Xinhua news agency reported.

Although Iran's Navy vessels have largely been destroyed, the separate naval forces belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps still retain roughly half of its capabilities, with "hundreds, if not thousands, of small boats and unmanned surface vessels left," according to sources cited by CNN.

The intelligence shows that Iran's use of underground facilities has helped preserve its missile launchers. The country has long hidden its launchers in extensive networks of tunnels and caves, making them particularly difficult to target.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday put the timeline for completing US military operations at two to three weeks. However, a source who has reviewed the intelligence assessments described the timeline as unrealistic.

Israel, US allies in the Gulf, as well as US troops, have continued to face regular missile and drone strikes from Iran.

- IANS
US Senator Bernie Moreno announced plans to introduce legislation banning Chinese automobiles and auto components from the American market. His proposal aligns with broader national security concerns following confirmed cyber intrusions and aims to counter perceived unfair trade practices. The move finds support from major US auto industry groups, which are urging the Trump administration to maintain strict regulations. This stance contrasts with allies like Canada, which has an agreement to import tens of thousands of Chinese electric vehicles annually.

Senator Bernie Moreno proposes legislation to ban Chinese vehicles and components from the US market, citing national security and unfair trade practices.

Washington DC, April 2 Senator Bernie Moreno stated on March 31 that he plans to introduce legislation aimed at banning Chinese automobiles and auto components from entering the U.S. market, according to a report by The Epoch Times.

Speaking at the Automotive Forum in New York City, Moreno said, "There will not be a Chinese automobile here," adding that he hopes regions such as Latin America, Mexico, Canada, and Europe will adopt similar standards. The automotive sector accounts for more than one-fifth of trade between the United States, Mexico, and Canada, and remains the largest segment in U.S.-Mexico trade.

The European Union has also strengthened its stance against Chinese auto imports by imposing steep tariffs on electric vehicles, which it claims are being unfairly dumped into the European market. However, other allies have taken a different approach. Canada, for instance, signed an agreement with China in January to eliminate tariffs and permit the import of 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles annually, with plans to increase that figure to 70,000 within five years. At the time, automakers warned that a blanket ban could impact vehicles already available in the market and called for a delay to allow manufacturers time to comply with new regulations. These rules were largely driven by national security concerns after authorities confirmed that Chinese state-backed hackers had penetrated U.S. critical infrastructure and positioned themselves for potential disruption, the report noted.

In March 2025, federal regulations came into force requiring automakers to certify that their vehicles no longer contained Chinese software. By March 17, 2026, manufacturers were required to verify compliance with this requirement. This time, however, U.S. automakers and industry associations appear to support stricter measures on Chinese vehicles and components, recently urging the Donald Trump administration to act against what they describe as unfair trade practices by Chinese carmakers.

Five major industry groups representing automakers, dealerships, and parts suppliers sent a letter to President Trump on March 12, 2026, urging him to retain the Biden-era regulations ahead of his visit to China and to avoid allowing any loopholes that he had previously indicated he might consider. "We also strongly urge the Administration to reject any attempt by Chinese manufacturers to bypass these existing restrictions by setting up production facilities in the U.S.," the letter stated. The signatories included the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, the National Automobile Dealers Association, Autos Drive America, the American Automotive Policy Council, and MEMA, the Vehicle Suppliers Association, as cited in the report.

- ANI
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi sarcastically questioned whether the US truly wants to return to a "Stone Age" era when no Middle Eastern oil was pumped, responding to President Trump's threat. Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian asserted Iran has never initiated a war and condemned attacks on medical facilities as crimes against humanity. Meanwhile, President Trump escalated rhetoric, threatening to target Iranian bridges and electric power plants next. The exchange exacerbates tensions, raising global concerns over energy security and regional stability.

Iranian Foreign Minister questions Trump's threat to bomb Iran "back to the Stone Age," highlighting global reliance on Middle East oil and gas.

Tehran, April 3 Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Friday asked if US President Donald Trump actually wanted to put Iran back in the Stone Age, as there was no oil being pumped in the Middle East back then.

In a post on X, he said, "There's one striking difference between the present and the Stone Age: there was no oil or gas being pumped in the Middle East back then. Are POTUS and Americans who put him in office sure that they want to turn back the clock?"

Iran's President, Masoud Pezeshkian, shared an open letter to all Americans saying that Iran has never initiated a war.

He then also termed the attacks on hospitals and pharmaceutical companies as a crime against humanity.

In a post on X, he said, "What message does attacking hospitals, pharmaceutical companies and the Pasteur Institute as a medical research center in Iran convey? As a specialist physician, I urge WHO, the Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders and physicians worldwide to respond to this crime against humanity."

Iran's Parliament Speaker, MB Ghalibaf said, "We followed the money. Last week, a handful of bankers and hedge funds met, decided to hold Washington's Iran war policy hostage, then launched a campaign."

Earlier, Seyed Majid Moosavi, Iranian General, said that Hollywood has poisoned their minds.

"It is you who are taking your soldiers to their graves, not Iran, whom you seek to drag back to the Stone Age. Hollywood delusions have so poisoned your minds that, with your paltry 250-year history, you threaten a civilization over 6,000 years old."

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said that the US will now target bridges and electric power plants next.

In a post on Truth Social, he said, "Our Military, the greatest and most powerful (by far!) anywhere in the World, hasn't even started destroying what's left in Iran. Bridges next, then Electric Power Plants! New Regime leadership knows what has to be done, and has to be done, FAST! President DONALD J. TRUMP"

This comes amid escalating tensions between the US and Iran, with Trump threatening to bomb Iran "back to the Stone Ages" if necessary.

Iran has condemned the threats, calling them a strike on civilian infrastructure and warning of consequences for America's global standing. The situation has led to concerns over global energy supplies, with India, a major oil importer, seeking alternative sources, including increased imports from Russia.

- ANI
The United States has issued a warning to China over actions targeting Panama-flagged vessels, stating they threaten a vital global trade route. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said detentions and delays undermine supply chain stability and increase costs. The dispute follows a Panamanian Supreme Court ruling that invalidated a port concession to a Hong Kong-based company. The US reaffirmed its support for Panama's sovereignty and the rule of law in the wake of the court's decision.

US Secretary Marco Rubio warns China that targeting Panama-flagged ships threatens global trade routes and raises costs for consumers.

Washington, April 3 The United States warned China that actions targeting Panama-flagged vessels threaten a key global trade route and could drive up costs for businesses and consumers.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said China's recent actions against Panama-flagged ships raise "serious concern" about the use of economic tools to undermine the rule of law in Panama.

"China's recent actions against Panama-flagged vessels raise serious concerns about the use of economic tools to undermine the rule of law in Panama," Rubio said in a statement.

He said detentions, delays and other impediments to vessel movement "undermine the stability of global supply chains, increase costs for businesses and consumers, and erode confidence in the international trading system."

The remarks follow reports of increased inspections and detentions of Panama-flagged vessels at Chinese ports. Panamanian authorities have acknowledged a rise in scrutiny, which has led to delays and disruptions in maritime operations, though not necessarily seizures.

The dispute comes after a recent ruling by Panama's Supreme Court on the Balboa and Cristobal terminals. The court invalidated a long-standing concession granted to a Hong Kong-based company and allowed the government to assume control of the ports and appoint new operators.

Rubio said the court's decision "upheld transparency, the rule of law, and held private operators accountable to the public interest." He added that it shows Panama is "a reliable partner for international investment and business opportunities."

The United States also reaffirmed its support for Panama's sovereignty. Rubio said Washington "stands firmly with Panama" and looks forward to expanding economic and security cooperation with the country.

The Panama Canal is a critical artery for global trade. It handles roughly 5 per cent of global maritime commerce. Any disruption to vessel movement can ripple across supply chains, affecting energy, manufacturing and consumer goods.

US officials have increasingly raised concerns about China's influence over strategic infrastructure near the canal.

- IANS
Actor Wagner Moura is set to star opposite Kristen Stewart in the upcoming vampire thriller 'Flesh of the Gods.' The film, directed by Panos Cosmatos, follows a married couple in 1980s Los Angeles whose lives are upended after encountering a mysterious woman. Moura steps into the role originally slated for Oscar Isaac, who exited due to scheduling conflicts. The project is produced by Adam McKay, with A24 set to distribute the film in the United States.

Wagner Moura joins Kristen Stewart in the A24 vampire thriller 'Flesh of the Gods,' directed by Panos Cosmatos. Set in 1980s LA.

Washington, April 2 Actor Wagner Moura is set to star alongside Kristen Stewart in the upcoming vampire thriller 'Flesh of the Gods', according to Deadline.

The film will be directed by Panos Cosmatos, while A24 has come on board to handle its U.S. release.

Moura replaces Oscar Isaac, who has stepped away from the project due to scheduling issues. The film was first announced in 2024 during the Cannes Market.

The story follows a married couple, Raoul and Alex, played by Moura and Stewart, who live in 1980s Los Angeles. Every night, they leave their high-rise home and enter a different world filled with mystery and danger. Their lives take a turn when they meet a mysterious woman named Nameless and her group, leading them into a strange and intense lifestyle.

The film is written by Andrew Kevin Walker, based on a story by him and Cosmatos. It is being produced by Adam McKay and others, with international sales handled by XYZ Films.

Moura recently gained global attention after his performance in 'The Secret Agent,' which earned him major recognition. 'The Secret Agent' is directed by Brazilian filmmaker Kleber Mendonca Filho and stars Moura in the lead role. The film has received wide praise from critics and moviebuffs for its story, acting, and direction. It has earned four Oscar nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actor.

He is also known for his role as 'Pablo Escobar' in Narcos. His recent work includes 'Civil War,' and he will next be seen in upcoming projects like 11817 and 'The Last Day.'

- ANI
President Donald Trump thanked key US allies in the Middle East and promised they would not be harmed or fail. He directly blamed Iranian "terror attacks" on oil infrastructure for causing a recent spike in American gasoline prices. Trump reiterated that Iran's actions are proof it can never be trusted with nuclear weapons, warning of decades of extortion and instability. He also called on other oil-importing nations to show courage and help secure the vital Strait of Hormuz.

President Trump thanks key Middle East allies, vows US support, and blames Iranian "terror attacks" for rising gasoline prices in a White House address.

Washington DC, April 2 US President Donald Trump on Wednesday expressed gratitude to key regional allies in West Asia while addressing rising tensions and economic concerns amid the ongoing conflict with Iran.

Speaking in an offical address to the nation from the White House, Trump said, " I want to thank our allies in the Middle East, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Kuwait and Bahrain. They've been great, and we will not let them get hurt or fail in any way, shape or form," underscoring continued US support for its partners in the region.

The US President also addressed domestic concerns over rising fuel prices, attributing the increase to the Iranian "terror attacks" against commercial oil tankers and neighbouring countries. He said, "Many Americans have been concerned to see the recent rise in gasoline prices here at home. This short-term increase has been entirely the result of the Iranian regime launching deranged terror attacks against commercial oil tankers and neighbouring countries that have nothing to do with the conflict."

Trump reiterated his administration's longstanding position on Iran's nuclear program, claiming the ongoing Iranian strikes as "proof". Trump said, " This is yet more proof that Iran can never be trusted with nuclear weapons. They will use them, and they will use them quickly."

Highlighting potential global consequences, he added, "It would lead to decades of extortion, economic pain and instability worse than we can ever imagine."

Trump called on oil-importing nations to "build up some delayed courage" and take responsibility for reclaiming the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that the burden of securing the Iranian-blocked waterway should be shared by international partners.

The President stated that these countries "[they] should have done it before, should have done it with us, as we asked." He further urged them to "go to the strait and just take it, protect it," as his administration continues its military campaign in the region.

Trump's speech signalled growing concern in Washington over the ongoing conflict, its impact on global energy markets, and reaffirmation of US commitments by the President to its West Asian allies.

- ANI
President Donald Trump stated that the downing of a US military aircraft will not impact ongoing talks with Iran, bluntly characterizing the situation as a war. Iran has claimed it shot down an American A-10 attack plane near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, though this is unverified. US forces have successfully recovered one crew member from a downed F-15E Strike Eagle, while search efforts continue for a second. The military incident coincides with a reported stall in diplomatic negotiations after Tehran declined to participate in scheduled discussions.

President Trump dismisses impact of lost US aircraft on Iran talks, calls situation a "war," as rescue ops continue and Tehran makes new claims.

Washington, DC, April 4 US President Donald Trump has asserted that the destruction of an American military aircraft will have no bearing on diplomatic discussions with Iran, according to a report by NBC News.

Dismissing the notion that the event would impede negotiations, the President stated, "No, not at all. No, it's war. We're in war." These remarks represent the leader's first public response to the loss of an American plane during the hostilities, occurring as combat actions and diplomatic initiatives proceed simultaneously.

Trump refused to elaborate on the particulars of the "search-and-rescue efforts," noting the delicate nature of the matter, and expressed dissatisfaction with how the press has reported on the "complex and active military operation."

Amidst this diplomatic friction, Tehran has intensified its military claims. Iran asserted it downed an American A-10 aircraft near the Strait of Hormuz, according to Al Jazeera, citing the Tasnim news agency. The report stated the "aircraft was targeted in waters south of and around the strategic waterway," though the "claim could not be independently verified."

The "A-10 is a US ground-attack aircraft designed for close air support missions," particularly against ground forces. In a related development, American forces successfully retrieved a crew member from a US fighter jet brought down over Iran, according to CNN. The individual is reportedly alive, "in US custody and receiving medical treatment."

While one person has been recovered, the fate of the second crew member remains uncertain as "search and rescue operations were ongoing." Technical details confirmed the downed plane was an "F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet," typically operated by a two-person team.

CNN's analysis of images released by Iranian media verified that the wreckage matches an F-15, while The Wall Street Journal cited Iranian state broadcaster IRIB, which first reported Friday that the jet had been targeted. IRIB shared a map circling the region where the hunt for the pilots has been conducted.

While the exact crash site remains unconfirmed, geolocated footage from Khuzestan Province showed low-flying aircraft in a formation typical of air-to-air refuelling operations. This marks the first time a US aircraft has been downed over Iran during the current conflict.

US outlet Axios confirmed the rescue mission was underway as Iranian media circulated photographs of debris, including a tail fin appearing to belong to the 494th Fighter Squadron based at RAF Lakenheath. Despite the evidence, the US military and White House have not officially commented on the pilots' status.

These military losses coincide with a diplomatic breakdown, as negotiations aimed at securing a truce have reportedly stalled after Tehran declined to participate in scheduled discussions, according to The Wall Street Journal.

- ANI
Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi revealed that during Operation Sindoor in 2025, the Navy was minutes away from launching a sea-based strike on Pakistan when the neighboring country requested a halt to kinetic actions. The operation was a calibrated, tri-services response to the Pahalgam terror attack, targeting terrorist camps across the Line of Control. Tripathi also highlighted that the Navy showcased its operational capabilities to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a historic overnight embarkation. Furthermore, the Navy strengthened its role as a regional first responder and commissioned 12 ships and submarines in a single year.

Admiral Dinesh Tripathi says Pakistan requested a halt as Indian Navy was poised to strike from sea during Operation Sindoor, a 2025 anti-terror op.

Mumbai, April 2 The Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, said the Navy was just minutes away from striking Pakistan from the sea during Operation Sindoor, when the neighbouring country requested a halt to kinetic actions.

He added that the Navy's actions strengthened national confidence and showcased its capabilities to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a historic overnight embarkation on the Western Seaboard.

Operation Sindoor was a military action aimed at destroying terrorist bases in Pakistan. It was launched following the Pahalgam terrorist attack in April 2025, in which 26 people were killed. The Indian military carried out strikes on terrorist bases in Pakistan, killing several terrorists.

At the Naval Investiture Ceremony, the Navy chief said, "Operation Sindoor demonstrated exemplary readiness and resolve of the Indian Navy, as our units undertook swift deployment and maintained a highly aggressive posture throughout the period. It is not a hidden fact anymore that we were just minutes away from striking Pakistan from sea, when they requested the stoppage of kinetic actions."

"Through swift and resolute actions during the Op Sindoor, the Indian Navy reinforced the nation's confidence and trust in its capabilities. Besides Op Sindoor and the relentless operational tempo through the year, we were also very proud to showcase the breadth and depth of our operational capabilities to the Hon'ble Prime Minister during a historic 17-hour overnight embarkation with the Indian Navy on the Western Seaboard," he said.

Admiral Tripathi said the Navy strengthened India's role as a first responder in the region through swift humanitarian missions in Myanmar and Sri Lanka, while also advancing its capabilities with the commissioning of 12 ships and submarines in a single year.

"At the same time, the Indian Navy upheld India's commitment as a First Responder in the region, through various HADR missions undertaken at short notice and in challenging conditions - from Operation Brahma in Myanmar, to Operation Sagar Bandhu in Sri Lanka. Sustained focus on Aatmanirbharta not only enabled us to complete our transformation to a Builders Navy but also helped us gain strong momentum in capability induction with the commissioning of 12 ships and submarines in a single year," he said.

He added that the true strength of the Navy lies in its personnel, whose dedication and skill continue to serve the nation with distinction.

"Yet today, we do not merely acknowledge the achievements of the past year - we also honour the enduring success of the Indian Navy, built through sustained efforts and quiet perseverance. At the heart of what we celebrate today lies the enduring foundation of our strength, our people, who through their commitment, character and competence continue to serve the nation with distinction," he said.

Operation Sindoor, initiated on May 7, 2025, in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, showcased a calibrated, tri-services response that embodied precision, professionalism, and purpose. Operation Sindoor was conceived as a punitive and targeted campaign to dismantle the terror infrastructure across the Line of Control and deeper inside Pakistan.

Multi-agency intelligence provided confirmation of nine major camps that were eventually targeted in the operation. India's retaliatory action was based on meticulous planning and an intelligence-led approach, which ensured that the operations were conducted with minimal collateral damage. Operational ethics were central to the mission, and restraint was exercised to avoid civilian harm.

- ANI
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commissions nuclear submarine INS Aridaman & frigate INS Taragiri, hailing DRDO's R&D as key steps for future warfare.

Visakhapatnam, April 3 Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded the Naval Science & Technological Laboratory for their efforts in making India a "strong naval power."

Addressing the gathering at the foundation stone laying of a large cavitation tunnel at NSTL, the Defence Minister said that the laboratory has created a benchmark in growing India's warfare and helping the country become self-reliant in this regard.



"Under DRDO, the work done by NSTL is a benchmark in itself. The research being conducted here on torpedo systems, underwater mines, decoys, and Autonomous Underwater Vehicles--all of this is taking India forward in the direction of making it a strong naval power... Your growing capabilities indicate that we are taking the right steps towards future warfare," he said.



"Moreover, the way you have worked on Lithium-ion battery technology is also very important. Earlier, we used to depend on others for these things. Today, we are designing ourselves, developing ourselves, and working with small and large industries to advance it," he added.



Earlier in the day, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh formally commissioned the indigenous nuclear-powered submarine INS Aridaman into the Indian Navy, marking a significant step in India's strategic maritime capabilities.



The INS Aridaman is the third vessel of the Arihant class nuclear submarines being built for the Indian Navy under the Project ATV at Vishakhapatnam.



The induction of the nuclear submarine is going to further strengthen the capability of the forces.



The defence minister also inducted the frigate INS Taragiri in the city.



The induction of Taragiri comes at a time when the strategic and maritime importance of India's eastern seaboard continues to grow, driven by evolving regional security dynamics and India's deepening engagement in the Indo-Pacific.



The commissioning of Taragiri highlights the Navy's sustained focus on strengthening its combat readiness and operational might through its ambitious fleet augmentation programme. As the fourth potent platform of the Project 17A class, Taragiri is not merely a ship; it is a 6,670-tonne embodiment of the 'Make in India' spirit and the sophisticated engineering capabilities of our indigenous shipyards.



Built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai, this Frigate represents a generational leap over earlier designs, offering a sleeker form and a significantly reduced Radar Cross-Section that allows it to operate with lethal stealth. With indigenous content exceeding 75 per cent, the ship highlights the maturity of a domestic industrial ecosystem that now spans over 200 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), contributing to the GoI's Aatmanirbharta initiatives supports thousands of Indian jobs.



The Indian Navy continues to grow as a combat-ready, cohesive, credible, Aatmanirbhar force, safeguarding the seas for a Viksit, Samriddha Bharat guarded by ships designed by Indians, built by Indians and operated by Indians. Taragiri stands ready for a promising future as a beacon of rising maritime power and an ironclad guardian of the country's blue frontiers.





- ANI
The ongoing conflict in West Asia poses risks to the export growth of India's automobile sector by potentially increasing freight rates, commodity costs, and causing logistical disruptions. While original equipment manufacturers face limited direct impact, smaller auto component suppliers bear higher uncertainty. Domestically, the sector is in a strong recovery phase with an expected demand upcycle lasting until 2026, following GST rationalization. Major automakers like Tata Motors and M&M reported significant year-on-year wholesale volume growth in March 2026.

Geopolitical tensions in West Asia may pressure Indian auto exports, raising freight & commodity costs and disrupting supply chains, per Antique Broking.

New Delhi, April 3 The West Asia conflict may put some pressure on export volumes of the Indian automobile sector, leading to an increase in freight rates, higher commodity costs and potential supply chain disruptions due to logistical uncertainties, according to brokerage firm Antique Stock Broking.

The report says that automobile companies may head towards diversification of energy and calibrate their supply chain due to geopolitical tensions.

The ongoing war in West Asia, involving the US, Israel, and Iran, has invited "incremental uncertainty, especially for the Tier two and Tier three auto component suppliers. The situation also erupts as the companies face challenges in realigning their production process.

However, the brokerage said original equipment manufacturers are facing a limited impact due to the geopolitical tensions. Antique broking expects a four to six quarter demand upcycle with strong industry growth sustaining throughout the calendar year 2026 before normalising during 2027 to 2028.

The Automobile sector in India has gone through structural acceleration in the second half of the financial year 2025-26, influencing trends in March to remain strong, according to brokerage.

"Apr-Aug'25 reflected a phase of affordability challenges resulting in subdued demand. Post the Sep'25 GST rationalisation, the sector has entered a sharp, broad-based recovery phase," the brokerage report said.

"Domestic wholesale volumes grew by ~8-9% YoY in FY26. In Mar'26, Tata Motors, M&M, Maruti, and Hyundai reported YoY growth of 28%, 25%, 11%, and 6%, respectively, in domestic wholesale volumes among listed entities," the brokerage said in its report.

On the commercial vehicles front, domestic volumes rose 12 to 13 per cent in FY 2025-26 over the corresponding year. In Mar'26, Volvo Eicher CV, Tata Motors, and Ashok Leyland recorded YoY growth of 14%, 18%, and 5.5%, respectively, in domestic CV volumes.

- ANI
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath addressed a rally in Assam's Barpeta district, with local BJP supporters expressing inspiration and hoping for similar development in their state. His visit is part of intensified campaigning ahead of the 2026 Assam Assembly elections, where the BJP is focusing on governance, law and order, and the issue of illegal infiltration. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari also recently campaigned, appealing for a BJP majority to save Assam and the nation from unauthorized immigrants. The BJP-led alliance aims for a third consecutive term, facing a challenge from a six-party opposition bloc.

UP CM Yogi Adityanath rallies in Assam as BJP highlights development and a crackdown on illegal immigration ahead of the 2026 state assembly elections.

Barpeta, April 3 People in Barpeta are eagerly awaiting Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, as he is scheduled to address a rally in the district today ahead of the 2026 Assam Assembly elections.

Speaking to ANI, a BJP supporter praised Adityanath for doing "excellent" work in Uttar Pradesh, asserting that they expect the same in Assam too.

"If we talk about women's safety, things feel better now. Earlier, there were Bangladeshis in nearby areas, and many were taken away as our minister raised that issue... Today, Yogi Adityanath is here to speak. We usually watch him on TV, but now we've come in person. Whatever he says feels inspiring, and the work he's done in Uttar Pradesh is excellent. We want the same progress in Assam, and our leaders here are also doing good work," the supporter said.

Yogi Adityanath's visit comes amid increasing political activity in Assam, with parties campaigning vigorously and highlighting development, governance, and law-and-order issues to sway voters ahead of the polls.

Ahead of the Assembly election, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and the BJP have constantly raised the issue of illegal infiltration, impacting the demographics of the state.

Earlier, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari appealed to the voters for the return of the BJP government in Assam in the upcoming elections, highlighting the necessity of a crackdown on illegal immigrants and infiltrators in the state.

At a public rally in Guwahati on Thursday, Gadkari stressed that no foreign national can be granted "unauthorised entry" in India. He further added that to ensure the development of the country and Assam, it must be saved from illegal immigrants.

"The foreign nationals who enter our country from abroad, should they be granted the right to vote? No nation can permit such unauthorised entry. Therefore, I have come here to make an earnest appeal to you: we must save Assam, we must save the nation; we must ensure the development of Assam, and the development of the country. To achieve this, you must ensure that the Bharatiya Janata Party wins this election with an absolute majority," Gadkari said.

Additionally, Nitin Gadkari exuded confidence in the BJP's victory in the Assam Assembly elections, citing the development work that has taken place under PM Modi's government in the northeast since 2014.

Assam is set to go into single-phase elections on April 9 on 126 seats across the state.

The Bharatiya Janata Party, in alliance with Asom Gana Parishad and Bodoland People's Front, aims to retain power for the third consecutive time. On the other hand, Congress is challenging the BJP-led alliance with a six-party bloc including Congress, Assam Jati Parishad (AJP), Raijor Dal, CPI(M), CPI(ML), and the All Party Hill Leaders Conference.

The counting of votes will take place on May 4.

- ANI
Thiruvananthapuram International Airport temporarily suspended flight operations to allow the annual Painkuni Arattu temple procession to cross its runway. The centuries-old ritual involves carrying deities from Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple to the sea for a symbolic purification bath. Airport operator Adani Airport Holdings worked with temple authorities to facilitate the event while maintaining strict aviation safety protocols. This unique practice highlights how modern infrastructure in Kerala respectfully yields to living cultural traditions.

Thiruvananthapuram Airport halts operations for Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple's Painkuni Arattu, a centuries-old ritual crossing its runway.

Thiruvananthapuram, April 3 The Painkuni Arattu at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport remains one of the world's most unique intersections of ancient tradition and modern infrastructure.

This centuries-old ritual, which predates the airport itself, highlights a rare moment where global aviation protocols are paused to honour local heritage, a rare moment where modern aviation gave way to living tradition.

The occasion was the annual Painkuni Arattu procession of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, a festival rooted in Kerala's royal and spiritual heritage and historically associated with the temple traditions of the erstwhile Travancore kingdom.

Named after the Malayalam calendar month "Painkuni" and referring to the ritual sea bath ("Arattu"), the festival marked the symbolic purification of the temple's deities through immersion in the sea.

On the final day of the 10-day festival, idols of Lord Padmanabhaswamy, Narasimha Moorthy and Krishna Swamy were carried in a ceremonial procession from the temple to Shanghumugham Beach, about six kilometres away. The route passed directly across the airport's runway, reflecting its origins under the erstwhile Travancore royal family, which built the airport in 1932.

Accompanied by caparisoned elephants, traditional percussion and members of the royal lineage, the procession paused briefly near the runway before continuing to the Arabian Sea for the ritual bath. The return journey unfolded after dusk in a torch-lit procession, marking the close of the festival.

Flight operations resumed only after the runway was inspected, cleaned and cleared for safe use. The temporary pause reflected a longstanding local practice in which infrastructure yielded, briefly, to ritual.

The airport is operated by Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL), India's largest private airport operator, which assumed operations in 2021. It worked closely with temple authorities and local administration to facilitate the procession while maintaining strict aviation safety protocols.

The continuation of this practice underscored a distinctive feature of Kerala's cultural fabric, where tradition and modern systems coexist. Facilitated by the Adani Group, through its airports business, the initiative reflected a broader ethos of respecting and sustaining India's living traditions, a sentiment echoed the same day as Chairman Gautam Adani and his family offered prayers at the Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh.

At Thiruvananthapuram, it stood as a quiet but powerful reminder that progress can move forward without displacing the past.

- ANI
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah presented the Chief Minister's Medal to 158 police personnel for exemplary service during the annual Police Flag Day celebrations. He emphasized that strong law and order is fundamental for attracting capital investment, increasing employment, and boosting state GDP. While noting a decrease in murders and robberies, he highlighted that the state leads in cybercrime and drug cases, urging a drug-free Karnataka. Home Minister G Parameshwar also congratulated the awardees, expressing pride in the department's integrity and its top national ranking for delivering justice.

CM Siddaramaiah awards 158 police personnel, links law & order to investment and GDP growth, while addressing cybercrime and drug challenges.

Bengaluru, April 2 Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday presented the Chief Minister's Medal to 158 police personnel in recognition of their exemplary service during the annual Police Flag Day celebrations.

Addressing the awardees and their families, the Karnataka Chief Minister said, "158 people have been awarded the Chief Minister's Medal. I congratulate all of them on behalf of the government. I also wish their families well. We have been celebrating Police Flag Day since April 2. We have been celebrating it since 1965."

He added, "On this occasion, it is very important for the police to introspect, the police work 24 hours a day. There is no fixed time like other departments; they should also work on festivals. Because it is necessary to maintain peace, harmony and order in society, this is the responsibility of the police. Our government's hope is that women, the disabled, children and the weaker sections of society should be protected. In a state or country where there is law and order, that state will develop."

While acknowledging the state's progress in other areas, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated, "Capital investment in that state will increase, employment will increase, and GDP will also increase. I would like to talk about the responsibility of the police in terms of paying more attention to the development of the state. In the last 3 years, murder, robbery, theft and major crimes have been decreasing. We are at the top in cybercrime and drugs. The detection rate is also low. The Karnataka government should make it drug-free. I have said it many times. I will say it again."

Noting that some personnel have struggled to keep pace with digital advancements, CM explained, "No crime can be committed in that area without the police knowing. If inspectors do their job properly in their station area, crime will stop. No matter how powerful or rich they are, they cannot take the law into their own hands. We are ahead in delivering justice. But we should work carefully where we have stumbled. If inspectors work honestly, many crimes can be prevented, and crime can be reduced using this technology, but some have lagged behind in using technology."

"We have created 2 special action forces. Cybercrime should be reduced; it should be drug-free. If the police do not do their job, disciplinary action should be taken against them, even if they say something, they are responsible if they do not do their job," the CM added.

On the other hand expressing pride in the department's integrity, the Karnataka Home Minister congratulated the 158 officers receiving the Chief Minister's Medal for their dedicated service.

On the occasion of Police Flag Day, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwar said, "I congratulate the 158 police officers who have worked in the department with integrity and are deserving of the Chief Minister's Medal for their hard work. They have earned the title of the best police in the entire country. Karnataka has been given the number one position in delivering justice. Proud of that I'm a minister for this in our police department. "

Reflecting on the last three years of governance, the Home Minister said, "The third best police station in the country has been identified as Kavitala Police Station in Raichuru district. This should be made into more police stations in the coming days. For the last 3 years, our government has been successful in maintaining peace in this state. We are proud of it. People who invest in the state want peace and tranquillity. "

The Minister further highlighted, "Our police department has created a peaceful and harmonious environment. They have worked without fail in their duty. They have shown great speed in the Davangere and Vijayanagar bank robbery cases. I appreciate that work."

The Home Minister also praised the investigative agility of the force in handling high-stakes criminal cases. "A few years ago, the Chief Minister spoke in the House about detecting and stopping the drug network. In the last three years, thousands of crores of rupees worth of drugs have been seized, and strict action has been taken against those who sell them. In the modern world, cybercrime is increasing in the entire country. Karnataka has reduced the level of prevention of cybercrime to a certain extent," Karnataka Home Minister stated.

"He said that the Central Home Minister has made the country Naxal-free. But I recall here that many years ago, the Anti-Naxal Squad was made Naxal-free by the Chief Minister. There was a demand for the police department for 62 years. We have changed the cap of the police. We are transferring the police department using modernity, " Dr G Parameshwar added.

While acknowledging central claims regarding internal security, the Minister emphasised, "CM Siddaramaiah has facilitated the appointment of 8000 constables and 600 sub-inspectors. The Police Service Board has also done so. It will come into effect very soon."

- ANI
Congress MP Manickam Tagore has firmly denied reports claiming he resigned as chairman of the party's Tamil Nadu election management committee. His statement comes amid internal speculation over candidate selection for the 28 seats allotted to Congress in the DMK-led alliance. Tamil Nadu is scheduled to vote in a single phase on April 23, with results due on May 4. The main contest is between the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance and the AIADMK-led NDA.

Congress MP Manickam Tagore dismisses reports of resigning as chairman of the party's Tamil Nadu election committee ahead of the 2026 polls.

New Delhi, April 2 Congress MP Manickam Tagore on Thursday rubbished the reports of his resignation as chairman of the party's Tamil Nadu election management and coordination committee.

When asked about the reports, Manickam Tagore told ANI, "Who said that I resigned?"

The Congress leader's statement came amid a speculated rift within the party over deciding the names of the candidates for 28 seats in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections.

In the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)-led Secular Progressive Alliance, the DMK is contesting on 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, and MDMK with 4 seats. Other smaller parties in the alliance include the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) with 10 seats, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) with 2 seats, and several other regional parties.

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.

In the 2021 polls, the DMK won 133 seats in the 2021 Assembly polls. Congress won 18, PMK won five, VCK won four, and others won eight seats. The Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA), led by DMK, which consisted of Congress, won 159 seats collectively.

While the NDA won 75 seats, the AIADMK emerged as the largest party in the alliance with 66 seats.

- ANI
Udhayanidhi Stalin, Tamil Nadu's Deputy Chief Minister, has filed his nomination as the DMK candidate for the Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni constituency. He confidently predicted a historic victory, asserting that his father and party leader, MK Stalin, will secure a second term as Chief Minister. The announcement was coupled with details of key welfare promises, including an Rs 8,000 coupon for household items for women and expanded laptop distribution for students. The DMK is contesting 164 seats in the state, which goes to polls on April 23.

DMK's Udhayanidhi Stalin files nomination, promises historic win and details welfare schemes like Rs 8,000 coupons ahead of Tamil Nadu polls.

Chennai, April 2 Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Thursday filed his nomination as the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam candidate for Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni constituency.

Udhayanidhi Stalin, son of the Chief Minister MK Stalin, also held a roadshow while heading to the office of the Returning Officer to file his nomination.

Udhayanidhi is the sitting MLA from the Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni seat. He is pitted against AIADMK candidate Adhirajaram.

He told reporters, "We will create history, we will definitely win this time. Our leader will become the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for the second time."

In the 2021 elections, DMK leader won against Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) candidate AVA Kassali with a margin of 69,355 votes.

Earlier on Wednesday, Udhayanidhi Stalin announced Rs 8,000 coupons provided to people to enable the purchasing of household items such as televisions and refrigerators.

The Deputy CM said that laptops have already been provided to 10 lakh college students.

"Coupons worth Rs 8000 would be provided, enabling people to purchase essential household items such as TVs, refrigerators, and washing machines. While laptops were earlier distributed to school students, under the Dravidian model government, laptops have been provided to 10 lakh college students," Udhayanidhi said.

This came as a counter to AIADMK's manifesto promise of a refrigerator.

Meanwhile, the DMK has promised that the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai will be increased to Rs 2,000 per month with new beneficiaries added every year, while free bus travel for women under the Vidiyal Payanam scheme will continue.

The Chief Minister's Breakfast Scheme will be expanded up to Class 8. For families, an "Illa Tharasi" coupon worth Rs 8,000 will be provided to women for purchasing household items, and medical coverage will be extended up to Rs 10 lakh, including families earning up to Rs 5 lakh annually. Pension for senior citizens, widows, and unmarried women above 50 years will be increased to Rs 2,000 per month.

DMK is contesting on 164 seats, leading the Secular Progressive Alliance against the AIADMK-led NDA in Tamil Nadu.

Tamil Nadu will go to the polls in a single phase on April 23, covering a total of 234 constituencies in the State. Counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.

- ANI
Actress Zendaya revealed her wish to work with director Ryan Coogler during an appearance on *The Jennifer Hudson Show*. She cited their shared birthplace of Oakland, California, and her deep admiration for his directorial debut, *Fruitvale Station*. Zendaya also announced plans to take a break from the spotlight after a busy year of upcoming releases. Her 2024 schedule includes multiple films and the new season of *Euphoria*.

Zendaya expresses her strong desire to collaborate with filmmaker Ryan Coogler, citing their shared Oakland roots and her admiration for his work.

Washington DC, April 3 Actress Zendaya expressed her wish to work with Ryan Coogler in the future, a dream she has had since watching his directorial debut, Fruitvale Station, reported Deadline.

The 'Euphoria' star was a guest on The Jennifer Hudson Show when the host asked whether there was someone she wanted to work with but hadn't yet.

"I would love to work with Ryan Coogler," Zendaya said without hesitation as quoted by Deadline.

Zendaya noted that she and Coogler both have in common that they were born in Oakland, California, adding, "For years I've felt this way, since Fruitvale Station, because I thought that was such a beautiful and powerful film," as quoted by Deadline.

Coogler's 2013 film starring Michael B. Jordan is based on the events leading to the death of a young man killed in 2009 by a Bay Area Rapid Transit police officer based in Oakland.

"I remember when that happened, and so he means so much to the world, but he also means so much to us," she said. "I always joke, I'm like, 'I know I don't know you, but I feel like you're my cousin.' He sounds like my family. His accent is so strong, and so Oakland, and he just makes beautiful work," as quoted in Deadline.

Zendaya is manifesting working with Coogler sometime in the future, but that will probably take a little while, as the actress mentioned she wanted to take a break after a year full of releases.

"I just hope people don't get sick of me, and I really appreciate everyone who supports any of the movies [and] supports my career in any kind of way. I'm deeply appreciative," she said in an interview with Fandango.

She continued, "I just hope you guys don't get sick of me this year because I'll tell you what -- I'm disappearing for a little bit. I'm going to have to go into hiding for just a little bit," as quoted by Deadline.

The star has multiple films and shows coming out this year, like 'The Drama', 'Euphoria Season 3', 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day', 'The Odyssey', and 'Dune: Part Three'.

- ANI
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A new study led by researchers at Brown University School of Public Health found that more than half of U.S. jails are located at least a 30-minute drive from the nearest opioid treatment program - a distance that may make it harder for incarcerated people to receive methadone, a key medication for opioid addiction.

The research letter, published in JAMA Network Open, analyzed 3,228 nonfederal jails and 2,096 federally licensed opioid treatment programs, or OTPs. The team from Brown, led by health policy researcher Brendan Saloner, along with collaborators at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, found that 51.5% of jails were more than a half-hour away from the closest program.

"Jail has historically been really bad for overdose risk - people go in, withdraw and then come out and overdose," said Saloner, a professor in Brown's Department of Health Services, Policy and Practice.

Providing medications for opioid use disorder during incarceration has been shown to reduce the risk of death after release. But methadone, one of the most effective treatments, is tightly regulated and typically must be dispensed through licensed treatment programs, forcing many jails to rely on outside clinics to supply daily doses.

If you leave a problem untreated in jail, we as taxpayers are going to end up paying for it later. There needs to be a concerted effort to get access to methadone outside of this OTP model where these treatment programs aren't available or able to be a partner because of distance." Brendan Saloner, Professor in Brown's Department of Health Services, Policy and Practice

The requirement that methadone must be dispensed through OTPs creates logistical challenges for jails - which are short-term facilities that hold people awaiting trial or serving brief sentences - that do not have a program on-site.

"It's a trip that has to get made every day," Saloner said. "Jail staff have to go out, pick up the methadone and bring it back."

The study found a median driving time of about 31 minutes nationwide, but access was far more limited in rural areas. Jails in rural counties were an average of 85 minutes from the nearest treatment program, compared with about 11 minutes in large urban counties. The longest distances were concentrated in parts of the Great Plains as well as in states such as Nevada and Alaska.

"We can't expect every jail to send staff out on long drives to make this work," Saloner said. "That's not a feasible solution."

Saloner pointed out that recent federal regulations offer correctional facilities a different pathway that could help solve the problem.

"Jails have the ability to register as a hospital or clinic and dispense their own methadone to qualified patients," Saloner said. "Getting more jails to follow this model could make a huge difference which is why our team is supporting more facilities to adopt this model."
Cornell University researchers are using technology, in the form of a mirror-equipped robot, to help bring people together.

Members of the Architectural Robotics Lab, led by Keith Evan Green, built a 4-foot-tall robot - dubbed MirrorBot - with dual mirrors that, when placed in front of a pair of strangers, lets each participant see themself in one mirror and the other person in the other.

In a study involving participants in a waiting-room setting, MirrorBot spurred conversations, playful exchanges and other interactions between strangers. The findings suggest that robots can act not only as conversational partners, but also as spatial mediators.

We weren't just trying to trigger conversations, but to support the very first moment of social connection, which is the eye contact." Serena Guo, lead author of the paper

"What have the most popular forms of computing done? Mostly pulled people apart, through social media, and contributed to a lot of mental health issues," Green said. "And so we thought, maybe we can use computational things to bring people together."

"I became interested in our everyday environments - everyday moments between strangers - when people are physically close but socially disconnected," said Guo. "We saw a lot of the scenarios in waiting rooms, in public parks and other shared environments, where everyone is on their phone. People may be physically together, but socially apart."

For their experiment, Guo and the research team recruited 32 individuals, ages 18 to 50, and told them they were participants in an experiment involving a short-term memory task (they were later told the true nature of the experiment). Pairs were ushered into a waiting room, with three chairs along one wall of the approximately 12-by-12-foot space.

After a few moments, MirrorBot appeared from behind a screen, teleoperated by Guo, who controlled the robot's movement and selected from pre-programmed mirror positions until each participant could see reflections of both themself and the other person.

MirrorBot - purposefully small and covered in soft material, so as not to intimidate - elicited a range of behaviors, with 12 of the 16 groups reporting that the first meaningful contact with the other person was through the mirrors and not face-to-face. Some pairs tried to mutually make sense of the robot, others engaged with it, and some used the mirrors as a way to cautiously gauge the receptiveness of the other person.

Guo said that for a related paper, she and her collaborators tested other devices - a robot without mirrors, a wall-mounted mirror, and no device at all - to see how interpersonal connections might develop. With a larger participant pool (40 pairs of individuals), they found that MirrorBot was most effective because of the eye contact it facilitated.

They also wondered if any object could serve as an icebreaker.

"Unusual or novel objects can make people talk," Guo said, "but people often end up talking about the object itself, rather than becoming curious about each other. We feel MirrorBot is different, because the focus is not on the robot - it's on the other human."

Green, Guo and the team will present the related paper at the Association for Computing Machinery Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI '26), April 13-17 in Barcelona, Spain.
While the COVID-19 pandemic challenged all veterans transitioning to civilian life, female post-9/11 veterans experienced a sharper decline in overall well-being compared to their male counterparts, according to new research from the Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness at Penn State.

Recently published in Chronic Stress, the findings paint a picture of a dual reality. While female veterans demonstrated remarkable resilience in parenting, they also navigated a widening gap of gender inequality during the pandemic, resulting in more stress and less satisfaction in their professional and social lives compared to male veterans.

Female veterans were carrying a heavier strain than males in several areas of their lives, and that pattern persisted across the periods we studied. What stands out is not only that women reported more stress in key areas, but that in some cases, the gap widened after COVID-19. That tells us support systems need to be more responsive to the realities women veterans are facing at work, at home and in their relationships." Kimberly McCarthy, lead author on the study and research project manager at the Clearinghouse

The researchers drew on data from two linked longitudinal studies, the Veterans Metrics Initiative and the Veterans Engaging in Transition Studies, in which participants comprised of service members who served after 9/11 were followed for 6.5 years after separation from service. The analysis compared responses collected before the pandemic from more than 5,200 veterans with responses collected after the pandemic from more than 3,100 veterans. Using standard survey measures, the study assessed stress in four well-being domains: work, relationships, social connections, and parenting.

By analyzing stress in the four well-being domains, the researchers captured a nuanced portrait of the modern female veteran. While enduring the added pressures of the pandemic, she was often highly functioning at home and competent in her parenting, but the pre-pandemic strains of underemployment, unequal division of work-family responsibilities and a lack of emotional support were exacerbated by the pandemic.

Gender differences among the studied veterans were clearest in the employment domain. Female veterans reported lower work satisfaction than male veterans before and after COVID-19, and both groups experienced declines in work satisfaction over time. Women also reported higher underemployment than men, though both groups reported some improvement in employment status over time. The sharpest difference appeared in work strain, which increased for both groups but rose more steeply among women. Globally, during the pandemic, research shows that women were, in general, more likely than men to balance work and family while taking on increased responsibilities for children's care and schooling.

Social outcomes were more mixed. Instrumental social support - help with daily tasks, support when ill - increased slightly for both women and men, while emotional support declined for both groups. Social satisfaction also fell over time, with the decline significantly steeper among female veterans.

Parenting findings were more nuanced. Female veterans reported higher parental functioning and parenting satisfaction than male veterans at both time points, and both groups experienced declines in functioning and satisfaction from pre- to post-pandemic. Together, these findings suggest that parenting-related pressures intensified during the pandemic, even as women continued to report stronger overall parenting outcomes.

Relationship outcomes also worsened over time. Female veterans reported lower relationship satisfaction than male veterans before and after COVID-19, and the decline in satisfaction was steeper among female veterans. Relationship functioning also declined for both groups but more steeply for females over time. The researchers linked these patterns for women to work-family imbalances, unequal household demands and less emotional support from their partner.

"This study shows that large-scale disruptions, such as the pandemic, do not affect all veterans in the same way," said Keith Aronson, director of the Clearinghouse and research professor in the Department of Biobehavioral Health.

Although the sample size was large, the researchers said the study may not fully represent all veteran parents. Compared with 2017 Department of Defense numbers, the parent veterans in the study's sample were somewhat older, suggesting the study may underestimate stress in the broader post-9/11 veteran population.

Ultimately, the researchers suggest that the pandemic didn't just create new problems; it exposed and amplified existing issues for women in the veteran community. The data show well-being moving in multiple directions at once, and the researchers argue that "one-size-fits-all" veteran benefits and support services are insufficient.

"This research clearly indicates that resilience and strain often exist side-by-side," said Daniel F. Perkins, principal scientist and founder of the Clearinghouse and distinguished professor of family and youth resiliency and policy. "The steeper satisfaction and functioning declines we see in female veterans' social and professional lives are a call-to-action. Our policies must move beyond individual clinical health and address the full complexity of their lives, from childcare and equitable employment to the strengthening of virtual support communities."

Mary M. Mitchell, research professor at the Clearinghouse, also contributed to this work.

The research was supported by the Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine Inc., and the Pew Charitable Trusts.
University Hospitals has been recognized by RLDatix with the Innovation in Regulatory & Compliance Award at the 2026 Connected Healthcare Summit. The award honors healthcare organizations that demonstrate excellence in compliance readiness, documentation quality, and proactive policy alignment driving safer care.

University Hospitals earned this recognition for transforming how regulatory information is managed, accessed and applied across the organization. By connecting policies, regulatory standards, audit data, and clinical content into a single, integrated system, the organization has made it easier for teams to find the information they need and act with confidence.

Together, these efforts have helped turn regulatory alignment into a more efficient, intuitive process - supporting safer, more consistent care delivery across the system.

I am immensely proud of the quality team at University Hospitals for the way they have unified and strengthened our policy management and compliance systems throughout the health system. This recognition is a testament to our shared commitment to collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement-and to our belief that elevating compliance is essential to advancing safety, care quality, and better outcomes for every patient we serve." Peter Pronovost, MD, PhD, FCCM, Chief Quality & Clinical Transformation Officer and Veale Distinguished Chair in Leadership and Clinical Transformation

"Each year at Connected Healthcare Summit, we celebrate organizations that are raising the standard of care," said August Calhoun, president of RLDatix North America. "We're proud to partner with University Hospitals and recognize their leadership's commitment to strengthening regulatory readiness and delivering exceptional, safe and high-quality care."

This award was presented on April 2 at the 2026 Connected Healthcare Summit in Nashville. Hosted by RLDatix, the event brings together bold thinkers, passionate doers and product experts for fresh insights, hands-on training, inspiring customer stories and big conversations on driving better care across the healthcare ecosystem.
A California hospice where nearly all "terminal" patients were still alive after five years has become the latest flashpoint in a widening Medicare fraud crackdown, CBS News reports. Federal agents on Thursday arrested Gladwin and Amelou Gill, a married physician and psychologist who co-own 626 Hospice, accused of billing Medicare $7.45 million for patients prosecutors say shouldn't have qualified for end-of-life care. The San Dimas raid kicked off a broader operation involving 15 defendants, more than half tied to alleged hospice schemes, according to US Attorney Bill Essayli. Some suspects were allegedly running scams from behind bars. Among the suspects are nurses and other health care professionals, KTLA reports.

The case lands amid mounting scrutiny of the booming hospice industry, especially in Los Angeles County, where a 2022 state audit flagged patterns such as sky-high survival rates, low patient counts, heavy staff overlap among companies, and clusters of dozens of hospices at single office addresses. A CBS News analysis found more than 700 of about 1,800 county hospices tripped multiple red flags. Federal watchdogs estimate suspected hospice fraud hit roughly $198 million in 2023. The House Oversight Committee, citing that reporting, has launched a probe and pressed Gov. Gavin Newsom for answers, while California has frozen new hospice licenses through early 2027 as it tries to tighten oversight.

"These defendants recruited beneficiaries who were not terminally ill, and paid them to pose as patients receiving hospice care," said Essayli, per ABC 7. "Medicare then paid millions of dollarshundreds of millions of dollarson false and fraudulent claims submitted by fraudsters."
The trunks that Muhammad Ali wore to his last Madison Square Garden fight in 1977 are now at the center of a long-running feud between a top federal official and a sports memorabilia collector. The Wall Street Journal reports that IRS and Social Security Administration chief Frank Bisignano is battling entrepreneur Eric Inselberg, who says he put the white shorts with black stripes up as partial collateral for a $500,000 loan in 2010, then fully repaid the debt. Inselberg claims the shortsnow pegged by him to be worth about $800,000never made their way back to him. Bisignano flatly denies ever receiving the trunks and dismisses their supposed value, painting Inselberg as a chronic litigant exploiting a onetime favor.

Bisignano also says he and Inselberg were never friends, as Inselberg has claimed. Inselberg, for his part, who was once indicted (and later cleared) in a fake-memorabilia case involving Giants items, calls Bisignano an "apex predator" and "closeted collector" hanging on to the gear just to drive the screw into Inselberg. "He's vindictive. He thinks he can do whatever he wants," Inselberg notes. The dispute, delayed for a trial in New Jersey until September, may hinge on a mutual friend who says he saw the Ali shorts displayed in Bisignano's "man cave." Bisignano's legal team dismisses that possible testimony, with one attorney noting, "We try cases in the courtroom, not the pressroom. We look forward to prevailing at trial." More here for the full drama.
The four Artemis II astronauts are preparing to head toward the moon after an eventful day in orbit that included a broken toilet and an email meltdown. The four astronautsNASA's Reid Wiseman, Christina Koch, and Victor Glover, plus Canadian Jeremy Hansenalso ran into a communications blackout shortly after blasting off and reaching orbit Wednesday, NBC News reports. Mission Control suddenly stopped receiving data or voice from the Orion capsule, though the crew could still hear Houston. NASA says the dropout was short-lived, is under investigation, and did not involve any problem with the spacecraft itself.

Then came a flashing fault light from one of the least glamorous pieces of lunar hardware: the toilet. Orion's "Universal Waste Management System" vents urine into space and stores solid waste for the trip home. Mission Control guided Koch through some space plumbing, the AP reports. NASA said Thursday that the system was back to normal after the overnight fix. Had it stayed offline, the backup plan involved bag-based "collapsible contingency urinals" for urine while still using the toilet for feces. There were no toilets on previous moon missions, in which astronauts used what became known as "Apollo bags."

The crew also needed help with something even more familiar to office workers than a balky bathroom: Microsoft Outlook. While setting up onboard computers, Wiseman reported that two versions of the email program were installed and neither would run. Ground teams remotely fixed the glitch and got the crew's inbox working.

In the "translunar burn" Thursday, the spacecraft "will ignite its main engine on the service module for five minutes and 49 seconds" beginning at 7:49pm Eastern, NASA says.

"We love those words, and we're loving the view," Hansen said after NASA greenlighted the first translunar injection since 1972. The AP reports that Koch, who spent a year at an Antarctic research station before joining NASA, told Mission Control that the view included the South Pole. "It is just absolutely phenomenal," she said,
Blake Lively's lawsuit over the film It Ends With Us is headed to trial, but without her central sexual harassment claim. US District Judge Lewis Liman on Thursday threw out most of Lively's case against director Justin Baldoni and his production company Wayfarer, including claims of sexual harassment, defamation, and conspiracy. Unless the parties settle, the trial will focus on allegations that Wayfarer breached Lively's contract, that it retaliated against her after she raised misconduct concerns, and that Baldoni's hired public relations firm assisted in that retaliation, per the Hollywood Reporter .

The judge found that Lively did not meet key legal requirements for her harassment claim, writing that she "cannot identify when exactly there was an agreement and what that agreement specified" under the contracts governing the production. But Liman indicated that the response to Lively's allegations could still be legally problematic, saying "certain conduct at least arguably crossed the line," and warning there "are limits to the response" an accused person can make before it becomes possible retaliation. The trial is scheduled to begin on May 18, per the AP.
Gambling's family tree may have a new root, and it's in ancient North America. A new study in the journal American Antiquity argues that Native Americans in the present-day US Southwest were using dice and grappling with ideas of chance and probability roughly 12,000 years agoabout 6,000 years before anything comparable shows up in Europe, Africa, or Asia. Author Robert Madden, a 62-year-old former trial lawyer turned archaeology doctoral student at Colorado State University, didn't unearth new artifacts, per NBC News . Instead, he sifted through decades of excavation reports and imposed consistent criteria for what counts as dice.

Madden traced two-sided, meticulously shaped bone and wooden pieces back to ice age-era Folsom culture sites in Colorado, Wyoming, and New Mexico, then forward in an unbroken line to modern Native communities. The dice are "simple, elegant tools," Madden says, per Phys.org. "But they're also unmistakably purposeful. These are not casual by-products of bone-working. They were made to generate random outcomes."

Oral histories and early written accounts describe gambling as both risky and socially or spiritually significant, with some traditions depicting deities doing some gaming themselves. Madden's work suggests prehistoric Native Americans may have been the first to systematically engage with concepts such as the law of large numbers. "What we're really looking at here is an intellectual accomplishment," he tells NBC.
Americans could soon be paying more at the pharmacy counter under a sweeping new move from President Trump, who on Thursday ordered a 100% tariff on many imported brand-name drugs, the Hill reports. The White House framed the action as a national security measure aimed at cutting dependence on foreign-made patented medicines and their ingredients. The AP notes Thursday was the one-year anniversary of Trump's so-called "Liberation Day," when he announced sweeping tariffs on almost every country. Also Thursday, Trump tweaked his tariffs on industrial metals, the Washington Post reports.

The tariff isn't one-size-fits-all. Drugmakers that have signed "Most Favored Nation" deals with the administration, as well as generics and orphan drugs, are exempt. Companies planning to build US manufacturing plants get a reduced 20% rate. Products from the EU, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein will be hit with a 15% tariff, while the UK's rate will be set under a separate trade deal. Officials cast the move as forcing foreign buyers to "pay their fair share" for innovation, "so that American patients are not shouldering the burden of funding research and development for the next generation of life-saving medicines." But the pharmaceutical lobby warned it will push up costs and undercut investment in US facilities, noting most medicines used in America are already made domestically or sourced from close allies.
NASA's Artemis II astronauts fired their engines and blazed toward the moon Thursday night, breaking free of the chains that have trapped humanity in shallow laps around Earth in the decades since Apollo. The translunar ignition came 25 hours after liftoff, putting the three Americans and a Canadian on course for a lunar fly-around early next week, the AP reports. Their Orion capsule bolted out of orbit around Earth right on cue and chased after the moon nearly 250,000 miles away.

Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen said he and his crewmates were glued to the capsule's windows as they left Earth in the rearview mirror, taking in the "phenomenal" views. Their faces were pressed so tightly against the windows that they had to wipe them clean. "Humanity has once again shown what we are capable of, and it's your hopes for the future that carry us now on this journey around the moon," Hansen said. NASA had the Artemis II crew stick close to home for a day to test their capsule's life-support systems before clearing them for lunar departure. They dealt with issues including a malfunctioning toilet.

Commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Hansen will dash past the moon then hang a U-turn and zip straight home without stopping on land. In the process, they will likely go the farthest humans have ever traveled from Earth. Depending on details of timing and trajectory, they could break the Apollo 13 distance record set in 1970, the BBC reports. They also may become the fastest during their reentry at flight's end on April 10.

Glover, Koch, and Hansen have already made history as the first Black person, the first woman, and the first non-US citizen to launch to the moon. Apollo's 24 lunar travelers were all white men. "Trust us, you look amazing. You look beautiful," Glover said in a TV interview after beholding the globe from pole to pole. "And from up here you also look like one thing: homo sapiens as all of us no matter where you're from or what you look like, we're all one people."

Mission Control gave the final go-ahead minutes before the critical engine firing, telling the astronauts that they were embarking on "humanity's lunar homecoming arc" to bring them back to Earth. The capsule is relying on the gravity of Earth and the moontermed a free-return lunar trajectoryto complete the round-trip figure-eight loop. The engine accelerated their capsule to more than 24,000 mph to shove them out of Earth's orbit.

The next major milestone will be Monday's lunar flyby. Orion will zoom 4,000 miles beyond the moon before turning back, providing unprecedented and illuminated views of the lunar far side, at least for human eyes. The cosmos will even treat the Artemis II astronauts to a total solar eclipse as the moon temporarily blocks the sun from their perspective.

NASA says a Lunar Targeting Plan will guide what the crew looks for on the moon's surface during Monday's six-hour observation window. "The targeting plan will include documenting features that can help scientists understand how the Moon and solar system formed, such as craters, ancient lava flows, and cracks and ridges created as the Moon's outer layer slowly shifted over time," NASA says.
A key oil hub on the Persian Gulf took a hit on Friday. Authorities say a drone slammed into the Mina al-Ahmadi refinery, igniting several units at one of Kuwait's most important energy facilities, the New York Times reports. State-run Kuwait Petroleum Corporation reported no injuries or immediate environmental damage. The same refinery was targeted two weeks ago, part of a wider campaign against refineries, tankers, and storage sites across the region since war erupted on Feb. 28. The refinery is one of the biggest in the Middle East, Al Jazeera reports.

An Iranian strike also hit a water desalination and power plant in Kuwait, which relies on desalination for almost all of its drinking water, the Telegraph reports. Officials said the strike caused "material damage" to the plant but no casualties were reported. Authorities in the United Arab Emirates said the country also came under attack from Iranian drones and missiles Friday, with falling debris from an interception igniting a fire at a gas facility in Abu Dhabi, the Times reports.

On Thursday, American airstrikes damaged Iran's largest bridge. Authorities said at least eight people were killed. Iran's health ministry said an American or Israeli strike in Tehran destroyed the Pasteur Institute of Iran, a vaccine production and distribution hub. After the bridge strike, President Trump said Iran "needs to make a deal before it's too late." He escalated his threats Thursday night, saying in a Truth Social post that the US military "hasn't even started destroying what's left in Iran. Bridges next, then Electric Power Plants!"
Sheriff Chris Nanos is about to face a public grilling in Pima County, and the questions won't be limited to the still-unsolved disappearance of Nancy Guthrie. The county's Board of Supervisors has unanimously agreed to compel the Arizona sheriff to appear at a hearing, with outside legal counsel assisting as they probe his past discipline record, alleged perjury, and management of his department, Fox News reports. The move comes as investigators enter a third month searching for Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today co-host Savannah Guthrie, who is believed to have been abducted from her home on Feb. 1.

While Nanos hasn't been accused of wrongdoing in the Guthrie case, records released with the board's agenda show he was repeatedly suspended as an El Paso police officer in the early 1980s and resigned in lieu of being fireddetails critics say conflict with his sworn testimony in a recent deposition that he had never been suspended. The county deputies' union also accuses him of omitting that history on his application. "He did not disclose that he resigned in lieu of termination," the Pima County Deputy's Organization wrote in a Facebook post. "Lying on your application would prohibit anyone from being hired."

According to records reviewed by the Arizona Republic, Nanos joined the police force in El Paso, his hometown, in 1976 and resigned in 1982, two years earlier than a resume posted on the sheriff's department website states.

Nanos was named Officer of the Year in western Texas after he saved his partner's life in 1979, but disciplinary issues including allegations of excessive force caught up with him in later years, the Republic reports. He was suspended or put on leave for a total of 37 days during his years with the El Paso force, including a 15-day suspension in early 1982 after he allegedly injured a suspect during an arrest. The robbery suspect ended up in intensive care, but a grand jury declined to indict Nanos on assault charges. He was also disciplined for violations including failure to report for duty, tardiness, and off-duty gambling.

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The latest clash follows earlier board allegations that Nanos used his office to target political rivals during the 2024 sheriff's race, prompting supervisors to seek outside investigations from state and federal authorities, Fox reports. Timing for his hearing has not yet been set.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is signaling he may undo a Food and Drug Administration move that sidelined a class of anti-aging and fitness drugs, over the objections of scientists. As secretary of the Health and Human Services Department, Kennedy has blasted the FDA's 2023 decision that 19 injectable peptides were too risky for compounding pharmacies, calling it "illegal" and insisting regulators lacked a "safety signal," per ProPublica . Three former FDA officials say that's wrong: They cite documented safety concerns, including immune reactions and adverse events (some involving deaths in clinical trials), and note that the agency is required to weigh both safety and effectiveness before permitting compounding.

Little new research has emerged since the ban, even as demand for peptides has surged via spas, influencers, and gray-market sellers. "It's 100% 'bro' science," notes orthopedic surgeon Noah Raizman to the New York Times of the uptick. Industry groups are now pressing Kennedy to loosen restrictions and let regulated compounders dispense peptides without the usual human trials, arguing that would be safer than the current underground market, per ProPublica. "We created the black market, and it's a very dangerous black market," Kennedy concurs, per the Times.

USA Today notes that in a February appearance on Joe Rogan's podcast, RFK Jr. noted, "My hope is that [the peptides are] going to get moved to a place where people have access from ethical suppliers." Former FDA acting chief Janet Woodcock tells ProPublica that a shortcut would effectively greenlight unapproved, untested drugs and break a decades-old expectation that medicines must be proven to work before broad use. Kennedy hasn't said which peptides he'd allow, or how he'd do itbut, as Woodcock notes, he has the authority to act. More here.
Reality TV, once cable's workhorse, is now seeing more and more of its cameras turn off. MTV is ending Jersey Shore: Family Vacation and Catfish; HGTV has axed shows like Christina on the Coast; and similar cuts are happening at Food Network, TLC, Lifetime, E!, and more, per the New York Times . The number of new unscripted series in the US has dropped by roughly a third since 2022, according to research firm Luminate, with every subgenrefrom cooking and travel to true crimefeeling the squeeze. Even budget-friendly reality formats are no match for the collapse of cable revenue, consolidation among media companies, and a surge in audience members heading over to YouTube and other digital platforms.

Some stalwarts still pull viewersthink Survivor, Below Deck, and the Housewives universeand newcomers like The Traitors and Love Island USA do still break through, but networks are now far more cautious on how many shows they churn out and are leaning hard on existing brands. Workers behind the scenes describe a contracting industry: longtime editors and supervisors laid off, teams halved, workloads rising. Instead of snapping up reality shows during the 2023 Hollywood strikes, studios mostly held back, with The Hollywood Reporter and Variety starting to track the reality-TV decline soon after. Meanwhile, YouTube became a new landing spot for talent and series like Somebody Feed Phil and a planned Yolanda Hadid home design show. One veteran executive sums it up as a march toward "fewer ideas from fewer companies."
Iranian state media said Friday that a US pilot or pilots had ejected over southwestern Iran, and urged Iranians in the area to help hunt them down. US Central Command has not confirmed, but the New York Times quotes US and Israeli officials who say that a fighter jet was indeed shot down and that a search for survivors was beginning.

The TV channel in Iran's Kohkilouyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province initially urged viewers who see Americans to "shoot them as soon as you see them," per the AP. Then it changed the instructions, saying police want Iranians to hand over any downed American pilots alive to security agencies to "receive a precious prize."

State media also released photos of what it said was the wreckage of a US fighter jet shot down by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. State media claimed it was an F-35 stealth fighter, but the photos appear to show the wreckage of a US Air Force F-15 jet, CNN reports.
Hold on to those Thanksgiving turkeys! WKRP is coming to Cincinnatifor real this time. "I cannot, by contract, tell you when. I cannot tell you who. But I can tell you, direct to the camera, WKRP, after 48 years, is coming to Cincinnati," DP McIntire, who runs the media nonprofit that is auctioning the famous call letters, told the AP . "Book it! It's done!" The call sign was made famous by WKRP in Cincinnati, a CBS television sitcom that ran from 1978 to 1982. It made stars of actors like Loni Anderson and Richard Sanders, whose bumbling newsman Les Nessman reported on a Thanksgiving promotion gone bad when live but flightless turkeys were dropped from a helicopter.

McIntire remembers watching the show's first episodefeaturing disc jockeys Dr. Johnny Fever (Howard Hesseman) and Venus Flytrap (Tim Reid)in the living room with his parents and older sister. "And at the end of the 30-minute episode," he said, "I got up and I proclaimed, 'I'm going to be in radio. And if I ever have the opportunity, I'm going to run a station called WKRP.'" McIntire said he got his first on-air job at 13 as a news anchor at WNQQ "Wink FM" in Blairsville, Pennsylvania. Fast forward to 2014, when his North Carolina-based nonprofit acquired the call sign from the Federal Communications Commission. Stations in Dallas, Georgia, and Alexandria, Tennessee, previously bore the letters.

McIntire laughs as he recalls his chat with a woman in the agency's audio division. He had two sets of call letters in mind. She told him he needed a third. "Being the jokester that I am, I said, `Well, if you need three, and if it's available, we'll take WKRP,'" he said. "And 90 seconds later, she came back and she said, `Mr. McIntire. Congratulations. You're the general manager of WKRP in Raleigh, North Carolina.'" WKRP-LP101.9 on the FM dialwent live Nov. 30, 2015. The LP stands for "low power," a class of station created to serve more local audiences that didn't want mass-market content. LPFM is restricted to nonprofit organizations like his Oak City Media, and it's definitely local.

Like the WKRP of television, McIntire and his partners set out to be "irreverent." One of their offerings is a two-hour show called "Weird Al and Friends," focusing on the satirical works of Weird Al Yankovic. They even had an annual Thanksgiving turkey giveaway. But don't call PETAthey hand out gift certificates to a local grocery store. "We don't toss them out of helicopters," he said with a laugh. After 10 years on the air, the 56-year-old McIntire decided it was time to pass the reins. They put out a call for bids to use the call letters on FM and AM radio, as well as television and digital television. Whatever the buyers do with the call sign, he hopes they will be true to the show that inspired it. "It has a special place in the hearts of an awful lot of people," he said. "And we have been very, very, very proud to have been a steward of that legacy."
Hartford isn't usually mentioned in the company of America's buzziest cities, but it's currently outpacing all challengers in one key way: the housing market. Zillow ranks the Connecticut capitalroughly a two-hour drive from Boston and New York Cityas the "hottest" market in the nation. The Wall Street Journal takes a closer look, noting that the typical home value in the Hartford metro area has climbed to about $380,000roughly 70% above 2019 levels and outstripping the national gain of 54%. Listed houses in the suburbs typically sell in a day, with bidding wars, cash offers, and waived inspections increasingly standard.

The draw: Remote workers from Boston and New York seeking more space and lower prices, plus investors hunting for rentals and flips, all crashing into a region that built very few new homes after the 2008 bust. While the suburbs boom, however, downtown Hartford remains pocked with empty offices. The mayor hopes to convert those into housing, but builders warn high costs, delays, and restrictive zoning will keep supply tightand competition intense.

To determine the "hottest" markets, Zillow looks at factors including how quickly homes sell, the share of homes that sell above the list price, and job growth relative to new supply. Its top 10 for 2026:

Hartford, Connecticut Buffalo, New York New York City Providence, Rhode Island San Jose, California Philadelphia Boston Los Angeles Richmond, Virginia Milwaukee, Wisconsin
The Cuban government said on Thursday that it would release 2,010 prisoners in a move that comes as the Trump administration is putting extreme pressure on the island's government with a suffocating oil blockade. The announcement said the pardons were a "humanitarian gesture" in connection with Holy Week and didn't mention mounting pressures with the US, per the AP . The nation's government said the prisoners affected are foreigners and Cubans, including women, the elderly, and young people. It didn't say when they were being released or under what conditions, nor did it mention the crimes they were accused of committing. Authorities also provided no details on whether any of those pardoned were protesters convicted and sentenced for terrorism, contempt, or public disorder.

Cuba's government denies holding political prisoners, but the activist group Prisoners Defended registered 1,214 people imprisoned for political reasons in Cuba as of February. Cuban authorities said the decision "was based on a careful analysis of the characteristics of the crimes committed by those sanctioned, their good behavior in prison, having served a significant portion of their sentence, and their health status," according to a statement published in state media. The release comes as the Trump administration has placed extreme pressure on Cuba's government, imposing an oil blockade for months that has fueled blackouts and left many civilians suffering.

Cuba periodically frees prisoners at key moments. In January last year, Cuba's government released 553 prisoners as part of talks with the Vatican, a day after the Biden administration announced its intent to lift the US designation of the island nation as a state sponsor of terrorism. Last month, Cuba released 51 people from the island's prisons in an unexpected move that officials said stems from a spirit of goodwill and close relations with the Vatican. The government said Thursday's announcement was the fifth prisoner release since 2011, and that it has freed more than 11,000 people. The announcement come just months after the US deposed ex-Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and pressured that nation's government to make radical changes, including releasing prisoners detained for political reasons and passing an amnesty law.
NASA's latest moonshot just delivered its first postcard home. The agency released the initial images from Artemis II, showing Earth in the background as the Orion spacecraft loops in high orbit with four astronauts aboard, reports USA Today. The crewNASA's Reid Wiseman, Christina Koch, Victor Glover, and Canada's Jeremy Hansenis on the first mission in more than half a century to send humans near the moon, part of a multibillion-dollar push to eventually establish a lunar base and, later, send people to Mars. The AP reports that as of Friday morning, Orion was 90,000 miles away from Earth and about 168,000 miles away from the moon, which it should reach Monday.
A US warplane has gone down deep inside Iran and the US is scrambling to find at least one missing crew member, the Washington Post reports, citing US officials. Sources tell Axios and the Wall Street Journal that US special forces located and rescued one crew member in southern Iran and are still searching for another. The sources say both crew members of the F-15 fighter jet ejected safely after it was hit by Iranian fire. It's the first known American aircraft loss inside the country since the conflict began more than a month ago. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Trump "has been briefed" but did not provide additional information. Sources tell the AP that Israel has been assisting the search-and-rescue operation.

Adm. William J. Fallon, a former commander of US Central Command, tells the New York Times that pilots are trained in SERESurvival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escapeprinciples in case they are shot down over enemy territory. He says they are trained to eject safely from the aircraft, then find a secure place to avoid capture and use radios in their kits to contact US forces. Iranian state media initially urged viewers to shoot Americans on sight, then told people to hand them over alive to "receive a precious prize."

Video verified by the Post shows a US C-130 tanker flying low over southwest Iran, about 90 miles from Iraq, refueling two HH-60G helicopters used for combat search and rescuemissions experts say are among the most dangerous the US military undertakes. Tasnim, a news agency linked to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, said the jet was brought down by Iranian air defenses. The outlet mentioned only one crew member and also asserted, without evidence, that an F-35 had been shot down elsewhere in the country. Tehran has a long record of making unverified claims about destroying US aircraft.

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Washington, DC's war on rats is taking a pharmaceutical turn. City health officials say they'll begin deploying edible birth-control bait in neighborhoods with heavy rodent activity, starting in Adams Morgan, alongside two types of traditional lethal baitone that's eaten and one in powder form, per NBC Washington . DC Health Director Ayanna Bennett said crews will reduce the current population, then return in about three weeks to see whether any young survived. "You have said that we need a more effective strategy, and so we have come up with a new strategy," Bennett noted on Wednesday at a presser, per the Washington Post .

In addition to the pair of poisons that will be deployed to take out the rodents, a liquid contraceptive will also be disseminated to prevent new pregnancies. Residents are largely backing the move, with some saying they're so rattled by rats they're not even able to handle a deceased one. "There was a dead rat in my yard a couple of weeks ago and I had to call a friend to ... go in the back yard and get it for me," one local tells NBC. "I can't even look at it. It's terrifying."

Early results of the program are promising, with cities like Chicago and New York City making a noticeable dent in reducing rat activity, per Block Club Chicago and the Post. In the Big Apple, part of what helped was setting up composting mandates, doing a public-education blitz, and getting rat-proof trash bins into circulation, Joshua Goodman, of the city's Department of Sanitation, tells the Post. Bennett stressed to NBC, however, that bait alone won't work if residents keep feeding the problem: Trash needs to be contained and food waste kept off the streets, for example. Locals are urged to call 311 to report burrows, holes, or major rat clusters.
The Las Vegas Review-Journal announced Friday that it will no longer print its rival the Las Vegas Sun for the first time in decades, amid an ongoing legal dispute over the nation's last joint operating agreement stemming from a 1970 law designed to preserve newspapers. Readers "will not find a printed Las Vegas Sun insert inside," the Review-Journal said in an editorial, noting the Sun maintains a website, has a few hundred thousand followers across social media platforms, and is free to produce its own newspaper. "We encourage them to do so. The Review-Journal competes with countless sources of news and entertainment, but we would welcome one more. We just don't want to foot the bill. It is time the Sun stood up on its own two feet," the editorial said, without specifying the cost.

The two publications will be in court Friday and the Sun hopes a judge will order printing to immediately resume, attorney Leif Reid said in an email. It will be the first day in 76 years that the Sun hasn't been printed, he said, per the AP. "This does irreparable harm to our community, as no one benefits when a local newspaper is prevented from being published," he said. The now-rare joint operating agreement required the Sun to be printed as a daily insert in the Review-Journal, while both companies remained editorially independent with separate newsrooms and websites. A lower court had found the agreement was unenforceable because a 2005 update was never signed by the US attorney general, and in February the US Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal by the Sun.

The Review-Journal editorial called the Supreme Court decision a decisive victory, saying that halting publication of the Sun on Friday was "a result of 6 years of litigation between the newspapers, precipitated by the Sun." Such agreements between rival publications have dwindled as part of a "long, slow goodbye of newspapers as we knew them," said Ken Doctor, a news business analyst. The Detroit Free Press and the Detroit News ended a 40-year agreement last year. USA Today Co., which owns the Detroit Free Press, recently announced its plans to purchase the Detroit News.

The Review-Journal is owned by the Adelson family, casino magnates and mega GOP donors, and remains the state's largest newspaper. The Review-Journal's editorials lean more conservative, while the Sun's lean liberal. Genelle Belmas, a journalism professor at the University of Kansas, said it would be disappointing if the last joint operating agreement in the country ends. "Every local news outlet we loseand that includes big towns, small towns, whateveris a loss of perspective and a loss of a potential alternative view," Belmas said.
Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito spent part of an evening in a Philadelphia hospital last month after falling ill at a Federalist Society dinner, CNN reports. The 76-year-old was taken by his security detail to a hospital on March 20, where he was evaluated and given fluids for dehydration, then returned home to Virginia that night, according to the outlet. Neither Alito nor the Supreme Court has confirmed the report, which is based on anonymous sources.

The incident appears to have been a minor oneAlito has seemed fine during Supreme Court arguments since thenbut the scare is likely to ramp up speculation about whether he will retire before the end of President Trump's second term, notes Mediaite. Doing so would give Trump a fourth appointment and ensure that the court's conservative majority remains 6-3. Alito has been on the bench since being appointed by George W. Bush in 2006.
A single container ship may be testing whether Europe can inch back into one of the world's most sensitive waterways. The Kribi, a Maltese-flagged vessel owned by French shipping giant CMA CGM, has passed out of the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuzapparently the first ship linked to Western Europe to do so since US and Israeli strikes on Iran largely froze traffic more than a month ago, Bloomberg reports. Ship-tracking data show the Kribi hugging Iran's coastline and slipping between the islands of Qeshm and Larak before signaling its position off Muscat on Friday. Most vessels that have passed through the strait have ties to Iran .

Iran has been informally vetting ships and steering them along a near-shore corridor; most recent crossings have involved countries such as Pakistan, which secured passage for 20 vessels under its flag. France and other European governments are only beginning diplomatic efforts aimed at easing the standoff, with President Emmanuel Macron saying France will focus on stabilizing Hormuz "once the bombardments have ceased." Meanwhile, Iran is moving to formalize tolls on the strait, worrying Gulf exporters and energy buyers. CMA CGM said 14 of its ships remain stuck in the Gulf. As of early Friday, the Kribi was off Muscat, Oman. It was broadcasting "owner France" on its transponder system in the field where it usually provides the destination, per France24.
Anyone complaining about a flight snafu can take a backseat to a planeload of passengers on a British Airways jet. Their transatlantic flight from London to Houston made an emergency detour that ended up marooning hundreds of passengers in eastern Canada for nearly two days, reports Aviation A2Z . Passengers aboard British Airways Flight 195 aren't ticked about the detour itselfa passenger fell illbut about the airline's response once they landed in the nice but relatively remote city of St. John's, Newfoundland, on Tuesday.

Travelers say they were shuttled back and forth between airport and hotels in frigid weather with scant information, no access to checked bags, and at times no food or drink. Multiple delayssome mechanical in nature, others involving mandated rest for crewskept them in place. "No one was particularly aggressive, but everyone was frustratedthere were people with families and young kids who've been waiting around and sleeping on the floor, it just wasn't very good from BA at all," one passenger tells the BBC.

Others vented on social media, complaining about all of the above and about conflicting information on when they'd be on their way again. The airline eventually sent a replacement jet from London that got passengers to Houston on Thursday. "We're very sorry to our customers for their experience, and we've been in touch to offer a gesture to make things right," said a BA statement, without specifying what the gesture would be. Passengers reported vouchers for $660.
Fairbanks, AK (99701)

Today

Cloudy early with some clearing expected late. Low 29F. SSW winds at 10 to 20 mph, decreasing to less than 5 mph..

Tonight

Cloudy early with some clearing expected late. Low 29F. SSW winds at 10 to 20 mph, decreasing to less than 5 mph.
Astronauts, from left, pilot Victor Glover, Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen, commander Reid Wiseman and mission specialist Christina Koch leave the Operations and Checkout building on their way to Launch Pad 39B for a planned liftoff on NASA's Artemis II moon rocket at the Kennedy Space Center on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. Air-Lock Inc., an aerospace company in Milford, Conn., manufactures what are known as the hard goods on the astronauts' orange spacesuits, including metal components on the wrists, the rings that the helmets attach to and red- and blue-colored air hose connectors on the torso, Engineering Manager Greg Trude said. AP Photo / John Raoux NASA's Artemis II moon rocket lifts off from the Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39-B Wednesday, April 1, 2026, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) Chris O'Meara/Associated Press NASA's Artemis II moon rocket lifts off from the Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39-B Wednesday, April 1, 2026, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. Social media posts by Gov. Ned Lamont stated that more than 70 Connecticut companies contributed to the Artemis II launch. (AP Photo/John Raoux) John Raoux/Associated Press

The four astronauts who are set to fly around the moon for NASAs Artemis II mission headed to the launch pad Wednesday wearing bright orange spacesuits.

Squint at a photograph of the four at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., and Connecticut residents can see parts of the spacesuits that were made in their own state.

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Air-Lock Inc., an aerospace company in Milford, manufactures what are known as the hard goods on the suits, including metal components on the wrists, the rings that the helmets attach to and red- and blue-colored air hose connectors on the torso, Engineering Manager Greg Trude said. Air-Locks parent company in Massachusetts, David Clark Company, supplies the spacesuits to NASA.

It was very cool watching them suit up yesterday and seeing all the stuff that was in my hands at one point and now its on their suit, Trude said Thursday.

For decades, Air-Lock has made parts for spacesuits as well as the bubble helmets that astronauts have worn since the Apollo program.

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The needs of the suits  rotating joints, disconnects for gloves, boots, things like that  theyre the same needs that were back in the '60s, '70s, '80s, '90s, Trude said. Now, the technology of how we get those parts made has advanced quite a bit over the years.

Today, the company of about 30 employees is supplying parts to Houston-based Axiom Space as it develops new spacesuits for the astronauts who will walk on the moon as part of Artemis IV.

Air-Lock isnt the only Connecticut company providing products for the Artemis program.

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Social media posts by Gov. Ned Lamont stated that more than 70 Connecticut companies contributed to the Artemis II launch.

When asked for a list of those companies, Lamonts office shared a link to a NASA website listing suppliers for the Orion spacecraft, the Space Launch System and NASAs Exploration Ground Systems Program. However, the page does not appear to have been updated in several years.

Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense, headquartered in Simsbury, made components on the Space Launch System rocket that lifted off Wednesday evening and hardware on the Orion spacecraft that is carrying the astronauts. The company also performed shock, vibration and severe heat and cold testing.

These systems execute essential events during launch and ascent and must perform with exact timing, according to a news release from the company. Their performance is directly tied to mission success and astronaut safety.

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Ensign-Bickford has about 500 employees in Simsbury and 300 in California. About 50 Simsbury employees directly worked on Artemis II components, according to the company.

From right here in Connecticut, our employees are contributing to one of the most significant human spaceflight missions in decades, Ensign-Bickford President Jennifer Lewis said in a statement. Artemis II represents progress, persistence and partnership.

The Artemis II crew is expected to splash down in the Pacific Ocean on April 10.

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Zendaya attends a special screening of "The Drama" at Regal Union Square on Thursday, April 2, 2026, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP) Evan Agostini/Evan Agostini/Invision/AP Zendaya attends a special screening of "The Drama" at Regal Union Square on Thursday, April 2, 2026, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP) Evan Agostini/Evan Agostini/Invision/AP Actress Zendaya poses for photographers as she arrives for the Italian premiere of the movie "The Drama," in Rome, Thursday, March 26, 2026. Andrew Medichini/AP Zendaya attends "The Drama" Premiere, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, in Paris, France. Aurelien Morissard/AP Zendaya arrives at the premiere of "The Drama" on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at DGA Theater Complex in Los Angeles. Chris Pizzello/Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP

NEW YORK (AP)  Yup, she wore something blue.

Zendaya, surprising precisely nobody on the planet, showed up in dazzling blue at Thursdays New York premiere of The Drama, after teasing the bridal theme for weeks by wearing something old, then something new, then something borrowed.

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Her strapless Schiaparelli Haute Couture ball gown, accompanied by sapphire earrings, completed the sartorial series just in time for the opening of her movie  a film that has attracted considerable controversy and mixed reviews. Zendaya and Robert Pattinson play a couple whose wedding plans go seriously awry following a dark revelation.

The high-fashion appearances have also echoed the bridal theme of Zendayas own life, with unconfirmed speculation flying  fed in part by rings shes been wearing  that shes already married to partner Tom Holland.

The actor and her stylist, Law Roach, saved the most spectacular outfit for last. Schiaparelli posted on its own Instagram that the gown, which took some 8,000 hours of work, was made of blue and black raw silk feathers in satin stitch embroidery, and contained 27 shades of blue.

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Something old came in Los Angeles on March 17, where Zendaya wore the same white, off-the-shoulder Vivienne Westwood Bridal gown that shed worn to the 2015 Oscars.

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She transitioned to something new at the March 24 Paris premiere  a white custom Louis Vuitton gown with a huge black bow and train.

Something borrowed came two days later in Rome, a black Armani Prive dress previously worn by Cate Blanchett, with a plunging neckline framed with stones.

Finally on Thursday, Zendaya completed the circle. SomethingBlue, posted Roach.

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Skip Shaffer of Simsbury and his 1962 Ford Fairlane, left and his 1966 Ford Galaxie LTD. Bud Wilkinson/For Hearst Connecticut Media

They are in remarkably original condition given their ages. Theres a beige mid-size 1962 Ford Fairlane with a short-lived 221-cubic-inch V8 engine and a yellow full-size 1966 Ford Galaxie LTD luxury model with a 289-cubic-inch V8. Theyre owned by Skip Shaffer, who lives in the Tariffville neighborhood of Simsbury.

Only driven on special occasions, the old Fords can be considered family heirlooms. I love these two cars. Im going to keep em till the day I die, said Shaffer last fall when My Ride met up with him, his father and one his sons at a recreation area near his home. The Fairlane has only 48,000 miles on its odometer while the LTD has clocked 69,000 miles.

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Both models were sold new by Kolesko Motor Sales in Hooversville, Pa. The Fairlane belonged to Shaffers great-aunt, who lived next door to the dealership, while his grandmother had the Galaxie.

The interior of the 1966 Ford Galaxie LTD. Bud Wilkinson/For Hearst Connecticut Media

The reason theyre both in great shape, they both walked to work every day. They were scared to death of the winter so as soon as it snowed, the cars stayed (inside) and they had someone else drive them somewhere if they needed driven, he said.

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Shaffer has had the Fairlane for 38 years and the Galaxie for 42 years.

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The Galaxie was Shaffers first car as a teenager. His grandmother had retired in 1978 and the car fell into disuse. She didnt drive the car much. People usually drove her everywhere after that, he said. It eventually got handed off to his father, who is also known as Skip.

The 1962 Ford Fairlane, at rear, and 1966 Ford Galaxie LTD owned by Skip Shaffer of Simsbury. Bud Wilkinson/For Hearst Connecticut Media

I was going to college in Ohio  Marietta, Ohio  and needed a car. Well, my grandmother passed in 84. My dad said, Well, why dont you take your grandmothers car and use that as your college car, and that was my car. Everyday car when I was in college, he said.

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The Galaxie is large and heavy, and was a safe means of transportation for a young driver. It was sort of a car that an 18-year-old really didnt want, said the elder Skip, who joined Shaffer at recreation area along with Shaffers son, Kenny.

Except that Shaffer really liked the car, which was already 18 years old by the time he assumed ownership. His college classmates liked it, too. They all loved it. They thought it was cool. We had a lot of fun in it, he said.

The 1962 Ford Fairlane still has tail fins that were a popular styling cue in the 1950s. Bud Wilkinson/For Hearst Connecticut Media

Enjoyment of the Galaxie evolved into a deeper appreciation. It wasnt until the late 80s I realized that, hey, this car is really special, I need to take care of this. Its not just an old car anymore, its a future classic. Plus its a memory of my grandmother and I want it to stay in the family and thats when I realized I really need to keep the car and keep it in great shape, he said.

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The Fairlane is likewise well cared for. His great-aunt stopped driving in 1978. After she was too old to drive, she retired and the car just sat in the barn until I got it in 88, said Shaffer.

The interior of the 1962 Ford Fairlane. Bud Wilkinson/For Hearst Connecticut Media

What Ford was going after when they had the Fairlane, they wanted an inexpensive economy car for the family that wasnt too big, not too small The Fairlane has a very unusual engine. Its a 221 (cubic inch) V8. They only lasted a year and a half. It got replaced by the 260, then the 289, which everyone knows about.

What makes the two Fords stand out are their originality  original paint, original interiors. Shaffer said both have received new carburetors with the Galaxie getting dual exhausts. Its the memories, though, that give them added value to Shaffer. But neither get driven much.

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We go to car shows or an occasional foliage drive or well drive to the store and get ice cream. They see about 800 miles a year, said Shaffer, who reported that its the Fairlane that receives more attention at shows. I think its because of all the chrome, the tail fins. It has more nostalgia.

Under the hood of the 1966 Ford Galaxie LTD is a 289-cubic-inch V8 engine. Bud Wilkinson/For Hearst Connecticut Media The 1966 Ford Galaxie LTD is a full-size luxury model. Bud Wilkinson/For Hearst Connecticut Media The 1962 Ford Fairlane is a mid-sized model. Bud Wilkinson/For Hearst Connecticut Media

The future of the cars has already been determined. Kenny will get the Galaxie while his younger brother, Danny, will eventually receive the Fairlane. Kenny is pretty excited about it. Im grateful for it. I enjoy it. I respect it. And its awesome to have it in the family, he said.

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Gator, one of the dogs at the Connecticut Humane Society, Wilton, Conn. Monday, March 23, 2026. H John Voorhees III/Hearst Connecticut Media Stormi, a cat at the Connecticut Humane Society, Wilton, Conn. Monday, March 23, 2026. H John Voorhees III/Hearst Connecticut Media Connecticut Humane Society, Wilton, Conn. Monday, March 23, 2026. H John Voorhees III/Hearst Connecticut Media Flamingo, one of the dogs at the Connecticut Humane Society, Wilton, Conn. Monday, March 23, 2026. H John Voorhees III/Hearst Connecticut Media Connecticut Humane Society, Wilton, Conn. Monday, March 23, 2026. H John Voorhees III/Hearst Connecticut Media Giraffe, one of the dogs at the Connecticut Humane Society, Wilton, Conn. Monday, March 23, 2026. H John Voorhees III/Hearst Connecticut Media Connecticut Humane Society, Wilton, Conn. Monday, March 23, 2026. H John Voorhees III/Hearst Connecticut Media Flamingo, one of the dogs at the Connecticut Humane Society, Wilton, Conn. Monday, March 23, 2026. H John Voorhees III/Hearst Connecticut Media Connecticut Humane Society, Wilton, Conn. Monday, March 23, 2026. H John Voorhees III/Hearst Connecticut Media Connecticut Humane Society, Wilton, Conn. Monday, March 23, 2026. H John Voorhees III/Hearst Connecticut Media

Dr. Sasha Golovyan, a veterinarian at the Animal Clinic of Milford, said she remembered when a bulldog was surrendered to the clinics care.

Golovyan said the owner told clinic staff the bulldog had eaten part of their CPAP machine and worried they couldn't afford the dog's surgery if it happened again so they decided to give it up. The clinic did the surgery and found the dog a home.

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"It still comes in as a patient," she said, adding pets surrendered to the clinic usually find a home in three to five days.

Her animals could be considered the lucky ones though as other shelters report animals are staying longer.

For the Connecticut Humane Society, some animals can be there for more than three weeks, up from just a few days, according to James Bias, the society's executive director.

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The animals are going to be impacted because a shelter, while it's a safe haven, it's not a home, Bias said.

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Animals staying longer in kennels contributes to crowded shelters and means less space for other animals, an issue which follows a post-pandemic spike in people surrendering their pets.

While the number of animals being surrendered to shelters has gone down, Bias said, the animals are still coming.

There were 79,536 animals surrendered to shelters and rescues in Connecticut in 2025, a 21.91% decrease from 2024, in which 101,853 animals were surrendered, according to data from Shelter Animals Count, a part of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

It's a contrast to the national trend, which still showed an uptick going from 1.685 million cats and dogs surrendered in 2024 and to about 1.729 million surrendered in 2025, according to the Shelter Animals Count.

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The Connecticut Humane Society will sometimes take animals from other shelters if the animals have behavioral or medical problems, since the group has staff that can handle that. Working with these animals can increase how long that animal is in the shelter, though, as those animals with problems may not be welcomed in a home or take time to train.

While the Connecticut Humane Society has its own vets, some other shelters or rescues may not. Those groups may have to pay for medical services for animals, which have only become more expensive, Bias said, and also can take longer to get done.

Another potential cause of the longer stays for animals, he said, was because more animal abuse cases are being brought to Connecticut courts. Year over year, he said, there has been a 36% increase in these cases.

Connecticut reported animal cruelty cases rose from 120 in 2023 to 164 in 2024. There were 127 cases reported in 2025 as of the end of September, according to the most recent data from state Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection.

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Some shelters have to hold on to the animals if they are attached to one of these cases, Bias said.

For example, Cheshire was holding 23 dogs for two years while the case progressed through the courts.

(Animals) can actually start to break down mentally, Bias said in general. They can break down physically. There is a stress component, and stress can also make them at higher risk of contracting a contagious disease that might be floating around.

Some groups holding these animals also dont have the necessary amount of staff to properly care for them.

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Those few staff, Bias said, oftentimes have to face the decision of whether to put an animal down, after it has already spent so much time bonding with the staff. Its a situation he called an emotional drain.

That decision is made off recommendations from a team of veterinarians, behavioral experts and care providers based on whether medical treatment will not resolve the animal's suffering or if the animal presents a danger to people due to possible aggression, he said.

I'm going to call it running on empty, Bias said.

Stratford Animal Control also reported animals were staying in their care longer than usual earlier this year.

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At the time, Rachel Solveira, Stratford Animal Control supervisor, said fewer people were adopting because it was more expensive for people to feed the animals and pay for medical care.

Those costs not only discourage adoptions but also make it more expensive and challenging for shelters to care for the animals, said Solveira, who is also the president of Connecticut Animal Care and Control Alliance, a nonprofit that focuses on supporting animal control officers with resources and training while also advocating for their profession.

Bias said the Connecticut Humane Society started using our foster families in a bigger way during the pandemic, when most people were working from home or the number of people in shelters had to be reduced since those structures werent conducive for social distancing. That fostering has continued post pandemic.

Animals recover better in a home than sitting in a kennel in a shelter, Bias said.

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Bias also pointed to potential state level support for shelters and the people that run them. There are bills, he said, that would create a task force to take a look at the state's spay and neuter fund and to create additional temporary licensing for foreign educated veterinarians to get approved to practice the medicine.

Golovyan, meanwhile, said she has strict standards as to who gets to take a dog from her clinic. Those rules, she said, and matching an animal with the right home, gives the dog less of a chance of being returned back to a shelter, freeing up space.

Her clinic can hold 20 dogs but since it's primarily a hospital and kennel, she usually only takes on about five or six rescues.

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She also said other shelters could help themselves by posting their animals on social media or getting the animals out of the shelter and walking them around the community.
File photo of Southern Connecticut State University campus in New Haven. A student at Southern Connecticut State University was detained this week by immigration authorities, according to a letter from school officials. Hearst Connecticut Media

A student at Southern Connecticut State University was detained this week by immigration authorities, according to a letter sent to students and staff by interim university president Sandy Bulmer.

The student was detained off campus and "in another municipality" from the New Haven-based public university, Bulmer said.

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A spokesperson for the school declined to share details about the student, including their name, where they were enrolled and their immigration status.

There have been no reports of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents on SCUS's campus, Bulmer wrote.

"We understand that this situation may cause concern for students, faculty, staff, and families," Bulmer wrote. "Our priority remains the safety, well-being, and dignity of everyone at Southern. We are committed to supporting anyone affected and making sure our campus remains a safe and welcoming place for all."

A spokesperson for ICE did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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Bulmer also attached links to more than a dozen immigration rights and legal aid groups in her letter, and said that if community members wanted to stage a protest, they were free to do so in a "respectful, lawful manner."

This is a developing story and will be updated.
Vince McMahon arrives at Stamford Superior Court on Thursday Morning, October 16, 2025, Stamford, Conn. H John Voorhees III/Hearst Connecticut Media Vince McMahon, right, appears in Stamford Superior Court with his attorney Mark Sherman on Thursday Morning, October 16, 2025, Stamford, Conn. H John Voorhees III/Hearst Connecticut Media

New documents in the lawsuit filed against Vince McMahon said WWE executives knew he was having an affair with Janel Grant, a former employee who is now suing him on claims he sexually abused and trafficked her.

Grant filed her lawsuit in January 2024 revealing details of allegations of abuse that included being forced to engage in sexual acts with McMahon in company offices with others nearby and expectations that she would have sex or lose her job.

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In documents filed Wednesday, Grant contends that the Stamford-based company's top executives, including current WWE President Nick Kahn, were told by McMahon that he was having a sexual relationship with her and that they considered the liaison a "liability" to the company.

"I felt a level of immense powerlessness, fear, and utter humiliation that I had never felt before because a group of men at the top of the company knew intimate details about me and were actively discussing me," Grant said in the new documents. "Vince revealed that he and WWE leadership determined that I was a corporate liability. He then told me that they needed me to leave the legal department immediately as my presence had affected their ability to hire a new General Counsel."

A spokesperson for McMahon did not return a request seeking comment Friday.

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Grant, who was hired in June 2019, claims in a 67-page complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Connecticut that she was required to maintain a sexual relationship with McMahon that included "depravity." The lawsuit names the WWE, McMahon and John Laurinaitis, an Arizona resident who was the former head of talent relations and general manager at WWE.

The lawsuit describes in graphic detail several incidents involving McMahon, including one where Grant claimed she was sexually assaulted by him and another man behind closed doors while other employees sat at their desks nearby at the company's Stamford headquarters. She left in 2022 after signing a non-disclosure agreement that totaled $3 million, the lawsuit stated.

Todays complaint seeks to hold accountable two WWE executives who sexually assaulted and trafficked Plaintiff Janel Grant, as well as the organization that facilitated or turned a blind eye to the abuse and then swept it under the rug, Grant's attorney Ann Callis said in a statement issued when the lawsuit was filed in 2024. She is an incredibly private and courageous person who has suffered deeply at the hands of Mr. McMahon and Mr. Laurinaitis, a WWE executive. Ms. Grant hopes that her lawsuit will prevent other women from being victimized. The organization is well aware of Mr. McMahons history of depraved behavior, and its time that they take responsibility for the misconduct of its leadership.

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McMahon often greeted Grant at business meetings in his "underwear," touched her, asked for hugs and "spent hours sharing intimate details about his life," the lawsuit said. The lawsuit claims McMahon continued to demand sexual encounters and used "sex toys" named after his wrestlers that often left her with injuries. Grant began experiencing panic attacks and other health problems as she continued to work for McMahon, according to the lawsuit.

In July 2022, McMahon announced his retirement as WWE's CEO and chairman amid an investigation by the companys board of directors of his alleged misconduct and after several Wall Street Journal articles were published that revealed the accusations against him. The Journal reported that McMahon agreed to pay four women a total of more than $12 million over 16 years to keep secret allegations of sexual misconduct and infidelity, citing unnamed people familiar with those agreements and related documents.

McMahon, 79, subsequently decided he wanted to come back to WWE, which he and others, including his wife and former CEO Linda McMahon, have built into a global business over the past 40 years. The Connecticut company has fans across the world and its two most popular shows are Raw and SmackDown.

During the time of the allegations, Vince and Linda McMahon owned multiple homes in Connecticut, including a mansion on 10 acres in Greenwich and a downtown Stamford condo that sold in 2023.

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According to the lawsuit seeking compensatory damages for emotional distress, Grant claims she continues to be affected despite in-patient and out-patient treatment. Grant also wants the non-disclosure agreement she signed to be voided.
A Southington man was sentenced in New Haven federal court Thursday to 29 months in prison for firearm and narcotics offenses tied to a 2020 shooting in Hartford, prosecutors said. Ben Lambert / Hearst Connecticut

NEW HAVEN  A Southington man convicted of firearm and narcotics offenses in connection with a 2020 shooting in Hartford was sentenced Thursday to two years and five months in prison, federal prosecutors said.

Eric D. Cox, 43, was also ordered to serve two years of supervised release during a hearing in New Haven federal court, according to a news release from David X. Sullivan, U.S. attorney for the District of Connecticut.

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The sentence was handed down a little more than four months after a jury found Cox guilty of one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon and one count of possession of cocaine in connection with a Sept. 4, 2020, altercation near Hartford Hospital.

Sullivan said Cox pulled out a gun and fired multiple shots at an individual who had slashed him and others in the area of Jefferson Street with a knife, but missed the person and instead struck a bystander.

Police later found several cartridge casings in the area, and a hospital employee found a discarded .40-caliber semiautomatic pistol outside the entrance of the hospitals emergency department, Sullivan said.

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Sullivan said officers also searched Coxs car after the shooting and discovered a bag containing approximately 28 grams of cocaine. He said a subsequent analysis of the firearm revealed the presence of Coxs DNA.

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Coxs criminal history includes a federal conviction in 2008 for a crack cocaine distribution offense, according to Sullivan. Cox is out on a $100,000 bond and is required to report to prison on Aug. 6.

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A bridge struck by U.S. airstrikes on Thursday is seen in the town of Karaj, west of Tehran, Iran, Friday, April 3, 2026. Vahid Salemi/AP Journalists from foreign media based in Tehran document damage from U.S.-Israeli strikes in a residential area of the town of Fardis, west of Tehran, Iran, Friday, April 3, 2026. Vahid Salemi/AP Mohammad Qubaisi, 53, with burn wounds from an Israeli airstrike on southern Lebanon undergoes surgery by Dr. Mohammed Ziara, left, and his team, at the Sidon Government Hospital in Sidon, Lebanon, Thursday, April 2, 2026. Emilio Morenatti/AP Tamara and her sister Amal color pictures on the floor as their parents, Sara and Ahmed, who fled their village of Khiyam in southern Lebanon due to Israeli bombardment, sit inside a tent used as a shelter in Beirut, Lebanon, Friday, April 3, 2026. Emilio Morenatti/AP Palestinian Muslims attend Friday prayers outside Jerusalem's Old City due to restrictions linked to the Iran war, April 3, 2026. Mahmoud Illean/AP

One crew member was rescued Friday after an American aircraft was shot down in Iran, according to one U.S. and one Israeli official, who both spoke on condition of anonymity to describe sensitive ongoing military operations.

The rescue occurred as the U.S. military was conducting a search and rescue operation, according to three people familiar who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitivity of the situation. Israel is helping the United States with the operation.

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Iranian state media has claimed in a post on X that Irans military shot down a U.S. F-15E Strike Eagle.

According to an email from the Pentagon obtained by The Associated Press, the U.S. military said that it received notification of an aircraft being shot down in the Middle East. The email did not provide more details.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a previous statement that President Donald Trump had been briefed but did not offer any additional information.

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The number of crew on board wasnt immediately known.

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The war now entering its sixth week is destabilizing economies around the world as Iran responds to the U.S. and Israeli attacks by targeting the Gulf region's energy infrastructure and tightening its grip on oil and natural gas shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. President Donald Trump said U.S. forces will keep hitting Iran very hard in the next two or three weeks.

Here is the latest:

Oracle building in Dubai damaged by drone debris

Authorities in Dubai said the facades of two buildings were damaged by debris from intercepted drones, including one belonging to U.S. tech firm Oracle. No injuries were reported.

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Irans Revolutionary Guard has threatened to attack Oracle and 17 other U.S. companies after accusing them of being involved in terrorist espionage operations in Iran.

Previous Iranian drone strikes caused damage to three Amazon Web Services facilities in the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.

365 service members have been wounded in action in Iran war

As of Friday, 247 of the wounded were Army soldiers, 63 were Navy sailors, 19 were Marines and 36 were Air Force airmen, according to Pentagon data available online.

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It is unclear if the data includes any of the service members involved in the downing of two combat aircraft reported Friday.

Most of the wounded  200  were also mid to senior enlisted troops, 85 were officers and 80 were junior enlisted service members.

The current death toll remains at 13 service members killed in combat.

Bahrain postpones vote on UN resolution aimed at ending Irans stranglehold on the Strait of Hormuz

The Gulf nation of Bahrain, which holds the presidency of the U.N. Security Council this month, postponed the vote on a resolution aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz that had been watered down significantly because of opposition from Russia and China, two U.N. diplomats said.

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The diplomats, speaking on condition of anonymity because council consultations have been private, said the vote will now be held sometime next week.

The Bahrain-sponsored draft resolution that had been expected to be put to a vote on Saturday would authorize defensive measures  not offensive action that Gulf nations and the United States initially supported  to ensure vessels can safely transit the waterway where one-fifth of the worlds oil typically passes.

Bahrain has sought support from all 15 council nations, and the postponement of the vote indicates that the watered-down draft is still not acceptable to Russia and China.

A-10 aircraft hit by Iranian air defenses, second US aircraft to go down in the Middle East

A U.S. A-10 aircraft has been hit by Iranian air defenses, Iranian state media reported, citing Irans Army public relations office.

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The Associated Press reported earlier that a second U.S. Air Force combat aircraft had gone down in the Middle East on Friday.

No other information was immediately known including the whereabouts of the pilot. The Pentagon and White House did not immediate comment.

The A-10, also known by the nickname Warthog, is a single-seat aircraft.

 Read more

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White House says Trump wont appear before press on Friday

The White House at 4 p.m. EST called a lid for press, indicating the president would not be making any appearance in front of the media for the day.

The call came hours earlier than normal and signaled the president and White House are remaining tight-lipped as the search-and-rescue mission continued.

Trump declines to speak about search for missing crew member

In a brief telephone interview with NBC News, Trump declined to discuss the search and rescue effort.

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He was asked if it would impact negotiations with Iran and said, No, not at all. No, its war.

Status of a second service member unknown after F-15E shot down

The House Armed Services Committee has been notified by the Pentagon that the status of a second service member is not known after the downing of the fighter jet.

The panel was told that an F-15 was shot down and one service member has been recovered, according to a congressional aide who spoke on condition of anonymity to disclose the private communication.

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The other service members duty status is unknown, the aide said.

That generally means the Defense Department does not know the persons whereabouts and they have gone missing.

- Lisa Mascaro

Second US aircraft went down

A second U.S. Air Force combat aircraft went down in the Middle East on Friday, according to a U.S. official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss a sensitive military situation.

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It was not clear if the aircraft crashed or was shot down or whether Iran was involved. Neither the crews status nor where the aircraft went down was immediately known.

The New York Times earlier reported that the second aircraft went down.

Also Friday, a U.S. fighter jet was shot down in Iran and one crew member was rescued.

- Konstantin Toropin

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One person killed in fires caused by falling debris in Abu Dhabi

The Abu Dhabi government media office said Friday that one Egyptian national was killed in fires caused by falling debris at Habshan gas facilities, following the interception of an Iranian aerial attack, according to a statement posted on X.

In the same fires, another four expats, including two Egyptians and two Pakistanis, sustained minor wounds, added the statement.

The Abu Dhabi government did not specify whether air defenses had intercepted a missile or a drone.

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Significant damage has occurred at the facilities and an assessment is ongoing, read the statement.

Iranian official derides the US after downing US aircraft

Irans parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf mocked the U.S. after his country shot down a U.S. aircraft over southwestern Iran and at least one crew member ejected.

This brilliant no-strategy war they started has now been downgraded from regime change to Hey! Can anyone find our pilots? Please?, Qalibaf wrote on his X account.

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Iranian state media has claimed in a post on X that Irans military shot down a U.S. F-15E Strike Eagle.

Qalibaf, doubling down on his mockery, wrote, What incredible progress. Absolute geniuses.

WHO chief calls for urgent support for health systems in war-affected countries

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reiterated on Friday his agencys appeal for $ 30.3 million in immediate funding to support strained health services in Iran and another four Arab countries including Lebanon, Iraq, Jordan and Syria.

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This appeal will support essential health services and trauma care, disease surveillance and early warning systems, mass casualty management and national readiness for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear emergencies, he said on the social platform X.

So far, the conflict has killed 3,300, wounded 30,000 and caused the displacement of over 4 million people.

The WHO first launched the appeal on Thursday, explaining that this amount will cover the period from March to August 2026.

Archbishop leading US militarys Catholic chaplains questions whether Iran war is just

Archbishop Timothy Broglio, who heads the Archdiocese for the Military Services, tells CBS News that a case can be made that the Iran war is unjustified.

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Broglio was asked during an interview to be aired on Easter Sunday on Face the Nation if the war was justified.

Under the just war theory, it is not, replied Broglio, who then evoked the specter of a threat of nuclear arms.

Its compensating for a threat before threat is actually realized, he said. I would line myself up with Pope Leo, who has been urging for negotiation.

The Lord Jesus certainly brought a message of peace and also, I think war is always a last resort, Broglio added. Im not making a judgment about that, because I really dont know. But I do think that its hard to cast this war, you know, as something that would be sponsored by the Lord.

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Israeli official says Israel providing intel for search effort

The official says Israel is assisting with intelligence, but not active in any on-the-ground rescue.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the unfolding operation.

- Josef Federman

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Kuwait defends against air attacks

The Kuwaiti army said on Friday that its air defenses had engaged with seven ballistic missiles, two cruise missiles and 26 drones over the last 24 days, according to a statement posted on its official page on X.

The statement added that interceptions were still going on causing in Kuwaiti skies, causing explosions.

Israeli tank shelling kills one in southern Syria

An Israeli tank fired on a car in the southern province of Quneitra Saturday, killing a young man, Syrias state-run SANA news agency reported, without giving further details.

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The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a U.K.-based war monitor, said witnesses said that the man was a civilian and that the attack occurred while he was driving his car on a public road connecting villages near the border strip. There was no immediate statement from the Israeli military.

After the ouster of former Syrian President Bashar Assad by Islamist-led rebels in December 2024, Israeli forces seized control of a U.N.-patrolled buffer zone in southern Syria, which Israel initially described as a temporary move to protect its borders.

The Syrian government says Israel is violating a 1974 disengagement agreement between the two countries and has called for it to withdraw its forces.

Israel reports new missile launch from Iran

The Israeli army says air defenses are being activated and residents instructed to seek shelter in affected areas.

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F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet has a 2-person crew

Iranian state media has claimed that Irans military shot down a U.S. F-15E Strike Eagle. The aircraft is a variation of the Air Force fighter jet that carries a two-person crew consisting of a pilot and weapons system officer.

Alan Diehl, a former investigator for the Air Force Safety Center, said the Strike Eagle has an emergency locator beacon in a survival kit that can be set to activate automatically or manually.

The Pentagon has not immediately responded to repeated requests for comment

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Israel suspends airstrikes as search for downed US pilot proceeds

An Israeli official says airstrikes have been halted in areas relevant to the rescue effort.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the operation is ongoing.

- Josef Federman

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Tehran resident describes projectile overhead and smoke near medical research center

A resident of central Tehran says she was walking home Thursday when she spotted what appeared to be a missile streaking overhead.

I saw it go over my head and I heard the explosion, she said, speaking on condition of anonymity due to media restrictions in Iran.

Then she saw smoke rising from a nearby area of the capital hosting many government buildings, including the offices of Irans Supreme Leader, which Israel heavily struck early in the war. Next to that is the Pasteur Institute, which has played a leading role in Irans health sector for over a century. An Iranian health ministry spokesman confirmed the institute had been struck on Thursday.

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The resident said shes also seen least two police stations destroyed in her area of the capital.

- Amir-Hussein Radjy

An explosion in southern Lebanon injures three UN peacekeepers amid fighting between Israel and Hezbollah

The peacekeeping mission known as UNIFIL reminded Israel, Hezbollah and other actors of their obligation to ensure the peacekeepers safety, including by avoiding combat near their facilities and positions.

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This has been a difficult week for peacekeepers working near the central part of UNIFILs area of operations, UNIFIL said.

Three U.N. peacekeepers were injured, two seriously, in an explosion of unknown origin inside their position in El Adeisse on Friday afternoon, UNIFIL said. Three UNIFIL peacekeepers from Indonesia were killed earlier this week and others were injured.

Aircraft was shot down, US military says

According to an email from the Pentagon obtained by The Associated Press, the U.S. military said that it received notification of an aircraft being shot down in the Middle East. The email did not provide more details.

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Iran accuses the UN nuclear watchdog of siding with its enemies

The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran denounced on Friday what it describes as the U.N. nuclear agencys silence as the US and Israel attacks Irans nuclear facilities.

The Iranian agency accused the International Atomic Energy Agency of not merely inaction but complicity with perpetrators, according to a statement posted on X. It said it has sent a protest letter to the IAEAs director. This historic negligence erodes the IAEAs little remaining credibility, read the statement.

The Iranian government has constantly said that it needs to expand its nuclear plants to meet its electricity needs rather than to build weapons.

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Jordan and Israel warn of more air attacks

The Israeli military says air defenses are being activated to intercept the fire.

Jordan, the state-owned news agency says alarms are sounding across the country.

One crew member has been rescued after American aircraft went down in Iran, US and Israeli officials say

One crew member has been rescued after an American aircraft went down in Iran, according to one U.S. and one Israeli official, who both spoke on condition of anonymity to describe sensitive ongoing military operations.

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US officials are being informed about the rescue operation in Iran

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson has been notified about the situation with the pilot in Iran, his office said.

The Defense Department has notified the speaker and said it would provide further updates.

The U.S. military has been conducting a search and rescue operation in Iran, according to three people familiar who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitivity of the situation.

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Gas tanker affiliated with Japan makes it through the strait

A liquefied natural gas tanker co-owned by Japanese and Omani companies has passed through the Strait of Hormuz, a first passage of a Japan-affiliated vessel through the waterway since the start of the U.S.-Israeli strike on Iran, Japans NHK public television said.

The Japanese shipping company Mitsui O.S.K. Lines said the Panamanian-flagged tanker Sohar LNG, also owned by Oman Shipping Company, crossed the strait Friday and is now out of the Persian Gulf, NHK reported.

The tanker was among 45 Japanese-affiliated ships stuck in the area since the start of the war in the region. Mitsui did not disclose other details, such as the ships destination, citing security reasons, NHK said.

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Four US planes had already gone down during the Iranian war

Four U.S. military planes had gone down during the Iran war before Fridays search and rescue operation  three fighter jets hit by friendly fire over Kuwait and a refueling tanker plane that crashed in Iraq following an incident with another U.S. aircraft.

The KC-135 refueling aircraft crashed in Iraq while supporting operations in Iran. All six crew members aboard the aircraft died. U.S. officials attributed the crash to an unspecified incident involving two aircraft in friendly airspace, and said the other plane landed safely.

Separately, three U.S. F-15E fighter jets were mistakenly targeted by friendly Kuwaiti fire. All six crew members ejected safely.

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US has launched a rescue operation after Iranian state media says American fighter jet went down in Iran, AP source says

The U.S. military rescue operation launched Friday after Iranian state media said an American fighter jet went down over southwest Iran and at least one crew member ejected.

Israel is helping the United States with the search and rescue operation, according to an Israeli military officer briefed on the information who spoke on condition of anonymity ahead of a U.S. announcement.

Social media footage showed American drones, aircraft and helicopters flying over the mountainous region where the Iranian channel said at least one pilot bailed out of the fighter jet.

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It would be the first time the U.S. has lost aircraft in Iranian territory during the five-week war. It was not clear if the jet was shot down or crashed. The number of crew on board was not immediately known.

The Pentagon and U.S. Central Command didnt immediately respond to several messages seeking comment. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Trump has been briefed.

Bahrain cracks down on dissent as Iran war reignites internal unrest

A man detained in Bahrain as the island came under missile attack from Iran vanished for days, until his family was called to a military hospital to retrieve his body, covered in slash marks and bruises. The death of Mohamed al-Mousawi has become a flashpoint in the Sunni-ruled, Shiite-majority country on the wars front lines, where critics say authorities have revived tactics used to suppress Arab Spring protests in 2011.

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Bahrain, a monarchy that hosts the U.S. Navys 5th Fleet, has arrested dozens of people for filming airstrikes and demonstrations or expressing support for Iran.

Bahrains Interior Ministry said al-Mousawi was arrested on suspicion of spying for Iran  allegations denied by his family  and that images of his wounds were inaccurate and misleading. A Bahrain government statement said the country is defending its national security and denied any sectarianism, saying authorities have acted lawfully and that independent bodies investigate allegations of abuse.

 Read more

Iranian motorcyclist describes a tale of two cities in wartime Tehran

A woman in her forties says she has made a point of riding a motorcycle around Tehran as a form of civil resistance. Cruising the capitals streets has also shown her two faces of the wartime capital, she said.

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Faced with years of protests, Irans Islamic rulers have recently eased enforcement of the mandatory veil and other restrictions on women, including harassing female motorcyclists.

A downtown resident, the woman said she rode uptown to the capitals richest areas, where she found the cafes were packed.

Now Im outside on my motorbike. I stopped by the side of the street. There was an explosion. Several people sitting on chairs by the cafe, looked up, glanced at the sky and started drinking coffee again, she messaged The Associated Press, communicating anonymously for her safety.

In other parts of Tehran, she said, the streets where a building has been damaged and destroyed, or the houses around it, are different. Its like Gaza. Silence. The smell of death.

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 By Amir-Hussein Radjy

___

This story has been corrected to replace a headline to show that Trump budget is seeking $1.5 trillion in defense spending.

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___
FILE - President Donald Trump, stands with then-defense attorney Todd Blanche, May 14, 2024, in New York. Craig Ruttle/AP FILE - Attorney General Pam Bondi speaks with reporters during a news conference at the Department of Justice, Nov. 19, 2025, in Washington, as Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, listens. Mark Schiefelbein/AP FILE - Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche meets with reporters in Washington, Jan. 30, 2026. J. Scott Applewhite/AP

Before picking Todd Blanche to help lead and now run the Justice Department, President Donald Trump was his client.

Blanche, whom Trump elevated Thursday from deputy attorney general to acting U.S. attorney general, rose to prominence representing the president in criminal cases that consumed the four years between his first and second terms.

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Blanche, a former federal prosecutor and law firm partner, led Trump's criminal defense team, representing the Republican in matters including his New York hush money case, which ended in his conviction on 34 felony counts, and a pair of federal cases brought by special counsel Jack Smith, both of which have been abandoned.

In a social media post, Trump called Blanche a very talented and respected Legal Mind.

As deputy attorney general, Blanche was the Justice Departments second-in-command.

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Working under Attorney General Pam Bondi, he managed the departments day-to-day operations and became one of its most vocal defenders and visible public faces. He oversaw the release of government files on Jeffrey Epstein and appeared frequently on TV news programs.

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Here's a look at Blanche's career and his rise to running the Justice Department:

Paralegal by day, law school student by night

Blanche, 51, attended Brooklyn Law School at night while working as a paralegal at the U.S. attorneys office in Manhattan, and graduated cum laude. Originally from the Denver suburbs, he completed his undergraduate studies at American University in Washington, D.C.

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Blanche served as a law clerk for federal judges Denny Chin and Joseph Bianco, both now members of the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, and was a federal prosecutor for eight years in the same U.S. attorneys office where he had started as a paralegal.

He spent two years as co-chief of the offices violent crimes unit, overseeing about two dozen prosecutors and cases involving killings, kidnappings, and other violent crimes.

Entering private practice and Trump's inner circle

Blanche left the U.S. attorney's office in 2014, taking a job in the Manhattan office of the law firm WilmerHale. In September 2017, he moved to Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP, where he was a partner in the White Collar Defense and Investigations practice.

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In a prelude to his work defending Trump, Blanche represented the president's former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort, and in 2019 succeeded in getting a mortgage fraud case against him dismissed in the same New York court where Trump was convicted.

Blanche argued that the case, brought by the Manhattan district attorneys office that later prosecuted Trump, was too similar to one that landed Manafort in federal prison and therefore amounted to double jeopardy.

An opportunity I should not pass up

Blanche left Cadwalader in 2023, telling colleagues he was resigning to represent Trump. He joined the president's defense team just prior to his arraignment in the hush money case.

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In an email announcing his departure, he wrote: I have been asked to represent Trump in the recently charged DA case, and after much thought/consideration, I have decided it is the best thing for me to do and an opportunity I should not pass up.

Despite his conviction, Trump came away from the hush money case impressed with Blanches tenacity, his willingness to spar with witnesses and judges, and the poise he showed in speaking in front of TV cameras.

Trump rewarded Blanche and another of his defense lawyers, Emil Bove, with prominent roles in his new administration's Justice Department, and last summer nominated Bove to be a judge on the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

Defending Trump in a slew of criminal cases

In addition to the hush money matter, Blanche represented Trump in the two cases brought by the special counsel, his 2020 election interference case in Washington and the Florida case accusing the former president of hoarding classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate.

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In both cases, Trump's Blanche-led defense team successfully mounted a legal strategy focused heavily on delaying the cases until after the 2024 presidential election. When Trump won, Smith moved to abandon the cases, acknowledging a longstanding Justice Department policy that says sitting presidents cannot be indicted or prosecuted while in office.

Ten days before Trump returned to office, Blanche sat alongside him at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, appearing by video together as a Manhattan judge sentenced the president-elect to no punishment in the hush-money case.

The majority of the American people also agree that this case should not have been brought, Blanche told the judge, citing the election results as a verdict of its own.

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In this image made with a long exposure, President Donald Trump speaks about the Iran war from the Cross Hall of the White House on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, in Washington. Alex Brandon/AP

NEW YORK (AP)  This is not the run-up to the midterm elections that Republicans wanted.

A year and a half after winning the White House by promising to lower costs and end wars, Donald Trump is a wartime president overseeing surging energy costs and an escalating overseas conflict.

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The war in Iran was largely unpopular even before an American fighter jet was shot down in Iran, a development that dominated headlines on Friday and contradicted Trumps claim that Tehran's military capabilities have been all but destroyed. One crew member has been rescued.

Earlier in the week, the Republican president offered little clarity to a nation eager for answers during a prime-time address from the White House, his first since the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran more than a month ago, simultaneously suggesting that the war was ending and expanding.

Thanks to the progress weve made, I can say tonight that we are on track to complete all of Americas military objectives shortly, very shortly, Trump said. Were going to hit them extremely hard over the next two to three weeks.

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Trump's comments come roughly six months before voters across the nation begin to cast ballots in elections that will decide control of Congress and key governorships for Trumps final two years in office. For now, Republicans, who control all branches of government in Washington, are bracing for a painful political backlash.

Youre looking at an ugly November, warned veteran Republican pollster Neil Newhouse. At a point in time when we need every break possible to hold the House and Senate, our edge is being chipped away.

Republicans confront evolving political landscape

Its hard to overstate how dramatically the political landscape has shifted.

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At this time last year, many Republican leaders believed there was a path to preserve their narrow House majority and easily hold the Senate. Now they privately concede that the House is all but lost and Democrats have a realistic shot at taking the Senate.

Republicans are also struggling to coalesce around a clear midterm message on Iran.

The Republican National Committee has largely avoided the war in talking points issued to surrogates over the last month. The leaders of the party's campaign committees responsible for the House and Senate declined interview requests. Many vulnerable Republican candidates sidestep the issue, unwilling to defend or challenge Trump publicly.

The president remains deeply popular with Republican voters, and he has vocal supporters like Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina.

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That was the best speech I couldve hoped for, he wrote on social media after Trump's address on Wednesday evening. Graham said Trump gave the American people a clear and coherent pathway forward.

Trump made little effort to sell the conflict to Americans before the initial attack. Five weeks later, at least 13 U.S. service members have been killed and hundreds more injured. Thousands more troops have converged on the region, and the Pentagon requested $200 billion in new funding.

The Strait of Hormuz, a key passage for a fifth of the worlds oil, remains closed. The average price for a gallon of gasoline in the U.S. was $4.08 on Thursday, according to AAA, almost a full dollar higher than on President Joe Biden's last day in office.

On Wednesday, Trump insisted that gas prices would fall quickly once the war concluded but offered no solution for reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Instead, he invited skeptical U.S. allies to do it themselves.

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He insisted that the war would be worth it.

This is a true investment in your grandchildren and your grandchildrens future, Trump said. When its all over, the United States will be safer, stronger, more prosperous and greater than it has ever been before.

Former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Georgia Republican who was once among Trump's most vocal allies in Congress, lashed out against his Iran policy.

I wanted so much for President Trump to put America First. Thats what I believed he would do. All I heard from his speech tonight was WAR WAR WAR, she wrote on social media. Nothing to lower the cost of living for Americans.

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Time is not on Trump's side

About 6 in 10 U.S. adults say the U.S. military action in Iran has gone too far, according to AP-NORC polling from March. Roughly a third approve of how hes handling Iran overall.

The possibility of sending U.S. forces into Iran also appears politically unpalatable.

About 6 in 10 adults are strongly or somewhat opposed to deploying U.S. troops on the ground to fight Iran. That includes about half of Republicans. Only about 1 in 10 favor deploying troops.

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At the same time, Trumps approval ratings have remained consistently weak. About 4 in 10 Americans approve of how hes handling the presidency, roughly in line with how its been throughout his second term.

Republican strategist Ari Fleischer, a senior aide in former President George W. Bushs administration, acknowledged that Trump has not received the polling bump in this war that Bush got after invading Iraq.

Bush, of course, worked to build public backing for the Iraq War before going in. Immediately after the 2003 invasion, Bush's popularity soared, as did the stock market.

Public sentiment and the economy soured only after the conflict stretched on. It ultimately spanned more than eight years, spawning a generation of anti-war Republicans  and sowing the seeds of Trump's America First foreign policy.

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My hope is that the Trump experience is the exact opposite of the Bush experience, Fleischer said.

He said Trump must win the war decisively and quickly to avoid a further backlash, saying there could be a very significant political upside if things end well, oil comes down and markets rally.

Fleischer added that Trump's actions will matter much more than his words.

Ultimately, he is not going to get judged on his persuasion or his explanations or his assertions, hes going to get judged on results, he said.

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___
A sight glass on a Connecticut home oil tank. John Breunig/Hearst Connecticut Media

Kenny Anderson got up at 3 a.m. Thursday to fill his oil truck in Waterbury before the price spiked by 35 cents a gallon at 7 a.m.

By 9 a.m. the price rose another 15 cents. So Anderson saved 50 cents a gallon.

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Big Oil are the perennial bad guys, now more than ever. U.S. oil prices surged to the biggest one-day increase in six years Thursday. But Lil Oil has some formidable good guys. Kenny is one of them.

Heres some trickle-down oil economics. Kenny delivers my home heating oil under the brand Kennys Oil (simple, but effective. I never forget the name). As an automated customer, I was scheduled to receive a delivery a few days ago. Like a lot of people, I was paying too much attention to my gas tanks and not enough to my oil tanks. But Kennys Oil has been reaching out to customers before making deliveries while the price of crude oil soars as a result of the war in Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. So while I paid $3.35/gallon for a delivery in January, this one would have been more like $5.75/gallon. In other words, Januarys delivery would cost me an extra $715 today.

Like Kennys other customers, I was offered options. I could fill the tanks as normal, take 100 gallons to tide me over or try to ride out the calendar in hopes the oil crisis eases.

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(Im riding it out. None of us would ride very far if this were happening in January.)

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Kenny explains that offering options is good business on several fronts.

I don't want to go fill somebody up and give them a $1,500 bill that they're not expecting, and then all of a sudden, I have to wait for my money. It's cost effective for me to go out and do a partial delivery, cause I know I'm gonna get paid.

Kenny concedes that Ive always been a giver. He strives to maintain the same profit margin at all times. He tries to catch breaks on prices and pass the savings onto customers.

But he does so much more than that. He gives discounts to the Fuel Bank of Southbury (the town where hes based) and to first-responders (hes been a volunteer firefighter in Southbury for 25 years).

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Kenny also has a secret. He doesnt advertise that he maintains a Secret Santa fund. It took an oil crisis for me to learn about Kennys policy to give options to customers. It took a global pandemic to create the Secret Santa fund.

Credit for that funds creation goes to some of his customers. Kenny recalls it starting with a simple gesture during low tide of COVID-19. A customer asked if adding an extra hundred dollars could be paid forward to someone struggling to cover their bill.

The Secret Santa fund just snowballed from there, Kenny says.

He kicks in a 50% match himself, raising thousands for his own customers. Think about it: Hes sometimes paying for the product hes selling.

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It gives you a good feeling, helping people out, he reasons. His refrain is, "I love my job and I love my customers."

Which sometimes means getting up at 3 a.m. He opts to fill his truck at a terminal in Waterbury instead of chasing lower prices in Bridgeport or New Haven to save time. Time is money in more ways than one. Loaded with oil, his truck gets about 4 miles to the gallon. So it eats diesel fuel, which is about $6/gallon these days.

He prefers to translate that to a buck-fifty a mile. Kenny reliably delivers colorful phrases. When I ask about which towns he serves, he points to Roxbury, Middlebury, Woodbury, aka, all the burys.

He realizes thats not exactly true: I wont do Danbury. But he also delivers to Newtown and Bethel.

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Kenny wasnt always an oil man. He did it for four years before starting his own company in 2005. But hes always been a truck driver, or, as he puts it, a suicide jockey.

Ive always had a bomb on my butt, hauling gasoline, chemicals 

Its not the only time Kennys bum enters our brief interview. At 64, his routine lugging of a 400-pound hose takes tolls. One knee has been replaced (the other is on deck). Two discs are herniated. He has a matching set of rotator cuff issues.

Youre not going to get me down, he insists.

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Except  some things do.

Heavy snowfall can cloak abandoned hoses or plastic in yards. Youve got so much torque against your body that youre pulling, he explains, so stepping on an unexpected piece of plastic beneath snow leads to the inevitable occupational hazard: Youre on your butt.

The delayed deliveries of recent days should translate to more work during the warm months when he usually catches a break, but Kenny pledges that, I'll work all summer long just to keep my customers happy.

In the meantime, the only thing rising higher than prices is a pile of cards bearing the names of customers trying to ride out this oil crisis. It could be a losing bet. Prices could be even higher by the time the tanks get thirsty.

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These big oil companies, they have no heart, no conscience, Kenny muses. Its tough to be in this business and actually have a heart.

But they cant knock him down.
Jeffrey Beckham, then-Gov. Ned Lamont's budget director, in a recent file photo. He is a nominee to be a judge for the state Superior Court but has minimal courtroom experience as a lawyer. Dan Haar/Hearst CT Media

HARTFORD  Lawmakers had some tough questions for two judicial candidates on Thursday, grilling a corporate attorney and Gov. Ned Lamonts former budget chief on their lack of courtroom experience.

The law-writing and judicial review committee focused on actual courtroom appearances for Felice Gray-Kemp of Hamden, a tax expert who told the panel that she had not argued any cases in a courtroom, and for Jeffrey Beckham of Tolland, the states former secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, whom Lamont replaced last year.

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Lawmakers noted that both nominees had gone through the states judicial screening and selection process more than 10 years ago.

During a half-hour of testimony, Gray-Kemp said she has never participated in courtroom proceedings but said she has been in-house counsel for corporations, commercial organizations and entrepreneurs throughout her career.

I have not argued a case, but I have worked shoulder-to-shoulder, in fact, identifying and developing strategy with attorneys who represent my clients, she told the committee.

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Were looking at people to go on the bench, said state Rep. Craig Fishbein of Wallingford, a ranking Republican on the panel. Do you have any experience being in a courtroom and actually doing the job? Right? Thats what were looking for. Its not, 'Well, I was in the hallway and we chatted' sort of stuff.

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Gray-Kemp, who earned a post-graduate degree in taxation from Boston University, said that in her 30-year career, she has learned how to assess high-stakes issues.

My experience as commercial counsel is directly transferrable to judicial service, she said. While corporate counsel often focuses on structure and compliance, commercial counsel operate across the full life of the business, addressing employment, contracts, real estate, regulatory matters and more. In that role, I have been responsible for fact-finding, analysis, interpretation and decision-making.

Beckham said that as a 35-year state employee, including in heading OPM, he developed a great number of tools that could help him as a judge. But he said he hasnt worked in a courtroom for decades, since before his initial hiring by the General Assemblys nonpartisan Legislative Commissioners Office to draft state law.

As an agency head I have had to process complex and sometimes conflicting information concerning policy and budget options, often having to make a prompt decision, Beckham said. Refereeing a vigorous debate and then deciding on a defensible outcome has been a significant part of my job.

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He said he would plan to rely on staff and accept advice from mentor jurists to navigate daily courtroom procedures.

Asked by Fishbein to describe his familiarity with criminal law and the courts, Beckham said it was minimal.

My concern is that every single case that comes before a judge in our courts impacts someones life, Fishbein said. We cant just throw people on the bench and say figure it out.

Beckham said he understands the role.

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When parties bring matters to court ... it may be the worst day of their life, he said. You have to assess the facts and get a read on whats going on in that matter. You have to apply to those facts. The public wont respect the results if you cant explain what you did and why. And why its fair and equitable in that case.
The Meriden City Council, acting in its capacity as the zoning commission will vote on proposed amendments that would allow for cannabis transporters and infused beverage wholesalers to operate warehouses in the city at it's April 20th meeting. City Hall is shown in this file photo. David Zajac / Hearts Connecticut Media

MERIDEN A Connecticut company wants to open a cannabis transport business and THC-infused-beverage wholesale outlet in the city.

Charter Oak Logistics LLC said it is seeking amendments to the town's zoning regulation to allow for both types of businesses. Current regulations do not include provisions for those two types of businesses.

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The company's petition noted that Public Act 25-166 enacted in June 2025, introduced two license types that are relevant.

One is cannabis transporter which modified the existing transporter license by expressly permitting licensed transporters to store, maintain, and handle cannabis at a fixed facility, provided they meet specified conditions, including closed, child-resistant packaging and real-time electronic tracking.

According to the company, the provision materially expands the operational footprint of a transporter from a purely mobile function to one that includes a warehousing and distribution base of operations.

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The other is infused beverage wholesaler, which created a new license category authorizing the wholesale distribution of THC-infused beverages regulated under Connecticut general statutes.

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The infused beverage wholesaler license fills a gap in Connecticut's distribution chain for infused beverages, according to the company.

The company is proposing an amendment for cannabis transporters to include: the warehousing of finished cannabis goods for distribution; vehicle maintenance and dispatch operations; manifest record keeping; and compliance-related administration, all conducted within an enclosed, secure facility. The establishment would not include any retail sale of cannabis or cannabis products to the public.

It is also proposing an amendments that would add cannabis transporter and infused beverage wholesaler to the list of provisional exception uses in the C-1, C-2, and C-3 commercial districts and the M-1, M-2, M-3, and M-4 industrial district

Additional requirements would include: no product visibility from outside the warehouse; a minimum distance of 500 feet from the warehouse to the front door or playground of a K-12 school; that all warehoused cannabis products are stored in secured interior space and that no retail sale of cannabis to the public occurs; and that the transporter or wholesaler maintain a valid license at all times, with any suspension, revocation or expiration of that license being subject to immediate review by the zoning enforcement office.

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The company also proposed an amendment that would allow the commissions to add a cap on the number of infused beverage wholesalers but did not propose a specific number.

Meriden Planning Director Megan Pilla said Thursday that the company's petition will be heard April 8 at the planning commission meeting. The commission's role is to determine whether the proposal is in line with the city's plan of conservation and development and make a recommendation, she said.

Then the proposal will go to the town council, which will act in its capacity as the zoning commission for a final vote, Pilla said.
Alex Lawrence, 34, of New Haven, was arrested Friday after robbing a Bridge Street liquor store, Naugatuck police said. Courtesy of the Naugatuck Police Department

NAUGATUCK  A New Haven man was arrested Friday after robbing a Bridge Street liquor store at knifepoint, police said.

Alex Lawrence, 34, was charged with robbery, threatening, larceny and breach of peace, according to the Naugatuck Police Department.

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In a Facebook post, police said officers responded around 9:30 a.m. to D & D Liquors for a report of a robbery.

It was reported that a male suspect stole a bottle of liquor and displayed a pocket knife during the incident, police said.

Police said the suspect fled the scene in a white Jeep before officers arrived. No injuries were reported in the theft.

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The Jeep was later stopped in New Haven after police provided surrounding law enforcement agencies with a description of the vehicle and suspect, officials said.

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Lawrence is being held on a $200,000 bond and is scheduled to appear at Superior Court in Waterbury on Monday.
A West Haven woman was arrested Friday for embezzling $750,000 while working for Croatias permanent mission to the United Nations in New York City, officials said. Tetra Images / Getty Images /Tetra images RF

WEST HAVEN  A former employee for Croatias diplomatic mission to the United Nations in New York City was arrested Friday for embezzling $750,000 from her then-employer, federal officials said.

Renata Supina-Saltus, 59, of West Haven, was charged with one count of wire fraud and two counts of money laundering, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York.

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Officials said Supina-Saltus stole the money while working in a financial administrative capacity for the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Croatia to the United Nations from 2017 until her termination in 2023.

When someone is given access to an organizations finances, they are being trusted  plain and simple, U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton said in a statement. Renata Supina-Saltus allegedly abused that trust and turned the Croatian Mission into a personal piggy bank, stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Officials said Supina-Saltus had unique access to the diplomatic missions vendor payment systems and was authorized to process invoices, allowing her to embezzle funds into her own personal bank accounts.

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Officials said she sometimes made double payments for certain invoices and at other times created fake invoices  sometimes from fictitious vendors  and directed the fraudulent payments to bank accounts under her control.

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In a federal complaint, prosecutors said Supina-Saltus used the funds on her "expensive lifestyle," which included airfare, hotels, rent, mortgage payments, online purchases, ATM withdrawals and her childrens college tuition.

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YINCHUAN, April 2 (Xinhua) -- A total of 26 cooperation projects worth 495 million yuan (about 72 million U.S. dollars) were signed during the Sixth Belt and Road China-Malaysia Business Dialogue, which opened on Thursday in Yinchuan, capital of northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region.

The deals, covering fields such as economic and trade investment and modern agriculture, mark a significant expansion of bilateral economic ties.

The event drew over 200 government and business representatives from both nations to discuss deepening collaboration under the Belt and Road Initiative, with a specific focus on economy and trade, science and technology, agriculture, culture, and tourism.

China has been Malaysia's largest trading partner for several consecutive years. Recently, the partnership has evolved from standard commodity exchanges to deeper industrial synergy and integrated supply chains.

In his opening address, Ma Hui, deputy head of the International Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, highlighted the dialogue as a vital platform for facilitating party-to-party exchanges between China and Malaysia and advancing pragmatic economic cooperation, urging both sides to seize current opportunities to further deepen and solidify their ties.

Chang Lih Kang, Vice President of the People's Justice Party and Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation of Malaysia, said that this dialogue helps provide crucial stability amid global economic uncertainty. Looking ahead, he emphasized the potential for joint ventures in energy transition and artificial intelligence (AI), noting that Malaysia's emerging AI academic institutions have already drawn heavily on Chinese expertise.

The dialogue highlighted Ningxia's growing international role as an inland open-economy pilot zone. Malaysia is currently the region's largest export market for agricultural goods, with steady demand for cool-climate vegetables, goji berries, and frozen potatoes.

Cultural ties are also booming. In 2025, the number of Malaysian tourists staying overnight in Ningxia skyrocketed by 207.7 percent year on year, making Malaysia the region's top source of international visitors.

The event was co-hosted by the China Economic Cooperation Center, the Malaysia-China Business Council, and the regional foreign affairs office of Ningxia.
If you thought the golden era of internal combustion track monsters was coming to a quiet end, Ford would like a word. The Blue Oval just proved a point on the Nurburgring Nordschleife, showing us that raw, gas-powered hypercars still have plenty of fight left in them.

To celebrate a decade since the modern Ford GT program kicked off and 60 years since the original GT40 changed endurance racing forever, the automaker unleashed its ultimate track-only weapon in Germany. The result was an official lap time of 6:15.977, completely resetting whats expected of American performance.

Dethroning the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X

That staggering 6:15.977 lap is much more than just a number on a leaderboard. By crossing the line that quickly, the Ford GT Mk IV successfully snatched the title of fastest American OEM vehicle right out of the hands of the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X.

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On a global scale, the achievement is even more impressive. Fords flagship is now the third-fastest vehicle of any kind to ever lap the Green Hell, a list that includes wildly advanced electric prototypes. More importantly for traditional gearheads, this run crowns the GT Mk IV as the single fastest vehicle powered solely by an internal combustion engine to ever conquer the track.

Ford is only piecing together 67 of these bespoke machines to celebrate the end of the third-generation GTs lifespan. Because it isnt burdened by the heavy safety regulations and emissions standards required for street-legal cars, the Mk IV is essentially a prototype racer built for private owners.

Underneath the carbon fiber long tail bodywork, which stretches the wheelbase and drastically increases high-speed aerodynamic grip, sits a heavily modified twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 throwing down over 800 horsepower. That brute force is sent through a dedicated racing gearbox, while Multimatics legendary Adaptive Spool Valve (ASV) suspension keeps the massive tires glued to the uneven German tarmac.

Who Sat Behind the Wheel?

To hustle a car with that much power around a terrifying 12.9-mile circuit requires a very specific skillset. Ford tossed the keys to Frederic Vervisch, a seasoned factory driver with an incredible endurance resume. Not only did Vervisch win the grueling Nurburgring 24 Hours in 2019 and 2022, but he also recently piloted the all-new Mustang GT3 to a class victory at the 2025 Rolex 24 at Daytona.

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Following the historic run, Vervisch described the Mk IV as a highly predictable, confidence-inspiring weapon. Despite the terrifying speeds achieved through treacherous sectors like the Flugplatz, he noted that the chassis reacted exactly as intended, allowing him to push the limits of physics without losing control.

Driving the Ford GT Mk IV at the Nurburgring is an experience unlike any other, Frederic said via the press release. The car is an absolute weapon, a true extension of your will. Every input is met with an immediate, precise response. Through the Kesselchen, over the Flugplatz, it just inspires confidence, allowing you to push harder and harder.

You feel the history of the track, and you feel the immense capability of the Ford Racing engineers who poured their hearts into this machine. To set these records is a dream come true, a testament to whats possible when passion meets precision.

Fords Nurburgring Takeover

The GT Mk IV is the current king of the hill, but Ford has been treating the Nordschleife like its own personal playground lately. To put this incredible 6:15 run into perspective, here is a look at the jaw-dropping times the rest of Fords extreme stable has laid down recently:

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Ford GT Mk IV: 6:15.977 (driven by Frederic Vervisch)

Ford F-150 Lightning SuperTruck: 6:43.482 (driven by Romain Dumas)

Ford Transit SuperVan 4.2: 6:48.393 (driven by Romain Dumas)

Ford Mustang GTD: 6:52.072 (driven by Dirk Muller)

If there was any doubt left about Fords dedication to hardcore track performance, this latest record should permanently put it to rest.
New Orleans has lost several restaurants so far in 2026. Heres the list of closures.
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The new Nissan Xterra is well on its way to reaching showrooms, and thanks to new comments from an executive at the carmaker, we now have a pretty good idea of what powertrain options will be under the off-roaders hood.

Our colleagues over at Car and Driver spoke with senior vice president and chief product and planning officer for Nissan Americas Ponz Pandikuthira at the 2026 New York Auto Show to get the download. "There will be a pure ICE," says Pandikuthira. If we do ICE only, it will be V-6, it won't be a four-cylinder turbo.

If that comment sounds directed toward some of the competition, we wouldnt doubt that it is. The new Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser come with four-cylinder-turbo powertrains. The Ford Bronco comes with a turbo-four as well, though you can of course step up to a boosted V-6.

Lucas Bell

As for what specific engine Nissan will use, its likely going to be the 3.8-liter naturally aspirated V-6 found in the Frontier already, paired with an automatic transmission. Pandikuthira squashed any chance of a manual like that found in the 2027 Z Nismo by saying, "For the big trucks, no. He cited the loss of center console storage, and said that the fun of a big SUV is derived from the suspension, tires, steering, and powertrain calibration.

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Where Nissan will mirror Toyota, however, is that a hybrid option will be available. "We can build a hybrid off that [V-6]," Pandikuthira told C/D. "What that hybrid execution looks like, when it debuts, how many months after the ICE version? Still a work in progress at this point."

Nissan

Nissan doesnt offer a hybrid powertrain in any of its large vehicles right now, so this one will remain a mystery for the moment. Regardless, a new Xterra with a little more efficiency (alongside more power) sounds like a concept we can get behind.

Car and Driver also spoke to Pandikuthira about the Xterras design, and its shaping up exactly as wed suspect. "I was in Japan two weeks ago and I saw the car in the first foam full mock-up, it literally takes your breath away," Pandikuthira said. "Super-imposing, it's got a lot of those very tough, in-your-face design cues."

He also claimed that Nissan found some excellent solutions to get solid fuel economy out of the car without compromising and going with a softer design. Expect to see this revamped Xterra in 2028, as Nissan is still a couple of years out from a reveal.

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John Cleese and Basil Fawlty are coming home to Torquay.

It has been announced that the comedy legend will return to Torquay on April 14 for the first time in over 50 years for the opening night of 'Fawlty Towers - The Play' at Torquay's Princess Theatre.

Torquay is famous as the inspiration behind the much-loved BBC comedy, which 50 years on comes to life on stage holding a special place in the history of Fawlty Towers.

The iconic TV series was based on the antics experienced by the Monty Python team when they stayed at the former Gleneagles Hotel in Torquay in 1970 and came across owner Donald Sinclair who was the inspiration for Basil Fawlty.

John Cleese Picture Dave J Hogan

Adapted for the stage by John Cleese himself, he has chosen three of his favourite original TV episodes - The Hotel Inspector and The Germans from series one and Communication Problems from series two - and adapted them into a two-hour play, complete with a new finale.

The play has already delighted critics and audiences in London's West End and on its UK tour and received a wealth of five-star reviews and nightly standing ovations.

The production stars Danny Bayne as Basil Fawlty, Mia Austen as wife Sybil, Hemi Yeroham reprising his role as madcap waiter Manuel, Joanne Clifton as Polly and Paul Nicholas reprising his role as The Major.

Its arrival in Torquay brings the story full circle, celebrating the show in the very place that inspired it. The production will run at the Princess Theatre, Torquay from Tuesday April 14 to Saturday April 18.

ATGTICKETS.COM/Torquay
An Exeter house that once housed the laboratory of a well-known forensic scientist whose own friends described him as eccentric and a mischief maker could be turned into flats.

A planning application has been lodged with Exeter City Council to refurbish the former Tickle and Reynolds lab in Heavitree Road and create nine residential apartments.

It was formerly the home of Edward Braxton Reynolds, who died in 2023 at the age of 83. He was born in Exeter and went to school at Rosary House School in Heavitree, then Exeter School, before going on to read chemistry at University College in London where his father had studied more than three decades earlier.

He won two gold medals in his final year but emerged with a very undistinguished degree having been left unenthused by his lecturers.

After working in a laboratory in London he returned to Exeter to work alongside his father. In 1973 he was appointed public analyst, official agricultural analyst and scientific advisor for Devon and later in the same year for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. His father immediately stepped down as senior partner and became his sons deputy.

Brax, as his friends and colleagues called him, became known for the speed of his problem-solving, applying his skills to tasks from analysing dairy ice cream and soft drinks to the grisly assignment of working out if there were any human remains in a consignment of animal feed.

In 1998 he was elected Association of Public Analysts President, during which time he gave evidence to the House of Commons Committee on Food Standards. He also acted as an expert witness on drink-driving cases for many years.

Then in 2010, at the age of 69, he and his business partner opened a sex shop in a small parade of shops in Truro city centre.

This marked the start of a long battle with local Christian and moral campaigners, city and county councillors and local shopkeepers. His friends said he enjoyed nothing more than tweaking the noses of those he regarded as pompous.

He acted as his own counsel during local authority hearings and legal battles, all of which he won.

At one stage he was dealing with a senior council solicitor who had just returned from a six-week secondment to the Falkland Islands, who told Mr Reynolds that if he was planning to make any more appeals he would be going back to the South Atlantic for good.

When the building in Heavitree Road was put on the market after his death, the estate agents brochure revealed intriguing remnants of its dual role as a home and lab, with empty glass jars, boxes and machinery among the widespread clutter inside.

Many rooms had fluorescent strip lighting, with the lab space having taken over much of the property. Historic features remained, including decorative work on the large staircase and also some ceilings, as well as a stained glass window.

The house was advertised for sale as a development project with a guide price of 650,000.

In their current application, agents PMR Architecture say the property was already in a state of disrepair when Mr Reynolds died, and has continued to degrade ever since. The site is overgrown and damp, and has attracted anti-social behaviour, vandalism and drug use.

The windows and doors have now been securely boarded up. The proposals are for a sensitive and high-quality redevelopment, bringing the derelict building back into use. The agents say the proposed development will preserve the historic significance of the site while making a positive contribution to the city.

The original house was built in the 1890s, and had been in use as a laboratory since the 1950s.
Hoops, hurdles and elephant traps aplenty have to be overcome to see a Bideford to Barnstaple rail link reinstated and that could be at least 13 years away, Torridge councillors heard this week.

A meeting of the district councils external overview and scrutiny committee was told that three business cases costing many millions of pounds needed to be completed for the government to consider bringing the line back and at any point a red flag would cause it to fail.

But campaign group Railfuture has been encouraged by Network Rail, placing Bideford second out of 23 station locations in the west that meet initial criteria for reinstatement and is one of five case studies that is being explored further.

READ NEXT: The Bideford rail link is already being built

Roger Blake, Railfutures infrastructure and networks director, said without a doubt the number one question raised by people was what would happen to the Tarka Trail, used by around 600,000 people each year, which runs along part of the trackbed of what was the London and South Western Railway.

He told the meeting that there was absolutely no interest in damaging the Tarka Trail as an active travel route and the two things could run in tandem so people could walk, cycle or get the train unhindered between Bideford and Barnstaple. It may, however, mean some of the route being diverted.

Mr Blake said they were two business cases away from doing a detailed design and there were major challenges to overcome not least that there was a major sewerage network that had been built under the trackbed since it was decommissioned.

The build itself would take three years but the preparatory paperwork, investigations and studies would take at least 10, he said.

At the meeting he said: There are engineering challenges, some easy, some harder and multiple stages to go through if this thing is to progress to see the light of day and at any point it can get a red flag and everything will stop.

We have not had any red flags so far and the next step is to put together a Department of Transport compliant strategic business case, the first of three business cases.

The first business case would cost a six figure sum, the second a seven figure some and the third an eight figure sum, he said.

He added: We need to do these as an entry ticket into the rail network enhanced pipeline process. The field we are tentatively playing in is littered with hoops, hurdles and elephant traps all over the place.

The meeting heard that there was an increasing interest in rail travel and the Tarka Line between Barnstaple and Exeter recorded its best ever passenger in every month of last year.

Upgrades to the line to improve its resilience and increase the frequency of trains and numbers of carriages remains the number one priority of Railfutures work in North Devon.

READ NEXT: Bideford to Barnstaple railway line would have high value, says new report

Councillor Claire Hodson, who represents Westward Ho! said she was concerned about the cost being astronomical to reinstate the Bideford link as it would mean diverting pipework.

She highlighted the challenges of dealing with South West Water, which was already struggling to keep the books in order with all the issues with sewage overflows and water quality, and the Environment Agency regarding flood protection.

She said: These are two very key bodies that could influence your project. Personally the idea pootling along there on a train is wonderful but there are too many buts at the moment.

She said she had old film of her grandparents arriving in Bideford by steam train but said the romantic image was part of the towns history and she added: I dont know if its part of our future.

Cllr Huw Thomas for Bideford East said the beauty of the Tarka Trail was that it was a traffic free route and having a train alongside could spoil that.

He added that he could not see how it would work in the Instow area as it would mean shutting roads and trying to get permission from the Ministry of Defence.

Other councillors praised Mr Blake and Devon and Cornwall Railfuture branch chair Tim Steer for their work in getting the rail link project as far as the preliminary business case.

Torridge District Council is one body which has put cash into investigating the economic impacts of the line thus far.

Mr Blake said he did not know who had a pocket deep enough to fund the project at this stage but added that the Okehampton to Exeter line had proved that train travel was viable.

Passenger services resumed there in 2021 after a 50-year break and did not require public subsidy after just two years of operation as it was covering its operating costs.

He said: Okehamptons population is a third of the population of the greater Bideford area.

If this was a no hoper, we would have told you to keep your money in your pocket, there is a genuine sense of relief among more and more people that these challenges can be overcome.
How Israel Is Taking Control of Southern Lebanon

As fighting between Israel and Hezbollah reignited last month, Israel bombarded parts of Lebanon and sent thousands of ground forces into the country.

Now, Israel says it plans to seize control of Lebanese territory south of the Litani River, raising fears of a prolonged occupation and mass displacement.

Israel ordered residents of southern Lebanon to evacuate. Lebanon It has struck dozens of towns. Detail Litani River Tyre And destroyed key bridges. Med. Sea lebanon Israel Israel ordered residents of southern Lebanon to evacuate. Zahrani River Lebanon It has struck dozens of towns. Nabatieh Litani River Detail Khiam Tyre And destroyed key bridges. Taybeh Golan Heights Med. Sea LEBANON Maroun al-Ras Naqoura Israel Sea of Galilee Israel ordered residents of southern Lebanon to evacuate. Zahrani River Lebanon It has struck dozens of towns. Nabatieh Detail Litani River Khiam Tyre And destroyed key bridges. Taybeh Golan Heights Med. Sea LEBANON Maroun al-Ras Naqoura Israel Sea of Galilee Israel ordered residents of southern Lebanon to evacuate. Zahrani River Lebanon It has struck dozens of towns. Nabatieh Litani River Detail Khiam Tyre And destroyed key bridges. Taybeh Golan Heights Med. Sea LEBANON Maroun al-Ras Naqoura Israel

Few parts of southern Lebanon remain untouched by the war.

Entire villages have emptied after Israel issued sweeping evacuation warnings for nearly all of the south. Israeli airstrikes have destroyed homes, severed bridges and razed parts of towns. Israeli ground forces have advanced deeper into southern Lebanon, clashing with Hezbollah militants in the rugged, hilly terrain.

The war has brought intense uncertainty to the south, a predominantly Shiite Muslim area dominated by Hezbollah for decades.

This week, Israeli officials offered their most explicit plan to date to occupy a swath of southern Lebanon from the border up to the Litani River after the ground invasion ends. That would amount to about 10 percent of the entire country. Israeli officials have said they aim to establish a security zone to prevent the territory from being used to attack Israel.

The hundreds of thousands of displaced Lebanese who fled the south will not be allowed to return to their homes until the safety and security of northern Israeli residents is ensured, the defense minister, Israel Katz, said on Tuesday.

Lebanons government has condemned Israels military campaign and appealed to the international community to intervene. Last week, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam warned the U.N. secretary general, Antonio Guterres, about the risk of Israel annexing the territory south of the Litani River.

Razing border villages

Mr. Katz reiterated on Tuesday that Israels plan in southern Lebanon includes demolishing entire Lebanese towns on the border.

Many of Lebanons border villages were devastated in the previous escalation of fighting in 2024. At least six villages saw widespread destruction in that war. Israeli airstrikes that persisted after the cease-fire made it virtually impossible for residents to rebuild in those villages.

There was nothing to return to after the last war in 2024, said Alaa Suleiman, 40, who fled from his home Kfar Kila, a village along the border with Israel. Even when people tried to put up prefabricated houses, they were targeted by strikes. It meant we had no hope of ever returning.

Since the latest war broke out last month after Hezbollah fired rockets at Israel in solidarity with Tehran, Israel has appeared to accelerate its destruction of the border towns.

One video circulating on social media and verified by The New York Times shows several large simultaneous explosions on March 17 in Aita al-Shaab, which is about a mile from the border. Satellite images viewed by The Times from later that day confirmed the damage to the area. The town was already heavily hit in 2024.

@YinonMagal, via X

The destruction of communities along the border is part of a deliberate strategy by the Israeli military, according to Mr. Katz, who said that the practice of flattening homes in southern Lebanon is following the Rafah and Beit Hanoun model in Gaza. There, Israel used bulldozers and controlled demolitions to erase entire neighborhoods.

Bombing bridges

In March, the Israeli military demolished most of the key bridges across the Litani River, in what it said was an effort to prevent Hezbollah from moving reinforcements and combat equipment to southern Lebanon. The waterway, which is as much as 20 miles from the Israeli border at its furthest point, has long marked the dividing line between southern Lebanon and the rest of the country.

Much of the Litani River is situated at the base of a ravine, making the bridges critical  both for civilians still living in the south to leave as well as for medical supplies, food and other essentials to reach those who have remained.

Zrarieh Mazraat Doumiat Destroyed bridges Qasmiyeh Zaqiyeh Litani River Qantara Lebanon Detail Destroyed bridges Mazraat Doumiat Zrarieh Qasmiyeh Zaqiyeh Litani River Qantara Lebanon Detail 2 miles Mazraat Doumiat Lebanon Destroyed bridges Zrarieh Litani River Qasmiyeh Litani River Zaqiyeh 2 miles Qantara Tyre Mazraat Doumiat Lebanon Destroyed bridges Zrarieh Litani River Qasmiyeh Litani River Zaqiyeh 2 miles Qantara Tyre

By blowing up the major bridges connecting northern Lebanon to the south, Israel has forced civilian traffic onto a handful of smaller crossings. Should Israel target those crossings, southern Lebanon would be almost entirely severed from the north.

Israeli officials have not made clear whether the military will reach the river itself or only control it from afar, nor how long the military intends to stay there.

A video filmed by Reuters and verified by The Times shows several fiery explosions across a large bridge in Qasmiyeh, in the south of Lebanon. Dark clouds of smoke can be seen rising into the air, along with debris.

Reuters

Ground assault

After the previous war between Hezbollah and Israel ended in a cease-fire agreement in late 2024, the Israeli military occupied five outposts near the border inside Lebanon.

Since the start of a new war, Israel has sent in at least 5,000 ground troops, according to two Israeli officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to the media.

Satellite images analyzed by The Times showed Israeli vehicles in new military positions in four Lebanese towns near the Israeli border. As of late March, vehicles were not visible much deeper into Lebanese territory than where Israeli troops previously reached during the 2024 ground invasion.

In the border town of Khiam, images reveal razed areas and destroyed buildings in various parts of the town.

A mix of Merkava tanks and armored personnel carriers are visible in the images, said Jeremy Binnie, Middle East defense specialist at Janes, a London-based defense intelligence firm.

Feb. 15 KHIAM March 17 KHIAM Destroyed buildings Military vehicles Feb. 15 KHIAM Lebanon Detail March 17 KHIAM Destroyed buildings Military vehicles Feb. 15 KHIAM Lebanon Detail March 17 KHIAM Destroyed buildings Military vehicles Source: Satellite images via Airbus. The New York Times

News of the destruction in Khiam has stirred alarm among residents, nearly all of whom fled when the war broke out.

After the last war, we rebuilt our home. We said its over. And now its all being destroyed again, said Ali Akkar, 78, who was displaced from his home in Khiam. In the last war, we had some hope to return home. Now we have none.

Satellite imagery verified by The Times also suggests that there was an Israeli military presence at a hospital near Meiss al-Jabal, a town near the Israel-Lebanon border. Satellite imagery showed what appeared to be armored vehicles in various positions around the hospital complex.

MEISS AL JABAL Recently razed area Military vehicles Hospital Lebanon Detail MEISS AL JABAL Recently razed area Military vehicles Lebanon Hospital Detail Source: Satellite images via Airbus. The New York Times

While it has been possible to access satellite imagery from southern Lebanon, cloud coverage obscured the visibility of many areas after March 18, making more recent positions of Israeli forces in Lebanon harder to independently verify.

Targeting infrastructure

Israeli airstrikes have also hit homes, gas stations, money exchanges and other civilian infrastructure that the Israeli military says are being used by Hezbollah.

Israel struck in March at least four fuel stations run by the Al-Amana Petroleum Company, a major fuel distributor that was previously placed under U.S. sanctions for its alleged links to Hezbollah. Israeli officials say these stations are significant economic infrastructure for the group.

Video filmed by Agence France-Presse showed the damage to a gas station between the cities of Naqoura and Tyre, in southwest Lebanon. A sign hangs from the roof, which is partially damaged, and a large crater is visible on the pavement.

Agence France-Presse

While Israeli officials say the gas stations help fund Hezbollah, they have also benefited many Lebanese. At times, they have sold fuel at subsidized prices, making them a lifeline for poorer people as the war in Iran drives up fuel costs.

The devastation has anguished residents of the south who have fled and watched from afar as their towns and villages have been destroyed.

Theres so much more destruction, more fighting, the stakes of this war are much higher than the last one, said Hooda Rajab, 28, who was displaced from her home on the outskirts of Khiam. Now were asking: Will we ever be able to return home? Even if we can, will there be anything for us to return to?
On July 14 of last year, Angela Lipps was at her Tennessee home babysitting four children when armed police officers came and took her away at gunpoint. She was later booked as a fugitive in relation to a bank fraud investigation in North Dakota, over 1,000 miles away. The only problem was that Lipps had never been to North Dakota.

The grandmother of five told investigators that she had lived most of her life in north-central Tennessee and had never even been on a plane. Unfortunately, police in Fargo, North Dakota, had obtained a signed warrant for her arrest on multiple charges, including felony theft and felony unauthorised use of personal identifying information.

Angela Lipps later learned that she had been identified as a suspect in an organised bank fraud case. Investigators reviewing cases in April and May 2025, in which a woman used a fake US Army military ID to withdraw tens of thousands of dollars from banks, used facial recognition software on surveillance camera footage and identified the Tennessee grandmother as the main suspect.

The West Fargo Police Department told CNN that the AI facial recognition software they used in the investigation identified a potential suspect with similar features to Angela Lipps, and someone apparently thought that this was enough to have the woman arrested.

If the only thing you have is facial recognition, I might want to dig a little deeper, Angelas attorney told WDAY News.

After spending over three months in a Tennessee jail, at the end of October 2025, Angela Lipps was put on a plane and flown to North Dakota, where she was once again jailed simply because an AI recognition software decided her facial features, body type and hairstyle matched those of a crime suspect.

On December 23, the detective in the bank fraud case, the states attorney and the judge who had signed her arrest warrant mutually agreed to dismiss the charges without prejudice to allow for further investigation. At this point, Angela Lipps attorney had produced her bank records, which clearly showed that she had been about 1,200 miles away in Tennessee when the crimes were committed.

Angela was released from custody in North Dakota on Christmas Eve, without so much as an apology. She was left stranded in a place she didnt know, with no way of returning home. Her attorney helped cover a hotel room and food on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and a non-profit eventually helped fly her home.

Apart from the trauma and humiliation Angela Lipps had to endure throughout this six-month ordeal, the Tennessee woman also ended up losing her house and her pets, because she couldnt pay her bills. Her lawyers are currently exploring civil rights claims but have yet to file a lawsuit. As for Angela, shes just glad the nightmare is finally over.

Im just glad its over, she told WDAY. Ill never go back to North Dakota.
A MAN could be sent to prison if he continues to offend, Judge Catherine Ryan told Tullamore District Court.

Judge Ryan was commenting when Luke Kavanagh (55), St Louise's Park, Temple Road, Blackrock, Dublin appeared before her on a shoplifting charge.

Mr Kavanagh, who was prosecuted by Garda Christopher Ward, pleaded guilty to stealing 364.30 worth of groceries from Tesco, Cloncollig, Tullamore on May 31 last year.

Sergeant Richard Thornton said the accused had been identified on CCTV and the items he took had not been recovered.

Sergeant Thornton said Mr Kavanagh had 15 previous convictions, two of which were for theft.

READ NEXT: Offaly choir runner-up in prestigious Bohemia festival

Defending solicitor Patrick Martin said his client was not working at the time of the offence. A father of adult children, he also minded his mother and had brought 370 to court as compensation.

Mr Martin said a lot of Mr Kavanagh's previous convictions were for public order offences and his other convictions for theft arose from the same period when he was unemployed.

Judge Ryan remarked: Mr Ryan should know better at this stage. He's 55 and has 15 previous convictions.

She said he was running the risk of receiving a custodial sentence but noted he was paying 370 compensation.

The judge imposed a one-month sentence but suspended for two years, telling Mr Kavanagh he would have to keep his face clean for that period.
Fianna Fail TD for North Tipperary and Northwest Kilkenny, Ryan OMeara has called for immediate government action to tackle the rising costs affecting farmers.

The Tipperary TD contacted the Taoiseach, Tanaiste, Minister for Agriculture and Minister for Public Expenditure highlighting his concerns in relation to the unsustainable price hikes of green diesel since the outbreak of war in Iran.

Speaking on this today, Deputy OMeara said: I have written to the Taoiseach, Tanaiste, Minister for Agriculture and Minister for Public Expenditure to request urgent action to assist the farming community and agricultural contractors. The price of green diesel has skyrocketed since the war in Iran broke out.

The current prices facing farmers and contractors are unsustainable. Tillage farmers are being hammered with prices and as we face into silage season, contractors will have no option but to considerably increase their prices charged to farmers.

"On an individual farm level, I am being contacted by farming families on a daily basis who simply let the numbers speak for themselves. It is blatantly unsustainable at the moment.

SEE NEXT - PICTURES: Roscrea's schoolchildren celebrate their Confirmation

I have asked senior government members to take urgent, targeted action. This is about financial viability of farming operations this year as farmers simultaneously face rising input costs and falling beef and milk prices. Action is needed now to have any chance of offsetting a knock-on price increase to consumers.

I fully acknowledge the measures taken to date by government for consumers, and the reality is that no government can fully protect the public from the impacts the war in Iran is having on global markets, but it is particularly damaging to the farming sector at the moment and this must be addressed, Deputy O'Meara said.


I don't need conversion therapy! I need my rights!

(Image by ninachildish from flickr) Details DMCA



On March 31, the US Supreme Court handed down its ruling in Chiles v. Salazar, a Colorado case centering on the practice of "conversion therapy" for minors.

The court ruled correctly, by eight votes to one, with only associate justice Ketanji Brown Jackson dissenting, on the main issue in dispute: The free speech rights of Kaley Chiles.

Chiles is a "licensed professional counselor" who uses "talk therapy" to -- in accordance with her belief in a version of Christian dogma -- assist non-heterosexual clients who want to become heterosexual (or maybe, if the client is a minor, whose parents want a heterosexual, rather than non-heterosexual, child).

BECAUSE Chiles engages only in "talk therapy" rather than, say, electroconvulsive therapy, drug therapy, aversion/punishment therapy, etc., she's clearly engaged in conduct that's protected by the First Amendment. The state of Colorado doesn't get to decide what people believe or want and whether they're allowed to talk about it with each other.

As it happens, I'm extremely skeptical of "conversion therapy." So far as I can tell, sexual orientation isn't something that can be consciously/intentionally altered using talk or any other kind of "therapy."

Nor, for that matter, is it a "medical condition" at all. It doesn't need to be "treated." It's just a characteristic (and perhaps an evolving, rather than static/permanent characteristic) that people discover in themselves.

But that doesn't mean people shouldn't be able to think or say otherwise, or to attempt to "convert" consenting others through speech.

Note the qualifier: "Consenting."

When a news story mentioned that Jackson's dissent brings up consent, I was hoping for a thoughtful analysis of what constitutes consent and whose consent should be required for "conversion therapy."

Unfortunately, the "consent" hooks in Jackson's opinion are just about "informed" consent -- whether "conversion therapy" practitioners adequately warn "patients" of possible risks. And she seems to be fully on board with the idea that the state, rather than patients, should get to decide what constitutes "treatment" (for anything), who may provide that "treatment," etc.

The question of "patient consent" versus "parental consent" doesn't seem to show up at all in the justices' opinions.

As both a legal matter and cultural norm, it's understood that parents and guardians have broad authority to make medical decisions for children ... but there are limits.

I suspect that most people (me included) would oppose a claimed right of parents to "consent" to, say, "sex reassignment" surgery, cosmetic breast implants/reductions, etc., "for" their minor child over that child's opposition and stated non-consent.

If "conversion therapy" really is "therapy," it should be held to the same consent standard. Kaley Chiles should only be talking to "patients" who have consented for themselves, not "patients" whose parents force her on them.

If you disagree, let's apply your disagreement to a flip-side analogous situation:

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CLICK TO VIEW THE BIBI FILES CLIPS



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CLICK TO VIEW THE BIBI FILES CLIPS

Thrusting an explosive policy already openly admitted to by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as far back as 2019, conservative commentator Tucker Carlson has escalated his feud with Netanyahu by partnering his far-reaching platform The Tucker Carlson Network with documentary-maker Alexis Bloom's "The Bibi Files."

The film has been banned in Israel.

MSN reported on March 28, 20206: "Did Benjamin Netanyahu fund Hamas? The Bibi Files goes viral as interrogation footage and Gaza funding claims resurface amid Israel-Palestine war"

Although the film's long cast of ex-highly-placed officials within the Israeli government, including a prime minister and a former head of the Israeli intelligence services Shin Bet, explain at length the many financial corruption charges currently being investigated, the most explosive charges are those which Netanyahu does not deny: that he and his administration has long been supporting the very terrorist organization which Netanyahu routinely waves around as the reason for what the UN has called genocide in Gaza.

At a Likud party conference in 2019, Netanyahu said:

"Anyone who wants to thwart the establishment of a Palestinian state has to support bolstering Hamas and transferring money to Hamas --

Ami Ayalon, former head of the Shin Bet Israeli secret services described Netanyahu's stated reason for his massive support of Hamas, that it gave him leverage over the group so that he could "control the flames," as "nonsense."

Ayalon says in the film:

"It's nonsense. He cannot control the flames."

In 2018 Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman resigned over Netanyahu's policy of supporting and even protecting Hamas, even as he used the existence of Hamas as justification for continuing bombing strikes on Gaza which to date has killed tens of thousands of civilians, including large numbers of children.

As reported in the Jerusalem Post in 2025, Liberman said in August of that year:

"Between 2016-2018, Netanyahu often ignored my warnings as defense minister. On December 21, 2016, I delivered him a detailed document in which I demanded a preemptive strike against the terror organization. I explicitly warned about Hamas's intention to infiltrate Israeli territory with Nukhba forces, to seize communities, take hostages, and shake Israeli society."

Liberman said that "time after time," Netanyahu prevented targeted strikes against Hamas leaders.

He said that Netanyahu literally "nurtured" Hamas.

Yet at the same time, Netanyahu is always quick to raise the specter of Hamas in answer to any attacks on himself or his policies. In a heated exchange with Tucker Carlso n in September 2025, Netanyahu again waved the Hamas bogeyman.

He said:

"Who is Tucker Carlson defending? These are people who chant 'Death to America.' They're after you. They want to destroy everything that America stands for."

By his support for Hamas, which in The Bibi Files is placed at over $1 billion total in installments of suitcases stuffed with $35 million every month, Netanyahu has been accused of directly enabling the October 7 attacks in Israel.

On March 4, 2025 in "Netanyahu's funding for Hamas via Qatar enabled October 7 invasion, Shin Bet reveals", The Jerusalem Post reported:

-- policies carried out under Netanyahu that the agency flagged as problematic and as contributions to Hamas's decision to invade were his facilitation of Qatari funding to Hamas--

Unreported by the major media, in 2025 an elite Golani Brigade IDF soldier Sgt. Shalom Sheetrit said before a committee of the Israeli Knesset that he suspected a "stand-down" order from on-high in the Israeli command had been given that day, which allowed the Hamas attackers to infiltrate the most heavily surveillanced and defended border in the world, between Gaza and Israel.

Sgt. Sheetrit said before the Knesset committee:

"We were playing on the phone [at 5:20 a.m.] and suddenly a strange message comes from my battalion commander"And what he says on the call is something like this: 'I don't know why, but an order was issued that there are no patrols at the fence until nine in the morning".

And Tomer gives us this look like,. What? You know, we're simple soldiers, just combatants. we're infantry, not commanders or officers who can ask questions, right? It's an order from the deputy battalion commander. we take the order and and don't ask questions "and sure enough exactly an hour later suddenly sirens".

" it's very important that there is an unequivocal answer here. And whoever needs to pay the price, you pay so many murdered, kidnapped," For very little things we would jump to the fence, for every little thing."

The testimonies in The Bibi Files, by persons at the highest levels of the Israeli government, lend credence to those who say that Netanyahu is playing both sides, and is supporting terrorism for an excuse to brutally bomb, starve, and exterminate civilian populations standing in the way of Israeli expansion beyond it present borders, which the Israeli right-wing has made no secret of desiring.

Below: Shalom Sheetrit: IDF Soldier Testifies to Knesset That His Unit Was Given "Strange" Order on 10/7 to cancel critical fence patrol. Includes audiotape of direct order.

-- --

Full documentary The Bibi Files

Cast of Principle Interviewees, The Bibi Files

Ehud Olmert, former Prime Minister of Israel

Ami Ayalon, former member of Knesset, former head of Shin Bet, the Israeli secret service

Nimrod Novik, former advisor to Prime Minister Shimon Peres

Arnon Milchan, Israeli billionaire, long-time personal friend of Netanyahu, former Israeli intelligence operative

Nir Hefetz, former media spokesman for Netanyahu

Sami Abu Shehadeh, former member of the Knesset

Raviv Drucker, Israeli journalist

Dr. Uzi Beller, long-time childhood friend of Netanyahu
By Robert Weiner and Lily Roberti

Originally published in the Palm Beach Post.

Royal Palm Beach High School was "ground zero," according to reporting in the Post and elsewhere for Jeffrey Epstein recruiting young victims like 16-year-old Michelle Licata and even allegedly paying them off.

Justice is yet to be served, and a vital question fails to be asked: Why are elected officials like [former U.S. Rep.] Marjorie Taylor Greene not doing what they promised and naming perpetrators? How was she seemingly scared away from "hurting" Trump's "friends" after just being so dedicated to the cause?

Members of Congress must protect and serve the survivors from Palm Beach County and elsewhere by exposing Epstein perpetrators on the floor of the House, as they pledged and as congressional privilege allows.

Alex Acosta, former U.S. attorney for the southern district of Florida, oversaw the 2008 investigation that resulted in a non-prosecution agreement. After granting immunity to both Epstein and potential co-conspirators, Acosta was promoted by President Trump to U.S. Secretary of Labor in 2017- coincidence?

This plea deal gave no justice to Palm Beach County survivors; Acosta even failed to inform them of its establishment in the first place. Eventually, a 2020 DOJ report determined that he used "poor judgement," in doing so, creating a "misimpression that the Department intentionally sought to silence the victims."

Is it truly a misimpression when these crimes remain unredressed so many years later? "I am not afraid to name names," Greene said six months ago. "I will walk in that Capitol on the House floor, and I'll say every damn name that abused these women. I can do that for them."

But Greene didn't follow through. Though her rhetoric has been applauded by some victims, her lack of action, even armed with protected speech under the Constitution's Speech and Debate Clause, speaks louder.

Greene reported that, on her last call to Trump following their falling out, he said to her, "My friends will get hurt," as a reason against releasing the files. Why did this statement not drive Greene further to expose those names as soon as possible? That should not have been a motive to cave, but to act.

So what are these officials doing now? Every congressmember has the right to give a one-minute speech on the House floor at the start or end of every session. Why can't Republicans Lauren Boebert, Thomas Massie, Nancy Mace or Democrat Ro Khanna expose the Epstein perpetrators?

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi has refused to investigate anything and kept disgracefully silent. South Florida knows that Trump's foundation gave $25,000 to a PAC supporting her re-election, on which he was forced to pay a fine after the IRS determined it a violation. Victims deserve better from the systems supposedly designed to protect them.

The primary reason that victims are afraid to come forward is fear of retaliation. Nearly Epstein's entire network allegedly consisted of powerful figures, increasing this perceived risk to an unimaginable degree. Virginia Guiffre is one notable victim who decided to speak publicly and later took her own life. Her family's statement read, "In the end, the toll of abuse is so heavy that it became unbearable for Virginia to handle its weight."

The fault of not speaking out does not belong to the victims. Of course it belongs to the perpetrators- but it also belongs to the people elected to protect and serve our citizens. More attention must be brought to the stories of congressmembers who promised specifically to help, have not done it concretely, and still can.

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Despite some trees in bloom, it was a cold day in the Bronx on Saturday, March 28. That didn't deter a crowd of over 400 people from turning out for the Bronx No Kings Day. The gathering was held at Lou Gehrig Plaza, directly across from the courthouse and a 3-minute walk from Yankee Stadium. I could see the street sign for the Grand Concourse, where my mother grew up.

I arrived early. The House of Jax, a well-known Bronx DJ operation, was getting the sound system and vibe in order. The event was organized by NW Bronx Indivisible, which handled logistics and curated a lineup of speakers featuring the district's top elected officials and community activists. Co-sponsors included the Working Families Power, New York Progressive Action Network (NYPAN), NYCD16/15 (Full disclosure: I am a member), and two Bronx Democratic political clubs.

Surveying the area, I noticed a table with printed materials set up at the bottom of the plaza. It featured information on Jose Vega, a two-time challenger to incumbent Congressman Ritchie Torres. The campaign coordinator informed me that even if Vega lost the primary, he would be "running as an independent."

Midway to the speakers' platform and off to the side, Bernadette Forward was creating "balloon crowns," which I later saw atop the heads of both children and adults. Forward said, "Power to the people! No Kings!" Then she added, "We need to bring some joy. Joy is a form of resistance."

Extreme concern about the diminishment of citizens' rights was expressed by everyone I interviewed. The war in Iran, the desire to be physically present as part of a larger community, and meeting others pushing back against the Trump regime were repeatedly invoked.

Gay Rosenblum-Kumar told me, "I'm distraught about what Trump is doing here and around the world. He's totally broken the Constitution. I'm here to be part of the resistance."

Health rights advocate and an organizer of the day's rally, Helen Krim, said, "We chose this site because of the importance of the Grand Concourse in the history of the Bronx and the importance of the Bronx County Courthouse as a symbol of the rule of law in the Bronx."

That exact sentiment was echoed by Donna LeBron, a Kingsbridge resident. She said, "It's horrible that the rule of law is not being adhered to by parts of the government and that people are suffering." Also expressed was the need for "affordable housing," "ICE Out," and disgust with a war that has not been approved by Congress.

Signs encompassed the messages, "Thank you, Minnesota, for Your Courage," "Stop Fascism," and "No Police State!" One canine in attendance sported the placard, "Dogs for Democracy."

Yellow-vested safety marshals and orange-vested organizers were on hand to ensure everything proceeded smoothly. There were plenty of relaxed beat cops on the sidelines.

Promptly at 2:30 p.m., the House of Jax announced, "Put your hands in the air! Show them how we do it in the Bronx! Who's ready to get this started?"

The program began, led by Melissa Martinez and Ramdat Singh. Passing cars honked horns in support. Martinez announced, "Power belongs to the people." Roberta Todd, a vice president of Our Bronx and a leader in the North West Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition, led a moment of silence, flanked by clergy from various denominations. She asked for "prayers for those in the world harmed by the actions of the U.S. government." Todd concluded with a recitation of the word "peace" in different languages.

Borough President Vanessa Gibson was first up. "Thanks for standing in unity. We deserve to live in a democracy. We stand against ICE." The crowd cheered in response. She continued, "There are attacks on safety nets that the Bronx depends on. The Bronx is filled with fighters." She ended with, "We are together in this work."

Continuing the call for action, Councilwoman Althea Stevens declared, "I stand here today grounded in those who came before me. There are no kings in this country. We demand our voices to be heard." She referenced the fight for freedom dating back to the era of slavery. Reflecting on how most voters presumed they wouldn't be impacted by the Trump regime, Stevens pointed out, "Too many people were comfortable saying, 'It's not going to be me.' "

Eme'rita Torres, Assemblywoman for the 85th A.D. in the South Bronx, decisively verbalized her take. "Our democracy runs on accountability, not Trump's ego." Torres recounted her career background, which included ten years in the U.S. State Department and several tours of diplomatic service. She discussed how tariffs and trade policy impact all Americans and become a "local issue." Her evaluation of Trump's handling of these matters was, "He runs it like a reality show." On Trump's Iran debacle, Torres said, "War has to be a last resort."

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Ban can ang nhap e thuc hien chuc nang nay!
TrineDay's Valediction RoundTables explores the trinity of JFK's vision for peace, Henry George's Economics of Peace, and the nonviolent movement of Afghan leader Bhadshah Khan through the Fitzgerald legacy. Since 2021, our discussions have traced centuries of imperialism and ritual power while exploring the path toward sovereignty and peace. Now, as we reach a turning point, a final idea comes into focus: it is not only peace we must build-- but friendship.

We ground this realization in lived experience through the voice of Mir Rahimi. Born into relentless war in Afghanistan and now living in Britain, his memoir Across Mountains, Land and Sea reveals that true peace is not forged through ideology or domination, but through the preservation of our shared humanity. His journey affirms what we have been uncovering all along-- that breaking the cycle of violence begins within.

As we reflect on the lives and sacrifices of JFK, RFK, Malcolm X, and Martin Luther King Jr., we are reminded that those who move toward peace, justice, and human unity have often been met with powerful resistance-- yet their transformations of conscience and courage continue to light a path forward through the darkness.

Mir's vision of peace; combined with the trinity of JFK's Peace Plan, Henry George's economics of peace and Bhadshah Khan's nonviolent movement converge here-- aligned, enduring, and moving forward together. In this RoundTable, we open the big tent welcoming all who are ready to step beyond conflict and into a future grounded in peace and friendship.

-RSVP for this ZOOM event on April 15, 2026 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm EST HERE



Explore the trinity of JFK's vision for peace, Henry George's Economics of Peace, and the nonviolent movement of Afghan leader Bhadshah Khan

(Image by Trineday Publisher Kris Millegan) Details DMCA



Kris Millegan, TrineDay Publisher, host Adam Finnegan, moderator

Paul Fitzgerald and Elizabeth Gould - co-authors of VALEDICTION: Three Nights of Desmond and VALEDICTION: Resurrection and source for the RoundTable Series

Alanna Hartzok- Earth Rights, Sacred Economics expert, Hot Tips host about Georgist wins and author of The Earth Belongs to Everyone. It can be read HERE.

REVIEW

-RT 49: Teachings from Afghanistan on War and Peace -- Our Past Looking Towards the Future. View the 1 hour 30 minutes video HERE.

-Mir Rahimi Peace Speech introduced by Elizabeth Gould from RT 49: Teachings from Afghanistan. View the video HERE.

-How Paul and Liz discovered JFK's Warrior of Peace Mission: THE CASE OF JFK AND THE FITZGERALDS can be read HERE
Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator

The Gulf countries are suffering in the current war on Iran. The security situation has become so dire that leaks have surfaced of Gulf officials pondering military action against Iran.

How can a region full of military bases, personnel and hardware, manned by the military might of America be so vulnerable to attacks?

From October 2024, and through 2025, the U.S. began actively redeploying air defense systems, specifically the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) and Patriot batteries, from Gulf nations to Israel following the escalation between Israel and Iran.

In October 2024, President Biden ordered a THAAD battery and its crew to be moved to Israel to bolster its defenses.

By August 2025, the U.S. had redeployed a THAAD battery previously stationed in Abu Dhabi (UAE) to Israel to support their missile shield against Iranian threats.

This relocation represented a major strategic shift, leading to complaints from regional allies, such as Saudi Arabia, that the U.S. was prioritizing Israeli security over Gulf state defenses.

The U.S. had previously withdrawn Patriot systems from Saudi Arabia in 2021 before moving to replenish them in 2022, only for regional focus to shift back to Israel in 2024/2025.

In August 2025, Israel hosted up to six THAAD batteries drawn from the American global pool, marking a concentration of U.S. air defenses in Israel amid dwindling U.S. interceptor supplies.

In July 2025, the U.S. asked Saudi Arabia to send its missile interceptors to Israel during the conflict with Iran.

In August 2025, a Saudi official said, "US abandoned us and redirected its air defense to protect Israel." The move left all the Gulf states that host American bases at risk.

As early as 1991, U.S. military personnel have operated the Patriot air defense system in Israel.

Saudi Arabia spends a great deal on defense and has not yet developed a domestic production. The Kingdom buys most of its defense materials from the U.S. in an agreement where Saudi petrodollars are forced into the American economy buying inferiorly made weapons, but at top prices.

Saudi Arabia avoids purchasing major Russian air defense systems (like the S-400) to prevent U.S. sanctions under CAATSA, avoid damaging their strategic military alliance with Washington, and to ensure defense systems are interoperable with existing Western technologies.

Several Gulf countries, particularly those that normalized relations through the Abraham Accords, purchase defense materials from Israel. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a key partner, having signed a $2.3 billion deal for Israeli Elbit Systems defense tech and engaging in joint, localized military production

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) fields batteries of two different Israeli and one South Korean medium-range SAM systems.

U.S. bases don't protect the Gulf

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Millions of righteous Americans were appalled and disgusted by Donald Trump's public celebration of Robert Mueller's death. Trump callously proclaimed "Good, I'm glad he's dead."

Mueller was an honorable man who served his country with valor and integrity. As a decorated Vietnam veteran, he was awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart for leading his Marine platoon into combat. He received many other commendations. Bone spurs would not have deterred him from serving his Country.

After the war, he devoted most of his career to public service, spending many years as an US attorney and eventually leading the most important law enforcement agency in our country, the FBI. And he was a registered Republican. He was not the Ayatollah.

Every politician has foes and criticisms are exchanged, but that does not provide license to rudely and callously celebrate their death. Also, Trump's comment is a stain on our Democracy, both here and abroad. And what kind of example does that set for our youth, especially those who aspire to serve our Country? Then try to imagine the horrible hurt inflicted on the grieving Mueller family after hearing Trump's insensitive and despicable comment.

Moral leadership is essential to our democracy and crosses the political divide. Politicians of all stripes should adhere to the highest standards of respectful rhetoric, even to their opponents. When a political figure, especially Trump, harbors such hateful animus towards a political opponent who dies, the least they can do is to keep his mouth shut.

This is not the time to sit back idly and simply let this incident fade into our memory. Every American, especially our politicians, should strongly condemn this type of disgraceful political rhetoric. Our Country deserves better.


Martha Argerich

Martha Argerich is one of the most celebrated classical pianists of the 20th and 21st centuries, known for her electrifying technique, emotional intensity, and spontaneity.

Quick Facts

Born: June 5, 1941, in Buenos Aires

Nationality: Argentine (later also Swiss citizenship)

Profession: Concert pianist

Genres: Classical (especially Romantic and 20th-century repertoire)

Why shes famous

Rose to global fame after winning the prestigious International Chopin Piano Competition in 1965

Renowned for interpretations of composers like: Frederic Chopin Sergei Prokofiev Maurice Ravel Franz Liszt



Style & reputation

Argerich is often described as:

Fiery and unpredictable in performance

A master of technical brilliance and deep musicality

Particularly admired for her live performances , which can feel spontaneous and intensely expressive

Collaborations

She frequently performs chamber music and has worked with artists like:

Daniel Barenboim

Claudio Abbado

Signature recordings

Some standout recordings include:

Prokofiev Piano Concerto No. 3

Ravels Gaspard de la nuit

Gaspard de la nuit Chopin Preludes

If you want, I can recommend her best recordings to start withor compare her to other pianists like Vladimir Horowitz or Krystian Zimerman .

Please

ChatGPT said:

Greatheres a curated starting guide to listening to Martha Argerich , whether you want fireworks, poetry, or something in between.

Essential Martha Argerich Listening Guide

1. If you want pure virtuoso power

Prokofiev  Piano Concerto No. 3

Composer: Sergei Prokofiev

Why listen: This is the Argerich showpiecefast, explosive, razor-sharp.

the Best version: With Claudio Abbado conducting

What to notice: Her precision at insane speeds + playful sarcasm in the music

If you only hear one Argerich recording, make it this.

2. If you want color and atmosphere

Ravel  Gaspard de la nuit

Composer: Maurice Ravel

Why listen: Dark, shimmering, almost supernatural music

Highlight: Scarbo (a famously difficult piece)

What to notice: Her control of tonewhispers to thunder instantly

? 3. If you want emotional depth

Chopin  Preludes (Op. 28)

Composer: Frederic Chopin

Why listen: Short pieces, each like a miniature emotional world

What to notice: She avoids sentimentalityeverything feels alive, not overly polished

4. If you want intensity + drama

Liszt  Piano Sonata in B minor

Composer: Franz Liszt

Why listen: One long, epic, almost symphonic work

What to notice: Her storytellingshe makes the structure feel inevitable

5. If you want chamber music magic

Tchaikovsky / Rachmaninoff Trios

With collaborators like Gidon Kremer

Why listen: Argerich thrives in collaborationless ego, more conversation

What to notice: Her responsiveness to other musicians

6. If you want something more lyrical

Schumann  Piano Concerto in A minor

Composer: Robert Schumann

Why listen: Romantic, tender, but still passionate

What to notice: The balance between delicacy and surging energy

How to approach her playing

Dont expect perfect polishexpect risk-taking

She often plays like its happening for the first time

for the first time Live recordings are often even better than studio ones

If you tell me your taste (more dramatic? calm? modern?), I can narrow this down to just 23 recordings that will hook you instantly.

Calm

ChatGPT said:

Got itArgerich isnt usually labeled calm, but she does have a more intimate, lyrical side. Here are the best calm / reflective entries into Martha Argerich :

Best Calm Martha Argerich Recordings

1. Chopin  Preludes (Op. 28)

Composer: Frederic Chopin

Mood: Gentle, introspective, sometimes melancholic

Why this works: Many pieces are short, soft, and poetic

Start with:

Prelude No. 4 (slow, mournful)

Prelude No. 15 Raindrop (meditative, flowing)

This is the closest thing to consistently calm Argerich

2. Schumann  Kinderszenen

Composer: Robert Schumann

Mood: Dreamy, nostalgic, childlike

Highlight: Traumerei (one of the most peaceful pieces ever written)

Why listen: She plays it simplyno excess drama, just warmth

3. Debussy  Selected Piano Works

Composer: Claude Debussy

Mood: Floating, impressionistic, soft textures

Look for pieces like:

Clair de Lune

Images

Why it works: Her touch becomes lighter, almost weightless

4. Chamber Music (very recommended)

Argerich is often most calm when playing with others.

Example:

Beethoven Violin Sonatas

With: Gidon Kremer

Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven

Mood: Conversational, balanced, less intense than solo showpieces

5. Mozart  Piano Concertos

Composer: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Mood: Clear, elegant, serene

Why listen: Even Argerich has to relax with Mozartand it brings out her softer phrasing

If you want the perfect calm starting point

Start here:

Chopin  Prelude No. 4 Schumann  Traumerei Debussy  Clair de Lune

That sequence gives you quiet  warmth  floating atmosphere.

?
Roope Tarmi Does the Double, Claiming 10,000 Super High Roller Title and 79,945

Stewart Morrison Live Reporter Copy link

When the 2026 Irish Open schedule was released, two events caught the eye of Roope Tarmi, and, having won the 5,000 High Roller yesterday, the Finnish pro returned to the Royal Dublin Society today and added the 10,000 Super High Roller trophy to his collection.

"I'm feeling very good, I won the 5,000 High Roller, and met a couple of friends for some beers, then late registered into this, and bagged the chip lead", Tarmi told PokerNews, and with that chip lead, he never looked back.

Sponsored by PokerStars and Paddy Power Poker, the tournament generated a prize pool of 130,000, with payouts for the top two finishers. When the dust settled, Tarmi had outlasted the 13-strong field, taking home 79,945, whilst Netherlands high roller, Joris Ruijs, had to settle for second place and 43,000.

10,000 Super High Roller Results

Place Player Country Prize 1 Roope Tarmi Finland 79,945 2 Joris Ruijs Netherlands 43,000

Winner's Reaction

"Today I didn't lose any all-ins, so that made it a bit easier", was Tarmi's overall analysis.

"It didn't look that well at one point", he continued, "I lost some chips to Joris, and he was to my left with a big stack, but I managed to win some pots, and he lost some pots, so I had the chip lead when the bubble started".

This victory will also serve to move Tarmi up the all-time money list for Finland, which wasn't lost on him.

"I have a couple of buddies that I want to stay ahead of, I passed them [on the list] in Paris, but now they are further behind, which is good".

Roope Tarmi

Final Day Action

When the eight returning players took their seats for Day 2, they were joined by three late registrants, bringing the field to 11.

The action got underway immediately, with Marty Smyth and Richard Koppel both exiting early to set the final table.

A further flurry of eliminations followed, as Andrew Hulme, Ranno Sootla, Parker Talbot and Conor Bergin all fell in quick succession. However, once Mathew Frankland exited in fifth place, the pace of play began to slow.

Each of the remaining four players held the chip lead at various stages during four-handed play, but it was Jonathan Proudfoot who eventually bowed out next. After moving all in over a button raise from eventual winner Tarmi, Proudfoot was unable to improve, his elimination leaving the tournament on the direct bubble.

Kenneth Broad

Three-handed play lasted just a few hands, as Kenneth Broad took the opportunity to move all in over a button raise from Ruijs, but ran straight into pocket kings. There was no help to be found for the Englishman, who had the misfortune of becoming the tournament bubble boy.

Heads-Up Play

Once the two remaining players got themselves comfortable at the table, heads-up play began with relatively even stacks, but within half an hour, Tarmi had collected all the chips.

After a few hands, it was Ruijs who had pulled ahead, but when Tarmi forced his opponent off the pot after triple-barrelling his whole stack into the middle, parity was restored.

Joris Ruijs

Then came the crucial pot. Just 20 minutes into heads-up play, Tarmi and Ruijs played a five-bet all-in pot preflop, for almost all the chips in play. Tarmi held pocket tens, and Ruijs had ace-king. There was no help to be found for Ruijs, who was left with fewer than 10 big blinds.

The very next shuffle, Tarmi sealed the deal.

After Ruijs limped in on the button, Tarmi opted to check his option, taking them to a flop. Seeing a ten-high board, the players maneuvered their stacks into the middle, only for Tarmi to reveal he had checked back pocket aces in the big blind. Once again, help was unforthcoming for Ruijs, who had flopped top pair, and Tarmi was crowned champion.

Roope Tarmi

"I'm thinking I will have a few beers and play the main event tomorrow" were Tarmi's parting thoughts.

That concludes PokerNews coverage of the 10,000 Super High Roller. Full attention now turns to the 2026 Irish Open Main Event, with live updates continuing from the Royal Dublin Society.

Share this article
With both the 5,000 High Roller and the 10,000 Super High Roller titles already under his belt this week, Roope Tarmi has taken his seat in the Main Event. The Finnish pro is looking to win an unprecedented third trophy at the 2026 Irish Open.

Click the link below to find out how he did it.
Aiken, SC (29801)

Today

Partly cloudy skies early then becoming cloudy with periods of rain late. Low 59F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies early then becoming cloudy with periods of rain late. Low 59F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%.
Maddy Quon covers Charleston County for The Post and Courier. Most recently from Tokyo, Japan, Maddy graduated from the University of Mississippi where she studied journalism.
News / National

by Staff reporter

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has left Accra for Harare following a productive three-day State visit to Ghana aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations.Before his departure, President Mnangagwa toured the Sweden Medical Centre, a specialised facility focusing on cancer treatment, highlighting the importance of enhanced cooperation in the health sector.The visit culminated in the signing of ten Memoranda of Understanding covering key areas such as tourism, health, agriculture, education, and waste management. President Mnangagwa called for the full implementation of the agreements to ensure tangible benefits for both countries.At the Accra International Airport, the Zimbabwean leader was seen off by John Mahama, along with senior Ghanaian government officials, Zimbabwe's Ambassador to Ghana Kufa Chinoza, and embassy staff.The State visit is expected to further strengthen ties between Zimbabwe and Ghana, paving the way for deeper cooperation and increased collaboration across multiple sectors.
Columbia, SC (29201)

Today

Partly cloudy skies this evening will give way to cloudy skies and rain overnight. Low near 60F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies this evening will give way to cloudy skies and rain overnight. Low near 60F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%.
Columbia, SC (29201)

Today

Periods of rain. High near 75F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

Cloudy with rain developing after midnight. Low 61F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch.
Editor

Ralph Mancini is an award-winning editor whos been employed by the Post and Courier since 2022. Previously, Mancini served in a variety of newspaper roles in New York City, Washington State and North Dakota.
Dating back nearly a century, the Kozy Korner building finds itself at the crossroads of progress and preservation  and at the center of a heated political debate.
G.E. Hinson is the local editor of The Post and Courier Pee Dee. Born and raised in the Palmetto State, Hinson graduated from the University of South Carolina.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Sonja Louise Madzikanda has approached the High Court of South Africa Gauteng Division Pretoria seeking an urgent order to ground a luxury jet linked to her estranged husband, Wicknell Munodaani Chivayo, as their divorce battle intensifies.The application, filed on January 20, 2026, forms part of a broader legal dispute between the couple, with Madzikanda pursuing a share of what she describes as joint matrimonial assets while divorce proceedings remain pending before the Harare High Court.Court documents show that Madzikanda is seeking to block Chivayo from dealing with key assets, arguing there is a risk they could be dissipated before the divorce is finalised.In her draft order, she wants Chivayo to be "interdicted, restrained and prohibited from dissipating or concealing the joint assets or acting in any manner that depletes, diminishes or reduces the value of the assets."The contested estate includes funds held in multiple companies, luxury vehicles, and an upmarket property in Sandton, Gauteng.At the centre of the application is a Bombardier Challenger 300 private jet, which Madzikanda wants immobilised. The order seeks to compel aviation authorities to "restrain, prohibit and interdict the further movement of that aeroplane" upon its arrival at any airport under their jurisdiction.Madzikanda is also targeting financial institutions and regulatory bodies, requesting that they block any withdrawals, transfers, or ownership changes linked to the assets in question. The proposed order would prevent transactions that could reduce bank balances or alter property titles associated with Chivayo or his companies.The South African case runs parallel to an acrimonious divorce matter before the Harare High Court under case number HCHF 62/26, as well as a separate custody dispute, underscoring the deepening rift between the estranged couple.Madzikanda maintains she is entitled to a substantial share of the matrimonial estate, with her latest legal move signalling an aggressive push to secure control over high-value assetsplacing the luxury jet at the centre of the escalating cross-border legal battle.
PR-Inside.com: 2026-04-03 03:50:10

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NEW YORK CITY, NY AND NEW ORLEANS, LA / ACCESS Newswire / April 2, 2026 /Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors with substantial losses that they have untilMay 1, 2026to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Apollo Global Management, Inc. (NYSE:APO) ("Apollo" or the "Company"), if they purchased or otherwise acquired the Company's securities between May 10, 2021 and February 21, 2026, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.What You May DoIf you purchased securities of Apollo and would like to discuss your legal rights and how this case might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email ( lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com) , or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-apo/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court byMay 1, 2026 .About the LawsuitApollo and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.The alleged false and misleading statements and omissions include, but are not limited to, that: (i) the Company's leadership figures, including defendants Marc Rowan and Leon Black, frequently communicated with Jeffrey Epstein in the 2010s regarding the Company's business; (ii) as a result, the Company's assertion that Apollo Global had never done business with Jeffrey Epstein was untrue; (iii) because of the entanglement between Apollo Global's leaders and Jeffrey Epstein, the harm to the Company's reputation was more than a mere possibility; and (iv) as a result, the Company's statements about its business, operations, and prospects, were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all times.The case is Feldman v. Apollo Global Management, Inc., et al., Case No. 26-cv-01692.About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCKSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. This past year, KSF was ranked by SCAS among the top 10 firms nationally based upon total settlement value. KSF serves a variety of clients, including public and private institutional investors, and retail investors - in seeking recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, Delaware, California, Louisiana, Chicago, and a representative office in Luxembourg.TOP 10 Plaintiff Law Firms - According to ISS Securities Class Action ServicesTo learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com Contact:Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCLewis Kahn, Managing Partnerlewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com1-877-515-18501100 Poydras St., Suite 960New Orleans, LA 70163CONNECT WITH US: Facebook || Instagram || YouTube || TikTok || LinkedInSOURCE: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC
Habitat for Humanity Asia-Pacific joins global 'Let's Open the Door' campaign to spotlight housing need

PR-Inside.com: 2026-04-03 13:35:19

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MANILA, Apr 2, 2026 - (ACN Newswire) - A home is the foundation on which we build our lives. It supports better health, education, and well-being, drives economic growth, and helps reduce poverty. Yet every day, 1 in 3 people around the world wake up without the security of a safe, affordable home. In Asia-Pacific alone, over 1.6 billion people live in inadequate housing; while more than 600 million live in slums or informal settlements.To raise awareness of the global housing crisis and mobilize action, Habitat for Humanity has launched Lets Open the Door, a global campaign highlighting the urgent need for decent housing and its role in building stronger communities.This year, Habitat for Humanity marks 50 years of bringing people together to build prosperous and healthy communities.Housing has been the core of Habitats work for 50 years. As a leader in global housing, Habitat understands the keys that will unlock our vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live, said Jonathan Reckford, chief executive officer of Habitat for Humanity International.The need is especially urgent in Asia-Pacific, where access to adequate housing provides safety, stability, basic services and a stronger ability to recover from shocksall of which are essential to resilience. Seven of the worlds 20 nations most vulnerable to extreme weather impacts are in the region.When people lack a safe, adequate home, the effects are felt everywhere: in health, education, livelihoods, protection, gender equality and in how communities withstand shocks. Housing must be recognized as a strategic investment and foundation for resilience and opportunity, said Elizabeth Satow, area vice president for Asia-Pacific, Habitat for Humanity International.Across Asia-Pacific, the campaign will spotlight stories of homeowners, volunteers, youth leaders, and partners working to drive change in their communities and expand access to decent housing.Since 1976, Habitat for Humanity has supported more than 65 million people around the world build, improve or finance places to call home. In Asia-Pacific, Habitat has worked since 1983 alongside people of all walks of life to build, repair and finance homes, develop new ways to improve housing access, and advocate for policies that make adequate housing easier to build and access.To learn more about the Lets Open the Door campaign and how to get involved, visit www.habitat.org/ap/open-door Contact:Rona Azucenarazucena@ habitat.org
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NEW YORK, NY AND NEW ORLEANS, LA / ACCESS Newswire / April 2, 2026 /Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., notifies investors in Kyndryl Holdings, Inc. ("Kyndryl" or the "Company") (NYSE:KD) of class action securities lawsuits.CLASS DEFINITION: The lawsuits seek to recover losses on behalf of investors of Kyndryl who were adversely affected by alleged securities fraud between August 1, 2024 and February 9, 2026. Follow the link below to get more information and be contacted by a member of our team:Kyndryl investors should contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850, or via email ( lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com) , or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-kd/ to learn more.CASE DETAILS: On February 9, 2026, the Company disclosed that it would be unable to timely file its Form 10-Q Report for the quarter ended December 31, 2025 and that "the Company anticipates reporting material weaknesses in the Company's internal control over financial reporting for the period covered in the Quarterly Report, as well as for the full fiscal year ended March 31, 2025, and the first two fiscal quarters of fiscal year 2026, which are expected to include, but may not be limited to, the effectiveness and strength of certain functions at the Company, including with respect to controls related to information and communication and tone at the top," as well as the departure of its C.F.O and General Counsel. On this news, the price of Kyndryl's shares fell $12.90 per share, or 55%, to close at $10.59 on February 9, 2026.The first-filed case is Brander v. Kyndryl Holdings, Inc., et al., No. 26-cv-00782. A subsequently filed case, Westchester Putnam Counties Heavy & Highway Laborers Local 60 Benefit Funds v. Kyndryl Holdings, Inc. et al., No. 26-cv-02211, expanded the class period.WHAT TO DO? If you invested in Kyndryl and suffered a loss during the relevant time frame, you have until April 13, 2026 to request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff; however, your ability to share in any recovery does not require that you serve as a lead plaintiff.About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCKSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. This past year, KSF was ranked by SCAS among the top 10 firms nationally based upon total settlement value. KSF serves a variety of clients, including public and private institutional investors, and retail investors - in seeking recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, Delaware, California, Louisiana, Chicago, and a representative office in Luxembourg.TOP 10 Plaintiff Law Firms - According to ISS Securities Class Action ServicesTo learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com Contact:Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCLewis Kahn, Managing Partnerlewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com1-877-515-18501100 Poydras St., Suite 960New Orleans, LA 70163CONNECT WITH US: Facebook || Instagram || YouTube || TikTok || LinkedInSOURCE: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC
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SAN DIEGO, CA / ACCESS Newswire / April 2, 2026 / Mission Personal Injury Lawyers , a respected personal injury law firm serving San Diego, California, is proud to announce thatAttorney David J. Munozhas been selected to the2026 San Diego Super Lawyers Top 50 List .This recognition highlights Munoz's continued excellence in personal injury law and marks his sixth consecutive year being named toSuper Lawyers(2021-2026). Earlier in his career, he was also recognized as aRising Star from 2015 through 2020 .A Prestigious Honor in the Legal Community Super Lawyers is a nationally recognized rating service that evaluates attorneys based on peer nominations, independent research, and professional achievements. Only a small percentage of attorneys are selected each year, and inclusion in the Top 50 list represents an even more selective distinction.Being named to the San Diego Super Lawyers Top 50 List reflects a high level of professional respect and consistent performance within the legal community. It also demonstrates a strong track record of client advocacy.A Career Marked by Consistent Recognition Munoz's professional recognition reflects years of dedication to his clients and the legal field. His selection to Rising Stars from 2015 to 2020 highlighted his early accomplishments, while his continued inclusion in Super Lawyers since 2021 underscores sustained excellence. Earning recognition over more than a decade demonstrates not only legal skill but also a commitment to maintaining high standards of client service and ethical practice.Contact Mission Personal Injury Lawyers for Legal Help Mission Personal Injury Lawyers represents clients in a variety of personal injury matters, including motor vehicle accidents, catastrophic injuries, and wrongful death claims. If you or a loved one has been injured inSan DiegoorChula Vista , the firm is available to help you understand your legal options.ContactMission Personal Injury Lawyers today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney.As the firm celebrates this achievement, its mission remains the same: to advocate for those injured by negligence and help them pursue the compensation they need to move forward.Media Contact: Company Name: Mission Personal Injury LawyersCity: San DiegoState: CAZip: 92103Country: United StatesPhone: (619) 777-5555Website: https://missionlegalcenter.com/ SOURCE: Mission Personal Injury Lawyers
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Primed for Scalable Growth as Clean, Streamlined OTC Public CompanyMISSISSAUGA, ON / ACCESS Newswire / April 3, 2026 /Newport Gold, Inc. ( OTC.ID:NWPG) today announced it has entered the final stages of its merger with a trio of Pennsylvania Limited Liability Companies known as "NFI Empire" by entering into a formal Share Exchange Agreement. This Agreement is the product of NFI's disciplined, multi-year search for a public partner that met their strict structural and governance criteria.After evaluating numerous public entities, NFI Empire ultimately selected Newport Gold, Inc. based on its long corporate history and exceptionally clean capital structure; a rarity in the microcap public markets. Likewise, Newport Gold, Inc. was impressed by NFI Empire's seasoned team of experts and strategic plans for the future. This new structure will provide a strong foundation for institutionalgrade growth, capital formation, and longterm shareholder value.A Clean, InvestorAligned Capital StructureNewport Gold, Inc. (the "Company") is an optimal deal partner for NFI Empire specifically because of its transparent and unencumbered corporate framework which includes:No legacy preferred stock;No warrants, options, or convertible instruments;No legacy overhang or derivative liabilities;No toxic financing history;Balance Sheet with nominal legacy liabilities;A simple, wellorganized cap table; andComplete set historic records.This structure enables Newport Gold, Inc. to pursue growth initiatives without the dilution, complexity, or historical baggage often associated with reverse mergers.A Disciplined Search for the Right Fit"Our team spent significant time reviewing many public companies," said Justin Fried, CEO of NFI Empire. "We were committed to finding a partner that aligned with our standards for corporate governance, financialtransparency, and longterm value creation. This merger reflects that discipline and positions us for scalable global expansion." Anthony McCabe, CEO of Newport Gold, Inc. added, "Following a comprehensive review of our strategic alternatives, it became clear that a merger with NFI delivers the strongest value proposition for our shareholders. NFI is already generating eight-figure revenues with positive profitability, underscoring the strength of its operating model. Combined with its exceptional leadership and clear roadmap for accelerated growth, we are confident this transaction positions the company for long-term success and enhanced shareholder value." Strategic RoadmapThe Company will now focus on:Accelerating revenue growth across core business lines;Accelerating margin growth via multiple digital verticals;Leveraging publiccompany visibility to attract strategic partners;Pursuing targeted accretive acquisitions; andMaintaining a clean, shareholderaligned capital structure.About Newport Gold, Inc.Newport Gold, Inc. ( www.NewportGoldInvest.com) has evolved from a foundation in mineral exploration and mining into a diversified portfolio of businesses focused on high-growth opportunities in the automotive, data and digital technology sectors. Leveraging its expertise in identifying and acquiring valuable assets, much like its historical success in the mining industry, The Company now seeks innovative companies and technologies that deliver scalable growth and strong returns. With a mission to "mine" global opportunities in the digital landscape, the company aims to drive sustainable value and maximize shareholder returns through growth, strategic acquisitions and investments.About NFI EmpireNFI Empire ( www.NFIEmpire.com) is a premier, assetlight automotive company headquartered in North East, Pennsylvania, generating more than $10 million in annual revenue. NFI Empire is comprised of three limited liability companies: NFI Auctions, LLC, NFI Holdings, LLC and ROI Dealership Consulting, LLC. Recognized for its exclusive projects, highperformance and high-profile builds, deep technical and digital expertise, NFI Empire has established itself as an emerging leader leveraging traditional and digital automotive sectors.Contact InformationInvestor RelationsEmail: nwpginfo@ gmail.com ForwardLooking StatementsThis press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are identified by the use of the words "could," "believe," "anticipate," "intend," "estimate," "expect," "may," "continue," "predict," "potential," "project" and similar expressions that are intended to identify forward-looking statements and include statements. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that its plans, objectives, expectations and intentions reflected in or suggested by the forward-looking statements are reasonable, the Company can give no assurance that these plans, objectives, expectations or intentions will be achieved. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties (some of which are beyond the Company's control), assumptions and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical experience and present expectations or projections. Actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements and the trading price for the Company's common stock may fluctuate significantly. Forward-looking statements also are affected by the risk factors described in the Company's filings with the SEC. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. The information in this release is provided only as of the date of this release, and we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release on account of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law.SOURCE: Newport Gold Inc.
The ancient town of Owo came alive on Thursday night as a teeming crowd gathered for the maiden edition of Owo Praise the Lord.

The large-scale worship event, convened by entrepreneur and CEO of FBSS Nigeria Limited, Bukunyi Olagbegi, was held at Methodist Primary School in Owo, Ondo State.

It drew a mix of community members, business figures and political leaders from across the state.

The atmosphere was filled with powerful praise sessions and soul-lifting ministrations from top gospel artistes, including Yinka Ayefele, Adeyinka Alaseyori, Bidemi Olaoba, Funmi Aragbaiye and Elijah Daniels.

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Ayefeles appearance stood out as one of the nights defining moments as he stirred the crowd into an intense session of worship.

Beyond the music, the gathering also featured a prophetic message from cleric Wole Oladiyun, while gospel comedian Woli Arole kept the atmosphere lively as host.

Aim

Speaking at the event, Mr Olagbegi, who once chaired the Central Working Committee for both The Future Awards Africa and SME100 Nigeria, said the initiative was designed to shine a brighter spotlight on their historic hometown.

Mr Olagbegi, who serves on the board of Altheus Limited, a Nigerian firm with interests spanning energy, human capital development and private equity, added that, beyond raising the towns profile, the programme also provided an opportunity for people to come together in gratitude and offer praise to God.

Our goal is to bring more attention to our historic hometown, while we also gather and praise the Lord.

Weve invited some of the finest voices and performers in Nigerian gospel because this town deserves an evening filled with joy, he said, Mr Olagbegi, who was named among the 100 Most Influential People of African Descent in 2019.

Attendees speaks

Some attendees took a moment to commend Mr Olagbegi for the memorable evening.

Among them was Adeola, who travelled from Ikare-Akoko, and described the event as an unforgettable experience she would cherish for a long time.

I never imagined the night would turn out this way. Being part of a worship gathering of this scale in Owo and witnessing a Yinka Ayefele ministration live is something I will always be grateful for, she said.

For Iremide, an indigene of Owo, the programme clearly reflected Mr Olagbegis kindness and compassionate nature.

We are grateful to Bukunyi Olagbegi for bringing this to Owo. It shows his kind heart and love for the town. I pray God continues to bless him and bless Owo.

The programme concluded with prayers for lasting peace and sustained progress in Owo and the state.
Popular Nigerian gospel artistes Timi Dakolo and Nosa Omoregie are set to lead a lineup of ministers at the second edition of Jesus + Nothing Worship, organised by The LOGIC Church as part of its Good Friday observance.

The church disclosed this at a press conference on Friday in Lagos, ahead of the worship event scheduled later that day.

According to the organisers, the worship experience will take place at 4:00 p.m. at The LOGIC Centre in Lekki, Lagos, bringing together believers and gospel music enthusiasts for what it described as a proclamation of the undiluted message of Jesus Christ and His finished work .

Beyond Dakolo and Omoregie, other ministers expected at the event include Emmanuel Smith, Gerald Bishung, MagPsalms, Mera Owili, Steve Hills, Pastor Victor Paul, Uche Okereke and Yinka Erinle.

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The church noted that the gathering is not merely a musical concert but a spiritually curated experience designed to communicate the Gospel through music.

More than a concert, this gathering is a proclamation, an evening where music becomes a vessel for the undiluted message of Jesus Christ and His finished work, the organisers said.

The 2026 edition follows its debut in 2025 and aligns with the churchs annual theme, Much More, with organisers emphasising that every aspect of the worship has been designed to reflect the message of grace.

Easter: The Big Deal

Speaking at the press briefing, the lead pastor of The LOGIC Church, Flourish Peters, underscored the events theological focus, describing the resurrection of Jesus Christ as the cornerstone of the Christian faith.

Resurrection is a big deal for us. Christmas is not our big deal. This is the big deal, he said.

He explained that while the birth of Jesus is significant, it ultimately points to the crucifixion and resurrection, which he described as the zenith of Christianity.

Our faith is premised on an empty grave This is the highest. This is the zenith of the churchs celebration. Nobody was born again until the resurrection. This is the biggest, he said.

Emphasising the doctrine of grace, he stated that salvation is rooted in Christs finished work rather than human effort.

We dont have to perform to be loved because we are already accepted to be loved. All our sins are now forgiven, past, present, future. This is the gospel that we enjoy which is foolishness to them that are perishing, but unto us who are saved, it is the power of God, the pastor said.

The cleric expressed optimism about the annual gatherings growth, noting that the 2026 edition marks its second outing.

Were trusting God that this will be bigger and brighter In another five or ten years, this can become a huge boost for this whole holiday period, he said.

During a question-and-answer session, Mr Peters addressed a wider range of national and social issues, including humanitarian outreach, youth disillusionment and civic responsibility.

On the churchs welfare efforts, he explained that its approach prioritises supporting members before extending help to the wider community.

Charity begins at home, too. I feed the people within my community that need help first, then I send outside, he said.

The lead pastor disclosed plans for a relief outreach scheduled for 12 April, noting that the churchs benevolence programmes cater to both members and non-members.

Addressing concerns about growing frustration among Nigerian youths, Pastor Peters attributed the trend to a lack of personal responsibility.

We must take responsibility for where we are. We cant complain and dont have our voters card We cant complain and dont do anything about it, the lead pastor said.

He urged citizens to actively participate in civic processes, including voting and governance.

Faith in national development

On the role of faith in national development, the pastor called on Christians to extend their influence beyond religious spaces into politics and public life.

He also responded to concerns about relationships between religious leaders and politicians, describing criticism as inevitable.

Redemption is not for the church alone; redemption is for a nation, too. If we are close to politicians, you will criticise us. If we are not close, you will criticise us. We just need to do our best before God and do well before men, he said, adding that integrity should remain the focus.

Highlighting the role of music in shaping belief systems, Mr Peters stressed that gospel music remains a powerful tool for reinforcing Christian doctrine.

Nothing shows the culture of a people like the songs they sing, he said.

What your children will believe about God will be in songs.

The logic church pastor added that consistent exposure to songs centred on the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus would shape societal values.

If this truth is out there consistently, it will shape the minds of people.

Regarding accessibility, the pastor confirmed that the event and subsequent conference sessions would be streamed live on the churchs official YouTube channel to accommodate those unable to attend in person.

He said the initiative reflects the churchs broader mission to extend hope beyond the event venue through outreach, prayer support and charitable interventions, including collaborations with the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria.

Organisers noted that the Good Friday worship serves as a precursor to the Jesus + Nothing Conference scheduled to be held from 27 to 31 May, which is expected to attract participants from across Nigeria and beyond.

The church added that the conference would combine worship, teaching and community engagement, with a focus on promoting spiritual renewal and national consciousness.

The organisers added that admission to the Good Friday worship is free and open to the public.
The US and Israeli war on Iran enters its 35th day today and shows no signs of abating.

Thousands of people have been killed in the Middle East, and an even higher number injured or displaced across Iran, Lebanon, Israel, and other parts of the region in the month-long war.

Attacks on major oil and gas facilities in four Middle Eastern countries have worsened the global economic impact of the war.

PREMIUM TIMES brings you the key events around the war on the 34th day.

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Trump administration fires three generals

The US Defence Secretary, Pete Hegseth, fired the Army chief of staff, Randy George, and two other generals.

Mr George received news of his dismissal from Mr Hegeseth over the phone on Thursday. According to CNN, the army chief was asked to retire immediately.

This development comes a day after Mr Trump disclosed plans to intensify attacks against Iran and target the countrys civilian infrastructure, in what would amount to war crimes, according to international law.

The Pentagon spokesman, Sean Parnell, announced the dismissal on X, saying, General Randy A. George will be retiring from his position as the 41st Chief of Staff of the Army effective immediately. The Department of War is grateful for General Georges decades of service to our nation.

UN delays vote on Hormuz

The UN Security Council has delayed a planned vote scheduled for Friday.

The vote was about allowing the use of defensive military force to protect ships in the Strait of Hormuz from possible attacks by Iran.

The 15-member body was set to vote on a draft resolution submitted by Bahrain. PREMIUM TIMES reports the adoption of a resolution last month, demanding seamless passage for ships through the Strait.

According to NBC, the UN Security Council decided to delay voting due to the Easter public holiday.

The council, however, has not selected a new date for the vote. Russia, China and France are said to be opposed to the resolution for fear it could escalate the war.

Iran to allow Philippines ships through Hormuz

Iran has assured the Philippines of the safe passage of its oil vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.

The Philippine Foreign Ministry disclosed that Minister Theresa Lazaro had a phone discussion with her Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araqchi, during which this was agreed.

According to the ministry, the two top officials discussed ways to address energy supply security and the safety of Filipino seafarers through the strait.

The ministry said, During the call, the Iranian Foreign Minister assured the Secretary that Iran will allow the safe, unhindered, and expeditious passage through the Strait of Hormuz of Philippine-flagged vessels, energy sources, and all Filipino seafarers.

US/Israeli strikes hit iconic Pasteur Institute

Irans century-old medical research centre, the Pasteur Institute, created to fight infectious diseases like smallpox, was struck by US-Israel strikes.

The Iranian Ministry of Health disclosed this on Thursday, calling on global health bodies to condemn the attack on the Centre.

The ministrys spokesperson, Hossein Kermanpour, referred to the strike as a direct assault on international health security.

The Pasteur Institute of Iran is a leading public health institution and a member of a global research network.

Over the years, it has played a vital role in fighting infectious diseases such as cholera and COVID-19.

Photographs from the site showed severe damage, with large parts of the facility reduced to rubble.

The WHO has condemned the strike on the institute.

US strike demolishes Irans largest bridge

Aside from the research centre, the Iranian B1 bridge, the countrys tallest, was attacked.

Mr Trump said on Thursday that the tallest bridge in Iran had been destroyed.

The attack came hours after he threatened to have the country bombed back to the Stone Age.

Ghodratollah Seif, the deputy governor of Alborz province, where the B1 bridge is located, said the strike killed eight people and wounded 95 others.

Iran targets American steel plant in UAE, Israels arms factory

In response to attacks on its largest steel plants, Iran launched a barrage of missiles targeted at the UAE, Bahrain and Israel.

The IRGC said it was targeting American-linked steel industries in Bahrain and the UAE and Israels Rafael arms factories.

In response to attacks on Iranian steel industries, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched a new wave of attacks this morning.

American steel industries in Abu Dhabi, American aluminium industries in Bahrain, and the Rafael arms factories of the Zionist regime were among several targets, the IRGC said.

Iran claims it shot down another F-35

Iran claimed it shot down a second US F-35 fighter jet over central Iran.

Tehran declared that the pilot was unlikely to have survived, according to CNBC.

The F-35 Lightning II is considered the most advanced fighter aircraft in operation and a cornerstone of US and allied air power, with each unit costing over $100 million.

This report comes just two weeks after another US F-35 stealth jet was struck during a combat mission over Iran, forcing it to make an emergency landing at a US base in the Middle East.

CENTCOM has not yet confirmed or denied the latest claim.
As I prepared to depart Nigeria for the United States for the 2015 conference of the Investigative Reporters & Editors (IRE) in Philadelphia, I received a message from the Washington DC headquarters of the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists indicating that ICIJ deputy director, Marina Walker Guevara, would also be attending the four-day gathering fixed for June 3-7 of that year, and would informally meet with a few us who had been penciled down for a new, huge investigative project.

As hard as I probed, I was unable to extract details of the new project from colleagues at the ICIJ. The best that Will Fitzgibbon, my closest man there, could tell me was that the project would resemble Swiss Leaks, but would be far bigger. Will and I had worked closely together as part of a team of journalists from 45 countries that unearthed secret bank accounts maintained by global banking giant HSBC for criminals, traffickers, tax dodgers, politicians and celebrities. That project was dubbed Swiss Leaks.

Of the 100,000 secret bank accounts operators uncovered in that investigation, 187 belonged to Nigerians, including Africas richest industrialist, Aliko Dangote; the owner of mobile telecom company Globacom, Mike Adenuga; and Helen, the wife of then-Nigerias Senate President, David Mark. Many of the accounts dated back to the 1990s and up to 2003, when a former HSBC employee, Herve Falcian, stole the data.

Will and I had also worked together on Evicted and Abandoned, a global investigation involving more than 50 journalists from 21 countries that revealed how the World Bank Group, the powerful development lender committed to ending poverty, routinely violated its own rules for protecting vulnerable populations.

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The Nigerian end of that investigation, anchored by PREMIUM TIMES, exposed how the Lagos State government flattened the Badia East waterside slum community in February 2013 to clear land for an urban renewal zone financed by the World Bank. The neighbourhoods poor residents were cruelly evicted and displaced without warning or compensation, in clear violation of the global lenders own rules.

So PREMIUM TIMES impressive performance in the above projects, as well as in another 2013 project, Offshore Leaks, made it a ready candidate for the massive Panama Papers project, ICIJ colleagues told me. Offshore Leaks, which was my first major project for ICIJ since I was invited to join the group on 1 December 2011, exposed more than 100,000 secret companies, trusts and funds created in offshore, tax-haven locations such as the British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Cook Islands and Singapore.

But once ICIJ briefed us on 6 June 2015, I immediately realised that the new project for which we were meeting over lunch in Philadelphia would be the biggest ever since the investigative journalism group was founded in 1997. ICIJ staff at the lunch held in one of the conference rooms at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, 1201 Market Street, told us the leaked data contained more than 10 million records and would most likely be the most impactful in the organisations history. We were all advised to await a formal invitation to the project in the weeks ahead.

Enter Panama Papers

I woke up on 14 July 2015 to a message from Will in my email. It turned out to be a formal invitation from ICIJ to participate in the biggest collaborative journalism project in global history. Over the next few days, ICIJ interviewed participants from around the world via Skype.

Then, on 14 August 2015, Emilia Diaz-StruICIJsIJs research editor and Latin American coordinator, sent me a five-paragraph strict confidentiality/code of conduct agreement. Two days later, I signed and sent back the agreement. Days later, I was granted access to all the projects platforms and collaboration tools after completing a rigorous security protocol.

I spent the next few weeks working to understand the 11 terabytes of data  two million PDFs, five million emails and every spreadsheet form created by Mossack Fonseca for 40 years. Mossack Fonseca was a Panamanian law firm and corporate service provider with over 300,000 clients worldwide. It is said to have been, at one time, the worlds fourth-largest provider of financial services in tax havens. The firms files were leaked by an anonymous source identified as John Doe to two reporters at the German newspaper Suddeutsche Zeitung (SZ). The newspaper then passed the massive data to ICIJ for what became a huge global investigation.

The ICIJ data team was most helpful in helping team members understand the data. They prepared guides and organised several online training sessions to explain the data and what it all meant.

At 3 p.m. Nigerian time on 12 August 2015, an online training session was held to take project members through basic searches and how to find people and items of interest. Due to scheduling and planning difficulties, I was unable to attend a meeting in Munich, Germany, to discuss the project. However, we later held an Africa-focused data and training session in Johannesburg in late September. That was followed closely by another training in Norway in early October, on the sidelines of the Global Investigative Journalism Conference that year. The ICIJ headquarters sent a five-member team, led by Director Gerald Ryle, to discuss the massive project with conference attendees.

Setting to work

It was clear from the beginning that the data and the task were too large for a single reporter to represent our newspaper on the investigation team. So the management decided to set up an initial four-member team led by me. Other members of the team were Ini Ekott (assistant managing editor), Joshua Olufemi (data analyst and head of innovation), and Richard Akinwumi (deputy head, digital strategy and technology).

The team was soon expanded to include Emmanuel Mayah (associate editor, investigations), Nicholas Ibekwe (head, investigations), Adebayo Hassan (reporter) and Samuel Ogundipe (reporter). But only four of us were allowed access to the database and the collaborative platforms  Joshua, Ini, Richard and I.

Team members were trained, and tasks were then clearly assigned to them. We worked discreetly for several months, identifying Nigerian individuals and businesses in the database, poring through tonnes of documents, analysing huge datasets, doing additional reporting to put our findings in context, reaching out to the subjects of our investigations, and producing graphical illustrations to make our stories easier to consume by readers.

For the over 12 months that the project lasted, the regular warnings from ICIJ to team members across the world, including those in our newsroom, were that:

 They must always communicate via secured platforms, preferably through the Global I-Hub, a solidly encrypted collaborative platform. If they must exchange emails, they must do so through encrypted platforms as well. All team members were mandated to submit their PGP keys and promptly inform project leads if their devices are compromised in any way.

 They must observe strict confidentiality. They must not speak about the project to anyone who is not part of the project. That includes other journalists who might have worked with ICIJ in the past. Confidentiality of the project is perhaps our biggest concern, Will Fitzgibbon once wrote in an email to team members. We are relying on you all to respect the rules of the collaboration and not to talk about it. Please do not mention a new ICIJ project because that also means we get lots of emails from journalists who think they are missing out on something. And journalists are curious people. It is to the credit of the over 356 journalists from 107 separate publications from over 80 countries that the confidentiality of the project was never breached.

 They must be open, communicate freely with colleagues on the secure I-Hub, and keep the spirit of collaboration alive. In other words, they must share resources and all information they find during their research. That they should think less of competition and more of collaboration

 They should always consider integrity and depth of reporting more important than the glory that goes to any single media outlet because of the investigation.

 They should keep native eyes on native names. It means country teams must focus more on individuals, groups and businesses that are more relevant to their local environments

 They should never approach subjects of their investigations for comments until a date is set for that by the project leads. They should publish nothing about the investigation until the 3 April 2016 date agreed for that.

A tremendously impactful investigation

The Panama Papers series, which began running on 3 April 2016, exposed offshore companies linked to more than 140 politicians in more than 50 countries  including 14 current or former world leaders.

It also uncovered offshore hideaways tied to mega-banks, corporate bribery scandals, drug kingpins, Syrias air war on its own citizens and a network of people close to Russian President Vladimir Putin that shuffled as much as $2 billion around the world.

In the course of the investigation, PREMIUM TIMES, the only Nigerian news organisation granted direct access to the files, published more than 30 stories, with damning details revealing the secret offshore assets of many prominent Nigerians.

The newspapers explosive investigations revealed the secret offshore assets of Senate President Bukola Saraki and his wife, Toyin, as well as those of Mr Sarakis predecessor, David Mark.

It also revealed how the late Governor of Bayelsa State, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, began looting his state and hiding the funds in offshore structures, and how a former governor of Delta State, James Ibori, organised the theft of the oil states funds via offshore companies.

The investigations also revealed a network of shell companies in offshore tax havens linked to Africas richest man, Aliko Dangote, and his brother, Sayyu Dantata; as well as the offshore companies of Wale Tinubu, the chief executive of Nigerias biggest indigenous oil company, Oando Plc, among others.

Similarly, the reports also exposed the secret offshore company of one of Africas most influential televangelists, Temitope Joshua, popularly known as T.B. Joshua.

Other prominent Nigerians named in the investigation are former Minister of Defence and billionaire businessperson, Theophilus Danjuma; former Etisalat Nigeria board chair, Hakeem Bello Osaigie; Globacom CEO, Mike Adenuga; then Governor Abubakar Sadiq Sani Bello of Niger State; the late Ooni of Ife, Okunade Sijuwade; former Arik Airline Chairperson, Joseph Arumemi-Johnson and his wife, Mary, as well as two then-serving senators  Andy Uba (Anambra) and Ibrahim Gobir (Sokoto).

Other top businesspersons, politicians, and their family members were also found in the infamous database, including those currently holding public office.

The revelations from PREMTIMESMES investigations sparked outrage across the land, with activists, civil society organisations, the Labour movement and the general public calling for an extensive probe into the indicted individuals.

Following the public pressure generated by the investigations, the Nigerian government opened a file on all Nigerians whose names were mentioned as operating offshore accounts in the notorious tax havens.

Similarly, the Code of Conduct Bureau, the Nigerian Police Force, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) announced they would conduct separate, independent investigations.

As expected, PREMIUM TIMES also received accolades from the Nigerian public, with many people lauding the news outlet and commending its editors and reporters for their courage and painstaking investigations. The global reporting later won the Pulitzer Prize for Explanatory Reporting in 2017.

Enter Paradise Papers

On 8 November 2016, the ICIJ launched a new cross-border investigation, initially labelled Project Athena, which later became known as the Paradise Papers when the series ran. That project was based on a fresh trove of confidential information leaked to German newspaper Sueddeutsche Zeitung, which once again shared it with ICIJ and its partners.

The data included 13.4 million documents from Appleby, one of the worlds largest providers of offshore legal and financial services. The data were current up to 2016 and included those sourced from the Isle of Man, Mauritius, and the Cayman Islands.

Again, PREMIUM TIMES was invited to participate in the investigation, which involved 380 journalists and 96 media partners from 67 countries.

The investigation exposed the financial ties between Russia and US President Donald Trumps then Commerce Secretary, and the offshore interests of the Queen of England and those of more than 120 politicians around the world.

In its own local investigation, PREMIUM TIMES exposed the complex offshore world of Arik Air founder, Arumemi Ikhide; the shoddy tax affairs and complex offshore firms of Zenith Bank Chair, Jim Ovia; and those of the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele. The investigation also revealed another offshore interest of then Senate President Bukola Saraki.

Disturbed by the revelation, the Nigerian government responded by saying it would investigate users of offshore tax shelters exposed by the project. The then Finance Minister, Kemi Adeosun, said the Federal Ministry of Finances data-mining project would use leaked data on Nigerians to cross-check tax declarations.

The power of collaboration

Both the Panama Papers and Paradise Papers investigations underlined the power of collaboration in journalism. The two projects saw hundreds of journalists across borders working together to unravel complex and crooked financial schemes by politicians and businesspersons around the world.

The advantages of collaboration over competition are legion. First, journalists learned from colleagues, acquiring new analytical, data-mining, writing, editing, and interviewing skills in the process.

The journalists, who became one big family working towards the same end, worked together on a single collaborative platform and played by the rules set by the ICIJ. They also shared resources and pointed each other to important stories.

And as we worked together, we brought global, continental and sub-regional contexts to our reporting. And our work resulted in huge impacts across the world, of a type never seen before.

*This article, authored by Musikilu Mojeed, the Editor-in-Chief of Premium Times, first appeared as a chapter in the book, Nigeria in the Panama and Paradise Papers: Investigation, reporting and reflections, published in 2018 by the Premium Times Centre for Investigative Journalism (PTCIJ), now known as the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID).
News / National

by Staff reporter

Residents in Bulawayo will continue to face water-shedding for the foreseeable future, despite a significant improvement in dam levels, as ageing infrastructure hampers the city's ability to deliver adequate supplies.According to the latest Dam Watch report released by the City of Bulawayo, the city's six supply dams  Insiza, Inyankuni, Lower Ncema, Umzingwane, Upper Ncema and Mtshabezi  now hold a combined 414.6 million cubic metres of water.This marks a notable increase compared to the same period last year, when dam levels stood at just under 50 percent.Mtshabezi Dam has reached full capacity and is spilling, while Insiza Dam has recorded cumulative inflows exceeding 72 million cubic metres since the onset of the rainy season.However, Mayor David Coltart said the crisis has shifted from water availability to the city's capacity to distribute it."We can have 100% full dams at the end of this season and still not be able to deliver sufficient quantities of water to residents," Coltart said during a recent council meeting.He pointed to ageing and inadequate infrastructure as the main constraint, noting that key pipelines linked to the Umzingwane-Ncema and Insiza systems require urgent upgrading or diversion."The pump stations are decades old; they need replacement," he said.Coltart added that existing reservoirs, including the Thuli system, have limited capacity, further worsening the situation."Until these works are done, we will not be able to meet the demands of residents. Water shedding will remain a reality."Bulawayo has endured chronic water shortages for more than two decades, largely due to recurring droughts that have reduced inflows into major supply dams such as Umzingwane Dam, Insiza and Mtshabezi.Despite improved rainfall this season, authorities say long-term investment in infrastructure is now critical to resolving the city's persistent water crisis.
President Bola Tinubu only stopped at the airport in Jos to address victims of the Plateau killings because of another meeting on security that went beyond the scheduled time, as well as limited facilities at the airport, a presidential aide has said.

Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga said this in a statement shared on X on Friday.

PREMIUM TIMES reports that Mr Onanuga was responding to criticisms that have trailed the Nigerian leaders visit to Jos, during which he only stopped at the airport to address some residents and officials.

The visit was supposed to offer the president an opportunity to interact with the victims of the Palm Sunday killing in Jos, as well as give him an opportunity to tell residents how he plans to prevent future attacks in the city.

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Mr Onanuga said the visit was affected by a scheduled meeting with the President of Chad.

The President of Chad was at the Presidential Villa for a very important bilateral meeting focused on strengthening security collaboration between the two countries. The meeting ran longer than expected, affecting President Tinubus scheduled departure for Jos, he wrote.

He also said the Jos airport had no facilities to allow for night travel, hence the need to leave the state early.

While the road distance from the airport to Jos township is approximately 40 minutes, the runway does not support night flights due to the absence of navigational aids. The constraints made it unfeasible to drive into town, meet victims for on-the-spot assessment and return to the airport before dusk.

Consequently, state and federal officials decided to bring representatives of the affected community to a hall adjoining the airport so the President could meet with them promptly while adhering to flight restrictions, he wrote.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that Mr Tinubu assured his audience that his administration would work to ensure there is no repeat of such violence in a city that has witnessed many such attacks in recent years.

This will not repeat itself, Mr Tinubu said while addressing community leaders and residents, acknowledging the pain and loss suffered in the Palm Sunday attack that left 28 people dead and many injured.

Read the full statement by Mr Onanuga below.

STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE

Why President Tinubu addressed the victims of the Plateau attacks at the airport

President Tinubus itinerary for Thursday included two main engagements: receiving the Chadian President, Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, and proceeding to Iperu, Ogun State. After Governor Caleb Mutfwangs briefing, President Tinubu suspended the trip to Ogun. Overnight, the Presidential Villa made arrangements for the visit to Jos, with presidential assets quickly deployed. However, the President could not postpone the scheduled visit by the Chadian leader.

The President of Chad was at the Presidential Villa for a very important bilateral meeting focused on strengthening security collaboration between the two countries. The meeting ran longer than expected, affecting President Tinubus scheduled departure for Jos.

Upon arrival in Jos, the visit encountered some logistical challenges. While the road distance from the airport to Jos township is approximately 40 minutes, the runway does not support night flights due to the absence of navigational aids. The constraints made it unfeasible to drive into town, meet victims for on-the-spot assessment and return to the airport before dusk. Consequently, state and federal officials decided to bring representatives of the affected community to a hall adjoining the airport so the President could meet with them promptly while adhering to flight restrictions. Among the people in the hall were the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Army Staff and the Inspector General of Police, who had visited Rukuba, the epicentre of the conflict. President Tinubu deployed the high-level team to Rukuba, including the Senior Special Assistant on Community Engagement, to undertake critical groundwork on security and community engagement, with a view to stabilising the area before his arrival.

Beyond expressing his condolences to the victims, President Tinubus objective was to engage with critical stakeholders in Plateau State on ending the recurring, decades-old conflict that has resulted in needless loss of lives and property.

President Tinubus visit to Jos was not merely symbolic. It was a strategic, high-level engagement aimed at bringing all stakeholders together to address the root causes of conflict and insecurity in the state.

He interacted with the victims, consoled them, and listened to them. He also listened to local leaders and assured them that the federal government would deliver justice and end the cycle of violence. He promised the deployment of 5000 AI-enabled cameras to monitor the city and enhance the identification and arrest of troublemakers.

Furthermore, the President invited the community leaders to Abuja for further talks on finding a lasting solution to the recurring violence in the state.

The meeting, televised live, was solemn and reassuring, boosting residents confidence. President Tinubu achieved the purpose of his visit, despite the naysayers attempts to ridicule it. He dropped an unmistakable message: sustainable peace must be built with the people, not imposed on them.

Bayo Onanuga

Special Adviser to the President

(Information and Strategy)
Ten years ago, on 3 April 2016, the worlds largest network of journalists began running a series of reports across various media platforms, exposing the assets of powerful and influential people deliberately designed to stay hidden. What they uncovered became the Panama Papers.

The Panama Papers series was a sweeping, landmark investigation that exposed the secretive world of finance and exposed how the rich and powerful use offshore structures to shield wealth and evade scrutiny.

The global fallout was immediate and consequential. The investigation triggered tax reforms across multiple jurisdictions, enabled the recovery of more than $1.36 billion in tax revenue worldwide, and led to a sharp decline in corporate registrations in Panama.

Political leaders in Iceland and Pakistan fell from power. Arrests were made. New laws were enacted. Government probes were launched in dozens of countries.

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PREMIUM TIMES was part of the investigations that saw the ICIJ publish a searchable database that strips away the secrecy of nearly 214,000 offshore entities in 21 jurisdictions.

As the only Nigerian news organisation granted direct access to the leaked files, PREMIUM TIMES published more than 30 stories drawn from the internal records of Mossack Fonseca, the Panamanian law firm at the heart of the scandal.

The reports named more than 140 Nigerian individuals and companies as operators of offshore shell companies in tax havens and, in doing so, permanently altered public discourse on financial accountability in Nigeria.

The newspapers explosive investigations revealed the secret offshore assets of former Senate President Bukola Saraki and his wife Toyin, as well as those of Mr Sarakis predecessor, David Mark.

It also revealed how the late governor of Bayelsa State, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, began looting his state and hiding the funds in offshore structures, and how a former governor of Delta State, James Ibori, once convicted in the United Kingdom for corruption, organised the theft of the oil-rich states funds via offshore companies.

The investigations also revealed a network of shell companies in offshore tax havens linked to Africas richest man, Aliko Dangote, and his brother, Sayyu Dantata, as well as the offshore companies of Wale Tinubu, the chief executive of Nigerias biggest indigenous oil company, Oando Plc, among others.

Similarly, the reports also exposed the secret offshore company of one of Africas most influential televangelists, the late Temitope Joshua, popularly called T.B. Joshua.

Other prominent Nigerians named in the investigation are former Minister of Defence and billionaire businessperson, Theophilus Danjuma; Etisalat boss, Hakeem Bello Osaigie; Globacom CEO, Mike Adenuga; former governor Abubakar Bello of Niger State; the late Ooni of Ife, Okunade Sijuwade; Arik Chairperson, Joseph Arumemi-Johnson and his wife, Mary, as well as two other serving senators  Andy Uba (Anambra) and Ibrahim Gobir (Sokoto).

Top-tier politicians, businesspeople, and members of their families were found across the database, including individuals who continued to hold public office at the time of publication.

It is important to note that the use of shell companies is not inherently illegal.

Many individuals and firms incorporate them for entirely legitimate purposes. However, some of the Nigerian public officeholders identified in the investigation had failed to declare their offshore assets to the Code of Conduct Bureau, placing them in potential violation of Nigerian law.

Ten years after: What changed

Ten years on, this newspaper examines how that investigation has shaped the countrys legal and regulatory landscape.

Although no Nigerian named in the Panama Papers was prosecuted or jailed as a direct result of the revelations, the investigations generated significant institutional momentum. Anti-corruption agencies expressed an intention to investigate public officers named, including those who had left office, but the vows were not known to have been carried out.

However, law enforcement agencies and regulatory bodies moved to close loopholes that had long allowed financial secrecy to thrive.

Beneficial Ownership: A register long overdue

Among the most consequential outcomes was Nigerias push to establish a Beneficial Ownership Register  a centralised database designed to identify the natural persons who ultimately own, control, or benefit from corporate entities.

Former President Muhammadu Buhari first committed to creating such a register in direct response to PREMIUM TIMES Panama Papers exposes.

The Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) was subsequently re-enacted in 2020. The updated legislation now mandates the mandatory disclosure of persons of significant control, effectively codifying beneficial ownership requirements into Nigerian corporate law. The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) mandated that companies disclose their beneficial owners at the time of registration.

NEITI and the Extractive Industries

In the wake of the Panama Papers investigation, the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), which promotes transparency, accountability, and good governance in Nigerias oil, gas, and solid mineral sectors through independent audits, published a roadmap for beneficial ownership disclosure in December 2016.

NEITI subsequently collaborated with the Nigerian upstream Regulatory Petroleum Commission (NURPC) to produce a register of beneficial owners of oil and gas companies operating in Nigeria, completed in 2020.

It defines a beneficial owner as a natural person who directly or indirectly benefits from, owns, or controls a corporate entity. Its standard required member countries to disclose their beneficial owners by January 2020 and strongly recommended establishing national beneficial ownership registers.

VAIDS: A taxmans olive branch

Also introduced in the aftermath of the Panama Papers was the Voluntary Assets and Income Declaration Scheme (VAIDS). This time-limited initiative allowed taxpayers to regularise their tax status by making full, honest, and verifiable declarations of previously undisclosed assets and income.

The scheme covered outstanding tax liabilities from prior periods during which taxpayers had been in default, and was designed to encourage voluntary compliance rather than punitive enforcement.

The Panama Papers remain the most significant data-driven investigation in the history of journalism. The ICIJ, in publishing the searchable database, declared it was acting squarely in the public interest, and the breadth of the response, from legislative chambers to courtrooms across the world, bore that out.

For Nigeria, the legacy of that investigation remains complicated. The individuals named were not held criminally accountable. But the countrys regulatory framework is, on paper at least, far more transparent than it was a decade ago.

The CAC now demands to know who is really behind a company, just as the extractive sector has a register.

Scope of leaks

The Panama Papers were built on a foundation of data unprecedented in the history of investigative journalism. More than 11.5 million financial and legal records  totalling 2.6 terabytes of information were leaked from Mossack Fonseca. This firm had spent decades specialising in the creation of offshore companies, some of which were used by fraudsters to conceal Ponzi schemes, predatory lending operations, and other financial crimes from both their victims and the authorities.

The leaked data spanned nearly four decades, from 1977 through the end of 2015. It offered, for the first time, a day-by-day, decade-by-decade window into how dark money flows through the global financial system  breeding crime and systematically stripping national treasuries of tax revenue.

More than 370 reporters across nearly 80 countries participated in the investigation, coordinated by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ). Their collective work uncovered the secret offshore holdings of 12 sitting world leaders, more than 128 politicians, and scores of fraudsters, drug traffickers, and other criminals whose companies had already been blacklisted in the United States and elsewhere.
US officials have confirmed that a fighter jet was shot down over Iran and that a search and rescue operation is currently being conducted to locate the pilot.

Reuters reports that the officials said the military is on the lookout to confirm if the pilot is still alive.

Iran, on the other hand, has urged its citizens to be on the lookout for survivors. Although it was earlier claimed that the pilot was unlikely to have survived the crash.

The IRGC also flooded social media with purported images of the wreck.

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However, the officials did not specify if the aircraft downed was indeed the US F-35 fighter jet, which Iran has claimed it struck. Some reports say the aircraft was an F-15, an older version flown with two pilots.

PREMIUM TIMES reports that if it is an F-35, it will be the second US F-35 fighter jet to be struck in two weeks.

A US F-35 jet had been struck earlier during a combat mission over Iran, forcing it to make an emergency landing at a US base in the Middle East.

But no casualty was recorded in that attack.

The F-35 Lightning II is among the most advanced fighter aircraft in operation and a cornerstone of US and allied air power, with each unit costing over $100 million.

The possibility that the US pilot may be stuck in Iran raises the stakes for Donald Trumps administration in a conflict that has lacked strong public support since it began.

However, the recent attack follows President Trumps threat to bomb Iran back to the Stone Age by increasing attacks on civilian infrastructure if it does not accept a ceasefire agreement.
At least five residents and three soldiers have been killed in attacks by suspected bandits in Mari and Dina communities in the Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State.

Several women and children were also abducted during the raid, according to local sources.

Sahara Reporters reported that the attack occurred on Thursday when heavily armed assailants invaded the rural settlements, firing indiscriminately and forcing residents to flee into nearby bushes.

Sources who spoke to the newspaper said the attackers stormed the communities in large numbers, catching residents off guard.

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People ran in different directions when the shooting started. Some were hit while trying to escape. It was chaotic and frightening, one resident said.

Another source said several villagers sustained injuries during the assault, while the attackers took away an unspecified number of women and children.

They operated for a long time and moved with many of our people into the forest. We do not know where they are, the source added.

Military personnel from the Forward Operational Base in Patigi were reportedly deployed to the area after distress calls from residents. However, the reinforcement team was ambushed by the attackers along the route.

During the ensuing gun battle, three soldiers were killed.

A source familiar with the incident said the attackers had positioned themselves strategically before the troops arrived.

It appeared to be a planned ambush. The soldiers came under heavy fire as they approached, the source said.

The bandits also set a military patrol vehicle ablaze during the confrontation, further hampering response efforts.

Residents described the attack as highly coordinated and expressed concern over the growing frequency of such incidents in the area.

Many called on authorities to strengthen security presence to prevent further attacks.

The latest violence adds to a pattern of deadly attacks in parts of Kwara State in recent months.

In February, dozens of residents were killed in coordinated assaults on communities, with reports indicating that armed groups targeted villages after residents resisted attempts to impose extremist control.

Several others were abducted, while homes and shops were burnt during the attacks.

ALSO READ: Local government declares night curfew after deadly Kwara attack

Authorities have linked some of the incidents to suspected jihadist factions operating around forested areas, raising concerns about the spread of insurgent activities beyond Nigerias traditional conflict zones.

Security analysts say the attacks reflect a mix of banditry and extremist violence, with communities increasingly vulnerable to both.

Efforts to obtain official confirmation from military authorities were unsuccessful, as calls and messages were not responded to at the time of filing this report.
The Chairperson of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, has defended its handling of the leadership crisis in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), insisting its decisions were guided strictly by court orders and pending proceedings before the Federal High Court.

Speaking in an interview with Arise Television on Friday, Mr Amupitan, a professor and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), explained that INEC decided to stop engaging with either faction of the party as a result of the Court of Appeal issuing clear preservative orders.

The court also ordered that parties should maintain status quo ante bellum and should not do anything that will foist a fait accompli on the trial court or render the proceedings nugatory, he said.

The INEC chairperson also denied the ADCs accusation that the electoral commission had taken sides due to the interpretation of the order of the appellate court.

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ADC leadership crisis

A leadership dispute had emerged within the ADC after a former vice national chairman of the party, Nafiu Bala, challenged David Marks emergence as national chairman, arguing that he (Bala) should occupy the position, following the resignation of Ralph Nwosu, who previously headed the party.

Mr Amupitan said the controversy stemmed from an interlocutory appeal filed by Mr Marks group on 18 September 2025, which was dismissed by the Court of Appeal on 12 March 2026.

Meanwhile, Mr Marks camp filed an interlocutory appeal ahead of the Federal High Court judgment, but was dismissed by the Court of Appeal.

In dismissing the appeal, the appellate court also asked all parties to maintain status quo ante bellum until the lower court ruled on the substantive suit.

In compliance with the court order, INEC said on Wednesday that it will not deal with any of the two factions of the party until the case at the Federal High Court is determined.

However, Mr Mark faulted the commissions interpretation and decision, arguing theres no basis for it.

How INEC decided

According to the INEC chairperson, lawyers to Mr Marks group urged INEC to maintain the status quo and refrain from recognising the rival faction, while counsel to Mr Bala insisted that their client should be recognised as the partys national chairman based on court orders.

Faced with the situation, Mr Amupitan said the commission referred the matter to its legal department and initially opted to monitor party activities while awaiting further clarity.

However, he said a subsequent letter from Mr Balas lawyers drew attention to a pending motion filed in December 2025 seeking to restrain Mr Marks group from parading itself as the party leadership and to stop INEC from monitoring any meetings of the faction.

Mr Amupitan said the existence of the pending motion influenced the commissions decision, particularly in view of the Court of Appeals directive that parties must not take steps capable of affecting the subject matter before the trial court.

He explained that when Mr Marks faction later notified INEC of plans to conduct congresses and primaries, the commission considered such actions potentially in breach of the appellate courts order.

If parties go ahead with congresses or conventions while such motions are pending, it may amount to foisting a fait accompli on the court, he said.

He added that INEC could not ignore the pending suit or assume the legal standing of any party, stressing that such determinations rest solely with the court.

We did not take sides

Responding to allegations of bias, Mr Amupitan denied that INEC had taken sides in the dispute.

He said the commission carefully interpreted the Court of Appeals order on maintaining status quo ante bellum, which he described as the state of affairs before the crisis began.

That interpretation is supported by judicial authorities, including decisions of the Supreme Court, he said.

Mr Amupitan also described as unfortunate comments by some party officials who accused INEC of undermining democracy.

He reiterated that the commissions actions were guided by the need to preserve the integrity of the judicial process and avoid interfering with matters pending before the court.

The INEC chairperson emphasised that the substantive issues in the ADC leadership dispute remain before the Federal High Court and should be resolved through judicial determination.

He maintained that the commission would continue to act in compliance with court orders and refrain from taking steps that could prejudice the outcome of the case.
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Tunji Disu, has presented N54 million to the families of police officers who lost their lives in active service in Imo State.

Henry Okoye, the police spokesperson in Imo, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday night.

Mr Okoye, a deputy superintendent of police, said the Commissioner of Police in Imo State, Audu Bosso, presented the cheques to the families on behalf of the IGP.

He said Mr Bosso made the presentation earlier on Thursday.

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The cheque presentation ceremony, held in Owerri, forms part of activities marking Day 4 of the ongoing National Police Day celebration, in honour of the sacrifices and dedication of fallen officers of the Nigeria Police Force, he said.

According to the statement, Mr Bosso, who spoke at the event, reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of the IGP, to the welfare of officers and their families.

The commissioner emphasised that the gesture, facilitated through the Police Force Insurance Scheme, was a clear demonstration that the sacrifices of deceased officers will never be forgotten.

Mr Okoye listed some of the beneficiaries to include Bridget Innocent, Hillary Okoye, Joy Enerst, Joy Okoro, Sampson Okafor, and Ann Sunday.

One of the beneficiaries, Mr Okafor, who spoke on behalf of others, expressed gratitude to the IGP and the police for their support and for remembering the families of the slain officers.

The police spokesperson said the police in the state remain committed to protecting lives and property, while also ensuring the welfare of police personnel and their loved ones.

Target of deadly attacks

Police officers and officials of other security agencies have been the target of deadly attacks in the South-east, which has witnessed increased attacks in recent years.

The outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra, a group leading the agitation for the creation of an independent state of Biafra from the South-east and some parts of South-south, has been accused of being responsible for the attacks in the two regions.

But the group has repeatedly denied involvement in the attacks.
A Catholic priest, Father Michael Umoh, has described Good Friday and Easter as the most important days in the Christian faith, stressing that their significance goes beyond religious observance to offer moral lessons for society.

Speaking in an interview with PREMIUM TIMES, Mr Umoh said the period marks the core of Christian belief, commemorating the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The significance of Good Friday and Easter is very crucial and critical. These are the most important days of our faith as Christians, he said.

He explained that the celebrations form part of what is known in Christian liturgy as the Triduumthree days beginning with Holy Thursday and extending through Good Friday to Easter Sundayduring which Christians reflect on the foundational mysteries of their faith.

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What we celebrate in these days are the profound mysteries of our faith. Without them, there cannot be Easter, and consequently there cannot be Christianity, he said. There can be no Easter Sunday without Good Friday.

The meaning of sacrifice

According to the cleric, Good Friday represents the ultimate act of obedience and sacrifice, as Jesus Christ submitted to Gods will for the salvation of humanity.

Good Friday is when Christ, in total obedience to the will of the Father, gave up his life for the salvation of humanity, he said. Even though it was difficult, he prayed, Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass me by, but still submitted, saying, Not my will, but your will be done.

He added that the event underscores the very purpose of Christs coming, noting that even Christmas derives its meaning from the sacrifice commemorated on Good Friday.

Christmas would be meaningless without Good Friday. Christ came into the world for a purposeto save humanityand Good Friday represents the fulfilment of that mission, he said.

Mr Umoh also referenced the biblical account in Galatians 4:4, which highlights the divine timing of Christs mission to restore humanitys relationship with God.

Lessons for Nigeria

Beyond its theological significance, the priest said the Easter period offers an opportunity to reflect on societal values, particularly in a country grappling with economic hardship, insecurity, and governance challenges.

The first lesson is selflessness. If Jesus were selfish, he would not have given his life for others, he said.

He added that humility is another key lesson, citing Christs willingness to sacrifice despite his divine status.

The second is humility he emptied himself and became obedient unto death, even death on the cross, he said.

Mr Umoh lamented what he described as growing materialism and self-centredness in Nigerian society, warning that such values undermine collective progress.

When you bring this to Nigeria, it exposes one of our biggest problems. There is too much selfishness, too much pride, too much materialism. People are ready to do anythingeven harm othersfor wealth, he said.

He urged Nigerians, particularly those in positions of authority, to prioritise the common good over personal gain.

Instead of amassing wealth, why not use it for the common good so that people can benefit and remember you for good? he said.

The cleric cited former Lagos State governor Lateef Jakande as an example of impactful and modest leadership.

He lived a simple, impactful life and left lasting legacies in education, housing and even healthcare, he said.

Call for reflection

Mr Umoh emphasised that the message of Good Friday also serves as a reminder of lifes transient nature, urging citizens to focus on meaningful contributions rather than material accumulation.

The death of Jesus reminds us that life is transient. People accumulate wealth, build houses everywhere, pursue powerbut in the end, none of these matters, he said.

READ ALSO: Tinubu arrives Lagos for Easter after Plateau visit

What matters is the good you have done and the impact you have had on others.

He called on Nigerians to use the Easter period as a time for introspection.

So the question everyone should ask this Good Friday is: What is Gods purpose for my life? he said. At the end, what will give you peace is not wealth, but the good you have done.
Political tension is building up in the Gombe Central Senatorial District as supporters of former Governor Danjuma Goje, drawn largely from Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Area, have rejected moves by some politicians to replace him in the 2027 general elections.

Political actors from Yamaltu/Deba LGA recently approached Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, urging him to support the emergence of another candidate from the area to succeed Mr Goje in the senatorial seat.

However, in what appears to be a counterposition within the same local government area, a coalition of residents, APC loyalists and stakeholders has declared strong support for the senator, insisting that competence, experience and the will of the people should prevail.

The position of the group was made public on Friday when Newton Moses read the memorandum to journalists, declaring that the people of Yamaltu/Deba support Mr Gojes return in 2027.

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According to the memorandum, the senator is a seasoned lawmaker whose continued presence in the Senate would benefit Gombe Central and strengthen its voice in national affairs.

Mr Moses said narrow political interests should not drive an assessment of the senator, but by a fair assessment of performance, leadership capacity and democratic legitimacy.

He noted that continuity in the National Assembly offers significant advantages, especially in a system where legislative experience, seniority and strategic relationships often translate into stronger influence and increased access to developmental opportunities.

Continuity in leadership, especially in a legislative environment, is not merely desirable  it is essential. Lawmaking is a complex and evolving process that benefits immensely from institutional memory, strategic relationships and procedural mastery, the memorandum stated.

The supporters emphasised that the Nigerian Constitution does not impose any tenure limits on lawmakers, stressing that the decision on representation must ultimately reflect the wishes of the electorate rather than informal political arrangements.

They further stated that Mr Gojes long-standing experience in governance and lawmaking places him in a unique position to continue advancing the interests of Gombe Central at the national level.

Distinguished Senator Mohammad Danjuma Goje stands as a towering figure whose years of legislative experience have translated into tangible dividends of democracy for Gombe Central and beyond, the group added.

ALSO READ: Rep dumps PDP for APC in Gombe

The emerging division within Yamaltu/Deba highlights early political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections, with competing interests beginning to shape the future of representation in the senatorial district.

While Governor Yahaya has yet to respond to the reported request by some politicians publicly, the development is already generating conversations within the APC and among political observers in the state.

Supporters of Mr Goje, however, maintain that his track record, accessibility and established influence in national politics make a strong case for continuity.

They reaffirmed their loyalty to the APC and their support for the administration of President Bola Tinubu, while calling on party leaders and stakeholders to respect the will of the people and support Senator Gojes return in 2027.

As political activities gradually intensify, the unfolding debate in Yamaltu/Deba may shape one of the most significant contests ahead of the next general election in Gombe State.
A former presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dumebi Kachikwu, has mocked the partys leadership under former Senate President, David Mark, saying he (Mark) and other opposition figures attempted to come into the party through the back door.

Mr Kachikwu said Mr Mark and other recently admitted members who assumed leadership of the party lack ideology and are driven solely by a belief that power is their right.

He made the remarks in a statement issued on Thursday while reacting to the suspension of the Mr Mark-led caretaker committee of the ADC by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The ADC is currently divided into two factions, one led by Mr Mark and the other by Nafiu Bala, a former national vice chairman of the party.

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Prominent members of the Mark-led ADC are former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola, who is the national secretary, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and his NNPP counterpart, Rabiu Kwankwaso. Others are former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi; former Imo governor, Emeka Ihedioha; and former Ministers of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung and Bolaji Abdullahi.

On Wednesday, INEC suspended recognition of all leadership of the two factions of the party following a ruling by the Court of Appeal and ongoing litigation over its leadership.

The electoral commission said its decision was based on a directive of the appellate court, which ordered the warring factions to maintain the status quo pending the determination of a substantive suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

In response, Mr Marks leadership demanded the immediate resignation of the INEC Chairperson, Joash Amupitan, accusing the electoral body of undermining democracy and interfering in the internal affairs of political parties.

Reacting, Mr Kachikwu alleged that Mr Nwosu, a factional leader, initially handed over the party structure to Mr Mark and other new entrants last year.

He criticised Mr Marks faction, describing its members as career politicians who had failed Nigerians while in office.

How did we get here? Did hundreds of our so-called political giants just commit political suicide? How did they get sucked into this quicksand? Let me tell you how. Ralph Nwosu, whose tenure as chairman of the African Democratic Congress lapsed on the 21st of August 2022, sold the ADC to men who had destroyed their parties and were seeking another party with which to prosecute their grudge match against President Tinubu and the APC.

This group of mostly ex-political office holders who have held sway over the affairs of Nigeria for the last forty years or more had attempted to register the ADA and then jumped to the SDP before they gate-crashed the ADC in the middle of the night. How do you explain this? Jumping from political party to political party, no ideology, no belief system, standing for nothing and believing only in the notion that power is their birthright.

ADC is bad market

Mr Kachikwu described the party as a bad market and warned that those defecting to it risk future disappointment. He said that the ongoing legal disputes could get to the Supreme Court.

I had long warned that the ADC was a bad market and that anyone who attempted to come into the party through the back door would be shown the way out through the windows. What we are seeing today is just the beginning.

There are several court cases that will end at the Supreme Court, and the only way they can win is if the Supreme Court can change Monday to Saturday and Saturday to Tuesday, but again, this is Nigeria, where anything and everything is possible. So, all those of you who joined these geriatrics because you seek to contest for positions in the 2027 general elections, I regret to inform you that the actions of these men have rendered any political aspiration through the ADC a nonstarter, he said.

One-party system concerns

Mr Kachikwu also dismissed concerns that the development signals a drift towards a one-party state, noting that several opposition parties still exist, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party, and others.

There are many who would say that this means that we are now a one-party state, and my immediate response is that we have the PDP, Labour Party, NNPP, AA, AAC, SDP, ADP, APGA, Accord, and many other parties out there. So why the ADC? Why the African Democratic Congress? These men who attempted to hijack our party had already concluded plans to conduct congresses where forms that were hitherto sold for N50,000 would now be sold for N500,000, all in a bid to disenfranchise the poor party faithful who originally held those positions.

Are they saying that ordinary Nigerians, whom they consider poor, are not good enough to hold party positions in a party where these big men are? They have long told us that they seek political office to better the lot of the masses, yet they cant be in a party where the masses hold sway.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Tensions flared at the headquarters of the Gospel of God Church International in Gandanzara, Makoni District, as rowdy, armed youths mounted a vigil to block a court-sanctioned exhumation of the church's late founder, Peter Jack Masedza, widely known as Johanne Masowe.The exhumation, scheduled for April 2, follows years of legal and administrative proceedings initiated by Masedza's biological sons, Magaga and Rueben, who seek to rebury their father at a site accessible to the family.However, when The Manica Post visited the shrine on Thursday, more than 20 agitated youths armed with machetes, knobkerries and other weapons had barricaded the entrance. Led by a bouncer identified as Saunyama, the group denied entry to visitors, including journalists, demanding identification before ordering them to leave.Witnesses said the youths broke into warlike hymns and toyi-toying, while hurling insults and threats, underscoring the volatile atmosphere surrounding the long-running dispute.A relative of the Masedza family, Mr Tawanda Kutsanzira, said the planned exhumation did not proceed, possibly due to security concerns."No one came to exhume the remains. I think they received information that people were waiting for them, so they decided not to come. These youths came from various places, some from as far as Chegutu, to ensure the exhumation does not proceed," he said.Registrar General Henry Tawona Machiri declined to comment on the matter.The dispute centres on the burial of Masedza, who died in 1973 and was interred at the Gandanzara shrine, which later became the church's spiritual headquarters. While his sons argue they have the right to rebury him, the church maintains that the site was chosen by Masedza himself and has since become sacred to thousands of congregants.Legal representatives for the family, Mushangwe and Company Legal Practitioners, confirmed that all administrative requirements had been met and a burial order secured.Court rulings have largely favoured the family's right to pursue exhumation. The High Court, under Case No. HCH1769/23, granted the sons permission to initiate the process, a decision later upheld by the Supreme Court in Case No. SCI 12/25.In its ruling, the Supreme Court of Zimbabwe clarified that while the judiciary could affirm the family's right to seek exhumation, the final authority rests with administrative bodies in line with the Cemeteries Act.Justice Susan Mavangira noted that no burial site, including shrines, is exempt from the law."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 ruling, clarifying that the earlier case dealt with access to the burial site rather than exhumation.Despite legal progress, the situation on the ground remains tense, with the shrine heavily guarded and opposition from church followers intensifying as the dispute reaches a critical stage.The exhumation, if eventually carried out, would mark the culmination of a decades-long legal and cultural battle over the final resting place of one of Zimbabwe's most influential religious figures.
Police officers in Anambra State have refunded N1.4 million, which they allegedly extorted from four Nigerians.

PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that a human rights activist, Harrison Gwamnishu, raised an alarm to police authorities over the officers alleged abduction, torture and extortion of the victims in the South-eastern state.

Mr Gwamnishu, in a post on his X handle on Sunday, had said that the officers who allegedly extorted the victim included the Officer-in-Charge and some operatives of the Anti-Cultism Unit of the police in Enugu-Ukwu, a community in Njikoka Local Government Area of the state.

The activist initially said the operatives extorted a total of N1,119,000 from the victims. He did not initially provide the identities or the number of victims.

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Refund of N1.4 million

Mr Gwamnishu, in another post on his X handle on Thursday, said the officers have now refunded the money to the victims.

Following my post of 29th March 2026, officers of the Anti-Cultism Unit in Enugwu-Ukwu, Anambra Police Command have refunded the sum of one million, four hundred and eighty-five thousand Naira (N1,485,000) criminally extorted, he wrote.

The activist said the officers involved in the incident have been identified, but did not name them.

He identified the victims as Emmanuel Agu, Chukwuebuka David, Vitalis Njoku, and Tochukwu Joshua  all males.

Mr Gwamnishu said the victims were arbitrarily arrested and tortured to confess to being members of a secret cult and forced to transfer the money into accounts provided by the officers.

The (Police) Complaint Response Unit (CRU) from the Office of the Inspector General of Police is currently in Awka to ensure the victims get justice, he said.

How other police authorities helped

Mr Gwamnishu, in a video clip uploaded on the microblogging platform, said police authorities took up the matter immediately after the CRU and the Force New Media Officer, Aliyu Giwa, responded to his post.

And just two days ago (Tuesday), the money was transferred back to the victims through an account they provided, he said.

The clip showed a transaction receipt indicating that N1,485,000 was paid into an account belonging to Ugochukwu Iwundu, a Point of Sale operator, provided by the victims.

Not just that, yesterday (Wednesday), a team of police officers from Abuja arrived in Awka, Anambra State, for this same matter, he said.

He commended the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, the Head of the Complaint Response Unit, Annetie Iniedu, and other authorities for their prompt response.

Police confirm refund of the extorted money

The Police Complaint Response Unit has confirmed the refund of the money to the victims.

The unit, which reposted Mr Gwamnishus post announcing the refund of the extorted funds, said in its own post on the microblogging platform on Thursday that it appreciates the activist for providing Nigerians with feedback on the incident.

No to impunity under the current leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, it wrote.

Police brutality, extortion and torture

Allegations of extortion, brutality, torture and even abduction against police operatives are not new in Nigeria; cases of police brutality, extortion, extrajudicial killings and other unprofessional activities in Nigeria have continued despite sanctions by police authorities, such as dismissal from service.

The latest incident occurred barely two weeks after police in Anambra State arrested and detained six senior officers who allegedly tortured and extorted N200,000 from a trader in Onitsha, the commercial hub of Anambra State.

In February, three officers were dismissed over alleged kidnapping, extorting N1.7 million and car snatching in Imo, another state in the South-east.

Two months ago, police operatives shot dead a private motorcyclist in Ebonyi State.

In November 2024, police operatives from the Crack Squad in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, shot dead a labourer and critically injured three others in the state.

A similar incident happened in Abakaliki in 2018 when a police officer shot and killed a commercial motorcyclist for allegedly refusing to give him a N50 bribe.

In August 2024, police operatives in Bayelsa State extorted N3 million from a Nigerian man at gunpoint.

The officers were subsequently arrested after the victim filed a complaint with the police.

The police operatives later returned the N3 million to the victim, about three weeks later.
A former presidential candidate, Pat Utomi, has accused President Bola Tinubus government and the All Progressives Congress (APC) of plotting to exclude political opponents from taking part in the 2027 general elections.

Mr Utomi, a professor of political economy, spoke when he appeared as a guest on the Arise News programme on Tuesday.

The politician, who is a member of the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), claimed that both the ruling APC and Mr Tinubus government had perfected a plot to use the judiciary and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to frustrate opposition politicians from contesting in the forthcoming poll.

Everybody who is a trend watcher can see that there is a deliberate attempt by the ruling party (and) by those in power to exclude significant political opponents from actually being on the ballot box using capture of INEC, the judiciary, and those institutions, he said.

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Mr Utomis allegation came 24 hours before INEC withdrew the recognition of the David Mark-led ADC national executive, citing a court order directing parties to maintain the status quo pending the determination of a suit filed by a former vice-national chairperson of the party, Nafiu Bala.

INECs validation of PDPs controversial new leadership hasty

Mr Utomi also faulted what he termed INECs rush in validating the controversial convention and new national executive of Nyesom Wike-backed faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

INECs rush to validate the so-called new executive of the PDP (is) clear evidence that INEC is a parastatal of the APC and is about to bring democracy to a sordid, sad end in Nigeria if the people do not arise and take their country back, he said.

The former presidential candidate argued that the APC does not want a free and fair election because it lacks the courage to test its popularity among the Nigerian people.

The one thing the APC doesnt want to see is the vote of the people.

It does not, because it knows that the pain in the country, the disaffection that has come from how poorly the people live, how angry the people have become from the misery index that is their condition, he stated.

Repealing the amended Electoral Act

There was outrage in Nigeria in February when the Senate, in amending the 2022 Electoral Act, rejected the mandatory electronic transmission of election results from polling units to the INECs Result Viewing Portal after vote-counting.

But speaking on the TV programme, Mr Utomi vowed that the opposition politicians would challenge the Senate decision in court to ensure it is repealed.

Even if the courts are manipulated as they may be, we are in two courts, the court of the people and the courts of law.

And those courts will sort themselves out.

If people are not careful, Nigerians have had enough of being intimidated and bullied by political actors, he said.

And if they (political actors) are not careful, they will reap very painfully. International criminal courts will try them.

The politician also claimed that the executive arm of government has carried out more manipulations of other arms under Mr Tinubu than under the military regime of a Nigerian dictator, Sani Abacha.

We have reached a moment where conditions presently, in terms of manipulations of the executive branch, are worse than they were under Abacha.

And if we dont do something, there will be no Nigeria to redeem. This is the state of our country right now, he said.

Dont transfer your failures on Tinubu, Presidency replies

When contacted on Thursday by PREMIUM TIMES, the Senior Special Assistant to President Tinubu on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, refuted Mr Utomis allegations.

Mr Ajayi maintained Mr Tinubu has no plans to use the judiciary or INEC to scuttle the participation of the opposition in the 2027 general elections.

READ ALSO: Nigerians celebrate Pat Utomi at 70

He said Mr Utomi, considering his personality, ought to have grown above being pedestrian and petty.

Mr Ajayi expressed surprise that the former presidential candidate made such an allegation despite being a one-time political ally of Mr Tinubu and a founding member of the APC.

The presidential aide described the claim as ridiculous and argued that Mr Tinubu was not responsible for the leadership crisis or legal battles in the opposition political parties to warrant the allegation.

Is it President Tinubu who created the problem in their parties? Did Tinubu ask them not to be able to organise themselves? he said.

He contended that the president had been in opposition for 16 years without blaming the sitting president or INEC for their electoral woes.

If they have failed in opposition, they shouldnt transfer their failure to Tinubu, he added.
The Management of the University of Abuja (UniAbuja) has approved the conferment of an honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD) degree on prominent legal practitioner, Yusuf Ali, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), for his contributions to the legal profession.

In a formal invitation signed by the Vice-Chancellor, Hakeem Fawehinmi, a professor, the university said Mr Ali will be conferred with the honorary degree at the universitys combined 29 and 30 convocation scheduled for Saturday, 18 April.

According to the invitation, Mr Allis nomination was approved by the University Governing Council at its 83rd extraordinary meeting, following a recommendation by the university senate.

On behalf of the Governing Council, Senate, Management, Staff and Students of the University of Abuja (now Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja), I have the profound honour to inform you that the Governing Council at its 83rd Extra-Ordinary Meeting approved the Senate recommendation of your conferment with an Honorary Doctorate Degree, Doctor of Laws (LLD), the invitation reads in part.

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READ ALSO: NELFUND refutes allegation of student loan funds diversion at UniAbuja

About nominee

Yusu Ali, SAN, is the principal partner and founder of the Law Firm, Yusuf O. Ali & Co, Ghalib Chambers, and has been in active legal practice for over three decades.

Before founding his law firm in 1994, he worked at Adegboyega Awomolo & Co from 1983 and rose to become a partner before he left to found his own law firm.

Mr Ali obtained his Bachelor of Laws degree at the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), in 1978, where he won the Federal Merit Award for undergraduates. He holds a Masters of Laws degree from the same university in 1991. In 1989, the Chief Justice of Nigeria appointed him as a Notary Public.

In 1997, he attained the highest professional honour at the Nigerian Bar when he was conferred with the title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
Terrorists, locally referred to as bandits, have abducted more than 150 residents from the villages of Kurfa anya and Kurfan Magaji in the Bukkuyum Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The lawmaker representing the Gumi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Suleiman Abubakar, confirmed the incident to the BBC Hausa Service, stating that the attacks occurred late Thursday night.

According to the lawmaker, the terrorists launched a coordinated midnight assault, kidnapping unsuspecting villagers while they slept.

Residents also told PREMIUM TIMES that the attackers raided several neighbouring settlements, causing an exodus of displaced people seeking safety.

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The lawmaker noted that the region is gripped by panic, with many survivors currently taking refuge at the Bukkuyum Local Government Council headquarters.

The Gumi and Bukkuyum areas have been plagued by banditry and mass abductions for ransom. In his statement, Mr Abubakar urged the federal government to intensify its focus on the security crisis in the North-west.

The governments security priorities have shifted toward Borno State due to the resurgence of Boko Haram insurgents. We are pleading for the same level of attention, as Zamfara is facing equally dire security challenges, the lawmaker pleaded.

The terrorist activities

Unlike the misguided ideological motivations of Boko Haram in the North-east, banditry in Zamfara is primarily driven by profit. Mass abductions of villagers and sometimes students have become a routine criminal enterprise.

Such mass abductions in Gumi and Bukkuyum are meant to gather a huge ransom. When ransom demands arent met, victims are often killed or forced into labour, while those who pay are frequently targeted again.

READ ALSO: Lawal excited as Zamfara conducts historic flight test at Gusau Airport

The Bukkuyum and Gumi areas are particularly vulnerable due to their proximity to vast, ungoverned forest reserves. These areas provide ideal cover for bandits to establish camps, making it difficult for the Nigerian military to patrol the terrain.

Despite several military operationssuch as Operation Hadarin Dajiand occasional attempts at peace dialogues or amnesty deals by the state government, the violence remains cyclical.
Residents have criticised President Bola Tinubus Thursday visit to Plateau State, following the Palm Sunday attack in Gari Yawaye, Angwan Rukuba, Jos North LGA, which claimed about 30 lives and left many injured.

President Tinubu arrived at the Yakubu Gowon Airport in Heipang around 4:59 p.m., roughly 36 kilometres from the scene of the massacre, and addressed a gathering of politicians, traditional rulers, and select victims before departing.

Rather than visiting the community or hospitals where victims are receiving treatment, his engagement was confined to the airport, prompting widespread frustration.

Residents decry detached leadership

Social media lit up with criticism. Kacholom Luka, in a Facebook post on Friday, asked: Welcome to Heipang Airport, Mr President. Are the injured victims being transported here for your viewing? Should you not be visiting them in the hospital?

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Other Facebook users expressed similar sentiments:

Joel Poret: This is the most insensitive, callous act ever. Victims were not invited; only politicians and dignitaries were present. What sort of leadership is this?

Rhoda Daniel: No sign of humanity. We expected empathy, but all we got was a political display far from the real victims.

Residents also drew comparisons to past incidents. Aaron Azi referenced Mr Tinubus 2025 visit to Benue State after the Yelewata killings, which, he noted, was turned into a political rally rather than a condolence visit. Kefas Habila lamented:

The presence of a leader during tumultuous times gives hope and energy. But to stay a stones throw away while victims suffer shows a lack of commitment to the people.

Critics further questioned the optics of the ceremony, describing it as overly formal and politically orchestrated. Attendees were issued ID cards, and access was tightly managed, while religious leaders reportedly did little to challenge the staged nature of the visit.

Political Reactions

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, through his aide Phrank Shaibu, described the visit as insensitive and detached from reality. The statement criticised Tinubu for neither visiting bereaved families nor injured victims and for offering no concrete security measures.

Atiku criticised the decision to transport grieving residents to Heipang for a meet-and-greet, describing it as reducing a human tragedy to a choreographed spectacle, the statement said. Nigerians are not seeking symbolic visits; they need effective governance that guarantees protection of lives and property.

Security response and technology deployment

During his brief address, President Tinubu pledged to halt the cycle of violence in Plateau. He announced plans to deploy 5,000 AI-powered surveillance cameras across Jos, with Huawei and other companies already mobilised to begin installation.

The system aims to improve real-time intelligence and rapid response by security agencies.

The president also instructed security operatives to apprehend and prosecute perpetrators and tasked the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs with assessing victims and losses to guide targeted interventions.

There is nothing I can give you, whether in billions, that can replace the lives lost. But we will do everything possible to ensure such a tragedy does not happen again, Tinubu said.

Military reinforcements

The Nigerian Army deployed 850 additional troops from Abuja and Kaduna to Plateau under Operation Enduring Peace. Army Chief Waidi Shaibu led a security assessment in Jos, assuring residents of protection and urging them to comply with curfews while investigations continue.

International and civil society concern

US Congressman Chris Smith condemned the attacks, calling on Nigerian authorities to protect Christian communities during significant religious periods, describing the killings as part of a deeply disturbing pattern.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria suggested foreign involvement in the attacks, claiming well-funded external actors exploit local fault lines to incite conflict.

Secretary-General Nafiu Ahmad called for urgent intelligence operations and regional cooperation to prevent further escalation.

The government must move beyond rhetoric and demonstrate both political will and operational capacity to end these senseless killings, Ahmad said.
President Donald Trump, on Thursday, publicly praised the USs destruction of the Iranian B1 bridge, which led to the deaths of eight and injured 95 more people.

Mr Trump shared a video of the US blowing up the bridge and promised, Much more to follow!

The B1 highway bridge connects Irans capital, Tehran, to the city of Karaj.

The biggest bridge in Iran comes tumbling down, never to be used again, Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

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His post comes a day after Mr Trump threatened attacks on a range of Iranian civilian infrastructure if a ceasefire deal is not reached.

He had threatened to blow up Irans desalination plants, which are vital water sources in the state, and bomb Iran back to the stone age.

We are gonna finish the job. We are getting very close, he said.

In his recent post, he further declared that, It is time for Iran to make a deal before it is too late, and there is nothing left of what still could become a great country.

The deliberate attack on civilian infrastructure is considered a war crime in international law and the UN has repeatedly warned warring parties against such attacks.

Several experts have also condemned his statement, stating that Mr Trump was not only engaged in war crimes but also celebrating his atrocity.

According to US-Middle East policy analyst Omar Baddar, Mr Trump was openly bragging about destroying civilian infrastructure to force the Iranian government to meet his political demands.

Similarly, Adil Hague, a professor at Rutgers University, pointed out that Mr Trump was publicly admitting to his war intent and crimes.

Mr Haque described Mr Trumps post as obscene and called for an end to this lawless war.

In a series of social media posts, he said, The president of the United States would like everyone to know that he is acting with criminal intent, in case there was any ambiguity.

Attacking civilian infrastructureto create political pressure or punish civiliansis both illegal and stupid.

Thousands of people have been killed in the war that is now one month old. An even higher number of people have been injured or displaced across Iran, Lebanon, Israel, and other parts of the region.

In Iran alone, more than 2,000 people have been killed and around 26,500 others injured since the start of the war.

Also, since March, attacks on major oil and gas facilities in the region have been worsening the global economic impact of the war.
The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Surajudeen Basiru, has dismissed allegations by a faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by David Mark that the ruling party is behind the leadership crisis in the opposition party.

Mr Basiru described the allegations as baseless, mischievous, and a reflection of internal disarray within the ADC.

Mr Basiru spoke at a press conference by the APC National Working Committee on Friday, where the ruling party responded to claims made earlier by the ADC faction concerning alleged political interference and threats to Nigerias democracy.

The ADC faction had accused President Bola Tinubu and his party (ADC) of deliberately weakening opposition parties in a bid to impose a one-party state ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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They also alleged that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) acted unlawfully by withdrawing recognition of their leadership, claiming the electoral body misinterpreted a Court of Appeal ruling which directed parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum.

The opposition group further accused INEC of partisanship and contempt of court, calling for the removal of the INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan and all national commissioners.

Despite ongoing litigation and the appellate courts directive, the faction insisted it would proceed with its planned congresses and national convention, warning Nigerians and the international community of what it described as a looming threat to democratic governance.

APC responds

Responding, Mr Basiru said the claims were fallacious propaganda aimed at misleading Nigerians and masking the ADCs internal leadership crisis.

According to him, Nigeria currently has 19 registered political parties eligible to contest elections, stressing that Mr Tinubu lacks constitutional powers to deregister any party.

He argued that the crisis within the ADC was self-inflicted, stemming from what he described as the untidy hijack of the partys leadership without consensus among stakeholders, which subsequently triggered legal disputes.

Nigerians must know that the present predicament of David Mark and his ilk has to do with the untidy way they hijacked the leadership of an existing political party without carrying along all stakeholders resulting in court litigation before the Federal Hight Court and the adverse judgment of the Court of Appeal upon which the INEC predicated it decision not to recognise any of the two contending parties for the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) pending the determination of the pending suit by the court, Mr Basiru said.

He explained that INECs decision to withhold recognition of any faction of the ADC leadership was based on a Court of Appeal judgement dismissing an appeal filed by Mr Marks group.

He noted that the appellate court found the appeal procedurally flawed and premature, particularly as key issues, including jurisdiction, were still pending before the Federal High Court.

The court, he added, ordered all parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum and refrain from actions that could prejudice ongoing proceedings, while also awarding costs against Mr Marks faction.

Where does President Bola Tinubu feature in their predicament, if not outright fallacious and malicious propaganda, he queried.

According to the APC, INECs stance merely reflects compliance with this ruling, dismissing allegations of bias as unfounded.

If Senator Mark and his factional ADC leadership believe INECs interpretation is flawed, they ought to know the proper channel to seek redress, the courts, Mr Basiru said.

The APC also faulted the ADC factions decision to proceed with congresses and a national convention despite subsisting court orders.

Mr Basiru described the move as reckless and indicative of disregard for the rule of law, warning that the courts could ultimately nullify such actions.

He further criticised the call for the removal of INEC officials, describing it as preposterous and reflective of a poor understanding of constitutional processes governing the commission.

Taking a swipe at the ADC factions claim to opposition leadership, Mr Basiru said political relevance is determined by electoral performance, not press statements.

He argued that the ADC had failed to demonstrate credibility at the polls, citing recent local government elections in the Federal Capital Territory, where, he said, the group performed poorly.

You cannot lay claim to national relevance while your performance at the polls remains abysmal and unconvincing. Since the inception of their so-called coalition, they have been roundly rejected at the polls by Nigerians, including during the recently held Local Government Area Council election in the Federal Capital Territory.

Leadership of the opposition is not declared through press conferences or rhetoric; it is earned through consistent electoral credibility and public trust, both of which they have struggled to demonstrate, he added.

The ruling party advised the ADC to address its internal challenges rather than blame external forces.

No amount of external finger-pointing can erase their consistent failures or resolve their lingering leadership issues, Mr Basiru said.
The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, has resigned from office.

Ms Onyejeocha announced her resignation in a post on X on Friday.

It is with a heart full of gratitude that I announce my resignation as Honourable Minister of State for Labour and Employment. This decision comes with profound gratitude to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the opportunity to serve Nigeria in his administration, she wrote.

This is not an end but a new beginning. I remain committed to service, to progress, and to building the Nigeria we all deserve.

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Mrs Onyejeochas resignation occurred three days after the 31 March deadline President Tinubu gave to his ministers and other political appointees seeking elective office. The president asked them to resign in compliance with the Electoral Act.

Ms Onyejeocha is a former member of the House of Representatives, where she represented Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia State from 2007 to 2023. She is believed to be seeking to return to the House on the platform of Nigerias ruling All Progressives Congress.

PREMIUM TIMES reports that three other ministers and other appointees resigned before the deadline lapsed.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have raised serious concerns over repeated attacks on health facilities in Tehran, warning that escalating conflict in the region is threatening the delivery of essential medical services.

In a statement posted on X on Thursday, WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus highlighted the impact of the strikes on hospitals, research centres, and pharmaceutical facilities.

Among the facilities affected is the Pasteur Institute, one of Irans oldest and most significant medical research centres.

Established in 1920, the Institute has operated for over a century across multiple areas of medical research and emergency response, and two of its departments serve as WHO collaborating centres.

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Mr Ghebreyesus confirmed that the Institute sustained significant damage and was rendered unable to continue delivering health services.

The UNDP Administrator, Alexander De Croo, also berated the reported attacks on health facilities in the country.

Mr De Croo said the UNDP is gravely concerned by reports of damage to health facilities in Iran, including the Pasteur Institute.

Health infrastructure and personnel must be protected under international humanitarian law, he said, warning that disruption risks essential services and access to care for the most vulnerable.

Attacks on other facilities

Other health facilities have also been affected, according to various reports.

Mr Ghebreyesus said the Delaram Sina Psychiatric Hospital was damaged during a strike on 29 March, while the Tofigh Daru pharmaceutical facility, which produces medicines for treating cancer and multiple sclerosis, was damaged in another attack on 31 March.

While no casualties were reported in these attacks, he noted that casualties are affecting the delivery of health services and the safety of health workers, patients, and civilians at health facilities.

Widespread threats

Since 1 March, the WHO has verified over 20 attacks on health care in Iran, resulting in at least nine deaths, including an infectious disease health worker and a member of the Iranian Red Crescent Society.

Attacks have also occurred outside Tehran, such as an explosion near Imam Ali Hospital in Andimeshk, Khuzestan province, on 21 March, which forced the facilitys evacuation and halt of services.

The conflict in Iran, and the region, is impacting the delivery of health services and the safety of health workers, patients, and civilians present at health facilities, Mr Ghebreyesus said, adding that peace is the best medicine.

Pattern of attacks on health facilities

PREMIUM TIMES has consistently reported warnings about attacks on health facilities across conflict zones, particularly in the ongoing US/IsraelIran war and other regions.

In earlier reports, the WHO confirmed multiple attacks on health infrastructure in Iran, including at least 13 incidents within weeks of the conflicts escalation.

Beyond Iran, the organisation also condemned the killing of paramedics in Lebanon linked to the same conflict, highlighting the growing risks faced by frontline health workers. It noted that the attacks have forced evacuations and disrupted essential medical services.

Similar patterns have been documented in other regions. In Sudan, over 2,000 people were reported to have been killed in attacks on health facilities since the outbreak of war. Rising hostilities in Afghanistan and Pakistan have led to repeated strikes on hospitals and increasing casualties.

Across these situations, WHO has warned that attacks on health infrastructure are part of a broader trend in conflict zones, with severe consequences for patient care, emergency response, and overall public health systems.
Former senator for Jigawa South-west and governorship aspirant, Sabo Nakudu, has resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Mr Nakudu contested the 2023 APC governorship primary but lost to the incumbent, Governor Umar Namadi.

Mr Nakudu is among several APC chieftains, including allies of the former Minister of Defence, Muhammed Badaru, who recently resigned from the APC.

In a letter dated 3 April, and addressed to the APC chairman in his Sundimina Ward, Birnin Kudu Local Government Area, Mr Nakudu said his decision to leave the APC was taken after careful consideration.

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Mr Nakudu thanked the APC for allowing him to serve two terms as senator.

I sincerely appreciate the opportunity given to me by the party to serve and contribute to its growth and development over the years, he stated in the resignation letter.

Resignation of ex-defence ministers allies

Several other APC members, allies and political loyalists of Mr Badaru have also announced their resignations from the APC.

The loyalists include Zakari Hausa, former governors aide on Health, Jamilu Zaki, former Kazaure Local Government Chairman and governors aide on agricultural monitoring.

Others who resigned include Auwalu Sansani, a former governors aide on STOWA, and Shehu Sule, a former Ringim Local Government Chairman.

While the politicians have not yet disclosed their next moves following their resignation from the APC, they are widely expected to join the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Mati Ali, the spokesperson for Mr Badaru, affirmed that his principal remains a bona fide member of the APC.

He stated that any associates resigning from the party are doing so independently and without Mr Badarus consent or influence.
News / National

by Staff reporter

The Bulawayo City Council says it is being overwhelmed by central government demands to provide resources for upcoming national Independence Day celebrations in Maphisa, as the city battles a deepening service delivery crisis.The cash-strapped local authority has been asked to supply construction machinery, bricks, and foodincluding five cattle, six tonnes of mealie meal, and 200 litres of cooking oilfor the 46th Independence Day event set for April 18.According to council minutes tabled during a meeting on April 1, councillors expressed frustration, noting that local authorities are already struggling to fund essential services such as road maintenance, water supply, and sewer systems.Councillors argued that central government, which reportedly allocated ZiG 14 million for the festivities, should have adequate resources without burdening local councils. They suggested that the requested contributions would be better used for the rehabilitation of roads leading out of the city toward Maphisa.Councillor Donaldson Mabuto urged authorities to instead seek support from wealthy businessmen known for public philanthropy, in an apparent reference to Wicknell Chivayo, who has recently made headlines for gifting luxury vehicles.The logistical strain was further highlighted by a request from the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) for equipment, including a front-end loader and a compressor to assist with quarry operations. Council officials revealed that their own loader is currently non-operational due to worn-out tyres.In an unusual arrangement, the ZDF ed providing a truck to transport the equipment and a compressor to keep the tyres inflated during operation, underscoring the extent of resource constraints within the council.Despite these challenges, the council ultimately resolved to comply with the requests after the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works indicated that such support would set a positive example for other local authorities.Town clerk Christopher Dube said contributing to the national event would help strengthen relations with central government.The choice of Maphisa as the host venue has also sparked debate due to its historical significance. The area is home to Bhalagwe, a site linked to the 1980s Gukurahundi massacres, during which thousands of civilians were reportedly killed.The decision to host this year's celebrations in Matabeleland South forms part of a broader government initiative to decentralise national events. However, David Coltart has raised concerns over the slow pace of road rehabilitation leading to the venue.Dube, however, expressed confidence that the government would meet deadlines, citing previous rapid infrastructure upgrades in Gokwe North ahead of last year's celebrations.The situation highlights growing pressure on local authorities, which, despite facing severe financial and infrastructural challenges, are increasingly expected to contribute to the funding and logistics of major national events.
After watching Adelabu perform so poorly over the last two years on the national stage, I was hoping he would go away quietly, under the shadow of the darkness he has fostered. But since he insists that he wont leave quietly  or appears determined to stay on  Im considering a self-appointed mission to drag him to Oyo State to see how he will turn their night into day.

In many parts of the country, the rains poured down earlier in the week, bringing much physical and psychological relief from the searing heat.

The absence of electricity from public supply channels made it worse. Average daytime temperatures throughout March ranged from 33 degrees to 38 degrees centigrade in Lagos and Abuja, respectively.

Nigerias public electricity grid must rank among the most intractable problems any developing country could face. There is hardly anything more constant than the announcement of grid collapse, which leaves businesses and homes seeking alternatives and incurring unplanned expenses, while paying for electricity not supplied.

What Candidate Tinubu Promised

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During his 2023 campaign, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said that if he didnt fix the problem, he shouldnt be voted in for a second term. He must be regretting that statement now. Since the beginning of his administration in May 2023, there have been multiple grid collapses, with the highest number recorded in 2024 at 12. Even when the incidents were fewer, sporadic outages have continued. The failure, on face value, is attributed to a mix of technical, structural and administrative weaknesses in the system. But there is more to it in the sense in which it is said: The more you see, the less you understand.

So unreliable is the public electricity supply that the Presidential villa appropriated 10 billion in 2025, and an additional 7 billion in 2026 for the installation of a solar mini grid that will effectively disconnect Nigerias seat of power from the national grid, bedevilled by ageing transmission lines, which collapse repeatedly from sabotage, poor maintenance, and frequency imbalances.

The Joke Is On Us

Nigerians, ever ready to make a jest of their tragic maladies and long suffering, are beaten when it comes to power outages. They are shocked beyond humour. If the high-tension cables were not too high overhead, people in communities through which they run would not hesitate to hang their laundry on them  knowing from experience that the lines are just part of the landscape and are very likely to be without electricity.

I have seen a video of a masquerade performing on a streetlight pole. Of course, the crowd applauded its invincibility; yet, both the crowd and the masquerade knew better. The lines had not been electrified for months and were unlikely to be for the spell of the circus.

Hope was rekindled at the beginning of the Tinubu administration when news filtered through that the currently embattled former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, had not only produced a blueprint, but was going to be given the assignment of sorting out Nigerias notorious electricity sector. I learnt reliably that, as part of his plan, El-Rufai was discussing a $10 billion investment agreement with the Saudis, before he ran into rough weather.

Adelabu has no roadmap, or if he has one for a population four times what it was under ECN, its a roadmap to nowhere. The same old problems persist: gas shortages, moribund plants, infrastructure deficits, massive debts, and frequent grid collapses, limiting supply to about 4,000 MW, despite a capacity of 13,000 MW.

The Coming of Adebayo

That was how Adebayo Adelabu took the job  which he has performed so disastrously. Saying he failed would be an honour. But its not his fault  its the fault of the president who appointed him and the Senate that cleared him for a job that he was clearly incompetent to perform, either based on his record or on any hope of redemption. He is brilliant, but the power sector is littered with the remains of brilliant people, among whom he is now a fossil.

His better years were when he worked as an auditor at PwC. He was also an executive director/CFO at First Bank, and later a deputy governor at the Central Bank. He may not have been directly responsible for the misfortunes of these institutions at the time, but he doesnt exactly smell of roses.

In the normal course of things, his banking career should have been a yellow flag. Still, Nigeria being Nigeria, the quota system and political connections ensured that he defied gravity.

Then, in 2023, Tinubu offered him the position of minister of Power, after his failed attempt to become governor of Oyo State on the platform of the Accord Party. That only worsened our misery. Adelabu will be best remembered for splitting electricity consumers into parallel payment bands that do not necessarily reflect improved services.

The thing is not that Adelabu failed at his job. Its the lack of evidence that he tried. Mr Dan Kunle, an energy expert familiar with the history of that sector, told me that, No one is saying a power minister should provide the resources to fix the sector from thin air. Its for him to provide a solid framework that would create the right environment and attract sovereign intervention.

Adelabu, like many of his predecessors, is running the power ministry in 2026 with the 1950 operational manual of the Electricity Corporation of Nigeria (ECN). Yet, even then, when the country had a population of about 50 million, the British knew that electricity was an economic good. To provide meaningful and sustainable service, they had to prioritise not just the key administrative centres but also areas that could pay. That was why, for example, coal was shipped from Enugu to the Ijora Power Station in Lagos.

No Roadmap

Adelabu has no roadmap, or if he has one for a population four times what it was under ECN, its a roadmap to nowhere. The same old problems persist: gas shortages, moribund plants, infrastructure deficits, massive debts, and frequent grid collapses, limiting supply to about 4,000 MW, despite a capacity of 13,000 MW.

While Adelabu may wring his hands alongside Nigerians when the lights trip off, the sector has been drowning under the yoke of 6 trillion in debt as of late 2025, fuelled by non-cost-reflective tariffs and unpaid bills to both generating and distribution companies. Some of the problems predate Adelabu, but his incompetence has worsened them.

Yet, he still has ambition. Not to redeem himself after his disastrous three years as minister, but to become the governor of Oyo State. Obviously, he believes the reward for poor performance is a higher office. He is so shameless, it means nothing to him that he holds the Olympic record for national grid collapse. It means nothing to him that Nigerian businesses are powered by Indian generators and their homes by Chinese solar panels.

Compared to the countries above, only 57 per cent of Nigerians are grid-connected, with outages occurring 85 per cent of the time, and poor metering and corruption that sustain estimated billing and inefficiencies.

Examples from Africa

Egypt, with a population of 110 million, has 100 per cent universal electricity access, supported by a heavy reliance on gas (81 per cent) and growing low-carbon sources like hydropower. This ensures a stable supply amid population pressures.

South Africa serves 85-90 per cent of its 62 million residents but faces severe shortages. Frequent load shedding persists due to Eskoms debt, ageing infrastructure, and maintenance issues, despite high per-capita generation.

Ghana reaches 88-89 per cent coverage for 34 million people, with hydro and thermal power dominating. Urban areas enjoy near-99 per cent access, while rural areas still have gaps and occasional outages.

Kenya hits 76 per cent for 56 million, excelling in urban (97 per cent) and geothermal power. Rural expansion lags, though targets aim for full access by 2030.

Compared to the countries above, only 57 per cent of Nigerians are grid-connected, with outages occurring 85 per cent of the time, and poor metering and corruption that sustain estimated billing and inefficiencies.

After watching Adelabu perform so poorly over the last two years on the national stage, I was hoping he would go away quietly, under the shadow of the darkness he has fostered. But since he insists that he wont leave quietly  or appears determined to stay on  Im considering a self-appointed mission to drag him to Oyo State to see how he will turn their night into day.

Azu Ishiekwene is Editor-In-Chief of LEADERSHIP and author of the book,Writing for Media and Monetising It.
President Tinubu has almost total control of all branches of government, executive, legislative and judicial. He also has vast financial resources under his control. He is beginning to think he can do anything he wants and get away with it. He is forgetting that Nigerian citizens have consistently demonstrated a capacity to contest power when it turns toxic.

Power always creates an illusion that those who wield it can dismiss the rule of law and do anything they like and get away with it. History is however full of examples that show that it is often impossible to get away with injustice or that the consequences for the power wielder could be very serious. From the day of his swearing in, President Bola Tinubu has been clear that the main purpose of his first term in office is to use it to obtain a second term. His method has been clear to all keen observers of Nigerian politics, to use the judiciary and INEC to take over the opposition parties so that his opponents would have no platform to contest against him. Surrogates have been used to take over and break the ambitions of his opponents in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Labour Party (LP) and the New Nigerian Peoples Part (NNPP) so far. This approach however had an unforeseen negative outcome for the ruling APC as all the disparate opposition groups were then pushed into one single formidable opposition party, the African Democratic Congress (ADC). This week, INEC was used as a tool to scuttle the ADC in spite of the lack of legal basis to do so.

Section 83 of the Electoral Act 2026 provides that no court shall entertain suits relating to the internal affairs of a political party and imposes mandatory cost sanctions of not less than N10 million against both counsel and litigants who bring such suits. This is a major shift in the law. It is clearly aimed at reducing the growing number of court cases over party leadership, congresses, and internal fights often instigated by surrogates of the ruling party.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has just suspended recognition of all leadership factions of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) following a ruling by the Court of Appeal and ongoing litigation over the partys leadership. In a statement by its National Commissioner, Mohammed Haruna, INEC said its decision followed the directive by the Court of Appeal, directing that the two factions of the party maintain the status quo pending the determination of a substantive suit currently before the Federal High Court in Abuja. When did INEC become the interpreter of court judgements? In any case, INEC has in its files the resignation letters of the previous party leadership who left voluntarily and some of them are now trying to claim they never left.

The real issue however is that since Tinubu became President, he has thrown away his ancient toga of a veteran fighter for democratic politics and has focused on creating a one-party State in which he is personally in control of every aspect of Nigerian politics and governance. There has been a vast programme to cajole, threaten, blackmail and bribe elected governors and legislators from other parties to join the ruling APC.

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Nonetheless, the ADC has succeeded in becoming the last bastion for Nigerian politicians opposed to Tinubu and his party. A big coalition has been assembled around the party with people such as the perennial presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar who adopted the party in July 2025. Peter Obi, the breakout candidate of the 2023 presidential election who also joined the party. The latest to join the ADC is Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the controller of the significant Kano vote. The people who won second, third and fourth positions in the 2023 presidential elections are now all lined up against Tinubu in the ADC. Other stalwarts in the ADC are former Senate President David Mark, who chairs the party, the former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, who serves as National Secretary, and former Minister of Youth and Sports, Bolaji Abdullahi, who serves as the partys spokesperson. President Tinubu is an accountant, he has crunched the numbers and he knows that they are not in his favour.

These leaders are not actually the main concern of the Tinubu Administration. The government is in panic mode because the Federal Government has been deepening and widening misery all over the country because of concerns over the most dramatic level of corruption in the countrys history, the incredibly high level of ethnicity and nepotism in political appointments, the cost of living crisis that are linked with the twin Tinubu policies of removing fuel subsidy and floating the Naira and above all, the complete inability of the government to address the security crisis confronting the people. The APC can lure all the governors in the country to join their party but these governors cannot deliver the votes of their people, who know their suffering and misery comes from the government. Any opposition coalition that speaks to the misery of Nigerians can therefore beat Tinubu in the 2027 elections.

I have seen legal arguments circulating which show that both the court and INEC are acting in total disrespect of the law on this matter. For me, the main issue is that Nigerians know that the judiciary and INEC are both working for candidate Tinubu as partisans. I know that in Nigeria, it is not possible to dismantle all parties except those run by APC surrogates and still pretend Nigeria is running a democratic system of government. The more government agents disrupt political platforms, the more Nigerians feel alienated from them. In this context, the assumption that people are now so poor that the offer of a few thousand naira can sway the electorate to vote fr the APC might be mistaken. Red flags are emerging all over the country that Nigeria is facing a moment of a real threat of democracy collapse and that citizens must come out to save democracy. 2027 will be a vote over the preservation of Nigerian democracy and at such moments Nigerians have demonstrated their ability to take the moral high ground in the past.

Unfortunately for INEC, their newly appointed Chairman is not inspiring confidence. His decision to withdraw recognition of the David Mark ADC leadership is interpreted as partisan and illegal by most analysts. INEC has also just announced it will commence a nationwide revalidation of permanent voters cards of citizens. INEC had always argued in the past that the massive bio-data embedded in the card qualifies it to be permanent. Are they now trying to tinker with the voters list beyond the traditional practice of adding citizens who have turned 18-years or are replacing cards that are lost or the owners have relocated. We shall see.

President Tinubu has almost total control of all branches of government, executive, legislative and judicial. He also has vast financial resources under his control. He is beginning to think he can do anything he wants and get away with it. He is forgetting that Nigerian citizens have consistently demonstrated a capacity to contest power when it turns toxic.

A Professor of Political Science and development consultant/expert, Jibrin Ibrahim is a Senior Fellow of the Centre for Democracy and Development, and Chair of the Editorial Board of PREMIUM TIMES.
The Association of Local Governments in Nigeria (ALGON), Enugu State chapter, has assured of the effective distribution of UNICEF nutrition commodities handed over to the state by the global agency.

Ugo Ferdinand Ukwueze, the chairman of Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area, Enugu State, and the deputy chairman of ALGON in the state, gave the assurance on behalf of the association during the commodities handover ceremony on 31 March in Enugu.

The commodities, procured through a matching-fund arrangement between UNICEF and the administration of Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, include Small-Quantity Lipid-Based Nutrient Supplements, Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food, and Multiple Micronutrient Supplements, aimed at combating malnutrition among children and pregnant women.

The UNICEF Country Representative, Nigeria, Wafaa Saeed, represented by the Chief of Nutrition Section, Nemat Hajeebhoy, praised the Mbah administration for its proactive approach, noting that Enugu had distinguished itself as a model for other states.

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UNICEF commends Enugu States leadership and contribution to the Child Nutrition Fund, positioning the state as a model. Enugu is one of the first states to procure MMS and among the few prioritising prevention through SQ-LNS, she said.

She, however, expressed concern about the rising burden of malnutrition in Nigeria, describing it as a major public health challenge, and urged stakeholders to ensure that the commodities are efficiently distributed to underserved communities.

Governor Mbah, represented by the Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ossai, reaffirmed his administrations commitment to strengthening collaboration with UNICEF and other development partners.

He said the government had established nutrition desk officers across the 17 local government areas to drive grassroots implementation and ensure effective tracking of pregnant women and children.

Mr Mbah added that the states Smart Schools feeding programme, which would provide at least one nutritious meal daily in the over 260 Smart Schools across 260 political wards, was designed to complement ongoing nutrition interventions and tackle malnutrition holistically.

While commending UNICEFs support, the governor called for sustained partnership to ensure the long-term success of the feeding programme, noting that it required substantial financial investment.

Another decisive and strategic step

Mr Ukwueze, while commending Governor Mbah for prioritising child survival and wellbeing, assured that local government authorities would ensure effective last-mile distribution of the commodities, stressing that beneficiaries across communities would promptly receive and utilise the supplies.

Effective distribution, accountability and proper targeting remain critical, and we will continue to work diligently to ensure that every vulnerable mother and child who needs these interventions can access them without delay, Mr Ukwueze said of the commodities.

This event marks yet another decisive and strategic step in our collective resolve to confront malnutrition and safeguard the future of our children and mothers.

Nutrition remains the foundation of human capital development, and any society that takes it seriously is actively investing in its productivity, resilience and long-term prosperity. It is in this regard that the bold and intentional efforts of Governor Mbahs administration continue to stand out.

Continuing, the chairman said, This deliberate investment aligns with His Excellencys broader nutrition-focused initiatives, including the deployment of nutrition desk officers across the 17 local government areas and the Smart School Feeding Programme designed to provide at least one nutritious meal daily across the 260 wards, clearly demonstrating a comprehensive and sustainable approach to addressing malnutrition.

I remain resolute in my commitment to advancing policies and programmes that prioritise nutrition, uplift our people, strengthen our communities and secure a healthier, more prosperous future for the next generation.
Governor Dauda Lawal has been honoured with the Outstanding Governor of the Year award by Triangle Media International Magazine.

The International Magazines 10th annual lecture and award was held on Thursday at the Grands Hall of Kings College, London, United Kingdom.

A statement by the governors spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, disclosed that the awards honoured public and private sector leaders whose leadership impacts governance and service delivery.

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He added that the award lecture, themed Harnessing the roles of Nigerians in Diaspora for National Development, brought together stakeholders from both the public and private sectors.

The statement read in parts, Yesterday, in London, the United Kingdom, Governor Dauda Lawal received the 2026 Face of Africa Leadership Award for Outstanding Governor of the Year.

The 2026 edition coincides with the 10th anniversary of Triangle International Magazine, which has, over the years, celebrated notable Africans across diverse fields.

The award recognises the state government, under Governor Lawals leadership, for achieving a remarkable milestone in service delivery since his inauguration on 29 May 2023.

The board of the Triangle International, among other reasons, said that despite inheriting an empty treasury, Governor Dauda Lawal has remained true to the Rescue agendas campaign promise: to rescue and rebuild Zamfara.

The award also reflects the state governments innovative approach to indirectly curbing insecurity through educational advancement, demonstrated by the declaration of a state of emergency in the educational sector.

The state governments swift payment of outstanding N3.4 billion for WAEC and NECO, and the reconstruction and rehabilitation of schools across all 14 Local Government Areas of Zamfara State.

The International magazine finds these initiatives to be strategic interventions toward long-term efforts to make Zamfara State better.

The colourful event was attended by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and Sahara Groups GMD, Kola Adesina, among others.
Legend Extra Stout, Nigerias premier stout, continues its Big Fiesta celebrations with the 2026 edition of Maktown Fest in Makurdi on Sunday, April 5, bringing music, culture, and community together for another unforgettable experience. At the heart of this lively festival is Legend Extra Stout, whose bold, rich taste will energize the event and elevate every moment.

The festival promises a full day of live music performances, interactive brand activations, curated market stalls, and unique experiences that showcase the energy and diversity of Makurdis cultural landscape. Over the years, Mark Fest has grown into a platform for creative expression, bringing together communities and providing a stage for emerging and established talent alike.

As official partner, Legend Extra Stout reinforces its commitment to authenticity and timeless character. The brands presence at Maktown Fest is designed to reflect its core valuescelebrating real stories, connecting people through shared experiences, and powering moments that leave a lasting impact. Festival-goers can expect activations that engage the senses and highlight Legend Extra Stouts bold personality, making the experience both memorable and unmistakably Legendary.

Maktown Fest is a reflection of Makurdis energy, creativity, and spirit, said Ifeyinwa Madu, Senior Brand Manager, Legend Extra Stout, Nigerian Breweries. As a brand that celebrates real stories and unforgettable experiences, Legend Extra Stout is proud to be part of this festival, creating moments that resonate long after the day ends. Our involvement is about more than presenceits about fueling an experience that brings people together and celebrates what makes this city unique.

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Legend Extra Stouts partnership extends beyond sponsorship; it represents a shared commitment to culture and community. From its iconic flavor to its strong festival presence, the brand amplifies every moment, ensuring that Maktown Fest is not just an event, but a celebration of connection, creativity, and bold expression.

Follow @legendnigeria for all the latest updates
In a bid to accelerate rural infrastructure development, boost security and economic growth, Governor Dauda Lawal has approved the appointment of Haruna Dikko as the Director-General (DG) of Zamfara State Rural Access Road Agency (RARA). The appointment of Mr Dikko, an engineer takes effect from 1 April 2026.

Disclosing the approval, the Secretary to the Zamfara State Government, Abubakar Mohammad Nakwada explained that RARA was established to

Governor Lawals administration has focused on driving growth through infrastructure development, prioritising projects that accelerate economic activities and enhance the security of communities.

Alongside the urban-renewal programme that revitalizes cities, the administration has also awarded contracts for key rural roads including the 108km Magami to Dansadau road, 95km Tsafe to Yankuzo roads, valued at billions of Naira among others. These initiatives are aimed at transforming Zamfara states landscape in line with the rescue agenda.

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Mr Dikko is a seasoned civil engineer and oil and gas professional with expertise in project management, public procurement and infrastructure development.

He has decades of extensive experience in government where he served in many strategic roles including Acting Director, Civil Works and Permanent Secretary in the States Ministry of Works and Infrastructure.

Mr Dikko holds a Bachelors Degree in Civil Engineering from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and a Masters Degree in Oil and Gas Engineering from Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, Scotland.

Governor Lawal expects the appointee to leverage on his technical and administrative prowess to improve rural roads condition in Zamfara State.
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has reiterated his administrations commitment to strengthening urban planning and land administration in the State, while calling for deeper collaboration with professional bodies, particularly town planners.

The governor made this known during a courtesy visit by the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) to Sir Kashim Ibrahim House. He was represented at the meeting by the Deputy Governor, Dr Hadiza Balarabe.

Governor Sani highlighted ongoing reforms aimed at enhancing transparency in land allocation, enforcing development control regulations, and promoting orderly urban expansion across the state. He also noted that the government is investing significantly in infrastructure and urban renewal initiatives to improve the quality of life for residents.

According to him, these efforts are part of deliberate measures to modernise urban planning systems and ensure sustainable development.

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However, the governor stressed that government alone cannot achieve these goals.

We recognise that government cannot do this alone. We need the expertise, guidance, and partnership of professional bodies such as yours. Your role in ensuring adherence to standards, building capacity, and promoting innovation in planning practice is vital to achieving sustainable development outcomes, he said.

He further emphasized that his administration remains committed to both rural and urban development, noting that an ambitious development agenda anchored on large-scale infrastructure projects is currently underway.

Governor Sani urged members of the institute to continue providing expert advisory and technical support, particularly on how land use planning impacts social and economic development.

Reflecting on the longstanding relationship between Kaduna State and the institute, the governor recalled that the states planning history dates back to 1913, with the development of master plans, spatial development frameworks, and infrastructure blueprints.

This historical context underscores the institutes deep-rooted contribution to ensuring Kadunas orderly growth, he noted.

The governor disclosed that Kaduna State has been selected as one of the pilot states by the World Bank Group for the Nigerian Land Titling, Registration, and Documentation Programme. He added that a joint team from the World Bank and the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development recently visited the state to assess its land governance systems.

Welcoming the delegation, led by NITP Vice President, Professor Kingsley Ogboli, alongside members of the Town Planners Registration Council of Nigeria, Governor Sani described the visit as an opportunity to strengthen partnerships and align development priorities.

He reaffirmed the state governments openness to collaboration, stressing its commitment to building cities and communities that are well-planned, inclusive, safe, and economically vibrant.
The Nigeria Police Force has arrested a suspect over an alleged $550,000 cyber fraud targeting an American woman.

The suspect, identified as Emwanta Smith, was arrested on 26 March in Benin City, Edo State, by operatives working through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau Abuja, the police said.

In a statement issued Tuesday in Abuja, Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Okon, said the arrest followed a four-day intelligence-led operation conducted between 23 March and 26 March after a formal complaint by the victim.

The police said preliminary findings indicated that the suspect allegedly posed as high-ranking government officials and other prominent figures to gain the victims confidence.

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He was said to have subsequently persuaded her to transfer funds via cryptocurrency channels over the period from October 2025 to January 2026.

Investigations revealed that the suspect used false identities of notable personalities to deceive the victim and induce payments via digital currency platforms, Mr Okon said.

He said proceeds of the alleged fraud were traced to the acquisition of five vehicles and an uncompleted building in Benin City, which have now been secured as exhibits.

He also disclosed that counterfeit cash valued at $10,000 was recovered from the suspect at the time of arrest.

Mr Okon said investigations are ongoing and reiterated the polices commitment to tackling cybercrime, particularly schemes that exploit cross-border anonymity and digital financial systems.

Pattern of scams targeting Americans

In July 2020, PREMIUM TIMES reported how the Nigerian police arrested a suspected internet fraudster, Chukwuebuka Obiaku, who allegedly lured an American woman to Nigeria under the guise of marriage and extorted $48,000.

Some cases have had fatal consequences. In October 2023, a US citizen died by suicide after losing his life savings to a romance scam carried out by a network of fraudsters, including Nigerians based in the US and Nigeria.

In February this year, a Nigerian, Afeez Adewale, was extradited to the US to stand trial for offences, including sexual extortion, wire fraud and a death linked to the scheme.

Earlier, in April 2025, the Federal Bureau of Investigation said it arrested 22 Nigerian cyber fraud suspects accused of sexually blackmailing and extorting minors in the US.

Edo State has featured prominently in several high-profile cyber fraud cases.

In September 2023, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) handed over a three-bedroom semi-detached duplex in Edo State to American victim Cheryldene Cook, who was scammed by Aisosa Ohue after paying N104 million in a romance scam.

In May 2025, the EFCC traced $30,000 in laundered funds from the activities of an internet fraudster in Auchi, Edo State
Leaders of the Ekid people in Akwa Ibom State have formally withdrawn political support for Okpolupm Etteh, the member representing Eket/Onna/Esit Eket/Ibeno Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

They declared that they would not back him or any candidate from Ibeno Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom in the 2027 elections.

The decision, contained in a statement issued after a joint meeting of the Board of Trustees, Executive Committee and accredited stakeholders of the Ekid Peoples Union (EPU) on 27 March, marks a fresh escalation in political tensions within the constituency.

Those who signed the statement include a former minister and two-term member of the House of Representatives, Nduese Essien, the Unions President General, Samuel Udonsak, and a former House of Representatives member, Bassey Dan-Abia, who served during the 2011- 2015 session.

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Ekid people are mostly found in the Eket and Esit Eket local government areas of Akwa Ibom, which, alongside Ibeno and Onna, make up the federal constituency.

The dispute between the Ekid and Ibeno communities dates back to the early 1900s. It centres on land ownership, stretching from the Stubbs Creek Forest Reserve to the Qua Iboe River.

Mr Etteh hails from Ibeno.

Broken trust alleged

In the communique, the EPU accused Mr Etteh of failing to defend the interests, identity and territorial integrity of the Ekid people, stating that the sacred trust of representation had been broken.

The group cited the lawmakers silence on a petition presented on the floor of the House of Representatives challenging the gazetted map of Akwa Ibom State, arguing that such inaction raised concerns about his commitment to his constituents.

The map, passed into law in 2023, gave Ekid the right to parts of the disputed land, a move the people of Ibeno challenged.

The group also alleged that Mr Etteh initiated a motion to rename Eket and Esit Eket local government areas, without consulting the affected communities, describing the move as a flagrant disregard for democratic principles and cultural sensitivity.

The union further accused the lawmaker of failing to oppose the inclusion of land belonging to Ekid in the proposed creation of an Obolo State. They questioned what they described as Mr Ettehs failure to adequately respond to security concerns within Ekid.

Citing what it called recent actions by the Ibeno Clan Council relating to Esit Urua village in Eket Local Government Area, the group resolved that neither Mr Etteh nor any Ibeno candidate could represent Ekid interests in the National Assembly.

Esit Urua is a community in Eket that borders Ibeno.

Ekid would not canvass or vote for any Ibeno person. Such a vote would be a vote against our existence and survival, the statement stated.

The union urged political parties to exercise caution when selecting candidates for the 2027 House of Representatives election, while stating its commitment to democratic processes.

Essien gives clarification

When PREMIUM TIMES contacted him about what he would have done differently if he were in Ettehs shoes, Mr Essien criticised the current representation, distancing himself from the approach the group attributed to Mr Etteh.

I would never be in his shoes, he said, adding that during his tenure in the House of Representatives from 1999 to 2007, he did not use his position to cause confusion and issues in the constituency.

Ettehs campaign team dismisses claims

However, the Director-General of Mr Ettehs campaign committee, Kingsley Mbere, rejected the EPUs position, describing it as the view of individuals that does not reflect the broader population of Eket and Esit Eket.

Mr Mbere, who is from Eket, said communal differences between Ekid and Ibeno should not be conflated with political representation, insisting that Mr Ettehs bid for a second term is grounded in equity and performance.

If three out of the four local government areas in the constituency have completed their eight-year tenure, Ibeno should be allowed, he said.

He noted that a similar stance was taken against Mr Etteh ahead of the 2023 elections, but it failed, claiming the lawmaker secured his highest vote count in Eket.

Describing the allegations in the statement as baseless, Mr Mbere also dismissed concerns over the proposed Obolo State, arguing that the state creation plan lacked viability and did not warrant intervention from the lawmaker.

He added that Mr Etteh had recently met with stakeholders in Eket to explain his intention to seek re-election. He noted that none of the issues raised in the statement was brought up at the meeting, even though Mr Essien chaired it and some signatories were in attendance.
News / National

by Staff reporter

The Movement for Democratic Change  Tsvangirai (MDC-T) has announced plans to hold peaceful demonstrations in Harare on Saturday, as opposition parties and civic organisations intensify resistance against the ongoing public hearings on Constitutional Amendment Number 3 of 2026, which they have widely condemned as a sham.Several organisations across the political divide have indicated that they will challenge the proposed amendments through legal channels, while also mobilising citizens for protests and potential stay-aways.MDC-T president Douglas Mwonzora described the public hearings as a "national embarrassment," telling Masvingo Mirror that his party would push for a national referendum."Public hearings cannot substitute the will of the people," Mwonzora said, adding that the amendment seeks to extend the terms of office for the President and Members of Parliament, who stand to benefit directly.The National Constitutional Assembly (NCA), led by constitutional law expert Lovemore Madhuku, also dismissed the outreach programme as partisan. Madhuku said the NCA would pursue legal action alongside mass protests and possible stay-aways."These were ZANU-PF rallies where only trained supporters were allowed to speak. We will deal with the outcome and push for a referendum. We will take the legal route and mobilise peaceful protests, including asking people to stay at home in protest of this constitutional manipulation," he said.The Constitutional Defenders Forum (CDF), led by convenor Tendai Biti, said it would escalate resistance through constitutional means.Meanwhile, Jacob Ngarivhume, leader of the Transform Zimbabwe party and Finance and Administration Coordinator for the Defend the Constitution Platform, said opposition groups had disengaged from the official process and were preparing court action."We have disengaged from the consultations and the next step is to take the matter to court. We will file a Constitutional Court application with evidence that the process was unlawful," said Ngarivhume.He added that alternative consultations would be conducted outside the official framework, involving political parties, civic groups, churches, and war veterans to gather citizens' views in line with constitutional provisions.Critics argue that the Bill violates key constitutional safeguards, particularly the Bill of Rights. Mwonzora said the proposed law undermines citizens' right to vote, citing Section 67(6), and breaches Section 328(8), which prohibits incumbents from benefiting from constitutional amendments that extend their terms.All civic organisations that spoke to Masvingo Mirror vowed to leave "no stone unturned" in opposing what they termed flawed and illegitimate public hearings, setting the stage for a potential escalation of political and legal battles over the proposed constitutional changes.
Annual honors recognize leading brands, products and innovation achievements across passenger, commercial, EV and specialty tire segments

TIANJIN, China, April 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- A report from tirechina.

The ApexTire2025 China Tire Awards were officially released in Tianjin on March 17, 2026, marking a major annual recognition event for China's tire industry. Organized around categories including Top 10 Tire Brands, corporate distinctions, product awards and technology innovation honors, this year's program highlighted the sector's latest progress in brand building, product upgrading, technological innovation, application-based segmentation and green development.

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Founded and organized by Tirechina.net, ApexTire has become one of China's notable annual award programs for the tire sector. Beyond recognizing award-winning brands and products, the 2025 edition also offers a view into how competition in China's tire market is evolving. Categories spanning new energy vehicle tires, high-performance tires, safety and handling, quiet comfort, off-road applications, fuel efficiency, digital-intelligence innovation and ESG management suggest a broader shift in industry priorities  from isolated performance claims toward a stronger emphasis on application fit, overall user experience, technical capability and long-term value.

According to information released by Tirechina.net, the official Top 10 Tire Brands of ApexTire2025 are Michelin, Continental, Bridgestone, Goodyear, Pirelli, Hankook, Yokohama, Dunlop, Sailun and Linglong. Eagle Tire and Doublestar were also recognized as Leading Domestic Tire Brands, highlighting the continued presence of Chinese brands in the annual awards landscape.

In product-specific categories, ApexTire2025 covered a broad range of key segments across new energy, high performance, comfort, off-road, racing and commercial transportation. Winners included Hankook iON evo High-Performance EV Tire for Annual New Energy Passenger Vehicle Tire, Guizhou Tire Green Motion GL278a for Annual New Energy Commercial Vehicle Tire, Maxxis VICTRA SPORT 6 for Annual Sport Flagship Tire, Continental UltraContact UX7 and Dunlop BLUE RESPONSE TG for Annual Safety and Handling Tire, Mount Everest Tire "Pivot Series" STATICS S1 for Annual Quiet Comfort Tire, Eagle TA01 for Annual Off-Road Tire, Pirelli P ZERO Corsa for Annual Racing Tire, and Michelin PRIMACY SUV+ for Annual High-Performance SUV Tire.

In two key high-frequency application segments spanning passenger and commercial vehicles, CST MR-C5 received the award for Annual Best Value Passenger Vehicle Tire, while CST CA186 received the award for Annual Fuel-Efficient Commercial Vehicle Tire. Double Coin Golden Label DC211+ was recognized as Annual Safe and Wear-Resistant Commercial Vehicle Tire.

In technology and corporate categories, Guizhou Tire's "Kunuo Zhixing" technology platform won the Annual Tire Technology Innovation Gold Award, Linglong received the Tire Industry Digital and Intelligent Innovation Gold Award, and Michelin China and Triangle Tire were named ESG Management Benchmark Enterprises.

Taken together, the 2025 results point to a visible change in how value is being assessed across the tire sector. Market recognition is increasingly shaped not only by single-point performance metrics, but also by how well products match real-world use cases, deliver balanced performance and create sustained value over time. The structure of this year's awards reflects a broader move toward multi-dimensional competition, as brands continue to refine product portfolios, strengthen technical positioning and respond to more differentiated market demand.

As demand becomes more specialized across passenger vehicles, commercial transport, EV applications and performance-oriented segments, annual award programs such as ApexTire also serve as a reference point for brands, channel partners, end users and market observers seeking to better understand where the sector is heading. From safety and handling to quiet comfort, fuel efficiency, wear resistance and off-road capability, the 2025 award list reflects how China's tire industry is redefining competitiveness in a new cycle of market development.

Award Highlights

Top 10 Tire Brands

Michelin, Continental, Bridgestone, Goodyear, Pirelli, Hankook, Yokohama, Dunlop, Sailun and Linglong.

Leading Domestic Tire Brands

Eagle Tire, Doublestar.

Selected Product Awards

Hankook iON evo High-Performance EV Tire  Annual New Energy Passenger Vehicle Tire

Guizhou Tire Green Motion GL278a  Annual New Energy Commercial Vehicle Tire

Maxxis VICTRA SPORT 6  Annual Sport Flagship Tire

Continental UltraContact UX7; Dunlop BLUE RESPONSE TG  Annual Safety and Handling Tire

Mount Everest Tire "Pivot Series" STATICS S1  Annual Quiet Comfort Tire

Eagle TA01  Annual Off-Road Tire

Pirelli P ZERO Corsa  Annual Racing Tire

Michelin PRIMACY SUV+  Annual High-Performance SUV Tire

CST MR-C5  Annual Best Value Passenger Vehicle Tire

CST CA186  Annual Fuel-Efficient Commercial Vehicle Tire

Double Coin Golden Label DC211+  Annual Safe and Wear-Resistant Commercial Vehicle Tire

Technology and ESG Awards

Guizhou Tire "Kunuo Zhixing" Technology Platform  Annual Tire Technology Innovation Gold Award

Linglong  Tire Industry Digital and Intelligent Innovation Gold Award

Michelin China; Triangle Tire  ESG Management Benchmark Enterprises

About ApexTire

Initiated and organized by Tirechina.net in 2020, the ApexTire China Tire Awards are an annual industry awards program focused on recognizing representative achievements in brand development, product innovation, technological advancement and market performance across China's tire sector. Guided by the mission of setting industry benchmarks and inspiring future development, the program evaluates Chinese and international tire brands across five key dimensions: innovation-driven growth, industrial collaboration, user experience, value leadership and green development. The evaluation process combines expert judging, user voting, market research and media observation. Today, ApexTire serves not only as an annual industry honor, but also as a reference point for observing market trends, assessing overall brand strength and informing consumer choice in China's tire industry.

SOURCE Tirechina.net
DARPA-validated company is already manufacturing essential medicine APIs entirely on U.S. soil

MESA, Ariz., April 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Bright Path, a U.S.-based advanced pharmaceutical manufacturer, today welcomed President Trump's proclamation imposing tariffs of up to 100 percent on imported patented pharmaceuticals and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act. The proclamation, which the President signed today citing threats to national security from foreign pharmaceutical dependence, validates the mission Bright Path has been executing for six years: building a fully domestic manufacturing capability for essential medicines with zero foreign inputs or dependencies.

"Today's action sends the clearest signal yet that America is serious about manufacturing its own medicines," said Tony Quinones, Founder and CEO of Bright Path. "We didn't wait for tariffs to start building. We've spent six years designing our own reactors, writing our own software, and proving that the United States can produce its own essential medicines. Our factory is built and our technology is validated. We've already done what most companies are still promising."

The presidential proclamation finds that pharmaceutical imports threaten U.S. national security, noting that approximately 53 percent of patented pharmaceutical products distributed domestically are produced outside the country and only 15 percent of active pharmaceutical ingredients are manufactured in the United States. The proclamation establishes a 100 percent ad valorem duty on imported patented pharmaceuticals and APIs, with reduced rates for companies that commit to onshoring production to U.S. soil. Tariffs take effect beginning July 31, 2026.

Bright Path's manufacturing platform uses the company's patented Spinning Tube-in-Tube (STT) continuous flow reactor technology, which the company designs, fabricates, and assembles entirely in-house. STT technology can produce medicines in less time, at lower cost, and at higher quality than traditional batch approaches, while also enabling faster regulatory review and rapid changeover between drug syntheses. The platform has been validated through the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) EQUIP-A-Pharma program, under which Bright Path has achieved all contract milestones across three successive awards. The company has filed Abbreviated New Drug Applications (ANDAs) with the FDA for lidocaine and carboplatin, two essential hospital medicines that appear on the FDA drug shortage list.

The company's advanced manufacturing platform is capable of addressing 87 percent of the World Health Organization's Essential Medicines List, producing over 13.4 million vials per year at full capacity, and achieving 281 percent higher yield than conventional batch manufacturing. The entire production process, from key starting materials through finished dosage form, takes place at the company's Falcon Field facility in Mesa, Arizona.

"The President's proclamation makes clear what we've known for years: depending on foreign supply chains for life-saving medicines is a national security risk we can no longer afford," Quinones continued. "More than 80 percent of the active ingredients in our essential medicines come from overseas, much of it from countries that may not have America's best interests in mind. Drug shortages emerge fast. Our manufacturing has to be just as fast, and our regulatory frameworks need to keep pace with the technology. We are fully operational and ready to scale."

The proclamation establishes a tiered tariff structure that incentivizes domestic production, offering reduced duty rates for companies with approved onshoring plans and preferential treatment for those that commit to manufacturing pharmaceuticals and APIs on American soil. Bright Path's Mesa facility represents exactly the kind of domestic manufacturing infrastructure the proclamation is designed to encourage, with a fully integrated production line that eliminates reliance on foreign suppliers at every stage of the pharmaceutical supply chain.

Bright Path has partnered with DARPA and the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) through the Center for Industrial Base Management and Supply Chain (IBMSC). The company is a member of the FDA's Emerging Technology Program and has submitted its application to the BioMaP Consortium for expanded domestic manufacturing capacity.

About Bright Path

Bright Path's manufacturing platform uses the company's patented Spinning Tube-in-Tube (STT) continuous flow reactor technology, which the company designs, fabricates, and assembles entirely in-house. Bright Path is a direct recipient and partner of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), which selected the company for its EQUIP-A-Pharma program to advance domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing capability. The platform has been validated through that program, under which Bright Path has achieved all contract milestones across three successive awards. The company has filed Abbreviated New Drug Applications (ANDAs) with the FDA for lidocaine and carboplatin, two essential hospital medicines that appear on the FDA drug shortage list.

Contact: Bruce Fryer, [email protected]

SOURCE Bright Path
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., April 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Douglas Elliman Realty, the preeminent luxury real estate brokerage in the United States, today announced its expansion into Northern California's coveted Wine Country, establishing a strong presence across the Napa and Sonoma markets. The move is cemented by two globally renowned real estate advisors, Christine Krenos and Joseph Zichelle, who join the firm following nine years together at Compass.

"Expanding into California's Wine Country represents a strategic and highly anticipated step in Douglas Elliman's continued growth across California," said Michael S. Liebowitz, President and Chief Executive Officer of Douglas Elliman Inc. "This is a globally recognized luxury market, and with Christine and Joseph leading the way, we are exceptionally well-positioned to deliver best-in-class service and reach to the region."

An internationally recognized real estate advisor, Krenos brings a rare depth of global connectivity to her business, with deep ties across the UAE, New York, Silicon Valley and California Wine Country, all of which actively funnel high-net-worth buyer and seller relationships into her practice. Her years of experience both living and transacting across Northern California and the Middle East have earned her the trust of clients who seek her guidance on investing in high-stakes regions around the world.

Zichelle's passion for real estate and real estate investing has been foundational from the start. Early in his career, he quickly rose through the ranks as a top-performing agent in Miami, building a business that spanned both commercial and residential sectors. Driven by a sharp understanding of value and market positioning, he went on to lead a top-producing team at ONE Sotheby's International Realty before expanding his reach to the West Coast, recognizing early the importance of cross-market connectivity between luxury hubs. His successful career in South Florida luxury real estate has made him a trusted advisor to a client base now increasingly considering re-migration from Miami to California.

Nine years ago, Zichelle formally aligned with Krenos, establishing a strategic relationship that continues to capture business across key feeder markets, from Southern to Northern California and across national and international channels.

Together, they operate with a global perspective, bridging relationships and opportunities across the country and beyond, an approach that directly informs their positioning in Wine Country today.

"Wine Country offers something rare: privacy, land and architectural beauty within reach of San Francisco. When you compare that to legacy markets like Aspen, Malibu, Palm Beach and The Hamptons, the value proposition becomes undeniable. It's not just compelling, it's inevitable," said Krenos.

"When you combine proximity to Silicon Valley, year-round livability and the increasing quality of design-driven estates, it becomes clear: this market isn't catching up, it's just getting started. And perhaps most importantly, the wealth is already here," added Zichelle.

Their combined networks and market fluency create a uniquely powerful platform for Douglas Elliman's Wine Country operation, one with reach that extends far beyond the region itself.

"The Wine Country is incredibly dynamic right now, with strong demand from both domestic and international buyers seeking lifestyle-driven investments. Joining Douglas Elliman allows us to elevate our business with a brand that matches the caliber of properties we represent and the discerning clients we serve," said Zichelle.

"We're excited to bring our upcoming portfolio to market this spring and introduce a new level of global exposure and connectivity to the Wine Country communities of Northern California," added Krenos.

Krenos and Zichelle boast significant experience in the region, having closed more than $70 million in sales volume in 2025 alone, including two off-market Wine Country transactions each valued at over $20 million. The duo is poised for a strong spring market, with close to $100 million in luxury residential listings expected to come online across Napa and Sonoma counties. These include premier properties such as 195-247 Fisher Lane in Sonoma, a $19,995,000 Juan Diego Perez-Vargas-designed multigenerational retreat with planned and permitted expansion opportunities; 601 Napa Road in Sonoma, a $12,999,000 five-bedroom, eight-bathroom estate set on 3.39 acres with a private vineyard; and 710 Soscol Creek Road in Napa, a $9,800,000 five-bedroom, six-bathroom modern farmhouse compound on 12.28 acres designed and built by Hurley/Hafen.

"This expansion reflects our commitment to aligning with top-tier talent in markets that resonate with today's luxury buyer. Christine and Joseph have built an impressive business rooted in relationships, local expertise, global connectivity and consistent performance," said Bill Begert, Chief Operations Officer of Brokerage, Western Region, Douglas Elliman.

"Their deep knowledge of the Wine Country market, combined with Douglas Elliman's national and international platform, creates a powerful opportunity for growth," added Peter Hernandez, President of Brokerage, California and Nevada, Douglas Elliman.

Known for their discretion, market knowledge and curated approach to high-end properties, Krenos and Zichelle have established themselves among the top advisors in the region.

About Christine Krenos and Joseph Zichelle

Christine Krenos and Joseph Zichelle provide comprehensive guidance and concierge service to select clients and top-tier development partners engaged in building, buying, and selling property across California Wine Country. With decades of combined experience across the real estate and hospitality industries in the most prestigious luxury markets, Christine and Joseph have aligned their networks and expertise to plant the flag for Douglas Elliman and offer an elevated approach to real estate in Napa and Sonoma Counties and beyond. Their love for the Wine Country landscape and respect for its agricultural uniqueness inform their shared commitment to creating enduring value, both for their clients and partners and for the communities and ecosystems that sustain the region.

About Douglas Elliman Inc.



Douglas Elliman Inc. (NYSE: DOUG) owns Douglas Elliman Realty, LLC, which is one of the largest residential brokerage companies in the United States with operations in New York City, Long Island, Westchester, Connecticut, New Jersey, the Hamptons, Massachusetts, Florida, California, Texas, Colorado, Nevada, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. In addition, Douglas Elliman Inc. provides other real estate services, including development marketing, mortgage as well as settlement and escrow services in select markets, and uses as well as invests in early-stage, disruptive property technology solutions and companies. Additional information concerning Douglas Elliman Inc. is available on its website, investors.elliman.com.

Investors and others should note that we may post information about Douglas Elliman Inc. on our website at investors.elliman.com or, if applicable, on our accounts on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, Twitter, YouTube or other social media platforms. It is possible that the postings or releases could include information deemed to be material information. Therefore, we encourage investors, the media and others interested in Douglas Elliman Inc. to review the information we post on our website at investors.elliman.com and on our social media accounts.

Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities law. All statements other than statements of historical or current facts made in this document are forward-looking. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the future plans, strategies and results of Douglas Elliman Inc. We identify forward-looking statements in this press release by using words or phrases such as "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may be," "continue," "could," "potential," "objective," "plan," "seek," "predict," "project" and "will be" and similar words or phrases or their negatives. Forward-looking statements reflect our current expectations and are inherently uncertain. Actual results could differ materially for a variety of reasons.

Risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ significantly from our current expectations are described in Douglas Elliman Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025 and its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed thereafter. We undertake no responsibility to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, except as required by applicable law.

SOURCE Douglas Elliman
LOS ANGELES, April 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Greater Lawrence Family Health Center (GLFHC) is set to be the subject of an upcoming segment on the Public Television series "All Access hosted by Andy Garcia." Production filmed on March 5, 2026, at the organization's flagship clinic and pharmacy located at 34 Haverhill Street in Lawrence, Massachusetts. This collaboration will provide an objective look at the operational mechanics of Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and their function as the primary care backbone for millions of Americans. By documenting the activity within the clinic and the deployment of mobile medical units, the program seeks to educate a national audience on how localized, community governed healthcare models address systemic gaps in medical access.

Greater Lawrence Family Health Center

Established in 1980, GLFHC has transitioned from a small volunteer-led initiative in a former funeral home to the second-largest community health center in Massachusetts, now serving approximately 70,000 patients annually. The documentary explores the "Teaching Health Center" model, which integrates advanced medical education directly into community care. This approach is exemplified by the Lawrence Family Medicine Residency program, the first of its kind owned by a health center. The segment documents how this residency addresses the national shortage of primary care physicians by training bilingual doctors who are specifically equipped to navigate the complexities of urban and immigrant health.

The production also examines the fiscal efficiency of the community health center model. While FQHCs serve over 52 million Americans, roughly 14% of the population, they account for only 1% of total annual healthcare spending in the United States. This segment provides data-driven insights into how integrated pharmacy services, mobile outreach for unhoused populations, and specialized metabolic screenings contribute to lower overall costs by reducing emergency room reliance. The narrative focus remains on the structural resilience of these centers as they manage rising costs and shifting insurance landscapes while maintaining a mandate to provide care regardless of a patient's ability to pay.

"Community health centers are one of the bestkept secrets in American healthcare," said Dr. Zandra Kelley, President & CEO of Greater Lawrence Family Health Center. "We provide highquality, comprehensive care while lowering the overall cost of healthcare nationally  and we do it by staying rooted in the communities we serve. Our patients are the backbone of their families and neighborhoods: hardworking, resilient people who support one another every day. Every member of our GLFHC team is deeply committed to walking alongside them on their healthcare journey with dignity, compassion, and excellence. At the same time, we are proud to train the next generation of physicians right here in our community  doctors who learn from our patients, grow with them, and go on to serve communities like ours for decades to come."

Beyond the clinical walls, the documentary addresses the historical context of the health center movement, which emerged during the Civil Rights era. It notes that at least 51% of GLFHC's governing board must be active patients, ensuring that administrative decisions are informed by the lived experiences of the community. As the segment airs later this year, it will offer viewers an informative perspective on how these non-profit entities stabilize regional health systems, prepare a diverse medical workforce for the future, and ultimately improve health outcomes and quality of life for the patients they serve.

About "All Access hosted by Andy Garcia": "All Access hosted by Andy Garcia" is an award-winning program that highlights the latest topics and trends impacting the world today. The program is created by a veteran team of tenured producers to provide high-quality educational content for Public Television viewers across the nation. For more information, please visit allaccessptv.com.

About Greater Lawrence Family Health Center: Greater Lawrence Family Health Center (GLFHC) is a multi-site mission-driven non-profit organization providing comprehensive primary care, specialty services, and professional training. As a national leader in community-based healthcare, GLFHC operates seven clinics, six pharmacies, and the acclaimed Lawrence Family Medicine Residency program. For more information on their services and impact, visit glfhc.org.

SOURCE All Access
The Article Covers Practical Air Conditioner Maintenance Steps That Help Improve Efficiency, Prevent Breakdowns, and Support Reliable Cooling During Warmer Months

BEDFORD, N.H., April 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- What steps can homeowners take to keep their cooling systems running efficiently throughout the warmer months? HelloNation has published an article that answers this question with practical guidance on air conditioner maintenance for residents in Bedford, NH.

Ethical Home Pro

The HelloNation article explains that consistent air conditioner maintenance is essential for maintaining AC efficiency and preventing unexpected breakdowns. In Bedford, NH, where seasonal temperature changes can put added strain on systems, routine care helps ensure reliable cooling and balanced airflow throughout the home. The article notes that regular maintenance can also help homeowners meet the manufacturer's warranty requirements.

A key takeaway from the article is the importance of maintaining clean air filters. The article explains that replacing or cleaning filters every few months helps maintain proper airflow and reduces stress on the system. When filters are clogged, AC efficiency declines, and system performance can suffer, often leading to higher energy costs. This simple step is presented as one of the most effective ways to support long-term air conditioner maintenance.

The article also emphasizes the need to keep the outdoor unit clear of debris. Leaves, dirt, and grass buildup can block airflow and reduce the unit's ability to release heat. The HelloNation article explains that maintaining a clean outdoor unit helps preserve AC efficiency and ensures the system performs reliably during peak usage. Homeowners in Bedford, NH, are encouraged to regularly inspect the area around the unit and remove obstructions.

Another important aspect discussed is monitoring refrigerant levels. The article explains that low refrigerant levels can reduce cooling capacity and force the system to work harder, thereby negatively impacting system performance. Addressing refrigerant levels early helps prevent mechanical issues and supports consistent operation. This is one area where professional inspections are particularly valuable.

The article highlights the role of professional inspections in maintaining overall system performance. HVAC Expert Sean McGorry of Ethical Home Pro is featured in the article, which notes that trained technicians can evaluate airflow, test system components, and identify small issues before they become costly repairs. Scheduling professional inspections before the summer season in Bedford, NH, helps ensure that systems are prepared for increased demand.

In addition to professional care, the article outlines steps homeowners can take to improve indoor airflow. Keeping vents unobstructed by furniture and ensuring open pathways for air circulation helps maintain even cooling. Combined with regular air conditioner maintenance, these efforts improve AC efficiency and create a more comfortable indoor environment.

The article further explains that consistency is critical. Routine maintenance visits, whether annual or biannual, help extend the lifespan of the system and maintain stable system performance. HVAC Expert Sean McGorry's insights reinforce that combining homeowner vigilance with professional inspections creates a more reliable and efficient cooling system.

The article concludes that proactive air conditioner maintenance benefits homeowners in Bedford, NH by improving airflow, stabilizing refrigerant levels, and protecting the outdoor unit. These steps help maintain AC efficiency, reduce the risk of unexpected repairs, and support long-term system performance.

Air Conditioner Maintenance Tips for Bedford, NH features insights from Sean McGorry, an HVAC expert in Bedford, New Hampshire, on HelloNation.

About HelloNation

HelloNation is a premier media platform that connects readers with trusted professionals and businesses across various industries. Through its innovative "edvertising" approach that blends educational content with storytelling, HelloNation delivers expert-driven, good-news articles that inform, inspire, and empower. Covering topics from home improvement and health to business strategy and lifestyle, HelloNation highlights leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

SOURCE HelloNation
LOS ANGELES, April 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Hozpitality Group successfully hosted its GM/HR/Sales Leaders Networking Event on April 2, 2026, in Los Angeles, bringing together an influential group of hospitality professionals and industry leaders from across Southern California.

Held at the Offshore Lounge inside the newly remodeled Found Hotel, the event welcomed over 40 senior leaders, including General Managers, HR Directors, and Sales & Marketing Leaders representing leading hospitality brands such as Hyatt Hotels, Hilton, Marriott International etc.

The event saw participation from prominent leaders including Kathleen Rawson, President & CEO of The Hollywood Partnership and Vice President of the Los Angeles Tourism Commission, alongside General Managers from properties such as Courtyard by Marriott Culver City, DoubleTree by Hilton Carson, Hyatt Place LAX, Beverly Hills Marriott, and AC Hotels.

Demonstrating the strong demand for meaningful industry networking, attendees traveled from across the region, including Orange County, El Monte and as far as Templeton.

The event delivered a dynamic and engaging experience, with guests staying until the conclusion of the eveninghighlighting both the quality of the audience and the value of the connections made. Attendees enjoyed curated networking, vibrant music, and a high-energy atmosphere complemented by exceptional food and beverage offerings.

A key highlight of the evening was the official introduction of Hozpitality Group's Education Board Advisory Council, reinforcing the company's commitment to bridging the gap between hospitality education and industry leadership.

"We are incredibly encouraged by the response to our first event in Los Angeles," said Raj Bhatt. "Our vision is to build a consistent platform where hospitality professionals can connect, collaborate, and grow. This is just the beginningwe look forward to hosting regular events that add real value to the industry."

The event was further elevated by NEFT Vodka, which provided complimentary cocktails and free-flowing beverages throughout the evening.

The night concluded with an exciting raffle draw, featuring exclusive prizes including hotel stay vouchers, adding an engaging close to an already successful evening.

Hozpitality Group extends its sincere appreciation to all partners, participants, and supporters who contributed to the success of the event.

Following this strong debut, Hozpitality Group plans to host regular networking events across Los Angeles and expand into other key U.S. markets.

About Hozpitality Group

Hozpitality Group is a leading global platform connecting hospitality professionals, employers, and industry stakeholders through its job portal, networking events, and industry initiatives.

For more information, please visit https://www.hozpitality.com/

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2684265/5900436/Hozpitality_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Hozpitality Group
NEW YORK, April 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Snap, Inc. ("Snap" or the "Company") (NYSE: SNAP). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at [email protected] or 646-581-9980, ext. 7980.

The investigation concerns whether Snap and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.

[Click here for information about joining the class action]

On March 26, 2026, media outlets reported that the European Union had launched a probe into the Company's Snapchat platform, citing concerns regarding child safety, weak age verification, and the promotion of illegal products.

On this news, Snap's stock price fell $0.48 per share, or 10.69%, to close at $4.01 per share on March 26, 2026.

Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com.

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

CONTACT:

Danielle Peyton

Pomerantz LLP

[email protected]

646-581-9980 ext. 7980

SOURCE Pomerantz LLP
Guests can order in-store or via the drive-thru to enjoy signature Jollibee favorites like its mouth-watering Chickenjoy fried chicken, Chicken Sandwiches and iconic Peach Mango Pie. Dine-in and online ordering will be available in the coming weeks.

WEST COVINA, Calif., April 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Jollibee, the global restaurant brand twice-crowned "best fast-food fried chicken in America" by USA TODAY, will open its new store in Stockton, Calif., on Friday, April 3, offering drive-thru and in-store to-go service at launch. This initial phase is designed to ensure maximum speed and convenience for both loyal fans and first-time guests, allowing the restaurant to efficiently accommodate eager customers, while diligently preparing for a full-service launch. In-store dining and online ordering will be available in the coming weeks, providing even more ways to experience the delicious Jollibee difference.

Jollibee's new Stockton, CA location opens on Friday, April 3, 2026. Jollibee's signature crispy and juicy Chickenjoy fried chicken brings joy with every bite.

Conveniently located at 4704 Pacific Avenue at the intersection of Pacific Avenue and March Lane, the new Jollibee has a prime spot in front of Weberstown Mall, one of the area's major retail hubs. Jollibee's new outpost in Stockton further expands its presence in Northern California while bringing the beloved brand's signature "joy of eating" to loyal fans and first-time guests across the Central Valley region.

Celebrated for its crave-worthy menu line-up and warm, welcoming service, Jollibee has built a devoted following from coast to coast. From its mouth-watering Chickenjoy fried chicken and crispy and juicy Chicken Sandwiches to its perfectly sweet Peach Mango Pie, Jollibee continues to generate excitement and gain new fans wherever it opens its doors.

Jollibee invites first-time guests from around the city to taste for themselves why people line up for hours (and even camp out overnight!) to be among the first to get their hands on Jollibee's most beloved menu items, including:

Chickenjoy : Jollibee's signature fried chicken. Each piece is delicately hand-breaded to be crispy on the outside, cooked with precision to be juicy on the inside, and marinated to the bone for next-level flavor. Served with a side of silky, savory gravy for dipping, it is a must for many Jollibee fans!

: Jollibee's signature fried chicken. Each piece is delicately hand-breaded to be crispy on the outside, cooked with precision to be juicy on the inside, and marinated to the bone for next-level flavor. Served with a side of silky, savory gravy for dipping, it is a for many Jollibee fans! Chicken Sandwich ( Original and Spicy ): A 100% white-meat chicken breast fillet slow-marinated and double hand-breaded to be crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside; it is served on a toasted brioche bun spread is spread with Jollibee's signature umami mayo. The spicier version features a sriracha mayo and is topped with fresh jalapenos for added crunch and heat.

( ): A 100% white-meat chicken breast fillet slow-marinated and double hand-breaded to be crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside; it is served on a toasted brioche bun spread is spread with Jollibee's signature umami mayo. The spicier version features a sriracha mayo and is topped with fresh jalapenos for added crunch and heat. Peach Mango Pie : This iconic treat features a crispy, golden-brown crust filled with a delightful combination of sweet, juicy peaches and ripe mangoes. The perfect balance of textures and flavors makes this hand-held pie a truly irresistible snack or dessert.

: This iconic treat features a crispy, golden-brown crust filled with a delightful combination of sweet, juicy peaches and ripe mangoes. The perfect balance of textures and flavors makes this hand-held pie a truly irresistible snack or dessert. Pineapple Quencher  Boasting a genuine pineapple flavor that's both vibrant and satisfying, this signature Jollibee beverage is the perfect complement to any Jollibee meal; it also can be enjoyed all on its own as a perfectly refreshing pick-me-up.

For those who want to be among the first to check out the new Jollibee  Stockton (Weberstown) location, here are the key details:

Address : 4704 Pacific Avenue, Stockton, CA 95207 (in front of Weberstown Mall)

4704 Pacific Avenue, Stockton, CA 95207 (in front of Weberstown Mall) Hours of Operation : 9am to 12am (midnight), seven days a week.

9am to 12am (midnight), seven days a week. How to Order: This location will only offer Drive-Thru and In-Store To-Go service at launch; In-Store Dining and Online Ordering (delivery and take-out) will be available in the coming weeks.

"We're excited to bring Jollibee to Stockton and introduce our joyful dining experience to the community," said Maribeth Dela Cruz, Business Group Head, Honeybee Foods Corporation dba Jollibee. "California has been an incredibly important market for us, and Stockton's diverse and vibrant community makes it a natural fit. We look forward to welcoming both longtime fans and new guests to enjoy our delicious menu and warm hospitality."

For those who haven't yet experienced the fanfare of a Jollibee grand opening, they are famous for being buckets of fun  featuring great food, energetic music and plenty of giveaways. To extend the celebration, Jollibee will be hosting a three-day promotion. Each day, the first 50 take-out customers and first 50 drive-thru customers will be gifted these Jollibee goodies:

Day 1 (April 3) : First 50 Drive-Thru Customers and First 50 Take-Out Customers : One year of free Chickenjoy fried chicken (one 6-piece bucket per month for 12 months) and a classic Jollibee t-shirt in honor of this buzzworthy occasion.

: Day 2 (April 4) : First 50 Drive-Thru Customers : Jollibee Chickenjoy Lover Bucket Hat  This streetwear staple pays homage to Jollibee's most famous menu item to deliver a fun and tasty twist to sunny-day style. First 50 Take-Out Customers : Jollibee Journal  Great for jotting down cravings, goals, and bright ideas, it brings a little extra joy to every page.

: Day 3 (April 5) : First 50 Drive-Thru Customers and First 50 Take-Out Customers : Jollibee Decorative Lights  Light up the night, Jollibee style! Gifted as a set of two, each strand features glowing icons of Jollibee classics  from Chickenjoy Buckets and Peach Mango Pies to Pineapple Quenchers and the Jollibee mascot, himself  to add a fun pop of joy to any space.

: Building on strong demand throughout California, Jollibee will be spreading more joy in the state, with new locations in downtown San Francisco and cities of Elk Grove and Oxnard slated to open soon. The brand continues to see strong sales momentum in North America, with an average unit volume of $4.5 million  approximately 2.5 times that of many competitors in the chicken category. Jollibee is also poised to accelerate growth across the region through its recently launched Franchising Program. In addition to California, the company has several multi-unit franchise commitments already in place in key states like Nevada, New York, Texas, and Washington.

Jollibee is the flagship brand of the Jollibee Group, which envisions becoming one of the top-five restaurant companies in the world. Founded in the Philippines over four decades ago, Jollibee believes that great-tasting food and a joyful spirit knows no boundaries. The brand's signature hospitality is rooted in its culture of warmth and care, welcoming every customer with a smile and making them feel at home from the moment they walk through the door.

As Jollibee continues to take the U.S. 'by swarm', be sure to follow along at @jollibeeusa on TikTok, @jollibeeus on Instagram and @jollibeeus on Facebook to get updates on upcoming store openings, new product launches and other exciting news and announcements. To unlock new and exciting deals and promotions, sign up for Jollibee Rewards, a free loyalty program tailor-made for the brand's super fans.

About Jollibee Group

The Jollibee Group (PSE: JFC) is one of the world's fastest-growing restaurant companies, driven by its purpose of spreading joy through superior taste. Its portfolio includes 19 brands with over 9,900 stores across 33 countries.

The Jollibee Group's portfolio includes nine wholly owned brands (Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, Mang Inasal, Yonghe King, Hong Zhuang Yuan, Smashburger and Tim Ho Wan), five franchised brands (Burger King, Panda Express, Yoshinoya, Common Man Coffee Roasters, and Tiong Bahru Bakery in the Philippines), and ownership stakes in other key brands like The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf (80%), Compose Coffee (70%), SuperFoods Group that operates Highlands Coffee (60%), and bubble tea brand Milksha (51%). The Company also has membership interests in Tortazo, LLC, along with Chef Rick Bayless, for Tortazo in the U.S. and has recently invested in Botrista, a leader in beverage technology.

The Jollibee Group's global sustainability agenda, Joy for Tomorrow, underscores its commitment to sustainable business practices across food safety, employee welfare, community support, good governance, and environmental responsibility, among others. These focus areas are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).

The Jollibee Group has been recognized as the Philippines' Most Admired Company by the Asian Wall Street Journal, named one of Asia's Fab 50 Companies, and listed among Forbes' World's Best Employers and Top Female-Friendly Companies. The Company is also a three-time Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award recipient and featured in TIME's World's Best Companies and Fortune's Southeast Asia 500 List.

To learn more about Jollibee Group, visit www.jollibeegroup.com.

SOURCE Jollibee
NEW YORK, April 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As Congress reviews the President's federal budget proposal for Fiscal Year (FY) 2027, the three leading national Parkinson's advocacy organizations  on behalf of the 1.2 million Americans living with Parkinson's and related conditions  urge lawmakers to increase investment in the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The NIH is the primary driver of biomedical research progress, for the benefit of the health of Americans. This budget request, which includes a $5 billion reduction in funding for the NIH, would slow scientific breakthroughs that are needed now for millions of Americans living with disease.

The American Parkinson Disease Association, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research and The Parkinson's Foundation collectively ask Congress to take action to increase federal funding for Parkinson's research to $600 million annually at the NIH. This level of funding represents less than 1% of the annual economic burden of Parkinson's, including spending by patients, families and the federal government, which totals $82.2 billion according to a recent report commissioned and supported by our organizations. Congress's bipartisan support for a strong NIH budget in FY 2026 reflected a shared commitment to scientific discovery, and it is critical that this momentum continue without delay. Additionally, a recent national survey shows that three in four voters favor doubling federal investment in Parkinson's research.

Decades of NIH-supported research have led to the development of new treatments for Parkinson's disease and brought scientists closer than ever to meaningful breakthroughs in pursuit of a cure. Federal investment has also accelerated discoveries that reveal important connections across neurodegenerative diseases, opening new pathways for coordinated scientific advances with the potential to benefit millions. This is a pivotal moment to build on that progress.

Last month, in Washington, D.C., our organizations convened more than 300 Parkinson's advocates from 49 states to share their experiences and call on their Members of Congress to increase federal investment in Parkinson's research at NIH. Their stories are a powerful reminder of the urgency of research funding to accelerate better treatments and cures for disease, and together, we stand ready to support efforts to strengthen NIH through the appropriations process. With this courageous nationwide community, millions strong, we call on Congress to ensure that a robust NIH remains central to the nation's investment in health and science  today and in the years ahead.

About the American Parkinson Disease Association:

The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting Parkinson's disease (PD) by providing the support, education, research, and community that helps everyone impacted by PD live life to the fullest. Through a nationwide grassroots network of Chapters and Information & Referral (I&R) Centers, APDA works tirelessly to raise public awareness of this chronic neurologic movement disorder and deliver outstanding patient services, resources, and educational and wellness programs to the approximately one million people living with PD in the United States and their care partners and families. Envisioning a world without PD, APDA's national research program and Centers for Advanced Research aim to provide better treatments and unlock the mysteries of the disease. APDA is also committed to advancing public policy solutions that improve lives and move us toward a cure. Founded in 1961, APDA has raised and invested more than $338 million in its efforts to support the PD community. Learn more at www.apdaparkinson.org.

About The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research (MJFF):

As the world's largest nonprofit funder of Parkinson's research, The Michael J. Fox Foundation is dedicated to accelerating a cure for Parkinson's disease and improved therapies for those living with the condition today. The Foundation pursues its goals through an aggressively funded, highly targeted research program coupled with active global engagement of scientists, Parkinson's patients, business leaders, clinical trial participants, donors and volunteers. In addition to funding $2.5 billion in research to date, the Foundation has fundamentally altered the trajectory of progress toward a cure. Operating at the hub of worldwide Parkinson's research, the Foundation forges groundbreaking collaborations with industry leaders, academic scientists and government research funders; creates a robust open-access data set and biosample library to speed scientific breakthroughs and treatment with its landmark clinical study, PPMI; increases the flow of participants into Parkinson's disease clinical trials with its online tool, Fox Trial Finder; promotes Parkinson's awareness through high-profile advocacy, events and outreach; and coordinates the grassroots involvement of thousands of Team Fox members around the world. For more information, visit us at www.michaeljfox.org, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

About the Parkinson's Foundation:

The Parkinson's Foundation makes life better for people with Parkinson's disease by improving care and advancing research toward a cure. In everything we do, we build on the energy, experience and passion of our global Parkinson's community. Since 1957, the Parkinson's Foundation has invested more than $513 million in Parkinson's research and clinical care. Connect with us on Parkinson.org, Facebook, X, Instagram or call 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636).

SOURCE The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research
News / National

by Staff reporter

The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has dismissed circulating claims linking its officers to a fatal road accident along the MasvingoBeitbridge Highway that claimed six lives.In a statement issued on Thursday, ZACC expressed "deep sorrow" over the tragedy and extended condolences to the bereaved families, while wishing those injured a speedy recovery.The commission, however, raised concern over a viral video and accompanying audio clip alleging that its officers were responsible for the crash. The recordings claim that officials from the anti-graft body instructed a truck driver to divert into a BP service station, leading to the fatal collision.ZACC has strongly rejected the allegations, describing them as false and misleading."The Commission informs the public once again that there are no ZACC officers deployed at any roadblock throughout the country," the statement said.The anti-corruption body further warned against the spread of unverified information, urging members of the public to rely on official communication channels for accurate updates.Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has released the names of the six victims. They have been identified as Lilian Maranda Mujuru (40), Nokutenda Mujuru (15), Makanaka Mujuru (13), Ronald Junior Mujuru (11), Rufaro Shalom Mujuru (7) and Kayden Mujuru (3), all from Tynwald North, Harare.National police spokesperson Paul Nyathi also dismissed reports linking ZACC to the deadly crash."The Zimbabwe Republic Police has no report or confirmation that this sad accident was caused by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission and the Zimbabwe Republic Police teams. The police dismiss any social media insinuation with the contempt it deserves," said Commissioner Nyathi.
 LG Energy Solution's participation in SDVerse, the first B2B marketplace for automotive software, reflects the company's leadership expanding beyond battery manufacturing into software and services

 Company offers its five core battery software solutions optimized for the SDV environment

SEOUL, South Korea, April 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- LG Energy Solution announced today that it has joined SDVerse, becoming the first battery company to participate. This move underscores the company's technological leadership as it expands beyond battery manufacturing into the software and services that power next-generation vehicles.

Co-founded in 2024 by General Motors, Magna, and Wipro, SDVerse is the automotive industry's first B2B marketplace for automotive software. It enables sellers to list software solutions that buyers can easily search, compare, and evaluate to find the best fit. As the era of Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs) takes shape, SDVerse has quickly evolved into a trusted digital hub that helps accelerate innovation across software-defined mobility.

By joining SDVerse, LG Energy Solution is bringing its battery software capabilities directly into the SDV environment, enabling smarter diagnostics, safer operation, and longer battery life. The company is offering five core battery software solutionsBattery Platform SW, Safety Diagnostic Calibration Tool, Onboard FRISM, Onboard BLiS, and Onboard DASH.

Battery Platform SW comprehensively analyzes key battery status indicators, integrating LG Energy Solution's proven BMS technologies into an SDV-optimized architecture.

The Safety Diagnostic Calibration Tool enables safety diagnostics and simulation validation based on battery data. This tool provides algorithms that companies can leverage to perform in-house analysis and operations without relying on external data sources, minimizing the risk of data leakage while enhancing security.

Onboard FRISM, also known as the Cell Data Free SOH Model, is an algorithm-based automotive software that estimates battery condition based on battery field data. It enables accurate diagnosis of battery degradation without cell test data by applying machine learningbased error correction.

Onboard BLiS, which stands for Battery Life Simulator, is an algorithm that numerically predicts the battery degradation process and estimates changes in battery performance under various conditions. It can also predict how rapidcharging capability changes as batteries degrade, and simulate battery health based on a physical model by continuously monitoring voltage, current, and temperature.

Onboard DASH, which stands for Degradation Reduction Action Strategy for Battery Health, is an algorithm designed to manage the lifespan of EV batteries. It quantitatively analyzes how driving and charging behaviors affect battery degradation, monitors battery status in real time, and provides guidance to support longterm battery health.

"We are proud to welcome LG Energy Solution and its advanced battery management software, diagnostics, and SDV-ready battery architecture to SDVerse," said Prashant Gulati, CEO of SDVerse. "By combining deep battery expertise with software-driven intelligence, LG Energy Solution is helping accelerate the development of next-generation electric vehicles."

"The SDV era is turning vehicles into ever-evolving software platforms, and batteries are at the core of this transformation," said Je Young Kim, CTO of LG Energy Solution. "By introducing our battery software to SDVerse, we are not only demonstrating our readiness for the software-defined future but also ensuring that our battery intelligence is reflected at every stage of the vehicle lifecycle."

The company has demonstrated distinctive battery software and service capabilities through more than 20 years of BMS development. Over that time, it has accumulated over 10,000 BMS-related patents, building deep expertise in the process. Last October, the company's pioneering status was reaffirmed after becoming the first battery maker to be awarded a CES Innovation Award purely through software technology with its battery life management solution, Better.Re.

Through its participation in the SDVerse ecosystem, LG Energy Solution plans to showcase its expertise in battery service and software technologies built over time, solidifying its position as a comprehensive energy solution provider.

About LG Energy Solution

LG Energy Solution (KRX: 373220) is a leading global manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles, mobility, IT, and energy storage systems. With more than 30 years of experience in revolutionary battery technology and extensive research and development (R&D), the company is the top battery-related patent holder in the world with over 90,000 patents. Its robust global network, which spans North America, Europe, and Asia, includes battery manufacturing facilities established through joint ventures with major automakers. Committed to building sustainable battery ecosystem, LG Energy Solution aims to achieve carbon neutrality across its value chain by 2050, while embodying the value of shared growth and promoting diverse and inclusive corporate culture. To learn more about LG Energy Solution's ideas and innovations, visit https://news.lgensol.com.

About SDVerse

SDVerse is the automotive industry's first B2B marketplace purpose-built for software. Backed by Founding Members General Motors, Magna, and Wipro, SDVerse streamlines how OEMs, Tier 1s, and software providers develop, discover, evaluate, and procure automotive software, tools, and services. By reducing friction, enabling faster sourcing, and expanding visibility across the value chain, SDVerse helps companies bring software-defined vehicles to market faster. Open, standard-agnostic, and built for industry collaboration, SDVerse is designed to accelerate innovation across the entire automotive ecosystem. Learn more at www.sdverse.auto.

SOURCE LG Energy Solution
After more than four decades in a private creative retreat, Mike Love and his wife Jacquelyne have decided to list their Tahoe estate

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev., April 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- After more than four decades spent creating and living above the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe, Mike Love, a member of both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and family have listed their Incline Village estate. The property is represented by PLACE operator Jeannette Harpole of Habitat Nevada, of Keller Williams Realty.

Set above Lake Tahoe, this estate unfolds as a private retreat. Surrounded by protected land and panoramic views, it offers expansive gathering spaces, a unique creative history, and a setting designed with intention. Now offered for sale, the estate presents a rare opportunity to experience a home shaped by decades of living and creative work. Speed Speed

The nearly 20,000-square-foot estate in Incline Village is now being offered for sale. Throughout their time in Tahoe, the home functioned as both a residence and a creative environment. What was once a fully integrated recording studio now exists as a space with expansive views, while still retaining the infrastructure to record, designed with pitched ceilings and acoustics tuned for production. Much of Love's work took shape within these walls, in a setting built to support the creative process rather than separate from it.

Surrounding the estate, the family placed six acres into conservation to preserve the landscape and prevent future development. That decision secures the setting, maintaining the privacy and natural environment as they exist today, with panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada forming a constant backdrop.

Elements drawn from Eastern philosophy and meditation practices appear throughout the home, from a hand-carved Ganesh at the entry to Hindu statuary and a celestial dome ceiling. The front door, commissioned by Love, was created by southern Indian temple artisans and blessed by a temple priest, marking the entry with both craftsmanship and spiritual significance. These features reflect a decades-long commitment to spiritual growth through meditation and the Loves' vision of the home as a temple.

The Tahoe estate served as the setting for raising their family and for deep involvement in the Incline Village community. The Loves were co-founders of Lake Tahoe School and have supported local institutions including Incline Village Community Hospital, along with environmental efforts in partnership with organizations such as the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) and UC Davis to help protect the clarity and purity of Lake Tahoe.

Daily life, a commitment to the community, creative work, and spiritual practice became inseparable within the home. Now offered for sale, the property extends beyond scale or setting. It reflects a private, protected space shaped by intention and the work created within it. For more information about the property https://www.habitatnevada.com/969-fairview-blvd.

ABOUT PLACE

PLACE is a category-defining real estate and homeownership technology platform that partners with top real estate agents and teams from any brokerage to deliver integrated technology, business services, and an end-to-end consumer experience. PLACE operates across real estate, mortgage, title, insurance, and home services, creating a seamless journey from search to closing and beyond. For more information, visit www.PLACE.com.

ABOUT HABITAT NEVADA

Habitat Nevada, led by PLACE operator Jeannette Harpole, serves clients across Nevada and the Pacific Northwest with a focus on discretion, market expertise, and tailored guidance. The team brings a thoughtful, client-centered approach to each transaction, combining local knowledge with a high level of service to support both buyers and sellers in complex and high-value markets.

SOURCE PLACE Inc.
SANTA YNEZ, Calif., April 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- What separates an average deal from a successful one in luxury real estate? A HelloNation article answers this question by revealing how confidence, empathy, and preparation shape effective negotiations. The feature, titled Negotiating Luxury Home Sales: Confidence, Empathy, and Strategy, explores how communication, timing, and trust influence results in high-end markets such as Santa Barbara and the Santa Ynez Valley.

Jan Finley, Branch Manager Speed Speed

According to the HelloNation article, negotiation in luxury real estate is not a contest but a collaboration. Real Estate Expert Jan Finley of Santa Ynez notes that success depends as much on emotional intelligence as on financial acumen. Buyers and sellers in this market expect discretion, composure, and insight. They are often guided by personal motivations as well as investment goals, which means every exchange must balance empathy with strategy.

In areas like Santa Barbara and the Santa Ynez Valley, each property carries its own identity, shaped by architecture, setting, and lifestyle appeal. The HelloNation feature emphasizes that no single formula works for every deal. Instead, preparation and adaptability drive success. Top professionals begin by studying the market and understanding the motivations on both sides. This groundwork allows negotiators to speak from a position of knowledge while responding to emotional and practical factors with sensitivity.

Confidence remains one of the most visible traits in effective negotiation. The article explains that calm confidencerather than aggressionsets the tone for constructive dialogue. Luxury real estate deals often involve strong personal ties, where homes represent memories or future dreams. Finley highlights that maintaining composure helps prevent emotional escalation. When agents communicate clearly and listen actively, they transform what might be tension into mutual understanding.

Timing plays a central role in real estate strategy. The HelloNation piece points out that skilled negotiators know when to act and when to wait. Each pause, counteroffer, or follow-up carries meaning. A thoughtful rhythm communicates control and professionalism, while rushing risks undermining credibility. Finley adds that patience often yields better terms and greater trust between parties, demonstrating respect for the process and the people involved.

Tone, another key factor, carries as much weight as numbers. The HelloNation article explains that tone communicates confidence, empathy, and authority simultaneously. Negotiators who strike this balance protect their clients' interests while keeping the conversation open. Polite firmness and measured communication build rapport that leads to smoother closings. Finley agrees that maintaining respect throughout negotiation creates lasting trustan asset beyond any single transaction.

Trust, as the article emphasizes, is the foundation of every successful deal. Buyers and sellers place confidence in professionals who act with honesty and reliability. Transparency fosters cooperation, especially in complex transactions where emotions may run high. The HelloNation piece notes that skilled negotiators read nonverbal cues and adjust their approach to maintain alignment. This emotional awareness strengthens credibility and helps both sides reach agreement without conflict.

Preparation reinforces trust. Real estate professionals who arrive with verified market data, recent comparable sales, and thorough property analysis demonstrate mastery. The HelloNation article connects this level of preparedness directly to negotiation outcomes. Facts presented calmly and clearly inspire confidence. Finley remarks that in luxury real estate, credibility is inseparable from knowledge. Clients feel secure when they know their agent has done the work behind every recommendation.

Flexibility is another distinguishing trait of top negotiators. The HelloNation article highlights that luxury real estate requires adaptation to shifting dynamics. Market conditions, client motivations, and even emotional responses can change rapidly. Professionals like Finley adjust strategies without losing focus on the end goal. If a buyer hesitates, the conversation shifts to their long-term plans; if a seller resists, the focus turns to future market value. Flexibility turns obstacles into opportunities for resolution.

Technology has also enhanced real estate strategy, although human connection remains essential. The HelloNation piece explains that tools like digital offers, virtual tours, and market analytics streamline communication and improve efficiency. Yet personal interactionhearing tone over a call or observing body language in a meetingstill provides insights that technology cannot replicate. Finley notes that the most effective negotiators blend data with intuition, using both to shape confident, informed decisions.

Cultural understanding adds another layer of skill. The luxury real estate market in Santa Barbara and the Santa Ynez Valley often attracts international clients with varying expectations. The HelloNation article underscores that cultural sensitivity builds respect and rapport. Recognizing when to communicate formally or casually, and understanding regional etiquette, can make negotiations smoother and more productive. This awareness turns diversity into strength, ensuring clarity and cooperation across backgrounds.

The closing phase of negotiation tests every skill developed along the way. As the HelloNation article explains, this stage demands patience, precision, and reassurance. Inspections, contingencies, and deadlines can challenge even the most seasoned agents. Professionals keep both parties focused on shared goals: a successful transfer of ownership and mutual satisfaction. Finley emphasizes that maintaining trust during this phase ensures lasting relationships and future opportunities.

Ultimately, negotiation in luxury real estate is not about winningit is about connection. The HelloNation article concludes that success comes from creating stability through empathy, timing, and confidence. A deal built on respect feels fair to everyone involved. Buyers and sellers leave the table with satisfaction, not strain, and agents earn reputations grounded in professionalism and care. In Santa Barbara and the Santa Ynez Valley, that combination defines the highest level of real estate service.

Negotiating Luxury Home Sales: Confidence, Empathy, and Strategy features insights from Jan Finley, Real Estate Expert of Santa Ynez, California, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation

HelloNation is a premier media platform that connects readers with trusted professionals and businesses across various industries. Through its innovative "edvertising" approach that blends educational content and storytelling, HelloNation delivers expert-driven articles that inform, inspire, and empower. Covering topics from home improvement and health to business strategy and lifestyle, HelloNation highlights leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

SOURCE HelloNation
Following the closing of a major funding round, the legendary Cal Neva starts a new chapter as a design-driven resort and casino set on Lake Tahoe

LAKE TAHOE, Nev., April 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Realberry and Proper Hospitality today announced the closing of a $298 million financing package for the redevelopment of the historic Cal Neva Hotel into Lake Tahoe Proper Resort and Casino, slated to open in 2027. The financing marks a major milestone in repositioning one of the American West's most iconic resort properties, enabling a full-scale restoration that will transform the landmark into a design-driven destination blending hospitality, wellness and gaming along the shores of Lake Tahoe.

REALBERRY AND PROPER HOSPITALITY SECURE $298 MILLION FINANCING FOR REDEVELOPMENT OF HISTORIC CAL NEVA INTO LAKE TAHOE PROPER RESORT AND CASINO

Co-developed by Realberry, a Colorado-based real estate investment and development firm, in partnership with Kor Real Estate Partners, the project revives a property that has captivated the American imagination for a century. The restoration preserves Cal Neva's architectural character and cultural significance while building something genuinely new: a resort unlike anything else in the mountain west. Interiors are designed by Kelly Wearstler, whose work defines the visual language of contemporary luxury hospitality.

"Lake Tahoe Proper is everything that defines this brand, brought together in one singular, iconic place," said Brad Korzen, Co-Founder and CEO of Proper Hospitality. "Innovative wellness, culture, energy and spaces that are genuinely unlike anything else. Through our partnership with Realberry, we have pushed wellness and culture to the forefront at our existing properties in Santa Monica and Austin. Lake Tahoe Proper is the opportunity to take all of that to an entirely new level."

The recently closed financing includes $223 million in C-PACE financing, from Nuveen Green Capital (NGC), to capitalize key energy and water efficiency measures, as well as the building envelope. The transaction represents the largest C-PACE financing in Nevada's history and the first ever in Washoe County. Additional financing includes a $75 million senior secured construction loan from Banc of California. The project has attracted investment from notable private investors and family offices, including entrepreneur Hayes Barnard.

"Cal Neva is one of the most storied hospitality properties in the West, and we feel a deep responsibility to get the execution right with Lake Tahoe Proper," said Chad McWhinney, CEO of Realberry. "This is exactly the kind of legacy asset Realberry believes in. Our focus has been on rigorous restoration, and this financing milestone allows us to continue to thoughtfully reestablish this asset as a premier hospitality destination in Lake Tahoe, balancing preservation and long-term stewardship."

First opened in 1926, Cal Neva straddles the California-Nevada border on the northeast shore of Lake Tahoe. During its golden era in the 1960s, the resort became a magnet for Hollywood stars, drawing icons including Marilyn Monroe, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. to its shores, along with political figures such as John F. Kennedy. Its showroom - engineered so performers could see every face in the audience - was among the largest non-amplified theaters of its time, while a network of private tunnels allowed guests to move discreetly through the resort, cementing its aura of glamour and mystique.

Nearly a century later, Lake Tahoe Proper reclaims that legacy, marking the end of a transitional chapter that preserved the site and sets the stage for its next era. The reimagined year-round property will include 197 guest rooms, suites and private villas; multiple restaurants and bars anchored by the iconic Circle Bar; two pool experiences, a spa and recreational facilities; and meeting and event spaces, including a restored 225-seat theater and a casino.

ADDITIONAL PARTNER QUOTES

"We are thrilled to partner with Realberry to capitalize this landmark project  the largest in the state of Nevada  which will transform this iconic property into a state-of-the-art resort and casino destination in North Lake Tahoe," said Jonathan Kloos, Senior Director of Lender Partnerships and New Products at NGC. "By using C-PACE, the Sponsor was able to restore the historic lodge to today's modern efficiency standards while delivering new energy-efficient villas and cabins. C-PACE gave the Sponsor flexibility during the capitalization and equity-raise process, with a financing structure that supported the needs of all parties. This deal is a great example of how C-PACE can be leveraged to optimize a capital stack and why it has steadily moved from a creative solution to a market staple."

"Banc of California is proud to support Realberry on this landmark redevelopment, which will help drive tourism, investment and long-term economic growth in the Lake Tahoe region," said Chris Erickson, President, Colorado Region, Banc of California. "Projects like this play an important role in strengthening the region's economy, bringing new energy, creating jobs and preserving an iconic piece of its history. We're pleased to work alongside a team committed to delivering a world-class destination that will serve the community and visitors for years to come."

"It's exciting to see the Lake Tahoe Proper team take advantage of C-PACE financing to improve the resort's energy efficiency," said Brian Beffort, Washoe County Sustainability Manager. "These investments will help reduce energy use and lower their energy bills. More importantly, these investments will reduce dangerous emissions, which in turn will keep air quality healthier and views more beautiful in the Tahoe basin. We appreciate the project team's leadership in protecting our region's public health and quality of life."

ABOUT REALBERRY Realberry is a diversified real estate investment, development and management firm headquartered in Colorado. The company invests in, develops and operates real estate across the hospitality, multifamily, commercial, mixed-use and master-planned community sectors throughout the United States. Founded in 1991, Realberry applies a disciplined approach to portfolio management focused on long-term value creation, financial discipline and responsible development. The company partners with institutional and accredited individual investors through a sponsor-led investment platform designed to provide access to real estate opportunities nationwide.

Realberry's integrated platform includes in-house capabilities spanning acquisition, development, asset management and operations. The company's strategy emphasizes transparency, rigorous oversight and alignment with investors and communities. For more information, visit realberry.com .

ABOUT THE KOR GROUP The Kor Group is an international real estate investment and management company with extensive holdings and development experience in commercial real estate properties. Since its inception in 1999, Kor has acquired and developed hospitality, residential, and office assets valued in excess of $3 billion. Central to Kor's investment strategy is value creation through distinctive design and branding. By fusing creative design with an agile investment and development discipline, Kor has amassed a portfolio of high performing assets and has built a signature brand translatable across its properties. www.thekorgroup.com

ABOUT PROPER HOSPITALITY Proper Hospitality creates and operates luxury lifestyle hospitality experiences, from flagship hotels to a portfolio of independent properties, each defined by elevated design, intentional locations, and world-class amenities that connect guests to a deeper sense of place. The company currently manages Proper-branded hotels in Santa Monica, Downtown Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Austin; The Shelborne By Proper in Miami; and The Collective. properhotel.com

ABOUT NUVEEN GREEN CAPITAL With over $5 billion originated, Nuveen Green Capital is a national leader in sustainable commercial real estate financing solutions and an affiliate of Nuveen, the $1 trillion+ asset manager and wholly owned subsidiary of TIAA. The company, which was founded by C-PACE industry pioneers who helped design the nation's first successful statewide C-PACE program, has grown to offer a market-leading suite of accretive CRE financing products and a full-service lending platform with all underwriting, legal, and asset management functions executed in-house. Nuveen.com/greencapital .

ABOUT BANC OF CALIFORNIA Banc of California, Inc. is a bank holding company with over $34 billion in assets and the parent company of Banc of California. Banc of California is one of the nation's premier relationship-based business banks, providing banking and treasury management services to small-, middle-market, and venture-backed businesses. Banc of California is the largest independent bank headquartered in Los Angeles and the third largest bank headquartered in California and offers a broad range of loan and deposit products and services through 79 full-service branches located throughout California and in Denver, Colorado, and Durham, North Carolina, as well as through regional offices nationwide. The bank also provides full-service payment processing solutions to its clients and serves the Community Association Management industry nationwide with its technology-forward platform, SmartStreet. The bank is committed to its local communities through the Banc of California Charitable Foundation, and by supporting organizations that provide financial literacy and job training, small business support, affordable housing, and more. Member FDIC. www.bancofcal.com .

ABOUT KELLY WEARSTLER Kelly Wearstler's Los Angeles-based studio spans interior design, architecture, industrial design, and creative direction. Founded in 1995, the practice has evolved into an interdisciplinary global brand whose influence extends across hospitality, retail, residential, and culture. kellywearstler.com

MEDIA INQUIRIES: Autumn Communications 8183849295, [email protected]

SOURCE Proper Hospitality
MURRAY, Utah, April 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, John A Wester is honored as a Pinnacle Lifetime Achiever 2026 for his contributions to Mental Health Advocacy and Veteran Support.

John A Wester

John A. Wester has built an extraordinary career in service and leadership, spanning more than four decades in the military and continuing today through his work in mental health prevention and veteran support. As a retired command chief warrant officer in the United States Army, Mr. Wester achieved a historic milestone as the first chief warrant officer five in the 19th Special Forcesa position that symbolizes his exceptional skill, integrity, and commitment to excellence.

Throughout his distinguished service, Mr. Wester's duties included observing operations, identifying and resolving critical issues, and advising senior commanders with strategic recommendations. His leadership was instrumental in strengthening operational efficiency and ensuring the success of countless missions.

Mr. Wester's military career began during college with four years in the Navy Reserves, followed by his commissioning as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1972. During his decade of service, he participated in pivotal missions in Southeast Asia, including the evacuation of Cambodia and Vietnam at the conclusion of the Vietnam War and the recovery of the U.S. container ship Mayaguez in 1975. He later transitioned to the Army Special Forces, where he continued his distinguished service as both a team member and commander.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Mr. Wester earned numerous awards and decorations, including the Legion of Merit, three Meritorious Service Medals, multiple commendation and achievement medals, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Combat Infantry Badge.

Academically, Mr. Wester holds a bachelor's degree in business finance from the University of Utah and a master's degree in business management from the University of Phoenix. He is also an active member of the Special Forces Association Chapter 70, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the American Legion.

Since retiring in 2011, Mr. Wester has continued to serve his fellow veterans through the Department of Veterans Affairs, assisting disabled service members in obtaining benefits and disability ratings. He also remains active in local veteran organizations, ensuring continued support for those transitioning from military to civilian life.

Outside of his advocacy work, Mr. Wester enjoys outdoor activities and spending quality time with his family. He dedicates his continued efforts and achievements to the loving memory of his wife, Jan, whose support and partnership were central to his life and success.

Looking ahead, Mr. Wester remains committed to empowering veterans, promoting mental health awareness, and fostering resilience within the veteran community.

Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, [email protected]

SOURCE The Inner Circle
FlatRate Moving Q1 data reveals a sixfold surge in secondary European destinations and a shrinking long tail of one-off cities, signaling a more defined global relocation pattern

NEW YORK, April 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- New York City has always exported residents to the world. What is new in 2026 is that the destination map is becoming readable.

First-quarter data from FlatRate Moving, New York City's longest-operating flat-rate moving company, shows international relocation requests consolidating around a clearer set of destinations than at any point in recent years. The scattered list of one-off cities that characterized 2025 demand is giving way to a more structured pattern, with major cities growing stronger and a distinct second tier emerging for the first time.

The Numbers

London, Paris, and Toronto accounted for 32.3% of FlatRate's international destination requests in Q1 2026, up from 22.9% in Q1 2025. London remained the clear anchor, with most of the gain driven by London and Paris strengthening their share.

At the same time, the catch-all category fell from 65.9% of requests in early 2025 to 39.8% in early 2026. That 26-point drop is the most significant single shift in the data.

It does not mean New Yorkers stopped going to unexpected places. It means unexpected places stopped being random.

The Surprise: Secondary Europe Is Having a Moment

The sharpest move in the data belongs to European cities that rarely make the headline list: Vienna, Zurich, Geneva, Stockholm, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Lisbon, Valencia, Milan, Nice, Edinburgh, Sofia, and Brussels. Together, these cities grew from 1.8% of international requests in Q1 2025 to 11.9% in Q1 2026, a more than sixfold increase in a single year.

Canada outside Toronto followed a similar pattern. Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, Ottawa, and Kingston pushed Canada's non-Toronto share from 2.9% to 7.0%.

Asia-Pacific and Gulf destinations including Singapore, Tokyo, Sydney, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Kuala Lumpur doubled their combined share from 3.5% to 7.0%. The data reflects requests received during the period and does not account for whether all moves were ultimately completed.

What It Means

The top destinations got stronger, the second tier got more visible, and the long tail of one-off cities got much shorter.

"What stands out now is how much more defined the overall destination mix has become," said Dejon Reid, Vice President of Sales at FlatRate Moving. "Clients are still choosing the classic anchors, but they're also showing stronger interest in a wider range of cities that feel intentional and destination-driven. International moving demand is becoming more focused, not more random."

For a city as globally connected as New York, that shift matters. New Yorkers relocate internationally for work, family, education, investment, and lifestyle. In 2026, the data suggests those decisions are becoming easier to read.

About FlatRate Moving

FlatRate Moving is a New York City-based moving and storage company founded in 1991 by Sharone Ben-Harosh. The company introduced the all-inclusive flat-rate pricing model to the New York City moving industry and has completed more than 500,000 moves across local, long-distance, and international relocations. FlatRate Moving serves residential, commercial, and government clients and operates FlatRate Elite, a white glove moving division for high-value relocations. For more information, visit flatrate.com.

Media Contact:

Leah Biteolin

FlatRate Moving

(646) 361-5449

[email protected]

SOURCE FlatRate Moving
Scott Cooke to Retire as President and CEO; Alec Hagey Named Successor

PLANO, Texas, April 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Toyota Financial Services (TFS) today announced that Scott Cooke, president and chief executive officer, will retire effective June 30, 2026, after more than two decades of distinguished service with the company. Alec Hagey, TFS executive advisor, has been named successor and will assume the role of president and CEO, effective April 6, 2026.

Cooke has led TFS with a steady focus on operational excellence, financial strength, and customer value. Since joining the organization in 2003, he has held a variety of leadership roles spanning risk, finance, treasury, and operations. As president and CEO, he has overseen all operational and financial activities of TFS, helping to expand the company's finance and insurance capabilities, enhance product offerings, and strengthen support for Toyota and Lexus customers and dealers across the U.S.

"Scott's leadership has been instrumental in shaping Toyota Financial Services into the strong, customer-focused organization it is today," said Mark Templin, chief operating officer, Toyota Motor North America. "His contributions have left a lasting impact on our business, our partners, and our people."

Hagey brings more than 36 years of experience with Toyota and a proven track record across sales, marketing, operations, and financial services. As senior vice president and chief operating officer, he led sales and marketing for TFS and Lexus Financial Services (LFS), including dealer relations, remarketing, voluntary protection products, and key mobility and digital initiatives.

"Alec's deep experience and strong relationships across our organization make him the right leader to guide TFS into the future," Templin added. "He understands our customers, our dealers, and our business, and he is well-positioned to build on the strong foundation Scott has established."

To ensure a smooth transition, Scott will remain as executive advisor, supporting the Americas Oceania Region (AOR) of Toyota Financial Services Corporation.

"I am honored to have been part of Toyota Financial Services and proud of what our team has accomplished together," said Cooke. "I have full confidence in Alec and the leadership team to continue delivering for our customers and dealers."

About Toyota Financial Services

Toyota Financial Services (TFS) is the brand for finance and related products for Toyota in the United States, offering retail auto financing and leasing through Toyota Motor Credit Corporation (TMCC) and Toyota Lease Trust. TFS also offers vehicle and payment protection products through Toyota Motor Insurance Services (TMIS). The company services Lexus dealers and customers using the Lexus Financial Services brand.

As of March 31, 2026, TFS employed approximately 3,800 team members nationwide, and had assets totaling over $150 billion. The company is part of a worldwide network of comprehensive financial services offered by Toyota Financial Services Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corporation.

We announce material financial information using the investor relations section of our website (www.toyotafinancial.com) and SEC filings. We use these channels, press releases, and social media to communicate about our company, our services and other issues. While not all information we post on social media is of a material nature, some information could be material. Therefore, we encourage those interested in our company to review our posts on Facebook at www.facebook.com/toyotafinancial and Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/toyotafinancial/.

Media Contact

Vincent Bray

[email protected]

469-486-9065

SOURCE Toyota Financial Services
BEIJING, April 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- In China, traditional festivals such as the Spring Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival are days to celebrate reunion.

While Chinese people return home for family gatherings during such holidays, some overseas Chinese and foreigners in China find it captivating to savor a cup of baijiu to experience the oriental essence.

Among their diverse choices, Fenjiu, a light-flavor Chinese baijiu, was one of the optimal choices that conquered the taste buds of many and gained more popularity abroad this February.

In Canada, a spring temple fair for overseas Chinese from north China's Shanxi Province where Fenjiu Group, the producer of Fenjiu, is situated, was thronged by visitors eager to taste Qinghua Fenjiu, Rose Fenjiu and other Fenjiu products with refreshing aroma, refined flavors and smooth texture.

In Australia, a celebration of the Year of the Horse in Chinatown of Melbourne presented the Fenjiu special Panama edition and 30-year-old Qinghua Fenjiu with upscale black and gold packaging to overseas Chinese there and captured their hearts.

Elsewhere in the Chinese food restaurants in Paris of France and streets of Madrid in Spain, Fenjiu products are always spotted on tables of overseas Chinese during the holidays.

In Greece and the UAE, similar venues or events akin to the above-mentioned ones welcomed more foreigners to experience the traditional Chinese holiday while enjoying a cup of the distinguished Chinese baijiu.

In Chinese cities, an increasing number of foreigners had opted in February for a China travel to feel the warmth and charm of the Spring Festival when celebrating the festival in China is evolving into a new global fashion.

Already collected in Kremlin Museum in Moscow, Qinghua Fenjiu, a premium Fenjiu product, is showing how foreign friends have understood the oriental brewing wisdom and cultural inclusiveness.

Original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/350006.html

SOURCE Xinhua Silk Road
About this content 

About Stephen Gunnion

Stephen Gunnion is a senior financial journalist and broadcaster at Proactive Investors. He has more than 25 years of experience in television, radio and print media, anchoring on a number of television channels including South Africa's Business Day TV, CNBC Africa and the South African Broadcasting Corporation, where he was the economics editor. He has also worked for Daily Maverick, Bloomberg, the Business Day newspaper and Investors' Chronicle. Read more

About the publisher

Proactive financial news and online broadcast teams provide fast, accessible, informative and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience. All our content is produced independently by our experienced and qualified teams of news journalists.

Proactive news team spans the worlds key finance and investing hubs with bureaus and studios in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney and Perth.

We are experts in medium and small-cap markets, we also keep our community up to date with blue-chip companies, commodities and broader investment stories. This is content that excites and engages motivated private investors.

The team delivers news and unique insights across the market including but not confined to: biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto and emerging digital and EV technologies.

Use of technology

Proactive has always been a forward looking and enthusiastic technology adopter.

Our human content creators are equipped with many decades of valuable expertise and experience. The team also has access to and use technologies to assist and enhance workflows.

Proactive will on occasion use automation and software tools, including generative AI. Nevertheless, all content published by Proactive is edited and authored by humans, in line with best practice in regard to content production and search engine optimisation.
Poolbeg Pharma PLC (AIM:POLB, OTC:POLBF, FRA:POLBF) earlier this week announced that it had secured its first national patent grant covering its POLB-001 programme in cancer immunotherapy-induced cytokine release syndrome (CRS), marking a significant step in the companys expansion into oncology.

Chief executive Jeremy Skillington said the patent, granted by IP Australia, covered the use of P38 MAPK inhibitors, including POLB-001, for preventing CRS linked to cancer immunotherapy. He noted that the protection was supported by proprietary data and followed a thorough review by the examiners, highlighting the strength of the companys scientific approach.

Skillington described the development as difficult to overstate in importance, pointing out that it represents Poolbeg Pharma PLCs first national patent grant in the oncology space. He added that the timing was particularly favourable, with interim clinical data expected in the summer, positioning the company to advance discussions around potential partnerships.

The chief executive emphasised that intellectual property remains a central consideration for large pharmaceutical companies when evaluating partnership opportunities.

He explained that drug development requires substantial investment, often running into billions of dollars, and that patent protection provides a period of market exclusivity that underpins commercial returns. Strong patent coverage, he said, reduces uncertainty and enhances the long-term viability of a programme.

Proactive: Jeremy, very good to speak with you. And great news this morning. You've secured your first POLB-001 cancer immunotherapy induced CRS patent. Tell us more.

Jeremy Skillington: Good morning. We've received formal notice of grant from IP Australia. The patent covers the use of P38 MAPK inhibitors, including POLB-001, for the prevention of cancer immunotherapy-induced cytokine release syndrome. This is supported by proprietary data generated by Poolbeg. We're delighted with the breadth of the coverage following thorough review by examiners. We initially filed oncology patent applications in the UK in January 2023 and followed with a Patent Cooperation Treaty application in January 2024 to accelerate examination globally.

Proactive: Jeremy, why is this patent grant particularly exciting for the company?

Jeremy Skillington: Its hard to understate how important this is. This is our first national grant in the cancer immunotherapy space. We have interim data coming in the summer, so the timing is perfect. It locks in our position in cancer immunotherapy-induced CRS. We already have patents in influenza and hypercytokinemia, and expanding into oncology shows confidence that were moving in the right direction. We now have protection in Australia and hope to expand into other territories.

Proactive: Why does Big Pharma see such value in patent protection on drugs such as POLB-001?

Jeremy Skillington: Pharma looks at multiple factors when partnering, but intellectual property is critical. Developing drugs can cost billions, and patent protection provides exclusivity to recoup that investment. It prevents generic competition and reduces uncertainty. Strong patents are essential for making a commercial opportunity viable. With this patent and others to follow, were strengthening the long-term value of the programme and positioning it for partnership.

Proactive: What are the next steps in expanding this intellectual property portfolio?

Jeremy Skillington: Expanding our IP portfolio is ongoing. Were working closely with IP attorneys to extend protection for P38 MAPK inhibitors in treating cancer immunotherapy-induced CRS across multiple jurisdictions. Using accelerated pathways like the patent prosecution highway will help. At the same time, the team is focused on executing the clinical trial and delivering interim data in the summer. Its full steam ahead, and we look forward to updating the market on upcoming milestones.

Proactive: Looking forward to that as well. Jeremy, congratulations on this latest milestone.
News / National

by Leonard Ncube

CROSS border criminal activities such as money laundering and financing of terrorism have negative effects on social amenities as resources end up being channelled towards state security, Acting President Emmerson Mnangagwa said yesterday.Officially opening the 16th Eastern and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group (ESAAMLG), here Acting President Mnangagwa said countries must collaborate to fight terrorism and money laundering."We now live in a world where terrorism has become a concern for us all. Resources have to be directed towards security and defence leaving inadequate funding for social services including health and education," said the Acting president.He said terrorism and money laundering ride on technological developments and the damage they cause is incalculable."No one, no society, no nation or continent is immune to this threat. Riding on technological developments, improved transportation, cheaper communication platforms and globalisation of financial markets, terrorism has taken a new dimension in recruiting, reaching out, strategising, attacking, electronically transferring money and sharing knowledge with ease," the Acting President said.He said the ASAAMLG was formed to limit the flow of financial resources to terrorist organisations and urged the regional body to collaborate with respective governments.The Acting President said the establishment of a Terrorist Financing Fact Finding Initiative whose responsibility is to assess compliance of member states was a noble idea."I should reiterate the need to continuously strengthen our Anti-Money Laundering laws as this is of paramount importance in light of the ravaging effect of illicit financial flows on the formal economy," he said.He said Zimbabwe had registered significant progress in ensuring a terror free country through the enactment of the Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act in 2013.ASAAMLG Financial Action Task Force executive secretary Mr Davis Lewis, said anti-money laundering and counter terrorism financing initiatives were a priority for the region.Ministers Patrick Chinamasa (Finance), Cain Mathema (Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs), Kembo Mohadi (State Security), Clifford Sibanda (Office of Vice President Mnangagwa), Mcebisi Jonasi (Finance, South Africa), Martin Dlamini (Finance, Swaziland) were some of the senior Government officials that attended the conference.The weeklong conference ends today. Yesterday ministers were locked in Council of Ministers closed door meetings followed by the 3rd Public-Private sector dialogue meetings later in the day, to cap a week that started with the 32nd Taskforce of Senior Officials.
Ariana Resources PLC (AIM:AAU, ASX:AA2, FRA:4A6) managing director Kerim Sener joined Proactive earlier this week to discuss the companys latest results, funding position and progress across its key gold projects.

In this Q&A, he outlines the impact of recent investment, drilling success at Dokwe and the transition to production at Tavsan.

The full interview transcript follows below.

Proactive: Kerim, very good to speak with you. You're out with your 2025 results this week, could you take us through some of the highlights, please?

Kerim Sener: Absolutely, Stephen. Very glad to join you. Yes, a very pleasing end to the year. The completion of the investment by Xinhai towards the end of the year substantially boosted our cash position, finishing at about 5.4 million. This sees us adequately provided for through the coming year and the feasibility study on Dokwe.

The other major change was the accounting treatment of our investment in Zenit. There was a fair value remeasurement, now shown through profit or loss as a financial asset at fair value. We believe this is a fairer representation of our investment in Zenit Madencilik in Turkey, which holds the Kiziltepe and Tavsan mines.

Proactive: Does that explain the swing from a 2.7 million profit to a 12.4 million loss?

Kerim Sener: It's a paper treatment only. It's a cumulative non-cash loss of about 10.9 million.

Proactive: The Dokwe project has been described as transformational. What milestones should investors watch next?

Kerim Sener: We recently announced results from our RC drilling program at Dokwe North. We saw excellent intercepts, including 4 metres at about 17 grams per tonne of gold, 10 metres approaching 8 grams, and another 10 metres approaching 5 grams.

This demonstrates an extension of mineralisation on the northeastern flank that wasnt previously known. The material is largely oxide, which is encouraging. This points toward the potential for a future resource upgrade, although more drilling is required.

We expect further drilling through April and into May, alongside metallurgical and geotechnical work at Dokwe Central. Overall, we're seeing continuity of mineralisation across Dokwe North and Central.

Proactive: With Tavsan now in production, how important is it for cash flow and funding growth?

Kerim Sener: Very important. We expect dividend flow from Tavsan to commence this year. Previously, dividends were deferred to support development. The mine has been in operation since the last quarter and is delivering solid production through its heap leach operation.

Proactive: Following the ASX listing and your partnership with Xinhai, how well funded are you?

Kerim Sener: Were very well funded through this year and for the feasibility study, particularly with the A$8 million cash injection from Xinhai. Theres also technical support being provided in exchange for equity, including funding tied to metallurgical work and completion of the feasibility study.

We now have sufficient runway to complete the feasibility work.

Proactive: Kerim, thank you for your time.

Kerim Sener: Thank you, and I look forward to updating you further.
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Washington, April 3 : The United States warned China that actions targeting Panama-flagged vessels threaten a key global trade route and could drive up costs for businesses and consumers.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said China's recent actions against Panama-flagged ships raise "serious concern" about the use of economic tools to undermine the rule of law in Panama.

"China's recent actions against Panama-flagged vessels raise serious concerns about the use of economic tools to undermine the rule of law in Panama," Rubio said in a statement.

He said detentions, delays and other impediments to vessel movement "undermine the stability of global supply chains, increase costs for businesses and consumers, and erode confidence in the international trading system."

The remarks follow reports of increased inspections and detentions of Panama-flagged vessels at Chinese ports. Panamanian authorities have acknowledged a rise in scrutiny, which has led to delays and disruptions in maritime operations, though not necessarily seizures.

The dispute comes after a recent ruling by Panama's Supreme Court on the Balboa and Cristobal terminals. The court invalidated a long-standing concession granted to a Hong Kong-based company and allowed the government to assume control of the ports and appoint new operators.

Rubio said the court's decision "upheld transparency, the rule of law, and held private operators accountable to the public interest." He added that it shows Panama is "a reliable partner for international investment and business opportunities."

The United States also reaffirmed its support for Panama's sovereignty. Rubio said Washington "stands firmly with Panama" and looks forward to expanding economic and security cooperation with the country.

The Panama Canal is a critical artery for global trade. It handles roughly 5 per cent of global maritime commerce. Any disruption to vessel movement can ripple across supply chains, affecting energy, manufacturing and consumer goods.

US officials have increasingly raised concerns about China's influence over strategic infrastructure near the canal.
Washington, April 3 : Aimed at blocking China and other adversaries from accessing critical chipmaking tools, US lawmakers unveiled bipartisan legislation aimed at tightening export controls on advanced semiconductor manufacturing equipment.

The proposed Multilateral Alignment of Technology Controls on Hardware (MATCH) Act focuses on closing loopholes in existing controls and aligning policies with allies to safeguard US technological leadership and national security.

Representative John W. Mannion said, "American workers, innovation, and ingenuity built the world's most advanced semiconductor industry. With the United States ready to lead the next generation of global memory chip manufacturing and research, I'm going to protect that future and make sure we stay ahead."

He added that the bill "safeguards the tools, technology, jobs, and know-how that will keep the United States ahead of China and at the leading edge of the 21st century technologies the world depends on."

The legislation directs the federal government to identify key "chokepoints" in semiconductor production and coordinate with allies to impose aligned export controls. It also proposes action if partner countries fail to match US restrictions.

In the Senate, a companion bill is being led by Senators Pete Ricketts and Andy Kim, with support from Senators Jim Risch and Chuck Schumer. Lawmakers said current export controls remain fragmented and are often bypassed through intermediaries.

"The ability to design and produce semiconductors lies at the heart of the technology competition with Communist China," said Senator Ricketts.

He said existing rules form "a patchwork of entity-based restrictions that Beijing easily bypasses using front companies," adding that the bill would "strengthen our controls and create a level playing field for US companies."

Senator Andy Kim said the effort aims to "keep the most advanced semiconductor manufacturing equipment out of the hands of China and other adversaries" and stressed the need for coordination with allies.

The MATCH Act proposes country-wide restrictions on key chipmaking tools, including deep ultraviolet lithography equipment, and targets major Chinese firms such as Huawei, SMIC and Yangtze Memory Technologies by designating their facilities as restricted entities.

Congressman Michael Baumgartner warned that "the United States cannot afford to leave open back doors that allow the Chinese Communist Party to acquire the tools it needs to leap ahead in semiconductor manufacturing."

Lawmakers argued that gaps between US and allied export regimes have allowed Chinese firms to access critical technologies despite restrictions. The bill includes provisions to expand US jurisdiction over foreign-produced items that rely on American technology if allies do not align within a set timeframe.

Supporters say the legislation is central to maintaining US leadership in artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing. Analysts backing the bill said gaps in controls have allowed China to acquire significant volumes of advanced equipment.

"China continues to exploit the difference," said Ryan Fedasiuk, noting that allied controls "don't always follow suit."

The measure builds on earlier congressional efforts to strengthen domestic semiconductor production and secure supply chains. It also reflects growing concern in Washington over China's rapid progress in chip manufacturing and its implications for defence and critical infrastructure.

Semiconductors are widely seen as a strategic technology underpinning AI, defence systems and global supply chains. The United States has imposed successive rounds of export controls in recent years to slow China's access to advanced chips and manufacturing equipment.

However, differences between US and allied policies have remained a key challenge, prompting calls in Congress for a more coordinated, multilateral approach to technology restrictions.
Washington, April 3 : US forces struck a key highway bridge in Iran, escalating tensions as President Donald Trump warned there was "much more to follow" and urged Tehran to make a deal.

Washington, April 3 (IANS) US forces struck a key highway bridge in Iran, escalating tensions as President Donald Trump warned there was "much more to follow" and urged Tehran to make a deal.

The strike hit the B1 bridge linking Tehran with the nearby city of Karaj. A US military official said the attack targeted "a planned military supply route for Iran's missile and drone forces."

Iranian state media said the bridge was not yet operational and not being used by the military. Officials said at least eight people were killed and dozens wounded, including civilians outdoors during the Nowruz holiday.

Trump hailed the strike in a social media post. "The biggest bridge in Iran comes tumbling down, never to be used again  Much more to follow!" he said. He also warned Iran to "MAKE A DEAL BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE."

US officials said the operation was part of a broader effort to disrupt Iran's military logistics. The strike aimed to prevent the movement of missile and drone components across the country.

Iranian leaders struck a defiant tone. "When it comes to defending our homeland, each and every one of us will become a soldier of this country," Parliament Speaker Mohammad Ghalibaf said. He added that Iranians were "armed, ready and standing."

Tehran ruled out talks with Washington for now. A foreign ministry spokesman said negotiations were "impossible under current conditions."

The bridge strike came alongside other attacks on infrastructure. Iranian authorities said an airstrike hit the Pasteur Institute of Iran, a major public health facility. A health ministry spokesman called it a "direct assault on international health security."

The conflict has spread across the region. Israel said it intercepted missiles from Iran. The Houthis in Yemen also launched a missile toward Israel.

Diplomatic efforts remain stalled. Russia, China and France blocked a push at the U.N. Security Council to authorise force to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Washington, April 3 : A US Congressman introduced legislation directing NASA to establish the first elements of a permanent lunar outpost by 2030, asserting that the move is critical to sustaining American leadership in space amid rising competition from China.

Congressman Keith Self unveiled the bill a day after the Artemis II mission lifted off, marking the first crewed flight to lunar orbit in over five decades. The proposal seeks to amend existing US space law and sets a deadline of December 31, 2030, for the initial outpost.

"Last night, America reminded the world that we are the greatest spacefaring nation on earth," Self said. "But a victory lap is not a strategy. If we are serious about maintaining American leadership in space, we need boots on the Moon. Permanently. That is what this legislation demands."

The bill directs the NASA Administrator to establish the initial infrastructure at the Moon's south pole. The region is considered strategically important due to the presence of water ice, which can be converted into rocket fuel, and deposits of helium-3 and rare earth elements.

Self described the lunar effort as an economic as well as strategic imperative. "The Moon is not just a destination. It is the foundation for an entirely new American industrial frontier," he said. "Lunar resources will drive the next generation of space manufacturing, mining, and construction."

He added that US companies are already developing relevant technologies but require sustained government backing and a permanent presence on the lunar surface.

The legislation comes amid intensifying competition with China National Space Administration, which has publicly outlined plans to establish a lunar research station in the same region before the end of the decade.

"The CCP is not a partner in space. They are a competitor, and they are playing to win," Self said. "International law on lunar resources is unsettled. The nation that physically establishes a presence on the surface will define the rules for everyone else."

The Artemis II mission, launched by NASA, carries four astronauts on a lunar flyby aboard the Orion spacecraft. It is the first crewed deep-space mission since 1972.

Self argued that a permanent outpost would translate into economic gains at home. "A lunar outpost means American jobs, American ingenuity, and American flags planted firmly in the regolith," he said. "The window to lead is open. This legislation makes sure we do not waste it."

The proposal was earlier introduced as part of the NASA Reauthorization Act and cleared committee in February before being reintroduced as a standalone bill.
New Delhi, April 3 : Defence Minister Rajnath Singh participated in the self-enumeration process for Census 2027, urging citizens to actively submit their household details online.

Posting on social media platform X, he wrote: "Participated in the self-enumeration process as part of the Census 2027. Phase-I of Census 2027 which includes House Listing and Housing Operations has already started. For the first digital data collection has been emphasised, allowing respondents to self-enumerate their household details. I urge everyone to actively participate and complete self-enumeration, helping build a strong foundation for Viksit Bharat."

Census 2027 is set to be India's first fully digital census, moving away from the traditional paper-based system that has been followed for over 150 years.

The exercise is being conducted in two phases under the Census Act, 1948. The first phase, known as House Listing and Housing Census (HLO), focuses on collecting data regarding housing conditions, household amenities, and assets. Citizens are required to answer 33 questions that have been notified to them during this phase.

Earlier this week, on Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi completed his self-enumeration for Census 2027, marking the official start of the first phase. In a post on X, the Prime Minister said: "Completed my self-enumeration. Today marks the beginning of the first phase of Census 2027, relating to house listing and housing operations. This census is the first time data collection is being done through digital means. It also empowers the people of India to self-enumerate their household details. I appeal to the people of India to self-enumerate their household details themselves and participate in the Census process."

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also completed his self-enumeration on Wednesday, highlighting the significance of the digital exercise. On X, he stated: "Under the 'House-listing' phase - the first step of the Census process commencing today - I filled out the self-enumeration form at my residence in Delhi. This process will play a pivotal role in accelerating India's developmental journey and ensuring that the full benefits of government schemes reach every citizen."

The government has set a deadline of April 15, 2026, for citizens to complete the self-enumeration process. Authorities emphasise that this digital approach will enable faster, more accurate, and convenient data collection, while empowering individuals to directly contribute to India's planning and development.

With the participation of top leaders and a nationwide push for self-enumeration, the Census 2027 aims to lay a strong foundation for policy planning and development in India, marking a historic shift toward fully digital data collection.
New Delhi, April 3 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to intensify the National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) campaign in the South with a two-day visit to Chennai and Puducherry starting on Friday, in the run-up to the Assembly elections scheduled in Tamil Nadu and the Union Territory.

The Prime Minister is expected to arrive at Chennai International Airport on Friday afternoon, according to sources. After landing, he will head straight to Puducherry to address a major public rally in the evening.

The meeting is aimed at mobilising support for candidates of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its alliance partners ahead of the April 9 polling in Puducherry.

Following the public event, PM Modi will return to Chennai later that night. Security agencies and local police have begun extensive preparations for the high-profile visit, with the Greater Chennai City Police putting in place elaborate security and other related arrangements across key locations.

Multiple layers of security, traffic diversions, and restrictions are expected to be enforced to ensure smooth movement and public safety during the Prime Ministeras engagements.

On Saturday, the Prime Minister is scheduled to hold an interaction with around 100 party functionaries, grassroots organisers, and key stakeholders in Chennai.

The closed-door meeting is expected to focus on strengthening booth-level mobilisation and fine-tuning campaign strategies as the April 23 polling date in Tamil Nadu approaches.

Later in the day, PM Modi will take part in an election campaign in support of the NDA candidate in Mylapore, one of Chennaias politically significant constituencies.

Party sources indicated that a roadshow is also being planned, with areas such as T. Nagar under consideration, although the final route is yet to be officially confirmed.

The visit is being viewed as a crucial push by the BJP leadership to consolidate its presence in Tamil Nadu, where it is contesting as part of a broader alliance, while also reinforcing its campaign in Puducherry.
Opinion / Columnist

For some time now, Zimbabwe has been grappling with two overlapping political crises. The constitutional hardball currently being played by the ruling ZANU-PF cannot be understood without first recognising these twin political crises that have shaped our contemporary politics.

The first crisis is that of national leadership turnover. During Robert Mugabes long presidency from 1980 to 2017, Zimbabwe struggled to establish a credible mechanism for national-level presidential succession. The Constitution laid a framework for regular elections, but political reality made leadership turnover virtually impossible. Elections are, in a sense, a periodic referendum on the president. In Zimbabwe, however, elections have been a procedural formality to legitimise the incumbent rather than a genuine instrument for leadership change.The 2008 elections produced a dramatic rupture in this crisis. A disputed election result, widespread violence, and regional pressure led to the 2009 Global Political Agreement, which created a temporary power-sharing government. For the first time, executive authority was partially redistributed  but not transferred. Robert Mugabe retained the presidency, while Morgan Tsvangirai became Prime Minister, deputised by Arthur Mutambara in what was a fragile and uneasy arrangement, a marriage of convenience.The underlying question of national-level leadership succession remained unresolved. When the 2013 Constitution introduced presidential term limits, Robert Mugabe maintained that the limits did not apply to him retrospectively. The political clock was effectively reset. A defiant Mugabe persisted that the principals had a final say in the constitution-making process: sometimes parliament thinks that it is so, so sovereign - that it should control the acts dzema principals, ah kwete. Mwonzora! Na Mwangwana wako manga makuvhaira apa. Sometimes people fail to know where power is derived from. Douglas Mwonzora, who represented the then MDC-T, and Paul Mwangwana (ZANU-PF) were co-chairs of the Parliamentary Committee on Constitutional and Parliamentary Affairs (COPAC). At some point during the drafting of the new constitution, a clause was introduced to impose an age limit on presidential candidates. The proposed 70-year age limit would have barred Mugabe, who was 88 at the time, from contesting future elections. Due to intense pressure from ZANU-PF, the clause was scrapped from the final draft of the constitution.Because the two-term limit was not applied retrospectively and there was no age limit under the new constitution, Mugabe contested the 2013 elections, won by 61.88%, and signaled his intention to stand again in 2018. In effect, the 2013 constitutional reform did not produce leadership renewal; it prolonged Mugabes incumbency.That unresolved tension over presidential turnover culminated in 2017, when the military intervened to arbitrate what had become an acute succession crisis within the ruling party as Mugabe entered his dotage. The removal of Mugabe and the elevation of Emmerson Mnangagwa did not constitute a conventional and peaceful electoral transfer of power. If anything, it set a troubling precedent: that during moments of elite contestation over succession, power can be seized by force rather than constitutional process. The events of 2017 also exposed the fragility of leadership transitions in personalistic and neopatrimonial regimes, in which state institutions are subordinate to factional calculations, and there is no precedence for orderly change. In 2017, the military adjudicated what was fundamentally a party dispute.The 2017 episode produced the second crisis: an unresolved succession struggle within ZANU-PF itself. Given ZANU-PFs electoral dominance, instability within it inevitably reverberates across the nation. When ZANU-PF sneezes, the country catches a cold.The 2017 transition reshuffled leadership at the apex of the State, but it did not settle the question of the future succession procedure within ZANU-PF. As President Mnangagwas term approaches its end, ZANU-PF is reverting to its 2017 default settings. Operation Restore Legacy did not institutionalise a clear succession pathway; it reconfigured factions and redistributed influence within the ruling elite. But most importantly, it deferred, rather than settled, the deeper contest over who ultimately controls the party, and by extension, the StateIn a nutshell, this is the twin crisis Zimbabwe faces: uncertainty regarding the mechanisms of national leadership transition and uncertainty over the procedures governing succession within ZANU-PF itself.Each crisis generates instability in distinct but overlapping ways. The national leadership crisis manifests as electoral tension. In Zimbabwe, the election season is a period of heightened political anxiety, and the political temperature rises to dangerous levels. Everyone remembers that bloody August 1st, 2018, when demonstrators were gunned down in the aftermath of disputed results. Presidential elections in Zimbabwe have become a national security threat.The succession crisis within ZANU-PF produces a different, but equally dangerous, form of instability. Elite contestation at the top of the ruling party does not remain confined within party structures; it spills into the State. As we saw in November 2017, when tanks rolled into the streets, internal party rivalry can morph into a national security event. Because ZANU-PFs succession rules are ambiguous and weakly institutionalised, factional competition becomes existential. Right now, to manage its internal succession dispute, ZANU-PF is on the verge of mutilating the constitution.Together, these crises have produced an enduring uncertainty that, if left unresolved, deepens national anxiety. The boundaries between state politics and intra-party maneuvering have become dangerously blurred, to the detriment of the nation.The Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment Bill (No. 3), 2026, must be understood against this backdrop. The Bill appears to be designed to address both crises simultaneously. What ZANU-PF is trying to do is kill two birds with one stone. It is therefore no coincidence that the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Ziyambi Ziyambi, justified the amendments as necessary to enhance political stability and continuity and to promote long-term national stability, inclusivity, and public confidence in constitutional institutions. The diagnosis of the problem is correct. At least the Minister and the Cabinet that approved the Bill do not deny that Zimbabwe faces a stability problem. This acknowledgment matters. There is no longer a pretense that all is well.The twin crises outlined here are neither imaginary nor trivial. Any Zimbabwean who desires a stable and democratic future must confront these issues honestly. However, the remedy proposed by the Bill is not sincere. The Bill, as presented, is manipulative, and some of its provisions are deceptive. Several of its provisions are not neutral adjustments; they are partisan machinations strategically designed to insulate incumbency and manage political competition rather than resolve underlying instability.By rewriting the rules of executive succession, extending the tenure of both the Executive and Members of Parliament, shifting presidential selection into a party-dominated parliamentary arena, changing the custodian of the voters roll, and consolidating executive discretion over electoral and judicial institutions, the Bill attempts to stabilise leadership through structural insulation.This is the heart of the Bills gamble: that by redesigning the architecture of power, by tampering with the Constitution itself, it can calm both national and internal instability. However, uncertainty that is rooted in unresolved political competition does not disappear simply because the rules are rewritten. As seen in 2017, such manoeuvring only postpones the inevitable. This twin crisis wont go anywhere. They will re-emerge in unpredictable forms. In 2017, it was tanks and guns that had the final say. What will the next transition look like? It remains to be seen.Zimbabwes political problem is not an episodic crisis; it is structural. That distinction matters. This proposed Bill should not be viewed merely as a set of amendments; it is a crisis-management tool. It attempts containment of the twin succession anxieties that have haunted the State since 2008 and reconfigured themselves in 2017. But containment is not resolution. Structural instability that is compressed by constitutional redesign does not vanish; it mutates. And mutation, by nature, is unpredictable. Even the architects of this Bill do not know the endgame. These are acts of desperation  kungwavhangwavha, kukiya kiya (Shona terms often used in Zimbabwe that refer to the logic of utilizing shrewd, improvisational, and sometimes unconventional methods to navigate daily life and survival)Regrettably, Zimbabweans are mere pawns and will pay the price as always.And gambles, by definition, do not come with guarantees.
Seoul, April 3 : South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and French President Emmanuel Macron held summit talks on Friday, with discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in advanced technologies, energy and coordination on international issues.

Macron attended an official welcoming ceremony held at Cheong Wa Dae marking his state visit, his first to South Korea since taking office in 2017.

During the summit, the two countries plan to upgrade their "comprehensive partnership for the 21st century," established in 2004, to "a global strategic partnership," presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung said in a written briefing.

By upgrading the bilateral ties, Lee aims to deepen "strategic communication" with France -- a permanent member of the UN Security Council and a key European Union country -- and build a "future-oriented partnership," according to Kang.

In a contribution to the French newspaper Le Figaro, Lee also expressed hope to expand bilateral cooperation in artificial intelligence, nuclear energy and the space sector, moving beyond a simple partnership toward closer strategic coordination.

After the talks, the two leaders are scheduled to attend a signing ceremony for memorandums of understanding, followed by joint press announcements and a state luncheon at Cheong Wa Dae, Yonhap news agency reported.

While Lee and Macron hold their summit, their spouses are set to visit the National Museum of Korea in central Seoul as part of a cultural exchange program, the spokesperson said.

Macron arrived in Seoul on Thursday for a two-day state visit, marking his first trip to South Korea since taking office in 2017. The visit coincides with the 140th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations.

On April 2, Lee Jae Myung had hosted a dinner for French President Emmanuel Macron to mark his state visit and presented symbolic gifts aimed at further deepening bilateral ties, Cheong Wa Dae had said.
Seoul, April 3 : South Korean stocks rose nearly 2.5 per cent late on Friday morning as Iran is said to be working on a protocol with Oman to monitor traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, raising hopes for the reopening of the crucial shipping waterway.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 128.99 points, or 2.46 percent, to 5,363.0, reports Yonhap news agency.

The index opened 2.7 percent higher, rebounding from a sharp decline the previous session, and maintained its momentum on solid buying by institutional investors.

Concerns about further escalation of the conflict in the Middle East still remain high after U.S. President Donald Trump said in a prime-time address on Wednesday (U.S. time) that the United States would hit Iran "extremely hard over the next two to three weeks," without providing a timeline for ending the conflict that began in late February.

But Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, however, said Tehran is drafting a protocol with Oman to monitor traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, raising hopes for progress in reopening the waterway, which has effectively been shut since the start of the war.

In Seoul, big-cap tech shares led the upturn of the index.

Market bellwether Samsung Electronics surged 3.28 percent, while chip giant SK hynix soared 5.18 percent.

Top automaker Hyundai Motor advanced 1.29 percent, while its affiliate Kia rose 0.2 percent.

Defence giant Hanwha Aerospace climbed 2.05 percent, and artificial intelligence investment firm SK Square went up 1.06 percent. Nuclear power plant builder Doosan Enerbility jumped 3.42 percent.

Shipbuilders gathered ground. Local industry leader HD Hyundai Heavy spiked 9 percent, and its rival Hanwha Ocean went up 5.62 percent.

But leading battery maker LG Energy Solution fell 0.87 percent, and bio giant Samsung Biologics lost 1.77 percent. Leading financial firm KB Financial shed 0.07 percent.

a"IANS

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New Delhi, April 3 : In a significant success under Operation Kavach 13.0, the Special Staff of South District has apprehended a key member of a drug trafficking syndicate and seized 1.031 kg of high-quality cocaine, valued at approximately Rs 10 crore in the international market.

The accused, identified as John Chibuike (35), a Nigerian national residing at H. No. T-36/2, 4th Floor, Mahiransh Mansion, Ward No. 06, Islam Colony, Mehrauli, New Delhi, was actively involved in supplying cocaine across South and South-East Delhi. He had reportedly expanded his network extensively in recent months.

Acting on specific intelligence inputs regarding a Nigerian national engaged in cocaine trafficking, a dedicated team of Special Staff, South District, was constituted on March 30. The team was led by Inspector Anuj Kumar, In-Charge of Special Staff, under the supervision of ACP (HQ) Abhinendra Jain.

Through a combination of manual and technical surveillance, the team successfully tracked the suspect and conducted a raid at his residence in Islam Colony, Mehrauli. During the operation, the accused was apprehended, and 1031 grams (1.031 kg) of fine-quality cocaine was recovered from his possession. The seizure is considered a major blow to the drug supply chain operating in the region.

The operation was carried out by a team comprising Sub Inspector Amit Grewal, SI Manish Phogat, Head Constable Akshay, HC Rakesh, HC Santvir, HC Manish, Constable Ankit, and Ct Surender, whose coordinated efforts ensured the success of the mission.

During preliminary interrogation, it was revealed that the accused had been involved in narcotics trafficking for a considerable period. He was previously implicated in a case registered under FIR No. 359/2022 under Sections 22/25/29 of the NDPS Act at Police Station Preet Vihar.

A case under relevant sections of the NDPS Act has been registered at the Police Station Mehrauli, and further investigation is underway. Police officials stated that efforts are being made to dismantle the entire drug syndicate, trace the supply chain, and identify associates linked to interstate and international networks.

The South District Police continue their sustained crackdown on narcotics under Operation Kavach 13.0, reaffirming their commitment to curbing drug-related crimes.
New Delhi, April 3 : Bihar Minister Ram Kripal Yadav on Friday criticised All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi, accusing him of instigating the public with provocative statements.

Speaking to IANS, Minister Yadav said: "Owaisi provokes people and instigates them -- this seems to be all he doeslike he has opened a shop and is sitting. The public will not fall for his provocations. The Bharatiya Janata Party government, under the leadership of Himanta Biswa Sarma, is working for the welfare of the people and will continue to do so. Every religion, caste, and people have trusted Himanta Biswa Sarma, and it is sure that the BJP will form the government."

The Minister's remarks come in response to recent comments by Owaisi, who had taken a dig at Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over alleged bulldozer actions in the state. During a poll rally in Guwahati, Owaisi emphasised the need for a strong political response from the Muslim community.

"The situation is very bad. And this situation demands that the Muslim community's leadership through the AIUDF is strengthened to tackle the oppressive forces. In a democracy, merely raising slogans does not work. We have to ensure, through voting, that a clear message is sent to Himanta Biswa Sarma about his regressive politics," Owaisi said.

He further urged voters to remain united: "We have to remain united to stop this. You must respond by voting on the day of the elections. In a democracy, your vote is a powerful weapon -- use your conscience and political awareness."

Ram Kripal Yadav's comments reflect the BJP's attempt to counter Owaisi's messaging ahead of the upcoming elections, highlighting the ruling party's narrative of governance and public welfare. Yadav emphasised that Himanta Biswa Sarma enjoys the trust of people across all religions and castes, signalling confidence in the BJP's prospects in Assam.

The Assam Assembly elections are scheduled on April 9 to elect representatives for all 126 seats in the state legislature. Vote counting will take place on May 4, when the results will be officially announced by the Election Commission.
Mumbai, April 3 : South superstar Allu Arjun took to his social media account to wish his little son Allu Ayaan on his birthday, and shared an adorable picture.

Sharing a heartwarming post, he wrote, "Many happy returns of the day to the love of my life. Happy Birthday, my chinni babu. #HBDAlluAyaan #AyaanisaVibe".

In the picture, Allu Arjun is seen dressed in a maroon traditional kurta, smiling as he holds Ayaan close.

The young boy also dressed in an ethnic outfit, is seen striking a playful pose.

For the uninitiated, Allu Ayaan, the elder son of Allu Arjun and Sneha Reddy, was born on April 3, 2014, and turned 12 this year.

The young boy often features in his father's social media posts, and Ayaan has become a familiar face among fans.

Talking about South star Allu Arjun, on the professional front, has achieved massive success with the blockbuster franchise Pushpa: The Rise, where he starred opposite Rashmika Mandanna.

The actor has delivered several memorable hits over the years, including the popular dance number 'A Ante Amalapuram'.

On the personal front, Allu Arjun tied the knot with Sneha Reddy in March 2011 after reportedly meeting through mutual friends.

They initially were good friends, and their love story soon blossomed, leading to marriage.

On March 6, the actor celebrated his wedding anniversary with wife Sneha Reddy by sharing a heartfelt message and romantic pictures on his social media account.

Marking 15 years of togetherness, the actor posted a couple of stunning photographs of the two and wrote, "Happy Anniversary, Cutie. 15 years of togetherness. The journey could not have been this without you."

In another post, he shared a monochrome picture with Sneha and wrote, "15th anniversary . Life of Laughter & companionship @allusnehareddy."

They are parents to two children, son Allu Ayaan and daughter Allu Arha.

IANS

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Guwahati, April 3 : Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday highlighted his government's development push in the Barak Valley and expressed confidence in the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) growing support across Upper Assam.

Underscoring the importance of decentralised governance, CM Sarma said in a series of posts on the social media platform X, the state government has laid "great thrust" on the development of Barak Valley.

He noted that a dedicated department has been created for the welfare of the region, alongside steps to bring administration closer to the people.

The Chief Minister pointed to the establishment of the Assam Secretariat in Silchar as a key initiative aimed at enhancing administrative efficiency.

"This is not just a building, but represents the focus of our government to take governance closer to the people," he said, adding that several development projects are currently underway in the Barak Valley.

CM Sarma further said the Secretariat in Silchar has been dedicated to the people of the region, reflecting the government's commitment to inclusive growth and balanced regional development.

In a separate post, the Chief Minister spoke about the response to the BJP's campaign in Upper Assam, stating that there has been a strong turnout in several constituencies. He mentioned areas including Khowang, Duliajan, Makum, Digboi and Tinsukia, where public participation in campaign events was significant.

According to the CM, the turnout reflects the people's "strong faith" in the BJP and its governance record in the state.

He reiterated the party's commitment to safeguarding Assam's identity while creating more employment and growth opportunities for the youth.

The BJP leader's remarks come amid intensified campaigning for the upcoming Assembly elections in Assam, with party leaders seeking to consolidate support across regions through development-focused messaging and outreach efforts.
Geneva, April 3 : Several United Nations human rights experts have expressed serious concern over the deteriorating and life-threatening health condition of Pakistani human rights defender Idris Khattak, urging the Pakistan government to immediately release him from his "unjust detention", highlighting the urgent need for medical care and protection of his fundamental rights.

Geneva, April 3 (IANS) Several United Nations human rights experts have expressed serious concern over the deteriorating and life-threatening health condition of Pakistani human rights defender Idris Khattak, urging the Pakistan government to immediately release him from his "unjust detention", highlighting the urgent need for medical care and protection of his fundamental rights.

"Pakistan must stop disregarding and must abide by their international human rights obligations and immediately and unconditionally release Khattak, who has been unjustly detained for over 6 years in relation to exercising his freedoms. His prolonged detention conditions and the alleged denial of necessary adequate medication and medical treatment, given Khattak's acute health needs, have detrimental consequences endangering his life." the UN experts warned.

Citing an assessment by the international independent medical professional who reviewed Khattak's health records  the experts said that his health and life are at serious risk under current detention conditions marked by limited access to medication, medical care and the continued lack of treatment for his diabetes, high blood pressure and dental infection.

"The Pakistan government is obliged to protect the rights to life, to physical and mental integrity, and to health, and has a specific responsibility to persons deprived of their liberty. Each additional day of Khattak's unjust detention compounds the violation suffered by him and the violations of Pakistan's international human rights obligations. This must stop. Khattak must be released immediately and unconditionally, ensuring he has access to immediate and independent medical assistance," the experts stressed.

The UN experts have repeatedly called for the release of Khattak since his enforced disappearance in November 2019 and subsequent detention.

They have sent numerous communications to the Pakistani government highlighting what they described as "egregious violations of his human rights with regard to his unfair trial and unjust sentencing by the military court and arbitrary detention and imprisonment".

According to local media reports, Khattak was sentenced to 14 years' imprisonment in December 2021 after being convicted in a secret trial by a Pakistani military court.

"Khattak was found guilty of espionage and leaking of sensitive information by a Field General Court Martial (FGCM). He was handed down a 14-year rigorous jail term," Pakistani daily Dawn quoted a source as saying, following his conviction.

In November 2025, the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention confirmed that Khattak has been arbitrarily detained, including in violation of his freedom of expression. It stated that "the appropriate remedy would be to release Khattak immediately and accord him an enforceable right to compensation and other reparations" and to ensure accountability for the violations he suffered.

"Unfortunately, the Pakistan government has not responded and continues to hold Khattak, in clear and blatant violation of their obligations. Pakistan must act with no more delays to protect the health and life of Khattak," the experts asserted.

--IANS

scor/rs
Perambra, April 3 : A fresh political controversy has erupted in Kerala's Perambra Assembly constituency in Kozhikode district, with the United Democratic Front (UDF) alleging that the ruling CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) is resorting to communally charged campaign tactics to regain lost ground.

The row centres on a controversial audio announcement allegedly broadcast from a campaign vehicle linked to LDF candidate T.P. Ramakrishnan, who is also the convenor of the ruling Left.

The recording purportedly suggests that Muslim League workers are canvassing votes on religious lines, urging support for "a candidate from our community".

The UDF contends that the message was designed to inflame communal sentiments and polarise voters.

The UDF candidate belonging to the Indian Union Muslim League, Fathima Thahliya, has accused the CPI(M) of attempting to outdo even the BJP in stoking communal divisions.

She further alleged that the voice in the recording belongs to a CPI(M) leader and that the announcement was made with the knowledge of the candidate.

According to her, the audio was recorded at a studio in Naduvannur in the neighbouring Balussery constituency, and evidence to substantiate this has been submitted.

The controversy came to light after a local resident, Mundakkandi Saleel, followed the announcement vehicle and recorded the audio.

The UDF has since lodged a formal complaint with the Election Commission and the State Police Chief, submitting details including the vehicle's registration number used to obtain microphone permission.

While the CPI(M) has denied any link to the vehicle, claiming it does not belong to the LDF, it has not filed a counter-complaint.

Ramakrishnan has maintained that any lapses in campaign conduct would be corrected if established.

However, the UDF has strongly criticised the failure to register an FIR, alleging political interference behind the delay.

The controversy assumes significance in a constituency that has been a Left bastion since 1980 but has recently shown signs of political churn.

Though Ramakrishnan secured a commanding victory in the last Assembly election with a margin of 22,592 votes, the CPI(M) suffered a jolt in the Lok Sabha polls when Congress leader Shafi Parambil established a lead of over 19,000 votes in the segment.

Subsequent local body elections further underlined the shift, with the UDF capturing six of the ten panchayats and building a lead of more than 8,000 votes.

Political observers believe the escalating row reflects the intensifying battle for Perambra, now emerging as a key electoral flashpoint in the state.
Jaipur, April 3 : In a major regulatory shift, the Rajasthan Excise Department has introduced strict penalties for violations, imposing an immediate fine of Rs 50,000 for serving liquor without permission or breaching licence conditions.

The Rajasthan government has revised its Excise Policy (2025-29), increasing liquor prices and tightening rules for serving alcohol at events. The new provisions, effective from April 1, aim to boost revenue while enforcing stricter compliance.

Liquor prices across Rajasthan have increased by 5 to 10 per cent following a fresh notification by the state government. Alongside the price hike, the cost of obtaining licences for serving alcohol at events has also gone up significantly.

For commercial events, the aOccasional Licensea fee has been raised from Rs 12,000 to Rs 20,000 per day. For private functions such as weddings and family gatherings, the fee has increased from Rs 2,000 to Rs 2,500. In a major regulatory shift, the Excise Department has introduced strict penalties for violations.

Serving liquor without permission or breaching licence conditions will now attract an immediate fine of Rs 50,000. The price hike impacts different segments unevenly.

Country liquor will see the steepest rise of 8-9 per cent, increasing costs by around Rs 85 on a Rs 900 purchase. Liquor produced within Rajasthan has become up to 8 per cent costlier, while Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) has seen a relatively modest increase of about 2.6 per cent. Beer prices have also gone up, with an increase of roughly Rs 25 per Rs 1,000 spent, and canned beer becoming costlier by up to Rs 33 per can.

According to the Excise Department, the revisions are driven by rising production costs and are expected to generate an additional Rs 1,500 crore in revenue in 2026.

The department has also intensified monitoring to curb illegal liquor consumption and ensure compliance with licensing norms.

With nearly 98 per cent of the stateas 7,665 liquor shops already auctioned, the government is focusing on both revenue augmentation and stricter enforcement. Citizens planning events have been advised to obtain the necessary permits in advance to avoid penalties.
Islamabad, April 3 : A prominent minority rights organisation has raised alarm over the dilapidated condition and alleged encroachment of the historic Ramchandra Mandir in Karachi, describing the situation as a "national shame." Islamabad, April 3 (IANS) A prominent minority rights organisation has raised alarm over the dilapidated condition and alleged encroachment of the historic Ramchandra Mandir in Karachi, describing the situation as a "national shame."

According to the Voice of Pakistan Minority (VOPM), the temple located on Ratan Talao Street near Preedy Police Station in Karachi now stands enclosed within cement walls and iron gates featuring Islamic inscriptions.

The rights body said that the religious site, once marked by prayer and coexistence, has been overshadowed by neglect and discreet encroachment.

"For decades, the Ramchandra Mandir stood as a reminder of Karachi's plural pasta time when Ram Talao's waters reflected the diverse faiths of those who lived harmoniously beside them. Today, all that remains is a dome barely visible behind blank walls. The new barriers are more than mere construction; they are symbols of erasure, sealing off a sacred piece of history from the public gaze," the VOPM stated.

"What makes this tragedy harder to digest is the silence of those responsible. The Evacuee Trust Property Board, entrusted with safeguarding such abandoned religious properties, has once again turned a blind eye," it added.

The VOPM alleged that Pakistan's Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony remains detached, "watching a piece of national heritage slowly disappear".

It questioned how a temple could vanish beside a police station without any accountability, asking whether this amounts to an indictment of institutional failure.

The VOPM said Ramchandra Mandir's fading presence is not merely a local loss but a national shame"a monument to negligence disguised as progress."

"If Pakistan truly seeks global respect and internal harmony, it must start by defending the forgotten corners of its own history. Protecting a temple does not threaten faithit preserves humanity. To hide the Ramchandra Mandir behind cement and steel is to hide the truth of what Pakistan once was and what it still can be, if only it chooses remembrance over repression," the rights body noted.
Bhopal/Ujjain, April 3 : In a heartbreaking development, the mortal remains of Gurkirat Singh Manocha, a promising young student from Madhya Pradesh's Ujjain, were brought back home on Friday following his brutal killing in Canada earlier last month.

Gurkirat, the younger son of local businessman Gurjeet Singh Manocha, was pursuing a Post-Degree Diploma in Business Management at Northern Lights College in Fort St. John, British Columbia. On March 14, he was viciously attacked by a group of youths near Charlie Lake, suffering severe injuries that led to his untimely death.

The shocking incident has plunged the Sikh community in Madhya Pradesh and across the country into profound grief. Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav took to social media to express his deep condolences, stating that the state government stands shoulder-to-shoulder with its people in times of joy and sorrow alike.

On his X handle, the CM prayed for the departed soul to find eternal peace and for the family to find the courage to endure this immense pain.

The government had promptly requested the Centreas assistance in repatriating the body.

On Tuesday, the Chief Minister, accompanied by Ujjain MP Anil Firojiya, visited the grieving family at their residence in Parshwanath City on Dewas Road.

The leaders paid floral tributes before Gurkiratas photograph and spent time offering comfort to the devastated relatives.

During an earlier meeting, Gurkiratas father, Gurjeet Singh Manocha, had submitted a formal application to the Chief Minister outlining the familyas wishes. The family had expressed their desire to perform the final rites and cremation in Canada, where the tragic incident took place, and later bring the ashes back to Ujjain for the last ceremonies in case the body of Gurkirat could not come to Ujjain. To make this possible, they urgently requested the state government to arrange visas for Gurkiratas elder brother, Prabhkirat Singh, and his cousin, Saheb Singh. The family also had sought financial assistance to cover air travel expenses, hospital bills already incurred in Canada, and other related costs.

CM Mohan Yadav and MP Anil Firojiya had listened sympathetically and had assured the family of full support from the state government. They promised to immediately coordinate with the concerned Central authorities to expedite the visa process and explore every possible avenue to provide the requested financial assistance to bring Gurkiratas mortal remains back to Ujjain.
Mumbai, April 3 : Bollywood actress and new mommy Sonam Kapoor shared a deeply personal moment on her social media account, on Friday, where she posted her first picture holding her newborn baby close to her chest straight from the hospital.

The actress simply captioned the post, "Grateful beyond words".

In the first picture shared by the actress, Sonam is seen lying on a hospital bed, gently cradling her newborn against her chest, with her eyes closed and a faint smile of fulfilment on her face.

The baby, wrapped in a white cloth, rests peacefully in her arms.

The second picture shows Sonam seated beside a hospital tray, dressed in comfortable black loungewear.

She is seen having a meal, and the picture seems to be a candid click.

For the uninitiated, Sonam Kapoor welcomed her second baby, a boy, on the 29th of March, this year.

Sharing the exciting news on social media, Sonam had expressed her joy on her social media account.

She wrote, "With immense gratitude and hearts full of love, we are delighted to announce the arrival of our baby boy on the 29th of March 2026. Our family has grown and with his arrival, our hearts have expanded in the most beautiful way. (sic)"

The 'Raanjhanaa' actress further revealed that son Vayu is extremely thrilled to be an elder brother.

"Vayu is overjoyed to welcome his little brother and we feel deeply blessed by this precious new life who has filled our home with happiness and grace", she further wrote.

"Sonam and Anand are grateful to begin this beautiful new chapter as a family of four." the post concluded.

For the uninitiated, Sonam tied the knot with businessman Anand Ahuja in a grand wedding ceremony in May 2018. The couple was in a relationship for several years before taking the plunge.

The couple welcomed their first child, a baby boy Vayu in August 2022.

IANS

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New Delhi, April 3 : The NDA leaders on Friday emphasised that women's reservation in Parliament remains a top priority as the Budget Session of Parliament goes into an extended sitting.

Speaking on the issue, BJP MP Yogendra Chandolia said: "Providing reservation for women is a commitment of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and to fulfil that commitment, the BJP made efforts even in this session. However, due to the opposition not cooperating, the matter has now been continued to 16th, 17th, and 18th April. Women will receive their rightful reservation, and this commitment of the Bharatiya Janata Party under PM Modi will be fulfilled."

Echoing the same matter, JD(U) National Spokesperson Rajeev Ranjan Prasad said: "By extending this session from the 16th to the 18th, this three-day proceeding is entirely focused on the discussion of women's reservation. The Central government's effort is to ensure that the benefits of women's reservation are not delayed for long, and this bill will be introduced in Parliament to increase women's participation in the 2029 elections."

The Centre has decided to convene a special session of Parliament from April 16-18 to bring a bill to increase the number of Lok Sabha seats to 816, reserving 273 seats for women. The extension comes after the Budget Session went into a short recess, now scheduled to end on April 18 instead of the originally planned date. The second half of the Budget Session, which started on March 9, was to end on April 2, but neither House was adjourned sine die after the conclusion of business.

During the extended sitting, Parliament will take up amendments to the Constitution (One Hundred and Sixth Amendment) Act, popularly known as the Women's Reservation Act, 2023. The government aims to ensure that women's representation in the legislature is strengthened in time for the 2029 elections.

Addressing opposition's allegations that the BJP was exploiting voter sentiment or violating the model code of conduct, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju earlier informed that the government intends to introduce the amendments within the next two to three weeks. Both Houses were adjourned to meet again on April 16, marking the final day of the second half of the Budget Session, which typically resumes during the monsoon session in mid-July.
New Delhi, April 3 : In a major crackdown on the illegal storage, transportation, and suspected black marketing of LPG cylinders, police in north Delhi recovered a large quantity of illegally stored gas cylinders and arrested one man, police said on Friday.

The operation, by the staff of police station Bawana in the Outer North District, was carried out under the overall leadership of Joint Commissioner of Police, Northern Range, Vijay Singh, and the supervision of DCP, Outer North District, Hareshwar Swami. Police teams were specifically directed to take strict action against unauthorised LPG storage and distribution to maintain law and order and ensure public safety.

On Thursday, a dedicated police team developed specific intelligence regarding the illegal storage and transportation of LPG cylinders in the Bawana area. Acting swiftly, the information was shared with senior officials, and a team comprising HC Jitender and HC Pankaj was formed under the supervision of SHO, Bawana, Gaurav Singh, and ACP, Bawana, Joginder Singh.

Acting on the tip-off, the team set up a picket near District Park, Sector-2, DSIIDC, Bawana. At around 4 p.m., a pickup vehicle bearing registration number DL1LAM2817 was spotted and identified by an informer as carrying illegally transported LPG cylinders. The vehicle was immediately stopped and inspected.

The driver, identified as Anil, son of late Virender Kalita, a resident of Auchandi village, failed to produce any valid documents regarding the cylinders. During the search, police recovered 27 LPG cylinders, including both domestic and commercial units, some of which were filled.

Following further interrogation, the accused revealed that additional cylinders were stored at nearby premises, including two rooms and a structure near Factory No. 215-216, G Block, Sector-2, DSIIDC, Bawana. A search operation led to the recovery of 48 more cylinders from these locations.

In total, 75 LPG cylinders of various brands were seized, including both empty and filled domestic and commercial units. All were found to be stored without safety measures or legal authorisation, posing a serious threat due to the highly combustible nature of LPG.

A case has been registered at PS Bawana under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. The accused has been arrested, and the vehicle used in transportation has been seized.

Further investigation is underway to trace the source of supply, intended buyers, illegal distribution network, possible involvement of gas agency employees or other associates, and financial gain derived from black market activities.
Thiruvananthapuram, April 3 : Kerala's election campaign is set for a high-voltage Saturday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi will hit the campaign trail across multiple constituencies, signalling an intense final stretch in the run-up to the polls.

Thiruvananthapuram, April 3 (IANS) Keralaas election campaign is set for a high-voltage Saturday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi will hit the campaign trail across multiple constituencies, signalling an intense final stretch in the run-up to the polls.

Kerala goes to the polls on April 9 to elect 140 new legislators.

Rahul Gandhi will cover three districts in a single day, addressing programmes in Alappuzha, Ernakulam and Idukki, as the Congress-led UDF sharpens its push to regain power in the state.

Party insiders indicate that a second round of campaigning by Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will be announced shortly, with a focus on Wayanad, her Lok Sabha constituency and a crucial political nerve centre for the party.

On the other side, PM Modi is set to lead the BJPas charge with a massive rally at Thiruvalla before heading to Thiruvananthapuram for a high-profile 1.5-kilometre roadshow in Nemom, the constituency in which state BJP President Rajeev Chandrasekhar is contesting.

The roadshow is expected to be a major show of strength as the BJP seeks to energise its cadre and expand its electoral footprint.

Nemom holds symbolic significance for the BJP, having been the partyas lone Assembly victory in 2016 before it slipped out of its grasp in 2021.

The party is now making a determined push to reclaim lost ground.

Having finished second in at least nine constituencies in the last Assembly election, BJP leaders are optimistic not only about reopening their account but also about securing multiple seats this time.

For the Congress-led UDF, the stakes are equally high, with the alliance sensing an opportunity to capitalise on anti-incumbency sentiments and return to power.

The parallel campaigns by PM Modi and Rahul Gandhi underscore the strategic importance of Kerala, even as both national parties deploy their top leadership to sway voters.

With both camps planning return visits in the coming days, Kerala is witnessing a rare direct contest of narrative and momentum between the BJP and Congress at the highest level, turning the state into a key political theatre ahead of polling.
New Delhi, April 3 : The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Friday laid down guidelines for states/UTs headed to Assembly elections as well as bypolls in the next few days to facilitate maximum participation of voters in the electoral process.

The polling body, in a detailed statement, elaborated on provisions for providing paid holiday to the electors on voting day in respective states. It has also cautioned the employers against any violations, stating that any attempt to bypass the instructions will invite a penalty.

Invoking the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the ECI said, "Every person employed in any business, trade, industrial undertaking, or any other establishment, and entitled to vote at an election to the House of the People or to the Legislative Assembly of a States/UTs or Bye-election to a PC/AC shall be granted a paid holiday on the day of poll."

"No deduction of wages shall be made on account of such a paid holiday," it added.

Notably, four states and one union territory, namely Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherry, are set to elect their new Legislative Assemblies, while by-elections will be held in eight Assembly constituencies in Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Nagaland and Tripura.

Assam, Kerala and Puducherry will head to the polls on April 9, Tamil Nadu on April 23, while West Bengal will see two-phased elections on April 23 and 29.

The respective state governments have already announced public holidays on polling day to facilitate smooth elections. All government offices, institutions and colleges will remain closed in these states.

Reiterating the provisions of paid holiday on polling day, the ECI said, "Any employer who contravenes these provisions shall be liable to a fine. All daily wage and casual workers are also entitled to a paid holiday on the day of the poll."

The electors working in other constituencies will also be entitled to a paid holiday.

"Electors (including casual and daily wage workers) who are working or employed in industrial or commercial establishments located outside their constituency but are registered as voters in a constituency going to polls shall also be entitled to the benefit of a paid holiday on the day of poll to enable them to cast their vote," said the ECI in its notification.

It has also directed the respective state and UT governments to ensure that the instructions are complied with.
New Delhi, April 3 : A special court of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in Delhi convicted and sentenced four individuals, including two former officials of the Registrar of Cooperative Societies, for their involvement in a 2006 land allotment scam involving the Maharani Awanti Bai Cooperative Group Housing Society, the agency said on Friday.

The court on Thursday awarded rigorous imprisonment to Lila Krishna Seth, then assistant registrar, and Zafar Iqbal, then inspector grade III in the office of the Registrar of Cooperative Societies (RCS), the CBI said.

Seth was sentenced to one year in prison, while Iqbal received one year and six months. Both were also fined Rs 20,000 each.

In the same case, two private individuals, identified as Ram Narayan Aggarwal and Om Prakash Aggarwal, who were office bearers of the Maharani Awanti Bai Cooperative Group Housing Society, were also sentenced to two years of rigorous imprisonment along with a fine of Rs 20,000 each.

"The accused conspired to cheat the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) by manipulating records to secure undue land allotments," the CBI statement said.

According to the CBI, the case was registered on November 8, 2006, following the directions from the Delhi High Court. Investigations revealed alleged collusion between the officials of the Registrar of Cooperative Societies and members of the housing society to cheat the DDA.

The accused were found to have manipulated official records related to the functioning of the society to obtain land allotment. The CBI filed the chargesheet in this case on October 22, 2007.

After a prolonged trial, the court found the accused guilty and pronounced sentences accordingly.

This conviction adds to a string of recent successes by the CBI in the long-standing CGHS scam. In March 2024, the court convicted former RCS official, identified as Narayan Diwakar and others in the Imamia CGHS case in Delhi.

In another case, a special CBI court in Chennai convicted DN International and its four directors in a Rs. 5.75 crore bank fraud case. The court had sentenced the directors to five yearsa rigorous imprisonment and fined them Rs 4 lakh each, while imposing a similar fine on the company as well.
Bhopal, April 3 : Politics in Madhya Pradesh has heated up after a Delhi court convicted Datia Congress MLA Rajendra Bharti in a 28-year-old cooperative bank fraud case and sentenced him to three years in prison.

The Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi found Bharti and co-accused Raghuvir Sharan Prajapati guilty of criminal conspiracy, cheating, forgery, and using forged documents. The case involved irregularities in a fixed deposit at the District Cooperative Agriculture and Rural Development Bank in Datia, where records were allegedly manipulated using correction fluid to illegally withdraw interest over several years.

The court sentenced both to three years' imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs one lakh on Bharti and Rs 2.5 lakh on Prajapati. However, it granted a two-month window (reports mention 30 to 60 days) to file an appeal and suspended the sentence during this period.

Despite the relief, the conviction prompted swift action by the Madhya Pradesh Assembly Secretariat. Principal Secretary Arvind Sharma reached the Assembly late on Thursday night, around 11 p.m. A notification was subsequently issued declaring Bharti's membership terminated and the Datia Assembly seat vacant, citing the court's order.

The Secretariat also initiated the process of informing the Election Commission, paving the way for a by-election.

The late-night development triggered strong protests from Congress leaders. State Congress President Jitu Patwari and former Minister (Congress) P.C. Sharma rushed to the Assembly Secretariat upon learning of the activity.

P.C. Sharma strongly objected, stating: "The Assembly Secretariat, an independent constitutional institution, was opened at night at the behest of the BJP to terminate the membership of a Congress MLA. When we raised objections against this undemocratic attitude of the Mohan Yadav government, the entire system remained silent. We strongly condemn the BJP's political hooliganism and misuse of the Assembly Secretariat. Congress will fight this battle with full force."

Jitu Patwari questioned the selective haste, pointing out that no swift action was taken in earlier cases involving MLAs who defected to the BJP, such as Sachin Birla and Nirmala Sapre. "Why this lightning speed now, especially when Rajya Sabha elections are approaching? The court itself has given time to appeal - what is the justification for such undue haste?" he asked.

Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister Arun Subhashchandra Yadav also reacted sharply on social media: "In the cases of Sachin Birla - who defected to the BJP during the previous tenure - and Nirmala Sapre during the current tenure, no action was taken for years. However, now that the Rajya Sabha elections are approaching, action has been executed with lightning speed against Congress MLAs Mukesh Malhotra and Rajendra Bharti - going so far as to open the Assembly Secretariat late at night. Will the laws of the Assembly now be governed not by justice, but by the dictates of those in power?"

Congress leaders alleged that the ruling BJP government was selectively applying rules against opposition MLAs while ignoring similar cases involving its own members or defectors.

Rajendra Bharti, who defeated senior BJP leader Narottam Mishra in the 2023 Assembly elections from Datia, has said he respects the court's decision and will challenge the verdict in the higher court.

The disqualification reduces Congress' strength to 64 in the 230-member Madhya Pradesh Assembly and has intensified the ongoing political tussle in the state.
New Delhi, April 3 : India's former Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Syed Akbaruddin, on Friday noted that claims that India follows the United States are "unfair" and "not reflective of reality".

In an interaction with young Indian podcaster and entrepreneur, Raj Shamani, on his YouTube channel, Akbaruddin said: "No, I think it's unfair to say that we follow (the US). Look at the Board of Peace. (US President Donald) Trump has put up a Board of Peace; Pakistan has put up a Board of Peace. We have not joined it. Because we know this is not a real international institution. The US doesn't like us negotiating with Iran at all to get our ships. It has not stopped us from going and negotiating. And we have openly said we are doing it one by one. If it works, we will try again."

"The US doesn't want that. It wants countries to send ships there -- minesweepers, etc.-- and it doesn't even mention our name because they know that we are not a country which takes sides like that. I can give you another whole list of things where we are not aligned. So, on the war in Ukraine, did we support the US? No. The US repeatedly told us not to abstain, but we did abstain. So, I don't think there is anybody in the world who believes that India follows the US. Even the US doesn't think that. Maybe some people here who want to prove a point will say that, but in reality, it's not," the former IFS officer said.

The Opposition in India has often been seen criticising the government and alleging that it functions under the pressure of US President Trump. Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has also made similar remarks on several occasions, suggesting that "India's PM is compromised."
Kabul, April 3 : At least two children were killed and nearly 30 people were injured due to shelling and drone strikes carried out by Pakistani forces in eastern Afghanistan, local media reported on Friday, citing officials.

Taliban deputy spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat said the attacks targeting residential areas in Kunar, Paktika, and Khost provinces began on Wednesday, Afghanistan's Ariana News reported.

"Since yesterday, Pakistani forces have carried out continuous mortar, rocket and drone attacks," he said, adding that majority of the casualties were civilians, including children.

Two children were injured, and property was damaged after more than 150 mortar and long-range artillery shells hit Sarkano and Manogai districts of Kunar province. Eight children were injured, and two others were killed in shelling in the Dosaraki area of Sarkanoas Nawapas region.

Three civilians were injured after a drone strike in the Shkin district of Paktika province, while two people were injured in a separate drone strike in Zazi Maidan district in Khost.

Afghan officials have criticised Pakistan for its strikes, saying that civilian areas were being targeted intentionally, causing significant harm to local communities, Ariana News reported.

Tensions have escalated tremendously between Kabul and Islamabad over the past few months due to the Pakistani airstrikes and artillery fire, which have resulted in the deaths of dozens of people in war-torn Afghanistan. Meanwhile, talks began between officials of Pakistan and Afghanistan in China's Urumqi on Thursday.

Afghanistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Abdul Qahar Balkhi said the Afghan delegation visited China to hold discussions with Pakistani officials.

On Thursday, Afghanistan's Minister of Economy, Qari Din Mohammad Hanif, said that more than 27,000 Afghan families across nine provinces have been displaced due to attacks carried out by Pakistan's military, local media reported.

During a coordination meeting with officials from the United Nations agencies and national and international organisations, Hanif said that Pakistan has carried out hostile actions against Afghanistan in recent months, Afghanistan-based Pajhwok Afghan News reported. He further said that at least 27,344 families have been displaced in Nuristan, Zabul, Paktia, Khost, Paktika, Kunar, Nangarhar, Laghman and Kandahar provinces of the country.

Hanif noted that many of these families are currently residing without access to basic necessities, including adequate food, clothing, shelter and healthcare. He mentioned that the Taliban has taken measures to address the economic and livelihood challenges faced by displaced people of Afghanistan. However, he urged UN agencies and partner organisations to provide humanitarian assistance.

--IANS

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Naypyidaw, April 3 : Myanmar junta chief Min Aung Hlaing has been elected the country's President after he secured more votes among the three nominees, media reported on Friday.

Hlaing's two Vice Presidents are former military-appointed Prime Minister Nyo Saw, a longtime loyalist, and Nan Ni Ni Aye, the Karen State chair of the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), The Irrawaddy reported.

In the days leading up to his election, Min Aung Hlaing stepped down as commander-in-chief and appointed General Ye Win Oo to the post. The handover ceremony of the commander-in-chief of defence services was held at the Zeyathiri Beikman in Naypyidaw on Monday.

On Monday, Myanmar's lower house, Pyithu Hluttaw, had nominated Min Aung Hlaing as a vice-presidential candidate, the state-run Myanmar Radio and Television reported. As per Myanmar's constitution, the Union Parliament elects the President from among three vice-presidential candidates.

Elections were held in Myanmar in December 2025 and January 2026. The USDP secured a win in the elections, where the majority of opposition parties were barred from participating, The Irrawaddy reported.

Min Aung Hlaing has ruled Myanmar since 2021, when he ordered a coup toppling the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. After the National League for Democracy (NLD), led by Aung San Suu Kyi, secured a win in both 2015 and 2020 elections, Min Aung Hlaing claimed the latter vote was marred by electoral fraud and used the accusation to launch his coup.

At the time, he mentioned that it was not a power grab but a necessary measure taken amid a constitutional "state of emergency." Following the military takeover, the Myanmar junta annulled the 2020 election results, dissolved the NLD and detained Aung San Suu Kyi, cabinet members, and thousands of democracy activists.
Seoul, April 3 : South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said on Friday that he and French President Emmanuel Macron agreed to work together to secure the safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz and mitigate the broad impact from the war in the Middle East.

Lee addressed concerns over uncertainties in global energy supply chains following summit talks with Macron, during which the two leaders discussed ways to deepen economic ties and strengthen coordination on security issues.

"President Macron and I agreed to share policy-related experiences and strategies in order to jointly address the economic and energy crises triggered by the Middle East war. We also concurred on working together to reduce uncertainty in the global economy," Lee said during a joint press announcement.

"We confirmed our commitment to bolstering energy security by expanding our cooperation in the nuclear and offshore wind power sectors while collaborating to secure safe maritime transport routes through the Strait of Hormuz," he added.

Macron also underscored the need for France and South Korea to cooperate to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz and deescalate conflict in the Middle East at the international level.

Lee said the two leaders also agreed to boost trade and investment with a goal of reaching $20 billion in annual bilateral trade by 2030, up from $15 billion last year.

To boost cooperation across sectors, the two sides signed a series of memorandums of understanding (MOUs) and other documents.

They pledged to expand cooperation in advanced technologies and future industries -- including artificial intelligence, semiconductors and quantum technology -- and to establish a ministerial-level joint committee on science and technology, Yonhap news agency reported.

The two countries also signed a letter of intent on cooperation in critical mineral supply chains, aimed at combining South Korea's manufacturing capabilities with France's processing technology and infrastructure.

The state-run Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power signed MOUs with French nuclear firms, Orano and Framatome, as well as a separate MOU with France's EDF on a joint development of an offshore wind power plant in the southwestern city of Yeonggwang.

Lee expressed hope that the agreements would ensure a stable supply of raw materials for South Korea's nuclear power plants and lay the groundwork for joint entry into the global market.

He also laid out plans to cooperate in space and defence while pledging efforts to bolster collaboration in the cultural sector in light of an MOU signed between the two nations' cultural heritage agencies.

During the talks, Lee said he explained Seoul's efforts to resume dialogue with Pyongyang to promote peace on the Korean Peninsula, while Macron reaffirmed Paris' support for peace and stability on the peninsula.

"We two leaders shared a profound understanding that peace on the Korean Peninsula has far reaching implications not just in Northeast Asia and Europe but also the rest of the world," Lee said.

Lee noted that Seoul and Paris have expanded cooperation across a wide range of sectors, including future strategic industries, such as artificial intelligence, quantum technology, space, nuclear energy and defence, and expressed hope to deepen coordination on the international stage.

"As responsible members of the international community, the two countries are also working together to respond to rapid changes in the global landscape," he said.

Lee said Macron extended a formal invitation to the Group of Seven summit scheduled for June in Evian, France, adding that he accepted the invitation. If he attends, it would mark his second consecutive appearance at the G7, following his participation in Canada last year.

Lee welcomed the two countries' decision to upgrade ties from "a comprehensive partnership for the 21st century," established in 2004, to "a global strategic partnership," calling it "a new milestone" in bilateral relations built on 140 years of trust and friendship.

Macron struck a similar tone, expressing hope to expand cooperation across a broad range of areas, including artificial intelligence, quantum technology, semiconductors, space and culture, under the upgraded partnership.

He said that Seoul and Paris could strengthen security cooperation and work together to help stabilize the situation in the Middle East, including ensuring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

The visit marks Macron's first trip to South Korea since taking office in 2017 and the first by a French president in 11 years. It comes as the two countries mark the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations, established with the signing of the Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation between France and the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910).

Lee described France as "an old friend and partner," noting it sent more than 3,000 troops during the 1950-53 Korean War to help defend South Korea, and expressed hope to further advance bilateral ties in light of Macron's visit.
New Delhi, April 3 : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday criticised Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal, saying the party has become only about "one individual" and that somebody "with a sense of truth" cannot stay with him.

The reaction came a day after the AAP removed MP Raghav Chadha as its current Deputy Leader in Rajya Sabha and replaced him with another Punjab MP, Ashok Mittal. The party has also reportedly urged the Secretariat not to allot time to the incumbent deputy leader.

Talking to IANS, BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal said: "This clearly shows that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is no longer a party of the common people, but has become a party of one individual, Arvind Kejriwal. As long as people continue to flatter him, they remain in the party."

Khandelwal further accused the AAP chief of being egoistic and arrogant.

"The basis on which the Aam Aadmi Party was formed, today, where are those issues? Has Arvind Kejriwal forgotten about them? In the greed for power, Arvind Kejriwal has left all those issues. He's a person filled with ego and arrogance. Only one who can tolerate his arrogance can stay with him. Raghav Chadha is not the first person; before him, there has been a long list of people who were removed from AAP by Arvind Kejriwal," he alleged.

The BJP MP refused to comment on the rumours of Chadha joining his party.

"Only time will tell what Raghav Chadha will do next, but it is obvious that AAP has made a distance from him."

Speaking to IANS, Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra also echoed a similar view.

"This is just a fight over looted goods. First, Delhi was looted, then Punjab, and now these thieves have started fighting among themselves. The point is, anyone with a conscience or integrity cannot stay with Kejriwal."

"Only those without integrity, corrupt, commission-seeking, or with malicious intent can remain. Anyone with a sense of truth cannot be with Kejriwal," he added.

Chadha, on Friday, finally broke his silence on the issue with a strong reaction.

Taking to X, he stated: "Silenced, not defeated. My message to the aaam aadmia: Khamosh Karwaya Gaya Hun, Hara Nahi Hun. 'Aam Aadmi Ko Mera Sandesh."

Reacting to the statement, Mishra said: "I just want to say this, if you are coming out from there, tell the public the truth. Sharing personal grievances wonat help."

Moreover, the Delhi Minister accused AAP of corruption and making "deals" with Khalistani terrorists in Punjab.

"Talk about the looting and dirty games in Delhi, the deals the Aam Aadmi Party made with Khalistani terrorists in Punjab, the corruption in the drug trade, and the deception of the public. Raise the issues that matter to the people because they are already aware of everything."

Meanwhile, Congress MP Akhilesh Prasad Singh told IANS: "Itas a party affair. Any party has the right to decide its leadership, who to appoint and who to relieve of responsibilities. Such exercises happen routinely in all parties."

AAP MP Malwinder Singh Kang defended the decision taken by the party leadership.

"It is a decision taken by the party. Earlier, too leaders have been appointed."
New Delhi, March 3 : The rift within the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) came out in the open on Friday, with Raghav Chadha, party's 'sacked' Deputy Leader in Rajya Sabha, and party leaders including Delhi unit President Saurabh Bharadwaj engaging in an ugly war of words.

Moments after Raghav Chadha issued a video statement on Friday morning, claiming that he was being silenced for raising people's voice, a couple of AAP leaders hit back at him, accusing the former of bowing down before the Centre and hobnobbing with those in power.

Saurabh Bharadwaj has posted a counter video statement to show Raghav Chadha the mirror and also his "fall from an exalted and highly moral space to disgrace".

Bharadwaj and a few others, declaring them as "Kejriwal's soldiers" also took a samosa jibe at the party's former RS MP and said that the government of the day doesn't care about "soft PR".

"A small party has a limited time and it is more important to talk about larger issues of the country rather than samosas," the Delhi AAP President said.

Bharadwaj also flagged multiple issues where Raghav Chadha, AAP MP from Punjab, was found wanting and failing to corner the government, saying that politics demands probity and courage.

The Delhi AAP President highlighted the oppression of AAP workers in Gujarat, curtailment of voting rights of people of West Bengal and asked, "why the MP didn't raise those matter in the House?"

"When Arvind Kejriwal was illegally put behind bars, you (Raghav Chadha) had gone into hiding. Politics can't be done by doing PR of the ruling party, rather it must be other way round, it must be done by staring in the eye," Bharadwaj said.

Anurag Dhanda, AAP's Media In-charge also slammed Raghav Chadha, accusing him of developing cold feet and not fighting for party's cause.

"We are Kejriwal's soldiers. Fearlessness is our first identity. If someone fears PM Modi, will they fight for the country?" he said.

He also questioned Raghav Chadha's silence in the House over various matters pertaining to Gujarat and West Bengal.

"In Gujarat, our hundreds of workers have been arrested by BJP's police -- will the honorable MP say something in the House? In West Bengal, the right to vote is being snatched away. When a proposal against the CEC came up in the House, Brother Sahib refused to sign it," Dhanda said on social media platform X, hitting out at the AAP MP Raghav Chadha, who once enjoyed Kejriwal's full confidence.

"You hesitate to speak against Prime Minister. You hesitate to speak on the real issues of the country. The one who gets scared... " he added.

Earlier on Friday, Raghav Chadha, AAP's Rajya Sabha MP and noted Kejriwal's loyalist, launched a pointed attack at the party leadership, asserting that his silence must not be mistaken as defeat.

The heated rather ugly barb-trading between AAP leaders follows 'demotion' of Raghav Chadha and his replacement as party's Deputy Leader in Rajya Sabha by another Punjab MP Ashok Mittal.
Islamabad, April 3 : At least five people were killed and 13 others, including one police personnel, were injured after a suicide car bomb attack at the Domel Police Station in Bannu district of Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, local media reported on Friday.

The explosion took place when a vehicle laden with explosives rammed into the rear side of the police station, causing a blast followed by an exchange of gunfire. As per the initial reports, the sentry post of the police station was completely destroyed while a large portion of the building was reduced to rubble due to the blast, daily Dawn reported.

Multiple houses collapsed, and several people were trapped under the debris as the explosion caused severe damage to nearby residential areas. According to Rescue 1122, the injured people were taken to the hospital, where some are reported to be in critical condition.

District Emergency Officer Bakhtullah Wazir said that five people were killed while 13 others were injured, including one police officer. The deceased includes a husband, wife, daughter, and son from the same family. He further mentioned that search and rescue operations are being conducted and will continue until the area is fully cleared.

Rescue 1122 teams had reached the site of the incident. However, continuous rainfall caused difficulties in relief operations. After the firing stopped, rescue personnel started an operation to remove debris and rescue people who had been trapped.

Security forces have cordoned off the area and started a clearance operation. The incident comes amid a rise in security incidents in Bannu district, where both civilians and security personnel have come under attack.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has witnessed an increase in terrorist attacks in the past year. According to the Annual Security Report 2025 from the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), an increase in violence was witnessed in the province in 2025 as fatalities increased from 1,620 in 2024 to 2,331 in 2025.

On March 18, an assistant sub-inspector of the Elite Force was shot dead by unknown gunmen in the Mano Banda area of Gandigar in Upper Dir district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to police.

Bacha Yousaf Khan was targeted by unidentified assailants outside his residence. He was immediately rushed to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. According to police sources, Khan was heading to the mosque to offer prayers when he was targeted, Dawn reported. The Gandigar police lodged a case against unknown assailants and began a probe.
Kabul, April 3 : Two commuters were killed and 13 others sustained injuries as a passenger bus veered from the road in eastern Afghanistan's Ghazni province on Friday, provincial police spokesman Khalid Sarhadi said.

The deadly mishap took place on the main road in Qarabagh district early Friday morning, the official said, adding that efforts are underway to search for a missing boy, Xinhua News Agency reported.

Blaming reckless driving for the accident, Sarhadi said an investigation into the accident is underway.

On March 28, one commuter was killed and 10 others sustained injuries as a mini-bus struck two motorists in east Afghanistan's Laghman province, said a statement of the provincial police office.

A mini-bus, according to the statement, struck a three-wheel rickshaw and a motorbike simultaneously due to carelessness in the provincial capital Mehtarlam on March 28, killing one on the spot and injuring 10 others, including five children and two women.

All the injured commuters have been shifted to the hospital for medical treatment, the statement said, calling on drivers to respect traffic rules and regulations while driving to avoid road accidents.

On March 1, at least three people were killed and six others injured in a highway accident in northern Afghanistan's Jawzjan province, the provincial police office said in a statement.

The incident occurred when two high-speed vehicles collided due to reckless driving in the Hadbakhshi region along the Jawzjan-Sari Pul highway, killing both drivers and a female passenger on the spot and injuring six others, including two children, the statement added.

The injured were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment, according to the statement, which also urged drivers to strictly adhere to traffic rules to prevent further tragedies.

Deadly road accidents remain a persistent problem in war-torn Afghanistan, often attributed to deteriorating road conditions, reckless driving, and inadequate safety measures amid the country's challenging terrain and limited infrastructure.
Brasilia, April 3 : Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Thursday said he couldn't predict when the US-Israeli strikes against Iran might end, but vowed to shield Brazilians from the economic impact of the conflict.

In an interview with local television station Record Bahia, Lula da Silva stressed the uncertainty surrounding the duration of the conflict.

"The war goes on, ... The concrete fact I can offer is that we are making every possible effort to prevent the irresponsible war on Iran from affecting people's pocketbooks," Lula da Silva said.

"We will not allow the international price increase to impact the truck driver's pocket, to impact the people, the housewife's pocketbook. That is why we are taking many measures. We have a very serious oversight process underway in Brazil," he added.

The president warned against speculation in the domestic fuel market and announced tighter controls to prevent price gouging, saying security forces are involved in monitoring efforts to detect potential irregularities in the distribution chain.

According to him, his government has also taken tax exemption and subsidy measures to contain fuel price increases on the domestic market, Xinhua news agency reported.

Earlier on April 1, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva had said that the United States has fabricated a lie as a pretext to launch an 'unnecessary war' against Iran.

"The United States got involved in an unnecessary war in Iran, claiming that Iran had nuclear weapons or that they were trying to make nuclear weapons. That's a lie!" Lula had said during an interview in Brazil's northeastern state of Ceara.

He said the United States has repeatedly waged wars based on lies, citing Iraq's alleged weapons of mass destruction that were never found.

"That's just a pretext ... and war has never solved anything," Lula had said.
Brasilia, April 3 : Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Thursday said he cannot predict when the US-Israeli strikes against Iran might end, but vowed to shield Brazilians from the economic impact of the conflict.

In an interview with local television station Record Bahia, Lula da Silva stressed the uncertainty surrounding the duration of the conflict.

"The war goes on ... The concrete fact I can offer is that we are making every possible effort to prevent the irresponsible war on Iran from affecting people's pocketbooks," he said.

"We will not allow the international price increase to impact the truck driver's pocket, to impact the people, the housewife's pocketbook. That is why we are taking many measures. We have a very serious oversight process underway in Brazil," he added.

The President warned against speculation in the domestic fuel market and announced tighter controls to prevent price gouging, saying security forces are involved in monitoring efforts to detect potential irregularities in the distribution chain.

According to him, his government has also taken tax exemption and subsidy measures to contain fuel price increases on the domestic market, Xinhua news agency reported.

Earlier on April 1, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva had said that the United States had fabricated a lie as a pretext to launch an "unnecessary war" against Iran.

"The United States got involved in an unnecessary war in Iran, claiming that Iran had nuclear weapons or that they were trying to make nuclear weapons. That's a lie!" Lula had said during an interview in Brazil's northeastern state of Ceara.

He said the United States has repeatedly waged wars based on lies, citing Iraq's alleged weapons of mass destruction that were never found.

"That's just a pretext ... and war has never solved anything," Lula had said.
Bagalkot : , April 3 (IANS) Union Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti V. Somanna has claimed that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who is serving his second term, has used his power for personal and selfish interests, thereby deceiving the people of the state and pushing Karnataka into darkness.

Speaking to the media in Bagalkot, on the sidelines of campaigning for BJP candidate Veeranna Charantimath, he pointed out that despite announcing support prices for various crops, the government has failed to respond effectively, leading to the deaths of 2,809 farmers in the last three years.

He also noted that over 2.5 lakh jobs remain vacant and alleged that not a single rupee has been released for flood victims in North Karnataka, while a drinking water crisis is emerging.

The Union Minister said they have contributed significantly to the development of Bengaluru city. He added that not only opposition legislators but even those from the ruling party have lost the moral authority to visit their constituencies and claim that they have done good work.

He criticised the state government, saying corruption and nepotism have crossed limits and the administration has become a hub of mismanagement. He alleged that the government remains indifferent even when criticised by its own members, and accused the entire cabinet of being immersed in corruption while ignoring basic infrastructure.

Somanna said that the bypolls have provided an opportunity to expose the government's arrogance, corruption, and functioning to the common people.

He accused the government of creating divisions by pitting one community against another and misleading the public.

The Union Minister claimed that under the Jal Jeevan Mission, Rs 28,000 crore had been deposited with the expectation of submitting utilisation certificates and drawing funds, but the state has accessed only Rs 11,000 crore.

He further alleged irregularities, stating that fake job cards numbering around 41 lakh existed and that money was being drawn under various pretexts, including JCB-related works.

He said that the Prime Minister has allocated Rs 97,000 crore, up from Rs 88,000 crore, for comprehensive national development and improving rural livelihoods, under the vision of a developed India.

Calling the state government "inefficient and indifferent", Somanna alleged that several state projects have been stalled.
Imphal, April 3 : A doctor from Manipur's Senapati district saved the life of a 21-year-old passenger during a mid-air medical emergency on an Air India flight from Tokyo to New Delhi.

Imphal, April 3 (IANS) A doctor from Manipuras Senapati district saved the life of a 21-year-old passenger during a mid-air medical emergency on an Air India flight from Tokyo to New Delhi.

Dr Loni Lirina, a critical care specialist at the American Oncology Institute, Babina Specialty Hospital in Imphal, was on board the flight when a young woman began experiencing severe breathing difficulties.

Following an announcement by the flight crew requesting medical assistance, Dr Lirina promptly attended to the passenger.

Upon examination, she immediately recommended oxygen support, nebulisation, and essential medications to stabilise the patientas condition.

Thanks to her swift and decisive intervention, the womanas condition improved significantly within 30 minutes, eliminating the need for an emergency landing.

The flight subsequently landed safely in New Delhi, with the passenger reported to be in stable condition.

According to Dr Lirina, the passenger had a history of childhood asthma but had not been on medication for several years.

"Upon examination, the patient was in severe respiratory distress, with a heart rate exceeding 160 beats per minute, low blood pressure, and oxygen saturation at 80 per cent of room air. By the grace of God, after administering the medicine, the young woman stabilised," she said in a video message.

Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh praised Dr Lirina for her timely and life-saving intervention. Taking to X, the Chief Minister wrote: "A life saved is a testament to both skill and compassion."

"I extend my heartfelt appreciation to Dr Loni Lirina of Senapati District, Manipur, a Critical Care Physician at the American Oncology Institute, Babina Specialty Hospital, for her exemplary courage and timely medical intervention in saving the life of a 21-year-old passenger who experienced severe chest pain and breathlessness onboard an Air India flight from Tokyo to Delhi. Her swift response, clinical excellence, and unwavering commitment to the noble profession reflect the highest ideals of medical service," he said.

The Chief Minister further added that such acts of humanity and professionalism bring immense pride to Manipur and serve as an inspiration to all.

"I convey my deep gratitude and commend her for this remarkable act of service," he said.

--IANS

sc/vd
Chennai, April 3 : Dennis Manjunath, the director of 'Manithan Deivamagalam', has now disclosed how ace director Selvaraghavan, who plays the lead in his film, chose to continue shooting for a sequence in the film, despite running a high temperature.

Participating in the trailer launch event of the film, director Dennis Manjunath chose to narrate an incident that had happened on the sets of the film to highlight the level of dedication Selvaraghavan had shown towards the film.

He said, "I would like to share a small incident that happened on the sets of the film. We were shooting an important scene at night with a big setup. The shot would have Selvaraghavan sir searching, holding a torch. Shooting was supposed to happen from 6 to 2 AM. Selvaraghavan sir was already running a temperature. The weather was very cold, and the duration of the shoot kept increasing. It became 3 in the morning and then went onto 4 AM. By then, he was unable to work."

The director continued,"Selvaraghavan sir said, 'We'll complete this later' and walked a few steps. However, I don't know what he thought, but he returned within a minute and said, 'Let us finish this scene and then leave.' He probably didn't want the flow of the scene to be disturbed or cause any inconvenience to the producer. He completed the scene then and there. That moment taught me a lot about dedication and what it means to be a true artiste."

The director went on to thank his entire cast and crew for their support to him during the making of the film. He said, "My sincere thanks go to every single person who worked on this film. While writing this story, I kept thinking, usually a film has a hero and a villain. But in life, everything has an opposite: day and night, shadow and reality, joy and pain. I wanted to bring all these dimensions into one story. So, for the role of the protagonist, I chose Selvaraghavan sir, and for the strong antagonist role, I chose Mime Gopi sir. When I narrated the story, Mime Gopi sir said, aI will do anything for you.a I am truly grateful for that trust and affection. I believe this role will be a new experience for him."
New Delhi, April 3 : The Delhi High Court has dismissed the bail application of a foreign national accused of possessing over 500 grams of heroin, holding that the rigours of Section 37 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act were attracted in the case.

The accused, Chibuzor, was arrested in connection with FIR No. 578/2022 registered at Vikaspuri police station under Section 21 of the NDPS Act and Section 14 of the Foreigners Act.

A single-judge Bench of Justice Girish Kathpalia noted that the quantity of heroin allegedly recovered from the accused was more than double the commercial quantity, thereby attracting the stringent conditions for the grant of bail under Section 37 of the NDPS Act.

According to the prosecution, acting on secret information, the police laid a trap and apprehended the accused, recovering the contraband from a bag carried by him after completing procedural formalities.

In support of the bail plea, counsel for the accused raised multiple contentions, including that the grounds of arrest were not verbally communicated to the accused, there were contradictions in the testimonies of prosecution witnesses, and the chain of custody of the seized contraband was doubtful.

It was also argued that the Head Constable who received the secret information was not competent to conduct the raid.

Opposing the bail plea, the prosecution argued that the recovery was effected following due procedure after a trap was laid on the basis of secret information, and the contraband was recovered from a bag carried by the accused.

In its order, the Delhi High Court observed that at the stage of bail, a detailed examination of evidence is not warranted.

"It is trite that at the stage of bail, the court cannot minutely examine the evidence on record. It is only the broad contours of the evidence that have to be kept in mind," Justice Kathpalia said.

Dealing with the contention regarding the competence of the officer, the Delhi High Court said the FIR reflected due compliance with procedure. "The Head Constable, after receiving the secret information, produced the informer before the Sub Inspector, who satisfied himself after speaking with the secret informer and then shared the information with the concerned ACP. It is the concerned ACP, who authorised the raid," Justice Kathpalia observed.

The Delhi High Court held that none of the submissions advanced on behalf of the accused satisfied the mandatory twin conditions under Section 37 of the NDPS Act.

"There has to be an argument and material before the bail court, which can satisfy the court that there are reasonable grounds for believing that the accused is not guilty of the offence charged and that he is not likely to commit any offence while on bail," the order said.

Dismissing the plea, Justice Kathpalia concluded: "In my considered opinion, the case set up by the accused/applicant in the present case fails at the anvil of twin conditions laid down under Section 37 NDPS Act; therefore, the bail application is dismissed."
Kabul, April 3 : Local residents have accused Pakistani soldiers of targetting civilian houses in the Tani district of Afghanistan's Khost late Thursday as fighting continued on the country's border with Pakistan.

According to sources, many local residents have started leaving their homes to escape the violence while casualties were also reported from the region, Afghanistan's leading news agency Khaama Press reported. However, no verified death or injury had been confirmed so far.

Meanwhile, clashes were also reported in Gurbuz district of Khost, Khaama Press reported. The latest fighting incident comes as tensions have escalated tremendously between Islamabad and Kabul over the past few months due to the Pakistani airstrikes, which caused deaths of people in war-torn Afghanistan.

The violence comes despite ongoing talks between officials of Pakistan and Taliban in China, where both sides are trying to ease tensions and discuss a possible ceasefire. However, continued fighting on the ground has raised doubts about whether diplomacy can end the conflict between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

On Tuesday, participants at a 'Pakistan-Afghanistan Peace Jirga' organised in Peshawar urged governments of both countries to stop the border clashes and resolve their differences through dialogue.

Organised under the auspices of a think-tank Aspire Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and National Reform Movement (Qaumi Islahi Tehreek), various political, religious leaders, representatives of business community and media attended the jirga, Pakistan's leading daily Dawn reported.

They urged Pakistan and Afghanistan to use diplomatic channels to resolve their differences as both nations share common religious and cultural heritage, traditions and social values. They said that the ongoing conflict was a matter of concern for people of both nations and stressed that the current tense situation would lead to dire consequences for the people of Pakistan and Afghanistan.

After the discussion at the jirga, the participants issued a joint declaration and urged both nations to immediately declare and implement a ceasefire to de-escalate tensions.

"Agree, in accordance with universally accepted international principles, that their respective territories will neither be used against each other nor be allowed to be used for any such activities. Ensure implementation of this consensus with full state authority and capacity," the Jirga stated urging both nations to resolve differences through dialogue and diplomacy while highlighting that war was not a solution to any problem and there was no greater guarantee for sustainable peace than mutual respect and understanding.
Seoul, April 3 : South Korea and France on Friday vowed to expand cooperation in strategic science sectors, including artificial intelligence (AI), while reaffirming their status as key partners in cutting-edge technology research, the science ministry said.

Science Minister Bae Kyung-hoon and his French counterpart, Philippe Baptiste, held related discussions during a joint committee meeting on science and technology in Seoul on the occasion of French President Emmanuel Macron's visit, according to the Ministry of Science and ICT.

Macron arrived in Seoul on Thursday for a two-day state visit, marking his first trip to South Korea since taking office in 2017. The trip coincides with the 140th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations, reports Yonhap news agency.

During the joint committee meeting, Seoul and Paris reaffirmed that the two countries stand as "key partners" in cutting-edge strategic technologies, including AI and quantum computing.

South Korea's major institutions, including the Institute for Basic Science and the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), signed a memorandum of understanding with the French National Centre for Scientific Research, commonly known as CNRS, to promote bilateral exchanges.

The two countries also shared strategies on fostering the AI industry, with South Korea's AI Safety Institute suggesting establishing a communication channel with France's National Institute for Research in Digital Science and Technology.

"The latest joint committee meeting, held on the 140th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations and during the French president's visit to South Korea, has served as an opportunity to further elevate bilateral science and technology cooperation," Bae Kyung-hoon said.

"South Korea will work closely with France in the era of strategic science and technology, focusing on AI and quantum computing, to take leadership in the global competition," Bae added

--IANS

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Jaipur, April 3 : A simple act of kindness, lending your mobile phone to a stranger for an urgent call, could now lead to a serious cyber fraud, Rajasthan police have warned.

Acting on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Rajiv Kumar Sharma, the Cyber Crime Branch of the Rajasthan Police has issued a public advisory, warning citizens about emerging tactics used by cybercriminals to exploit unsuspecting individuals.

DIG (Cyber Crime) Shantanu Kumar Singh explained that at bus stands, railway stations, parks, and tourist locations, fraudsters approach people claiming to need a phone for an urgent call.

Once the phone is handed over, they execute their plan within seconds, potentially wiping out bank accounts or gaining full access to personal data.

The most alarming technique, police say, is the 'Call Forwarding Scam. Fraudsters dial a specific code from the victimas phone, diverting all One-Time Passwords (OTPs) to their own number. With OTPs in their control, they can easily access bank accounts, WhatsApp, and social media profiles.

In other cases, criminals install spyware or keyloggers that track every activity, passwords, banking details, private chats, sending all the data to them continuously.

They can even steal contact lists and extort victimsa relatives by fabricating emergencies.

Additionally, if a criminal uses your number for any illegal call, it may surface during police investigations, unnecessarily dragging you into legal trouble.

Rajasthan police have advised that there is no harm in helping others, but with caution. "Keep your phone in your hand, dial the number yourself, and let them talk on speaker. Never hand over your unlocked phone to a stranger. If you accidentally did so, immediately dial *#21# to check call forwarding, dial ##002# to disable any call forwarding and ensure every payment/UPI app is protected with a separate PIN or biometric lock.
Kolkata, April 3 : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said on Friday that if the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) comes to power in the poll-bound state, its division through the Assembly constituency rearrangement will be inevitable.

"The BJP is plotting to divide West Bengal by rearranging Assembly seats. It has been planned to create a separate state with some areas from Bihar and some for West Bengal. They (BJP) will be able to do that only if they come to power. So we have to defeat them (BJP) again this time," the Chief Minister added while addressing a campaign rally at Harirampur in South Dinajpur district.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Banerjee also asked the people assembled at the rally to be vigilant about the possibility of the BJP trying to prevent genuine voters from going to the polling booths by using the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) deployed for the forthcoming two-phase Assembly election in West Bengal later this month.

"There is no room for complacency. So I am asking my brothers and sisters in the district to be extremely vigilant," she said.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister has praised the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of West Bengal Police for arresting Mofakkarul Islam, the mastermind behind the harassment of judicial adjudication officers at Kaliachak in Malda district, on Wednesday night.

"Remember, the CID had arrested him (Mofakkarul Islam) before the National Investigation Agency (NIA) team probing the matter even reached West Bengal. He came from West Bengal from Mumbai and had plans to escape through Bagdogra Airport," she said.

The Chief Minister also accused the BJP of trying to influence voters by offering money through an outsourced agency.

"They (BJP) are asking for your bank account numbers. But do not make the mistake of passing on your bank account details to them," she said.

Later, speaking at another campaign rally at Raiganj in the same district, the Chief Minister said that she had full details of which agencies have been appointed by the BJP to bring in huge cash to West Bengal and distribute among people.

"I will reveal all these at the right time," she added.
Bengaluru, April 3 : Priyank Kharge, Karnataka Minister for IT, Biotechnology and Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, on Friday, criticised the Centre over its online content regulation policies, citing concerns raised in the US Trade Representative's 2026 National Trade Estimate Report.

In a statement, Kharge said the report has formally flagged India's content takedown regime, noting that US firms are facing an increasing number of requests to remove online content and user accounts that appear to be politically motivated.

He added that such takedowns under the IT Rules have been classified as non-tariff trade barriers, along with frequent internet shutdowns.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's earlier remark that "criticism is the soul of democracy", Kharge alleged that the current Union government has normalised suppressing dissent.

He claimed that critical voices are being "buried without hesitation".

Minister Kharge also raised concerns over recent proposals by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to amend the IT Rules, 2021.

According to the Karnataka Minister, the proposed changes would allow the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to issue blocking orders for news content posted even by non-publishers, effectively bringing independent voices under direct control.

At the same time, Priyank Kharge alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) IT Cell continues to function without adequate scrutiny.

He said these developments indicate that dissenting voices are growing stronger, and accused the BJP of being "afraid" of increasing criticism.

Priyank Kharge further commenting on Kerala elections, said, "I have been in Kerala for a couple of days now. What I see and hear on ground is that 10 years of LDF rule has been a decade of broken promises and quiet loot."

"Across sectors, across communities, people have been let down. The youth are pushed to leave home in search of jobs. Those who stayed face rising drug abuse and shrinking opportunities," he added.

"Public health is on a ventilator with crumbling infrastructure. Families are being pushed into debt with just a single medical emergency," Minister Kharge said.

"The CPI-M did not even spare the sacred Sabarimala temple... Looted it. Attacked the faith of every Ayyappa devotee without shame," he added.

"And through all of this, the CPI-M and BJP have been quietly helping each other in Assembly seats... in spreading divisive politics... in enabling each other's loot," Minister Kharge noted.

"The Communist and BJP nexus is real and Keralam is seeing it clearly. Undeniably, there is a strong wave for UDF across the state," he said.
Thiruvananthapuram, April 3 : At a time when senior bureaucrats are often seen as distant and inaccessible, a quiet administrative shift by top election officials is winning public praise in Kerala.

At the centre of it are Chief Electoral Officer Rathan U Kelkar and his deputy, P. B. Nooh, whose hands-on and accessible approach during the ongoing election process is being widely appreciated.

Ever since the poll schedule was announced, Kelkar, Nooh, and their team have been working round the clock, but what stands out is not just efficiency; it is their openness.

Citizens say both officers remain directly reachable, even on WhatsApp, responding promptly to queries and grievances, a rarity in higher echelons of administration.

Two recent instances underline this shift. In one case, the family of a 94-year-old woman who had opted for home voting was left distressed when a Booth Level Officer (BLO) visited her residence in her absence.

A devout Christian, she had stepped out to attend Good Friday service at her church.

The BLO reportedly informed the family that it would not be possible to return, effectively denying her the opportunity to vote.

When the issue was brought to the attention of Nooh, he acted immediately.

Even before a formal response could be conveyed, the BLO contacted the family again, assuring them that the visit would be rescheduled the same evening, ensuring that the elderly voteras franchise was protected.

In another instance, a school principal seeking urgent clarification on provisions of the Model Code of Conduct reached out to Kelkar.

The response came within minutes. Known for his ease in speaking Malayalam, Kelkaras prompt intervention resolved the confusion, much to the relief of the institution.

Such interactions are increasingly being cited as examples of a more citizen-centric election machinery.

By combining administrative rigour with personal accessibility, Keralaas election leadership is not only ensuring smoother conduct of polls but also redefining how governance can remain both efficient and empathetic at the highest levels.

Kerala goes to the polls on April 9 to elect 140 new legislators.
Bhopal, April 3 : The conviction of Congress MLA Rajendra Bharti by Delhi's Special MP/MLA court in a cheating case, followed by his disqualification from the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly within hours, has triggered a political row in the state.

Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jitu Patwari, addressing a press conference on Friday, raised questions on the haste shown in disqualifying Datia's Congress MLA Rajendra Bharti's membership from the State legislative assembly, stating that the court has convicted him (Bharti) but gave him a window of 60 days to challenge Delhi's Rouse Avenue court's order in the High Court.

"While the court has indeed convicted Rajendra Bharti, it has also granted a 60-day window for him to present his case before a higher court. But the BJP misused its power, put pressure on officials in the State Assembly Secretariat to issue an order regarding Bharti's disqualification during late night (March 2)," Patwari said.

For the late-night development at the Assembly Secretariat, Patwari targeted senior BJP leader and Speaker Narendra Singh Tomar, accusing him of being impartial in making decisions.

On the other hand, the ruling BJP welcomed the decision of Bharti's disqualification from the state Assembly, stating that action came following his conviction.

"The matter concerns Congress MLA Rajendra Bharti from Datia and has been fully addressed by the court. Any discrepancies in the documents submitted by him have been considered by the court in its order. I believe that the court's order, whatever it may be, should be respected by all parties, and the BJP stands with the court's decision," Madhya Pradesh BJP president Hemant Khandelwal told IANS.

Delhi's Rouse Avenue court on Thursday (April 2) sentenced Bharti and a former bank employee to three years' imprisonment in a cheating case involving the forging of bank records to obtain illegal interest payments between 1998 and 2011.

The duo was convicted on Wednesday (April 1) for the offences of criminal conspiracy, cheating, forgery of a valuable security, forgery for cheating, and using a forged document as genuine.
New Delhi, April 3 : India's former Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Syed Akbaruddin, recalled a crucial moment when doubts loomed over India's chances at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), but a firm decision by Prime Minister Narendra Modi turned the course of events.

New Delhi, April 3 (IANS) Indiaas former Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Syed Akbaruddin, recalled a crucial moment when doubts loomed over Indiaas chances at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), but a firm decision by Prime Minister Narendra Modi turned the course of events.

Speaking on the YouTube channel of Indian podcaster and entrepreneur Raj Shamani, Akbaruddin shared insights into Indiaas legal battle in the case of Kulbhushan Jadhav. He said that despite widespread scepticism, the Prime Minister made a decisive call to pursue the matter at the ICJ.

"This was the issue of Kulbhushan Jadhav, because we took it to the ICJ, because we found a small little opening that we can use internationally to stop his execution. We decided to contest. But we were too late. And again, I was one of those who said we are not going to win. PM said I know that you don't think, but that decision is taken. Now if the Prime Minister of India says the decision is taken, I am there to implement it," he said.

He further highlighted how diplomatic momentum began to build even before India formally announced its candidature at the ICJ.

"The first vote that we got was before we announced formally, and I think PM met the Uzbek President somewhere. So, the Uzbek Ambassador came to me (and said) 'I need to meet you urgently'. And I said, 'Yeah, what's to come?' He said I have a request, that I am going to vote for you. But I have not announced the candidate. He said 'No, here is my letter. No candidate. Vote for India's candidate'. So, it enthused so much because here was a guy coming and before we announced, based on the talk between our PM and their President. And that told us that we have to push because it's serious business, everybody is involved. So, for the first time, we won," Akbaruddin said.

Jadhav, an Indian national on the death row in Pakistan, was accused of carrying out espionage and sabotage activities against Pakistan at the behest of India's intelligence agency. India has denied the allegations.

Pakistan claims the former Indian Navy officer was arrested on March 3, 2016, in Balochistan. The Indian side, however, maintains that he was kidnapped from Iran, where he was running a business in the port city of Chabahar after a premature retirement from the service.

The execution was stayed by Pakistan after India filed an appeal against the judgment at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on May 18, 2017. The court pronounced its verdict in the case on July 17, 2019, rejecting India's appeal for Jadhav's release, while ordering Pakistan to suspend the execution.

The ICJ ruled that Pakistan will have to review the entire process of trial and conviction of Jadhav and provide India with consular access.

Following the order, Islamabad granted consular access to Jadhav. On September 2, 2019, Indian Charge d' Affaires Gaurav Ahluwalia met Jadhav at a Pakistani sub-jail.

Almost a month after his arrest, Pakistan released a video of Jadhav "confessing" to being a spy. The Ministry of External Affairs, however, rejected the video, saying it was doctored and fake.

In the video, Jadhav said he had been directing various activities in Karachi and Balochistan and that he was still with the Indian Navy.
Jaipur, April 3 : Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Friday released Chapter-12 of his 'Intezaar Shastra' series, accusing the BJP government of neglecting the Jaipur-based Constitution Club of Rajasthan, a flagship project envisioned as a hub for democratic dialogue and intellectual exchange.

Continuing his political critique through the 'Intezar shastra' series, Ashok Gehlot on Friday turned his focus to the Constitution Club of Rajasthan, alleging that the facility has fallen into disuse due to "politics of vendetta" by the current BJP government.

Located in the heart of Jaipur, the Constitution Club was designed on the lines of the Constitution Club of India in Delhi, he said.

Highlighting its world-class infrastructure, Gehlot noted that the facility includes a modern auditorium, meeting halls, a coffee shop, a luxury gym, a restaurant, and VIP guest rooms, comparable to a five-star establishment.

According to Gehlot, the club was envisioned as a common platform for intellectuals, writers, and elected representatives to engage in meaningful democratic discussions. However, he questioned why such a premium facility remained underutilised.

The former Chief Minister posed three pointed questions to the Bhajan Lal Sharma-led government: Why was the club kept closed for nearly a year despite completion? Why is the membership process not transparent and open? Is the government wary of open democratic discussions exposing its shortcomings?

Gehlot alleged that the club was built using public funds and should not be neglected due to political differences. He termed such alleged inaction as a misuse of public resources and warned that people would not tolerate disregard for public property.

Calling the Constitution Club a symbol of Rajasthan's intellectual heritage, Gehlot said restricting access or underutilising it undermines democratic values. His remarks have triggered a fresh political debate in the state, drawing attention from political circles as well as the literary and journalistic community.

IANS

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New Delhi, April 3 : Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) lawmaker Raghav Chadha, once seen as key member of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Convenor Arvind Kejriwal's inner circle, has come under fire from top-rung party leaders and also from Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and former Delhi Chief Minister Atishi as they labelled him as a "coward and frightened" politician, who "compromised" his values for political gains.

The heated political exchange and barb-trading began on Friday, after Raghav Chadha shared a video statement over his removal as AAP's Deputy Leader in Rajya Sabha and warned his detractors against mistaking his silence (over his sacking from the position) as defeat.

Sanjay Singh, AAP's Leader of the House in Rajya Sabha, attacked Raghav Chadha, his deputy, by questioning latter's credibility and uprightness, saying that he failed to rise to the occasion whenever the party expected from him.

"You don't utter a word when the Election Commission of India (EC) is snatching voting rights of people in West Bengal, you maintain silence when Opposition questions the poll body over its biasedness. You never raise your voice against the Narendra Modi government. You stayed mum when our (AAP) workers in Gujarat were harassed," Singh said, while describing himself as the 'true soldier' of Arvind Kejriwal.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, addressing a press conference, too, justified the removal of Raghav Chadha as the Deputy Leader of Upper House and said that anyone who deviates from the party line should be subjected to action.

Lending support to AAP functionaries in calling out party's Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha for 'questionable' conduct, Mann said that if the party takes up a stand in the House, the members are expected to bolster it but if someone refuses to follow it, he is insulting the whip and therefore, action is bound to follow.

"In Gujarat, cases were filed against our (AAP) leaders and volunteers. That should have been addressed. In Punjab, attempts are being made to incite people in the name of religion and caste, that should be discussed. Instead, if the focus is on the price of samosas at the airport or delivery timings, how can we not suspect that they are speaking in someone else's favour?" the Punjab Chief Minister asked.

Atishi, a close confidante of AAP supremo and former Delhi Chief Minister, went all guns blazing at young Parliamentarian Raghav Chadha and hurled many pointed questions at him.

She said that Kejriwal's soldiers will keep fighting for people's issues and it was up to Raghav Chadha to see where does he stand.

"Why are you (Raghav Chadha) sacred of the BJP? Why are your scared of Prime Minister Modi? Why are you scared of raising questions?" Atishi asked in a video statement.

She said that the LPG cylinder crisis has gripped the entire country and people are grappling with shortage of cooking gas.

"AAP has been raising this issue strongly and demanding answers from the Union government but you chose to stay silent. Are you scared of PM Modi?" Atishi asked.

She also referenced an incident from the past and said that the AAP defended Raghav Chadha despite his erratic reasoning and justifications during party supremo Arvind Kejriwal's arrest on false charges but all that failed to revive his conscience.

"When Arvind Kejriwal was arrested, we were beaten and dragged on the streets. You (Raghav Chadha) may be scared of going to jail and hence escaped to London but we are Kejriwal's soldiers and we will now cower down but will keep fighting for people's causes," Atishi asserted.
New Delhi, April 3 : Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has established a new Japan-India Economic Affairs Division to help Japanese companies invest in India, as part of its strategy to bolster bilateral economic ties.

"Through the establishment of the Japan-India Economic Affairs Division, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan will further make public-private efforts to promote companiesa expansion of business and investment from Japan to India and to deepen cooperation in the area of economic security with India," the ministry said in a statement.

"Given Indiaas high rate of economic growth, the importance of economic cooperation in Japan-India relations is growing day by day," it said.

The new initiative is expected to support collaboration in high-growth sectors such as artificial intelligence, startups, and critical minerals, aligning with broader strategic priorities between the two countries.

The initiative reflects Tokyoas growing focus on India as a key economic and strategic partner amid shifting global supply chains and geopolitical alignments.

The move also complements the India-Japan goal of achieving 10 trillion yen (around $62.6 billion) in private sector investment in India by 2035, as agreed during the 2025 bilateral summit.

Cumulative Japanese FDI in India has reached about $43.2 billion since 2000, with key investments concentrated in sectors such as automobiles, electronics, telecommunications, chemicals, and financial services.

Surveys indicate that while Japanese manufacturers view India as a promising growth market, many remain cautious as they are not familiar with the rules and regulations in the country, which vary across states.

The new facilitation cell aims to address these concerns by providing institutional support and easing entry barriers for companies looking to expand in India.

Japanese FDI into India has been increasing, with inflows totalling $3.1 billion in 2023-24. Capital has primarily flowed into automobiles, electrical equipment, telecommunications, chemicals, financial services, and pharmaceuticals.

Dedicated Japan Industrial Townships (JITs) are also operating in India, such as those in Neemrana and Sri City, hosting over 100 Japanese companies.

This new office complements existing support mechanisms, such as the SME Facilitation Cell launched by the Indian Embassy in Tokyo and JETRO's support for startups.

This initiative is part of a larger, long-term strategic partnership discussed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and then Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in August 2025 to strengthen security and economic ties between the two countries, particularly within the Quad framework.
Thiruvananthapuram, April 3 : Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former Union Minister Smriti Irani, on Friday, expressed her gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the Women's Reservation Act. On the Central government's declaration of almost eradicating Naxalism in the country, she said the "Left Party" in India stood for "mayhem and constitutional anarchy".

Speaking to IANS, Smriti Irani said, "Women, specially those who wanted political emancipation of fellow citizens have struggled for years to ensure that this affirmative action is undertaken. I am extremely grateful that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has moved it from assurance to a reality and it is definitely under his leadership that we will finally see political equity come to full force in India."

The Constitution (106th Amendment) Act, 2023 -- earlier known as the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam -- provides for 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies and the Delhi Assembly, including seats reserved for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

About Union Home Minister Amit Shah's speech in the Lok Sabha regarding the near complete eradication of Naxalism, Smriti Irani, a former Union Minister, said, "It was more than obvious with evidence presented in the Parliament that what the "Left Party" stood for in India was not only mayhem but also constitutional anarchy."

She called Naxalism "a political organisation that was institutionalised in India only with the purpose of breaking the country, of breaking the citizens' belief in not only the hierarchy that the Constitution sets up but also the very justice that the Constitution ensures every citizen".

"Given that history of the Left Party, there is nothing that they can do with regards to 'vikas'," she told IANS.

As the BJP leader took part in a rally ahead of the April 9 Assembly election in Kerala, she accused the incumbent Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the previous United Democratic Front (UDF) governments of "institutionalising corruption".

The BJP leader told reporters, "Especially for the Christian community I want to say that in Kerala, LDF, UDF have both become the flag bearers of institutionalised corruption. The young talent in Kerala today flees for better prospects."

She also commented about the Congress and CPI-M accusing each other of being in a "deal" with the BJP.

"I think it is not only a fallacy, it is a state of political delusion that both the Kerala Chief Minister (Pinarayi Vijayan) and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi are suffering from," she said.

The former Union Minister also alleged, "They (Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra) have never fought politics on the basis of merit. They never themselves exhibited any projects of development. They have always done politics of slander."

Meanwhile, Smriti Irani was hopeful about BJP's victory in Kerala.

"We (BJP) are hopeful that under the leadership of the PM Modi, when the lotus blooms in Kerala, new definitions and new milestones of development will be established in the state," she said.

Campaigning for Assembly elections is also underway in other poll-bound states, including West Bengal.

Smriti Irani accused the incumbent Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal of indulging in corruption, saying: "Corruption and Trinamool have become synonymous with each other."
New Delhi, April 3 : In a move aimed at strengthening India's maritime capabilities, the government said on Friday it has signed an agreement with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) for a skill development project in the shipbuilding sector.

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) said that the government signed a 'Plan of Implementation' with KOICA on April 2. The agreement is aligned with the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 and seeks to position shipbuilding as a key driver of India's economic growth and global maritime presence, the ministry added.

The project focuses on developing strategies and building a strong foundation of skilled professionals for India's shipbuilding and marine sectors.

Under the collaboration, KOICA, along with the Korea Research Institute for Vocational Education and Training and other stakeholders, will undertake detailed research on India's shipbuilding and marine engineering industries.

This will include workforce mapping, assessment of skill gaps, and preparation of a comprehensive roadmap for human resource development in the sector.

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, said the partnership marks an important step towards building a globally competitive shipbuilding ecosystem in India.

He said the initiative will help create a skilled and technology-driven workforce, strengthen institutional capacity, and generate employment opportunities, particularly for youth.

"Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is transforming its maritime sector into a key driver of economic growth and strategic strength," the minister said.

He added that by leveraging the Republic of Korea's advanced expertise and aligning it with national priorities under Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, the initiative will equip the workforce to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global maritime landscape.

"This initiative will strengthen institutional capacity, foster innovation, and generate high-quality employment opportunities, particularly for our youth. It reaffirms our commitment to building an Atmanirbhar maritime sector that is resilient, future-oriented and globally respected," he said.

As part of the project, bilateral workshops on workforce development will be held in India and South Korea, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, and academic experts to share best practices.

The collaboration is expected to enhance India's shipbuilding and marine sectors by leveraging South Korea's technological expertise, while also supporting the development of structured training programmes.

In addition, discussions are in the final stages to set up a Shipbuilding Workforce Development and Technology Cooperation Center in India to provide industry-oriented vocational training and improve technical capabilities.

The initiative is seen as a significant step towards making India a global hub for shipbuilding and maritime services, while promoting capacity building and international cooperation.
Mumbai, April 3 : The Maharashtra General Administration Department (GAD), which functions under the Chief Minister, has decided to restrict the largeascale appointment of Information Technology (IT) and nonaIT consultants across government departments, corporations and authorities.

Mumbai, April 3 (IANS) The Maharashtra General Administration Department (GAD), which functions under the Chief Minister, has decided to restrict the largescale appointment of Information Technology (IT) and nonIT consultants across government departments, corporations and authorities.

As per the government resolution (GR), no department will be allowed to appoint more than two Information Technology (IT) consultants. Furthermore, the appointment of other consultants can only proceed after the concerned departments, corporations, and authorities follow a strictly prescribed process.

It has been observed that a significant number of consultants are being appointed under the guise of providing "advisory services" in various government departments, regional offices, corporations, and authorities. There has been a notable rise in the trend of appointing retired officials to these roles, said the government resolution (GR).

"Every department is now restricted to a maximum of two IT consultants. This limit is mandatory for all departments, corporations, and authorities. Departments that currently have more than two consultants may continue their services until April 30, 2026. However, the department has explicitly stated that from May 1, 2026, under no circumstances shall more than two IT consultants remain in service," said the GR.

Prior approval from the Directorate of Information Technology is now mandatory for the appointment of any type of consultant. The responsibility for strict compliance with these instructions lies with the respective department heads and office chiefs.

The GR specifies that the limit on the number of IT consultants will not apply to the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), the Deputy Chief Minister's Office, the Chief Secretary's Office, the Information Technology Department and the Directorate of Information Technology.

The government's move comes days after Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis last week emphasised that all departments must function based on the three pillars of transparency, strict timelines, and reliability to ensure that citizens receive the benefits of all schemes through a single platform and to achieve the goal of a "Viksit Maharashtra".

He was speaking during a ceremony organised to honour excellence under the "150-Day E-Governance Reform Program." Heads of departments and service personnel who demonstrated outstanding performance during this initiative were felicitated with certificates by the Chief Minister.

CM Fadnavis directed the Information Technology (IT) Department to implement the 'One State, One Portal' concept. To eliminate the confusion caused by multiple government websites, the IT Department has been tasked with creating a single integrated portal for all services. He stressed that making government facilities easily accessible to citizens must be a top priority.
Jaipur, April 3 : Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has asserted that the electoral atmosphere in Kerala, particularly in Thiruvananthapuram, is decisively shifting in favour of the United Democratic Front (UDF), predicting a "one-sided contest" in the State.

Jaipur, April 3 (IANS) Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has asserted that the electoral atmosphere in Kerala, particularly in Thiruvananthapuram, is decisively shifting in favour of the United Democratic Front (UDF), predicting a "one-sided contest" in the State.

Gehlot, commenting on the political mood, said that voters in Kerala appeared increasingly dissatisfied with the current government.

"The atmosphere on the ground is very positive for the UDF. People have realised there is strong anti-incumbency against the present Chief Minister. Many promises made five years ago remain unfulfilled, and this has become a major issue," he said.

Speaking to the media after returning from his Kerala tour on Friday, Gehlot added that, based on public sentiment, the contest may be heavily tilted in favour of the Opposition alliance, UDF.

The polling schedule announced for four states and a Union Territory sets the stage for an intense electoral season. Assam, Kerala, and the Union Territory of Puducherry will go to the polls first on April 9, marking the start of voting across 824 constituencies. Tamil Nadu will hold its single-phase voting on April 23, while West Bengal, the only State with a two-phase schedule, will vote on April 23 for 152 seats, followed by a second round on April 29 for 142 seats.

Across all five regions, 17.4 crore voters are eligible to participate in the elections.

The extensive schedule reflects the electoral significance of these States and the Union Territory, which collectively shape major political currents in southern and eastern India.

Political parties have intensified their campaigns, with leadership visits, promises of development, and pointed attacks on rivals now dominating the narrative. The counting of votes for all four States and Puducherry will take place on May 4, when the final verdict of the electorate will become clear.

With anti-incumbency, governance issues, and regional alliances playing defining roles, these elections are set to offer crucial insights into the shifting political landscape of India ahead of future national contests.
Thiruvananthapuram, April 3 : A controversy has erupted after R. Sreelekha, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate from Vattiyoorkavu, made sharp remarks on Friday on women's safety in Kerala, directly targeting the state government.

Speaking at a "Brunch with Sreelekha" event in Sasthamangalam, she alleged that the Kerala government has "turned a blind eye" even to issues like "love jihad", and claimed that this has resulted in a lack of safety for women in the state.

Drawing from personal experience, Sreelekha said that even she, despite being a senior police officer, had faced distressing situations but received no support.

She also alleged that even the Kerala Director General of Police Ravada A. Chandrasekhar did not back her, claiming that such support depends on "political approval".

Citing a recent incident involving the wife of a Kerala Minister, Sreelekha questioned the state government's response, alleging that despite direct complaints to the police grievance cell, no effective action was taken.

"This is the situation in Kerala," the BJP leader said, in a scathing attack.

Sreelekha's remarks have drawn attention not just for their political sharpness but also due to her own high profile background.

She is the first woman IPS officer from the state to rise to the rank of Director General of Police, a milestone that continues to define her public persona, even though she did not handle the law and order portfolio.

Her political entry came as a surprise when she joined the BJP Kerala unit last year.

Within months, Sreelekha was fielded as a Councillor candidate in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation from an upcountry ward, where she secured a victory.

Though initially projected as a potential Mayor if the BJP secured control, she was sidelined at the last moment.

Her candidature in the Vattiyoorkavu Assembly constituency marks another strategic move by the BJP.

The BJP has previously finished second in the Assembly constituency in two of the last three Assembly elections, and with the party now in power in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, it is positioning Sreelekha as a potential "dark horse" in the contest.

As the poll campaign gathers momentum, Sreelekha's remarks have added a new edge to an already heated electoral battle.
Jerusalem, April 3 : Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz on Friday reiterated that the country's top objective in Lebanon remains disarming Hezbollah through military and political means. After an assessment with military officials, Katz said, "Israel's policy in Lebanon has been and remains clear: the top objective is the disarmament of Hezbollah through military and political means, regardless of the Iran issue," 'The Times of Israel' reported.

Katz said that the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) is completing its ground offensive in southern Lebanon up to the line from which Hezbollah can carry out anti-tank missiles attacks against Israel.

"Homes in villages near the border in Lebanon, which serve in every respect as Hezbollah outposts, will be demolished in accordance with the Rafah and Khan Younis model in Gaza, to remove the threat to Israeli communities."

Katz announced that the IDF will "maintain security control" in southern Lebanon, up to the Litani River and will not allow 600,000 residents of southern Lebanon to return until the security of northern residents is ensured, 'The Times of Israel' reported.

"The IDF will continue to target Hezbollah leaders and operatives throughout Lebanon, in addition to the 1,000 terrorists who have already been eliminated since the beginning of the current campaign," Katz said while announcing that IDF will "act forcefully" against Hezbollah's rocket fire on Israel. He stated that Israel will continue to ensure the security of the northern communities as promised.

Earlier in the day, IDF said that 1,000 terrorists, including senior commanders were killed while over 3,500 terror targets were hit over the past month in Lebanon. It mentioned that bridges used for transferring weapons and economy forces were also struck.

"Over the past month in Lebanon: 1,000 terrorists eliminated - including senior commanders. 3,500+ terror targets struck. 5 central bridges used to transfer weapons and enemy forces struck. Key assets and financial storage sites struck," IDF posted on X.

On April 1, IDF claimed that Hezbollah's Southern Front commander Hajj Yusuf Ismail Hashem was killed in a strike conducted by the Israeli Navy in Beirut.

"Eliminated: Hajj Yusuf Ismail Hashem, the Commander of Hezbollah's Southern Front. Hashem, eliminated by the Israeli Navy in a strike in Beirut, was a senior commander with 40+ years of experience, and was a central figure in Hezbollah that led its rehabilitation and commanded attacks toward Israel," IDF posted on X.
Hubballi : , April 3 (IANS) Tension prevailed in Karnataka's Hubballi on Friday, following allegations of "love jihad" involving a Muslim youth and a Hindu girl, which led to clashes between members of Hindu organisations and the boy's family.

Tensions further intensified as members of Hindu organisations staged a protest outside the Old Hubballi police station, with hundreds of activists demanding strict action against the accused youth.

According to police, the youth, identified as Sameer, a resident of Vijayanagar and a gym trainer, was reportedly seen moving around with the girl, whom he had met at a gym.

Members of Hindu organisations intervened, alleging that the relationship was a case of love jihad. They took Sameer into their custody and handed him over to the Old Hubballi police.

The situation escalated when Sameer's family members allegedly entered the girl's house, accusing her family of kidnapping him and creating a ruckus. They are also alleged to have attempted an assault during the confrontation.

According to the police, the sequence of events began when the girl's family reportedly approached Sameer's house and questioned him about his association with their daughter. He was subsequently taken and handed over to the police by members of Hindu organisations.

In retaliation, Sameer's family allegedly barged into the girl's residence, leading to further confrontation between both sides. Several individuals from both families sustained injuries and were admitted to KIMS Hospital in Hubballi.

Police Commissioner N. Shashikumar visited the hospital and held discussions with both the families.

He said that no formal complaints have been filed so far and that both sides were at fault for taking the law into their own hands instead of approaching the police.

Meanwhile, Sameer's family rejected the allegations of 'love jihad', saying that the two had known each other for three years and were in a consensual relationship.

Sameer's sister even challenged that she has a lot of photographs to prove that the Hindu girl was known to him for a long time and her family should not play the victim card.

The Hubballi city was tensed following Neha Hiremath, a student of KLE Technological University, who was stabbed to death on the college campus in April 2024.

The accused, identified as Fayaz, was reportedly known to her and had allegedly been harassing her after she rejected his advances.

The incident triggered huge protests, with some Hindu groups terming it a case of 'love jihad'.

Police arrested the accused shortly after the incident and registered a murder case.
Bhopal, April 3 : Madhya Pradesh Congress President Jitu Patwari on Friday launched a blistering attack on the Mohan Yadav government, accusing it of turning the "Year of Farmer Welfare" into a "Year of Farmer Exploitation".

Addressing a press conference on Friday, Patwari said farmers across the state are facing severe crises on multiple fronts -- fertiliser shortage, gunny bag crisis, delayed wheat procurement, and unfulfilled promises on minimum support prices.

Patwari alleged that despite the government's claims, an acute shortage of fertilisers forced farmers to stand in long queues for hours.

Announcing the party's next course of action, Jitu Patwari said the Congress will organise protests at mandis across the state in support of distressed farmers. In Bhopal, party workers will observe a one-day fast and stage a dharna outside the Agriculture Minister's residence.

"Women were pushed and jostled, lathi charges took place, and several elderly farmers even lost their lives," he claimed.

He further pointed out that according to a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report, 50 per cent of the funds allocated for farmers remained unutilised, raising serious questions about the government's intentions.

The Congress leader strongly criticised the government for the massive shortage of gunny bags (jute sacks) needed for wheat procurement. He said while 100 million bags were required for 2026, the state government had requisitioned only 26 million bags, creating a shortfall of nearly 75 million bags.

Patwari rejected the government's excuse of the ongoing war being the reason for the shortage.

"Under the Jute Act, the state government is required to submit its requirement and make advance payment to the Centre. The government did neither on time. This shortage is not due to war, but due to the government's own negligence and inaction," he asserted.

He clarified that any shortage due to war would likely affect petroleum-based PP bags, not jute gunny bags, as India is the world's second-largest producer of jute after Bangladesh.

"This is a crisis manufactured by the government," Patwari declared.

He pointed out that wheat procurement dates have been repeatedly postponed -- first to March 16, then April 1, and now to April 10. Due to this delay, farmers were forced to sell their produce to traders at distress prices.

As a result, nearly 50 per cent of farmers have defaulted on their crop loans. The government extended the procurement deadline -- benefiting traders -- but did not extend the loan repayment deadline, pushing farmers into further distress.

Patwari accused the government of failing to fulfil its election promises.

"The government had promised Rs 2,700 per quintal for wheat, Rs 3,100 per quintal for paddy, and Rs 6,000 per quintal for soybeans, but none of these promises have been honoured," he said.

Taking a direct swipe at Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, Patwari remarked, "While farmers of Madhya Pradesh are in deep crisis, the Chief Minister is busy delivering political speeches in Bengal."
Thiruvananthapuram, April 3 : A sharp political exchange erupted between Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his Telangana counterpart Revanth Reddy on Friday, with the former launching a detailed rebuttal to remarks made by the latter during his campaign tour in the state.

Reddy, who has drawn crowds in Kerala with his fiery speeches, including a swipe using a popular dialogue associated with Malayalam superstar Mohanlal, had criticised the Vijayan government, alleging corruption and governance failure.

Responding through a strongly worded Facebook post, Vijayan accused the Telangana Chief Minister of "misleading himself" and attempting to "belittle Kerala".

Vijayan countered the allegations by highlighting Keralaas performance across key social indicators.

He pointed out that Kerala ranks first in the NITI Aayog Sustainable Development Index (2023a"24) with 79 points, while Telangana stands sixth.

He also stressed that Kerala has the lowest poverty rate in the country at 0.55 per cent, compared to Telanganaas 5.88 per cent and was on track to eradicate extreme poverty entirely by the end of 2025.

The Chief Minister further underscored Keralaas achievements in literacy and healthcare, noting a literacy rate of 95.3 per cent against Telanganaas 76.9 per cent, and an Infant Mortality Rate of just 5 per 1,000 births, lower even than that of the United States.

He added that Keralaas robust public health system enables its citizens to live 5 to 7 years longer than the national average.

Taking a swipe at Reddyas criticism, Vijayan remarked that instead of spending heavily on political campaigns in Kerala, the Telangana leader should focus on addressing poverty and improving literacy back home.

He also termed it "political hypocrisy" that a Telangana delegation had earlier visited Thiruvananthapuram to study Keralaas aEnte Bhoomia digital land records system, even as its Chief Minister now derides the state.

Vijayan also rejected allegations of collusion with the Centre, accusing the Congress of acting as a "B team" of the BJP by failing to oppose policies that "financially constrain Kerala".

In a pointed conclusion, Vijayan asserted that Kerala has little to learn from a government where salaries and pensions are reportedly delayed, instead inviting Reddy to study Keralaas welfare model firsthand.
Seoul, April 3 : The defence chiefs of South Korea and France held talks in Seoul on Friday to discuss the regional security situation and ways to strengthen their bilateral defence and arms industry cooperation, the South Korea's defence ministry said.

The talks between Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back and his French counterpart, Catherine Vautrin, took place on the occasion of summit talks between South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and French President Emmanuel Macron in Seoul.

In the defence ministerial talks, Ahn noted that the two countries mark the 140th anniversary of establishing diplomatic ties, and thanked France for contributing to the peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula, according to the ministry, Yonhap News Agency reported.

Both sides concurred that uncertainties are increasing in the international security environment amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, and a prolonged war between Russia and Ukraine, and agreed to bolster strategic communication and coordination for the peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula and the Indo-Pacific.

Ahn stressed that North Korea's advancing nuclear and missile capabilities, and illegal military cooperation with Russia is a grave challenge not only to the Korean Peninsula but the international community, and requested France's continued interest and support for Seoul's efforts to denuclearise the Korean Peninsula and establish permanent peace.

Meanwhile, the defence chiefs assessed that their cooperation in military training and in the area of space has expanded, and agreed to advance such cooperation in other security areas.

They also concurred that France and South Korea are arms industry partners, each equipped in global competitiveness, and called for expanding their cooperation in the sector in a complementary manner, the ministry said.

Meanwhile, South Korea and France on Friday signed a preliminary agreement to promote cooperation on support for veterans of the 1950-53 Korean War, Seoul's veterans ministry said.

Veterans Minister Kwon Oh-eul and Catherine Vautrin, minister of the armed forces of France, participated in the signing ceremony for the memorandum of understanding on cooperation over veterans affairs, according to the ministry.

Under the agreement, the two agencies agreed to cooperate in collecting and sharing records of France's participation in the Korean War, secure respect for the war veterans and bereaved family members, and to set up a commemorative facility for late war veterans.

The agreement comes after the two agencies signed a letter of intent to cooperate on veterans affairs in 2023.

France deployed 3,421 army and navy forces to the Korean War, where many soldiers suffered devastating losses, with 269 soldiers killed and 1,008 others wounded.
New Delhi, April 3 : The Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has asked all states and Union Territories to immediately step up proactive public communication on the availability of LPG and other petroleum products, citing the continued circulation of rumours and misinformation that are causing unnecessary public concern and panic buying.

In a letter dated April 2, 2026, Secretary Dr Neeraj Mittal urged Chief Secretaries of all States and Union Territories to ensure daily press briefings at an appropriately senior level. He also emphasised the timely dissemination of accurate information through social and electronic media to reassure citizens about adequate stock and the smooth distribution of LPG, while effectively countering false narratives.

The letter refers to an earlier communication dated March 27, 2026, in which the Ministry had highlighted the need for regular engagement to prevent the spread of fake news regarding the availability and prices of petrol, diesel, and LPG. Despite these efforts, rumours persist in several parts of the country, leading to avoidable hoarding and placing strain on the distribution network.

Dr Mittal noted with concern that, as per feedback from state-level coordinators of Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), only 17 States and Union Territories are currently conducting regular or intermittent press briefings or issuing press releases. The Ministry has now called for intensified and consistent communication across all States and Union Territories.

The 17 States and Union Territories presently undertaking such communication efforts are: Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Odisha, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.

The April 2 letter further directs states to continue taking strict action against malpractices such as hoarding and black marketing of LPG and other petroleum products. Dr Mittal sought the personal intervention of Chief Secretaries in the matter to ensure effective implementation.

The current advisory comes against the backdrop of global supply chain disruptions caused by geopolitical developments in West Asia, which had temporarily impacted LPG availability in some regions. Although the Central government has taken several measures to streamline distribution, misinformation and fake news on social media platforms have exacerbated the situation, resulting in panic buying and unnecessary pressure on the supply chain.

In the March 27 DO letter, the Ministry had already stressed that proactive, regular, and real-time communication through all modes a" including daily press briefings at senior levels a" is of paramount importance. The latest communication reiterates this position and expresses dissatisfaction over the slow response from many States and Union Territories.

With this fresh advisory, the Centre expects all States a" especially those not currently conducting regular briefings a" to immediately put in place robust mechanisms for public outreach. Failure to do so may allow misinformation to continue unchecked, affecting both consumers and the distribution network.
Patna, April 3 : Purnea MP Rajesh Ranjan a.k.a. Pappu Yadav visited Nalanda on Friday to meet the family of a woman who was allegedly molested and assaulted in a shocking incident that has triggered widespread outrage.

After arriving in Patna, Pappu Yadav travelled to Dhibarapar village under the Noorsarai police station area, where the incident took place.

A tense atmosphere has prevailed in the region since the incident, which involved a group of miscreants allegedly molesting the woman and attempting to sexually assault her on March 26 this year.

Describing the incident as deeply shameful and disturbing, the MP said it reflects the disturbing level of brutality in society and has tarnished the image of both Nalanda and Bihar.

"I met the victim's family to express solidarity and extended financial assistance of Rs 50,000. I have also urged them to stay strong and continue their livelihood in the village," he said.

According to reports, the victim's husband had been working in Maharashtra, while she was residing with her in-laws in the village.

Pappu Yadav further called for strict and swift action against the accused. "I will urge the government and administration to ensure a speedy trial and exemplary punishment. The fact that criminals are now recording such heinous acts and circulating them without fear raises serious concerns about law and order," he said.

He also raised broader social concerns, stating that in such cases, society often questions the victim rather than holding the perpetrators accountable.

"Who gives these criminals such audacity? There must be a collective effort -- from both society and the administration -- to eliminate this mindset and ensure justice," he added.

The incident has once again brought into focus issues of women's safety, accountability, and societal attitudes, with demands growing for strict enforcement and justice for the victim.

After visiting Nalanda, Pappu Yadav proceeded to Nawada district to express condolences to the bereaved family of JD(U) MLA Vibha Devi.

Pappu Yadav visited Pathra Inglish village, where he met former State Minister Rajballabh Yadav and his wife, Vibha Devi, and conveyed his sympathies over the untimely demise of their son, Akhilesh Kumar Yadav.

He also interacted with family members and assured them of all possible support during this period of grief.

Akhilesh Kumar tragically passed away in a road accident on March 19, leaving the family in deep mourning.

According to reports, the accident occurred near his residence in Pathra Inglish village, under the jurisdiction of the Mufassil Police Station in Nawada.

He was driving his Thar SUV late in the evening when, while negotiating a sharp turn just a short distance from home, the vehicle went out of control and crashed into a roadside palm tree. Locals rushed to the spot, rescued him from the severely damaged vehicle, and took him to a nearby hospital.

However, he succumbed to his injuries during treatment.

The tragic incident has left the family and local community in shock.

Several political leaders have been visiting the residence to offer condolences.

Recently, Mokama MLA Anant Singh and Bihar Agriculture Minister Ram Kripal Yadav also met the bereaved family.

Pappu Yadav's visit is part of a series of condolence calls by political leaders expressing solidarity with the family during this difficult time.
Amaravati, April 3 : The YSR Congress Party on Friday complained to the Vice President of India and Rajya Sabha Chairman C. P. Radhakrishnan about the denial of adequate time to the party in Rajya Sabha during the debate on the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill 2026.

A delegation of the YSRCP MPs led by Parliamentary Party leader Y. V. Subba Reddy met Radhakrishnan in Delhi and submitted a representation to him.

The delegation told him that despite having seven MPs, the YSRCP was given only five minutes, and their microphone was cut. They stated that the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and other smaller parties were allotted more time and sought a fair opportunity to present their voice

Subba Reddy urged the Rajya Sabha chairman to lay the text of his speech on the table. The party also sought an enquiry into deviation from parliamentary conventions and established procedures.

The YSRCP complained that the party was allocated grossly inadequate time to speak during the discussion on the Bill.

It mentioned that TDP, which has only two members in the House, was allowed speaking time of over 15 minutes. Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), which has four members, was also allotted only five minutes.

"This uneven and disproportionate treatment is particularly disturbing because the Bill under discussion directly concerns the State of Andhra Pradesh, its constitutional future, and the interests of the people represented by all seven Rajya Sabha members of the YSR Congress Party. In such a matter of profound federal and regional significance, denying the principal opposition party of Andhra Pradesh a fair and meaningful opportunity to articulate its views effectively amounts to denying adequate voice to the people of the State themselves," reads the representation.

The YSRCP also stated that the repeated times the camera focuses on the visitors' gallery, particularly on TDP MPs and state ministers, appears less a coincidence and more a pre-arranged exercise. The party sought an official enquiry into this.

The Rajya Sabha on Thursday passed the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill 2026 to give statutory recognition to Amaravati as the sole and permanent capital of Andhra Pradesh. A day earlier, the Lok Sabha had passed the Bill.

YSRCP opposed the Bill in both Houses on the grounds that it failed to address the concerns of farmers who have given their lands for the development of the state capital.
Jaipur, April 3 : Tension flared at Rajasthan University on Friday as NSUI workers clashed with police during protests against a seminar scheduled to be held on the campus, which they alleged was linked to the promotion of RSS ideology.

The situation escalated when protesters attempted to breach barricades set up at the main gate. A confrontation broke out after NSUI workers staged a protest against a seminar scheduled at the Humanities Auditorium under the banner of Marudhara Nari Sangathan.

The protest quickly escalated into clashes with police as students tried to force their way past barricades. Police had sealed the university's main gate and deployed heavy security, including riot control vehicles, to prevent any disruption.

Despite this, NSUI workers climbed barricades and raised slogans, leading to scuffles with security personnel. The NSUI has opposed the event, alleging that it is linked to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and aimed at promoting a specific ideology on campus.

The organisation has demanded immediate cancellation of the seminar, warning of intensified protests and a boycott if the event proceeds. NSUI leader Amardeep Parihar said universities should remain neutral spaces for education and alleged that such events disturb the academic environment.

Meanwhile, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) has backed the seminar, asserting that it focuses on women's dignity and empowerment.

ABVP representatives dismissed the allegations and termed the protest politically motivated, arguing that hosting events of varied ideologies is part of democratic practice.

University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Alpana Kateja clarified that the auditorium had been rented to a women's organisation and that the university has no official confirmation linking the event to the RSS.

Earlier, Leader of Opposition Tika Ram Jully said, "There are ongoing efforts to impose Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) ideology on higher education institutions and to bring them under its influence. This time, they are organising the event at the University of Rajasthan to further their ideological agenda, just as they previously disrupted the university's academic environment by performing Shastra Pooja on campus.

"Instead of focusing on making Rajasthan University one of the country's top research institutions and securing new patents, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government is busy damaging the education sector and appeasing the RSS," he said.

With both student groups at loggerheads, the campus remains under tight security at the time of filing this report.
New Delhi, April 3 : Congress Lok Sabha MP Tariq Anwar, on Friday, hit out at veteran party leader Kamal Nath over his remark that there is "no gas or LPG shortage", calling the statement disconnected from ground realities and reflective of a lack of understanding of the hardships faced by common people.

Speaking to IANS, Anwar said such claims were "laughable" and urged those making them to step out and witness the situation firsthand.

"Now who can explain this to him (Kamal Nath)? If anyone talks or argues like this, it's laughable," the Congress Lok Sabha MP said.

He stressed that the reality of the situation could only be understood by directly observing conditions on the ground.

"This is something that needs to be seen and felt. Just go and stand outside a gas agency shop, and you will understand whether there is a gas crisis or not," Anwar added.

Highlighting the human impact of the alleged shortage, the Congress Lok Sabha MP said that common people were among the worst affected.

"Women are crying, saying that they are unable to provide food to their children on time. The children are going to school hungry," he added.

Anwar also claimed that the fuel crisis extends across both domestic and commercial gas supplies, adding that rising prices have made it unaffordable for many.

"At the same time, whether it is commercial or domestic gas, there is a severe crisis today. Migrant workers are returning home due to the shortage of gas, because they feel this crisis will worsen," the Congress Lok Sabha MP said.

He noted that for many low-income households, the cost of cooking gas cylinder has become unsustainable.

"The cost of gas is far higher than their income, and they cannot afford it, which is why they are going back to their homes and villages," Anwar added.

He cautioned against making sweeping assertions without assessing the situation on the ground, saying such remarks undermine the lived experiences of citizens.

"So, if someone makes such claims or arguments without seeing or understanding the ground reality, it is wrong," Anwar said.

Meanwhile, reacting to Congress leader Anand Sharma praising India's diplomatic handling of the West Asia crisis, Congress General Secretary (Organisation) and Rajya Sabha MP Jairam Ramesh said that differing views within the party underline its democratic character.

"This is another example that clearly demonstrates that in our country there is only one democratic party, that is the Indian National Congress," Ramesh added.

On Congress leader Kamal Nath's remark that there is "no gas or LPG shortage", reiterating his point, the Congress Rajya Sabha MP said, "Another example is that the only truly democratic party is the Indian National Congress."

The remarks come amid visible differences in views among senior Congress leaders on key issues, even as the party continues to emphasise its internal democratic functioning.
New Delhi, April 3 : Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Friday, paid tribute to the late Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw on his 112th birth anniversary, highlighting that his legacy continues to inspire generations.

In a message on social media platform X, Rajnath Singh said, "Remembering and paying my tributes to Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw on his birth anniversary. A towering figure in India's military history, whose exceptional leadership, courage and strategic brilliance shaped decisive moments for the nation."

He said "Sam Bahadur" embodied the spirit of a true Soldiers' General, earning unwavering trust and admiration of his troops.

"His (Sam Manekshaw's) legacy of valour, integrity and duty continues to inspire generations," the Defence Minister added.

The Indian Army also paid homage to the legendry Field Marshal.

In a message on social media, the Indian Army wrote, "Remembering the Legend... Indian Army pays homage to Field Marshal SHFJ Manekshaw, MC, popularly known as #SamBahadur, on his 112th #BirthAnniversary."

"The 8th #COAS who was also the Field Marshal of India, was the architect of the nation's decisive victory against Pakistan in the 1971 War. His charismatic leadership, strategic brilliance and timeless wit continue to inspire every Indian soldier," the Army said in its social media post.

Last year, aiming to foster patriotism and impart lessons on bravery and sacrifice, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) introduced a special chapter on Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw.

The addition was part of a broader initiative to integrate the legacy of the National War Memorial into school education.

The life of the military icon will now be taught in Class VIII (English), Class VIII (Urdu), and Class VII (Urdu), respectively, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence.

"The new chapter aims to provide students with inspirational narratives of courage, leadership, and duty. Field Marshal Manekshaw, India's first officer to be conferred the rank of Field Marshal, is celebrated for his strategic brilliance and leadership during the 1971 Indo-Pak war," the statement said.
Bhopal, April 3 : A tragic accident claimed the lives of a woman and a seven-year-old child, while leaving two others with severe burn injuries, when a tractor-trolley carrying a Banjara family came in contact with a high-tension electricity line in the Kolaras area of Shivpuri district in Madhya Pradesh on Friday.

The incident occurred while the family was travelling on a dirt track from Deharda village towards Dodyai to collect fodder.

Long iron pipes, approximately 10 feet in length, fixed on the trolley to carry more fodder, struck sagging overhead high-tension wires.

The powerful electric current instantly surged through the vehicle, electrocuting the occupants.

Leela Bai Banjara (30) caught fire as the current ignited her saree and died on the spot. Her seven-year-old son, Anil, who was with her, was also engulfed in flames and succumbed to his injuries.

The tractor driver, Vinod Banjara (27), and Kesar Bai were thrown off the vehicle due to the shock. Both sustained serious burn injuries and are undergoing treatment in critical condition at a hospital.

The victims belonged to a Banjara family from Khedli village in Rajasthan's Baran district.

They had set up a temporary camp near the toll plaza in Kolaras and were engaged in their annual practice of purchasing fodder from local fields to sell for their livelihood.

Eyewitnesses from a second tractor-trolley following behind immediately rushed the injured to the hospital. Doctors declared the child dead on arrival.

Police said the high-tension wires at the spot were hanging low and partially hidden by surrounding trees, making them difficult to notice. The iron pipes protruding from the overloaded trolley became the direct cause of the fatal contact.

SDOP Kolaras Amarnath Verma said, "This is a very unfortunate and preventable accident. The police have registered a case and launched a detailed investigation. Preliminary findings suggest that the low-hanging wires and the protruding iron pipes on the trolley led to the tragedy.

"We are examining whether proper safety clearances were maintained for the power lines. Action will be taken against anyone found negligent. We appeal to farmers and vehicle owners to be extremely cautious while moving tall equipment near power lines," he said.
Raipur, April 3 : The Chhattisgarh Police Department has issued an amended order, entrusting the command of Janjgir-Champa district to Nivedita Pal, Commandant of the 6th Battalion, who has now been appointed as Officer-in-Charge (In-charge SP) of the district.

The amendment modifies the previous order that had assigned the additional charge of Janjgir-Champa to Vimal Kumar Bais.

The fresh directive was issued by the Director General of Police (DGP), keeping in view departmental requirements and the need to maintain administrative balance. This change comes as the regular Superintendent of Police of Janjgir-Champa, Vijay Pandey, has been deputed for a 45-day training programme at the National Police Academy (NPA), Hyderabad.

The training is scheduled to commence on April 6 and conclude on May 15. To ensure smooth maintenance of law and order during the absence of regular SPs, the state has made alternative arrangements in four districts.

Manisha Thakur Rawate has been given charge of Raipur Rural, Trilok Bansal has been assigned as In-charge SP of Kondagaon, and Neeraj Chandrakar has been given the responsibility of Gariaband district.

Nivedita Pal, an experienced IPS officer currently serving as Commandant of the 6th Battalion, brings considerable field and administrative expertise to the sensitive Janjgir-Champa district. These simultaneous changes reflect the Chhattisgarh Police leadershipas proactive approach to balancing the training requirements of senior officers with the uninterrupted functioning of district police administration.

Senior officials stated that such periodic deputations for specialised training at the prestigious NPA are essential for upgrading the skills of police leadership in modern policing, cybercrime, intelligence gathering, and community-oriented law enforcement.

The amended order ensures that there is no vacuum in command in any of the affected districts. All newly assigned officers have been directed to take immediate charge and maintain close coordination with the district administration for effective policing.

This reshuffle is part of routine administrative exercises carried out by the DGPas office to strengthen the police force while providing professional development opportunities to its officers.
Ambala, April 3 : Union School Education and Literacy Secretary Sanjay Kumar, on Friday, inaugurated a new Army Public School in Ambala Cantonment, calling upon young minds to dream big and serve the nation with pride.

Kumar described the event as a big step toward shaping future leaders and scholars.

In a message on social media platform X, the Indian Army's Western Command said, "A landmark moment for Ambala Cantt! The new Army Public School was inaugurated by Sanjay Kumar, Department of School Education and Literacy Secretary, and Lieutenant General Rajesh Pushkar, General Officer Commanding of Kharga Corps and Senior Patron of Army Public Schools."

The Indian Army said in a statement that the Union Education Secretary emphasised education, character, and service -- urging young minds to dream big and serve the nation with pride.

"Earlier, on the occasion of Army Medical Corps Raising Day on Friday, Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) Director General, conveyed her greetings to the AFMS, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening operational readiness," a statement said.

THE AFMS Director General highlighted a robust vision that integrates medical science, policy, and practice to enhance support for the defence forces in both peace and conflict.

The Defence Ministry in a post on X said, "Honouring the unparalleled valour, dedication and selfless service of the Army Medical Corps on #AMCCorpsDay on April 3, 2026, as DGAFMS along with DGMS (Army), DGMS (Navy) and DGMS (Air Force) led a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the National War Memorial, paying heartfelt tributes to the bravehearts who made the supreme sacrifice in service of the nation, reaffirming the Corps' unwavering commitment to saving lives in both war and peace."

Lieutenant General Pushpendra Singh, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Western Command, also extended greetings and best wishes to all ranks, veterans and families of the Army Medical Corps (AMC) on their 262nd Raising Day.

The Indian Army's Central Command also greeted the AMC personnel.

The Central Command "extends best wishes to all ranks, veterans and families of Army Medical Corps #AMC on the occasion of #CorpsDay. Your service remains a pillar of strength for the force and the nation," a message on its official social media account said.
Kolkata, April 3 : Kolkata Police on Friday issued summons for interrogation to two Trinamool Congress councillors of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) in connection with the prolonged tension outside the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal, in central Kolkata, following protest demonstrations by ruling party activists that began on Tuesday and continued till Thursday.

The two councillors summoned are Santi Ranjan Kundu from Ward 32 and Sachin Kumar Singh from Ward 36, both in North Kolkata.

Both Kundu and Singh have been asked to appear at Hare Street Police Station, under whose jurisdiction the CEOas office falls.

At a recent virtual meeting with top bureaucrats and police officers, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar directed the newly appointed Kolkata Police Commissioner, Ajay Nand, to take strong action against the disruption of law and order in front of the CEOas office, particularly with regard to the protest demonstrations.

In fact, Nand faced the ire of the Chief Election Commissioner for not taking prompt action to remove the protesters from the area.

On Friday, Kolkata Police also issued show-cause notices to deputy commissioner-rank officers in connection with tension near the convoy of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly Suvendu Adhikari on April 1, when the convoy was approaching the Alipore Survey Building in south Kolkata, where Adhikari was scheduled to file his nomination for the Bhabanipur Assembly constituency.

The two officers are Deputy Commissioner-II (South) Siddhartha Dutta and Deputy Commissioner-II (Reserve Force) Manas Roy.

At the virtual meeting, the Chief Election Commissioner also expressed displeasure over the developments and questioned why the police were not proactive in preventing the tension.

On the basis of three separate complaints filed at two police stations in south Kolkata, the police registered two FIRs in the matter.

Assembly elections will be held in two phases -- on April 23 and April 29 -- in West Bengal. The results will be announced on May 4.
Abu Dhabi, April 3 : As many as 12 people, including five Indian nationals, were injured on Friday due to the falling missile debris after a successful interception carried out by UAE's air defence systems in Ajban area of Abu Dhabi.

"As part of the ongoing follow-up to the previously reported incident in the Ajban area caused by falling debris following the successful interception by air defence systems, authorities confirm that the incident has resulted in minor to moderate injuries sustained by six individuals of Nepali nationality and five individuals of Indian nationality, and one major injury sustained by an individual of Nepali nationality. The public is reminded to obtain information only from official sources and to avoid spreading rumours or unverified information," Abu Dhabi Media Office posted on X.

Earlier in the day, the office said that authorities responded to an incident of falling debris in the Ajban area after a successful interception by air defence systems.

Meanwhile, UAE's Ministry of Defence said that its air defence on Friday engaged 18 ballistic missiles, four cruise missiles and 47 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) launched from Iran.

According to the statement, UAE's air defences have engaged 475 ballistic missiles, 23 cruise missiles and 2085 UAVs since the start of Iranian attacks.

"The attacks resulted in the martyrdom of two 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 nine fatalities of Pakistani, Nepali, Bangladeshi, Palestinian and Indian nationalities.

"A total of 203 people were also injured, with injuries ranging from minor to moderate and severe. The injured included nationals of the UAE, Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Pakistan, Iran, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan, Yemen, Uganda, Eritrea, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Bahrain, Comoros, TArkiye, Iraq, Nepal, Nigeria, Oman, Jordan, Palestine, Ghana, Indonesia, Sweden and Tunisia," read the statement.

UAE's Ministry of Defence expressed its readiness to deal with any threats and vowed to confront anything that aims to undermine the security of the UAE, in a manner that ensures the protection of its sovereignty, security and stability and safeguards its interests and national capabilities.
Guwahati, April 3 : Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Friday, launched a sharp attack on the Congress and AIUDF while campaigning for NDA candidate Deepak Kumar Das in Assam's Barpeta, asserting that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led alliance would not allow the state to become a hub of "love jihad" or "land jihad".

Addressing a public rally, Chief Minister Adityanath alleged that the Congress had "already fled the electoral field", while claiming that the time had come to politically sideline the AIUDF.

He accused both the Congress and AIUDF of encouraging illegal infiltration and attempting to alter Assam's demographic composition for electoral gains.

"The NDA is committed to ensuring that Assam does not become a centre of infiltration. Every infiltrator will be identified and pushed out. We will not allow any conspiracy to change the state's demography to succeed," The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister said.

He emphasised that the "double-engine government" -- at the Centre under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and in the state under Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma -- is focused on safeguarding Assam's cultural identity while ensuring development.

Chief Minister Adityanath extended greetings on the occasion of Rongali Bihu and praised Assam's cultural and spiritual legacy, highlighting landmarks such as the Kamakhya Temple and Kaziranga National Park.

He also invoked the legacy of Srimanta Sankardeva, Madhavdeva, and Ahom general Lachit Borphukan, describing them as symbols of unity, devotion, and valour.

Taking a swipe at the Congress, Chief Minister Adityanath alleged that the party had historically disrespected India's heritage and confined top honours like the Bharat Ratna to a single political family.

He noted that cultural icon Bhupen Hazarika was conferred the Bharat Ratna only in 2019 under the Narendra Modi-led NDA government.

Highlighting development initiatives, Chief Minister Adityanath said the Northeast has witnessed rapid infrastructure growth in recent years, including expansion of roads, railways, airports, and educational institutions such as AIIMS, IITs, and IIMs.

Drawing comparisons with Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath claimed the state is now "riot-free and curfew-free" under BJP rule, attributing it to strict law enforcement and governance reforms.

He urged voters to support the NDA to ensure continued development, security, and preservation of Assam's cultural heritage.
Bhopal, April 3 : Madhya Pradesh Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Minister Govind Singh Rajput announced that a record 19 lakh 4 thousand farmers have registered this year for procurement at minimum support price (MSP), which is 3 lakh 60 thousand more than last year. a Bhopal, April 3 (IANS) Madhya Pradesh Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Minister Govind Singh Rajput announced that a record 19 lakh 4 thousand farmers have registered this year for procurement at minimum support price (MSP), which is 3 lakh 60 thousand more than last year. 

The registered area has also seen a significant jump, reaching 41.58 lakh hectares  an increase of 6.65 lakh hectares compared to the previous year.

Addressing the media, Minister Rajput said that all arrangements for procurement at the support price are being made on time. 

"The Madhya Pradesh government is a farmer-friendly government and is committed to ensuring maximum benefit to farmers," he said.

This year, the government is providing farmers with an MSP of 2,585 per quintal for wheat along with an additional 40 per quintal discount, enabling them to get the best possible price for their produce. 

Rajput informed that the procurement process has been started in a phased manner to avoid any delay for farmers. Procurement will begin on April 10, 2026, in the Dewas, Mandsaur, Bhopal, and Narmadapuram divisions, and on April 15, 2026, in the remaining divisions.

He added that the revenue department is rapidly verifying the registered land records of farmers. Once verification is complete, the scale-to-stock process will begin, allowing farmers to deliver their produce without hassle. 

The minister said the government has set a target to procure 78 lakh tonnes of wheat this year. Last year, nearly 77 lakh tonnes were procured at MSP.

Regarding the gunny bag (bardana) issue, Rajput clarified that the Central Government has provided an additional 50,000 jute bags for Madhya Pradesh. Arrangements for HDPE/PP bags and single-use bags have also been made. 

He assured that sufficient bardana (sacks) will be available before the start of procurement.

The minister further informed that in godowns with limited storage capacity, a joint participation scheme has been proposed to increase capacity up to 120 per cent. Additionally, as per Central government instructions, the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana will be implemented simultaneously from March-April to May-June 2026, freeing up more than 10 lakh tonnes of additional storage space.

He highlighted that Madhya Pradesh has the highest covered storage capacity in the country at around 400 lakh tonnes, out of which 103 lakh tonnes is currently vacant  more than sufficient for this year's procurement target.

Rajput also assured that despite the ongoing war in West Asia affecting global supply chains, coordination between the Centre and the state government has ensured regular supply of petrol, diesel, and other essential commodities, with no shortage reported in the state.

Meanwhile, Congress state president Jitu Patwari alleged that the government is using the ongoing war as an excuse to delay wheat procurement. 

He pointed out that while 100 million gunny bags were required for 2026, the state government had ordered only 26 million, creating a massive shortfall of around 75 million.

He clarified that under the Jute Act, the state government must submit its requirements and make an advance payment to the Centre on time. However, the government failed to do so, resulting in the acute shortage of jute gunny bags.

"This shortage is not due to war or any external factor, but is a direct result of the government's inaction and negligence," Patwari said, adding that the crisis is "manufactured by the government."

He further stated that India is the world's second-largest producer of jute after Bangladesh, so any shortage due to war would affect plastic (PP) bags, not jute sacks. 

Due to repeated postponement of procurement dates  from March 16 to April 1, then to April 10, and possibly further  farmers were forced to sell their produce to traders at distress prices, causing nearly 50 per cent of them to default on their loans.


Jaipur, April 3 : Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Friday condemned the detainment of NSUI leaders and workers during a protest at Rajasthan University, calling it an attack on democratic rights. a Jaipur, April 3 (IANS) Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Friday condemned the detainment of NSUI leaders and workers during a protest at Rajasthan University, calling it an attack on democratic rights. 

He urged the state government to immediately release those detained, alleging that the action reflects an authoritarian approach to dissent.

Ashok Gehlot stated that the NSUI's peaceful protest against the alleged imposition of RSS ideology at Rajasthan Universityand what it views as the erosion of institutional autonomyrepresents a defence of democratic values. 

Gehlot said the arrest of NSUI leaders and workers in an attempt to suppress the protest reflects the BJP government's "authoritarian mindset and desperation."

Emphasising democratic principles, he added that dissent and protest are constitutional rights, and curbing them goes against the spirit of the Constitution. 

He urged the state government to take immediate cognisance of the matter and release all detained NSUI leaders and workers. It needs to be mentioned here that tensions had escalated at Rajasthan University as workers of the National Students' Union of India (NSUI), protesting against a women's empowerment programme, clashed with police. 

Protesters climbed barricades, leading to scuffles with officers, after which police forcibly removed and detained them. The incident occurred on Friday afternoon ahead of the programme at the university's Humanities Auditorium.

NSUI workers gathered at the main gate, raising slogans, while police blocked entry with barricades. When protesters attempted to breach the barricades and enter the venue, police detained them and took them away in vehicles. 

The protest was triggered by a seminar organised under the banner of the Marudhara Nari Sangathan. 

NSUI opposed the event, alleging it was being used to promote the ideology of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), especially after reports that individuals associated with the RSS would participate.

In contrast, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) supported the programme and demanded action against NSUI protesters. The opposing positions led to heightened tensions between the two student groups. 

Anticipating unrest, the university administration deployed a heavy police presence across the campus. 

Despite the protests, the seminar proceeded as scheduled. NSUI leader Amardeep Parihar criticized the event, stating that the university's academic environment was being compromised by activities such as "Shastra Pujan."

Responding to the allegations, ABVP's university convener Bharat Bhushan defended the programme, saying that organising events reflecting particular viewpoints is a democratic right. 

He maintained that the event focused on women's dignity and empowerment, and that opposing it was unjustified. 


Bhopal/Khargone, April 3 : In a major breakthrough, the Khargone police have busted an extortion gang that was operating in the name of the notorious Lawrence Bishnoi gang and had demanded a whopping a10 crore ransom from a family after firing at their house. a Bhopal/Khargone, April 3 (IANS) In a major breakthrough, the Khargone police have busted an extortion gang that was operating in the name of the notorious Lawrence Bishnoi gang and had demanded a whopping 10 crore ransom from a family after firing at their house. 

The police arrested 12 accused in the case, while six others remain at large.

The gang had targeted Satyendra Rathore and his father Dilip Rathore, residents of Bhilgaon under the Kasrawad police station area. 

According to Superintendent of Police Ravindra Verma, the incident took place on March 17, 2026, when the complainant received threatening WhatsApp calls from an international number. 

The caller, identifying himself as 'Harry Boxer' and claiming to be from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, took responsibility for firing at the victim's house and demanded 10 crore, threatening to kill the family. He also sent a video of the firing incident.

A special police team was formed immediately. After 15 days of intensive investigation involving CCTV footage, technical surveillance, and intelligence inputs, the police cracked the case and arrested 12 members of the gang.

Investigation revealed that the conspiracy was hatched due to a pre-existing financial dispute between the complainant and the main accused  Lokendra Panwar (42) of Ujjain district and Sachin Patidar (36) of Dhar district. 

The duo used the name of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang to terrorise the family and extort money.

The arrested accused include Amit Kumar, Malkhan alias Vijendra, Shahrukh, Krishnapal alias Kenya, Ansh alias Anshu, Shiva, Hrithik alias Janjira, Rohit, Raja, and Kes Khan, hailing from Ujjain, Dewas, and Khargone districts. 

Police have seized four pistols, ten cartridges, three cars, one motorcycle, and ten mobile phones worth approximately 44 lakh from the gang.

Superintendent of Police Ravindra Verma told media persons that the gang was posing as the Lawrence Bishnoi gang to spread fear and extort money. "We have successfully busted the module. Most of the arrested accused already have serious criminal cases of murder, robbery, kidnapping, and Arms Act violations against them. Further investigation is underway to nab the remaining absconding members," he said.

The six absconding accused include Javed, Ravi, Rahul Baba, Kuldeep, Sandeep, and Harichand Jat alias Harry Boxer. Police officials added that the gang had conducted reconnaissance and made several failed attempts before successfully firing at the house on March 16 and recording the video for extortion.

--IANS

sktr/dan
New Delhi, April 3 : Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra, on Friday, exhibited faith that the country would "get rid of Urban Naxals", similar to the way the Central government announced to have almost wiped out Naxalism.

Speaking to reporters during the Indraprastha Culture Festival, Mishra praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for carrying out operations against the Maoists.

His response comes days after Union Home Minister Shah announced in the Lok Sabha that India has been virtually freed of Naxalism.

Mishra said, "No one could have imagined even 10 years ago that Naxalism would come to an end. There were manifestos claiming they would create a 'Red Corridor' from Pashupati to Tirupati and set the country on fire."

He emphasised that many soldiers were martyred because of the Naxalism menace.

"But through the operations carried out by the Prime Minister and the Home Minister, those who once raised slogans of so-called 'fake freedom', today, India has gained freedom from Naxalites themselves," the Delhi Minister asserted.

Moreover, Mishra said, "Some Urban Naxals are left but given the cultural consciousness in the country right now, the nation would definitely be rid of the Urban Naxals too."

Meanwhile, about the Indraprastha Culture Festival, Minister Mishra said, "The real history of Delhi has been kept hidden or suppressed for many years now. Here, discussions are taking place on that too."

"But along with history, art, culture is also being discussed. This a celebration of a shorter version of India that is found in Delhi. I thank Indraprastha Culture Festival, (it's organiser) Sangam Talks and their entire team for organising this event," he added.

Mishra also mentioned that renowned historians, writers, artists, and literary figures from across the country have gathered at the event.

"Itas a major three-day event, and I appeal to everyone to come and attend it at the India Habitat Centre," he said.
Jaipur, April 3 : Rajasthan BJP chief Madan Rathore launched a sharp attack on Congress leaders, stating that former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, Leader of Opposition Tikaram Jully, and Congress State President Govind Singh Dotasra are engaged in what he described as a "Jalebi Race" - a chaotic scramble for political relevance. a Jaipur, April 3 (IANS) Rajasthan BJP chief Madan Rathore launched a sharp attack on Congress leaders, stating that former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, Leader of Opposition Tikaram Jully, and Congress State President Govind Singh Dotasra are engaged in what he described as a "Jalebi Race" - a chaotic scramble for political relevance. 

Rathore alleged that Gehlot, having served three terms as Chief Minister, is now running a "series" on social media merely to maintain visibility. 

He claimed that Gehlot's recent statements lack seriousness and are aimed at self-projection rather than public interest.

Criticising the Congress party, Rathore said it has run out of constructive issues and is opposing programmes despite due permissions. 

Referring to a recent women's event in Rajasthan University, he questioned why Congress leaders object when women organise programmes, while similar events by their own leaders are welcomed. 

He termed this a "double standard" and accused NSUI leaders of spreading misleading narratives by linking such initiatives to the RSS.

"It is unfortunate that a serious issue like women's empowerment is being politicised for narrow gains," he said.

Rathore further claimed that internal competition within Congress is driving such behaviour, alleging that Dotasra fears being overshadowed by Jully, while Gehlot seeks to remain politically relevant. 

He said this reflects a broader decline in political discourse, which, according to him, has been reduced to statements, tweets, and rhetoric rather than ground-level engagement. 

Emphasising the need for a strong opposition in a democracy, Rathore said the Congress must reconnect with grassroots realities and move beyond what he described as "dynastic politics."

Regarding women's reservation, Rathore pointed out that the bill was passed unanimously in the Lok Sabha with the support of the Congress. 

He questioned the party's current stance and asked it to clarify whether it genuinely supports women's empowerment. 

"The Congress must clearly state its position. Opposing such measures indirectly will not be accepted by the women of this country," he said, adding that the upcoming discussions in the Rajya Sabha have led to unease within the party. 


New Delhi, April 3 : The expansion of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) has gained momentum with 3.42 lakh connections gasified and 3.7 lakh new registrations have been made since March 2026, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said on Friday.

States have been advised to facilitate the new PNG connections for both domestic and commercial consumers, a ministry statement said.

The government is making all efforts to ensure the availability of petrol, diesel and LPG, and citizens are advised to avoid panic purchase of the fuels as well as unnecessary booking of LPG. Citizens are requested to use digital modes for booking of LPG cylinders and avoid visiting LPG distributors unless necessary, it said.

The statement also urged households to use alternative fuels such as PNG, induction, and electric cooktops wherever feasible. In the current situation, all citizens are requested to make necessary efforts to conserve energy in their daily usage.

People are also advised to beware of rumours and rely only on official sources for correct information.

The government has given the highest priority to domestic LPG and PNG, along with high priority to hospitals and educational institutions amid the disruptions due to the Iran war.

It has already implemented several rationalisation measures on both the supply and demand side, including enhancing refinery production, increasing the booking interval from 21 to 25 days in urban areas and up to 45 days in rural areas and prioritising sectors for supply.

Alternative fuel options like kerosene and coal have been offered to ease pressure on LPG demand. The Ministry of Coal has already issued orders to Coal India and Singareni Collieries to allot higher quantities to states for distributing coal to small, medium and other consumers, the statement said.

Secretary informed that states may consider managing targeted distribution of 5 kg LPG cylinders, based on local requirements, along with OMCs. The sales of 5 kg cylinders have crossed 5 lakh since March 23, with over 67,000 sold on Thursday.

The Petroleum Secretary chaired a meeting with Additional Chief Secretaries and Principal Secretaries, Food & Civil Supplies, of all states and UTs to review the fuel supply situation and highlighted measures taken to ensure adequate availability. States were directed to prioritise LPG distribution, especially for domestic and essential needs, while maintaining strict vigilance against hoarding, diversion, and misinformation.

On reports concerning LPG supplies to migrant workers, states clarified that there is no disruption in LPG supply affecting migrants and that supplies remain stable.
New Delhi, April 3 : For some time, Rajya Sabha member Raghav Chadha's estrangement with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has been a subject for political discussions and certain assumptions, but no one in the know was willing to confirm, clarify, or even talk about it on record.

But now, it is in the open.

His removal as the party's deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha appears more than the claimed "administrative reshuffle"; it is a public signal of internal discord within AAP.

This was further apparent with the party requesting the House's Chairman not to grant Chadha time from that allotted in presenting statements on important public matters.

While the party apparently finds Chadha veering away from issues being raised by it, with senior leader and former Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj on Friday accusing him of choosing "less significant" issues in Parliament over "real matters" and not questioning the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The Rajya Sabha member chose to defend his parliamentary interventions as being people-related.

On Friday, AAP senior leader and former Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj accused Chadha of choosing "less significant" issues in Parliament over "real matters" and not questioning the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Contradictions and confrontations have earlier seen several prominent faces, part of the crusade against corruption, who came together in 2012 as the AAP  entrusting leadership to Arvind Kejriwal for his leading role in the protests, abandoning it later.

Several leaders, founding members, and aides have stepped down from the bandwagon and distanced themselves from the supremo largely due to internal bickering, disagreement, leadership style, and sometimes, political shifts.

Key figures include Yogendra Yadav, Prashant Bhushan, Ashutosh, Alka Lamba, Swati Maliwal, and Kumar Vishwas, among others. Yadav, Bhushan, and Kumar Vishwas were said to have fallen out with Kejriwal largely because they believed AAP had abandoned its founding ideals of transparency, internal democracy, and alternative politics, shifting instead toward centralisation of power and personality-driven politics under Kejriwal.

In early 2025, seven AAP MLAs resigned from the party's primary membership just ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections. According to a former aide, many of the APP supremo's aides and grassroots workers expressed frustration over his leadership style, campaign strategy, and the party's internal functioning.

Campaign strategies were dictated top-down, leaving little room for local leaders or volunteers to adapt messaging to ground realities, contended the former member of AAP.

Incidentally, this was seen as a key factor in the AAP's poor performance in the 2025 election, when the party could win 22 of Delhi Assembly's 70 seats  a slide in 40 constituencies compared to the earlier state poll. The BJP then formed the government, winning 48.

Many other long-time companions, alleged the former aide, felt sidelined as Kejriwal increasingly concentrated decision-making power around himself and a small inner circle.

In May 2023, responding to reports that his name was mentioned in an Enforcement Directorate (ED) chargesheet related to the Delhi excise policy case, Chadha held a press conference and strongly defended himself. He called the media reports "factually wrong" and part of a "propaganda" to harm his reputation and credibility. Those close to Kejriwal had criticised the Rajya Sabha member's focus on defending himself and not talking for the top leadership of the party  including Kejriwal  being also allegedly "maligned".

In April-May 2024, when AAP took to the streets against Kejriwal's arrest over the excise policy case, Chadha was absent, party activists complain. However, Chadha, who later married Bollywood actor Parineeti Chopra, was in London for eye surgery. Later, criticisms escalated as Chadha reportedly did not speak about it for many months.

Again, in February this year, he was in the news for not speaking out when a Delhi court discharged Kejriwal and his colleague, Manish Sisodia, in the same alleged corruption case. While he chose now to defend himself in his recent "silenced, but not defeated" video statement, it is yet to be seen what the next move will be for the Rajya Sabha member from Punjab whose term will end only in September 2028.
New Delhi, April 3 : The Congress on Friday intensified its attack on the Centre over the proposed three-day special session of Parliament from April 16 to 18, alleging that the government's intent behind bringing amendments to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam bill or Women Reservation Bill is questionable and politically motivated.

Addressing the media, Congress General Secretary, Communications, Jairam Ramesh, outlined a detailed sequence of events, citing correspondence between Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, to argue that the government acted unilaterally in convening the session.

Ramesh said that on March 16, Rijiju wrote to Kharge seeking discussions with the Congress on proposed amendments to the Women's Reservation law. Kharge responded the same day, urging the government to convene an all-party meeting and present a formal written proposal to enable a collective discussion among all stakeholders.

He further noted that on March 24, opposition parties again wrote to Rijiju, requesting that such a meeting be scheduled after April 29, when the Election Commission's Model Code of Conduct would no longer be in force. Despite this, the government went ahead and announced the special session, he alleged.

The Congress leader recalled that the law was passed during a special session in September 2023, shortly after the inauguration of the new Parliament building. While the legislation provides for 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, it links its implementation to the completion of the census and delimitation exercise.

Quoting Kharge's remarks from September 23, 2023, Ramesh said the Congress had then questioned the delay mechanism built into the law. "Why can't this be implemented immediately? There is no need to wait for delimitation and census," Kharge had said at the time.

Ramesh alleged that even after 30 months, the government has not taken concrete steps to operationalise the reservation, reinforcing the Opposition's earlier charge that the delay was intentional.

He further claimed that while Rijiju's letters mentioned only the Women's Reservation law, it has now become evident that the upcoming special session will also take up the issue of delimitation  a subject, he said, that was never discussed with Opposition parties.

"This clearly indicates that within 30 months, the government is planning to bring amendments to the Women's Reservation Act alongside a constitutional amendment on delimitation. These are serious issues that require wider consultation," Ramesh said.

Referring to another letter dated March 26, he said Rijiju again sought a meeting with Congress leaders to move forward on a constitutional amendment proposal. However, Kharge reiterated the demand for a comprehensive all-party meeting after April 29.

The Congress leader alleged that despite this exchange, the government had already decided to convene the session earlier and proceeded without building consensus.

He also raised concerns over the timing of the session, stating that it would be held during the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct and just ahead of key Assembly elections, including in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu.

When asked whether Congress supports amendments to the law, Ramesh clarified that the party's stand remains consistent. He said that in 2023, Kharge had clearly stated that the law should be implemented from the 2024 Lok Sabha elections itself, along with provisions ensuring representation for women from OBC communities.

"The issue is not about supporting or opposing amendments. The issue is about intent, timing, and the government's reluctance to implement what it has already passed," Ramesh added.
New Delhi, April 3 : Widening the rift within the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), its Delhi President Saurabh Bharadwaj on Friday hit back at MP Raghav Chadha following the latter's sharp-worded response after he was replaced by MP Ashok Mittal as Deputy Leader in the Rajya Sabha, asserting that Chadha was sent to the upper house to raise issues of Punjab while also accusing him of being "scared to walkout" with the Opposition.

"I do not think Raghav Chadha needed to get so upset that he has almost opened a front against the party," Bhardwaj said.

While maintaining that it was not a big issue, Bharadwaj told IANS that the party had "objections on several grounds".

He highlighted that Chadha was "not sent to the Lok Sabha by the people".

"He (Chadha) was sent to the Rajya Sabha by the party so that he could raise issues related to Punjab in the house. It was his responsibility to raise the issues of lakhs of farmers in Punjab," he said.

Listing the issues that, according to him, Chadha should have raised in the House, Bharadwaj said: "Crores of rupees of the farmers are being held by the Central government. Money under MNREGA is also being held back, and so are the dues of the Punjab government. He (Chadha) should have raised those issues there (in the Rajya Sabha)."

The AAP Delhi President further accused the Rajya Sabha member of being "scared" to sign the impeachment motion against the Chief Election Commissioner.

"Lakhs of voters are being deleted in various states due to SIR (Special Intensive Revision). Fake voters are being made. Elections are being won through deception. Amid this, he was scared to sign the impeachment motion against the Chief Election Commissioner. He did not sign."

He also alleged that Chadha was "scared" to stage a walkout with the Opposition leaders.

"When the Opposition stages a walkout on a national issue, he gets scared and keeps sitting (in the House), not even able to walk out. If I look at his X timeline, leave PM Modi, he has not even used 'BJP'. Politics cannot function through such fear," he said.

Bharadwaj asserted that one needs to be "brave" in politics.

Moreover, he advised Chadha "to do politics concerning issues".

Further, Bharadwaj accused the BJP of being involved in petty things rather than focusing on genuine issues.

"The real issue is that today we don't have gas (LPG) due to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign policy. Tariffs have been imposed on the country due to PM Modi's attitude. We had to agree on a ceasefire with Pakistan. These are the issues which should be raised," he said.
Gwalior, April 3 : Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia on Friday attended a public hearing in the Mungaoli Assembly constituency of Ashoknagar district in his parliamentary constituency, Guna, during which he interacted with complainants and listened to their grievances.

Scindia stayed for over three hours, hearing the grievances of residents one after another, including women, senior citizens, youth, and farmers.

During the meeting, a total of 1,048 applications from local residents across the district were received.

"About 238 of the total complaints were resolved on the spot as officials present at the public hearing acted on them swiftly. The remaining 810 applications have been forwarded to the respective government departments for priority resolution," according to a press release from Scindia's public relations department.

During the meeting, he issued clear directives to ensure that every application is treated with seriousness and resolved within a stipulated timeframe.

"All grievances received during the public hearing were duly registered under a token-based system to ensure that a secure record of every applicant's issue is maintained," it said.

Furthermore, an online tracking mechanism has been implemented for pending cases, allowing regular review of the progress of each application.

Scindia suggested that in cases where resolution appears difficult, the reasons must be clearly articulated, and matters pertaining to the Central and state levels should be forwarded to the appropriate authorities to ensure resolution.

Union Minister Scindia had started an initiative to organise Assembly-wise public hearings under his Guna Lok Sabha constituency last year, which has now entered its second phase.

On the occasion, Scindia affirmed his resolve to ensure that every citizen's grievance is heard and addressed, and that the benefits of government schemes reach the last person in the queue.

He expressed confidence that such regular public hearings would not only lead to the resolution of problems but also strengthen the bonds of trust and dialogue between the administration and the public.
Patna, April 3 : Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Friday inaugurated his ambitious dream project, the Buddha Samyak Darshan Museum-cum-Memorial Stupa, in Vaishali.

Amid the chanting of Vedic mantras, the Chief Minister performed traditional rituals within the museum complex, offering flowers and paying obeisance to Lord Buddha.

The museum is expected to provide a renewed global identity to Biharas rich Buddhist heritage.

Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary was also present on the occasion.

Both leaders paid their respects to the sacred relic casket (Relic Stupa) of Lord Buddha preserved within the complex, and toured various galleries showcasing artefacts, sculptures, and depictions of the life and teachings of Buddha, along with the historical significance of Vaishali.

The Buddha Samyak Darshan Museum is one of Nitish Kumaras most ambitious projects, constructed at a cost exceeding Rs 550 crore.

The complex represents a remarkable blend of modern technology and ancient architectural design.

During the event, the Chief Minister also inaugurated a newly constructed grand gateway connecting the museum to the main Relic Stupa, ensuring seamless access for tourists and devotees.

Notably, Nitish Kumar was earlier scheduled to attend the Vaishali Mahotsav, but could not participate due to unavoidable circumstances.

His visit, just a day after the festival concluded, reflects his deep personal commitment to the project.

While the museum had seen a partial inauguration in July last year, it has now been fully opened and dedicated to the public.

Meanwhile, political circles are abuzz with speculation that this visit to Vaishali could be Nitish Kumaras final official tour as Chief Minister, amid reports suggesting he may step down in the near future.

By completing this landmark project in the closing phase of his tenure, he has marked a significant milestone in preserving the historical and cultural legacy of Vaishali.

The museum is expected to emerge as a major destination for Buddhist pilgrims and tourists from across the world in the years ahead.
Washington, April 3 : With tensions still simmering in the Gulf, U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday suggested the Strait of Hormuz could be reopened for oil gains, describing it as a chance to "MAKE A FORTUNE," as maritime traffic shows early signs of revival.a Washington, April 3 (IANS) With tensions still simmering in the Gulf, U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday suggested the Strait of Hormuz could be reopened for oil gains, describing it as a chance to "MAKE A FORTUNE," as maritime traffic shows early signs of revival.

"With a little more time, we can easily OPEN THE HORMUZ STRAIT, TAKE THE OIL, & MAKE A FORTUNE. IT WOULD BE A 'GUSHER' FOR THE WORLD???," Trump said in a social media post.

His remarks come as new data indicate a cautious return of shipping activity through the strategic waterway, a key artery for global energy supplies.

Maritime intelligence firm Windward said 16 ships transited the strait on April 1, marking the third consecutive day of movement after a period of severe disruption.

Separate data showed 16 cargo vessels passed through on Wednesday, up from 11 the previous day, signalling a gradual recovery, though still far below pre-conflict levels.

The disruption began in mid-March, when Iran imposed a mandatory navigation corridor, overseen by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), forcing vessels to alter their routes and operate under Iranian supervision.

Recent vessel movements suggest some operators are beginning to test those restrictions.

According to Windward, as of April 2, about 656 vessels were present in the Arabian Gulf, split between cargo ships (55 per cent) and tankers (45 per cent). Traffic remains skewed, with just one inbound transit recorded against eight outbound movements, dominated by container cargo and tanker departures.

Three Omani-controlled vessels  including two oil tankers and one liquefied natural gas carrier  exited the strait using standard international navigation channels, bypassing the Iranian-controlled corridor.

One of these, the LNG tanker Sohar, reached waters off Muscat, becoming the first LNG carrier to transit the strait since the conflict escalated.

A container ship linked to French logistics giant CMA CGM also passed through the strait, marking one of the first known transits by a Western-linked vessel since restrictions tightened.

Windward report underscores the dominance of so-called flag-of-convenience registries in the region. Panama leads with 142 vessels, followed by Liberia (95), Marshall Islands (93), and Iran (37), reflecting a mix of commercial and higher-risk shipping profiles.

Ownership patterns remain opaque. The firm said vessels transiting the strait involve beneficial owners from China, India, Turkey, and Iran, with about 25 per cent of ships maintaining unknown ownership  a trend analysts say complicates monitoring and enforcement.
Ahmedabad, April 3 : The Congress on Friday named Bhrugurajsinh Chauhan as its candidate for the forthcoming Gujarat Assembly by-election from the Umreth constituency.a

In a statement, the party said Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge had approved the candidature.a

Chauhan has held several organisational positions within the Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC).a

He has been serving as Coordinator of the GPCC Central Zone since 2025 and earlier worked as Pradesh Pratinidhi between 2020 and 2025.a

He has also been appointed PCC in-charge for Nadiad, Mahudha, Thasra, and Galteshwar constituencies for 2026.a

Previously, he was entrusted with responsibilities as PCC in-charge during the Morva Hadaf by-election in 2020 and the Karjan by-election in 2019.a

At the local level, Chauhan has served as President of the Umreth Taluka Panchayat for three consecutive terms from 2000 to 2015.a

He has also held the positions of President of the Mahi Katha Vikas Munch in Anand, Secretary of the Akhil Gujarat Kshatriya Munch, and Chairman of Ahima Seva Sahkari Mandali.a

Earlier, the party had appointed four observers for the forthcoming by-election in the constituency, tasking them with overseeing campaign coordination, organisational preparedness, and feedback from the ground.a

The observers were expected to work closely with local party units and monitor booth-level activities.a

Party sources said the move is aimed at strengthening coordination and ensuring that campaign efforts remain aligned with the partyas overall electoral approach in the constituency.a

The Umreth Assembly seat in Anand district fell vacant following the death of sitting BJP MLA Govind Parmar on March 6, necessitating the by-election.a

The Election Commission has scheduled polling for April 23, with voting counting on May 4.a

BJP has fielded Harshad Parmar as its candidate. He is the son of the late MLA and currently serves as sarpanch of Chikhodra Gram Panchayat and president of the Anand Taluka Sarpanch Association.a
Seoul, April 3 : South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said Friday he and French President Emmanuel Macron agreed to work together to secure the safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz and mitigate the broad impact from the war in the Middle East.

Lee addressed concerns over uncertainties in global energy supply chains following summit talks with Macron, during which the two leaders discussed ways to deepen economic ties and strengthen coordination on security issues.

"President Macron and I agreed to share policy-related experiences and strategies in order to jointly address the economic and energy crisis triggered by the Middle East war. We also concurred on working together to reduce uncertainty in the global economy," Lee said during a joint press announcement.

"We confirmed our commitment to bolstering energy security by expanding our cooperation in the nuclear and offshore wind power sectors while collaborating to secure safe maritime transport routes through the Strait of Hormuz," he added.

Macron also underscored the need for France and South Korea to cooperate to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz and deescalate conflict in the Middle East at the international level, Yonhap news agency reported.

Lee said the two leaders also agreed to boost trade and investment with a goal of reaching $20 billion in annual bilateral trade by 2030, up from $15 billion last year.

To boost cooperation across sectors, the two sides signed a series of memorandums of understanding (MOUs) and other documents.

They pledged to expand cooperation in advanced technologies and future industries -- including artificial intelligence, semiconductors and quantum technology -- and to establish a ministerial-level joint committee on science and technology.

The two countries also signed a letter of intent on cooperation in critical mineral supply chains, aimed at combining South Korea's manufacturing capabilities with France's processing technology and infrastructure.

The state-run Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power signed MOUs with French nuclear firms, Orano and Framatome, as well as a separate MOU with France's EDF on a joint development of an offshore wind power plant in the southwestern city of Yeonggwang.

Lee expressed hope that the agreements would ensure a stable supply of raw materials for South Korea's nuclear power plants and lay the groundwork for joint entry into the global market.

He also laid out plans to cooperate in space and defence while pledging efforts to bolster collaboration in the cultural sector in light of an MOU signed between the two nations' cultural heritage agencies.

During the talks, Lee said he explained Seoul's efforts to resume dialogue with Pyongyang to promote peace on the Korean Peninsula, while Macron reaffirmed Paris' support for peace and stability on the peninsula.

"We two leaders shared a profound understanding that peace on the Korean Peninsula has far reaching implications not just in Northeast Asia and Europe but also the rest of the world," Lee said.

Lee noted that Seoul and Paris have expanded cooperation across a wide range of sectors, including future strategic industries, such as artificial intelligence, quantum technology, space, nuclear energy and defense, and expressed hope to deepen coordination on the international stage.

"As responsible members of the international community, the two countries are also working together to respond to rapid changes in the global landscape," he said.

Lee said Macron extended a formal invitation to the Group of Seven summit scheduled for June in Evian, France, adding that he accepted the invitation. If he attends, it would mark his second consecutive appearance at the G7, following his participation in Canada last year.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Dibrugarh, April 3 : Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, on Friday, intensified the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) campaign in Upper Assam, asserting that the outcome of the upcoming Assembly polls will determine the future of Assam and protection of the identity and rights of the Assamese people.

Addressing a series of rallies in Margherita, Majuli and Khowang in support of BJP candidates Bhaskar Sharma, Bhuban Gam and Chakradhar Gogoi, Union Minister Sonowal said the April 9 election is not merely a political contest but a decisive moment for Assam.

"This is not just an election -- it is a resolve to safeguard the self-respect, identity and rights of the Assamese people. Our Assam, our land, our rights -- we must carry this forward," the Union Minister said at a rally in Margherita.

Invoking the legacy of Swargadeo Chaolung Sukapha, Sonowal emphasised that Assam's identity, culture and language are deeply rooted in its historical heritage and must be protected.

Highlighting the achievements of the BJP-led NDA government, he said decisive steps have been taken to secure land rights for indigenous people, reclaim encroached land and preserve the state's cultural heritage.

"Assam today stands on the pillars of peace, development and renewed confidence," the Union Minister added.

Launching a sharp attack on the Congress, Sonowal accused the party of weakening Assam's social fabric through "vote-bank politics" and alleged that it had encouraged illegal infiltration in the past.

"Congress committed grave injustice to Assam by compromising indigenous rights and undermining the cultural foundation of the state. The people have not forgotten the repression during the Assam Movement," he said.

In Majuli, Sonowal extended greetings ahead of Rongali Bihu and highlighted the island's global cultural significance, citing traditions like Raas and Ali-Aye-Ligang.

Recalling his tenure as the former Assam Chief Minister, the Union Minister expressed gratitude to the people of Majuli for their support in 2016.

"Majuli is like my mother, which shaped my political journey," he said.

Pitching for BJP candidate Bhuban Gam, Union Minister Sonowal described him as a "simple and sincere" leader who can effectively serve the people.

He also underscored development initiatives in Majuli, including its elevation to a district, improved governance access, tourism potential and focus on women's empowerment.

Reiterating the NDA's commitment, Union Minister Sonowal said the BJP's manifesto includes 31 pledges based on public feedback, adding that "a strong Assam will strengthen India".
New Delhi, April 3 : As the political turmoil continued over the removal of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Raghav Chadha from the post of Deputy Leader in the Rajya Sabha, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), on Friday, left no stone unturned to criticise the party and its Convener Arvind Kejriwal, calling the latter "insecure" and AAP as "liphafa party".

BJP National Spokesperson Shazia Ilmi said she was neither surprised nor did she found anything unusual in this.

"This is the Aam Aadmi Party's style of politics, anyone who does not show complete loyalty, or what I would call sycophancy, is shown the door. They cannot show the door to him (Raghav Chadha) now because he is a Rajya Sabha MP and will complete his term, unless and until he himself resigns which he won't," she added.

Accusing AAP Chief Kejriwal, Ilmi told IANS, "Maybe Arvind Kejriwal has some insecurity with Raghav Chadha, he thinks that the latter is moving ahead (of Kejriwal). People are discussing about him. Kejriwal only tolerates those people who don't have an identity of their own."

Moreover, the BJP National Spokesperson said, "One also needs to think why was AAP leader Sanjay Singh not given the post."

BJP MLA Tarvinder Singh Marwah called AAP "liphafa party".

He said, "Arvind Kejriwal's party is a liphafa party. When the liphafa breaks, the party goes in the line of the end. Today, the same is happening with Kejriwal, because Kejriwal calls himself a king and the people of Delhi as his subjects. Since he is now removed from the throne, he is baffled and is now doubting his own people."

Amid rumours that Raghav Chadha might join the BJP, Marwah told IANS, "BJP does not need such leaders. Also we don't force anyone to join our party."

Shiv Sena Spokesperson Sanjay Nirupam alleged that AAP took such a decision because Raghav Chadha did not support Kejriwal while the latter was sent to jail in connection with the Delhi excise policy case.

"When Arvind Kejriwal was sent to jail in liquor policy and other cases, maybe Raghav Chadha did not come out in his support. Like all others were calling him (Kejriwal) honest, he (Chadha) did not. All those who support corruption are taking action against honest people. Reality of AAP can be understood from here," he told IANS.

Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC asserted that though the AAP Chief repeatedly calls it the Aam Aadmi Party, but "it appears to be a 'khaas aadmi' party".

Meanwhile, Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy expressed his disappointment with AAP MP Raghav Chadha after the latter, in response to his party's decision, issued a video statement on Friday morning, claiming that he was being silenced for raising people's voice.

Roy said, "Is Raghav Chanda a politician? He moves around Arvind Kejriwal. Has he ever done politics on the ground? Has he ever won a corporation election? He is saying this for publicity, it won't make a difference."

Meanwhile, AAP has replaced Raghav Chadha with party MP Ashok Mittal.
New Delhi, April 3 : The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC), which operates the Namo Bharat Rapid Rail between Delhi and Meerut, unveiled the corridor's largest EV charging hub at the Anand Vihar station on Friday.a New Delhi, April 3 (IANS) The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC), which operates the Namo Bharat Rapid Rail between Delhi and Meerut, unveiled the corridoras largest EV charging hub at the Anand Vihar station on Friday.a

The move, aimed at promoting clean, green transportation in Delhi-NCR, is expected to provide significant relief to electric vehicle users.a

The newly established charging station features 10 high-voltage fast-charging units with a combined capacity of 480 kW. A key highlight of this facility is its ability to charge 10 electric vehicles simultaneously.

Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, these chargers can charge four-wheeled vehicles to approximately 80 per cent in just 30 minutes.a

Dedicated charging points have been installed here for heavy commercial electric vehicles.a

To make the charging experience even more convenient, the "Electrify" mobile application is being utilised. Through this app, vehicle owners can easily register, book slots online, and monitor their vehicle's charging status in real-time.

Digital payment options are also available within the app, rendering the entire process completely smart and transparent.a

The move by NCRTC coincides with the Delhi governmentas efforts to ramp up installation of EV charging hubs across the city as it seeks to replace the existing bus fleet with electric vehicles. The DTC recently floated tenders for the supply and installation of EV chargers at three big bus depots a" Kashmiri Gate, Sarai Kale Khan, and Anand Vihar.a

With the launch of the facility at Anand Vihar Station, EV charging services are now available at a total of eight Namo Bharat stations, including Sahibabad, Guldhar, Duhai, Muradnagar, Modinagar South, Modinagar North, and Meerut South.

Both fast and standard charging infrastructure have been developed at these stations. This initiative is expected to benefit commuters who travel to Namo Bharat stations in their personal electric vehicles.a

The NCRTC initiative enables commuters to charge their vehicles on the go while also making a significant contribution to national goals for pollution control and sustainable development.

The corporation plans to extend similar facilities to other stations in the near future, thereby further promoting clean-energy-based transportation across the region.a

--IANSa

pkt/mr/dan

a
New Delhi, April 3 : The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Friday hailed the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026, recently passed by both Houses of Parliament, as a significant step to safeguard public health.a

As per the provisions of the Bill, 784 provisions across 79 Central Acts administered by 23 Ministries have been amended.a

Within the health sector, the amendments span key legislations including the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940; the Pharmacy Act, 1948; the Food Safety and Standards Act; the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010; and the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Act, 2021, said a statement.a

These reforms align with the broader objective of simplifying compliance while maintaining robust safeguards for public health, it said.a

A central feature of these reforms is the replacement of criminal penalties, particularly imprisonment for minor procedural violations, with graded monetary penalties.a

This marks a shift towards a more facilitative regulatory framework while retaining strict action for serious violations affecting public health and safety.a

Under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, several provisions have been amended to substitute imprisonment with financial penalties and to introduce a structured adjudication mechanism, the statement said.a

Notably, an adjudication mechanism has been introduced for violations under Section 27A(ii) and Section 28A. This ensures that minor cosmetic violations (other than spurious or adulterated products) will not require court intervention and can instead be addressed through a civil penalty framework.a

Further, violations such as non-maintenance of documents or non-submission of information, which were earlier punishable through court-imposed fines or imprisonment, can now be adjudicated through this civil penalty mechanism.a

For the first time, the legislation provides for the appointment of adjudicating authorities by the Central Government and State Governments, along with a defined process that includes the issuance of show-cause notices, provision for personal hearings, and an appellate mechanism.a

This reform will significantly reduce the burden on courts, minimise layers of litigation, and enable faster resolution of minor compliance issues, said the statement.a

It will particularly benefit the cosmetics industry by enabling structured, predictable handling of minor infringements, including procedural lapses such as failure to maintain statutory records or documents, thereby freeing them from prolonged litigation.a

Similarly, amendments to the Pharmacy Act, 1948, aim to modernise penalty provisions and enhance accountability through increased financial penalties for non-compliance. The reforms also ensure alignment with updated legal frameworks, it said.a

Under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, provisions have been streamlined to strengthen enforcement while ensuring that penalties are proportionate to the nature of the offence. This supports a balanced approach between regulatory oversight and ease of compliance.a

The Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010, has been updated to emphasise monetary penalties for non-compliance, particularly in cases where deficiencies do not pose immediate risks to patient safety. This encourages corrective action without resorting to criminal proceedings, the statement said.a

Further, the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Act, 2021, has been strengthened to ensure compliance with professional standards and regulatory requirements, with penalties designed to deter violations while maintaining proportionality.a

The alignment of these reforms across multiple health-related legislations reflects a coherent policy approach aimed at harmonising regulatory frameworks, it said.a

By standardising the shift from criminal penalties to civil penalties and introducing adjudication mechanisms, the amendments ensure consistency, predictability, and proportionality in enforcement. a

This alignment reduces regulatory fragmentation, simplifies compliance requirements, and provides clarity to stakeholders operating across different segments of the health sector.a

a
Hyderabad, April 3 : The Hyderabad Food Adulteration Surveillance Team (H-FAST), a special unit of Hyderabad Police to check food adulteration, is maintaining a strict vigil on the sale of chemically ripened mangoes.

Hyderabad Police Commissioner V. C. Sajjanar, who heads H-FAST, said on Friday that legal action is being initiated against those who violate the rules.

He urged the public not to be deceived by the outward appearance of the fruit and to verify its naturalness before purchasing.

Be cautious of mangoes that have an unnatural colour, a chemical odour, or a strange taste. If there are unusual spots on the skin or if the colour changes unexpectedly when washed with baking soda water, realise that they are harmful to your health, he said.

People having information regarding adulterated mangoes may report it to Dial 100 or contact the H-FAST helpline at 8712661212.

"The king of fruits is back on our plates, but people are advised to exercise caution and avoid being misled by chemically ripened mangoes. They should also be wary of those sold under the label of organic," the Police Commissioner said in a social media post.

He urged consumers to verify the authenticity of the produce before making a purchase.

"With the onset of summer, the mango has begun to flood the markets. However, citizens must not overlook the deadly danger lurking behind these mouth-watering fruits. Driven by a greed for profit, some unscrupulous traders are risking public lives. Instead of allowing mangoes to ripen naturally, they are being artificially ripened using Calcium Carbide and other hazardous chemicals," he said.

The Police Commissioner cautioned people that purchasing fruits solely because they look shiny and golden on roadside stalls is essentially inviting illness into your home.

"Typically, a naturally ripened mango does not have a perfectly uniform colour. In contrast, chemically ripened fruits appear bright yellow on the outside but remain raw and toxic on the inside. Medical experts warn that consuming such fruits can lead to immediate health issues like throat irritation, nausea, vomiting, and Diarrhea. In the long run, it may also lead to severe complications such as nervous system damage and respiratory problems," he said.

Sajjanar stated that the Hyderabad Police are already taking a stern stand against such traders who play with public health.

Police recently established a food adulteration surveillance team to strengthen food safety enforcement and regulatory action.
Raipur, April 3 : Police have arrested five persons in connection with the gruesome murder of a 29-year-old man who was brutally assaulted and buried alive in a mining pit near Abhanpur a few days ago.

The victim, a Pakistani citizen who had been living in Raipur in anticipation of citizenship, succumbed to his injuries five days later due to soil entering his mouth and windpipe.

"One accused is still at large," an investigation officer told IANS. The deceased, Nitesh Batra, a resident of Sadani Darbar in Raipur, was not an Indian citizen and was working in the city.

The primary accused, Shyam Sundar Soni, a vegetable shop owner, was reportedly in a relationship with a woman.

On the night of March 16, Nitesh went to Shyam's house, leading to a heated argument that turned violent. Shyam, along with two of his employees, beat Nitesh severely with a wooden stick, causing head injuries.

"Probably in a semi-conscious state, the victim was loaded into an auto-rickshaw and transported nearly 40 km to a remote murum (red soil) mining pit between Parsulidih and Filgabhatta village (near the Madhya Pradesh border). There, the accused allegedly punched him further, tried to strangle him with a gamcha, and finally buried him alive," police said.

The auto-rickshaw reportedly passed through the jurisdictions of four police stations  Moudhapara, Mana, Tikrapara, and Abhanpur  raising serious questions about police vigilance during the journey.

The body was discovered on March 21 in a gravel-filled roadside ditch near Bharavgabhata, with one hand and a leg protruding from the ground. A post-mortem confirmed he was buried alive, said the police officials.

Abhanpur police have registered a case and arrested five accused from Uttar Pradesh, including Shyam Sundar Soni, Sonia Sahu, Sumit Kosle, and two minors. One more accused is still at large. Police have seized an auto-rickshaw, wooden sticks, and other items.

"This is a heinous and extremely shocking crime. The accused have shown extreme brutality by burying a semi-conscious man alive. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to trace the remaining accused. Strict action will be taken against everyone involved."

"All aspects, including possible negligence, are being examined. The accused will be produced in court, and we will ensure justice for the victim," another senior police official said.

The case has sent shockwaves across Raipur, with locals demanding stricter patrolling on highways and better coordination between police stations to prevent such incidents. The investigation is ongoing to determine the full sequence of events and the role of each accused.
New Delhi, April 3 : Earthquake tremors were felt across Delhi-NCR and several parts of North India on Friday night, triggering panic among residents who rushed out of homes and office buildings. There were, however, no immediate reports of any casualties.

According to the information shared by the Meteorological Centre Srinagar, the earthquake measured 5.9 on the Richter scale and struck at 9:42:57 pm IST, with its epicentre in Afghanistan at a depth of 150 km.

The tremors were reported from multiple locations, including Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad and Faridabad, as well as parts of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and adjoining regions.

Residents reported feeling sudden jerks while seated, with furniture and hanging objects swaying. Many people said the shaking lasted for a few seconds but was strong enough to be clearly felt indoors.

In several residential areas, people stepped out of their homes as a precaution, while office-goers briefly evacuated buildings. People gathered in open spaces, waiting for further updates.

There were no immediate reports of any major damage or injuries at the time of filing this report. Authorities are yet to issue a detailed advisory beyond confirming the earthquake parameters.

The Delhi-NCR region falls under Seismic Zone IV, which is considered a high-risk zone for earthquakes. As a result, even moderate tremors originating from distant regions are often felt across a wide area, prompting swift public reaction.

Residents took to social media to share their experiences, with many describing the tremors as sudden and unsettling. Some said ceiling fans and furniture shook noticeably, while others reported feeling vibrations while seated or lying down.

Emergency services remained on alert, though no distress calls related to structural damage had been reported initially. Officials have advised citizens to remain calm and follow standard safety protocols in case of aftershocks.

Earthquakes are not uncommon in North India due to its proximity to the Himalayan seismic belt, one of the most active tectonic zones in the world. Experts have consistently stressed the importance of preparedness and adherence to building safety norms in the region.

Further details are awaited as authorities continue to monitor the situation.
Bhubaneswar, April 3 : Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday urged citizens to extend cooperation for the successful conduct of Census 2027 by sharing their details on the self-enumeration portal ahead of the door-to-door survey.

It is worth noting that the Census programme in the state has been launched in coordination with the Directorate of Census Operations, Odisha, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, and the Revenue and Disaster Management Department of the Government of Odisha.

The first phase of the Census -- House Listing and Housing Census -- is scheduled to begin from April 16. Under this programme, trained enumerators and supervisors will visit households and collect data from April 16 to May 15. Prior to this, the self-enumeration programme is being conducted from April 1 to midnight of April 15.

Under this programme, citizens are providing their information on their own through the self-enumeration portal (https://se.census.gov.in).

"I request all of you that if you have not yet submitted your information, please do so through this portal and cooperate in the Census. I have also completed my self-enumeration. You should do the same," Majhi said.

"From April 16, trained enumerators will visit households to collect information. This data is extremely important for planning and implementation of development programmes for our state as well as the country. Therefore, I urge all of you to extend your cooperation and make this programme a success," he added.

Majhi also emphasised that the state government has made all necessary preparations for the Census 2027 programme. He requested people to provide accurate details when enumerators visit their homes and contribute to the development of the state and the nation.

"On behalf of the Government of Odisha, I request your wholehearted participation for the success of this national programme," Majhi said.

Notably, the Odisha government has directed all its departments, district administrations, and urban local bodies not to transfer officials and employees engaged in census duties to ensure the successful completion of Census 2027. The state government has undertaken extensive preparations to ensure the smooth conduct of the exercise.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Jaipur, April 3 : Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Friday said that ensuring waterway connectivity for the transportation and export of goods from industries within the state is among the top priorities of the government, and directed officials to prepare a comprehensive report to advance the proposed Jawai-Luni-Rann of Kutch National Waterway (NW-48).

Jaipur, April 3 (IANS) Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Friday said that ensuring waterway connectivity for the transportation and export of goods from industries within the state is among the top priorities of the government, and directed officials to prepare a comprehensive report to advance the proposed Jawaia"Lunia"Rann of Kutch National Waterway (NW-48).

Chairing a meeting at the Chief Ministeras Office on National Waterway-48, Sharma instructed the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and IIT Madras to carry out a detailed assessment of the projectas technical and financial feasibility, along with a comparative study on projected vessel traffic for cargo movement.

It may be noted that under the Chief Ministeras leadership, the state government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IWAI on October 27, 2025, for the development of NW-48.

During the meeting, Professor K. Murali of IIT Madras delivered a detailed presentation on the progress and preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR). Sharma emphasised that once operational, the National Waterway would significantly benefit industries and traders not only in Rajasthan but also in neighbouring states by enabling seamless cargo transportation.

He said the project would serve as a strong foundation for the stateas holistic development, boost trade activity, and substantially reduce logistics costs. He further noted that the operationalisation of NW-48 would enable uninterrupted cargo movement to the Arabian Sea via the Rann of Kutch.

Traversing Rajasthan and Gujarat, the waterway is expected to facilitate the transportation of key commodities such as petrochemicals, minerals, cement, chemicals, and other industrial goods.

The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary V. Srinivas; Additional Chief Secretary (Water Resources) Abhay Kumar; Additional Chief Secretary (Chief Ministeras Office) Akhil Arora; IWAI Chairman Sunil Paliwal; Principal Secretary (Finance) Vaibhav Galriya; and other senior officials from the concerned departments.
Imphal, April 3 : Security forces on Friday arrested four dreaded valley-based insurgents from Manipur's Tengnoupal district, which shares an unfenced border with Myanmar, officials said.

A senior police official stated that the four insurgents were apprehended from Yangoubung village under the Moreh police station in Tengnoupal district. The militants belong to the National Revolutionary Front of Manipur (NRFM), the People's Liberation Army (PLA), and the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), all of which are banned outfits.

The arrested individuals have been identified as PLA cadre Keisham Sumanta Meitei (25), a resident of Imphal West district; NRFM member Angom Somorjit Singh alias Nongsaba (32), a resident of Kakching district; KCP cadre Yumnam Naoba Singh alias Shinsangamba (26), a resident of Imphal East district; and KCP member Khundrakpam Shyamson Meitei alias Manganleiba (25), a resident of Thoubal district.

According to officials, the militants were involved in abduction activities and the forcible collection of money from various sections of society, including traders, contractors, government employees, and even common citizens.

Security forces, comprising both central and state agencies, have intensified crackdowns on militant groups, with ongoing search operations and area domination drives in fringe, mixed-population, and vulnerable areas across multiple districts.

To curb the movement of anti-social and suspicious elements, a total of 117 nakas (checkpoints) have been set up across Manipur in both valley and hill districts.

Additionally, security personnel are providing escorts to vehicles, including trucks transporting essential commodities, along the Imphal-Jiribam National Highway (NH-37).

Strict security arrangements and convoy protection measures remain in place in sensitive stretches to ensure the safe passage of vehicles.

Manipur Police have urged the public not to believe rumours or fall prey to fake videos circulating on social media.

"The authenticity of any such videos or audio clips should be verified with the Central Control Room. Uploading or circulating unverified content will invite legal action," a police statement warned.

The police also appealed to the public to immediately return any looted arms, ammunition, or explosives to the nearest police station or security forces.
From a brunch conversation to one of Australias fastest growing service businesses. Anna Grosman shares the lessons that got her there

Whats happening: Anna Grosman is the founder of Her Confidant, Australias first female-led companionship agency for women, which has grown 400% year-on-year since launching in its current form in February 2024.

Why this matters: For small business owners, Grosmans story is a rare example of a founder who built genuine commercial success by doing the opposite of what her industry normalised. No paid advertising. Rigorous quality control. A client-led model that kept evolving as she kept listening.

Anna Grosman did not set out to disrupt an industry. She set out to solve a problem she kept hearing about.

My career in the intimacy industry started over brunch with friends, she said. The same frustration kept coming up. High-achieving, financially independent women were exhausted by dating apps and low-effort men. They wanted connection, intimacy, and great sex, without the emotional labour or compromise of a traditional relationship.

That observation became Aphrodisiac Male Escorts, which Grosman co-founded in 2012. It grew quickly, she said, because it removed the sleaze and centred women. Safety, discretion and emotional intelligence came first. But over time, something deeper emerged from the client base that no product in the market was addressing.

Alongside confident, empowered clients who knew what they wanted, there was a far larger, quieter group, Grosman said. Women coming from silent marriages, divorce, loss, long stretches of emotional neglect, and even trauma. On the outside, they were functioning. Internally, they felt invisible.

That insight drove the relaunch of the business as Her Confidant on Valentines Day 2024, deliberately repositioned within the wellness space. Since then the business has grown 400% year-on-year, with consistent 30% month-on-month growth driven entirely by referrals and repeat clients rather than paid advertising.

The commercial lesson embedded in that trajectory is one of the most transferable in business: the founders who keep listening after launch build something fundamentally different from those who fall in love with their original idea and stop.

Many founders fall in love with their original vision, Grosman said. I chose to fall in love with listening. As I deepened my understanding of our clients, their needs shifted the businesss trajectory. That evolution is exactly what took us from Aphrodisiac to Her Confidant. We didnt pivot for a trend. We responded to a profound truth.

When safety becomes the product

The most commercially significant decision Grosman made was reframing what her business was actually selling.

One of the most important lessons Ive learned is that safety is not just a feature. It is the product, she said. When women feel safe, everything else follows: trust, desire, and openness.

That insight reshaped every operational decision. Her Confidant receives well over one hundred companion applications a month, and the vast majority are rejected. The vetting process includes psychological screening, background checks, health checks, extended interviews and simulated bookings with trusted trialists.

Im interested in emotional intelligence, presence, and integrity, Grosman said. That level of selectivity protects my clients and preserves the sanctity of the space weve built.

The commercial logic behind that selectivity is worth sitting with for any service business owner. By making the barrier to entry extraordinarily high, Grosman made the quality of the experience extraordinarily consistent. Consistency built word of mouth. Word of mouth built growth without a marketing budget.

The Reawakening, Her Confidants newly launched somatic intimacy program, is the fullest expression of that philosophy yet. Developed in consultation with Australian sexologists, psychologists and intimacy professionals, it is a multi-stage guided experience designed specifically for women who feel disconnected from touch, desire or pleasure after years of stress, caregiving, trauma or emotional overload.

Almost 50% of surveyed women in midlife reported having poor sexual wellbeing, with affected women more likely to be depressed, according to a recent Australian study cited in the programs launch materials. Many women are also opting out of dating altogether, citing safety concerns, burnout and a lack of meaningful connection.

On the outside, these women are high-functioning and successful, Grosman said. But inside, many feel disconnected from pleasure, softness and embodiment. We see so many women who dont feel like themselves anymore. A part of their being has shut down or become dysregulated through years of stress, caregiving or trauma. And theres still enormous shame around women, particularly mothers and older women, wanting intimacy at all.

The program consists of an initial discovery call, a preparatory session with a qualified sexologist, psychologist or intimacy professional, a three-hour guided intimacy experience with a rigorously vetted trauma-informed companion, an aftercare catch-up with Grosman, and a follow-up integration session with the chosen intimacy professional, supported by curated personalised resources throughout.

Sexologist Isiah McKimmie, one of the practitioners involved in the program, spoke to the broader need it addresses. A lack of meaningful physical touch impacts our physical and mental health, McKimmie said. Many women are now looking for alternative ways to meet their intimacy needs, but may not want to date. Access to a companion will allow women to access intimate touch in a way that increases physical and emotional safety.

For Grosman, The Reawakening is not a product extension. It is the logical destination of everything she has been building toward since that brunch conversation more than a decade ago.

The ecosystem behind the experience

One of the less visible but commercially important parts of how Her Confidant operates is the network Grosman has built around it.

Rather than positioning the business as a standalone service, she has constructed what she describes as an expansive ecosystem, a curated all-female panel of sexologists, trauma-informed therapists, wellness practitioners, marketing professionals and designers who work alongside the business at every stage.

The Reawakening makes that ecosystem visible. Delivered in partnership with leading Australian practitioners including Isiah McKimmie, Laura Lee, Courtenay DuBois and Natalie West, the program reflects a model where the client experience is held by a network of expertise rather than dependent on any single service or individual.

I dont see my Companions as commodities, but as my extended family, Grosman said. This work is emotionally demanding. It requires deep presence, holding space for a womans vulnerability, and navigating complex emotional landscapes. To keep that level of service sustainable and heart-led, I stay closely involved, checking in consistently and providing real support. If I dont take care of my people, they cant take care of my clients.

For small business owners, the model offers a practical template that goes beyond the intimacy industry entirely. The quality of the client experience is only as strong as the support structures behind the people delivering it. Building those structures, whether through formal partnerships, curated referral networks or collaborative service design, is not a cost. It is the foundation of retention and word of mouth growth.

What any founder can take from this

Grosman has built a business growing faster than almost any comparable operator in her space, in an industry that offers none of the conventional advantages, no easy access to advertising platforms, no mainstream PR, sustained public scrutiny and significant stigma.

The lessons she draws from that experience are direct. Dont wait for permission, she said. If you see a gap, trust what youre noticing. Most meaningful businesses dont come from trend reports or pitch decks. They come from listening, from noticing what people are asking for and are not being given.

On building in a difficult operating environment, her approach has been consistency over defensiveness. You dont convince people by arguing. You convince them by doing the work well, consistently, and with integrity.

On the relationship between care and commercial success, she is equally clear. If I want longevity, I need systems that support humans, not just outcomes. Presence, consistent check-ins, and shared responsibility matter more than most people realise.

And on the question of whether purpose and profit can genuinely coexist. They feed each other when done well. If your business empowers the person at the centre of it, emotionally, physically, or financially, youre building something that lasts.

Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Patna, April 3 : Armed criminals carried out a major daylight robbery at a jewellery shop in Bihar's Darbhanga district on Friday, looting valuables worth nearly Rs 1.8 crore and raising fresh concerns over law and order in the state.

The incident occurred at around 2.55 p.m. at "Prem Jewellers" in the busy Bara Bazar area under the Nagar Police Station limits.

According to shop owner Manoj Kumar, four armed miscreants entered the showroom, held customers and staff hostage at gunpoint, and executed the robbery within minutes.

"They abused and assaulted people. We were terrified and did not resist. They even tried to destroy the CCTV DVR and Wi-Fi system," Kumar said.

Preliminary estimates suggest that gold and silver jewellery worth around Rs 1.5 crore, along with Rs 2225 lakh in cash, was looted. As the shop operates on a wholesale basis, supplying ornaments to smaller traders, a large volume of stock was present at the time. The exact loss will be confirmed after inventory verification.

The robbery took place in one of the city's busiest commercial hubs, with allegations that police reached the spot nearly half an hour after the incident.

Senior officials, including DIG Manoj Tiwari and SSP Jagannath Reddy, rushed to the scene and initiated a high-level probe. The SSP confirmed the incident.

Police said the accused are believed to be between 25 and 30 years of age, with at least one suspect unmasked. CCTV footage is being analysed, and district-wide checkpoints have been set up to track down the culprits.

In contrast, a recent robbery case in Patna saw swift police action. Last Tuesday, four armed criminals looted jewellery worth Rs 4 lakh from a shop in the Danapur area. Acting promptly, police formed a special investigation team under senior officers.

Using CCTV footage and technical surveillance, the team tracked the suspects' movements and mobile locations. Within two days, all four accused were arrested from locations outside Patna. Police recovered a significant portion of the stolen jewellery, along with illegal weapons and the motorcycle used in the crime.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the robbery was carried out after reconnaissance with the help of a local insider. The accused, natives of Siwan and Saran districts, have confessed during interrogation. Police are now probing possible links to other robbery cases.

The contrast between the swift resolution of the Patna case and the brazen Darbhanga heist has intensified debate over policing and security preparedness in Bihar. The latest incident has sparked concern among traders and residents, especially in busy market areas.

Authorities said efforts are underway to apprehend the culprits at the earliest and restore public confidence.
Chennai, April 3 : Priyansh Arya's opening blitz of 39 off 11 balls and skipper Shreyas Iyer's fifty propelled Punjab Kings to their second victory in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, beating Chennai Super Kings by five wickets at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Friday.

Chennai, April 3 (IANS) Priyansh Aryaas opening blitz of 39 off 11 balls and skipper Shreyas Iyeras fifty propelled Punjab Kings to their second victory in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, beating Chennai Super Kings by five wickets at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Friday.

Priyansh Arya ignited the chase with an impressive start, setting the tone for Punjab Kingsa pursuit of 210 against Chennai Super Kings. Brought in as a substitute, Arya made his intentions clear. He attacked Khaleel Ahmed right from the beginning. A sharp, straight drive for four, followed by a powerful six over midwicket, marked his entrance. While Khaleel managed some movement against Prabhsimran Singh, he still gave away 14 runs in the first over.

There was no break in the second over as Arya attacked Matt Henry, hitting 4, 6, and 4 to reach 25 off just six balls. By the time PBKS scored their fifty in an incredible 3.2 overs, Arya had already piled up 27 off eight balls, easily finding the boundary. This was a bold, modern T20 strategy. Seeing a target of over 200, he went all out in the power play to take control of the chase. His 39 off 11 at a strike rate of 355 may not have been a match-winning innings by itself, but it clearly represented the role of an aggressive opener today: deal maximum damage early and establish a platform.

At the other end, Prabhsimran kept the momentum going, but CSK tried to regain control with spin by bringing in Noor Ahmad and adding Rahul Chahar as an impact bowler. However, PBKS kept pushing, with Cooper Connolly showing intent against spin. However, a costly mistake on a low-risk second call cost PBKS their momentum at a crucial time, when Shreyas Iyer walked confidently to the crease with a chance to score runs. Noor Ahmad sprinted from midwicket to intercept the ball, while Sarfaraz Khan made an excellent backup play and threw an accurate ball to the non-strikersa end to catch Prabhsimran (43) out after Connolly returned him.

Conolly holed out off a full toss, which he couldnat quite hit past mid-off. That was a missed opportunity, and one heall regret on the long walk back. With 83 runs needed off 49 balls, PBKS still has Shreyas Iyer and Nehal Wadhera at the crease to steady the chase. CSK, on the other hand, has limited spin left. They have just one over from Noor Ahmad and two from Rahul Chahar. After that, it will be up to the pacers, who have given away runs all evening, to finish the job.

Ayush Mhatre starred with a sensational 73 off 43 as late cameos from Sarfaraz Khan (32 off 12) and Shivam Dube (45* off 27) powered Chennai Super Kings to 209/5.

CSKas innings had a shaky start, with Sanju Samson (7) falling early yet again, exposing his struggles against movement. Amid the early setbacks, Mhatre took charge, showing great intent and preparation, especially against short balls. Having worked on his pull shot, he confidently took on the pacers, racing to 59 off 32 balls inside nine overs, including four fours and five sixes.

While Mhatre dominated, Ruturaj Gaikwad (28 off 22) struggled to accelerate, falling at a time when CSK needed momentum. Mhatre, however, continued to dictate terms even after the Power-play, cleverly countering the wide yorker strategy with smart placement and quick adjustments.

His dismissal proved to be a turning point. At 123, Mhatre had scored 73 of those runs a" nearly 60% a" highlighting CSKas over-reliance on him as the rest of the batting managed just 38 off 32 balls, with 12 extras.

Sarfaraz then injected late momentum with an inventive cameo, using ramps and deft touches to counter both pace and yorkers, striking at 266. Though Dube initially struggled, he finished strongly, anchoring the death overs with a composed unbeaten 45. CSKas 209/5 also marked their first 200-plus total at Chepauk since April 2024, signalling a return to their high-scoring best.

Shreyas Iyer displayed unwavering poise throughout his innings by shifting gears from 4 off 5 to 50 off 26 flawlessly. He held the situation in check as the PBKS captain by choosing his shots carefully and keeping the chase on course. Yet just as everything seemed to be going PBKS' way and Iyer was batting fabulously, CSK responded with two wickets off consecutive deliveries by taking Iyer out and having Nehal Wadhera swing the momentum back their way.

However, Shashank Singh and Marcus Stoinis made sure there are no more hiccups as PBKS closed the match, winning it by five wickets.

Brief scores:

Chennai Super Kings 209/5 in 20 overs (Ayush Mhatre 73, Shivam Dube 45 not out; Vyshak Vijaykumar 2-38, Yuzvendra Chahal 1-21) lost to Punjab Kings 210/5 in 18.4 overs (Shreyas Iyer 50, Prabhsimran Singh 43, Priyansh Arya 39; Matt Henry 2-54, Anshul Kamboj 2-47) by five wickets.
Los Angeles, April 4 : Hollywood actress Lisa Kudrow is walking down memory lane. The actress remembered how talented her co-star Alan Cumming was in their 1997 film, 'Romy and Michele's High School Reunion'.

The actress saw a clip of Alan Cumming, now 61, in the film, the actress, 62, and said she was thrilled to work with him, reports 'People' magazine.

She told 'Vanity Fair', "Alan Cumming, come on. He's such a force. I was so thrilled that he was going to be in 'Romy and Michele'. He was so good. And then getting to meet him, and he's so fun and light, so down to earth, but still like a little bit of that, oh, what is it? I don't know, joie de vivre. It's like Parker Posey. It's like they're an event, you know, in and of themselves".

The movie starred Lisa Kudrow and Mira Sorvino as the title characters, two Los Angeles-area women who resolve to pretend they are successful when they travel to Arizona to attend their 10-year high school reunion.

As per 'People', Janeane Garofalo, Justin Theroux and Elaine Hendrix also starred in the movie. Kudrow's co-star in the film, Sorvino, recently reflected on the cultural resonance of the film.

Speaking on the latest episode of Sophia Bush's Work in Progress podcast, 58-year-old Sorvino described the film as "evergreen" and said that at a recent screening she and the film's screenwriter and producer Robin Schiff were treated like "rock stars".

Sorvino shared, "I'm continuously amazed at how much this movie has meant to people in their lives.This is all pending, them making deals, them saying yes, but they're all in there".

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
Business

Rancho Cucamonga Residents Ask: Should There Be a Cost to Attend the State of the City Address?

As the upcoming State of the City Address approaches, some Rancho Cucamonga residents are beginning to ask a straightforward question:

Why is there a ticket cost to attend an event focused on their own city?

This years address, delivered by Mayor Dennis Michael, carries a ticket price of $34.00. While some residents understand that organized events may involve costs, others are asking whether access to city updates should be more widely available.

David VanGorden, candidate for Rancho Cucamonga City Council, District 2, campaigning against the incumbent Kristine Scott says the questions are coming directly from the community.

Ive had residents reach out and ask why there is a cost to attend, VanGorden said. Its a fair question. People want to stay informed about their city, and theyre wondering how accessible that information should be.

VanGorden emphasized that the conversation is not about criticism, but about understanding and improving access.

This isnt about pointing fingers, he said. Its about listening to residents and making sure their questions are part of the discussion.

In addition to ticket pricing, some residents are also asking whether there are ways to make the State of the City Address more accessible to a broader audience.

People are beginning to ask  could this be available through a live stream or recorded and shared online? VanGorden said. That would allow residents to watch on their own schedule, especially those who may not be able to attend in person.

As digital access becomes more common, options such as virtual attendance or posting the address on platforms like YouTube are increasingly seen as ways to expand community engagement.

The conversation has also led to broader questions about how events like this are structured.

Some residents are curious about how venues and event logistics factor into decisions like ticket pricing, VanGorden added. For example, how are locations such as the Lewis Family Playhouse utilized for events like this, and how does that influence the overall format?

VanGorden noted that these questions reflect a growing interest in transparency and accessibility, not criticism.

At the end of the day, residents want to feel informed and included, he said. When people ask questions, its an opportunity to provide clarity and strengthen that connection.

The discussion reflects a broader theme emerging across District 2:

Residents want to be heard, informed, and connected to their local government. Residents are encouraged to submit questions or concerns by clicking Contact David VanGorden Here.

VanGorden believes even small steps can make a meaningful difference.

We can start by looking at ways to make important information easier to access, he said. Whether thats in-person, online, or both  the goal is simple: keep residents informed.

About David VanGorden

David VanGorden is a candidate for Rancho Cucamonga City Council, District 2. His campaign is built on a simple idea: residents want to be heard, informed, and represented.

He focuses on asking common-sense questions, encouraging community engagement, and supporting practical, realistic solutions centered on responsible growth, infrastructure, and transparency.

Growth without infrastructure is not progress.
Shifa Saltagi Safadi is the National Book Awardwinning author of Kareem Between, the Amina Banana series, and picture books such as The Gift of Eid. Her middle-grade novel in verse Sisters Alone is forthcoming from Putnam in September. In honor of National Poetry Month, Safadi reflects on the joys and struggles of the writing process, and all that is lost when we surrender our creative acts to AI.

I recently visited the school where I used to teach middle school English to judge a history project. And as I was standing in front of the posters and asking questions, I noticed many of the students reading off what was clearly AI-generated text about their topic.

I dug a little deeper, and the students were unable to answer even basic questions. I asked their teacher about it and was told that they were allowed to use AI for research. When I reflected on this new way of doing research that students are using to make projects and papers, I felt a deep sense of sadness.

The focus of these kids was so much on finishing the project, they didnt experience the parts of the research process that required hard work. They didnt move their minds to internalize the information or critically engage with it. They did not feel fulfillment at seeing the project come together with their words on a poster board. They reduced the whole project to a simple goal of finishingand lost so much along the way. I wonder how much of that translates to the book industry, where AI has become a topic of discourse.

Without delving into the very real ethical and environmental issues of AI, but just approaching this creativelyare we stealing from our own selves and future generations when we view writing as the end result of a book, rather than a beautiful artistic and fulfilling process in and of itself?

Seasoned authors know one thing: writing is a journey. When I am first drafting an idea into a book, there is so much work that goes into it before I even begin putting words on a page. I build a solid base: the bones of a story and a character have to fit together into a narrative that makes sense, that moves the reader into feeling something. I write notes upon notes until I figure out what the idea looks like, what the heart of the narrative I am trying to write is, what the character's scar is, what their life was like, what their goal is, and how to get them there. And then I draft.

Funny enough, the words that I put down for the first draft are not the final wordsmaybe not even the ones in the second draft... sometimes not even the 50th.

I rewrote Sisters Alone, my second novel in verse, so many times that the draft my editor saw at the submission stage was vastly different from the one she eventually accepted as the final book. The story went from a single point of view to a layered dual point of view. The themes changed from survival to sisterhood. And I was able to infuse motifs of fire and water that brought the imagery of the winter story to life in a way I never even expected.

The truth is I needed to struggle through this revision process to create the best book I could. And with that struggle came sweetness: the delight of uncovering connections on the page that I may not have even realized I was subconsciously planting; the joy of using my editors smart notes to seamlessly thread plots and subplots together in a meaningful way; the magic of seeing a survival story about two sisters develop into a tale that even brings tears to my own eyes as I read over it.

And I know I will experience a deep sense of accomplishment and fulfillment when my readers tell me they enjoyed these words that I agonized overwhen they feel a connection to my characters that I crafted from the deep parts of my soul.

AI could never.

Why would I ever give up this incredible feeling to a machine?

Sisters Alone by Shifa Saltagi Safadi. Putnam, $18.99 Sept. 8; ISBN 979-8-217-11109-1
Lara Jeans love story isnt over just yet. After more than 10 years since its release, Jenny Han's To All the Boys Ive Loved Before has been adapted into a graphic novela new format for the first title in the YA rom-com trilogy, debuting May 5. The story was adapted by Barbara Perez Marquez and illustrated by Akimaro and Li Lu.

The original bestselling YA novel, written by Jenny Han and published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, has since spawned two follow-up books, a 2018 hit Netflix feature, 2020 and 2021 sequels, and a spin-off series, XO, Kitty, based on the protagonists younger sister. Han is incredulous over how much her creation continues to resonate with audiences. When I first wrote this book, I never imagined all the different lives it would havehow readers would grow up with Lara Jean, how new readers would discover her, and how the story would keep finding new lives, she told PW. The graphic novel felt like the perfect next step.

Continuing Crush

To ensure that the team found the right voice for the adaptation, Han followed the lead of Celia Lee, executive editor at Simon & Schuster BFYR, who introduced her to Perez Marquez , one of the co-authors of The Cardboard Kingdom. She was immediately taken by Perez Marquez s keen ability to zero in on the nuances of Lara Jeans emotional journey. Barbara was able to keep the heart of the story intact, while giving room for the illustrations to shine, Han said.

Perez Marquez , in turn, felt as though their connection was kismet, crediting Hans novels for providing a foundation for her writing career. She relishes adaptations, likening the creative process to putting together the pieces of a puzzle. Figuring out that puzzle always yields some great conversations, and Im excited about the ways we achieved it, particularly how the graphic novel will immerse readers in a whole new way.

To express Lara Jeans emotional journey on the page, Perez Marquez took cues from the central characters inner voice. It was important to figure out how we could present it more outwardly, while still keeping those iconic monologues, she said. With the visual nature of comics, it gave us that multilayered opportunity, as we get to have both the internal and external emotional beats all at the same time. Devoting special attention to the books supporting characters also helped to inform their individual story arcs with regard to Lara Jeans.

One of Perez Marquez' s greatest challenges in adapting Hans book was determining which original scenes would not make it into the graphic novela decision that required thoughtful consideration. When changes like that happen, I have to ensure that the core of the story isnt compromised even with some missing moments, she said, noting the absence of most interactions with Peters lacrosse team. On the plus side, these omissions gave prominence to core scenes, enabling Perez Marquez to pair the story with strong visuals.

Collaborating with illustrators Akimaro and Li Lu, Han stressed the importance of establishing the world of Lara Jean through her persona. Lara Jean is a collector; she has a bedroom and a closet full of vintage treasures shes carefully curated, Han said. Her aesthetic POV has made her a fun character to visually bring to life, whether its in the films, as a Halloween costume, or here, in a graphic novel.

Leaning into Lara Jeans universe, Akimaro opted for a color scheme inspired by romance. I wanted a palette that felt engaging and offered some contrast, she explained. Pinks, aquas, and purples served as the main tones, punctuated by simple lines and polka dots as a nod to the characters stationery. Its something I personally love, and I imagine Lara Jean does, too. Akimaro said of the latter.

Having the chance to revisit Lara Jean in a new medium was a highlight for Han, who cant decide which parts of the graphic novel are her favorite. Its a toss-up between Lara Jeans room and the panels that show her baking, and the romantic moments of Lara Jean and Peter in the ski lodge, including the hot tub scene. The illustrations capture Lara Jeans emotions and the intimacy of these honest moments between the two of them so beautifully, Han said.

Additional graphic novel retellings are on the horizon for Han. It was just announced that her globally bestselling The Summer I Turned Pretty series will be adapted by Cynthia Yuan Cheng and Arielle Jovellano, illustrated by Sara Faber in a seven-figure, multi-book deal. Publication of the first book is slated for summer 2027 from Simon & Schuster. Emily van Beek at Folio Jr./Folio Literary Management sold North American English rights for the author to Celia Lee at Simon & Schuster, and Chad W. Beckerman at the CAT Agency sold world rights for the illustrator.

To All the Boys I've Loved Before: The Graphic Novel by Jenny Han, adapted by Barbara Perez Marquez, illus. by Akimaro and Li Lu. Simon & Schuster, $25.99 hardcover, May 5, ISBN 978-1-66598-311-2; $15.99 paper, ISBN 978-1-66598-310-5
(AI-generated content)

On March 31, Japans Ministry of Defense deployed the long-range Type-25 land-to-ship missiles with so-called counterstrike capability in Kumamoto and Shizuoka Prefectures. With a reported range of around 1,000 kilometerswell beyond Japans territorythe system has clear offensive potential.

The move marks a significant shift from Japans long-standing exclusive defense posture. Critics argue that the deployment underscores a broader trend toward remilitarization, raising concerns about its implications for regional stability and Japans post-war security framework.

In recent years, the Japanese government has steadily expanded its pursuit of so-called counterstrike capabilities. In 2015, the Abe administration reinterpreted the constitution to allow for the exercise of collective self-defense, passing new security legislation that laid the groundwork for such capabilities. In 2022, the Kishida government adopted updated national security documents that formally endorsed this approach. The current administration has since accelerated related deployments.

Observers note that these developments, spanning military planning, legal adjustments and public messaging, point to a gradual but consistent shift in Japans security policy. Such changes, they warn, could challenge the foundations of the post-war international order and add to tensions in the region.

Against this backdrop, calls are growing for caution and restraint to ensure that regional peace and stability are not further undermined.

Editor: GSY
Recon: FDA approves Lillys GLP-1 pill Foundayo; White House announces 100% tariffs on some drugs

Welcome to Regulatory Reconnaissance, your regulatory news and intelligence briefing.

In Focus: US

Makary marks one year at FDA with focus on achievements in speech to staff (STAT)

Lilly gains after FDA approves weight-loss pill, sizing down investor doubts (Reuters)

Trump administration prepares 100% tariffs on some imported drugs (STAT)

Kennedy sidelining of US advisory panel delays updates to cancer screening guidelines (Reuters)

US FDA clarifies policies on compounding of GLP-1 medicines (Reuters)

Trumps Obesity Drug Plan for Medicare Would Cost Insurers Billions (Bloomberg)

In Focus: International

Poland, Romania must pay Pfizer $2.2B in fight over contested COVID vaccine doses: Belgian court (Fierce Pharma)

China reports 219 cases of foot-and-mouth cattle disease in northwestern region (Reuters)

Force Majeure, 35% Spike In Plastics Costs: Middle East Conflict Hits Medical Supply Chains (MedTech Insight)

China Issues Global-First Approval For SPECT/CT Imaging Agent For Tumor Diagnosis (MedTech Insight)

MFN: Englands HTA Appraisals Hold Steady For Now (Pink Sheet)

UK cost watchdog clears Novo's Wegovy for cardio risk reduction (Fierce Pharma)

Pharma & Biotech

Novo claims that its obesity pill is better than Lillys. Only a head-to-head trial can prove it (Endpoints)

Wall Street sees multi-billion dollar debut for Lilly's obesity pill despite Novo lead (Reuters)

Immunovant's FcRn drug fails in a pair of Phase 3 trials in thyroid eye disease (Endpoints)

Exclusive: OpenEvidence moves into prior authorization and prescriptions routing (Endpoints)

Alto Neuroscience shelves schizophrenia cognitive impairment program after Phase 2 miss (Endpoints)

Gilead ends a Phase 2/3 trial of long-acting HIV pills, following earlier clinical hold (Endpoints)

AstraZeneca's liver cancer therapy combo slows disease progression in late-stage trial (Reuters)

Medtech

Beyond detection: In the age of clinical AI, what counts as an FDA breakthrough medical device? (STAT)

Cracks show as CDRH staff contend with heavy workloads (MedTech Dive)

Merit Medical acquires View Point for $140M (MedTech Dive)

J&Js Impella heart pump shows no patient benefit in 2 trials (MedTech Dive)

Distalmotion targets ASC robotic gynecology programs with FDA filing (MedTech Dive)

Industry Underprepared for QMSR Launch, Survey Finds (MedTech Insight)

Food & Nutrition

How AI is changing food supply chains (Food Dive)

Food industry moves toward transparency with smarter barcodes (Food Dive)

Government, Regulatory & Legal

Exclusive: US nicotine pouch fast-track scheme slowed by worries over youth, new users (Reuters)

US MFN Policies Are Driving The Need For Better RWE (Pink Sheet)

Regulatory Recon is our regular intelligence briefing for the regulatory affairs space, bringing you the top regulatory, biopharma and medtech news stories from around the globe. Regulatory Recon is published each week on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.

A storys inclusion in Regulatory Recon does not imply endorsement by Regulatory Focus or RAPS.
As international attention remains fixed on escalating tensions between Iran, the United States, and Israel, a quieter but more consequential development is unfolding inside Iran: the state is accelerating executions.

This week, Iranian authorities executed two men accused of links to the Mujahedin-e Khalq (MEK), according to reporting by Reuters. Their deaths were not isolated incidents. They are part of a broader pattern of repression that intensifies precisely when the regime faces external pressure.

Now, additional cases are emerging that point to what may come next. Vahid Bani-Amerian, 34, and Abolhassan Montazer, 68, both reportedly affiliated with the MEK, have been identified by rights advocates as being at imminent risk of execution. Their cases underscore the urgency of the moment and the trajectory already underway.

This pattern is not accidental. It is structural.

Authoritarian systems do not become more flexible under pressure. They become more coercive. War, or even the threat of it, does not weaken internal control mechanisms in Iran. It strengthens them. The state uses the external crisis to justify internal crackdowns, expand surveillance, and eliminate perceived threats before they can organize.

Executions, in this context, are not simply punitive. They are preventive.

They send a message to the population: dissent will not be tolerated, especially now. They remove individuals the state views as potential catalysts for unrest. And they reinforce a narrative that opposition is synonymous with treason, particularly when it can be framed as linked to foreign enemies.

This is why the timing matters.

At a moment when economic strain is deepening and uncertainty is rising, the Iranian leadership is not showing signs of fragmentation. It is moving decisively to close ranks. Arrests increase. Trials accelerate. Sentences are carried out swiftly, often under conditions that raise serious concerns about due process.

The implications extend beyond those already executed.

Political prisoners, activists, and detainees across the country face heightened risk during periods of external confrontation. The logic is straightforward: when the regime anticipates instability, it acts in advance to suppress it. The result is a cycle in which external pressure coincides with intensified internal repression.

This reality complicates a common assumption in Western policy debates, the belief that increasing pressure on the Iranian state will empower domestic opposition or create openings for change.

In practice, the opposite often occurs.

External escalation can narrow political space inside the country, not expand it. It can place the most vulnerable directly in harms way. And it can strengthen the very security apparatus that reformers and dissidents must navigate.

None of this absolves the Iranian government of responsibility. The decision to execute, to imprison, and to silence dissent rests entirely with the state. But ignoring how these dynamics interact leads to flawed assumptions and, ultimately, ineffective policy.

If the goal is to support the Iranian people, then the first step is to understand the environment in which they are operating.

That understanding carries consequences.

It means recognizing that people facing systematic state brutality will assert their right to resistance and self-defense. It means acknowledging their right to fight for democratic change, rather than reducing them to passive subjects of geopolitical strategy. And it means moving beyond symbolic pressure to concrete measures, including shutting down Iranian embassies and expelling regime representatives who operate abroad while repression intensifies at home.

Moments of war are not moments of opportunity for internal reform. They are moments of consolidation for those in power.

And for those behind bars, they can be moments of life or death.
There are hopes of a turnaround in overall corporate earnings after six quarters of single digit growth.

Photograph: Kind courtesy Geralt/Pixabay

Key Points Headline corporate earnings in Q3FY26 came in stronger than expected.

Despite better results, earnings downgrades still outnumbered upgrades after companies announced their Q3 results.

The share of firms with no change in FY27 EPS estimates dropped to 38%, from 51.5% after Q2,

The headline corporate earnings in the third quarter of 2025-26 (Q3FY26) were ahead of market expectations, thanks to a surge in profits in oil & gas, mining & metals, public-sector banks and the automotive sector.

This moderated the downgrade to upgrade ratio, but post-earnings downgrade exceeded upgrades.

According to Yes Securities, 39 per cent of NSE200 companies saw 2 per cent or higher downgrades or cut in their forward earnings per share for FY27 after their Q3FY26 results.

By comparison, around 28 per cent of index companies have seen earnings downgrade after Q2FY26 results.

At the other end of the spectrum, 23 per cent of the companies in the index witnessed earnings upgrades after their Q3FY26 results, up from 20.6 per cent at the end of second quarter results.

For comparison, 38 per cent of the firms saw no change in their FY27E EPS post Q3FY26 results, a decline from 51.5 per cent after Q2FY26 results.

This has rekindled the hope of a turnaround in overall corporate earnings after six quarters of single-digit growth.

Here are five companies each from BSE200 that have seen the biggest upgrades and downgrades in their forward EPS after their Q3FY26 results.

This is an opportunity for investors to tweak their equity portfolio accordingly, as changes in companies' EPS are likely to filter into their share price as well.

Earnings upgrades

Vedanta

The non-ferrous metals producer has seen a double-digit upgrade in its earnings as analysts expect continued bullishness in prices of silver, copper and aluminium

Its listed unit, Hindustan Zinc is one of the world's top silver producers and has benefitted from a sharp rise in silver prices over the past 12-15 months

Analysts have raised Vedanta's one-year share price target to ~838 on average, compared to the current price of ~723, indicating nearly 16 per cent upside

Vedanta's earnings in Q3 also exceeded market expectations with consolidated net sales up 37.3 per cent Y-o-Y and net profit up 61 per cent to a record high

The company's valuation has however become stretched with trailing price-to-earnings (P/E) of 29.4x and price-to-book value (P/BV) of 7x

National Aluminium Company

The public sector aluminium producer has also seen an earnings upgrade after Q3FY26 results, thanks to continued traction in metal prices

Analysts have raised Nalco's FY27 earning per share estimate to ~32.2 on average from ~26 at the end of December 2025

There has, however, been no change in its target share price, largely due to a run-up in its stock

Nalco has been one of the top performers in metal space and its share price is up 104 per cent over the last one year

In 9MFY26, the company's net sales were up 11.4 per cent Y-o-Y, and net profit was up 26.2 per cent Y-o-Y

Nalco's earnings were, however, flat in Q3FY26, with just 1.1 per cent Y-o-Y growth, and its valuation has turned expensive with P/BV of 3.3x

Indian Oil Corporation

Analysts bet on improved cash flows as Indian Oil Corp (IOC) completes capex cycle

Morgan Stanley expects IOC to gain market share in transport and aviation fuel segments in India, resulting in faster revenue and profit growth

Analysts also expect a hefty dividend payout by IOC in FY26 and beyond, as its earnings and cash flows rise

Its EPS estimate for FY27 has been raised to ~20.1 on average from ~17.5 at the end of December 2025, while its FY26 EPS has been upgraded to ~22.8

Earnings upgrade came after a strong showing in the first nine months of FY26

IOC's net sales were up 5.7 per cent Y-o-Y in Q3, while its net profit was up 515 per cent Y-o-Y during the quarter

The stock is currently trading at a relatively low valuation with trailing P/E of 7.73x and P/BV of 1.35x

BSE

Stock exchange operator BSE has also seen upgrades by analysts after a strong Q3 show

BSE's FY27 EPS estimate has risen to ~71.9 on average from ~63.9 at the end of December 2025, and FY26 EPS to ~58.2 from ~53.8

Analysts have also raised BSE's forward price target, in line with a potential rise in its earnings

BSE's one-year target price has been raised to ~3,415, translating into 29 per cent upside potential from the stock's current levels

In Q3FY26, BSE's net revenue was up 62 per cent Y-o-Y to ~1,244 crore while net profit was up 174 per cent Y-o-Y to ~601.8 crore

BSE's valuation has however turned expensive with trailing P/E of 49.4x and P/BV of nearly 21x, which could weigh on the rally in stock

Muthoot Finance

Muthoot Finance reported a strong show in Q3FY26, beating estimates on assets under management (AUM) growth, net interest margin expansion and credit cost

Its gold loan portfolio hit an all-time high, pushing standalone AUM up 51 per cent Y-o-Y. Consolidated AUM rose 48 per cent Y-o-Y

Standalone net profit for 9MFY26 grew 91 per cent Y-o-Y, supported by operating leverage, benign credit costs and recovery-led income

IDBI Capital pointed out that recent RBI relaxations on branch expansion are structurally positive and should support calibrated growth without operational friction

Nuvama Research has a 'Buy' rating on Muthoot because its earnings are strong and better than peers, and it has the ability to shield loan yields from rising competition

Earnings downgrades

Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles

Q3 was weak for Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles (TMPV) due to a cyber incident-led production shutdown and lower dispatches at Jaguar Land Rover (JLR)

While JLR's revenue declined 39 per cent, its wholesale volume fell 43 per cent Y-o-Y due to production stoppage, lower despatches and ramping down of legacy Jaguar vehicles

JLR saw a Y-o-Y contraction in EBIT margin due to negative operating leverage, US tariffs, higher variable marketing expenses and forex headwinds. Lower production and higher working capital led to negative free cash flow

India business remained robust, showing sales growth of 24.6 per cent and volume growth of 22 per cent. With the domestic business outlook strong for Q4, TMPV is expected to outperform peers in FY26

Given JLR-linked challenges, JM Financial Research has a 'Reduce' rating on the stock

Dixon Technologies

Weighed down by the mobile segment, which accounts for a bulk of its revenues, Dixon Technologies' topline grew 2 per cent Y-o-Y in Q3

The mobile segment grew 5 per cent Y-o-Y, its lowest in the last 16 quarters. Consumer electronics sales fell 10 per cent Y-o-Y in Q3, due to a slowdown after Diwali sales

Elara Securities' outlook remains clouded for mobile volumes due to delay in approval of Vivo & HKC joint ventures, and surging memory module prices, dragging down low-end mobile volumes

Given the concerns, Elara has cut its earnings estimate for FY26 by 12 per cent, and for FY27 and FY28 by 19 per cent and 22 per cent, respectively

Ambuja Cements

Adani group-owned Ambuja Cements has seen an decline in its FY26 and FY27 EPS estimates after a poor show in Q3FY26

Consolidated net sales rose 9.2 per cent Y-o-Y in Q3, while net profit fell 90.6 per cent Y-o-Y in Q3

Ebitda margins, excluding other income, was down nearly 500 basis points to 13.02 per cent in Q3FY26 from 18.19 per cent a year ago

Analysts have cut Ambuja Cements' FY27 EPS estimate to ~17.8 on average from ~20.3 at the end of December 2025. Similarly, FY26 EPS estimate has been cut to ~14.7 from ~16.4 earlier

However, analysts see upside in Ambuja's share price, and raised its one-year target price to ~612, which is 25 per cent higher than its current share price

The stock is currently trading at trailing P/E of 31.2x and P/BV of 2.2x, lower than its peers such as Ultratech Cement and Shree Cement

Cipla

Cipla's Q3 show was muted due to the dual impact of declining sales of the generic version of cancer drug Revlimid and disruption in supply of acromegaly drug, Lanreotide

Sales in the US were down 26-28 per cent on a Y-o-Y and sequential basis. Gross margins fell 520 basis points and operating profit margins slipped over 10 percentage points Y-o-Y

Net profit fell 21.6 per cent Y-o-Y to ~114.4 crore, from ~184 crore in Q1FY25 and ~172.40 crore in Q4FY25

Cipla cut its operating profit margin guidance for the second straight quarter, with a 250 basis point reduction in Q3 due to Revlimid/Lanreotide issues, and higher research and development spends

Emkay Research remains cautious, citing concerns about the December quarter and Lanreotide, which it believes mark the beginning of an earnings downgrade cycle, with more cuts likely

PI Industries

PI Industries' domestic business declined 8 per cent Y-o-Y in Q3 with volumes falling 2 per cent due to lower farmer offtake for high-value products

Demand was dented by erratic monsoons, weak realisation in key crops, and delay in normalisation of the biological portfolio

Custom synthesis and manufacturing exports were down 32 per cent Y-o-Y, marking the fourth consecutive quarter of sales decline. High inventories and lower global demand hurt this segment's sales

JM Financial Research does not foresee any material improvement in the topline until at least the end of CY26, due to slow demand from Kumiai, threat of upcoming pyroxa generics in the US and ex-pyroxa product portfolio continuing to struggle for growth over the last five-six years

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff
INOX Air Products launches a state-of-the-art ultra-high purity liquid oxygen plant in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, to bolster India's semiconductor and solar manufacturing capabilities and reduce reliance on imports.

Key Points INOX Air Products commissions a new ultra-high purity liquid oxygen plant in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, to support India's semiconductor and solar sectors.

The plant produces 6N grade (99.9999% purity) liquid oxygen, essential for electronics and photovoltaic industries.

The facility aims to reduce India's dependence on imported ultra-high purity oxygen, enhancing supply reliability for domestic manufacturers.

Located in Hosur, the plant is strategically positioned to serve emerging high-technology clusters, ensuring faster deliveries and reduced supply chain disruptions.

The commissioning marks a significant step in strengthening India's advanced manufacturing ecosystem and promoting technological self-reliance.

INOX Air Products on Friday said it has commissioned its first ultra-high purity (UHP) liquid oxygen facility in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, aiming to support India's semiconductor and solar manufacturing sectors.

The plant produces 6N grade (99.9999 per cent purity) liquid oxygen with a capacity of 17 tonnes per day (500 cubic meters per hour), catering to the stringent requirements of electronics and photovoltaic industries, the company said.

INOX Air Products said the facility will help reduce reliance on imports of ultra-high purity oxygen, which was previously sourced from overseas, and improve supply reliability for domestic manufacturers.

Located in the southern industrial hub of Hosur, the plant is positioned to serve emerging high-technology clusters, enabling faster deliveries and reduced supply chain disruptions.

Managing Director Siddharth Jain said the investment is aimed at building domestic capabilities in critical industrial inputs and supporting India's push towards technological self-reliance.

The commissioning marks a step up in India's capacity to produce high-purity gases required for precision manufacturing, as demand from sunrise sectors such as semiconductors and solar continues to grow.

"The commissioning marks a significant milestone in strengthening India's advanced manufacturing ecosystem, especially for the sunrise sectors like semiconductor and solar cell manufacturing," it said in a statement.

Strategically located in Hosur, one of the industrial hubs in South India, the plant is well-positioned to serve emerging high-technology clusters with reliability and speed.

Speaking on the occasion, Siddharth Jain, Managing Director, INOXAP, said, "At INOXAP, we believe that true progress for India lies in building capabilities within the country that power its future industries."

The commissioning of this Ultra-High Purity Liquid Oxygen facility is a step towards that vision.

"It aims to significantly reduce dependence on imports and strengthen the foundation of India's semiconductor and solar manufacturing ecosystem. As the nation advances towards technological self-reliance, we remain committed to investing ahead of the demand curve, ensuring that critical enablers are available within India, for India," he said.

Impact on Domestic Manufacturing

What makes this development particularly noteworthy is that Ultra-High Purity Liquid Oxygen was previously imported to meet domestic demand. With this commissioning, INOX Air Products has successfully indigenised the production of this highly critical and complex product, enabling direct, dependable supply to Indian manufacturers.

This facility stands out for its ability to produce 6N grade industrial liquid oxygen, a purity level essential for precision-driven applications in electronics and photovoltaic manufacturing. Additionally, it would enable these manufacturers to significantly reduce import lead times, minimise global supply disruptions and enhance production continuity.

INOX Air Products is one of the leading manufacturers of industrial, electronic and speciality gases in India.
The Reserve Bank of India has officially approved UAE-based Emirates NBD's landmark acquisition of up to a 74 per cent stake in RBL Bank for $3 billion, setting a new precedent for foreign investment in India's banking sector.

IMAGE: Emirates NBD bank is seen .in Mall of Emirates in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Photograph: Hamad I Mohammed/Reuters

Key Points The Reserve Bank of India has approved Emirates NBD's acquisition of up to a 74 per cent stake in RBL Bank for $3 billion, making it the largest foreign investment in an Indian bank.

RBL Bank will operate as a foreign bank subsidiary under ENBD, governed by regulations for wholly-owned subsidiaries of foreign banks.

The RBI has relaxed certain norms, including the requirement for independent directors on the board and the typical shareholding dilution, while capping ENBD's voting rights at 26 per cent.

Emirates NBD will launch an open offer to acquire an additional 26 per cent of RBL Bank's expanded voting share capital at Rs 280 per equity share.

The approval is valid for one year and is contingent on further clearances from the Government of India and compliance with various financial regulations.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has given its approval to United Arab Emirates (UAE)-based Emirates NBD (ENBD) PJSC to acquire up to a 74 per cent stake in RBL Bank for $3 billion  the largest foreign investment in a domestic bank ever.

Under the approval, RBL Bank will be treated as a foreign bank subsidiary with ENBD as its parent. The bank will be governed by provisions applicable to wholly owned subsidiaries of foreign banks, as outlined in the RBIs Commercial Banks  Governance Directions, 2025.

Regulatory Relaxations and Conditions

However, the central bank has relaxed a key requirement, stating that the norm mandating at least half of board attendees to be independent directors will not apply in this case.

The RBI has advised RBL Bank to amend its Articles of Association to reflect the new structure and seek regulatory approval for the same.

The bank said it will initiate necessary steps accordingly.

In a separate dispensation, the RBI has conveyed no objection to ENBD being classified as the promoter of RBL Bank, subject to compliance with regulations of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi).

Notably, the dilution requirement typically applicable under RBI norms for shareholding in banks has been waived in this instance.

However, ENBDs voting rights in RBL Bank will be capped at 26 per cent, in line with provisions of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

Temporary Exemptions and Future Steps

The RBI has also granted a temporary exemption to ENBD from the "single mode of presence" requirement, allowing it to operate both through branches and the subsidiary structure until its Indian branches are amalgamated with RBL Bank or within one year, whichever is earlier.

The approval remains valid for one year and is contingent upon additional clearances, including approval from the Government of India for investment beyond 49 per cent under the approval route.

The transaction will also need to comply with the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999, RBIs shareholding directions, and applicable Sebi regulations.

The deal was announced back in October 2025.

Last week, the lender announced that Emirates NBD Bank had secured approval from the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates for its proposed acquisition of a majority stake in the Indian bank.

The deal has also received nod from the Competition Commission of India (CCI), and is awaiting Securities and Exchange Board of Indias (Sebi) approval.

Impact and Open Offer

The transaction will make RBL Bank the largest subsidiary of Emirates NBD outside Dubai.

RBL Bank will also undergo a scheme of amalgamation with Emirates NBDs India branch, paving the way for the consolidation of the latters presence in India.

As part of the transaction, Emirates NBD Bank will launch an open offer to acquire up to 26 per cent of RBL Banks expanded voting share capital at a price of Rs 280 per equity share.

The mandatory offer, linked to the planned stake acquisition, will cover approximately 415.58 million shares.
Amidst the volatile global energy market, Russia has proposed to significantly increase its crude oil and natural gas supplies to India, reinforcing bilateral energy ties and aiming for a robust economic partnership with a $100 billion annual trade target by 2030.

Photograph: Toby Melville/Reuters

Key Points Russia has offered to increase crude oil and natural gas supplies to India amidst the ongoing West Asia crisis and global energy market volatility.

Discussions between Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov and Indian officials focused on expanding trade, investment, and industrial cooperation.

Russia has already increased fertiliser supplies to India by 40% and is committed to meeting India's future needs.

Both nations are reviewing progress on their economic partnership roadmap, with an ambitious target of $100 billion in annual trade by 2030.

Cooperation in the civil nuclear energy sector was also highlighted, with Russia seeing significant prospects for deepening engagement.

With the West Asia crisis continuing to drive volatility in the global energy market, Russia has offered to increase supply of crude oil and natural gas to India even as the two sides agreed to further enhance the overall bilateral ties.

The energy cooperation figured prominently in meetings Russia's First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov held with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday, people familiar with the matter said.

Manturov also held talks with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi last evening.

A Russian readout of the First Deputy Prime Minister's engagements in New Delhi said special attention was accorded to bilateral cooperation in the oil and gas sector.

Russia's Energy Offer Amidst Global Volatility

"Denis Manturov confirmed that Russian companies have the capacity to steadily increase supplies of oil and liquefied natural gas to the Indian market," it said.

The comments came as the the West Asia crisis continued to put strain on global energy market largely due to disruptions in supplies of crude oil and gas through the Strait of Hormuz.

Global oil and gas prices have surged after Iran virtually blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow shipping lane between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, that handles roughly 20 per cent of global oil and LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas).

West Asia has been a major source of India's energy procurement.

Bilateral Discussions and Trade Cooperation

Various issues relating to bilateral ties were deliberated extensively at the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC).

It was co-chaired by Manturov and Jaishankar.

Expanding mutually beneficial trade, investment, and industrial cooperation was one of the key topics on the agenda, the Russian readout said.

"Specific steps were discussed to create favorable conditions for increasing bilateral trade turnover in the present context," it said.

>Manturov noted that Russia increased supplies of fertilisers to India by 40 per cent by end of 2025 and is ready to continue meeting India's needs, it said.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said both sides held wide ranging discussions focusing on trade, industry, energy, fertilizers, connectivity and mobility in addition to new opportunities in technology, innovation and critical minerals.

The two sides also reviewed the progress on the implementation of the various outcomes of the 23rd India Russia Annual Summit held in December last year, it said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited India for the summit.

Following the summit talks between Modi and Putin, India and Russia unveiled a raft of measures including a five-year roadmap to build a robust economic partnership and to increase the annual trade to $100 billion by 2030.

Jaishankar and Manturov also exchanged views on regional and global developments including the conflict in West Asia, the MEA said.

The Russian readout also mentioned bilateral cooperation in the civil nuclear energy sector.

"As emphasised by Denis Manturov, Russia sees significant prospects for deepening engagement with India in this sphere," it said.
A US-sanctioned oil tanker carrying Iranian crude, initially headed to India, has changed course for China, spotlighting payment complexities and raising questions about India's future energy imports from Iran.

Photograph: Costas Baltas/Reuters

Key Points A US-sanctioned tanker carrying Iranian crude oil, initially destined for India, has rerouted to China.

The change in destination is likely due to payment-related issues, with sellers demanding upfront or near-term settlement.

This shipment would have marked India's first Iranian crude purchase since 2019, following a recent US sanctions waiver.

India's oil ministry maintains that the decision to resume buying Iranian crude will be driven by techno-commercial feasibility.

The incident highlights the increasing sensitivity of trade flows to financial terms and counterparty risk in the Iranian oil market.

A US-sanctioned tanker carrying Iranian crude oil has rerouted mid-voyage from its previously indicated destination of India - where it would have marked the first such shipment in nearly seven years - to China.

The Aframax tanker Ping Shun, built in 2002 and sanctioned by the US in 2025, is now signalling Dongying in China as its destination instead of Vadinar in Gujarat, which it had indicated earlier this week, according to ship-tracking firm Kpler.

There is no confirmation that the destination that the ship's Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponder - a tracking system mandated on most commercial vessels - is indicating is the final and it may not change at any time during the transit.

"An Iranian crude vessel 'Ping Shun' that had been en route to Vadinar, India, over the past three days has dropped India as its declared destination near arrival and is now signalling China," said Sumit Ritolia, Lead Research Analyst, Refining and Modelling at commodity market analytic firm Kpler.

Oil on Ping Shun would have been the first Iranian crude that India would have purchased since 2019. Indian refiners have been looking at opportunities to purchase a few cargoes of Iranian oil on water following the recent sanctions waiver by Washington.

Payment Issues and Trade Sensitivity

According to Ritolia, the shift in destination of Pin Shun appears to be payment-related, with sellers tightening terms, moving away from the earlier 30-60 day credit window toward upfront or near-term settlement.

It was not clear who was the actual seller and buyer of the crude.

Vadinar is home for 20 million tonnes a year oil refinery of Russian oil giant Rosneft-backed Naraya Energy.

"While such mid-voyage destination changes are not unprecedented with Iranian crudes, they highlight the increasing sensitivity of trade flows to financial terms and counterparty risk," he said.

"If the payment issues are resolved, the cargo could still make its way to an Indian refinery. However, the episode underscores how commercial terms are becoming as critical as logistics in determining Iranian crude flows to other countries apart from China."

India's oil ministry has so far maintained that techno-commercial feasibility will drive the decision on resuming buying Iranian crude.

Historical Context of India's Iranian Oil Imports

Historically, India was a major buyer of Iranian crude, importing significant volumes of Iranian light and heavy grades due to strong refinery compatibility and favourable commercial terms.

Following sanctions tightening in 2018, imports ceased from May 2019, with volumes replaced by Middle Eastern, US and other grades. At peak, Iranian crude accounted for 11.5 per cent of India's total imports.

India used to buy 518,000 barrels per day of Iranian oil in 2018, which slowed to 268,000 bpd between January and May 2019 when the US granted waivers to a few buyers. There have been no imports since.

The key grades that Indian refiners used to purchase are Iran light and Iran heavy crudes.

US Sanctions Waiver and Future Prospects

The US last month waived sanctions on the purchase of Iranian oil at sea for 30 days in its latest attempt to ease oil prices that have been driven up by the US-Israeli war on Iran.

That window expires April 19.

An estimated 95 million barrels of Iranian oil is on vessels on sea, of which around 51 million barrels could be sold to India while the remaining are better suited for buyers in China and Southeast Asia.

Ping Shun is estimated to be carrying about 600,000 barrels of oil that was loaded from Kharg Island around March 4. Its declared ETA to Vadinar was April 4, according to Kpler.

While the US waiver allowed countries to purchase those barrels, it is unclear how payments will be made.

Iran remains cut off from SWIFT (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication) -- a global messaging network used by banks and financial institutions to securely send and receive information about financial transactions.

Last purchases from Iran were done in Euro using a Turkish bank as a go-between but that option no longer exists.

Iran was cut off from the SWIFT system in March 2012 following European Union sanctions over its nuclear programme, with the move forcing the disconnection of multiple Iranian banks and severely restricting global financial transactions.

Further disruptions occurred in 2018 after the US reimposed sanctions, leading to renewed suspension of several Iranian banks from the network, which significantly constrained Tehran's ability to conduct international trade, receive oil payments and access foreign currency reserves.
A person lays a flower to the Red Army martyrs at a memorial park in Quanzhou County, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, April 2, 2026. A ceremony was held in Quanzhou on Thursday, ahead of the Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, to pay tribute to the martyrs of the Red Army. (Xinhua/Lu Boan)

People lay flowers to the Red Army martyrs at a memorial park in Quanzhou County, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, April 2, 2026. A ceremony was held in Quanzhou on Thursday, ahead of the Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, to pay tribute to the martyrs of the Red Army. (Xinhua/Lu Boan)

People line up to lay flowers to the Red Army martyrs at a memorial park in Quanzhou County, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, April 2, 2026. A ceremony was held in Quanzhou on Thursday, ahead of the Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, to pay tribute to the martyrs of the Red Army. (Xinhua/Lu Boan)

People scatter flower petals into the Xiangjiang River to pay tribute to the Red Army martyrs at Daping Ferry in Quanzhou County, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, April 2, 2026. A ceremony was held in Quanzhou on Thursday, ahead of the Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, to pay tribute to the martyrs of the Red Army. (Xinhua/Lu Boan)

An aerial drone photo taken on April 2, 2026 shows people attending a memorial ceremony for Red Army martyrs at a memorial park in Quanzhou County, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. A ceremony was held in Quanzhou on Thursday, ahead of the Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, to pay tribute to the martyrs of the Red Army. (Xinhua/Lu Boan)

Students pay tribute to martyrs at a martyrs' cemetery in Tongdao Dong Autonomous County of Huaihua City, central China's Hunan Province, April 1, 2026. People across the country attended various activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, which falls on April 5 this year. (Photo by Su Yongzhu/Xinhua)

Students clean the tombstones for martyrs at a martyrs' cemetery in Shijiazhuang, north China's Hebei Province, April 2, 2026. People across the country attended various activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, which falls on April 5 this year. (Photo by Zhang Xiaofeng/Xinhua)

An aerial drone photo taken on April 2, 2026 shows people scattering flower petals into the Xiangjiang River to pay tribute to the Red Army martyrs at Daping Ferry in Quanzhou County, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. A ceremony was held in Quanzhou on Thursday, ahead of the Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, to pay tribute to the martyrs of the Red Army. (Xinhua/Lu Boan)

Volunteers pay tribute to martyrs at a martyrs' cemetery in Hai'an City of east China's Jiangsu Province, April 2, 2026. People across the country attended various activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, which falls on April 5 this year. (Photo by Gu Binbin/Xinhua)

People pay tribute at a martyr's memorial hall in Zhumadian City, central China's Henan Province, April 2, 2026. People across the country attended various activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, which falls on April 5 this year. (Photo by Gong Huajing/Xinhua)

Students clean the tombstones for martyrs at a martyrs' cemetery in Qianjiang District, southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, April 2, 2026. People across the country attended various activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, which falls on April 5 this year. (Photo by Yang Min/Xinhua)

An aerial drone photo taken on April 1, 2026 shows students paying tribute to martyrs at a martyrs' cemetery in Baokang County of Xiangyang City, central China's Hubei Province. People across the country attended various activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, which falls on April 5 this year. (Photo by Yang Tao/Xinhua)

Students lay flowers at a monument to martyrs in Suihua City, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, April 1, 2026. People across the country attended various activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, which falls on April 5 this year. (Photo by Liu Huapeng/Xinhua)

People pay tribute to martyrs at a martyrs' cemetery in Suixian County of Shangqiu City, central China's Henan Province, April 2, 2026. People across the country attended various activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, which falls on April 5 this year. (Photo by Xu Zeyuan/Xinhua)

An aerial drone photo taken on March 31, 2026 shows teachers and students paying tribute to martyrs at a martyrs' cemetery in Bozhou District of Zunyi City, southwest China's Guizhou Province. People across the country attended various activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, which falls on April 5 this year. (Photo by Yuan Fuhong/Xinhua)

Students pay tribute to martyrs at a martyrs' cemetery in Bozhou District of Zunyi City, southwest China's Guizhou Province, March 31, 2026. People across the country attended various activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, which falls on April 5 this year. (Photo by Yuan Fuhong/Xinhua)

Students pay tribute to martyrs at a martyrs' cemetery in Changxing County of Huzhou City, east China's Zhejiang Province, April 2, 2026. People across the country attended various activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, which falls on April 5 this year. (Photo by Tan Yunfeng/Xinhua)

Students pay tribute to martyrs at a martyrs' cemetery in Jiyuan City, central China's Henan Province, April 2, 2026. People across the country attended various activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, which falls on April 5 this year. (Photo by Duan Erping/Xinhua)

Students pay tribute at a martyr's cemetery in Beibei District of southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, April 2, 2026. People across the country attended various activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, which falls on April 5 this year. (Photo by Qin Tingfu/Xinhua)

An aerial drone photo taken on April 1, 2026 shows people paying tribute to martyrs at a monument to martyrs in Suifenhe City, northeast CHina's Heilongjiang Province. People across the country attended various activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, which falls on April 5 this year. (Photo by Qu Yiwei/Xinhua)

People pay tribute to martyrs at a martyrs' cemetery in Bo'ai County of Jiaozuo City, central China's Henan Province, April 2, 2026. People across the country attended various activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, which falls on April 5 this year. (Photo by Cheng Quan/Xinhua)

Students pay tribute to martyrs at a martyrs' cemetery in Binhai New Area in north China's Tianjin, April 2, 2026. People across the country attended various activities to pay tribute to martyrs ahead of the Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, which falls on April 5 this year. (Photo by Du Penghui/Xinhua)

Editor: GSY
This article was first published 2 years ago

Scoop seems like they conclude he is, but Vaihayasi Pande Daniel recommends that you watch the film to find out for yourselves.

IMAGE: Keeley Hawes, left, plays Amanda Thirsk, Prince Andrew's press secretary, while Gillian Anderson, centre, plays the BBC journalist Emily Maitlis, and Billie Piper plays Sam McAlister who convinces Prince Andrew to give the BBC the interview that eventually forced his mother Queen Elizabeth to relieve him of royal duties.

Funnily, the recently released Netflix film Scoop feels like yet another episode of The Crown, one that the series missed showing. But an episode of The Crown on steroids because the pace of this film is far more energetic and almost nail-biting.

Like The Crown, it rummages into an untold chapter of events, when the private life of a British royal, then in service of the public, came under intense scrutiny.

This time around, it is a character we barely saw in The Crown: The once dashing Prince Andrew.

It examines the backlash the royal family had to deal with, and how it attempted to defuse and contain the situation, when it was revealed that Queen Elizabeth's second son had once, in an unseemly manner, been bosom buddies with Jeffrey Epstein.

Epstein, a wealthy and slimy American financier was discovered to be a sex offender, abusing a string of young girls at his fancy addresses in Florida, New York and Little St James in the Caribbean and trafficking underage women.

In the manner in which The Crown got into the skin of the characters who make up England's royal family, almost establishing a new kind of genre of historical biographical narrative, Scoop also comes up with a gifted and tight cast to play the lead characters.

Rufus Sewell portrays Prince Andrew and executes his part deftly and probably, it would seem, reasonably accurately.

Sewell's Andrew is a bit of bumbling, shallow, not entirely unlikeable prince, whose lack of a role/profession and meaning to his life, as he greys and ages, sees him becoming even less relevant and therefore prone to mixing with the wrong types, gaining a bad reputation and living up to his status of Party Prince and Randy Andy.

That is perhaps the fate of The Spare.

IMAGE: Rufus Sewell, who played Lord Melbourne in the ITV series Victoria and Hal Wyler in the Netflix series The Diplomat, plays Prince Andrew.

Scoop focuses on how the BBC's Newsnight team and their producer Sam McAlister are admirably successful in coaxing Buckingham Palace to give them a 58-minute one-on-one with Prince Andrew on the Epstein scandal, which he and his team see as the space and opportunity to clear his name publicly.

It highlights the backroom maneuverings that occur, as loyal royal advisors weigh the pros and cons of media exposure, hoping to control the plot, which is becoming more and more arduous in this never-ending and monstrous era of burgeoning social media and 24/7 glare of publicity.

What a tough job being a media advisor for a leader or celeb is these days!

Manipulating the spin/spin doctoring is a task Hercules could not have imagined, requiring, day by day, more enormous skills.

The film also looks at the kind of detailed and meticulous prep journalists do before a key interview, right down to clothes and hairstyles.

Titled Prince Andrew & the Epstein Scandal, the Newsnight programme aired on November 16, 2019 and was, due to strenuous efforts of the whole team, The Perfect Interview, in its breadth, tone, handling, finesse, and the most watched ever Newsnight programme, winning the mostly women Newsnight team several news journalism awards.

Viewing Scoop is a 101 on broadcast journalism for those planning such a career.

You may wonder why an interview with a British royal, that too a rather insignificant one, deserves a film. And rightly so.

That's because they are as rare as hen's teeth.

There have been just three royal interviews, all unfolding cosily against the backdrop of some ornate room -- grander than any room we may ever see in our lifetime -- packed with priceless movie screen-size oil paintings, Regency furniture, engraved china/glassware and sporting every species of cornice, buttress, moulding, scagliola, vaulting found in an interior design bible.

When I say three, I am not counting Prince Harry's numerous television outpourings after he ceased carrying out his royal duties.

Each of these rare interviews (Prince Charles with Jonathan Dimbleby, Princess Diana with Martin Bashir) has fulfilled its scope and offered a heavily monitored, vigilantly choreographed/curated, but no doubt enthralling peek into the lives of the inscrutable British royals, who control untold amounts of wealth, jewels, lands and people power in the United Kingdom, that, of course, adds to the fascination, not just in Britain but for people across the world.

IMAGE: Gillian Anderson, who was in a four-year relationship with Peter Morgan, who wrote The Crown, plays the BBC journalist Emily Maitlis who ensnared Prince Andrew with her questions and interviewing style.

Anderson played Margaret Thatcher in The Crown.

Of the three interviews, Prince Andrew came across as least agreeable and most unworthy of our empathy and just a Brit bloke, with a posh accent and the ability to elegantly draw out his vowels, trying squirm his way out of something truly deplorable and indefensible.

As Newsnight editor Esme Wren says of the interview in the film: 'This is what Newsnight is... We put the time in (to give) stories that need to be told... that hold the powerful to account and give victims a voice.'

Slow clap.

That can come through even in an interview with a minor prince unable to conduct himself honourably and guilty of wrongdoing.

The release of Scoop comes at a time when the royal family is not in its the best place, with both King Charles III and Catherine, the princess of Wales, in ill health. We wonder what that might do for the longevity of The Firm.

There are several little quirky scenes through the docu-film that catch your imagination.

The aide talking about the worrying day, perhaps in the not-so-distant future, when royal teaspoons won't be stolen from Buckingham Palace after they lose their novelty.

Or the fact that in this age of fancy tablets and ritzy cellphones, the BBC's Emily Maitlis refreshingly uses pen and paper through her interview with the prince.

The view of Andrew with his vast teddy bear collection. His sharp exchange with a member of his household who confuses a kangaroo for a bear.

Then there's his odd comment to Maitlis when she shows up for the interview wearing pants (did it really happen?).

Or Andrew artlessly talking about how rare trips to pizza parlours are for him...

Finally, we have a rear nude shot of Sewell's Andrew after he gets out of the palace bathtub to check his phone. I am not sure what the film-makers hoped to convey through that memorable, Emperor's New Clothes shot...

The flab and the ageing, unattractive flesh around his waist and hanging from his buttocks perhaps intended to give a message of vulnerability and sadness. Did it hint that a royal is just a man made from mere flesh and blood?

Else, a screen revenge shot -- one blow for the wronged Virginia Roberts (who incidentally worked at Donald J Trump's Mar-a-Lago before Epstein hired her).

After seeing Scoop, the actual nearly one-hour interview of Prince Andrew with Maitlis, naturally, makes for mandatory watching.

It's quite tickling to observe how perfectly reality was converted to celluloid and just how well Sewell acted out that BBC Prince Andrew interview, with faultless imitation of hand gestures, body ticks, facial expressions, voice modulations, range of emotions, studied casualness suggesting innocence, seated postures and so on.

That is really the magic of acting!

How many numerous, backbreaking hours did the British actor spend getting all this down pat, perhaps in front of a mirror?

Wow! What craft!

The differences are minute.

Maybe Sewell is a tad more wooden than real-life Andrew and a tiny bit less suave.

Now for the most burning question of all.

Was Prince Andrew guilty of cavorting, in the murkiest of circumstances, in bed (or bathroom or couch) with the 17-year-old fresh-faced Virginia Roberts at Epstein's 9, East 71st mansion in Manhattan?

Scoop seems like they conclude he is.

But my answer may not match yours. So go see the film, folks.

Scoop streams on Netflix.

Scoop Review Rediff Rating:
As he settled down to his job as army chief, General Qamar Javed Bajwa -- rumours of whose death swirled last week -- developed a vision of reducing his country's and his institution, the army's traditional hostility toward India, points out Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan desk at RA&W.

IMAGE: Then Pakistan army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa.

Key Points Former Pakistan army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa served a controversial six-year tenure marked by political interventions and efforts to recalibrate India-Pakistan relations.

During his tenure, track two contacts with India presaged a ceasefire along the Line of Control, which survived for a fairly long period (February 2021 to April 2025).

He played a key role in facilitating Imran Khan's rise and later his ouster amid civil-military tensions.

Pakistan's former army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa was rumoured to have died, aged 65 sometime last week, after a fall at his residence earlier in the year, which led to a brain concussion.

Though the Iran war is currently grabbing all the media attention, it is perhaps characteristic of the country that is Pakistan that Bajwa's condition went unreported in major print or electronic media in that country.

Ranked in the 2018 Forbes list as one of the world's most powerful, Bajwa had a fairly controversial six year tenure as army chief from November 2016 to November 2022.

An infantry officer of the Baloch regiment (16 Baloch), he joined the army in 1978 and progressed through a professionally well oriented military career to attain three star rank, though he was last in his batch at that level.

He served as force commander, Northern Areas as a major general before having a long stint as corps commander in the prestigious X Corps, Rawalpindi.

He did training stints at the Canadian army's Command and Staff College as also at the Naval Postgraduate School, Monteroy, USA, and with a UN peacekeeping contingent in the Congo (2003).

A Jat hailing from heartland Punjab's Ghakkar Mandi village in Gujrat district, he was well connected within the province's feudal oligarchy.

His father-in-law Major General Ejaz Amjad (retd) reportedly had close ties with the family of Nawaz Sharif, which helped in Bajwa's selection as army chief over claims of professionally better candidates senior to him.

In the lobbying that is common in Pakistan before the selection, a canard was spread, possibly from within, over Bajwa's alleged Ahmediya links, referring to his wife's uncle, Major General Iftikhar Khan Janjua, who fought valiantly and was martyred in one of the wars against India.

After his elevation, Bajwa promptly shunted out the well regarded ISI chief, Lieutenant General Rizwan Akhtar to an inconsequential slot, possibly out of ire for involvement in such machinations.

Bajwa's Vision for India Ties

As he settled down to his job as army chief, Bajwa developed a vision of reducing his country's and his institution, the army's traditional hostility toward India.

Addressing the Islamabad Security dialogue in March, 2018 he averred, 'the contemporary concept of national security is not only about protecting a country from internal and external threats but also providing conducive environment in which aspirations of human security, national progress and development could be realised.'

He believed rightly, that 'a nation at peace and a region in harmony are thus essential prerequisites for attainment of national security'.

He acknowledged that 'stable Indo-Pak relations were key to unlock the untapped potential of South and Central Asia'.

He had to qualify though, that 'this potential for peace had forever remained hostage to disputes and issues between two nuclear neighbours'.

'The Kashmir dispute was at the head of this problem and it was important to understand that without its resolution through peaceful means, the process of sub-continental rapprochement will always remain susceptible to derailment due to politically motivated bellicosity'. 'However, we feel that it is time to bury the past and move forward.'

During his tenure, track two contacts with India presaged a ceasefire along the Line of Control, which survived for a fairly long period (February 2021 to April 2025).

IMAGE: General Qamar Javed Bajwa with then Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan.

In March 2018, addressing print and electronic media editors in a closed door session at GHQ, Bajwa talked of a 'deweaponised' Pakistan, where only the State is authorised to use force for 'jihad'.

He reiterated a commitment to 'mainstream' terrorists and hinted that there would be no differentiation between 'good' or 'bad' terrorists.

Admittedly, his efforts in this direction did not meet with much success though he did encourage the likes of Hafiz Saeed to put up proteges and front political groups in the 2018 elections.

Though he had been appointed army chief by Nawaz Sharif, Bajwa fell in line with pressure from his army peers and retired officers, as well as from high placed members of the judiciary and civil society to ease out the Sharifs from power.

The promotion of Imran Khan as a political alternative had begun before his elevation as chief by then army chief General Raheel Sharif and other powerful bosses of the Inter Services Intelligence, Lieutenant Generals Pasha and Zaheer ul Islam encouraging such moves.

Bajwa carried this forward, bringing Imran to power in the 2018 elections to the national assembly.

Bajwa Tenure Extension and Backlash

This helped him get an extension of tenure in November 2021 as his first term drew to a close.

There was a minor flutter when Pakistan supreme court then chief justice Asif Saeed Khan Khosa suspended the extension during a petitioner (Riaz Rahi)'s public litigation on November 25, commenting sarcastically on this 'proclivity of generals to give themselves 'year after year' of extensions'.

The objections of the judiciary were taken in the stride by amending the Army Act 1952 through consensus with the political Opposition (then the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz mainly) in January, 2022.

As with every other chief on extended tenure, in time Bajwa too became somewhat unpopular within his main constituency of serving and retired army officers.

In particular, his punitive actions against former ISI chief Lieutenant General Asad Durrani (retd), stopping his pension after the latter's association in writing a book with India's intelligence officer A S Dulat became subject of criticism.

In Durrani's book, Honour among Spies, he was disparagingly nom-de-plumed as 'Jabbar Jatt'!

He also fell out with Imran Khan, over the latter's insistence to keep Lieutenant General Faiz Hameed on as DG, ISI even when the latter became due for a mandatory stint as corps commander.

This rift eventually led to Imran's ouster as prime minister in April 2022 through a no-confidence motion of the combined Opposition, which was blessed by the army.

Just before he retired, Bajwa perhaps realised the predicament of the army controlling hybrid dispensations for years despite persisting civil society opprobrium and disenchantment among urbanised youth.

Addressing the Defence and Martyrs day ceremony at Rawalpindi (November 23, 2022), he lamented continuing criticism against the army, acknowledging that 'a major reason for this is the army's interference in politics for the last 70 years, which is unconstitutional'.

He went on to say, 'that is why the army decided in February last year (2021) not to interfere in politics'.

Yet, instead of welcoming the military's decision, 'many sectors used very inappropriate and undignified language while making the army the target of severe criticism', and a 'false narrative was created', from which 'an escape is now being attempted'.

This realisation remains on paper as his successor regime, under now Field Marshal Asim Munir consolidated power again.

Yet, it may perhaps have served a purpose if it found mention in an obituary of a prominent serviceman who served his country long and well.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff
Delhi Police have successfully apprehended two individuals involved in a brazen daylight robbery in Shastri Nagar, recovering a portion of the stolen 10.65 lakh and a firearm.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Delhi Police arrested two men for a daylight armed robbery in Shastri Nagar, where over 10.65 lakh was stolen.

The suspects, an uncle and nephew, intercepted the victim at gunpoint and stole his backpack containing the cash.

Police recovered 5.51 lakh, a country-made pistol, and the stolen motorcycle used in the robbery.

The accused confessed to spending the stolen money on household expenses and repaying debts.

Both suspects have prior criminal records, and further investigation is underway to recover the remaining money and trace the weapon's source.

Delhi Police has arrested two men for allegedly carrying out a daylight armed robbery of over Rs 10.65 lakh in Shastri Nagar, an official said on Friday.

According to the police, the incident occurred on March 26 when the complainant, Abhishek Prajapati, 22, a worker at a Bawana socks factory, had collected Rs 65,000 from Shastri Nagar and Rs 10 lakh from Chandni Chowk on his employer's instructions.

"He was on his way to deliver the cash when he briefly stopped near the Shastri Nagar Metro subway around 5.50 pm to check directions. At that moment, two motorcycle-borne men intercepted him and, at gunpoint, snatched his backpack containing the entire cash before fleeing towards the metro station," Deputy Commissioner of Police (North) Raja Banthia said.

The police registered a case at Sarai Rohilla police station and took up an investigation. Subsequently, the accused Dev Maggo, 24, and Rohit Sharma, 34, were arrested from the Ghaziabad's Ankur Vihar area after a four-day manhunt.

"The duo, related as uncle and nephew, had allegedly robbed the 22-year-old man at gunpoint and fled with a bag containing cash," the officer said.

Recovery and Investigation

Upon interrogation, the team recovered Rs 5.51 lakh in cash, a country-made pistol with one live cartridge, and a motorcycle used in the crime, which had been reported stolen from Bhajanpura last year," the officer said.

Police said the accused had conducted a recce of the area and targeted the victim after spotting him carrying a backpack, suspecting it contained cash.

They had procured the weapon from Khajuri Khas to threaten the victim during robbery.

"The duo confessed to spending part of the looted money on household expenses and repaying debts. Further efforts are underway to trace the source of the weapon and recover the remaining amount," the officer said.

He said that both accused have prior involvement in criminal activities, and further investigation is underway.
A 5.9 magnitude earthquake in Afghanistan sent tremors across north India, shaking cities like Delhi, Punjab and Haryana, prompting residents to share their experiences online.

IMAGE: A view of the India Gate after the earthquake hit Delhi, along with other parts of North India, April 3, 2026. Photograph: ANI on X

Key Points A 5.9 magnitude earthquake struck north India, with tremors felt in Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and Haryana.

The earthquake's epicentre was located in Afghanistan at a depth of 150 km, according to the National Centre for Seismology.

While the tremors lasted for a few seconds, there were no immediate reports of damage or casualties.

Social media users shared videos of swaying lights and fans, indicating the intensity of the earthquake tremors.

An earthquake of 5.9 magnitude jolted several parts of north India on Friday night, the National Centre for Seismology (NCS) said.

The tremors, which lasted a few seconds, were felt in Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab and Haryana. There were no reports of any damage or casualties.

The epicentre of the earthquake, which struck at 9.42 pm, was in Afghanistan at a depth of 150 km, the NCS said.

Many took to social media to share videos of ceiling fans and lights swaying inside their homes during the earthquake.

"I hope nobody is hurt. I saw the fan swaying and turned on the news to see (find) that there was an earthquake," a social media user said.

A Chandigarh resident, Baldev Chand, said he felt a strong jolt.

Ajay Kumar, who lives on the 11th floor of a residential building in Zirakpur, Punjab, said, "The tremors lasted for a few seconds. We thought of rushing down, but the tremors stopped soon."

Residents notice swaying ceiling fans

Residents across Delhi-NCR and parts of north India reported mild tremors on Friday night as they noticed swaying ceiling fans and lights after a 5.9 magnitude earthquake struck Afghanistan, prompting many to share their reactions online.

According to official details, the earthquake occurred at around 9.42 pm, with its epicentre in Afghanistan at a depth of 150 km. Tremors were felt in Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab and nearby regions.

While no damage or casualties have been reported, several residents said they briefly noticed ceiling fans and lights swaying inside their homes. They also posted the videos online.

One user posted, "An earthquake measuring near 5.9 on the Richter scale hits Afghanistan, Delhi-NCR, Jammu & Kashmir, Lahore and Islamabad at approximately 9:47 PM on Friday. No major damage or casualties have been reported so far."

Another wrote, "I hope nobody is hurt, I saw the fan swaying and turned on the news to see that there was an earthquake."

Social media was soon filled with similar posts, with many users expressing concern but also noting that the tremors were mild and brief.

Adding to the chatter, a user said, "Morning started with duststorm alerts and now this at night, quite a day for Delhi."

Another posted, "First the strange weather through the day and now tremors at night, hope everyone stays safe."
Which are the world's most vital straits, important to shipping?

First of all, what is a strait? It is a skinny waterway connecting two larger water bodies, like an ocean or a sea. These slender channels are typically bordered by land on either side, whether they be continents, peninsulas or islands.

The narrowness of a strait makes it more critical because they are sort of the bottlenecks of the oceans or ocean routes and ships require smooth passage through them.

From Hormuz to Malacca, these crucial stretches of sea influence international commerce, energy supply lines and, naturally, global politics.

The world's most important straits and their global significance

Photograph: Kind courtesy Official U.S. Navy Page/Wikimedia Commons

1. Strait of Hormuz

Situated between Iran and Oman (Musandam Governorate) and the UAE, this channel links the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman.

It serves as a crucial corridor for global oil shipments, making it one of the planet's most significant energy arteries. At its narrowest, the strait spans just 39 km. Daily oil transit ranges between 20 and 21 million barrels.

Photograph: Kind courtesy WorldWind software/Wikimedia Commons

2. Bab al-Mandeb

Nestled between Yemen and Djibouti, this strategic strait bridges the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden.

Measuring just 32 km at its slimmest section, it channels around 4 million barrels of oil each day.

It is the sole gateway from the Indian Ocean into the Red Sea, links directly to the Suez Canal, playing a pivotal role in trade between Asia and Europe.

Photograph: Kind courtesy Balou46/Wikimedia Commons

3. Suez Canal

Not exactly a strait because it is manmade waterway, earlier narrower manmade canals from ancient times were replaced by the much broader French-built Suez Canal when it opened in 1869.

Carving a path between the Sinai Peninsula and mainland Egypt, the Suez Canal links the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea. At its narrowest, the waterway spans just 225 m and sees the transit of roughly 5 million barrels of oil daily and more than 56 ships (as per 2021 figures).

Photograph: Kind courtesy dronepicr/Wikimedia Commons

4. Strait of Malacca

Lying between Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia and around 900 km long, the Strait of Malacca connects the Indian Ocean with the South China Sea.

Narrowing to just 2.8 km at its tightest point, it is among the world's most-heavily trafficked maritime routes, handling nearly 40 per cent of global commerce and conveying 80 per cent of China's oil imports, making the passageway extremely important to China's economy and geopolitics.

Photograph: Kind courtesy Ivsetaki/Wikimedia Commons

5. Strait of Gibraltar

Positioned between Spain and Morocco, the Strait of Gibraltar serves as the gateway connecting the Atlantic Ocean with the Mediterranean Sea. At its slimmest section, it measures 13 km across. It is used by cruise ships, cargo vessels and 5 to 6 million barrels of oil move through it each day.

Photograph: Kind courtesy Glabb/Wikimedia Commons

6. Turkish Straits

Not one, but two water passages, actually the Dardanelles, the Sea of Marmara and Bosphorus together form the Turkish Straits. This interconnected passage, near Istanbul, joins the Black Sea to the Mediterranean.

At their most constricted point, the span narrows to about 700 m. Cargo is moved from key ports of six countries that border the Black Sea -- Ukraine (Odessa, Theodosia), Russia (Novorossiysk), Georgia (Batumi), Turkey (Hopa, Samsun), Bulgaria (Varna), Romania (Constanta) -- through these straits and roughly 3 to 4 million barrels of oil travel through this route each day.

Photograph: Kind courtesy Thue C. Leibrandt/Wikimedia Commons

7. Danish Straits

Situated between Denmark and Sweden, the narrow water route is the maritime link between the Baltic Sea and the North Sea. At their tightest point, virtually a chokepoint, the passage measures roughly 3.7 km across.

' A key route for the Baltic countries, cruise liners, navies, around 5 million barrels of oil pass through these waters daily.

Photograph: Kind courtesy Camilo Molina derivative work: MrPanyGoff Molina/Wikimedia Commons

8. Panama Canal

Also not a natural waterway, it was hewn out of the Isthmus of Panama and thus connected the Pacific Ocean with the Carribbean Sea and ultimately the Atlantic Ocean.

Many more than 96,000 men built the 82 km long Panama Canal in two phases, first by the French, with much loss of life (totally some perished 27,600). The US completed the canal in 1914.

As per 2025 stats, 13,000 ships please transit through the canal yearly.
Arunachal Pradesh Police made a significant drug bust in Nirjuli, arresting two individuals and seizing heroin valued at Rs 3.3 lakh, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking in the region.

Key Points Arunachal Pradesh Police arrested two individuals, Khyoda Tama and Bamang Raju, in Nirjuli.

The police seized 31 vials of heroin weighing approximately 40 grams.

The estimated value of the seized heroin is Rs 3.3 lakh.

The arrests were made after police intercepted a vehicle based on a tip-off.

A case has been registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, and further investigation is ongoing.

The Arunachal Pradesh Police have arrested two persons and seized heroin worth Rs 3.3 lakh from their possession in Nirjuli area near Itanagar, an officer said on Friday.

Acting on a tip-off, a police team intercepted a vehicle at the viaduct bridge in Dikrong and seized 31 vials of heroin weighing around 40 gm and arrested two persons, identified as Khyoda Tama (24) and Bamang Raju (29), on Thursday, he said.

A case has been registered under NDPS Act and further investigation is underway, the officer added.
West Bengal Police have arrested the alleged mastermind behind the gherao of seven judicial officers in Malda, intensifying the investigation into the Kaliachak incident.

Image used only for representation. Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points West Bengal Police arrested advocate Mofakkarul Islam, the alleged mastermind behind the gherao of seven judicial officers.

Islam was apprehended at Bagdogra airport while attempting to board a flight.

The incident involved the gherao of judicial officers inside a BDO office in Kaliachak.

A total of 33 people, including an ISF candidate, have been arrested in connection with the incident.

The West Bengal Police on Friday arrested the alleged mastermind of the gherao of seven judicial officers in Malda district from Siliguri's Bagdogra airport, a senior officer said.

The accused, identified as advocate Mofakkarul Islam, was arrested while he was trying to board a flight, he said.

"He is the mastermind of the Kaliachak incident in which seven judicial officers were gheraoed inside a BDO office for several hours on Wednesday night. He was trying to board a flight to flee," the officer told PTI.

Investigation and Arrests

With the latest apprehension, the police have so far arrested 33 people, including an ISF candidate, for their alleged involvement in the incident, he added.
A suspected hooch tragedy in Bihar's East Champaran district has resulted in four deaths from spurious liquor consumption, triggering a police investigation and raising concerns about the state's alcohol ban.

Photograph: ANI

Key Points Four people have died in East Champaran, Bihar, due to the suspected consumption of spurious liquor, prompting a police investigation.

Six others are hospitalised, and seven have been discharged after treatment following the hooch tragedy in Motihari.

Authorities have arrested 12 people, including a village watchman, and suspended the local police station chief in connection with the incident.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to investigate the incident, and a murder case has been registered.

The incident occurred despite a total ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol in Bihar since April 2016.

The death toll in the suspected hooch tragedy rose to four on Friday after three more persons died allegedly due to consumption of spurious liquor in dry Bihar's East Champaran district, officials said.

At least six others are undergoing treatment at a government hospital, while seven people have been discharged after initial treatment, they said.

The incident took place at Turkauliya and Raghunathpur areas of Motihari on Thursday.

Investigation and Arrests

East Champaran District Magistrate Saurabh Jorwal said, "The death toll has now mounted to four. Bodies have been sent for post-mortem examination. The exact cause of death can only be known after the report."

He added that 12 people, including a village chowkidar, have been arrested in connection with the incident, while the SHO of Turkauliya police station has been suspended with immediate effect.

SP Swarn Prabhat said a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to probe the incident.

A murder case has been registered based on a complaint filed by the family members of the deceased, police said.

Initial investigations suggested that the first victim had consumed illicit liquor in Raghunathpur area, police sources said.

"Police have identified the liquor supplier, and he will soon be nabbed. A team of the district police and the Anti-Liquor Task Force (ALTF) are conducting searches in Parsauni, Mushhari Tola and Turkaulia. A high-level inquiry has also been ordered into the incident," Prabhat had said on Thursday.

Background: Bihar's Alcohol Ban

The Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government imposed a total ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol in the state on April 5, 2016.
Rajasthan's opposition party is investigating a potential conflict of interest involving the state government's legal representation in the Adarsh Credit Cooperative Society scam, raising concerns about fairness for defrauded investors.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Rajasthan government accused of playing a 'double game' in the Adarsh Credit Cooperative Society scam.

Allegations of conflict of interest arise involving Additional Advocate General Shivmangal Sharma.

Sharma's law firm allegedly represents the state in the Supreme Court while also representing a co-accused in the Delhi High Court.

The Adarsh Credit Cooperative Society allegedly defrauded 22 lakh people of approximately Rs 15,000 crore.

Opposition demands a high-level probe into the alleged conflict of interest and potential professional misconduct.

Leader of Opposition in Rajasthan Assembly Tika Ram Jully on Friday alleged that the BJP government in the state was playing a "double game" with the victims of Adarsh Credit Cooperative Society scam and raised questions over the role of the state's additional advocate general.

Addressing a press conference, Jully alleged a conflict of interest involving Additional Advocate General Shivmangal Sharma.

He claimed that the law firm of Sharma and others was representing the state government in the Supreme Court in the matter, while also appearing for a co-accused, Siddharth Chauhan, in a related case in the Delhi High Court.

"This raises serious questions about fairness and amounts to misleading investors who have already lost their savings," he said.

Jully cited the Bar Council of India rules prohibiting advocates from representing conflicting interests.

He demanded a high-level probe into the matter and asked whether the state government was aware of the alleged conflict.

"Appointing such a counsel amounted to betrayal of the victims. I want to ask the government whether action will be taken against the lawyer for professional misconduct," he said.

Details of the Adarsh Credit Cooperative Society Scam

He said the cooperative society, founded in 1999 by Mukesh Modi and his family, allegedly duped around 22 lakh people of nearly Rs 15,000 crore between 2010 and 2014.

Probe findings indicated that funds were routed through about 125 shell companies to benefit the promoters and their associates.

Jully said that an FIR was registered by the special operations group (SOG) in 2018, and arrests were made. Cases were registered in Gurugram and Delhi as well.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday on social media that Attorney General Pam Bondi will step down from her position and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche will serve as acting attorney general. This file photo taken on June 27, 2025 shows Todd Blanche attending a press conference at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States. (Xinhua/Hu Yousong)

WASHINGTON, April 2 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday on social media that Attorney General Pam Bondi will step down from her position and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche will serve as acting attorney general.

"Pam Bondi is a Great American Patriot and a loyal friend, who faithfully served as my Attorney General over the past year," Trump wrote on Truth Social. "She will be transitioning to a much needed and important new job in the private sector, to be announced at a date in the near future."

Trump's latest statement came shortly after multiple U.S. media outlets reported that the president had fired Bondi.

The New York Times first reported on Wednesday that Trump had discussed firing Bondi in recent days as he grew frustrated with her leadership at the Justice Department and her handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files.

Earlier on Thursday, the paper cited a person familiar with the decision as saying that Trump fired Bondi.

In recent days, Trump had talked to allies about the possibility of firing Bondi, and he talked with her personally on Wednesday about the possibility that it would happen, CNN cited sources as saying in a Thursday report.

Trump has been frustrated with Bondi on multiple fronts, the report noted, adding that in particular, he is upset over her handling of the Epstein files and he has also fumed that she has not investigated or prosecuted enough of his political opponents.

Bondi's exit would mark the second cabinet-level firing since the start of Trump's second term.

In March, Trump removed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem amid growing bipartisan criticism of her leadership.

U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday on social media that Attorney General Pam Bondi will step down from her position and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche will serve as acting attorney general. This file photo taken on June 27, 2025 shows Pam Bondi (R) and U.S. President Donald Trump attending a press conference at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States. (Xinhua/Hu Yousong)

U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday on social media that Attorney General Pam Bondi will step down from her position and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche will serve as acting attorney general. This file photo taken on June 27, 2025 shows Pam Bondi speaking during a press conference at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States. (Xinhua/Hu Yousong)

Editor: Xiong Jian
Trump, in a post on Truth Social on Thursday, signalled a major escalation in the ongoing Operation Epic Fury, which began on February 28.

IMAGE: The B1 bridge damaged by a strike in Karaj, Iran, on April 3, 2026. Photograph: Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via Reuters

Key Points Trump warned of strikes on Irans bridges and power plants, signalling escalation.

Iran condemned the threats; global energy concerns rise, affecting India.

Recent strike on Karaj bridge killed 8 and injured 95, per Iranian media.

US and Iran issued conflicting claims on military developments, including F-35 incidents.

United States President Donald Trump warned Iran of potential strikes on its infrastructure, including bridges and electric power plants, saying the US military 'hasn't even started destroying what's left in Iran'.

Trump, in a post on Truth Social on Thursday, signalled a major escalation in the ongoing Operation Epic Fury, which began on February 28.

In the post, he said, 'Our Military, the greatest and most powerful (by far!) anywhere in the World, hasn't even started destroying what's left in Iran. Bridges next, then Electric Power Plants! New Regime leadership knows what has to be done, and has to be done, FAST! President DONALD J TRUMP.'

Escalating Tensions and Global Concerns

This comes amid escalating tensions between the US and Iran, with Trump threatening to bomb Iran 'back to the Stone Ages' if necessary.

Iran has condemned the threats, calling them a strike on civilian infrastructure and warning of consequences for America's global standing. The situation has led to concerns over global energy supplies, with India, a major oil importer, seeking alternative sources, including increased imports from Russia.

Recent Strikes and Casualties

Hours before this post, US forces targeted and destroyed the B1 Bridge in Karaj (Alborz Province), reportedly the tallest bridge in Iran.

Iranian state media Press TV reported at least 8 deaths and 95 injuries from this specific strike, noting that many victims were travellers.

Meanwhile, the spokesperson of Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters said that a second US fifth-generation F-35 was struck and downed over central Iran by a new Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force air-defence system, as reported by Press TV.

The report further said that, given the massive explosion on impact and during the crash, the pilot is unlikely to have ejected.

Military Updates and Counterclaims

Earlier in the day, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said that USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) is still continuing flight operations.

In a post on X, it said, 'USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) continues to conduct flight operations, both day and night.'

CENTCOM earlier fact-checked the IRGC.

In a post on X, it said, 'CLAIM: Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) says it downed an 'enemy' fighter jet over Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz. FACT: All U.S. fighter aircraft are accounted for. Iran's IRGC has made the same false claim at least half a dozen times.'

US Leadership's Strong Messaging

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth echoed Trump's message of sending the Iranians back to the 'Stone Age'.

In a post on X, he said, 'Back to the Stone Age.'

Trump, during his address to the nation on April 2, said, "I've made clear since the beginning of Operation Epic Fury -- we will continue until our objectives are achieved. Thanks to the progress we've made, I can say tonight -- we are on track to complete all of America's military objectives shortly. We are going to hit them extremely hard over the next 23 weeks. We are going to bring them back to the Stone Age."
The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) is staging protests in Punjab following the desecration of a B.R. Ambedkar statue, demanding swift arrests and criticising the government's response to the incident.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points BSP protests in Punjab over the alleged desecration of a B.R. Ambedkar statue in Noorpur Jattan village.

BSP demands immediate arrests of those responsible for the statue desecration.

The party threatens to intensify its agitation across Punjab if arrests are not made.

BSP criticises the state administration's handling of the incident and similar past events.

Further protests are planned across the Doaba region, culminating in a larger demonstration.

The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) on Friday held a protest outside the DSP office in Garhshankar here against the recent alleged desecration of a statue of B R Ambedkar in Noorpur Jattan village.

BSP's Punjab unit president Avtar Singh Karimpuri said the party would intensify its agitation across Punjab if the accused were not arrested.

He alleged that no arrests have been made despite a 72-hour ultimatum given to the police and accused the state administration of failing in its duty.

Karimpuri also claimed that several such incidents have occurred in the state in recent years and criticised the government's response.

He said BSP workers from different Assembly segments in the Doaba region would hold protests from April 4 to April 16, followed by a larger demonstration on April 18.

BSP leader and MLA Nachhattar Pal also condemned the incident and said the issue would be raised in the Punjab Assembly.

Police officials briefed the protesters, but BSP leaders expressed dissatisfaction and demanded immediate arrests.
A meat consignment seized in Jalna, Maharashtra, under suspicion of being beef was confirmed to be buffalo meat, leading to its release and highlighting the importance of accurate testing in animal product regulation.

Key Points Meat consignment seized in Jalna, Maharashtra, initially suspected to be beef, was confirmed as buffalo meat by a laboratory analysis.

The seized consignment, weighing 83,988 kilograms, was released along with the three trucks after the lab report confirmed it was buffalo meat.

The meat was being transported from Parbhani to Mumbai, likely for export to Arab nations, with markings in Arabic on the packets.

Authorities released the consignment within 24 hours of receiving the lab report, as the transporter possessed valid documents.

Meat worth Rs 4.34 crore seized from three trucks in Jalna on suspicion that it was beef has been confirmed as buffalo meat after analysis by a laboratory in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, a police official said on Friday.

Following this, the consignment comprising 83,988 kilograms of frozen meat was released along with the three trucks, Sub-Divisional Police Officer Anant Kulkarni said.

"The meat was seized on April 1 on a tip off from right-wing activists and a case was registered at Chandanzira police station under Maharashtra Animal Preservation Act. Three persons, identified as Varanasi residents Shambuprasad Prajapati, Sattyaprakash Gupta, and Virenda Gupta, were held at the time," another official said.

As per police, the trucks were transporting the meat from Parbhani to Mumbai for export. Packets in the consignment had markings in Arabic, indicating it was likely intended for export to Arab nations.

"We had requested an early report from the laboratory to ensure the meat does not deteriorate. The transporter had valid documents. After verification, the containers were released within 24 hours of receiving the report," SDPO Kulkarni said.

Further action in the case will be taken accordingly, the official added.
A businessman was fatally shot in Palamu, Jharkhand, prompting a police investigation into the unidentified assailants and the motive behind the murder.

Key Points A businessman named Sameer Khalifa was shot dead in Palika Bazaar, Palamu, Jharkhand.

Three unidentified assailants were involved in the shooting, firing multiple rounds.

The victim was taken to Medinirai Medical College and Hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

Police are investigating the murder, analysing CCTV footage, and have made no arrests yet.

The victim was involved in land and wholesale bag trading businesses.

A businessman was shot dead by three unidentified miscreants in Jharkhand's Palamu district, police said on Friday.

The deceased has been identified as Sameer Khalifa alias Guddu (36), a resident of Kanji House Colony. The incident took place on Thursday night around 10.45 pm, at Palika Bazaar, situated near the bus stand under the Town police station, they said.

"The victim was shot dead by three unidentified miscreants at the market. They fired a shot at him in the head. They also fired 5 to 6 rounds in the air to create terror among the people present in the area," Town police station in-charge Jyoti Lal Rajwar said.

He said the victim was immediately rushed to Medinirai Medical College and Hospital (MMCH), where doctors declared him dead on arrival.

The victim was engaged in land business for a long time and also ran a wholesale bag trading business. When the incident occurred, he was accompanied by Israel Azad, alias Mintu, and another man, the OC stated.

Investigation into the Palamu Shooting

The reason behind the murder could not be ascertained yet. An investigation into the matter is underway. CCTV camera footage from nearby areas is being analysed to identify the miscreants. So far, no arrests have been made in this case, police said.
Maharashtra is gearing up to celebrate Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's 135th birth anniversary as a 'festival of thoughts', aiming to promote his inclusive vision and the principles of the Constitution across all sections of society.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Maharashtra to celebrate Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's 135th birth anniversary as a 'festival of thoughts' to promote his ideas.

Chief Minister Fadnavis stresses the importance of spreading Ambedkar's vision and contributions across all sections of society.

Extensive arrangements are being made at Chaityabhoomi in Dadar for the expected large number of visitors, including shelters and drinking water.

The state government is implementing initiatives to raise awareness of the Constitution in every household.

A drone show based on Dr. Ambedkar's life will be held at Chaityabhoomi as part of the celebrations.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday called for celebrating the birth anniversary of Dr B R Ambedkar as a "festival of his thoughts" and stressed the need to spread the Dalit icon's ideas and contributions across all sections of society.

Chairing a meeting to review preparations for Ambedkar's 135th birth anniversary on April 14, Fadnavis stated that the Constitution and vision provided by the great leader continue to guide the nation's progress.

Celebrating the birth anniversaries of great leaders should go beyond ritual and serve as a means to pass on their ideas and inspiration to future generations, a release from the chief minister's office (CMO) quoted Fadnavis as saying.

"The Constitution given by Dr Ambedkar is among the finest in the world, and its inclusive principles are helping India move towards becoming a developed nation," he said.

The state government has been making efforts every year to make the celebrations more meaningful and grand, the chief minister said.

Preparations for Ambedkar's Birth Anniversary Celebrations

As lakhs of followers are expected to visit Chaityabhoomi in Dadar on April 14 to pay their tributes, the chief minister asked officials to make arrangements considering the summer season, including shelters to protect visitors from the heat, adequate drinking water facilities and proper traffic management in Dadar and nearby areas.

He also instructed authorities to install information boards for the public and ensure sufficient bus services between Dadar railway station and Chaityabhoomi.

Social Justice Minister Sanjay Shirsat said that an initiative to take the Constitution to every household is being implemented through district collectors' offices to raise awareness among citizens.

Student hostels are being built on a large scale in line with Ambedkar's message of "Educate, Organise, and Agitate", and special initiatives will be undertaken this year as part of the celebrations, he said.

A drone show based on Dr Ambedkar's life will be held at Chaityabhoomi on April 13, he added.

The meeting discussed arrangements, including a police ceremonial salute, a helicopter floral tribute, accommodation facilities, emergency and medical services, exhibition pavilions and decoration of the memorial site, the CMO release stated.
A Delhi court acquitted a family in a dowry death case, citing the deceased's text messages revealing a history of suicidal tendencies and lack of evidence of dowry-related harassment.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Delhi court acquits a man and his family of dowry death and domestic cruelty charges.

The acquittal was based on text messages revealing the deceased wife's history of suicidal tendencies.

The court found no evidence of cruelty or harassment related to dowry demands by the accused.

Evidence showed the deceased had expressed feelings of being unwanted since childhood, predating her marriage.

The court noted the absence of any mention of dowry demands or harassment in the deceased's communications with her mother and friends.

A Delhi court has acquitted a man and his family of all charges related to domestic cruelty and causing the dowry death of his wife in less than a year of marriage, pointing to text messages suggesting a long history of suicidal tendencies.

The messages referred to in the case were exchanged between the deceased wife and her friend.

Additional Sessions Judge Nipun Awasthi acquitted accused Daman Deep, Harpreet Singh, Amarjeet Kaur and Milan Deep Kaur of all charges under Sections 489A (cruelty by husband or in-laws towards wife), 406 (criminal breach of trust), 304B (dowry death) and 34 (common intention) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

"It is proved that the accused persons cannot be imputed with any conduct of cruelty or harassment towards the deceased, and it is also proved that deceased was troubled by negative feelings and suicidal tendencies.

"Hence, this court finds that the prosecution has failed to prove its case and the accused persons are not proved to have subjected the deceased to cruelty or harassment in respect of dowry demand," the court said, acquitting all four in its judgment dated March 30.

According to the prosecution, the deceased, Harinder Kaur, had been married to accused Daman Deep since December 6, 2017. On the evening of February 16, 2018, Harinder hanged herself in her matrimonial home.

Since she died within months of the marriage, the executive magistrate conducted inquest proceedings. An FIR was then filed based on the allegations levelled by the deceased's mother against her husband, brother-in-law, mother-in-law and sister-in-law.

The deceased's mother alleged her husband and in-laws used to harass her, demanding dowry of Rs 10 lakh and a big vehicle. She alleged they also did not allow the deceased to visit her parental home after marriage.

The defence argued that the deceased had suicidal tendencies and had exhibited the same throughout her lifetime. It was argued that her suicide was a result of the tendencies and not induced by the accused's conduct.

Key Evidence: Text Messages and Suicidal Tendencies

The Forensic Science Laboratory retrieved all data from the mobile handset of the deceased and produced it in court as evidence. The court highlighted a few text messages between the deceased and her friend in April 2017 and July 2017 clearly expressing suicidal tendencies even before her marriage.

"It is found that the accused persons have successfully proved that the psyche of the victim was such that it was driving her to suicide," the court said, highlighting messages indicating that the deceased felt unwanted since birth.

The court also noted that the deceased's messages showed she had "no grievance" with her husband and in-laws.

"There is not even an allusion to any dowry demand made from her or of any cruelty or harassment committed on her by the accused," the court said.

Lack of Evidence Supporting Dowry Harassment Claims

The court also highlighted all conversations between the deceased and her mother were "general inquiries about each other's well being" with nothing in the conversations suggesting she was subjected to cruelty by the accused.

The deceased's mother alleged that she had received a phone call from the deceased, informing her that she was being harassed for dowry. But the court found that none of the messages sent that day by the deceased to her mother and her sister were indicative of such a conversation.

The court also relied on a conversation between the deceased and her friend two days before her death -- indicating the feelings of being an unwanted child of her parents since her childhood.
In a shocking case of suspected honour killing in Delhi, a father and son have been arrested for allegedly murdering a 19-year-old woman due to her disapproved relationship.

IMAGE: Kindly note that the image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points A father and son have been arrested in Delhi for allegedly murdering a 19-year-old woman.

The victim was reportedly killed due to her relationship with a man her family disapproved of.

Police were alerted after a PCR call reported the woman's death and the family's attempt to quickly perform last rites.

A postmortem report indicated the cause of death was smothering.

The family had allegedly confined and beaten the woman prior to her death due to her relationship.

The Delhi Police has arrested a man and his son for allegedly murdering his 19-year-old daughter in west Delhi's Hari Nagar area, an official said on Friday.

The case first came to light on April 1 after a PCR call was received around 2 pm, alleging that a woman had been killed by her family members and her body was being taken for last rites, he said.

The accused, identified as Mohammad Maneer (55), a vegetable vendor, and his son Meraj Ali (19), were arrested in connection with the case, the officer said.

The victim had been in a relationship with a man from her native place for the past two years, which was opposed by her father, Maneer and brother Meraj, he said.

"When the girl did not end the relationship despite objections, the family killed her," the officer said.

On April 1, the police said that when their team reached the spot, they found that the woman's body was being taken for burial.

Acting on the input, the burial process was stopped over suspicion of honour killing.

"Police intercepted the family members and took possession of the body," he said.

Police said that the man who had made the PCR told them that the woman was in love with his cousin.

During the inquiry, police also interacted with the PCR caller, who said his cousin, a friend of the deceased, had informed him about the situation and suspected foul play, prompting him to alert the police control room.

The body of the woman was subsequently shifted to the mortuary of Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital for preservation and postmortem.

Police said that both the crime team and the forensic science laboratory (FSL) team were called to inspect the scene and collect evidence.

Police said that, as per the postmortem report, the cause of death was identified as smothering, indicating that the woman was suffocated.

A preliminary inquiry also revealed that the family had initiated preparations for the last rites soon after the woman's death, raising suspicion about the circumstances.

Investigation details

Initial investigation pointed to the family's opposition to the woman's relationship.

"The family members of the woman saw her with the man, and she was taken back home. We got to know that she was beaten up and even locked inside the house for some days," a source said.

Further investigation into the matter is underway, police added.
A man in Delhi died in a suspected cylinder blast shortly after allegedly stabbing a teenage girl, prompting a police investigation into the sequence of events and potential motives.

Key Points A 24-year-old man in Delhi died in a suspected cylinder blast at his residence.

The man is suspected of stabbing a teenage girl earlier the same day in Old Seemapuri.

Police are investigating the connection between the stabbing and the subsequent cylinder blast.

Forensic teams are working to determine if the cylinder blast was accidental or deliberate.

The teenage girl remains in hospital receiving treatment for multiple stab wounds.

A 24-year-old man died in a suspected cylinder blast at his house in Delhi's Seemapuri area on Friday evening, hours after he allegedly stabbed a teenage girl, an official said.

According to the police, a PCR call was received at Seemapuri police station at 5:33 pm reporting that a girl had been stabbed and was lying unconscious with multiple injuries in Ravidas Mandir Wali Gali in Old Seemapuri.

Police teams rushed to the spot and found that the injured girl had already been shifted to Guru Teg Bahadur (GTB) Hospital, where she was admitted for treatment.

Doctors declared her unfit for statement, said the police officer.

The victim sustained multiple stab wounds and remains under medical care, police added.

Based on the PCR call, the medico-legal case (MLC) and inspection of the crime scene were initiated, and a case of attempt to murder was registered.

The Cylinder Blast

"Meanwhile, in a separate but related incident, another PCR call was received at the same police station regarding a cylinder blast at a house in New Seemapuri. Police reached the spot where they found that a man identified as Jatin (24) had died in a fire triggered by the blast," police said.

"He was alone in the house at the time of the incident. The victim was rushed to GTB Hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead. His body has been preserved in the mortuary for postmortem," he said.

During the course of the inquiry, police established that Jatin was the same person who had stabbed the girl earlier in the day.

"We are probing the sequence of events and the motive behind the attack. The team is probing the matter from all possible angles," police said.

Forensic teams have inspected both locations, and efforts are underway to ascertain whether the cylinder blast was accidental or deliberate, the officer added.
A 20-year-old man was brutally stabbed to death in Delhi, and in a shocking turn of events, the accused allegedly posted a video on social media bragging about the heinous crime, leading to swift police action and public outrage.

Key Points A 20-year-old man, Nitesh, was fatally stabbed in Delhi after a dispute.

The main accused, Karan, allegedly posted a video on social media boasting about committing the murder.

Police have apprehended Karan, along with an associate named Monty and a juvenile, in connection with the stabbing.

The victim's family suspects prior enmity as a motive for the crime and demands justice.

The incident occurred in the Shalimar Bagh area, and investigations are ongoing.

A 20-year-old man was stabbed to death following a quarrel near Haiderpur Nahar in northwest Delhi, police said on Friday.

Soon after the murder, the accused posted a video on social media, saying, "Tumhare bhai ne murder maar diya hai (Your brother has committed a murder)."

Two men and a juvenile have been apprehended in connection with the incident that took place on Thursday, they said.

In the purported video, the accused can be heard saying, "It's 11.22 pm, brothers. Your brother has committed a murder and is heading to jail for a while. Show me some love, all you brothers."

The main accused, Karan alias Tarun, 18, along with his associates Monty, 22, and a juvenile, allegedly carried out the attack on Nitesh alias Nikki, police said.

The incident came to light on Thursday after a PCR call was received reporting a stabbing in the Shalimar Bagh area.

"The injured was taken to a hospital where doctors declared him dead on arrival," a police officer said.

Family's Plea for Justice

The victim's family demanded justice for their son, with the strictest punishment for those responsible for his death.

"The accused called him out of the house and took him behind it, where they stabbed him to death. He was stabbed nearly ten times," the victim's mother said.

She added that the accused even recorded a video of her son being killed.

A video allegedly posted by the accused on social media shows the accused claiming that he had killed someone.

In a purported video, the accused claimed that he killed a man and will be in jail for some time. The victim's family suspected that there may have been prior personal enmity between the accused and their son, which could have led to the killing.

"Around 9.30 pm, when I went to rescue my son, he told me to go back home. Later, I was informed that he had been killed. I believe there must have been some enmity between them that led to this," his father said.

He added that his son had multiple stab wounds. He further said that he works as a construction labourer and his son was also employed in the same line of work.

According to the police, an altercation between Nitesh and Karan escalated into a violent assault, during which one of the accused repeatedly stabbed the victim. Further investigation is underway.
This photo taken on April 1, 2026 shows the building and vehicle damaged in Israeli strikes in the Jnah area of Beirut, Lebanon. (Photo by Bilal Jawich/Xinhua)

OCHA said nearly 15 percent of Lebanon's territory has been affected by displacement orders over the past month. While many families have fled to collective shelters, relatives' homes or informal settlements, others have remained behind in affected areas and are in urgent need of assistance.

UNITED NATIONS, April 2 (Xinhua) -- UN humanitarians said Thursday the situation across the Middle East is deteriorating rapidly, with spreading displacement, mounting civilian casualties and severe constraints on aid operations.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said that more than 1.1 million Lebanese have been displaced as displacement orders continue to affect new areas.

OCHA said nearly 15 percent of Lebanon's territory has been affected by displacement orders over the past month. While many families have fled to collective shelters, relatives' homes or informal settlements, others have remained behind in affected areas and are in urgent need of assistance.

Half of the healthcare facilities supported by the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) in affected conflict areas have been forced to close due to violence. Many healthcare workers themselves have been displaced. Hospitals and primary healthcare centers that remain operational are overwhelmed and understaffed.

Humanitarian partners are working to sustain essential services where possible. UNFPA has deployed nine mobile health units across Lebanon, providing maternal health services and emergency obstetric care in collective shelters. The units also offer psychosocial support, care for survivors of sexual violence and the distribution of dignity kits and essential supplies for pregnant women and new mothers.

However, OCHA said the humanitarian response is facing growing logistical constraints. Disruptions to major global transport routes are delaying the delivery of critical supplies. While aid agencies are attempting to reroute shipments and secure alternative supply lines, significant gaps remain as needs continue to rise sharply.

The office renewed its call on the international community for an immediate de-escalation of hostilities, the protection of civilians, healthcare facilities and humanitarian workers, full and unimpeded humanitarian access, particularly to southern Lebanon, and urgent funding to meet rapidly expanding needs.

UN peacekeepers along the Blue Line, known as UNIFIL, describe the situation as bleak and concerning.

UNIFIL said the Israel Defense Forces have expanded their incursion westward, with tanks and clashes reported in Sector West, roughly 12 km north of the Blue Line.

In Gaza, OCHA said humanitarian needs continue to far exceed what aid organizations can provide. Only one crossing is currently open for cargo to enter the Gaza Strip.

On food security, UN agencies and partners reported that distributions for March were completed, reaching every other family with rations covering half of minimum caloric requirements.

UN aid partners are also serving nearly 1.5 million meals daily and producing about 130,000 two-kilogram bread bundles daily. Still, OCHA said it is insufficient. Limited entry of commercial goods, particularly cooking gas, continues to constrain food preparation, forcing nearly half of households to rely on unsafe cooking methods such as burning trash.

On health, OCHA said that UN-supported emergency medical teams provided about 23,000 consultations across Gaza during the final week of March. However, persistent delays in clearing specialized medical and surgical equipment are limiting the ability to deliver complex care.

On shelter, the office said most of Gaza's population is still displaced, and assistance is largely confined to short-term solutions. More durable shelter support depends on the entry of materials that are difficult to approve, including equipment needed to clear debris and unexploded ordnance or repair damaged homes.

During the last week of March, humanitarian partners assisted nearly 14,000 families with tarpaulins and household items, prioritizing those affected by flooding from recent rainstorms.

In education, last week's rains damaged at least 15 temporary learning spaces, disrupting schooling for around 20,000 students. UNICEF and its partners continued setting up specialized learning tents and distributing stationery and recreational materials for children.

In the West Bank, OCHA data showed that violence has surged since the regional escalation began on Feb. 28. Two-thirds of Palestinian fatalities recorded in the first quarter of this year occurred after that date. Four Palestinians women were killed by falling munitions during an Iranian missile attack.

The office also reported more than 200 settler attacks in March that caused casualties or property damage, affecting over 100 Palestinian communities.

OCHA said that Palestinians must be protected, perpetrators of unlawful attacks must be held accountable, and policies driving displacement, insecurity and humanitarian needs must be reversed.

Editor: Xiong Jian
A Delhi woman claims she was brutally assaulted and wrongfully confined after being accused of stealing a packet of cashew nuts, prompting a police investigation into the alleged incident.

Key Points A Delhi woman alleges she was brutally assaulted after being accused of stealing cashew nuts from a store in Burari.

The FIR states the woman was confined and physically assaulted by three women in the store's warehouse.

The victim sustained injuries, including a fractured hand, and received treatment at Burari Government Hospital and LNJP Hospital.

Police have registered a case and are investigating the allegations of assault and wrongful confinement.

The woman's husband reported growing suspicious after being unable to reach her for over two hours, eventually being asked to pick her up from the store.

A man has alleged that his wife was confined in a room and brutally assaulted by three women who accused her of stealing a packet of cashew nuts in the Burari area of north Delhi, an official said on Friday.

According to the FIR registered at Burari police station, the incident occurred on March 28 between 9.15 and 9.30 pm as the woman was returning home from work and stopped at a grocery store near a government school.

In her complaint, the woman claimed THAT after completing her purchase at the counter, the three women demanded to see the bill for her items. As she began to comply, the trio allegedly pushed her, hurled abuses, and accused her of theft.

When she resisted, the accused allegedly snatched her mobile phone and dragged her to the back warehouse of the store, where they physically assaulted her, read the FIR (copy with PTI).

The victim further alleged that a man briefly intervened, but the assault continued. She sustained injuries during the attack, including swelling under her right eye and a fracture in her right hand. She stated that she requested her phone but lost consciousness during the assault.

According to the FIR, she regained consciousness upon hearing her husband's voice, who had arrived at the scene after someone from the store asked him to come quickly. The store staff eventually returned her mobile phone, after which a PCR call was made.

Subsequently, a PCR van arrived at the scene and took the woman to Burari Government Hospital, where she received initial treatment. Doctors documented a medico-legal case (MLC), noting the history of physical assault. She was later referred to a higher centre for further treatment and underwent care at LNJP Hospital on March 29.

The police stated that the woman did not provide her statement immediately at the hospital, indicating that she would do so after her treatment.

On March 30, accompanied by her husband, she visited the Burari police station and based on her complaint, the police registered a case under Sections 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt), 127(2) (wrongful confinement) and 3(5) (common intention) of the BNS, launching further investigation into the matter.

A police officer said that they are verifying all the facts in the case.

Husband's Account of the Incident

Meanwhile, the man alleged that store staff accused his wife of stealing a packet of cashews, leading to an argument after she retaliated.

"This was not her first visit; we shop there regularly every 15 days. When my wife opened her bag to show its contents, a staff member snatched her phone. She was carrying two phones, and they took her personal one. When she confronted them about why her phone was taken, the situation escalated," he told PTI.

He alleged that his wife was taken to the back of the store, where a man held her phone while the three women assaulted her severely, causing her to faint.

He said he grew suspicious when he repeatedly called her for over two hours with no response.

"That evening, my wife had called me around 9.40 pm, but I could not answer. When I later returned home and saw the missed call, I tried calling her back, but she did not respond, which made me uneasy as she normally answers my calls," he alleged.

He added that he also tried reaching her through a social media app. At one point, the call was briefly answered, and he could not hear anything properly.

"I initially assumed she might be in the metro. Around 11 pm, after repeated attempts, someone finally answered her phone and asked me to come to the store to pick up my wife," he said.

Upon arriving at the store, he said he noticed 15 to 20 men standing outside, all silent. "After pressing further, someone told me she was inside, near a shelf, where she had fainted. When she regained consciousness, she began crying continuously, and the police were called," he alleged.
Two inter-district drug peddlers were arrested in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir, after police discovered heroin during a routine vehicle stop, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking in the region.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Two inter-district drug peddlers were apprehended in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir.

Police seized heroin from the possession of the arrested individuals during a routine vehicle check.

The accused have been identified as Tawheed Ahmad Khan and Nayyeem Ahmad Akhoon from Kashmir.

A case has been registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

Police on Friday apprehended two inter-district drug peddlers and recovered heroin from their possession during checking in Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur district, officials said.

A police team, while conducting routine checking at a motor shed in Chenani, intercepted a Toyota Glanza that was on its way from Udhampur towards the Kashmir valley, they said.

During checking, four persons were found travelling in the vehicle. Upon conducting a personal search of the driver and co-driver, police recovered two transparent polypacks containing heroin from two persons, officials noted, adding that the accused have been identified as Tawheed Ahmad Khan and Nayyeem Ahmad Akhoon from Kashmir.

In this connection, a case has been registered at Police Station Chenani under relevant Sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, police said.
The Election Commission of India is addressing concerns over potentially biased security arrangements for Trinamool Congress-linked individuals in West Bengal ahead of the upcoming elections, demanding a swift and impartial review.

Key Points The Election Commission of India (ECI) has raised concerns about police security provided to individuals linked to the TMC before the West Bengal elections.

The ECI views the security deployment as a 'lapse' and has instructed the DGP to conduct a professional review within days.

The ECI emphasises that security arrangements must be impartial and adhere to established guidelines during the West Bengal elections.

Prior to the election announcement, over 2,000 police personnel were assigned to protect hundreds of TMC members and supporters.

The Election Commission of India has taken serious note of the deployment of police personnel for providing security to individuals allegedly linked to the ruling TMC ahead of the West Bengal elections, a senior official said on Friday.

Describing the matter as a "lapse", the official said the poll panel has issued directions to the DGP to ensure corrective measures at the earliest.

"Before the announcement of elections, the West Bengal government had deployed 2,185 police personnel to provide security to 832 people belonging to Trinamool Congress directly and 144 others, who include TMC supporters," the top official told PTI.

ECI's Directive for Impartial Security

"The ECI has taken serious note of this lapse and has directed the DGP to conduct a strict professional review within the next 2-3 days fairly and equitably," he added.

The Commission has emphasised that security deployment must remain impartial and in line with established norms, he said.
The military action specifically targeted the 'B1 bridge in Karaj', resulting in a high number of casualties in the surrounding area.

IMAGE: Smoke rises following a strike in Tehran, on April 1, 2026. Photograph: Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via Reuters

Key Points 8 killed and 95 injured in US-Israeli strikes targeting a bridge in Karaj, Iran.

Iran says it will defend itself and accuses the US and Israel of aggression.

Talks held with Azerbaijan and the Philippines amid rising regional tensions.

Over 2,000 deaths reported nationwide since the conflict began.

At least eight civilians have been reported killed, and 95 others have sustained injuries following United States-Israeli strikes, Iranian state media Press TV reported.

The military action specifically targeted the 'B1 bridge in Karaj', resulting in a high number of casualties in the surrounding area.

The victims of the strike reportedly include 'Iranian travellers' and 'residents of the local village' who were near the infrastructure at the time of the attack.

According to Press TV, the toll also included 'families who were in the area for Nature Day', a time when many people were outdoors.

Iran engaged in 'indirect negotiations with the US'

In the wake of such strikes, President Masoud Pezeshkian has stated that Iran remains 'resolute in defending itself against American and Israeli aggressors using all of its capacities', state broadcaster Press TV reported.

This comes more than a month after the commencement of a military conflict that Tehran describes as an unprovoked war of aggression against the Islamic Republic.

The Iranian President made these observations during a telephonic conversation with his Azerbaijani counterpart, Ilham Aliyev, on Thursday.

During the exchange, Pezeshkian highlighted that Tehran was engaged in 'indirect negotiations with the United States' at the moment Washington, DC initiated its 'strikes and bombing campaign'.

Strikes Targeted Schools, Hospitals: Iranian Prez

Detailing the impact of the ongoing hostilities, Pezeshkian briefed Aliyev on the destruction of 'vital and industrial infrastructure', as well as strikes targeting 'schools' and 'hospitals'.

According to Press TV, the Iranian leader expressed his gratitude to the people and government of Azerbaijan for their 'sympathy and support' during the crisis.

In response, President Aliyev noted the adverse effects of the conflict on regional 'security and stability', voicing his hope for a swift restoration of peace.

Beyond the security situation, the two leaders also explored avenues to 'boost Tehran-Baku cooperation in various fields'.

Iran's Diplomatic Reachout

Parallel to the presidential dialogue, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held talks with his Filipino counterpart, Maria Teresa Lazaro.

Araghchi asserted that Iran's actions to 'prevent the passage of vessels associated with the aggressors through the Strait of Hormuz' are 'in accordance with international law', Press TV reported.

The foreign minister maintained that such measures are 'aimed at safeguarding security in the strategic waterway' and are intended to 'prevent further military attacks'.

Despite the current tensions, Araghchi noted that Tehran has maintained a 'responsible approach by facilitating safe passage for non-hostile vessels and tankers' through 'coordination with relevant Iranian authorities'.

Over 2,000 Iranians Killed So Far

According to Press TV, the top diplomat identified the 'illegal aggression by the United States and the Israeli regime' as the primary driver of 'insecurity in the region and the Strait of Hormuz'.

During the discussion, Lazaro offered condolences following the death of several Iranian citizens and officials, as well as the former Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, who was killed during the current conflict.

The Filipino official echoed calls for an 'immediate end to the conflict' and the establishment of 'lasting peace and stability'.

As the war enters its second month, Press TV cited Iranian health officials as reporting that the violence has resulted in the deaths of 'more than 2,000 people across the country', including women and children.
Maharashtra politicians are facing scrutiny after allegations surfaced regarding their connections to Ashok Kharat, a self-styled godman accused of rape, based on leaked phone records.

Key Points Activist Anjali Damania alleges Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde exchanged calls with rape-accused godman Ashok Kharat.

Call Detail Records (CDR) reveal alleged communication between Kharat and several Maharashtra politicians, including BJP and NCP leaders.

Former Maharashtra State Commission for Women chairperson Rupali Chakankar resigned after her association with Kharat came to light.

Politicians defend their interactions with Kharat, stating that making phone calls or meeting someone is not a crime unless there is complicity.

Authorities are investigating the allegations, with CDR copies forwarded to the Chief Minister and Director General of Police.

Activist Anjali Damania on Friday alleged that at least 17 calls were exchanged between Maharashtra deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and rape-accused godman Ashok Kharat during unspecified period in the past.

Some BJP and NCP leaders too had spoken with the self-styled godman -- who was arrested last month -- on phone, she told a Marathi news channel.

Reacting to the allegations, state minister Uday Samant who belongs to the Shinde-led Shiv Sena said that making phone calls to a person is not a crime.

Damania claimed that she received Kharat's CDR (Call Detail Records) on WhatsApp from an unknown number.

"There were 17 calls between Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde and Ashok Kharat," she said without specifying the period, adding that the longest conversation lasted for 21 minutes.

She also claimed that as per the CDR, after his wife Kharat spoke the longest on phone with NCP leader Rupali Chakankar. There were as many as 177 calls between Chakankar and Kharat, spread over 33,727 seconds, Damania said.

Chakankar resigned as chairperson of the Maharashtra State Commission for Women after her association with Kharat came to light. The NCP leader, who was a member of the temple trust which managed Kharat's temple at Mirgaon, has claimed that she was not aware of his alleged criminal activities.

Damania, meanwhile, further alleged that there were eight calls each between Kharat and BJP leader Chandrakant Patil and NCP leader Sunil Tatkare. There was also a call between Kharat and BJP minister Ashish Shelar, she claimed.

Asked for comment, senior BJP minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule contended that there was nothing wrong with making phone calls or meeting anyone, and criminal liability is determined only by complicity in the crime.

Samant, Eknath Shinde's party colleague, took the same stand. "No one should spread misinformation that making calls or meeting someone is a crime. Shiv Sena's stand is that Kharat-like tendencies should be destroyed," he told reporters.

According to Damania, Kharat also received calls from foreign locations including Oman, the UAE, Qatar, Virgin Islands (the US) and Christmas Island (Australia).

She has forwarded copies of the CDR to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Director General of Police Sadanand Date and IPS officer Tejaswi Satpute who is heading the Special Investigation Team probing the cases against Kharat, she said.

The self-styled godman was arrested in March after a married woman accused him of raping her repeatedly over three years. A total of eight FIRs have been registered against him so far.

After his arrest, Kharat's photos with prominent Maharashtra politicians including Shinde and Chakankar went viral. Shinde, then Maharashtra Chief Minister, had visited Kharat's temple in 2022.
A family in Delhi's Rohini faced a violent assault stemming from a long-standing dispute, prompting swift police action with arrests and ongoing investigations.

Key Points A family in Rohini, Delhi, was allegedly assaulted due to an ongoing dispute.

Police have arrested two individuals and apprehended two juveniles in connection with the assault.

The incident occurred in Sector 16 under the KN Katju Marg police station, with a video surfacing online.

A case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including attempt to murder, and investigations are ongoing to locate remaining suspects.

Three members of a family were allegedly assaulted following a quarrel over an old dispute in Delhi's Rohini, with police arresting two accused and apprehending two juveniles, officials said on Friday.

According to police, the incident occurred on April 1 at around 6 pm in Sector 16 under the KN Katju Marg police station, and a purported video of it has also surfaced online.

In the video, a man and two men were seen being assaulted. They were later shifted to the hospital, they said.

A case was registered the same night under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including attempt to murder.

The officer said that two persons were arrested, while two juveniles were apprehended, and efforts are underway to trace the remaining accused.
Eight individuals have been arrested in California for their involvement in a massive $50 million hospice fraud scheme, highlighting the ongoing efforts to combat healthcare fraud and protect Medicare funds.

Key Points The FBI arrested eight people in California for allegedly defrauding the healthcare system of over $50 million through sham hospice facilities.

The suspects are accused of billing Medicare for hospice care using individuals who were not terminally ill.

Investigators became suspicious due to the high survival rates at the hospice facilities, which were five times the national average.

Those arrested include doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals who allegedly submitted fraudulent claims and paid illegal kickbacks.

The FBI emphasizes that healthcare fraud costs the United States hundreds of billions of dollars annually, impacting taxpayers and healthcare benefits.

The FBI has arrested eight persons in California for allegedly defrauding the national healthcare system for more than USD 50 million by running "sham hospice care facilities".

The FBI action was undertaken in coordination with the Vice President J D Vance-led Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, constituted by US President Donald Trump last week.

At a news conference on Thursday morning, Acting US Attorney Bill Essayli said the eight defendants, including three nurses, a chiropractor and a psychologist, are charged with defrauding the healthcare system out of more than USD 50 million.

Essayli said the individuals are accused of running fraudulent hospice care facilities that billed Medicare by using people without terminal illnesses as beneficiaries.

Essayli said the high survival rate at the hospices set of the alarm bells ringing for investigators to focus on these facilities.

"When you go to a hospice, you go there to die. You are not supposed to have a high survival rate coming out of your hospice facility which is five times more than the national average of 17 per cent," Essayli said.

Details of the Hospice Fraud Scheme

According to the FBI, among those arrested were Gladwin and Amelou Gill, a doctor and psychologist who co-own 626 Hospice, which does business as St Francis Palliative Care.

The couple is charged with fraud and court documents say they allegedly defrauded Medicare by paying illegal kickbacks for the referral of patients who were not dying.

The couple also allegedly submitted more than USD 5.2 million in fraudulent claims to Medicare for hospice services that were not provided or medically necessary. Medicare paid the Gills more than USD 4 million on the fraudulent claims.

Also charged with healthcare fraud is Lolita Beronilla Minerd, a licensed vocational nurse from Anaheim, who owned and operated the Artesia-based Topanga Hospice Care Inc. She is accused of using her business to submit fraudulent hospice claims to Medicare totalling more than USD 9 million, which paid more than USD 8 million on those claims.

Sonia Griffen was arrested from Lakewood and is charged in a five-count indictment for healthcare fraud.

Gregory Cartmell, 62, of Coeur D'Alene, Idaho, a licensed chiropractor, was arrested Thursday on a four-count indictment charging him with two counts of healthcare fraud and two counts of aggravated identity theft.

Ivan Verne Lauritzen, 50, of Simi Valley, was arrested Tuesday on a federal criminal complaint charging him with healthcare fraud. According to court documents, Lauritzen was the CEO and CFO of the Simi Valley-based Valley Pacific Hospice Inc, whose Medicare enrollment was revoked in August 2024.

Nita Almuete Paddit Palma, a thrice-convicted healthcare fraud who is currently incarcerated at a federal prison in Seattle, is accused of working with her husband, Adolfo Catbagan, from Glendale, to operate at least three fraudulent hospice care facilities.

Palma and Catbagan are charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and healthcare irregularities.

Impact of Healthcare Fraud

"The Southern California region is a high-risk environment for hospice-related and many other forms of healthcare fraud," said Akil Davis, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI's LA Field Office.

"The United States loses hundreds of billions of dollars annually to healthcare fraud at the expense of all American taxpayers, whose benefits decrease as premiums, co-payments and taxes grow," he said.
Delhi Police have apprehended an alleged member of the Chenu gang, Salman Qureshi, recovering an illegal firearm and thwarting a potential robbery in the New Ashok Nagar area.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Delhi Police arrested Salman Qureshi, an alleged member of the Chenu gang.

A country-made pistol and two cartridges were recovered from Qureshi's possession.

Qureshi is accused of providing logistical support to the Chenu gang.

The arrest was made in the New Ashok Nagar area following specific intelligence about a planned robbery.

Delhi Police has arrested a 34-year-old alleged member of the Chenu gang and recovered a country-made pistol along with two cartridges from his possession, an officer said on Friday.

The accused, identified as Salman Qureshi, provided logistical support to other members of the gang and is also linked to Shezad, an alleged robber involved in several recent cases in the city, the officer said.

Arrest Details

Police said they had received specific inputs that Qureshi was planning a robbery. Acting on the information, a trap was laid, and the accused was apprehended in the New Ashok Nagar area.
MOSCOW, April 2 (Xinhua) -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Thursday discussed the Middle East conflict and de-escalation efforts, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

During a phone conversation initiated by the Iranian side, the ministers reviewed in detail the developments surrounding the conflict and efforts undertaken by a number of countries to de-escalate tensions, the ministry said in a statement.

On Feb. 28, the United States and Israel launched joint attacks on Tehran and several other Iranian cities, killing Iran's then Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, along with senior military commanders and civilians. Iran responded with waves of missile and drone strikes targeting Israel and U.S. assets in the Middle East.

Editor: Xiong Jian
A history-sheeter in Ghaziabad miraculously survived a shooting attack after being shot multiple times, prompting a police investigation into potential gang-related violence and old rivalries.

Key Points A history-sheeter named Rahul Chaudhary, alias Kalu, survived a shooting attack in Ghaziabad, sustaining four gunshot wounds.

The victim, who has a history of criminal cases, managed to drive himself to a private hospital for treatment.

Police suspect the attack was motivated by an old enmity and are investigating using CCTV footage.

Rahul Chaudhary was previously jailed for extortion and had been released on bail two months prior to the shooting.

A history-sheeter who sustained four gunshot wounds to his neck, chest, abdomen, and leg in Ghaziabad district managed to drive to a private hospital and survived the attack, a police official said on Friday.

The incident took place around 11 pm on Thursday in front of a roadside eatery in Sikri Kalan near Modinagar, police said, adding that he is undergoing treatment.

A preliminary probe reveals that the attack was fuelled by an old enmity.

The victim has been identified as Rahul Chaudhary, alias Kalu, 40, a native of Begumabad village who currently lives in Rajnagar.

He has been booked in 18 criminal cases across various police stations.

Police said he had gone to meet friends in the area and was returning to his vehicle after dinner. As he was getting into his car, an unidentified assailant opened fire.

Rahul was jailed six months ago for allegedly demanding Rs 15 lakh in extortion from a district panchayat member and was released on bail two months ago.

Police have registered a case and are working to identify the suspects using CCTV footage and other evidence. Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Modinagar Bhaskar Verma said a case has been lodged against the unknown assailant, and the probe is underway.
Police in Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh, are investigating the alleged abduction of a 16-year-old girl, launching a search for the missing teenager and the two men accused of the crime.

Key Points A 16-year-old girl was allegedly abducted in Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh, sparking a police investigation.

The girl's uncle reported the alleged abduction, naming two distant relatives as suspects.

Police are conducting searches and pursuing leads to locate the missing girl and apprehend the accused in the Pilibhit abduction case.

An FIR has been registered as police investigate the alleged abduction of a teenage girl in Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh.

A 16-year-old girl was allegedly abducted by two men on a motorcycle in broad daylight from a village here, police said on Friday.

The incident occurred around 2 pm on March 31 and the girl has been missing for over three days now.

In his complaint, the girl's uncle said he had stepped out to purchase household items when two men allegedly arrived at the girl's residence on a motorcycle.

When he returned, he saw the two men forcibly taking the minor girl with them on their motorcycle. He raised an alarm and attempted to intercept the motorcycle, but the accused sped away, taking the girl with them.

The complaint also alleged that the two men were Mukesh and Tikaram, the victim's distant relatives. The accused were also residents of Simariya Gausu village.

Police said the girl's father works as a labourer in Gujarat, and she has been residing with her uncle in the village.

The girl has been missing since the abduction, Kotwali SHO Satyendra Kumar told reporters on Friday, adding that the case is currently under investigation and the police teams are conducting searches at various potential hideouts.

An FIR has been registered, and the police are pursuing all leads to locate the accused and rescue the girl.
The Congress is accusing the government of exploiting a special parliamentary session to push through legislation on women's quotas and delimitation, alleging it's a calculated move to sway voters.

IMAGE: Lok Sabha proceedings are underway during the second part of the Budget Session of Parliament, New Delhi, April 3, 2026. Photograph: Sansad TV/ANI Screen Grab

Key Points Jairam Ramesh claims the government's push for delimitation could negatively impact smaller states and those in the South, Northeast, and West.

The Congress questions the timing of the special session, suggesting it's a political ploy to manage narratives and gain electoral advantage.

Opposition leaders plan to strategise on the government's actions, raising concerns about the rushed nature of the proposed legislation.

The government is reportedly considering increasing the number of Lok Sabha seats from 543 to 816, potentially impacting state representation.

The Congress on Friday alleged that the government has called a "special session" for passing bills related to amending the women's quota law and delimitation to "grab political mileage" in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu polls, which is a "gross violation" of the model code of conduct.

Asserting that the government's push for rushed delimitation exercise would have "dangerous consequences", Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said "we do not want any disturbance in the present differentials and relative strength".

He said the government kept "sleeping" for 30 months after the passage of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023, and to take "double credit" in the election season.

He said there has been no official communication or proposal from the government's side on delimitation.

"However, off the record, we got to know that there would be a proportionate increase in Lok Sabha seats," Ramesh said at a press conference here.

He said the claim is that it would be proportional but the reality is that smaller states and those in the South, Northeast, and West would suffer massively.

With the proposed Bill, Uttar Pradesh's strength will zoom to 120 while Kerala will crawl up to at best 30, he claimed.

"So what we have heard unofficially this would be very dangerous for many states," he said.

"The only objective of this special session is to grab political mileage to influence polls in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. Could it not have been called after 15 days?" Ramesh said.

Leaders of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi will call a meeting of senior Congress MPs and then hold a meeting with other opposition leaders before April 16 to strategise on this.

This government functions on "narrative management". They want to call a "special session" as they are losing the political and foreign policy narrative, Ramesh said.

The government should not be in a hurry and call an all-party meeting after April 29, he asserted.

His remarks come after it emerged that the Budget session of Parliament will reconvene on April 16 after a brief recess to pass bills to increase the number of Lok Sabha seats from 543 to 816 so that the women's reservation law can be implemented at the earliest, in what is expected to be the latest flashpoint between the government and the opposition amid the poll season.

While the government is keen on passing the bills, including amending the women's reservation bill or Nari Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023, the opposition has accused the Centre of trying to hurriedly move for passing amendments to take political advantage in the state elections.

The two Houses will reconvene on April 16, with sources saying the sitting will likely be for three days to take up the proposed legislations.

Opposition's concerns and demands

"The government has stated that both the Houses will meet on April 16, 17 and 18 and there will be a special session. The first thing is that Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on March 16 wrote to Kharge that the government wants to have talks with the Congress for making amendments in the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam.Kharge ji responded saying that an all-party meeting be called with all parties sitting together as the government believes in divide and rule," he said.

On March 24, all opposition parties wrote to Rijiju and said all party meetings will be called after April 29 as the model code of conduct is in place and political parties are busy with elections, he said.

"After two days on March 26, Rijiju wrote to Kharge ji that Congress should meet us and hold talks on the constitutional amendment. Half an hour later, Kharge ji responded to Rijiju and reiterated the demand for an all party meeting after April 29," he said, narrating the sequence of events.

The government had made up its mind to call a "special session" in early April before Kerala and Assam polls but as this letter exchanges went on for some time and their attempt was thwarted, Ramesh said.

"Then they took a one-sided decision to call the session when campaigning would be on for polls in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu and the MCC is in place," he said.

In all these letters, there was talk only of amendment to women's reservation bill but now it is clear that this special session is also about delimitation, Ramesh said.

"There had been no talk of delimitation. Rijiju never said delimitation was also on the agenda. In these three days, the women's quota law would be amended and there would be a constitution amendment related to delimitation," he said.

When the women's quota was passed in September 2023, the government said it would be implemented after Census and delimitation, he recalled.

"Kharge ji had back then demanded that it should be immediately implemented as you don't need Census or delimitation but they said delimitation and census was necessary. They kept sleeping for 30 months," Ramesh said.

And suddenly the government said the census results would come till 2029, he said, adding this is in contradiction to what the Registrar General said recently.

Govt's perspective and potential outcomes

The government has been holding back-channel talks with the Opposition to bring at least two bills to implement the women's reservation law and delink delimitation from the Census to increase seats in Lok Sabha from the present 543 to 816.

The issue saw a war of words between the treasury and opposition benches in Rajya Sabha on Thursday, with Leader of House J P Nadda stressing that the government has the right to decide on the timing when a legislation has to be brought in, while Kharge accused the government of being a "bully", and claimed that the BJP was trying to draw political mileage out of the issue of women's reservation.

There was no official word on the Opposition party's claims.

The sitting starting April 16 is part of the second half of the Budget session.

According to the government calendar, the House was scheduled to adjourn sine die (for an indefinite period) on April 2.

While elections in Puducherry, Assam and Kerala are scheduled for April 9, polls in West Bengal will be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29. In Tamil Nadu, polls will be held in a single phase on April 23.
Kerala's Aranmula constituency is set for a competitive Assembly election, with key candidates focusing on development, health sector performance, and religious issues to sway voters.

IMAGE: Kerala health minister Veena George (second from right) interacts with people during election campaigning in Aranamula assembly constituency in Kerala, March 31, 2026. Photograph: Courtesy Facebook

Key Points Incumbent minister Veena George of CPM-led LDF is seeking a third consecutive term, campaigning on development under Left rule.

Congress candidate Abin Varkey Kodiyattu is positioning himself as a candidate of change, focusing on perceived failures of the incumbent and raising the Sabarimala gold loss issue.

BJP's Kummanam Rajasekharan, a former governor, highlights the need for development and respect for religious sentiments, targeting Hindu and Christian voters.

The Aranmula constituency witnessed a major ecological agitation against the proposed Aranmula International Airport project, which remains a relevant issue.

The Opposition accuses the incumbent of failures in the health sector, while the incumbent alleges that the Congress is undermining Kerala's public health system.

In Aranmula, a small town on the banks of the Pamba River, tradition shapes daily life -- and, in election season, the pulse of politics as well.

The political contest in the Aranamula constituency leaves little hidden from an attentive electorate, much like the famous Aranmula Kannadi -- a rare, handmade metal-alloy mirror crafted using a centuries-old secret technique passed down through generations.

Aranmula is also home to the famous 'Uthrattathi Jalamela', a popular boat race linked to the revered Parthasarathy Temple.

Much like the race, the political contest for the April 9 assembly polls in the constituency, which witnessed a major ecological agitation against the proposed Aranmula International Airport project, is closely watched, with health minister Veena George, the Communist Party of India-Marxist-led Left Democratic Front candidate, seeking a third consecutive term.

Her campaign rests largely on one message -- development carried out under Left rule-- which she hopes will once again win the trust of voters.

Her opponents, Abin Varkey Kodiyattu of the Congress and Kummanam Rajasekharan of the Bharatiya Janata Party, are equally confident.

Both believe the political tide may turn in their favour this time.

George first won the seat in 2016 with a margin of 7,646 votes. In 2021, she expanded that lead significantly, securing victory by 19,003 votes.

As the constituency heads into another election, the question remains whether that margin reflects enduring support -- or a lead that can still be challenged.

After Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, George has been among the most prominent targets of the Opposition in Kerala over the past five years, with allegations that the state's health sector is "on a ventilator".

The phrase continues to feature prominently in the Congress-led United Democratic Front's campaign in the constituency.

George, however, appears unfazed. She has described the attacks as often "highly personal and painful", but remains determined to retain the seat.

"The developments achieved in the health sector in Kerala need not be spelt out. Everyone can see them on the ground. We are leaders in all health indices in the country," she told PTI Videos between campaign engagements.

She also alleged that the Congress had raised large sums through electoral bonds from private hospital managements and was seeking to undermine Kerala's public health system.

"If a government general hospital offers transplant surgeries, how can private hospitals thrive? We have done that, and the Congress wants to destroy that capability to aid private hospitals," she said.

George expressed confidence in her record as an MLA, listing development projects in Aranmula, including bridges, hospital upgrades and improvements to school infrastructure.

"I am sure that we are going to improve our majority this time," she added.

Challengers emerge

Her main challenger, Abin Varkey Kodiyattu, a state vice-president of the Youth Congress, is positioning himself as a candidate of change.

He hopes to wrest the constituency back for the Congress, which last held it in 2011.

In Aranmula, both the UDF and NDA have raised the Sabarimala gold loss as a key election issue, as the constituency falls within the Pathanamthitta district, home to the Sabarimala temple.

At campaign meetings, Kodiyattu frequently raises Sabarimala, along with what he describes as George's "failures" as both MLA and health minister.

"What has the MLA brought to this constituency even after two terms? She has failed as health minister -- you can see that in the taluk hospital in Aranmula. It is in a sorry state," he alleged.

Kodiyattu expressed confidence that voters across communities would back him.

"One cannot win with the support of one community alone. Everyone wants change, and they will support me," he said during a campaign stop at Niravilpuzha.

BJP's strategy

The NDA secured a vote share of over 17 percent in the 2021 elections in Aranmula, down from 23 percent in 2016 when the BJP fielded its state general secretary MT Ramesh.

The alliance appears more confident this time, with senior BJP leader Kummanam Rajasekharan, a former governor of Mizoram, contesting from the seat.

Aranmula has a sizeable presence of both Hindu and Christian voters, segments the NDA is actively targeting.

Pointing to what he described as growing support among sections of the Christian community, Rajasekharan said he represents what the constituency now seeks.

Rajasekharan was a prominent leader of the agitation against the proposed Aranmula airport project, spearheading protests and helping mobilise public opposition that ultimately led to the project being scrapped.

"The Christian communities here -- whether Mar Thoma, Orthodox or Catholic --know how I have stood with them. They consider me one among them and encourage me wherever I go. They want development, and they now believe the BJP can deliver," he told PTI after meeting the vicar of St Thomas Orthodox Valiyapally in Omallur.

Rajasekharan said the lack of development remains a key concern and that the Sabarimala gold theft issue cannot be dismissed.

"Development in physical infrastructure alone is not enough. People must also feel secure and confident about their beliefs and customs," he said.

He added that the BJP offers a balance between development and respect for religious sentiment.

Rajasekharan also accused both the UDF and LDF of aligning with groups such as the SDPI and Jamaat-e-Islami for "political gain".
Bengal's polls have turned into a culinary and cultural battleground, with fish emerging as a powerful symbol of Bengali identity amid clashes between the Trinamool and BJP over food habits and cultural representation.

IMAGE: Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly Suvendu Adhikari during an election campaign, in Kolkata, April 1, 2026. Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points The Trinamool accuses the BJP of being culturally alien to West Bengal and potentially imposing restrictions on fish consumption.

The BJP is attempting to counter the TMC's narrative by publicly demonstrating their acceptance of fish in Bengali cuisine.

The debate over fish reflects a broader concern among Bengalis about the imposition of a North Indian, vegetarian-first cultural model.

The 'mache bhate Bangali' phrase, meaning a Bengali is defined by fish and rice, has become a key slogan in the election.

In West Bengal's election waters, fish has leapt from the dinner plate to the centre of the political net, with the Trinamool Congress trying to hook Bengali pride, and the BJP scrambling not to get caught on the wrong side of the 'mache bhate Bangali' phrase.

From giant katla held aloft at roadshows to ilish, pabda and chingri finding pride of place in political speeches, fish has emerged as an unlikely but potent metaphor in West Bengal's assembly polls, turning food habits into a fierce contest over identity, culture and who represents the "real" Bengali.

The old Bengali phrase 'mache bhate Bangali', which means a Bengali is defined by the consumption of fish and rice, has become this election's de facto slogan for the parties.

The TMC has sought to weaponise the sentiment by arguing that the BJP, which it seeks to associate with Hindi speakers and vegetarianism-promoting politics of North India, is culturally alien to West Bengal and, if voted to power, could eventually impose restrictions on fish, meat and eggs.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sharpened the attack at a rally by saying, "They will not let you eat fish. You cannot have meat, you cannot have eggs, you cannot speak in Bengali. If you do, they will call you Bangladeshi", thus linking food, language and Bengali identity into one political argument.

The allegation has allowed the TMC to move the campaign away from anti-incumbency, corruption and unemployment and towards a terrain where it feels more comfortable -- Bengali sub-nationalism. Fish, in that telling, is no longer merely lunch. It is a badge of Bengali pride.

The party's social media handles have posted photographs of delicacies like ilish bhapa, pabda jhal, chingri malai curry and kosha mangsho after Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced he would spend 15 days in West Bengal for campaigning.

"West Bengal welcomes tourists. Do not miss our delicacies," one TMC post said, in a swipe at Shah that mixed sarcasm with culinary nationalism.

Political analyst Maidul Islam said the TMC sees West Bengal "essentially as a Bengali project".

"Within that Bengali project, fish-eating is an important element. When fish markets are attacked elsewhere, or Hindi-speaking leaders wrinkle their noses at fish, it becomes a campaign point. The TMC is saying it is the organic party of Bengalis and therefore organically linked to Bengali food habits," he said.

That argument has acquired traction because West Bengal's relationship with fish goes far beyond cuisine.

In West Bengal, fish is part of every important moment in life -- from a baby's first rice-eating ceremony and the gift sent to a groom's house before a wedding to the meal that marks the end of mourning after a 'shraddha'.

According to World Bank data, West Bengal consumes 8.36 lakh tonnes of fish annually, nearly twice the national average, while fish and meat together account for almost a fifth of household food expenditure in the state.

BJP's response to fish debate

The BJP insists the TMC is deliberately manufacturing fear. Its leaders point out that there is no proposal to ban fish or meat in West Bengal and accuse the ruling party of trivialising the election by reducing it to a menu card.

Yet, significantly, the BJP now finds itself having to publicly prove that it is not anti-fish.

Bidhannagar BJP candidate Sharadwat Mukherjee recently campaigned carrying a five kg katla fish through neighbourhoods, telling voters that the BJP would never interfere with Bengali food habits.

In Pandaveswar, BJP candidate Jitendra Nath Tiwari filed his nomination papers accompanied by a "fish procession", with supporters carrying baskets of fish while he himself held a large one.

"If promoting West Bengal's culture is drama, I am proud of this drama," Tiwari said.

The spectacle was politically revealing. For years, the BJP projected vegetarian symbolism in many Hindi heartland states. In West Bengal, however, the same party is now campaigning with fish in hand.

Political analyst Suman Bhattacharya said that itself showed how deeply the TMC narrative had penetrated.

"The perception that the BJP is against fish and non-vegetarian food has become so strong that party leaders now have to publicly eat fish and campaign with it. That itself shows how their vegetarian politics elsewhere didn't work in West Bengal," he said.

State BJP president Samik Bhattacharya has been equally emphatic.

"There is no question of banning fish. Bengalis will eat fish and Biharis will eat mutton. If anyone tries to stop me, I will resist," he said, while accusing the TMC of spreading misinformation.

The broader context of food politics

The BJP's discomfort stems partly from events outside West Bengal.

Remarks by Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha about restricting the open sale of meat near schools and religious places, together with repeated controversies in BJP-ruled states over meat shops, fish markets and vigilante attacks, have fed the TMC narrative.

In January, a vendor was allegedly assaulted by right-wing activists for selling chicken patties near a religious gathering in Kolkata. Earlier, there had been controversies over temporary meat bans during Navratri and over fish markets in Delhi.

For many Bengalis, these episodes reinforce the fear that a more homogenised, North Indian, vegetarian-first cultural model could one day be imposed on West Bengal.

A Kolkata-based Indologist said fish occupies a civilisational space in West Bengal.

"For Bengalis, fish is not merely food. It is memory, ritual and identity. To challenge that is to appear alien to West Bengal itself. And in Hindu scriptures, there is no mention of vegetarianism being linked to religious identity," he said.

Kaushik Maiti of a Bengali nationalist outfit Bangla Pokkho said, "Fish is very much part of Bengali identity. But the BJP wants to impose the vegetarian food culture of North India, we are opposed to it."

As the campaign intensifies, West Bengal's electoral battle is increasingly being fought not merely over SIR of electoral rolls, jobs, corruption or governance, but over Bengali identity. In that battle, the humble fish has swum to the centre of West Bengal's political pond.
Two passengers arriving from Bangkok have been arrested at Ahmedabad Airport after being caught with hydroponic weed worth Rs 2 crore, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat drug smuggling in India.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Two passengers were arrested at Ahmedabad Airport for allegedly possessing hydroponic weed.

The hydroponic weed seized is estimated to be worth Rs 2 crore.

The passengers arrived from Bangkok and were intercepted based on intelligence from the DRI.

The passengers have been booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.

Two passengers were arrested for alleged possession of hydroponic weed worth Rs 2 crore at the Ahmedabad airport on Friday, officials said.

Acting on a tip-off from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), officers of the Customs department's air intelligence unit (AIU) intercepted the duo on their arrival from Bangkok (Thailand) in the morning, they said.

Officers recovered eight vacuum-sealed plastic packets containing a greenish substance from their baggage, and on testing, confirmed that it was hydroponic weed.

A total of 2.254 kg of the contraband, worth around Rs 2 crore, was seized.

The duo was booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
A high-profile drug bust in Hyderabad has led to the arrest of seven individuals, including the son of an IAS officer, for allegedly consuming narcotic drugs at a pub, sparking concerns about drug abuse in the city.

Key Points Telangana's EAGLE Force raided a pub in Hyderabad, arresting seven people for alleged drug consumption.

The arrestees include the son of a senior IAS officer from Andhra Pradesh, along with software engineers and businessmen.

The raid was prompted by intelligence suggesting a special party with international DJ 'Black Coffee' and potential drug use.

Urine tests confirmed that seven individuals had consumed ganja and methamphetamine.

Authorities are investigating the arrestees' networks and will contact their families to encourage de-addiction programmes.

The son of a senior IAS officer of Andhra Pradesh was among seven people held for alleged consumption of narcotic drugs after the Telangana's EAGLE Force raided a pub here, officials said on Friday.

Based on credible information, during the intervening night between March 2-3, the Elite Action Group for Drug Law Enforcement (EAGLE) conducted the raid in coordination with Gachibowli Police Station staff, on the pub in Kondapur, and seven people were apprehended, an official release said.

A son of an IAS officer of Andhra Pradesh, software engineers and businessmen were among the seven people held for allegedly consuming narcotic drugs, official sources said.

Acting on inputs that the pub was hosting a special party with international DJ "Black Coffee," the EAGLE formed six teams to conduct a surprise raid.

The EAGLE said it initiated an operation to curb large-scale drug abuse occurring in pubs, hotels, and other public areas.

Prior to the raid, intelligence was gathered on attendees, and 64 individuals suspected of drug consumption were shortlisted. Without disrupting the ongoing event, the teams conducted a surprise check and identified five persons for testing.

Using urine drug test kits, four tested positive for ganja and benzodiazepine. Additional testing revealed three more individuals positive for ganja and methamphetamine.

In total, seven people were confirmed to have consumed narcotic drugs and handed over to the police, the EAGLE said.

Information about their networks was collected, and their parents/guardians will be contacted to ensure they undergo de-addiction programmes, with the hope that they have not developed severe dependency, it said.

Drug Consumption Locations

Three of those arrested said that they had Ganja in Thailand, one said he had it in UK, another claimed to have consumed it in Himachal Pradesh while two others claimed they had ganja during Holi, police sources said.

A case has been registered under relevant sections of the NDPS Act, 1985, and further investigation is in progress, the release added.
India commissions INS Aridaman, its latest nuclear-powered submarine, significantly boosting its naval power and strengthening its nuclear triad, while also commissioning the indigenously-built stealth frigate INS Taragiri.

IMAGE: Nuclear submarine INS Aridaman. Photograph: ANI Digital/X

Key Points India commissions INS Aridaman, its new indigenously-built nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, enhancing its nuclear deterrence capabilities.

INS Aridaman's commissioning strengthens the naval component of India's nuclear triad, joining INS Arihant and INS Arighat in the fleet.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasizes the Indian Navy's crucial role in safeguarding commercial shipping lanes and energy supplies.

INS Taragiri, an indigenously built stealth frigate, was also commissioned, showcasing India's advanced design and engineering in naval technology.

India's commitment to maritime security extends beyond its shores, focusing on protecting critical sea lanes and digital infrastructure.

India on Friday commissioned its new indigenously-built nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine INS Aridaman into service, further strengthening the naval component of nuclear triad, authoritative sources said, as well its indigenously built stealth frigage INS Taragiri.

India's nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) programme is a closely guarded project. INS Arihant was the first boat under the SSBN project that was followed by another boat, INS Arighat.

India is among a select group of countries that possess nuclear-powered submarines. Other countries that have such assets are the US, Russia, the UK, France and China.

INS Arihant is India's first home-made nuclear submarine. It was launched in July 2009 and was quietly commissioned in 2016. The navy commissioned its second indigenous SSBN, INS Arighaat, in August 2024 SSBN stands for ship submersible ballistic nuclear or nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines.

INS Aridaman has been commissioned after months of sea trials. It is learnt that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended the commissioning ceremony at a naval base in Kerala.

There is no official word yet on the commissioning of the boat.

"It's not words but power, 'Aridman'," Defence Minister Singh said in a cryptic social media post in Hindi this morning.

While India has proven air and land-launched nuclear capabilities, it is now focusing on boosting its underwater nuclear prowess.

Defence Minister Highlights Navy's Role in Maritime Security

Singh on Friday highlighted the Indian Navy's indispensable role in securing commercial shipping lanes and oil tankers against emerging maritime threats, pointing out that 95 per cent of the country's trade, including energy supplies, was conducted through sea.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony of indigenously build stealth frigate, INS Taragiri, he said the Navy continuously maintains its presence in the Indian Ocean -- whether it is the Persian Gulf or the Malacca Strait.

He said that the commissioning of INS Taragiri will further increase the Navy's power, values and commitment.

All about INS Taragiri

As the fourth platform under Project 17A, Taragiri is a 6,670-tonne warship built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, Mumbai, showcasing advanced design and engineering excellence. It comes equipped with, among others, BrahMos missiles.

The warship features a sleeker structure with a significantly reduced radar cross-section, enabling stealth operations and enhanced survivability in complex maritime environments.

In his address, Singh praised the Navy for being at the forefront during crises.
Media reports based on intelligence sources say nearly half of Iran's missile launchers remain intact, while thousands of one-way attack drones are still part of its arsenal even after continuous strikes targeting military infrastructure over the past five weeks.

IMAGE: Emergency personnel work at the site of damage after a barrage of Iranian missiles was launched at Petah Tikva in Israel, on April 2, 2026. Photograph: Ammar Awad/Reuters

Key Points Intelligence suggests Iran retains nearly half its missile launchers despite US-Israel strikes.

Thousands of drones and key coastal missiles remain operational, posing regional threats.

Assessment contrasts with Trumps claims of major military destruction.

Over 12,300 targets hit, but Iran still maintains significant strike capability.

Despite United States President Donald Trump claiming that Iran's missile programme had been destroyed following US-Israeli military action against the Islamic Republic over the past month, intelligence assessments indicate Tehran continues to retain a significant portion of its missile-launching capability despite weeks of sustained strikes, CNN reported, citing sources familiar with the matter.

According to CNN, citing recent intelligence findings, nearly half of Iran's missile launchers remain intact, while thousands of one-way attack drones are still part of its arsenal even after continuous strikes targeting military infrastructure over the past five weeks.

"They are still very much poised to wreak absolute havoc throughout the entire region," one of the sources said, as quoted by CNN.

The assessment reportedly includes launchers that may currently be inaccessible, such as those buried underground due to bombardment but not fully destroyed.

Iran's Drone, Missile Capabilities Intact

According to CNN, citing intelligence sources, around 50 per cent of Iran's drone capabilities remain operational, with thousands of drones still available.

A substantial portion of Iran's coastal defence cruise missiles is also believed to be intact.

These systems are considered critical for Iran's ability to threaten maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.

CNN reported that the US military campaign has not primarily focused on coastal missile systems, though it has targeted ships.

The intelligence presents a more nuanced view of Iran's military status compared to broader claims of success made publicly by the US President and officials from his administration.

Trump Claimed Decimating Iranian Military

Earlier on Wednesday, Trump, in his address to the nation since the commencement of hostilities against Iran in late February, praised the American military for a 'decisive' blow against the Islamic Republic, claiming that the core objective of the campaign was nearing completion.

The US President maintained that Iran's maritime and aerial capabilities had been systematically dismantled and added that the country's broader military infrastructure has been severely diminished.

"Iran's navy is gone, their air force is in ruins, and its leaders, most of them terrorists, are now dead," Trump declared.

Detailing the impact of the strikes, the President stated that the opposition's 'ability to launch missiles and drones is dramatically curtailed' and noted that 'weapons factories and rocket launchers are being blown to pieces -- very few of them left', and claimed that the United States is 'winning bigger than ever before'.

Over 12,300 Targets Struck In Iran

Meanwhile, the US Central Command (CENTCOM), in its operational update on Operation Epic Fury on Thursday, stated that more than 12,300 targets inside Iran have been struck as of Wednesday.

While the strikes have significantly degraded Iran's military infrastructure and eliminated several senior leaders, the country continues to maintain a considerable inventory of missile systems.
A shocking illegal kidney transplant racket in Kanpur has been exposed, revealing a network of unqualified individuals, private hospitals, and potential international links exploiting vulnerable patients.

Key Points An illegal kidney transplant racket in Kanpur involved untrained practitioners posing as qualified doctors.

The investigation revealed a network spanning multiple states, potentially involving foreign nationals.

At least six illegal transplants have been confirmed, with suspicions of a much higher number.

Two hospitals in the National Capital Region are under scrutiny for allegedly receiving patients with fabricated medical records.

A middleman in Kanpur allegedly connected donors and recipients, offering transplants at reduced costs.

A widening probe into an illegal kidney transplant racket in Kanpur has uncovered a shocking nexus involving unqualified individuals, private hospitals and a suspected multi-state and possibly international network, police said on Friday.

Police Commissioner Raghubir Lal said that four key accused, initially believed to be qualified doctors, were in fact untrained practitioners, including a technician, physiotherapist, pharmacy operator and a dentist. The accused -- Rohit Tiwari alias Rahul, Amit alias Anurag, Afzal and Vaibhav -- are currently absconding.

Investigators have so far confirmed at least six illegal transplants, including five at Ahuja Hospital and one linked to MedLife facility, though officials suspect the actual number could be significantly higher.

In a disturbing revelation, a woman who underwent an illegal transplant about a year ago later died. Police said she was shifted to a higher medical facility under the pretext of gall bladder treatment to conceal the procedure.

Hospital Involvement and Deception

The probe has also brought two super-speciality hospitals in the National Capital Region (NCR) under scrutiny for allegedly receiving patients with fabricated medical records. According to officials, transplant cases were often masked as gall bladder treatments before referral.

The police have identified a Kanpur-based middleman, Sahil, as a crucial link who allegedly connected donors and recipients by offering kidney transplants at nearly half the market cost.

The officials said the racket appeared to be highly organised, with separate teams handling donors, recipients, logistics and surgeries. Medical personnel would reportedly travel from other cities, conduct transplants within hours and leave immediately.

Multi-State and Potential International Links

The investigation has revealed links spanning multiple states, including Delhi, Mumbai, West Bengal and Haryana, with indications that foreign nationals may also have availed the illegal procedures.

So far, eight people have been arrested in the case, including two operation theatre technicians held earlier for assisting in surgeries and arranging equipment.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) S M Qasim Abidi said teams are conducting raids to trace the absconding accused and are examining the role of several hospitals where similar procedures may have been carried out.

The Uttar Pradesh government and the health department have sought a detailed report on the matter, and a comprehensive dossier is being prepared, the officials added.
Photo: President's Office / www.president.gov.ua

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a conference call at the government and regional levels on the energy situation.

We are already preparing for the next winter and gradually restoring what Russian strikes destroyed last winter. Resilience plans have been approved across the country for every region. Road repairs are also underway after the winter. It is important  at the community level, at the level of regional authorities  not to lose time. Every important facility must be protected, Zelenskyy said on X.

He noted that clear objectives have now been established for regions and major cities regarding alternative generation and facility restoration. Officials have secured the necessary resources and solutions to integrate cogeneration units into the system.

Some 245 facilities across the country are already in progress  and we started this work despite a lack of funding. The European support package of EUR 90 billion for Ukraine remains blocked. And this is a problem that Europeans cannot find a solution and deliver on what was promised. 5 billion from this package was supposed to go specifically toward preparing Ukraine for the next winter and for rapid recovery. We expect that a solution will still be found, the President added.
The family of lottery magnate Santiago Martin is making waves in the Tamil Nadu and Puducherry elections, with members contesting on tickets from three different political parties.

IMAGE: Santiago Martin. Photograph: www.martinfoundation.com

Key Points Santiago Martin's wife, Leema Rose, is contesting from Lalgudi constituency on an AIADMK ticket.

Martin's son, Jose Charles Martin, is contesting from Kamaraj Nagar in Puducherry, leading his own party, LJK.

Martin's son-in-law, Aadhav Arjuna, is contesting from Villivakkam in Chennai, representing the Vijay-led TVK.

Jose Charles Martin aims to develop Puducherry into a developed enclave, leveraging his business acumen.

The family members' decision to contest from different parties highlights the diverse political landscape in the region.

The Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu and neighbouring Puducherry unfolded an array of candidates from the lottery 'king' Santiago Martin's family seeking their electoral fortunes through three different political parties.

Martin's wife Leema Rose, who joined the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam recently, has been fielded from the Lalgudi Assembly constituency in Tiruchirappalli.

Her son Jose Charles Martin, who launched his own political party, the Latchiya Jananayaga Katchi (LJK) is contesting from Kamaraj Nagar in the Union Territory as part of the All India N R Congress-led National Democratic Alliance.

Rose's son-in-law, Aadhav Arjuna, who shifted his loyalty to the Vijay-led TVK in February 2025, after serving in the Thol Thirumavalavan-led Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, is contesting from Villivakkam in Chennai.

All three are making their electoral debut in the April 9 and April 23 polls.

Family Members' Diverse Political Affiliations

On the family members contesting from three different political parties, the 38-year-old Jose Charles said that in a democracy, it was not mandatory for every family member to support the same political party.

Jose Charles, managing director of the Martin group, has formerly been with the Bharatiya Janata Party.

He quit the party and launched his own political party in December 2025, eyeing the Chief Minister's post in the Union Territory.

"Puducherry fits my vision of converting the Union Territory into a developed enclave ... I can show results faster," Jose Charles, who had declared his assets worth Rs 597 crore, said recently.

Candidates' Backgrounds and Assets

Leema Rose, the managing trustee of Martin Foundation, quit the T R Paarivendhar headed Indhiya Jananayaga Katchi, an ally of the BJP in Tamil Nadu, and joined the AIADMK.

Despite being a new entrant, the 59-year-old philanthropist was given the party ticket to contest from Lalgudi.

She was appointed AIADMK's women's wing joint secretary.

The 43-year-old general secretary of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, Arjuna, has declared net assets worth Rs 197.52 crore.
A man in Beed has been arrested for stealing a gold ring after tricking the victim with a fake magic show, highlighting a deceptive crime trend.

Key Points A man in Beed was arrested for allegedly stealing a gold ring using a deceptive magic trick.

The victim was approached at a bus stand and convinced to remove his gold ring for a staged 'miracle'.

The suspect is part of a group known for using this modus operandi in the Nashik area.

Police are currently searching for the suspect's accomplice involved in the gold ring theft.

A man was arrested for allegedly stealing a gold ring from a person after promising to show him magic, a Beed police official said on Friday.

The incident took place on February 1 when victim Bhima Jadhavar was waiting at Kaij bus stand to go to Pune for medical treatment, he said.

"He was approached by two unidentified men who asked if he wanted to see a miracle. The duo convinced Jadhavar to remove his 6 gram gold ring and place it inside a white handkerchief. They then instructed him to keep his eyes closed for 10 minutes to witness magic. When the victim eventually opened his eyes, both the men and his ring were gone," the official said.

Investigation and Arrest

A probe by the Crime Branch zeroed in on Amjad Madari, a resident of Yeola in Nashik and part of a group of persons from that area infamous for this modus operandi, the official added.

Efforts are on to nab his associate, the official said.
A man tragically died in Delhi after being struck by a reversing truck at a concrete plant, prompting a police investigation into possible negligence.

Key Points A 48-year-old man was fatally injured after being hit by a reversing truck at a concrete plant in Rajokari, Delhi.

The victim, Surender Shah, was at the plant to purchase concrete mix when the accident occurred.

Police suspect negligence on the part of the truck driver, Anil Vishwakarma, who allegedly reversed his vehicle without proper caution.

The victim was rushed to Safdarjung Hospital but was declared dead upon arrival.

Forensic teams have examined the scene, and a postmortem examination will be conducted as part of the ongoing investigation into the fatal accident at the Delhi concrete plant.

A 48-year-old man was killed after being hit by a reversing truck at a ready-mix concrete plant in southwest Delhi's Rajokari village area on Friday, police said.

A PCR call regarding an accident was received at Vasant Kunj South police station from a worker at the plant, they said.

A police team rushed to the spot and found the victim, identified as Surender Shah, a resident of Rajokari, lying unconscious at the site.

During preliminary inquiry, it emerged that Shah, who worked at a cloth factory in Gurugram, had come to the plant to purchase concrete mix.

"While he was collecting the material and sitting on the ground near the vehicle, a truck driver, identified as Anil Vishwakarma, allegedly reversed his vehicle and hit Shah, who was positioned just behind the truck," a senior police officer said.

The impact left Shah critically injured. He was immediately shifted to Safdarjung Hospital by local workers and police, where doctors declared him brought dead. Police said forensic and crime teams were called to the spot to examine the scene and collect evidence.

Initial findings suggest that the incident occurred due to negligence while reversing the vehicle, though all angles are being probed as part of the investigation. The body has been preserved for a postmortem examination, and further investigation is in progress, police said.
Three railway police officers in Mumbai were dismissed after extorting a jeweller at Mumbai Central station, highlighting issues of corruption and police misconduct.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Three Mumbai railway police officers were dismissed for extorting a jeweller at Mumbai Central station.

The officers threatened the jeweller with legal action after finding gold and cash in his luggage.

The officers failed to follow standard operating procedures during the luggage check.

The railway police commissioner deemed their conduct undisciplined and damaging to the force's reputation.

Three railway policemen were dismissed from service for seeking money from a Rajasthan-based jeweller at Mumbai Central station, an official said on Friday.

He identified the dismissed personnel as assistant sub inspector Lalit Jagtap, constables Rahul Bhosle and Anil Rathod, all attached to Mumbai Central railway police station.

"On August 10 last year, they checked the luggage of the jeweller, who was about to board the Duronto Express. They found gold and cash, after which the jeweller was taken to a separate room and threatened with legal action. The cops returned just Rs 1900 and a piece of gold while letting him go," the official said.

Investigation and Dismissal

The official said the personnel did not follow the standard operating procedure (SOP) for passenger bag checks and failed to take precautions to ensure transparency.

"The railway police commissioner ordered the dismissal of Jagtap, Bhosle and Rathod as their conduct was undisciplined, irresponsible, and it tarnished the image of the force," the official said.
Four individuals have been arrested in Nashik for allegedly blackmailing a senior citizen after stealing his tablet and threatening to leak private data online, highlighting the growing threat of cybercrime.

Photograph: ANI on X

Key Points Four individuals were arrested in Nashik for allegedly stealing a tablet and attempting to extort 12 lakh from a senior citizen.

The accused threatened to leak the victim's private photos and videos on social media if their demands were not met.

The victim reported the blackmail to the Satpur police, who set up a trap to apprehend the suspects.

The accused have been booked under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and further investigation is underway to determine if they have committed similar offences.

Four persons have been arrested in Maharashtra's Nashik for allegedly stealing a tablet from a senior citizen and attempting to extort 12 lakh by threatening to leak his private photographs and videos on social media, police said on Friday.

According to the police, the accused gained access to private data after stealing the gadget from the victim's office in Satpur a few days ago and allegedly used objectionable videos and photos found on the device to blackmail the complainant, threatening to make the files viral unless he paid them 12 lakh, an official said.

He said that the complainant approached the Satpur police and informed them about his plight, stating that he had already paid the accused 10,000 some days ago and was to hand over 50,000 on Thursday evening.

The city police formed two teams and apprehended the suspects from the Adgaon Shivar area on the Mumbai-Agra National Highway, the official said.

Details of the Arrested Individuals

The accused, Akash Pundlik Bakre, Prakash Ramdas Panpatil, Suraj Sunil Gawai and Shreepat Bhimrao Shinde, have been booked under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Further probe is underway to find out if they have been involved in similar offences earlier.
A Palghar Zilla Parishad employee is under investigation after being accused of molesting a minor girl while purportedly providing details about a scholarship, sparking outrage and prompting a police investigation.

Photograph: Ishant/ANI Photo

Key Points A Palghar official is accused of molesting a 17-year-old girl while providing scholarship information.

The victim resisted the alleged advances and filed a police complaint.

A case has been registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

The Zilla Parishad CEO has promised an inquiry and stated that the administration will not shield the accused if found guilty.

An internal probe will be conducted by the Vishaka Committee to address the sexual harassment allegations.

A 45-year-old employee from the Palghar Zilla Parishad in Maharashtra has been booked for allegedly molesting a minor girl under the pretext of providing information about a scholarship programme, police said on Friday.

The 17-year-old girl had visited the education department of the Zilla Parishad office on April 1 along with her sister. During the interaction, an official allegedly touched her inappropriately while pretending to provide scholarship details.

The girl resisted the advances and reportedly slapped the accused before rushing to the Palghar police station to lodge a formal complaint, an official said.

A case has been registered against the accused under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, he said.

Zilla Parishad Response to Molestation Allegations

Zilla Parishad Chief Executive Officer Manoj Ranade promised an inquiry into the alleged incident. "The said employee is known to be a good worker, and it is difficult to believe such an incident took place. We are awaiting a report from the police," Ranade told reporters.

The CEO said the administration would not shield the accused if found guilty.

"We have a Vishaka Committee (to handle sexual harassment at the workplace), which will look into the matter. We will also carry out an internal probe. If any wrongdoing is established, strict action will definitely be taken," he said.
Two Maharashtra police officers, an inspector and a constable, have been arrested in Latur for alleged bribery, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat corruption within the police force.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points A police inspector and constable in Latur, Maharashtra, were arrested for accepting a bribe.

The officers allegedly demanded Rs 3 lakh to avoid taking action in a case.

The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) laid a trap and caught the constable accepting Rs 45,000.

Both officers have been remanded in police custody until April 5th.

The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has arrested a police inspector and a constable for taking a bribe of Rs 45,000 at Udgir in Maharashtra's Latur district, an official said.

The accused duo - inspector Rajkumar Pujari of Udgir Rural police station and constable Rahul Nagargoje - were sent to police custody till April 5 by a local court following their arrest, he said.

The complainant, a 43-year-old man from Pune, had approached the ACB on April 1, alleging that the accused were demanding a bribe of Rs 3 lakh to not take action against his brother-in-law in a case, Deputy Superintendent of Police (SP) Santosh Bargem told PTI.

During the verification, it was confirmed that Nagargoje, acting on the instructions of inspector Pujari, demanded Rs 50,000 from the complainant.

Arrest and Investigation

Subsequently, a trap was laid at a hotel, where Nagargoje accepted Rs 45,000 from the complainant and then contacted Pujari. During the search, officials recovered Rs 45,000 in cash and a mobile phone from Nagargoje, while a mobile handset was seized from Pujari.

A case was registered against the duo under the Prevention of Corruption Act and they were arrested. A local court then remanded them in police custody till April 5.
Police have identified two suspects in connection with the Punjab BJP office blast, sparking a manhunt and raising concerns about political tensions in the region.

IMAGE: Teams of CFSL and Chandigarh Police officials carry out an investigation outside the Punjab BJP Office in Chandigarh's Sector 37 after an explosion. Photograph: ANI on X

Key Points Chandigarh police have identified Gurtej Singh and Amanpreet Singh as suspects in the Punjab BJP office blast.

Authorities are coordinating with Punjab Police to locate the suspects, who fled towards Kharar after the incident.

An FIR has been registered under the Explosives Act and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act following the explosion.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) inspected the site after the blast, which involved a suspected crude explosive device.

Babbar Khalsa International has claimed responsibility for the blast in an unverified social media post.

Two suspects have been identified in connection with a blast outside the Punjab BJP headquarters in Sector 37 here, a senior Chandigarh police official said on Friday.

He further informed that the suspects have been identified as Gurtej Singh and Amanpreet Singh of Punjab's Rupnagar district, and efforts are on to nab them. "Further investigations are on," he added.

According to sources, the Chandigarh police are coordinating with their Punjab counterparts to locate the suspects, who are said to have taken a bus toward Kharar after fleeing the scene on the day of the incident.

On Friday, the Punjab Police conducted raids in Rupnagar district in search of the suspects, sources added.

Amanpreet's family stated that some policemen in plain clothes visited their home to ask questions. Meanwhile, Gurtej's mother informed reporters that the family has not been in contact with him for the past 3 to 4 years.

The explosion occurred around 5 pm on Wednesday when a suspected crude explosive device was hurled near the office, officials had said. No casualties were reported.

An FIR under relevant sections of the Explosives Act and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act was registered in connection with the incident.

Following the explosion, police cordoned off the area and deployed personnel while a team from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) inspected the site.

An unverified video that appeared on social media Wednesday evening shows a man pulling the pin from a blue-colored grenade and throwing it, while another person records the act. The duo is then seen fleeing moments before the blast.

Their faces were not visible in the 10-second video, the veracity of which was yet to be ascertained. CCTV camera footage also showed the suspects running across the road after the explosion.

In a separate unverified social media post attributed to Sukhjinder Singh Babbar of the banned Babbar Khalsa International, the outfit claimed responsibility for the incident.

Chandigarh Senior Superintendent of Police Kanwardeep Kaur said on Wednesday, "Prima facie, it appears that a small crude-type device was thrown." The BJP's state unit chief Sunil Jakhar had dubbed it an "attack" at the party office.

Punjab Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring condemned the blast and called it a "matter of grave concern."
The Aam Aadmi Party is publicly criticising MP Raghav Chadha for allegedly prioritising 'soft PR' over raising crucial issues against the central government in Parliament, sparking internal conflict.

IMAGE: AAP MP Raghav Chadha at the Parliament premises. Photograph: Jitender Gupta/ANI Photo

Key Points AAP leaders accuse Raghav Chadha of avoiding raising issues against the central government in Parliament.

Chadha is criticised for not participating in opposition walkouts on key issues and for focusing on 'soft PR'.

AAP leaders question Chadha's commitment to the party line and his absence during Arvind Kejriwal's arrest.

Chadha is accused of being hesitant to speak on 'real issues' and prioritising trivial matters in Parliament.

The Aam Aadmi Party on Friday hit back at party MP Raghav Chadha, accusing him of shying away from raising issues against the Centre in Parliament and instead engaging in 'soft PR'.

Delhi AAP president Saurabh Bharadwaj alleged that Chadha failed to toe the party's line on several matters in Parliament and did not join opposition walkouts on key issues.

'We all are soldiers of Arvind Kejriwal, the Centre doesn't care about soft PR or talking about samosas at airport canteens when bigger issues are at stake,' Bharadwaj said in a video posted on X.

'Whenever the Opposition staged a walkout in Parliament, you (Chadha) did not participate. You did not raise issues concerning Punjab, from where you are elected, and you hid in a foreign country when former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal was arrested,' he added.

'Someone who fears Modi can't fight for the country'

AAP national media in-charge Anurag Dhanda also criticised Chadha, questioning whether someone who 'fears' Prime Minister Narendra Modi can fight for the country.

'In West Bengal, the right to vote is being snatched away. When a proposal against the CEC came up in the House, you (Chadha) refused to sign it,' Dhanda said on X.

'In Parliament, we get limited time to speak, and it can be used either to fight for the nation or discuss trivial matters like cheaper samosas at airport canteens,' Dhanda said, adding that Chadha has been hesitant to speak on 'real issues' for the last few years.

The remarks came after Chadha earlier in the day said he was 'silenced, not defeated', a day after being removed as the AAP's deputy leader in Rajya Sabha.
Following the appalling public humiliation of a woman and her daughter in Ranchi, Jharkhand, police have made arrests, bringing hope for justice in this disturbing case.

Photograph: Pexels.com

Key Points Three individuals have been arrested and a juvenile detained in Ranchi, Jharkhand, for the public humiliation of a woman and her daughter.

The victims were subjected to public shaming, including having their faces smeared with black paint and being paraded through their neighbourhood.

The incident stemmed from a dispute over a stolen motorcycle allegedly taken by the victim's husband.

Accused have been booked under multiple sections of the BNS and several sections of the SC/ST Act.

Political figures and tribal organisations have condemned the act and demanded strict punishment for those involved.

Three persons were arrested, and a juvenile was detained in connection with the alleged public humiliation of a 28-year-old woman and her minor daughter in Jharkhand's Ranchi district, police said on Friday.

The victims were smeared with black colour on their faces and paraded by their neighbours on March 29 within Sadar Police Station limits in Bhabhanagra colony.

Arrests and Charges

"So far, we have arrested three people, including two women, and a juvenile has been detained. The accused, Gunja Shreevastav (32), was arrested on Wednesday. Earlier, the main accused, Pankaj Singh (28), and Santana Kumari (28), were apprehended in this connection," said DSP, Sadar Police Station, Sanjeev Besra.

The accused were arrested after an FIR was lodged at the police station based on the written complaints of the victims. The accused have been booked under multiple sections of the BNS and several sections of the SC/ST Act, the DSP said.

The Motive Behind the Humiliation

During the investigation, it has come to light that four to five days before the incident, the victim's husband had taken Pankaj's motorcycle without informing him. As they are neighbours living in rented houses in the same colony, officer in-charge of Sadar Police Station, Kuldeep Kumar, said.

Pankaj had been accusing the victim's husband of stealing his bike. The woman (victim) admitted that her husband had taken the bike and assured that it would be returned, he said.

On the day of the incident, the accused, along with his woman friend and two others, caught hold of the victim and her daughter, smeared black colour on her face, and humiliated her in public, he said.

Political and Social Outcry

Meanwhile, Satish Paul Munjini, Media Chairman of the Jharkhand Pradesh Congress Committee, has strongly condemned the inhuman treatment meted out to a tribal woman and her daughter.

He stated that grabbing the woman and her daughter, smearing her face with blackening, and parading her on the streets is the height of barbarism.

He demanded that every person involved in this incident should be given exemplary punishment.

Munjini said that the Jharkhand Congress stands firmly with the victim and will continue to strongly raise this issue until justice is ensured.

Earlier on Thursday, some tribal outfits had protested at the colony. They also condemned the incident and demanded strict punishment for the accused.
Photo: Andriy Krepkykh

The Government of the Republic of Serbia and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) signed a new financing agreement worth EUR 2 million to strengthen the sustainability of Ukraines energy sector, the UNDP press service reported.

These funds will be used to purchase and supply high-voltage transformerscritical equipment needed to restore power transmission capacity and ensure stable electricity supply to millions of Ukrainians. These measures are being implemented as part of the UNDP Green Energy Recovery Programme.

This contribution is a tangible demonstration of our support for restoring vital services. We want hospitals, schools, and homes to remain powered during these difficult times, said Andon Sapundzi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Serbia to Ukraine.

According to Auke Lotsma, UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine, The Serbian governments assistance in restoring and modernizing the national electricity grid not only meets immediate needs but also lays the foundation for a more sustainable energy future for Ukraine.

Since 2022, Ukraines energy infrastructure has suffered extensive damage. According to the Fifth Rapid Damage and Recovery Needs Assessment (RDNA5), total losses in the sector are estimated at $88.2 billion. The electricity subsector alone accounts for approximately $17.1 billion of these losses, primarily affecting generation and transmission facilities.

The project aims to improve access to basic servicesspecifically, heat, electricity, and waterfor communities in target areas where infrastructure has suffered the most. The project is being implemented within the framework of the Ukraine-UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework and is aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly Sustainable Development Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy).
The Allahabad High Court intervened to release a man imprisoned for failing to pay spousal maintenance, raising questions about the legality of extended jail terms in maintenance disputes.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points The Allahabad High Court intervened in a case where a man was sentenced to 22 months in civil prison for failing to pay court-ordered maintenance to his wife.

The High Court cited Section 125(3) of the CrPC, arguing that imprisonment for non-payment of maintenance should be limited to one month.

The court emphasised that alternative methods, such as property attachment, should be used to recover unpaid maintenance amounts beyond the one-month imprisonment.

The order highlights a potential conflict between family court practices and the High Court's interpretation of legal provisions regarding maintenance enforcement.

The Allahabad High Court has directed the immediate release of a man sentenced to 22 months in civil prison by a family court in Jhansi for failing to pay maintenance to his wife as per the court's order.

The husband, Tahir alias Babloo, had been in jail since December 3, following the execution of an arrest warrant.

In an order passed on April 2 directing the release, Justice Praveen Kumar Giri said there is no need to furnish a bail bond or sureties as he is in civil prison.

The court also directed the registrar (compliance) of the high court to communicate this order to the jail authorities for an immediate release.

Background of the Maintenance Case

As per the facts of the case, Tahir's wife had filed an application seeking recovery of Rs 2,64,000 for 22 months' unpaid maintenance. Subsequently, the husband was arrested by the Jalaun police and presented before the court, where he showed his helplessness in depositing the money.

He pleaded that he is a poor person unable to pay the amount and thus prayed for the minimum possible sentence.

However, the family court sentenced him to a 22-month prison term -- corresponding to the 22 moths' unpaid maintenance. It concluded that it was not necessary to file separate applications for each month of defaulting.

It opined that even on a consolidated application for arrears, a court can pass a sentence of one month for every month of default.

High Court Intervention and Legal Arguments

Tahir moved the high court challenging the family court order. His counsel submitted during proceedings that, as per Section 125(3) of CrPC, if a person fails to make the payment without sufficient cause, the court may send him to civil prison for only one month.

It was further contended that for any remaining unpaid amount after the execution of the warrant, the proper recourse is the attachment of property for recovery, not an extended jail term beyond one month.

After hearing the counsel, the court issued notice to Tahir's wife and ordered the immediate release of the husband. The matter will sbe heard next on May 18.
A road rage incident in Faridabad, Haryana, turned violent when a man opened fire, resulting in minor injuries and a police investigation to apprehend the suspects.

Key Points A road rage incident in Faridabad escalated when a man fired a pistol after being confronted about reckless driving.

The victim sustained minor injuries after the pistol discharged during an attempt to disarm the accused.

The accused fled the scene, leaving behind their two-wheeler, a bag, and the firearm.

Police have launched an investigation and are searching for the man and woman involved in the Faridabad road rage shooting.

Shots were fired following an incident of road rage in Haryana's Faridabad on Friday, with a man sustaining minor injuries, police said.

The incident took place around 10:30 am on Balaji College Road in the Ballabhgarh area when the victim, Vivek, who was on his way to work on his motorcycle, saw a man driving a two-wheeler in a reckless manner with a woman riding pillion and asked him to drive carefully, police said.

This led to a verbal exchange between the two and the accused allegedly pulled out a pistol and pointed it at Vivek, they added. As Vivek tried to snatch the weapon from the accused, the pistol went off and the bullet grazed past the victim's face, leaving him with minor injuries.

However, the victim managed to snatch the pistol from the accused, who fled the spot, leaving behind the two-wheeler and a bag, police said.

The victim alerted police who arrived at the scene and took the firearm and the bag into custody.

Police Investigation Underway

An FIR has been lodged at the Adarsh Nagar police station. Station House Officer (SHO) Manoj Kumar said, "We are searching for the man and the woman who fled the scene after firing the shot. CCTV footage of both has surfaced and they will soon be arrested."
The BJP's candidate announcement for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections has stirred political discussion, particularly due to the conspicuous absence of prominent leader K Annamalai from the list.

IMAGE: Tamil Nadu BJP leader K Annamalai. Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points The BJP released its first list of 27 candidates for the Tamil Nadu assembly elections as part of the NDA.

K Annamalai, a prominent BJP leader in Tamil Nadu, is notably absent from the candidate list, sparking speculation.

Senior BJP leaders like Tamilisai Soundararajan, Vanathi Srinivasan, and L Murugan have been included in the candidate list.

Annamalai has congratulated the announced candidates and pledged to campaign for the NDA.

The Tamil Nadu assembly elections will be held on April 23, with the main contest expected between the DMK-led alliance and the NDA.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday released its list of 27 candidates for the upcoming Tamil Nadu assembly elections, after negotiations within the National Democratic Aliance.

The release of the BJP's first candidate list for the April 23 Tamil Nadu assembly elections has sent shockwaves through the state's political circles. K Annamalai, the aggressive "Singham" of the Tamil Nadu BJP who was widely expected to lead the charge, is conspicuously absent from the roster.

While senior leaders like Tamilisai Soundararajan (Mylapore), Vanathi Srinivasan (Coimbatore North), and Union Minister L Murugan (Avinashi) have been fielded, Annamalai's name is nowhere to be found.

Annamalai's Role in BJP's Tamil Nadu Strategy

Annamalai K has made commendable achievements in taking Prime Minister Narendra Modi's policies to the people or taking the party's projects village by village in the state. The party's top brass, such as Home Minister Amir Shah, has on many occasions stated that the BJP will utilise Annamalai's organisational skills in the party's national structure.

Last year, the current BJP president, Nainar Naginthiran, replaced K Annamalai as the state party chief, as nomination for the post was received only from Nagenthiran.

Annamalai greets BJP candidates

Contrary to expectations, Annamalai congratulated the candidates announced for the 2026 Tamil Nadu assembly elections.

"They carry the support of every brother & sister of TN who is tired of corruption, complacency, and the DMK's betrayal. Under the visionary leadership of our Hon PM Thiru @narendramodi avl, India has moved forward with strength, scale, and purpose," he said in an X post.

Hitting out at the incumbent state government, Annamalai accused the Dravida Munnetra Kazhaga of being a "failed, arrogant, and self-serving" administration holding back Tamil Nadu. "I as a karyakarta will stand shoulder to shoulder & campaign for all our winning BJP & other NDA candidates, with the aim of the NDA winning 210 seats in the upcoming assembly elections," he said.

Annamalai's Impact and the Broader Alliance

Notably, Annamalai, the former IPS officer, is a key figure in the party's aggressive expansion strategy in South India. He's often seen as a direct representative of PM Narendra Modi's vision, frequently appearing alongside him at major rallies.

Annamalai's rise to prominence is notable, having joined the BJP in 2020 and quickly leading the state unit. His efforts have increased the BJP's visibility in Tamil Nadu, traditionally dominated by Dravidian parties DMK and AIADMK.

NDA's Seat Breakup in Tamil Nadu

The AIADMK, which leads the NDA, will contest 169 of the 234 seats, while the BJP will contest 27 seats, Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) 18, Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) 11, Tamil Maanila Congress five, Indhiya Jananayaga Katchi (IJK) one, and Puratchi Bharatham one seat.

Tamil Nadu will go to the polls in a single phase on April 23, covering a total of 234 constituencies in the state. Counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.

The main electoral contest in the state is expected between the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA), and the NDA led by the AIADMK. However, actor-turned-politician Vijay will look to turn it into a three-way contest.
Delhi Police have successfully apprehended a 22-year-old gangster, Aryan, linked to the Sonu Dariyapur gang, wanted in connection with a recent shooting in Sultanpuri, Delhi.

Key Points Aryan, a 22-year-old alleged gangster linked to the Sonu Dariyapur gang, has been arrested by Delhi Police.

The arrest is connected to a firing incident that occurred in Sultanpuri on March 19.

Aryan confessed to firing at members of a rival gang during interrogation.

He was apprehended near Jeet Farm on Narela-Alipur Road after evading arrest for several days.

Delhi Police have arrested a 22-year-old alleged gangster associated with the Sonu Dariyapur gang, who was wanted in a recent firing case in outer Delhi.

The accused, identified as Aryan, had been evading arrest since March 19 in connection with a firing incident reported at Sultanpuri.

"During interrogation, Aryan disclosed his involvement in the Sultanpuri firing case, where he had opened fire at members of a rival gang," a police officer said, adding that his associates in the case have already been arrested, while he had been on the run.

Police further said that the accused was arrested near Jeet Farm on Narela-Alipur Road on March 30.
A State Reserve Police Force jawan was tragically murdered in Nagpur following a heated dispute over his daughter's relationship with her boyfriend, resulting in multiple arrests and a police investigation.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points An SRPF jawan was allegedly murdered in Nagpur due to his disapproval of his daughter's relationship.

The main suspect, the daughter's boyfriend, and four others have been arrested in connection with the murder.

The incident occurred after an argument during a Hanuman Jayanti celebration.

The victim's brother-in-law was also seriously injured while trying to intervene in the attack.

Police are conducting a thorough investigation into the murder case in Nagpur.

A 42-year-old State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) jawan was allegedly killed by his daughter's boyfriend and his associates in Nagpur, following which police arrested five persons, an official said on Friday.

Assistant sub-inspector Pankaj Thakur was fatally attacked in the Matoshree Nagar area under the jurisdiction of the MIDC police. His brother-in-law Arpit (30) suffered grievous injuries in the incident, police said.

According to the police, the main accused Akash Haridas Mandal (23) was in a relationship with Thakur's 16-year-old daughter for the past two years. Thakur was opposed to it and had warned Mandal several times to stay away from the minor.

Incident Details

During a Hanuman Jayanti programme at a local temple on Thursday night, Akash allegedly approached the girl and started talking to her. Thakur noticed this and asked him to leave, leading to an argument, the official said.

After the heated exchange, the accused went home and returned with a knife and his relatives and friends.

"The group attacked the SRPF jawan with sharp weapons. When Arpit tried to intervene, he was also assaulted. Both victims were rushed to Shalinitai Meghe Hospital, where doctors declared Thakur dead," the official said.

Investigation and Arrests

Another official said five persons, including Akash, his brother Harshad and their mother, have been arrested for their involvement in the murder, adding that a probe is underway.
A devastating suicide car bomb attack on a police station in northwest Pakistan has left five dead and thirteen injured, raising concerns about regional security and prompting denials of responsibility from the TTP.

Key Points A suicide car bomb targeted a police station in Domel tehsil, Bannu district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, resulting in multiple casualties.

Five people were killed, including four members of the same family, and thirteen others were injured in the powerful explosion.

The Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has denied involvement in the suicide car bomb attack, accusing state institutions of orchestrating the incident.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack and expressed sorrow for the loss of life.

Police said the suicide bomber rammed his explosives-laden vehicle into the rear side of the police station in Domel tehsil of Bannu district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, triggering a powerful explosion.

The intensity of the blast, which was heard miles away, triggered panic among residents. Gunfire erupted immediately after the explosion, further heightening tension in the area.

No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.

According to police, rescue teams have recovered five bodies from the site. Among the deceased are a husband, wife, daughter, and son from the same family.

At least four police personnel were among 13 injured in the blast. Emergency response and rescue operations are ongoing as authorities continue to assess the situation.

Several nearby houses were damaged in the blast.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack, expressing sorrow at the loss of life, according to a statement issued by his office.

Preliminary information suggests that the police station was the primary target, officials said.

TTP Denies Involvement

The banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) denied any involvement in the blast.

In a statement, TTP spokesperson Muhammad Khorasani said that his group was not involved in the attack. Instead, it alleged that the incident was orchestrated by the establishment and state institutions, accusing them of staging such actions at the cost of civilian lives.

He alleged that the objective behind the blast was to turn residents against militants and create divisions among the population.

It urged the public to remain vigilant against what it described as "deceptive tactics" and to resist efforts aimed at sowing discord.

There has been no immediate response from government or military officials regarding these claims.
Three drug addicts have been arrested for the murder of a 78-year-old Buddhist monk in Himachal Pradesh, allegedly driven by their need to fund their drug habits through robbery.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points The suspects are identified as Gagan Sharma, Vishal, and Gaurav Sharma, all residents of Mandi.

Police investigation revealed the accused are drug addicts who allegedly murdered the monk with the intention of looting her to buy drugs.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed to investigate the murder of Orje Shoki, found in a cave near Sarkidhar village.

Police are actively searching for two additional suspects involved in the case.

Three people have been arrested for allegedly murdering a Buddhist woman monk in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh nearly a month ago, police said on Friday.

The accused -- Gagan Sharma (23), Vishal (23) and Gaurav Sharma (20), all residents of Mandi -- were arrested on Thursday night, police said.

According to police, the 78-year-old Buddhist woman monk, Orje Shoki, was found murdered in a cave near Sarkidhar village, following which a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was constituted to nab the accused.

Mandi Superintendent of Police (SP) Vinod Kumar said that during the investigation, more than 50 suspects were questioned and DNA samples of several suspects were also collected.

After a detailed investigation, the accused were arrested from different locations on Thursday night, he said.

Kumar said all the accused are drug addicts and they committed the crime with the intention of looting the victim, so that they could buy drugs.

Efforts are on to nab two more accused wanted in the case. They will be put behind bars soon, the SP said.
During a West Bengal rally, TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee strongly criticised the Modi government's economic policies, citing rising LPG prices, demonetisation failures, and the impact of lockdown measures on ordinary citizens.

Photograph: Shrikant Singh/ANI Photo

Key Points Abhishek Banerjee accuses the Modi government of causing hardship through mishandling of LPG supply, demonetisation, and lockdown measures.

Banerjee highlights the rising prices of essential commodities under the Modi government, including LPG, milk, and kerosene.

He criticises the BJP for allegedly trying to control the Election Commission and influence the West Bengal elections.

Banerjee challenges BJP leaders to present a report card of their development projects in Purulia.

He promotes Mamata Banerjee's initiatives for the poor, such as the 'Banglar Bari' project, despite the Centre blocking funds.

Senior TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee on Friday accused the Narendra Modi government of causing hardships to people through "mishandling" of issues such as LPG supply, demonetisation, SIR hearings and the lockdown.

Addressing an election rally in West Bengal's Purulia district in support of party candidate Arjun Mahato from Joypur Assembly seat, Banerjee alleged that prices of essential commodities have risen sharply under the present dispensation.

"Prices of LPG cylinders have risen from Rs 400 to Rs 1,000, milk from Rs 28 to over Rs 60, kerosene from Rs 14 to Rs 40. Prices of every essential commodity have skyrocketed," he claimed.

"The Modi government only forces people to stand in long queues - from LPG dealers' camps to SIR hearing camps, from bank branches and ATMs after notebandi. It never thinks about the agony and misery of people," he said.

Banerjee also referred to the days of lockdown, which "was declared by the Modi government in an unplanned manner," and how it compounded the misery of thousands of migrant workers from Bengal who were stranded at their workplaces due to the sudden shutdown and had great difficulty in returning.

Alleging that the BJP was trying to control the Election Commission and influence the elections in West Bengal in their favour, the Diamond Harbour MP said, "They (BJP) have the remote control, but we have the EVM button which they cannot take away from us."

Accusing BJP MP Jyotirmoy Singh Mahato of "doing little to improve the living conditions of the electors in Purulia Lok Sabha constituency, Banerjee said, "I dare both Mahato and the local BJP MLA, Narahari Mahato, to submit a break-up of projects you have implemented for the people."

"If you can prove even 10 paisa you had managed to secure from Modi, I will never ask for votes for TMC from here anymore. Let there be an open debate where you and I will seat face to face on a stage," he added.

Mamata Banerjee's Initiatives for the Poor

Listing the initiatives of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for the poor, he said, "Despite the Centre blocking funds under PM Awas Yojana, our CM mobilised funds for the 'Banglar Bari' project and already 32 lakh families have got houses."

"From building roads under the Pathashree project to supplying clean drinking water to households, the Mamata Banerjee government has undertaken a slew of development projects in the district, including Joypur," he added.

Banerjee wanted to know what happened to Mahato's earlier election promise to build a super specialty hospital in the area, as people have to rush to Jhalda and Purulia for medical needs.

BJP's Unfulfilled Promises

"We have been in power in West Bengal for 15 years, and our chief minister delivers on every promise. The BJP, which has been in power at the Centre for 12 years, should present its report card. What about their promise of Rs 14 lakh in every bank account that Modi made during the 2014 Lok Sabha polls?" he said.

"The BJP is in power in 15 states. I challenge them -- implement even one scheme like Mamata Banerjee's Lakshmir Bhandar in any state," Banerjee said.

The elections to the 294-member West Bengal assembly will be held in two phases - on April 23 and 29. Votes will be counted on May 4.
Bengaluru police swiftly arrested two suspects involved in a violent robbery where a man was attacked with a knife and robbed after offering them a lift on his two-wheeler.

Key Points Two suspects arrested in Bengaluru for allegedly robbing a man at knifepoint after he gave them a lift.

The victim was assaulted with a knife and helmet before the suspects stole his vehicle, phone, and wallet.

Bengaluru police apprehended the suspects within 24 hours of the complaint being filed.

Stolen property worth Rs 2.20 lakh, including the two-wheeler, knife, and mobile phone, was recovered.

The accused have been remanded to judicial custody following their court appearance.

Two people have been arrested for allegedly robbing a man at knifepoint after seeking a lift on his two-wheeler, police said on Friday.

The accused, who were apprehended within a day of the complaint, are alleged to have assaulted the victim using a knife and helmet before fleeing with his vehicle, mobile phone and purse.

The victim, a manager at a Kalyana Mantapa in Nellukunte, has lodged a complaint at Chikkajala Police Station on March 26, police said.

He stated that at around 2.30 am on March 25, while heading towards Hunasamaranahalli Road for food, two unidentified persons requested a lift, which he agreed to.

"When they reached near D-Mart on Hosahalli Road, the accused asked him to stop the vehicle. Upon stopping, the accused abused him, assaulted him using a knife and helmet, and robbed his two-wheeler, mobile phone, and purse before fleeing," the release said.

Investigation and Arrest

During the investigation, police gathered credible leads and apprehended the two accused near Hunasamaranahalli on March 26.

"Upon interrogation, both accused confessed to their involvement in the offence," it said.

Based on their disclosure, the stolen two-wheeler, knife, helmet, purse and a mobile phone were recovered.

The total value of the recovered property was pegged at Rs 2.20 lakh.

The accused were produced before a court on March 27 and remanded to judicial custody, police said.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan is advocating for 'Mahakal Standard Time' to replace Greenwich Mean Time, asserting Ujjain's historical importance as the original centre for time calculation and a hub for scientific and spiritual knowledge.

IMAGE: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Photograph: Sanjay Sharma/ANI Photo

Key Points Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan proposes 'Mahakal Standard Time' (MST) to replace Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), highlighting Ujjain's historical role in timekeeping.

Pradhan emphasises the integration of science and spirituality, citing Ujjain's Mahakal Temple as an example of scientific understanding embedded in religious practices.

The National Education Policy 2020 (NEP) promotes creativity, design thinking, and critical thinking, with AI courses being introduced at the school level.

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav highlights Ujjain's historical importance in timekeeping and astronomy, emphasizing the accuracy of the Indian time measurement system.

Preparations are underway for Simhastha-2028, with significant infrastructure investments to establish Ujjain as a city with international-level facilities.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday said it was time to establish 'Mahakal Standard Time' in place of 'Greenwich Mean Time' as Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh was "the original centre of time calculation".

All major spiritual centres of India, be it Ujjain, Kashi, Kanchi or Puri Dham are living laboratories where a wonderful coordination of science, art, culture, literature and spirituality can be found, Pradhan asserted while inaugurating the three-day 'Mahakal The Master of Time International Conference'.

"Ujjain is the place where the Equator and the Tropic of Cancer meet and ancient world time calculations were made. Therefore, the time has come to logically establish 'Mahakal Standard Time' (MST) in place of 'Greenwich Mean Time' (GMT). Even modern AI tools recognise that the original centre of time calculation is the area around Ujjain," he said.

Therefore, the need is to re-establish the country's scientific pride globally, he said.

"Strengthening the Science Centre and Planetarium in Ujjain is a major step in this direction, enabling future generations to move forward with a scientific outlook. Ujjain is a place where the distance between spirituality and science disappears and a new vision is born," he said.

He asserted that science is incomplete without spirituality, and cited the example of Ujjain and its revered Mahakal Temple.

Science and Spirituality in Ujjain

Referring to a scientific ritual at the Mahakal Temple, Pradhan said the practice of continuously pouring water from an earthen pot over Lord Shiva from the first day of the month of Vaishakh is not merely a religious tradition, but a scientific solution to the challenges of summer and environmental management.

"This demonstrates that our society has possessed scientific understanding of time calculation and adapting its lifestyle to the changes in nature for centuries. Environmental responsibility and a balanced life flow have always been central to the Indian knowledge tradition," Pradhan said.

He cited the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP) and emphasised the need for a shift from learning by rote to one that embraces creativity, design thinking, and critical thinking.

IMAGE: A Shivling replica unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the inauguration of the Mahakal Lok corridor, at the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, October 11, 2022. Photograph: PTI Photo/Rediff archives

"Today is the era of AI and computational thinking, and to ensure Indian students do not lag behind in this global race, new courses like AI are being introduced at the school level," he said.

Pradhan also clarified that no single language can have a monopoly on knowledge, and therefore, education is being integrated with Indian languages and folk cultures so that every student can easily understand complex scientific topics in their mother tongue.

On the occasion, Pradhan and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav released the Vidyarthi Vigyan Manthan website, brochure, and booklet. A video film on this multi-level evaluation system, developed to cultivate scientific leadership, was also screened at the event.

Ujjain as a Centre for Timekeeping and Astronomy

"Ujjain has been a global centre for timekeeping and astronomy since ancient times. In Ujjain, timekeeping is not merely religious but also thoroughly scientific, as our ancestors established ages ago through texts like the Surya Siddhanta. Time and space are inextricably linked," Yadav said.

He also said the Indian time measurement system, based on sunrise and sunset that precisely synchronize with the movement of the planets and the Earth's rotation, is more accurate than Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

"Due to the intersection of the Tropic of Cancer and the zero longitude, Ujjain has been the global centre for time calculation. The MP government is committed to developing Ujjain as both a religious city and a science city. For this, a Science Centre, established at a cost of Rs 15 crore, has been inaugurated," Yadav said.

Simhastha-2028 Preparations

Yadav also said work has begun on organising the Simhastha-2028.

It is the world's largest cultural fair and approximately 35 to 40 crore devotees are expected to attend the event, the CM said.

"As part of the preparations for Simhastha, the ground breaking ceremony for a bypass costing Rs 700 crore has been completed. This investment will not only improve Ujjain's infrastructure but also establish it as a city with international-level facilities," Yadav added.
Ukraine's 2026 state budget reserve fund of UAH 49.42 bln allocated by 87.2%, it may be increased  ministry

As of March 30, government allocations from the state budget Reserve Fund, set at UAH 49.42 billion for 2026 and already directed toward financing urgent state needs, exceeded UAH 47.5 billion, or 87.2%, the Ministry of Finance reported on Friday.

"After the extreme conditions of one of the most difficult winters, ensuring the needs of recovery, energy protection, and the repair of supply routes is a matter of national security As of March 30, 2026, cash expenditures amounted to UAH 10.291 billion," the ministry said.

"The Reserve Fund is not a static resource: over the course of the year, its volume may be revised and increased depending on the current needs of the state," the ministry said.

The largest share of funding  UAH 22 billion  was allocated to protecting critical infrastructure and implementing comprehensive resilience plans for regions and cities, with these funds are foreseen for the entire year 2026.

"This concerns not only responding to damage already inflicted, but also preventive engineering and technical solutions  new construction, reconstruction, major repairs, and the implementation of special protective mechanisms," the Finance Ministry explained.

The ministry added that special emphasis has been placed on facilities in the fuel and energy sector, railway infrastructure, and life-support systems.

According to the release, another UAH 16 billion was allocated to Ukrzaliznytsia for the implementation of an experimental public service obligation (PSO) project aimed at creating a transparent and economically justified mechanism for compensating passenger transportation. The Finance Ministry stressed that this should ensure the continuity of passenger services, their affordability for the population, as well as the ability to evacuate civilians.

Other Reserve Fund expenditures include: emergency road repairs  UAH 3 billion; procurement of mobile power generation units  UAH 2.56 billion; restoration of transport connections in southern Ukraine (including financing for the construction of a temporary bridge near the YampilCosauti checkpoint and the restoration of damaged bridges in Odesa region)  UAH 718.8 million; support for critical infrastructure workers  UAH 246.4 million; and strengthening defense in border regions  UAH 5.9 million.

As reported, Ukraines 2026 state budget was adopted with revenues (excluding grants) of UAH 2.90 trillion and expenditures of UAH 4.77 trillion, including UAH 2.61 trillion and UAH 4.38 trillion, respectively, under the general fund.
The UN Security Council is set to vote on a resolution concerning the Strait of Hormuz, seeking to ensure safe passage and freedom of navigation through this critical maritime route amid international concerns.

IMAGE: Cargo ships in the Gulf, near the Strait of Hormuz. Photograph: Reuters

Key Points The resolution authorises states to take defensive measures to secure transit passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

A monitoring mechanism will be established with monthly reporting to the UN Security Council.

An initial draft resolution allowing the use of 'all necessary means' was opposed by Russia, China, and France.

India co-sponsored a previous resolution condemning attacks against Gulf Cooperation Council countries and Jordan.

The UN Security Council will vote on a draft resolution proposed by Bahrain Saturday on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, even as permanent members China and Russia voiced opposition to earlier versions of the text that would have allowed use of force by countries.

The draft Security Council resolution affirms that the Strait of Hormuz is open for all transit passage. No state has the right to close or control it.

It authorises States to take "exclusively defensive measures" to secure transit passage and deter any acts to impede international navigation through the Strait.

It also provides a clear legal basis for all States to mobilise and support safe passage while following international law and international humanitarian law.

The draft resolution says that countries using this authorisation must notify and report to the UN, ensuring transparency and adherence to international law.

It creates a monitoring mechanism with monthly reporting by the UN Secretary-General so the UN Security Council can take further action based on new developments, the Permanent Mission of the UAE to the UN said.

Bahrain, supported by the GCC and Jordan, has proposed the Security Council resolution on the Strait of Hormuz, which will be put up for a vote in the 15-nation Security Council on Saturday. Bahrain is currently the President of the Council for the month of April.

It is learnt that an initial version of the draft resolution had language that would have allowed countries "to use all necessary means" in the Strait of Hormuz, the Gulf and the Gulf of Oman to ensure passage in the crucial chokepoint.

However, veto-wielding permanent members Russia, China and France are understood to have opposed approval of the use of force. The final draft now has language that states are authorised to take "exclusively defensive measures" to secure transit passage.

The Council was originally scheduled to vote on the resolution on Friday, but the UN headquarters is closed on the occasion of Good Friday. The vote is scheduled for 11 am (local time) Saturday.

India's role and previous resolutions

Last month, India had co-sponsored a resolution in the UN Security Council that condemned in the strongest terms the "egregious" attacks by Iran against Gulf Cooperation Council countries and Jordan and demanded immediate cessation of all attacks by Tehran while denouncing its threats of closure of the maritime chokehold the Strait of Hormuz.

The Security Council, under the Presidency of the United States in March, had adopted the resolution with 13 votes in favour, none against and abstentions by veto-wielding permanent members China and Russia.

India cosponsored the Bahrain-led resolution along with over 130 nations including Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Canada, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Yemen and Zambia.

The resolution, which had a total of 135 co-sponsors, reiterated its strong support for the territorial integrity, sovereignty and political independence of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan.

It condemned in the "strongest terms the egregious attacks" by Iran against the territories of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan and determined that such acts constitute a breach of international law and a serious threat to international peace and security.

The resolution demanded immediate cessation of all attacks by Iran against the GCC countries and Jordan, and that Tehran "immediately and unconditionally" cease from any provocation or threats to neighbouring States, including the use of proxies.

It reaffirmed that the exercise of navigational rights and freedoms by merchant and commercial vessels, in accordance with international law, must be respected, particularly around critical maritime routes, and takes note of the right of Member States, in accordance with international law, to "defend their vessels from attacks and provocations, including those that undermine navigational rights and freedoms.
The Uttar Pradesh ATS has dismantled a terror module with alleged links to Pakistani handlers, uncovering a plot to attack key infrastructure and spread fear.

IMAGE: Kindly note that the image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points The module was reportedly planning attacks on key infrastructure, including railway signal boxes, to cause widespread damage and panic.

The suspects were allegedly in contact with handlers via encrypted social media platforms and received money for carrying out arson incidents.

The ATS investigation revealed that the accused conducted reconnaissance of potential targets in multiple cities and shared information with their handlers.

The accused have been charged under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has arrested four members of a suspected terror module allegedly operating at the behest of Pakistani handlers for "involvement" in planning attacks on key installations, including railway infrastructure, officials said on Friday.

Acting on intelligence inputs, the ATS unearthed a network of individuals who were allegedly in contact with Pakistan-based handlers through social media platforms and engaged in anti-national activities aimed at spreading fear and causing economic damage.

The ATS' probe has revealed that the gang's main operative, Saqib alias "Devil" (25), a resident of Meerut district, was in touch with handlers via encrypted platforms, such as Telegram, Signal and Instagram, and had links with radical groups. Foreign phone numbers, including those from Afghanistan, have been found from his phone's contact list, sources said.

According to officials, the members of the group were tasked with conducting reconnaissance of important institutions and political figures, and sharing sensitive information with their handlers. They were also allegedly planning attacks on railway signal boxes, vehicles and trucks carrying gas cylinders to cause large-scale damage and trigger panic.

According to a press statement, the ATS investigation has further indicated that the accused had carried out minor arson incidents at a few locations and sent videos of these acts to their handlers in exchange for money transferred through QR codes.

The ATS said the handlers used provocative identifiers and narratives on social media to incite the accused into targeting vehicles and public assets on religious grounds and executing a broader conspiracy to destabilise public order.

The accused, along with their associates, had reportedly conducted reconnaissance in cities including Ghaziabad, Aligarh and Lucknow, and shared videos and Google location details of potential targets with their handlers.

On April 2, the group had allegedly planned to carry out an arson or explosive attack near the Lucknow railway station, targeting railway signalling systems and other infrastructure. However, an ATS team intercepted and arrested the accused before the plan could be executed.

Besides Saqib, the arrested individuals have been identified as Vikas Gehlawat alias Raunak (27), Lokesh alias Papla Pandit alias Babu alias Sanju (19), both residents of Gautam Buddh Nagar, and Arbaab (20) from Meerut.

A case has been registered at the ATS police station in Lucknow under the relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The accused have been produced before a court and further legal proceedings are underway.

Officials said preliminary interrogations suggest that the group was working with the intent to harm India's sovereignty, unity and integrity by orchestrating acts of sabotage and terror under foreign directions.
The decision marks a significant leadership transition as the administration seeks a commander who 'will implement Donald Trump and Hegseth's vision for the Army'.

IMAGE: US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth attends a briefing at the Pentagon in Washington, DC, on March 31, 2026. Photograph: Jonathan Ernst/File Photo/Reuters

Key Points US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has ordered the immediate retirement of Army Chief Randy George.

The move is part of a broader military reshuffle, with over a dozen senior officers removed.

Christopher LaNeve appointed acting Army chief, seen as aligned with the administration's vision.

Officials said the decision was a leadership change, not linked to recent controversies.

United States Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has requested the immediate retirement of Army Chief of Staff General Randy George, according to sources familiar with the matter who spoke to CBS News.

The decision marks a significant leadership transition as the administration seeks a commander who 'will implement Donald Trump and Hegseth's vision for the Army'.

Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed the departure, stating that Gen George 'will be retiring from his position as the 41st Chief of Staff of the Army, effective immediately'.

Parnell expressed the Department of War's gratitude for the General's 'decades of service to our nation' and offered well wishes for his future.

A senior Defence Department official told CBS News, "We are grateful for his service, but it was time for a leadership change in the Army."

Gen George's Tenure and Background

Gen George, a West Point graduate and career infantry officer, previously served as senior military assistant to Lloyd Austin during the Biden administration and has held his current post since his Senate confirmation in 2023.

Under typical circumstances, his four-year term would have concluded in 2027.

Hegseth's Aide to Take Charge

Stepping in as acting Army chief of staff is General Christopher LaNeve, the current vice chief of staff and a former military aide to Hegseth.

CBS News reported that Gen LaNeve previously commanded the 82nd Airborne Division and is described by Parnell as 'a battle-tested leader with decades of operational experience' who is 'completely trusted by Secretary Hegseth to carry out the vision of this administration without fault'.

Wider Military Reshuffle

The removal of General George is part of a broader restructuring within the military hierarchy.

Hegseth has already dismissed over a dozen high-ranking officers, including Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Charles Q Brown Jr and Chief of Naval Operations Lisa Franchetti.

According to CBS News, these changes coincide with Hegseth's recent intervention in an Army disciplinary matter, where he overruled the suspension of an aircrew that flew by a celebrity's residence, declaring on social media, 'No punishment. No investigation. Carry on, patriots.'

Despite the timing, a source said the decision to oust George was not linked to the helicopter controversy.

Career Highlights and Final Days in Office

Gen George's distinguished career included deployments during the first Gulf War, as well as operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Just days prior to his retirement, he was seen at West Point sharing 'experience-driven guidance with cadets preparing to lead' during a scheduled visit.
While one person recovered, the fate of the second crew member remains uncertain. CNN reported that 'search and rescue operations were ongoing' following the loss of the aircraft over Iranian territory.

IMAGE: An F-15E Strike Eagle takes off for a combat flight in support of Operation Epic Fury during the Iran war at an undisclosed location, March 16, 2026. Photograph: US Air Force/Handout via Reuters

American forces have successfully retrieved a crew member from a US fighter jet that was brought down over Iran, according to a report by CNN citing three sources familiar with the situation.

Key Points The rescued individual is reportedly alive and has been placed in US custody and receiving medical treatment.

The search and rescue effort followed initial reports from multiple news outlets, including The Wall Street Journal, confirming the aircraft was shot down.

Technical details provided by a US source confirmed that the downed plane was an F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet.

The rescued individual is reportedly alive and has been placed "in US custody and receiving medical treatment," as confirmed by two of the sources.

While one person recovered, the fate of the second crew member remains uncertain. CNN reported that "search and rescue operations were ongoing" following the loss of the aircraft over Iranian territory.

Technical details provided by a US source confirmed that the downed plane was an "F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet." This specific model is a dual-role aircraft designed to execute both "air-to-air and air-to-ground missions."

As noted by CNN, these aircraft are traditionally operated by a two-person team consisting of a pilot and a weapon systems officer. Military officials continue to monitor the situation as the search for the remaining personnel persists.

The search and rescue effort followed initial reports from multiple news outlets, including The Wall Street Journal, confirming the aircraft was shot down.

CNN's analysis of images released by Iranian media verified that the wreckage matches an F-15, while The Wall Street Journal cited Iranian state broadcaster IRIB, which first reported on Friday that the jet had been targeted.

Furthering these claims, IRIB shared a map on X (formerly Twitter), circling the specific region where the hunt for the two American pilots has been conducted since the morning hours.

While the exact crash site remains unconfirmed, CNN geolocated footage from a bridge over the Karoon River in Khuzestan Province, roughly 470 km south of Tehran, showing low-flying aircraft and helicopters in a formation typical of air-to-air refuelling operations.

This incident marks the first time a US aircraft has been downed over Iran during the current conflict. US outlet Axios also confirmed the rescue mission was underway, as Iranian media began circulating photographs of debris, including a tail fin, which appeared to identify the jet as belonging to the 494th Fighter Squadron 'LN' based at RAF Lakenheath in the United Kingdom.

Despite the published evidence of the wreckage and the ongoing search, the US military and the White House have not yet officially commented on the status of the pilots or the circumstances of the crash.

IRIB continues to maintain that the "fate of the pilots is currently unclear" as the situation develops.
Trump's remarks on Hormuz come amid the conflict of US-Israel and Iran, that has entered its second month now.

IMAGE: US President Donald Trump delivers an address to the nation about the Iran war at the White House in Washington, DC, US. April 1, 2026. Photograph: Alex Brandon/Pool via Reuters

US President Donald Trump on Friday referred to the Strait of Hormuz as a potential "gusher" for the world and spoken about "opening it for the world."

Key Points Iran warned that any assault on the country's bridges, power plants, or energy facilities will trigger severe retaliatory measures.

This announcement comes amid growing regional tensions, with Tehran signalling it will take an uncompromising stance in protecting its critical infrastructure.

The Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters oversees major construction and military projects, including strategic infrastructure.

In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump wrote, "With a little more time, we can easily OPEN THE HORMUZ STRAIT, TAKE THE OIL, & MAKE A FORTUNE. IT WOULD BE A "GUSHER" FOR THE WORLD??? President DONALD J. TRUMP"

Trump's remarks come amid the conflict of US-Israel and Iran, that has entered its second month now.

Earlier on Friday, the spokesperson of Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters issued a stern warning, emphasising that any assault on the country's bridges, power plants, or energy facilities will trigger severe retaliatory measures, reported state media Press TV.

"Any attack on Iran's bridges, power plants, or energy infrastructure will prompt strikes not only on all US and Israeli assets in the region and occupied territories but also on key holdings of US allies and host nations - harder and more devastating than before," the spokesperson declared.

The statement further cautioned nations hosting American military bases, urging them to reconsider their cooperation with US forces. "Countries hosting US bases must force American forces to leave if they want to stay safe," the spokesperson added.

This announcement comes amid growing regional tensions, with Tehran signalling it will take an uncompromising stance in protecting its critical infrastructure. The warning also underscores Iran's readiness to expand its countermeasures beyond immediate adversaries to include allied nations and host states of American military installations.

The Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, a key component of Iran's defence establishment, oversees major construction and military projects, including strategic infrastructure. Its recent statement serves as a clear message that attacks on Iran's essential facilities will not be tolerated, and that any foreign powers involved could face far-reaching consequences.

The US-Israel and Iran war has entered the second month now with ambiguity over when the war would end. Trump administration has repeatedly said that the war will end in weeks and not months but the ground reality remains different.
Following a fatal accident involving a truck carrying illegally excavated sand, Gondia villagers are protesting against illegal sand mining and demanding stricter regulations to prevent future tragedies.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points A woman in Gondia, Maharashtra, was killed by a truck transporting illegally excavated sand, sparking a villager protest.

Protesters blocked the Gondia-Dasgaon Road, demanding action against illegal sand mining and reckless truck drivers.

Villagers highlighted the prevalence of illegal sand mining in areas like Tedwa, Kinhi, and Dangorli.

Authorities promised compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the deceased's family and pledged to prevent future incidents to appease the protesters.

Villagers staged a road blockade and demanded action against vehicles carrying illegally excavated sand after a woman was run over by a truck and lost her life in Gondia district, police said.

Rameshwari Dhanlal Nagpure (40), resident of Katangikala, was riding pillion with her daughter to attend a funeral at Arambha village in neighbouring Madhya Pradesh when a recklessly driven tipper truck carrying sand hit their scooter on Friday morning, said an official.

Nagpure fell down and came under the truck's tyre while her daughter, who fell on the other side, also sustained injuries. The elderly woman died on the spot, the official said.

Angry villagers beat up the driver and staged a blockade on Gondia-Dasgaon Road, demanding action against trucks carrying illegally excavated sand.

Concerns Over Illegal Sand Mining

Illegal sand mining is rampant at Tedwa, Kinhi and Dangorli, locals said.

Moreover, trucks laden with sand are driven by untrained drivers in a very rash manner, posing threat to people's lives, they said.

Authorities Respond to Protests

A police team led by inspector Vaibhav Pawar of Rawanvadi police station tried to pacify the villagers, who relented only in the afternoon after officials promised to pay a compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the deceased's family immediately and to take action to prevent such incidents.
In a shocking case of honour killing, three youths in Uttar Pradesh have been arrested for murdering a teenager who allegedly made persistent requests to speak with their female relatives, highlighting the disturbing issue of violence against women in India.

Key Points Three youths in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, have been arrested for allegedly murdering a 17-year-old friend.

The victim, Anmol, was allegedly killed because he persistently asked his friends to facilitate conversations with their female relatives.

The accused confessed to luring Anmol outside the village, getting him drunk, and then killing him before dumping his body in a well.

Police have recovered the murder weapon, the clothes worn by the accused, and the victim's mobile phone as evidence.

Three youths allegedly angry over persistent demands from a 17-year-old friend to speak to their sister or cousin killed him and dumped his body here in a well, police said on Friday.

The teenager had been missing since the evening of March 29 when he left his home in Chhotabans village in Uttar Pradesh after he got a phone call. His family members filed a missing person report on April 1, his body was recovered the next day from a well in the outskirts of the village and on Friday, his three friends were arrested.

According to the police complaint, Anmol did not return after going out on March 29. A case was registered at the Ahmedgarh police station and an intensive search was initiated.

During questioning, Rajat, Ankur (alias Sunny), and Monu -- all 18-19 years of age and residents of the same village -- said they were friends with Anmol.

Details of the Murder

Superintendent of Police (Rural) Tejvir Singh said Anmol allegedly asked Ankur to facilitate a conversation between him and Rajat's sister, a request that Sunny refused. Anmol allegedly also wished to speak with Sunny's cousin.

Annoyed by these persistent requests, they called Anmol on March 29 and asked him to meet them outside the village. Once there, they got him drunk and then struck him on the head with a brick and strangled him. To conceal the body, they threw it into a well, the SP said.

Police said legal action is being initiated against the three youths. The brick used in the incident, the clothes worn by them at the time of the incident and the deceased's phone have been recovered, police said.
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Former US Special Envoy to Ukraine General Keith Kellogg stated that there may be a need to create military alliances alternative to NATO. The statement was made on Fox News on Thursday during a discussion regarding the war in Iran and the possibility of a US withdrawal from NATO.

Kellogg criticized NATO and suggested forming alternative alliances. In particular, he considers it possible for the US to invoke Article 13 of the NATO treaty, providing the alliance with one years notice to prepare for a US exit.

"Remake the defense structures we have, perhaps create them with Japan and Australia, as well as with some of those European countries that are ready to go to war, such as a new, re-engaged Germany or Poland. Or even Ukraine, which has also proven itself to be a good ally," Kellogg said on Fox News.
Jozsef Piri (far left), of Naples, Fla., appears in Windham County Superior Court in Brattleboro with his attorneys on Feb. 10, 2025.
Belarus has cancelled the passport of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Byalyatski and other recently deported political prisoners, in what rights groups say is a new form of pressure on exiled dissidents.

This is another form of transnational repression, aimed at making life difficult for deported political prisoners outside the country, Byalyatski said in a statement released on April 3. The authorities are cutting off our ties with Belarus, but it is a futile effort.

The move targets prisoners recently released as part of a US-brokered deal with Minsk in exchange for sanctions relief. Activists say that by stripping former detainees of valid identification, authorities are making it harder for them to travel, obtain new documents, regularize their status abroad, or return home -- effectively cementing their exile.

This is a continuation of persecution and an attempt to create conditions where it becomes impossible for these individuals to return to the country normally, said Svyatlana Halaunyova, a lawyer at the Vyasna Human Rights Center, an exiled Belarusian organization that Byalyatski founded.

She added that the policy amounts to an administrative tool to formalize exile for the hundreds of former prisoners expelled from Belarus over the past year.

Nearly Five Years In Prison

Byalyatski, a veteran activist who was released and removed from Belarus in a US-brokered deal in December 2025 after nearly five years in prison, said he was informed that his passport is no longer valid, despite not being set to expire until 2028.

Byalyatski shared the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize with rights activists from Ukraine and Russia.

Belarusian authorities have not publicly commented on the passport cancellations.

The move follows a series of negotiated prisoner releases that saw hundreds freed from detention but expelled from the country.

On September 11, 2025, 51 political prisoners were released after talks between Belarusian leader Aleksandr Lukashenko and a US delegation. Many were immediately taken abroad, in some cases without passports.

A second group of 123 prisoners left the country on December 13, 2025, under similar circumstances, with some receiving only temporary release certificates instead of official travel documents.

On March 19, Lukashenko issued a decree pardoning 250 prisoners, including 15 political detainees who were transported to Vilnius without passports, according to rights groups.

In several cases, former prisoners who managed to retain their passports have since had them declared invalid, Vyasna has said.
Iran launched attacks across the Middle East on April 3, setting parts of a major Kuwaiti oil refinery ablaze and triggering air defense responses across the Gulf, as the war with the United States and Israel neared the end of its fifth week.

The refinery has been targeted several times since the war began and state-run Kuwait Petroleum Corporation said firefighters were working to put out multiple fires from the strikes. Electricity, water, and renewable energy infrastructure in Kuwait were also hit in the attack.

Tehran continued to keep the pressure on Israel and its other Gulf Arab neighbors. Saudi Arabia said it had destroyed several Iranian drones, air raid sirens sounded in Bahrain, defenses were activated in the United Arab Emirates, and Israel reported incoming missiles.

Authorities in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates said at least 12 people suffered "minor to moderate" injuries on April 3 from falling debris following the interception of an incoming projectile. Officials said seven Nepali nationals and five Indian citizens were injured.

Iran also said that is shot down a US F-35 fighter jet. Multiple Iranian state media outlets, including Press TV, published the images along with a statement from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as evidence of a downed US jet in central Iran. The United States has not commented and RFE/RL has not been able to independently confirm the claim.

The latest wave of Iranian attacks follows comments from US President Donald Trump late on April 2 where he signaled further escalation, saying Washington had not even started its campaign against Iran and warning that more strikes on infrastructure were imminent, even as diplomatic efforts to contain the war showed little progress.

The US hasnt even started destroying whats left in Iran, he wrote in a series of social media posts, adding that targets could include bridges and power plants. Irans leadership knows what has to be done, and has to be done, FAST!

He also shared video of a US strike on a newly built bridge linking Tehran and the nearby city of Karaj. Iranian state media said the attack killed eight people and wounded 95. Iranian media said a separate drone strike hit a Red Crescent warehouse in the southern province of Bushehr, destroying two containers. The port city is a key maritime hub and home to Irans only nuclear power plant.

Iran also reported that the Pasteur Institute, a medical research center, suffered heavy damage in an attack. That report also could not be verified, although the Iranian government released a photo purporting to show the damage.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi condemned the strike, saying attacks on civilian infrastructure will not compel Iranians to surrender.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israeli strikes have destroyed about 70 percent of Iran's steel production capacity, significantly hitting Tehran's ability to manufacture weapons.

"Together with our American friends, we continue to crush the terror regime in Iran. We are eliminating commanders, bombing bridges, bombing infrastructures," Netanyahu said in a video statement.

Britain To Deploy Systems To Kuwait Amid Attacks

The latest exchange of attacks underscores how the war, which began with coordinated US-Israeli strikes on Iran in late February, is expanding across the region, disrupting global energy flows and raising pressure on world powers to secure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for oil and gas supplies.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's office announced on April 3 that the country will deploy its Rapid Sentry air defense system to Kuwait to help protect British and Kuwaiti interests in the Gulf.

The Rapid Sentry is a ground-based short-range air defense system aimed at countering drone threats.

Iran has continued to target energy infrastructure across the Gulf while maintaining pressure on shipping routes through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-fifth of global oil and gas supplies pass in peacetime.

In a social media post on April 3, Trump said: "With a little more time, we can easily open the Hormuz Strait, take the oil, and make a fortune. It would be a 'gusher' for the world???"

Oil markets have reacted sharply and sent prices climbing. Shipping through the strait, once a stable corridor for global trade, has been increasingly disrupted.

Trump has said it is not the responsibility of the United States to reopen the waterway, urging countries that rely on the route to take action themselves.

With reporting by RFE/RL's Radio Farda, Reuters, AFP, and dpa
The UN Security Council is expected to vote next week on a revised resolution aimed at restoring commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, as global powers remain divided over how far to go in confronting Irans blockade of the critical waterway.

The latest draft, put forward by Bahrain, has reportedly been scaled back after opposition from veto-wielding members China, Russia, and France, who objected to earlier language that would have authorized countries to use all necessary means to secure the waterway.

That led to a delay in holding the vote, which was originally scheduled for April 3, then April 4, then rescheduled again.

Diplomats said the vote has now been postponed until next week, although no new date was announced.

The Associated Press reported that a revised version of the text now allows only for defensive measures to ensure safe passage through the strait and adjacent waters, marking a compromise aimed at avoiding a veto while still enabling some form of coordinated response.

The vote comes at a pivotal moment in the war that began with joint US-Israeli strikes in late February, with Irans effective closure of the strait roiling global energy markets and sparking longer-term fears of fallout from blocked fertilizer and supply chain shipments.

China has remained publicly opposed to any resolution that could legitimize the use of force, with Fu Cong, Beijing ambassador to the UN, saying that "any such authorization would inevitably lead to further escalation and serious consequences" as he urged members to prioritize a political settlement.

"Accepting a military response to the strait's closure would legitimize use of force, preemptive strikes, and unilateral security enforcement, at least from Beijings perspective," wrote Jonathan Fulton, an expert on China in the Middle East at Zayed University in Abu Dhabi, in his newsletter tracking China in the region. "China doesnt have the hard power to prevent this outcome, but it does have a veto on the UN [Security Council] and theres no way its going to dilute the value of that power."

Russia took a similar position, arguing that the focus should be on ending hostilities rather than expanding security mandates at sea. Before Bahrain released its revised final draft, Russias UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said the proposal does not solve the puzzle.

France has signaled it may be open to the revised language, emphasizing the need for narrowly defined defensive measures in its comments at the UN on April 2.

Diplomacy Over How to Confront Irans Chokepoint Strategy

The outcome of the vote remains uncertain, with diplomats closely watching whether the changes are sufficient to secure support -- or at least abstentions -- from the councils most powerful members -- Britain, China, France, Russia, and the United States -- all of whom maintain veto power.

Iran has largely shut down traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, targeting vessels and tightening its control over one of the worlds most important energy chokepoints, where roughly one-fifth of global oil and gas supplies typically pass.

Tehran has also floated its own proposal for managing the strait, saying it is working with neighboring Oman on a system that would require ships to obtain permits and special licenses to transit the waterway.

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas rejected the concept, saying on social media that "international law doesn't recognize pay-to-pass schemes."

She also held an April 2 call with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi about the war in Iran and how it is affecting the global economy.

"Iranian attacks on civilian ships, and the threat of more, have brought traffic in the Strait of Hormuz to a near halt," Kallas said on social media. "This is why restoring safe, toll-free freedom of navigation in the strait, consistent with the Law of the Sea, is an urgent priority."

Only a trickle of ships have sailed through the Strait of Hormuz since the war began. Those have mostly been vessels associated with nations that Iran considers friendly, and a system is emerging whereby Tehran pre-approves transit along a route that hugs close to its coast. Pakistan, for example, reached a deal for 20 ships to cross under its flag, and other Asian nations have also secured safe passage.

A container ship signaling French ownership also exited the Strait of Hormuz on April 3, in what appears to be the first known transit by a vessel linked to Western Europe since the start of the war.

The standoff at sea has become one of the central flashpoints, amplifying its economic fallout far beyond the region.

US President Donald Trump has signaled that Washington will not take the lead in reopening the waterway, instead urging countries that rely more heavily on Gulf energy supplies to act.

Gulf states, many of which host US forces and have been targeted by Iranian strikes, have so far refrained from direct retaliation, wary of escalating into a wider regional war.

The humanitarian and economic stakes are also rising. UN officials warn that disruptions to energy supplies are already straining economies in Asia and could soon hit Europe, while developing countries face the risk of a deepening cost-of-living crisis.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned on April 2 that the situation was nearing a breaking point.

We are on the edge of a wider war that could engulf the entire region, he said, highlighting the risks posed by the near shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz.

When the strait is strangled, he added, the worlds most vulnerable cannot breathe.
Rescue teams are continuing to search for a US crew member missing after their fighter jet was brought down over Iran, as reports emerged of a strike near the Bushehr nuclear power plant.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said on April 4 that Iran had informed it of a projectile striking close to the Bushehr site.

According to a post on X, IAEA said that Iran had also informed the body that "one of the sites physical protection staff members was killed by a projectile fragment and that a building on site was affected by shockwaves and fragments."

The nuclear watchdog said that "No increase in radiation levels was reported."

The reported strike has not been independently confirmed, and neither the US nor Israeli militaries have confirmed any involvement in an attack on the facility.

Meanwhile, a US official has told RFE/RL that one crew member has been recovered while the search is ongoing for the second after the downing of a warplane, a two-seat F-15E jet, on April 3.

Separately, a US official later said another US Air Force warplane, an A-10 attack aircraft, crashed in the Persian Gulf and that the lone pilot in that incident was safely recovered. Full details were not immediately available.

Iranian state media also reported the downing of both planes. Iranian officials said they also were searching for the missing crew member of the first plane and urged citizens to report to the authorities any information that could lead to the airman's capture.

Specifics of the Iran rescue mission were not provided by the US official who spoke to RFE/RL.

The US military did not comment, but US President Donald Trump told NBC News that the downing of the jet would not affect negotiations with Iran as he continues to pressure Tehran to accept a US peace deal that regime figures have so far rejected.

Should a crew member be captured by Iranian forces, it would raise already high tensions and likely complicate US efforts as it attempts to fully degrade Tehrans military assets and force the regime to agree to peace terms set out by Trump.

Israel has postponed its planned strikes on Iran so as not to interfere with the search efforts for the US crew member, Western officials told reporters on a call.

Search-And-Rescue Strategy

Asked what a potential search-and-rescue operation would involve, Richard Allen Williams, a retired US Army colonel and former NATO Defense Investment Division official, told RFE/RL that such missions are typically highly coordinated and heavily protected.

He explained that commanders would likely deploy a dedicated air-surveillance aircraft to oversee the operation, supported by air-security assets and ground forces capable of providing suppressive fire if needed.

These units would work to secure the crash site while rescue teams home in on the downed aircrafts GPS signal.

Additional aircraft and backup resources would remain on standby to respond quickly to any escalation or complications, he added.

Photos And Videos

Iranian sources published photos and videos of what they claimed was evidence of the incident.

"Military forces have launched a search operation to find the American fighter pilot who was hit earlier today," Iran's Fars news agency, which is close to the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), reported.

While US military aircraft have crashed or been hit by Iranian missiles or drones while on the ground since the war broke out on February 28, the downing of the fighter jet, if confirmed officially, would be the first reported case of a US warplane downed by hostile fire.

On March 12, six US service personnel were killed when a KC-135 refueling tanker crashed after a mid-air collision with another refueling aircraft.

Just over two weeks later, on March 27, an Iranian missile and drone strike hit the Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, injuring at least 12 American troops and heavily damaging at least two KC-135 aerial refueling planes.

Three US Air Force McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagles were shot down over Kuwait on March 2 by friendly fire from Kuwaiti air defenses. The six crew members ejected safely into Kuwait.

Iran Launches Strikes Across Region

The report of the downing comes as Iran launched attacks across the Middle East on April 3, setting parts of a major Kuwaiti oil refinery ablaze and triggering air defense responses across the Gulf, as the war with the United States and Israel neared the end of its fifth week.

The refinery has been targeted several times since the war began and state-run Kuwait Petroleum Corporation said firefighters were working to put out multiple fires from the strikes. Electricity, water, and renewable energy infrastructure in Kuwait were also hit in the attack.

Tehran continued to keep the pressure on Israel and its other Gulf Arab neighbors. Saudi Arabia said it had destroyed several Iranian drones, air raid sirens sounded in Bahrain, defenses were activated in the United Arab Emirates, and Israel reported incoming missiles.

Authorities in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates said an Egyptian citizen was killed at least 12 other people suffered "minor to moderate" injuries on April 3 in Iranian air attacks. Officials said seven Nepali nationals and five Indian citizens were injured.

Abu Dhabi official said the emirate's Habshan gas facilities suffered significant damage from falling debris after air defense operations.

US Has 'Not Even Started'

The latest wave of Iranian attacks follows comments from US President Donald Trump late on April 2 where he signaled further escalation, saying Washington had not even started its campaign against Iran and warning that more strikes on infrastructure were imminent, even as diplomatic efforts to contain the war showed little progress.

The US hasnt even started destroying whats left in Iran, he wrote in a series of social media posts, adding that targets could include bridges and power plants. Irans leadership knows what has to be done, and has to be done, FAST!

He also shared video of a US strike on a newly built bridge linking Tehran and the nearby city of Karaj. Iranian state media said the attack killed eight people and wounded 95. Iranian media said a separate drone strike hit a Red Crescent warehouse in the southern province of Bushehr, destroying two containers. The port city is a key maritime hub and home to Irans only nuclear power plant.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israeli strikes have destroyed about 70 percent of Iran's steel production capacity, significantly hitting Tehran's ability to manufacture weapons.

"Together with our American friends, we continue to crush the terror regime in Iran. We are eliminating commanders, bombing bridges, bombing infrastructures," Netanyahu said in a video statement.

Britain To Deploy Systems To Kuwait Amid Attacks

The latest exchange of attacks underscores how the war, which began with coordinated US-Israeli strikes on Iran in late February, is expanding across the region, disrupting global energy flows and raising pressure on world powers to secure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for oil and gas supplies.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's office announced on April 3 that the country will deploy its Rapid Sentry air defense system to Kuwait to help protect British and Kuwaiti interests in the Gulf.

The Rapid Sentry is a ground-based short-range air defense system aimed at countering drone threats.

Iran has continued to target energy infrastructure across the Gulf while maintaining pressure on shipping routes through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-fifth of global oil and gas supplies pass in peacetime.

In a social media post on April 3, Trump said: "With a little more time, we can easily open the Hormuz Strait, take the oil, and make a fortune. It would be a 'gusher' for the world???"

Oil markets have reacted sharply and sent prices climbing. Shipping through the strait, once a stable corridor for global trade, has been increasingly disrupted.

Trump has said it is not the responsibility of the United States to reopen the waterway, urging countries that rely on the route to take action themselves.
GILCHING, Germany -- Two years ago, Anastasia, a 35-year-old Ukrainian IT worker, fled her hometown of Zaporizhzhya, leaving behind her mother and sister to seek out work in Germany.



Russias all-out war on Ukraine had compelled her to leave her job in the southeastern Ukrainian city beset by routine electricity outages, not to mention regular bombardments. The hope of finding well-paid work that also could contribute to the war effort convinced her to leave her relatives and move abroad.



These days, shes part of a start-up company, housed in a nondescript warehouse on the perimeter of a Munich-area airport, that is churning out drones to supply the Ukrainian military.

A joint venture between a Kyiv company called Frontline Robotics and a German technology firm called Quantum Systems, the project -- the first of its kind -- employs around five dozen people so far: 80 percent of them are Ukrainian; many are refugees from the war.

Most, if not all, work 10- to 12-hour days, six days a week, said Anastasia, who asked only to use her first name, for security purposes. Many are devoted to their work, she said, often forgetting even to break for lunch.

For me, this is more than just a job, she said. We come in even on Saturdays because we have a goal -- to liberate our country. I see how hard people are working. I even have to make them take a lunch break because they cant tear themselves away from their work.

The venture is part of an innovative push to tap Ukraines deep expertise in developing and building new drone technologies. Its a push occurring not just in Germany and Europe, but also now, suddenly, in the Middle East and Gulf region, where countries are racing to secure Ukraines know-how to help defend against Iranian drones and missiles.



In Germany, the government-backed effort is called Build With Ukraine, announced in December 2025, with around 2 billion euros ($2.3 billion) allocated by the government this year to subsidize Ukrainian defense manufacturing, in Ukraine or in Germany.



This particular effort outside Munich got a bear hug from Berlin in February when German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius joined Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for a ribbon-cutting ceremony.



To have this sort of production in Germany is a major shift, said Mykyta Rozhkov, the 35-year-old chief business development officer for Frontline Robotics. We are in the business of creating robotic mass, to build a shield between Europe and Russia.

Moscow has already taken notice.

And proudly, joyfully, they demonstrate how German drones, manufactured at German factories, will now be killing Russians, Vladimir Solovyov, a wildly bombastic Russian TV host, said on his state-television talk show shortly after the ceremony. Drones that will bring death to the civilian population of Russia will not only bear a Ukrainian flag, but a German flag as well!

'Ukraine Is The Main Driver Of The Whole Drone Industry'

The drone model being assembled at this particular warehouse is called Linza, weighs around 4 kilograms, and can fly up to 15 kilometers. It is not a kamikaze drone of the kind being used by Iran, known as Shaheds, or the Russian version modeled on the Shahed, called Geran.



These are logistical drones: light-weight quadcopters, bringing small loads to and from Ukraines front lines -- bottled water, first-aid kits, mobile phones, batteries, cigarettes, and other items -- guided by a laptop and joystick console packed into a heavy suitcase. Frontline Robotics says the Linza can also serve as a drone bomber -- dropping explosives on a target.



Most important, these models employ anti-jamming technology to thwart Russian electronic warfare, the signals aimed at disrupting the drones navigation.



Ukraine, right now, is the main driver of the whole drone industry, said Matthias Lehna, a former German army major who is the managing director of the joint venture, called Quantum Frontline Industries. Ukrainian drone technology is the best in the world, and they also show that it's not only about single capabilities. But you have to also show that you can, at scale, develop effective counter measures.



Interest in Ukraines experience with drone warfare, over more than four years of war since 2022, had already drawn outside interest and investment in and out of Ukraine.



One of the higher-profile investors include former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, who announced a partnership last July to provide Ukraine with drones powered by artificial intelligence -- an innovation that theoretically should make the vehicles harder, if not impossible, to jam.

The Iran war, meanwhile, has put Ukraines experience in greater demand. Over the past two weeks, Zelenskyy toured the Gulf and Middle East, signing defense agreements and promoting Kyivs prowess. More than 200 Ukrainian air-defense experts have been sent to the Gulf region, he said.

"Ukraine has the greatest experience in the world in countering attack drones," he said on March 10. "We are ready to help those who help us, help Ukraine, he said.



While the Quantum-Frontline joint venture and the wider Build With Ukraine campaign have the blessing of the government in Berlin, not all German manufacturers are entirely complimentary.

In an interview with The Atlantic magazine, the CEO of Rheinmetall -- a major German builder of tanks and artillery -- dismissed Ukraines innovations, likening it to Lego, the plastic building blocks. Armin Papperger also derisively likened drone development to Ukrainian housewives using 3-D printers in the kitchen.



His remarks drew scorn from Ukrainian officials.



Quantum Systems, the German parent of the joint venture, already has multiple assembly lines in Ukraine. The joint venture with Frontline Robotics, meanwhile, occupies a section of a warehouse, with high metal ceilings and walls adorned with Ukrainian and German flags.



During a recent visit, workers hunched over metal tables, welding and assembling parts for the drones, as others used laptops to test cameras and guidance systems. Assembled drones were lined up like planes for takeoff on one side of the main room. Most of the talk overheard was in Ukrainian.



While many of the employees are refugees since the 2022 invasion -- driven from their homes in eastern Ukraine in particular -- others have lived in Germany for some time.



You can see that they see a purpose in this work, Lehna said. They want to do something for their own country, so they have high motivation. They know the purpose behind that, and I don't have to explain much if I have to ask them if they want to work on weekends.

'Harsh Reality'

One senior employee is a 40-year-old Ukrainian man originally from Kyiv.



He asked not to use his name because, prior to the war, he was an avid model plane builder and the community of aficionados crossed borders and cultures; some of his former Russian acquaintances have likely been enlisted in Russia to do similar work, he said.



This is a drone war. People dont want to go to the front lines; they want to send robots. We are moving toward robotic warfare -- robot defense, robot attacks, said the man, who has lived in Germany for several years.



Drones are carrying heavier and heavier payloads, flying farther, with technology improving and control systems getting better, he said. This has played a huge role in the war. Both on our side and on [Russias] side, there were many people with experience in model aircraft -- they quickly switched to drones.



The company just started shipping its German-made drones to Ukraine in March -- about a month after receiving an export license from Ukrainian authorities, and about six months since the project was conceived.



Lehna, who said he has traveled to Ukraine more than 15 times since the onset of the invasion, said the project is scaling up to manufacture 10,000 Linza drones annually. It plans to have 200 employees on payroll by the end of 2026.

Eventually, Lehna said, executives plan to market the drones outside of Ukraine, including supplying the German military. But he said German and European defense industries were evolving and embracing new technologies at a much slower rate than Ukraine was.



It's not only about procuring tanks right now, it's also about procuring unmanned systems, he said.



Ukrainian innovation, he said, was driven in large part by the urgency of war, driving start-ups to move faster.



It's like that every lesson learned is paid by blood, and this is a harsh reality, which is also putting on the pressure to adapt quicker in a way that is, I think, unmatchable, Lehna said.

Every mistake you do here is directly having an impact on the battlefield, he said, and Ukraine is not in a position to have lots of mistakes.
WASHINGTON -- A US crew member has been rescued by American forces after a jet fighter was shot down over Iran, a US official told RFE/RL, and the search is ongoing for a second, in the first known loss of an American plane to hostile fire since the war began.

The US official's remarks came hours after Iran said on April 3 that it had shot down a US jet and that it was offering a reward to Iranian citizens for the capture of the crew.

Specifics of the Iran rescue mission were not provided by the US official.

Another US official told RFE/RL the downed plane was a two-seat F-15E jet. Some media reports said that Special Operations Forces were involved in the rescue, while Reuters cited an official as saying the recovered crew member had ejected from the crippled craft.

The military did not comment, but US President Donald Trump told NBC News that the downing of the jet would not affect negotiations with Iran as he continues to pressure Tehran to accept a US peace deal that regime figures have so far rejected out of hand.

Separately, a US official later said another US Air Force warplane crashed in the Persian Gulf and that the lone pilot in that incident was safely recovered. Full details were not immediately available.

The Iranian military claimed it had downed a second US jet in the Gulf, saying it targeted an "enemy" A-10 aircraft, a single-seat strike aircraft also known by the Warthog nickname. The claim could not be verified.

Should a crew member be captured by Iranian forces, it would seriously raise already high tensions and likely complicate US efforts as it attempts to fully degrade Tehrans military assets and force the regime to agree to peace terms set out by Trump.

Israel has postponed its planned strikes on Iran so as not to interfere with the search efforts for the US crew member, Western officials told reporters on call.

Search-And-Rescue Strategy

Asked what a potential search-and-rescue operation would involve, Richard Allen Williams, a retired US Army colonel and former NATO Defense Investment Division official, told RFE/RL that such missions are typically highly coordinated and heavily protected.

He explained that commanders would likely deploy a dedicated air-surveillance aircraft to oversee the operation, supported by air-security assets and ground forces capable of providing suppressive fire if needed.

These units would work to secure the crash site while rescue teams home in on the downed aircrafts GPS signal.

Additional aircraft and backup resources would remain on standby to respond quickly to any escalation or complications, he added.

Photos And Videos

Iranian sources published photos and videos of what they claimed was evidence of the incident.

"Military forces have launched a search operation to find the American fighter pilot who was hit earlier today," Iran's Fars news agency, which is close to the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), reported.

While US military aircraft have crashed or been hit by Iranian missiles or drones while on the ground since the war broke out on February 28, the downing of the fighter jet, if confirmed officially, would be the first reported case of a US warplane downed by hostile fire.

On March 12, six US service personnel were killed when a KC-135 refueling tanker crashed after a mid-air collision with another refueling aircraft.

Just over two weeks later, on March 27, an Iranian missile and drone strike hit the Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, injuring at least 12 American troops and heavily damaging at least two KC-135 aerial refueling planes.

Three US Air Force McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagles were shot down over Kuwait on March 2 by friendly fire from Kuwaiti air defenses. The six crew members ejected safely into Kuwait.

Iran Launches Strikes Across Region

The report of the downing comes as Iran launched attacks across the Middle East on April 3, setting parts of a major Kuwaiti oil refinery ablaze and triggering air defense responses across the Gulf, as the war with the United States and Israel neared the end of its fifth week.

The refinery has been targeted several times since the war began and state-run Kuwait Petroleum Corporation said firefighters were working to put out multiple fires from the strikes. Electricity, water, and renewable energy infrastructure in Kuwait were also hit in the attack.

Tehran continued to keep the pressure on Israel and its other Gulf Arab neighbors. Saudi Arabia said it had destroyed several Iranian drones, air raid sirens sounded in Bahrain, defenses were activated in the United Arab Emirates, and Israel reported incoming missiles.

Authorities in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates said an Egyptian citizen was killed at least 12 other people suffered "minor to moderate" injuries on April 3 in Iranian air attacks. Officials said seven Nepali nationals and five Indian citizens were injured.

Abu Dhabi official said the emirate's Habshan gas facilities suffered significant damage from falling debris after air defense operations.

US Has 'Not Even Started'

The latest wave of Iranian attacks follows comments from US President Donald Trump late on April 2 where he signaled further escalation, saying Washington had not even started its campaign against Iran and warning that more strikes on infrastructure were imminent, even as diplomatic efforts to contain the war showed little progress.





The US hasnt even started destroying whats left in Iran, he wrote in a series of social media posts, adding that targets could include bridges and power plants. Irans leadership knows what has to be done, and has to be done, FAST!

He also shared video of a US strike on a newly built bridge linking Tehran and the nearby city of Karaj. Iranian state media said the attack killed eight people and wounded 95. Iranian media said a separate drone strike hit a Red Crescent warehouse in the southern province of Bushehr, destroying two containers. The port city is a key maritime hub and home to Irans only nuclear power plant.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israeli strikes have destroyed about 70 percent of Iran's steel production capacity, significantly hitting Tehran's ability to manufacture weapons.

"Together with our American friends, we continue to crush the terror regime in Iran. We are eliminating commanders, bombing bridges, bombing infrastructures," Netanyahu said in a video statement.

Britain To Deploy Systems To Kuwait Amid Attacks

The latest exchange of attacks underscores how the war, which began with coordinated US-Israeli strikes on Iran in late February, is expanding across the region, disrupting global energy flows and raising pressure on world powers to secure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for oil and gas supplies.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's office announced on April 3 that the country will deploy its Rapid Sentry air defense system to Kuwait to help protect British and Kuwaiti interests in the Gulf.

The Rapid Sentry is a ground-based short-range air defense system aimed at countering drone threats.

Iran has continued to target energy infrastructure across the Gulf while maintaining pressure on shipping routes through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-fifth of global oil and gas supplies pass in peacetime.

In a social media post on April 3, Trump said: "With a little more time, we can easily open the Hormuz Strait, take the oil, and make a fortune. It would be a 'gusher' for the world???"

Oil markets have reacted sharply and sent prices climbing. Shipping through the strait, once a stable corridor for global trade, has been increasingly disrupted.

Trump has said it is not the responsibility of the United States to reopen the waterway, urging countries that rely on the route to take action themselves.

With reporting by RFE/RL's Radio Farda, Reuters, AFP, and dpa
Death toll from attack on Chernihiv rises to 2, 3 more injured  official

Photo: State Emergency Service

Two people are known to have died from a Russian ballistic missile attack on an enterprise in Chernihiv, and three more were injured, Head of the Chernihiv Regional Military Administration Vyacheslav Chaus reported.

"Explosion in Chernihiv yesterday afternoon  two dead and three injured people are known. Currently, law enforcement officers are establishing all the circumstances," he wrote on Telegram.

According to him, over the past day, Russia launched 52 strikes on the region, with 65 explosions recorded.

"In Semenivka, one of the FPV drones struck a five-story residential building  a fire broke out on a balcony. Rescuers extinguished the fire. As a result of other attacks in the city, a passenger car was destroyed and the roof of a store was damaged," Chaus said.

Additionally, on Friday morning, a "Gerbera" drone strike was recorded on the territory of a local enterprise in the Snovsk community. There were also drone hits in the villages of the Mena and Horodnia communities, where a house and an outbuilding were damaged.
Photo: National Police

Over the past day, three people were killed and 13 others were injured in Donetsk region due to Russian shelling, the communication department of the Donetsk regional police reported.

"Druzhkivka withstood 12 strikes, 11 of which were aerial bombs. One person died, and 11 were injured. Thirty private houses, two administrative buildings, and vehicles were damaged. In Oleksiyevo-Druzhkivka, Russia killed two civilians and injured two others. A private house was destroyed," according to the report on the National Police of Ukraine website.

According to law enforcement, the enemy struck Kramatorsk with two CAB-250 bombs, an FPV drone, and Grad MLRS, damaging 28 private houses and four civilian cars.

As a result of Geran-2 UAV hits, seven private homes were damaged in Sofiyivka, and a private house and two cars were damaged in Novomykolaivka.

In total, on April 2, police recorded 1,539 Russian strikes along the front line and the residential sector of the region.

Eight settlements were under fire: the cities of Druzhkivka, Kramatorsk, and Slovyansk; the settlements of Oleksiyevo-Druzhkivka and Sofiyivka; and the villages of Kindrativka, Novomykolaivka, and Osykove.

A total of 81 civilian objects were destroyed or damaged, including 67 residential buildings.

Police and the SBU have opened criminal proceedings under Art. 438 (war crimes) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
ROSCOMMON HERITAGE CHEOIL AGUS CRAIC THEME FOR PARADE

The 54th Easter Parade takes place on Easter Sunday, April 5th at 12.30 p.m., commencing at Abbeytown and finishing in the Square. The theme for this years parade is Roscommon Heritage Cheoil agus Craic in conjunction with the Fleadh Cheoil which takes place over the Easter weekend. There will be music on the Square before the parade commencing at 11.30 a.m. and afterwards with the mens choir and the launch of the Fleadh takes place.

ROSCOMMON FLEADH

The Roscommon Fleadh, hosted by CCE Bhaile Ros Comain, takes place in Roscommon Town from April 3rd6th. Events include a ceili with The Pipers Cross Ceili Band, an inclusive ceili with Rise the Dust, an U-18 Busking Competition, Trath na gCeist, a historical walking tour, music workshops, a fantastic Session Trail featuring top-class musicians from Roscommon and beyond, and much more.

EASTER ENVELOPES

Easter envelopes are now available for distribution and can be collected in the sacristy of the Sacred Heart Church before or after all Masses or from the parish office during the week. Sincere thanks to all who help distribute envelopes.

EASTER CEREMONIES AT SACRED HEART CHURCH

Easter ceremonies at the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon include: Holy Thursday April 2nd: 7.30 p.m., Mass of the Lords Supper followed by Adoration until 9.30 p.m.; Good Friday  April 3rd(Day of Fast and Abstinence) - 12 noon  Stations of the Cross in St. Comans Cemetery, 3 p.m.  Solemn Ceremony of the Passion (followed by Confessions), 7.30 p.m.  Stations of the Cross in the church; Holy Saturday  April 4th, Confessions, 1011 a.m. and 23 p.m., 8 p.m.  Easter Vigil Easter Sunday, April 5th, Masses at 9 a.m. and 11.30 a.m..

MENS ROSARY

Mens rosary starting at the Square, Roscommon on Saturday, April 4th at 12.30 p.m. and the first Saturday of every month. Contact Thomas (085 285 1015).

Cast members from Roscommon Community College who won multiple awards at the All-Ireland Briery Gap Drama finals in Macroom, Co. Cork. Front: Sarah Batista (best actor) and Beatriz Rodriguez (best supporting role). Back are cast members, from left: Isabelle Flynn, Laura Gomes, Caoimhe Mullarkey, Aideen Pearce, Coya Tully and Karla Browne. Pic: Gerard OLoughlin

RSPCA COLLECTION

Roscommon SPCA will be holding a church gate collection at the Sacred Heart Church on both Saturday and Sunday, April 4th and 5th. Roscommon SPCA Charity is run by a team of dedicated volunteers with all money donated going directly towards animal welfare in the county.

BRIDGE

Results from the Bridge Clubs: Happy '71 Bridge Club  1st, June Halliday & Tommie Murphy; 2nd, Chris & John McGrath; gross, Tresina Murphy & Larry Shine. St. Coman's Bridge Club (Charity Night)  1st, Angela Carney & Marion Dolan; 2nd, Ann Shine & Mary Naughton; gross, Maria Hickey & Gertie Spillane. Ballymurry Bridge Club (Spring Pairs Competition): 1st, Valere & Pat Finneran; 2nd, Mary Law & Susan Farrell; gross, Josephine Devaney & Gertie Spillane; 3rd, Patricia Callaghan & Maria Delaney.

ROSCOMMON HARRIES 2026 5KM SERIES

Roscommon Harriers have launched their 5km Series for 2026. Again, this year it will be a four race series, held on consecutive Fridays starting on Friday, April 3rd (race starts 7.30 p.m. pick up numbers from 6.30 p.m.) and continues on April 10th, 17th, 24th. Entry can be for full race series (30 + fees in total), and the race number you get for race 1 will be for the runner to keep and wear in race 2,3 & 4 or on an individual race basis 10 per race. Race headquarters and number pick up at Hannons Hotel.

FUN BINGO

Join Comans Swimming Club for a family fun afternoon of Easter Bingo at the Hyde Centre, Roscommon on Friday, April 3rd at 5 p.m.. As this is a child and family friendly event all bingo prizes are fun and not in cash.

Roscommon Community College teachers Yvonne Doyle and Joanne Cleary won Best Directors award for their adaptation of the play Eclipsed by Patricia Burke-Brogan, set in the Magdalene laundry in the 1960s. The school scooped no less than six awards at the All-Ireland Briery Gap Drama Finals in Macroom. Pic: Gerard OLoughlin

PARENT PLUS  CHILDRENS PROGRAMME

Are you tearing your hair out trying to get children to bed...and stay in bed? Do you need help putting boundaries in place for your children? Come to a six-week programme where you can meet other parents going through the same thing. Get support, have a morning out and even make new friends while learning new ways of parenting with the aim of making your life easier. The programme will take place every Wednesday from April 15th to May 20th from 10 a.m. to 12 noon in the South Roscommon Family Resource Centre. For more information or reserve a place contact 0906628621 or 0894334135 or info@srfrc@vitahouse.org
Gardai are appealing for witnesses following a serious road traffic collision in County Galway on Tuesday, March 31st.

At around 8 p.m., Gardai and emergency services responded to a collision involving a car and a pedal cyclist at Claregalway on the N83 (formerly the N17).

The cyclist  a male juvenile in his teens  was brought by ambulance to University Hospital Galway, where he is being treated for serious injuries.

No other injuries were reported.

A technical examination of the scene was carried out by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators and the road has since fully reopened.

Gardai are appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward. Road users who may have camera footage, including dash-cam footage between Loughgeorge and Claregalway between 8 p.m. and 8.30 p.m. are asked to make this available to investigating Gardai.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Oranmore Garda Station on 091 388030, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
There was lots of media comment last week about an article in a farming newspaper on the subject of farm families and drugs. It was reported that masked gangs were targeting the families of rural dwellers to collect drug debts. These gangs had found it even more profitable to extort money from the parents of drug users than from merely selling drugs. And some farmers were forced to sell cattle to pay debts incurred by young family members. The local cocaine habit was coming home to roost.

I have often referenced this issue in these pages, as have many other commentators. The notion that drug dealing and the downstream crime that funds that sordid trade is something that happens in cities is a myth. Every town and village in Ireland has a criminal who sells drugs, and you can get cocaine delivered to your comfortable home quicker than a bag of fast food.

The article instanced masked gangs arriving at rural homes at night and demanding sums of up to ten thousand euro from families who had no idea their adult children were partying on drugs, on credit from people they would normally never associate with. It must be a sobering and life-changing experience for these families, learning that if your children lie down with dogs, the whole family is liable to get up with fleas.

It is predictable that this scourge is only now getting attention because families are being forced to sell cattle. But this problem has existed for years, it didnt suddenly arrive in rural Ireland last week. The real victims, the people who are murdered and maimed as part of the process that gets the bag of cocaine to the door of some farmers son or daughter, never get a mention, and theyre not getting a mention now. Their lives are not seen as being as important as the shame of having to sell stock to sort out a mess at the end of the supply chain.

Three years ago I wrote a column about the death of Magdalena Mucutuy Valencia. Travelling in a small plane with her four children to escape them being enslaved by drug processors in Colombia, the plane crashed in the jungle. She lived for four days and the four children, aged between one and thirteen then wandered in the jungle for a month before stumbling into a village.

Farm families may suffer a bit of embarrassment because one of their children is an idiot, but at least they just have to go to the mart to sort it out, and not to the cemetery.
Stolen Treasure back home

The Dacian helmet of Cotofenesti and two golden bracelets stolen in January last year from the Drents Museum in the Netherlands have been recovered and returned to Romania

The Helmet of Cotofenesti (Photo: fb.com / Ministry of Interior

Corina Cristea, 03.04.2026, 14:00

After one year and two months of searches and investigations, the famous golden Dacian helmet and two out of the three golden bracelets stolen from the Drents Museum in the Netherlands were recovered and returned to Romania on Thursday.

The artefacts have been taken over by the representatives of the Prosecutors Office in Romania from their Dutch counterparts in the Old Council Hall of the Museum in Assen heavily guarded by local police forces.

The Cotofenesti helmet and two Dacian gold bracelets have been returned and we are delighted to be able to announce this Corien Fahner, the Chief Public Prosecutor said during the event.

Present at the press conference, the museum director, Robert van Langh, showed satisfaction that the recovered artefacts are returned where they belong and thanked the Dutch and the Romanian police. The helmet has minor damage and could be completely restored to its initial form, while the bracelets are in perfect condition.

The 2500-years-old artefacts had been on loan from Romanias National History Museum for a temporary exhibition entitled Dacia  Empire of Gold and Silver, and a couple of days before the end of the exhibition, three men used explosives to break into the museum and left with four Romanian artefacts within minutes.

Several people were arrested in connection with the heist but the investigation seemed to yield no results. So, in September, Romania was paid 5.7 million Euros in compensation for the stolen artefacts.

Three Dutch people with ages between 21 and 36 are under arrest in connection to the theft and their trial is to commence on April 14th.

Not many details have been made public but it is known the Dutch prosecutors held talks with the suspects layers and one condition was the return of the stolen artefacts. The Dutch prosecutors refused to offer any information on the recovery process or any possible concessions in return for the stolen treasure.

In Bucharest, Romanias Foreign Minister, Oana Toiu said that in order to solve the case Romania and the Netherlands joined their efforts under the EUROJUST umbrella, by forming a Common Investigation Team made up of prosecutors, judges and policemen from both countries. Culture Minister, Demeter Andras, has voiced satisfaction after the recovery of the artefacts adding the sum to be returned to the Netherlands will be set after the end of the restoration process. In turn, Romanias President, Nicusor Dan said that authorities in Bucharest have the responsibility of assuming a more careful management of the objects of exceptionally historic and cultural importance for the Romanian heritage through stricter rules applied more effectively.

(bill)
The Archbishop of Canterbury Michael Ramsey

The Archbishop of Canterbury Michael Ramsey paid a landmark visit to communist Romania in June 1965. What was the head of the Church of England doing in a country where state atheism was official policy?

Voices from the Archives. Credit: RRI

Cristina Mateescu, 03.04.2026, 14:00

The visit came at a time of renewed Cold War tensions and re-escalating rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union, but as far as Romania was concerned, 1965 marked a shift in its relations with Moscow. After Stalins death, Romania had already begun to distance itself from the Soviet Union, and now, its brand new leader Nicolae Ceausescu took this even further. Romania began to seek closer ties with the West, including Great Britain.

Against this backdrop, the trip that the Archbishop of Canterbury paid to Romania in June 1965 may easily be interpreted as an example of religious diplomacy, building on the tradition of ecumenical dialogue already existing between the Romanian Orthodox Church and the Church of England. Indeed, the visit took place on the 30th anniversary of the Bucharest Conference, a theological meeting hosted by the Romanian capital in 1935 in which the Romanian Orthodox Church recognised the Anglican orders. The following year, the head of the Romanian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Miron Cristea, paid an official visit to London and met the Archbishop of Canterbury Gordon Lang.

This rapprochement was halted temporarily with the outbreak of the Second World War and the installation of the pro-Soviet regime in Romania, but it saw a new impetus in the 1960s, culminating with an exchange of top-level visits. One year after Archbishop Michael Ramsey travelled to Bucharest, the Romanian Orthodox patriarch, Justinian, visited Britain, where he was welcomed with great honours by Church of England officials and even received an audience with Queen Elizabeth II.

The communist press of the day gave little coverage to the Archbishops visit, so the surviving interview we found in Radio Romanias archives is a rare record of his visit. In this interview, which you can listen to in this episode, Archbishop Ramsey is interviewed by a reporter from Radio Bucharest, as RRI was known at the time.
Measles cases are rising quickly across the state, and the TriCounty Health Department has confirmed that infections have doubled in Daggett, Duchesne, and Uintah counties. As of Wednesday, there are now 56 confirmed cases in the area, up from 23 just last week.

Across the state, the situation is worsening as well. According to the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, 559 people have been infected since the outbreak began. Out of these, 142 cases were reported in just the past three weeks. Due to the growing risk, the University of Utah has warned people about five locations on campus where exposure may have occurred.

Health officials said that they understand that some people may choose not to get vaccinated for personal reasons. While they respect these choices, they strongly encourage people to learn about both the benefits and risks of vaccines so they can make informed decisions. Back in 2024, the department had already warned that low vaccination rates among school-aged children could lead to outbreaks.

"We express sincere concern that in recent years the topic of childhood vaccinations has become controversial," the board wrote. "We encourage honest discussions about the science, history and impacts of vaccines. We are confident that the value of vaccinations will be recognized through the health of our residents and/or outbreaks of preventable diseases."

Experts warn that measles spreads very easily. Nicholas Rupp from the Salt Lake County Health Department said the virus can stay in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a room. Meanwhile, health officials also thanked families, schools, and healthcare workers for helping protect vulnerable people, especially children.

"Everyone's working together," said Sydnee Lyons, public information officer at TriCounty Health, in a statement. "Our community is going above and beyond in terms of  trying to protect not only themselves, but their community members."

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
In the coming days, Ukraine will finalize a developed document on security guarantees from the USA, including answers to existing questions, and there must be a clear response regarding what Americas reaction would be in the event of new aggression from Russia, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said.

"We do not know if we will receive what was agreed upon, but the agreement is as follows: in the coming days, Ukraine will include in the developed document the answers to those questions we have regarding these security guarantees. There must be a clear answer as to what Americas reaction will be in case of new aggression from Russia," he said during a meeting with journalists on Thursday, commenting on a conversation with American representatives.
Volkswagen India has officially teased the upcoming Taigun facelift, confirming its India debut on April 9, 2026. This will be the brands second launch of the year and marks an important update for one of its key SUVs in the Indian market.

With this teaser, Volkswagen has hinted at a refreshed design and enhanced feature set, while continuing to position Taigun as a driver-focused SUV. The company describes the new Taigun as a more evolved product with bold styling, improved technology and the dynamic driving experience that the brand is known for.

Bolder Design Direction

As seen in the official teaser video, Volkswagen has confirmed that the new Taigun will feature an illuminated VW logo at the front. This marks a significant design update and could make Taigun one of the first in its segment to offer this feature.

In addition, Taigun facelift is expected to receive a reworked front fascia. This includes new headlamp units with a more curved design, wider LED DRLs and updated bumpers for a stronger road presence. One of the standout elements could be an illuminated Volkswagen logo at the front, a feature that would be first-in-segment if introduced.

At the rear, the SUV is likely to get updated tail lamps with revised lighting signatures and possibly an illuminated VW badge. New alloy wheel designs are also expected, while the overall silhouette will remain largely unchanged. Volkswagen states that the new Taigun carries a bold and purposeful design with strong character lines, giving it a more muscular and planted stance.

Interior & Feature Upgrades Expected

Inside, Taigun facelift is expected to borrow several updates from the recently launched Skoda Kushaq facelift. This could include a larger touchscreen infotainment system, a fully digital instrument cluster and an upgraded tech package. Features like a panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats and enhanced connectivity options are also likely to be introduced. These additions will help the Taigun stay competitive in a segment where feature-rich offerings are becoming the norm.

Same Engines, Possible New Gearbox

Powertrain options are expected to remain unchanged. Taigun facelift will likely continue with the 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine producing 115 PS and the 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine delivering 150 PS.

However, there could be a key update in terms of transmission. Reports suggest that the current 6-speed automatic for the 1.0-litre engine may be replaced with a new 8-speed torque converter unit, offering improved driving comfort and efficiency. The 1.5-litre engine will continue with the 7-speed DSG gearbox.

Launch & Positioning

With its updated design, new features and potential mechanical improvements, Taigun facelift aims to strengthen Volkswagens presence in the highly competitive mid-size SUV segment. It will continue to rival Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder and Honda Elevate, along with newer entrants in the segment. More details about the updated Taigun will be revealed at its official debut on April 9, 2026.
KTM RC 450 introduced in China appears to be closely linked to the CFMoto 450 SR and 450 SR-S

For the Chinese market, KTM has introduced the new RC 450, featuring a twin-cylinder engine. It is expected that this new 450cc engine platform will also spawn other bikes like 450 Duke and 450 Adventure. For markets outside China, such as Europe and India, an entirely new 450cc twin-cylinder engine platform is reportedly being developed. This will be distinct from the CFMoto 450cc twin-cylinder engine. Lets check out more details on these developments.

KTM RC 450  Key features, performance

For the Chinese market, KTM has collaborated with CFMoto for the new RC 450. This new model was first revealed last year in December via official government vehicle registration documents. KTM RC 450 derives inspiration from the KTM 990 RC R, which was launched in 2025. Multiple similarities are evident, including the signature angular design and aerodynamic winglets at the front. KTM has officially introduced the new RC 450 in China on April 1, 2026.

It is likely that the KTM RC 450 borrows the 450cc parallel-twin engine from the CFMoto 450 SR. Other hardware such as the chassis and single-sided aluminium swingarm seem to be derived from the CFMoto 450 SR-S variant. However, performance numbers are different and overall ride experience is also expected to be distinct. KTM RC 450s 449cc parallel-twin engine generates 41 kW or 56 hp of max power.

In comparison, the CFMoto 450 SR (-S) generates 38 kW or 52 hp. KTM RC 450 can reach a top speed of 195 km/h, as stated in Chinese homologation documents. In comparison, the CFMoto counterpart has a top speed of 192 km/h. While the CFMoto 450 weighs 171 kg, the KTM RC 450 is lighter at 168 kg. This enhances RC 450s power to weight ratio.

Specs & Equipment

KTM RC 450 has 17-inch wheels at both ends, wrapped in 110/70 front and 150/60 rear tubeless tyres. This is the same configuration as the CFMoto 450 SR (-S). Suspension setup of KTM RC 450 includes USD front forks and a monoshock unit at the rear. Both are WP Suspension and come with adjustability. Braking components are from WP Braking Systems, which includes dual-channel ABS.

KTM RC 450 has a Bosch-sourced lean-angle adaptive control system. At the front, the bike has a 320 mm disc brake. Other key features include traction control, cruise control and an electronic throttle with mode selection. Tech kit includes a TFT display with a range of connectivity features. Optional items such as heated grips and tire pressure gauges are also available.

KTM RC 450 for global markets

While KTM has introduced the new RC 450 parallel-twin bike in China, the approach will be different for India, Europe and other markets. For markets outside China, KTM is developing an entirely new 450cc parallel-twin platform. The first bike to be based on this platform will be the RC 450. It is planned for launch in 2027.

Production is expected in India, from where the bike will be exported to global markets, including Europe. For European markets, the bike will need to comply with the mandates for A2 license class. It includes max power of 48 hp and a power-to-weight ratio of less than or equal to 0.2 kW/kg. When launched, the global-spec KTM RC 450 will take on rivals like Aprilia RS 457, Yamaha R3, and Kawasaki Ninja 400.
Tata Motors has emerged as the leading electric car manufacturer in the country. The company has achieved this feat by offering a profound electric car portfolio across a wide range of sizes, body styles and price brackets. Thus accelerating Indias electric mobility advancements. Till now, Harrier EV was the companys flagship EV, but will soon be joined by its sibling.

Were talking about the Safari EV, which will be positioned as Harrier EVs 7-seater alternative, just like it is in the ICE segment. Tata Safari EV is expected to be launched around Diwali (festive season) and it will rival the likes of Mahindra XEV 9S and upcoming Vinfast VF MPV 7 (Limo Green). Lets take a closer look.

Tata Safari EV Incoming

Harrier and Safari have been Tata Motors flagship duo in the ICE segment. While Harrier is the 5-seater SUV with only two rows of seating, Safari gets three rows of seating. In the companys EV side of the business, only Harrier EV existed and now, the company will offer Safari EV as well. When launched, Safari EV will be Tatas first-ever three-row EV.

Speaking of launch, Tata Motors is expected to launch it around the festive season, near Diwali time. Production is said to start around August 2026. Internally, Safari EV project is called Tayrona and may be positioned on the same acti.ev+ platform as Harrier EV.

Where design is concerned, one can expect similar design changes that Tata gave Harrier EV. So, a closed-off grille and slightly redesigned bumper along with new alloy wheel design may be on the menu. Tata is likely to retain much of the, if not, all of the interiors from current Safari ICE SUV, which was the strategy with Harrier EV and Harrier ICE.

However, Safari EV will benefit from TIDAL architecture (Tata Intelligent Digital Architecture Layer) from Harrier EV with features like auto park assist, 540-degree cameras, off-road assist, summon mode, more advanced ADAS features and more.

What to expect?

One can expect a similar set of battery options as Harrier EV with upcoming Tata Safari EV. These include 65 kWh and 75 kWh battery options with range of up to 627 km (with Harrier EV). Similar to Harrier EV, lower variants with 65 kWh battery could get single-motor RWD and higher variants with 75 kWh battery may get dual motor QWD system.

Tata Motors does not give out a total system power output with Harrier EV, but they quote total system peak output of 504 Nm. Rear motor is rated at 238 PS and front motor is rated at 158 PS and these cannot be added to arrive at 396 PS. Similar numbers could be ported over to Safari EV as well. 100 kW DC fast charging is likely too.

Currently, Safari is the only Tata Motors offering which does not have an EV counterpart and upcoming Safari EV will fix that. Currently, Harrier EV prices range between Rs 21.49 lakh and Rs 28.99 lakh (Ex-sh). One can expect Safari EV to be priced a little higher.

Source
Photo: https://www.president.gov.ua/

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has invited a US negotiating delegation to Kyiv, suggesting it as an alternative to a trilateral meeting at the level of technical groups, as the American group could subsequently travel to Moscow.

"I invited the American negotiating delegation to Kyiv. The delegation will do its best under current conditionsduring the war with Iranto come to Kyiv. This is an alternative option to a trilateral meeting at the level of technical groups. The American group can come to us, and after us go to Moscow. If it does not work out as a threesome, lets do it this wayin turns. This is our proposal," Zelenskyy said during a meeting with journalists on Thursday.
Photo: https://t.me/GeneralStaffZSU

According to Ukrainian and British intelligence data, the current situation on the frontline is the best for Ukraine in the past 10 months, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said.

"By the way, on Wednesday there was a report from my intelligence and an analysis by British intelligence. I received MI6s vision regarding the situation at our front, namelythat the situation is now the best for Ukraine in the last 10 months. This is their conclusion, and all partners see this," Zelenskyy said during a meeting with journalists on Thursday.
Photo: https://www.military.com/

Ukraine is raising the issue of PAC-3 missile supplies, but authorization from the USA for resale is required; agreements have already been reached with some countries, and they are currently working with the USA, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said.

"Of course, we are raising this issue. It depends not only on a particular country but also on the United States of America. This is because there must be permission even for resale or for them to provide them to us. We have already coordinated decisions with some, and they are now working with the USA," Zelenskyy said during a meeting with journalists on Thursday.
In new research, University of Galways Dr. Martin David Mulligan and his colleagues followed nearly 800 participants from the Framingham Heart Study for more than a decade and a half, examining whether vitamin D levels measured in their 30s were linked to changes in the brain in later life. They found that individuals with higher circulating levels of vitamin D had lower accumulations of tau  a protein that forms damaging tangles in the brains of people with Alzheimers disease  when scanned roughly 16 years later. The association held even after adjusting for a wide range of factors, including age, sex, cardiovascular health, smoking, depression and body mass index.

Dementia is a major contributor to global morbidity, affecting an estimated 57 million people worldwide.

Our results suggests that higher vitamin D levels in midlife may offer protection against developing tau deposits in the brain and that low vitamin D levels could potentially be a risk factor that could be modified and treated to reduce the risk of dementia, Dr. Mulligan said.

Of course, these results need to be further tested with additional studies.

The study draws on data from 793 adults (53% women, mean age  39 years) who were free of dementia at the time of brain imaging.

Participants had their blood levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D measured between 2002 and 2005, and later underwent positron emission tomography (PET) scans between 2016 and 2019 to detect tau and amyloid deposits.

Tau accumulation, particularly in regions such as the entorhinal cortex and temporal lobes, is believed to play a central role in the early stages of Alzheimers disease.

The researchers found that higher vitamin D levels were associated with lower tau burden both across the brain and in these especially vulnerable regions.

A total of 34% of participants had low levels of vitamin D and 5% were taking vitamin D supplements, they said.

The findings add to a growing body of evidence linking vitamin D to brain health, though most prior studies have focused on older adults or clinical outcomes like dementia diagnosis rather than early, preclinical changes in the brain.

The scientists suggest that vitamin D in midlife could represent a potentially modifiable target for reducing the risk of neurodegenerative changes before symptoms appear.

Still, the study does not prove that vitamin D directly prevents tau buildup or dementia. It measured vitamin D at a single point in time and did not track changes in levels over the intervening years. Nor did it test whether supplementation would alter brain outcomes.

These results are promising, as they suggest an association between higher vitamin D levels in early middle-age and lower tau burden on average 16 years later, Dr. Mulligan said.

Mid-life is a time where risk factor modification can have a greater impact.

The results appear in the journal Neurology.

_____

Martin David Mulligan et al. 2026. Association of Circulating Vitamin D in Midlife with Increased Tau-PET Burden in Dementia-Free Adults. Neurology 2 (2): e000057; doi: 10.1212/WN9.0000000000000057
Today the Strait of Hormuz is the most influential lever on the oil industry, and its blocking has created stress for the entire global system, so it must be unblocked, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes.

"Regarding the Strait of Hormuz: undoubtedly, today it is the most influential lever on the oil industry. The blocking of the Strait of Hormuz created not just a deficitit is stress for the entire global system. Many Asian countries, and already European countries, are telling people to stay home because there is no diesel, and economic activity is being restricted," Zelenskyy said at a meeting with journalists on Thursday.
Servant of the People faction to discuss bills on Ukraine's international obligations  Arakhamia

Photo: Video NV @newvoiceua

The Servant of the People faction meeting on Monday will be dedicated to the issue of voting on bills regarding Ukraines international obligations, faction head David Arakhamia reported.

"We are planning a faction meeting on Monday. It will be dedicated to the week of voting for bills as part of fulfilling international obligationsIMF, Ukraine Facility, World Bank, and all others. The meeting will fully relate to these issues because many international payments are linked to them," Arakhamia told the Interfax-Ukraine agency on Friday.

He emphasized that "due to the delay of the EUR 90 billion loan from the EU, which Hungary blocked, a decisive step forward must be taken to obtain what is necessary for Ukraine."

According to Arakhamia, the participation of Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko and key ministers is expected.

"A large open discussion is planned within our faction," the peoples deputy added.

As reported, the faction meeting will include Minister of Economy Oleksiy Sobolev, Minister of Finance Serhiy Marchenko, and Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Taras Kachka.
Mizuki Tsujimura invitingly concludes her comforting duology with How to Hold Someone in Your Heart, which proves as sigh-inducing as its predecessor, Lost Souls Meet Under a Full Moon. Yuki Tejima returns with another absorbing translation from the Japanese.

Seven years have passed since Ayumi inherited the "go-between" position from his late grandmother, making him a conduit--during a full moon--between the living and the dead they wish to meet. Tsujimura uses the first meeting of the sequel to cleverly link back to Lost Souls, when television star Yuzuru requests a meeting on behalf of his would-be love interest, which breaks all sorts of otherworldly rules. Unable to help his friend, Yuzuru ultimately confronts his abusive, runaway father. Other inquiries include a retired educator with questions for a centuries-ago historical figure; two desperate mothers who seek their beloved daughters, one who drowned, the other who died of cancer; and an 85-year-old chef who finally succeeds in seeing a girl he knew in their teens, after repeating the request since his 40s.

Beyond his go-between duties--the service is always free of charge--Ayumi works a "regular job. [He] needed to stand on his own two feet." By day he's a product planner of handcrafted toys for a wooden toy manufacturer. Tsujimura incorporates Ayumi's growth as an artist and his burgeoning personal relationships throughout the supernatural episodes, creating an engaging narrative arc that instills her searching protagonist with lingering multidimensional gravitas. Deftly balancing regretful mourning with redemptive joys, Tsujimura gifts another J-healing charmer. --Terry Hong
Booker Prize-winner Yann Martel (Life of Pi; The High Mountains of Portugal) intricately nests one story in another in the excellent Son of Nobody. Protagonist Harlow Donne narrates to a specific audience: his eight-year-old daughter, Helen, named after Helen of Troy. Harlow is, or rather was, a Homeric scholar, and he describes to his beloved, story-loving child the year he spent in postdoctoral study at Oxford University. His discovery there of a previously unknown text relating the Trojan War contained many departures from (and frequently "more offbeat" than) Homer's version. With a blend of erudition and creativity, Harlow pieces together from fragments what he calls The Psoad. This text forms the novel's body, with copious footnotes by Harlow detailing both the discovery and restoration of that text, as well as his personal life as it slowly unravels during his year away at Oxford, while his wife and daughter remain at home in Canada.

Harlow's voice is nuanced, clever, and learned; he paints himself a devoted father if admittedly imperfect husband. The narrative in the footnotes conveys Harlow's academically controversial restoration alongside his journey through scholarship, love, family, and loss. The Psoad is itself a fascinating read for any lover of Greek myth; Harlow argues "that the heroes of the Epic Cycle, in this case Psoas of Midea, created the space for the appearance of their complement, Jesus of Nazareth, the other foundational figure of Western culture." These layers, and their quietly complex interplay, showcase Martel's strengths: subtlety, profundity, humor, pathos. --Julia Kastner, blogger at pagesofjulia
India open to extending e-commerce tariff moratorium for longer period

Move aims to give businesses more predictability and stability

WTO talks continue as countries remain divided on the issue

India has signaled a softer stance on the e-commerce tariff moratorium during the 14th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO). The country is now open to extending the moratorium for a longer period to help businesses plan better.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said India supports a longer extension to provide greater certainty and predictability for companies. He noted that this will allow businesses to plan their operations with more confidence. The discussions on this issue are still ongoing among member countries and are expected to continue for the next few months.

WTO e-commerce moratorium prevents countries from imposing customs duties on cross-border electronic transmissions. For nearly three decades, member nations have agreed to extend this moratorium every two years. However, they continue to differ on whether it should be made permanent or remain temporary. Theprevents countries from imposing customs duties on. For nearly three decades, member nations have agreed to extend this moratorium every two years. However, they continue to differ on whether it should be made permanent or remain temporary.

Developed countries, especially the United States, have pushed for making the moratorium permanent. The US argues that a permanent rule will give businesses long-term clarity. India, on the other hand, has been cautious due to concerns over potential revenue losses, though it now appears open to a longer temporary extension.

The 14th WTO Ministerial Conference, held in Yaounde, Cameroon, from March 26 to 30, ended without a formal agreement. Countries were unable to reach consensus on key issues, including the e-commerce moratorium. Further discussions will continue in Geneva.

Also Read: TVS Venu Group to Acquire PGIM India Asset Management

Meanwhile, the US has indicated interest in exploring alternative trade arrangements outside the WTO framework, including a plurilateral agreement on e-commerce.

India has stressed that such agreements should include proper safeguards. Goyal said any future arrangements must have clear rules and 'guardrails' to ensure fair outcomes for all members.
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/RedCrossUkraine

The Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) is participating in clearing the aftermath of night Russian missile and drone attacks in Kharkiv.

"Kharkiv: the attack on the city has been ongoing for over a day... At almost all locations, the rapid response unit of the Ukrainian Red Cross Society in Kharkiv region is working alongside other rescue services," the URCS reported on Facebook on Friday.

Volunteers are conducting surveys of surrounding areas, damaged buildings, and residential houses, as well as door-to-door checks to identify victims. The injured receive first aid and psychological support. Volunteers are also participating in search and rescue operations.

According to the National Police of Ukraine, five people, including an infant, were injured as a result of night shelling in Kharkiv. Osnovyansky, Kyivsky, and Shevchenkivsky districts were targeted. Russian forces used drones and missiles. Toward morning, the Russian army launched new missile strikes. Windows were blown out in apartment buildings. There are casualties.
Nandita Sinha likely to exit Myntra CEO role

Sharon Pais expected to take over leadership

Move comes amid Flipkart IPO preparations

Nandita Sinha, Chief Executive Officer of Flipkart-owned fashion platform Myntra, is expected to step down from her role in the coming weeks, according to sources familiar with the development. Sharon Pais, currently heading Flipkart Fashion, is likely to take over the leadership position. Pais previously served as Myntras Chief Business Officer until November 2025.

CEO of Myntra. Prior to Flipkart, Sinha worked with Hindustan Unilever and Britannia Industries and co-founded the e-Commerce platform MyBabyCart.com. Sinha, who joined Flipkart in 2013, has played a key role in shaping multiple business verticals over the past decade. She began her journey handling the beauty and personal care segment and later contributed across categories such as books, FMCG, lifestyle, auto accessories, home and furniture. She also led customer acquisition and growth initiatives. In January 2022, she was appointed. Prior toworked with Hindustan Unilever and Britannia Industries and co-founded the e-Commerce platform

Her expected exit comes at a time when Myntra is reporting strong financial performance. In FY25, the company recorded an 18 percent increase in revenue from operations to Rs 6,042.7 crore. Net profit saw a sharp rise to Rs 548 crore, compared to Rs 30.9 crore in the previous year. In contrast, Flipkart Internet, the groups core marketplace business, posted a 14 percent growth in revenue to Rs 20,493 crore while reducing losses by 37 percent to Rs 1,494 crore.

The leadership transition is part of a broader phase of restructuring within Flipkart as it prepares for a potential public listing. Earlier this month, Group CFO Sriram Venkataraman stepped down, with Ravi Iyer set to take over the role. The company also announced the return of Nishant Verman as Senior Vice President for Corporate Development and Partnerships.

Flipkarts IPO plans gained momentum after the National Company Law Tribunal approved its proposal to shift domicile from Singapore to India. The restructuring involves merging its Singapore-based holding entities into Flipkart Internet. The company is now seeking government clearance under Press Note 3 norms due to Tencents minority stake.

Sinhas departure marks a significant leadership change at Myntra during a crucial phase for Flipkarts growth and public market ambitions.
100 percent tariff targets imported patented drugs

Relief offered for firms investing in US manufacturing

New metal tariff rules expand trade enforcement

US President Donald Trump has announced a sweeping tariff policy targeting pharmaceutical imports, marking a significant escalation in his trade strategy. The new plan imposes a 100 percent tariff on certain imported patented medicines and key ingredients, aimed at pushing drugmakers to shift manufacturing to the United States while lowering prices for American consumers.

The policy includes a phased implementation timeline, giving large pharmaceutical companies 120 days and smaller firms 180 days to comply. Officials said the administration had already provided sufficient warning and is committed to moving forward. The tariffs are designed to accelerate domestic production and align companies with Trumps 'Most Favored Nation' pricing initiative, which seeks to reduce drug costs.

manufacturing facilities in the US can significantly reduce or avoid the tariffs. Those relocating production may see tariffs lowered to 20 percent. Additionally, companies from regions with existing trade agreements, including the European Union, Japan, South Korea and Switzerland, will face reduced tariffs of around 15 percent, while UK-based firms may see rates near 10 percent. However, the order allows flexibility for companies willing to cooperate. Firms that join the pricing initiative or commit to buildingcan significantly reduce or avoid the tariffs. Those relocating production may see tariffs lowered to 20 percent. Additionally, companies from regions with existing trade agreements, including thewill face reduced tariffs of around 15 percent, whilemay see rates near 10 percent.

The administration has already secured agreements with more than a dozen pharmaceutical companies, offering temporary relief in exchange for pricing adjustments and investment in US manufacturing. This move follows a recent US Supreme Court ruling that limited some of Trumps earlier tariff powers, making the expansion into the pharmaceutical sector particularly notable.

Alongside the pharmaceutical measures, Trump also revised tariffs on steel, aluminium and copper imports. Under the updated rules, the existing 50 percent tariff on primary metals will now be calculated based on US purchase prices rather than declared export values. Products with significant metal content, such as household appliances, will face a 25 percent tariff if the metal exceeds a specified share.

While concerns remain about potential cost increases for consumers, officials maintain that the overall impact on affordability will be manageable.
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Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. Trace begun at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Exceptions.pm line 125 HTML::Mason::Exceptions::rethrow_exception('Can\'t call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25.^J') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 157 HTML::Mason::Component::run_dynamic_sub('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x55a941c270a0)', 'main') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 948 HTML::Mason::Request::call_dynamic('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x55a941fbabe0)', 'main') called at /var/cache/mason/obj/2011159162/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj line 17 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 135 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x55a941c270a0)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1302 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1292 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 955 HTML::Mason::Request::call_next('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x55a941fbabe0)') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html line 178 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 135 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x55a941bfe8e0)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1300 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1292 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 481 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 481 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 433 HTML::Mason::Request::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x55a941fbabe0)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 165 HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x55a941fbabe0)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 831 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handle_request('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x55a941846ff0)', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x55a941facae0)') called at (eval 1338) line 8 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handler('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x55a941facae0)') called at -e line 0 eval {...} at -e line 0
Zelenskyy: we will be happy to see Pope in Ukraine for apostolic visit

Photo: @V_Zelenskiy_official Telegram

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a conversation with Pope Leo XIV on Friday, April 3.

"I wished His Holiness and the believers celebrating Easter this Sunday a blessed holiday and peace. Of course, we will be happy to see His Holiness in Ukraine for an apostolic visit. I am especially grateful that the Pope remembers Ukraine and Ukrainians and prays for peace for our people," Zelenskyy wrote on his Telegram channel.

He added that exactly during the conversation, Russia attacked Ukraine again, and the Russian attack has been continuing in waves since the night.

"Not a single hour of peace for our people, and this is Russias response to our proposal for an Easter ceasefire. In fact, Russia only increased the intensity of strikes and, instead of silence in the sky, is creating an Easter escalation. This certainly cannot be ignored, and I am grateful to everyone in the world who is not silent about it," the President remarked.

He informed the Pope about the negotiation process and work with the American team, and also thanked him for assistance in returning kidnapped children and for all the humanitarian aid the Vatican has provided to Ukrainians, particularly during this difficult winter.

Additionally, during the conversation, they discussed the situation in the Middle East and the Gulf region.
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LifestyleFashionFashion accessories We dont call them manbags: Are you man enough to carry a handbag? Damien Woolnough April 3, 2026  7:00pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

The age of men trembling with fear at the innocent request to hold a womans handbag has come to an end. White Speedos and pink shirts may continue to pack an emasculating punch, but the fragile male ego has been strengthened by sightings of celebrities such as Harry Styles, Oscar nominee Jacob Elordi and rapper A$AP Rocky clutching clutches and swaggering with handbags. As luxury labels Chanel, Dior and Bottega Veneta drive the acceptance of accessories overseas, 88-year-old brand Oroton is easing Australian men into the idea of toting a tote to the pub. Harry Styles in New York last month, carrying an animal print Chanel bag. Courtesy of backgrid/Chanel Jacob Elordi at Milan Fashion Week in September 2024 carrying a custom Bottega Veneta bag. Elordi is slowly acquiring a formidable handbag collection. GC Images

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If you think about the Australian male, compared to European customers, mens accessories have taken a bit of a back seat, says Oroton creative director Sophie Holt. But I feel like the Australian man is finally embracing fashionability. Oroton former mens range  determinedly masculine, and mostly bland briefcases, toiletry cases and black underpants  disappeared from shelves when Will Vicars bought the struggling brand in 2018. Related Article Opinion

Menswear Who is this dress for? The problem with menswear on the runway Damien Woolnough Fashion editor The new Oroton For Him collection has relaxed briefcases, suede totes and weekenders in conservative browns and blacks. Holt plans future collections with more adventurous silhouettes, colours and materials, to accompany a mens ready-to-wear line launching nationally in flagship stores and outlets in 12 months. Its all about finding fresh ways to grow Oroton as a lifestyle brand. The clothing line will be part of that and the bags are a great introduction.

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The global mens luxury bag market is projected to grow from $12.2 billion this year to $18.4 billion in 2035, according to a January report from Global Market Insights. Even five years ago, the Australian male was probably a bit nervous about even using a tote, but I feel like that has changed, Holt says. The time is right. Australian accessories label Oroton has relaunched its male accessories line, capitalising on the popularity of handbags for men. Model Russell White gives an Oroton bag the pub test in Redfern. Steven Siewert Tote bags from Melbourne label A-esque have found a committed male following. Now men are also exploring smaller clutch bags. Simon Schluter Retail entrepreneur Amanda Rettig  founder of bag brand A-esque in 2012, having sold the Mimco accessories label for a reported $45 million in 2007 to Gresham Private Equity  grew up with a father who confidently wielded a small leather bag with a wristlet strap. My grandfather had one as well, she says.

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She has resisted the urge to revive these styles or create a dedicated mens line. Related Article Luxury fashion Not your grandmas bag: Whats driving Gen Zs love affair with this luxury tote? Men have gravitated to our bags since we launched because the styles are pretty androgynous  so its not intimidating. Men are mostly drawn to capacious totes produced in A-esques atelier in inner-Melbourne Richmond. Rettig is watching them slowly embrace styles closer to her fathers modest bag, without a wristlet, in a new boutique in nearby Armadale. They are finding there way towards clutches, but its not necessarily driven by fashion. Men appreciate the quality and the craftsmanship of a bag as well as the practicality.

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Its all about appreciating style. We are slowly catching up to European men, Rettig says. We dont call them manbags. Make the most of your health, relationships, fitness and nutrition with our Live Well newsletter. Get it in your inbox every Monday.
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Exclusive NationalInvestigations Cant be trusted: Reckless, improper conduct should rule former top official out for life Nick McKenzie April 4, 2026  5:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

The official who headed Australias Home Affairs department acted so recklessly and improperly, particularly in his secret dealings with a lobbyist and Liberal Party powerbroker, that it would be very difficult for him to ever work in the public service again. That is among a series of damaging findings contained in a confidential report that led to the sacking of Michael Pezzullo as Home Affairs secretary in late 2023 but which the government declined to release at the time. Michael Pezzullo in front of a parliamentary committee in January. Alex Ellinghausen It can now be revealed the inquiry found that Pezzullos dealings with Liberal insider Scott Briggs were so ill-advised, reckless and a step too far in terms of the boundaries of normal public service practice that it was hard to imagine that he might be trusted now and into the future by governments of either political persuasion or by his colleagues. The airing of the inquiry report into Pezzullo came in response to an 18-month Freedom of Information Act fight by former federal independent MP Rex Patrick, and as Pezzullo has reinvented himself as a media commentator on national security issues.

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The report not only casts fresh light on Pezzullos extraordinary fall from power, but it also highlights the flaws in Australias integrity regime, which experts say is still overly secretive and often slow to resolve issues of major public interest. Editor's pick Exclusive

Power player Five years. A thousand messages. How a top public servant tried to influence governments It was authored by former senior public servant Lynelle Briggs (no relation to Scott) on behalf of the Australian Public Service Commission, which ordered an inquiry after a cache of Pezzullos encrypted messages were exposed by this masthead and 60 Minutes in September 2023. The encrypted messages between Pezzullo and Scott Briggs (no relation to Lynelle) revealed the then-Home Affairs bosss secret efforts to gain and exert political influence during the terms of the Turnbull and Morrison governments. Lynelle Briggs report determined Pezzullo had breached the Australian Public Service code of conduct, which includes a requirement to remain apolitical in their work, at least 14 times. A brief summary of her findings was revealed after Pezzullos termination, but her full report remained confidential until now.

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The released version of Briggs 66-page November 2023 report, while still partially redacted, contains a litany of criticism of Pezzullos activities, such as his push to have certain ministers appointed. It is well beyond the political dividing line for a public servant at any level to insert their views and intervene in ministerial appointments, which are rightly the purview of the prime minister and politicians more generally, the report says. It describes how Pezzullos private dealings with Scott Morrisons confidant, Scott Briggs, occurred over many years, enabling Mr Pezzullo to systematically advance his views and interests and providing him with an avenue to power and influence beyond the usual ministerial systems of the Westminster system. Such is the extent of his engagement with Mr Briggs that it cannot be seen as a one-off or temporary lapse of judgment. Through this engagement, he sought to influence ministerial appointments and machinery of government arrangements to his advantage and denigrated ministers and fellow secretaries.

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The inquiry report details some of Pezzullos most controversial WhatsApp messages including a November 2017 missive where he spoke of the need to build a meritocracy by stealth and run government from the bureaucracy, working to 4-5 powerful and capable ministers. Editor's pick Power player Wielding power from the shadows He had earlier in July 2017 joked about him possibly being given Defence and Home Affairs departments at the same time. In 2018, he argues for fewer, bigger departments. Even though Mr Pezzullo evidently understands the concept of ministerial accountability, I doubt that any reasonable person would consider that to run government from the bureaucracy is appropriate for a secretary to argue in our system of democratic government. The Briggs inquiry was also scathing of Pezzullos private savaging of senior public servants and his denigration of certain politicians and ministers in his messages to Scott Briggs at a time the lobbyist claimed to be briefing prime ministers Turnbull and Morrison. Mr Pezzullo ought to have been aware of a clear risk that his views would be passed on to the prime minister of the day, and for his views to inform any actions taken by the prime minister about the management of those individuals whom Pezzullo was disparaging.

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The remaining question is whether or not that detriment was intended, or sought by Mr Pezzullo. In my view, the answer to that question must be yes. By sending the relevant messages to Mr Briggs, not only did Mr Pezzullo regularly communicate with Mr Briggs on sensitive government-related matters, but he also breached ministerial confidentiality on a number of occasions. Mr Pezzullos conduct was made worse by the fact that Mr Briggs did not hold the security clearances that may otherwise have provided some protection. The inquiry report is also highly critical of Pezzullos decision to direct a $79,500 government contract in 2021 involving Australias quarantine system to Scott Briggs lobbying firm employer, DPG Advisory, without declaring that he was his friend and confidant. After discussing my concerns with Mr Pezzullo, he accepted that he had not taken sufficient steps to make a conflict-of-interest declaration in respect of the procurement, the report says.

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It was highly inappropriate for Mr Pezzullo to have any involvement in the procurement of DPG Advisory whatsoever. His failure to recognise this in the moment, and to make sure his conflict of interest was clearly stated on the record, were both significant lapses of judgment. Corruption expert Clancy Moore, of Transparency International, said the Briggs inquiry should have been released when it was completed and that preference for secrecy of all of Australias key integrity bodies needed to change. With trust in government at a breaking point, transparency must be the norm, Moore said. Whilst there are provisions in the Public Service Act to withhold information from inquiries, the keeping of the report secret for more than two years adds to the perception of the Albanese government prioritising secrecy over transparency.

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Given the inquiry examined allegations of conflict of interest, mis-conduct and abuses of power by one of Australias most senior and powerful public servants, its clearly in the public interest for the report to be in the public domain. Lynelle Briggs ultimately found Pezzullo should be sacked because he had used his duty, power, status or authority to seek to gain a benefit or advantage for himself and failed to maintain confidentiality of sensitive government information. Pezzullo also allegedly failed to act apolitically in his employment, engaged in gossip and disrespectful critique of ministers and public servants and failed to disclose a conflict of interest. Pezzullo, who declined to comment when contacted on Friday, was one of the most powerful departmental secretaries in Canberra. He served successive Labor and Coalition governments in senior roles for decades, including as former Labor leader Kim Beazleys deputy chief of staff and as deputy secretary in the Defence Department during the Howard years.

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The leaked encrypted messages show Pezzullo repeatedly pushing Scott Briggs to use his backroom political influence to ensure Peter Dutton retained his post as Home Affairs minister. He separately sought to get Briggs to undermine ministers whom Pezzullo believed were opposed to him or his policy agenda, including former attorney-general George Brandis. The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here.
Child injured in serious farm accident

A child has been rushed to hospital in a critical condition after being involved in a serious accident on a farm north of Adelaide.
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This story is part of the April 4 edition of Good Weekend. See all stories .

So, my mother says, with steely intent. I need your help. She is visiting from interstate, cornering me while she can. She pulls out a notebook and pen. I sit beside her at the kitchen table, try to summon patience and goodwill, and wait. How do I send photographs from my phone? she asks. Mum is 89. On her own, unassisted, she flew from Queensland, where she lives independently in a house with many stairs. She can get a plumber out to repair a leaky tap but doesnt know how to pay him online  shed be gaily writing cheques if anyone still accepted them. She drives to her doctors surgery but if reception sends a follow-up text message, its unlikely shell see it. Her hearing is excellent but when she accidentally turns off her iPhones volume (how do you even do that?), it can take a day before she realises and another hour for me to explain over the phone how to get it back on. More than once, she has rung me in a panic after getting calls from the ATO or other agencies threatening action over allegedly unpaid bills. And emails? In the underground 2024 hit film Thelma, the elderly protagonist asks her grandson, Whats an inbox? (right before she is scammed). Mum answers Thelmas question: Its just one more thing to worry about. She can access hers on her iPad but rarely does. Online shopping? Good grief, no! So, like millions of other adult children around the country, I have, reluctantly, become my analogue mothers bookkeeper, tech adviser, online shopper, security guard and remote help desk. Why has my iPad done this thing? Mum will ask and, 1000 kilometres away, Ill try to figure out what this thing could possibly be. Or well spend an age trying to reset one of her passwords, failing because the verification code pings to her, not me, and she cant find it, and we try repeatedly until Im close to tears and her frustration electrifies the phone line. But Mum doesnt know how lucky she is. Her digital trials are inconsequential and, mostly, I solve them or, if I cant, act on her behalf. Many other older people, especially those who dont have children or grand-children to call in for help, or for whom English is not their first language, find the digital world theyve been thrust into alienating, even frightening. Robert Lovett used to call himself a computer junkie, but sees his Android phone as technology for technologys sake. Steven Siewert It makes me angry, disempowered, Robert Lovett, a 73-year-old inner-Sydney pensioner tells me. It feels like other people are forcing you to jump through hoops you dont want to jump through. Lovett is single and not in the best of health. We sit together at the Newtown Neighbourhood Centre after his twice-weekly gentle exercise class and I ask him who he calls when hes in trouble, digital or otherwise. I dont, he says. Another man I meet, Colin*, 80, has similar feelings about technology. To me, its not a friend, its an enemy and as much as I can, I avoid it, he says.

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I visit Colin, a former architect and planner, at his home south of Sydney, where he lives alone and is recovering from a serious illness. He doesnt have children. He doesnt have a home internet connection or a computer. I dont want one, he says defiantly. His access to the world is through his smartphone. He avoids using that, too. He has five television sets around his house on which he watches SBS history documentaries, but asks me what streaming is. Related Article Good Weekend It is going to get really bitter: Why family-will battles are set to explode Like Robert and Colin, about one in five people are excluded from a world most of us take for granted. The 2025 Australian Digital Inclusion Index (ADII) found that over-75s, First Nations people and public housing residents are disproportionately excluded. Not to mention those who live in remote and regional areas, where public transport is scarce and bank branches and other in-person services are dwindling in number. For these groups, limited access to digital tools or the skills to use them is an existential issue, banishing them to the fringes of daily life. Its this new kind of disability weve created as a result of just how quickly weve pivoted to these new platforms, says Robin Parkin, the CEO of the now-defunct Melbourne-based not-for-profit Lively, which trained young digital natives to offer tech help to older people. Its just such an unavoidable part of participating in society now. You need to have some basic digital literacy in order to access essential services  banking, some shopping, or to participate in any kind of community activity. Patricia Sparrow, CEO of COTA Australia, the peak advocacy body for older Australians, says the digital revolution has become an issue of equity. Even those who the ADII might count as included  people who cope with their devices or who have family support  vent their frustrations to her. They talk about how everything is digital and how it impacts their daily life as much as ageism does. Its this new kind of disability weve created as a result of just how quickly weve pivoted to these new platforms. Robin Parkin, whose not-for-profit helped older people with IT The bombardment comes from all sides, from the ATO and My Aged Care and Centrelink, from insurers, medical institutions and banks (would you like your statements emailed to you and have you downloaded the app?). It lands in the form of passwords and multifactor authentication, security questions and access codes, online forms, uploads and downloads and emailed bills and BPAY and never-ending device updates.

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And for older people, the cost of digital ineptitude can far exceed mere frustration. In 2024, Australians aged 65 and over reported losses of nearly $100 million to scammers  the highest loss of any age group. It can also leave them vulnerable to unscrupulous children or caregivers managing their finances and online affairs. Governments have responded to the digital divide by funding a range of programs, but the response is inadequate in scope and strategic effect. Angela Savage, CEO of Public Libraries Victoria, says its a burning issue for the sector, with librarians often picking up the slack for government and private-sector organisations. Device advice, one-on-one tech support, has become bread-and-butter work for libraries; theres a gap and no one else is filling it, she says. In addition to just the sheer volume of workload, were also seeing a lot more critical incidents in libraries, because people are venting the frustration that they used to vent on Centrelink workers on library staff. A not-for-profit provider of free tech help in the Wollongong area, Living Connected, introduces me to several of its clients, including Colin and John*. I meet John at a local library. Hes seeking damages over a traffic incident and the stream of court forms hes required to submit online has overwhelmed him. People say, Have a look online and I say, Listen to me, I dont do online, Im 71, I wasnt brought up on computers, never had a job where I used a computer, or nothing like that  so dont even think about saying that to me. I take offence to that. His rage seems barely contained. Johns only digital access is via his Android phone and the librarys computers. Everybody around my age hates this computer world. Take me back to the 70s or the 80s. Nobody my age wants to deal with this stuff. In mid-2024, Cecily Grice joined the Go Gentle organisation and started to investigate the option of voluntary assisted dying for herself. Grice, lean and elegant and looking a decade younger than her 81 years, had been treated for breast cancer the year before, but it wasnt her own health driving her to consider the method by which she wanted to die: it was her husband Alans deteriorating condition. The former obstetrician and gynaecologist had Parkinsons disease and dementia, was hallucinating and having frequent falls, and the process of getting him into an aged-care facility had been protracted and distressing. I do not want any member of my family to have to go through the experience of coping with aged-care forms and assessments that I have experienced, Grice wrote in a diary entry. [Services say] just go online and  which is beyond many aged people who did not grow up with computers. Cecily Grice had to deal with multiple government agencies online when her husband fell ill  causing significant additional stress. Wolter Peeters Alan, who finally went into care in July 2024, died in mid-October last year. Sitting in a pale leather lounge chair in her neat villa in a community south of Sydney, Grice tells me she would rather curtail her own life if she becomes incapacitated than subject her four children to the experience she endured through Alans last years. While they supported her from a distance, Grice bore most of the bureaucratic pain herself. At every step, the need to manage processes digitally added to her trauma. I was so uptight at one stage when this was all going on that my GP sent me to a psychologist.

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Grice simultaneously needed to communicate online with government bodies including My Aged Care, MyGov, Services Australia and Centrelink, plus banks, health funds and the industry superannuation fund into which she eventually moved the couples money. She had a dozen or more reference numbers for various organisations and processes. When Alan was transferred from a respite ward to a dementia ward within the same nursing facility, she had to complete new paperwork with the same questions all over again. One form advised her that she could use autofill to complete the form. I didnt have any idea what autofill was. Grice couldnt print the form, so stumbled her way through filling it out on her phone. I had to sign my name with my finger in a space, and didnt know how to do it. When I did it, it looked nothing like my name. Eventually she went to a Living Connected drop-in session for assistance. The pain continued even after Alans death. Grice had to complete online forms authorising his cremation, but autofill bamboozled her again. In the end, she printed the forms, filled them in by hand, scanned them into her phone and emailed them. It took her a day. Grice knows shes in a privileged position. She can text and email and print and scan and has four children and nine grandchildren, although only one of her children lives nearby. How do homeless people and so many living on their own cope with all this? she asks. Im told they dont. She gets up and dashes across to a table where documents and letters are neatly stacked. She returns with a page she reads from: Further, the current requirements for online forms and computers and limited customer service in todays society has also contributed enormously to Cecilys stress over the past 12 months. Its a paragraph from a letter one of her daughters wrote to a medical practitioner outlining her concerns about her mothers wellbeing. Nobody that you speak to in any of these departments knows what its like to be 80, Grice says. None of them. Related Article Good Weekend Youre my favourite: What I learnt during two weeks with Vida, my AI companion Governments boast about Australias digital transformation, which accelerated during the pandemic. The Digital Transformation Strategy sets the direction to deliver world-leading digital services for all Australians, a 2021 Australian Public Service Commission State of the Service report noted. Its focus is on making government easy to deal with, informed by users  As Grice knows, not so easy. The fallout from the pandemic rush online was far-reaching. People started really panicking, especially seniors, says Ciel Yuan from Counterpoint Community Services, which runs digital literacy programs and assistance for local clients, most of whom live in public housing, at the Factory Community Centre in the inner-Sydney suburb of Waterloo and its affiliate in Alexandria Town Hall. Seniors werent the only ones frightened. Older people in the workforce suddenly found themselves completely out of their depth.

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On the phone, I talk with Sandie Hesline, a 73-year-old retiree from the Melbourne seaside area of the Mornington Peninsula. I thought Id be there til I was a skeleton in the corner, she says of the job she loved in Melbourne Museums booking office. But when Victoria went into lockdown in March 2020, the skills she needed to master a work-issued laptop and the digital demands of remote work were beyond her. Shed never had a computer or internet connection at home. Im really a dinosaur when it comes to technology, Ive never used an ATM in my life  I still go into the bank and get money out. When one of her work friends helped her get started on a new phone, another cracked a joke. They said, Its a smartphone, just not a smart person. I didnt take offence because its true  Im not smart as far as technology goes. Sandie Hesline was unable to adjust to remote work in Melbournes COVID lockdowns. Elke Meitzel Hesline is single and childless, and while her colleagues did the best they could to help her manage the technology, it wasnt enough. I remember a staff meeting that the CEO ran via Zoom and I couldnt get off mute the whole time. In the midst of her struggle to manage the technology and the isolation, her mother died. I got to the stage where I just couldnt cope with everything that was going on in my life. In May 2020, she took all her leave. In March 2021, after Melbournes third lockdown, she resigned. It was really devastating, but I had no choice because I couldnt cope with the new system, she says. It was a really dark time; I felt suicidal sometimes. Too many people like Grice and Hesline have been collateral damage in the digital revolution, the effects of which are compounded by its intersection with other societal injustices such as disadvantage and ageism. Its all layered on top of things like vision impairment, hearing impairment, some cognitive impairment, all those things that happen as you age  so even seeing a phone screen is ruled out, says Jacqui Oong, manager of aged services at Newtown Neighbourhood Centre in inner-west Sydney, which informally helps clients like Robert Lovett with their technology issues. The older you get, the more invisible you become, Lovett tells me. Born into a deaf family, he became a professional sign language interpreter and ran his own business, an agency for interpreters. His clients included government bodies such as courts and the old Commonwealth Employment Service. He had staff and office computers and knew Microsoft Office for Windows inside out. I was right on top of it, became a bit of a computer junkie. I dont want the bells and I dont want the whistles. I want a Vee Dub, not a bloody Ferrari. Its like technology for technologys sake. Sydney pensioner Robert Lovett But Lovett stopped work in the late 1990s to care for his elderly mother. After that, he had little use for technology beyond the secondhand DVDs he likes to watch  History Channel ones, Walking with Dinosaurs, archaeology stuff. One day he got a PC, but never really used it. A local teenager has tried to help him with it. The moment he opens his mouth, Im completely lost. Its like, Please talk to me in baby language.  Lovett recently acquired an Android phone  his only other technology  and someone had to download the manual from the internet. When he was working, Lovett read manuals from cover to cover, but this one? Three hundred pages! he exclaims. Most of the instruction book is irrelevant to me because I dont want to know how to take the most superlative photograph of the most beautiful sunset. I dont want the bells and I dont want the whistles. I want a Vee Dub, not a bloody Ferrari. Its like technology for technologys sake.

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An organised crime syndicate imported a tonne of cocaine into Australia after law enforcement agencies allowed a cargo ship to travel along the countrys east coast while its crew allegedly offloaded the drugs.

For weeks, authorities suspected the Raider was carrying a hidden drug shipment. When it headed for Australias coast, they looked the other way.

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Law enforcement agencies allowed a cargo ship suspected of carrying a tonne of cocaine to sail unimpeded along Australias east coast rather than intercept it and risk a political storm if its crew claimed asylum. The ship ignored the Australian Border Forces direction and remained in Australian waters, where it allegedly offloaded the drugs worth about half a billion dollars, to an organised crime syndicate. The decision has called into question federal agencies handling of major drug traffickers increasing targeting of Australia. Authorities are now working to locate the cocaine. They are also trying to contain the fallout from a bungle that has further strained the relationship between state and federal law enforcement agencies after the Australian Federal Police left NSW Police in the dark about the operation. This masthead has spoken with multiple law enforcement sources who sought anonymity to confirm details of the investigation. French law enforcement agencies seized and destroyed 4.87 tonnes of cocaine found onboard the Raider during a military-led operation on January 16 before releasing its crew without charge. Soon after, as the Raider continued sailing towards Australia, the AFP received intelligence about suspected additional cocaine onboard. By then the AFP, which had been monitoring the Raider for several weeks, believed a local arm of the syndicate importing the cocaine had planned to meet the ship at sea to collect the delivery. The crew of the Raider, docked at Snails Bay, Birchgrove, allegedly offloaded a tonne of cocaine in Australian waters after being allowed to sail the coast unimpeded. Sitthixay Ditthavong But the AFP had not shared the intelligence about the suspected cargo with NSW Police and ABF officers who intercepted the Raider 180 nautical miles off the NSW coast on February 19, according to several sources familiar with the investigation. Aware that 11 crew members may try to claim asylum in Australia, and the logistical challenges of sequestering the Raider the ABF opted to turn the ship around, rather than seizing it, according to several law enforcement sources familiar with the decision-making process. No AFP officials were onboard the NSW Police boat Nemesis during the interception. Two ABF officers onboard the Nemesis provided the crew supplies, and redirected the Raider towards New Caledonia. Officers on the Nemesis  used in lieu of ABF vessels that had been deployed in Australias north to combat people-smuggling and which were therefore unavailable  were told the Raiders interception was related to immigration matters only, several sources familiar the operation said.

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Four days after it was redirected, though, the Raider changed course and headed back towards Australias east coast, according to satellite tracking of the ships route. On February 26, a week after it had been turned around, the Raider reached waters off Gladstone, a Queensland port city about 500 kilometres north of Brisbane that law enforcement sources familiar with organised crime syndicates methods say is used as a collection point for drugs being smuggled into Australia. The ABF, unable to intercept the Raider because of a lack of resources and personnel on the countrys east coast, allowed the ship to continue on its route. It is unclear when the AFP shared the intelligence about the suspected cargo with the ABF. Over the next week, the Raider sailed a course experienced investigators say is consistent with well-travelled drug trafficking routes, passing several locations on the NSW coast where smugglers have regularly offloaded cargo. Still, authorities did not intervene. Not until after the Raider was escorted into Sydney Harbour following a distress call to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority on March 12, three weeks after the ship had been redirected, did federal authorities become aware that the cocaine had been offloaded. During searches of the Raider and crew members phones, ABF officials allegedly found several key pieces of evidence indicating the cocaine had been successfully imported. Only when the Raider had been escorted into Sydney Harbour did federal authorities share the weeks-old intelligence about the ships cargo with NSW investigators. Privately, senior NSW Police officers have lambasted the agencies handling of the situation and the decision to withhold crucial information that could have prevented the alleged importation. The AFP and the ABFs handling of the operation, they said, signalled a weak approach to drug-trafficking on Australias east coast. Messages allegedly discovered on the phones of Raider crew members identified a hidden compartment under a cupboard where the additional tonne of cocaine not detected by French authorities had been stored. The newly uncovered evidence, the AFP and the ABF said in a joint statement lauding the arrests of six Raider crew members on Monday, was consistent with the allegation the ship had been carrying cocaine as it headed towards Australia. Starlink internet hardware was onboard the ship, allowing crew members to communicate with overseas contacts throughout their months-long voyage. The agencies said evidence found on the seized devices suggested at least one drop-off had been made in Australian waters, but they believe the cocaine was offloaded at several locations. None of the cocaine, estimated to have a street value between $300 million and $600 million depending on the supply levels of the drug in NSW, has been found. Last Saturday, AFP detectives charged six Raider crew members  five Honduran men aged 26 to 61, and a 43-year-old Ecuadorian man  with conspiring to import a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug. Charging the men with plotting to traffic the shipment, an offence that still carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, was considered the best-case scenario for empty-handed investigators, who cannot charge the crew members with importing the cocaine unless it is found. Several crew members have returned to Honduras. At least one crew member remains at Villawood Immigration Detention Centre in Sydneys west.

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Some of the crew told relatives they had responded to a Facebook advertisement and been contracted to deliver the Raider to a Queensland company that had purchased the ship, according to sources familiar with the communications but unwilling to be publicly identified. Crew members said they had not been paid since December 20, shortly after they claim to have been employed by recruiters hiring sailors on behalf of the ships owners, and days before satellites recorded the Raider travelling through the Panama Canal. The crew said no modifications had been made to the Raider and no cargo had been loaded onto it after they took possession, according to the sources. Police say the Raider was modified to house the $1.8 billion worth of cocaine onboard when the ship left Central America. French authorities seize 4.87 tonnes of cocaine found onboard the Raider near Tahiti in January. High Commission of the Republic in French Polynesia Little public information exists about the Raider, which was built in Houma, Louisiana, in 1991, and registered to the US and Honduran ports of New Orleans and La Ceiba since. But according to the ships limited available tracking data, the Raider made no manoeuvres and was never recorded leaving or entering a port until last November, when it sailed from Coxen Hole, near La Ceiba, to Panama under the flag of Togo, a west African nation regarded as having low oversight of the shipping industry. No class surveys, which are required to insure a ship, have ever been recorded for the Raider, and nor have any safety certificates. The ships lack of recorded activity indicates its sailing history might have been altered or that it might have gone intentionally undocumented to disguise criminal activity, according to shipping industry and law enforcement sources familiar with methods used by organised crime syndicates and international drug cartels. The Raiders crew, intending to deceive authorities about the vessels origin, had purchased an Australian flag during a stopover in Rarotonga in the Cook Islands in late January, said law enforcement sources seeking anonymity to discuss operational details. Organised crime syndicates are increasingly trafficking drugs through the Pacific, which has become the preferred route of international cartels capitalising on Australias appetite for cocaine. This year, French authorities operating in the Pacific have seized more than 11 tonnes of cocaine. Authorities believe the cocaine onboard the Raider was stored in a compartment hidden under a cupboard Australian Federal Police Authorities are working to trace the murky ownership history of the Raider, which, according to the limited available records of the ship, has been registered since last November to a Panama City-based technology company with a limited online footprint. The company could not be reached for comment. The ship, previously sailing under the Honduran flag, was sold in 2021 to an undisclosed buyer. Some records show the Raiders registration was updated after French authorities seized the cocaine in January and the ship was recorded as sailing under an unknown flag; other records indicate its owner may have tried to register the ship under the Bolivian flag and rename it.

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Police searching for group in Sydney's north-west after stolen ute set alight

Officers are searching for a group after they allegedly smashed the windows of a home in Oakville and set fire to a stolen ute around 2am.
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A fire that broke out at a home in the early hours of Good Friday has sparked a police investigation, with officers not ruling out that the blaze could have been deliberately lit.

Police were called to a home on Graham Road in Morayfield, north of Brisbane, shortly after 1am on Friday, to reports of a fire in the front yard.

A fire broke out at a Morayfield property early on Good Friday. Nine

Initial investigations also suggested there had been a disturbance involving multiple people at the address earlier in the evening.

Officers said the property sustained minor damage and several items in the front yard were damaged or destroyed.
US crew member rescued after being shot down over Iran

A crew member of an American fighter jet, shot down over Iran has this morning been rescued by US forces.
Dezi Freeman, who was shot dead by police on Monday, killed officers Neal Thompson and Vadim De Waart-Hottart while they were attempting to execute a warrant at a property near Porepunkah in August 2025.

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In the weeks before he shot dead two police officers and seriously injured another, Desmond Dezi Freemans family were increasingly concerned by his erratic behaviour and desperately tried to get him psychiatric help. It seemed an impossible task. The 56-year-olds spiralling descent into conspiracy theories and hatred of the police and authorities had been ingrained for years, and were only more entrenched following the governments hardline response to the coronavirus pandemic. Even at his fathers deathbed in 2018, Freeman was ranting and raving about the government and bracing for the end of the world. But four sources close to Freemans family told this masthead his wife, Amalia, known as Mali, and brother James Filby had finally convinced Freeman to book in for a mental health appointment after months of pleading with him. Freeman never made it to the appointment. Days after Mali confided her concerns to a neighbour and then to another friend while she was dropping their youngest son off at daycare, Dezi killed two police officers, who had arrived in a group of 10 officers with a warrant for his arrest at the remote rural alpine property where he was living on a bus with his wife and children. A close friend of the family, who spoke to this masthead on the condition of anonymity, said that in the weeks before the first fatal shooting with police in the small town of Porepunkah, Freeman had become increasingly fixated on his belief that some officers had a vendetta against him.

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He was getting worse with the rants, and he really believed there were some police that were out to get him, she said. Loading Others close to the Freeman and Filby families, who said they have been asked by close relatives not to speak to the media, confirmed matching details of events leading up to the August 26 murders of Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart. Related Article Porepunkah shooting New photos reveal details at hideout where Dezi Freeman was killed One family friend said that before the Porepunkah shootings, Dezi Freeman had confided the nature of historical child sexual abuse allegations he was accused of, which were the subject of his arrest warrant, to at least one close relative. He denied he had done anything wrong and vowed hed never go to jail. The friend said the relative had had ongoing discussions with Freeman about seeking professional mental health support to better cope with the allegations and appointments for him were being sought for the coming weeks. The police showed up two weeks too early, the family friend said. Who knows whether he would have actually gone [to mental health appointments], though.

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This masthead has made numerous attempts to contact James Filby, but he could not be reached this week. On Monday, the seven-month manhunt for his brother, Dezi Freeman, came to a dramatic and bloody end. The fugitive emerged from a Cosco shipping container, allegedly armed and wrapped in a blanket, and was shot dead by police following a tip-off and a three-hour stand-off with specialist officers. The steel shipping container, where Freeman had been living and sleeping for an unknown time, is more than 150 kilometres from where he had fled into the dense bush. The property owner, Richard Sutherland, has been in Tasmania for months and has not yet returned. Sutherland had no idea Freeman was there, according to Sutherlands brother. Next to the container, there was an upturned boat, dinner plates, an open box of beer, a gas stove and two camping chairs.

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Police believe Freeman was harboured by supporters, enabling him to survive harsh conditions for more than 200 days  from snow to severe storms and wild bushfires, which ravaged the rugged bushland of Victorias High Country. Related Article Exclusive

Porepunkah shooting Dezi Freemans final days and the clues that could lead police to his helpers Freemans intense disdain for police is well documented in online posts, video footage and court documents. Since his death on Monday, videos have resurfaced again as they are reshared online by his supporters, some of whom refuse to believe he is dead. In a tense altercation with police in one video, Freeman calls the officers predators as they try to fine him for not wearing a face mask during the pandemic. Freeman, who changed his surname from Filby, also appeared on the Mike Holt Show podcast to boast about how he had arrested a magistrate at the Wangaratta court in a civil case involving a land dispute, warning authorities had picked the wrong person to mess with. In the bizarre exchange with Holt in 2019, who is also a self-declared sovereign citizen, Freeman said: The government can come in and police can come in and raid your fridge and cook your dog. He has previously labelled officers frigging Nazis, Gestapo and terrorist thugs.

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On Friday, crowds of holidaymakers flooded Porepunkah and nearby Bright for the Easter weekend. Under sunny autumn skies, families cycled along paths next to the Buckland River and swam in pools in booked-out caravan parks as some locals expressed relief the manhunt had finally come to an end. Porepunkah has again been the centre of national attention after the death of Dezi Freeman. Ruby Alexander Other locals were fed up with the media which descended on the area again this week as news of Freemans death spread. Yet, among his supporters and friends there remained a quiet sympathy and grief for Freeman, and bubbling frustrations were felt by those who share his extremist ideologies. One self-described sovereign citizen and friend of Dezi Freeman said his friend had been persecuted for his views on the COVID-19 pandemic, which had split the community and isolated their group, with tragic consequences. He said last Augusts police shootings had eroded trust among Freemans friends, who had closed ranks and were not willing to talk.
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Mohammed Alastal has been waiting for someone to call, waiting for someone to care. Waiting for someone from the outside world to ask: what is life like now in Gaza? This tiny patch of earth that dominated global headlines for two years has largely faded from view, swept aside by the United States and Israels war against Iran and, to a lesser extent, Israels war against Hezbollah in Lebanon. We are living in a state of no war and no peace, Alastal, 32, says. The situation in Gaza is still extremely fragile. The doctor, who works in a hospital in the southern city of Khan Younis, described a sense of euphoria last January when Israel and Hamas stopped fighting. That ceasefire collapsed two months later when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began bombing Gaza again. The current ceasefire has lasted longer; it will reach six months on April 10. But today, there is no euphoria in Alastals voice, just exhaustion. The crisis has not stopped, it is still ongoing, he says. Heres what he wants the world to know. Yes, the large-scale bombing has ended, and the daily death toll has decreased. But Israel still conducts regular strikes on Hamas targets in the strip, often by drone. An estimated 713 Gazans have been killed, and almost 2000 have been injured, since the ceasefire began. Mourners carry the body of Ahmed Hamdan Tabasha, a Palestinian policeman killed in an Israeli military strike, during his funeral at Al-Awda Hospital in Nuseirat in southern Gaza last month. AP Alastal and his wife live in a tent, exposed to the heat, rain and wind. Later this month, they are due to have their first child. He estimates eight in 10 homes in his city have been turned into rubble. The Alastals home was destroyed in December 2023, and they have not been able to rebuild. Strict Israeli restrictions on the amount of concrete and other construction materials  which are classed as dual-use military technologies  that can enter Gaza mean few homes have been rebuilt since the ceasefire. As for food, some products like chocolate and Coca-Cola now enter Gaza, but it is still extremely difficult, if not impossible, to buy fresh meat, fish and vegetables. Prices have surged since the war in Iran began. It now costs $20 to buy a kilo of meat, Alastal says, in a strip where 80 per cent of people are unemployed.

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The most dire crisis is water and sanitation, he says. Most people are relying on groundwater, and its contaminated, not safe for drinking, he says. There are rising cases of aerial illness, infection and disease like hepatitis A. At our hospital, we are seeing people with acute kidney injury and dehydration. The United Nationss main aid agency in Gaza, UNRWA, reported last week that rodent infestations had become a growing concern across Gaza. Displaced Palestinians walk through a rain-soaked tent camp following heavy rainfall at the end of March. AP In what is already one of the most densely populated places in the world, most of Gazas 2 million residents are now crammed into an area comprising less than half the strip. Some major cities like Rafah  once home to almost 200,000 people  no longer exist. Life here is living in a tent filled with insects, mosquitoes, flies, says Asmhan Abdalraheem, 25. You wake up in the morning bitten by insects; rodents attack children and the elderly. The accounting graduate and her family fled their home in Beit Lahia, in northern Gaza, when the war began and they now live in a refugee camp in Deir al-Balah, in central Gaza. Summer is approaching, which will make things even worse. Like many desperate people in Gaza, she has opened a crowdfunding site to try to attract donations. No matter how much I explain, I wont be able to paint a picture of the suffering here, she says. How can we forget what is happening in Gaza? As well as improving Gazans daily lives, the ceasefire was supposed to mark a new political dawn for the strip. There was plenty of cynicism about US President Donald Trumps 20-point peace plan when he announced it last October, but there was also cautious optimism. Regardless of ones opinions, it was the only realistic plan on the table. Both Israel and Hamas, the militant group that has governed Gaza for 20 years and which launched the October 7, 2023 attacks, signed on. Under the plan, Hamas was supposed to hand over control of the strip to a committee of Palestinian technocrats overseen by Trumps Board of Peace. An international stabilisation force would take control of security, and Hamas would hand over its weapons. Israel, in return, would withdraw from almost all of Gaza, except for a narrow security buffer around its border.

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Mkhaimar Abusada, an associate professor of political science at Gazas Al-Azhar University, says: There was a lot of enthusiasm, a lot of encouragement, among Palestinians two months ago when the Trump administration launched the Board of Peace in Davos. There was a lot of hope we were about to turn a new page. Trump used the launch to announce the US would contribute $US10 billion to the reconstruction of Gaza. Other countries committed a total of $US7 billion. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto pledged to contribute 8000 troops for an international force that would also include Muslim-majority nations Morocco, Kazakhstan, Kosovo and Albania. Asmhan Abdalraheem, pictured wearing black, fled her home and lives in a tent. On February 20, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, the technocratic body intended to manage daily life in the strip, posted advertisements for a new Gaza police force. Thousands of people applied in just a few hours. There were hurdles to overcome, to be sure, but also real signs of progress. A few days later, the US and Israel launched a blizzard of strikes on Iran, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran responded by attacking nearby Gulf states and effectively closing the Strait of Hormuz, crippling the global oil trade. After the eruption of the war with Iran, Gaza has been put on the backburner, says Abusada, who fled the strip when the war broke out in 2023 and is now based in Cairo. Its not a top priority for the US. Its not a top priority for the international community. The war in Iran has fractured goodwill and sent nations looking inward as they scramble to secure their energy supplies and, in the case of influential Gulf states like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, to protect themselves from Iranian attacks. Angered by Trumps decision to go to war with Iran, Prabowo has announced Indonesia was suspending participation in the Board of Peace and has flagged he could quit the body. The second stage of the ceasefire  in which Hamas and Israel are supposed to relinquish power to the new technocratic committee  is stuck in limbo. Jaser AbuMousa, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, a Washington DC think tank, says the Gazan people are collateral victims of the war in Iran, even though they are not directly involved in the conflict. AbuMousa knows that personally. He fled Gaza in 2023 after an Israeli bomb destroyed his home. His wife and two sons died in the December 2023 airstrike. Last year, his mother and his sister were killed in an attack. Gaza is being marginalised and pushed away from the scene, says AbuMousa. This is the perfect situation for both Hamas and Israel. US President Donald Trump holds up a signed charter for the Board of Peace in January. AP

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With the worlds attention focused elsewhere, Israel has been quietly expanding the territory it controls in Gaza, known as the area beyond the yellow line. Under Trumps peace plan, Israel is supposed to withdraw to 40 per cent, and then 15 per cent of the territory. Instead, it now controls up to 58 per cent of Gaza, according to Foreign Policy, and it is showing no desire to step back. The yellow line is a new border line, serving as a forward defensive line for our communities and a line of operational activity, the head of the Israeli military, Eyal Zamir, told troops at the end of last year. Related Article Updated

Israeli-Palestinian conflict Discriminatory by design: Israel passes law to hang Palestinians convicted of deadly attacks As for Hamas, it is a shadow of its former self in military terms and its key patron, the regime in Iran, is battling for survival. But the group remains in control of the territory where most Gazans live. Meanwhile, the new technocratic committee is based in Cairo and it does not have any physical presence in Gaza. AbuMousa says Hamas is taking the opportunity to re-establish themselves on the ground. Their police force is collecting taxes, they are controlling the traffic to show they are in charge. Igal Shiri, an analyst with the Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Centre, an Israeli think tank, wrote in March that Hamas is exploiting the war with Iran to tighten its security control using violence and force against those who are critical, labelled collaborators or members of militias receiving Israeli support. He says as long as Israel and the United States focus their attention on the wars in Iran and Lebanon against Hezbollah, Hamas will continue to entrench its dominance in the Gaza Strip. Still, the efforts to turn Trumps peace plan into reality continue. Last week, the high representative for Gaza on the Trumps Board of Peace, former Bulgarian defence minister Nickolay Mladenov, addressed the United Nations Security Council to lay out a plan for Hamas to disarm, starting with the most dangerous weapons, rockets, heavy munitions, explosive devices and assault rifles. The laying down of arms by militant actors would represent a decisive break from cycles of violence that have defined life in Gaza for decades, he said. The world faces a choice, he said, between a renewed war, or a new beginning. Hamas has not officially responded to the disarmament proposal, but it is expected to reject it and propose new conditions, prolonging the stand-off.

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On Friday night, the adversary launched a combined strike on Ukraines critical infrastructure using attack UAVs, as well as air- and ground-based missiles, employing 37 missiles and 542 drones of various types; 11 missiles and 27 attack UAVs hit targets, the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has said.

"In total, the Air Force radio-technical troops detected 579 air attack weapons: 10 Iskander-M ballistic missiles (launch areas  Kursk, Rostov regions, Russia); 25 Kh-101 cruise missiles (launch area  airspace of Samara region, Russia); 2 Iskander-K cruise missiles (launch area  Rostov region, Russia); 542 attack UAVs of the Shahed, Gerbera, Italmas types and drones of other types from the directions of Bryansk, Kursk, Orel, Shatalovo, Millerovo, Primorsko-Akhtarsk (Russia), Hvardiiske, Chauda, TOT AR Crimea, more than 330 of which were Shahed UAVs," the AFU Air Force reported on its Telegram channel.
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PoliticsFederalPolitical leadership Opinion Australia is vulnerable. Thats not in doubt. Can our leaders keep us secure? Were about to find out Peter Hartcher Political and international editor April 4, 2026  5:00am

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Security is like oxygen, observed a guru of foreign affairs, the late Joseph Nye: You tend not to notice it until you begin to lose it, but once that occurs, there is nothing else that you will think about. Australia now is getting a foretaste of that phenomenon. The complacency of governments Liberal and Labor has made Australia vulnerable. A few weeks of war in a faraway place and suddenly Australian food supply is in doubt. Not because we lack food; Australia produces enough to feed itself plus Greece, Hong Kong, Israel, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates combined, on a calorific basis, as an illustration. Illustration by Joe Benke Supplied Our food supply is in doubt because we cant be sure of the fuel to grow it and deliver it. Australian nonchalance is so entrenched that even the hard lessons of the past few years have not been hard enough. In six years, weve suffered three major trade and supply chain interruptions  the COVID cut-off, Chinese government trade coercion and irrational US tariff attacks  and learnt nothing. Rory Medcalf of the Australian National Universitys National Security College calls it preparedness amnesia.

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National security is not merely a defence force and a spy service. Its a nation that makes itself secure. There is no national security without energy security, food security, economic resilience and preparedness for everything from terrorism to pandemic and cyberwar. Peoples definition of successful national security? The continuity of normal life, says Medcalf. Australia sailed gormlessly into todays global crisis with fewer days fuel supply than any of the 32 member countries of the International Energy Agency. Australian oil stocks at the end of last year were enough for 49 days, according to IEA statistics. Second least prepared was New Zealand with 88. More realistic island nations reserves range from Britains 124 days to Japans 208. Japans last ambassador to Australia, Shingo Yamagami, is a fan of our country but he nominates Australian complacency as our single greatest weakness. In Australia, he told me this week, you have to get out of the inertia of the lucky country. A crude oil tanker moored in Sydney in March. Sam Mooy The governments explanation for feeble fuel stocks? It would cost about $20 billion to increase liquid fuel reserves from one months supply to three months, the level required by the IEA.

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This is pathetic. If Australians have to stay home and go hungry, will the government really tell us to be thankful for the $20 billion weve saved from a federal budget of $800 billion, even if it inflicts major damage to our $2 trillion economic output? This is the definition of penny wise, pound foolish. If the government is culpable, the opposition is worse. When Liberal leader Angus Taylor was energy minister, he put Australias fuel reserves in the US. The Coalition allowed four of the countrys six petrol refineries to close down, as the Albanese government likes to remind us. Australias political leaders will be surprised to learn that the people are keenly conscious of the countrys precariousness. Indeed, they were expecting just the sort of crisis we face today. Remarkable survey work by Medcalfs National Security College, sampling 20,000 Australians in every corner of the country over two years, found that the population has been anticipating precisely the kind of convergence of crises that we are seeing now, as he puts it. The public anticipated this threat as well as any intelligence agency could. The people observed the rising level of lawless warfare and unpredictability in the world and they worried accordingly. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Angus Taylor can isolate One Nation by solving problems. Alex Ellinghausen

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Over the 15 months to February, the percentage of Australians who reported being anxious about national security rose from 42 to 64. And since February, I think its safe to assume its risen further, says Medcalf. On specifics. In July last year, 87 per cent of respondents said a critical supply disruption was likely or certain in the next five years. At the same time, 85 per cent expected a severe economic crisis in the same time span. And 65 per cent anticipated that Australia would be involved in a military conflict. The population anticipated multiple, concurrent, cascading crises, not just one, Medcalf tells me. People showed a sophisticated understanding of the nexus between economics and security. And most of the population thinks we are underprepared for these shocks. They got that right, too. We are looking at [US President Donald] Trumps war of choice, plus economic shock, and involvement in a military conflict, for example a Chinese attack on Taiwan. Unfortunately, the government needs to be thinking about all these things at once. The survey work, which included eight focus groups, about 100 submissions from the community and 500 conversations, also turned up an appetite for governments to talk to the public openly about security and preparedness.

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I think we have discovered, says Medcalf, a positive foundation for a public conversation about preparedness that the government hasnt yet been prepared to harness at the political level. Andrew Hastie says it doesnt require invasion for Australia to be broken. Alex Ellinghausen In a perverse way, todays global crises are useful for Australia. For two reasons. First, the new era of brutal lawlessness is manifesting far from our shores. To date, Russias war on Ukraine, Trumps assault on Iran and Israels occupation of Lebanon are shocking evidence that war is real, present and unsparing. And that there is no rules-based order to protect us or anyone else. We have been warned. The Lowy Institutes head, Michael Fullilove, says Australia should draw two immediate conclusions. First is that we should resist the urge to act on our revulsion at Trump by rejecting or reducing the US alliance. Donald Trump is unappealing, he says. Luckily, we dont have an alliance with Trump. We have an alliance with the US. Given that we are a country of fewer than 30 million people occupying a whole continent, far from our sources of prosperity and security, there is no alternative to the US alliance that wouldnt be prohibitively expensive and highly risky. As we enter the fifth year of Russias brutal and unlawful invasion of Ukraine, the advantage of being an ally of the most powerful country in the world is clear.

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For all its difficulties, the alliance is an asset for Australia. It would be reckless to discard an asset in such an era. The Australian public has no trouble in distinguishing between Trump and the country he currently leads. Only 36 per cent trust the US, yet 80 per cent say the alliance is important to our security, according to Lowy Institute polling. Related Article Opinion

Political leadership As Trump fluffs his lines, Albanese gets his story straight  at last James Massola Chief political commentator The history of Australias engagement with the world says that withdrawing from the alliance is implausible, says Fullilove. Public opinion tells us it is unwanted. The strategic realities of Asia indicate it is ill-advised. Fulliloves second conclusion  Australia needs to do much more for itself. He cites a former head of Britains MI6 spy agency, Alex Younger, remarking that the US alliance infantalised Britain. Applying this to Australia, too, Fullilove says that its time to put away childish things and move urgently to build Australian capability. I would like to see the same sense of urgency in building our defence forces as we see in Europe.

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The second perverse reason that the multilayered global crises are useful for Australia? The moment presents our political parties with an opportunity to redeem themselves. The Labor and Liberal parties, which pride themselves on being parties of government, can act the part. If they confront crisis constructively, they can recover purpose. They can marginalise One Nation by solving problems. One Nation is a protest party, useless in a serious crisis of national proportions. But Albaneses careful incrementalism and the Liberals self-involved aimlessness are out of place in an urgent crisis. Related Article Opinion

National security Australians know were under threat  and underprepared Rory Medcalf Head of the National Security College Albanese brings to the table some crucial elements for addressing the problems of the time. For instance, his Future Made in Australia program can build national sovereignty and self-reliance, provided it can accelerate out of its current desultory pace. And he gave glimpses of a new resilience agenda in his speech to the National Press Club on Thursday, including an intention to build up fuel reserves. But his government has much work to do. Taylor, so far, has nothing to offer beyond an obsolete neoliberalism where everything is structured for maximum efficiency in a clockwork world. If he remains empty-handed in the new era of great-power aggression, his party will turn to Andrew Hastie, who has spent years speaking and writing about a resilience agenda.

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The veteran of the Afghanistan war draws his preoccupation from his experience. Its seeing what war can do to your country, he tells me. What would it be like to have foreign commandos kicking in our doors at night the way we were kicking in the doors of Pashtun families? It doesnt require invasion for Australia to be broken, he says. We can be completely subjugated through naval and economic means, with no agency for our country. Im pushing for industrialisation to give us agency and freedom of action. By this, Hastie means Australia must have the capacity to manufacture its own defence, energy and transport requirements. The oxygen flow is at risk. The people are ready to talk about it. We are about to learn which politician can lead for our times. Peter Hartcher is political and international editor. Get a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up for our Opinion newsletter.
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Over coffee at Blue Sky Espresso Bar in the Hunter Valley city of Cessnock, Christine Stephens offers a straightforward answer when asked why so many people like her are itching to sink the boot into the major parties and turn to Pauline Hanson. Australians are funny people, Stephens says. You can take the piss and take the piss and take the piss for a while, and then all of a sudden our eyes are wide open and we will not allow them to take the piss any more. And thats where we are at the moment. Weve all had a gutful. Seven other One Nation backers who have also gathered around a table to talk to this masthead nod in agreement. Whereas voters like this group would once cautiously share their political views in hushed tones, they are now more than willing to tell friends, family and anyone who can overhear our conversation in the cafe that they are getting behind Hanson. One Nation supporters Christine Stephens, Kyle Boddan, Paul Moodie, Nellie Perrett, Raelene (surname withheld), Rhonda Wicks and Eric Olsen in Cessnock. Dean Sewell In regional centres like Cessnock and the outer suburbs of Sydney, an extraordinary political shift is under way as One Nation surfs a wave of disillusion and resentment, basks in the glow of a strong outing at the South Australian election, and signs up a stack of new members in NSW. Momentum counts for a lot in politics and, right now, One Nation sure has it. The partys growing foothold in the Hunter Valley is being watched closely by major party operatives who were stunned by its orange wave in this months South Australian election, and now fear a potential tsunami at the NSW state poll next March. After some premature celebrations by the left that One Nation had not picked up any lower house seats in South Australia, it has now won four seats following further counting. In the states upper house, One Nation took a quarter of the total vote and is on course to snare three seats.

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Most political operatives this masthead spoke to over recent days believe the party can do even better in NSW. The most recent Resolve Political Monitor shows One Nation sitting on a 23 per cent share of the primary vote in Australias most populous state compared with 29 per cent for Labor, and 25 per cent for the Liberals and Nationals who are down a massive 10 points on the Coalitions 2023 result. If current polling is to be believed, some 1 million extra people in NSW are now ready to shift their vote to Hansons team. One Nation leader Pauline Hanson and new recruit Barnaby Joyce. Alex Ellinghausen One Nation is seizing on a complex array of issues  particularly the cost of living, the decline of Australias industrial base, energy insecurity amid Donald Trumps war in Iran, and a post-Bondi terror attack gun buyback scheme that has gone down like a lead balloon in regional NSW. But it is also tapping into something deeper: a sense that the political system is not working, and the major parties have failed to grasp that this shift has occurred, let alone how to fix it. The frustration and disillusionment is driving an extraordinary and little-recognised transformation of the partys support base. In a recent national YouGov survey, One Nation had the strongest support of any party in the following crucial categories: men, the working class, Millennials, Generation X, outer metropolitan voters, rural voters, the working class, parents with children under 18, mortgage holders, and renters.

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The most remarkable thing about what constitutes a One Nation voter these days is how homogenous the support base actually is, notes Jim Reed, this mastheads Resolve Strategic pollster. Political strategists nominate the regional Coalition seats of Upper Hunter, Tamworth, Dubbo, Bathurst, Oxley, Goulburn, Coffs Harbour and Clarence as ripe for One Nation wins. The Liberal primary vote in Sydney seats like Badgerys Creek and Hawkesbury is likely to take a big hit from One Nation splitting the conservative vote, and may even lead to Labor picking up more metro seats. Labor seats like Cessnock, Camden and Penrith are also vulnerable to a One Nation surge, but RedBridge pollster Kos Samaras believes Labors brand in the state is so far strong enough to withstand the challenge. The Hunter Valley has a history of backing One Nation candidates, and is at the front line of contentious debates over energy and industry policy, patchy infrastructure investment, and skyrocketing living costs. The party has also spent many years building the profile of Stuart Bonds, a mining mechanic who will likely run for an upper house seat at the state election. Stuart Bonds may run for the NSW Legislative Council at the 2027 state election. James Brickwood Bonds says he expects the party to pick up at least four seats in the upper house  which could potentially give them a huge say over whether government policy passes the parliament  and plans to run a candidate in every electorate. For every seat One Nation polled well in at the South Australian election, there are five similar seats in NSW, he believes. Bonds became popular in the Hunter for his support of mining workers, but he faced calls from Labor for his sacking after making comments on social media suggesting two Muslim men spotted at a mine were trespassing and looking for explosives. Police determined there was no trespassing; Bonds insists he was simply looking out for his community.

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He says his party is speaking to voters feeling hopeless and angry towards the major players  including Labor. They feel like the Labor Party has abandoned them, they dont speak for the workers any more  the Labor voter who comes over to us now are your tradesmen, the people who would typically be union members, he said. If they are walking up in a tradies outfit or getting out of a ute, theyre voting for One Nation. History also offers some hints about where One Nation may land in 2027: in the 1999 state election, the party performed very well in parts of NSW, producing what was, at that point, its second-highest vote outside a thumping success in Queensland in 1998. After consulting his records, ABC elections guru Antony Green says One Nation secured more than 15 per cent of the vote in five seats  one being Cessnock  in 1999, and between 10 and 15 per cent in 18 other seats, many in the regions. The Nationals will be under massive threat, Green says of next years state poll. He also describes the South Australia result as an earthquake for Coalition politics. Loading One Nations next electoral test will be in the sprawling NSW federal electorate of Farrer, which will go to a byelection on May 9 triggered by the resignation of Sussan Ley. Paul Moodie, one of the partys supporters gathered at the Cessnock cafe, will soon travel south to help in the crucial ballot. A One Nation win will shake Labor and the Liberals to the core, he says. And it will be a great base for us to launch our state election campaign. NSW Labor has begun war gaming what One Nations rise means for its own seats in March, using the South Australia result to also drum up fundraising.

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In the NSW Coalition the threat of One Nation is anything from a hypothetical to an existential threat, depending on who you ask. Upper Hunter Nationals MP Dave Layzell wont be radically changing his strategy heading into the next election, but he says hes going to spend time listening to those in his electorate who are angry with the major parties. At a modest hall in Penrith, Lisa Perry Wildman is delivering a potent speech that encapsulates some of the big themes One Nation is so successfully tapping into. Speaking to a crowd of 100 or so supporters last week, Wildman outlines a list of challenges facing voters in western Sydney. This is not just one problem, she says of rising household costs. This pressure is coming from every direction. Your mortgage is up. Your rent is up. Your groceries are up. Your fuel is up. But your wages? They didnt rise with it. Wildman is careful not to mention immigration or migrants but speaks broadly about infrastructure pressures and how Australians must come first. Crucially, she says, Australians feel like the system is working against them, not for them. And that when they speak up about what theyre living through, they are too often dismissed, labelled or ignored. Lisa Perry Wildman, who is mulling a run for One Nation, in Penrith this week. Wolter Peeters
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PropertyNewsVictoria residential property Four overlooked Victorian tree-change towns that wont break the bank Shona Hendley April 4, 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

Housing affordability is slipping further out of reach as mortgage rates and the cost of living rise. By December, Melbournes median house price had risen to $1,111,084. But for those prepared to seize opportunities in regional Victoria, here are some overlooked value-for-money housing markets within a couple of hours of Melbourne. Ararat is west of Melbourne. Getty Images Ararat About 200 kilometres west of Melbourne, Ararat is the gateway to the Grampians and Pyrenees wine regions. The median house price is $417,500 for the Ararat local government area, on Domain data.

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Bradley Jensen, director of Nutrien Harcourts Ararat, says the biggest drawcard of living in Ararat is the lifestyle. Related Article Auctions Clever architect-designed reno banks Richmond sellers $4.2m payday Its a very easy and affordable lifestyle compared to some of the big cities, he said. Its also easy to get around  weve got very good public transport and the V/Line train to and from Melbourne. Additionally, quality healthcare attracts many retirees.

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We do get a lot of retirees moving up this way, and the first question they ask is, Whats the hospital like? Jensen said. They can sell their house in the city or other areas of Victoria and buy something in Ararat for much cheaper, so affordability is important too. Homes start from about $280,000 on the lower end, typically ex-commission homes, while mid-range sits at about $400,000, which Jensen said was attracting a lot of investors. He said $950,000 would get you an amazing house. Jensen cited the five-bedroom property at 123 Picnic Road, set on about 4000 square metres with a self-contained studio, which recently sold for $970,000.

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Benalla Benalla, a small town in Victorias High Country, sits by the Broken River, about 2 hours drive from Melbourne. Benalla LGA has a median house price of $503,500. Benalla offers the convenience of a regional hub. Visit Victoria Shenlyn Green, from Living Here Benalla, said the town offered a balanced lifestyle with the conveniences of a regional hub, attracting tree-changers. They are selling their properties in the city and are able to purchase a property in the country, and getting better value for their money, she said.

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The price range for an entry-level home, typically older-style homes offering two to three bedrooms on established blocks, is $300,000 to $400,000. Related Article Auctions Its a small part of the world: Williamstown home sells for $1.17m These properties may require renovation and are well suited to investors or first-home buyers entering the market, Green said. Mid-range, well-presented, updated three-to-four bedroom homes on larger blocks with outdoor entertaining areas are about $450,000 to $650,000. At the higher end, a modern or near-new home in a desirable pocket featuring four-plus bedrooms, multiple living zones, and premium finishes on a larger block would cost about $700,000 to $900,000-plus, said Green.

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Shepparton On the Goulburn River in northern Victoria, Shepparton is an agricultural and manufacturing hub known for its quality food, wine and Mediterranean weather. 24 Maude Street, Shepparton VIC 3630 Stockdale & Leggo Shepparton Just under 200 kilometres north of Melbourne, the city of Greater Shepparton has relatively affordable housing, at a median price of $535,000, albeit buyers are likely to keep in mind the pockets of flood risk seen in the area in recent years. Rocky Gagliardi, director of Gagliardi Scott Real Estate in Shepparton, said the country feel, weather and location close to other major tourist townships such as Echuca, Yarrawonga, Cobram/Barooga, Strathbogie and Nagambie drew buyers to the area.

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We have natural rivers and lifestyle features that allow you to enjoy the wonderful climate that the city does not experience, Gagliardi said. Related Article Residential property A place I could be me: Meet the Aussies with dedicated hobby rooms Employment is always easier to achieve with so much diversity in choice from unskilled labour with high wages, where you can work the farm or a factory like SPC or Campbells soups, to executive roles, he added. Gagliardi said that the main buyers Shepparton attracted were families and first home buyers. We have large lifestyle blocks to small blocks that are still larger than the inner-city property, he said.

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First home buyers can actually live and enjoy the lifestyle without paying huge house prices and mortgages. Gagliardi said buyers would probably pay about $200,000 to $300,000 for a home on the lower end  ex-ministry located on former ministry areas  while a mid-range property would set you back about $700,000 to $800,000. A four-bedroom house with a pool at 24 Harrier Street sold for $697,000 in October 2025. Hepburn LGA

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Hepburn Shire Council, which includes the towns of Daylesford, Creswick and Hepburn, is in central Victoria and has natural springs, spa resorts and the Wombat State Forest. The median house price in the LGA is $735,000, up 25.6 per cent from December 2020. The Hepburn shire has natural springs. Visit Victoria Tom Shaw, director of Biggin Scott Daylesford, says buyers have shifted from the pandemic, when Melbourne commuters were active, to more of a hybrid lifestyle buyer. [Buyers are] people working from home most of the week and heading into the city occasionally, he said.

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Buyers are typically a mix of tree-changers, downsizers and investors looking at short-stay accommodation. Related Article Property prices Suburbs where property owners are selling at a loss The biggest drawcards of Hepburn are lifestyle and amenity. Daylesford and Hepburn Springs have a strong reputation for wellness, food and natural beauty, Shaw said. Shaw said that for an entry-level home, buyers would usually spend about $550,000 to $700,000 for a two-to-three-bedroom property that might be older, smaller or in need of work.

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Family homes with a price guide of $750,000 to $1.1 million were considered mid-range, with three to four bedrooms and some level of renovation, he said. Higher-end homes can cost from $1.2 million to $2 million-plus. These are high-quality homes, often architecturally designed or fully renovated, sometimes with views, larger land holdings, or strong short-stay appeal, Shaw said.

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WorldEuropeScandal Italian PMs cabinet rocked by affair scandal Nick Squires April 3, 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

Rome: A former model has revealed she is having an affair with Italys interior minister, causing a new crisis for Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni just a week after she lost a major referendum. Claudia Conte claimed in a radio interview that she was having an affair with Matteo Piantedosi, a 62-year-old minister who is married with two grown-up children. Claudia Conte claimed in a radio interview that she was having an affair with the interior minister. Instagram It has emerged that Conte, 34, now a journalist, was given an unpaid position on a parliamentary commission of inquiry that centres around policing and security issues in the urban fringes of Italys cities. Meloni is under growing pressure as she deals with the fallout from the referendum result and allegations that one of her ministers, who resigned last week, had links to the mafia.

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Conte, who has more than 300,000 followers on Instagram, was asked by a podcaster about rumours that she was in a romantic relationship with the minister. She replied: Its something that I cannot deny. Giorgia Meloni is under increasing political pressure after revelations emerged that Matteo Piantedosi was having an extramarital affair. Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images Neither Piantedosi nor Meloni have commented publicly on the claim. Conte has held various public roles and consultancies, including artistic director of an Italian film festival, while her Instagram account shows her mixing with ministers, politicians and Pope Leo.

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A spokesman for the interior minister said there would be no comment on Contes claim that she was having an affair with him, and that the minister was at work as usual on Thursday. The minister had never granted favours or jobs or appointments to anyone, the spokesman said. Claudia Contes social media profiles have highlighted her meetings with various high-profile figures in Italy, including Pope Leo. Getty Images Giovanni Donzelli, a senior figure within the ruling Brothers of Italy party who is close to the prime minister, said: It seems to me that Piantedosi has nothing to hide and in any case he is doing very well as a minister. Everyone is entitled to a private life and to do what they want. Right now, there are more serious problems to deal with.

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Opposition parties are demanding that the minister respond to the accusations. Related Article Catholic church Meloni-esque angels face plastered over after outcry Elly Schlein, who leads the Democratic Party, said Melonis coalition had been hit by the umpteenth scandal and demanded that the minister shed light on any roles that Conte might have received under the patronage of Piantedosi. Green-Left Alliance MP Luana Zanella said the revelations were very opaque. The minister must explain. However, senior figures in the government pledged support to the minister, saying that if he was having an affair, it was his private business.

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Brothers of Italy MP Sara Kelany said Piantedosi was one of the governments best ministers. Hes exceptional, she said. Apart from the fact that this is a private matter, I dont see any problems. That is what has emerged from the information that is publicly available at least. Gennaro Sangiuliano was the first minister to resign from Giorgia Melonis right-wing government since she came to power in 2022. AP Meloni has already lost culture minister Gennaro Sangiuliano because of an affair. The 63-year-old was forced to resign in September 2024 after it was revealed that he had been in a secret romantic relationship with a young influencer named Maria Rosaria Boccia. He made a tearful confession on primetime television, apologising to the prime minister for causing her embarrassment, and to his wife for his betrayal.

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Sangiuliano was the first minister to resign from Melonis right-wing government since she came to power in 2022. Related Article Italy Mystery as mayors wife and daughter poisoned with ricin Last week, the prime minister lost a referendum on a plan to overhaul the judicial system, puncturing her aura of invincibility just as she gears up for a general election that is likely to be held next year. It was followed by the loss of three senior government figures, including deputy justice minister Andrea Delmastro, who was revealed to have held shares in a restaurant allegedly linked to the mafia. Another loss was tourism minister Daniela Santanche, who is involved in legal proceedings over allegations of fraud and false accounting relating to her business activities.

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Following the scandals, Meloni is attempting a reset and will address parliament next week to announce her governments policies for the coming months. She also wants to forge ahead with a reform of Italys electoral system, which would offer a guaranteed majority for any coalition winning more than 40 per cent of the vote. The government said the reform would ensure greater stability and prevent the kind of fragile coalitions and hung parliaments that have dogged Italy in the past. Critics say the reform will unfairly benefit Melonis coalition and enable it to cling to power at the next election. 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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The war with Iran is almost certainly going to define Donald Trumps legacy as US president.

If the US is close to ending its war on Iran, why is it amassing an even larger armada in the Middle East?

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It has been dubbed the Pottery Barn rule: you break it, you own it. Thats what then-US secretary of state Colin Powell warned his president, George W. Bush, ahead of the 2003 invasion of Iraq. It has become an aphorism of American foreign policy regarding the Middle East. Donald Trumps approach, as many analysts have noted over the past fortnight, has a different flavour: we broke it, you fix it. As he eyes a potential exit from the war in Iran, he is cajoling US allies into resolving the unfinished business  chiefly, reopening the critical Strait of Hormuz. Thats not for us, he said this week. Thatll be for France, thatll be for whoevers using the strait  theres no reason for us to do it. But that is not the only outstanding item. The Iranian regime retains 440 kilograms of highly enriched uranium, believed to be buried underground, that could be the starting point for a reborn nuclear program. Moreover, the regime itself survives  albeit wounded  and with a new appreciation for the havoc it can wreak in the strait. At the same time as Trump promises to leave Iran very soon, and publicly espouses a timeline of two to three weeks, he is amassing an even larger armada in the Middle East, ready to attack. Amphibious assault ship, the USS Tripoli, arrived in the area last Friday carrying 2200 Marines and another amphibious assault ship, the USS Boxer, is also on the way. The build-up hints at a possible ground operation, with most experts suggesting three options: a bid to find the uranium, an invasion of Kharg Island  Irans major oil terminal in the Persian Gulf  and/or seizing Qeshm, the large island in the Strait of Hormuz from which Iranian forces can fire at passing ships. Trump promised the military operation in Iran would be swift, but he has never ruled out putting troops on the ground  even though that would trigger alarm for many members of his America First base who remain deeply sceptical about foreign entanglements, especially in the Middle East.

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A product of the 1970s, Trump has long had a geopolitical obsession with Iran and its oil stocks. Why couldnt we go in and take over some of their oil? he asked in a 1987 television interview. The following year, he told The Guardian he would do a number on Kharg Island the next time an Iranian bullet hit a US ship. Id go in and take it, he said at the time. And this week he has repeated similar refrains. To be honest with you, my favourite thing is to take the oil in Iran, he told The Financial Times. But some stupid people back in the US say: Why are you doing that? But theyre stupid people. Now, on the cusp of his 80th birthday, he can try to realise this lifelong goal. An invasion of Irans critical oil hub at Kharg Island could be big circuit breaker in the ongoing conflict. AP, Bloomberg James Acton, co-director of the nuclear policy program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, says any such mission would be a bad idea. Even a ground incursion to seize the highly enriched uranium  most of which is believed to be stored underground at a facility near Isfahan in central Iran  would be incredibly risky. The tunnels where it is buried are very deep, Acton says. The Iranians deliberately covered over the entrances to those tunnels, largely to protect them from bombing. What you can try to do with bombing is collapse the entrances. But that also makes a special operations raid to try to extract the uranium really difficult. You have to come in with large number of troops, establish a perimeter, build an airstrip, fly in excavation equipment, start digging out those tunnels  which may very well be booby-trapped  and the Iranians are attacking you the whole time while youre doing it. On the other hand, Acton says, it is an operation with a clear and specific goal  get the uranium, get out. The same cant be said for an operation to try to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

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The waterway separating Iran from the Gulf states is more than 160 kilometres long, and about 40 kilometres wide at its narrowest point. About a fifth of the worlds oil supply ordinarily passes through it  particularly to Asia  along with other cargo. The regime in Tehran is maximising its leverage by exercising control over the strait, threatening permanent tolls and firing missiles at tankers around the Gulf. On Wednesday, one such projectile hit the Aqua 1 while it anchored in Qatari waters. Acton says: The problem with the Strait of Hormuz operation is you end up having to deploy troops across a very, very wide area of Iran. Very large numbers of troops are needed, and they have to stay there indefinitely. If you do the operation, and you manage to reopen the strait  which is not guaranteed  what do you do then? Youre basically in a position of having to occupy a large chunk of Iran indefinitely because as soon as you leave, they just close the strait again. So I think both of those options are very unattractive. Acton and others noted that Trumps live address to the nation on Wednesday night (Washington time), while appealing for the American people to give him two to three more weeks to finish the job, implied that ground operations were not really on the table. Trump said the US had Irans nuclear dust  the enriched uranium  under intense satellite surveillance. If we see them make a move, even a move for it, well hit them with missiles very hard again, he said. We have all the cards, and they have none.

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When instructing allies to simply grab the oil from the Strait of Hormuz, Trump said the US had already done the hard part. When this conflict is over, the strait will open up naturally, he insisted. Acton said his low-confidence assessment of Trumps remarks was that a ground operation was not imminent  although the president could be deliberately misleading Iran to gain the element of surprise. Loading Can Kasapoglu, a senior fellow and military analyst at the Hudson Institute, a conservative Washington think tank, has studied US military options in Kharg Island and the Strait of Hormuz. He agrees any such mission would be risky, but potentially strategically profitable. About 90 per cent of the regimes oil exports pass through Kharg, and seizing it would generate significant coercive leverage against Tehran. The island would probably have to be taken by air assault from regional bases, Kasapoglu wrote for the Hudson Institute. Meanwhile, Qeshm anchors Irans ability to menace maritime traffic in the strait using missiles, drones and mines. Seizing it would probably be more difficult, Kasapoglu says, because of its size, terrain and proximity to the mainland. Further, holding Qeshm would impose a heavy burden for a relatively limited strategic return. Kasapoglu is more supportive of a mission to seize Kharg Island. A US-led effort that dismantles Irans control over its Gulf island chain and neutralises Kharg Island would materially alter the strategic balance [of the war], he tells this masthead.

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Those nodes underpin Tehrans ability to disrupt maritime traffic and sustain its war effort. These options carry real operational risk, but the strategic upside is significant. The strait is Irans coercive lever over global trade; Kharg is its economic centre of gravity. Related Article Analysis

Middle East at war Trump needs troops to seize the Strait of Hormuz. These are his options Spurred by an oil crisis that has spiked the price of fuel and added to cost-of-living pressures, other countries are now searching for ways to reopen the strait. British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper convened a virtual meeting of 35 nations on Thursday (London time) in which Australia participated. Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the meeting focused on diplomatic and civilian measures, although British Prime Minister Keir Starmer flagged that his country, at least, would also convene its military planners. I do have to level with people on this, he said. This will not be easy. Experts agree that any military operation to wrestle the strait open would require US leadership  it is not something a coalition of allies would be willing or able to do alone. Iran retains credible anti-access and area-denial and disruptive capabilities in a compressed battle space, Kasapoglu says. Reopening the strait is not a one-off act  it requires sustained kinetic operations to secure maritime flow. At present, such a coalition [of allies] lacks both the integrated command structure and the political will to execute and sustain that kind of campaign. For this mission set, US military power remains indispensable.

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Acton says he doubts a coalition would be able to force the strait open even with US help. He believes the best option is for the Americans to walk away and leave it for the international community to try to negotiate with the regime in Tehran  even if that seems on the nose. Morally, the US should not just wash its hands of a problem it created, Acton says. I just think that is the fastest way to reopen the strait. I have so little confidence in the ability of this administration to do the right thing and work out a sensible way of reopening the strait and not escalate the war. Even on the enriched uranium  ostensibly the easier operation, and one which would achieve one of Trumps stated aims of preventing Iran developing a nuclear weapon  the US president has appeared reluctant to act. Thats so far underground, I dont care about that, he told Reuters in one of his brief phone interviews with reporters this week. Well always be watching it by satellite. Acton says the uranium issue speaks directly to one of the fundamental problems with the war  you destroy what you know about, and what you can get to, but you have to go back and do it again and again and again. That is known in military lingo as mowing the grass, which is what Israel does with its many adversaries. Morally, the US should not just wash its hands of a problem it created. James Acton, co-director of the nuclear policy program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace In the short-term, if we seize the uranium, theres less of a need to strike Iran again in the immediate future, Acton says. But over the long run, what I think weve done through this war is significantly increased Irans incentive to acquire nuclear weapons. That problem arises because the Iranian regime has survived, despite Trumps promise at the outset of the war that once the US was finished, it would be easy for the Iranian people to rise up and take over the government. That ostensibly remains one of Israels goals, but it is explicitly not Trumps. The US president says regime change has already been achieved because the supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, was killed and his replacement  his son  is nowhere to be seen. Few experts share that view. Mourners in Tehran gather around the flag-draped coffins of Iranians killed in Israeli strikes. One holds a poster of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. AP Its a change of personnel, former CIA director William Burns said on the Foreign Affairs magazines podcast on Thursday. Its certainly a much weaker regime, but its also one thats even nastier and more radical and less open to even the kind of compromises that may have been possible before the war. As well as running the American spy agency, Burns was also a highly respected diplomat who served as the US ambassador to Russia and Jordan, deputy secretary of state and other senior roles. He noted perfect outcomes were rarely on the menu in the Middle East. Related Article Updated

Middle East at war Thats not for us: Trump prepared to exit Iran with Strait of Hormuz still closed Were in a pretty deep hole right now, and all the options for getting out of that hole are difficult, he said on the Foreign Affairs podcast. They still have no shortage of drones, they still have an ability to inflict economic and political pain, and I think that was all pretty predictable. Burns says the Iranian regime is, over time, on a one-way street to eventual collapse. But surviving a war against its existential enemies, the US and Israel, would be a triumph. I worry that in this war, what weve done, rather than accelerate that moment of collapse, is slow it down a little bit. 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.
French President Emmanuel Macron is calling on medium-sized powers to join forces and stand up to the US and China.

Macron hammered the message during his tour of Asia this week, where he discussed maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz and closer co-operation with South Korea and Japan  two countries badly suffering from high-energy costs as the war in Iran keeps the strait closed.

Our objective is not to be the vassals of two hegemonic powers, he told students in Seoul. We dont want to depend on the dominance, lets say on China, or we dont want to be too much exposed to the unpredictability of the US.

French President Emmanuel Macron. AP

European countries, he said, have a shared agenda with places like Japan and South Korea on issues like international law, democracy, climate change and global health.
Trump deals massive blow to major Aussie export with 100 per cent tariff

Donald Trump has followed through on his threat to hit pharmaceuticals entering the US with tariffs.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) is issuing a formal warning to motorcyclists in the community. Over the past few weeks, we have seen a sudden rise in motorcycles equipped with cherry bomb mufflers, riding from early morning until late evening and causing significant noise disturbance. This has led to numerous complaints from residents, many of whom are unable to sleep due to the disruptions.

We would like to remind these bike owners/riders that this behavior violates the Sint Maarten Noise Ordinance, which also forms part of the broader traffic regulations governing public conduct on Sint Maarten.

These ordinances are designed to protect the peace and well-being of the community, and KPSM will enforce these laws.

As we approach the festive period from Easter to Carnival, KPSM will take serious measures against these riders, including fines, vehicle seizures, and possible further legal action for those who disregard these warnings.

We urge all motorcyclists to respect the laws and peace of the community and adjust their motorcycles and their behavior as riders accordingly.

Together, we can ensure a safer and quieter environment for all.
Hegseth asked US Army chief of staff to step down



Washington, United States, April 2 (AFP) Apr 02, 2026



Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has asked General Randy George to step down as chief of staff of the US Army, an official said Thursday.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed a report from US broadcaster CBS that said George had been asked to take immediate retirement.

The reason for the request was not immediately known, but CBS quoted a source as saying Hegseth wanted someone who would implement his and Trump's vision for the Army.

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell later posted a statement on X that said George "will be retiring from his position... effective immediately," without specifying a reason.

George is the latest senior military officer to be ousted during Donald Trump's second term, and his removal as the top Army officer comes with the United States engaged in a war with Iran that the president has indicated could last for several more weeks.

During a nearly four-decade military career, George deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan multiple times and also served in positions including vice chief of staff of the Army and senior military assistant to Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin during Joe Biden's term as president.

Trump has overseen a purge of top military officers, including the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, general Charles "CQ" Brown, whom he fired without explanation in February 2025.

Other senior officers dismissed include the heads of the Navy and Coast Guard, the general who headed the National Security Agency, the vice chief of staff of the Air Force, a Navy admiral assigned to NATO, and three top military lawyers.

The chief of staff of the Air Force also announced his retirement without explanation just two years into a four-year term, while the head of US Southern Command retired a year into his tenure.

Hegseth has insisted the president is simply choosing the leaders he wants, but Democratic lawmakers have raised concerns about the potential politicization of the traditionally neutral US military.

Last year, the Pentagon chief additionally ordered at least a 20 percent cut in the number of active-duty four-star generals and admirals in the US military, as well as a 10 percent cut in the overall number of general and flag officers.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree on ensuring the rights of the Crimean Tatar people, according to which the Cabinet of Ministers must urgently ensure the resolution of the issue of securing for the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people the legal status of the representative body of the Crimean Tatar people.
Middle East war: global economic fallout



Paris, France, April 2 (AFP) Apr 02, 2026



Here are the latest economic events in the Middle East war:

- Oil surges -

Oil prices jumped after US President Donald Trump dashed hopes for a quick end to the Middle East conflict, reiterating that US forces would hammer Iran for another two to three weeks and bomb it "back to the Stone Ages", sending oil prices upwards once again.

The main US oil contract, West Texas Intermediate, jumped 11.4 percent to $111.54 per barrel while international benchmark Brent North Sea crude rose 7.8 percent to $109.03 per barrel.

Trump's failure to flesh out an exit plan initially sent stock markets tumbling -- with all major Asia exchanges closing well down -- but European and US indexes recovered some of their losses ahead of a three-day weekend.



- Iran says attacked US, Israeli industries -

Iran said its latest wave of attacks on Thursday had targeted the UAE, Bahrain and Israel after US-Israeli strikes hit the country's two largest steel plants.

"In response to attacks on Iranian steel industries, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched a new wave of attacks this morning," the military's central command, Khatam Al-Anbiya said in a statement carried by state TV.

"American steel industries in Abu Dhabi, American aluminium industries in Bahrain, and the Rafael arms factories of the Zionist regime" were among a number of targets, it said.



- UK-led coalition demands Strait of Hormuz be opened -

A UK-led meeting of around 40 countries on the Strait of Hormuz crisis wrapped up Thursday with a demand for the "immediate and unconditional" reopening of the vital shipping route, but no immediate breakthrough.

Separately, the secretary-general of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) called Thursday for the UN Security Council to authorize the use of force to protect the Strait of Hormuz from Iranian attacks.



- Iran drafts peacetime Strait of Hormuz protocol -

Iran said on Thursday it was drafting a peacetime protocol that would supervise maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz with Oman, state media reported.

Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi told Russia's Sputnik state media that the protocol would apply after the ongoing war with the United States and Israel had ended, setting basic rules to manage ship movements, the IRNA news agency said.



- Pakistan, Bangladesh hike energy prices -

Pakistan's government on Thursday drastically raised fuel prices in response to spiking global energy prices caused by the Iran war, the country's petroleum minister said in a press conference.

The new prices mark an increase of 42.7 percent in petrol prices and 54.9 percent in the price of diesel.

Separately, Bangladesh hiked prices of liquefied petroleum gas used for cooking and compressed natural gas in some cars by 29 percent.



- Banks tighten security in Paris -

Citigroup and Goldman Sachs stepped up security in Paris, telling staff they can work from home, after authorities thwarted an attack against another US financial institution that French prosecutors said might have been linked to a pro-Iran group.



- Iraq exports oil through Syria -

Iraq has begun exporting crude using tanker trucks through Syria, its oil ministry said.

Iraq is hugely dependent on its oil exports, accounting for some 90 percent of its budget revenues and until the Middle East war all but shut the Strait of Hormuz, it exported the majority of its oil through the strategic waterway.

Iraq's oil export revenues in March dropped more than 70 percent from February, an Iraqi official said Thursday, after the Middle East war disrupted the oil industry.

The oil ministry said it "has begun exporting oil by tanker truck through neighbouring Syria" and that Syria would "ensure the safe passage" of the oil.



- Iran to allow Philippine oil shipments -

The Philippines said Iran has pledged to allow safe passage for shipments of oil to the import-dependent archipelago through the Strait of Hormuz.

President Ferdinand Marcos last week declared a state of national energy emergency, saying "nothing was off the table" as the country of 116 million tries to navigate a global fuel crisis driven by the Middle East war.



- Czechs, Romania cut taxes -

The Czech Republic and Romania said they would cut the excise tax on diesel, joining a host of other countries reacting to a price surge driven by the Middle East war.

The Czech government also put a limit on the profit margins of fuel distributors.

burs-aha/pnb/dw
Sudan army names new chief of staff in biggest wartime shakeup



Khartoum, April 2 (AFP) Apr 02, 2026



Sudan's army on Thursday named a new chief of staff, part of its biggest military shake-up since its civil war with the Rapid Support Forces began nearly three years ago.

General Yasser al-Atta, a deputy to army chief and de facto leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan in his ruling Transitional Sovereignty Council, will head the new armed forces command, the army spokesman said in a statement.

The overhaul also brings in new deputies for administration, operations, training, supply and military intelligence.

Atta replaces Mohamed Othman al-Hussein, who had been in the post since 2019.

A veteran officer with about 40 years of service, Atta is known for his outspoken criticism of the United Arab Emirates, accusing it of supporting the RSF -- allegations Abu Dhabi denies.

He has also been a prominent political figure since 2019, serving on the Transitional Sovereignty Council formed after the overthrow of longtime president Omar al-Bashir.

Last month, Atta said the army would press ahead with integrating allied armed groups into the military to end militias and form a unified national force.

But the announcement has raised concerns that Islamist-leaning groups, including the US-sanctioned al-Baraa Ibn Malik Brigade, could be folded into the forces.

Washington last month designated the Sudanese Muslim Brotherhood, including the Sudanese Islamic Movement and its armed wing, the al-Baraa Ibn Malik Brigade, a terrorist organisation, accusing it of receiving financial support from Iran.

Burhan has repeatedly denied accusations that Islamists dominate the military.

Efforts to end the war, led by the United States, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Egypt, have so far faltered, with both sides emboldened by battlefield gains.

Analysts say progress has been further complicated by Burhan's reliance on Islamist networks that fear a peace deal would sideline them.



- Drone attack on hospital -



The leadership changes come as fighting spreads to new fronts, including southern Kordofan, now the most volatile theatre of the war, and the southeastern Blue Nile state, where intensified clashes have raised fears of a longer and increasingly fragmented conflict.

Near-daily drone attacks continue to disrupt daily life, at times killing dozens.

A government source and two witnesses told AFP anonymously that the RSF targeted a hospital in the Al-Jabalain area of White Nile state, just east of Kordofan, on Thursday.

The army-aligned health ministry said 10 medical and administrative staff, including the hospital's director, were killed and 22 wounded.

The RSF denied responsibility, calling the accusations "false" and a "fabricated scenario" by the army.

Now nearing the three-year mark, Sudan's civil war has killed tens of thousands of people, forced more than 11 million from their homes and created the world's largest hunger crisis.
Israel military says responding to missiles fired from Iran



Jerusalem, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2026



Israel's military said Friday that its air defences were operating to down missiles fired from Iran, as Tehran keeps up its retaliatory fire on the country after a US-Israeli bombing campaign began at the end of February.

The military said in a statement it had "identified missiles launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel", adding that "defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat". There were no immediate reports of any casualties or damage.
UN Security Council to vote on authorizing force to protect Hormuz



United Nations, United States, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2026



The UN Security Council will vote Friday on a draft resolution brought by Bahrain to authorize the use of "defensive" force to protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz from Iranian attacks.

Iran has placed a stranglehold on the key shipping lane -- threatening fuel supplies and roiling the global economy -- in retaliation for US-Israeli strikes that triggered the month-old Middle East war.

"We cannot accept economic terrorism affecting our region and the world, the whole world is being affected by the developments," Bahrain's United Nations ambassador Jamal Alrowaiei said this week.

He said the text, which has gone through several amendments and is supported by the United States, "comes at a critical juncture."

President Donald Trump on Wednesday called for countries struggling with fuel shortages to "go get your own oil" in the Strait of Hormuz, adding that US forces would not help them.

A sixth and final draft, seen by AFP, greenlights member states -- either unilaterally or as "voluntary multinational naval partnerships" -- to use "all defensive means necessary and commensurate with the circumstances."

It applies to the strait and adjacent waters to "secure transit passage and to deter attempts to close, obstruct or otherwise interfere with international navigation through the Strait of Hormuz."

The measure would last for a period of at least six months.

The draft resolution has been molded in a bid to rally several countries that have appeared skeptical, including Russia, China and France.

Revised wording no longer explicitly invokes Chapter 7 of the UN Charter, which allows the Security Council to authorize armed force to restore peace.

The latest version, to be voted on at 11:00 am (1500 GMT) Friday, also emphasizes the defensive nature of any intervention -- a stipulation that seems to have alleviated French concerns.



- 'Tall odds' -



Jerome Bonnafont, France's UN ambassador, said Thursday that "it is up to the Council to quickly devise the necessary defensive response" after members voted in March to condemn Iran's blocking of the Strait of Hormuz.

President Emmanuel Macron earlier said a military operation to free the waterway is "unrealistic."

It is not certain that Russia and China -- who both wield veto powers -- will back the draft resolution.

"Authorizing member states to use force would amount to legitimizing the unlawful and indiscriminate use of force, which would inevitably lead to further escalation of the situation and lead to serious consequences," said Chinese ambassador Fu Cong.

Russia, a long-time ally of Tehran, has denounced what it calls one-sided measures.

Considering the possible Russian and Chinese vetos, the text "faces tall odds to make it through the Security Council," Daniel Forti, an analyst at International Crisis Group, told AFP.

"It is hard to see them supporting a resolution that treats stability in the strait exclusively as a security issue, instead of one that also grapples with the need for a durable political end to the hostilities," he said.

Normally, around a fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas passes through the Strait of Hormuz.

Its near-total closure is impacting global supplies of important commodities including oil, liquefied natural gas and fertilizer and leading to sharp rises in energy prices.

Security Council mandates authorizing member states to use force are relatively rare.

During the Gulf War, a 1990 vote allowed a US-led coalition to intervene in Iraq after the invasion of Kuwait.

And in 2011, a similar vote permitted NATO's intervention in Libya and the eventual fall of dictator Muammar Gaddafi.
War in the Middle East: latest developments



Washington, United States, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2026



Here are the latest developments in the Middle East war:

- Trump threatens Iran destruction -

President Donald Trump warned that US forces have yet to begin "destroying what's left in Iran", as he said more of the country's bridges and energy infrastructure were in his sights.

The US military "hasn't even started destroying what's left in Iran. Bridges next, then Electric Power Plants!" Trump posted on his Truth Social platform, several hours after he said Iran's tallest bridge had been destroyed.



- New Iran missile salvo -

The Israeli military said in a statement it had "identified missiles launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel", adding that "defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat".

There were no immediate reports of any casualties.

- Fresh Gulf attacks -

Kuwait's military said its air defences were working to intercept missiles and drones fired towards the Gulf nation's territory.

A drone attack on a refinery owned by Kuwait's national oil company sparked fires at several of its units, state media said.

Bahrain's interior ministry reported sirens sounding in the country and told residents to head "to the nearest safe place", without providing further details.



- Hezbollah rockets -

Lebanese militant group Hezbollah said in separate statements that its fighters targeted at least three communities in northern Israel with rockets, as it keeps up attacks in support of ally Iran.



- Iran attacks US, Israeli interests -

A military statement carried on Iranian state television said that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps had launched a fresh wave of attacks on American steel factories in the UAE and Bahrain, as well as an arms factory in Israel.

The statement said the latest salvos were in response to attacks on its own steel industries.



- Pakistan petrol hikes -

Pakistan drastically raised fuel prices in response to spiking global prices caused by the Iran war, the country's petroleum minister said.

Petrol will see a 42.7 percent increase effective on Friday while diesel will be hiked 54.9 percent.



- US aircraft carrier leaves Croatia -

The USS Gerald R. Ford departed Croatia after docking for five days, the US Navy said, while not specifying a destination.

The ship played a major role in US-Israeli strikes on Iran, but sailed to Crete and Croatia following a fire in its laundry facilities on March 12 that injured two sailors and damaged some 100 beds.



- 'Alarming' displacement risk -

The head of the International Organization for Migration told AFP that there are "very alarming" prospects for prolonged mass displacement in Lebanon, where Israel and Hezbollah are at war.

"There are parts of the south that are being completely flattened... even if the war ends tomorrow, that destruction remains and there needs to be a rebuilding," Amy Pope said.



- Houthis launch missile targeting Israel -

Houthi rebels, based in Yemen and allied with Iran, launched a fourth missile attack on Israel, after stepping into the war last week.

The Israeli military said earlier it had detected a missile launched from Yemen.



- 'Maximum effort' -

Iraq is exerting "maximum effort" to prevent any escalation on its territory, the foreign ministry said, after the US embassy in Baghdad warned of possible attacks in the city by pro-Iran armed groups.

Earlier, the US embassy warned that "Iraqi terrorist militia groups aligned with Iran may intend to conduct attacks in central Baghdad in the next 24-48 hours".



- US Baghdad centre hit -

A drone attack targeted the US diplomatic and logistics centre in Baghdad's international airport complex, causing a fire but no injuries, two Iraqi security sources told AFP.



- 'Immediate' reopening -

About 40 countries called for the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, Britain's foreign minister said.

"Iran is trying to hold the global economy hostage in the Strait of Hormuz. They must not prevail," Yvette Cooper said in a statement after international talks.

- Force in Hormuz -

The secretary-general of the Gulf Cooperation Council called for the UN Security Council to authorise the use of force to protect the Strait of Hormuz from Iranian attacks.

"We call upon the Security Council to assume its full responsibility and take all necessary measures to protect maritime routes and ensure the safe continuation of international navigation," said Jassem al-Budaiwi.



- China condemnation -

China's foreign minister Wang Yi said US and Israeli attacks on Iran were a violation of international law, Chinese state media reported, as he held calls with his EU, German and Saudi counterparts.

Wang also said the UN Security Council -- of which China is a permanent member -- "should prevent the escalation of conflict", state broadcaster CCTV said.

burs-jfx/pst
New Zealand electric vehicle sales soar during petrol price pinch



Wellington, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2026



Electric vehicle sales in New Zealand more than tripled in March according to official government figures released this week.

Sales data released by the New Zealand Transport Agency showed 3,108 electric vehicle registrations in March, up from 921 in February.

The sales were driven by increased fuel prices as a result of the war in the Middle East.

During the same period, the average petrol price had risen by more than 30 percent, and diesel prices were up 74 percent.

Transport Minister Chris Bishop said year to date registrations were "nearly 2,000 higher" than the the same time last year.

"It's not surprising that there's a bit of a run on electric vehicles because people are looking at the fuel price and the diesel price and thinking maybe now is the time to make a switch to a cleaner car, and I suspect that will continue," Bishop said.

Electric vehicle sales had dropped in New Zealand after the right-wing coalition government came to power in November 2023, scrapping the "clean car subsidy".

The abandonded policy gave people up to about NZ$7,000 (US$4,000) off an electric vehicle at purchase, while buyers of higher emitting petrol or diesel vehicles payed extra.

Bishop said New Zealand would not be returning to a similar subsidy in light of petrol concerns.

"It was a regressive wealth transfer policy," he said.

"It is not a prudent use of taxpayer money to subsidise high income earners to buy Teslas. That is not a good use of public money."
Iran warns UN Security Council against 'provocative action' on Hormuz



Tehran, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2026



Iran warned the UN Security Council against any "provocative action", ahead of a scheduled vote on a draft resolution on the Strait of Hormuz that ended up being postponed.

"Any provocative action by the aggressors and their supporters, including in the UN Security Council regarding the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, will only complicate the situation," Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said.

Araghchi was speaking ahead of a scheduled Security Council vote on a draft resolution mandating a force to protect shipping through the Strait of Hormuz Friday.

It was later announced that the vote was postponed, with no new date scheduled.

The Strait of Hormuz, a shipping lane vital to global energy flows, has been all but shut since the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran on February 28.

The 15-member body was set to vote on a draft resolution brought by Bahrain on authorising the use of "defensive" force to protect shipping in Hormuz from Iranian attacks, according to the official programme.

The draft resolution was backed by the US and the Gulf countries hardest hit by the virtual blockade, but member states including Russia, China and France had objected to earlier drafts.
Israel says it has struck over 3,500 targets in Lebanon in past month



Jerusalem, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2026



The Israeli military said Friday it had struck more than 3,500 targets across Lebanon in the month since fighting with the Hezbollah militant group began.

Lebanon was drawn into the Middle East war on March 2 after Iran-backed Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel to avenge the US-Israeli attack that killed Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Israel has responded with massive strikes across Lebanon and a ground offensive.

The Israeli military said Friday it had killed approximately 1,000 militants in Lebanon over the past month, with strikes targeting what it described as "terrorist infrastructure, weapons storage facilities, launch positions, and command and control headquarters" belonging to Hezbollah.

Lebanon's health ministry said on Thursday that 1,345 people had been killed and 4,040 wounded since the start of the war, including 1,129 men, 91 women and 125 children.

The ministry said the toll also included 53 healthcare workers.

Hezbollah has so far not announced its losses.

On Thursday, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz warned that Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem would pay an "extraordinarily heavy price" for escalating attacks during the ongoing Jewish holidays.

"The Hezbollah terrorist organisation you now lead, and its supporters in Lebanon, will bear the full and severe consequences," Katz said.

His warning followed claims by Hezbollah that it had carried out a series of rocket attacks on northern Israel late Wednesday and early Thursday, as Israeli Jews began marking Passover.

Katz also reiterated that Israeli forces "will clear Hezbollah and its supporters from southern Lebanon, maintain Israeli security control throughout the Litani area, and dismantle Hezbollah's military capabilities across Lebanon".
Kyiv region under 'massive' daytime drone and missile attack: official



Kyiv, Ukraine, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2026



Kyiv and its surrounding region were on Friday facing Russian missiles and drones, the head of the military administration said, the latest in an increasing number of daytime attacks on Ukraine.

"The Kyiv region is once again under a massive enemy missile and drone attack," said Mykola Kalashnyk, adding that "as of now, one death has been reported".
Ukraine says Russia fired hundreds of drones, missiles in 'massive' daytime attack



Kyiv, Ukraine, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2026



Kyiv and its surrounding region on Friday faced pummelling by Russian missiles and drones, officials said, the latest in an increasing number of daytime attacks on Ukraine.

"The Kyiv region is once again under a massive enemy missile and drone attack," said regional governor Mykola Kalashnyk.

One person died in the attacks, he added.

The barrage prompted emergency power outages in several regions, energy operator Ukrenergo announced.

Russia launched almost 500 drones and missiles over Ukraine, Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga said.

"Terrorist Russia strikes in broad daylight deliberately -- to maximise civilian casualties and damage," Sybiga said.

"This is how Moscow responds to Ukraine's Easter ceasefire proposals -- with brutal attacks," he added.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Kyiv was ready for a truce over the Easter holidays, but the Kremlin said it had not received any proposals.

Ukraine accuses Russia of deliberately prolonging the war to capture more Ukrainian territory and says Moscow is not genuinely interested in peace.

Talks between the two warring parties, mediated by the United States, have been stalled by the war in the Middle East.

Zelensky said he had invited an American delegation to Kyiv to relaunch negotiations with Moscow.

"The American group can come to us and, after us, go to Moscow. If it does not work out with three parties, let's do it this way," Zelensky said, in remarks made public Friday.
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/RedCrossUkraine

The Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) is helping people affected in Poltava following a massive Russian air attack.

"Poltava. The Ukrainian Red Cross Emergency Response Unit and the regional organization promptly arrived at the site of the attack aftermath. First aid is being provided to the victims. A tent has been set up where volunteers are working, while emergency response specialists are registering those affected and distributing materials for temporary repairs," the URCS said on Facebook on Friday.

Ukrainian Red Cross specialists are also providing first psychological aid to people experiencing acute stress.

According to Poltava Regional Military Administration, windows were shattered in four apartment buildings in the regional center after a Russian UAV fell on an open area.
War in the Middle East: latest developments



Paris, France, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2026



Here are the latest developments in the Middle East war:



- Easter mass cancelled -

All masses in Dubai have been cancelled because of the war, two Catholic churches in the United Arab Emirates posted on their websites.



- 'France' ship -

A container ship declaring itself to have a French owner has passed through the Strait of Hormuz, according to Marine Traffic data analysed by AFP.

The Maltese-flagged Kribi belonging to the French maritime transport group CMA CGM crossed the strait on Thursday to exit the Gulf and on Friday was off the coast of Muscat, Oman, still broadcasting the message "owner France", the maritime tracking website showed.



- Ukraine offer -

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in remarks made public Friday said his country could help unblock the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking to a small group of journalists, including AFP, he did not provide details, but but cited Kyiv's experience in restoring passage through the Black Sea, which Russia had blocked at the beginning of its invasion of Ukraine.



- Kuwait plant hit -

A Kuwaiti power and desalination complex was damaged by an attack from Iran, the electricity and water ministry said.

An AFP correspondent in Kuwait City said there had been no disruption to power or water services.



- Gas complex shut -

A fire caused by falling debris from an intercepted attack forced the suspension of operations at the Habshan gas complex in Abu Dhabi, the government media office said.



- 3,500 targets -

The Israeli military said it had struck more than 3,500 targets across Lebanon since fighting with the Iran-backed Hezbollah militants began.



- 'Provocative action' -

Iran warned against any "provocative action" as the UN considers whether to authorise the use of force to protect shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

"Any provocative action by the aggressors and their supporters, including in the UN Security Council regarding the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, will only complicate the situation," Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said.



- Hormuz vote delayed -

The UN Security Council has postponed a vote scheduled for Friday on authorising the use of "defensive" force to protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz from Iranian attacks, according to the official program.

Bahrain had brought a resolution that, according to the final draft seen by AFP, greenlights member states to use "all defensive means necessary and commensurate with the circumstances."



- 'Destroying what's left' -

President Donald Trump warned that US forces have yet to begin "destroying what's left in Iran", as he said more of the country's bridges and energy infrastructure were in his sights.

The US military "hasn't even started destroying what's left in Iran. Bridges next, then Electric Power Plants!" Trump posted on his Truth Social platform, several hours after he said Iran's tallest bridge had been destroyed.



- Missiles at Israel -

The Israeli military said in a statement it had "identified missiles launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel", adding that "defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat".



- Fresh Gulf attacks -

Kuwait's military said its air defences were working to intercept missiles and drones fired towards the Gulf nation's territory.

A drone attack on a refinery owned by Kuwait's national oil company sparked fires at several of its units, state media said.

Bahrain's interior ministry reported sirens sounding in the country and told residents to head "to the nearest safe place", without providing further details.



- Hezbollah rockets -

Lebanese militant group Hezbollah said that its fighters targeted at least three communities in northern Israel with rockets, as it keeps up attacks in support of ally Iran.



- Fresh Iran attacks -

A military statement carried on Iranian state television said that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps had launched a fresh wave of attacks on American steel factories in the UAE and Bahrain, as well as an arms factory in Israel.

The statement said the latest salvos were in response to attacks on its own steel industries.



- Pakistan petrol hikes -

Pakistan drastically raised fuel prices in response to spiking global prices caused by the war, the country's petroleum minister said.

Petrol will see a 42.7 percent increase effective on Friday while diesel will be hiked 54.9 percent.



burs/yad/giv
WHO warns about 'multiple attacks on health' in Iran



Paris, France, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2026



The World Health Organization warned Friday about "multiple attacks on health" in Iran in recent days, while paying tribute to the Pasteur Institute in the capital which was destroyed in an airstrike.

"Multiple attacks on health have been reported in the Iranian capital, Tehran, in recent days amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East," WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus wrote on X.

He said the Pasteur Institute "sustained significant damage and was rendered unable to continue delivering health services" -- one of 20 facilities the WHO has confirmed as being targeted.

The centre, which has no formal links with the Pasteur Institute in Paris, is one of the oldest research and public health facilities in Iran, having been founded in 1920.

Tedros said that the centre "plays an important role in protecting and promoting population health, including in emergencies".

The Pasteur Institute in Paris sent its well-wishes "to the researchers, students, and civilian staff who may have been affected by the strikes", in a statement on its website.

Another US-Israeli attack on Tuesday hit one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in Iran, Tofigh Daru, which produces anaesthetic and cancer drugs, according to the Iranian government.

Tedros said the Delaram Sina Psychiatric Hospital had also sustained significant damage last Sunday.

The high-end private Gandhi Hospital in northwest Tehran had its windows blown out in the first days of the war, while the WHO's office in Tehran was also damaged at the start of the week.

US President Donald Trump has threatened to bomb Iran "back to the Stone Ages", despite international law prohibiting the targeting of civilian infrastructure.

Healthcare facilities are protected locations under the Geneva Conventions agreed as the rules of war by world powers after World War II.

According to the latest figures from the Iranian Red Crescent, 307 health, medical and emergency care facilities have been damaged in the war.

Israel repeatedly attacked hospitals in Gaza during its two-year bombardment of the territory from October 2023, claiming they were being used by operatives from the Hamas militant group.

The US and Israel attacked Iran on February 28, claiming the country was rushing towards developing a nuclear weapon, which Tehran has denied.
Ukraine says six killed in 'massive' Russian daytime attacks



Kyiv, Ukraine, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2026



Ukraine on Friday faced nearly 500 Russian missile and drone attacks that killed at least six people, officials said, the latest in an increasing number of daytime strikes by Moscow.

Russia has been launching aerial barrages at Ukraine throughout its invasion, mostly at night, but in recent weeks it has stepped up daytime attacks.

"Terrorist Russia strikes in broad daylight deliberately -- to maximise civilian casualties and damage," Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga said, adding that Moscow fired almost 500 drones and missiles.

Images from Ukrainian emergency services showed damaged residential buildings, with a block of flats ripped and rubble strewn on a street.

The attack killed one person and left eight wounded in the capital region of Kyiv, regional governor Mykola Kalashnyk said.

"Unfortunately, animals were also affected by the attack -- approximately 20 animals died due to damage to a veterinary clinic," Kalashnyk added.

Some residents of the capital sheltered in the metro or in basements, AFP reporters said, but many people sat in cafes unfazed by the barrage and despite blaring air raid sirens.

In the Kyiv region, "a drone struck a residential building in Obukhiv, and another attack occurred between a kindergarten and a school in Vyshneve, damaging homes," Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said.

Three people were killed in Ukraine's northern Sumy region. One person was killed in the northwestern Zhytomyr region and another in northeastern Kharkiv, local officials said.



- Easter truce? -



The barrage prompted emergency power outages in several regions, operator Ukrenergo said.

"This is how Moscow responds to Ukraine's Easter ceasefire proposals -- with brutal attacks," Sybiga said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Kyiv was ready for a truce over the Easter holidays but the Kremlin said it had not received any proposals.

Ukraine has accused Russia of prolonging the war to capture more territory and says Moscow is not interested in peace.

Talks between the two warring parties, mediated by the United States, have been stalled by the war in the Middle East.

In comments to reporters, including from AFP, published on Friday, Zelensky said he had invited an American delegation to Ukraine to relaunch negotiations with Moscow.

"The delegation will do everything possible in the current conditions -- during the war with Iran -- to come to Kyiv," Zelensky said.

"The American group can come to us and, after us, go to Moscow. If it does not work out with three parties, let's do it this way," he added.

US President Donald Trump's envoys have been engaged in a three-way shuttle diplomacy with Ukrainian and Russian teams in a bid to end the four-year war.

But these have stalled as Washington has been occupied with an aerial campaign on Iran it launched late February.

Amid the Middle East war, Kyiv has sought to leverage its expertise in fighting off Russian drones similar to those used by Iran in retaliatory attacks across Gulf nations.

Last week, Zelensky visited several Middle Eastern countries and signed defence agreements with Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

He also suggested Kyiv could help unblock the Strait of Hormuz, whose closure by Iran has rattled the global economy.

He did not specify how Ukraine could contribute, but cited Kyiv's experience in restoring passage through the Black Sea, which Russia had blocked at the beginning of its invasion of Ukraine.
UK deploys anti-drone system to Kuwait



London, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2026



The UK deployed a counter-drone system known as Rapid Sentry to Kuwait, as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Friday condemned a "reckless" overnight drone attack on a Kuwaiti oil refinery.

"The RAF Regiment has deployed its highly effective Rapid Sentry counter-drone system to Kuwait," Britain's Royal Air Force announced Thursday.

It is a ground-based air defence system which UK Defence Secretary John Healey said was "battle-tested" last week, when the deployment plan was first announced.

"The prime minister began by condemning the reckless overnight drone attack on a Kuwaiti oil refinery," Downing Street said in a summary of Starmer's call with Kuwait's crown prince.

"They discussed the deployment of the UK's Rapid Sentry air defence system to Kuwait, which will protect Kuwaiti and British personnel and interests in the region, while avoiding escalation into wider conflict," the Downing Street statement added.

Gulf countries including Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain have been pulled into the Middle East war, targeted by Iranian strikes in retaliation to attacks launched by the United States and Israel on February 28.
Pope speaks with Israeli, Ukrainian presidents: Vatican



Vatican City, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2026



Pope Leo XVI had telephone conversations Friday ahead with the presidents of Israel and Ukraine in which he wished for peace amid ongoing wars, the Vatican said.

The American-born pope spoke with Israeli President Isaac Herzog and, separately, the president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, in which the humanitarian situation in each war zone was discussed, the Vatican said in individual statements.

The pope and Herzog "reaffirmed the need to reopen all possible channels of diplomatic dialogue to bring an end to the serious ongoing conflict, with a view to achieving a just and lasting peace throughout the Middle East," a statement said.

"The conversation also focused on the importance of protecting the civilian population and promoting respect for international and humanitarian law," it added.

The calls happened as the pontiff was observing the Catholic Holy Week leading up to Easter on Sunday, and while Herzog was marking Jewish Passover into next week, and as Zelensky, a Jew, was preparing to see Ukraine celebrate Orthodox Easter, which this year falls on April 12.

With Zelensky, Leo expressed his "best wishes for the Easter holidays" and both leaders discussed the "urgency of providing the necessary aid to the population suffering from the conflict."

"Reference was also made to efforts aimed at promoting humanitarian initiatives, especially regarding the release of prisoners.

Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in early 2022, the Vatican has sought to play a mediating role behind the scenes, in particular trying to bring about prisoner exchanges through its diplomatic channels.

Leo and Zelensky evoked hopes that "with the commitment and cooperation of the international community, hostilities may cease as soon as possible and a just and lasting peace may be achieved," read a statement.

In February, Leo said that peace in Ukraine, where the war has dragged on for more than four years, was "an urgent necessity".

Regarding the war in the Middle East, this week Leo called on world leaders to "come back to the table to dialogue", saying he hoped that US President Donald Trump was "looking for an off-ramp".
Pope speaks with Israeli, Ukrainian presidents, urging peace



Vatican City, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2026



Pope Leo XVI spoke on Friday with the presidents of Israel and Ukraine, discussing the ongoing wars and the need for peace.

The American-born pontiff spoke by telephone with Israel's Isaac Herzog and, separately, Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky, in which the humanitarian situation in each war zone was discussed, the Vatican said.

The pope and Herzog "reaffirmed the need to reopen all possible channels of diplomatic dialogue to bring an end to the serious ongoing conflict, with a view to achieving a just and lasting peace throughout the Middle East," a statement said.

"The conversation also focused on the importance of protecting the civilian population and promoting respect for international and humanitarian law," it added.

The calls happened as the pontiff was observing the Catholic Holy Week leading up to Easter on Sunday, and while Herzog was marking Jewish Passover into next week, and as Zelensky, a Jew, was preparing to see Ukraine celebrate Orthodox Easter, which this year falls on April 12.

A statement from Herzog's office said the two exchanged greetings for Passover and Easter before discussing the Iran war "including the ongoing threat of missile attacks by the Iranian regime and its terror proxies against people of all faiths in the region."

Regarding Lebanon, they discussed "the importance of the safety and security of Christian communities on both sides of the border".

- Prisoner release -



With Zelensky, Leo expressed his "best wishes for the Easter holidays" and both leaders discussed the "urgency of providing the necessary aid to the population suffering from the conflict."

"Reference was also made to efforts aimed at promoting humanitarian initiatives, especially regarding the release of prisoners," the Vatican said.

Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in early 2022, the Vatican has sought to play a mediating role behind the scenes, trying to bring about prisoner exchanges through diplomatic channels.

Zelensky said on X that while he was speaking to the pope, "the Russians attacked Ukraine yet again" after waves of attacks since Thursday night in at least five regions.

"Not a single hour of peace for our people, and this is Russia's response to our proposal for an Easter ceasefire," he wrote.

The Vatican said that the pope and Zelensky evoked hopes that "with the commitment and cooperation of the international community, hostilities may cease as soon as possible and a just and lasting peace may be achieved".

In February, Leo said that peace in Ukraine, where the war has dragged on for more than four years, was "an urgent necessity".

Regarding the war in the Middle East, this week Leo called on world leaders to "come back to the table to dialogue", saying he hoped that US President Donald Trump was "looking for an off-ramp".
Israeli PM says 70% of Iran's steel production capacity destroyed



Jerusalem, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2026



Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Friday that Israeli strikes have destroyed about 70 percent of Iran's steel production capacity, significantly hindering its ability to manufacture weapons.

Steel is a strategically important material used in industrial and military production, including of missiles, drones and ships.

"Together with our American friends, we continue to crush the terror regime in Iran. We are eliminating commanders, bombing bridges, bombing infrastructures," Netanyahu said in a video statement.

"In recent days, the Air Force has destroyed 70 percent of Iran's steel production capacity," he said.

"This is a tremendous achievement that deprives the Revolutionary Guards of both financial resources and the ability to produce many weapons."

Iran's two largest steel plants have been forced out of action by several waves of US and Israeli air attacks.

Iran's Khuzestan Steel Company and Mobarakeh Steel Company have said it would take months for them to restructure the plants.

The Revolutionary Guards have since launched missile and drone strikes on industrial areas across the region and Israel in retaliation for the attacks on the steel plants.

The Guards also threatened further retaliation if such attacks happened again.
Ukraine offers to help unblock Hormuz



Kyiv, Ukraine, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2026



Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in remarks made public Friday said his country could help unblock the Strait of Hormuz, whose closure by Iran has rattled the global economy.

Iran has placed a stranglehold on the key shipping lane -- threatening fuel supplies and roiling energy markets -- in retaliation for US-Israeli strikes that triggered the Middle East war.

"No one has involved us specifically in the issue of the Strait of Hormuz. During my visits, I told representatives of the Middle East and Gulf countries: Ukraine is ready to help with everything related to defence," Zelensky said.

He was speaking to a small group of journalists, including AFP, on Thursday.

He cited Kyiv's experience in restoring passage through the Black Sea, which Russia had blocked at the beginning of its invasion of Ukraine.

In a separate interview, Zelensky said reopening the strait would require drone interceptors, military convoys and electronic warfare.

"We stand ready to help with this," he said.

US President Donald Trump has called on Washington's allies to help secure the waterway.

But some including French President Emmanuel Macron doubt a military operation to unblock the Strait of Hormuz is realistic.

The UN Security Council has postponed a vote scheduled Friday on authorizing the use of "defensive" force to protect shipping in the strait.

Ukraine has feared being sidelined as the world turns its attention to the war in the Middle East.

Kyiv has sought to leverage its expertise in fighting off the Russian invasion, as Ukraine's armed forces have been downing Russian drones similar to those used by Iran in attacks on Gulf nations.

Last week Zelensky visited several Middle Eastern countries and signed defence agreements with Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

"I believe that we have changed the attitude of the Middle East and the Gulf region toward Ukraine for many years ahead," Zelensky said.
France urges 'immediate release' of Iranian prize-winning lawyer



Paris, France, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2026



France on Friday demanded Iran free a prize-winning rights lawyer arrested this week in what activists say is a crackdown during the war with Israel and the United States.

"France calls for the immediate release of Nasrin Sotoudeh and all those arbitrarily detained in Iran," the foreign ministry's spokesman said.

The attorney's daughter Mehraveh Khandan said she had been arrested on Wednesday night, with relatives finding her mother and father's electronic devices had been confiscated.

Sotoudeh, who won awards including the 2012 Sakharov Prize of the European Parliament and the 2020 Right Livelihood award, has been repeatedly arrested for her work.

Her husband and Mehraveh's father, Reza Khandan, has been held in prison since December 2024.

Sotoudeh has for years campaigned on some of the most sensitive issues in the Islamic republic, notably working to prevent the execution of youths convicted of crimes committed while minors.

"This arrest is yet another illustration of the Iranian regime's systematic policy of persecuting and intimidating human rights defenders, which must stop," the spokesman said.
Iran media says army searching for pilot of downed US fighter jet



Tehran, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2026



Iran's Fars news agency said Friday the army had launched a search for the pilot of a US fighter jet hit by an air defence system.

Contacted by AFP, the US Central Command (CENTCOM), responsible for military operations in the Middle East, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

"Military forces have launched a search operation to find the American fighter pilot who was hit earlier today," Fars said.

A local television station aired footage of what it said was wreckage of a downed US jet.

It said the aircraft was targeted over central Iran and may have gone down in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province, citing a police statement.

The statement urged residents of the area to join the hunt for the pilot or pilots, offering a bounty for the capture of any US servicemen.

The incident is the first report of a US fighter jet being downed in Iranian territory since the United States and Israel launched its war on the Islamic republic on February 28.
Ukrainian technology DELTA, highly praised by specialists from around the world, has become a real breakthrough in digitalization, Zero Line co-founder Isaac Flanagan said during the discussion "Generation of the Unbreakable: General Petraeus' Reflections  View from Washington" organized by Kyiv Security Forum.

Flanagan said that it was very important to learn from Ukrainian technology, both in software and in analytics. He added that this was also a matter of policy, because the biggest innovations in Ukraine were precisely changes in policy approaches. According to him, DELTA had earned the respect of the whole world as one of the most important elements of military programs.

He said the lesson DELTA had taught everyone was not only how to coordinate forces on the battlefield, but that it was, in effect, an architecture of decision-making.

Flanagan also said that no Western innovation center, despite all its budgets, had achieved results comparable to Ukraine's in digitalization.

According to him, DELTA had been created by volunteers who later handed it over to a frontline unit.

The Zero Line co-founder added that Major Robert Brovdi, known as Madyar, had put it very simply by saying there had to be a system. He said that when Americans asked which drone was the best, Brovdi had replied that the best one was the ecosystem. Flanagan noted that DELTA had not only built an ecosystem, but had also shown what was necessary to build such a system, teaching others that they needed to understand how Ukraine had managed to achieve this.

He also said that the decision to authorize and adopt DELTA had meant more than the technology that lay at its core.

Zero Line is a non-profit, non-governmental organization that identifies urgent needs in Ukraine and works with international donors to meet them.
Israel resumes operatons at gas field shut after Iran war began



Jerusalem, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2026



Israel has resumed operations at a major natural gas field that had been shut down since the onset of its war with Iran, a move that had halted exports to neighbouring Egypt and Jordan.

At the outbreak of hostilities on February 28, Israel ordered the suspension of activity at two offshore gas fields -- Leviathan and Karish facilities.

Israel's ministry of energy and infrastructure has now announced that production at the Leviathan field has been restored.

"Following situation assessments and examination of all relevant considerations, it was decided at this stage to return the Leviathan rig to operation," a ministry statement said.

The field had been closed over fears that a strike on a pressurised, operational installation could have catastrophic consequences.

Since the war began, Iran has targeted several of Israel's industrial sites, including the oil refinery complex in Haifa.

"The supply of natural gas to the local economy continues and will now be increased following the integration of an additional rig into the production system," the energy ministry said.

Despite wider disruptions to global energy markets following Iran's effective chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz, Israel has remained largely insulated from the ensuing crisis.

Both Jordan and Egypt rely heavily on gas from the Leviathan field.

Amman and Cairo had reportedly requested that Israel resume gas exports.

Israel is said to have rejected their requests, prioritising its own wartime energy security over regional supply commitments.

Following the initial suspension of Leviathan and Karish fields, the Tamar field became the country's sole gas-producing facility.

Producing roughly 11 billion cubic metres (BCM) of gas annually, Tamar nearly covers Israel's entire domestic consumption of 12 to 13 billion cubic metres of gas per year.
NATO chief to meet Trump amid Iran tensions



Brussels, Belgium, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2026



NATO chief Mark Rutte will meet Donald Trump next week on a visit to Washington, as the US president lashes out at the alliance over the Iran war, NATO said Friday.

Trump has suggested he is considering quitting the 77-year-old military alliance due to the response by European nations to his war.

The US leader has criticised NATO members for limiting access for American forces to bases on their territories and refusing to lead efforts to open the Strait of Hormuz.

NATO said that Rutte will meet Trump on April 8, and will also see Secretary of State Marco Rubio and defence chief Pete Hegseth.

The alliance chief will give a speech on April 9 at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation Institute.

Former Dutch prime minister Rutte has been dubbed a "Trump whisperer" for his ability to keep the US leader onside throughout a string of crises since he returned to office last year.

Rutte has insisted that Trump has made NATO stronger by getting European countries to agree to ramp up defence spending.
Italian PM begins visit to Saudi Arabia on Gulf tour



Rome, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2026



Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni began a surprise visit to Saudi Arabia on Friday as part of a Gulf tour to boost "national energy security", a government source said, as the Middle East war rages.

Meloni began her unannounced trip in the Red Sea port city of Jeddah, the source said, adding that she was the first leader of a European Union or NATO country to visit the region since the war began on February 28.

The source said Meloni would meet with officials from Saudi Arabia, as well as from Qatar and United Arab Emirates but it was not immediately clear if she would also visit those two countries.

All three countries have been targeted by Iranian drone and missile strikes in retaliation for US-Israeli bombardment of Iran.

Italy is higly dependent on energy imports and has been eyeing rising energy prices with growing concern.

The government has cut fuel excise taxes until May 1 in a bid to contain petrol price rises.

Meloni on March 25 visited Algeria, which already provides around 30 percent of Italy's natural gas, in the hope of increasing gas imports.

Far-right leader Meloni is also one of the European leaders closest to US President Donald Trump, who has urged countries affected by Iran's selective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz to intervene.

The vital shipping route accounted for around a quarter of the global seaborne oil trade and 20 percent of LNG supplies before the war.
Three tankers, including one Japanese-owned, cross Strait of Hormuz near Oman



London, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2026



Three tankers, including one co-owned by a Japanese company, crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday by hugging close to Oman's shore, a rare transit route as Iran maintains a chokehold on the key war-torn passageway.

Before the war which started more than a month ago, about a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas passed through the Strait, but that has dwindled to a trickle as Iran selectively attacks ships and energy facilities throughout the Gulf in retaliation against US and Israeli attacks.

The near closing of the international artery has led to fuel shortages and soaring energy prices across the globe.

Thursday's passage of the three was notable because they sailed close to the Omani Musandam Peninsula to the south of the waterway on Thursday, maritime traffic data showed Friday.

The few vessels that have crossed the chokepoint since the start of the Middle East war have passed using an Iranian-approved route through its waters near Larak Island, dubbed the "Tehran Toll Booth" by leading shipping journal Lloyd's List.

No other ships have been tracked "not taking the Iranian corridor" while crossing the strait "in nearly three weeks", according to Lloyd's List.

Two laden very large crude carrier (VLCC) -- the Habrut and the Dhalkut -- and one empty LNG tanker crossed the strait on Thursday morning, according to maritime data provider Kpler, all signalling they were an "OMANI SHIP" in the message broadcast by their transponder as they crossed the strait.

The Sohar LNG is the first LNG tanker to have crossed the strait since March 1, when Iranian attacks against ships near the Strait of Hormuz, in retaliation for US-Israel strikes, reduced crossings to a near stop.

The Sohar LNG vessel is jointly owned by Japanese shipping company Mitsui O.S.K, according to Japanese media reports quoting a company statement on Friday.

This makes it the first Japanese vessel to have exited the Gulf since the start of the war, according to the reports.

The tanker was empty when it passed the chokepoint on Thursday and had been in the Gulf since February 25.

All three ships appear to have followed a route just off the Omani coastline, and are currently stopped west of Muscat, Oman, according to their signals.

Commodities carriers have made 240 crossings since March 1, according to Kpler data as of Friday morning -- a 94 percent decrease on peacetime.

Of these, 151 were oil tankers and gas carriers, and most were travelling east out of the strait.

Earlier Thursday, a French-owned container ship passed through the Strait of Hormuz, according Marine Traffic data analysed by AFP Friday, the first known transit by a major European shipping group since March 1

Iran said Thursday it was drafting a peacetime protocol that would supervise maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz with Oman, state media reported.

Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi told Russia's Sputnik state media that the protocol would apply after the ongoing war with the United States and Israel had ended, setting basic rules to manage ship movements, the IRNA news agency said.



lmc/ys/gv
Putin, Erdogan urge immediate Mideast ceasefire: Kremlin



Moscow, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2026



Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan called for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East war during a phone call on Friday, the Kremlin said.

The war started over a month ago with US-Israeli strikes on Iran, triggering a conflict throughout the Middle East that has convulsed the global economy and impacted millions of people worldwide.

"The leaders noted their shared positions on the need for an immediate ceasefire and the development of compromise peace agreements that take into account the legitimate interests of all states in the region," a Kremlin statement said.

"It was noted that intense military action is leading to serious negative consequences not only regionally but also globally, including in the areas of energy, trade, and logistics," it added.

Putin and Erdogan also discussed "the importance of coordinated measures to comprehensively ensure security in the Black Sea area," Kremlin said, accusing Ukraine of "attempts to target gas transportation infrastructure linking Russia and Turkey".

On Thursday, Russian forces repelled a drone attack on part of the TurkStream gas pipeline that connects southern Russia and Turkey, the pipeline's operator Gazprom said.

Several European countries, including Hungary, Slovakia and Serbia, receive gas supplies via the pipeline.

Russia has accused Ukraine of attacking it multiple times, most recently in March.

Ukraine has struck Russian energy infrastructure throughout the nearly four-year war, in a bid to sap Moscow's ability to finance its offensive.

Russian strikes on Ukrainian energy facilities have cut power and heating to millions of people since the beginning of its full-scale assault in 2022.
Iranians urged to hunt for crew of downed US fighter jet



Tehran, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2026



Iran authorities urged people living in the rugged southwest of the country to search for the crew of a downed US fighter jet on Friday as state TV broadcast images of what was said to be the mangled remains of the plane.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM), responsible for military operations in the Middle East, did not immediately respond to AFP request for comment following what would be the first known loss of a US jet inside Iran since President Donald Trump ordered the war.

"Military forces have launched a search operation to find the American fighter pilot who was hit earlier today," Iran's Fars news agency reported.

A local official television station in southwestern Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province aired footage of what it said was wreckage of the downed plane, showing a pile of twisted metal fragments in the back of a truck.

It broadcast a message from provincial police urging the area's nomadic peoples and villagers to join the military in the hunt for the crew of the aircraft that may have gone down in the province.

"Dear and honourable people of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province, if you capture the enemy pilot or pilots alive and hand them over to the police and military forces, you will receive a valuable reward and bonus," said a reporter on the channel.

The incident is the first report of a US fighter jet being downed in Iranian territory since the United States and Israel launched its war on the Islamic republic on February 28.

It was unclear what aircraft was involved, with reports referring to both an F35 and F-15E fighter jet.

The New York Times quoted US and Israeli officials confirming the Iranian claims to have shot down a jet, and other major American outlets reported that US forces had launched a rescue operation.

According to a Western fighter pilot, in the event of ejection over hostile territory, "the first thing to do is to hide and try to signal your position to your comrades".

Pilots wear a combat vest containing a radio/GPS-coded beacon to transmit their position and communicate with search teams, using a system of code words for signalling, the pilot told AFP, on condition of anonymity.

The vest is also equipped with water, vitamin bars, a first-aid kit and a pistol. Pilots are trained to fend for themselves in the wilderness while evading enemy soldiers after an ejection.

Last week, Iranian state media published footage purporting to show a missile targeting a F/A-18 flying over Chabahar, southeast Iran. The images show the US jet flying away with no visible damage.
Trump's America, an impossible ally?



Paris, France, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2026



Europe's frustration over Donald Trump's digs at NATO was laid bare this week when French President Emmanuel Macron lashed out at the US leader with some of his strongest language to date.

During a visit to Seoul, Macron -- who has maintained a good working relationship with Trump -- accused the US president of harming NATO by speaking too much.

"Alliances like NATO derive their value from what is left unsaid, namely the trust that underpins them," he said on Thursday.

"If you sow doubt about your commitment every day, you drain it of its substance."

The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation was founded by liberal democracies in 1949 in response to the threat posed by the Soviet Union.

Analysts say Trump's multiple attacks on NATO are eroding the alliance's foundations and credibility, pushing Europeans to form ad hoc coalitions to manage crises, amid growing doubts about the reliability of their longstanding ally.

Olivier Schmitt, a researcher at the Royal Danish Defence College, pointed to the "exceptional character" of NATO compared with other historic alliances.

"It is the only alliance that, until now, had a major player behaving like a benevolent hegemon, one that did not impose its actions on others by force," he told AFP.

- 'The rift is too deep' -



By contrast, the Warsaw Pact, conceived as the Soviet Union's answer to NATO, effectively provided Moscow with a pretext to intervene in the domestic and military affairs of allied states in Central and Eastern Europe, said Schmitt.

Trump has ripped up the rulebook, launching strikes against Iran without consulting or even informing his European allies, and then accusing them of "cowardice" for declining his request to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, whose closure by Iran has rattled the global economy.

"He simply 'demanded' that they do what he said. Trump doesn't want allies -- he wants vassals," said neoconservative scholar Robert Kagan, a proponent of the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

"As a result, friends and allies will be ever less willing to cooperate with the United States," he wrote this week in The Atlantic.

Mistrust is increasingly taking hold.

In January, Europeans were stunned when Trump threatened to annex Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, a founding member of NATO.

Last week, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier warned the damage inflicted on the transatlantic relationship since Trump's return to the White House last year was so deep that even a future US administration might be unable to repair it.

"The rift is too deep, and the trust that has been lost in American great-power politics is too great," Steinmeier said.

Analysts say that Europeans might be deluding themselves if they expect the United States to return to business as usual post-Trump.

"Why should America be the one to pay for European defence?" said Celia Belin, a senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations.

"This questioning runs very deep and exists within the Democratic camp as well, and I believe there will be no turning back on this."

While the US nuclear umbrella has not been formally called into question by the United States, Washington's commitment to the security of NATO members has been cast into doubt following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

"American indifference to the European struggle against Russian aggression constitutes a profound geopolitical revolution -- perhaps the final disintegration of the alliance relationships established after World War II," said Kagan.



- 'Eastern flank of the US' -



Kristina Kausch, a researcher at the German Marshall Fund, said it would be an exaggeration to speak of the end of the alliance.

But, she said, it is clear that the fundamental idea that the United States and Europe have a common interest in defence is "now beginning to crumble."

"At least within Trump's inner circle," she added.

Observers say Trump's transactional approach runs counter to NATO's core principle of mutual support, and that for deterrence to function, an adversary must believe he will face 32 countries committed to defending one another.

"The signal sent by Trump is catastrophic for NATO's credibility," said Schmitt.

But Paul Wyatt, director general for security policy at the UK defence ministry, said Europe and the United States needed each other.

"Europe is the eastern flank of the United States," he told a defence forum in Paris last week.

"We are a fundamental part of US security just as much as the US is a fundamental part of ours."

Washington has more than 76,000 military personnel stationed across Europe and uses its European bases as a staging ground for operations around the world.

As NATO members ramp up defence spending amid the looming threat of conflict with Russia and seek to keep the United States on board, they are searching for ways to fill the emerging strategic gap with initiatives such as a "coalition of the willing" to back Ukraine.

"The question now is whether America's allies -- in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia -- have the political will, the strategic imagination, and the time to adapt to this new reality," said Mick Ryan, a former major general in the Australian army and geopolitical analyst.
White House seeks $1.5 tn defense budget as Iran war drives costs



Washington, United States, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2026



US President Donald Trump asked lawmakers on Friday to approve a massive $1.5 trillion defense budget for 2027, as the United States faces rising costs from its war with Iran and mounting global security commitments.

The proposal would lift Pentagon spending by more than 40 percent in a single year -- the sharpest increase since World War II -- as Washington seeks to sustain military operations and rebuild depleted weapons stockpiles.

The request highlights the growing financial pressure of a conflict now in its fifth week, and sets up a political battle in Congress over how to fund a dramatic expansion of military spending.

US media -- citing closed-door congressional briefings -- have reported that the Iran war could be costing as much as $2 billion a day, underscoring the scale of the burden even before longer-term reconstruction and resupply costs are factored in.

To offset part of the increase, Trump is proposing around $73 billion in cuts to non-defense spending -- roughly 10 percent -- "reducing or eliminating woke, weaponized and wasteful programs, and by returning State and local responsibilities to their respective governments."

The president has framed the defense increase in urgent terms, arguing that military investment must take precedence during wartime, even at the expense of federal social programs.

"It's not possible for us to take care of day care, Medicaid, Medicare," Trump said at a recent private event, adding that such responsibilities could be handled at the state level while Washington focuses on "military protection."



- 'Reckless foreign wars' -



Democrats swiftly attacked the proposal, with the party's Senate budget leader Patty Murray warning it prioritized military spending over Americans' needs and accusing Trump of pursuing "reckless foreign wars."

"Donald Trump might be happy to spend more money on bombs in the Middle East than on families here in America -- but I am not," she said in a statement.

The White House released the request as part of a detailed 92-page budget proposal, alongside summaries outlining its priorities across federal agencies.

The plan is not binding but serves as a statement of the administration's priorities as Congress begins drafting spending legislation, with lawmakers retaining the power to rewrite or reject it.

Trump is urging Congress to approve the bulk of the defense budget -- more than $1.1 trillion -- through the standard appropriations process, while seeking to pass a further $350 billion using a party-line mechanism that would bypass Democratic support.

Republican leaders have shown openness to that approach, particularly as they push for higher defense and immigration enforcement spending. But the plan may face resistance within Trump's own party, where some lawmakers are wary of deepening federal deficits.

The United States is already running annual shortfalls approaching $2 trillion, with total debt exceeding $39 trillion, leaving limited fiscal space for new spending without further widening the gap.

Lawmakers from both parties have also raised concerns about the scale of the proposed military increase, particularly as the administration has provided limited detail on the trajectory of the Iran conflict.

There is similar skepticism about the domestic cuts, many of which Congress has previously rejected. Spending bills passed earlier this year largely preserved funding for programs the White House is again seeking to reduce or eliminate.

Beyond defense, the administration is proposing increased funding for federal law enforcement, including a boost of more than $40 billion for the Justice Department.

Even so, the plan could add trillions more to the federal debt over the coming decade if enacted in full, highlighting the trade-offs facing lawmakers as they weigh wartime demands against long-term fiscal pressures.

Some Republicans, however, backed the push, with congressional defense leaders saying the increase would help move US military spending toward five percent of GDP and strengthen deterrence.

Roger Wicker and Mike Rogers, the respective chairmen of the Senate and House armed services committees, praised Trump in a joint statement for "sending a clear signal for our allies and partners to build on recent progress and meet this benchmark alongside us."
UN force says 3 peacekeepers wounded in Lebanon



Beirut, Lebanon, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2026



The United Nations force in Lebanon said a blast at one of its positions wounded three peacekeepers on Friday, the third such incident in a week, as more Israeli strikes hit south Beirut.

"This afternoon, an explosion inside a UN position... injured three peacekeepers, two seriously. They are all currently being evacuated to hospital. We do not yet know the origin of the explosion," UNIFIL spokesperson Kandice Ardiel said.

The UN Interim Force in Lebanon is deployed in the country's south near the border, where Israel and Hezbollah have been at war for a month and where Israeli troops are carrying out a ground invasion.

Lebanon was drawn into the Middle East war on March 2 when the Tehran-backed group Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel to avenge the US-Israeli attack that killed Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Israel has responded with massive strikes across Lebanon as well as the ground invasion.

Lebanese authorities have reported 1,368 dead in a month of hostilities.

Israel's military carried out fresh strikes on south Beirut after issuing an evacuation order for the area, a Hezbollah stronghold that has largely emptied of residents amid repeated raids and evacuation warnings.

An AFP correspondent heard explosions as the state-run National News Agency reported raids on the area and Israel's military said it "has begun striking terror infrastructure in Beirut".

Also Friday, the Israeli military said it planned to strike two bridges in Lebanon's eastern Bekaa region, warning residents in the area to evacuate.

"In order to prevent the transfer of reinforcements and military equipment... the IDF (army) intends to target the Sohmor and Mashghara bridges," it said.



- Destruction in south -







Israel has already struck several bridges over the Litani River, which runs around 30 kilometres (20 miles) from the Israeli border.

Israel has said it wants to maintain "security control" up to the river, which bisects south Lebanon.

The NNA also reported strikes in various areas, including Srifa in the Tyre district, where it said a wave of strikes targeting residential neighbourhoods caused "extensive destruction of homes and shops".

The agency also said Israeli forces had "destroyed what remained of houses" in towns near the border including Aita al-Shaab, Qawzah, Maroun al-Ras and Yaroun, which were largely destroyed during the previous Israel-Hezbollah war that ended in 2024.

Israel's army said it had struck more than 3,500 targets across Lebanon since the latest war began, while Hezbollah said it had carried out 1,309 operations against Israeli targets during the same period, around half inside Lebanon and half across the border.

On Sunday, an Indonesian peacekeeper was killed when a projectile of unknown origin exploded in a UNIFIL position, according to the force, while another blast the following day killed two more Indonesian troops.

A UN security source had told AFP that Israeli fire was behind Sunday's attack, while a mine may have caused the following day's deadly blast.

Israel's military denied responsibility for Monday's incident.

According to the UN, 97 force members have been killed in violence since UNIFIL was first established to monitor the withdrawal of Israeli forces after they invaded Lebanon in 1978.

The mandate of the force, which for decades has acted as a buffer between Israel and Lebanon, finishes at the end of this year.
War in the Middle East: latest developments



Paris, France, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2026



Here are the latest developments in the Middle East war:



- Iran hunts US pilot -

Iranian authorities urged people living in the rugged southwest of the country to search for the crew of a downed US fighter jet, as state TV broadcast images of what was said to be the mangled remains of the plane.

The New York Times quoted US and Israeli officials confirming the Iranian claims to have shot down a jet, and other major American outlets reported that US forces had launched a rescue operation.



- Trump seeks $1.5 tn defense budget -

US President Donald Trump asked lawmakers to approve a massive $1.5 trillion defense budget for 2027, as the United States faces rising costs from its war with Iran and mounting global security commitments.

The proposal would lift Pentagon spending by more than 40 percent in a single year -- the sharpest increase since World War II.



- UN peacekeepers wounded -

The United Nations force in Lebanon said a blast at one of its positions wounded three peacekeepers -- two of them seriously -- the third such incident in a week.

The UN Interim Force in Lebanon is deployed in the country's south near the border, where Israel and Hezbollah have been at war for a month and where Israeli troops are carrying out a ground invasion.



- 'Immediate ceasefire' urged -

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan called for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East war during a phone call, the Kremlin said.

"It was noted that intense military action is leading to serious negative consequences not only regionally but also globally, including in the areas of energy, trade, and logistics," it added.



- Fresh strikes on Beirut-

Fresh strikes hit Beirut's southern suburbs on Friday as the Israeli army said it was targeting "terror infrastructure", hours after having issued an evacuation warning for the area.

An AFP correspondent heard explosions as the state-run National News Agency reported strikes on the area, a Hezbollah bastion that has largely emptied of residents since war erupted last month.



- Tankers cross Hormuz -

Three tankers, including one co-owned by a Japanese company, crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday by hugging close to Oman's shore, a rare transit route as Iran maintains a chokehold on the key war-torn passageway.

Their passage was notable because they sailed close to the Omani Musandam Peninsula to the south of the waterway, maritime traffic data showed Friday.



- Italian PM visits Gulf -

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni began a surprise visit to Saudi Arabia as part of a Gulf tour to boost "national energy security", a government source said.

The source said Meloni would meet with officials from Saudi Arabia, as well as from Qatar and United Arab Emirates on what had been a hitherto unannounced trip.



- Easter mass cancelled -

All masses in Dubai have been cancelled because of the war, two Catholic churches in the United Arab Emirates posted on their websites.



- Ukraine offer -

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in remarks made public Friday said his country could help unblock the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking to journalists, including AFP, he cited Kyiv's experience in restoring passage through the Black Sea, which Russia had blocked at the beginning of its invasion of Ukraine. But he did not provide details.



- Kuwait plant hit -

A Kuwaiti power and desalination complex was damaged by an attack from Iran, the electricity and water ministry said.

An AFP correspondent in Kuwait City said there had been no disruption to power or water services.



- Gas complex shut -

A fire caused by falling debris from an intercepted attack forced the suspension of operations at the Habshan gas complex in Abu Dhabi, the government media office said.



- 3,500 targets -

The Israeli military said it had struck more than 3,500 targets across Lebanon since fighting with the Iran-backed Hezbollah militants began.

burs-ach/jj
The National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) will ease foreign exchange restrictions for payments related to medical treatment abroad starting April 4 and will regulate settlements of the American-Ukrainian Reconstruction Investment Fund (URIF), according to the regulator's website.

The NBU has allowed individuals requiring treatment abroad, their relatives, or charitable foundations to purchase foreign currency for accumulation in an account at a Ukrainian bank until the full amount required for settlement with a foreign medical institution is collected. This applies both to the cost of treatment itself and to related expenses, including tests, consultations, inpatient care, and meals.

At the same time, the purchase of foreign currency and subsequent transfer of funds abroad must be carried out through a single bank. Unused funds or currency returned by the medical institution must be sold by the bank on Ukraine's foreign exchange market within two business days after the final payment date under the contract or its termination.

Existing rules already allowed individuals to purchase and transfer funds for treatment abroad without any limit on the amount, but did not provide for the possibility of accumulating foreign currency in advance until the full required sum was reached.

Separately, the NBU has regulated the execution within Ukraine of hryvnia and foreign currency settlements by URIF and its local representative office, DFC Ukraine Subsoil LLC, for the implementation of agreements and government decisions related to the fund's establishment and operations.

As reported, on March 25 the URIF governing board approved its first investment in Ukrainian technology company Sine Engineering, which operates in the field of communications and navigation (dual-use technologies).

According to Ukraine's Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, more than 200 applications have been submitted for the fund's consideration, over half of them from Ukrainian companies, primarily in the energy sector, defense technologies, and critical minerals.
For some around Trump, war on Iran is a Christian calling



Washington, United States, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2026



As he wages war on Iran, President Donald Trump was joined in the Oval Office by Christian pastors. Solemnly, some placed their hands on his shoulder or forearm. They offered their blessings.

In a war against a country led by Shia Muslim clerics, the United States -- which has a constitutional separation between church and state -- is also invoking religion, with some Trump officials casting it as almost a divine mission.

At the event for Holy Week, when Christians mark the last days of Jesus Christ before the resurrection on Easter, the Reverend Franklin Graham told Trump of the Bible's Book of Esther in which he said "the Iranians" -- a Persian king of contested historical accuracy -- ordered the killing of all Jews.

"Today the Iranians, the wicked regime of this government, wants to kill every Jew and destroy them with an atomic fire. But you have raised up President Trump. You've raised him up for such a time as this. And Father, we pray that you'll give him victory," said Graham, son of famed late evangelist Billy Graham.

Unmentioned, the Persian emperor Cyrus the Great, still revered by Iranians, was the first world leader to grant freedom to the Jews, liberating them from captivity in Babylon.

The story of the Book of Esther has also been repeatedly cited by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who used the occasion of Passover to compare his war alongside Trump to the emancipation of the Jews from Egyptian captivity.

Iran's government since 1979 has been explicitly rooted in religion, with a top Shia cleric serving as supreme leader.

Iran's military has drawn parallels between their defenses and the Battle of Karbala, the 680 CE battle in which the Prophet Mohammed's grandson Hussein was killed, an event commemorated by Shia as an act of martyrdom and self-sacrifice in the face of tyranny.



- Crusades are back -



When George W. Bush went to war against Afghanistan's Taliban after the September 11, 2001 attacks, he called his campaign a "crusade" but quickly backtracked, aware of the historical baggage in the Islamic world of a term often used loosely as a metaphor in the West.

Trump's defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, has shown no such compunctions. The former Fox News host in 2020 wrote a book called "American Crusade" in which he called for a "holy war" to rid America of the left.

Among his tattoos are a Jerusalem Cross, a Crusader-era emblem embraced by the far-right, along with the Latin inscription "Deus Vult," or "God wills it," a motto for the Crusaders.

If there was any doubt on his views on Muslims, he also has a tattoo that reads "kafir," or "infidel," in Arabic.

Hegseth, who has vowed to rain down "death and destruction" on Iran, at a news conference called on Americans to pray "every day, on bended knee, with your family, in your schools, in your churches, in the name of Jesus Christ."

Speaking to CBS News, Hegseth said, "We're fighting religious fanatics who seek nuclear capability for some religious Armageddon."

"My Christian faith," he said, "is important in our fighting ranks to give them perspective."



- Shutting down diversity -



The Pentagon in recent decades has welcomed a diversity of faiths, with chaplains tasked more with offering personal comfort and guidance than on blessing leaders' decisions.

"Someone with command authority asserting a faith perspective in a manner of favoritism, disregarding the diversity of faiths represented in the military and the nation, is at the least disrespectful and careless and at the most an abuse of power," said Kenneth Williams, a former military chaplain who now teaches at Georgetown University.

The religious embrace of war is also deeply offensive to many Christians. Pope Leo XIV, the first American to lead the Catholic Church, has hoped that Trump will seek "an off-ramp" and "a way to decrease the amount of violence."

In his Palm Sunday homily, the Pope said God "does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war, but rejects them."

Asked by an AFP journalist about the Pope's remarks, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said it is "very noble" to pray for troops in a time of war.

Much of the administration speaks openly in religious terms. Vice President JD Vance announced in the midst of the war that he is publishing a book on his embrace of Catholicism called "Communion."

Trump himself is not known to be personally religious. The thrice-married realtor and former television celebrity was raised Presbyterian and rarely attended religious services.

But since entering politics he has embraced the Christian right. Christian conservatives hailed Trump for helping them achieve their priority -- the end of the nationwide right to abortion, thanks to justices Trump appointed to the Supreme Court.
WHO warns about attacks on Iranian health facilities



Paris, France, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2026



The World Health Organization warned Friday about "multiple attacks on health" in Iran in recent days following an airstrike on the Pasteur Institute in Tehran.

"Multiple attacks on health have been reported in the Iranian capital, Tehran, in recent days amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East," WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus wrote on X.

He said the Pasteur Institute "sustained significant damage and was rendered unable to continue delivering health services" -- one of 20 facilities the WHO has confirmed as being targeted.

Iranian health ministry spokesman Hossein Kermanpour posted pictures on X on Thursday showing a heavily damaged building, with parts of the facility reduced to rubble.

Iran's ISNA news agency reported that the "services of the Pasteur Institute of Iran have not been interrupted by these attacks", adding that vaccine and serum production would continue.

"Fortunately, none of the employees of the Pasteur Institute in Iran were harmed in the recent attacks by the United States and the Zionist regime," it wrote on the Telegram messaging app.

The Pasteur Institute of Iran, which has no formal links with the original Pasteur Institute in Paris, is one of the oldest research and public health facilities in Iran, having been founded in 1920.

Tedros said that the centre "plays an important role in protecting and promoting population health, including in emergencies".



- Targets -



Israel and the United States appear to be widening their targets beyond military, security and administrative infrastructure which were the focus of attacks during the first weeks of the war.

Health, educational and most recently transport infrastructure have been hit in the past days.

Iran's Mehr news agency, citing the Iranian Red Crescent, reported a strike on a laser and plasma research facility of the Shahid Beheshti University in Tehran on Friday.

The university said in a statement that a "significant part of this center was destroyed" while calling it an attack on "reason, research, and freedom of thought".

Israel has targeted the Imam Hossein University and the Malek-Ashtar University, claiming both were being used for military research.

One of Iran's largest pharmaceutical companies, Tofigh Daru, which produces anaesthetics and cancer drugs, was attacked on Tuesday.

Tedros said the Delaram Sina Psychiatric Hospital had also sustained significant damage last Sunday.

Healthcare facilities are protected locations under the Geneva Conventions agreed as the rules of war by world powers after World War II.

According to the latest figures from the Iranian Red Crescent, 307 health, medical and emergency care facilities have been damaged in the war.

US President Donald Trump has threatened to bomb Iran "back to the Stone Ages", despite international law prohibiting the targeting of civilian infrastructure.

Israel repeatedly attacked hospitals in Gaza during its two-year bombardment of the territory from October 2023, claiming they were being used by operatives from the Hamas militant group.

The US and Israel attacked Iran on February 28, claiming the country was rushing towards developing a nuclear weapon, which Tehran has denied.
CORRECTED: Iran searches for downed US jet crew, as US media says one member rescued



Tehran, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2026



Iran launched a hunt for the US crew whose jet Iranian media said had been shot down by the Islamic republic's air defence systems Friday, deploying troops and offering a bounty.

US media reported US special forces had rescued one of the two crew members, and a local official television station in southwestern Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province aired footage of what it said was wreckage of the downed plane.

The war started more than a month ago with US-Israeli strikes on Iran that killed supreme leader Ali Khamenei, triggering a retaliation that spread the conflict throughout the Middle East, convulsing the global economy and impacting millions of people worldwide.

US Central Command (CENTCOM), responsible for military operations in the Middle East, did not immediately respond to an AFP request for comment on what would be the first known loss of a jet inside Iran since Trump ordered the war.

"Dear and honourable people of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province, if you capture the enemy pilot or pilots alive and hand them over to the police and military forces, you will receive a valuable reward and bonus," said an Iranian television reporter on the official local channel.

The report of the downed jet came as fresh strikes hit Israel, Iran, Lebanon and Gulf countries.

Meanhwile, large blasts rocked northern Tehran, an AFP journalist said. Israel said it had launched a wave of strikes in the Iranian capital, alongside parallel attacks in Beirut.



- Blown-out windows -



Earlier, Israel's military reported a new missile salvo from Iran, activating its air defences.

Strikes by all sides have increasingly targeted economic and industrial sites, raising fears of wider disruption to global energy supplies.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said the US military "hasn't even started destroying what's left in Iran. Bridges next, then Electric Power Plants!", after US strikes damaged Iran's tallest bridge.

In the area around the bridge, in Karaj, west of Tehran, an AFP reporter saw a villa and residential buildings with blown-out windows -- but no military installations.

According to the deputy governor of Alborz province, the attack killed eight civilians and wounded 95 others.

About 70 percent of Iran's steel production capacity has been taken out, Israel said Friday.

In Abu Dhabi, Iran's neighbour across the Gulf, metal giant Emirates Global Aluminium meanwhile said it could take up to a year before it can resume full production, after its site was damaged by Iranian strikes.



- Ex-FM urges peace deal -



Writing in the US journal Foreign Affairs, Iran's former foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, said Tehran should make a deal with the United States to end the war by offering to curb its nuclear programme and reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for sanctions relief.

Iran has virtually blocked the key waterway since the war began, where in peace time one-fifth of the world's oil and natural gas passes through.

Of the few ships that have managed to cross, most have had links to Iran, with sixty percent of commodity-bearing ships crossing the strait either coming from Iran or heading there, an AFP analysis of maritime data showed.

In the first known transit by a major European shipping group since March 1, the Maltese-flagged Kribi, belonging to the French maritime transport group CMA CGM, crossed the strait to exit the Gulf on Thursday, according Marine Traffic data analysed by AFP.

Three other ships, including one co-owned by a Japanese company, crossed Thursday, as commodities carriers see a 94 percent drop in traffic compared to peace time, according to data from business analyists Kpler.

Iranian military spokesperson Ebrahim Zolfaghari warned that, in response to Trump's threats to attack infrastructure, Iran would increase its own attacks on energy sites in the region.

A drone attack on a refinery owned by Kuwait's national oil company on Friday sparked fires at several of its units, state media said.

Later, an Iranian attack damaged a power and desalination complex, Kuwait's water and electricity ministry said.

In Abu Dhabi, a gas complex shut after a fire broke out, following an attack that resulted in "falling debris" upon interception, the government media office said.



- Trump wants bigger defence budget -



Meanwhile, the Israeli military said Friday it had struck more than 3,500 targets across Lebanon in the month since fighting with Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group.

It added it would attack two bridges in Lebanon's eastern Bekaa region "in order to prevent the transfer of reinforcements and military equipment".

Lebanon's health ministry said on Thursday that 1,345 people had been killed -- and 4,040 wounded -- since the start of the war, including 1,129 men, 91 women and 125 children. Among those are 53 healthcare workers.

Hezbollah has so far not announced its losses.

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon said a blast wounded three peacekeepers, the third such incident in a week.

A UNIFIL spokesperson said the origin of the explosion was unknown.

The war's economic impact is rippling far beyond the Middle East, as energy and oil costs surge.

At a protest in Lahore, Pakistan, over fuel price hikes, Naveed Ahmed, 39, told AFP: "The government, overnight, has dropped a 'petrol bomb' on its people."

Meanwhile, the White House on Friday sent a spending proposal to lawmakers calling for a massive hike to the US defence budget.

It remains to be seen what Congress will ultimately approve, but US media reported the $1.5 trillion budget request -- a 42 percent hike -- would be the largest year-on-year increase in Pentagon spending since World War II.

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UN force says three peacekeepers wounded in Lebanon



Beirut, Lebanon, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2026



The United Nations force in Lebanon said a blast at one of its positions wounded three peacekeepers on Friday, the third such incident in a week, as more Israeli strikes hit south Beirut.

The US embassy in Lebanon, where the Tehran-backed Hezbollah militant group is at war with Israel, warned that Iran and allied groups could seek to target universities in the country.

Lebanon was drawn into the Middle East war on March 2 when Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel to avenge the US-Israeli attack that killed Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Israel has responded with massive strikes across Lebanon as well as a ground operation in the country's south. Lebanese authorities have reported 1,368 dead in a month of hostilities.

"This afternoon, an explosion inside a UN position... injured three peacekeepers, two seriously. They are all currently being evacuated to hospital. We do not yet know the origin of the explosion," UNIFIL spokesperson Kandice Ardiel said.

The UN Interim Force in Lebanon is deployed in the country's south near the border.

Israel's military carried out fresh strikes on south Beirut, saying it was striking "terror infrastructure" after issuing an evacuation order for the area, a Hezbollah stronghold that has largely emptied of residents amid repeated raids and evacuation warnings.

An AFP correspondent heard explosions as the state-run National News Agency reported raids on the area.



- 'Against the war' -



On the edge of the southern suburbs, Christians marked Good Friday in the Shiyeh neighbourhood with a procession around the Saint Maroun Church, some holding flaming torches or singing religious chants.

Resident Hala Farah, 62, said she had never before missed the religious rites, even during repeated conflicts in the country.

"We're always here, we have to hold on for the future of our children," she told AFP at the entrance to the overflowing church.

Another worshipper, Patricia Haddad, 32, said she said she was not afraid of the nearby bombardment anymore.

"We got used to it, unfortunately," she said, adding: "We are against the war."

The US embassy said that "Iran and its aligned terrorist militias may intend to target universities in Lebanon", without identifying any specific institutions.

The warning came days after Iran's Revolutionary Guard threatened to target US universities in the Middle East after saying US-Israeli strikes had destroyed two Iranian universities.

Among other facilities, Lebanon is home to the American University of Beirut, one of the most prominent US institutions in the region, whose campus and hospital are in the heart of the capital.

Also Friday, the Israeli military said it planned to strike two bridges in Lebanon's eastern Bekaa region "to prevent the transfer of reinforcements and military equipment".



- Houses 'destroyed' -



Israel has already struck several bridges over the Litani River, which runs around 30 kilometres (20 miles) from the Israeli border, an area where Israel wants to maintain "security control".

The NNA also reported strikes in south Lebanon, saying Israeli forces had "destroyed what remained of houses" in several frontier towns that were largely destroyed during the previous Israel-Hezbollah war that ended in 2024.

Israel's army said it had struck more than 3,500 targets across Lebanon since last month, while Hezbollah said it had carried out 1,309 operations against Israeli targets.

On Sunday, an Indonesian peacekeeper was killed when a projectile exploded in a UNIFIL position, while another blast the following day killed two more Indonesian troops.

A UN security source had told AFP that Israeli fire was behind Sunday's attack, while a mine may have caused the second blast, for which Israel's military denied responsibility.

According to the UN, 97 force members have been killed in violence since UNIFIL was first established to monitor the withdrawal of Israeli forces after they invaded Lebanon in 1978.

The force's mandate finishes at the end of this year.

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Iranian engineers mourn their tallest bridge, bombed by Trump



Karaj, Iran, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2026



Iranian engineer Roozbeh Yazdi stood amid the wreckage of the Middle East's tallest bridge, severed by strikes proudly claimed by US President Donald Trump.

"This bridge was like our child," he said, fighting back tears.

AFP visited the site on Friday during a press tour organised by Iranian authorities in Karaj, a city west of the capital Tehran.

An official said 12 bombs had been dropped in the previous day's attack.

The two main pillars are still standing. The word "Iran" in elegant calligraphy still crowns the structure.

But the force of the blasts had sliced the bridge in half at its midpoint.

Further strikes then destroyed the ends of the bridge deck, and twisted steel beams and chunks of concrete now dangle over the void.

Experts say they do not know if the bridge can ever be repaired.

"We worked hard to assemble these parts. We cried, we sweated buckets," Yazdi said at the site, where the bridge had been due to open this summer.

Two cranes were still standing nearby show the work, which began more than two years ago, was unfinished.

The bridge had not yet officially been named and was known simply as B1.

"We considered this bridge our child and we were very proud to see it grow," said Yazdi.

In the valley below the bridge, families had been picnicking on the grass when the blast struck.

AFP journalists saw a villa and residential buildings with blown-out windows -- but no military installations.

According to the latest toll from the martyrs foundation of Alborz province which includes Karaj, cited by the official IRNA agency, the attack killed 13 civilians and wounded dozens.

"They (US and Israel) are attacking only the country's and people's infrastructure," said Hamed Zekri, a 41-year-old engineer.

"We worked on this bridge for two years... morning and night... In the end, our efforts were destroyed in three hours."

He told AFP he was "so saddened" by the bridge's destruction that he was at a loss for words.



- 'Tumbling down' -



Trump has bragged about bombing the B1 bridge, without explaining why it had been targeted.

"The biggest bridge in Iran comes tumbling down, never to be used again," he wrote on his Truth Social platform alongside video footage of the wreckage.

"IT IS TIME FOR IRAN TO MAKE A DEAL BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE, AND THERE IS NOTHING LEFT OF WHAT STILL COULD BECOME A GREAT COUNTRY!"

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a post on X: "Striking civilian structures, including unfinished bridges, will not compel Iranians to surrender."

According to Iran's ISNA news agency, B1 was Iran's most complex engineering project, built using an "extradosed" system that supports the deck through both suspension cables and arches.

Its highest point rises 176 metres above the ground and stretches 1,050 metres in length.

The bridge's construction was part of a major motorway project aimed at reducing travel time between Tehran and northern Iran -- a popular destination, especially for weekend trips to the Caspian Sea.

In another post, Trump said the US military "hasn't even started destroying what's left in Iran".

"Bridges next, then Electric Power Plants!" he declared

The Fars news agency published a list of the region's key bridges that could be "potential targets of Iranian retaliation".

Heading the list was the 36-kilometre-long Sheikh Jaber Al?Ahmad Al?Sabah Causeway in Kuwait, followed by the King Fahd Causeway linking Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

sbr/rh/dc
Trump seeks $152 mn to revive Alcatraz as federal prison



Washington, United States, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2026



US President Donald Trump asked Congress on Friday for $152 million to begin rebuilding the notorious Alcatraz prison, pressing ahead with his vision to return the former island lockup to active use.

The funding request, included in the White House's proposed 2027 budget, would cover the first year of converting the San Francisco Bay site into what officials describe as a "state-of-the-art secure prison facility."

Trump has pushed for reopening Alcatraz since last year, portraying it as a symbol of a tougher approach to crime.

In a social media post at the time, he called for a "substantially enlarged and rebuilt" facility to house the country's most dangerous offenders.

The proposal comes as part of a broader Justice Department budget that emphasizes prison investment and law enforcement, though such requests are ultimately subject to approval by Congress.

Political news outlet Axios, citing administration officials, reported that any "supermax" prison complex at the site would have to be built from scratch -- putting the total cost at somewhere around $2 billion.

Alcatraz, which opened as a federal penitentiary in 1934, was once considered among the most secure prisons in the United States due to its isolated island location and the strong currents surrounding it.

It held a relatively small number of prisoners, including high-profile inmates such as Al Capone.

The island fortress entered American cultural lore after a 1962 escape by three inmates, which became an inspiration for the film "Escape from Alcatraz" starring Clint Eastwood.

It was closed in 1963 after officials determined it was too costly to maintain.

According to the Federal Bureau of Prisons, operating expenses were nearly three times higher than at other federal facilities, largely because all supplies -- including fresh water -- had to be transported to the island.

Since the early 1970s, Alcatraz has been managed by the National Park Service as part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and has become one of San Francisco's most popular tourist attractions, drawing more than a million visitors annually.

The White House argues that rebuilding the site would help modernize the federal prison system and expand capacity for high-risk inmates.

But critics have questioned both the practicality and cost of the plan, noting that the island's infrastructure would likely require extensive reconstruction.

Feasibility studies have already been conducted by federal agencies to assess whether a modern correctional facility could be established on the site, though no final decision has been made.

Any move to proceed could face political resistance given competing budget priorities and the site's current status as a major tourism and historical landmark.
Israel destroys east Lebanon bridge, hits south Beirut



Beirut, Lebanon, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2026



An Israeli strike destroyed a bridge in eastern Lebanon on Friday, state media reported, after Israel warned it would hit the site to prevent Hezbollah reinforcements crossing.

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said a blast at one of its positions in the country's south near the border wounded three peacekeepers on Friday, the third similar incident in days.

Lebanon was drawn into the Middle East war on March 2 when the Tehran-backed Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel to avenge the US-Israeli attack that killed Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Israel has responded with massive strikes across Lebanon and a ground invasion in the country's south.

The state-run National News Agency said: "Israeli warplanes targeted the bridge that links Sohmor with Mashghara, leading to its destruction."

Israel's military had warned that it would target two adjacent bridges over the Litani River in the area "to prevent the transfer of reinforcements and military equipment".

Lebanese local media reported that the second bridge was also hit.

Israel has previously struck five other bridges over the Litani in the country's south, including most of the main routes crossing the waterway.

The river runs around 30 kilometres (20 miles) north of the Israeli border, an area where Israel has said it wants to maintain "security control".



- 'Against the war' -



Also in Sohmor, two people were killed and 15 others wounded in an Israeli strike that hit "as worshippers were leaving the town's mosque" after Friday prayers, according to Lebanon's health ministry.

Lebanese authorities have reported more than 1,300 dead in a month of hostilities.

UNIFIL spokesperson Kandice Ardiel said that "an explosion inside a UN position... injured three peacekeepers, two seriously", adding that the origin of the blast was unknown.

Israel's military accused Hezbollah of having launched a rocket that then hit the UNIFIL post.

Near the capital, Israel's military carried out fresh strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs, saying it was striking "terror infrastructure" in the Hezbollah stronghold, which has largely emptied of residents amid repeated Israel raids and warnings.

On the edge of the southern suburbs, Christians marked Good Friday in the Shiyah neighbourhood with a procession around the Saint Maroun Church, some holding flaming torches or singing religious chants.

Resident Hala Farah, 62, said she had never before missed the religious rites, even during repeated conflicts in the country.

"We're always here, we have to hold on for the future of our children," she told AFP at the entrance to the overflowing church.

Another worshipper, Patricia Haddad, 32, said she said she was not afraid of the nearby bombardment anymore.

"We got used to it, unfortunately," she said, adding: "We are against the war."



- Strikes in south -



The US embassy in Lebanon warned that "Iran and its aligned terrorist militias may intend to target universities in Lebanon", without identifying any specific institutions.

The warning came days after Iran's Revolutionary Guard threatened to target US universities in the Middle East after saying US-Israeli strikes had destroyed two Iranian universities.

Among other facilities, Lebanon is home to the American University of Beirut, one of the most prominent US institutions in the region.

The NNA also reported strikes in south Lebanon, saying Israeli forces had "destroyed what remained of houses" in several frontier towns that were largely destroyed during the previous Israel-Hezbollah war that ended in 2024.

Israel's army said it had struck more than 3,500 targets across Lebanon since last month, while Hezbollah said it had carried out 1,309 operations against Israeli targets.

On Sunday, an Indonesian peacekeeper was killed when a projectile exploded in a UNIFIL position, while another blast the following day killed two more Indonesian troops.

According to the UN, 97 force members have been killed in violence since UNIFIL was first established to monitor the withdrawal of Israeli forces after they invaded Lebanon in 1978.

The force's mandate expires at the end of this year.

lar-ris-mby-lg/dc
War in the Middle East: latest developments



Paris, France, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2026



Here are the latest developments in the Middle East war:



- Iran says second US plane downed -



Iran's military says it has downed a second US military jet in the Gulf, according to state media.

There was no immediate confirmation or denial from Washington.



- Man killed in Syria -



State media in Syria said Israeli fire killed a man in Quneitra province in the country's south near the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.

The SANA agency said the man had been killed in an attack by "an Israeli tank", while state television said a car was targeted.



- One killed at UAE gas site -



An Egyptian national was killed and four others wounded after a fire at a gas complex in Abu Dhabi, caused by falling debris from an intercepted attack, the government media office said.

Two of the four people hurt were from Egypt, while the others were from Pakistan, it said.



- Trump briefed on downed plane, Iran hunts for pilot -



US President Donald Trump has been briefed about the downing of a military jet in Iran that has triggered a major search and rescue operation for the crew, the White House said.

US media has reported that one crew member was rescued.

Iranian authorities urged people living in the rugged southwest of the country to search for the jet's crew, as state TV broadcast images of what was said to be the mangled debris.



- Lebanon university warning -



The US embassy in Lebanon, where the Tehran-backed Hezbollah militant group is at war with Israel, said that Iran and allied groups could seek to target universities in the country.

Among other universities, Lebanon is home to the American University of Beirut, one of the most prominent US institutions in the region, whose campus and hospital are in the heart of the capital.



- Trump seeks $1.5 tn defence budget -



Trump asked lawmakers to approve a massive $1.5 trillion defence budget for 2027, as the United States faces rising costs from its war with Iran and mounting global security commitments.

The proposal would lift Pentagon spending by more than 40 percent in a single year -- the sharpest increase since World War II.



- UN peacekeepers wounded -



The United Nations force in Lebanon said a blast at one of its positions had wounded three peacekeepers, two of them seriously -- the third such incident in a week.

The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) is deployed in the country's south near the border, where Israel and Hezbollah have been at war for a month and where Israeli troops are carrying out a ground invasion.



- 'Immediate ceasefire' urged -



Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan called for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East war during a phone call, the Kremlin said.

"It was noted that intense military action is leading to serious negative consequences not only regionally but also globally, including in the areas of energy, trade, and logistics," it added.



- Fresh strikes on Beirut -



Fresh strikes hit Beirut's southern suburbs as the Israeli army said it was targeting "terror infrastructure", hours after having issued an evacuation warning for the area.

An AFP correspondent heard explosions as the state-run National News Agency reported strikes on the area, a Hezbollah bastion that has largely emptied of residents since war erupted last month.



- Tankers cross Hormuz -



Three tankers, including one co-owned by a Japanese company, crossed the Strait of Hormuz by hugging close to Oman's shore, a rare transit route as Iran maintains a chokehold on the key war-torn passageway.

Their passage was notable because they sailed close to the Omani Musandam Peninsula to the south of the waterway, maritime traffic data showed Friday.



- Italian PM visits Gulf -



Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni began a surprise visit to Saudi Arabia as part of a Gulf tour to boost "national energy security", a government source said.

The source said Meloni would meet with officials from Saudi Arabia, as well as from Qatar and United Arab Emirates on what had been a hitherto unannounced trip.

burs/sst/jgc

X
Blast heard in Sudan capital: AFP journalist, witnesses



Khartoum, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2026



A large explosion was heard Friday in the army-controlled Sudanese capital Khartoum, an AFP journalist and witnesses said.

The cause of the blast, which resounded across the capital, was not immediately clear.

Khartoum has seen relative calm since the army, which has been locked in conflict with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since April 2023, regained control of the capital last year.

An AFP journalist in Omdurman, Khartoum's twin city just across the Nile, reported hearing one blast from the direction of central Khartoum.

A witness in the city centre also described a "single, loud explosion" but said there were no immediate signs of "fire or rising smoke".

Other residents across the capital confirmed hearing the blast.

There was no immediate statement from authorities on what caused the explosion.

In the months following the army's recapture of the capital last March, the RSF launched drone strikes at military bases and civilian infrastructure in the capital. But there have been none in recent months, and the city has regained a sense of normality, with 1.7 million displaced people returning.

Outside Khartoum, drone attacks by both the army and the RSF have continued to disrupt daily life, with some strikes killing dozens at once.

This week, the United Nations said that drone strikes had killed more than 500 civilians between January and mid-March, pointing to "the devastating impact of high-tech and relatively cheap weapons in populated areas".

The wider conflict, now approaching its three-year mark, has killed tens of thousands of people, forced more than 11 million from their homes and created what the UN describes as the world's largest displacement and hunger crises.
Middle East war: global economic fallout



Paris, France, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2026



Here are the latest economic events in the Middle East war:



- More ships pass Hormuz -



A French-owned and a Japanese-owned vessel are among a handful of ships to have transited the war-torn Strait of Hormuz, maritime tracking data showed Friday.

The passage, a vital route for oil and liquified natural gas, has been virtually blocked by Tehran since US-Israeli strikes on Iran triggered conflict throughout the Middle East.

Both ships made the crossing on Thursday, according to tracking company Marine Traffic.

In addition, three tankers -- including one co-owned by a Japanese company -- crossed the strait on Thursday via an alternative, southern route.

They hugged close to the shore of Oman's Musandam Peninsula, a first in nearly three weeks, according to Lloyd's List.



- UAE gas site fire kills one -



One person was killed and four others wounded after a fire at a gas complex in Abu Dhabi, caused by falling debris from an intercepted attack on Friday, the government media office said.

It also reported "significant damage" at the facilities.



- Italian central bank cuts forecast -



Italy's central bank revised down its growth forecasts due to "sudden energy price hikes" linked to the war.

The Bank of Italy now expects gross domestic product (GDP) to grow by 0.5 percent both this year and next, and then by 0.8 percent in 2028.

It previously forecast 0.6-percent growth in 2026 and 0.8 percent in 2027.



- White House seeks $1.5 tn -



US President Donald Trump asked lawmakers to approve a massive $1.5-trillion defence budget for 2027, as the United States faces rising costs from its war with Iran and mounting global security commitments.

The proposal would increase Pentagon spending by more than 40 percent in a single year -- the sharpest rise since World War II.



- UAE company needs year to restart aluminium -



Emirates Global Aluminium, one of the world's largest aluminium producers, said it could take up to a year to resume full production after an Iranian missile attack damaged its Abu Dhabi site.

Iran has attacked several smelters in the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain since the war began on February 28, saying they play a role in supplying US military.



- Israel re-opens gas field -



Israel resumed operations at its Leviathan offshore major natural gas field.

It had been shut down since the onset of its war with Iran, halting exports to neighbouring Egypt and Jordan.



- Bangladesh cuts office hours -



Bangladesh cut office and shop hours and banned decorative lighting at weddings starting Friday, to conserve energy stocks after price hikes.

Bangladesh imports 95 percent of its oil and gas needs. About 60 percent of its electricity is generated using imported gas, while diesel is primarily used for farming.



- Free bus rides in Pakistan -



State-run public transport in Pakistan's capital and most populous province will be free for the coming month, officials said Friday.

The announcement came hours after a late-night decision to impose a 43-percent rise in the price of petrol and 55 percent on diesel, prompting street protests and long queues at gas stations.



- Food prices rise -



The UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said its Food Price Index, which measures the monthly changes in international prices of a basket of food commodities, rose 2.4 percent in March from February due to higher energy and fertiliser costs.



- Australia faces petrol shortages -



Australia's government urged motorists to fill their cars at city petrol stations ahead of any long road trips over the Easter holiday.

Energy Minister Chris Bowen said hundreds of service stations in rural towns had run out of diesel nationally and more than a hundred were without unleaded petrol.

burs-aha-bys/sst
Chinese FM says UN Security Council actions should not legitimize unauthorized military operations

Xinhua) 08:11, April 03, 2026

BEIJING, April 2 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday that UN Security Council actions must not provide legal cover for unauthorized military operations, nor should they heighten tensions or escalate conflict.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks in a phone conversation with Kaja Kallas, the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Commission.

Kallas shared her views on the situation in the Middle East and commended China's active diplomatic mediation efforts to ease the situation, including the latest five-point joint initiative issued by China and Pakistan for restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and the Middle East.

The European side has not been involved in this war but has suffered from its spillover effects, she said, expressing hope for swiftly de-escalating the war and resuming dialogue and negotiations.

The European side supports UN humanitarian operations, the protection of civilians and non-military targets, and will make every effort to ensure the opening of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, she said.

Wang said that amid the current international turmoil, it is the shared responsibility of China and Europe to step up communication and exchanges, and to uphold the UN-centered international system and the international order based on international law.

Wang elaborated on China's principled position on the Middle East situation, noting that the five-point initiative proposed by China and Pakistan reflects a broad international consensus, whose core elements include a cessation of hostilities, the start of peace talks as soon as possible, ensuring the security of non-military targets and security of shipping lanes, and safeguarding the primacy of the UN Charter.

A ceasefire and an end to hostilities are the strong call of the international community, and also the fundamental solution to ensuring safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, Wang said, adding that all parties should build greater consensus and create the necessary conditions to that end.

The UN Security Council actions should focus on cooling down the situation and de-escalating tensions, Wang said, adding that China stands ready to maintain communication and cooperation with the European side to promote an early end to hostilities and restore regional peace.

The two sides also exchanged views on China-EU relations. Wang said that China's development represents opportunities for Europe, and that the challenges Europe faces do not originate from China.

Protectionism does not enhance competitiveness, and decoupling from China means decoupling from opportunities, Wang said, expressing hope that the European side will develop a comprehensive and objective perception of China and maintain the correct direction of China-EU relations.

Kallas said that the European side views China as an important cooperation partner, does not seek decoupling from China, and looks forward to maintaining dialogue and communication between the two sides.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Customs inspector held in custody for two months without bail in killing of draft office serviceman in Lviv  media

A court in Lviv has ordered customs inspector Andriy Trush, suspected of killing Territorial Center of Recruitment and Social Support serviceman Oleh Avdieiev, to be held in custody without bail, Suspilne reported.

According to the investigation, during the conflict on April 2, Trush stabbed the serviceman several times in the chest and neck, damaging his carotid artery. The suspect had asked to be placed under house arrest. He is charged with premeditated murder, which carries a possible life sentence.

As reported, a 52-year-old man, a serviceman of a Territorial Center of Recruitment and Social Support, died in Lviv on April 2 as a result of a stab wound to the neck. He was attacked on Paton Street during notification measures. The attacker fled the scene. According to the regional prosecutor's office, the 52-year-old man was a serviceman of Halytsko-Frankivsk District Territorial Center of Recruitment and Social Support. He was hospitalized with critical damage to the carotid artery. Despite resuscitation efforts, he died.

On April 3, the detained inspector of Lviv Customs was served with a notice of suspicion of premeditated murder under Paragraph 8, Part 2, Article 115 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. Under this article, he faces 10 to 15 years in prison or life imprisonment.
Its a story that sits serendipitously adjacent to that of her former tour bud Styless current record Kiss All the Time, Disco Occasionally  although Parkss story might be better subtitled Kiss All the Time, Disco Fairly Often as Well. I really enjoy what he was talking about with spending time in Berlin and being in these club spaces, but also just sitting out and having a coffee on the side of the street, Parks nods. I cant imagine what it would be like for him on that scale, but I definitely relate to how good it feels to dance and to move, and how good it feels to spend time just living, and to then see how that impacts your work and your music.
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"The biggest bridge in Iran comes tumbling down, never to be used again - Much more to follow! IT IS TIME FOR IRAN TO MAKE A DEAL BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE, AND THERE IS NOTHING LEFT OF WHAT STILL COULD BECOME A GREAT COUNTRY!, US President Donald Trump said.
Since the war began, oil prices have risen sharply, hurting American consumers at the pump, while Trump and US defence secretary Pete Hegseth have both said a number of times that the US has effectively won. This is despite continued threats of escalation by Trump, as well as suggestions of a deal with Iran.
A man was killed and eight other people were injured in enemy attacks on Kyiv region on Friday, with four of the wounded currently in hospital. More than 60 sites were damaged across the region, Kyiv Regional Military Administration head Mykola Kalashnyk said.

"The worst thing is the human losses. A man born in 1974 was killed in Vyshneve. My sincere condolences to his family and loved ones. Eight more people were injured, including a 14-year-old child. Four of them are currently in hospitals in Fastiv and Obukhiv districts. All necessary medical assistance is being provided," he said on Telegram on Friday evening.

According to him, a veterinary clinic in Fastiv district was hit, and pets were killed there. In addition, four private homes and a vehicle were damaged.

"Separately, there was a cynical strike on the territory of the National Military Memorial Cemetery. This was an attempt to strike at our memory and our dignity. An administrative building and elements of the infrastructure were damaged. The burial sites of our Heroes remained unharmed," the regional governor said.

In Brovary district, a private house and outbuildings were damaged, though the damage was minor.

In Obukhiv district, 40 sites were damaged: five businesses, 29 vehicles, and one apartment building, where an apartment on the fifth floor was destroyed. Three private houses were also damaged.

In Bucha district, a kindergarten and a lyceum, four apartment buildings, four vehicles, a shop, and a service station building were damaged.
Photo: https://eurosolidarity.org/

Representatives of the government visited the office of the European Solidarity party on Friday, April 3, co-chair of the European Solidarity faction in the Verkhovna Rada Iryna Herashchenko said.

"We discussed with the deputy prime minister for European integration and the ministers of economy and finance Ukraine's fulfillment of its obligations under the Ukraine Facility, IMF and European integration programs. Dialogue in a parliamentary-presidential republic should be the norm, not a one-off event," Herashchenko said on X.

During the meeting, the sides drew attention to the importance of high-quality preparation of draft laws. Herashchenko said European Solidarity would support draft laws that complied with European directives but did not contain corrupt lobbying provisions.

"Regarding the military levy, European Solidarity insists that this tax should be directed exclusively toward financing the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Such a provision should be added to the transitional clauses of the Tax and Budget Codes, and we received assurances from government officials that they support this idea. Some draft laws require serious revision, in particular those on environmental standards and unified registers of bank accounts. European Solidarity is open to constructive cooperation on European integration and preserving decentralization," she said.
Interfax-Ukraine to host presentation of Daily Humanity Foundation's new initiativethe launch of Drone Detection Lending Library in Ukraine.

On Tuesday, April 7, at 15.30, the press center of the Interfax-Ukraine news agency will host the presentation of the Daily Humanity Foundation's new initiativethe launch of the Drone Detection Lending Library in Ukraine.

Participants include:

Executive Director and board member of Daily Humanity Foundation, founder of Maira Labs and Hromadske board member Kateryna Sergatskova, Suspilne News producer Anastasiia Isaienkova and Drone Spises representative Yuliia Vodolaska.

The event will take place at 8/5a Reitarska Street.

Registration is available at https://2402.org/events/announcing-the-drone-detection-lending-library-by-daily-humanity-in-ukraine/.

The event will be streamed on the Interfax-Ukraine YouTube channel.

Journalists can register on-site with editorial credentials.

For additional information, call (066) 293-98-60 (Lidiia).
A bomb was placed last month outside the visitors center just outside the Dale Mabry Gate at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla. Here, the visitors center is seen at the right of the gate, behind a sign greeting guests. (Luis Santana/Tampa Bay Times via TNS)



(Tribune News Service)  For six days, a bomb sat at the doorstep of MacDill Air Force Base, the Florida home of U.S. Central Command.

It lay beside the visitor center, where a steady stream of guests and families passed by, picking up IDs and badges to get on base.

Though a 911 call tipped authorities to an explosive on March 10, prosecutors said, a search failed to turn up the potentially deadly bomb until an airman discovered it March 16.

The delay has raised serious questions about security at one of the nations most prominent military installations, key to planning the U.S. war in Iran.

Discovery of a device six days after the initial field grid search suggests the initial search was not thorough enough, said Chris Hunter, a bomb disposal specialist and retired British Army officer.

Tampa City Council members contacted by the Tampa Bay Times said they were not briefed on the discovery of the explosive, though it sat blocks from residential neighborhoods near MacDill.

Considering the situation in the Middle East and with Central Command being the headquarters of those operations, I would hope they would be extra vigilant, said council member Guido Maniscalco. If it was unnoticed for six days, thats troubling.

MacDills Michael Moffitt Visitor Control Center is the bases most public-facing entry point, about 70 yards from the main security gate on Dale Mabry Highway. MacDill leaders, the U.S. Attorneys Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation declined to answer questions about whether investigators searched the visitors center or the perimeter of the base after the 911 call.

Bomb disposal and counterterrorism experts say checking public access points should be a first step.

Investigators failure to find the device points to potential issues around perimeter vulnerability, search and reporting procedures, threat recognition (and) response timelines, Hunter said.

Last week, federal prosecutors charged 20-year-old Alen Zheng, from Land O Lakes, with planting the bomb. He called 911 minutes after placing it at MacDill, without providing an exact location, they said. Zheng has no apparent criminal record in Florida and is believed to have fled to China.

Officials did not elevate the bases security status after the call. MacDill heightened its alert level a week later, on March 17, the day after the airman found the bomb.

The MacDill personnel searched the base, the entire base, and did not find the device, U.S. Attorney Gregory Kehoe said at a news conference last week. He said the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, a law enforcement agency within the military branch, helped with the investigation.

An Office of Special Investigations spokesperson on Wednesday declined to answer questions but said MacDill leaders are responsible for securing the base.

The visitors center sits on a 5,000-acre parcel owned by the federal government, according to Hillsborough County property records. Officials at first prioritized searching sensitive areas associated with U.S. Central Command and U.S. Special Operations Forces, Kehoe said.

I dont want to say the visitors center isnt an important building. It is, but there were important assets that we have out there. Our time and attention was placed on those facilities, he said. You have something thats in a secluded location and hidden in the visitors center, and it just took a little bit more time to get there.

The visitors center at the MacDill Air Force Base is where guests and contractors pick up passes to get inside the site, and where they are screened using a biometric identification system, including a fingerprint, face or eye scan. (Luis Santana/Tampa Bay Times via TNS)



Kehoe declined to describe the bomb but said it had the potential to be very deadly.

That certainly could have caused significant damage to people who were in the range, he said.

Investigators flew the bomb to a lab in Alabama for testing, according to Matthew Fodor, special agent in charge of the FBIs Tampa field office.

The FBI and Department of Justice did not answer questions about whether officials reviewed surveillance footage or used bomb-sniffing dogs along the perimeter of MacDill during the search.

MacDill officials also declined to respond to those questions. They turned down an interview request with base commander Col. Edward V. Szczepanik.

As a matter of policy to protect operations security, we do not share specific force protection measures or security implementations for our facilities, a MacDill spokesperson said in a statement.

Visitor centers nationwide were introduced for military base security after the 9/11 attacks. MacDills was dedicated in 2002. It is the primary location for contractors and guests to enter the base, where they are screened using a biometric identification system, including a fingerprint, face or eye scan. A spokesperson said the center is staffed by Air Force personnel.

Hunter, the bomb disposal specialist, said the military has to balance security with reasonable access for visitors.

Given what is known about the timeline of the case, law enforcements initial search for the bomb was likely inadequate, said Pete Yachmetz, a retired FBI agent based near Orlando with three decades of experience in intelligence, terrorism and large-event security.

Standard practice, he said, would include using bomb-sniffing dogs to survey the base and its perimeter, reviewing surveillance footage from buildings on and around the base, as well as using drones to survey the area.

Base security should be extra diligent in investigating wartime threats, said Hugh ORourke, chief consultant for military contractor Allied Universal and a former U.S. Air Force colonel.

He declined to comment on specifics of the MacDill bomb but said bases are typically equipped with surveillance networks that include motion detectors, facial recognition technology and high-resolution cameras.

Military police who patrol the base are often young enlisted service members, ORourke said. When a bomb threat comes in, base operations need to continue, and it can be challenging to pinpoint a threat without a specific location.

Its tough, depending on how that 911 call came in, he said.

Tampa City Council member Bill Carlson, whose district includes MacDill, said he has full confidence that the military and Tampa police will investigate the incident. He and his children have friends on the base, he said.

Whatever happened in the past, Im sure theyve stepped everything up, he said. I pray that they have quickly closed any gaps.

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, the citys former police chief, declined to comment on the investigation.

The day after officials unveiled charges in the case against Alen Zheng and his sister, Ann Mary Zheng, who is accused of helping him flee, two South Tampa residents stopped by the base. Argie and Mandy Miller obtained a pass from the visitors center to take advantage of the tax-free shopping offered to veterans at the commissary, a short way inside the installation. Argie Miller served in the U.S. Army.

The couple had heard about the arrests but said they didnt feel at risk.

As a whole, MacDill is extremely safe, said Mandy Miller. There was a time you could drive on base. Now, its more restricted.

But they were unaware the bomb sat for days undetected outside the center while visitors, including families with children, picked up guest passes. Steps away, a slow-moving line of cars passed through the security gate.

That would be somewhat alarming, Mandy Miller said. Youd expect them to be hypervigilant.

2026 Tampa Bay Times.

Visit tampabay.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Gen. Randy George answers questions Wednesday, July 12, 2023, during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., to consider his nomination to be the next chief of staff of the Army. (Stars and Stripes)



WASHINGTON  Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George will step down and retire immediately, the Pentagon said Thursday.

The Department of War is grateful for General Georges decades of service to our nation. We wish him well in his retirement, chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell posted on X, using the Trump administrations preferred name for the Department of Defense.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth asked George to step down, a Pentagon official confirmed Thursday.

Nothing further to provide at the moment, said the official, who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Hegseth wants someone in the role who will implement President Donald Trumps and Hegseths vision for the Army, according to CBS News, which first reported the news.

Two other generals were fired by Hegseth, a Pentagon official confirmed.

They are Gen. David Hodne, who became the head of the services Transformation and Training Command in October; and Maj. Gen. William Green Jr., the chief of Army chaplains.

The Army chief of staff typically serves a four-year term. George was nominated for the position by President Joe Biden and confirmed by the Senate in 2023. The Senate approved George with a 96-1 vote.

He was expected to hold the position until fall 2027. A spokesman for George could not be reached for immediate comment.

George, 61, served as the Armys vice chief of staff from 2022 to 2023 and also worked as the senior military assistant to former Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. He has extensive combat experience, including service in the Gulf War, Iraq War and the war in Afghanistan.

He led a brigade of 4th Infantry Division soldiers in Afghanistan in 2009 and returned in 2017 to command the entire 4th Infantry Division. As a brigadier general in 2015, George helped spearhead the Armys response to Russias initial invasion of Ukraine by leading a new mission command overseeing soldiers on NATOs eastern flank.

George graduated from the U.S. Military Academy in 1988 and commissioned as an infantry officer, according to his service bio.

With Georges ouster, Hegseth has nearly remade the entire Joint Chiefs of Staff, a panel of senior military officials that advise the president and the secretary. Gen. Eric M. Smith, commandant of the Marine Corps, and Gen. B. Chance Saltzman, head of the Space Force, are the only two remaining since Hegseth took office in January 2025.

The current vice chief of staff of the Army, Gen. Christopher LaNeve, was formerly Hegseths military aide. He previously served as the commanding general of the Armys 82nd Airborne Division from 2022 to 2023.

LaNeve replaced Gen. James Mingus, who held the vice chief posting for two years. He will likely be considered as Georges replacement.

It was not immediately clear why Hodne and Green were targeted, which was first reported by The Washington Post.

Hegseth last month announced the Pentagon is doing away with rank insignias for military chaplains, requiring them to instead display religious insignia as part of broader changes to the chaplain corps. Chaplains will still retain their ranks, but the change is meant to highlight the importance of the chaplains role as a religious leader.

Since Trumps return to office in January, a slate of the most senior military officers has been removed or retired. Some of the firings include Air Force Gen. Charles CQ Brown, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Adm. Lisa Franchetti, the chief of naval operations; Adm. Linda Fagan, the commandant of the Coast Guard; and Air Force Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Kruse, the director of the Defense Intelligence Agency.

Gen. David Allvin, the Air Force chief of staff, announced in August in a prepared statement from the service that he would retire. The statement from the Air Force did not provide a reason for the decision.

Allvin was informed that he would be asked to retire and Hegseth wanted to go in another direction, The Washington Post reported at the time. As a trade-off, the Pentagon would allow Allvin to announce the decision.

Adm. Alvin Holsey retired in December less than a year into his tenure as the head of U.S. Southern Command.

The ouster of George follows Hegseths Tuesday post on X lifting the suspension of the aircrew that flew by Kid Rocks house in Nashville last weekend. After the Army announced the suspension of the aviators involved and an administrative review, Hegseth overruled the service.

No punishment. No investigation. Carry on, patriots, the secretary wrote.

Hegseths decision to ask George to exit wasnt related to the helicopter incident, CBS News reported.

The firing comes as thousands of troops from the 82nd Airborne Division were ordered to begin deploying to the Middle East in support of combat operations against Iran.
Then-Lt. Gen. Christopher LaNeve speaks at U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys, South Korea, on April 16, 2025. LaNeve was promoted to general on Feb. 6, 2026, and his rapid rise through the ranks could culminate in his selection as the next Army chief of staff. (Kihyuk Lee/U.S. Army)



Gen. Christopher LaNeve is set to serve as acting Army chief of staff following the removal of Gen. Randy George, capping a rapid rise through the ranks and positioning him as a leading contender to permanently take over the services top post.

LaNeve, who had been the Armys vice chief of staff, steps into the role after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday removed George before his term was complete.

The shakeup comes at a critical time for the Army, which is preparing for future battlefields where drones and unmanned systems are changing the way ground forces fight.

Army Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Christopher LaNeve is shown in this undated photo. LaNeve is a contender for the Army chief of staff position following the Thursday announcement of Gen. Randy George's removal. (U.S. Army)



The decision marked the latest in a series of high-profile general officer firings over the past year that have reshaped the militarys upper ranks. Georges dismissal was first reported by CBS News, which said LaNeve will take over in an acting role.

The report quoted Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell who described LaNeve as a battle-tested leader with decades of operational experience (who) is completely trusted by Secretary Hegseth to carry out the vision of this administration without fault.

Its unclear whether LaNeve will ultimately be nominated by President Donald Trump for the permanent position, which requires Senate confirmation.

Some Army insiders say Hegseths decision to remove George is the latest indication of significant tension between the Pentagon and Army leadership.

Earlier this week, Hegseth canceled an Army investigation into Apache helicopter aviators who conducted a Saturday flyby past the Tennessee mansion of musician Kid Rock.

There also have been disagreements between the Pentagon and the Army over general officer promotions, according to reports by the New York Times.

Retired Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges, a former top Army commander in Europe, said Georges firing raises questions about Army Secretary Dan Driscolls role in choosing the services next uniformed leader.

Driscoll, a close friend of Vice President JD Vance, has not yet spoken publicly about Georges removal.

Its important for whoever the next chief is that he be respected and seen by everybody else as having been the best choice, not only inside the Army, but also by the other services, Hodges said.

Besides LaNeve, there are others who bring significant resumes to the table. Near the top of the list may be Gen. Christopher Donahue, the commander of U.S. Army Europe and Africa.

A major figure in the special operations community, Donahue commanded at every level in the elite Delta Force, served with the Rangers and has been described as the services most experienced warfighter.

In addition to years in secretive special operations, he also checks more conventional Army boxes, having led both the 82nd Airborne Division and its higher headquarters, the XVIII Airborne Corps.

Another top contender may be Gen. Xavier Brunson, commander of U.S. Forces Korea, the Combined Forces Command and the United Nations Command.

Earlier in his career, he served with the 82nd Airborne and held positions in the special operations community at Fort Bragg, N.C.

Brunson also previously commanded the 7th Infantry Division at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., and later served as commanding general of I Corps.

However, the frontrunner appears to be LaNeve, who became the Armys vice chief in January after serving as Hegseths senior military adviser.

LaNeve came onto Trumps radar during last years inauguration, when he appeared virtually at the Commander-in-Chief Ball while serving as the three-star general leading Eighth Army in South Korea.

Sir, on behalf of the men and women who serve under my command and the thousands of dedicated service members that are part of the joint team in Korea, congratulations on your victory as 47th president of the United States, LaNeve said at the time. Welcome back, Mr. President. Wed be privileged to host you here real soon.

After a brief exchange, Trump said: Is this man (from) central casting, or what? If Im doing a movie, I pick him to play my lead.

Soon after that, LaNeve left his job in South Korea to serve under Hegseth. Before commanding Eighth Army, LaNeve was commander of the 82nd Airborne Division, one of the Armys most storied units.

vandiver.john@stripes.com @john_vandiver
American and French navy personnel launch an underwater drone from a French nuclear submarine in the Atlantic Ocean on Match 25, 2026. (Loren Nichols/Defense Department)



A French nuclear-powered submarine deployed a U.S. Navy underwater drone during recent trials off the coast of Toulon, the U.S. and French navies said.

The test involving a Razorback sea drone demonstrated that American unmanned systems can be operated from an allied submarine, achieving what the U.S. Navy called a critical milestone in integrating forces.

While the U.S. Navy conducts joint exercises with allies involving unmanned systems, deploying an American underwater drone from a partner nations submarine reflects a deeper level of integration between the two forces, the U.S. Navy said.

The ability to deploy U.S. assets from allied submarines expands our operational reach and enhances our collective undersea warfare capabilities, Commander, Unmanned Undersea Vehicle Group 1 said in a statement Thursday.

The unit operates and develops underwater drones. The Razorback is used by the Navy for environmental sensing, intelligence preparation and surveillance.

During the trials, a French Suffren-class attack submarine deployed the Razorback, the statement said.

Suffren-class submarines are equipped with a dry deck shelter, an external compartment typically used for transporting swimmer delivery vehicles and specialized equipment.

While remaining submerged, the submarines can also launch and recover underwater drones.

The trials were conducted March 16-20, according to the French navy, which said that the effort involved sharing technical data and procedures.

Neither navy provided additional details about the operation. Toulon is home to Frances main naval base.

The trials were conducted as part of a bilateral framework intended to improve coordination in high-end operations, according to Naval News.
U.S. Naval Housing Annex Negishi, seen here on April 2, 2026, about 10 miles north of Yokosuka, Japan, will be officially handed over to the Japanese government by June 30, 2026. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes)



YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, Japan  A former U.S. Navy housing area in Yokohama  home to Navy families for nearly 80 years  will be returned to Japan this summer as part of a long-running U.S. base realignment in Kanagawa prefecture.

The United States will return Naval Housing Annex Negishi to Yokohama by June 30, Japans Ministry of Defense announced March 12. The annex was once home to as many as 2,000 people in about 400 homes.

We are extremely pleased that this long-cherished desire will finally be realized, Yokohama Mayor Takeharu Yamanaka said in a city news release on March 12.

Washington first agreed with Tokyo to return the property in 2004, and it has been vacant since 2015 when the last residents moved out, a South Kanto Defense Bureau official told Stars and Stripes by phone March 26.

The handover is part of a broader $500 million initiative between the U.S. Navy and the Japanese government. In exchange for the return of Negishi, the Japanese government is helping the Navy build 13 facilities throughout Kanagawa including a new food court and parking garages at Yokosuka Naval Base.

U.S. Naval Housing Annex Negishi, seen here on April 2, 2026, about 10 miles north of Yokosuka, Japan, will be officially handed over to the Japanese government by June 30, 2026. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes)

U.S. Naval Housing Annex Negishi, seen here on April 2, 2026, about 10 miles north of Yokosuka, Japan, will be officially handed over to the Japanese government by June 30, 2026. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes)



The return of the property is of great significance and advances the reorganization of U.S. military facilities in the region while maintaining the necessary deterrence under the Japan-U.S. alliance, Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said during a news conference on March 13, according to a transcript posted on the ministrys website.

The subsequent development of Negishi will contribute to the future of the local community, he added.

The 106-acre hilltop property was used as Navy housing beginning in 1947 and ultimately fell under Yokosuka Naval Base, the home of the U.S. 7th Fleet about 10 miles southeast of Negishi.

Taiyo Reimers, a former Negishi resident, in 2023 produced By Fair Winds (a story of Negishi Heights), a 25-minute documentary on the history of the housing annex that incorporates interviews and archive photos. The video has garnered more than 15,000 views on YouTube.

About one-third of the property is privately owned. The remaining two-thirds belong to Japans national government and will be either sold or given to the city for free, depending on its intended use, the defense bureau official said.

Yokohama has not finalized plans for the site, but options under consideration include dividing the land into educational, residential and park zones, according to Atsushi Adachihara, an official at Yokohamas Urban Development Bureau.

The city is also considering local opinions, Adachihara told Stars and Stripes by phone March 26.

The Ministry of Defense will work in cooperation with Yokohama city and other relevant municipalities, carefully listening to the voices of the local community, to ensure that the returned land is used effectively and appropriately, Koizumi said at the news conference.
The christening of the future USS Idaho, a Virginia-class attack submarine, at General Dynamics Electric Boat shipyard facility in Groton, Conn., on March 16, 2024. (Joshua Karsten/U.S. Navy)



President Donald Trump is calling for what he says is the largest American shipbuilding surge since World War II, according to the 2027 defense budget proposal released Friday.

The whole of the nations shipbuilding order of 41 ships alone represents the largest demand signal to the maritime industrial base since the administration of Franklin D. Roosevelt, said an Office of Management and Budget statement in the budget proposal.

Trump is proposing $1.5 trillion in defense spending for 2027  a 42% spike above 2026 levels. Trump would offset the increased military spending with an approximate 10% cut in nonmilitary programs.

The 41-ship plan calls for Congress to spend $65.8 billion on construction of 18 battle-force ships and 16 non-battle force Navy ships, five vessels for the Coast Guard and Army, a new scientific research ship and a National Park service ferry.

In the 2026 budget, the Navy was allocated $27.2 billion to build 17 ships.

Detailed plans for the Navys 2027 spending on specific vessels arent expected until the release of Trumps more detailed Pentagon budget, which is expected April 21, according to published reports.

But the 2027 top line budget released Friday mentions several key projects Trump wants to push forward, including the Navy Golden Fleet, featuring two Trump-class battleships armed with advanced missiles, lasers, and other weaponry.

The Golden Fleet would also include next-generation Navy frigates, to be built as up-armed variants of the current Legend-class Coast Guard National Security Cutters design.

The cutter-inspired frigate design replaces the terminated Constellation-class frigate program. The Navy had planned to buy up to 20 of the frigates from Fincantieri Marinette Marine. But the program was shelved by the Trump administration after delays and cost overruns. The construction will end with the two ships currently being built  the USS Constellation and the USS Congress.

The proposed 2027 budget would maintain or increase procurement of existing battle force platforms, with the priorities including amphibious assault vessels, Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines and Virginia-class attack submarines.

As waters around the world become increasingly contested, it is imperative that the United States be able to efficiently deliver the various naval platforms it requires to ensure maritime domain awareness and deterrence, the budget document states.

The budget would support the construction of strategic sealift vessels, hospital vessels, cargo ships and tankers.

It calls for increasing the capacity of public shipyards and improving the manufacturing chain to speed up the delivery of vessels. The repair capacity of public shipyards also would be increased.

The statement accompanying the budget proposal said the naval build-up would be faster than the Cold War-era funding of the 1980s under President Ronald Reagan.

The funding request is for a level that recognizes the current global threat environment and restores the readiness and lethality of our forces, the statement said.

The Republican chairmen of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees described the $1.5 trillion top line as a historic investment in countering adversaries around the globe and said they were committed to passing the proposed budget into law.

This bold commitment provides the resources needed to rebuild American military capability and confront those challenges head-on, Rep. Mike Rogers, of Alabama, and Sen. Roger Wicker, of Mississippi, said in a joint statement.

Democrats in Congress, however, said they opposed the size of the Trump budget proposal and the plan to pay for additional ships, arms and other military spending by cutting domestic programs.

Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., vice-chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, called the Trump defense spending plan reckless.

Donald Trump might be happy to spend more money on bombs in the Middle East than on families here in America  but I am not.
USS Gerald R. Ford transits the Eastern Mediterranean Sea on March 22, 2026. The Ford left Split, Croatia, on Thursday after more than a week in port for repairs and crew rest following an onboard fire last month, Navy officials said. The ships destination was not disclosed. (Tajh Payne/U.S. Navy)



NAPLES, Italy  The worlds largest aircraft carrier has returned to full operational duty following a hiatus for repairs and crew rest, weeks after a shipboard fire injured three Navy sailors.

USS Gerald R. Ford departed the Croatian city of Split on Thursday after a five-day port call, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet said in a statement.

It wasnt clear whether the carrier will remain in the Mediterranean Sea or move into the Red Sea in support of Operation Epic Fury, the U.S.-Israel campaign against Iran that is nearing the end of its fifth week.

Its also uncertain when Ford, which has been deployed for some 284 days, will return to the United States. Earlier this week, the Navys highest-ranking officer, Adm. Daryl Caudle, said Ford likely would go into a record-breaking 11th month of operations.

The ship remains poised for full mission tasking in support of national objectives in any area of operation, the NAVEUR-AF/6th Fleet statement said.

The worlds largest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford, is seen underway in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, on March 22, 2026. The Ford left Split, Croatia, on Thursday after more than a week in port for repairs and crew rest following an onboard fire last month, according to Navy officials. (Tajh Payne/U.S. Navy)



It did not specify what repairs were made in Croatia or say whether they were connected to the March 12 fire, which started in Fords main laundry areas and spread to nearby berthing compartments. The blaze was not combat-related, according to the Navy.

The service has released few details, saying only that an investigation into the fire is ongoing. Naval Criminal Investigative Service is leading a law enforcement investigation with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, NAVEUR-AF/6th Fleet said Wednesday.

An F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft readies for launch on the flight deck of USS Gerald R. Ford while underway in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, on March 22, 2026. Earlier this week, the Navys top officer said the Ford would likely enter a record-breaking 11th month of operations. (Tajh Payne/U.S. Navy)



Meanwhile, the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush departed its homeport in Norfolk, Va., on Tuesday to begin operations for its deployment, the Navy said at the time.

The Pentagon hasnt announced where Bush will go, but the carrier reportedly will head across the Atlantic Ocean into the NAVEUR-AF/U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations, presumably to relieve Ford.

Prior to Croatia, Ford stopped at Naval Support Activity Souda Bay on the Greek island of Crete on March 23 for assessment and repairs related to the fire, which occurred while the carrier was on station in the Red Sea.

The three-day port call at Souda Bay included rehabilitation of seven berthing compartments and a repair assessment by service maintenance personnel, such as structural engineers, naval architects and other experts.

Two of the sailors injured in the fire returned to full duty shortly thereafter, while a third was flown off the ship in stable condition for additional medical care, the Navy said at the time.

The fire did not affect the carriers propulsion plant and it continued to carry out flight operations, officials have said.

Fords three destroyer escorts  USS Bainbridge, USS Mahan and USS Winston S. Churchill  also have left the Middle East, making the northbound passage through the Suez Canal, USNI News reported Monday.
Himeyuri Peace Museum has had more than 24 million visitors since opening on June 23, 1989. (Ryan M. Breeden/Stars and Stripes)



Tucked behind busy National Route 331 on Okinawa is an emotionally challenging museum that encapsulates one of the most tragic episodes from the Battle of Okinawa and inspires reflection on the costs of war.

On March 23, 1945, 222 Okinawan female students and 18 teachers were mobilized to serve as nurses in the Japanese Imperial Army field hospitals. Of the 240 called upon, 227 perished.

The Himeyuri Peace Museum commemorates the Himeyuri Student Corps  a nickname given to two schools for women: the Okinawa Female Normal School and the Okinawa First Girls High School, according to the museums guidebook. The book costs 750 yen or $4.75.

Hime means princess and yuri means lily in Japanese. The students were all between 13 and 19 years old.

Before entering the museum property, youll find a vendor selling small flower arrangements for 300 yen or $1.90. These may be placed in front of the Himeyuri Cenotaph, a short walk from the flower vendor where prayers or small donations are welcomed.

The Himeyuri Cenotaph is a large white stone commemorating the students and teachers from the Okinawa Female Normal School and Okinawa First Girls High School who died in the Battle of Okinawa. (Ryan M. Breeden/Stars and Stripes)

Flowers are placed in front of the Himeyuri Cenotaph at the Himeyuri Peace Museum as seen on March 5, 2026, Itoman City, Okinawa. (Ryan M. Breeden/Stars and Stripes)



The cenotaph is a large white stone with each name inscribed and is positioned at the entrance of a cave system that was once used by the students for treating soldiers wounded in the field of battle.

Just beyond the cenotaph is the museum entrance, where six exhibits explain the lives and sacrifices of the students and teachers. Admission is 450 yen or $2.85.

Exhibits include school life at Himeyuri before the war, the mobilization, testimonial videos and a rotating exhibit room titled the Passage of Peace, which serves as a multipurpose room creating opportunities for younger generations to think and talk about peace.

Paper cranes, symbolizing peace, are displayed at the Himeyuri Peace Museum in Itoman city, Okinawa, Japan. (Ryan M. Breeden/Stars and Stripes)



Out of the six exhibits, the Requiem room hit me the hardest emotionally. Casting a heavily somber atmosphere, the room displayed portraits and names of the students and teachers with their descriptive testimonies.

Some of the testimonies are hard to stomach. One student describes the sounds of insects within open wounds.

At night, when it was quiet, I could actually hear the maggots wriggling out of the bodies, according to a testimony from Tsuneko Shiroma, 15 at the time, in the Himeyuri Peace Museum Guidebook and displayed within the Requiem room. The bodies sometimes emitted a strange sound, the kind of sound you hear when something is simmering in a pot.

The Himeyuri Peace Museum offers a rare combination of documentary rigor and emotional immediacy that confronts difficult history with honesty and empathy. It is not an easy stop, but it is an essential one for wanting to understand the human side of history, leaving you with a renewed sense of appreciation for peace.

Most displays and signage with the facilities are in English and Japanese and photography is prohibited within the exhibits.

A picture of Mr. Sadao Noda, principal of the Female Normal School, with his students in 1944, is displayed in the lobby of the Himeyuri Peace Museum in Itoman city, Okinawa. (Ryan M. Breeden/Stars and Stripes)



Breeden.Ryan@Stripes.com @Breeden_Stripes

On the QT

Address: 671-1 Ihara, Itoman, Okinawa 901-0344

Directions: From Naha International Airport, head south for nine miles on national route 331 for 30 minutes and the destination will be on your left side.

Times: Monday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-5:25 p.m.

Costs: Admission is 450 yen for adults, 250 yen for high school students, 150 yen for elementary and junior high school students. Audio translation device guides are offered at 300 yen.

Parking: Free parking located behind the museum.

Information: Online: himeyuri.or.jp; Phone: 098-997-2100
U.S. Rep. Ami Bera, D-Calif., shown here at Shilla Hotel, Seoul, South Korea, April 1, 2026, visited South Korea as part of a bipartisan Congressional Study Group. (Alejandro Carrasquel/Stars and Stripes)



SEOUL, South Korea  Seoul could be essential to U.S. defense production as demands on its military stockpiles wear thin across several conflicts, a U.S. congressman said recently during a trip to South Korea.

Growing pressure on U.S. military production and increasing demand for weapons and equipment are pushing lawmakers to consider allies like South Korea for industrial support, U.S. Rep. Ami Bera, D-Calif., told Stars and Stripes during an interview Wednesday in Seoul.

South Korean air defense missiles, for example, are very capable, short range, medium range, long range, and are already in use in the Middle East, he said.

Our defense production lines, given the conflict in Ukraine, the conflict that had been happening in Gaza, another conflict with Iran, are pretty stretched thin right now, Bera said.

Bera is the ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific. He visited South Korea with a bipartisan Congressional Study Group.

The delegation also included U.S. Reps. Ryan Zinke, R-Mont., Mark Pocan, D-Wis., Mary Gay Scanlon, D-Pa., Jill Tokuda, D-Hawaii, and Pat Harrigan, R-N.C., according to a Yonhap News Agency report Thursday.

A separate contingent of four U.S. senators was also in South Korea to meet with Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back and discuss ways to improve the U.S.-South Korean alliance, Yonhap reported.

The bipartisan delegation of Sens. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., John Curtis, R-Utah, Jacklyn Rosen, D-Nev., and Thom Tillis, R-N.C. The group also stopped in Taiwan and Japan, according to Curtis website and a statement from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Wednesday.

The visits came as South Korea expressed a willingness to take on a larger role in regional security and to expand its defense spending and industrial output, particularly in naval and air defense capabilities.

The House contingent met with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung on Thursday, according to a report that day by Kyodo News.

Clearly, the war in Iran is hanging over all of this, you know, whats a quick resolution look like? Bera said.

He said the group would also address the planned transfer to South Korea of operational control of allied forces in wartime, energy security and bilateral economic cooperation.

South Korea does have the ability to produce their own defense industrial base for the protection of the peninsula, Bera said. I think this is the place where maybe we can work together to resolve and replenish our stockpiles.

South Koreas advanced manufacturing capabilities, specifically in shipbuilding and defense production, are advantages that could help the U.S. forward while strengthening combined readiness across the Indo-Pacific region, he said.

We recognize the slow pace of U.S. shipbuilding, Bera said. We do think Korea can help us revise our shipbuilding capabilities.
Ukraine's assistance to Gulf countries has led to fundamental shift in its role on intl stage  experts

Photo: Interfax-Ukraine / Anton Kolodiy

Ukraine's international role has undergone a fundamental transformation after providing assistance to Middle Eastern and Gulf countries in countering Iranian drone attacks, said military expert and former officer of the Security Service of Ukraine, Oleh Starikov.

"Today we are witnessing a fundamental transformation of Ukraine's role on the international stage: we have moved from the status of a state that only needs assistance to that of a strategic security partner. Ukraine possesses unique, combat-proven experience in countering Russian and Iranian drones as well as massive combined aerial threats. This experience is now critically much-in-demand in the Gulf region We are not just sharing knowledge and experience. We are helping to build resilient defense systems that are already delivering tangible results," Starikov said at a press conference at Interfax-Ukraine on Friday.

He said that Ukraine's cooperation with Gulf countries is based on the principle of full-cycle technological partnership, as Ukraine offers comprehensive engineering and manufacturing expertise.

"All this expertise represents an active projection of Ukrainian military capability in the Gulf region, fundamentally changing how we are perceived globally as a reliable partner. Interest from partners in our defense solutions is the foundation for broad economic cooperation. Converting our added value in the defense sector into initiative-driven projects will make it possible not only to rebuild infrastructure, but also to create a powerful defense-industrial hub in Eastern Europe," the expert said.

Valentyn Haidai, director of the Intermarium Institute and a PhD in history, in turn said that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently visited Middle Eastern monarchies, resulting in a number of agreements on cooperation in the military-industrial sector.

He described this as "very beneficial for Ukraine, both in terms of exporting its technologies and products and in terms of enhancing the country's role on the international stage."

"Our experience is unique and immense globally. It does not exist anywhere else. Yes, we do not claim to be the world's number one army, but we are probably the number one in terms of efficiency in intercepting aerial targets, particularly drones," Haidai said.

He also added that Ukraine's influence in the Middle East as well as in the BalticBlack Sea region is increasing.

"And I believe it is quite realistic that Ukraine could become a regional leader, not necessarily in the immediate years, but within a 5610 year perspective. And I think our defense capability will be the key trump card in this," the Intermarium Institute director added.

Serhiy Yahodzinsky, vice-rector of the European University and a political expert, noted that Saudi Arabia, thanks to this assistance, could become a diplomatic ally of Ukraine.

"This reserve diplomatic front, this platform, is very much needed today. You can see that the United States, unfortunately, is not currently stable in terms of supporting the negotiation track Therefore, we need to look for additional diplomatic platforms, and Saudi Arabia is one of them," he said.

Haidai, in turn, noted that Gulf and Middle Eastern countries usually take a neutral position when voting on pro-Ukrainian UN resolutions.

"But if we demonstrate that we can not only export butter and sugar to them, but also technologies and protection of their skies and lives, I think this will be a very strong argument for them to support us on the international stage," he said.

At the same time, Yahodzinsky emphasized that "when Ukraine helps Middle Eastern countries achieve security, as a contributor to security, the American public supports Ukraine."

"When we talk about countries that maintain neutrality, including with regard to the war in Ukraine, we underestimate their potential Today we can win them over by offering them a concept of global security," he added.

According to Starikov, "Ukraine today is a country that not only defends itself, but also helps defend the world."
A U.S. Army solider of the 11th Airborne Division fires an M249 Squad Automatic Weapon during a combined arms live-fire exercise at Rodriguez Live Fire Complex, South Korea, March 24, 2026. (Tyler Wassmer/U.S. Army)



The U.S. Armys 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 11th Airborne Division, recently wrapped up its final major training event, a live-fire exercise in South Korea, before it officially becomes a paratroop battalion.

The exercise teamed the squadron troopers with U.S. Marines and South Korean soldiers and marines at Yeongpyeong Training Area, 35 miles east of Seoul, on March 23 and 24, according to an Army news release and information posted on the Defense Visual Information Distribution System.

The exercise was the culminating event of Freedom Shield, the annual large-scale combined exercise by the U.S. and South Korea, 2nd Infantry Division spokesman Maj. Steven Modugno said in an email to Stars and Stripes Thursday.

A U.S.. Army soldier of the 11th Airborne Division reloads his M4 carbine during a combined arms live-fire exercise at Rodriguez Live Fire Complex, South Korea, March 24, 2026. (Tyler Wassmer/U.S. Army)



The Arctic-specialized squadron trained in a different environment to increase adaptability and practice force projection, Modugno said.

We need to be able to go anywhere, and weve got a lot we can learn from our allies here, too, battalion commander Lt. Col. Craig Nelson said in the email from Modugno.

In July, the unit becomes the 1st Battalion, 511th Parachute Infantry Regiment as part of the restructuring of Army Alaska announced in May 2022 by then-Army Secretary Christine Wormuth.

U.S. Army Pvt. Troy Odekirk, an infantryman assigned to 11th Airborne Division, calls for more ammo during a combined arms live-fire exercise at Rodriguez Live Fire Complex, South Korea, March 23, 2026. (Alexander Knight/U.S. Army)



The change includes reflagging the 25th Division in Alaska as the 11th Airborne Division, emphasizing its Arctic mission and U.S. strategy in the region, according to Gen. James McConville, at the time the Army chief of staff.

One goal of the redesignation is to give the Armys Alaska-based forces a greater sense of purpose and identity amid a tragic spike in suicides, according to McConville and Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, in a May 2022 news release from Sullivans office.

About 900 service members from both countries, including the Armys 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 4-2 Attack Battalion and 9th Engineer Support Battalion, the Marines 6th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, the South Korean armys 122nd Mechanized Battalion and marines 73rd Airborne Battalion participated in the combined live-fire exercise, or CALFEX.

U.S. Army soldiers of the 11th Airborne Division fire a M240 machine gun during a combined arms live-fire exercise at Rodriguez Live Fire Complex, South Korea, March 24, 2026. (Alexander Knight/U.S. Army)



We were able to conduct practical training on the key tasks that enable a mechanized unit to maneuver, survive, and innovate alongside combined assets, South Korea army Duko Battalion commander Lt. Col. Kim Ye-seong said in the Army news release March 26.

The troops employed reconnaissance drones, U.S. 60 mm mortars and Apache attack helicopters and South Korean 81 mm mortars, K2 tanks and K21 infantry fighting vehicles to support the operation.

The U.S. Army is committed to realistic, large-scale training with South Korea and looks for opportunities for future combined arms training exercises to ensure the U.S.- [South Korea] alliance remains ready to Fight Tonight and is prepared for any future challenges, Modugno said.
Polands foreign minister, Radoslaw Sikorski, speaks at NATO headquarters in Brussels on Dec. 3, 2025. Sikorski said Thursday that remarks earlier in the week by President Donald Trump about potentially exiting the alliance should be taken seriously, and that Poland should consider alternative security arrangements. (NATO)



STUTTGART, Germany  Poland should plan for a possible American withdrawal from NATO and come up with alternative security arrangements to avoid being caught flat-footed, the countrys top diplomat said this week.

Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said in a statement Thursday that U.S. President Donald Trumps remarks this week about considering an exit from the security bloc should be taken seriously.

We should treat (the U.S. withdrawal from NATO) as a possible scenario and take it seriously  us in Poland, especially on the eastern flank, and all of us, across the political spectrum, Sikorski said on X.

Poland needs different insurance policies instead of relying entirely on NATO, he said without elaborating on what a different approach to the alliance would look like. The country must consider alternatives, he added.

Of course, NATO is the cornerstone of our security, Sikorski said. Of course, we want to be a good, loyal ally of the United States, but we cannot pretend that the U.S. President isnt saying what he is saying.

Trump this week rattled allies by suggesting that the U.S. could withdraw from the alliance it founded nearly 80 years ago to counter the Soviet Union. Trump cited his frustration with Europe over what he sees as a lack of support for the monthlong U.S.-Israeli war against Iran.

Next week, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte will head to Washington for a meeting with Trump. While the visit, first reported by The Wall Street Journal was preplanned, Trumps comments about U.S membership in the alliance are likely to be on the agenda.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio also drew attention this week when he blasted countries such as Spain for denying U.S. access to its bases and airspace for Iran-related operations.

The U.S. relationship with Europe would need to be reexamined following the Iran conflict, Rubio said.

For Poland, fostering closer military ties with the United States has long been a top priority. Over the years, Warsaw has ramped up purchases of American-made military equipment while also investing in infrastructure used by U.S. forces in the country.

Poland also is among the biggest per capita defense spenders in NATO, helping the country win favor with the Trump administration.

During a September meeting at the White House with Polish President Karol Nawrocki, Trump said he was open to the idea of deploying more troops to the country.

Well put more there if they want, Trump said, adding were with Poland all the way, and we will help Poland protect itself.

vandiver.john@stripes.com @john_vandiver
An F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft takes off from Nellis AFB, Nevada, Feb. 20, 2026. President Donald Trump says U.S. forces have rescued the missing crew member of a F-15E fighter jet was shot down Friday in southern Iran. (Bella Swarr/U.S. Air Force)



President Donald Trump says U.S. forces have rescued the missing crew member of a fighter jet that was shot down over Iran.

In a post to Truth Social early Sunday, Trump said the airman is SAFE and SOUND following a rescue operation that involved dozens of aircraft.

He sustained injuries, but he will be just fine, Trump added.

In a follow-up post hours later, Trump described the crew member as seriously wounded. Trump also said he would hold a press conference with military officials at the White House on Monday at 1 p.m.

The rescue came as Trump escalated his rhetoric toward Iran, threatening further strikes and demanding Tehran reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil shipping route. In a social media post, Trump declared that Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day in Iran and warned Tehran to open the f---in Strait  or youll be living in hell.

The F-15E fighter jet was downed Friday in southern Iran  the first confirmed shootdown of a U.S. warplane over Iran since the conflict began more than a month ago.

One of the two crew members aboard the aircraft was rescued earlier by U.S. forces, while the search for the other continued into a second day.

Hundreds of special operations troops went deep into Iranian territory to recover the second missing airman, who was equipped with a beacon and a secure communication device, The New York Times reported.

After the airman was located, two transport planes sent to extract U.S. personnel became disabled at a remote Iranian air base, the Times reported. Commanders flew in three replacement aircraft and destroyed the disabled planes to prevent them from falling into Iranian hands.

U.S. aircraft dropped bombs and opened fire on Iranian forces to keep them away from the area, the Times said, adding that all U.S. commandos and the missing airman returned safely.

Trump described the mission as one of the most daring Search and Rescue Operations in U.S. History.

This brave Warrior was behind enemy lines in the treacherous mountains of Iran, being hunted down by our enemies, who were getting closer and closer by the hour, but was never truly alone, Trump added.

Iranian state media circulated images and video Friday that appeared to show debris from an F-15, including an ejection seat, and urged residents to report or detain any enemy pilot.

Also Friday, Iran claimed its air defenses hit a second U.S. aircraft in the region. Multiple U.S. outlets reported an A-10 Warthog combat plane was struck by Iranian fire, though the pilot was able to navigate the damaged plane to Kuwaiti airspace before ejecting and being rescued.

The developments have raised new questions about the extent to which the United States has established air superiority over Iran, despite weeks of U.S. and Israeli strikes that have degraded its air defenses.

However, Trump on Sunday said the successful rescues underscored U.S. control of the skies over Iran.

The fact that we were able to pull off both of these operations, without a SINGLE American killed, or even wounded, just proves once again, that we have achieved overwhelming Air Dominance and Superiority over the Iranian skies, Trump said.

Since the war began, 13 American personnel have died and at least 365 have been wounded, according to Defense Manpower Data Center figures.

Lara Korte contributed to this story.
President Donald Trump threatened more attacks on Iranian infrastructure on Thursday, hours after U.S. forces struck a highway bridge near Tehran.

Posting on his Truth Social platform, Trump shared a video of the bridge collapsing and urged Iranian leaders to make a deal before it is too late.

Our Military, the greatest and most powerful (by far!) anywhere in the World, hasnt even started destroying whats left in Iran, he wrote shortly before midnight in Washington. Bridges next, then Electric Power Plants! New Regime leadership knows what has to be done, and has to be done FAST!

The attack on the B1 bridge killed eight people and wounded 95, according to Irans state media. U.S. officials told Reuters and Axios the strike was militarily justified, saying it aimed to eliminate a supply route for Irans ballistic missile and attack drone force.

The strike comes as Trump says the U.S. is preparing to wind down the war, which has destroyed much of Irans weapons stockpile and naval vessels. Officials in Washington have framed the monthlong conflict as successful, saying the U.S. is in talks to reach a ceasefire.

However, Iranian leaders have publicly denied that they are negotiating with the U.S. and continue to effectively blockade oil tankers from transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

The chokehold on the waterway has sent global fuel prices surging, sparking international condemnation and raising concerns about long-term economic impacts.

Gas prices have been rising in the U.S. and at overseas American military bases. In Germany, home to the largest U.S. armed forces presence in Europe, a gallon of super unleaded cost $5.01 on Thursday. About three weeks ago, the price was $4.17 per gallon.

In a prime-time address this week, Trump said the U.S. does not rely on fuel from the strait as much as other nations, adding that they can get their own oil.

We will be helpful, but they should take the lead in protecting the oil that they so desperately depend on, he said.

The U.S. was not among the more than 40 nations that gathered virtually on Thursday to discuss ways to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

The United Kingdom hosted the meeting, which explored diplomatic, economic and political measures to get the ships moving again.

Iran is trying to hold the global economy hostage in the Strait of Hormuz, British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said in a statement following the talks. They must not prevail.
A soldier counts cash at Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan, in this undated photo. The Pentagon has expanded its list of countries and waterways in the Middle East where U.S. troops are engaged in combat operations against Iran, broadening eligibility for extra pay based on exposure to hostile activity. (Sinthia Rosario/U.S. Army)



The Pentagon has designated over a dozen new areas where troops now qualify to receive special pay for serving in dangerous or hostile fire conditions, including on or around the Indian Ocean island of Diego Garcia.

The changes came as Iranian strikes targeted U.S. bases throughout the Middle East. As of Friday, 13 U.S. service members have died in the American-Israeli campaign against Iran known as Operation Epic Fury.

The Defense Department designates the waters, land or airspace of certain areas as hazardous enough that deployed troops can receive up to $225 a month in either imminent danger pay or hostile fire pay, depending on their exposure to hostile fire.

Troops serving in the designated areas can qualify to receive imminent danger pay on a prorated daily basis, up to the monthly limit.

Hostile fire pay is not prorated, and those who serve even a single day in a location under qualifying conditions, such as troops killed or wounded by hostile fire, receive the full $225 for the month.

The designation for Diego Garcia covers the airspace, waters and land of the island and the Chagos Archipelago, of which its a part, as well as the island nation of the Maldives, according to a note on the Defense Finance and Accounting Service website.

Last month, Iran fired two intermediate-range ballistic missiles at the island, which is home to a joint U.S.-U.K. military base that serves as a hub for long-range U.S. bombers, warships and submarines.

There are about 2,400 people on the small island in the Indian Ocean, including about 400 service members and over 2,000 DOD civilians and contractors, according to the Pentagon website Military OneSource.

The military list now includes the air and land of countries that Iran has struck with missile or drone attacks since the war began.

It includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Cyprus, as well as Crete. The Greek island is home to the Navy base at Souda Bay, where the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford docked in March after a fire broke out on board.

DOD updated the list of designated areas in a table published March 10 on the DFAS website, Task & Purpose first reported Wednesday.

At least 365 American personnel have been wounded in the war with Iran, according to Defense Manpower Data Center figures published online. That number consists of 247 soldiers, 63 sailors, 36 airmen and 19 Marines.

For some locations, the changes expand an imminent danger pay designation that dates back years or even decades.

For example, the update adds a designation for the airspace of Iran, where an existing land designation has been in effect since Nov. 4, 1979, the date militants stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and took dozens of Americans hostage.

New designations also include the airspace over Azerbaijan, Jordan and Saudi Arabia, where the land area had already been designated, and the waters and airspace of the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea and parts of the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean.

The 19 new designations took effect Feb. 28, when President Donald Trump announced the beginning of hostilities.

They extend until a date to be determined, either three months after the end of Operation Epic Fury, or after any follow-on operation that Trump may order.
A child examines a military weapon in this undated photo. Iranian authorities are recruiting and mobilizing children as young as 12 for a military campaign led by the countrys Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, according to Amnesty International, which says the practice constitutes a war crime. (Christopher Estrada/U.S. Army)



Iran is recruiting and mobilizing children as young as 12 into a military campaign led by the countrys Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, according to Amnesty International, which says the practice amounts to a war crime.

In late March, Rahim Nadali, an IRGC official in Tehran, announced a recruitment campaign open to volunteers 12 and above to join combatants defending the homeland, the human rights organization said in a statement Thursday.

Eyewitnesses and video verified by the group show child soldiers armed with AK-47 pattern rifles and other weapons and deployed at checkpoints and patrols, the statement said.

The findings come a little more than a month after the U.S. and Israel launched a bombing campaign that has targeted Irans missile infrastructure, military sites and leadership.

Tehran has responded by launching attacks on Israel, U.S. partners in the Persian Gulf and American military bases in the Middle East. President Donald Trump has not ruled out sending U.S. ground troops into Iran.

As U.S. and Israeli strikes hit thousands of IRGC sites  including through drone attacks targeting security patrols and checkpoints, the deployment of child soldiers alongside IRGC personnel or in their facilities puts them at grave risk of death and injury, Erika Guevara-Rosas, a senior director at Amnesty International, said in the statement.

Nadali announced on state television last month that children as young as 12 could register to help Iran stand against the global bully, a term used for the United States, French news agency AFP reported at the time.

Young recruits are being assigned to a range of activities linked to the IRGCs operational and security activities, including patrols, checkpoint duties, logistical support, distribution of equipment and supplies and assisting with food, medical and relief tasks, Amnesty International said.

I saw a child at a checkpoint near our house  he just had the faint beginnings of a mustache, an unidentified eyewitness said, according to the statement. It seemed like he was struggling to breathe from the effort of lifting the gun. He was pointing the gun toward the cars.

New York-based Human Rights Watch has also criticized Irans use of children in military and security roles.

There is no excuse for a military recruitment drive that targets children to sign up, much less 12-year-olds, said Bill Van Esveld, associate childrens rights director for the organization. Iranian authorities are apparently willing to risk childrens lives for some extra manpower.

U.S. and Israeli airstrikes had killed more than 1,900 people as of Thursday, including 216 children, according to Iranian authorities.

The Pentagon has not released a comprehensive official death toll for people killed in Iran, but as of Thursday it has confirmed it struck over 12,300 targets in the country since the start of the war.

U.S. military investigators have said its likely that American forces were responsible for a strike on an Iranian girls school that killed 168 people, including more than 100 children, Reuters reported, citing two unidentified U.S. officials. The Pentagon says an investigation is ongoing.

Meanwhile, Iranian attacks have killed at least 16 in Israel, four in the West Bank and 23 in Gulf Arab states since the start of the war on Feb. 28.
Members of Congress had mixed reactions to President Donald Trumps request Friday to increase defense spending to $1.5 trillion in the 2027 fiscal year, with Republicans welcoming the unprecedented budget proposal and Democrats panning it. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)



WASHINGTON  Members of Congress had mixed reactions to President Donald Trumps request Friday to increase defense spending to $1.5 trillion in the 2027 fiscal year, with Republicans welcoming the unprecedented budget proposal and Democrats panning it.

The budget request asks Congress to approve $1.15 trillion through its annual appropriations process and enact the remaining $350 billion through a legislative tactic known as reconciliation, which allows Republicans to bypass the need for Democratic votes in the Senate.

Together, the amount would mark the highest level of funding for defense in modern history and give the Defense Department a 44% funding increase from the last fiscal year, which began on Oct. 1.

The Republican chairmen of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees described the $1.5 trillion top line as a historic investment in countering adversaries around the globe and said they were committed to passing the proposed budget into law.

This bold commitment provides the resources needed to rebuild American military capability and confront those challenges head-on, Rep. Mike Rogers of Alabama and Sen. Roger Wicker of Mississippi said in a joint statement.

They noted that the proposed funding will drive the U.S. toward a defense budget that makes up 5% of the nations gross domestic product  a benchmark spending level that the U.S. has demanded of its NATO allies.

Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., the chairman of the Senate Appropriations defense subcommittee, said he welcomed significant growth in annual appropriations for the military but expressed unease with using the budget reconciliation process to again top up the Pentagons coffers.

Republicans used the same tactic last year to give the Defense Department an additional $150 billion on top of its base annual budget.

Budget reconciliation, for its part, can only supplement  not replace  the consistent demand signals necessary to secure the private sector investments necessary to adequately expand and modernize our defense industrial base, McConnell said. Regular order appropriations are the right way to meet the scale and scope of the requirements of our military.

Defense appropriators will remain focused on the annual funding process, he said, but they also stand ready for a request for supplemental appropriations. The White House is expected to soon seek an additional $200 billion from Congress to fund military operations in Iran.

Rep. Ken Calvert, R-Calif., the chairman of the House Appropriations defense subcommittee, said Trumps defense budget request reflects his panels priorities, including pay raises for junior enlisted service members, investment in munitions production and increased shipbuilding.

The budget request calls for a 7% pay boost for the most junior enlisted ranks, a 6% pay raise for midlevel enlisted troops and junior officers and a 5% pay increase for all higher officer ranks.

It also proposes spending $65.8 billion on shipbuilding  an investment that will establish Trumps Golden Fleet as waters around the world become more contested, according to a fact sheet provided by the White House.

It is essential to Americas national security that Congress provides the right resources, in terms of both quality and quantity, to confront the threats we face today and tomorrow, Calvert said.

Democrats, however, slammed the proposed spending plan as unrealistic and vowed to oppose it.

This is not a serious budget, said Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee. From what little information we have, this flawed, irresponsible proposal is unjustified and fails to acknowledge the negative impacts of Trumps Iran war and faltering economy.

He said he would not rubber stamp a bloated, undisciplined budget and said the Pentagon lacked responsible leadership and management, not funding.

Sen. Patty Murray, of Washington, the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, also denounced the proposed budget, describing it as morally bankrupt, and said she would ensure Congress wrote a new one instead. To offset the funding increase in defense, Trump is proposing cutting domestic spending by $73 billion.

Our national defense budget should not be dictated by a president who is sending service members into harms way in reckless foreign war  and who woke up one day and decided to send his aides scrambling to figure out how on earth they could spend half a trillion dollars more, which the Pentagon cant possibly spend responsibly, Murray said.

The Defense Department is expected to release specifics on the budget request later this month.
The White House on Friday, April 3, 2036, asked Congress for $1.5 trillion in defense spending for the fiscal 2027 budget. (Stars and Stripes)



WASHINGTON  With the U.S. at war with Iran, the White House on Friday asked Congress for $1.5 trillion in defense spending for the fiscal year 2027 budget.

If enacted, the amount would be the highest military spending level in modern history.

The 2027 budget outline, released by the White Houses Office of Management and Budget, says Trumps proposal would reduce nondefense spending by $73 billion, or 10%, by shifting some responsibilities to state and local governments.

Trump urged Congress to approve the budget that includes more than $1.1 trillion in base discretionary funding, as well as $350 billion in reconciliation funds. The president also asked lawmakers to increase federal funding to aid with border enforcement and mass deportations.

The proposed budget does not address reports that the Pentagon asked the White House for $200 billion in additional funds for the war with Iran. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed on March 19 that the Pentagon asked for funds but did not disclose the amount.

It takes money to kill bad guys, Hegseth said during a media briefing at the Pentagon. So were going back to Congress and our folks there to ensure that were properly funded for whats been done, for what we may have to do in the future.

The White House budget funds a pay raise of 7% for all military personnel ranked E-5 and below; 6% for E-6 to O-3; and 5% for O-4 and above, according to the document.

This enduring investment, far above the standard annual military pay raise, builds on the presidents recruiting and retention success, by doubling down on the Administrations goal to restore Americas fighting force, the document says.

Leading up to the White Houses release of the budget, the president and aides framed the increase as a need to spend more to restock munitions and supplies as the war with Iran enters its second month.

Trump at an Easter lunch on Wednesday told those at the private event that military spending needed to be a national priority.

Were fighting wars. Its not possible for us to take care of day care, Medicaid, Medicare, all of these individual things, Trump said. They can do it on a state basis.

The presidents budget release comes as the House and Senate remain tangled over current-year spending and stalemated over Department of Homeland Security funding.

Trump announced Thursday he would sign an executive order to pay all DHS workers who have gone without paychecks during the record-long partial government shutdown that has reached 49 days. Congress still has to figure out a way to fund DHS operations for workers at an array of agencies, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and the Coast Guard.

The Republican leadership in Congress reached an agreement this week on a path forward to fund the department, but lawmakers are away on recess and have not yet voted on any new legislation.
UN chief renews call for U.S., Israel to stop war against Iran

Xinhua) 09:20, April 03, 2026

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (L) speaks to the press at the UN headquarters in New York, April 2, 2026. Guterres on Thursday reiterated his call for the United States and Israel to stop the war against Iran, and for Iran to stop attacking its neighbors. (Xinhua/Xie E)

UNITED NATIONS, April 2 (Xinhua) -- United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday reiterated his call for the United States and Israel to stop the war against Iran, and for Iran to stop attacking its neighbors.

"My message is clear. To the United States and Israel, it is high time to stop the war that is inflicting immense human suffering and already triggering devastating economic consequences. To Iran, to stop attacking its neighbors," the UN chief said in remarks to the press.

"The Middle East crisis has lurched into its second month," with the scale of devastation, indiscriminate attacks, and targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure growing, he said.

Noting that the conflict is already being felt everywhere, Guterres warned that the world is on the edge of a wider war that would engulf the whole Middle East with dramatic impacts around the globe.

He said diplomatic efforts are underway to find a peaceful path forward, which "deserve the space and support to succeed -- anchored firmly in international law, including the UN Charter."

"Disputes must be settled peacefully. The sovereignty and territorial integrity of all Member States must be respected. Civilians and civilian infrastructure, including nuclear installations, must be respected and protected. And freedom of navigation must be upheld," he said.

"We must find a peaceful way out," the secretary-general said, adding that "conflicts do not end on their own. They end when leaders choose dialogue over destruction."

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres speaks to the press at the UN headquarters in New York, April 2, 2026. Guterres on Thursday reiterated his call for the United States and Israel to stop the war against Iran, and for Iran to stop attacking its neighbors. (Xinhua/Xie E)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Jose Rodriguez Camara 03/04/2026 Actualizado a las 17:29h.

Rincon de la Victoria town hall on the eastern Costa del Sol has opened a public consultation period for the approval of a new housing development in the Torre de Benagalbon area. The documents were published in the official bulletin of Malaga province (BOP) on 20 March and the public consultation period began the following day.

The project comprises 28 homes and according to municipal sources it is in the final stages before the building permit is issued. The developer, Suba, has already begun advertising the project which features one, two and three-bedroom apartments, penthouses, and communal areas, under the name Almara Residences.

Designed by architect firm 969 Arquitectos, the residential complex is presented as a commitment to energy efficiency. Six new properties are currently for sale in Torre de Benagalbon, with prices ranging from 200,000 to 400,000 euros.

Construction has also been underway since the beginning of the year on twenty rental apartments. These will be offered at affordable prices and will house applicants for subsidised housing (VPO) registered with Rincon de la Victoria town hall, as well as individuals requiring support from the town hall's social services. The department will manage four of these properties to help people in vulnerable situations.

This development is the realisation of the agreement signed in July 2024 by the central government, the Andalusian regional government and the town hall, with the commitment that the homes would be available to their new tenants within two years and that the building will be energy efficient.

The building will cost 3,206,879 euros (VAT included), of which 857,823 euros will come from the European Union's Next Generation funds.
La Pecera's distinctive ice creams in Malaga.

Martina Martinez 03/04/2026 Actualizado a las 17:28h.

Do you know what a taiyaki is? It's a Japanese fish-shaped waffle traditionally filled with sweet red bean paste. Spain offers a popular variation filled with ice cream.

The La Pecera parlour made the ice cream filling viral. With two locations in Madrid and one in Malaga (a kiosk in the Plaza Mayor shopping centre), La Pecera wants to go further and revamp both its image and concept, incorporating savory flavours and other new options.

The new establishment opens at Alameda Principal 27 on Thursday, 9 April. "It will be larger and more diverse, transforming the taiyaki format to offers many options," CEO Pablo Piqueras says. He believes that Alameda Principal will be the brand's flagship location and a "benchmark" with a "unique" concept: savoury taiyaki. For now, they will offer salmon, pesto, falafel and Caesar flavours.

The idea, as Piqueras explains, is "to offer something different, to surprise with a Japanese-Mediterranean fusion and a touch of savoury, but with that cake-like texture inside, slightly sweet like brioche and crispy on the outside".

They've also added other new items: an updated version of their signature 'sweet taiyaki'; the introduction of taiyakitos for dipping; the 'Baby Sweets', new Japanese sponge cakes filled with crunchy cream; and different types of drinks, such as homemade shakes and smoothies, as well as specialty coffee, matcha tea and protein yoghurt.

From breakfast to afternoon snacks

"Our intention is to be seen as more than just an ice cream shop. We've evolved. We're actually a taiyaki shop where you can come for breakfast, brunch or an afternoon snack. Our base is a Japanese recipe and we wanted to give it that taiyaki connotation, which is a concept with over 100 years of history in Japan, improving recipes and introducing new flavours and combinations," Piqueras says.

The 70-square-metre Alameda establishment can fit 20 people. "Here, we've moved from takeaway to table service. We want it to be a place where you'd want to linger and where both adults and children can enjoy themselves."

Why the city centre? "We believe the city centre is an emblematic location for a Malaga-based company like this. It also gives us a lot of visibility and more flexibility than a shopping centre," Piqueras says.

Today, La Pecera's headquarters are in Teatinos. The goal is to continue growing from there. The team already numbers around 30 people and they have an ambitious expansion plan: the next two openings will be in Barcelona, with the intention of reaching 30 locations nationwide within two years. They also plan to offer delivery, which will begin operating in Malaga this summer.

Their commitment is unwavering: "Is there anything more quintessentially Malaga than fried fish?"
Esta funcionalidad es exclusiva para registrados.
Europa Press 03/04/2026 a las 10:20h.

The civil and criminal chamber of Andalucia's high court (the TSJA), which includes Ceuta and Melilla, has sentenced a Guardia Civil officer from the reserve unit to four years in prison for a crime against public health after proving that he sold cocaine from inside the Guardia Civil's main command in Melilla, mostly whilst in the canteen or nearby, according to the judgement.

This ruling upholds the sentence handed down by the provincial court of Malaga. That ruling had already proven that the accused acted in partnership with a friend from outside the force, who was also sentenced to four years in prison. They were caught dealing between the end of 2021 and the first months of 2022.

According to the established facts, both were engaged in distributing small quantities of cocaine to officers stationed at the Melilla headquarters of the Guardia Civil and to third parties outside the force. Deliveries were made primarily at the staff canteen, within the Guardia Civil barracks, as well as in the surrounding area.

The investigation concluded that his friend and accomplice acquired the drugs at various locations throughout the city and then delivered them to the reserve officer. He, in turn, then distributed them among several Guardia Civil officers and other buyers. Contact was made through phone calls, text messages and in-person meetings within the barracks.

Among the incidents detailed in the sentence was the delivery of several doses of cocaine to other officers in December 2021 and February 2022, as well as an operation carried out on 11 February 2022, when the reserve officer was observed receiving drugs from his friend and delivering them minutes later to another buyer inside the staff canteen. The seized substance weighed 0.82 grams with a purity of 70.2 per cent.

Also, on 9 March 2022, both defendants again carried out another deal near these headquarters in Melilla. Shortly thereafter they were arrested with 0.4 grams of cocaine with a purity of 71.9 per cent. The judgement acquitted another Guardia Civil officer who had also been prosecuted, but his participation in the events was not proven.

For these criminal deeds, the reserve officer was initially sentenced to five years in prison and fined 125 euros, but the TSJA agreed to reduce the sentence by one year, disregarding the evidence from security cameras installed in the canteen by the Guardia Civil itself, which had its own suspicions about drug-dealing activity. Furthermore, the high court ordered the confiscation of the drugs, money, mobile phones and the vehicle used for transportation.

The prosecution also requested of the court that the Guardia Civil officers summoned as witnesses in the trial for allegedly buying cocaine from their former colleague and who had denied the allegations, be charged with allegedly committing perjury.

The investigation against the reserve officer and his friend was carried out by the organic unit of the judicial police from the Guardia Civil's main command in Melilla.
Isabel Miranda Madrid 03/04/2026 Actualizado a las 17:27h.

The number of encounters between orcas and maritime vessels off the Spanish coast has started to decline. Last year, a total of 45 such encounters were recorded, meaning that, in the last two years alone, the overall figure has fallen by almost 60 per cent, according to data from Spain's maritime rescue coordination centres.

The Strait of Gibraltar is where the drop in these encounters is most pronounced: from 90 incidents in 2023 to just 18 in 2025. However, activity has increased off Spain's northern coasts, near Galicia and Cantabria, where the figures show an increase from 17 encounters in 2023 to 27 in 2025, making it the most affected area at present.

Since orcas began chasing and ramming boats in 2020, they have been a major headache for sailors, central government, the maritime authorities and scientists alike. Such behaviour was unprecedented. They have broken rudders, sunk boats and caused panic among crews who, in the worst cases, have had to be rescued by Spain's maritime rescue services. What began with just three individual orcas ended up spreading to all orca groups around the Iberian peninsula. There is a kind of 'social contagion' among these creatures.

With few options for intervening with these marine mammals, the Spanish government's strategy has been to try minimising the risk of interaction by avoiding or minimising navigation through areas with a high concentration of orcas and recommending that boats always use navigational routes closest to the coast where possible, while remaining within safe limits. "The available data indicates that the measures are proving effective," stated the Ministry for Ecological Transition in a press release.

Therefore, given the increase in incidents along Spain's northern coast, the Spanish authorities have now decided to draw up a specific map for the coast of Galicia that identifies the areas at greatest risk of contact with orcas, thereby strengthening navigational safety and reducing the likelihood of any run-ins with orcas. They are also maintaining the risk map for the area between the Gulf of Cadiz and the Strait of Gibraltar.

A study to try deciphering orca behaviour in this part of Atlantic by a group of experts - convened by Spain and Portugal - concluded in 2024 that it was just a 'fad', almost a game among the orcas, motivated by the availability of abundant food and too much free time on their fins. In the Strait of Gibraltar, until just over a decade ago, Atlantic orcas had to go to a lot of trouble to find food, with high-speed chases lasting up to half an hour due to the scarcity of prey. Now, the chase lasts two to three minutes at most. So, the orcas are well-fed, catch their prey quickly and have plenty of spare time to explore their surroundings and 'get creative', especially the younger ones.

The Ministry of Ecological Transition in Madrid reminds the public that, in the event of an encounter while at sea, whether on a motorboat or a sailing vessel, it is recommended not to stop, but to head towards the coast or shallower waters. They also warn of the risk of standing close to the port or starboard edges of the vessel, better to remain in a more secure space to avoid any possible impacts or sudden movements causing falls or injuries.
Macao, where different cultures come together

13:08, April 03, 2026 By Wu Yuyangyang ( People's Daily Online

Every March, the streets of China's Macao Special Administrative Region become a stage for a vibrant cultural carnival that draws performers from around the world.

The 2026 Macao International Parade held on March 29 was themed "The Maritime Silk Road as a bridge for cultural exchange." Leong Wai Man, director of the Cultural Affairs Bureau of Macao SAR, said Macao has always been a key node on the Maritime Silk Road, and that she hopes the parade will carry forward the spirit of bridging Eastern and Western cultures.

Kima Abazyan, a dancer with the HACHN Dance Ensemble from the Republic of Armenia, said being surrounded by diverse cultures from around the world showed her that events like this bring people together. Mok Weng Lam, head of the Macao Green Chinese Opera Association, said taking part in the parade has been a real boost for promoting the city's intangible cultural heritage.

"Whether there is a stage or not, we will keep performing," said Un Peng Hei, director of the Drunken Dragon Team of the Macao Fresh Fish Trade Association, adding that they never miss an opportunity to perform, especially at dragon-themed events.

Un said taking part in the Macao International Parade not only showcases the unique charm of local culture but also boosts the development of Macao's cultural and tourism sectors.

Looking ahead, Leong plans to strengthen Macao's role as a hub for cultural exchange, rooted in Chinese culture while embracing diverse traditions. That integration of cultures, Leong said, is what underpins Macao's inclusiveness.

Intern Zhang Yujie contributed to the article

(Web editor: Hongyu, Wu Chengliang)
Spring in Dali: A taste of fresh broad bean cakes

People's Daily Online) 15:12, April 03, 2026

As Qingming Festival approaches, fresh broad beans are ripening across the fields of Yunlong county in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province. Local villagers head into the fields to harvest fresh pods and turn them into a seasonal specialty  fresh broad bean cakes. From field to kitchen, this simple dish captures the true flavor of spring and a taste of home.

(Web editor: Cai Hairuo, Du Mingming)
'Plundered': Senegal fishers feel sting of illegal, industrial vessels



Rufisque, Senegal, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2026



Ibrahima Mar first lost his livelihood then lost his son when the fish off Senegal's coast began to disappear, rupturing a way of life that had sustained his family for generations.

Industrial and illegal fishing, among other factors, have contributed to a sharp decline in the region's fish stock, robbing the west African nation of a traditional source of nutrition and income.

In recent years, fish have been "increasingly plundered", said Mar, who lives in a fishing village in the Dakar suburb of Rufisque.

The 55-year-old fisherman, a member of the Lebou ethnicity, a traditional fishing people, spoke to AFP from one of Rufisque's boat landings, explaining that the fish had been "taken from our path. So, there's no hope left".

Bottom trawlers and other industrial ships, generally flagged to Senegal but whose owners' real nationalities are difficult to trace, send their catches abroad.

"If you dig a little deeper into the ultimate beneficial ownership" the boats are Spanish, Italian, French, Chinese and Turkish, among other nationalities, Bassirou Diarra, country manager for Senegal at the Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF), told AFP.

"Not only is there a shortage of fish for the Senegalese market, for food security, but the money that should come back in terms of currency for the national economy isn't coming back," he said.

Destructive and illegal practices meanwhile include "fishing in prohibited areas, nets that do not comply with regulations, MPA (marine protected area) rules that are not respected, and the abusive granting of licences", Diarra said.



- Fish dependency -



A 2025 EJF report suggests that 57 percent of fish populations exploited in Senegal are in a state of collapse.

Members of coastal fishing communities have become increasingly desperate, illegally immigrating in traditional wooden canoes called pirogues along the deadly Atlantic migration route to Europe.

That includes two of Mar's sons, both fishermen.

After one succeeded, Mar received a call several years ago from his other son, in his late teens.

He phoned "to tell me he was in a pirogue heading for Spain. That pirogue had 140 people on it," Mar said.

The family waited the five- to six-day journey for news of his arrival, then 15 days, 20 and 30.

But they never heard from him again.

Colourful pirogues are ubiquitous along Senegal's 700-kilometre (435-mile) coast.

"What a pirogue used to catch in two months, now that same pirogue can fish for six or seven months to catch the same amount, which is a problem," Mamadou Diouf Sene, president of the Fishing Wharf Revenue Commission of Rufisque, told AFP from the city's wharf.

A web of professions from cart driver to ice seller, as well as fishmonger and processor, depend on fish.

Fishmonger Fatou Seck, 39, sat at the Rufisque wharf alongside several other women with small trays of sea bream, white carp and mullet.

"Times are really tough right now," the mother of six told AFP, adding that "many of us base our hopes on this work, which is our only source of income to feed our children".

More than 82,000 people in Senegal work in fishing according to latest census information, comprising some two percent of the workforce in 2023.

A surge of artisanal fishermen has additionally contributed to fish population decline, as people flock to the profession which requires minimal training.

Estimates on pirogue numbers in Senegal vary but generally fall between 12,000 to 19,000.

Meanwhile, climate change is pushing west Africa's small pelagic fish -- smaller, often schooling species caught by artisanal fishers -- to move northward, according to research.



- Wild West -



Fish have declined for some 40 years but artisanal fishers really took note when small pelagics like sardinella and horse mackerel started vanishing some 15 years ago.

The prospect of Senegal having to import fish, a part of its cultural identity and a major natural resource, "is catastrophic", Mar said.

Cheikh Salla Ndiaye of Senegal's Directorate of Fisheries Protection and Surveillance described monitoring the sea as "very difficult", even with assistance from the navy and air force.

Mar recently spent time on a Greenpeace ship with four other fishermen learning how to better spot and report illegal fishing.

"We used to call the high seas like the Wild West because there was no way to see what was happening out there," Sophie Cooke, a fishing vessel analyst with Greenpeace, told AFP aboard the ship.

But technologies such as tracking devices, satellite radar and even smartphones, which fishermen can use to take pictures and pinpoint boats' locations, are changing that, she said.

Mar intends to take these tools back to his community.

With his two fishermen sons now gone, one in Spain and the other taken by the sea, Mar's experience with declining fish stocks is deeply personal.

As for his third son, Mar said: "I put him in a training centre. He's learning metal welding."
Landslide kills mother and six children in Equatorial Guinea



Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2026



A landslide after torrential rain in Equatorial Guinea has killed a mother and her six children, rescue services said.

The bodies of two of the buried victims were recovered early on Friday, including that of the 36-year-old mother, who was eight months pregnant, an AFP journalist at the scene saw.

Witnesses said the landslide happened on Thursday when heavy rains fell on the city of Malabo.

"It was a concrete retaining wall that collapsed onto their wooden house, followed by a landslide," neighbour Dominica Ada said.

"The mother and her six children were all inside," she added.

Government representatives and the archbishop of Malabo, formerly the capital, have travelled to the site to express their condolences and support the rescuers.
Landslide kills mother and six children in Eq. Guinea



Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2026



A landslide triggered following torrential rain in Equatorial Guinea killed a mother and her six children, the central African country's rescue services said on Friday.

The bodies of the victims buried by the landslide were recovered on Friday, including that of the 36-year-old mother, who was eight months pregnant.

Witnesses said the landslide happened on Thursday afternoon when downpours fell on the city of Malabo.

"A concrete retaining wall collapsed onto their house... followed by a landslide," neighbour Dominica Ada said.

"The mother and her six children were all inside," she added.

The father, who had left the house just before the wall collapsed, was the sole survivor.

The wooden walls of the house had no foundations and had been reinforced with cinder blocks.

Public Works Minister Clemente Ferreiro Villarino told RNGE radio that the weather and uneven terrain had made the rescuers' work more difficult.

Government representatives and the archbishop of Malabo, formerly the capital, have travelled to the site to express their condolences and support the rescuers.

Unregulated urban development in Malabo and shaky construction practices have contributed to several disasters of this kind.
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Blake Lively has pledged to continue with her high-profile lawsuit against her It Ends With Us director and co-star Justin Baldoni, even after a judge threw out out most of her claims.

The claims dismissed by Judge Lewis Liman included those related to sexual harassment, defamation and conspiracy.

In total, three out of Livelys original 13 claims will proceed to trial. Those relate to breach of contract, retaliation and aiding and abetting in retaliation.

In a statement to The Independent, a member of Livelys legal team, Sigrid McCawley, said: This case has always been and will remain focused on the devastating retaliation and the extraordinary steps the defendants took to destroy Blake Livelys reputation because she stood up for safety on the set and that is the case that is going to trial.

For Blake Lively, the greatest measure of justice is that the people and the playbook behind these coordinated digital attacks have been exposed and are already being held accountable by other women theyve targeted. She looks forward to testifying at trial and continuing to shine a light on this vicious form of online retaliation so that it becomes easier to detect and fight.

Blake Livelys sexual harassment lawsuit against Justin Baldoni has been decimated by a judge  but three claims will proceed to trial ( Getty )

As for the reason some claims are not being taken to trial, McCawley stated: Sexual harassment isnt going forward not because the defendants did nothing wrong but because the court determined Blake Lively was an independent contractor, not an employee.

In a separate statement, Baldonis legal representatives, Alexandra Shapiro and Jonathan Bach of Shapiro Arato Bach, told The Independent: Were very pleased the Court dismissed all sexual harassment claims and every claim brought against the individual defendants: Justin Baldoni, Jamey Heath, Steve Sarowitz, Melissa Nathan, and Jennifer Abel.

These were very serious allegations, and we are grateful to the Court for its careful review of the facts, law and voluminous evidence that was provided.

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Whats left is a significantly narrowed case, and we look forward to presenting our defense to the remaining claims in court.

The long-rumbling legal proceedings began in dramatic fashion on December 20, 2024 when Lively filed a bombshell lawsuit alleging sexual harassment and claiming that Baldonis behavior caused her severe emotional distress.

Baldoni directed and co-starred alongside Lively in the 2024 romance drama It Ends With Us, based on Colleen Hoovers bestselling novel. The story follows a flower shop owner (Lively) who falls in love with a charming yet abusive neurosurgeon (Baldoni).

Author Hoover, who served as an executive producer on the film, spoke out last November against the ugliness of the ongoing legal drama.

It feels like a circus, she told Elle last month. When there are real people involved, with real feelings and emotions. This actually truly has impacted some of the actors careers in huge ways. And I just find it all around sad.

Sharing that her book was inspired by her mothers own story of abuse, Hoover said it now gives us PTSD to think about it.

I feel awful because I almost feel like shes gone through more with the aftermath of this film, more pain than she went through with my dad, just seeing the ugliness of it, the Verity author said. I cant even recommend it anymore. I feel like [the lawsuit] has overshadowed it.
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Zendaya showed up in dazzling blue at Thursdays New York premiere of The Drama after teasing the bridal theme for weeks by wearing something old, then something new, then something borrowed.

Her strapless Schiaparelli Haute Couture ball gown, accompanied by sapphire earrings, completed the sartorial series just in time for the opening of her movie.

The film has attracted considerable controversy and mixed reviews. Zendaya and Robert Pattinson play a couple whose wedding plans go seriously awry following a dark revelation.

The high-fashion appearances have also echoed the bridal theme of Zendayas own life, with unconfirmed speculation flying  fed in part by rings shes been wearing  that shes already married to partner Tom Holland.

open image in gallery The actor and her stylist, Law Roach, saved the most spectacular outfit for last ( Invision )

The actor and her stylist, Law Roach, saved the most spectacular outfit for last.

Schiaparelli posted on its own Instagram that the gown, which took some 8,000 hours of work, was made of blue and black raw silk feathers in satin stitch embroidery, and contained 27 shades of blue.

Something old came in Los Angeles on March 17, where Zendaya wore the same white, off-the-shoulder Vivienne Westwood Bridal gown that shed worn to the 2015 Oscars.

open image in gallery She wore something old in Los Angeles on March 17, the same white, off-the-shoulder Vivienne Westwood Bridal gown that shed worn to the 2015 Oscars ( AFP via Getty Images )

open image in gallery Something new came at the March 24 Paris premiere, a white custom Louis Vuitton gown with a huge black bow and train ( AFP via Getty Images )

She transitioned to something new at the March 24 Paris premiere  a white custom Louis Vuitton gown with a huge black bow and train.

Something borrowed came two days later in Rome, a black Armani Prive dress previously worn by Cate Blanchett, with a plunging neckline framed with stones.

Finally on Thursday, Zendaya completed the circle. SomethingBlue, posted Roach.

During a recent appearance on The New York Timess Modern Love podcast with her The Drama co-star Robert Pattinson, Zendaya, 29, explained why shes avoided giving a definitive answer about the marriage rumors.

I just feel like for me, there is a level of parasocial investment in my personal relationship, which I understand, the Emmy-winning Euphoria star said.

open image in gallery She wore something borrowed in Rome, a black Armani Prive dress previously worn by Cate Blanchett ( AP )

Im aware that Im a public person and so is he, and Im also aware that weve grown up in front of people and weve done movies where we fall in love with each other, so I really do understand that, and I dont want to dismiss that like, Stay out of my business or whatever.

Zendaya, who has been spotted wearing what appears to be a wedding band on multiple occasions, continued: But in a lot of ways, Im also a very private person, and I try my best to be able to have things for myself and for him as well.
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Eugene Mirman, the voice of Bobs Burgers Gene Belcher, has assured fans he is recovering after being involved in a fiery car crash earlier this week.

On Tuesday, the Russian-born voice actor, 51, crashed his 2026 Lucid Gravity into the Bedford Toll Plaza on the Everett Turnpike in New Hampshire. State police said that they received calls that indicated the vehicle had caught fire, and someone in the vehicle appeared to be trapped. Mirman was pulled from the wreckage by a state trooper and bystanders and was transported to the hospital with serious injuries, according to a police press release.

In an Instagram post shared Friday, Mirman spoke out for the first time since the accident, expressing his gratitude for all the well wishes, love and kind messages from friends and strangers.

I am extraordinarily thankful to the heroic people that pulled me from the car and to the warm, kind and talented staff at the hospital that cared for me and got me on the mend! he continued.

I am thankful beyond words to be here and doing relatively alright, all things considered. I dont have my phone, so havent been online much, Mirman added, quipping, I do not recommend my method of decreasing screen-time.

He concluded: I love you all and please take care of yourselves, Eugene. Alongside the post, he shared a photo of himself with a bandage wrapped around one hand, holding a piece of art depicting a coastal scene and the slogan, Life is an adventure.

Mirman is best known for voicing Gene, the upbeat middle child of restaurateur Bob, on the long-running animated sitcom Bobs Burgers. He has also had minor voice roles in Archer, The Simpsons and Teenage Euthanasia.

His agent, Jay Glassner, originally confirmed that he was involved in a very scary car accident in a previous statement to The New York Times.

[Mirman] wants to thank the bystanders, state police, first responders and hospital staff who saved him. He is grateful to be on the mend. At this time, we kindly ask for privacy for Eugene and his family as he focuses on recovering from his injuries, Glassner said.

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Eugene Mirman was treated for 'serious injuries' sustained in a near-fatal car crash ( Getty Images )

According to authorities, a veteran state trooper who had been assigned to New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayottes security detail arrived at the scene and saw that the vehicle was actively on fire with Mirman still inside.

The trooper, with help from Ayotte and two others, pulled Mirman from the burning vehicle through a window and moved him to safety, authorities said.

Colonel Mark B. Hall of the New Hampshire State Police described the rescue as heroic, saying: Without hesitation, they put themselves in danger to render aid to someone who was in need of it.

No charges have been filed in connection with the crash, and the investigation is ongoing, the police said.
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Stephen Colbert has some choice parting words for US Attorney General Pam Bondi after she was fired by Donald Trump.

In a Truth Social post on Thursday (2 April), Trump announced that he had fired Bondi from her post as head of the Department of Justice.

Her 14-month tenure at the DOJ was marked by controversy over her management of investigations tied to the dead convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, including her handling of the Epstein Files.

In what became a significant political setback for the administration, Bondi went back on her earlier promises to reveal those named in the Epstein files. When the Justice Department was forced by Congress to release the files to the public, they did so in chunks and with heavy redactions.

Colbert addressed the news of her firing during Thursday nights episode (2 April) of his Late Show.

Speaking of human waste, just a few hours ago we learnt that President Trump fired Attorney General Pam Bondi, he told viewers.

Now listen, in tribute to Pam Bondi, I offer this heartfelt farewell continued Colbert, before he pulled out a letter addressed to the former Attorney General in which almost all the words were blacked out in a nod to how much of the Epstein files were redacted.

open image in gallery Stephen Colbert shows a heavily redacted goodbye letter to Pam Bondi ( CBS )

Dear Pam, the letter began, followed by paragraphs of blacked-out text and the sign off: Sincerely, Stephen Colbert.

The talk show host went on to say that while he welcomed Bondis sacking, her mishandling of the Epstein files was likely the result of pressure from Trump.

Saying that the villain of the Epstein files is Pam Bondi is like saying the lead in Die Hard is the dad from Family Matters," Colbert joked, in reference to the actor Reginald VelJohnson who played Sgt Al Powell in the 1988 action film and Carl Winslow in the sitcom.

open image in gallery ( AFP via Getty Images )

Joking about her new role in the private sector, Colbert broke out his Trump impression to say: Its a much-needed job at a very important farm upstate. Therell be lots of room for her to run around. Unfortunately, we cant go visit her. Now lets go to the strip mall and get you a new attorney general, buddy.

In a statement posted on X following the news, Bondi boasted that she oversaw easily the most consequential first year of the Department of Justice in American history and added she is eternally grateful for the trust that President Trump placed in me.

Bondi, the second Cabinet official to be ousted during Trumps second term following Kristi Noem, will be replaced as acting attorney general by Todd Blanche, who mounted the defence of Trump through his criminal prosecutions and the weeks-long hush money trial that led to the first ever conviction of a president.

Follow along with The Independents live blog here.
The annual reenactment in Iztapalapa  a borough of the Mexican capital  is charged with emotion and tension, due to the hyperrealistic scenes of Jesus Christs journey to the cross. The procession takes place on April 3, with recognition from UNESCO

Amid the murmur and the trumpets, the noise is overwhelming. More than 300 people are awaiting the prayer that marks the start of the penultimate dress rehearsal for the Passion of Christ in Iztapalapa, the most populous borough in eastern Mexico City. A woman opens her mouth and speaks, but she cant be heard; she wants to say a few words of thanks. After several attempts, a man furiously shouts: Quiet! The crowd falls silent.

I wish you much peace, the woman finally says. This celebration has grown and we love it very much. All those present recite the Lords Prayer and the Hail Mary. The sound is overwhelming again, but this time, its in unison. At the end of the prayer, several people approach and kiss a huge wooden cross, which lies on the site. It will be carried by Arnulfo Eduardo Morales Galicia, who plays the Christ of 2026. Hes the 183rd to participate in the capitals Stations of the Cross procession. On Friday, April 3, the nearly 200-year-old tradition will be held again, this time also as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity after being recognized as such by UNESCO in December 2025.

Throughout Holy Week, there are reenactments. However, the most folkloric day is Good Friday. The annual procession  which lasts between four and six hours  begins in the Macroplaza of the San Lucas neighborhood and travels through the eight neighborhoods of the borough, before culminating with the Crucifixion at Cerro de la Estrella (the Hill of the Star). But from the first rays of dawn, people pass by the courtyard of the Rehearsal House to see Jesus, who waits impassively in a cell for the performance to begin.

On Friday, April 3, the streets of Iztapalapa will be impassable, with crowds of people gathering to follow in Christs footsteps. They will weep, shout, push the police and the people dressed as Roman soldiers guarding the scene and reenacting the mocking of the Christ; they want to defend the Son of God, to prevent what is to come.

A rehearsal by those playing Jesus and his apostles, in the Mexico City borough of Iztapalapa, on March 8, 2026. REBECA HERRERA

According to local lore, the tradition began as an expression of gratitude for a miracle. In 1687, an image of Jesus Christ was sent from Villa de Etla  a small town north of Oaxaca City, in central Mexico  to the capital, so that it could be restored. Along the way, those transporting it stopped to spend the night in a cave on the slopes of Cerro de la Estrella, the hill in Iztapalapa. Its said that, at dawn, the figure of Jesus had grown in both weight and size, meaning that the transporters could no longer carry it or continue their journey.

The locals interpreted this as Christ liking the place and wanting to stay there. And so, they built a small shrine for him. Over time, the figure became known as El Cristo de la cuevita (translated as The Christ of the Little Cave). Years after this event, the town of Iztapalapa was struck by a cholera epidemic. The locals approached the figure of Christ as a last hope, praying for an end to the disease. Miracle or coincidence, the epidemic ceased. It was then that a chapel was built in his honor, while the Holy Week processions and the reenactment of the Stations of the Cross began. And now that the tradition has been declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, theres even more pressure during rehearsals to ensure that everything goes smoothly.

A crown of thorns and other props for the performance at the Rehearsal House. REBECA HERRERA

At Rehearsal House, on the patio, actors reenact the Temptation of Christ. Visitors watch attentively, in silence. The Devil  with great fervor, speaking almost at the top of his lungs  offers him all the kingdoms of the world if he chooses to worship him. But Jesus, very calmly, rejects him. Some spectators sigh. Others smile and bow their heads. A few cross themselves. Sometimes, people cry when they rehearse the scourging scene, says Joaquin Rueda, vice president of the Holy Week Organizing Committee in Iztapalapa (COSSIAC).

In the 1940s, a property on Asuncion Street  a tiny alley nestled among narrow streets north of Cerro de la Estrella  opened its doors so that those preparing the Stations of the Cross and the reenactment of Christ would have a place to rehearse. That spot became the legendary Rehearsal House. The Cano Reyes sisters inherited the house that belonged to their grandparents. They dont act in the event, nor have they ever, but they say theyre happy and proud that the pre-Holy Week activities are being held here.

The Cano Reyes sisters, pictured at the Rehearsal House in Iztapalapa. REBECA HERRERA

The house is painted lime green. Around the central courtyard  arranged clockwise  are the bedrooms, living room and kitchen. To the right, a cement staircase leads up to a large terrace, where more rooms are located.

During the rehearsal, actors and spectators mingle in the hallways and rooms. Only those performing in the courtyard use headset microphones. When the scene ends, the band  with its trumpets  commands attention. The sound is so loud (there are more than six trumpet players) that it seeps into every corner o the space.

Take a bite; otherwise, it doesnt count, about 20 people affirm. Theyve gathered in the kitchen, somewhat secretly from the others (but without fear of being seen). They sing Las Mananitas (a traditional Mexican birthday song) loudly, although not as loudly as the trumpet players. Were a family, Rueda notes, as he devours a slice of cake. Luis Alberto Guzman de la Rosa  secretary of the Organizing Committee  adds: We try to foster a spirit of brotherhood, because thats the message we convey to the public. Among those taking a moment to celebrate their birthdays are Arnulfo Morales, this years Jesus; Rueda, who played the role in 2001; and Jair Cruz Peralta, who never has (and never will, he says).

Final rehearsals for the Passion of Christ in Iztapalapa, on March 8, 2026. REBECA HERRERA

Peralta, 34, has been involved in the Passion Play of Iztapalapa for 16 years. Today, hes an associate on the Culture Committee, which was responsible for following up on the process to obtain recognition as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Some of the characters Peralta has played include Herods brother-in-law, the apostle John, and a Roman soldier. He was also part of the set design team. But what he enjoyed most is administering the whippings.

Its a tough role. They say it brings bad luck, because hes one of [the men] who beat Jesus. Yes, its tough but its also fun, because nobody wants to do it. You get a lot of insults in the street; people yell at you: Dont hit him so hard! Hey, whats wrong with you? A year ago, for example, I slapped [Jesus]. It was obviously planned with the actor: I grabbed his jaw with my hand, lifted him up and slapped him, he says, laughing, a little mischievously.

There are several requirements to portray Christ: being a native of one of the boroughs eight neighborhoods, being at least 18 years old, being Catholic, having received First Communion, standing at least five foot eight, being single, unattached and childless, having good conduct and morals, being in excellent health and physical condition, not having tattoos or piercings, as well as previously having been an apostle or having held another supporting role. This last requirement was added a few years ago, Rueda explains, because people were striving to attain the iconic role and didnt know what they were getting into.

Friday also marked the debut of two announcers, who will narrate the live broadcast on social media, in order to help the audience understand what they are seeing. When she realized that she would be the first woman to narrate and fill in the gaps between scenes, Miriam Sandoval Garcia said: I have mixed feelings; above all, excitement.

Sandoval, 45, became interested in the Passion of Christ as a child. Like most people in Iztapalapa, she notes. She grew up watching the procession, the costumes and the characters. However, before taking on the role of narrator, she hadnt participated in 23 years: once she got married, her priorities in life shifted. Some of the characters she played in the past include Claudia Procula, Pontius Pilates wife; the Samaritan woman who gives Jesus water; and, back in 1995, Mary Salome.

The procession has been recognized by UNESCO. Rehearsals take place before this year's event, scheduled for April 3. REBECA HERRERA

That same year, 49-year-old Gerardo Granados Juarez played Jesus. And, on April 3, Granados will accompany Sandoval as a narrator. He, too, returns to the play after a long absence  12 years  but doesnt go into details. I had personal problems, he shrugs. He lists some of the positions he held in the past: president of the Holy Week Organizing Committee, vice president, secretary, member... I did every role, he says with a laugh. Now, Im part of the Honor and Justice Commission. God put me there. And, well... it is what it is. [We all] have to do our part.

The team that handles the social media strategy is the youngest one: 25-year-old Luis Zavala Lopez and 17-year-old Dannia Jabnel Guillen Reyes feel honored to be the ones working behind the scenes. Guillen joined because of a family tradition. My grandfather played Christ in 1933, she says soberly. What she loves is photography. And, by promoting the procession, she found a space to practice and develop her skills.

Family, friends and neighbors enjoy the rehearsal near the Macroplaza, in the Mexico City borough of Iztapalapa. REBECA HERRERA

Zavala is the first in his family to participate in the Passion of Christ. My parents are Catholic. They also enjoy watching the performance, but theyre simply spectators. I like being [part of this], he says.

They all share the same goal: that the tradition continues to be seen every year and that the custom remains alive, reaching across borders especially now, since the tradition has been recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Participants and spectators alike proudly display this distinction at all times.

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Two more candidates left The Apprentice on Thursday night, leaving just five hopefuls vying for Lord Sugar's investment.

East London estate agent Kieran McCartney was the first to leave, honouring a deal struck with Lord Sugar last week in which he pledged to leave if his team failed to secure a victory as project manager.

Student wellbeing adviser Rothna Akhtar, meanwhile, expressed her "disappointment" at being fired, stating she was "so close" to the end of the process.

The teams were tasked with creating a new pet product and an accompanying social media campaign to present to major UK retailers.

The episode also featured a cameo from former Made In Chelsea star Zara McDermott, who helped the candidates with their social media campaigns.

open image in gallery Kieran McCartney was fired ( BBC )

Speaking about his exit, McCartney said: I think I am quite loud and out there and I am quite an easy person to blame if it all goes wrong because I put my ideas out, whereas some people dont get noticed as much.

I could have stayed if I fought for my spot.

He added that his highlights on the show were when he teamed up with his fellow candidate Lawrence Rosenberg, and recalled moments with him as hilarious and great fun.

Akhtar, who is also from east London, was sacked by Lord Sugar as she was unable to sell any products during her teams pitches.

It was disappointing in that immediate moment, but it wasnt a complete shock because I was standing against Dan (Miller), who I knew had a really good business, she said, speaking about her fellow candidates student recruitment company.

open image in gallery Rothna Akhtar said she was disappointed to leave ( BBC )

Akhtar added: I was in shock because I was so close to the final five and I just felt this wave of disappointment.

But slight relief because its an intense process. It was gut-wrenching when youre so close to making the final five.

Reflecting on her experience on the show, Akhtar recalled the task in week five when she was nominated as project manager and led her team to victory.

She said: I didnt think I could do it, but I was very proud of myself and I think that will forever be a solid memory that Ill hold for the rest of my life.

Akhtar would have expanded her bakery business if she had won the programme, while McCartney would have created his own estate agent business.

The winner of the latest series of The Apprentice will be awarded 250,000 of investment into their company and the opportunity to go into business with Lord Sugar.

The Apprentice returns on BBC One next Thursday at 9pm.
I often wonder why we dont celebrate the new year in the springtime. In some ways, its the time of year that feels the most celebratory.

All of life is starting to burst, and its utterly joyous. Is there anything more life-affirming than streets lined with blossoms? The almost neon green-hued leaves that start to dress the trees, and those halcyon moments of a drink outside in the sunshine, with the promise of warmer days to come.

Yes, you might still be wrapped up in your winter coat, and cold snaps might bite us, but were mostly through it. If that isnt cause for celebration, then I dont know what is, and it definitely deserves more than a chocolate egg.

When it comes to springtime drinking, it feels like the perfect season to embrace all styles. Warming deep reds can sit happily across the table from lighter, fresher offerings that may have been slightly chilled.

And if youre not a rose in the winter kind of person, now that the tulips are popping, its time to rekindle your friendship with one of the countrys favourite styles of wine. Ive included a breadth of regions that extend far beyond Provence in my selection, with charming, wallet-friendly options from both Aldi and M&S.

I know that my celebrations of spring will extend far beyond Easter Sunday, which is so early this year. I hope yours do the same, especially when it feels like theres not much to celebrate in the wider world. Why not focus on pleasures closer to home and celebrate the smallest of wins? Surviving the winter definitely deserves a toast.

open image in gallery All fizz, no fuss  bottles that bring brightness without champagne prices ( Rosamund Hall )

Perrier-Jouet Grand Brut Champagne, France

Waitrose, 37.50 (any mixed six, 25% off until 07.04.26), RRP 50, 12.5% ABV

Id take a bottle of this over any Easter egg. The dreamy, floral-emblazoned bottle alone screams spring! Its the definition of freshness and finesse, with long, languorous bubbles delivering aromas of white blossom, soft peaches and the bounciest of warm, freshly baked brioche.

Graham Beck Brut Rose, South Africa

Majestic, 12 (mixed six), 17.50 (single bottle), 12.5% ABV

Talk about a wine punching above its pay grade! Graham Beck wines never disappoint. This elegant sparkling rose is made in the same method as champagne and is full of aromas and flavours of cream-filled, raspberry-topped Danish pastries with fine bubbles.

Jansz Premium Cuvee Rose, Tasmania, Australia

Vinum, 18.60, 12.5% ABV

Wild and expressive, Tasmania, off the coast of South Australia, is making some of the worlds most exciting wines, with the wines of Jansz being regarded as one of the best sparkling producers in Australia. A blend of pinot noir and chardonnay, its brimming with delicate red-fruit aromas that evoke a bowl of strawberries and cream. Beautifully concentrated with refreshing acidity, the flavours just keep giving.

M&S Collection Saint-Gall Brut Champagne, France

M&S (in-store), Ocado,

A beautiful champagne made by one of the best cooperatives, Union Champagne, sourced from some of the best sites in the regions of Cote des Blancs and Montagne de Reims. A chardonnay-heavy blend with a touch of pinot noir, an uplifting bite of fresh green apples, a delicate nutty note and warmed, buttered toast.

Terra Organic Ribolla Gialla, Italy

Ocado, 12, 10.5% ABV

Are you stuck in a prosecco rut? Why not switch to this other Italian sparkler instead? It has an appealing nose of pink grapefruit, nectarines and oh-so-gentle bubbles; its a pretty and effortlessly easy drinking sparkler.

Rose de Xinomavro, Thymiopoulos, Greece, 2024

The Wine Society, 14.95, 12.5% ABV

This is a glorious reminder that rose can be a gastronomic and sensorial wine, not just a poolside sipper. A beautiful medley of crushed cranberries, bitter orange zest, dried roses, alpine strawberries and a little wild-herbal edge; from gyros to rogan josh, its supremely food-versatile too.

M&S Bardolino Chiaretto Rose, Italy, 2024

M&S (in-store), Ocado, 8, 12% ABV

An uncomplicated but delicately pleasurable pink that will leave you yearning for a lakeside recliner on the banks of Lake Garda (which is where this rose comes from). Its beautifully bright with aromas and flavours of fresh raspberries, nectarines and a little citrus twist.

Te Pa Rose Marlborough, New Zealand, 2025

Co-op, 10.95, 12% ABV

An energetic pinot noir rose with a gorgeous peony-pink colour, its full of ripe red cherries, early-springtime rhubarb, and a beautiful cream-laced edge, and it displays great complexity for the money.

open image in gallery Think pink: Proof rose isnt just for summer holidays but made for right now ( Rosamund Hall )

Arc Du Soleil Camargue Rose, Famille Perrin, France, 2024

Sainsburys, 8.75 with Nectar until 7 April (RRP 10.50)

What do the chicken wine and Brad Pitts Miraval rose have in common? Theyre both made by Famille Perrin, the winemakers behind this fantastic rose. Super pale with aromas of fresh citrus, white peaches and a mineral herbal edge, this is a very crowd-pleasing style. If you double-dip on the Nectar combined with Sainsburys mixed six deal, which runs until 4 April, its a bargainous 6.56! (Dont worry if you miss it, though; its great value at its full price.)

Specially Selected Organic Costa Toscana Rose, Italy, 2024

Aldi (in-store only), 7.99, 12.5% ABV

Lively and fresh with tingling raspberries, hints of red cherries and a lovely bitter-orange pith note, youll be dreaming of enjoying a glass under the Tuscan sun.

Domaine de Chiniere Rose, Saint-Pourcain, France 2024

Yapp, 13.95, 12.5% ABV

Made from 100 per cent gamay (Saint-Pourcain is a village in the far reaches of the Loire Valley, very close to Burgundy), this is an expressive rose with aromas of delicate blossom, soft, summer-ripened strawberries, and uplifting, zesty acidity.

Tesco Finest Sancerre Rose, France, 2024

Tesco, 16, 12.5% ABV

This is a consistently impressive wine from the Tesco Finest stable made from handpicked pinot noir grapes from a limited area in Sancerre, in Frances Loire Valley. Expect an elegant glass full of redcurrants and early-ripening strawberries, with a steely, mineral edge and impressive length.

open image in gallery ( Rosamund Hall )

Co-op Irresistible Grenache Blanc, Paul Mas, Languedoc, France, 2024

Co-op, 9.25, 13% ABV

I love Grenache blanc at this time of year. Its a great place to transition from the richer whites of winter to zippier summer expressions. The Co-ops example has a soft texture with yellow peaches, apricots and a subtle vanilla edge.

Specially Selected Muscadelle, Cotes du Tarn, France, 2024

Aldi (in-store only), 9.99, 11% ABV

From the underappreciated southwestern French region of Tarn, Muscadelle is springtime in a glass. A floral delight with a ripe stone-fruited accompaniment that feels breezily fresh and delicate.

Ascheri Gavi di Gavi DOCG, Italy, 2024

Tesco, 13.95, 13% ABV

This is from one of the worlds finest and most beautiful wine regions, Piedmont. Its a wonderfully aromatic white with a full, peachy note alongside jasmine flowers, bitter almonds and a long-lingering mineral finish.

Inama Soave Classico, Italy, 2023

Majestic, 16 (any mixed six), 18 (single bottle), 12.5%

If you want a fine wine without the price tag, buy this, or indeed any wine from the producer Inama. This is a lifetime away from cheap soave. Its an expressive glass full of soft apricots, a hint of acacia honey, all brought together harmoniously with mouthwatering citrus acidity.

open image in gallery Lighter reds that still deliver, even when the sun decides to show up ( Rosamund Hall )

Mimo Moutinho Algarve Red, Portugal, 2024

Aldi (in-store only), 6.99, 13.5% ABV

A generous, silky-smooth, easy-drinking red thats full of ripe plums, dark berries, and hints of sweet spice. An uncomplicated sun-soaked glass.

Poulsard, Domaine Jean-Louis Tissot, Arbois, France, 2023

Yapp, 18.75, 13.5% ABV

Dont be fooled by the almost translucent colour of this wine; its a pour that feels like its bursting out of the glass with energetic promise. With beautiful notes of rose petals, bright raspberry and amarena cherries, it has a deft lightness of touch that delivers layers of flavour.

Fixin, Albert Bichot, Burgundy, France 2022

Waitrose Cellar, 24.75 (any mixed six 25% off until 7 April), 33

The village of Fixin lies between Dijon and Gevrey-Chambertin. This example, made by one of the regions most respected producers, is a sleekly offered, concentrated pinot noir with aromas of forest-floored undergrowth, roses, muddled redcurrants and a hint of sweet spice. A fine match for a seasonal feast.

Cape Quarter, Boekenhoutskloof, Stellenbosch, South Africa

M&S (in-store), Ocado, 12, 13.5%

An enveloping blend of cabernet sauvignon and merlot, made by the talented winemaking team that brought the world The Chocolate Block, yet its about half the price. Expect a glassful of ripe, brambly dark fruits and a smoky edge, with full yet smooth tannins.

M&S Maison Riveraine Fleurie, Beaujolais, France, 2024

M&S (in-store), Ocado, 13, 13% ABV

A consistently high-quality gamay from one of Beaujolais most famous cru villages. This medium-bodied wine gives layers of red fruits, some darker, ripe cherries and a wonderful freshness.

El Pacto Ojo Gallo, Rioja, Spain, 2022

The Wine Society, 16, 13% ABV

A sublime contrast to vanilla-oak-soaked riojas, this vibrant example is full of crushed cranberries, alpine strawberries, sweet peonies and a rosemary-herbal twist.

Grahams Blend No12 Ruby Port, NV, Portugal

Ocado, 29, 19% ABV

Port for Easter? Yes, please, but why not make it one you can mix into a long drink too? This ruby port is a triumph as a spritz, mixed with cremant or prosecco and garnished with a strawberry for a spring/summer lift. Or simply enjoy this fresher style of port thats full of ripe strawberries and red cherries on its own, chilled (with a bag of mini eggs, of course).
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Spring is here and so is Good Friday with Easter Sunday right around the corner.

This year, Good Friday falls on Friday, April 3, about two weeks earlier than last years. It marks the crucifixion and death of Jesus in the Christian calendar, ahead of Easter Sunday which commemorates his resurrection, according to to the Gospels . For Orthodox Christians, Good Friday will be celebrated on Friday, April 10.

However, Good Friday and Easter are not federal holidays because the federal government primarily recognizes public commemorations that are not religious observances.

It is up to individual employers to decide whether they offer time off or additional pay for work on federal holidays.

Find the full list of 2026 federal holidays below:

open image in gallery The full list of 2026 federal holidays has been revealed ( Getty/iStock )

New Years Day: Thursday, January 1

Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.: Monday, January 19

Presidents Day: Monday, February 16

Memorial Day: Monday, May 25

Juneteenth National Independence Day: Friday, June 19

Independence Day: Saturday, July 4

Labor Day: Monday, September 7

Indigenous Peoples Day (also observed as Columbus Day): Monday, October 12

Veterans Day: Wednesday, November 11

Thanksgiving Day: Thursday, November 26

Christmas Day: Friday, December 25

Other important days to note:

Valentines Day: Saturday, February 14

St. Patricks Day: Tuesday, March 17

April Fools Day: Wednesday, April 1

First Day of Passover: Wednesday, April 1

Good Friday: Friday, April 3

Easter: Sunday, April 5

Mothers Day: Sunday, May 10

Fathers Day: Sunday, June 21

Halloween: Saturday, October 31

First Day of Hannukkah: Friday, December 4

Christmas Eve: Thursday, December 24

New Years Eve: Thursday, December 31
Had you perused the front page of the Financial Times on 22 October two years ago, you would have encountered an article announcing a surprising new partnership between the French fashion house Chanel and The Boat Race.

The annual boat race between Oxford and Cambridge universities is to be renamed after a Chanel watch in the French fashion houses first foray into sport sponsorship, revealed the story. From next year, the contest will be rebranded The Chanel J12 Boat Race, taking on the name of a high-end timepiece produced by the privately owned luxury goods company.

This unexpected yet intriguing alliance sent ripples through both the fashion and sporting communities and was deemed news enough by the FT to push concerns about prison overcrowding, the crisis in the NHS, and a spat between the Bank of England and the Office for National Statistics onto page two.

open image in gallery This is the second year of a long-term partnership between the Boat Race and the French fashion house ( AFP via Getty )

There are many boat races, but there is only one Boat Race. One of Britains most cherished sporting traditions, it is free-to-view from the banks of the Thames and, whatever the capricious early spring weather, an estimated quarter of a million spectators line the river from Putney to Mortlake cheering on the 16 powerfully built oarsmen (and two slightly built coxswains) from the two great universities as they battle it out over 6.8 km of cafe au lait coloured tidal waters.

It has been a part and pillar of British sporting and social life since 1829: not quite as old as the Epsom Derby (1780), but older than Henley Royal Regatta (1839) .

Likewise, there is haute couture and there is Chanel, arguably the most famous fashion house in the world, renowned for its revolutionary use of jersey fabric, the invention of the little black dress, and, of course, the emblematic Chanel No 5, most probably the worlds best-known fragrance.

Prima facie haute couture and eights racing might seem opposed: disparate worlds; a Venn diagram that does not intersect. But the surprise of the announcement should not obscure the fortuitous and authentic nature of the partnership.

Close students of Chanels history will immediately recognise it as an echo of founder Gabrielle Chanel's fascination with British society and her keen eye for adapting elements of British style into her revolutionary designs. The Roaring Twenties in Britain saw the old world of patrician privilege tempered by the awakening of modernity and a growing sense of equality.

During the Twenties, British women achieved rights and freedoms that would have been inconceivable in their mothers time. Women achieved equal voting rights and the first womens Boat Race was held in 1927; the same year that Chanel opened a salon and atelier in Mayfair.

But Gabrielle Chanels personal relationship with Britain began long before she opened her business. An anglophile, in so many ways, not least in the taking of English lovers, her decade-long affair with Boy Capel, a polo player, playboy and shipping heir, not only marked her first significant connection to the UK but also profoundly influenced her design aesthetic. His sporting wardrobe inspired Chanels early experiments with jersey fabric, a radical departure that helped her stand out from her contemporaries.

Her affinity for British culture deepened through her affair with the colossally rich Hugh Richard Arthur Grosvenor, second Duke of Westminster, which began in 1923. The much-divorced Duke was a reactionary anachronism who might have felt more at home in the 19th century. His chief interests were shooting, fishing, hunting and racing.

But his reputation as a sportsman extended beyond his passion for country pursuits. In 1908, he had competed in the London Olympics, racing a motorboat. Moreover, his family had a strong connection with rowing. The Grosvenor Rowing Club, bearing the familys name was founded in Chester in 1869 to serve what were quaintly known as the clerks and assistants of the city. Its motto, Virtus non stemma (Virtue, not pedigree) is that of the Grosvenor family, and the Dukes coat of arms was adopted as the clubs logo.

open image in gallery The new partnership can be seen as an extension of the designers longstanding fascination with British culture ( Getty )

Her relationship with the Duke of Westminster afforded Chanel an entree into the highest echelons of British society, through which she moved easily, striking up enduring friendships with many, including most notably Winston Churchill.

It was during this period that Chanels appreciation for British tailoring and fabrics truly blossomed. She became a customer of the storied tailor Huntsman, where she had skirts and riding breeches made, experimenting with cavalry twill and whipcord in what would become a familiar palette of black, fawn and grey and riding skirts. She borrowed her lovers shooting and fishing tweeds, wearing them with a panache not usually associated with traditional sporting garb.

She started using tweed from Linton Tweeds in Carlisle to make suits and jackets. Chanels relationship with Linton Tweeds remains intact almost a hundred years on. There were other commitments to British apparel: 1932 saw the establishment of British Chanel Ltd, which worked with over 40 British textile manufacturers, making fabrics to Chanels designs. She also went into business with Huddersfield woollen mill, extending the existing factory to accommodate production of her intricate jersey fabrics.

Chanels sponsorship of The Boat Race can be seen as a continuation of Gabrielle Chanels fascination with Britains unique, sometimes eccentric sporting culture. And the Boat Race is not unlike a fashion show in that months of hard work are distilled into a few tense minutes, and it is those minutes, seconds and fractions of seconds that Chanel Horlogerie is interested in.

It is the first time that Chanel has done anything like this and Frederic Grangie, Chanels director of watches and jewellery, was not even on the lookout for a sponsorship opportunity or timing partnership for J12.

There was no agency, no consultancy involved, says Grangie, and it didnt come from a PowerPoint presentation. A friend had told him that The Boat Race was looking for a new main sponsor and as he was curious, he agreed to take a meeting with the organisers. When we left the room, I knew this was a project that was going to happen.

Only later did he realise the significance of the date. We met on the 10th of June, the date of the first mens boat race. It felt really serendipitous.

There are other synchronicities: in 2027, it will be the centenary of the womens race, and Chanel will celebrate 100 years of Chanel in the UK. In 2029, we will celebrate 200 years of one of the oldest competitions in the world. On both occasions, Chanel will be designing the trophy.

open image in gallery The Boat Race takes place on 4 April ( Getty )

Although Chanel and The Boat Race Company remain tight-lipped regarding the sums of money involved, compared to the costs associated with a mainstream sport, the amount is likely to be little more than pocket change for Chanel, but it will make a considerable difference to The Boat Race and ensure stability as it approaches these important anniversaries.

Above all, Grangie is keen to stress that Chanel is determined not to vulgarise or banalise this sporting treasure. He wants it to remain what it is: a uniquely British event that enjoys global recognition

There was never any big business plan. Its not about selling limited edition watches, absolutely not. It's really about expressing what we stand for in a partnership between the two greatest scholarly institutions in the world, one of the oldest competitions, and one of the greatest, if not the greatest, luxury brand in the world.

In essence, Chanels sponsorship of The Boat Race is a homecoming of sorts, a return to the British sporting world that so captivated Gabrielle Chanel a century ago. Its a partnership that honours the past while looking to the future, much like the timeless designs for which the house is famous. In sponsoring this quintessentially British event, Chanel is not just keeping time  its making history.

There is just one possible eventuality that might make waves on the otherwise smooth waters of the Chanel J12 Boat Race. This year Chanel proudly launched a blue version of the J12, it is however, a bleu fonce, or dark blue and there is as yet no light blue counterpart. So, I suppose Oxford will just have to win every race until Chanel gets around to making a light blue J12 for the Cambridge crew.
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Bravo executive Andy Cohen has spoken out about the Summer House drama involving Amanda Batula, West Wilson, and Ciara Miller.

Batula and Wilson announced their relationship Tuesday in a statement that has rocked the internet. Miller, 30, dated Wilson, 31, in a 2023 relationship that played out on the hit Bravo show. Her close friend Batula, 34, announced her separation from her husband of four years  Summer Houses Kyle Cooke  in January. Their relationship has been a main storyline throughout the shows 10 seasons.

Speaking Wednesday on his on his SiriusXM show, Radio Andy, Cohen said he has lots of questions for Batula and Wilson that hell address at the upcoming taping of the Summer House season 10 reunion.

However, Cohen did acknowledge the online backlash against Batula and Wilson.

I do think it's worth reminding everybody, all the passionate fans of the show, that these are real people involved, he said. Just know these are real people who are dealing with a lot.

open image in gallery Summer House star Ciara Miller (right) has broken her silence on the relationship between her best friend Amanda Batula (center) and her ex West Wilson (right) ( Getty )

Batula and Wilson revealed in a statement shared Tuesday on their respective Instagram accounts that while the romance is still very new, they wanted to provide some clarity on the situation.

As our feelings evolved, we wanted to take time to understand exactly what we were feeling, they continued. We also recognize that this has had an impact beyond just us and never wanted our actions to cause any hurt or be perceived as careless.

That impact clearly extends to Miller  who unfollowed both Batula and Wilson on Instagram immediately after their joint statement  and Cooke, as well as the rest of the Summer House cast.

Season 10 of Summer House, which was filmed in 2025, is currently airing on Bravo. The show centers around a group of Manhattan-based friends who spend their weekends at the Long Island rental home, throwing theme parties and enjoying the areas nightlife.

open image in gallery Andy Cohen has reminded 'Summer House' fans that cast members are 'real people' amid backlash to Amanda Batula-West Wilson romance ( Cindy Ord/Getty Images for SiriusXM )

In addition to Batula, Wilson, Miller, and Cooke, the show features Carl Radke, Lindsay Hubbard, Jesse Solomon, Mia Calabrese, KJ Dillard, Dara Levitan, Levi Sebree, Bailey Taylor and Ben Waddell.

Miller responded to news of the relationship Tuesday night with a well-timed post promoting Apple TVs Your Friends and Neighbors with the pointed caption: If you cant trust your Friends & Neighbors, who can you trust? Season 2 premieres Friday on @appletv #AppleTVPartner.

Miller was conducting red carpet interviews at the shows season two premiere  held the night before the Batula-Wilson news broke.

When the shows star Jon Hamm greeted her and asked how she was doing, Miller replied honestly, Im good well, Ive been better, before moving on with the interview.
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Three suspects, including a pair of parents, are accused of abandoning a 4-month-old infant at a crime scene in Pennsylvania to run from the cops after they got caught trying to steal cable wires.

Three people were caught by police using a saw to cut down an inactive Verizon cable on Meetinghouse Road in Upper Chichester, about 23 miles southwest of Philadelphia, early Monday morning.

Authorities say the crime was likely motivated by the prospect of making money off the materials inside the cables.

The copper inside the cables is a hot item for the precious metals to be melted down and taken to wherever they can to get pawned, Lt. Christopher Jones of the Upper Chichester Police Department told WPVI Action News.

As officers arrived at the scene, the three suspects fled in a Jeep and left behind a sedan that had cut cable wires and hand saws inside it. After impounding the sedan, officers noticed something moving in the backseat of the car.

open image in gallery Three suspects, including a pair of parents, are accused of abandoning a 4-month-old baby at a crime scene in Pennsylvania as they ran from police. The babys mother, Angelina Williams, 32, was arrested ( Upper Chichester Police Department )

Once it was back here, our officers were checking the exterior of the car and noticed that a blanket in the backseat moved slightly, Jones said.

Police removed the blanket and discovered a sleeping 4-month-old baby boy in the backseat of the car.

Soon after, the boys mother, Angelina Williams, 32, was arrested in connection with the cable theft.

Williams, who is the boys mother, did not mention that her baby was left in the vehicle, police said.

Authorities said two other suspects remain at large: 49-year-old Joseph Daniels, who police say is the babys father, and 47-year-old Ray Gibase. It was not known how Gibase knew the parents.

open image in gallery Police say the babys father, Joseph Daniels, 49, remains at large ( Upper Chichester Police Department )

open image in gallery Police were also still searching for the third suspect, Ray Gibase, 47, on Thursday ( Upper Chichester Police Department )

Thank goodness that officer looked in there and saw something moving. It wouldve been a few hours before we executed a search warrant on it once the judge signed the paperwork, Jones said.

Police said the baby was uninjured and is now in the care of his grandmother.

Authorities are asking anyone with information about the two suspects who remain on the loose to contact the Upper Chichester Police Department.
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An gym-goer who allegedly stabbed a Planet Fitness worker after being kicked out over an unpaid membership bill has been charged with attempted murder.

Davier Massey, 28, is accused of attacking the employee at the gym in Philadelphia and was apprehended a short distance away, according to Cheltenham Township Police Department.

Officers responded the Planet Fitness at around 12.30 p.m Thursday following reports of a stabbing.

They found a male employee with multiple stab wounds, who was then taken to a local trauma center for treatment of his injuries  which were life-threatening.

open image in gallery Davier Massey, 28, allegedly stabbed the Planet Fitness employee at the gym in Philadelphia and was apprehended a short distance away, according to Cheltenham Township Police Department ( Cheltenham Police Department )

Police said that Massey had been banned from the gym but had returned the following day twice and caused a disturbance.

During the second visit the pair got into a physical altercation during which Massey allegedly stabbed the worker multiple times.

Massey has been hit with a slew of charges including attempted murder, aggravated assault, recklessly endangering another person and possession of an instrument of crime.

He is also charged with making terroristic threats, criminal mischief, harassment and disorderly conduct.

open image in gallery Officers responded the Planet Fitness at around 12.30 p.m Thursday following reports of a stabbing. They found the male employee with multiple stab wounds, who was then taken to a local trauma center for treatment of his injuries  which were life-threatening ( Google Maps )

Massey is being held without bail at the Montgomery County Correctional Facility pending further court proceedings. The Independent has attempted to contact Massey's legal representation for comment.

In a statement, Planet Fitness said, "We are saddened by the incident that took place at our Cheltenham location.

Our thoughts are with the team member as they recover. We appreciate local law enforcement's quick action, and the franchise owner is fully supporting them in their investigation."
The Cuban government announced on Thursday the release of more than 2,010 prisoners. In a statement published in the official newspaper, Granma, the regime defended the decision as a humanitarian and sovereign gesture. This is the second prisoner release since the United States increased pressure on the island with an energy embargo that is causing the countrys economic collapse. The government did not provide details about the prisoners identities. It only stated that the individuals released included young people, women, adults over 60 years of age, as well as foreigners and Cuban citizens residing abroad who were nearing the end of their sentences.

The mass pardon comes amid ongoing negotiations between Havana and Washington and just a week after Donald Trump gave an initial sign of easing the oil embargo. Last Sunday, a Russian oil tanker arrived at Cuban ports with 100,000 tons of crude oil. This provides some relief from the supply crisis that has left the island with constant and increasingly prolonged power outages, as well as serious problems with basic services such as hospitals and transportation.

Despite showing a slight willingness to compromise and some ambiguous statements from Trump suggesting greater flexibility, the White House made it clear the following day that the gesture did not represent a formal change in sanctions policy and that the Russian ship had been allowed in due to the humanitarian needs of the Cuban people.

Thursdays historic release of prisoners also comes one day after the Cuban ambassador to Washington, Lianys Torres Rivera, challenged the United States to participate in Cubas economic transformation. Since the military attack on Caracas, which led to the kidnapping of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, the island has been in Trumps crosshairs as his next target.

While negotiationsshrouded in secrecy and led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the son of Cuban immigrantsare underway, the president has been oscillating between a willingness to engage in dialogue and issuing threats. Just two weeks ago, Trump stated that it would be a great honor for him to take over Cuba and that he could do whatever he wants with it.

The Castro regimes response has been to make a few gestures, but none on the scale of the step taken this Thursday. Last month, it announced the release of 51 prisoners, a move facilitated by the Vatican, which has historically been a key player in securing concessions from the Castro regime. The regime has also shown flexibility on economic issues, such as allowing Cubans in exile to do business on the island, or permitting private companies to import small quantities of gasoline. Meanwhile, Castroism continues to play on the classic rhetoric of resistance against imperialism and accusations against the United States of causing genocide.

None of these moves has been confirmed, at least publicly, by the U.S. side. Rubio insists that this is not enough, that more is needed, and, above all, that the changes must also be political. Some media outlets close to Washington have reported in recent weeks that the ongoing negotiations involve broad economic reform, but without President Miguel Diaz-Canel at the helm. The Cuban response to that information, which was denied by the White House, has also been firm: The Cuban political system is not up for negotiation, nor, of course, is the president or any government official.

The operation announced on Thursday surpasses even the historic releases of a decade ago, when Cuba and the United States signed an agreement to resume diplomatic relations after five decades of isolation. In September 2015, the Cuban government pardoned 3,522 prisoners to coincide with Pope Francis upcoming visit to the island. In January of that same year, the Cuban government had already pardoned another 53 inmates whom Washington considered political prisoners.

The United Nations has condemned the repression in Cuba, which it describes as the country with the most convictions for arbitrary detention in the world. The Cuban government claims to have pardoned 9,905 prisoners since 2010. According to estimates by the NGO Prisoners Defenders, there are currently 1,214 political prisoners in Cuba. The harsh crackdown on the massive protests of 2021with hundreds of young people still in prisonhas been one of the latest developments. The Cuban government has not clarified whether any of the prisoners from those protests are among those granted amnesty.

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New Orleans writer Nancy Lemann returns after 20-year hiatus. Here's a review of her new novel.
Micah Projects founder and chief executive Karyn Walsh recently announced her retirement, after more than 40 years working in the community sector.

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When Karyn Walsh arrived in South Brisbane in the 1980s, she remembers the citys homeless sleeping on the steps of St Marys Catholic Church, in the car park, and behind the presbytery. Pregnant with her second child and fresh from running a youth refuge in Kalinga on the citys northside, Walsh and her husband temporarily moved into the church with their young family. The relationship with that community would eventually lead to the founding of Micah Projects, a grassroots social justice organisation whose name has become synonymous with support for homeless people in inner-city Brisbane. After 18 months living in the presbytery, the family moved to a permanent home in West End. Back then, it was possible to buy a house for $50,000. St Marys Catholic Church, South Brisbane, 1984. Cynthia O'Gorman Forty years on, the median price in the gentrifying suburb is well over a million. The homeless community still congregates around the St Marys church building on Merivale Street, neighboured by Emmanuel City Mission, but rough sleepers often spend their nights in Musgrave Park and along the river. Speaking to this masthead a few weeks after retiring from Micah, Walsh reflects on the divide between poverty and prosperity that many see growing in Brisbane.

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Poverty is an underlying cause of homelessness, but what creates homelessness is often prosperity because it displaces people, she says from a rotunda in West Ends Orleigh Park on a windswept Friday afternoon. Our economic circumstances change. Theyre not in favour of everybody in the community. Homelessness was a key issue for Brisbane when Micah launched in 1995. Decades on, the citys housing and homelessness crisis persists. Its just one reason that the news of Walshs retirement felt particularly winding. She is adamant shes leaving the organisation in capable hands, with many dedicated and great staff to continue her legacy. But recent developments trouble many workers and activists in the sector. Since taking power in 2024, the Crisafulli government has cut social housing targets and introduced punitive policies for public housing tenants. Meanwhile, Brisbane City Council cracked down on rough sleepers in public parks last year. Terry Fitzpatrick, a former priest at St Marys who has known Walsh since the 1970s, says her ability to navigate governments was a strength that will be missed.

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Theres just so many areas that shes been able to influence, both directly in terms of acting and responding to need, but also advocacy, and changing some of the ways the government approaches people, he says. Former minister Leeanne Enoch and Karyn Walsh at the old West End Police Station announcing now-abandoned plans for a health and housing community centre. Tony Moore Asked whether working with the LNP after a decade of Labor leadership has been particularly challenging, Walsh says: your relationship with government is always something thats fragile. Youve got to learn how to navigate it, and how to educate people about what youre experiencing and dealing with every day. Over the years Ive worked with both governments, I can say its a really slow, hard slog. We tend to go to inquiries and lawyers to get the answers, whereas theyre not necessarily the people who can give us the answers. The people who do give us the answers are the people that live it every day. Common Ground Queensland chief executive Sue Pope, whos worked closely with Walsh on supportive housing initiatives, describes her as an incredible straight shooter, who has never lost focus on improving peoples lives.

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Shes built this huge following of big Karyn fans that just love how she calls a spade a spade, Pope says. Former prime minister Kevin Rudd, Micah Projects founder Karyn Walsh and former Queensland Minister for Community Services, Housing and Women Karen Struthers at a sod turning event for supportive housing initiative Common Ground Brisbane. That can be pretty confronting, but its also incredibly useful in terms of cutting straight through to the key issue at hand and trying to make changes to systems and services to make peoples lives better. Walshs aptitude for community advocacy was shaped by childhood experience. Born in Ipswich, she moved with her family to Mackay in North Queensland aged nine. That year, her mother died suddenly. She and her sister went to live in a Catholic boarding school while her father worked in mining. Karyn knew what it was like as a child to be  relying on the good nature and generosity of random people, Fitzpatrick says.

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Peter Kennedy, another renegade priest exiled from St Marys for his progressive interpretation of Catholicism, added that Walsh extended the care and compassion she was shown as a child to others throughout her career. Micahs first Young Mothers for Young Women. Walsh says the program has strongly advocated for early intervention to keep families together. After school, Walsh settled in Rockhampton to study nursing, where she was confronted by the increasing demand for youth services driven by the closure of orphanages in the region. It was the beginning of how youth homelessness emerged, she explains. Prior to that, homelessness was really middle-aged, alcoholic men. Walsh helped to open the central Queensland citys first womens shelter, amid the cultural shift that came as divorce laws changed and women were empowered to leave relationships. Women still faced stigma, she says, but they had no trouble with the shelter being full. Fitzpatrick remembers meeting Walsh when he travelled to Rockhampton in the late 70s to meet with young people from one of the regions orphanages. Kennedy became close with Walsh and her husband, Peter, while they were running Kedron Lodge, the youth refuge.

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US troops are intensifying the search for the second crew member of the F-15 fighter jet, whose whereabouts are unknown. Iranian authorities are offering a reward for his capture

The United States received its most compelling warning yet on Friday that the war against Iran, despite President Donald Trumps promises, is far from over and that Tehran remains a dangerous adversary. The Islamic Republic shot down a U.S. F-15 fighter jet with two crew members on board over its territory on Friday. One of the crew members was rescued a few hours later by U.S. helicopters, according to media in Washington and Israel. The whereabouts of the second crew member are still unknown. This is the first time Iran has shot down a U.S. military aircraft over its airspace in nearly five weeks of the conflict. According to The New York Times, a second U.S. aircraft also crashed on Friday in the Persian Gulf region.

Neither the Pentagon nor Central Command, responsible for U.S. forces in the Middle East, has officially commented on either incident. In the second, involving an A-10 Warthog, there was only one crew member on board, the pilot, who was rescued.

The downing of the first plane, over Iranian territory, according to The Washington Post, occurred in the southwest of the country. Although its pilot has been rescued, the second crew member is still missing. And the prospect of an American airman alive and adrift in enemy territory underscores the risks of a war that most Americans oppose, according to polls.

Iranian authorities have appealed to the civilian population to report any clues as to the whereabouts of the crewman and have distributed images on social media, supposedly from the crash site and the wreckage of the aircraft.

According to CNN, the rescued pilot is alive, in U.S. hands, and receiving medical treatment. The network cites two sources familiar with the situation. Search operations are ongoing to locate the second crew member, according to Axios, which claims to have received this information from an Israeli official and another source with knowledge of the situation.

This is the fourth F-15 attacked since the United States and Israel launched Operation Epic Fury against Iran on February 28. The other three aircraft were shot down in a friendly fire incident in Kuwait during the early days of hostilities. In that case, all crew members were rescued. Iran has also destroyed other U.S. aircraft, including an E3 spy plane, considered an airborne command center for coordinating combat operations.

The downing of the F-15 comes just two days after Trump addressed the nation from the White House, urging patience and assuring the public that the war would last two or three more weeks. During that time, he maintained, the United States would intensify its bombing campaign against the country to bring them back to the Stone ages, where they belong.

In a message on social media Friday, before the downing of the plane was reported, Trump asked for a little more time. We can easily open the Hormuz Strait, take the oil, and make a fortune. Would it be a gusher for the world? he wrote. Next Monday, April 6, marks the expiration of the ultimatum the Republican president gave to Iranian authorities to reach a peace agreement in the negotiations his administration claims to be holding with Tehran, negotiations the theocratic regime denies.

If no agreement is reached by then, the U.S. president says he will begin destroying Irans electrical and oil infrastructure and even water desalination plants that are essential for the civilian population.

Reward for US crewman

The governor of Irans southwestern province of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad, where the U.S. plane crashed, has offered a reward for the capture of the missing crewman. The semi-official ISNA news agency, cited by international news agencies, reported that authorities in this mountainous province, near the Iraqi border and the Persian Gulf, announced special recognition from the provincial government for anyone who provides information about the servicemans whereabouts, without specifying the type of reward offered.

A state television channel has claimed that the crew parachuted to safety after activating the ejection system before the aircraft crashed. The channels presenter called on residents near the crash site to hand over the enemy pilots to law enforcement. The same station showed images from social media of a van transporting what appeared to be wreckage and an ejection seat from a U.S. aircraft.

Irans Revolutionary Guard forces have searched the area where the aircraft crashed, according to Iranian news agencies, which showed images of U.S. helicopters over the area and a tanker plane refueling in flight in an apparent search and rescue mission, as well as videos of Iranians opening fire with their weapons.

The Iranian regime had previously claimed responsibility for shooting down other U.S. aircraft but until now had not called for the capture of surviving crew members. This is the first military action in five weeks of war in which the downing of a U.S. fighter jet by enemy fire has been confirmed.

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NationalVictoriaDevelopment Locked up behind chain-link fences: The stand-off stalling this open space Gemma Grant April 3, 2026  1:00pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Thousands of inner-city residents still dont have access to adequate local parkland, as the competing interests of the council and state government continue to stall a proposed open space project years after it was introduced. Seventeen plots of land have been earmarked by the City of Melbourne to form a new open space network in the Macaulay urban renewal precinct, which is in the traditionally industrial areas of North Melbourne and Kensington. Kensington resident Emma Baker near one of the proposed green space sites. Justin McManus But there have been difficulties in acquiring and converting the space into parkland. While some land within the proposed network is already owned by the council, about 7500 square metres is privately owned. Another 9700 square metres is owned by the state government  which has hampered the projects progression for years. Kensington resident Emma Baker said there was an urgent need for more parkland in her area  particularly when it comes to large-scale recreational spaces. Matters have only been worsened by the rapid construction of high-rise apartment blocks in the precinct.

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Weve been desperate for the park to come, and it doesnt look like its going to happen at this time, Baker said. Areas like North Melbourne have the green  in the middle of the street. Weve got nothing. Its just dense housing. At a meeting on March 17, City of Melbourne councillors voted to support the introduction of a public acquisition overlay, which would mean the land is legally reserved for future public green space and could be compulsorily acquired if necessary. Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece, Deputy Lord Mayor Roshena Campbell, and councillors Kevin Louey and Mark Scott, who are all members of Team Nick, declared a conflict of interest due to a campaign donation and did not vote on the resolution. A City of Melbourne spokesperson did not respond to a question about whether these councillors would be involved in future discussions regarding the public space overlay. While Baker said the open place precinct proposed by the City of Melbourne was better than nothing, she believes that issues raised by the community are not being properly addressed at a state or council level.

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Kensington is a forgotten part of Melbourne  Theyre very slow to do anything. Weve got this really pretty creek along there. Its just not utilised at all, Baker said. Final approval of the proposed overlay sits with the Department of Transport and Planning, which has had access to the plans since they were first endorsed by the council in 2019. Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny formed an advisory committee for the project in December, with hearings due to start on April 7. Its ridiculous that blockages in the state Labor government are preventing this area being turned into a park for residents Ellen Sandell, leader of the Victorian Greens and the local MP for the area Ellen Sandell, leader of the Victorian Greens and the local MP for the area, said that it was ludicrous that it had taken so long to establish green space in the area. Thousands of apartments have gone up in Kensington, but the promised open space along the creek [is] still locked up behind chain-link fences and filled with industrial rubbish, Sandell said.

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Its ridiculous that blockages in the state Labor government are preventing this area being turned into a park for residents and for flood mitigation, when the solution should be simple. Related Article Development Thousands of people are moving into this area. Wheres the green space? One contentious site on Stubbs Street is owned by VicTrack, the state government entity which manages railway land and infrastructure. This land falls under a registrar caveat that permanently reserves the space for railway purposes and prohibits a transfer of ownership. A City of Melbourne report said VicTrack has competing interests with the Macaulay Structure Plan, and recommended that Reece request the state government remove the caveat. A spokesperson from the Department of Transport and Planning said VicTrack was engaging in discussions with the council about opportunities to lease or purchase the impacted land.

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Were working closely with the City of Melbourne to deliver more homes in well-connected areas like Macaulay, along with the open space communities need, they said, adding that the advisory committee will report to Kilkenny by mid-2026 about the project. Councillor David Griffiths, who holds the environment portfolio at the City of Melbourne, said the council was committed to providing open space for residents, and the construction of a park in Chelmsford Street, Kensington was about to commence. We are working with the state government to create more green space. Plans including land, the public acquisition overlay and funding requirements will be considered by a state government-appointed advisory committee in the coming weeks, Griffiths 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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NationalWAScience The WA Museum exhibition taking a deep dive into the unknown Indigo Lemay-Conway April 4, 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

Deep below the surface of the Indian and Southern Oceans, a small team of Western Australian Museum scientists have dedicated years to documenting new species of marine life. With more than 500 new species documented over the past 20 years, the scientists behind the discoveries are giving a peek into life on a deep sea expedition. Over the last decade, weve actually participated in or led seven deep-sea expeditions in Western Australia and the nearby regions, Head of aquatic zoology Dr Lisa Kirkendale said. The expeditions spread from Ashmore Reef to the Recherche Archipelago and out to Christmas Island. The OceanXperience gives visitors the chance to see what life is like on the OceanXplorer ship. Luke Riley

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Curator of aquatic zoology Dr Andrew Hoisie has been on the most trips of all the science team members. Days at sea are a lot more comfortable than they used to be. I have done some work with cray boats doing fishery observer type work and those can be horrible days at sea, he said with a laugh. Often partnering with other organisations such as CSIRO, Hoisie said the boats used for deep-sea work are big and can handle decent seas. Stints at sea can go for up to 35 days and to depths of 5000 metres. As for why they undertake the expeditions, the answer is black and white.

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From our perspective, it is simple: we want to find what we dont know about, Kirkendale said. New records or species that are not only new to science, but significant infill that we didnt know lived there. Were kind of infilling a map so that we know how to best protect what lives in our ocean property or ocean state. One of the discoveries brought back from an expedition are glass scallops also known as propeamussium alcocki. Glass Scallop also known as Propeamussium alcocki with an Eye of Sauron sea anemone on its back. Luke Riley Found in the abyss of Perth Canyon, located around 20 to 60 kilometres west of Rottnest Island, the scallops have what can be described as a marine-life backpack.

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Its not just a glass scallop, which are stunning in and of themselves, but what we found was more often than not  so 90 per cent of the cases  an anemone has actually settled on the back of the scallop, Kirkendale said. So in the abyss, theres a lot of sand and not a lot of hard bottom. So its a premium space for them [to settle]. The anemone has been named the Eye of Sauron for its resemblance to the Lord of the Rings character. One key task the WA Museum science team undertakes is the taxonomy of species. Taxonomy is the description of new life essentially. Its the naming process, Kirkendale said.

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So if you have a new-species tingle, we call it, where you think its something new, you actually have to do a lot of comparative work to check it is absolutely new to science. You have to compare it with its most similar neighbour, which often resides at the Natural History Museum in London. Its a long process taking something that you think is new  a discovery  and translating that into a description of a new species. Kirkendale said it can take up to 20 years from when scientists get the first new-species tingle to when it gets published with a new name into public scientific literature. WA Museum director of science Dr Jennifer McIlwain and head of aquatic zoology Dr Lisa Kirkendale. Luke Riley For WA Museum director of science Dr Jennifer McIlwain, taxonomy work separates them from other research institutions in Australia.

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Taxonomy sits at the heart of and underpins biodiversity. You cant fully understand something unless you can put a name to it, she said. Thats what sets the museum apart from other research institutions, particularly government research, is that we provide those authoritative names to animals. So disciplines like ecology and conservation biology all rely on us, the taxonomists, to provide those names. McIlwain said in the invertebrate space, approximately 75 per cent of the population remains unnamed. So we have a lot of work to do, she said. A new exhibition

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Opening on April 4 at the WA Museum is OceanXperience, a new interactive exhibition that recreates life on the OceanXplorer ship. The ship which first launched in 2016 is an exploration, research and media vessel that unlocks the wonders in uncharted waters of the world. Visitors to the exhibition get to immerse themselves inside the ships mission control, wet and dry labs, bridge and sub hangar to see how scientific research happens in real time. The exhibition is also flanked by discoveries found by the WA Museum scientist team on previous research trips, not on the OceanXplorer ship. Western Australian Museum chief executive officer Alec Coles Luke Riley

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Weve never been on an OceanX expedition. But maybe wed like to go on one, now that weve crossed paths, Kirkendale said. WA Museum chief executive Alec Coles describes the exhibition as a complete change of pace to the previous Terracotta Warriors display. Western Australia has got 12,000 kilometres of coastline. Weve got the whole of the Indian Ocean and indeed the south, going down towards the Southern Ocean and we have the most amazing marine biodiversity here, Coles said. So to feature something like this is very appropriate to us and whats really great is it absolutely reinforces what the museums about. Id say of all our scientific work, the marine biodiversity studies are probably the ones that we invest the most in. So its amazing to be able to bring an international exhibition like this here and to be able to link it into what were about in our kind of DNA really. The OceanXperience will run from April 4 to October 11.
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Analysis TechnologyAI Why billionaire tech bros are buying up media companies Tim Biggs April 3, 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

OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT and vanguard of the new wave of disruption sweeping through the economy, has taken a break from buying other artificial intelligence firms to invest in a daily three-hour online chat show. On Friday, OpenAI said it had bought the Technology Business Programming Network, which has 11 employees and airs a marquee show hosted by John Coogan and Jordi Hays, for an undisclosed amount reportedly in the low hundreds of millions. While TBPNs viewership numbers are low relative to other popular influencers and livestream channels, it has become a favourite of Silicon Valley executives, making the purchase a potential vehicle for OpenAI to shape perceptions of artificial intelligence. Sam Altmans OpenAI has said the company will not interfere with the editorial direction of TBPN. AP OpenAI executive Fidji Simo, who oversaw the development of Facebooks stories and news feed functions in her time at that company, suggested to employees in a memo that the purchase would help OpenAI spread its views.

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One thing thats become clear is that the standard communications playbook just doesnt apply to us, Simo said. She said the show would help OpenAI create a space for a real, constructive conversation about the changes AI creates  with builders and people using the technology at the centre. As well as conducting interviews and discussing news items, Coogan and Hays discuss arguments made by their audience and others in the AI space, such as marketers use of AI-generated memes. The writers example was a fake video of actor Paapa Essiedu fighting the late Alan Rickman in a UFC match, which he said countered racist negativity around Essiedu being cast in the new Harry Potter series. The video showed Rickman punching and knocking out Essiedu. Coogan and Hays were impressed by the quality of the video. OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman is a fan of the show. He also invested in Coogans first company, the dystopian meal replacement formula Soylent, which launched in 2013, was halted briefly in 2016 because it made people sick, and was sold in 2023 for $7.8 million. And even though TBPN has hosted flattering interviews with OpenAI competitors including Metas Mark Zuckerberg and Microsofts Satya Nadella, Altman said he wasnt taking control of the content.

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I dont expect them to go any easier on us, he said in a social media post. [I] am sure Ill do my part to help enable that with occasional stupid decisions. View post on X Why the buy? So why purchase the company if youre just going to let it keep going in the same direction its already going? The likely answer is that OpenAI, along with other AI and tech companies, desperately needs the positive press, and that it has an interest in making sure TBPN stays around. Several tech leaders have expressed a mistrust of traditional media, or in the case of serial entrepreneur Elon Musk and senior venture capitalist Marc Andreessen, an open hostility. AI in particular is facing increased scrutiny as public sentiment appears to sour on the category, more companies are pulled into regulatory scuffles, more serious ethical quandaries emerge, and the amount of money and resources going towards the technology becomes truly immense. Even fans of some AI products have become disenfranchised by frequent changes, such as the surprise shuttering of OpenAIs Sora video generation model.

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So it does make sense for OpenAI, which is valued at $US850 billion ($1.2 trillion), to want to support TBPN. Coogan and Hays are insiders. They understand the founder mentality and are enthusiastically positive about builder stories where small teams find a way to make billions selling innovative products. Theyre anti-regulation. Theyre optimistic about AI and crypto, but in a business sense, which sets them apart from other influencers shilling and boosting AI to consumers. Andreessen has urged tech leaders to become the media, controlling which messages are pushed to an audience and how. Last year, he acquired the tech podcast network Turpentine. Musk acquired Twitter in 2022 and rebranded it as X. Salesforce founder Marc Benioff (another recent guest on TBPN) bought Time magazine in 2018. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos bought The Washington Post in 2013. Most recently, Oracle founder Larry Ellison has been driving the growth of Paramount Skydance, including an upcoming acquisition of Warner Bros. Related Article Analysis

AI With OpenAIs Sora gone, who will take up the AI video mantle? Google already owns YouTube, and Meta already owns Instagram, which gives them their own influence on news. And practically every tech giant is pushing to have their AI agents digest and mediate news from the web to feed directly to the audience. All of this taken together means that, down the track, pro-technology voices could dominate platforms. And to that end, there could be more to OpenAIs TBPN acquisition than there appears on the surface.

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If OpenAI has designs on creating its own AI news system, the talk show provides a perfect test case and an ideal initial set of training data. The company now owns hundreds of hours of discussion, which it could match against public data like X posts and RSS feeds, to build a model of how announcements and posts become informative and engaging conversation. Then, a 24-hour news channel staffed mostly by AI, but with real news and real interviews, becomes viable, with clips and summaries generated on demand. Get news and reviews on technology, gadgets and gaming in our Technology newsletter every Friday. Sign up here.
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Analysis WorldAsiaMiddle East at war China wants a seat at the Middle East peace table, but without the work Lisa Visentin April 3, 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

Beijing: In between NASA astronauts blasting off for the moon, Anthony Albaneses prime-time appeal to keep calm and carry on, and Donald Trumps threat to bomb Iran back to the Stone Ages, you mightve missed that China has devised a plan for peace in our time. Unfortunately for Beijing, an avalanche of major global news overshadowed the release of its five-point plan for restoring peace and stability in the Middle East, which it jointly proposed with Pakistan this week. But its also struggled to get serious traction for another reason. US President Donald Trump threatened to bomb Iran back to the Stone Ages during a prime-time address from the White House on Wednesday. Alex Brandon/AP Photo/Bloomberg Trumps war in Iran has gifted China a stronger narrative to pitch itself as the more stable, responsible superpower, but when it comes to its peace-brokering chops, Beijing has a credibility deficit. This is not Chinas first peace proposal. There have been many over the past decade. Much like its previous offerings  including, a 12-point plan to end the war in Ukraine and a three-point plan for a lasting solution to the Palestine issue, both proposed in 2023  this latest initiative is a broad, quixotic wishlist of endpoints with no suggested pathways or timelines to achieve them.

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Put forward by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Pakistani counterpart Mohammad Ishaq Dar in Beijing, its a one-page document calling for the immediate cessation of hostilities, peace talks, securing safe transit through the Strait of Hormuz, protecting civilians, and upholding the UN system. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, right, poses for photos with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar in Beijing. AP Sure, its better to have the worlds second-biggest economic and military power on the record in favour of peace than the alternative, but simply stating a plan isnt going to deliver global praise. Whats really missing is the commitment element. What is China willing to do for this plan to actually work?, says Andrea Ghiselli, an expert in China-Middle East relations at the University of Exeter. A serious proposal might also mention the wars instigators, yet strikingly there is no reference to the US or Israel in the document. It calls for Irans sovereignty to be protected, but makes no mention of its nuclear program  certain to be a sticking point in any negotiations.

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Beijing and Tehran have close ties. Wang recently phoned his Iranian counterpart and urged him to start peace talks, and in the past 24 hours he has spoken with foreign ministers from Germany, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, and the EUs representative about the war. Positive outreach, but still lacking in the heavy lifting of conflict resolution. What would this look like? Ghiselli suggests intervention from the top, though dont count on it. Related Article Analysis

China relations Trump demand for Beijings help with Iran lands flat There is no evidence of [Chinese President] Xi Jinping, for example, talking with [Israeli Prime Minister] Bibi Netanyahu, or with his Iranian or American counterparts. That would be quite a signal. Jonathan Fulton, a China-Middle East analyst at the Atlantic Council, has catalogued at least six other plans Beijing has bowled up since 2013 for peace in the worlds most conflict-prone region.

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None of these X-point plans have resulted in meaningful change for any of the problems they are meant to solve. Which leads one to think that announcing a plan is the point, he writes in a recent analysis. To be fair, it hasnt been all empty rhetoric. China pulled off a diplomatic coup in 2023 when it brokered a rapprochement between Iran and Saudi Arabia, ending years of severed ties. It may surprise again. Loading For now, its been upstaged by Pakistan, which has emerged as an unexpected mediator between Iran and the US. Its military leader Asim Munir has cultivated a friendly rapport with Trump, and Islamabad has facilitated back-channels between the two countries and offered to host peace talks. By co-launching the plan with China, Pakistan is arguably bringing another great power to the table, though its influence also highlights Beijings lack of it, or its disinterest in wielding it so far.

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Since the war started in February, analysts have debated whether Chinas decision to sit on the sidelines is a calculated strategy that prioritises flexing power in its immediate backyard. Or a reflection of its limited geopolitical clout in the Middle East, with Beijing unable to restrain its friend even as its economic interests were harmed by Irans attacks on other Gulf nations. Related Article Analysis

Middle East at war Its easy for Trump to weaken NATO but pulling out of the pact is a lot harder China likes to push its alternative vision of global governance, based on non-interference in other countries affairs and where no nation functions as a US-style hegemon or world police. At the same time, it knows theres an expectation that superpowers sit at the big table when crises hit. Beijing wants to be seen at the table, but whether its prepared to get its hands dirty is another question. 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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WorldMiddle EastMiddle East at war US fighter jet shot down over Iran, one crew member rescued Kanishka Singh and Enas Alashray April 3, 2026  6:00pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Washington/Cairo: Iran has shot down a US F15-E fighter jet over the country. One crew member has been rescued, US and Israeli officials say. A search and rescue mission was launched for survivors from the two-person aircraft. A US F15-E Strike Eagle, pictured in January 2026 over North Carolina. 121st Air Refueling Wing White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement that President Donald Trump had been briefed. A pilot or pilots ejected from the aircraft over southwestern Iran, Iranian media claimed on Friday, urging Iranians in the area to help hunt them down.

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The TV channel in Irans Kohkilouyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province initially urged viewers who see Americans to shoot them as soon as you see them. Then it changed the instructions, saying police want Iranians to hand over any downed American pilots alive to security agencies to receive a precious prize. Trump says US hasnt even started destroying whats left in Iran US President Donald Trump has said America hasnt even started destroying whats left in Iran, reiterating vows to increase the ferocity of attacks on its infrastructure, as dozens of countries sought ways to restart vital energy shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. With a little more time, we can easily open the Hormuz strait, take the oil, and make a fortune, Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social on Friday morning (Washington time). It would be a gusher for the world???

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Nearly five weeks after it started with a joint US-Israeli aerial assault, the war in Iran continues to spread chaos across the region and roil financial markets, raising the pressure on Trump to find a quick resolution to the conflict. Loading Trump has stepped up his rhetoric in recent days as negotiations conducted via intermediaries with new leaders in Iran show limited signs of progress. The US military hasnt even started destroying whats left in Iran. Bridges next, then Electric Power Plants, Trump wrote on social media late on Thursday (Washington time), adding that Irans leadership knows what has to be done, and has to be done, FAST! He earlier posted video of the US bombing a newly constructed bridge between Tehran and the major north-west suburb of Karaj. The B1 bridge was scheduled to open to traffic this year. According to Irans state media, eight people were killed and 95 others were wounded in the attack.

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Striking civilian structures, including unfinished bridges, will not compel Iranians to surrender, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said in a statement. Iranian media reported a drone attack on Friday morning on a Red Crescent relief warehouse in the Choghadak area of southern Bushehr province, saying two containers were destroyed. Bushehr, a major port city and key maritime hub, also hosts Irans first nuclear power facility. Iran and its allies have continued to strike targets around the Gulf. Kuwait Petroleum Corp said its Mina al-Ahmadi refinery was hit by drones, setting off fires at operating units, but no injuries were reported, according to the state news agency. Concerns about potential US war crimes raised

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Related Article Analysis

Middle East at war China wants a seat at the Middle East peace table, but without the work More than 100 American international law experts said the conduct of US forces and statements by senior US officials raise serious concerns about violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, including potential war crimes. A letter signed by the experts particularly noted a mid-March comment from Trump where he said the US might conduct strikes on Iran just for fun. It also cited comments from Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth from early March in which he said the US does not fight with stupid rules of engagement. In a speech on Wednesday night, Trump repeated his threats against Irans civilian power plants and gave no clear timeline for ending hostilities. That drew vows of retaliation from Iran, weighed on global share prices and sent oil prices surging on concerns the Strait of Hormuz would remain largely closed. Donald Trump has stepped up his rhetoric in recent days as negotiations conducted via intermediaries with new leaders in Iran show limited signs of progress. AP

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Britain chaired a virtual meeting on Thursday of some 40 countries to explore ways to restore freedom of navigation that did not produce any specific agreement, though participants agreed that all nations should be able to use the waterway freely, one official said. UNSC to vote on Bahraini plan to protect shipping The United Nations Security Council was set to vote at the weekend on a Bahraini resolution to protect commercial shipping in and around the strait, diplomats said, but veto-wielding China made clear its opposition to authorising any use of force. Any military action would be legitimising the unlawful and indiscriminate use of force, which would inevitably lead to further escalation of the situation and lead to serious consequences, Chinas UN envoy, Fu Cong, told the Security Council. A first responder assists an injured boy following a strike that hit a residential building in Tehran. AP

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Iran has in effect shut down the strait, which normally carries about a fifth of the worlds total oil trade, in retaliation for US-Israeli attacks that began on February 28. Tehran offered a competing vision for future control of the strait, and said it was drafting a protocol with neighbouring Oman that would require ships to obtain permits and licences. The European Unions foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, pushed back against Tehrans plan, saying Iran cannot be allowed to charge countries a bounty to let ships pass. International law doesnt recognise pay-to-pass schemes, Kallas wrote on social media. Hegseth fires US Army chief As the US military builds up its forces in the Middle East, Hegseth removed the armys top uniformed officer and two other generals, the Pentagon said without giving a reason.

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General Randy George, who had more than a year left in his term as Army chief of staff, would be retiring, effective immediately, it said. The ouster of such a senior military figure is nearly without precedent during wartime, but the latest of more than a dozen firings of top generals and admirals by Hegseth since he took office last year. General Randy Georges removal comes amid a wider shake-up of senior US military leadership. Getty Images Hegseths former military aide and Army vice chief of staff, General Christopher LaNeve, will take over Georges role in an acting capacity. Reuters, 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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32 Electrified Vehicle Options Available Between Both Toyota and Lexus Brands

TMNA March Electrified Vehicle Sales of 115,422, up 2.5 Percent

PLANO, Texas, April 1, 2026 -- Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) today reported March 2026 U.S. sales of 211,617 vehicles, down 8.5 percent on a volume basis and down 4.9 percent on a daily selling rate (DSR) basis compared to March 2025. Sales of electrified vehicles for the month totaled 115,422, up 2.5 percent on a volume basis and up 6.6 percent on a DSR basis, representing 54.5 percent of total sales volume.

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Toyota Motor North America Reports March, First Quarter 2026 U.S. Sales Results

For the first quarter, TMNA reported sales of 569,420 vehicles, down 0.1 percent on a volume basis and down 0.1 percent on a DSR basis versus the first quarter of 2025. Sales of electrified vehicles for the first quarter totaled 287,276, down 0.5 percent on a volume basis and down 0.5 percent on a DSR basis, representing 50.5 percent of total sales volume.

Toyota division posted March sales of 182,606 vehicles, down 6.9 percent on a volume basis and down 3.2 percent on a DSR basis. For the quarter, Toyota division reported sales of 488,468 vehicles, up 0.3 percent on a volume basis and up 0.3 percent on a DSR basis.

Lexus division posted March sales of 29,011 vehicles, down 17.3 percent on a volume basis and down 14.0 percent on a DSR basis. For the quarter, Lexus division reported sales of 80,952

vehicles, down 2.5 percent on a volume basis and down 2.5 percent on a DSR basis.

"Our first-quarter performance demonstrates the underlying strength of our business," said Andrew Gilleland, senior vice president, Automotive Operations Group, Toyota Motor North America. "We maintained stable sales year-over-year, even while navigating production constraints and limited inventory during the ramp-up of our traditional volume leader, the new RAV4. This resilience gives us great confidence as we continue driving toward our full-year goals."

Highlights (volume basis unless otherwise noted)

TMNA:

First quarter sales down 0.1 percent

First quarter electrified vehicle sales of 287,276, down 0.5 percent

March sales down 8.5 percent

March electrified vehicle sales of 115,422, up 2.5 percent

32 total electrified vehicles currently available in dealerships between both the Toyota and Lexus brands

Among the lowest incentives among full-line manufacturers

Toyota Division:

Corolla Cross Gas and Grand Highlander Hybrid achieved an all-time best-ever

First quarter sales up 0.3 percent

First quarter electrified vehicle sales of 252,369, down 1.4 percent

March sales down 6.9 percent

March electrified vehicle sales of 101,500, up 2.4 percent

Lexus Division:

RZ and NX Plug-in Hybrid achieved an all-time best-ever

First quarter sales down 2.5 percent

First quarter electrified vehicle sales of 34,907, up 6.2 percent

March sales down 17.3 percent

March electrified vehicle sales of 13,922, up 3.2 percent

About Toyota

Toyota has been a part of the cultural fabric in North America for nearly 70 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our more than 1,800 dealerships.

Toyota directly employs nearly 64,000 people in North America who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of more than 50 million cars and trucks at our 14 manufacturing plants. In 2025, Toyota's plant in North Carolina began to assemble automotive batteries for electrified vehicles.

For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.

Media contact:

Derrick Brown

[email protected]

TOYOTA U.S. SALES SUMMARY March 2026

-- CURRENT MONTH -- -- CALENDAR YEAR TO DATE --



















2026 2025 DSR % VOL % 2026 2025 DSR % VOL % TOTAL TMNA 211,617 231,336 -4.9 -8.5 569,420 570,270 -0.1 -0.1 TOTAL TOYOTA DIV. 182,606 196,241 -3.2 -6.9 488,468 487,227 0.3 0.3 TOTAL LEXUS DIV. 29,011 35,095 -14.0 -17.3 80,952 83,043 -2.5 -2.5 COROLLA 23,210 21,495 12.3 8.0 62,574 55,456 12.8 12.8 SUPRA 357 179 107.4 99.4 919 421 118.3 118.3 GR86 (INCL FR-S) 605 1,146 -45.1 -47.2 2,046 2,777 -26.3 -26.3 MIRAI 15 0 0.0 0.0 63 33 90.9 90.9 CROWN 842 986 -11.2 -14.6 2,941 2,236 31.5 31.5 PRIUS 2,941 7,258 -57.9 -59.5 9,737 16,653 -41.5 -41.5 CAMRY 30,680 29,661 7.6 3.4 78,255 70,308 11.3 11.3 TOTAL TOYOTA DIV. CAR 58,651 60,725 0.4 -3.4 156,537 147,885 5.9 5.9 IS 2,003 2,139 -2.6 -6.4 5,045 4,779 5.6 5.6 RC 39 186 -78.2 -79.0 200 452 -55.8 -55.8 ES 418 4,020 -89.2 -89.6 3,044 9,198 -66.9 -66.9 LS 5 140 -96.3 -96.4 143 420 -66.0 -66.0 LC 111 149 -22.5 -25.5 324 519 -37.6 -37.6 TOTAL LEXUS DIV. CAR 2,576 6,634 -59.6 -61.2 8,756 15,368 -43.0 -43.0 TOTAL TMNA CAR 61,227 67,359 -5.5 -9.1 165,293 163,253 1.2 1.2 C-HR BEV 13 0 0.0 0.0 13 0 0.0 0.0 BZ 4,019 1,678 149.1 139.5 10,029 5,610 78.8 78.8 RAV4 21,693 41,509 -45.6 -47.7 59,869 115,402 -48.1 -48.1 COROLLA CROSS 11,709 10,879 11.9 7.6 30,093 24,120 24.8 24.8 CROWN SIGNIA 2,026 2,806 -24.9 -27.8 5,293 7,908 -33.1 -33.1 VENZA 1 39 -97.3 -97.4 4 672 -99.4 -99.4 HIGHLANDER 6,131 5,523 15.4 11.0 15,783 12,017 31.3 31.3 GRAND HIGHLANDER 13,895 10,959 31.9 26.8 34,607 25,719 34.6 34.6 4RUNNER 12,380 6,980 84.4 77.4 33,244 8,435 294.0 294.1 SEQUOIA 2,218 1,896 21.7 17.0 6,382 5,107 25.0 25.0 LAND CRUISER 2,719 5,860 -51.7 -53.6 8,083 15,416 -47.6 -47.6 TOTAL TOYOTA DIV. SUV 76,804 88,129 -9.4 -12.9 203,400 220,406 -7.7 -7.7 SIENNA 9,204 9,033 6.0 1.9 24,652 23,561 4.6 4.6 TACOMA 24,998 23,949 8.6 4.4 69,263 59,825 15.8 15.8 TUNDRA 12,949 14,405 -6.5 -10.1 34,616 35,550 -2.6 -2.6 TOTAL TOYOTA DIV. PICKUP 37,947 38,354 2.9 -1.1 103,879 95,375 8.9 8.9 TOTAL TOYOTA DIV. TRUCK 123,955 135,516 -4.9 -8.5 331,931 339,342 -2.2 -2.2 UX 1,242 988 30.7 25.7 2,283 2,525 -9.6 -9.6 NX 4,772 7,077 -29.9 -32.6 13,219 17,992 -26.5 -26.5 RZ 1,842 705 171.7 161.3 4,456 1,454 206.5 206.5 RX 10,964 10,452 9.1 4.9 29,336 24,716 18.7 18.7 TX 4,822 4,584 9.4 5.2 12,489 10,045 24.3 24.3 GX 2,142 3,922 -43.2 -45.4 8,565 9,239 -7.3 -7.3 LX 651 733 -7.6 -11.2 1,848 1,704 8.5 8.5 TOTAL LEXUS DIV. TRUCK 26,435 28,461 -3.4 -7.1 72,196 67,675 6.7 6.7 TOTAL TMNA TRUCK 150,390 163,977 -4.6 -8.3 404,127 407,017 -0.7 -0.7 Selling Days 25 26



75 75



DSR = Daily Selling Rate





















































TOYOTA U.S. ELECTRIFIED VEHICLE SALES SUMMARY March 2026

-- CURRENT MONTH --

-- CALENDAR YEAR TO DATE --

2026 2025 DSR % VOL% 2026 2025 DSR % VOL% TOYOTA PRIUS HYBRID 1,730 5,727 -68.6 -69.8 6,923 12,893 -46.3 -46.3 TOYOTA PRIUS PLUG-IN HYBRID 1,211 1,531 -17.7 -20.9 2,814 3,760 -25.2 -25.2 TOYOTA COROLLA HYBRID 4,359 5,529 -18.0 -21.2 12,175 14,523 -16.2 -16.2 TOYOTA CAMRY HYBRID 30,680 29,655 7.6 3.5 78,247 70,281 11.3 11.3 TOYOTA MIRAI 15 0 0.0 0.0 63 33 90.9 90.9 TOYOTA CROWN 842 986 -11.2 -14.6 2,941 2,236 31.5 31.5 TOYOTA SIENNA HYBRID 9,202 9,031 6.0 1.9 24,649 23,559 4.6 4.6 TOYOTA 4RUNNER HYBRID 2,433 147 1,621.0 1,555.0 7,421 147 4,948.0 4,948.0 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID 4,953 3,017 70.7 64.2 11,991 6,641 80.6 80.6 TOYOTA GRAND HIGHLANDER HYBRID 8,275 4,695 83.3 76.3 20,532 10,985 86.9 86.9 TOYOTA SEQUOIA HYBRID 2,218 1,896 21.7 17.0 6,382 5,107 25.0 25.0 TOYOTA LAND CRUISER HYBRID 2,719 5,860 -51.7 -53.6 8,083 15,416 -47.6 -47.6 TOYOTA BZ BEV 4,019 1,678 149.1 139.5 10,029 5,610 78.8 78.8 TOYOTA RAV4 HYBRID 21,111 14,524 51.2 45.4 37,409 49,513 -24.4 -24.4 TOYOTA RAV4 PLUG-IN HYBRID 156 2,631 -93.8 -94.1 1,395 6,355 -78.0 -78.0 TOYOTA COROLLA CROSS HYBRID 912 4,223 -77.5 -78.4 3,118 8,900 -65.0 -65.0 TOYOTA CROWN SIGNIA 2,026 2,806 -24.9 -27.8 5,293 7,908 -33.1 -33.1 TOYOTA VENZA HYBRID 1 39 -97.3 -97.4 4 672 -99.4 -99.4 TOYOTA TACOMA HYBRID 2,368 2,667 -7.7 -11.2 6,887 5,996 14.9 14.9 TOYOTA TUNDRA HYBRID 2,270 2,478 -4.7 -8.4 6,012 5,380 11.7 11.7 LEXUS ES HYBRID 16 1,618 -99.0 -99.0 149 3,524 -95.8 -95.8 LEXUS UX HYBRID 1,242 988 30.7 25.7 2,283 2,525 -9.6 -9.6 LEXUS LX HYBRID 297 209 47.8 42.1 832 317 162.5 162.5 LEXUS NX HYBRID 2,610 2,625 3.4 -0.6 6,759 7,646 -11.6 -11.6 LEXUS NX PLUG-IN HYBRID 1,201 1,143 9.3 5.1 3,229 2,656 21.6 21.6 LEXUS RZ BEV 1,842 705 171.7 161.3 4,456 1,454 206.5 206.5 LEXUS RX HYBRID 4,847 4,183 20.5 15.9 12,251 10,635 15.2 15.2 LEXUS RX PLUG-IN HYBRID 860 1,059 -15.5 -18.8 2,045 2,037 0.4 0.4 LEXUS TX HYBRID 932 884 9.6 5.4 2,679 1,928 39.0 39.0 LEXUS TX PLUG-IN HYBRID 74 70 9.9 5.7 221 137 61.3 61.3 LEXUS LS HYBRID 1 5 -79.2 -80.0 1 18 -94.4 -94.4 LEXUS LC HYBRID 0 0 0.0 0.0 2 4 -50.0 -50.0 TOTAL TMNA Electrified Vehicles 115,422 112,609 6.6 2.5 287,276 288,797 -0.5 -0.5 TOTAL TOYOTA Electrified Vehicles 101,500 99,120 6.5 2.4 252,369 255,916 -1.4 -1.4 TOTAL LEXUS Electrified Vehicles 13,922 13,489 7.3 3.2 34,907 32,881 6.2 6.2 TOTAL TMNA SALES RATIO 54.5 % 48.7 %



50.5 % 50.6 %



Selling Days 25 26



75 75





SOURCE Toyota Motor North America
Contractors are using explosives to carve out the side of the landmark Cristo Rey mountain that oversees two countries and three states.

A planned 1.3-mile barrier across Mount Cristo Rey has drawn opposition from environmentalists and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Las Cruces

Editors note: This story was co-published with Puente News Collaborative in partnership with Inside Climate News. Puente News Collaborative is a bilingual nonprofit newsroom and funder dedicated to high-quality, fact-based news and information from the U.S.-Mexico border.

On a Saturday morning in March, high school students, mountain bikers, and soldiers from a nearby Army base climbed the winding path up Mount Cristo Rey. From the summit, they could see most of El Paso, the sprawling city that dominates a stretch of desert where New Mexico, Texas, and the Mexican state of Chihuahua meet. They paused to trace the line of the Rio Grande, where it divides Mexico and the United States, and then touched the smooth tiles lining the base of the Christ the King statue, a cherished monument that gives the mountain its name.

Two days later, on a Monday morning, explosions rattled the same site. Contractors were blasting the south side of Mount Cristo Rey to prepare the terrain for construction of the border wall President Donald Trump has long promised would run from San Diego in California to Brownsville in Texas.

Construction work on the border wall between the United States and Mexico in Sunland Park, New Mexico. Gaby Velasquez/ El Paso Times, Puente News Collaborative

After the explosions, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) uploaded a video of the blasts to social media. One earlier post boasted the mountain was getting a face lift to secure a historically challenging terrain. The sarcasm didnt sit well with thousands of residents from both sides of the border, who looked forward to the annual Good Friday pilgrimage this week to the mountain summit. This year, they will be walking above an active construction zone.

Walls have long separated El Paso and Sunland Park, New Mexico, from the Mexican metropolis of Ciudad Juarez. But building a wall on the rugged slopes of Mount Cristo Rey was long considered impractical. Eventually, the mountains slopes became the only significant gap without an imposing border fence in the binational metro area of more than 2.5 million people.

Construction crews work along the border wall in New Mexico, with houses in Anapra, Mexico, in the background. Gaby Velasquez/ El Paso Times, Puente News Collaborative

The Good Friday pilgrimage

In recent years, Sunland Park and the area around Mount Cristo Rey saw high numbers of unauthorized crossings. Migrant deaths in the nearby desert soared. Instead of a wall, Border Patrol agents blanketed the mountain and stationed themselves, along with surveillance equipment, on nearby roads.

Border crossings in the El Paso sector slowed during the final year of the Biden administration and have plummeted since Trump returned to office. The second Trump administration is intent on sealing every border gap.

SLSCO, a Texas company based in Galveston, has a $95 million contract to build a 1.3-mile wall on Mount Cristo Rey and two other barriers near El Paso. CBP waived environmental and historical preservation laws in June 2025, clearing the way for a border wall on the mountain. Over the objections of the local Catholic diocese, which owns most of the mountain, work began at the site in January.

Robert Ardovino, a business owner in Sunland Park, is no stranger to the traffic of Border Patrol vehicles and undocumented migrants crossing into New Mexico. But he was appalled to see the side of the mountain being shaved off. Electronics would have made more sense than destroying a whole mountain, Ardovino said on a recent afternoon. But theyre doing what theyre doing.

Robert Ardovino, businessman from Sunland Park, New Mexico, on March 24. Gaby Velasquez/ El Paso Times, Puente News Collaborative

He said that when the Good Friday pilgrims ascend the mountain, many will be shaking their heads at the destruction. There is no accountability, he said. And the damage will be irreparable.

CBP has environmental monitors present during these activities to ensure construction best management practices are being followed and implemented by the construction contractor, an agency spokesperson said. An environmental summary report, completed in place of an environmental impact assessment, is not available to the public, the spokesperson said.

Where faith transcends borders

Mount Cristo Rey is where the land border between the U.S. and Mexico ends, and the Rio Grande becomes the dividing line. This point, for centuries called Paso del Norte  the northern pass  has been a crossroads for Indigenous peoples, Spanish colonizers, and later settlers traveling west on the early transcontinental railroads.

Once the railroad reached El Paso in 1881, the city grew quickly. A brick company opened on the flanks of Mount Cristo Rey, and a quarry was carved into the mountainside. Later, a copper smelter rose in its shadow. Mexican American workers lived nearby in a company town called Smeltertown.

A priest at Smeltertowns Catholic church first proposed building a statue on the mountaintop. The 29-foot limestone statue of Christ was dedicated in 1939. The mountain, previously known as Cerro de los Muleros, or Mule Drivers Mountain, was renamed Mount Cristo Rey.

The monument to Monte Cristo Rey stands on a hill overlooking the border wall between the United States and Mexico. Gaby Velasquez/ El Paso Times, Puente News Collaborative

Smeltertown was demolished in the 1970s. But descendants of several families who lived there still volunteer with the Mount Cristo Rey Restoration Committee, which maintains the trail and monument. They keep a watchful eye on the thousands of people, the religious and the secular, who join the Good Friday walk.

During the first Trump administration, in 2019, a group called We Build the Wall, which included Steve Bannon, tapped private donations to build a half-mile wall on the eastern side of Mount Cristo Rey. Fisher Sand and Gravel, which has received billions of dollars in border wall construction contracts under the Trump administration, built this section of wall on private property. CBP cut a dirt road across the south side of the mountain.

Bannon later pleaded guilty to defrauding donors. Lights illuminating the wall, which separates Mexico from the United States and El Paso from New Mexico, were turned off when the builders bank accounts were frozen.

Border wall construction largely stopped during the Biden administration. But once Trump returned to office, Mount Cristo Rey became a priority.

Border wall in New Mexico, March 24. Gaby Velasquez/ El Paso Times, Puente News Collaborative

Then-Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem waived more than two dozen laws on June 3 to expedite construction of the wall across the mountain. The REAL ID Act of 2005 granted DHS the authority to waive all legal requirements necessary to expedite construction of border barriers. Among the laws waived were the National Environmental Policy Act and the National Historic Preservation Act.

CBP announced plans for a 30-foot-high barrier that would run along the south side of the mountain and loom over the Anapra neighborhood in Ciudad Juarez. Agency plans state the wall will consist of steel bollards spaced four inches apart. It will require drainage gates and access roads.

Funding for CBPs El Paso Anapra 16-4 Wall Project, which includes Mount Cristo Rey, dates back to the DHS 2020 border wall appropriations. Since then, the agency has received 224 written statements about the proposal. According to the summary, 211 comments opposed the wall.

Notably, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Las Cruces urged the agency to exclude Mount Cristo Rey from its barrier plans. In its comments, the diocese referred to the mountain as a place where faith transcends borders.

A grant of entry onto land [the diocese] owns for CBP purposes, whether temporary or permanent, would deter those pilgrims and migrants from exercising their religion as they have done for almost one hundred years, wrote the Dioceses general counsel, Kathryn Brack Morrow. A place of hope, faith, and communion would become a place of fear, exclusion, and division.

Morrow wrote that the diocese had received multiple requests from the Justice Department for access to its property, which were denied.

The trail to the summit has not been disturbed by construction. But last year, the area along the border in Sunland Park and at Mount Cristo Rey was designated a National Defense Area, part of the U.S. Armys Fort Huachuca. People who enter a National Defense Area can be charged with trespassing.

Contractors are blasting the mountain along a 60-mile strip of federal property known as the Roosevelt Reservation. The City of Sunland Park also owns property on the mountain. A city spokesperson said Sunland Park has no jurisdiction over the area where construction is occurring.

The construction company JOBE also owns property on the mountain and declined to comment.

A Moonscape? Or a Treasure?

To the untrained eye, Mount Cristo Rey, like many Chihuahuan Desert locales, can appear desolate. A local CBP spokesperson compared it to a moonscape in a local news interview. Its just rock and sand. But for geologists like Eric Kappus, Mount Cristo Rey is a treasure.

Kappus discovered a series of dinosaur footprints at Mount Cristo Rey in 2002 while he was a graduate student at the University of Texas at El Paso. The prints were formed between 80 and 100 million years ago when Iguanodons and theropods plodded through mud on the edge of what was then a vast sea.

Kappus said he spent thousands of hours exploring Mount Cristo Rey, looking for fossils and prints. After working as an exploratory geologist and teaching across the country, he still considers it one of the premier sites anywhere for geology education. I could teach 75 to 80 percent of an introductory geology class in the field at Mount Cristo Rey, he said. Its like a giant chalkboard.

The prints, preserved in sandstone, were exposed during excavation for the brick yard. The site was later donated to the non-profit INSIGHTS El Paso Science Center. The dinosaur tracks site is not threatened by border wall construction.

The border wall cuts through the desert landscape near Sunland Park, New Mexico. Gaby Velasquez/ El Paso Times, Puente News Collaborative

William Lukefahr, an INSIGHTS tour guide, led a group down a rocky trail to the dinosaur tracks on a warm March morning. He slowed down to look for plants and animals. He pointed out a Black-spined prickly pear cactus and a Mormon Tea shrub. Then he spotted a spider web encasing a cocoon-like structure made of debris  the home of a desert shrub spider. This mountain is very unique, he said. But there hasnt been a lot of scientific research done here.

Other creatures commonly seen on Mount Cristo Rey include coyotes, canyon wrens, and the greater earless lizard. Scruffy sotol and creosote shrubs dot the mountainside. Lukefahr explained that Mount Cristo Rey creates a corridor connecting the mountains in Juarez with those on the western and northern flanks of El Paso.

In their public comments to CBP, more than 80 people expressed concern for Mount Cristo Reys prized environment. The agencys summary statement, in response, explained that a biological survey yielded no federally listed threatened or endangered species. The survey deemed that the habitat has a low to moderate suitability for wildlife.

CBP has also determined there is minimal impact to vegetation and behavioral patterns of wildlife since the project area is flanked by existing barriers and an active patrol road, the agency wrote.

Ardovino, the local business owner, said that wildlife activity in Sunland Park diminished after Border Patrol was unleashed to drive across the desert and carve new roads. Years ago, he said, there were 18 pairs of burrowing owls, a diminutive variety, on his property. That was until Border Patrol vehicles repeatedly disrupted their habitat. Theyre gone now, he said. Concern for the environment is last on [the CBP] list.

Myles Traphagen coordinates the borderlands project of the Wildlands Network, a non-profit advocacy group. He said building the border wall will counteract federal efforts to foster endangered species, including the Mexican gray wolf.

U.S. and Mexican government biologists collaborate on wolf reintroduction, with pups from New Mexico transported to northern Mexico to grow the population and increase genetic diversity. The border wall is quite disrespectful to a lot of work thats been undertaken by numerous government agencies, he said.

In 2017, Traphagen tracked the movements of a Mexican gray wolf outfitted with a GPS collar. The wolf traveled north from Chihuahua into New Mexico, then followed the Rio Grande to Mount Cristo Rey, where it crossed back into Mexico. He said the border wall will close off this wildlife crossing point.

Work to extend the border wall between the United States and Mexico along a dirt road near Sunland Park, New Mexico. Gaby Velasquez/ El Paso Times, Puente News Collaborative

Closing open lands

Ardovino owns property less than a half mile from the blast site. He said his interactions with local Border Patrol agents have always been respectful, although he was not notified before the blasting began. The boom of an unexpected explosion signaled that construction was underway. The neighborhood of Anapra in Juarez is just feet away from the blast site. Warning signs were posted in the neighborhood in January.

Morrow, the attorney for the diocese, said she has yet to receive notification from federal agencies of the blasting. Neither has Ruben Escandon Jr., spokesperson for the Mount Cristo Rey Restoration Committee. Hopefully, blasting would not occur during the Good Friday walk, he said. The CBP spokesperson said landowners would be notified, but that there are no landowners in the blast zone.

The Wildlands Networks Traphagen said that contractors at Mount Cristo Rey are defying common blasting protocols. Blast impact goes well beyond the thin strip of land where construction is underway, he said, and nearby residents and landowners should be notified for safety.

Construction activities are so far limited to the governments Roosevelt Reservation. But it is unlikely the wall can be built without access to the dioceses property on the mountain. The dioceses attorney was adamant that the church would not sell.

The CBP spokesperson said that if the agency is unable to purchase property for border wall construction through voluntary sales, the Department of Justice can use eminent domain. In public comments, the diocese attorney said attempts to seize the land would violate religious freedom and the right to worship, protected by the U.S. Constitutions First Amendment, and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

For now, the diocese is holding on to its sacred space. On Good Friday, thousands of people will climb Mount Cristo Rey, as they have every year going back almost a century. But blast by blast, border wall construction is coming for Mount Cristo Rey.

Martha Pskowski covers climate change and the environment in Texas from her base in El Paso. She was previously an environmental reporter at the El Paso Times. She began her career as a freelance journalist in Mexico. Martha has a masters degree in Journalism and Latin American Studies from New York University. Martha can be reached on Signal at psskow.33.

Gaby Velasquez is a photojournalist at the El Paso Times covering stories across the borderland. An El Paso native, she focuses on capturing the people and culture of the region.

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On December 24, while preparing the traditional Christmas Eve dinner at their home in Oaxaca, Mexico, Fernanda froze upon seeing a TikTok video showing the arrest of migrants in Alabama by agents of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Service (ICE). One of the detainees appeared to be her father. The video was from the day before. She ran to tell her mother and they tried to contact him, but the calls did not get through and there was no response to the messages they left him.

Fernandas father had emigrated to the U.S. four years before to improve the familys finances. There was no doubt it was him. With no news, and without knowing where to look for information or who to turn to, the days that followed were harrowing. As a last resort, Fernanda asked the TikTok search engine how to locate a person detained by ICE. The social network directed her to Las Gueras Aliadas. I thought that maybe it was a fraud, that they would scam me, ask for money. But I thought it wouldnt hurt to try and I filled out the form. And Devyn contacted me on WhatsApp.

Devyn Brown and Kathryn Coiner-Collier are behind Las Gueras Aliadas, a project to locate migrants detained by federal agents and to put them in contact with their families. The idea arose in November, during the immigration crackdown that the Trump administration launched in Charlotte, North Carolina, where they live. About 200 Border Patrol agents were deployed to the city in a campaign that lasted until December and resulted in more than 400 arrests. Brown, a teacher, and Coiner-Collier, a social worker, took to the streets to protest against the presence of the agents and distribute whistles and pamphlets with information on migrant rights.

A letter of thanks sent by a migrant to Las Gueras Aliadas. Cedida

Outraged by the raids and keen to help, the pair made informative videos that they posted on social media. Coiner-Collier had extensive experience helping migrants in court and had worked at the infamous Dilley detention center. Brown had experience working with Latinos. Both had lived at some point in Latin American countries. A few days later, a woman from Honduras contacted them asking for help in locating her husband, who had been detained. The request was the first of many. The two women realized the barriers foreigners faced in locating their loved ones who had been arrested by ICE, and decided to help them.

Brown and Coiner-Collier had two advantages: they are U.S. citizens and speak Spanish. Both are important factors given the barriers encountered by those who have to deal with the administration to locate their relatives: not understanding the language, the fear of identifying themselves (many are undocumented), the lack of a U.S. telephone number and no bank account in their name. Most of the people who contact Las Gueras Aliadas live outside the U.S. We thought we had the ability to contact ICE agencies without feeling afraid, and we could communicate in Spanish. It was obvious that people needed this service and we decided to focus on that. Without advertising ourselves, we were contacted by about 30 people asking for help, explains Coiner-Collier.

Since setting up in November, the pair have helped around 200 families locate their loved ones, providing relief to those who are consumed by the anguish of not knowing where they have been taken or what condition they are in.

Las Gueras Aliadas have had to learn on the job. The first step is the location of the detainee and that means consulting the Online Detainee Locator System (ODLS) website, where it can take days for the names of those detained to appear. If that site fails to turn anything up, they try the Detention and Removal Information Line (DRIL) and, if that also fails, they contact the various ICE offices across the country, where they rarely find anyone to talk to. If they are lucky and someone answers the phone, there is a high probability that they will not solve anything, as Brown demonstrated in a video of one of those calls that went viral.

@inmigracion.ok Gueras Aliadas: Un proyecto social voluntario liderado por dos ciudadanas estadounidenses dedicadas a localizar a familiares detenidos por ICE . Estas aliadas brindan un apoyo vital para que las familias logren comunicarse con sus seres queridos en momentos criticos . El proyecto ofrece orientacion y acompanamiento estrategico para superar las barreras del complejo sistema migratorio . Su mision principal es mantener a las familias unidas y asegurar que nadie enfrente este proceso en total soledad . Con empatia y compromiso, demuestran que la solidaridad ciudadana es una herramienta clave para proteger y fortalecer a nuestra comunidad .  original sound - Inmigracion OK Abogados - Inmigracion OK Abogados

Once the center where the detainees are being held has been located, which generally takes a few days, the next step is to put the family in contact with their loved one. As the detention centers are run by private companies, each has its own communication system for detainees. The first thing is to open an account for them and deposit some money so that they can make calls, but this usually requires the Alien Registration Number. Some do not have it and most families are unaware of it. In four months, we have come across dozens of private communication systems. Some ask you to have a credit card, or a bank account, others to scan your ID or your image, which many do not want to do because they are undocumented, explains Coiner-Collier. The hurdles have been exacerbated because, thanks to the 287(g) agreements that establish a collaboration with local prisons, it is even more complicated to communicate with detainees.

To solve the problem, the two women use their own account, using funds largely from donations from across the world. To receive a donation from Denmark with a note that says thank you for your work is overwhelming. Our country has the power to help everyone because we are the wealthiest country in the world, so it is very surprising to have to receive donations from all over the world. For everyone to see how the government is treating people and still want to help, says Coiner-Collier.

Donations run parallel to the dissemination of their videos. Las Gueras Aliadas say that since January, when TikTok was bought by Michael Del, the owner of Oracle and a billionaire friend of Trumps, their video streams have plummeted. If before this, a video got 20,000 hits, it now gets no more than 400 views and there are videos that do not receive a single one.

Dissemination of the videos on social media is essential for reaching remote places in, say, Honduras or Guatemala. But not only there. Carolina Remicio found Las Gueras Aliadas on TikTok in Toronto, Canada, where she lives. For this Peruvian woman, the Gueras are people who fell from heaven. Remicio was desperate because she did not know how to locate Maciel, her sons partner. I tried to look for her, but the pages were in English and I dont speak English. Theres very little we could do from here.

The young couple, who had been living in the U.S. for just over a year, wanted to move to Canada to escape the immigration crackdown. On January 5, they were detained at the airport. Remicios son was released, but Maciel was turned over to ICE. Brown took over the case, tracked her down and Maciel was able to talk to her family from the various detention centers she was sent to in New York, Louisiana, Arizona and Texas.

Maciel was removed twice from the plane on which she was to be deported, after having signed the petition for self-deportation, which she did in order to put an end to her confinement. In a letter sent to Brown, she described the mistreatment to which she was subjected: We spent about four days without water. The bathrooms were a complete mess, dirty, with an unbearable smell that hurt my head and nose. The nausea was endless. We had to eat in the room where the smell was unbearable.

She also complained about the quality of the food, which was often past its sell-by date. For a week, there was only bread, mortadella and Lays snacks. The treatment here is terrible, they yell at us like we were animals, she said. In such difficult times, the contact that Las Gueras establish provides the hope detainees such as Maciel need. I am writing to thank you for all the support I have received from you. I felt like I wasnt as alone in this country as I thought, she said in the letter. Maciel was finally deported to Peru on March 25.

A message from Las Gueras also gave Fernanda and her father hope. After locating him, Las Gueras wrote to him to give him a phone number where he could reach his daughter. From that moment on, communication was almost constant until he was deported, on March 5, after two months of confinement, lack of food and a lack of the medicines needed for his hypertension. Now he is in Oaxaca and Fernanda hopes to meet Brown one day to thank her personally.

Las Gueras have volunteers, but they regret not having the time or resources to be able to train as many as they would like. About 60 people have collaborated with different tasks, a number that now sits at around a dozen. Many more have offered to collaborate, but the two women dont have the time to train them. Both are professionals and mothers of young children who themselves are keen to help. My five-year-old son knows what were doing and wants to participate. He likes to draw pictures on the letters we send. Being a mom doesnt go against the work were doing, its part of it, Brown says.

Besides the work theyre already involved in, Las Gueras are planning a new project, compiling the testimonies of those who have been detained and also of their families. A platform so that people like us, the gueros, can know the truth of what is happening, not what the government says is happening, they say.

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CG facing concern over child begging numbers





Staff Reporter :

Chhattisgarh is facing a serious social concern, with as many as 1,065 children below the age of 14 found engaged in begging, according to the latest report presented by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment. The figure highlights a troubling reality, indicating that a significant number of children in the state are living in vulnerable conditions and deprived of basic rights like education and protection. Across the country, a total of 45,296 children have been identified in such conditions. Uttar Pradesh reported the highest number at 10,167, followed by Rajasthan with 7,167 and Bihar with 3,396. In contrast, states like Sikkim and Lakshadweep reported almost negligible numbers, showing a sharp disparity across regions. In comparison with nearby states, Chhattisgarhs situation remains concerning. While its numbers are lower than Madhya Pradesh, which reported 2,592 cases, they are higher than Odisha with 905 cases.

Other large states such as Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal also reported high figures, indicating that the issue is widespread across India. The government informed that since October 2023, a total of 2,653 children involved in begging have been rehabilitated. Among them, 1,507 children have been reunited with their families, 635 enrolled in schools, 305 connected to Anganwadi centres and 206 referred to Child Welfare Committees. Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment B.L. Verma stated that a dedicated rehabilitation scheme is already in place. However, experts and child welfare activists have raised serious concerns about Chhattisgarh. They say factors such as poverty, migration, lack of access to education and weak monitoring systems are pushing children into begging. They warn that such children remain vulnerable to exploitation and long-term neglect. Experts suggest stronger intervention at the ground level, including identification drives, better rehabilitation systems, and coordination between departments. Ensuring school enrolment and supporting families economically are also seen as key steps.
ED raids I-PAC executive, AAP leader Nair, others in WB coal scam case





NEW DELHI :

THE Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday conducted fresh searches against an executive of political consultancy firm I-PAC, former AAP communication in-charge Vijay Nair and some others in connection with an alleged coal scam of West Bengal, officials said. The raids are being undertaken at locations in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Delhi under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), they said. The premises of I-PAC co-founder and director Rishi Raj Singh in Bengaluru and that of Nair in Mumbai are among those covered, they said. The federal probe agency conducted raids in this case in January at the I-PAC office as well as at the Kolkata residence of its founder and one of the directors, Pratik Jain. Singh and Jain were recently summoned by the ED to record their statements. They have approached the Delhi High Court to quash these notices issued to them, citing ongoing election work in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu. The ED case stems from a November 2020 FIR of the CBI that alleged a multi-crore rupee coal pilferage scam related to Eastern Coalfields Limited mines in West Bengals Kunustoria and Kajora areas, in and around Asansol.

The agency had said in a statement that a hawala operator linked to this alleged coal smuggling ring had facilitated transactions of tens of crores of rupees to Indian PAC Consulting Pvt. Ltd., the registered company of I-PAC. The anti-money laundering agency claimed earlier that about Rs 20 crore of Hawala funds, generated from alleged coal pilferage in West Bengal, found its way to I-PAC. The organisation has been providing political consultancy to the TMC and the West Bengal Government since 2021. ED officials said these Rs 20 crore worth hawala funds were moved by a Mumbai-based Angadiya firm that got into the cross hairs of the agency during its probe into the Delhi liquor scam case involving AAP. It was alleged by the agency that Rs 45 crore kickbacks generated from the Delhi excise policy scam were moved by the AAP for its 2022 Goa assembly election campaign. The agency claimed Jain handled I-PAC operations in Goa. A Delhi Court has recently discharged all the accused, including former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, Nair, and 19 others, in the CBI-probed excise case. The ED had claimed its searches against I-PAC and Jain in Kolkata were obstructed by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, claiming relevant documents and gadgets were forcibly taken away by her and the state administration. It has sought a CBI probe into this gross abuse of power by the CM from the Supreme Court, which is currently hearing the case.
Education or Exploitation? Parents pockets feel the heat as school book, uniform cartels defy district orders





Staff Reporter :

As the new academic session kicks off, a familiar and frustrating struggle has returned for parents across the city. Despite strict directives from the District Collector prohibiting schools from forcing parents to purchase supplies from specific vendors, the educational cartel appears to be operating with total impunity. From MP Board to CBSE schools, the burden of education is no longer just on the students shoulders, it is weighing heavily on the parents pockets. The Monopoly Trap: Why Just One Store? The most glaring issue remains the lack of choice. Parents report that while schools provide a list of books with a suggested MRP, these materials are mysteriously unavailable at local neighbourhood shops. Instead, they are found only at a handful of authorised stores. This scarcity has led to chaotic scenes across the city, with parents standing in long, gruelling queues for hours just to secure a basic set of textbooks. If the administration says we are free to buy from anywhere, then why is it that no other shopkeeper in the city has these specific titles? questioned one frustrated parent. The reality on the ground suggests that the freedom of choice exists only on paper. Price Discrepancies: Higher Than the Schools Own List The financial strain is exacerbated by what appears to be blatant overcharging. Several complainants have pointed out a disturbing gap between the prices mentioned in the lists issued by schools and the actual prices charged at the counters.

One mother noted that while a book might be listed by the school at Rs 100, the storekeeper often sells it for Rs 130, Rs 140, or even Rs 150. Despite the price being mentioned in the MRP, the difference between the schools list and the stores price is staggering. For parents of LKG or UKG students, where a single book can sometimes cost as much as Rs 1,000, these hidden margins are becoming unbearable. The Burden of Constant Change: A New Every Year Policy A concerned parent, speaking on the condition of anonymity, highlighted a systemic issue that prevents any possibility of reusability, turning every academic year into a fresh financial crisis. They pointed out that the lack of regulation allows schools to implement a uniform overhaul strategy, where the attire for Nursery is distinct from LKG, which then changes again for UKG and Class 1. This constant shifting ensures that parents cannot pass down uniforms to younger siblings, forcing them to buy brand-new sets at exorbitant rates. The parent noted that even a basic track suit, often of mediocre or average quality, is priced as high as Rs 1,600 at these specific outlets. The frustration extends beyond clothing to what many are calling disposable textbooks. The parent shared that frequent updates to editions or sudden changes in publishers are used as a tactic to ensure that books from the previous year become obsolete.

This prevents the traditional practice of handing down books to the next child, mandating a fresh, expensive purchase for the exact same curriculum. With the cumulative effect of these forced purchases, primary education is effectively becoming more expensive than higher classes. Hefty Syllabus, Hefty Expenses A 4-to-5-year-old student is now expected to carry a librarys worth of books, including Writing, Maths, GK, Science, English, and Hindi. This hefty syllabus does not just burden the child physically; it places a massive financial load on the parents. Parent said that while the administration issues orders to curb these practices, there is a total lack of enforcement. Until the specific store culture is dismantled and price caps are strictly monitored, the beginning of the school year will continue to be a season of financial dread for families rather than a celebration of learning.
Got orders fast-track expansion of CGD, PNG networks





Business Reporter :

In The backdrop of the current global energy disruptions, the Maharashtra Government has recently issued an order to fast-track the expansion of city gas distribution (CGD) and piped natural gas (PNG) networks. The order issued on March 27 aims to provide an immediate alternative to LPG, which is currently facing supply constraints due to geopolitical tensions. To accelerate infrastructure development, the Urban Development Department has introduced several administrative measures such as instant approvals, waiver of fees, permission to work round-the-clock to the CGD network companies. Any pending applications for laying PNG pipelines with municipal corporations or other related departments will now be deemed approved. The Government has also directed that the new permissions must be granted by local bodies within a strict 24-hour window. Fees for road restoration and various administrative permissions have been waived to reduce the financial burden on CGD entities.

The CGD companies are now permitted to work 24 hours a day, and typical seasonal work restrictions have been relaxed. In addition to this, the Maharashtra Government has significantly reduced the bureaucratic hurdles for gas companies. Pipelines can now be laid without requiring a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the fire department or traffic police. Instead, the companies are simply required to provide these departments with a daily list of their work locations for informational purposes.

These emergency orders are effective immediately and will remain in force till June 30, 2026. This aggressive timeline reflects the States commitment to securing energy stability and transitioning consumers toward safer, more eco-friendly piped gas. It is important to note that the GAIL has recently completed the project of laying a gas pipeline from Mumbai to Nagpur along the Samruddhi Expressway while HCG Nagpur Private Limited has been developing a network for CNG distribution within the city. A senior officer of the HCG Nagpur Private Limited on Thursday told The Hitavada that the industrial consumers in Butibori and Hingna will get the connection before June 30.
INCORRIGIBLE US





UNITED States President Mr. Donald Trumps address to the nation detailing the ongoing war with Iran was full of deviations from the original goals (if there were any!) as it exposed the complexities of the elusive exit plan for America. While the US and the world were expecting Mr. Trumps definite assertion on the conclusion of the war, the President again chose blusters and bravado to impress upon the American citizens that the country was winning the war. The reality is far different from the claims as Iran has also decided that it would not back down in face of further attacks by the US-Israel combine. Mr. Trumps 18-minute address at the White House has told the world that the conflict is not nearing an end. A long struggle awaits as the POTUS has promised to hit Iran very, very hard in the next two to three weeks before ending the war.

The extension of the deadline from earlier three-four weeks to three weeks more reflects the botched up planning by the US think-tank as Mr. Trump was dragged into this unnecessary war by Israel. The last two weeks have seen a barrage of statements from Mr. Trump and the US administrators as they started a parallel war of words with the Iranian leadership. It shows that the US and Israel are not on the same page on the conclusion of the war. While Washington looks desperate to end the conflict, there is no word from Tel Aviv about the future course. It exposes the deviation in thinking of Mr. Trump and Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu even as Irans depleted leadership has tested their resources and strategies by putting up a shrewd and resilient fight. It has forced Mr. Trump to change his tone and tenor over negotiations and deal-making marking a climbdown from the earlier sound of superiority. The war has already pinched the US treasury very hard as the Republicans, too, are questioning the high spending needed to keep Americas image intact.

The ground reality has shown that the US military power has totally failed against a determined force despite having the worlds best weapons and technology. Mr. Trump is aware of the reverses his forces have faced due to the unique strategy adopted by Iran by attacking US bases in a wide theatre. Yet, the Presidents ego is not letting him go for a halt in hostilities which should be the most pragmatic solution at this moment. Going by his address to the nation, the American economy is set to bleed for a few more weeks before counting the cost of the ill-advised war. The US President has hinted at accepting the new regime in Tehran for further negotiations to strike a deal. It is a major turnaround in the US position which had vowed to end the government led by the Ayatollahs. Despite the killing of the Supreme Leader Mr. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the successors have managed to keep the regime intact and active. It proves that the regime in Iran is far from collapsing as envisaged by Mr. Trump and the door for negotiations remains open for the US. This development can be termed as a moral victory for Tehran and a big win for its strategy of choking the Strait of Hormuz. The most critical maritime route for global oil supply remains out of bound for the US and its allies, puncturing Mr. Trumps hollow threats. In fact, it has forced the US to adopt the strategy of leaving Hormuz totally out of the equation and leaving the world at the mercy of the IRGC. What it means is a long haul for all countries dependent upon oil supplies from the Hormuz gulf.

The war is set to stretch into another month after Mr. Trumps address and the world will have to brace for the economic fallout of the long blockade. While backchannel diplomacy has begun to free the chokehold, there is still a looming danger of escalation in attacks as promised by Mr. Trump in his address to the nation. The next few weeks are extremely important for the world to strengthen its back-up plans in face of the incorrigible US behaviour.
NMC incurs Rs 15 cr expenditure for civic body polls 2026





By Kabir Mahajan :

Primary cost drivers were remuneration, infrastructure and logistics

Following the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) elections held in January 2026, the civic body has finalised its financial accounts for the massive logistical undertaking. According to Nirbhay Jain, Deputy Commissioner, the NMC spent approximately Rs 15 crore to conduct the 2026 civic polls. This expenditure highlights the administrative cost of managing an electorate that has grown significantly over the last decade. Primary cost drivers The primary portion of the Rs 15 crore budget was allocated to the remuneration of personnel deployed for election duty. Given that each polling booth was served by five-man teams, including a designated police officer, the sheer volume of manpower required for the citys 38 Prabhags was immense.

Beyond human resources, the Deputy Commissioner noted that significant funds were directed towards infrastructure such as setting up strong rooms and temporary Mandaps (Pandals) at polling stations, along with printing of ballot papers and essential electoral stationery and provision of food and other necessary amenities for the thousands of officials on active duty. A key component of the successful election was a comprehensive transportation plan involving over 900 vehicles. The NMC deployed 430 jeeps for zonal officers and a specialised fleet of 504 buses, including electric, midi, and mini buses to transport electoral materials and staff.

To ensure iron-clad security, these vehicles were equipped with GPS-based tracking systems and security cameras linked to a central control room, effectively creating a protected fortress on wheels for the democratic process. Accounting for a growing electorate: The Rs 15 crore investment facilitated the franchise of 24.83 lakh registered voters, a nearly 21 per cent increase since 2017. This cycle was particularly notable for the influx of 4.36 lakh Gen-Z voters, whose participation was a primary focus of the NMC's innovative outreach campaigns. As the city continues to expand as a commercial and political hub, the administrative machinery has proven that it can scale its logistics and its budget to meet the demands of a modern urban election.
Over 1,200 Indians evacuated from Iran via Armenia, Azerbaijan: MEA





NEW DELHI :

THE Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday said that more than 1,200 Indian nationals have been safely evacuated from Iran amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Addressing an inter-ministerial briefing in the national capital, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the evacuation is being carried out through Armenia and Azerbaijan with the Centre closely coordinating efforts on the ground. According to Jaiswal, Some 1,200 Indian nationals have been evacuated out of which 845 are students. He added, 996 moved to Armenia and 204 to Azerbaijan from where they are being helped by the MEA.

The spokesperson said the Ministry has been working closely with Indian missions and local authorities in both Armenia and Azerbaijan to ensure the safe return of citizens. He noted that arrangements are in place to assist evacuees in transit before they are brought back to India. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held discussions with global leaders to address key international developments, including the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Speaking about these engagements, Jaiswal said, The Prime Minister is currently engaging in discussions with leaders from various nations across the globe. In this context, on March 28th, the Prime Minister held talks with the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Prince Mohammed bin Salman. During this conversation, views were exchanged regarding the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

The Prime Minister condemned the attacks targeting energy infrastructure in that region. Both leaders also discussed free navigation and keeping shipping lanes open. Over 6 lakh passengers have returned to India from the West Asia region amid the developing security situation. as the conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran enters its second month. The MEA also provided an update on the Indian national injured in the UAE on Wednesday and underlined that the safety, security and welfare of the Indian community in the region remain the governments utmost priority. Aseem R Mahajan, Additional Secretary (Gulf) at the Ministry of External Affairs, shared the update during the inter-ministerial briefing in the national capital. Mahajan said, Since February 28th, around 6,24,000 passengers have travelled from the region to India. Airlines continue to operate limited non-scheduled flights based on operational and safety considerations between the UAE and India. Around 90 flights are expected to operate from the UAE to various destinations in India today.

6 Indian ships crossed Strait of Hormuz

NEW DELHI,

Apr 2 (IANS)

THE Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday said that six Indian ships carrying products like LPG, LNG, have safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz so far as New Delhi remains in touch with Iran and other countries for safe transit of Indian ships amid the ongoing conflict in the region. Addressing a weekly media briefing in New Delhi, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also confirmed Indias participation in a meeting on Strait of Hormuz being hosted by the UK later on Thursday. When asked whether Indian Government is in talks with Iran and other nations for expediting the movement of 18 Indian-flagged vessels carrying crude oil and LPG that are stranded in the Persian Gulf, Jaiswal responded, We are in touch with Iran and other countries there to see how best we can get unimpeded transit and safe transit for our ships which are carrying products, including LPG, LNG and other products. The ongoing conflict in West Asia has raised concerns over regional stability and global energy markets, particularly due to the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil transit route. When asked about certain reports which mentioned that India is paying toll for transit of Indian ships through the Strait of Hormuz, Jaiswal responded, We had clarified this issue earlier as well. There has been no discussion of this nature between us and Iran. Last month, Iran announced that it will not impose restrictions on vessels belonging to five friendly countries, including India, allowing them to pass through the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz even as access remains limited for others.
PWDs nod to Rs 662.89 cr Vidhan Bhavan expansion





Staff Reporter :

EPC mode of contract ayed to expedite construction of extension building and new administrative building

Maharashtra Government has finally given green signal for starting the much awaited expansion work at Vidhan Bhavan complex at Nagpur, the seat of Winter Session of State Legislature. The Public Works Department (PWD) has sanctioned an outlay of Rs 662.89 crore for the project, that has two components - construction of new extension building plus the second and most important, erection of new administrative building on plot no. 1 in the Vidhan Bhavan complex. The ambitious development is being handled by Maharashtra State Infrastructure Development Corporation (MSIDC). To expedite the construction as the State wants to fasttrack the project, PWD has decided to go for Engineering Procurement Construction (EPC) mode.

This would ensure that big firms can participate in the mega project. The State is pitching for EPC so that construction can be completed within shortest possible time, and the scope of work is also big. To start the construction, existing old structures, mostly the barracks in compound would need to be demolished. Another aspect of the project is that, till the expansion work is complete, Winter Session, the annual schedule of State Legislature, would not be held in city. The Infrastructure Development sub-committee of Maharashtra Cabinet had already approved the Vidhan Bhavan expansion project at its meeting held on March 11, 2026. The Hitavada had already hinted last week that PWD is likely to accord sanction to the mega project. The PWD waited for start of new financial year as it ensured that the project budgetary allocation is cleared.

The local government has already completed the basic formalities, like Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) approving diversion of its open plot adjoining Vidhan Bhavan for the expansion project. The middle lane, separating Vidhan Bhavan and open plot behind BSNL office, near Zero Milestone, would get obliterated to ensure through passage for the Vidhan Bhavan compound. The necessary changes in Development Plan forwarded by NMC was also approved by Urban Development Department (UDD). The project has already received No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Industries Department for transferring the land admeasuring 9,670 square metres at Government Printing Press in Civil Lines. The second leg would be handled at later stage, the site has been selected for the construction of a Central Hall for the purpose of holding joint sitting of both Houses of State Legislature. During Winter Session in Nagpur in December 2024, the issue was discussed and the land swap was also finalised. Industries Department owns 4-acre land of Government Printing Press and it has decided to compensate them a parcel of land near Food and Civil Supplies Department behind Central Museum.

The expansion of Vidhan Bhavan is planned against the backdrop of possible rise in the Assembly constituencies post delimitation exercise. The new building will ease the present difficulty faced by the State Government in housing its offices during the Winter Session. At present, the offices are located at Hyderabad House, it is about 2 kms from Vidhan Bhavan. So the new building will be used to locate offices during the session, enabling smooth conduct of House business. The Vidhan Bhavan expansion is planned considering the needs for next 50 years. The estimated cost for the new building is Rs 900 crore and will have a Central Hall and an Administrative block. The capacity of the Central Hall will be 700. On certain occasions, Governor delivers speech addressing the members of both Houses and presently, Nagpurs Vidhan Bhavan lacks such facility.
Shortage of blood leaves patients struggling across State





Staff Reporter :

Despite an increase in the number of government as well as private blood banks across major parts of Chhattisgarh, the supply of different blood groups (both positive and negative) remains insufficient to meet the growing demand among the population. The requirement for blood has surged due to rising health and emergency needs, prompting people to crowd blood banks in search of vital supplies. However, a lack of awareness continues to discourage many from donating blood in State, and as a result, most blood banks are struggling to maintain adequate stock and meet demand. It may be mentioned here that currently 31 registered government blood banks are functional across Chhattisgarh, while 20 private blood banks are also operating in State to provide blood of different groups to patients. However, these blood banks are able to meet only about 45 to 60 per cent of the monthly requirement. In the case of negative blood groups, the situation is more critical, with only around 30 percent of the requirement being fulfilled. This shortfall is especially serious for patients suffering from thalassemia, sickle cell anaemia and blood cancer, who require regular transfusions and are often forced to travel to other states such as Maharashtra and Telangana for treatment. In recent years, some government employees, socially active citizens, NGO workers and college students associated with NCC and NSS have stepped forward to support blood donation efforts.

However, their contribution is still not sufficient to meet the needs of patients suffering from such blood disorders, particularly those from smaller districts who remain dependent on Raipur, Bilaspur and Durg for transfusions. Due to shortages of blood across several groups, patients are frequently compelled to arrange replacement donors or spend thousands of rupees to obtain the required units. In cases involving negative blood groups, family members are often asked by blood bank staff to donate any available blood type in exchange. Dr Deb Sinha, Pathologist, said that due to the rise in cases of anaemia, accidents and cancers, the demand for blood has increased by over 100 percent in the last five years. Although the number of donors has also increased, it still falls short of the requirement, he added. Even pathology departments of medical colleges and district hospitals regularly organise blood donation camps and awareness workshops in collaboration with NGOs and NSS units of colleges and universities. However, a large section of people, including many educated individuals, still remain reluctant to donate blood. Dr K.R. Sonwani, Deputy Director and In-charge of Blood Banks in Chhattisgarh Health Services, stated that most blood banks maintain a maximum stock of around 500 units per month, whereas in cities like Raipur and Bhilai-Durg the monthly requirement from each blood bank ranges between 700 and 900 units. He appealed to people to understand the seriousness of the situation and come forward to donate blood.
Star Air launches Ngp-Nanded-Goa flight





Business Reporter :

There is great news for the travellers of city and surrounding areas as, Star Air has launched a new flight route connecting Nagpur, Nanded, and Goa (Mopa) starting March 31. Operating with a 70-seat aircraft, this service provides convenient connectivity between these cities, notably facilitating travel for pilgrims to Nanded. Similarly, the flight will satisfy travellers going on holiday to Goa. The flight has been started under the UDAN Scheme part of the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) aimed at enhancing regional air connectivity in the country. Currently, the Nagpur-Nanded ticket is available from Rs 4,000 to Rs 4,500. While, the Nagpur-Goa flight via Nanded ticket is in the range of Rs 7,500 to Rs 8,000. The ticket rates can change as per the demand and availability of seats. The Star Air flight operates five days a week except Monday and Saturday.

According to the schedule on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday the Nagpur-Nanded flight departs from Nagpur at 12.40 pm and lands at Nanded 1.30 pm. Nanded-Goa flight departs from Nanded at 2 pm and lands at 3.20 pm. Goa-Nanded flight departs from Goa at 9.30 am and lands at 10.50 am. Nanded-Nagpur flight departs from Nanded at 11:20 am and lands at 12:10 pm. On Wednesday, the Nagpur-Nanded flight departs from Nagpur at 6:15 pm and lands at 7:05 pm. Nanded-Goa flight departs Nanded at 7.30 pm and lands at 8.50 pm. Goa-Nanded flight departs from Goa at 3.10 pm and lands at 4.30 pm. Nanded-Nagpur flight departs from Nanded at 4.55 pm and lands at 5.45 pm. Star Air is operating the popular ATR aircraft which has a capacity of 70 seats.

Alok Vaidya, Managing Director of Rupsha Aero Services Private Limited and Chairman of the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) said the flight though in its initial stage is getting a good response with 50 per cent occupancy. Many people are showing interest in this flight as it benefits pilgrims going to Nanded. The flight is specially beneficial for travellers residing in areas surrounding Nagpur and going to Takhat Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib in Nanded. It takes only 50 minutes to reach Nanded from Nagpur.

At the moment, there is no direct flight to Goa from Nagpur. Earlier, Indigo had a flight, but has been discontinued due to technical reasons. So travellers prefer going to Goa via Mumbai. They have to book two flights, first to Mumbia and then take a connecting flight to Goa. The average ticket fare comes to about Rs 12,000 to Rs 13,000. The Nagpur-Goa flight will prove to be cost effective and convenient for travellers going to Goa with huge savings in money and time, Vaidya added.
State plans to channel health scheme funds to own hospitals





By Vikas Vaidya :

Public Health Minister Prakash Abitkar for Adopting Tamil Nadu model where 69% healthcare budget is utilised for health schemes run by Government-run hospitals

There are a lot of health schemes, the benefits of which are availed by poor and needy, especially people in low income group, less by Government hospitals and more by private players. But now, Maharashtras Public Health Department (PHD) has decided to utilise that fund for its own hospitals adopting the Tamil Nadu model. Maharashtras Public Health Minister Prakash Abitkar told The Hitavada on Thursday at Nagpur, We give incentives to the medicos to the tune of 15% for rendering services to Government hospitals under various health schemes. But there is a cap as they dont get the incentive after certain cases.

In Tamil Nadu, 20% incentives are given to medicos without any cap. People there see to it that cases are not refereed to private hospitals. Considering this aspect, we have decided to remove the cap so that 60% amount is received by Government hospitals. Abitkar was in Nagpur to inaugurate the project My Village, My healthy Village held at AIIMS. The Public Health Department is also planning to design certain procedures under health schemes only in Government hospitals. Now, insurance companies play no role as Central Government shares 60% and State gives 40% money. The minister also mentioned recent steps to tighten the schemes implementation, including settling claims within the same month and revising treatment package rates. The Public Health Department of Maharashtra Government has given a major relief to the poor and needy as it has decided to bring the major procedures costing upto Rs 22 lakh under this scheme and raised the coverage of the healthcare procedures of MPJAY from 1,256 to 2,399. The department has increased the amount of the treatment to Rs 5 lakh.

The procedures like various organ transplants like lung, liver, heart cost upto Rs 20 lakh or more. Considering this aspect, we have decided to provide such costly treatment for free to the patients. Existing ambulances popularly known by 108 are not in a proper condition. There are over 500 such ambulances in Maharashtra majority of which are not running. Revealing the plan, Abitkar said, We have planned to buy about 1,756 well-equipped ambulances. We will place those ambulances at certain places. For example, black spots witness more accidents where it becomes necessary for the ambulance to reach, we will place the ambulance there. Whenever any patient is carried by it, the advanced equipment in it will simultaneously start treatment.

It will have advanced diagnostic tools and will be able to send the reports to the doctor concerned, Abitkar made it clear. The team inside ambulance will get instructions on the basis of the diagnosis done by the doctor in hospital. This will enhance the healthcare treatment. Since the patient will start receiving treatment in the ambulance itself, chances of recovery will be more. On several occasions, low quality drugs are procured by the department for reasons best known to them. It is very difficult to identify them. Abitkar has decided to introduce the drug detection system by which the medicines will be checked. The tenders are being floated for the same, informed Abitkar.
Sukma declared Naxal-free after decades of conflict





Our Correspondent :

SUKMA, Apr 1 IN a landmark development marking the end of decades-long insurgency, Sukma district in Chhattisgarh has officially been declared Naxal-free, with authorities confirming that the target was achieved on March 31, this year, within the stipulated timeframe. The achievement came after years of sustained operations by security forces and the supreme sacrifice of 399 personnel belonging to DRG, DEF, STF, CoBRA and CRPF units. Officials described the milestone as a historic turning point in restoring peace and development in one of the countrys most insurgency-affected regions. According to official data, Sukma witnessed 469 encounters and 142 IED blast incidents between 1980 and March 31, 2026. During this period, 399 personnel lost their lives, while approximately 550 were injured. Detailed records further indicate that 373 personnel were martyred and about 547 injured in major Maoist-related incidents. The origins of Naxal violence in Sukma date back to 1989, when armed Maoists attacked an SAF camp in the Golapalli police station area with the intent to loot weapons. Over the years, the district saw a series of deadly ambushes, landmine blasts and encounters.

Among the most severe incidents was the April 6, 2010 attack at Tadmetla, in which 76 personnel were martyred, making it one of the deadliest strikes in the region. Other major incidents included the 2010 Chingavaram bus blast, which killed 16 personnel and 15 civilians and the 2017 Burkapal-Chintagufa attack, where 25 CRPF personnel lost their lives. Violence persisted in subsequent years, including the Minpa attack in 2020 (17 personnel martyred), Tekalgudem in 2021 (22 martyred), and smaller but significant incidents in 2023 and 2024, each claiming three personnel. In 2025, Additional Superintendent of Police Akash Rao Girepunje was killed in an IED blast while responding to an arson-related incident. Despite operating in extremely challenging conditions, including dense forests, difficult terrain, frequent ambushes and IED threats, security forces maintained sustained pressure on Maoist groups. Their coordinated efforts have now resulted in the complete restoration of administrative control across the district. The Sukma District Police paid tribute to the martyrs, stating that the achievement exhibits their courage, dedication and sacrifice. The sacrifice of the martyrs forms the foundation of a Naxal-free Sukma, officials said, adding that their legacy would continue to inspire the nation.
WB most polarised State: SC, Orders CBI/NIA probe into judicial officers gherao incident







NEW DELHI :

TERMING West Bengal as the most polarised State, the Supreme Court on Thursday slammed the administration for its complete failure and inaction over the deplorable gherao and attack on seven judicial officers in Malda district during the electoral rolls revision drive and directed a CBI or NIA probe besides deployment of central forces in the poll-bound state. In a scathing indictment, the top court said the incident also exposes complete failure of the State Administration and was a brazen attempt not only to browbeat the judicial officers but also amounted to challenge the authority of this Supreme Court. Dismissing the submissions that it was apolitical protest, the Chief Justice Surya Kant-led bench said it was not a routine incident. Rather, ex-facie a calculated, deliberate move to demoralise the judicial officers. If the protest was apolitical, then what were the political leaders doing? Was it not their duty to get to the spot and see whats happening? That somebodys trying to take law and order in their hands? At 5o clock these people gheraoed the officers and till 11 PM, your Collector was not there, the CJI said. The court asked the Election Commission to requisition adequate Central Forces and deploy them at all places where judicial officers are adjudicating the objections in the ongoing SIR of electoral rolls in the poll-bound state. The Election Commission is also directed to entrust the inquiry/investigation in yesterdays incident to an independent agency - that is CBI or NIA. A compliance report to be submitted.

The agency to whom investigation is entrusted would be obligated to submit a preliminary report directly to this court, it ordered. As many as 700 judicial officers from West Bengal, Odisha and Jharkhand are deployed in the ongoing SIR process to deal with over 60 lakh objections of those who are excluded from the voter lists during the SIR process. The bench, also comprising justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi, directed the state chief secretary, the DGP and the district magistrate and SSP of Malda to show cause as to why suitable action be not taken against them in light of contents of letter received from the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court. The CJI directed all the top officials to appear before it online on April 6 when the bench will take up the pleas, including the one filed by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Responding to the submissions of the advocate general of West Bengal that the poll panel should not be acting as an adversary in this matter, the CJI said, Unfortunately in your state each one speaks political language and this is the most polarised state. You are forcing us to make observations. Do you think we are not aware of who the miscreants are? I was monitoring everything till 2 am. Very very unfortunate. Senior advocate D S Naidu, appearing for the EC, said such mobocracy was not accepted. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta also termed the incident an unacceptable assault on the Supreme Court itself, as the judicial officers were performing the duty entrusted to them by the top court. We will not allow anyone to intervene and take law in their hands in order to create psychological fear in judicial officers minds.

Yet, this amounts to criminal contempt. It also exposes complete failure of State Administration. The manner in which the Chief Secretary, Home Secretary, DGP and the SP have acted is highly deplorable. They must explain why upon being informed they failed to take any effective measure, the bench said. It took suo motu cognisance of a letter from the Chief Justice of the High Court detailing a harrowing night where judicial officers, including three women and a five-year-old child, were held captive by a mob for over nine hours without food or water.
Will push back Iran to Stone Age if no deal reached: Trump





WASHINGTON :

PRESIDENT Donald Trump has warned Iran that US forces could bring them back to the Stone Ages within weeks if no deal is reached, declaring the countrys military decimated after a month of sustained strikes. In a televised address, Trump said it had been just one month since the United States military began Operation Epic Fury targeting the worlds number one state sponsor of terror, Iran, claiming rapid battlefield gains. Tonight, Irans Navy is gone. Their Air Force is in ruins. Their leaders are now dead, he said, adding that Irans missile and drone capabilities had been dramatically curtailed and weapons facilities blown to pieces. He framed the campaign as necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. I have vowed that I would never allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon, Trump said, calling the regime the most violent and thuggish regime on Earth. Meanwhile, Iran fired more missiles at Israel and Gulf Arab states on Thursday, demonstrating Tehrans continued ability to strike its neighbours even as Trump claimed the threat from the country was nearly eliminated. Irans attacks on Gulf states along with its chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz have disrupted the worlds energy supplies with effects far beyond the Middle East. That has proved to be Irans greatest strategic advantage in the war. Britain planned to hold a call with nearly three dozen countries about how to reopen the strait once the fighting is over. Trump has insisted the strait can be taken by force - but said it is not up to the US to do that. Trump encouraged countries that depend on oil from Hormuz to build some delayed courage and go take it.

A spokesman for Irans military, Lt. Col. Ebrahim Zolfaghari, insisted Thursday that Tehran maintains hidden stockpiles of arms, munitions and production facilities. He said facilities targeted so far by US strikes are insignificant. Just before Trump began his address - in which he said US core strategic objectives are nearing completion - explosions were heard in Dubai as air defences worked to intercept an Iranian missile barrage. Less than a half-hour after the President was done, Israel said its military was also working to intercept incoming missiles. Sirens sounded in Bahrain, home to the US Navys 5th Fleet, immediately after the speech. Attacks continued across Iran on Thursday, with strikes reported in multiple cities. In Lebanon - home to Iran-backed Hezbollah militants who are fighting Israel, which has launched a ground invasion - an Israeli strike killed four people in the south, the Health Ministry said. More than 1,900 people have been killed in Iran during the war, while 19 have been reported dead in Israel. More than two dozen people have died in Gulf states and the occupied West Bank, while 13 US service members have been killed. More than 1,200 people have been killed and more than 1 million displaced in Lebanon. Ten Israeli soldiers have also died there.

The 35 countries speaking on Thursday, including all G7 industrialized democracies except the US, as well as the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, signed a declaration last month demanding Iran stop blocking the strait. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the countries will discuss viable diplomatic and political measures to resume shipping. Thursdays talks were focused on political and diplomatic measures, but British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said military planners from an unspecified number of countries will also plot ways to ensure security once fighting ends, including potential mine-clearing work and reassurance for commercial shipping. On Thursday, Brent crude, the international standard, rose again and was at USD 108 in spot trading, up about 50 per cent from February 28 when Israel and the US started the war.
A March 2025 file photo SoNo Collection mall in Norwalk, Conn. The mall has been put up for sale. Tyler Sizemore/Hearst Connecticut Media

The SoNo Collection, the seven-year-old mall in Norwalk, is up for sale a time when Connecticut's malls are in a state of flux.

CT Insider reported in March that the Trumbull Mall is for sale, part of the lengthy process associated with shopping center owner Namdar Realty Group having defaulted on a loan it used to buy the property in 2022.

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The Crystal Mall in Waterford was purchased from Namdar last October by defense contractor General Dynamics Electric Boat. Currently three tenants are left in Crystal Mall and construction barriers will be set up around the shopping center later this spring in preparation for the start of the conversion of the property into office space for the submarine manufacturer.

Other Connecticut malls, like Brass Mill Center in Waterbury and the Meriden Mall have seen tenant losses in the past years and struggle to bring in new retailers.

Plans to convert the Enfield Mall into a mixed use complex with a combination of commercial space and 465 residential units with the potential to accommodate a hotel as well, are expected to get underway this spring has well. A Nebraska-based developer, Woodsonia Acquisitions, will be overseeing that project.

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News that the Sono Collection is for sale begs the question whether putting the Norwalk mall on the market is a sign of more difficult days for the retail center or merely an effort by the mall's owners to cash out their investment.

Seven years after it opened, the SoNo Collection was put up for sale in March by commercial real estate brokerage JLL, on behalf of investors who bought out shares of developer Brookfield Properties.

Retail and commercial real estate experts say the mall's future is strong because of its mix of tenants, changes in the luxury retail environment and the mall's location in wealthy Fairfield County.

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Burt Flickinger, managing director of the New York City-based retail consulting firm Strategic Resource Group, said Thursday that "SoNo will be one of the great survivors in the current retail environment,"

"It's 86% occupancy rate is well ahead of the danger zone of 75% occupancy that is considered troubling for most malls," Flickinger said.

John Boyd, whose Florida-based company evaluates locations for corporations, said mall properties remain valuable because of their access to highways. SoNo Collection's location on Water Street in Norwalk overlooks Interstate 95.

"This a mall that is still relatively new, strong fundamentals," Boyd said. "It's certainly can't be described as stressed by any stretch of the imagination," Boyd said.

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Flickinger said the presence of Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom and an Apple Store location, as reasons he believes SoNo Collection will have staying power.

"Bloomingdale's is really the crown jewel for them," he said. "As luxury goods retailers like Saks and Bergdorff Goodman continue to shrink their footprint, it's going to make Sono Collection more attractive."

Boyd said the commercial broker marketing the property, JLL, has a strong reputation in the market.

"They will likely market it to a broad array of buyers, including some who may have a different vision for the mall," he said. "The trends in malls now is to find tenants that offer consumers experiences rather than traditional retail."

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When asked why the mall would be up for sale. Flickinger said the owners of SoNo Collection are look to "cash in their investment at the top of the (performance of the financial) market."

"This is the most beneficial time for them to do that," he said.

Jenn McMurrer, communications director for Norwalk Mayor Barbara Smyth, said city officials are "taking this news in stride."

"We're viewing this as just another business transaction," McMurrer said. "Day-to-day operations of the mall shouldn't be affected by this."

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Smyth said in a statement that "the mall is very important to Norwalk."

"It's a gathering place, not just for the people of Norwalk, but for people from other parts of Fairfield County," she said. "We expect the mall to have a bright future."

Dan Onofrio, president and chief executive officer of the Bridgeport Regional Business Council, said the mall being on the market, is a bit more concerning to him.

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Miguel Cardona, the chairman of the new Connecticut Career Pathways Commission and formerly the U.S. education secretary and Connecticut education commissioner, makes a point during a panel discussion at the Connecticut Workforce Summit, held at the Connecticut Convention Center, in Hartford, Conn., on Thursday, April 2, 2026. Jim Michaud/Hearst Connecticut Media Miguel Cardona, the chairman of the new Connecticut Career Pathways Commission and formerly the U.S. education secretary and Connecticut education commissioner, makes a point during a panel discussion at the Connecticut Workforce Summit, held at the Connecticut Convention Center, in Hartford, Conn., on Thursday, April 2, 2026. Jim Michaud/Hearst Connecticut Media Miguel Cardona, far right, the chairman of the new Connecticut Career Pathways Commission and formerly the U.S. education secretary and Connecticut education commissioner, makes a point during a panel discussion at the Connecticut Workforce Summit, held at the Connecticut Convention Center, in Hartford, Conn., on Thursday, April 2, 2026. Jim Michaud/Hearst Connecticut Media Gov. Ned Lamont gives a speech at the Connecticut Workforce Summit, held at the Connecticut Convention Center, in Hartford, Conn., on Thursday, April 2, 2026. Jim Michaud/Hearst Connecticut Media Audience members listen as Gov. Ned Lamont gives a speech at the Connecticut Workforce Summit, held at the Connecticut Convention Center, in Hartford, Conn., on Thursday, April 2, 2026. Jim Michaud/Hearst Connecticut Media

HARTFORD  Miguel Cardona, the former U.S. education secretary and state education commissioner, will lead a new commission that will produce a plan to bolster workforce development in Connecticut, Gov. Ned Lamont announced Thursday.

The Connecticut Career Pathways Commission will be asked to assess the state's education and career pathways system and develop a five-year strategic plan that supports the needs of students, workers and employers, as well as the state's economic competitiveness, according to an executive order signed Thursday by Lamont.

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Workforce development has become even more important in recent years, as Connecticut grapples with a tight labor market that has tens of thousands of job openings. Among other reasons for the new initiative, Lamont and Cardona cite the need for instruction, credentialing and partnerships with employers to keep up with technological advances such as the rise of artificial intelligence.

Everybody across Connecticut knows that we have to continue to evolve to make sure that our students are prepared, with options, when they graduate, Cardona told reporters at the Connecticut Workforce Summit, which was held at the states convention center, in Hartford. And what Im excited about is that we have leaders from all over  from the administration, from the private sector, from our K-12 system and higher ed, saying, Lets come together, and lets create synergy to make sure our students have better options.

As part of its mission, the commission will develop recommendations on state statutory, regulatory and administrative reforms needed to support the improvement and expansion of career pathways, including streamlining state funding sources, aligning credentialing and credit-transfer policies, modernizing instructional delivery, and reducing administrative and regulatory burdens, says an excerpt of the executive order.

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The commission will coordinate with the Governor's Workforce Council and the Office of Workforce Strategy, according to the executive order. It is expected to submit a draft report by Dec. 31, 2026, and a final report by Feb. 15, 2027, to Lamont and the General Assembly.

There are pockets of excellence in Connecticut People are working really hard  in silos, Cardona said. What I look to do is bring what I saw as best practices across the country, and what I know, as a former commissioner and secretary of education, to create that connective tissue to make sure that the left hand knows what the right hand is doing, that theyre providing support for each other.

The commissions other members, all of whom will be volunteers, were not immediately disclosed by Lamonts administration. However, the executive order notes that the group will include leaders from the K-12 and higher education and workforce board systems, employers, labor representatives, municipal leaders, governmental leaders, legislators, community representatives and students.

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Cardonas leadership of the commission marks his return to public service in his home state, following a four-year stint as the U.S. education secretary, in the administration of President Joe Biden. He served as the states education commissioner from 2019 to 2021, following many years in the Meriden school district, across a number of administrative and teaching roles.

When I got to (Washington) D.C., I inherited a student-debt crisis. And part of my motivation is also to make sure that were not sending students to college and have it be a very expensive career-exploration program, Cardona said. We have to make sure that our students have a vision of where theyre going, so they can pick courses of study that allow them to not only get educated, but be employed, when they leave.

Cardona's other roles include leading a consulting firm that he recently founded and working this school year as a faculty fellow at the Yale School of Management.

He knows what works here in Connecticut, and he knows what works around the country, Lamont, a Democrat who was in his first term when Cardona served as the state's education commissioner, told reporters at the Workforce Summit.

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Connecticuts education system is widely regarded to be among the best in the country. For instance, the state ranked fifth in the education category of last years edition of CNBCs Top States for Business study.

But producing enough graduates to meet employers needs is a perennial challenge  a predicament that reflects demographic trends such as an aging workforce and low population growth in most of the state in recent years.

The growing demand for labor and faster retirements will generate great opportunities for young people prepared to step into these roles, says an excerpt of the Connecticut Workforce & Education Strategy Blueprint, which was published Thursday by the CBIA Foundation. Students who connect to local careers during high school are also more likely to remain in Connecticut, addressing the state's persistent out-migration challenge.

Among other findings in the report, it states that more than 55% of Connecticut's projected job growth through 2034 will be accessible to workers without a bachelor's degree.

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It is vital that we work to reach our children at an early age, with an eye to pathways to careers that dont need a four-year degree, state Sen. Stephen Harding, R-Brookfield, the state Senate's minority leader, said in a written statement Thursday that endorsed the report.

There are about 70,000 job openings statewide, according to state Department of Labor data. Manufacturing is one of the industries with an abundance of opportunities. For instance, submarine manufacturer General Dynamics Electric Boat plans to hire 8,000 people this year across its facilities in Connecticut and Rhode Island.

I look at this as an opportunity, Cardona said of the states job openings. This is good for students. This is good for our state economy. We know that 80% of our state-college graduates stay in Connecticut, so how are we tapping into that resource?
U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday on social media that Attorney General Pam Bondi will step down from her position and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche will serve as acting attorney general. This file photo taken on June 27, 2025 shows Todd Blanche attending a press conference at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States. (Xinhua/Hu Yousong)

WASHINGTON, April 2 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday on social media that Attorney General Pam Bondi will step down from her position and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche will serve as acting attorney general.

"Pam Bondi is a Great American Patriot and a loyal friend, who faithfully served as my Attorney General over the past year," Trump wrote on Truth Social. "She will be transitioning to a much needed and important new job in the private sector, to be announced at a date in the near future."

Trump's latest statement came shortly after multiple U.S. media outlets reported that the president had fired Bondi.

The New York Times first reported on Wednesday that Trump had discussed firing Bondi in recent days as he grew frustrated with her leadership at the Justice Department and her handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files.

Earlier on Thursday, the paper cited a person familiar with the decision as saying that Trump fired Bondi.

In recent days, Trump had talked to allies about the possibility of firing Bondi, and he talked with her personally on Wednesday about the possibility that it would happen, CNN cited sources as saying in a Thursday report.

Trump has been frustrated with Bondi on multiple fronts, the report noted, adding that in particular, he is upset over her handling of the Epstein files and he has also fumed that she has not investigated or prosecuted enough of his political opponents.

Bondi's exit would mark the second cabinet-level firing since the start of Trump's second term.

In March, Trump removed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem amid growing bipartisan criticism of her leadership. 

U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday on social media that Attorney General Pam Bondi will step down from her position and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche will serve as acting attorney general. This file photo taken on June 27, 2025 shows Pam Bondi (R) and U.S. President Donald Trump attending a press conference at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States. (Xinhua/Hu Yousong)

U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday on social media that Attorney General Pam Bondi will step down from her position and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche will serve as acting attorney general. This file photo taken on June 27, 2025 shows Pam Bondi speaking during a press conference at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States. (Xinhua/Hu Yousong)
A Foxwoods promo is seen on a monitor at Foxwoods Resort Casino, Tuesday, May 6, 2025. Dave Zajac/Hearst Connecticut Media

MASHANTUCKET  The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation police are investigating an incident where an employee of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection struck a pedestrian with a state-owned vehicle at the Foxwoods parking garage last month, according to officials.

Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation Police Chief Robert Catania said the March 23 incident was reported by the victim, who told police they were struck by the mirror of a vehicle as they crossed a parking area. He noted there was a "pretty sizable time delay" in the reporting of the incident by the complainant.

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After being evaluated by EMS, the complainant was transported, treated and released from a local hospital, Catania said.

The delay in reporting of the incident, by both the complainant and the offending vehicle's operator, resulted in an after-the-fact investigation, the chief added. Police did not specify how long of a delay there was in reporting.

Investigators later determined the driver was a DEEP employee and that vehicle belonged to the department.

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"That agency has been fully cooperative with the MPTN-PD from the onset of this event," Catania said in a news release.

Bill Flood, media relations manager at DEEP, said the agency is fully cooperating with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Police Department.

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Flood said the employee was at Foxwoods participating in a work-related training.
File photo of Barcelona Wine Bar at 515 West Ave. Norwalk. File photo The courtyard at The Waypointe development in Norwalk, soon to be home to Amma's South Indian Cuisine. Courtesy Beachwold Residential

NORWALK  The restaurant space at 515 West Ave. in the Waypointe development will soon see a major change, transitioning from tapas and wine to serving vindaloo and Indian filter coffee. It will also have a full liquor bar, officials say.

Ammas South Indian Cuisine, a chain with locations in Philadelphia and New Jersey, is taking over the space that was home to the recently closed Barcelona Wine Bar at The Waypointe development in Norwalk, Beachwold Residential real estate officials confirmed.

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Ammas is expected to open mid-2026 after renovations are complete, said Dan DeStefano, senior vice president of Beachwold Residential in New Haven.

They have been expanding their brand and Waypointe will be their fifth location, he said of the small chain.

The cuisine focuses on fresh, healthy eating with an inventive twist. Similar to their other locations, the full-service restaurant and bar will have a comfortable atmosphere with a modern, upscale aesthetic, DeStefano added.

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The new restaurant will be a welcome addition to Waypointe, he said.

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With the completion of 597 additional apartments at the end of 2025, The Waypointe District is now a completely built-out, walkable, live-play-shop-eat neighborhood, DeStefano said.

Representatives from Ammas could not be reached for comment.

Barcelona Wine Bar confirmed its closing earlier this month. It has four remaining locations in the state  Fairfield, New Haven, Stamford and West Hartford.

Last June, Barcelona's Connecticut locations were all listed as among the best restaurants in the world for wine by industry magazine Wine Spectator. The Norwalk location had also earned recognition from Wine Spectator annually, dating back to 2006, the Norwalk Hour reported.

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Also known for its tapas, the wine bar had been located in the Waypointe development for nearly a decade. It had operated in Norwalk for nearly 30 years previously, occupying a storefront at 63 North Main St. in south Norwalk, the Norwalk Hour reported.

The new establishment, Ammas, will offer traditional south Indian cuisine, such as masala, dal curry, and vindaloo as well as Indian filter coffee, which is percolated using a brass or stainless steel filter, according to its website.

Nathaniel Rosenberg contributed to this report.
Vince McMahon arrives at Stamford Superior Court on Thursday Morning, October 16, 2025, Stamford, Conn. H John Voorhees III/Hearst Connecticut Media Vince McMahon, right, appears in Stamford Superior Court with his attorney Mark Sherman on Thursday Morning, October 16, 2025, Stamford, Conn. H John Voorhees III/Hearst Connecticut Media

New documents in the lawsuit filed against Vince McMahon said WWE executives knew he was having an affair with Janel Grant, a former employee who is now suing him on claims he sexually abused and trafficked her.

Grant filed her lawsuit in January 2024 revealing details of allegations of abuse that included being forced to engage in sexual acts with McMahon in company offices with others nearby and expectations that she would have sex or lose her job.

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In documents filed Wednesday, Grant contends that the Stamford-based company's top executives, including current WWE President Nick Kahn, were told by McMahon that he was having a sexual relationship with her and that they considered the liaison a "liability" to the company.

"I felt a level of immense powerlessness, fear, and utter humiliation that I had never felt before because a group of men at the top of the company knew intimate details about me and were actively discussing me," Grant said in the new documents. "Vince revealed that he and WWE leadership determined that I was a corporate liability. He then told me that they needed me to leave the legal department immediately as my presence had affected their ability to hire a new General Counsel."

A spokesperson for McMahon did not return a request seeking comment Friday.

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Grant, who was hired in June 2019, claims in a 67-page complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Connecticut that she was required to maintain a sexual relationship with McMahon that included "depravity." The lawsuit names the WWE, McMahon and John Laurinaitis, an Arizona resident who was the former head of talent relations and general manager at WWE.

The lawsuit describes in graphic detail several incidents involving McMahon, including one where Grant claimed she was sexually assaulted by him and another man behind closed doors while other employees sat at their desks nearby at the company's Stamford headquarters. She left in 2022 after signing a non-disclosure agreement that totaled $3 million, the lawsuit stated.

Todays complaint seeks to hold accountable two WWE executives who sexually assaulted and trafficked Plaintiff Janel Grant, as well as the organization that facilitated or turned a blind eye to the abuse and then swept it under the rug, Grant's attorney Ann Callis said in a statement issued when the lawsuit was filed in 2024. She is an incredibly private and courageous person who has suffered deeply at the hands of Mr. McMahon and Mr. Laurinaitis, a WWE executive. Ms. Grant hopes that her lawsuit will prevent other women from being victimized. The organization is well aware of Mr. McMahons history of depraved behavior, and its time that they take responsibility for the misconduct of its leadership.

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McMahon often greeted Grant at business meetings in his "underwear," touched her, asked for hugs and "spent hours sharing intimate details about his life," the lawsuit said. The lawsuit claims McMahon continued to demand sexual encounters and used "sex toys" named after his wrestlers that often left her with injuries. Grant began experiencing panic attacks and other health problems as she continued to work for McMahon, according to the lawsuit.

In July 2022, McMahon announced his retirement as WWE's CEO and chairman amid an investigation by the companys board of directors of his alleged misconduct and after several Wall Street Journal articles were published that revealed the accusations against him. The Journal reported that McMahon agreed to pay four women a total of more than $12 million over 16 years to keep secret allegations of sexual misconduct and infidelity, citing unnamed people familiar with those agreements and related documents.

McMahon, 79, subsequently decided he wanted to come back to WWE, which he and others, including his wife and former CEO Linda McMahon, have built into a global business over the past 40 years. The Connecticut company has fans across the world and its two most popular shows are Raw and SmackDown.

During the time of the allegations, Vince and Linda McMahon owned multiple homes in Connecticut, including a mansion on 10 acres in Greenwich and a downtown Stamford condo that sold in 2023.

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According to the lawsuit seeking compensatory damages for emotional distress, Grant claims she continues to be affected despite in-patient and out-patient treatment. Grant also wants the non-disclosure agreement she signed to be voided.
606 Riverside Avenue in Westport was bought by Spinnaker Real Estate Partners. Courtesy of the town of Westport 96 Franklin St. in Westport bought by Spinnaker Real Estate Partners. Courtesy of the town of Westport

WESTPORT  A well-known Norwalk developer just purchased two parcels of land on the Saugatuck River in Westport  the same pieces that were part of the Hamlet at Saugatuck plan, which was killed last month.

Norwalk-based Spinnaker Real Estate Partners, bought the parcels  at 606 Riverside Ave. and 96 Franklin St., on March 13, according to Westport town records.

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Spinnaker pursues opportunities that enhance, integrate with and benefit from the uniqueness and sense of place found within an existing community. To effectuate that, we retain flexibility as we incorporate community feedback into a vision that balances good planning principals with high quality, appropriately scaled, contextual design while remaining connected with market practicalities," said Matthew Edvardsen, principal at Spinnaker, in an email to Hearst Media Wednesday.

"We are excited to engage in that collaboration process over the coming weeks and forge a years' long partnership with the Saugatuck/Westport community to enhance the underutilized 606 Riverside Avenue property. We are confident that a non-830-g pathway exists and are focused on that," he said.

The Franklin Street property cost $3.25 million and the Riverside Avenue property cost about $12.8 million. The Riverside Avenue property contains three buildings  a locksmith, an auto repair shop and a dry cleaner, according to Westport town records.

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The Hamlet at Saugatuck plan, first presented in 2022, was for some 500 units, with 30% set aside for affordable housing. The plan, spanning Riverside Avenue, Franklin Street, Railroad Place and Charles Street, also featured retail, restaurants and a hotel.

Earlier in March, after nearly four years of discussion, the plan was killed when ROAN Development Ventures decided that they didnt want to pursue an appeal of the Planning & Zoning Commissions denial of the project any longer. They withdrew their appeal in court before there was any decision.

We take it as a positive sign that an experienced, locally based developer with a track record of owner/operated developments is now involved in Saugatuck, said Dara Lamb, lead petitioner for the Westport Alliance for Saugatuck, made up of a group of residents who opposed the Hamlet plan.

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Its our understanding that they want to work with the community and have strong ties to Westport, Lamb said. We look forward to seeing what they propose.

The property at 96 Franklin St. is .367 acres and contains 50 parking spaces while 606 Riverside Avenue is 1.504 acres. Both properties are in the towns general business district.

Lamb previously said the message of the failed Hamlet project is any developer that goes into any community would be smart to really listen to the community and cater to its needs.

The last owner of the two pieces of land bought by Spinnaker was Hanes Realty Corporation in Westport, who owned the land since the 1950s, according to the town.

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Spinnaker was most recently in the news when it secured the city of Norwalk approval for a mixed-use development on Water Street, that includes a 130-room hotel.
A bridge struck by U.S. airstrikes on Thursday is seen in the town of Karaj, west of Tehran, Iran, Friday, April 3, 2026. Vahid Salemi/AP Journalists from foreign media based in Tehran document damage from U.S.-Israeli strikes in a residential area of the town of Fardis, west of Tehran, Iran, Friday, April 3, 2026. Vahid Salemi/AP Mohammad Qubaisi, 53, with burn wounds from an Israeli airstrike on southern Lebanon undergoes surgery by Dr. Mohammed Ziara, left, and his team, at the Sidon Government Hospital in Sidon, Lebanon, Thursday, April 2, 2026. Emilio Morenatti/AP Tamara and her sister Amal color pictures on the floor as their parents, Sara and Ahmed, who fled their village of Khiyam in southern Lebanon due to Israeli bombardment, sit inside a tent used as a shelter in Beirut, Lebanon, Friday, April 3, 2026. Emilio Morenatti/AP Palestinian Muslims attend Friday prayers outside Jerusalem's Old City due to restrictions linked to the Iran war, April 3, 2026. Mahmoud Illean/AP

One crew member was rescued Friday after an American aircraft was shot down in Iran, according to one U.S. and one Israeli official, who both spoke on condition of anonymity to describe sensitive ongoing military operations.

The rescue occurred as the U.S. military was conducting a search and rescue operation, according to three people familiar who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitivity of the situation. Israel is helping the United States with the operation.

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Iranian state media has claimed in a post on X that Irans military shot down a U.S. F-15E Strike Eagle.

According to an email from the Pentagon obtained by The Associated Press, the U.S. military said that it received notification of an aircraft being shot down in the Middle East. The email did not provide more details.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a previous statement that President Donald Trump had been briefed but did not offer any additional information.

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The number of crew on board wasnt immediately known.

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The war now entering its sixth week is destabilizing economies around the world as Iran responds to the U.S. and Israeli attacks by targeting the Gulf region's energy infrastructure and tightening its grip on oil and natural gas shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. President Donald Trump said U.S. forces will keep hitting Iran very hard in the next two or three weeks.

Here is the latest:

Oracle building in Dubai damaged by drone debris

Authorities in Dubai said the facades of two buildings were damaged by debris from intercepted drones, including one belonging to U.S. tech firm Oracle. No injuries were reported.

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Irans Revolutionary Guard has threatened to attack Oracle and 17 other U.S. companies after accusing them of being involved in terrorist espionage operations in Iran.

Previous Iranian drone strikes caused damage to three Amazon Web Services facilities in the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.

365 service members have been wounded in action in Iran war

As of Friday, 247 of the wounded were Army soldiers, 63 were Navy sailors, 19 were Marines and 36 were Air Force airmen, according to Pentagon data available online.

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It is unclear if the data includes any of the service members involved in the downing of two combat aircraft reported Friday.

Most of the wounded  200  were also mid to senior enlisted troops, 85 were officers and 80 were junior enlisted service members.

The current death toll remains at 13 service members killed in combat.

Bahrain postpones vote on UN resolution aimed at ending Irans stranglehold on the Strait of Hormuz

The Gulf nation of Bahrain, which holds the presidency of the U.N. Security Council this month, postponed the vote on a resolution aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz that had been watered down significantly because of opposition from Russia and China, two U.N. diplomats said.

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The diplomats, speaking on condition of anonymity because council consultations have been private, said the vote will now be held sometime next week.

The Bahrain-sponsored draft resolution that had been expected to be put to a vote on Saturday would authorize defensive measures  not offensive action that Gulf nations and the United States initially supported  to ensure vessels can safely transit the waterway where one-fifth of the worlds oil typically passes.

Bahrain has sought support from all 15 council nations, and the postponement of the vote indicates that the watered-down draft is still not acceptable to Russia and China.

A-10 aircraft hit by Iranian air defenses, second US aircraft to go down in the Middle East

A U.S. A-10 aircraft has been hit by Iranian air defenses, Iranian state media reported, citing Irans Army public relations office.

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The Associated Press reported earlier that a second U.S. Air Force combat aircraft had gone down in the Middle East on Friday.

No other information was immediately known including the whereabouts of the pilot. The Pentagon and White House did not immediate comment.

The A-10, also known by the nickname Warthog, is a single-seat aircraft.

 Read more

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White House says Trump wont appear before press on Friday

The White House at 4 p.m. EST called a lid for press, indicating the president would not be making any appearance in front of the media for the day.

The call came hours earlier than normal and signaled the president and White House are remaining tight-lipped as the search-and-rescue mission continued.

Trump declines to speak about search for missing crew member

In a brief telephone interview with NBC News, Trump declined to discuss the search and rescue effort.

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He was asked if it would impact negotiations with Iran and said, No, not at all. No, its war.

Status of a second service member unknown after F-15E shot down

The House Armed Services Committee has been notified by the Pentagon that the status of a second service member is not known after the downing of the fighter jet.

The panel was told that an F-15 was shot down and one service member has been recovered, according to a congressional aide who spoke on condition of anonymity to disclose the private communication.

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The other service members duty status is unknown, the aide said.

That generally means the Defense Department does not know the persons whereabouts and they have gone missing.

- Lisa Mascaro

Second US aircraft went down

A second U.S. Air Force combat aircraft went down in the Middle East on Friday, according to a U.S. official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss a sensitive military situation.

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It was not clear if the aircraft crashed or was shot down or whether Iran was involved. Neither the crews status nor where the aircraft went down was immediately known.

The New York Times earlier reported that the second aircraft went down.

Also Friday, a U.S. fighter jet was shot down in Iran and one crew member was rescued.

- Konstantin Toropin

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One person killed in fires caused by falling debris in Abu Dhabi

The Abu Dhabi government media office said Friday that one Egyptian national was killed in fires caused by falling debris at Habshan gas facilities, following the interception of an Iranian aerial attack, according to a statement posted on X.

In the same fires, another four expats, including two Egyptians and two Pakistanis, sustained minor wounds, added the statement.

The Abu Dhabi government did not specify whether air defenses had intercepted a missile or a drone.

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Significant damage has occurred at the facilities and an assessment is ongoing, read the statement.

Iranian official derides the US after downing US aircraft

Irans parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf mocked the U.S. after his country shot down a U.S. aircraft over southwestern Iran and at least one crew member ejected.

This brilliant no-strategy war they started has now been downgraded from regime change to Hey! Can anyone find our pilots? Please?, Qalibaf wrote on his X account.

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Iranian state media has claimed in a post on X that Irans military shot down a U.S. F-15E Strike Eagle.

Qalibaf, doubling down on his mockery, wrote, What incredible progress. Absolute geniuses.

WHO chief calls for urgent support for health systems in war-affected countries

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reiterated on Friday his agencys appeal for $ 30.3 million in immediate funding to support strained health services in Iran and another four Arab countries including Lebanon, Iraq, Jordan and Syria.

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This appeal will support essential health services and trauma care, disease surveillance and early warning systems, mass casualty management and national readiness for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear emergencies, he said on the social platform X.

So far, the conflict has killed 3,300, wounded 30,000 and caused the displacement of over 4 million people.

The WHO first launched the appeal on Thursday, explaining that this amount will cover the period from March to August 2026.

Archbishop leading US militarys Catholic chaplains questions whether Iran war is just

Archbishop Timothy Broglio, who heads the Archdiocese for the Military Services, tells CBS News that a case can be made that the Iran war is unjustified.

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Broglio was asked during an interview to be aired on Easter Sunday on Face the Nation if the war was justified.

Under the just war theory, it is not, replied Broglio, who then evoked the specter of a threat of nuclear arms.

Its compensating for a threat before threat is actually realized, he said. I would line myself up with Pope Leo, who has been urging for negotiation.

The Lord Jesus certainly brought a message of peace and also, I think war is always a last resort, Broglio added. Im not making a judgment about that, because I really dont know. But I do think that its hard to cast this war, you know, as something that would be sponsored by the Lord.

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Israeli official says Israel providing intel for search effort

The official says Israel is assisting with intelligence, but not active in any on-the-ground rescue.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the unfolding operation.

- Josef Federman

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Kuwait defends against air attacks

The Kuwaiti army said on Friday that its air defenses had engaged with seven ballistic missiles, two cruise missiles and 26 drones over the last 24 days, according to a statement posted on its official page on X.

The statement added that interceptions were still going on causing in Kuwaiti skies, causing explosions.

Israeli tank shelling kills one in southern Syria

An Israeli tank fired on a car in the southern province of Quneitra Saturday, killing a young man, Syrias state-run SANA news agency reported, without giving further details.

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The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a U.K.-based war monitor, said witnesses said that the man was a civilian and that the attack occurred while he was driving his car on a public road connecting villages near the border strip. There was no immediate statement from the Israeli military.

After the ouster of former Syrian President Bashar Assad by Islamist-led rebels in December 2024, Israeli forces seized control of a U.N.-patrolled buffer zone in southern Syria, which Israel initially described as a temporary move to protect its borders.

The Syrian government says Israel is violating a 1974 disengagement agreement between the two countries and has called for it to withdraw its forces.

Israel reports new missile launch from Iran

The Israeli army says air defenses are being activated and residents instructed to seek shelter in affected areas.

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F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet has a 2-person crew

Iranian state media has claimed that Irans military shot down a U.S. F-15E Strike Eagle. The aircraft is a variation of the Air Force fighter jet that carries a two-person crew consisting of a pilot and weapons system officer.

Alan Diehl, a former investigator for the Air Force Safety Center, said the Strike Eagle has an emergency locator beacon in a survival kit that can be set to activate automatically or manually.

The Pentagon has not immediately responded to repeated requests for comment

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Israel suspends airstrikes as search for downed US pilot proceeds

An Israeli official says airstrikes have been halted in areas relevant to the rescue effort.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the operation is ongoing.

- Josef Federman

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Tehran resident describes projectile overhead and smoke near medical research center

A resident of central Tehran says she was walking home Thursday when she spotted what appeared to be a missile streaking overhead.

I saw it go over my head and I heard the explosion, she said, speaking on condition of anonymity due to media restrictions in Iran.

Then she saw smoke rising from a nearby area of the capital hosting many government buildings, including the offices of Irans Supreme Leader, which Israel heavily struck early in the war. Next to that is the Pasteur Institute, which has played a leading role in Irans health sector for over a century. An Iranian health ministry spokesman confirmed the institute had been struck on Thursday.

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The resident said shes also seen least two police stations destroyed in her area of the capital.

- Amir-Hussein Radjy

An explosion in southern Lebanon injures three UN peacekeepers amid fighting between Israel and Hezbollah

The peacekeeping mission known as UNIFIL reminded Israel, Hezbollah and other actors of their obligation to ensure the peacekeepers safety, including by avoiding combat near their facilities and positions.

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This has been a difficult week for peacekeepers working near the central part of UNIFILs area of operations, UNIFIL said.

Three U.N. peacekeepers were injured, two seriously, in an explosion of unknown origin inside their position in El Adeisse on Friday afternoon, UNIFIL said. Three UNIFIL peacekeepers from Indonesia were killed earlier this week and others were injured.

Aircraft was shot down, US military says

According to an email from the Pentagon obtained by The Associated Press, the U.S. military said that it received notification of an aircraft being shot down in the Middle East. The email did not provide more details.

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Iran accuses the UN nuclear watchdog of siding with its enemies

The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran denounced on Friday what it describes as the U.N. nuclear agencys silence as the US and Israel attacks Irans nuclear facilities.

The Iranian agency accused the International Atomic Energy Agency of not merely inaction but complicity with perpetrators, according to a statement posted on X. It said it has sent a protest letter to the IAEAs director. This historic negligence erodes the IAEAs little remaining credibility, read the statement.

The Iranian government has constantly said that it needs to expand its nuclear plants to meet its electricity needs rather than to build weapons.

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Jordan and Israel warn of more air attacks

The Israeli military says air defenses are being activated to intercept the fire.

Jordan, the state-owned news agency says alarms are sounding across the country.

One crew member has been rescued after American aircraft went down in Iran, US and Israeli officials say

One crew member has been rescued after an American aircraft went down in Iran, according to one U.S. and one Israeli official, who both spoke on condition of anonymity to describe sensitive ongoing military operations.

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US officials are being informed about the rescue operation in Iran

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson has been notified about the situation with the pilot in Iran, his office said.

The Defense Department has notified the speaker and said it would provide further updates.

The U.S. military has been conducting a search and rescue operation in Iran, according to three people familiar who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitivity of the situation.

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Gas tanker affiliated with Japan makes it through the strait

A liquefied natural gas tanker co-owned by Japanese and Omani companies has passed through the Strait of Hormuz, a first passage of a Japan-affiliated vessel through the waterway since the start of the U.S.-Israeli strike on Iran, Japans NHK public television said.

The Japanese shipping company Mitsui O.S.K. Lines said the Panamanian-flagged tanker Sohar LNG, also owned by Oman Shipping Company, crossed the strait Friday and is now out of the Persian Gulf, NHK reported.

The tanker was among 45 Japanese-affiliated ships stuck in the area since the start of the war in the region. Mitsui did not disclose other details, such as the ships destination, citing security reasons, NHK said.

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Four US planes had already gone down during the Iranian war

Four U.S. military planes had gone down during the Iran war before Fridays search and rescue operation  three fighter jets hit by friendly fire over Kuwait and a refueling tanker plane that crashed in Iraq following an incident with another U.S. aircraft.

The KC-135 refueling aircraft crashed in Iraq while supporting operations in Iran. All six crew members aboard the aircraft died. U.S. officials attributed the crash to an unspecified incident involving two aircraft in friendly airspace, and said the other plane landed safely.

Separately, three U.S. F-15E fighter jets were mistakenly targeted by friendly Kuwaiti fire. All six crew members ejected safely.

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US has launched a rescue operation after Iranian state media says American fighter jet went down in Iran, AP source says

The U.S. military rescue operation launched Friday after Iranian state media said an American fighter jet went down over southwest Iran and at least one crew member ejected.

Israel is helping the United States with the search and rescue operation, according to an Israeli military officer briefed on the information who spoke on condition of anonymity ahead of a U.S. announcement.

Social media footage showed American drones, aircraft and helicopters flying over the mountainous region where the Iranian channel said at least one pilot bailed out of the fighter jet.

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It would be the first time the U.S. has lost aircraft in Iranian territory during the five-week war. It was not clear if the jet was shot down or crashed. The number of crew on board was not immediately known.

The Pentagon and U.S. Central Command didnt immediately respond to several messages seeking comment. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Trump has been briefed.

Bahrain cracks down on dissent as Iran war reignites internal unrest

A man detained in Bahrain as the island came under missile attack from Iran vanished for days, until his family was called to a military hospital to retrieve his body, covered in slash marks and bruises. The death of Mohamed al-Mousawi has become a flashpoint in the Sunni-ruled, Shiite-majority country on the wars front lines, where critics say authorities have revived tactics used to suppress Arab Spring protests in 2011.

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Bahrain, a monarchy that hosts the U.S. Navys 5th Fleet, has arrested dozens of people for filming airstrikes and demonstrations or expressing support for Iran.

Bahrains Interior Ministry said al-Mousawi was arrested on suspicion of spying for Iran  allegations denied by his family  and that images of his wounds were inaccurate and misleading. A Bahrain government statement said the country is defending its national security and denied any sectarianism, saying authorities have acted lawfully and that independent bodies investigate allegations of abuse.

 Read more

Iranian motorcyclist describes a tale of two cities in wartime Tehran

A woman in her forties says she has made a point of riding a motorcycle around Tehran as a form of civil resistance. Cruising the capitals streets has also shown her two faces of the wartime capital, she said.

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Faced with years of protests, Irans Islamic rulers have recently eased enforcement of the mandatory veil and other restrictions on women, including harassing female motorcyclists.

A downtown resident, the woman said she rode uptown to the capitals richest areas, where she found the cafes were packed.

Now Im outside on my motorbike. I stopped by the side of the street. There was an explosion. Several people sitting on chairs by the cafe, looked up, glanced at the sky and started drinking coffee again, she messaged The Associated Press, communicating anonymously for her safety.

In other parts of Tehran, she said, the streets where a building has been damaged and destroyed, or the houses around it, are different. Its like Gaza. Silence. The smell of death.

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 By Amir-Hussein Radjy

___

This story has been corrected to replace a headline to show that Trump budget is seeking $1.5 trillion in defense spending.

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___
The driveway around Silvermine Dual Language Magnet School. Silvermine now has a new acting principal, Jules Douge, who assumes the role vacated by former principal Yesenia Paredes, whose employment status with the Norwalk Public Schools could not be verified. Erik Trautmann / Hearst Connecticut Media

NORWALK  Silvermine Dual Language Magnet School now has an acting principal.

Norwalk schools confirmed that Jules Douge, previously an assistant principal at West Rocks Middle School, was named to the leading role at the K-5 elementary school. He assumed the position after Silvermines principal Yesenia Paredes vacated the role.

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Paredes current employment status with the Norwalk Public Schools, meanwhile, could not be verified.

School officials did not specify when Paredes left the role or when Douge officially began.

Douge served as assistant principal at West Rocks since 2024. He was transferred from Norwalks Kendall College & Career Academy, a magnet elementary program, where he was a social worker since 2018.

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According to the school district, Douges educational philosophy is rooted in resilience, problem-solving, and decision-making skills that were forged during his childhood.

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Douge holds a masters degree in social work from Hunter College, as well as a masters in health administration from the University of New Haven. He received his sixth-year degree administrator certification from Sacred Heart University.

Paredes became Silvermines principal in 2022. At the time, the school system described Paredes as a veteran educator with 23 years of experience in the New York City public school system. Her experience included administrative and teaching roles, including specialized instructional leader and assistant principal.

On Tuesday, a coalition of close to a dozen Silvermine parents addressed the Norwalk Board of Education during its business meeting, criticizing Paredes leadership and the schools performance during her tenure.

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Parents described issues that included teacher turnover and poor communication with parents, as well as a decline in the overall quality of bilingual instruction at the school.
FILE - President Donald Trump, stands with then-defense attorney Todd Blanche, May 14, 2024, in New York. Craig Ruttle/AP FILE - Attorney General Pam Bondi speaks with reporters during a news conference at the Department of Justice, Nov. 19, 2025, in Washington, as Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, listens. Mark Schiefelbein/AP FILE - Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche meets with reporters in Washington, Jan. 30, 2026. J. Scott Applewhite/AP

Before picking Todd Blanche to help lead and now run the Justice Department, President Donald Trump was his client.

Blanche, whom Trump elevated Thursday from deputy attorney general to acting U.S. attorney general, rose to prominence representing the president in criminal cases that consumed the four years between his first and second terms.

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Blanche, a former federal prosecutor and law firm partner, led Trump's criminal defense team, representing the Republican in matters including his New York hush money case, which ended in his conviction on 34 felony counts, and a pair of federal cases brought by special counsel Jack Smith, both of which have been abandoned.

In a social media post, Trump called Blanche a very talented and respected Legal Mind.

As deputy attorney general, Blanche was the Justice Departments second-in-command.

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Working under Attorney General Pam Bondi, he managed the departments day-to-day operations and became one of its most vocal defenders and visible public faces. He oversaw the release of government files on Jeffrey Epstein and appeared frequently on TV news programs.

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Here's a look at Blanche's career and his rise to running the Justice Department:

Paralegal by day, law school student by night

Blanche, 51, attended Brooklyn Law School at night while working as a paralegal at the U.S. attorneys office in Manhattan, and graduated cum laude. Originally from the Denver suburbs, he completed his undergraduate studies at American University in Washington, D.C.

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Blanche served as a law clerk for federal judges Denny Chin and Joseph Bianco, both now members of the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, and was a federal prosecutor for eight years in the same U.S. attorneys office where he had started as a paralegal.

He spent two years as co-chief of the offices violent crimes unit, overseeing about two dozen prosecutors and cases involving killings, kidnappings, and other violent crimes.

Entering private practice and Trump's inner circle

Blanche left the U.S. attorney's office in 2014, taking a job in the Manhattan office of the law firm WilmerHale. In September 2017, he moved to Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP, where he was a partner in the White Collar Defense and Investigations practice.

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In a prelude to his work defending Trump, Blanche represented the president's former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort, and in 2019 succeeded in getting a mortgage fraud case against him dismissed in the same New York court where Trump was convicted.

Blanche argued that the case, brought by the Manhattan district attorneys office that later prosecuted Trump, was too similar to one that landed Manafort in federal prison and therefore amounted to double jeopardy.

An opportunity I should not pass up

Blanche left Cadwalader in 2023, telling colleagues he was resigning to represent Trump. He joined the president's defense team just prior to his arraignment in the hush money case.

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In an email announcing his departure, he wrote: I have been asked to represent Trump in the recently charged DA case, and after much thought/consideration, I have decided it is the best thing for me to do and an opportunity I should not pass up.

Despite his conviction, Trump came away from the hush money case impressed with Blanches tenacity, his willingness to spar with witnesses and judges, and the poise he showed in speaking in front of TV cameras.

Trump rewarded Blanche and another of his defense lawyers, Emil Bove, with prominent roles in his new administration's Justice Department, and last summer nominated Bove to be a judge on the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

Defending Trump in a slew of criminal cases

In addition to the hush money matter, Blanche represented Trump in the two cases brought by the special counsel, his 2020 election interference case in Washington and the Florida case accusing the former president of hoarding classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate.

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In both cases, Trump's Blanche-led defense team successfully mounted a legal strategy focused heavily on delaying the cases until after the 2024 presidential election. When Trump won, Smith moved to abandon the cases, acknowledging a longstanding Justice Department policy that says sitting presidents cannot be indicted or prosecuted while in office.

Ten days before Trump returned to office, Blanche sat alongside him at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, appearing by video together as a Manhattan judge sentenced the president-elect to no punishment in the hush-money case.

The majority of the American people also agree that this case should not have been brought, Blanche told the judge, citing the election results as a verdict of its own.

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People visit the 14th Energy Storage International Conference and Expo (ESIE) at the Capital International Exhibition & Convention Center in Beijing, capital of China, April 2, 2026. The 14th ESIE, featuring six themed exhibition pavilions, opens from March 31 to April 3. (Xinhua/Yin Dongxun)

Visitors learn about the full-scenario solution of CATL for zero-carbon city during the 14th Energy Storage International Conference and Expo (ESIE) at the Capital International Exhibition & Convention Center in Beijing, capital of China, April 2, 2026. The 14th ESIE, featuring six themed exhibition pavilions, opens from March 31 to April 3. (Xinhua/Yin Dongxun)

A staff member introduces a product during the 14th Energy Storage International Conference and Expo (ESIE) at the Capital International Exhibition & Convention Center in Beijing, capital of China, April 2, 2026. The 14th ESIE, featuring six themed exhibition pavilions, opens from March 31 to April 3. (Xinhua/Yin Dongxun)

A visitor (R) learns about energy storage products of China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC) during the 14th Energy Storage International Conference and Expo (ESIE) at the Capital International Exhibition & Convention Center in Beijing, capital of China, April 2, 2026. The 14th ESIE, featuring six themed exhibition pavilions, opens from March 31 to April 3. (Xinhua/Yin Dongxun)

Visitors learn about a 6.25 MWh liquid-cooled energy storage system of Zhejiang Narada Power Source Co., Ltd. during the 14th Energy Storage International Conference and Expo (ESIE) at the Capital International Exhibition & Convention Center in Beijing, capital of China, April 2, 2026. The 14th ESIE, featuring six themed exhibition pavilions, opens from March 31 to April 3. (Xinhua/Yin Dongxun)

Visitors learn about the flexible green power hydrogen product solution of China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC) during the 14th Energy Storage International Conference and Expo (ESIE) at the Capital International Exhibition & Convention Center in Beijing, capital of China, April 2, 2026. The 14th ESIE, featuring six themed exhibition pavilions, opens from March 31 to April 3. (Xinhua/Yin Dongxun)

Visitors learn about the full-scenario solution of CATL for zero-carbon city during the 14th Energy Storage International Conference and Expo (ESIE) at the Capital International Exhibition & Convention Center in Beijing, capital of China, April 2, 2026. The 14th ESIE, featuring six themed exhibition pavilions, opens from March 31 to April 3. (Xinhua/Yin Dongxun)
BEIJING, April 3 (Xinhua) -- China extends congratulations to Min Aung Hlaing on being elected as Myanmar's new president, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said here on Friday.

Spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks in response to a query at a daily press briefing. According to media reports, Min Aung Hlaing on Friday secured more than half of the votes in Myanmar's Union Parliament, winning the country's presidential election. 
BEIJING, April 3 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Foreign Ministry announced on Monday countermeasures against Keiji Furuya, a member of Japan's House of Representatives, for his egregious moves, including collusion with "Taiwan independence" separatist forces for provocative moves.

The countermeasures are just acts based on Chinese law, aimed at safeguarding national interests, and in line with international norms. More importantly, they are a firm and forceful response to the wanton provocations and reckless actions of the Japanese side.

This sends a clear message to Tokyo: anyone or any force that crosses the line and plays with fire on the Taiwan question will bring trouble on themselves and suffer the consequences.

The Taiwan question lies at the very core of China's core interests and is a red line that must not be crossed. Given its historical responsibilities, the Japanese side should exercise even greater prudence in its words and actions.

China has repeatedly stated its solemn position against the provocative and erroneous remarks on Taiwan made by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi last year.

Yet Japanese politicians such as Furuya ignored China's statements and escalated their provocations on the Taiwan question, gravely violating the one-China principle and the spirit of the four political documents between China and Japan.

These actions are eroding the political foundation of China-Japan relations and pushing the bilateral relationship into a deeper crisis.

Recent alarming developments, like harassment against Chinese nationals in Tokyo and the intrusion of a Self-Defense Forces officer into the Chinese embassy, show that far-right ideologies and forces are running rampant in Japan, with "neo-militarism" gaining dangerous momentum.

The Japanese public and the international community should stay alert. Such deliberate manipulations of China-related issues and the creation of disturbances serve a clear purpose -- to hype up the so-called "external threat" to mislead public opinion, create a pretext for military buildup, and pursue ulterior political agendas.

China will never allow Japanese right-wing forces to reverse the course of history, nor will it permit any external interference in the Taiwan question or the revival of Japanese militarism.

It is time for the Japanese government to engage in serious self-reflection and correct its mistakes, honor its commitments through concrete actions, and immediately cease all acts that damage China-Japan relations and threaten regional peace and stability.

If Tokyo persists in its misguided course and acts willfully, it will pay a heavier price. 
WASHINGTON, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Over 100 U.S. international law experts said in a letter released on Thursday that the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran may violate international law and amount to "war crimes."

The open letter, signed by experts including former government legal advisors and scholars from Harvard, Yale and Stanford, called the U.S.-Israeli military campaign "a clear violation" of the United Nations (UN) Charter, noting that there was no evidence Iran posed an imminent threat that could ground a self-defense claim.

Statements made by senior U.S. officials "raise serious concerns about violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, including potential war crimes," it added, citing U.S. President Donald Trump's remarks that the United States may strike Iran "just for fun" and Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth's comment on ignoring "stupid rules of engagement."

Experts also pointed to Trump's threat to "take out" Iranian power plants and to "do things that would be so bad they could literally never rebuild as a nation again," warning that "International law protects from attack objects indispensable to the survival of civilians, and the attacks threatened by Trump, if implemented, could entail war crimes."

The experts said they are also "seriously concerned" about strikes on schools, health facilities and homes, noting that 67,414 civilian sites, including 498 schools and 236 health facilities, have been struck, and at least 1,443 Iranian civilians, including 217 children, were killed by U.S.-Israeli forces between Feb. 28 and March 23.

The Feb. 28 strike on Minab primary school that caused over 175 deaths, mostly children, "likely violates international humanitarian law, and if evidence is found that those responsible were reckless, it could also be a war crime," said the experts, adding that the strike is among the deadliest single attacks by the U.S. military on civilians in recent decades.

The letter also warned that changes in the U.S. Defense Department, including the removal of senior legal officials, could weaken oversight of military operations.

It urged U.S. officials and their allies to uphold international law, including the UN Charter and the Geneva Conventions, and called on all parties to avoid actions that could further harm civilians or escalate the conflict. 
MANILA, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Seven people were injured after a portion of the ceiling collapsed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in the Philippines' Metro Manila, around 10:43 a.m. Friday, local media reported.

The injured had been given medical assistance and remained in stable condition, said the airport's operator. Witnesses said the ceiling collapsed onto airport seats and an elderly person was among the injured.

The Philippines' Department of Transportation has ordered an investigation into the incident. 
KHARTOUM, April 2 (Xinhua) -- The UN on Thursday reopened its headquarters in Khartoum, alongside the resumption of operations of the UN Development Programme (UNDP), paving the way for a gradual restoration of its activities after nearly three years of suspension following the outbreak of conflict in the country.

Sudan's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Mohi El-Din Salem, UN officials and representatives of the Khartoum State government attended the reopening ceremony.

In a statement, the Sudanese minister said the reopening reflects the resumption of cooperation between the Khartoum State government and the UN, hailing the step as a "positive indicator" of renewed international partnerships and support for the country's stabilization efforts.

For his part, Associate Administrator of the UNDP Xu Haoliang said the return of UN agencies to Khartoum represents important support for Sudan in the current phase.

Xu said the UNDP is focusing on humanitarian response while strengthening the capacities of national institutions and local communities, contributing to recovery and reconstruction efforts.

The UN had previously relocated a large portion of its operations outside Khartoum, while maintaining some humanitarian activities through field offices in other states, amid significant challenges related to access and the deterioration of infrastructure and basic services.

Sudan is facing one of the largest humanitarian crises in the region. The ongoing war has displaced millions internally and externally, alongside a sharp decline in health and education services and surging food insecurity.

Earlier, the UN warned of growing humanitarian needs in Sudan as the war approaches its third year. According to the Sudan Humanitarian Response Plan for 2026, recently announced by the UN, about 33.7 million people in Sudan will require humanitarian assistance this year -- an increase of 3.3 million compared to 2025. 
LONDON, April 3 (Xinhua) -- A 14-year-old boy has died after being shot in southeast London, and three teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of murder, the Metropolitan Police said Friday.

Police said the victim was killed in Woolwich, a town in southeast London. Two teenage boys, aged 14 and 16, and an 18-year-old man were arrested on Thursday and remain in custody.

The motivation of the shooting remained unclear as investigations are underway. 
Letter to the Editor words typed on a sheet of paper in a vintage typewriter. MargJohnsonVA/Getty Images

I am so disappointed again and again by communities in Madison County refusing to take advantage of American Rescue Plan and Salvation Army funding for transitional housing for our homeless persons. Ive been fortunate through volunteering at OWLs (Overnight Warming Locations) and at Operation Blessing in Wood River that I have gotten to know and become friends with many unhoused individuals. Sure, theyre not perfect. But neither am I.

Once unhoused, its really hard to get back on ones feet. A job is difficult to get, let alone keep, if you are living in a tent somewhere. If you were evicted from your last residence, for whatever reason, its difficult to find your next residence without that reference. A stable place of residence for a period of time at a transitional housing facility gives people a chance.

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These individuals are our neighbors, and I believe we are to love our neighbors. After all, in Matthew 25:40, Jesus tells us to care for the least of these. Care is an action word. We need to act.
Live-in relationships have once again found themselves at the centre of legal and moral debate in India, this time triggered by two conflicting rulings from the Allahabad High Court within days of each other.

In one case, a single judge refused to grant protection to a couple where one partner was still legally married, effectively denying legitimacy to such an arrangement. Shortly thereafter, a division bench of the same court took a completely different stance, holding that the law cannot be governed by moral considerations alone and granting protection to another such couple.

The contradiction is not merely judicial; it reflects a deeper discomfort within Indias legal system when it comes to relationships that exist outside the traditional framework of marriage.

At the heart of this debate lies a fundamental question: Is the law meant to preserve the sanctity of marriage at all costs, or to protect women from harm, regardless of the nature of their relationships?

The recognition of live-in relationships in India emerged as a legal necessity. In Indra Sarma v V.K.V. Sarma (2013), the Supreme Court acknowledged such relationships primarily to extend protection to women under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005. The law introduced the category of a relationship in the nature of marriage, allowing women outside formal wedlock to seek remedies against abuse.

This was never intended to equate live-in relationships with marriage, nor to weaken the institution itself. Instead, it was a response to a social reality that relationships exist beyond legal marriage, and the absence of legal recognition often leaves women vulnerable to exploitation, abandonment, and violence.

The legal landscape shifted significantly in 2018 when the Supreme Court, in Joseph Shine v Union of India, decriminalised adultery. By striking down Section 497 of the Indian Penal Code, the court reframed adultery as a civil issue rather than a criminal offence.

One of the consequences of this ruling is that live-in relationships are no longer confined to unmarried individuals. They may now involve partners where one or both are already married. While such relationships may still carry social stigma and become grounds for divorce, they are no longer criminal.

This has placed courts in a difficult position. When couples in such relationships seek protection, the judiciary must decide whether to prioritise the legal rights of a spouse or the fundamental rights of individuals choosing to cohabit.

Not all live-in relationships qualify for legal protection. Courts have repeatedly held that only those resembling a stable, long-term partnership, akin to marriage, fall within the ambit of the Domestic Violence Act.

This creates a grey area. What constitutes a relationship in the nature of marriage is unclear. Duration, shared household, financial arrangements, and social recognition are all considered, but there is no rigid formula, say experts.

As a result, judicial interpretation often varies, influenced as much by individual perspectives as by legal principles. The recent Allahabad High Court rulings illustrate this.

The single-judge bench, in denying protection, leaned heavily on the need to preserve the sanctity of marriage. It reasoned that allowing a married person to enter into a live-in relationship without first dissolving the existing marriage would undermine the legal rights of the spouse, including the right to consortium under Section 9 of the Hindu Marriage Act.

The judgment went a step further by drawing parallels with bigamy, invoking penal provisions that criminalise a second marriage while the first is already active.

In contrast, in the second case, the division bench adopted a more rights-based approach. It emphasised that the role of the court is not to enforce societal morality but to uphold the law and protect individual liberty. Two consenting adults, said the court, are entitled to live together, even if their relationship may not conform to conventional norms.

The tension between these two approaches underscores a broader dilemma, that of the protection of the institution of marriage, a social framework that carries legal and economic implications.

However, at the same time, the law cannot deny protection to individuals in live-in relationships.

Experts explain that for many couples, especially women, seeking legal protection is about ensuring safety. In a country where honour-based violence remains a reality, the refusal to grant protection can have life-threatening consequences.

"Insisting that a married individual must first obtain a divorce before entering into a live-in relationship may appear legally sound, but it does not always align with lived realities. Divorce proceedings in India can be prolonged, contested, and emotionally draining. During this period, individuals may already be in new relationships, often facing hostility from families and communities. Denying them protection in such circumstances risks pushing them into greater vulnerability," says advocate Satyanarayanan, practising in the Bombay High Court.

As live-in relationships become more visible, courts will continue to grapple with the challenge of balancing marital rights on one hand, and individual autonomy on the other.

What remains clear, however, is that the legal recognition of live-in relationships was never about endorsing a moral choice. It was about addressing a gap in protection, say activists.

In navigating this complex terrain, the judiciary may need to draw a sharper distinction between disapproval and denial of rights.

Because, ultimately, the question is not whether live-in relationships are morally acceptable. It is whether those who choose them deserve to be safe.
The West Asia war is well into the second month, and Iran is still standing. For the US, it is as much a war to assert the American global power status as it is to negate an inveterate enemy. On the sidelines of the Iran war, Israel is also systematically degrading the Iran proxies in the region.

For Israel, the returns from the war are well worth the price that it is paying for the war. For the US, the cost of the war, in physical terms, may be affordable. However, the steep reputational cost may be slipping into the red and is a cause of worry. This makes it extremely essential for the US to secure visible and tangible outcomes within a reasonable time.

As per the established norms, the most destructive weapon systems of war serve as tools of deterrence rather than as tools of destruction. These capabilities add overwhelming weight and credibility to the threats put out by responsible holders of such systems. Similarly, civil infrastructure is not considered a legitimate target in war. However, in the context of the ongoing war, we are in a situation where the warring parties on either side are already breaching some of these norms. We may be staring at the dangerous possibility of even the remaining norms being breached.

President Trumps inconsistency makes the Gulf quagmire deeper. Nonchalantly, he blows hot and cold, giving the impression that the US has achieved all its aims, but the very next moment, he goes on to assert that more intense strikes on Iran will follow in the coming weeks.

Trumps actions and statements have turned the global markets topsy-turvy. It would be interesting to check out the market investments and disinvestments made by the Trump Business Empire, before and after each market-influencing statement made by President Trump during the war.

Iran, on its part, is determined to take the fight to the wire. Iran isnt a medieval Islamic kingdom. Apart from its inherent civilisational strength, combined with the Shia sacrificial spirit, a distinct nationalist fervour and its natural resources, Iran has a fairly tech-competent and high-quality human capital.

The relentless US-Israel strikes have pushed Iran back by many decades in terms of military and economic capabilities. It has also suffered huge losses in terms of human lives. But what Iran has not lost despite the devastating destruction that is being inflicted on it 24/7 and what it vehemently refuses to lose, is its honour and national pride. That makes a surrender or submission to Trumps conditions a very remote possibility.

Random missile strikes on valuable targets in the target-rich Gulf, and its ability to squeeze Hormuz and hold the world energy supply chains to ransom are adequate retaliation capabilities for Iran to believe that its national honour remains intact.

For Irans adversaries, putting boots on the ground to secure a decisive victory would be prohibitively costly and would remain a no-go option.

In the backdrop of all this, what would define a victory for the US seems ambiguous. On the contrary, for Iran, there is no such ambiguity. Iran is the underdog. Not surrendering formally, even when it has been bombed to rubble, is in itself a victory for Iran.

Total destruction of Irans nuclear facilities, a near destruction of its missiles and drone manufacturing facilities and a debilitating blow to its critical infrastructure are what Trump would ideally like to achieve. This will require intense strikes in a graduated manner and, in extreme cases, some selective surgical ground operations and even some low-yield nuclear strikes.

There is also a possibility, which Trump hints at sometimeshe may just declare victory / aim accomplished and pull out.

President Trump can also choose to let the war linger on below a certain threshold, hoping that Iran will wear out first. This may be executed in the form of sporadic, intense strikes followed by short periods of suspension of war, with frequent announcements of terms and conditions for the cessation of war.

An immediate ceasefire and cessation of hostilities would be the most preferred option for the world. However, such a possibility does not appear to be around the corner.

With President Trumps track record, no option can be ruled out.

As far as the region is concerned, Gulf countries could end up paying the highest price for the Iran war, both in the short and long term. They had not anticipated the trajectory that the war is taking and the manner in which a cornered Iran is inflicting pain on them and the world. They find themselves right in the centre of the crossfire, absolutely unprepared for the consequences that are unfolding. For decades, with the Iran genie securely confined within its own borders, the Gulf countries had enjoyed an era of peace and prosperity. The war has let the genie out, and Iran now holds the potential to keep the region in an unsettled state of turmoil after the war. The existing security structure and security guarantees in the region have been rendered grossly inadequate and ineffective to cope with the changed geopolitics of the region. A new, formal security alliance framework for the Gulf may well be on the cards. Gulf countries can also expect a hefty bill as their share of the war costs from Trump.

For the rest of the world, the economic and geopolitical pains are getting more acute with every passing day of the war and with every flip-flop statement of President Trump. For the larger global good, the war must end as soon as possible.

Where is the world headed? Go get your own oil, and Trumps latest televised address to his nation have only reinforced the geopolitical uncertainty. President Trumps assertions signal his deep discomfort with a multipolar world. Even a smaller multi-lateral coalition like the NATO is under immense existential stress. Trumps onslaught on institutions, traditional US allies and partners is making even China seem like a responsible, rules-based global player. With the kind of geopolitical churning that is taking place, it may be time for a multi-lateral global alliance where no member enjoys a dictating status.

Who can make a deal with the authoritarian head of state of the most powerful country in the world, who throws diplomatic niceties to the wind every minute, threatens China, Russia, the EU and the NATO in the same breath, hurls insults at elected heads of states with impunity, rides roughshod over every global institution including the UN and makes contradictory statements 24/7?

Maybe the world needs to give a momentary pass to morality and help President Trump stop the hostilities by praising him and assuring him that all his war goals have been achieved.

(The writer is former deputy chief of India Army)

(The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of THE WEEK.)
United Kingdom on Thursday announced it had deployed its Rapid Sentry air defence system to Kuwait amid the war in the Gulf, which has crossed one month.

Operated by the Royal Air Force (RAF) Regiment, a unit of the RAF specially trained to protect airbases, the short-range air defence (SHORAD) system is designed to counter drone attacks.

News of the deployment comes after an Iranian drone attack at Kuwait's Mina Al Ahmadi oil refinery overnight into Friday, sparking fires at the key oil facility owned by the state-run Kuwait Petroleum Corporation.

UKs Starmer and Kuwaits Crown Prince discussed deploying UKs Rapid Sentry air defense system to Kuwait. pic.twitter.com/bGu9QKYugH  Open Source Intel (@Osint613) April 3, 2026

This comes amid a major escalation in the war between Iran and US-Israel forces, due to which Tehran has ramped up its attacks on vital infrastructure in the Arab nations around it.

As a result, UK PM Keir Starmer's office noted that it would deploy the Rapid Sentry system after a call with Kuwaits Crown Prince Sabah Al Khalid Al Sabah.

"He reiterated that the UK stands with Kuwait and all our allies in the Gulf," the spokesperson said, adding that the PM had condemned the attacks.

A key component of the Rapid Sentry SHORAD system is its Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMMs)munitions that are also used by the Royal Navy under the name Martlet, which reportedly have a range of up to 8km.

Manufactured by Thales in Belfast, LMMs are designed for use against small, fast targets like drones, and are able to reach speeds of Mach 1.5 (about 1,852km/h).

Our layered system means we always have options: detect, disrupt, or defeat. Rapid Sentry gives us a credible kinetic safeguard when a drone cannot be defeated electronically, noted Air Commodore Paul Hamilton, Commandant General of the RAF Regiment, in an RAF statement.

Equipped with a triple effect warhead and proximity fuse, LMMs are capable of responding to threats like light armored, wheeled, and tracked vehicles as well, in addition to aerial platforms.

While the RAF Regiment has not yet confirmed what radar system the Rapid Sentry system will use, reports speculate it may be the Giraffe 1X 3D radars developed by Saab.

Notably, the UK had ordered 11 of these lightweight, multi-mission, 3D surveillance radars back in 2023.

The UK's defence ministry also confirmed plans to procure additional LMMs to enhance UK force protection and support regional partners, another RAF statement said.
Steven Spielberg is the most versatile filmmaker on the planet. The man has tried his hand at different genres, with mostly successful results. But there's something... special... about him and science fiction, given the fact that some of his most iconic films  blockbusters, that too  belong to the sci-fi and fantasy genres ("Jurassic Park", "Minority Report").

So it's only natural for Spielberg fans to get enthusiastic about his return to the territory of "Close Encounters of the Third Kind", "E.T.", and "War of the Worlds"  well, the first one more than the others, it appears so.

His latest film, "Disclosure Day", which was written by David Koepp ("Jurassic Park") from the former's story, is driven by his curiosity to know if there are other living beings out there in the universe. If I could know, I would want to know, the legendary filmmaker told Empire magazine. Who would not want to know? There are also great questions on what kind of social and theological disruption would occur if such an event were disclosed beyond anyones reasonable doubts.

A filmmaker who never repeats himself, despite returning to the same genre multiple times, Spielberg says he asks different questions in "Disclosure Day".

I have seven solid decades of a vast personal interest in what lies beyond our atmosphere, in the cosmos, and what is within our atmosphere right here on planet Earth. The question has always remained for me: are we alone on our own planet? I cannot imagine that we are alone out there. That question has not only haunted me, but it has also inspired me. But, I think, it has now resolved itself to my satisfaction in 'Disclosure Day', he adds.

In the same interview, Spielberg credits his father for generating an interest in science and science fiction. My dad took me outside when I was five years old in New Jersey to watch a meteor shower. Then he built me a homemade reflecting telescope, where I was able to see the moons around Jupiter and the rings around Saturn. So, I give credit to my father for instilling in me both the values of science and imagination.

Emily Blunt, who plays the film's female lead, told Empire that there are definitely questions posed by 'Close Encounters' that are answered in 'Disclosure Day'.

Josh O'Connor, Colin Firth, Colman Domingo, Eve Hewson, and Wyatt Russell are among the other principal cast members of the film, which hits theatres on 12 June 2026.
A major new global study published in the journal Nature Medicine has warned that physical inactivity remains one of the most serious but under-addressed public health challenges of the 21st century, contributing to more than five million deaths every year.

The research, led by Deborah Salvo and an international team of public health experts, argues that the benefits of physical activity extend far beyond obesity and heart disease and should be central to strategies addressing mental health, infectious diseases, cancer and health inequality.

The authors state clearly: With over 5 million attributed deaths per year, physical inactivity is a major global public health issue.

For your daily dose of medical news and updates, visit: HEALTH

The study highlights alarming global trends in inactivity. According to the researchers, almost one out of three adults, and eight out of 10 adolescents, do not meet WHO physical activity guidelines.

The guidelines of the World Health Organization recommend 150300 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per week for adults and at least 60 minutes daily for children and adolescents.

Despite decades of policy advocacy, the researchers warn that progress remains slow and uneven, especially across gender and income groups.

The study emphasises that the popular health message that every move counts remains valid but insufficient unless governments also address structural barriers to physical activity.

Deep inequality in access to active lifestyles

One of the most striking findings is the stark inequality in opportunities for physical activity between rich and poor populations and between men and women.

The research found a 40-percentage-point gap in active leisure between wealthy men in high-income countries and poor women in low-income countries.

The authors describe active leisure as the only form of physical activity largely driven by personal choice, unlike physical labour or transport activity, which often reflects necessity rather than opportunity.

The study notes: Our global, intersectional analysis revealed a 40-percentage-point gap in active leisure between historically privileged groups and historically disadvantaged ones.

This inequality, researchers say, reflects broader social realities rather than individual motivation alone.

Physical activity helps immunity

The study also draws attention to lesser-known health benefits of exercise, especially its role in strengthening immunity and reducing infection risks.

The researchers argue that the importance of physical activity in immune function has been underestimated by scientific consensus groups.

According to the study, regular exercise improves immune surveillance, reduces inflammation and strengthens immune responses.

It notes that regular moderate-to-vigorous physical activity boosts immune responses to vaccines, reduces viral loads, [and] lowers inflammation.

These findings are particularly relevant in a world still dealing with the aftermath of pandemics and rising infectious disease threats.

Strong evidence linking exercise and mental health

The research also confirms strong links between physical activity and improved mental health outcomes, particularly depression.

The authors state: The available evidence supports that physical activity can help prevent and attenuate depression and depressive symptoms.

One major meta-analysis cited in the study found that even modest exercise levels can significantly reduce depression risk.

The researchers report that accumulating half of the recommended amount of physical activity was associated with an 18 per cent lower incidence of depression.

Meeting full activity guidelines was linked to even greater benefits, with a 25 per cent reduction in depression incidence.

The study also notes exercise can work as a treatment intervention, with evidence showing that activities such as walking, yoga and strength training produce moderate yet clinically significant effects in reducing depressive symptoms.

Exercise linked to lower cancer risk

The study also reinforces long-standing evidence linking physical activity to lower cancer risk and better survival outcomes among cancer patients.

The authors note: Multiple large-scale reviews report higher levels of physical activity being associated with lower risk of several types of cancer.

Risk reductions of 1020 per cent were observed for cancers, including breast, colorectal and gastric cancers, among the most physically active individuals.

For cancer patients, the benefits may be even more striking.

The study reports 37 per cent lower cancer mortality risk among the highest versus the lowest activity group when physical activity was maintained after diagnosis.

Researchers also found evidence that exercise improves quality of life and treatment outcomes among cancer survivors.

Rethinking physical activity

The study calls for a fundamental shift in how physical activity is understood in public health policy.

Rather than focusing narrowly on weight loss and cardiovascular disease, the authors propose a broader model centred on what they call physical activity for health and wellbeing.

The researchers argue that modern public health challengesincluding climate change, inequality and mental health crisesrequire a more holistic approach.

They write that todays health crises are shaped by colliding NCD, infectious disease and mental health emergencies.

This broader model recognises that physical activity patterns are shaped not just by personal choice but by social identity, economic conditions, urban design and public policy.

The study emphasises that health itself should be viewed more broadly, citing definitions that describe it as complete wellbeing rather than merely the absence of disease.

Policy action urgently needed

The authors conclude that governments must invest in policies that make physical activity more accessible, especially for disadvantaged populations.

They stress the urgent need to develop and roll out policies and programs that disseminate and harness the full benefits of physical activity.

This includes better urban planning, safer walking infrastructure, gender-inclusive sports programs and workplace wellness policies.

Ultimately, the study argues that promoting physical activity may be one of the most cost-effective interventions available to governments seeking to improve both individual and societal health.

As the researchers conclude, the challenge now is to ensure physical activity becomes a central pillar of public health policy rather than a lifestyle afterthought.

This story is done in collaboration with First Check, which is the health journalism vertical of DataLEADS.
MOSCOW, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Twelve people, including an 11-year-old girl, were injured in the Russian western region of Belgorod following Ukrainian attacks on Thursday, said regional Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov.

"The Armed Forces of Ukraine have carried out new strikes on our region. Twelve people have been wounded. All the victims are receiving the necessary medical assistance", Gladkov wrote on his social media.

According to Gladkov, two attacks were carried out on the city of Shebekino, where four people sustained mine-blast and shrapnel wounds.

Later, a Ukrainian drone hit a commercial site in Shebekino, wounding seven more, including an 11-year-old girl.

In the village of Golovchino, another person was injured as a result of an attack on a vehicle, suffering mine-blast injuries, barotrauma, shrapnel wounds and burns.

Governor Gladkov further reported that the attacks across multiple localities in the Belgorod region damaged 12 passenger vehicles, 10 private residential structures, two commercial properties and machinery at several industrial sites, as well as shattering windows in six apartment units. 
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Friday accused Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha of shying away from raising issues against the Centre in Parliament and fearing the BJP leadership including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Delhi Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) President Saurabh Bharadwaj alleged that Chadha failed to toe the party's line on several matters in Parliament and did not join opposition walkouts on key issues.

ALSO READ | Raghav Chadha uses evil eye emoji in first response to AAP snub in Rajya Sabha

"We are all soldiers of Arvind Kejriwal; the Centre does not care about soft PR or talking about samosas at airport canteens when bigger issues are at stake," Bharadwaj said in a video posted on X.

"Whenever the Opposition staged a walkout in Parliament, you (Chadha) did not participate. You did not raise issues concerning Punjab, from where you were elected, and you hid in a foreign country when former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal was arrested," he added.

AAP national media in-charge Anurag Dhanda also criticised Chadha, questioning whether someone who "fears" Prime Minister Narendra Modi can fight for the country.

"In West Bengal, the right to vote is being snatched away. When a proposal against the CEC came up in the House, you (Chadha) refused to sign it," Dhanda said on X.

"In Parliament, we get limited time to speak, and it can be used either to fight for the nation or discuss trivial matters like cheaper samosas at airport canteens," Dhanda said, adding that Chadha has been hesitant to speak on "real issues" for the last few years.

ALSO READ | AAPs Raghav Chadha faces the music as Punjab BJP rumours persist

Dhanda has questioned Chadha's working style on social media and public platforms. He said, "Raghav, you've been scared for the past few years. You're afraid to speak against Modi. Whoever is scared, how will they fight for the country?" Dhanda sarcastically said that the limited time a party gets to speak in Parliament should be used to save the country, not for issues like "making samosas cheaper at airport canteens."

"In Gujarat, hundreds of our workers were arrested by the BJP police. Did the MP say anything in the House?" Anurag Dhanda asked.

The remarks came after Chadha earlier in the day said he was "silenced, not defeated", a day after being removed as the AAP's Deputy Leader in the Rajya Sabha.
On Sunday, as he walked into the sprawling ballroom of a five-star hotel in Chennai with a red-and-yellow shawl draped around his neck, the mood was upbeat. According to party insiders, actor-turned-politician Vijays selection of candidates for all 234 constituencies  including the two he is contesting  was driven by the need to field a strong presence across the state. The candidate selection in TVK was based on multiple factors: personal loyalty, specific criteria, strategic migrations, and last-minute entrants from other parties such as AIADMK, DMK, NTK, and MDMK. It also factored in the Vijay identity.

In fact, Vijay had personally conducted candidate interviews since November till February, until the second CBI summons, only for 60 constituencies. The party apparently did not have candidates, at least for more than 115 constituencies. And just 12 hours before the announcement of candidates on March 29 (Sunday), Vijay had consulted former AIADMK minister K.A. Sengottaiyan, who joined the TVK last year for choosing the candidates, and the former AIADMK veteran lent strong support.

For instance, certain choices in the south and the west were based on Sengottaiyans experience, political inputs and also his proximity to the Jayalalithaa loyalists sidelined in the AIADMK. Incidentally, the Nanguneri candidate is Reddyiarpatti V. Narayanan, who resigned from the AIADMK in protest against allotting his constituency to T.T.V. Dhinakaran-led Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK). He joined the TVK only a day before the candidate announcement.

In Tirunelveli, the party has chosen R.S. Murugan, a high-profile highways contractor from the Tirunelveli segment. A small-time businessman, Murugan shot to prominence after he became close to former chief minister O. Panneerselvam (OPS) during the AIADMK regime between 2011 and 2021. After fissures emerged between Edappadi K Palaniswami and OPS, Murugan joined the DMK, eyeing the Nanguneri seat.

In Cumbum, neighbouring OPSs stronghold, in Bodiyanayakkanur constituency in Theni district, his former loyalist Jagannatha Misra is TVKs candidate. In Kolathur, former MLA V.S. Babu, who was once with the DMK and the AIADMK, and then moved to the TVK, has been given the ticket to contest. Vijay apparently met Babu only on the day the candidate list was announced. And during the campaign, Vijay also got his name wrong, saying, Prabhu is contesting in Kolathur.

In Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni, D. Selvam, who defected from the Congress to the TVK, just two days before the candidate announcement, will be facing Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin. In Valparai, former AIADMK MLA Sridharan is the candidate. Ku.Pa. Krishna, yet another former AIADMK MLA, is contesting from Lalgudi. And former minister Sammangi and Those Mohan, who were part of the AIADMK, are also TVK candidates in this election. Also, former AIADMK speaker P. Dhanapals son Lokesh, who joined the TVK recently, is also contesting on a TVK ticket.

TVK insiders say that this strategy of fielding largely unknown loyalists is reminiscent of the Jayalalithaa model, which was apparently based on Sengottaiyans advice, where supporters vote for the leader's name rather than the individual candidate. This is the tradition followed by both the Dravidian parties. Amma used to field loyalists even if they were new faces, Sengottaiyan told THE WEEK.

Incidentally, less than 50 per cent of the candidates are office bearers in the party who travelled with Vijay for a long time. The newcomers have also been accommodated. It was not an easy process. All of us went through a rigorous round of the selection process before we were declared as candidates, says Revanth Charan, TVK candidate from Maduravoyal. I attended a rigorous candidate interview. I am acquainted with the people here in Maduravoyal. The selection was done by Vijay anna. Only the eligible candidates were given the opportunity, said Revanth, who is also the advocate wing coordinator for the Chennai zone of the TVK.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Friday released a statement defending its decision to replace Raghav Chadha as its deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha with Ashok Mittal.

Calling its decision a "routine disciplinary action", the party claimed that Chadha constantly avoided speaking out against the PM Modi-led BJP governmenta prolonged silence that it said affected the party and the country.

This comes after the Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP sent a letter to the Rajya Sabha secretariat, requesting that the Punjab MP be replaced.

This comes after the Arvind Kejriwal-led party submitted a letter to the Rajya Sabha secretariat to replace Chadha with MP Ashok Mittal.



(raghav chadha aap, rajya sabha ashok mittal, aam aadmi party)https://t.co/IWRo4yzPLA  THE WEEK (@TheWeekLive) April 2, 2026

Chadha first responded to the snub with a cryptic post featuring a video montage showing the various issues he demanded in Parliament, and later spoke his mind on the order to replace him, saying in an X post that he was "silenced, not defeated".

Silenced, not defeated



My message to the aam aadmi



   ,   



'     pic.twitter.com/poUwxsu0S3  Raghav Chadha (@raghav_chadha) April 3, 2026

"Is it a crime to raise the issues of the people or to speak on public issues? Have I done something wrong? ... These discussions helped the aam aadmi (common people), but how did these issues affect the Aam Aadmi Party?" he questioned further.

The AAP also alleged in its statement that the accountant-turned-MP had repeatedly acted against the party line, citing instances such as his refusal to sign the impeachment motion against the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and not speaking in Parliament about the LPG crisis, which it said was in clear violation of the party whip.

Notably, Chadha had also not made any major statements on Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodias recent discharge in connection with the excise policy-linked money laundering case, which had reportedly raised eyebrows within the party.

"While we were fighting daily on the streets, Raghav Chadha was in London. He told us that he was there for an eye operation ... I wonder, when Arvind Kejriwal was arrested, was he afraid of the BJP? Was he afraid of Narendra Modi? Did he run away to London out of fear? Delhi Assembly Leader of Opposition (LoP) Atishi was quoted as saying in the statement.

"Today, Raghav Chadha must decide whether he stands with the Constitution or with Narendra Modi," she added, amid speculations of Chadha jumping to the BJP, as his exit from the AAP has also not been ruled out.

Chadha's new replacement, Ashok Mittal, however, remained tight-lipped on the party's allegations against the Punjab MP, stating that he "will also be given time to speak in the Rajya Sabha in the future".
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will resign from his post on April 13, almost a month after he was elected to the Rajya Sabha with the backing of 44 MLAs. This will pave the way for the election of the new Chief Minister of the state.

While the NDA alliance meeting has been scheduled for April 14 to elect a new leader for the post, the key meeting of the JD(U), slated for April 6 at Nitish Kumars residence, will possibly decide the partys strategy, importantly, about the future of Nitishs son Nishant Kumar.

Though the decision on the new chief minister will be taken only after considering Nitishs opinion, it is almost certain that the new head of the state will be from the BJP.



Amid this, a statement made by Social Welfare Minister Madan Sahni has sparked intrigue. Sahnis statement that the pairing of deputy chief minister Samrat Chaudhary and Nishant could prove to be a hit in the future has triggered speculation that Nishant could be made the deputy CM. He added that this decision could be made with the consent of both the JD(U) and the BJP. However, the final decision rests with the top leadership of the Bharatiya Janata Party, he added.

Sahni stated that both Nitish and the people of Bihar want Samrat Chaudhary to become the Chief Minister.

Madan Sahni also dropped a significant hint regarding the cabinet, according to local media reports. He stated that many new faces will be given opportunities in the new government. Five to six veteran leaders from the JD(U) are likely to be included, while the remaining seats will be filled by new faces. He also stated that new members may be accommodated in Nishant's team.

As per reports, even Nitish is okay with Samrat Chaudhary becoming the chief minister. He had hinted that during the Samriddhi Yatra, where he was seen delivering a political message from the stage, while placing a hand on Samrats shoulder. Many see this as his approval for Samrat.
All eyes are on nomination scrutiny in poll-bound Tamil Nadu after conflicting information was found in the nominations filed by Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay. The Kollywood superstar-turned-politician Vijay is contesting from Chennai's Perambur and Trichy East seats.

Vijay filed his nomination from Perambur first, and his affidavit reportedly claimed that he had no criminal cases registered against him. However, when he proceeded to file his nomination from Trichy East, he stated that a criminal case registered in 2025 was pending, Dinamani said in a report.

ALSO READ | Vijay will be defeated in Tiruchirappalli East by DMK candidate

Such conflicting information in the nomination papers submitted by the same candidate may lead to the rejection of his or her candidacy, the report added. According to the election rules, concealing information or providing false information in a candidate's affidavit is not only a punishable act but may also result in the rejection of his or her candidacy.

In Tamil Nadu, the deadline for filing nominations is Monday, 6 April. Vijay can escape rejection and further action over the contradictions by filing a new amended affidavit before the window closes. Otherwise, Vijay's camp will have to wait until 7 April to learn if his candidacy has been accepted or rejected, when the scrutiny of the nomination forms will take place.

Tamil Nadu will go to the polls on Thursday, 23 April.

Meanwhile, Vijay on Thursday alleged a joint machination and conspiracy in the tragic stampede in Karur and also in the release of his final film, Jananayagan, and said that he too wanted justice regarding the Karur incident. The tragic stampede left 41 people dead and several injured at a rally addressed by the actor-politician on 27 September 2025.

Addressing an election rally after filing his nomination papers from the Tiruchirappalli East Assembly constituency, Vijay said, as many have been insisting, the Karur incident was "a joint machination."

ALSO READ | Tamil Nadu Assembly elections 2026: 4 TVK battles to watch out for as polling date looms

"I, who have come to ask for justice for you, also want justice," the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam chief said, while also claiming a conspiracy over the release of his last film, Jananayagan.

He flayed both the Centre and the state governments over the LPG cylinder shortage and said both governments could have averted the crisis had they planned ahead and regulated the supply.
The BJP in Tamil Nadu on Friday released its final list of 27 candidates contesting in the upcoming Assembly elections scheduled for April 23.

However, the partys most popular face, K. Annamalai, was missing from the final candidate list released by the Delhi high command.

It took more than 10 days for the high command to release the list. While they tried convincing the former IPS officer and former state president to contest, sources confirm that he stood firm and refused.

According to party insiders, there are two reasons for Annamalai not taking up the offer.

One reason was genuine: that his father has been unwell and he wanted to be beside his ailing, in order to take care of his health.

Annamalai himself had revelaed this in February this year.

The second reason was that there was no winning constituency allotted to the BJP in the Coimbatore Lok Sabhaexcept for Coimbatore North, where Annamalai could pull off a victory very easily.

In the Coimbatore Lok Sabha, Annamalai had won the second highest sets of votes in the Singanallur Assembly segment in 2024, pushing the AIADMK candidate to the third place.

While the high command tried convincing Annamalai to contest from Modakurichi, one of the sitting constituencies of the BJP in the west, he refused, as he did not have a strong base in Modakurichi.

The AIADMK had allotted only a few constituencies in the western region to the BJP. Party seniors like Vanathi Srinivasan and Union Minister L. Murugan are contesting from the Westfrom Coimbatore North and Avinashi respectively.

Not just Annamalaieven the names of his loyalists like Karu Nagarajan, A.P. Muruganandham, Amar Prasad Reddy, Asuvathaman, and Vinoj P. Selvam are not in the list.

Sources say that Annamalai chose to stay away from the fray as he had his own apprehensions on whether the AIADMK leadership would make him lose the elections by not cooperating.

The dispute goes back to the 2024 elections, where Annamalai called Palaniswami an illiterate. This time, the AIADMK leadership held a firm grip over seat allocation.

Despite several rounds of persuasion, Palaniswami conceded only one constituency each in Coimbatore and Chennai, which has proved detrimental for Annamalai.

Annamalai wanted to contest either from Singanallur or Goundampalyamboth in Coimbatore Lok Sabha.

In fact, the Delhi high command even tried convincing Palaniswami to give Singanallur to Annamalai even after the AIADMK had announced its candidate.

The Hindu Munnani leaders son will contest from Tiruppur. While Union Minister L. Murugan, Nainar Nagendran, and former Telangana governor Tamilisai Soundararajan are in the fray, Annamalais absence has turned into a defining moment for the BJP, which is trying to find a foothold in Tamil Nadu.

The BJPs lotus symbol is contesting in 33 constituencies though it has been allocated only 27 seats in the alliance.
A little more than a month into the Iran war, with American paratroopers landing in the Middle East, ships and submarines prowling the Gulf, and 13 service members already dead, the United States Defence Secretary, Pete Hegseth, has embarked on a wholesale purge of the Army's most senior commanders. The timing alone would strike most military historians as extraordinary. The reasons behind it are something else entirely.

General Randy George, the Army Chief of Staff, was forced into immediate retirement alongside General David Hodne, who oversaw the Army's Transformation and Training Command, and Major General William Green Jr., the service's chief of chaplains. These were not men being removed for battlefield failures. President Trump and Hegseth had, just days earlier, been publicly lavish in their praise of the military's performance. The purge, according to multiple officials familiar with the decisions, is the product of ideological grievance, personal rivalry, and an unrelenting demand for political loyalty.

The most visible flashpoint has been Hegseth's crusade against what he calls "woke" culture in the armed forces. Earlier this year, he unilaterally blocked four officers from a one-star general promotion list, two Black officers and two women, despite their exemplary service records. General George and Army Secretary Dan Driscoll refused to remove the names, insisting the officers had earned their promotions. That act of resistance, by most accounts, sealed George's fate. The episode followed an earlier attempt by Hegseth's chief of staff to block the promotion of Major General Antoinette R. Gant, a Black female combat engineer, on the reported grounds that Trump would not want to be photographed standing next to her.

The immediate consequences of the Iran war itself are serious. George was no ordinary administrator. He was widely regarded as one of the Army's most innovative operational thinkers, the driving force behind the service's "transformation in contact" programme, which pushed frontline brigades to experiment with artificial intelligence targeting and cheap kamikaze drones. He had overseen a pivot toward highly mobile assets and championed the development of the M1E3 Abrams tank, designed specifically for the kind of contested, technology-saturated battlefields the Army now faces. His removal, alongside Hodne, who ran the very command responsible for implementing those changes, disrupts years of institutional momentum at precisely the moment it is being tested in combat.

There is also the immediate logistical crisis. The war has already consumed billions of dollars' worth of munitions, as American forces burn through stockpiles defending against relentless Iranian drone and ballistic-missile barrages. Whoever inherits George's role will arrive with a steep learning curve and an urgent mandate to restock weapons reserves that are being depleted faster than anticipated. That is an enormous amount to ask of any officer dropped into a job under these circumstances.

None of this appears to weigh heavily on Hegseth. In the days before George's dismissal, he demonstrated his governing instincts with startling clarity. When the Army suspended two Apache helicopter crews for conducting an unauthorised low flyover near the home of Kid Rock, a prominent Trump supporter, Hegseth publicly overruled the disciplinary action, posting "Carry on, patriots" on social media. The message to every remaining general was unmistakable: the chain of command now runs through political loyalty, not military law.

That message has already had consequences for the quality of information reaching the White House. Earlier in the conflict, Hegseth dismissed Air Force Lieutenant General Jeffrey Kruse, director of the Defence Intelligence Agency, after his analysts provided an assessment concluding that American strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities were less expansive in their effects than President Trump had publicly claimed. Critics say the sacking of an intelligence chief for providing accurate, if unwelcome, battle damage assessments has had a demoralising effect on the Pentagon's analytical community.

The interpersonal dimension to the purge is, in its own way, equally revealing. Hegseth's relationship with Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, himself an Army veteran and a man with his own considerable political ambitions, has long been toxic. Both men occupy overlapping territory within the Pentagon and have clashed repeatedly, with Driscoll occasionally threatening to overshadow Hegseth in conservative political circles. The difficulty for Hegseth is that Driscoll enjoys the protection of Vice President J.D. Vance, a close friend, making a direct dismissal politically hazardous. The solution, according to a senior administration official, has been to remove Driscoll's allies instead, to "make his life hell" through proxies. George, who had formed a close working partnership with Driscoll over the past year, was the most prominent casualty of that calculation.

The sacking of Major General Green, the Army's chief of chaplains, tells its own story. Hegseth had ordered the chaplain corps to abandon what he described as therapeutic "self-help" practices and refocus exclusively on God, even stripping rank insignia from chaplains' uniforms. Green's removal fits the pattern of a Pentagon chief who is less interested in military readiness than in cultural transformation.

The broader strategic picture is not encouraging. American forces are confronting an Iranian regime that has proved more resilient than the administration's initial two-to-three-week timeline suggested. Thirteen service members are dead. The Strait of Hormuz has been closed, triggering a global economic shock. The administration has publicly threatened to hit Iran "extremely hard" and to target oil infrastructure, rhetoric that may yet require ground operations, potentially including missions to seize enriched uranium or take control of Kharg Island, Tehran's critical oil-exporting hub. The appetite for escalation is clear; whether the institutional capacity to manage it remains intact is a different question.
There have always been cracks in the relationship between Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron. The firm handshakes that lingered a beat too long, the barely concealed eye-rolls at press conferences, the polite disagreements dressed up in diplomatic language. For years, the two leaders managed to paper over their differences with the careful choreography of international diplomacy.

Not anymore.

What was once a tense but functional working relationship has collapsed into something far messier: a full-blown transatlantic feud involving personal insults, mock French accents and a diplomatic standoff with consequences stretching from the Gulf of Hormuz to the future of NATO itself.

Last May, footage emerged of Brigitte Macron appearing to playfully shove her husband's face as the couple disembarked from a plane in Vietnam. Trump, speaking at a private Easter lunch in Washington this week attended by government figures and faith leaders, decided it was prime material for a comedy routine. I call up France, Macronwhose wife treats him extremely badly, Trump told his audience, drawing laughter. Still recovering from the right to the jaw.

The room apparently found it hilarious. France did not.

Even Macrons bitterest political opponents came to his defence. Manuel Bompard of the hard-left France Unbowed party called Trumps remarks absolutely unacceptable. When your fiercest critics rally around you, you know something has shifted.

Macron himself was in South Korea when the comments landed. His response was measured but unmistakably contemptuous. He called Trumps remarks neither elegant nor up to standard, before adding, with the kind of Gallic restraint that can sting more than any insult: So I am not going to respond to themthey do not merit a response.

Beneath the personal sniping lies a far more serious disagreement, one with real consequences for global security.

Trump has grown increasingly furious that France has refused to join the military coalition against Iran. His specific grievance: Paris will not allow American and Israeli military aircraft to fly over French airspace. As a direct consequence, Israels defence ministry has cut all defence procurement from France to zero.

At the same lunch where he mocked Brigitte, Trump put on a fake French accent to lampoon Macrons reluctance to contribute naval support to the Gulf. He claimed to have called Macron directly, and that the French president had responded: No, no, no, we cannot do that, Donald. We can do that after the war is won.

Macrons position, however, is not one of simple cowardice or obstructionism. It is a principled defence of French sovereignty and what he calls strategic independence. When Trump pushed European allies to join a military operation to forcibly reopen the Strait of Hormuzthe vital shipping lane carrying a fifth of the worlds oil that Iran closed in retaliation for airstrikesMacron flatly refused. He called the idea unrealistic, arguing it would take an infinite amount of time and expose ships to Iranian ballistic missiles and coastal threats.

His message to Trump was blunt: They can later complain that they arent being supported in this operation that they decided on alone. Its not our operation.

What seems to have frustrated Macron most, beyond the personal jabs and the policy clashes, is what he sees as Trumps fundamental unseriousness. Trumps public statements on the Iran conflict have veered dramatically, lurching from claiming the war was already won to threatening to bomb Iran back to the Stone Age, sometimes within days of each other. For a leader trying to navigate a genuine crisis on behalf of his country, this kind of volatility is not just annoyingit is dangerous.

Macron, never one to mince words when the diplomatic gloves are off, made his feelings clear to journalists: This is not a show. We are talking about war and peace and the lives of men and women. He went further, delivering what amounted to a public dressing-down of the American president: You have to be serious. When you want to be serious, you dont go around saying the opposite every day of what you just said the day before. And perhaps you shouldnt talk every day. You should just let things quieten down.

Hovering over all of this is the bigger question: what happens to the Western alliance? Trump has repeatedly complained that NATO allies treat America very badly and has threatened to withdraw entirely, dismissing the organisation as a paper tiger. Macron, who has spent years arguing for greater European strategic autonomy, now finds himself in the unusual position of being NATOs most vocal defender against an American president who seems determined to undermine it. If you create doubt every day about your commitment, you hollow it out, Macron warned. You dont comment on them every morning.

The feud between Trump and Macron is, at its core, a confrontation between two very different visions of what the West is, what it owes its allies, and whether international institutions are worth protecting or simply obstacles to be bulldozed.
In an interesting development, an oil tanker carrying crude oil from Iran, headed to Indias Vadinar port in Gujarat, was diverted mid-way to China. The US-sanctioned tanker Ping Shun, which had been signalling India as its destination, now shows Dongying in China as its destination, according to ship-tracking firm Kpler.

The tanker was reportedly carrying about 600,000 barrels of Iranian crude and was scheduled to arrive at Vadinar between late Thursday and early Friday. If the vessel had docked in India, it would have been Indias first Iranian crude cargo since 2019 after the US imposed sanctions on Tehran during US President Donald Trumps first stint. It is unclear which Indian refiner ordered the Iranian crude carried by Ping Shun.

Ping Shuns sudden course changes come as the US issued a sanction waiver to move and sell oil already loaded as of March 20, as a measure against soaring oil prices.

While the turnaround isnt unexpected, the vessel diversion appears linked to payment-related concerns, the Times of India quoted Sumit Ritolia, Lead Research Analyst at Kpler.

Ritolia said that the trade environment has moved away from earlier credit arrangements towards upfront or near-term payments, complicating transactions. "If the payment issues are resolved, the cargo could still make its way to an Indian refinery. However, the episode underscores how commercial terms are becoming as critical as logistics in determining Iranian crude flows, he added.

Earlier, there were reports that Trump's sanction waiver was helping Iranian vessels linked to new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and Iranian shipping tycoon Hossein Shamkhani, to sell oil at market rates, after previously being forced to sell at a huge discount due to sanctions.

Iran is currently controlling the Strait of Hormuz, through which oil from the Gulf countries flows. The blockage is causing a global oil price rise. However, the temporary sanctions waiver has opened the door for Iran-linked vessels, which continue to pass via the Strait. The Iranian oil tycoons are taking advantage of the situation and selling their Brent crude prices.

The US gave a hall pass to the networks weve been tirelessly degrading for the past decade, said David Tannenbaum, a former official at the Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control, who has studied the Shamkhani network, told Bloomberg. This is a major shot in the arm  to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars  at a time when the dark fleet was on the ropes, he added.
The US airstrike on Irans biggest bridge- the B1 bridge in Alborz province - will likely be a huge setback for Tehran, as it was the strategic and critical link that connected Tehran to Karaj.

The B1 was one of the tallest in the Middle East and was hit in two waves of attacks, separated by around an hour, Iranian state TV reported. The B1 bridge, one of the highest in the Middle East, was inaugurated this year. The bridge was called an engineering masterpiece by the regime.

As per Israeli media, the attack, carried out without the aid of Israel, on the bridge was intended to prevent military use of the bridge for the passage of military equipment. They also quoted IDF sources which did not rule out the possibility that the purpose of the attack on the bridge was to cut off the city of Tehran from the rest of the country.

Images on social media showed a clear breach in the bridge.

US and Israeli forces struck the B1 bridge connecting Tehran to western regions, hitting Irans highest bridge linking Tehran and Karaj, a major transport artery opened earlier this year. #Iran pic.twitter.com/Sb4y1t2Z6s  NOELREPORTS   (@NOELreports) April 2, 2026

The attack on one of the main transport hubs leading to the city of Tehran also caused power outages across the area. Local reports indicated disruptions in the electrical infrastructure, although it is still unclear whether the outages were caused directly by the attack on the bridge or by separate attacks.

US President Donald Trump hailed the attack, stating that the biggest bridge in Iran comes tumbling down, never to be used again  and warned that much more would follow. "It is time for Iran to make a deal before it is too late, and there is nothing left of what still could become a great country, Trump wrote.

A few minutes ago, the American-Zionist enemy once again targeted the B1 bridge in Karaj, a city west of Tehran, state TV said. Iran also stated that bridges across the region had become legitimate targets. Tehran also warned that it would hit the Arik Bridge on Route 87 in northern Israel, which connects the Lower Galilee to the Golan Heights. Iran also said bridges across the region, including Kuwait, Abu Dhabi, Jordan and Iraq, could become legitimate targets.
BEIRUT, April 3 (Xinhua) -- An explosion inside a United Nations position near the Adaisseh area in southern Lebanon on Friday afternoon wounded three peacekeepers, two of them seriously, said the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

UNIFIL spokesperson Candice Ardell said the injured peacekeepers were transported to the hospital, adding that the source of the explosion remains unknown, Lebanon's National News Agency (NNA) reported.

"It has been a difficult week for peacekeepers operating near the central sector of UNIFIL's area of operations. We wish a full and speedy recovery to all those injured," Ardell said, according to the NNA.

She added that UNIFIL reminds all parties of their obligations to ensure the safety and security of peacekeepers, including avoiding nearby combat activities that could put them at risk.

The incident comes after several security incidents affecting UNIFIL positions and patrols were reported in southern Lebanon in recent days amid ongoing tensions along the Blue Line.

Cross-border fighting between Hezbollah and Israel has continued along the Lebanon-Israel border since the outbreak of the Gaza conflict in October 2023. 
KHARTOUM, April 3 (Xinhua) -- At least 10 medical and administrative staff were killed, and 22 civilians were injured on Thursday in a drone strike targeting Al-Jabalain Hospital in White Nile State, central Sudan, said the Sudanese Ministry of Health.

"A drone belonging to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) struck Al-Jabalain Hospital, killing 10 members of the medical and administrative staff as they were performing humanitarian duties and injuring 22 civilians," the ministry said in a statement.

Among the victims was the hospital's director general, Dr. Hamid Suleiman, who was killed while performing surgery.

The ministry condemned what it described as the "continued targeting of civilians," stressing that such attacks constitute a flagrant violation of international norms and laws.

In a statement, Sudan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that the attack targeted the only health facility serving residents in the area, in blatant violation of international and humanitarian laws and norms.

The ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF , which started in mid-April 2023, has caused tens of thousands of deaths and millions displaced both inside Sudan and abroad, according to international estimates.

The WTO confirmed that 2,036 people have been killed in 213 attacks on healthcare facilities during the nearly three-year-long conflict. 
BEIJING, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Major projects outlined in China's 15th Five-Year Plan are creating jobs that require stronger technical skills, more specialized expertise or broader cross-sector capabilities, challenging the long-held view that construction work is largely manual labor.

A closer look at the blueprint shows that these initiatives are far more than a list of investment and construction plans. Projects aimed at fostering new quality productive forces and those designed to improve people's livelihoods came in first and second by number, underscoring the country's development strategy that emphasizes investment in both physical assets and human capital.

Taken together, the projects offer a glimpse into how China's employment landscape is likely to evolve during the plan period. From skilled blue-collar roles in advanced infrastructure and manufacturing to high-end, cross-sector positions in emerging industries, the projects are expected to generate a broader, more diverse range of job opportunities.

SKILL UPGRADES IN BLUE-COLLAR WORK

Infrastructure projects still make up an important part of the new five-year plan. But the shift from extensive expansion to smart, green and digital development is fundamentally transforming traditional blue-collar jobs and raising the skill requirements.

This shift is evident across a wide range of infrastructure projects outlined in the plan, including a comprehensive national transportation network, a new-type energy system, modern water conservancy networks, and new infrastructure.

Zhang Linshan, a researcher at the Academy of Macroeconomic Research under the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), said that in large-scale new energy bases in desert and Gobi regions, more than 70 percent of jobs are skilled blue-collar positions.

Such jobs require expertise in areas such as system commissioning and high-voltage operations, with certified operation and maintenance personnel earning 15,000 to 20,000 yuan (about 2,176 to 2,902 U.S. dollars) per month, he said.

The market has already sent clear signals. Data from Guangdong's human resources and social security authorities show that in the Pearl River Delta, some highly skilled blue-collar workers earn more than 10,000 yuan a month, while top technicians in positions such as testing can make as much as 20,000 yuan.

Wang Xiaoping, minister of human resources and social security, said China will deepen large-scale vocational skills training this year, with subsidized programs expected to benefit more than 10 million people.

Targeted training will focus on sectors such as the low-altitude economy, new energy vehicles, AI, and elderly care services, in a bid to better align skills development with industrial and employment needs, Wang said.

Experts said major national projects are no longer primarily a reservoir for absorbing low-skilled labor but are increasingly an important arena for blue-collar workers to upgrade their skills and raise their incomes.

HIGH-END TALENT IN GREATER DEMAND

About a quarter of the major projects in the blueprint are designed to develop new quality productive forces, covering sectors such as integrated circuits, embodied AI, biomanufacturing, and new-type batteries.

Experts said these projects require substantial investment and lengthy development cycles, with their core value lying not in short-term returns but in supporting national strategies and building long-term competitiveness. This forward-looking nature helps nurture and attract high-end talent.

Zheng Shanjie, head of the NDRC, said the scale of China's AI-related industries is expected to exceed 10 trillion yuan by the end of the 15th Five-Year Plan period.

A significant shortage of high-end AI talent has already emerged, intensifying competition among employers. In Shanghai, a human resources manager at an AI company is negotiating with a candidate for an algorithm engineer position who has already received five job offers and is still in talks with other firms.

A recent report by the Chinese career platform Maimai showed that newly posted AI-related jobs surged about 12-fold year-on-year in the January-February period of 2026. Recruitment data also showed that top-paying positions, including AI scientists, product architects, and algorithm researchers, offer average monthly salaries exceeding 70,000 yuan.

Huang Xiaofei, co-founder of Shanghai Volant Aerotech Co., Ltd., an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft manufacturer, said professionals who can handle complex systems engineering while bridging technical expertise with business strategy remain in short supply.

Industry insiders said that over the next five years, the impact of major projects will move beyond output value, with greater emphasis placed on cultivating high-end talent. Such professionals, with a solid grounding in basic science, strong engineering capabilities, and a keen understanding of market needs, will help bridge laboratories, enterprises and markets.

CROSS-SECTOR JOBS ON THE RISE

A key feature of the major projects is the deep integration of emerging technologies with traditional industries, giving rise to a wide range of cross-sector job opportunities in areas such as intelligent manufacturing, smart agriculture and healthcare.

In agriculture, one of the oldest industries, technologies such as AI, remote sensing, and big data are reshaping production across vast stretches of farmland.

From the field to the table, smart agriculture is creating new roles across the entire value chain. Unmanned harvesters rely on navigation specialists, crop-spraying drones are operated by trained pilots, and sensors monitoring crop growth require maintenance by Internet of Things engineers.

After harvest, cold-chain logistics analysts calculate optimal routes from farm to market, while quality-tracing engineers assign "digital passports" to rice and other products. On the sales side, rural e-commerce operators and agricultural brand planners help local specialties fetch better prices.

This trend is also evident in urban industries. Humanoid robots have appeared on major stages and exhibitions as greeters and hosts, driving rapid growth in related sectors such as robot sales, leasing, deployment and maintenance.

"Robot leasing is not just about renting out machines, but about putting them into real-world use," said Li Yiyan, CEO of a robot leasing platform in Shanghai. "This has created new roles such as on-site deployment engineers and operations coordinators managing equipment from different brands."

Wang Hao, an expert with the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, said that as manufacturing and services continue to integrate, demand is rising not only for research and production posts, but also for positions in operations, services and supporting functions, which increasingly require professionals with solid technical expertise as well as strong operational and service capabilities.

Experts said those able to work across fields and turn skills into real-world solutions are expected to become the fastest-growing segment of the workforce, a trend that will be a key focus of higher education and vocational training reform. 
WASHINGTON, April 3 (Xinhua) -- More senior officials in the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump are at risk of stepping down following the ouster of Attorney General Pam Bondi, The Atlantic reported on Thursday.

The Atlantic cited sources familiar with the White House's plans, saying that discussions are ongoing about others leaving the administration, including FBI Director Kash Patel, Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll, and Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer.

The individuals, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive personnel matters, noted that the timing of these departures remains uncertain and that Trump has not yet made any final decisions.

Bondi's exit would mark the second cabinet-level firing since the start of Trump's second term. In March, Trump removed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem amid growing bipartisan criticism of her leadership.

"What was once an unofficial motto of the second Trump term -- 'no scalps' -- no longer applies," the report observed. In the past, Trump resisted the idea of firing any of his senior officials, fearing such moves would be seen as concessions to the Democrats and the media, it said.

However, the president's declining political support since he launched the Iran war has altered the administration's calculus. The article quoted one source close to the White House as saying that Trump appeared emboldened by the reaction following Noem's dismissal, which in turn encouraged his decision to move forward with Bondi's ouster. 
TEHRAN, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Yadollah Rahmani, governor of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province, called on Friday for residents in tribal and rural areas to assist authorities in locating "enemy pilots."

"The people of the province, particularly those in tribal areas, are doing their utmost to find these pilots," Rahmani said. "If enemy forces are spotted, capturing them alive is a priority."

He added that security, law enforcement, and military forces are closely monitoring the situation. Rahmani also said individuals who succeed in capturing or neutralizing hostile forces would be formally "commended" by the governorate.

Earlier on Friday, Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps said its air defense systems had shot down a U.S. F-35 fighter jet over central Iran, adding the fate of the pilot remained unknown. 
Five men were after a car failed to stop for gardai before crashing into two vehicles and sparking a major pursuit in Dublin.

In a statement, gardai said: "At around 1:40pm on Thursday 2nd April 2026, a car with five occupants failed to stop for Gardai in the Knocklyon area of Dublin 16."

"The car was subsequently involved in a collision with two cars driven by members of the public at Grange Road, Rathfarnham."

Gardai confirmed that "the five occupants of the car fled on foot and were pursued by Gardai, with the assistance of the Garda Air Support Unit."

It was later established that "the occupants of the car were suspected of involvement in a burglary in Walkinstown, Dublin 12 a short time earlier."

READ MORE | Investigation launched after teenage boy and man, 40s, shot in gun attack in Limerick

"Five males were subsequently detained at Garda stations in the Dublin Metropolitan Region."

Gardai said: "Two (one in his 50s and the other a juvenile teenager) were arrested under the Theft and Fraud Offences Act and detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984."

"The juvenile has since been released pending further investigations."

"A third male (20s) was arrested on foot of a bench warrant."

"Two others (aged in their 20s) were detained for the purposes of a search under the Misuse of Drugs Act and subsequently released without charge."

Gardai also confirmed that "all three occupants of the two cars driven by the members of the public were brought to Tallaght Hospital for assessment."

Investigations are ongoing, they confirmed.
An important update for how the early stages of the Missouri 6th District contest is going . . .

KCMO Councilman Nathan Willett recently shared a social media message of support from a formerly embattled Kansas City police family.

Kansas City Councilman Nathan Willett was a member of the group of family and friends of former KCPD Detective Eric DeValkenaere who advocated for his release following his conviction. The family successfully submitted a clemency petition to then-Missouri Governor Mike Parsons office, during which they encouraged associates to provide formal letters of support.

And now . . .

Hinting at what might be future police & law enforcement support, here's a recent post where the council dude references the struggles of the DeValkenere fam and their support for him in return . . .

"I appreciate my dear friends & their support in my race to represent the people of North Missouri. When culture wars attack your neighbors character - you step up and have their backs. Just like when the river rises and floods our towns - the compassion for our neighbors rises even higher."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

Nathan Willett for Missouri: "We are going to win all 33 counties come August 4th."

Developing . . .
Amid tense times and likely weekend military action . . . Here's the Kansas politico offering a typically milquetoast statement that doesn't risk any real criticism, insight or perspective for voters.

Check-it . . .

"As far as boots on the ground, I sure hope not," Marshall said. "I served, my dad served, my brother served, my son is serving, and I hope and pray we don't have any boots on the ground. I'm mourning the loss of 13 soldiers already, probably 20 or 25 soldiers seriously injured so far. So I'm hoping that this war comes to a very quick end with minimum casualties for Americans."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

CJ Online: Roger Marshall hopes there will be no boots on the ground in Iran war
ACCRA, April 3 (Xinhua) -- The Confucius Institute at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) on Thursday held a cultural experience event themed "Discover Chinese-Within Reach" in Kumasi, the second-largest city of Ghana.

The event started with the history of the evolution of Chinese characters. Through various games, participants learned about the structure of pictographic characters, associative compounds, and other Chinese character formation methods in collaborative interactions.

Meanwhile, five stamp-collecting booths were set up at the event site, including making keychains with Chinese names, writing blessing bookmarks, ink grinding, calligraphy and origami.

Daniel Duah, the Ghanaian director of the Confucius Institute, noted that "This event makes Chinese learning more accessible through fun formats. We see the enthusiasm of the students for Chinese, and it further strengthens our resolve to deepen Chinese language education, build better-quality Chinese courses, and enable more students to learn about China."

Ke Ningli, the Chinese director of the institute, stated that the Confucius Institute will continue to carry out diverse and engaging language and cultural activities, continuously promoting Chinese language education and cultural dissemination in a deeper and more practical manner.

Many participants said that this event made learning Chinese simpler and more interesting. Alhassan Khadijatu, a student of KNUST, said that she felt the charm of Chinese characters, which dispelled her fear of learning Chinese characters. She has decided to learn to write thirty Chinese characters every day, striving to pass HSK Level 4 and go to China in the future. 
The reception for this party place was lukewarm on a dreary Springtime weekday . . . And here's more insight into the limited startup offering . .. Check-it:

"For the next few months, people who live on the west side of the bridge in KCK will have to drive over to the West Bottoms if they want to check out the attraction.



"Wednesdays opening of the Rock Island Bridge, a local destination that connects Kansas City, Kansas to Kansas City, Missouri, came with a slight catch. People cant entirely cross it  at least, not yet."





Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

Rock Island Bridge opens, connecting KCK to KCMO. Only one side is accessible People who want to check it out will have to drive around to the bridge's other end until later this year.

Skip the paywall and read by way of Internet archive or public library card.
Social media marketing lures influencers to this quaint family biz that doesn't actually sell hamburgers.

Here's the backstory . . .

KC Burgers is, in fact, a fast-casual Somali restaurantwith hilariously excellent search engine optimization. Awo, who bought the restaurant from his parents in August of last year, laughs when I ask about it. Its a marketing genius idea that they had, he says, recalling his parents decision to name the restaurant after the quintessential American dish. His parents, who are from Somalia (Awo was born in Kenya), opened the restaurant in 2019 just east of Gates and PeachTree Cafeteria off 12th Street and Brooklyn Avenue. Theres no sugarcoating it. The front windows are lined with bars, and theres an unmistakable crack in one of them from a bullet. The undercover Somali spot usually flows in and out with a mix of East African natives, women wearing hijabs and those coming in from Jumah, their Friday midday prayerthat is until recently.



I dont know what I did, says 31-year-old Awo. People just started making TikTok videos of us.



The videos circulating online refer to KC Burgers as a hidden gem.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced that it has reduced the arrival capacity of the San Francisco International Airport.

Because of this, passengers are being told to expect delays and to get in touch with airline companies regarding updates to schedules.

FAA Cuts Flight Capacity of San Francisco Airport

According to a report by Fox Business, the maximum arrival rates for the San Francisco International Airport have been lowered from 54 flights per hour to 36 flights per hour.

Delays of at least 30 minutes are to be expected for arriving flights, per the FAA.

The changes made to the arrival rates of the airport have been made due to runway safety concerns, as well as runway construction.

The north-south runways are at the center of a repaving project, which means that runways cannot be used for six months.

As Travel Weekly notes in its report, the north-south runways are responsible for nine of the 18 flight-per-hour reductions. The change in rules will apply to the remaining nine.

When Will the North-South Runways Reopen?

San Francisco International Airport Doug Yakel assured that the north-south runways will be reopened by October to help ease the flow of incoming flights.

However, the FAA has no plans to change the minimum arrivals rates even when the repaving project has been completed.

This is because the FAA is no longer permitting the airport's practice of landing two planes at the same time on its parallel runways. These runways are just 750 feet apart, which FAA spokesman Ian Gregor described as too dangerous.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. Azerbaijans chairmanship in the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) is proceeding at a high level, Secretary-General of OTS, Kubanychbek Omuraliev, told Trend in an exclusive interview following the meeting of heads of government and vice presidents of the OTS member states in Baku.

The meeting of heads of government and vice presidents of the OTS member states is practically a new mechanism for us. The first such meeting took place last year in Bishkek, he noted.

He further emphasized that cooperation among OTS countries has been steadily strengthening in recent years. Ambassador Kubanychbek Omuraliev highlighted that the Organization now operates 58 cooperation mechanisms spanning a wide range of fields, from culture, youth policy, and tourism to foreign policy, economy, customs, and even the space sector.

While these mechanisms have significantly advanced our cooperation, the active engagement of Heads of Government further enhances their overall effectiveness. In this context, we introduced this format last year. It not only strengthens coordination and interaction among our countries, but also contributes to the more effective implementation of the decisions adopted by our Heads of State, while facilitating closer follow-up on their execution, he added.

The Secretary General noted that this format allows the OTS to monitor decisions and ensures that initiatives are implemented efficiently across member states. It has strengthened coordination and accountability at the highest levels.

At one stage, Kazakhstan put forward an initiative on the liberalization of trade in services and investments, and work in this direction is currently progressing actively. As all decisions within our organization are taken by consensus. The presence of different economic frameworks  such as the membership of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU)  may naturally require careful coordination of interests. In this regard, it remains important to continue advancing this initiative in a constructive and inclusive manner. Its realization would make a meaningful contribution to increasing trade volumes and facilitating the freer movement of investments, goods and services within the Turkic region, Kubanychbek Omuraliev said.

He highlighted that economic integration within the OTS remains a priority, even when some members have overlapping commitments with other regional organizations.

The Turkic Investment Fund, established three years ago, has made steady progress in finalizing its organizational and technical arrangements and has already begun reviewing potential projects. Financing will begin in the near future. Its main goal is to provide support to small and medium-sized businesses. Moreover, economic development is impossible without developing transport and logistics infrastructure, so the investment fund pays special attention to these areas, he added.

Kubanychbek Omuraliev emphasized that supporting SMEs and infrastructure projects is critical for sustainable growth and long-term economic stability across the region.

Azerbaijan is one of the founding members of our organization, standing at its origins. Moreover, the organization itself was founded in Nakhchivan. Azerbaijans chairmanship in the OTS is proceeding at a high level. In October last year, the 12th Summit of the Council of Heads of States of the OTS was successfully held in Gabala under the theme Regional Peace and Security. In todays evolving global context, issues related to security continue to hold particular importance. In this regard, all our Member and Observer States are actively engaging and cooperating to further strengthen coordination and dialogue, he noted.

He stressed that Azerbaijan has played an important role in advancing OTS initiatives, particularly in strengthening regional security and fostering coordination among Member States.

The Informal Summit of the OTS Member States will be held on May 15 in Turkestan, Kazakhstan. Turkiye will soon announce the venue and date of the 13th Summit. An OTS-related event is also planned as part of the World Urban Forum in Baku. As we have a memorandum of understanding with UN-Habitat, we will actively take part in the Forum, Kubanychbek Omuraliev said.

He added that the organization has been engaged with UN-Habitat projects, reflecting its ongoing commitment to urban development initiatives.

We are a unique organization built on a shared history, culture, heritage, language, as well as deep-rooted values. This strong foundation enables us to maintain a high level of mutual understanding and solidarity. While each of our Member States pursues its own national priorities, we continue to engage in close coordination and constructive dialogue in foreign policy and other areas. In this spirit of cooperation, our partnership remains characterized by unity, trust and brotherhood, Kubanychbek Omuraliev emphasized.

He concluded by underscoring the central importance of both economic cooperation and security for the OTS. The economy remains a key pillar for our continued development and prosperity. At the same time, security issues continue to hold a prominent place on our common agenda. Guided by our motto, Together we are Stronger, we remain committed to advancing our cooperation in a spirit of unity and solidarity, he stated.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. Iranian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Azerbaijan Mojtaba Demirchilou thanked Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Office (CMO) Sheikhulislam Allahshukur Pashazade for expressing deepest condolences over the numerous casualties among the civilian population, especially the girls' school students, during the recent events in Iran on behalf of Azerbaijan's religious people, the CMO's statement says, Trend reports.

Welcoming the ambassador, Pashazade said that he's praying for the speedy recovery of the injured people.

According to the CMO's chairman, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, has repeatedly stated that the use of the country's territory against neighbors, including Iran, won't be allowed, and this principled position remains unchanged.

Pashazade noted that the sincere relations between the heads of state, President Ilham Aliyev and Masoud Pezeshkian, serve the continuous development of relations between the two countries and the preservation of peace and stability in the region.

Meanwhile, the ambassador highly appreciated the moral support of the friendly Azerbaijani state and people in these difficult days of his country, including the humanitarian assistance provided. The ambassador also thanked President Ilham Aliyev for his resolute position aimed at peace and stability.

Additionally, the meeting held an exchange of views on other issues of mutual interest.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. Armenian representatives will visit Azerbaijan, Farhad Mammadov, main coordinator of the Peace Bridge Initiative, said during the public discussion of "Involvement of women and youth organizations in the peace process in Azerbaijan within the framework of the Peace Bridge Initiative" held in Baku with the participation of women and youth organizations and members of the initiative today, Trend reports.

According to him, since the August meeting, the number of high-level contacts between Azerbaijan and Armenia has increased significantly, and initial steps have been taken towards economic activity, both directly and through alternative channels.

He noted that the issue of the preparation of civil society for peace is also being actively discussed.

"Representatives of the civil societies of Azerbaijan and Armenia have maintained certain contacts since the early days of the conflict. Initially, this process took place within small groups, but later its scope expanded.

The current peace process is of an unusual nature. While the war has ended, the Armenian side is creating certain obstacles in the process of signing a peace agreement.

The foundations of interstate relations have already been established. However, these agreements cannot come into force without a referendum on amendments to the Armenian Constitution. In this regard, there are two approaches: either the results of the referendum should be awaited, or the existing contacts should be continued.

Efforts are being made to show both societies that cooperation is possible. We can specifically point out the real opportunities in economic areas such as the transit and transportation of oil and gasoline products. While some progress is observed in political and economic directions, the process at the civil society level is still in the formation stage.

In this regard, various dialogue platforms have already been created through the European Union and the United Nations. However, the parties believe that since interstate relations are bilateral in nature, the direct involvement of a third party is not appropriate.

One of the interesting points concerns the initiatives of donor organizations. Although several international bodies have expressed their readiness to finance the activities, the parties agree that this process should only be seen in a bilateral format.

Currently, all meetings are organized by the government, and institutional mechanisms for joint activities haven't yet been established. After the peace agreement is signed and interstate relations are fully established, more systematic support mechanisms will be created in this area.

The main directions of the process are focused on two questions: what should the approach to peace be, and what practical steps can be taken?

A meeting is planned to be held soon, and an Armenian delegation is expected to visit Azerbaijan. During this meeting, the position of Azerbaijani civil society will be presented to the other side, and possible areas for cooperation will be discussed," Mammadov noted.

This public discussion seeks to disseminate the outcomes of the dialogue among civil society representatives from Azerbaijan and Armenia, engage in an open discourse regarding the present circumstances, and develop actionable frameworks for the participation of women and youth moving forward, while also gathering recommendations.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. Baku hosted public hearings on the topic Engaging Women's and Youth Organizations in the Peace Process in Azerbaijan: Within the Framework of the Bridge of Peace Initiative, with the participation of members of women's and youth organizations within the Bridge of Peace Initiative, Trend reports.

This public discussion, attended by representatives of the National NGO Forum, several NGOs, and womens and youth organizations, was aimed at sharing the results of the dialogue between representatives of Azerbaijani and Armenian civil society with Azerbaijani civil society, holding an open discussion on the current situation, and developing practical mechanisms for engaging women and youth in the future, and to gather proposals.

Farhad Mammadov, the initiatives chief coordinator, spoke about the meetings and discussions held between members of civil society in Azerbaijan and Armenia, as well as the challenges they face, and emphasized the importance of involving women and young people in the peace process.

He noted that, according to survey results, the desire for peace within Armenian society is not particularly strong. Supporters of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan are taking a more active stance in the peace process.

According to Farhad Mammadov, the main focus of the process revolves around two questions:

What should the approach to peace be, and what practical steps can be taken?

The next meeting is scheduled for the near future, with a visit by the Armenian side to Azerbaijan expected. During the meeting, the position of Azerbaijani civil society will be presented to the other side, and potential areas of cooperation will be discussed.

Meanwhile, as part of the Bridge of Peace initiative, members of Azerbaijani and Armenian civil society are holding reciprocal meetings. One meeting was organized in Armenia and another in Azerbaijan as part of this initiative. During the meetings, both existing processes were discussed, and an exchange of views took place on the role of civil society in the peace agenda.

Both the Azerbaijani and Armenian groups hold extensive meetings with representatives of civil society in their respective countries, exchanging views on various issues.

The Azerbaijani group of the Bridge of Peace initiative has already held meetings with organizations that are members of the Forum of Non-Governmental Organizations.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. The Organization of Turkic States has succeeded in expanding its influence within a broader geopolitical context, moving beyond regional boundaries, political analyst Azer Garayev told Trend.

Garayev highlighted that recent events in Baku marked a significant step for political and economic integration within the Turkic world.

"On April 2, 2026, Baku hosted a series of landmark events advancing the political and economic integration of the Turkic world. On that day, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received the heads of government from both member and observer states of the OTS. Concurrently, a meeting of government leaders took place under the organizations framework. In recent years, the OTS has successfully expanded its influence beyond the regional level, asserting a broader geopolitical presence. Azerbaijans role in this development is particularly noteworthy. While addressing the visiting leaders, President Ilham Aliyev reaffirmed that the organization remains a priority in the countrys foreign policy: 'The Turkic world is our family, and we have no other family.' This principle is not merely ideological but serves as a guiding framework for practical policy. For many years, Azerbaijan has played a systematic and active role in strengthening the OTSs institutional foundations and deepening cooperation among its member states," he said.

According to him, a defining feature that sets the OTS apart from other international organizations is its foundation on shared ethnic, cultural, and historical roots.

"As President Ilham Aliyev emphasized, this factor provides the organization with a significant advantage: 'There are many international organizations in the world, but the number of organizations established on the basis of ethnic roots is not very high. This is our great advantage.' The OTS is not merely a platform for formal cooperation; it represents integration grounded in deep social and cultural ties. While many international organizations today experience internal conflicts and contradictions, the OTS stands out for the stable and amicable relationships among its member states, both bilaterally and multilaterally. This stability forms a solid foundation for the organizations future development," he noted.

Garayev also highlighted that economic cooperation was one of the central topics discussed during the meeting in Baku.

"In recent years, the growth of trade turnover within the OTS, the expansion of mutual investments, and the establishment of joint investment funds have demonstrated tangible achievements in economic cooperation. Azerbaijans investments of over $20 billion in the economies of member countries underscore its leading role in this process. Economic ties with Turkiye, in particular, have deepened significantly. Additionally, the joint investment funds established with Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan provide an important platform for future projects in industry, logistics, agriculture, and other sectors. These initiatives are an integral part of the OTSs transformation from a primarily political platform into a dynamic economic union," he said.

The political scientist highlighted that one of the most notable examples of OTS cooperation is seen in the post-conflict reconstruction of Karabakh, where Azerbaijan emphasizes the support of fraternal countries.

"The school built by Uzbekistan, the childrens creative center developed by Kazakhstan, the educational institutions constructed by Kyrgyzstan, and the involvement of Turkish companies in infrastructure projects are concrete demonstrations of this solidarity. This support goes beyond economic assistance, reflecting both political and moral backing. In the context of modern geopolitical realities, transport and logistics have become key priorities for the OTS. The Middle Corridor and the Trans-Caspian route are emerging as alternative and reliable trade links between Europe and Asia. President Ilham Aliyev noted: 'Today, when it comes to transport, it is impossible to bypass our region.' Azerbaijans projects in this sector, including the Baku Trade Port, railways, highways, and airports, have already positioned the country as a regional logistics hub. The Zangezur corridor, in particular, is expected to strengthen ties between Azerbaijan and Turkiye while creating new economic opportunities across the region.

The energy sector remains a central focus of OTS cooperation. The Caspian basins rich energy resources and their transportation to Europe enhance the strategic significance of the organization. With energy security increasingly on the global agenda, opportunities are opening for the OTS countries. Diversifying energy routes and implementing alternative projects are now key priorities," he added.

Garayev emphasized that the role of regional organizations is increasing amid shifts in global politics. In a period when international institutions are weakening and global rules are being reshaped, platforms like the OTS offer more flexible and effective mechanisms.

"In his speech, Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz highlighted this trend and stressed the growing significance of regional cooperation. This demonstrates that the OTS is no longer merely a cultural and historical union but has the potential to emerge as a geopolitical actor. One of the primary objectives of the OTS is to become a more influential organization on the international stage. President Ilham Aliyev explicitly stated this goal: 'Our organization must take its place among the worlds leading international organizations.' Achieving this requires several strategic priorities: deepening economic integration; expanding transport and energy projects; strengthening institutional mechanisms; and enhancing political coordination among member states. Equally important is maintaining stability and mutual trust within the organization," he said.

According to the analyst, the meeting and the summit of heads of government held in Baku represent a new phase in the development of the OTS.

"These events demonstrated that the organization is evolving beyond an ideological union into a tangible economic and political force. Azerbaijans proactive role in this process, the strategic vision outlined by President Ilham Aliyev, and the solidarity displayed by member states offer a promising outlook for the future of the OTS. If the current momentum continues, it is realistic to expect that the OTS will become a significant actor not only regionally but also globally in the coming years," Garayev added.

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TEHRAN, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) said on Friday its air defence systems had shot down a U.S. F-35 fighter jet in central Iranian airspace.

In a statement carried by its official outlet Sepah News and accompanied by images it said showed the wreckage, the IRGC said the aircraft was hit by advanced air defence systems operated by its Aerospace Division.

The statement said the jet belonged to the "Lakenheath squadron," referring to the 48th Fighter Wing based at RAF Lakenheath in Britain, and that the aircraft was completely destroyed before crashing.

The IRGC said the fate of the pilot was unknown, adding that the explosions when the jet was struck made survival or safe ejection unlikely.

There was no immediate comment from the United States.

On March 19, the IRGC said one of its air defence systems had struck a U.S. F-35 over central Iran, leaving the aircraft heavily damaged. The U.S. military later said in a statement that an F-35 made an emergency landing after flying a combat mission over Iran, and that the pilot was in stable condition.

On Feb. 28, Israel and the United States launched joint attacks on Tehran and other Iranian cities, killing Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, along with senior military commanders and civilians. Iran responded with waves of missile and drone strikes targeting Israel and U.S. bases and assets in the Middle East.

Iranian armed forces say they have struck several hostile fighter jets in the country's airspace since the conflict began. 
Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. The "Regulation on the Embassy of Azerbaijan," "Regulation on the Permanent Representation of Azerbaijan," "Regulation on the Consulate of Azerbaijan," and "Regulation on the Honorary Consul of Azerbaijan" have been approved, Trend reports.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed the relevant decree.

According to the decree, the "Regulation on the Embassy of Azerbaijan" must be approved.

The "Regulation on the Permanent Representation of Azerbaijan" must be approved.

The "Regulation on the Consulate of Azerbaijan" must be approved.

The "Regulation on the Honorary Consul of Azerbaijan" must be approved.

The "Regulation on the Embassy of Azerbaijan" approved by Part 1 of the decree applies to the Representation of Azerbaijan, and the "Regulation on the Permanent Representation of Azerbaijan" approved by Part 2 of this decree applies to the Representation of Azerbaijan.

The Cabinet of Ministers of Azerbaijan must resolve the issues arising from this decree.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. On April 3, Samir Sharifov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and Alibek Bakayev, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, met to discuss their strategic partnership and relations within the alliance, Trend reports via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The meeting highlighted the significance of the recent gathering of heads of government and vice presidents of member states of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) held in Baku. Participants also discussed prospects for cooperation within the framework of the OTS.

The meeting also addressed issues of relevance to the regional and international agenda.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. On April 3, Jeyhun Bayramov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, received a delegation led by Ugandas State Minister for Foreign Affairs in charge of International Affairs, Henry Oryem Okello, and discussed the current state and prospects of bilateral relations, Trend reports via the Azerbaijani MFA.

During the meeting, the sides held extensive discussions on the development of bilateral ties, expressing satisfaction with the steady progress achieved over the past 30 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations.

Bayramov emphasized that Azerbaijan attaches particular importance to strengthening relations with Uganda and African countries more broadly, stressing the need to effectively utilize existing potential to expand cooperation. Opportunities for collaboration in the fields of economy, trade, agriculture, energy, tourism, and education were explored. The launch of public service centers in Uganda based on Azerbaijans ASAN Service model was also welcomed.

The parties emphasized the importance of promoting investment opportunities, strengthening business-to-business ties, and implementing joint projects.

Special attention was given to cooperation within international organizations, particularly within the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). The sides noted the effectiveness of engagement under the movements chairmanship institution and troika mechanism, highlighting the importance of continued mutual support on multilateral platforms.

Highlighting the growing educational ties between the two countries, the sides noted with satisfaction that Ugandan students are benefiting from Azerbaijans international scholarship programs, including those offered to member states of the NAM.

The meeting included an exchange of views on regional and international security issues, as well as global challenges. Bayramov briefed the Ugandan side on the post-conflict situation in the region, ongoing reconstruction efforts, and steps being taken to advance the peace agenda.

The sides also reviewed other bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest.

On the same day, political consultations were held between the foreign ministries of Azerbaijan and Uganda, led by Deputy Foreign Minister Yalchin Rafiyev on the Azerbaijani side and Henry Oryem Okello on the Ugandan side.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. In alignment with the military cooperation agreement signed between Azerbaijan and Turkiye, a national flag change ceremony was conducted in preparation for the joint "Heydar Aliyev2026" training, which is scheduled to take place in Kars, Turkiye, the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense told Trend.

The flag platoon, which set out from the headquarters of the Combined Arms Army, commenced its march from the city of Nakhchivan toward the Sadarak border crossing point, the Umid Bridge over the Araz River. Simultaneously, Turkiyes platoon set off from the city of Kars, heading toward the chosen spot for the ceremony.

Following the performance of the National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Independence March of the Republic of Turkiye, a flag change ceremony was conducted at the Umid Bridge.

Subsequently, during an event organized to mark the dispatching of personnel and military equipment to the training site, the Commander of the Combined Arms Army, Lieutenant General Kanan Seyidov delivered a speech highlighting the significance of the joint military exercise and wished the participants success.

Following the event, the units designated to participate in the exercise departed from the city of Nakhchivan.

It should be noted that the purpose of the exercise is to plan and execute joint operations in accordance with the principles of modern warfare, ensure effective interoperability, facilitate the exchange of experience in comprehensive combat support, and enhance the knowledge and skills of personnel.

Per the operational framework, tactical maneuvers across diverse scenarios and the implementation of specialized missions will be executed.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. Azerbaijan ranks among the top 10 countries with a mine problem in the world, President of the International Eurasian Press Fund and Chairman of the Public Council under the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) Umud Mirzayev told reporters today, Trend reports.

According to him, by the decision of the United Nations, April 4 is marked annually as the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action.

"There are more than 1.5 million mines in the country. This significantly complicates the implementation of the Great Return Program, the safe return of former internally displaced persons to their homelands, as well as the construction of new settlements and infrastructure projects," he delineated.

Mirzayev noted that the mine problem is not only a political issue but primarily a human and humanitarian problem.

"This is a global challenge related to human life, security, and the welfare of future generations. Even if the war ends, mines will continue to endanger people's lives for decades. The UN also assesses this threat as a global humanitarian issue.

Therefore, the world community must demonstrate a unified position in solving the problem, and international organizations, donor agencies, and human rights institutions must show solidarity in this direction. Unfortunately, global powers and the world leave Azerbaijan alone in solving this problem and do not provide support.

After the Second Karabakh War, approximately 260,000 hectares of land in Azerbaijan have been cleared of mines. Although this is an important result, considering the total volume of contaminated areas, it is clear that there is still much work to be done," he added.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. Azerbaijan has issued an appeal to the international community over the ongoing threat posed by landmines, Trend reports.

The Azerbaijan National NGO Forum and the Public Council under the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) released a joint statement on the occasion of the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action.

We, the members of the Azerbaijan National NGO Forum and the Public Council under ANAMA, appeal to the international community on the occasion of April 4, the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action.

The mine threat remains one of the most acute challenges on the global humanitarian agenda. Today, more than 10 million landmines are believed to be buried across over 60 countries worldwide. This number continues to rise amid ongoing wars and armed conflicts, further expanding the geographic scope of the threat.

Azerbaijan is among the countries most severely affected and ranks among the most heavily mine-contaminated nations globally. In the territories liberated from occupation, vast areas, estimated at around 12,000 square kilometers, remain polluted with landmines and unexploded ordnance. These areas are believed to contain around 1 million mines and explosive remnants of war. Since 1991, nearly 3,400 people have fallen victim to mines planted by Armenia.

The Azerbaijani government continues to carry out intensive demining operations in the liberated territories. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of demining personnel, more than 248,000 hectares of land have been cleared to date. However, the scale of contamination remains significant, further complicated by the inaccuracy and limited reliability of mine maps provided by Armenia.

Since the end of the 2020 Patriotic War, 421 Azerbaijani citizens have been affected by mine explosions, including 72 fatalities and 349 serious injuries. These figures underscore that landmines continue to pose a grave and persistent threat to human life even in the post-conflict period. Contaminated areas not only endanger daily life but also hinder agricultural development and delay the safe return of internally displaced persons to their homes.

Mine clearance is a key prerequisite for achieving the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals. Azerbaijan has recognized this importance by designating mine clearance as a national-level Sustainable Development Goal. The country is also actively working to foster international partnerships in combating mines and unexploded ordnance. In this context, the UN has proposed humanitarian mine action as Sustainable Development Goal 18, highlighting the need to focus on countries most affected by landmines.

It is essential to keep the mine threat at the forefront of the international agenda.

We urge the international community to adopt a consistent and principled stance on mine risks. We call on all partners to support Azerbaijans initiatives in this field and to increase technical and financial assistance to countries facing similar challenges. The rehabilitation of mine victims, the restoration of disrupted lives, and the protection of future generations are shared moral responsibilities that demand urgent action," reads the statement.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. Political stability has been ensured in Azerbaijan despite global tensions, the Chief of the State Security Service (SSS), Colonel-General Ali Naghiyev, said at an event dedicated to March 28 - the professional holiday of employees of Azerbaijan security agencies and the 107th anniversary of the establishment of these agencies celebrated at the SSS, Trend reports.

He noted that the serious deformation of international law on a global scale has already prompted states to further strengthen their security systems.

According to him, new economic realities have had a serious impact on international security and the existing world system, including the operational conditions in the region.

"Despite the global and regional tensions that occurred in 2025 and the first three months of this year, political stability has been maintained in our country, and the Azerbaijani people have lived in safe conditions. The resolute and principled position of the President of the country in reliably protecting national interests and statehood further increases the confidence of our people in the future," Naghiyev added.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. Uzbekistans Fergana region hosted an international conference titled A New Era of Friendship Between Central Asian Countries and Azerbaijan as part of the Central Asia and Azerbaijan friendship forum, Trend reports.

The event brought together senior officials, including First Deputy Chairman of the State Committee on Work with Diaspora of Azerbaijan, Valeh Hajiyev, who attended alongside committee representatives.

Ahead of the conference, participants visited the Friendship Stele monument in Fergana, laying flowers in tribute to the enduring ties of brotherhood and solidarity among nations.

Speakers at the event included Chairman of Uzbekistans Committee on Interethnic Relations and Relations with Compatriots Abroad Kahraman Sariyev, First Deputy Minister of Labor, Social Security, and Migration of Kyrgyzstan Kamchybek Dosmatov, representative of the Tajikistan Society for Friendship and Cultural Relations Ibrahim Abdullozoda, and Vice President of Kazakhstans Otandastar Foundation Alibek Jurkadam, among others.

Conveying greetings from Committee Chairman Fuad Muradov, Hajiyev emphasized that relations between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan have reached the level of strategic partnership, driven by the shared political will of their leaders. He noted that intensified political dialogue has fostered steady growth in trade, economic, cultural, humanitarian, and interregional cooperation.

Hajiyev highlighted successful examples of bilateral cooperation, including the establishment of the Heydar Aliyev Park and the Azerbaijan Park in Tashkent, as well as the Uzbekistan Park in Baku. He also underscored the contributions of Central Asian countries to reconstruction efforts in Azerbaijans liberated territories, noting Uzbekistans construction of a secondary school in Fuzuli, Kazakhstans development of a childrens creative center, and Kyrgyzstans building of a training center in Aghdam.
Kamil Salduz expressed gratitude for the warm reception and noted that the foundation officially began its activities following an announcement published in Turkiyes "Official Gazette" on October 19, 2025. He emphasized that the majority of the foundations founders and trustees are originally from Kars.

Salduz also highlighted that the Kars Friendship Group, which forms the core of the foundation, has already implemented numerous cultural initiatives. He recalled that, with the support of the State Committee on Work with Diaspora and Azerbaijans Embassy in Turkiye, large-scale concerts dedicated to May 28 - Independence Day were held in Ankara and Istanbul in 2023.

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In March 2026, Android saw a notable increase in market share in Azerbaijan. Microsoft Windows experienced a significant decline, while iOS gained ground, improving its position. These shifts highlight changing preferences in the operating system market.
ABUJA, April 3 (Xinhua) -- A grieving Nigerian mother has captured national attention after delivering an emotional farewell to her slain son in a viral video, underscoring the outrage and calls for justice following a recent deadly attack in central Nigeria.

In the widely circulated footage on social media, Rhoda Favor-Ayuba is seen addressing her son, Promise Ayuba, whose body lay in an open coffin during his burial. Through tears, she unties her wrapper, retrieves a concealed machete, and places it in his hands, saying "go in search of your killers and strike them to death."

Ayuba was among the victims of a March 29 attack on residents of Angwan Rukuba, a community in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, where dozens were killed and many others injured.

"I named you Promise because I believed you would outlive me. Now that you have been killed in this manner, you hold the promise of fighting for justice," Favor-Ayuba said. She had earlier drawn widespread attention in the immediate aftermath of the attack, appearing in viral images and videos as she clutched her son's body in grief, hoping he would come back to life.

The assault is the latest in a series of violent incidents in Plateau State, long considered a flashpoint of insecurity in Nigeria's central region. According to local officials and witnesses, gunmen wearing military-style camouflage stormed Angwan Rukuba in a red bus on Sunday, opening fire and attacking residents and shop owners with machetes without warning.

While such violence has historically been concentrated in rural communities, this attack marks a shift, targeting a densely populated urban area and heightening fears among residents that "no place is safe anymore."

Known as the "Home of Peace and Tourism," Plateau State has long prided itself on its scenic landscapes and temperate climate. Located in Nigeria's central belt, the state sits at the intersection of the predominantly Muslim north and the largely Christian south. Over the years, the region has witnessed recurring violence linked to communal disputes, farmer-herder conflicts and ethno-religious tensions.

The latest attack claimed the lives of women and children, including a pregnant woman, prompting widespread condemnation and renewed calls for lasting peace in the troubled region.

"We are crying for peace, but more importantly, we are crying for justice," said Joshua Yohanna, an injured survivor. "These killings must end now. We are calling on the government to come to our aid. Enough is enough!"

Beyond the immediate loss of life, the attack has disrupted daily life and economic activity. Authorities imposed a 48-hour curfew to restore order, which has since been eased.

During a visit to Jos on Thursday, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu ordered security agencies to track down those responsible and pledged stronger collaboration with stakeholders to break the cycle of violence and restore lasting peace in Plateau State.

While consoling bereaved families, Tinubu vowed to prevent further attacks, end the killings and advance peacebuilding efforts. He also announced plans to deploy more than 5,000 artificial intelligence-enabled surveillance cameras across the state.

"No amount of money can bring back the dead, but the federal government will do its best to comfort the bereaved, walk with them and provide necessary assistance," the president said at a meeting with affected families.

"Rhoda, I feel your pain, but no matter what we say, we cannot bring Ayuba back," he added, pledging justice for all. 
Premium Azerbaijani manats effective exchange rate declines in Mar. 2026

The effective exchange rate of the Azerbaijani manat has declined against foreign currencies, according to data from the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA).
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. Russia-Uzbekistan trade turnover increased by 12.4% in 2025, with exports rising by 11.6% and imports by 14%, Director of the Department for Economic Cooperation with CIS Countries of the Russian Ministry of Economic Development Alexey Mikhaylov told Trend.

"Russia increased supplies of mineral products, chemical industry goods, pharmaceuticals, timber, and pulp and paper products. Uzbekistan, in turn, expanded exports of textile, agricultural, and fruit and vegetable products. Today, Russia ranks second among Uzbekistans foreign trade partners with a 16% share," he said.

According to him, in the wake of the fifth convening of the Working Group, the stakeholders reached a consensus to advance industrial collaboration and enhance reciprocal trade, particularly by refining the quality assurance processes for delivered products.

"The progress in preparing infrastructure for the opening of a branch of the Russian Foreign Trade Academy in Uzbekistan was also discussed. This institution will host training programs aimed at enhancing the qualifications of Uzbekistans public sector employees in the field of foreign economic activity," he added.
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, Aprel 3. Uzbekistan plans to launch six additional energy storage systems with a total capacity of 884 MW in 2026, Trend reports via the Ministry of Energy of Uzbekistan.

The ministry reports that the nation is proactively enhancing its energy storage framework to bolster the reliability of the national power grid.

In 2024, two energy storage systems with a capacity of 150 MW each were commissioned in the Fergana and Andijan regions, bringing the total to 300 MW.

In 2025, Uzbekistan put into operation 10 energy storage systems with a combined capacity of 1,245 MW.

According to the ministry, the total capacity of energy storage systems in the country is expected to reach 4.5 GW by 2030 as part of large-scale energy sector modernization and renewable energy integration.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. At the beginning of 2026, the economic partnership between Azerbaijan and Georgia is demonstrating steady upward momentum, turning bilateral relations into a key driving force of regional integration in the South Caucasus.

In February 2026, Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov hosted delegations of parliamentarians from Turkiye and Georgia, where issues of partnership and regional security were at the center of discussions. The meeting addressed allied relations with Ankara and strategic partnership with Tbilisi, as well as the overall security situation in the region. The sides emphasized the importance of interparliamentary cooperation - the 10th trilateral meeting of the foreign affairs committees of the parliaments of Azerbaijan, Turkiye, and Georgia gave additional impetus to this process. Such trilateral formats, including meetings of foreign and defense ministers, consistently help strengthen peace, stability, and prosperity in the South Caucasus.

This political foundation directly supports economic cooperation, which continues to show solid growth. In January 2026, trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Georgia reached $77.9 million, up 6.6% year-on-year. Exports from Azerbaijan increased by 7.3% to $69.3 million, while non-oil exports rose by 19.4% to $31.6 million, allowing Georgia to rank third among importers of Azerbaijani non-oil products with a share of 11.78%. By the end of 2025, bilateral trade reached $1.4 billion, marking a 3.8% increase. The positive trend continued into early 2026: in JanuaryFebruary, trade turnover grew by 18.9% to $176.6 million, according to Azerbaijani data. Azerbaijan remains Georgias fifth-largest trading partner, accounting for 5.3% of its trade.

Against this backdrop, Economy Ministers Mikayil Jabbarov and Mariam Kvrivishvili reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening ties at the GeorgiaAzerbaijanTurkiye business forum in February 2026. Jabbarov highlighted the importance of deepening economic integration between our countries and further enhancing the efficiency of our partnership, particularly through the development of the Middle Corridor, digital infrastructure, and expanded export opportunities. This route is already actively functioning as a real alternative to traditional pathways, linking Asia with Europe through Azerbaijan and Georgia and creating additional opportunities for both countries.

The development of transport and energy infrastructure has become one of the main pillars of the partnership. In 2025, Azerbaijan invested $143.9 million in Georgias economy, accounting for 8.5% of total foreign direct investment. The total volume of Azerbaijani investments exceeded $3.1 billion, and the number of companies with Azerbaijani capital reached 1,660. Georgian investments in Azerbaijan grew 2.6 times to $91.3 million. In the energy sector, Azerbaijan supplied 2.3 billion cubic meters of natural gas to Georgia in 2025, valued at $250.3 million. Meanwhile, the BakuTbilisiCeyhan oil pipeline and the South Caucasus gas pipeline continue to operate reliably. Georgia plans to complete key road sections of the Middle Corridor as early as 2026, while the sides are actively discussing customs simplification and joint border checkpoints.

The presidents of both countries have repeatedly emphasized how deeply rooted AzerbaijanGeorgia ties are. An important political signal was the first official visit of Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili after his election - he chose Azerbaijan as his first destination. On April 16, 2025, the two presidents made press statements in Baku.

The oil and gas projects, the oil and gas pipelines, and the transport and communication initiatives jointly implemented by Azerbaijan and Georgia are truly of great significance. These projects have not only reshaped the transportation and energy map of the South Caucasus but also that of the entire Eurasian region.

If we are talking about the energy security of Europe today, it is impossible to imagine it without Azerbaijan and Georgia. Currently, Azerbaijan exports natural gas to 12 countries, including Georgia, and these exports are carried out through Georgia. Our achievements in the field of transport and communications - the newly built railways and ports - have created great synergy in both Azerbaijan and Georgia. In fact, they have become an integral part of the Middle Corridor, said President Ilham Aliyev.

President Mikheil Kavelashvili, in turn, added: I am absolutely convinced that our high-level strategic and good-neighborly relations that have stood the test of time will be further strengthened and elevated to a new level through the pursuit of the national interests of Georgia and Azerbaijan. Close cooperation between our countries in all areas is of particular importance for the effective resolution of the tasks facing the region and the world at large.

We are implementing a number of common and mutually beneficial projects, and this makes our region even more attractive to the world. Ensuring lasting peace and stability is important for the South Caucasus region to become even more competitive, reliable and sustainable.

Much of the momentum in bilateral ties is attributed to the long-standing policy of President Ilham Aliyev, who has prioritized relations with Georgia, backed infrastructure development, and promoted regional stability. Analysts say this approach has helped transform the partnership into a key driver of economic and political cooperation in the South Caucasus.

From increased trade and investment to major infrastructure initiatives, the AzerbaijanGeorgia partnership is already delivering measurable results. Both countries view the relationship as mutually beneficial, strengthening bilateral ties while contributing to broader regional stability and reinforcing confidence in future growth.
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, April 3. Japanese companies are interested in expanding cooperation with Kyrgyzstan, said Chairman of the Japan-Kyrgyz Economic Exchange Association (JKEEA) Shinji Tarutoko, Trend reports via the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan.

He made the statement during a meeting with Special Representative of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic for Special Assignments Bakyt Torobaev.

During the meeting, Shinji Tarutoko expressed readiness to actively participate in the implementation of joint projects and emphasized the importance of direct dialogue and institutional support for the successful development of economic and investment initiatives.

The sides also discussed prospects for further development of Kyrgyz-Japanese cooperation.

Bakyt Torobaev, recently appointed as Special Representative of the President for Special Assignments, noted that in his new role he is responsible for the development of the real sector of the economy and the attraction of international investment.

In this context, he stressed that the Kyrgyz side is open to mutually beneficial investment partnerships with all countries, including Japan.

Bakyt Torobaev congratulated Shinji Tarutoko on the establishment of the Association and noted that his many years of experience have contributed to building strong institutional ties between the two countries. The creation of the Association is seen as a long-term mechanism for expanding bilateral cooperation and implementing joint economic initiatives.

The Special Representative of the President highlighted the positive dynamics of Kyrgyz-Japanese relations, adding that all Central Asian countries are developing dynamically and are seeking new technologies to support economic growth.

The sides agreed to further develop cooperation and attract Japanese investment into Kyrgyzstans economy.

Priority areas include healthcare, education, digital technologies, tourism, energy, infrastructure, as well as geological exploration and the development of rare earth metal deposits.
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, April 3. Turkmenistan and Russia discussed prospects for deepening energy cooperation with a focus on the power sector, Trend reports via the Russias Ministry of Energy.

The discussions took place during a meeting between Turkmenistans Minister of Energy Annageldi Saparov and Russias Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilev, held as part of the Turkmen ministers visit to Kazan, Russia, to attend the EnergyProm-2026, taking place from April 1 to 3.

During the talks, the sides focused on strengthening the Russian-Turkmen energy dialogue, with particular emphasis on cooperation in the electric power sector.

The Russian side presented the capabilities of leading energy companies and manufacturers of power generation equipment, including solutions in the field of renewable energy.

The discussions also covered prospects for implementing joint projects aimed at modernizing energy infrastructure, improving the reliability of power systems, and introducing advanced technologies.

The Turkmen side, in turn, confirmed its readiness to continue active dialogue with Russias Energy Ministry and work on practical steps to implement the agreements reached.

Earlier, in 2020, Russia and Turkmenistan signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the electric power sector between their energy ministries, which formalized interaction in areas such as exchange of technical expertise, and development of joint approaches to improving reliability and efficiency of electricity infrastructure.

Bilateral energy ties have traditionally centered on the operation and modernization of energy infrastructure and related industrial capacities. In recent years, cooperation has increasingly focused on improving the resilience of power systems, upgrading generation and transmission infrastructure, and expanding technological collaboration, including the introduction of more advanced and efficient energy solutions within the sector.
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, April 3. The UK is interested in the steady development of bilateral cooperation, including the joint implementation of industrial and infrastructure projects, Trend reports via the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan.

This was stated by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Kingdom to the Kyrgyz Republic Nicholas Bowler during a meeting with Special Representative of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic for Special Assignments Bakyt Torobaev.

He noted the importance of strengthening economic and investment ties between Kyrgyzstan and the UK, and expressed the readiness of British companies to operate in the country.

Bakyt Torobaev, recently appointed as Special Representative of the President for Special Assignments, noted that in his new role he is responsible for the development of the real sector of the economy and the attraction of international investment.

In this context, he stressed that the Kyrgyz side is open to mutually beneficial investment partnerships with all countries, including the United Kingdom.

Furthermore, Bakyt Torobaev also highlighted the positive dynamics in the development of Kyrgyz-British bilateral relations.

Particular attention was paid to trade, economic, and investment cooperation, with growing interest from British business circles in Kyrgyzstan noted, as evidenced by the successful holding of the fourth meeting of the Kyrgyz-British Business Council in February this year in London, with the participation of major British companies.

The sides agreed to continue cooperation with a view to further strengthening the Kyrgyz-British partnership.
DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, April 3. "Shabakahoi Intiqoli Barq" OJSC of Tajikistan and "Scientific and Technical Center of the Unified Energy System" JSC of the Russian Federation have signed a cooperation agreement, Trend reports via the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources of Tajikistan.

The agreement was signed on April 2, 2026, in Kazan on the sidelines of the ENERGOPROM Kazan International Electric Power Forum.

According to the press service of the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources of the Republic of Tajikistan, the document was signed by Deputy General Director of "Shabakahoi Intiqoli Barq" OJSC Bahodur Usmonov and General Director of "Scientific and Technical Center of the Unified Energy System" JSC Ruslan Izmailov.

The document seeks to enhance enduring collaboration and foster a symbiotic alliance within the electric power domain.

Under the agreement, the parties agreed to expand cooperation in the following key areas: the development of controlled AC power transmission technologies, including phase-shifting transformers and reactive power compensation devices; the digitalization of relay protection and emergency control systems; and the standardization of system and technological requirements for power transmission equipment, including phase-shifting transformers, as well as control, regulation, protection, and automation systems.

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For its performance in 2025, ABB Bank was awarded 8 prizes by the Azerbaijan Banks Association (ABA). The Bank received ABA awards in the following categories: Implementation of innovative projects in digital payments, Awareness projects on security in digital payments, Corporate social responsibility, Support for financial literacy, Support for education, ABA member implementing initiatives to increase access to finance for small and medium-sized businesses, Projects in sustainable banking (ESG), and Bank distinguished in the development of international cooperation.

This is the highest number of banking awards received by a single bank across different categories.

In 2025, ABB Bank implemented significant innovative projects in the field of digital payments. In particular, the number of deployed artificial intelligence models reached 176. AI-powered voice assistants became available to all customers. Thanks to the digitalization of products and services, 90% of banking operations were transitioned to a paperless format.

In 2025, ABB Bank further strengthened its support for the real sector of the economy. New opportunities were created for small and medium-sized businesses. The ABB Biz application, offering extensive capabilities for small entrepreneurs, was further enhanced with new functionalities.

Throughout the year, ABB Bank carried out large-scale campaigns to improve financial literacy among the population, particularly in the area of cybersecurity.

In 2025, the Bank also expanded its international relations. Partnerships with many international organizations, including the World Economic Forum (Davos), were strengthened. As an indicator of its growing global reputation, last year ABB Bank attracted a syndicated loan of USD 200,000,000 from 12 financial institutions from the UAE, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, organized by Mashreqbank.

As part of its corporate social responsibility program, ABB Bank successfully continued projects supporting sports, environmental protection, education, and innovation throughout the year.

For detailed information about ABB Banks modern, useful, and versatile products and services, you can visit the Banks branches and service offices, access the official website https://abb-bank.az/, contact the Information Center at 937, or follow the Banks official social media pages.
Photo: The Ministry of Investments, Industry, and Trade of Uzbekistan

TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, April 3. Uzbekistan and Poland discussed increasing reciprocal trade in agricultural products, Trend reports via the Uzbek Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade.

The issue was discussed during a meeting between Uzbekistans Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade, Laziz Kudratov, and Polands Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Stefan Krajewski.

The sides explored opportunities to expand supply chains, as well as to launch joint projects in food processing and logistics.

Particular attention was paid to the establishment of distribution centers, broader participation of companies in international trade fairs, and the development of direct business-to-business ties.

Following the meeting, the sides reaffirmed their commitment to advancing new initiatives aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation.

Meanwhile, trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Poland amounted to $383.7 million in 2025, marking a 2.4% decrease compared to $393 million recorded in 2024.
BEIJING, April 3 (Xinhua) -- A virtual meeting led by Britain on the Strait of Hormuz concluded on Thursday with over 30 countries participating, although the United States was notably absent.

As global oil prices continue to rise and supply chains remain strained, nations worldwide are adopting different strategies to handle the crisis.

COSTLY DEADLOCK

Hormuz, which once saw around 130 vessels passing daily, now has approximately 20,000 seafarers stranded aboard 2,000 ships in its waters, according to the International Maritime Organization.

Lloyd's List Intelligence, a maritime data and intelligence company, revealed that only 292 ships transited the strait between Feb. 28 and March 31, with 71 percent of them being either owned by or affiliated with Iran.

Oil prices soared on Thursday as investors considered how long the Middle East conflict would impede the transportation of crude oil through the strait, reported CNBC.

It added that June futures for international benchmark Brent crude rose more than 6 percent to 107.35 U.S. dollars per barrel.

Starting April 17, Amazon will impose a 3.5 percent fuel and logistics surcharge on merchants' fulfillment fees for sellers in the United States and Canada.

Nobel Laureate in Economic Sciences Paul Krugman on Wednesday argued that rising costs may hit American consumers the hardest through higher prices for food and everyday goods.

Germany's federal government said on Tuesday that petrol prices in the country had been fluctuating up to 22 times a day, as the war and disruptions to oil supplies raised costs.

Around 16 percent of fuel stations in France are experiencing shortages, driven by panic buying and price rises linked to the war with Iran, The Connexion, France's leading English-language media outlet, reported on Thursday.

DIFFERENT STRATEGIES

As global stakeholders take action, Britain led virtual talks on Thursday. Although no concrete solutions were agreed upon, the meeting is considered a first step, as more detailed discussions could involve military planners in the coming weeks, according to Foreign Policy.

The United Nations Security Council is scheduled to vote on Friday on a draft resolution by Bahrain that would authorize defensive measures to secure the Strait.

France circulated a more conciliatory alternative text, while diplomats wait to see whether the two drafts could be reconciled, according to Reuters.

China and Pakistan recently issued a joint five-point initiative to restore peace and stability in the Gulf and the wider Middle East, which includes safeguarding the sovereignty and security of the Gulf states, ending attacks on civilians and non-military targets, and ensuring the security of shipping lanes.

Gulf countries are studying costly options, including expanding oil pipeline capacity and developing new export terminals on the Red Sea coast, to bypass the chokepoint and continue exporting oil and gas, the Financial Times reported Thursday.

Under intense international scrutiny, Tehran said it is drafting a protocol to "monitor transit" through Hormuz and will negotiate with Oman on a joint deal, the Russian news agency Sputnik reported Thursday.

Tanker traffic "should be supervised and coordinated" with Iran and Oman, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Kazem Gharibabadi was quoted by Sputnik as saying.

These requirements would apply after the ongoing conflict "to facilitate and ensure safe passage and provide better services to ships that pass through this route," the official said.

This move raised hopes that the Strait may regain some capacity without requiring military force, slightly easing oil prices from their daily highs.

MOUNTING PRESSURE

The crisis has highlighted the interconnectedness of the global market. Countries are taking action based on the notion that no one can fully insulate itself from a sustained disruption of the Hormuz.

The Strait is essential not only to oil but also to trade in some of the world's most vital resources -- diesel, jet fuel, fertilizer and plastics, according to Krugman.

UN Trade and Development warned Wednesday that if disruptions persist, the situation could evolve into a cascading crisis with far-reaching consequences for development.

Fuel crunches hitting Asia will soon spread west, while Europe is likely to face surging prices to secure cargoes and is at risk of diesel shortages in the coming weeks, Bloomberg said in an article on Monday.

As the crisis spreads, parts of Africa have already faced supply disruptions, with similar pressures expected in Latin America, the report added.

"It's clear to me if this crisis lasts more than three or four months it becomes a systemic problem for the world," TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanne told Bloomberg.

The economic downturn is compounded by political pressure, especially for many European leaders, who face rising tensions with Washington.

After NATO allies refused to help with the Strait, Trump hinted at withdrawing from the alliance in an interview published on Wednesday in The Telegraph newspaper.

The cumulative effect of similar comments has further strained transatlantic relations, as analysts suggest the fracture has deepened, perhaps to a point of no return.

"Even if Trump does not act on his threat, he has broken new ground simply by making it," Rajan Menon, professor emeritus of international relations at the City College of New York, wrote in an opinion published Friday on Time magazine.

Trevor Taylor, a professorial research fellow on military sciences at Britain's Royal United Services Institute, told The New York Times that Europe is increasingly doubtful about "the reliability of the United States as an ally, and even raised some questions about whether it should actually be seen, in many respects, as a threat." 
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. The Azerbaijan Banks Association (ABA) and the China Banks Association (CBA) have reached a preliminary agreement to sign a memorandum of cooperation in the near future,Trend reports via the ABA.

According to ABA, a delegation from the association participated in a business meeting with the leadership and relevant departments of the CBA during their visit to the Peoples Republic of China on April 1. The meeting was organized by the Azerbaijan Bank and Finance Training Center. ABA was represented by its President, Zakir Nuriyev, Executive Director, Yunus Abdulov, and Chief Economist, Azizagha Hakhverdiyev. From the Chinese side, CBAs Vice President and Deputy Secretary-General Yin Youxiang, Secretary-General Xu Jieqin, and Director of the Research Department Li Jian took part.

During the meeting, both sides held detailed discussions on the activities of their bank associations, current priorities, and opportunities for future cooperation. Presentations were made on the current state and development trends of the financial sectors in both countries. In this context, Azerbaijans financial system was highlighted as ranking first globally in the financial services category according to the World Banks 2025 report, with emphasis on the role of the countrys regulatory framework in achieving this result.

CBA representatives Yin Youxiang and Xu Jieqin shared insights on Chinas macroeconomic situation, financial stability, and strategic goals. ABA President Zakir Nuriyev outlined the associations mission, key initiatives in the banking sector, and prospects for expanding Azerbaijan-China cooperation. Executive Director Yunus Abdulov presented ABAs organizational structure and international collaboration efforts, while Chief Economist Azizaga Khakhverdiyev provided an overview of Azerbaijans macroeconomic situation and banking reforms. Li Jian highlighted innovative solutions and developments in the field of digital finance in China.

The meeting concluded with discussions on experience exchange in the banking sector and potential joint projects, resulting in a preliminary agreement to sign a memorandum of cooperation between ABA and CBA.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. A presentation of the Alat Free Economic Zone (AFEZ) was held for a Turkmenistan delegation during a meeting between Valeh Alasgarov, Chairman of the Board of the AFEZ Authority, and Nokerguly Atagulyev, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, on April 1, Trend reports via AFEZ.

During the meeting, Alasgarov provided detailed information about the zone, highlighting its unique legal framework, fully developed domestic and international infrastructure, industrial land equipped with engineering and communication systems, financial and non-financial incentives, and transportation and logistics capabilities.

Atagulyev noted that the presentation made a very positive impression on the Turkmen delegation. He emphasized that the zones extraterritorial status and the independence of the AFEZ authority create a strong foundation for successful development. He also highlighted that the availability of industrial land with ready infrastructure is particularly attractive to investors.

At the end of the meeting, both sides expressed interest in further developing cooperation.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. Trade and investment relations between Azerbaijan and China were discussed, Trend reports via the Agency for the Promotion of Exports and Investments (AZPROMO)

A meeting was held at the Agency for the Promotion of Exports and Investments (AZPROMO) with a delegation from the China International Center for Economic and Technical Cooperation (CICETE).

The meeting featured a presentation on trade and investment relations between Azerbaijan and China. It was noted that CICETE, which organizes exhibitions and events, is also the organizer of the China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS). In this context, the possibility of Azerbaijani companies participating in the exhibition, which will take place in Beijing from September 9 to 13 this year, was discussed.

In addition, the meeting explored prospects for attracting specialists to participate in training programs organized by CICETE, including sessions on the Chinese market and marketing strategies.
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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. Azerbaijan has supplied Greece with 5.6 billion cubic meters of natural gas to date, Trend reports, citing the Azerbaijani Ministry of Energy.

The information was discussed during a meeting between Azerbaijans Minister of Energy, Parviz Shahbazov, and Greeces Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the country, Maria Papakonstantinou.

During the meeting, the sides highlighted the significance of energy cooperation between the two countries, particularly gas supplies from Azerbaijan via the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP). It was noted that these supplies play an important role in ensuring energy diversification, maintaining competitive pricing, protecting the environment, and strengthening Greeces position as an energy hub.

According to the ministry, gas deliveries to Greece reached 1.1 billion cubic meters last year. Overall, since the commissioning of TAP, Azerbaijan has exported 5.6 billion cubic meters of gas to Greece.

The parties also emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation into new areas, including green energy, energy efficiency, and innovative technologies. In addition, preparations for the next meeting of the Joint Commission on Economic, Industrial, and Technological Cooperation between Azerbaijan and Greece, to be held in Athens, were discussed. The Greek side was also invited to participate extensively in events within Baku Energy Week.

According to the State Statistics Committee, Azerbaijan exported 80.1 million cubic meters of natural gas to Greece in January of this year, valued at $33.7 million. Compared to the same period last year, this represented a decrease in value by $10 million, or 22.9%, while export volume declined by 111,000 cubic meters, or 0.1%.

Meanwhile, data from the State Customs Committee shows that from January through February 2026, Azerbaijan exported 4.38 billion cubic meters of natural gas worth $1.28 billion. Compared to the same period last year, the figure declined by $265 million, or 17.1%, in value terms, while rising by 194 million cubic meters, or 4.6%, in volume terms.

16:59

Azerbaijan has supplied Greece with 5.6 billion cubic meters of natural gas to date, the countrys Minister of Energy Parviz Shahbazov wrote on his X account, Trend reports.

We discussed issues related to the development of cooperation in the energy sector and within the framework of the Intergovernmental Commission between the two countries with Maria Papakonstantinou, Greeces Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan has supplied Greece with 5.6 billion cubic meters of natural gas to date, the post reads.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. The Azerbaijan Energy Regulatory Agency (AERA) and the International Bank of Azerbaijan (ABB) have signed a cooperation agreement for the provision of preferential loans from the Energy Efficiency Fund through an authorized credit organization, Trend reports via AERA.

This partnership enables the allocation of preferential loans from the Fund to promote energy efficiency measures.

The parties reached an agreement on the issuance of preferential loans from the Fund to encourage energy efficiency measures, including the terms of preferential loans, accounting procedures, monitoring of intended use, repayment, and the accountability of the authorized credit institution to the Agency.

Samir Akhundov, Chairman of the Board of AERA, stated that these preferential loans will provide accessible and beneficial support for those implementing energy efficiency projects.

Citizens, as well as enterprises, will be able to take advantage of these opportunities. These steps contribute to the continuous and systematic advancement of energy efficiency in our country. Furthermore, they ensure that state policy in this area is transformed into tangible results while creating valuable opportunities for citizens, he noted.

The Energy Efficiency Fund was established by Decree of President Ilham Aliyev on March 1, 2024. Its funds are managed by the Azerbaijan Energy Regulatory Agency.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, April 3. Kazakhstan exported 362,943 tons of crude oil and petroleum products derived from bituminous minerals to Greece in January 2026, marking a 4% increase compared to 348,823 tons in the same period in 2025.

According to data obtained by Trend from the countrys Bureau of National Statistics, the value of these exports amounted to $180.297 million, representing a 13% decline from $208.751 million recorded in January 2025.

Overall, Kazakhstan exported 6.380 million tons of crude oil and petroleum products from bituminous minerals in January 2026, up 31.8% from 4.839 million tons in the corresponding period of 2025. The total value of these exports reached $3.105 billion, reflecting a 13.6% increase compared to $2.734 billion a year earlier.

Meanwhile, in 2025, Kazakhstan exported a total of 76.032 million tons of crude oil and petroleum products from bituminous minerals in 2025, which is a 7% increase from the 71.037 million tons exported in 2024. Despite the higher volume, the total value of these exports reached $39.898 billion, representing a 7% decline from $42.885 billion the previous year.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, April 3. Kazakh low-cost carrier FlyArystan has announced the launch of a new seasonal route between Astana and Issyk-Kul (Tamchy), Trend reports via the company.

Direct flights will operate from July 3 to August 31, 2026, with a frequency of twice a week on Mondays and Fridays.

Departures from Astana are scheduled at 07:30, arriving in Issyk-Kul (Tamchy) at 10:45 local time. Return flights depart at 12:00, arriving in Astana at 13:20.

In addition to flights from Astana, the airline will also operate seasonal services to Issyk-Kul (Tamchy) from Almaty. The Almaty schedule will run from June 18 to August 30, 2026, twice a week on Thursdays and Sundays.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, April 3. Information technologies could become a digital bridge firmly connecting Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, Speaker of the Mazhilis of Kazakhstan Yerlan Koshanov said, Trend reports via the Mazhilis.

He made the statement at the third meeting of the Interparliamentary Cooperation Council between the Mazhilis of the Parliament of Kazakhstan and the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan, held in Bukhara.

Koshanov also elaborated on the implementation of joint projects in trade and logistics, ecology and energy, as well as digitalization.

Particular attention was paid to the joint development of regional tourism. The speaker of the Mazhilis recalled that the leadership of both countries has set the task of modernizing tourism infrastructure and attracting foreign tourists.

The sides also covered areas of trade, economic and agricultural cooperation, interaction in sustainable development, green economy and energy, as well as issues of digitalization, information technologies, and the expansion of cultural and educational ties.

In turn, Speaker of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan Nuriddin Ismoilov noted that 2025 was particularly productive for interparliamentary cooperation between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. He also congratulated Kazakhstan on the successful holding of the referendum on the new constitution.

The next meeting of the Interparliamentary Cooperation Council is scheduled to be held in the city of Turkestan.

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Photo: Official information source of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan

ASTANA, Kazakhstan, April 3. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and Kazakhstans Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov discussed the development of bilateral cooperation during a telephone conversation, Trend reports via the press service of the Russian government.

The sides reviewed the implementation of agreements reached at the Russia-Kazakhstan intergovernmental talks held on March 25, 2026, in Astana.

Particular attention was paid to expanding trade, economic, and scientific-technical cooperation, as well as advancing major joint projects in key sectors, including industry, energy, and transport infrastructure.

The prime ministers also underscored the importance of strengthening integration within multilateral frameworks such as the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), along with other regional cooperation platforms.

Mishustin and Bektenov reaffirmed their commitment to further deepening bilateral ties and ensuring the effective implementation of previously reached agreements.

According to the Bureau of National Statistics of Kazakhstan, the trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Russia reached $27.37 billion in 2025, reflecting a 2.7% decrease compared to the $28.14 billion recorded in 2024.
Mwadini Maalim Simai (2nd R), head of the anesthesiology department, performs an ultrasound-guided brachial plexus nerve block under the guidance of Luan Hengfei (1st L), an anesthesiologist from the 35th Chinese medical team in Zanzibar, at Tanzania's Zanzibar Lumumba Regional Referral Hospital, Jan. 19, 2026. (The 35th Chinese medical team in Zanzibar/Handout via Xinhua)

ZANZIBAR, Tanzania, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Inside an operating theater at Tanzania's Zanzibar Lumumba Regional Referral Hospital, Mwadini Maalim Simai, head of the anesthesiology department, leaned forward, eyes fixed on an ultrasound monitor, as he carefully guided a needle toward a patient's nerve plexus.

For the first time, he was performing the procedure on his own.

Beads of sweat formed on Simai's forehead, but Luan Hengfei, an anesthesiologist from the 35th Chinese medical team in Zanzibar, offered constant reassurance.

"I'm right here. Don't worry. Take your time," Luan told Simai calmly.

With guidance and renewed confidence, Simai adjusted the probe and needle. On the monitor, the needle tip appeared clearly "in-plane," advancing with precision toward the targeted nerve.

As the anesthetic spread smoothly around the nerve, the tension in the room eased. Simai exhaled deeply, relief giving way to excitement.

He completed the region's first ultrasound-guided brachial plexus nerve block performed by a local doctor, assisting orthopedic surgeons in treating a patient with a distal radius fracture. This marked a notable breakthrough in the application of advanced regional anesthesia techniques in the area.

For years, anesthesiologists in Zanzibar have faced significant constraints.

Limited access to ultrasound equipment and specialized training forced many upper-limb surgeries to rely heavily on general anesthesia. Meanwhile, shortages of analgesic drugs often compromised post-operative pain management, leaving patients to endure unnecessary suffering.

General anesthesia also carried risks, such as respiratory depression and vomiting, complications that could be especially dangerous in settings with limited monitoring capacity.

Upon arriving in Zanzibar in September 2025, Luan quickly recognized these challenges and identified ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia as a practical solution.

"Ultrasound guidance allows us to clearly visualize nerves and blood vessels, improving accuracy and safety. More importantly, it reduces reliance on general anesthesia and helps address the problem of limited medical supplies," Luan said.

Determined to ensure lasting impact, Luan introduced a structured training program that combined theoretical instruction with hands-on practice.

He covered everything from nerve anatomy to ultrasound operation and complication management. In addition, by using a "demonstration first, guided practice second" approach, he helped local doctors interpret ultrasound images as clear anatomical maps, building both confidence and competence.

"With proper technique, regional anesthesia is the best way to avoid many complications associated with general anesthesia," Simai explained.

Following the successful procedure, the patient, who had suffered severe pain from the fracture, remained calm and stable during surgery, highlighting the effectiveness of the new technique.

"Ultrasound guidance is like installing navigation for our procedures, safe and efficient," said Simai. "It has solved a major problem that has troubled us for a long time."

He noted that wider adoption of regional anesthesia will also reduce the use of analgesic drugs required for general anesthesia.

Looking ahead, Simai emphasized the importance of continued learning and knowledge-sharing. "We will keep practicing and training other anesthetists to build more experience and expertise," he said.

Luan echoed this vision, saying the next step is to expand ultrasound-guided nerve block techniques to lower-limb and abdominal surgeries, further improving surgical care across Zanzibar.

Through sustained training and cooperation, the Chinese medical team aims to leave behind not just skills, but a self-sustaining system of care, according to Bao Zengtao, team leader of the 35th Chinese medical team in Zanzibar. 
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, April 3. Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan have discussed advancing cooperation on the construction of the Kambarata hydropower plant-1 (HPP-1) on the Naryn river in Kyrgyzstan, during the first round of negotiations held in Bishkek, Trend reports via the Kazakhstan's Ministry of Energy.

The negotiations were co-chaired by Kazakhstans Vice Minister of Energy Sungat Yessimkhanov, Kyrgyzstans Deputy Energy Minister Altynbek Rysbekov, and Uzbekistans Deputy Energy Minister Umid Mamadaminov.

The talks brought together official delegations from the three countries to review a draft intergovernmental agreement on the implementation of the project.

Delegations included representatives of relevant government agencies and organizations from all three countries. Representatives of the World Bank participated in the meeting as observers, underlining its key role as a major international financial partner in the project.

Following the talks, the parties reaffirmed their commitment to continue joint work on finalizing the intergovernmental agreement. The next round of negotiations is scheduled to take place in April 2026 in Tashkent.

Kambarata HPP-1 project is a strategically important regional initiative aimed at strengthening energy security across Central Asia. The project enshrines the construction of a hydropower plant with an installed capacity of 1,880 MW.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, April 3. Director General of KazTransOil Arman Kassenov and Tengizchevroil Director General William Lacobie have discussed the current state and prospects of bilateral cooperation, Trend reports via KazTransOil.

During the meeting, the parties reviewed key areas of cooperation, with particular focus on developing partnership in oil export transportation routes.

The sides reaffirmed their mutual commitment to further strengthening long-term and mutually beneficial cooperation, as well as their readiness to maintain constructive dialogue across all areas of interaction.

KazTransOil is Kazakhstans national oil pipeline operator, providing services for oil transportation to the domestic market, for transit, and for export. The total length of its main oil pipelines is 5,196 kilometers.

Tengizchevroil is an oil and gas company operating in Kazakhstan, producing crude oil, gas, and related products. The company operates within a licensed area of 2,500 square kilometers (1,600 square miles), which includes the supergiant Tengiz field, the large Korolev field, and several prospective exploration areas.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. The U.S. search operation to rescue the pilot of an F-35 fighter jet shot down during an airstrike in Iran has failed completely, Iranian media said, Trend reports.

According to the media, Black Hawk helicopters and a C-130 Hercules aircraft took part in the operation.

"One of the helicopters was attacked by Iranian air defense forces near the border and left the operational zone," the media added.

Earlier, the General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces announced that a U.S. F-35 fighter jet had been shot down over the central regions of the country this morning.

The ongoing conflict stems from a chronology that, in 2015, an agreement was reached between Iran and the P5+1 group on a Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action regarding Irans nuclear program, and the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2231, which led to the repeal of the previous six resolutions and the lifting of widespread sanctions against Iran related to its nuclear program.

In 2018, the U.S. withdrew from the plan and imposed sanctions on Iran. Irans gradual lifting of the restrictions provided for in the plan was not unanimously accepted by other countries. Consequently, on September 28, 2025, UN Security Council resolutions against Iran were reinstated.

The International Atomic Energy Agencys report, published in May 2025, indicated that Irans stockpile of enriched uranium stood at 9,247 kilograms, of which more than 408 kilograms were enriched to 60% or higher.

Although two rounds of negotiations on Irans nuclear program took place between the U.S. and Iran at different times, the parties failed to reach a concrete agreement, and both rounds of talks ended in conflict. The most recent of these conflicts began on February 28, when the U.S. and Israel launched military airstrikes against Iran.

In response, Iran began launching missile and drone strikes against Israeli and U.S. targets in countries across the region. Over time, the conflict expanded significantly and engulfed various countries in the Middle East.

The conflict has placed the regions energy infrastructure and maritime shipping under serious threat. Due to security tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, global oil prices have risen significantly. Iran fully controls the Strait of Hormuz and allows passage only to vessels it deems necessary.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has announced the launch of a new wave of missile and drone attacks on Israeli and U.S. targets in the Middle East, the IRGC's statement says, Trend reports.

According to the statement, serious attacks were carried out throughout the day against U.S. and Israeli radar systems, naval vessels, and Israels main military airbase, and a U.S. F-35 fighter jet was destroyed.

The statement also indicates that since this morning, the IRGC's naval and air forces have carried out the 92nd wave of "Operation True Promise 4", carrying out rapid attacks against radar systems and naval equipment of U.S. forces in the region (UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain) and Israel.

The statement noted that in the initial phase of the naval operation, the U.S. amphibious assault ship based in the port of Al-Shuyukh in Dubai, UAE, was hit with ballistic missiles.

The IRGC added that in continuation of the attacks that continued on Friday morning and throughout the night, the air force successfully launched two ballistic missiles at the Ramat David Air Base, located southeast of Haifa and hosting Israeli F-16 fighter squadrons.

In another phase of the attack, in continuation of the "fire against fire" tactic, the IRGC launched "Khurramshahr-4" multiple-warhead ballistic missiles, hitting more than 50 targets in central Tel Aviv and other parts of Israel.

The statement also noted that a high-tech U.S. F-35 fighter jet was targeted and destroyed by the IRGC's air defense systems in central Iran. The plane was said to belong to the U.S. "Lakenheath" squadron, and according to the IRGC, this was the second plane shot down in the last 12 hours.

The ongoing conflict stems from a chronology that, in 2015, an agreement was reached between Iran and the P5+1 group on a Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action regarding Irans nuclear program, and the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2231, which led to the repeal of the previous six resolutions and the lifting of widespread sanctions against Iran related to its nuclear program.

In 2018, the U.S. withdrew from the plan and imposed sanctions on Iran. Irans gradual lifting of the restrictions provided for in the plan was not unanimously accepted by other countries. Consequently, on September 28, 2025, UN Security Council resolutions against Iran were reinstated.

The International Atomic Energy Agencys report, published in May 2025, indicated that Irans stockpile of enriched uranium stood at 9,247 kilograms, of which more than 408 kilograms were enriched to 60% or higher.

Although two rounds of negotiations on Irans nuclear program took place between the U.S. and Iran at different times, the parties failed to reach a concrete agreement, and both rounds of talks ended in conflict. The most recent of these conflicts began on February 28, when the U.S. and Israel launched military airstrikes against Iran.

In response, Iran began launching missile and drone strikes against Israeli and U.S. targets in countries across the region. Over time, the conflict expanded significantly and engulfed various countries in the Middle East.

The conflict has placed the regions energy infrastructure and maritime shipping under serious threat. Due to security tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, global oil prices have risen significantly. Iran fully controls the Strait of Hormuz and allows passage only to vessels it deems necessary.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. A pipe manufacturing company in the Khuzestan province of southwestern Iran has announced a reward of 150 billion rials (approximately $94,600) to anyone who locates the pilots of the U.S. fighter jet shot down in Iran, alive, the statement of Iranian media says, Trend reports.

The companys name has not been disclosed. Meanwhile, a businessman in Bushehr Province has pledged an additional personal reward of 10 billion rials (about $6,300) for the safe capture of the pilots.

Meanwhile, Iran announced today that a U.S. F35 fighter jet was downed over its territory.

On February 28, the United States and Israel launched military operations against Iran, striking major cities, including Tehran. The White House cited missile and nuclear threats originating from the Islamic Republic as justification for the attacks. The strikes reportedly killed Irans Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, along with several other senior officials. In response, Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced a large-scale retaliatory operation against Israel and has targeted U.S. facilities across Bahrain, Jordan, Iraq, Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Syria using ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones.

The conflict has placed the regions energy infrastructure and maritime shipping under serious threat. Due to security tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, global oil prices have risen significantly. Iran fully controls the Strait of Hormuz and allows passage only to vessels it deems necessary.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 4. Iran has stated that it will continue attacks on Israel using various missiles and kamikaze drones, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced, Trend reports.

According to the IRGC, during the 93rd phase of Operation True Promise 4, Iranian forces targeted Israeli military positions in Jalil, Haifa, Kafr Kanna, and Krayot.

In a separate development, Iran also reported shooting down an American F-35 fighter jet in its airspace today.

The ongoing conflict stems from a chronology that, in 2015, an agreement was reached between Iran and the P5+1 group on a Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action regarding Irans nuclear program, and the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2231, which led to the repeal of the previous six resolutions and the lifting of widespread sanctions against Iran related to its nuclear program.

In 2018, the U.S. withdrew from the plan and imposed sanctions on Iran. Irans gradual lifting of the restrictions provided for in the plan was not unanimously accepted by other countries. Consequently, on September 28, 2025, UN Security Council resolutions against Iran were reinstated.

The International Atomic Energy Agencys report, published in May 2025, indicated that Irans stockpile of enriched uranium stood at 9,247 kilograms, of which more than 408 kilograms were enriched to 60% or higher.

Although two rounds of negotiations on Irans nuclear program took place between the U.S. and Iran at different times, the parties failed to reach a concrete agreement, and both rounds of talks ended in conflict. The most recent of these conflicts began on February 28, when the U.S. and Israel launched military airstrikes against Iran.

In response, Iran began launching missile and drone strikes against Israeli and U.S. targets in countries across the region. Over time, the conflict expanded significantly and engulfed various countries in the Middle East.

The conflict has placed the regions energy infrastructure and maritime shipping under serious threat. Due to security tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, global oil prices have risen significantly. Iran fully controls the Strait of Hormuz and allows passage only to vessels it deems necessary.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. Iran demands clarification regarding which of the two Persian Gulf countries the drone, recently shot down in Shiraz, belongs to, the countrys Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, wrote on his X accaunt, Trend reports.

According to him, while the UAV initially appeared to be an MQ-9, further analysis determined it was a Wing Loong 2 drone, which is operated by one of the two countries located in the southern Persian Gulf.

Baghaei noted that the debris of this UAV could provide new evidence of the active and direct involvement of some regional states in the US and Israeli military airstrikes against Iran.

On February 28, the United States and Israel launched military operations against Iran, striking major cities, including Tehran. The White House cited missile and nuclear threats originating from the Islamic Republic as justification for the attacks. The strikes reportedly killed Irans Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, along with several other senior officials. In response, Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced a large-scale retaliatory operation against Israel and has targeted U.S. facilities across Bahrain, Jordan, Iraq, Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Syria using ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones.

The conflict has placed the regions energy infrastructure and maritime shipping under serious threat. Due to security tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, global oil prices have risen significantly. Iran fully controls the Strait of Hormuz and allows passage only to vessels it deems necessary.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. Production has resumed at Israels largest gas field, Leviathan, located in the eastern Mediterranean, Trend reports via the Israeli Ministry of Energy.

The decision to restore operations on the Leviathan platform was made after assessing the situation and considering all relevant factors.

The supply of natural gas to the domestic market continues, and production will increase once another platform is integrated into the system, the ministry said in a statement.

Operations at the gas field had been suspended on February 28 due to military operations against Iran and the expected missile strikes from the country.

On February 28, the United States and Israel launched military operations against Iran, striking major cities, including Tehran. The White House cited missile and nuclear threats originating from the Islamic Republic as justification for the attacks. The strikes reportedly killed Irans Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, along with several other senior officials. In response, Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced a large-scale retaliatory operation against Israel and has targeted U.S. facilities across Bahrain, Jordan, Iraq, Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Syria using ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones.

The conflict has placed the regions energy infrastructure and maritime shipping under serious threat. Due to security tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, global oil prices have risen significantly. Iran fully controls the Strait of Hormuz and allows passage only to vessels it deems necessary.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. US President Donald Trump called on Iran to reach an agreement as soon as possible, Donald Trump wrote in Truth Social, Trend reports.

The US President threatened to destroy Iran's civilian infrastructure.

According to him, the American military hasnt even started destroying whats left in Iran.

"Bridges next, then Electric Power Plants! New Regime leadership knows what has to be done, and has to be done, fast!" he added.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. We can easily open the Hormuz Strait, U.S. President Donald Trump wrote on his social media account, Trend reports.

"With a little more time, we can easily open the Hormuz Strait, take the oil, and make a fortune. It would be a gusher for the world???" Trump wrote.

In 2015, an agreement was reached between Iran and the P5+1 group on a Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action regarding Irans nuclear program, and the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2231, which led to the repeal of the previous six resolutions and the lifting of widespread sanctions against Iran related to its nuclear program.

In 2018, the U.S. withdrew from the plan and imposed sanctions on Iran. Irans gradual lifting of the restrictions provided for in the plan was not unanimously accepted by other countries. Consequently, on September 28, 2025, UN Security Council resolutions against Iran were reinstated.

The International Atomic Energy Agencys report, published in May 2025, indicated that Irans stockpile of enriched uranium stood at 9,247 kilograms, of which more than 408 kilograms were enriched to 60% or higher.

Although two rounds of negotiations on Irans nuclear program took place between the U.S. and Iran at different times, the parties failed to reach a concrete agreement, and both rounds of talks ended in conflict. The most recent of these conflicts began on February 28, when the U.S. and Israel launched military airstrikes against Iran.

In response, Iran began launching missile and drone strikes against Israeli and U.S. targets in countries across the region. Over time, the conflict expanded significantly and engulfed various countries in the Middle East.

The conflict has placed the regions energy infrastructure and maritime shipping under serious threat. Due to security tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, global oil prices have risen significantly. Iran fully controls the Strait of Hormuz and allows passage only to vessels it deems necessary.
People check a building damaged in a blast in Bannu district of Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, April 3, 2026. At least five civilians were killed and several others, including two police personnel, were injured in a blast near a police station in Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Thursday night, police said. The explosion occurred at about 10:40 p.m. local time when an explosive-laden vehicle rammed into the rear wall of a police station in Bannu district, local police sources told Xinhua. The powerful blast caused the wall of the police station to collapse and shattered windows inside the building, the sources said. (Str/Xinhua)

ISLAMABAD, April 3 (Xinhua) -- At least five civilians were killed and several others, including two police personnel, were injured in a blast near a police station in Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Thursday night, police said.

The explosion occurred at about 10:40 p.m. local time when an explosive-laden vehicle rammed into the rear wall of a police station in Bannu district, local police sources told Xinhua.

The powerful blast caused the wall of the police station to collapse and shattered windows inside the building, the sources said.

Police opened fire in self-defense following the explosion, while a heavy police contingent rushed to the site and launched a clearance operation.

According to the sources, nearby houses were also damaged in the blast, causing civilian casualties. The injured and bodies of the victims were shifted to a local hospital in Bannu.

No group has immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, although police said militants linked to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan are active in the area. 

People gather near a building damaged in a blast in Bannu district of Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, April 3, 2026. At least five civilians were killed and several others, including two police personnel, were injured in a blast near a police station in Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Thursday night, police said.

The explosion occurred at about 10:40 p.m. local time when an explosive-laden vehicle rammed into the rear wall of a police station in Bannu district, local police sources told Xinhua.

The powerful blast caused the wall of the police station to collapse and shattered windows inside the building, the sources said. (Str/Xinhua)

People gather near a building damaged in a blast in Bannu district of Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, April 3, 2026. At least five civilians were killed and several others, including two police personnel, were injured in a blast near a police station in Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Thursday night, police said.

The explosion occurred at about 10:40 p.m. local time when an explosive-laden vehicle rammed into the rear wall of a police station in Bannu district, local police sources told Xinhua.

The powerful blast caused the wall of the police station to collapse and shattered windows inside the building, the sources said. (Str/Xinhua)

People gather near a building damaged in a blast in Bannu district of Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, April 3, 2026. At least five civilians were killed and several others, including two police personnel, were injured in a blast near a police station in Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Thursday night, police said.

The explosion occurred at about 10:40 p.m. local time when an explosive-laden vehicle rammed into the rear wall of a police station in Bannu district, local police sources told Xinhua.

The powerful blast caused the wall of the police station to collapse and shattered windows inside the building, the sources said. (Str/Xinhua)
ULAN BATOR, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Mongolia's foreign exchange reserves reached a record high of 7.2 billion U.S. dollars by the end of the first quarter of this year, according to official data released on Thursday by the country's central bank.

This figure marks an increase of 182.5 million dollars compared to the beginning of the year, the Bank of Mongolia said in a statement.

The central bank aims to raise the country's foreign exchange reserves to 10 billion dollars in the long term. 
In the lead-up to their own launch, CubeCats past and present who worked on LEOPARDSat-1 gathered on Wednesday to witness Artemis II, the latest mission in NASAs return-to-the-Moon campaign, lift off from the Kennedy Space Center.

The watch party buzzed with excitement as students recognized the moment as historic, not only for human spaceflight but also for UC's own journey to orbit the following week.

The student-led project was chosen by NASA for its CubeSat Launch Initiative and will fly in partnership with SpaceX, Voyager Technologies and Northrop Grumman. It is currently scheduled to launch on April 10 aboard Northrop Grumman Cygnus NG-24 (CRS-24). Please note that NASA launch schedules can fluctuate daily so if you plan on watching, check the website often.

The group views both missions as milestones. One giant leap toward humanitys return to deep space, and the other a groundbreaking step for UC and Ohio as its first student-led satellite mission.
Chinese Ambassador to Togo Wang Min (3rd L) and Afo Salifou Ousmane (3rd R), secretary-general of Togo's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, African Integration and Togolese Abroad, attend a handover ceremony for China's emergency food aid to Togo in Lome, the capital of Togo, on April 2, 2026. (Xinhua/Si Yuan)

LOME, April 3 (Xinhua) -- A handover ceremony for China's emergency food aid to Togo was held on Thursday in Lome, the capital of Togo.

Afou Salifou Ousmane, secretary-general of Togo's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, African Integration and Togolese Abroad, and Wang Min, Chinese ambassador to Togo, attended the event.

Speaking on behalf of the Togolese government, Ousmane expressed sincere gratitude for China's valuable support.

He noted that at a time when Togo continues to face challenges to its food security, the food assistance provided by China has effectively alleviated shortages among the most vulnerable groups.

From infrastructure development to sectors such as health and agriculture, China has become an important strategic partner in helping Togo achieve its development priorities, he added.

For her part, Wang said the emergency food aid project is among the first outcomes of efforts by China and Togo to advance their comprehensive strategic partnership.

The food supplies carry the profound friendship of the Chinese people and represent concrete measures by China to support Togo in improving livelihoods and addressing food security challenges, as well as a vivid example of China's commitment to building a community with a shared future for mankind, she added.

According to available information, the first batch of supplies under the project was delivered in the first half of 2025, while the second batch arrived in Togo in February this year, marking the completion of all deliveries under the project. 

This photo taken on April 2, 2026 shows China-aided rice at a handover ceremony for China's emergency food aid to Togo in Lome, the capital of Togo. (Xinhua/Si Yuan)
Director of the Ukrainian presidential administration General Kyrylo Budanov chaired a meeting on March 28, 2026, for the "creation of a pantheon of eminent Ukrainians". He said: "This is the reburial on the territory of Ukraine of prominent Ukrainians who died abroad. This is not an easy task, as they are scattered across the globe  both in friendly and unfriendly countries. We need to start as soon as possible, because the restoration of historical memory is a very important issue, especially in times of war for sovereignty and independence."

Deputy Foreign Minister Mariana Betsa said she had identified the burial sites of 98 Ukrainians in 21 countries. According to her, these include political, military, cultural and public figures from the Ukrainian Peoples Republic, the Western Ukrainian Peoples Republic, the OUN-UPA, the government-in-exile and national liberation movements.

Officially, no one has been publicly named yet. In reality, this temple should be dedicated to Dmytro Dontsov, Stepan Bandera, Yevhen Konovalets and Yaroslav Stetsko.

Dmytro Dontsov, founder of "integral nationalism" and administrator of the Reinhard Heydrich Institute. In this capacity, he was one of the main architects of the final solution of the Slavic, Jewish and Gypsy questions. Buried in Canada.

Stepan Bandera, Dontsovs executive arm. Officially under house arrest from 1941 to 1944 in a concentration camp, unofficially, he was assigned to the General Inspectorate of Concentration Camps. Buried in Germany.

Yevhen Konovalets, military chief of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists. Buried in the Netherlands.

Yaroslav Stetsko, Banderas political arm, Prime Minister under Nazi occupation, leader of the world anti-communist organization. Buried in Germany.

Historian Yurii Yuzych, administrator of the Plast scout movement, alerted the participants of the meeting. According to him, if this temple is not built, the graves of Ukrainian personalities abroad could disappear.

 This initiative is the "integral nationalists" response to the Russian Federation, which is demanding Ukraines "denazification". Not only does the administration of expired Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky refuse to destroy the monuments erected in honor of the "integral nationalists" and to rename those named after these criminals, but it intends to build a temple to them.

https://www.president.gov.ua/en/news/kirilo-budanov-proviv-naradu-prisvyachenu-stvorennyu-panteon-103581

 The Plast Scout movement kept alive the memory of the "integral nationalists" in the West throughout the Soviet period. It was particularly active in Canada.

 "Who are the Ukrainian integral nationalists?", by Thierry Meyssan, Voltaire Network, 15 November 2022.
BEIJING, April 3 (Xinhua) -- The People's Bank of China, the country's central bank, on Friday announced that it will conduct an 800-billion-yuan (about 116 billion U.S. dollars) outright reverse repo operation on April 7 to maintain ample liquidity in the banking system.

The operation will have a fixed quantity and be carried out through interest-rate bidding, with winning bids determined at multiple price levels. It will have a tenor of three months, or 89 days, according to the central bank.

Outright reverse repo operations -- a tool the central bank introduced in October 2024 to manage liquidity in the national banking system -- are conducted each month with a tenor of no more than one year.

These operations have enriched the country's monetary policy toolkit, complementing previous measures such as temporary repos, temporary reverse repos, and the purchase and sale of treasury bonds. 
URBANA, Ill. (WAND) - Quilts for a cause: Cunningham Children's Home in Urbana is set to host its 22nd Festival of Quilts event this month.

The festival will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, April 10, and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 11, at the Spiritual Life Center on Cunninghams campus.

There will be over 300 quilts and 100 centerpieces available for purchase.

Cunningham said admission is a suggested $10 per adult, which will go towards the 953 youth and families the home serves annually.

"Weve got everything from timeless vintage quilts to bold, beautifully designed new pieces  each with its own story. Add in our unique centerpieces and gift shop items, and theres truly something for everyone. Its all coming together to make the event feel special from start to finish," said Cunningham Events and Volunteer Specialist Colleen Combes in a statement.

According to Cunningham Children's Home, the festival celebrates the legacy of the United Women in Faith from all around Illinois who have crafted quilts for Cunningham kids since 1895.

Copyright 2026. WAND TV. All rights reserved.
URBANA, Ill. (WAND) - Five-year-old Colton Deedrich loved life. Whether he was playing sports, cleaning, or hanging out with his family, Colton loved it all. When he died, his parents knew what he would have wanted to continue his legacy.

"There are so many things that we admire about Colton," said Andrew Deedrich. "His love for people and the kindness he showed to everyone truly stands out. This is why, when we were faced with the decision to donate his organs, there was no doubt in our minds the only choice was to do exactly what Colton would do. He would give an organ donation."

On Christmas Eve 2025, Colton's organs flew across the country. His heart saved a toddler in Alabama. One kidney went to a woman in her 30s. The other kidney went to a man in his 30s. His liver saved a woman in her 60s.

"This is not the story we imagined for Colton, but it's not the end of his story," said his mother, Erica Deedrich. "Those four people are left to carry on his legacy."

The Deedrichs spoke to a crowd at Carle Hospital in Urbana to encourage them to become organ donors. They want other families to receive the gift of life that Colton was able to give to others.

New! The latest from WAND in your inbox Sign up for our newsletters to receive breaking news and daily headlines. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request.

"Understand the impact your choice can have," Andrew Deedrich said. "It can save up to eight other lives so other families don't have to go through the grief and loss that you do."

According to Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network, over 100,000 people in the United States are waiting for an organ donation. One more person is added to that list every 10 minutes.

To learn more about organ donation, or to register as a donor, click here.

Copyright 2026. WAND TV. All rights reserved.
COLOMBO, April 3 (Xinhua) -- The World Bank Group and the Sri Lankan government on Thursday launched a new five-year country partnership framework to support the island nation's recovery, medium-term growth and job creation, according to a World Bank Group statement.

The framework aims to help Sri Lanka achieve its 7 percent medium-term economic growth target, with private sector-led job creation at the center of the partnership, the statement said.

The World Bank Group said it will mobilize more than 1 billion U.S. dollars in direct and mobilized investment over five years through the International Finance Corporation, while the World Bank will provide up to 1 billion dollars in low-interest financing over the next three years.

The partnership will focus on four main areas: improving Sri Lanka's business climate, expanding infrastructure, creating jobs in tourism and agriculture, and strengthening resilience to future shocks. It aims to simplify regulations, modernize trade procedures and digitize public services to attract investment and support the country's goal of doubling annual export earnings to 36 billion dollars by 2030.

The partnership will also back the expansion of the Port of Colombo, support renewable energy development, promote jobs in tourism and farming, and fund stronger early warning systems and resilient infrastructure. The World Bank has already approved the first project under the framework, a 100-million-dollar regional empowerment through vibrant, inclusive and viable economies program for the northern and eastern provinces. 
Rome to enforce new rules to regulate covid-era commercial use of the city's pavements.

Rome has introduced a new regulatory framework governing outdoor seating areas for bars and restaurants, after years of what authorities have described as chaotic and unregulated pavement occupation across the city.

The overhaul, which came into effect on 1 April, is designed primarily to replace the emergency provisions brought in during the covid pandemic, which had allowed businesses to expand outdoors rapidly with minimal scrutiny.

Under those temporary rules, venues could extend their external space by up to 50 per cent on sidewalks in Rome's historic centre - a UNESCO World Heritage Site - and up to 70 per cent elsewhere.

They could also occupy public ground up to 25 metres from their frontage simply by submitting a basic declaration.

New rules

The new regulation ends that era - though not without political controversy: the centre-right opposition has repeatedly pressed the city council to align itself with a national government extension of the emergency measures, which runs until 30 June 2027. Rome's administration chose to press ahead regardless.

The new framework recalculates permitted outdoor space on the basis of a venue's total internal floor area - including kitchens and bathrooms - rather than its street frontage.

Allowances vary by zone. In the UNESCO area, operators may occupy up to one third of their internal surface area, rising to 50 per cent in less sensitive parts and 40 per cent on pedestrianised streets.

In the broader central area outside the UNESCO perimeter, the permitted ratio ranges from one third to two thirds of internal floor space, with platforms of up to three parking-space equivalents allowed in the outer suburbs of the city.

Three zones

The city has also been divided into three main zones with multiple sub-categories.

The most restrictive tier covers the UNESCO site, which encompasses the city's ancient core - including the Forums, the Circus Maximus and the Baths of Caracalla - as well as the mediaeval fabric (T1), the Renaissance expansion zone (T2), and the 19th- and early 20th-century districts within the Aurelian Walls (T3).

Aesthetic standards have been tightened in tandem with spatial rules. Multi-coloured parasols and plastic furniture are banned in historic and prestige areas.

Tables, chairs, planters and other furnishings must instead conform to uniform lines, using materials such as wood, rattan or understated metalwork, in neutral tones including white and ecru.

Platforms may still be installed within the UNESCO zone, subject to assessment and approval from heritage authorities and the local police.

What happens now?

The deadline for businesses to submit adaptation applications fell on 31 March. A total of 2,747 applications were submitted by the close, with 457 lodged on the final day alone

The figures confirm a heavy concentration in the central Municipio I borough which accounted for 1,268 of the total applications.

Under the transitional provisions, traders who applied may continue using their existing outdoor arrangements while their applications are processed, whereas those who did not submit are considered to have lost their entitlement, with their concession deemed lapsed.

During this transitional period, businesses that applied in time may temporarily retain their old street furniture pending the formal outcome of their application.

Restoring order to public space

Monica Lucarelli, Rome's councillor for trade and productive activities, said she would convene a meeting with the presidents and directors of the city's 15 municipal districts after Easter to align inspection procedures and coordinate enforcement with the local police.

In a statement, she added that the council was examining ways to formally notify non-compliant businesses and invite them to regularise their position promptly.

"The effects will be gradual" - Lucarelli stated - "but the goal is a more orderly and balanced management of public space, protecting those who work within the rules and the citizens who have the right to enjoy their city".

Photo credit: StudioLab Images / Shutterstock.com
Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Seamus Ryan, Metropolitan Mayor, Cllr Adam Wyse, Councillor Joe Kelly and Waterford City and County Council CEO, Sean McKeown recently went on a five-day trip to Boston to promote Waterford and strengthen the economic and cultural ties of the two cities.

Throughout the visit, the delegation met with key stakeholders including senior IDA Ireland officials in Boston, members of the Boston Irish Business Association and senior executives from global companies such as State Street and CarGurus. The delegation also met with Waterford woman Sharon Cunningham, CEO and co-founder of Shorla Oncology, at the companys US Headquarters in Boston.

Mayor Ryan noted that the visit reflected a strong mutual understanding and shared commitment between Waterford and Boston to deepen cultural appreciation and expand economic opportunity".

The overall cost of the visit was 18,114.82 and included accommodation, transfers and gifts to Boston hosts, which comprised of locally sourced Waterford artisan products.

Airport

In a recent statement to the Waterford News & Star, the South-East IDA explained that the companies that work with them ultimately choose their own locations as to where they want to be based in Ireland. The IDA said that whilst they do promote Waterford, the decision is ultimately up to the company.

However, the IDA believes that Waterford Airport will have an influence on whether companies choose to base their Irish offices in Waterford.

Cllr Kelly told the Waterford News & Star that: They were very impressed that the airport was due to open in 2027, they felt that was one of the keys that could unlock a lot of potential.

He continued that the IDA felt that executives of companies like to be able to fly into an area, have two hours of meetings, and fly out again as opposed to being stuck in traffic for two or three hours trying to get somewhere.

The IDA told the delegation that the airport will be a big part in their promotion of Waterford and the broader South-East region.

Mayor Wyse also said that the meeting with the IDA was very, very positive".

Money well spent

Cllr Kelly also spoke to the Waterford News & Star about the trip. He said the trip was busier than I expected".

He said: "From a council point of view, they wanted to get everything they could out of the visit because of the cost involved in the visit.

Cllr Kelly believes that the visit will pay dividends in a couple of years. He said that the delegation achieved what we wanted to achieve but that the real proof of their success will happen in years to come.

We pushed the case all the time for investment in Waterford.

Cllr Kelly said that when they met with CarGurus, an IT Car Rental Company that currently only has an office in Dublin, they told the delegation: They are planning an expansion in Ireland, but they said Waterford wasnt on their agenda but now that weve met them, Waterford will certainly be brought into the picture in terms of the possibilities.

Cllr Kelly believes that making connections in person is crucial to Waterfords success: They realise that people have taken the time to come from Ireland to visit Boston to sell Waterford, and they put a value on that. Theres not a huge value on a Teams meeting or video meeting. In reference to the cost of the trip, which came close to 20,000,

Cllr Kelly said: You have to be there to experience it and understand it. It's not a waste of time or money; theyre hard-working trips, but I believe vital in promoting Waterford and increasing the prospects of employment here.

Mayor Wyse told the Waterford News & Star: If we weren't there and another local council was there, we could lose out on hundreds of jobs and potentially millions of euro."

Both Cllr Kelly and Mayor Wyse told the Waterford News & Star that the delegation of five travelled to Boston in economy seats and stayed in a "modest" hotel.

Promoting Waterford

Cllr Kelly explained that Waterford City & County Council CEO Sean McKeown used several key talking points when promoting Waterford to businesses in Boston.

The first was the airport: "They all said this was a huge link and a huge step forward.

They also promoted the North Quays development and the Glassworks development. Cllr Kelly said that they promoted those spaces as high-end offices" and they also made sure to include in their presentation that Waterford was named Irelands best place to live. According to Cllr Kelly, a lot of the American businesses advised the delegation to keep selling our message, more than we already are because its a good story to sell".

Mayor Wyse said that housing is another feature of Waterford that makes it attractive for US companies. He said: As a councillor, I know fine well that theres a huge amount of people looking for housing, but it's nowhere near what it's like in Galway, Dublin or Cork.

Selling stability

Mayor Wyse told the Waterford News & Star that because of the tumultuous situation in America, there are a lot of companies thinking of waiting out the current presidency, theyre looking for bases that are very safe and very neutral".

Mayor Wyse also said he was surprised to learn that companies in America come to Ireland for the weather.

He explained that there has been an increase in American in storms, monsoons, and wildfires.

"We have none of that here, he said.

Funded by the local democracy scheme
The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group is looking to connect with coastal communities in the South East.

In collaboration with Fair Seas, the IWDG is to visit Kilmore Quay to give communities and local members latest developments in marine conservation, marine protected areas (MPAs), the future of Irelands seas as well as discussing the species frequently seen off the coasts of Waterford and Wexford.

The evening will include short presentations from IWDG and Fair Seas, guest speakers, a short film screening, followed by open discussion with attendees.

The free, in-person event will take place on Friday, April 10, at Stella Maris Centre from 5:30pm to 8pm.

Marine Policy and Advocacy Officer with the IWDG, Eva Lambert, said: We have local IWDG groups right around the country and each one is playing an important role.

Citizen science is at the heart of everything we do. Without people sharing what they see on our coasts, we simply wouldnt have the data we need to understand and protect Irelands whales, dolphins and seas.

The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group is looking to connect with coastal communities in the South East

The roadshows have already visited Donegal, Dublin, Wicklow, Mayo, Sligo, Galway Clare, Cork and Kerry.

Fair Seas is a coalition of environmental organisations and networks campaigning to secure a science-led network of effective Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Irish waters.
Waterford District Court has accepted jurisdiction in the case of a student creche worker accused of being rough with a child.

The woman (20s), who cannot be named for legal reasons, is charged with the ill-treatment of a child contrary to Section 246 of the Childrens Act 2001 and the DPP directed summary disposal.

Garda Iain Byrne told the court that on a date in 2024, they received a report of alleged physical abuse of a child in a childcare facility.

He said the case had been referred from Tusla and involved a young boy, and asked the judge to watch the CCTV evidence when considering jurisdiction.

CCTV footage was played in court, which Garda Byrne said showed the student childcare worker placing a child in his chair numerous times.

The court was told that there were no marks on the child as a result of the incident.

Judge John Cheatle agreed that summary disposal was appropriate and accepted jurisdiction.

Acting for the defendant, Ken Cunningham said his client intends to contest the matter.

The case was put back to May, for hearing.

Funded under the Court Reporting Scheme.
Funding has been granted for road safety schemes on the N24 and N25.

The N24 Waterford to Cahir Scheme received 500,0000 and has progressed to Phase 3 Design & Environmental Evaluation. The scheme was stalled over the past year due to lack of funding.

The N25 Waterford to Glenmore Scheme was granted 700,000 and has also progressed onto Phase 3.

At the Piltown Municipal meeting on Wednesday, April 1, Area Engineer for Kilkenny County Council John Tennyson spoke about the funding while giving an update on local roadworks and schemes.

On the Abbey Road and Belmont upgrades, Mr Tennyson said: "Since our last meeting, Waterford City and County Council have signed the Section 85 and now Kilkenny County Council are waiting on that agreement. The design team is to progress a Part 8 in Q2/ Q3

"On the N25 Road Safety Improvement works (which received 300,000) the road design office are currently preparing an option and feasibility report. That will go to TII for agreement and works should progress there later in the year."

For the N25 Glenmore Rural Bus Stop Scheme, Mr Tennyson said: "It is being assessed environmentally, needs to go to An Comisiun Pleanala for planning consent as an NIS is required due to the link to adjacent SAC. It is anticipated that the process will take 18 weeks once the NIS is finalised. Preliminary design has been done and the scheme is going through a Stage 1 Road Safety Audit at present."

Tender documents are being prepared for the North - South Link Road and will be sent to the URDF (Urban Regeneration and Development Fund) for pre-tender approval.

The Slieverue Roundabout - Port Road gained 900,000 in funding. Resurfacing works are set to take place this year and a programme has yet to be confirmed but it's "likely for the summer", according to Mr. Tennyson.

Funded by the Local Democracy Scheme.
A recent information night was held in Modeligo Community Hall about plans for a solar farm that would have the potential to power half of all homes in County Waterford.

There has been significant backlash over proposed solar farms in other parts of West Waterford and it seems that the company behind the project, Amarenco, are eager to get the locals on side.

The company say they will provide a Community Benefit Fund of 240,000 per year for 15 years. They also say that people who lease their land to the company are making a hassle-free investment which will ultimately leave them with better soil quality because the land will not have been farmed intensively for several decades.

Amarenco says that sustainability is one of the key benefits of solar energy. They say: Solar farms will enhance Irelands energy security and help eliminate greenhouse gas emissions.

However, residents in the surrounding area are still on the fence about the project. A local farmer from Bawnnavinnoge, whose farm will boarder the proposed solar farm, told the Waterford News & Star that he thinks the company should put the solar panels in poorer land, rocky and hilly land. He said that he thinks the solar panels are planned to be installed in the finest land in the parish.

Read More Councillors raise fears that Comeragh lands will become polluted with solar and wind farms

David Phelans home will border the proposed solar farm and he told the Waterford News & Star that while he is all for renewable energy, he is eager to get more information. He said that he is apprehensive about the proposed solar farm because it's what hell see every time he looks out the kitchen window".

Local Sinn Fein Councillor Donnchadh Mulcahy said in a statement to the Waterford News & Star: Im very aware that developments like this can divide opinion, and at times people feel that planning can go in under the radar. In that regard, I have to commend Amarenco for holding a public meeting and engaging directly with the community. That level of openness is important.

He noted that the overall mood in the room reflected a desire for more information rather than firm opposition or support at this stage.

Reading the room, people are not necessarily for or against the project yet. What they want is clear, honest information and full transparency around what is being proposed and what it means for the area," he said. Cllr Mulcahy also highlighted the broader context of renewable energy needs.

In an ideal world, I would prefer to see more solar panels installed on rooftops rather than agricultural land. However, the reality is that we simply do not have enough roof space to meet the level of demand that exists," he said.

A planning application for the solar farm has not yet been made at the time of publication.

Funded by the Local Democracy Scheme
ADDIS ABABA, April 3 (Xinhua) -- The African Union (AU) on Friday welcomed the China-Pakistan five-point initiative to address current peace and stability challenges in the Gulf and Middle East region.

AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said in a statement that the initiative "constitutes a timely and constructive contribution to ongoing international efforts to de-escalate tensions and advance a political and diplomatic pathway."

He said the initiative's "emphasis on an immediate cessation of hostilities, the protection of civilians, respect for international humanitarian law, and the safeguarding of maritime security reflects key elements required to contain the current crisis."

Youssouf reiterated his "deep concern" over the continued escalation in the Gulf and Middle East region.

He underscored that the effects of the conflict are already being felt globally, including on energy supply chains, food systems, and economic stability -- particularly in Africa, a continent already confronting multiple and intersecting challenges.

Calling for restraint, urgent de-escalation and sustained engagement, the AUC chief stressed that all parties must act fully in accordance with international law and the United Nations Charter to safeguard international peace and security.

"A durable resolution can only be achieved through dialogue and negotiated solutions," he added, stressing the AU's readiness to work with international and regional partners for peace and stability in the region. 
Changes to drink-driving laws and criticism over Donald Trump's comments on Iran make the front pages of Friday's papers.

The Irish Times leads with Helen McEntee's trip to Lebanon cancelled on security advice from the Defence Forces.

The Irish Examiner reveals that changes to Ireland's intoxicated driving laws could be triggered by the case of a former model who crashed her SUV in a Cork suburb, killing her close friend and later blaming the victim for driving.

The Echo leads with houses potentially being compulsorily purchased to facilitate the Cork metro.

The Irish Independent reveals that older people who are downsizing are to be exempted from a Central Bank rule that hinders them when they attempt to move home.

The Irish Daily Mail leads with the prisoner who died in Midlands prison, as he was stripped and his body was covered in bruises.

The Irish Daily Mirror leads with criticism from the Taoiseach over Donald Trump threatening to bomb Iran to the "stone age."

The Irish Daily Star leads with a man arrested and charged over the murder of Robbie Lawlor in Belfast in 2020.
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BusinessMarketsEnergy Australia scoured the world for fuel supplies. Its working Nick Toscano April 3, 2026  2:44pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Australian petrol and diesel suppliers are diversifying their supply chains to bring in new shipments from five continents, as they scour the globe for extra cargoes to head off the worsening threat of fuel shortages. The number of ships scheduled to deliver crude oil and refined fuels to Australia through April has risen sharply since late last month, according to maritime traffic data, which shows 55 cargoes have arrived so far in April or are en route to terminals across the coastline from as far afield as the United States, South America and Africa. At least 55 ships carrying oil and refined fuel are headed for Australia by the end of April. Arrows are ships en route to Australia; squares are still at port. London Stock Exchange Group and Dr Lurion De Mello, Macquarie University. Concerns over Australias fuel security have mounted as the conflict in the Middle East continues without a clear timeline for resolution from United States President Donald Trump. Ongoing disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have choked off critical crude supplies to the large Asian refineries that traditionally provide 80 per cent of Australias liquid fuel needs, raising the danger of a domestic supply crunch hitting this month. Energy Minister Chris Bowen on Friday said the Albanese government was encouraged by the volume of fuel imports currently in transit.

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The sooner the war ends the better  but Australian companies have been diversifying, he said. We have seen more supplies on the way from other parts of the world; from the United States, Mexico and other places. The number of shipments headed for Australia had surged over the past 10 days, said Lurion De Mello, senior lecturer from Macquarie Universitys Transforming Energy Markets Research Centre. He estimated about 10 to 15 extra shipments would now reach Australia in April on top of what would be expected to arrive in ordinary times. There has been an extraordinary uptick in numbers, he said. Usually, you would not get so many tankers. A crude oil tanker moored in Sydney in March. Sam Mooy Viva Energy, which supplies 30 per cent of the countrys fuel from its Geelong oil refinery and via import terminals, said its trading team was delivering results in a very challenging market, having secured additional cargoes from supply sources in the US and South America We have got a good flow of fuel heading into May and a good flow of crude oil heading into June for our refinery at Geelong, Viva chief executive Scott Wyatt said.

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Ampol has also widened its search for crude and refined fuels from suppliers in the US and Europe. Related Article Energy Cycling to work, staying home, cutting school hours: How the world is handling the fuel crisis Asias mega-refineries were beginning to diversify their supplies of the crude oil they need to process into petrol, diesel and jet fuel, a development that was very important for Australia because most of our refined product comes from Asian refiners, Bowen said. That is something that Australians can take some confidence in. However, the availability of one-off fuel cargoes within the Asian spot market has tightened significantly over the past month. Regional refineries have reduced production rates, while Beijing has halted Chinese exports of transportation fuels to bolster its own domestic stockpiles. While April supplies had improved, a concern for Australia remained the lag effect of not enough oil reaching Asian refiners in the coming weeks, which threatened to crimp exports from the region in May, said De Mello. Thats when supply could start becoming affected, he said.

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Related Article Petrol prices The charts that show how the oil shock is worsening and hitting motorists Bowen said that while spot cargoes of fuel remained available elsewhere, they were becoming more expensive and riskier to secure, particularly for smaller importers. To mitigate this, the federal government has announced it will underwrite the purchase of spot fuel cargoes via the credit agency Export Finance Australia. On Friday, 410 service stations across the country were without diesel and 193 were without petrol, Bowen said. We continue to see service stations across Australia being refilled, but we are also seeing very high demand, he said, urging motorists to avoid panic-buying, and those planning long-weekend road trips to fill up in the city to help the country if you can. The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning.
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 CultureTV & radioReview Jon Hamm is trying to break good in Your Friends and Neighbours Karl Quinn April 3, 2026  9:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Your Friends and Neighbours (season two)  Its hard not to lean into the easy comparison with this dramedy about a regular guy drawn to a life of crime in middle age: it is indeed Breaking Bad with better, or at least more expensive, clothes and drugs. But in its second season, hedge fund manager-turned burglar Andrew Cooper (Jon Hamm) is much more interested in breaking good. If only circumstances would allow it. With friends like these: Olivia Munn, James Marsden, Jon Hamm and Heather Lind in season 2. Apple TV Coops life has improved a little since the nadir of the first season, in which his friends and neighbours in ritzy Westmont Village (a fictionalised version of Westchester County, north of Manhattan) shunned him after he was sacked from his firm for having an affair with a young co-worker. With his financial stocks at a low, a massive monthly maintenance bill for ex-wife Mel (Amanda Peet), their two kids and their stately home to take care of, not to mention a penchant for the finer things in life, what choice did the poor fellow have but to rob the homes of those who had spurned him?

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Related Article Review What to stream this week: A thrilling Bond satire, plus five more picks But just as things seem to be settling into the new normal  hes been acquitted of murder, former lover Sam (Olivia Munn) is forgiven for framing him, and even Mel and Sam have patched things up  a new kid arrives in town and threatens to blow everything up again. Owen Ashe (James Marsden) is a charming, smarmy, dashingly handsome and staggeringly rich shipping magnate who in very short order snaps up the areas most expensive house, sweeps Sam off her feet, and makes Coop an offer he cant refuse after catching him in the act of stealing a first edition copy of Edith Whartons House of Mirth. Ashe inveigles his way into Westmont life by throwing lavish parties, laces his guests drinks with MDMA, and carries himself with outrageous confidence to match his outrageous fortune. As he says of himself, even my swagger has swagger. As others note, hes like a modern-day Jay Gatsby  with a past thats every bit as murky. Marsdens Owen Ashe is at the heart of most of the drama in the second season. Apple TV+

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Theres so much to enjoy in this show, with its real estate porn, rolling lawns, designer clothes and luxury cars. And who cant take pleasure in seeing the 1 per cent cut down to size a little (except, perhaps, the 1 per cent). Hamms voiceover narration is sometimes a little clunky, as if the writers had lost faith in the show-dont-tell maxim and were trying to make sure we didnt miss the existential crisis afflicting our main man. But overall, the series does a decent job of balancing the comedic excess with the dramatic weight of its underlying concerns. Related Article Australian TV Facts are being challenged and undermined: Hamish Macdonald on the biggest threat of our times For me, though, the bigger question is just how committed creator Jonathan Tropper and his writing team really are to those concerns. Ennui, peri-menopause, the relentless pursuit of material success to the detriment of personal fulfilment: I mean, sure, these are worthwhile topics. But its hard to feel too sorry for a guy whose fall from grace means he has to park his Maserati in the driveway of a really nice rental rather than the family home hes still paying and pining for. Its worlds-smallest-violin stuff, really. But obviously, a very expensive one. Stradivarius, likely. No doubt Coop will have his eye on it. Your Friends and Neighbours streams on Fridays on Apple TV+, until June 5. Find out the next TV, streaming series and movies to add to your must-sees. Get The Watchlist delivered every Thursday.
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The nations competition watchdog has told petrol retailers they are to pass on the full cut to the price of petrol and diesel stemming from the federal governments latest emergency measures to ease the pain for motorists. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) told fuel companies that prices should fall quickly as a result of the federal tax cuts announced this week. The high price of fuel across service stations in Australia. Louie Douvis But despite some relief from the soaring prices on Friday as hundreds of thousands of Victorians took to the road for Easter holidays, the countrys leading motoring group, the NRMA, warned that international developments might send prices at the pump back up soon. A deal between the states and territories to use money raised through GST on higher-than-usual petrol prices to fund another cut  of 5.7 per litre  to the fuel excise was announced on Thursday morning and appeared to be flowing through to the bowser on Good Friday.

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The average price of regular unleaded petrol in Melbourne was $2.31 on Friday, according to the NRMA, but service stations were charging between $2.22 and $2.30 per litre. The average diesel price was $3.05 a litre on Friday. The latest excise cut comes on top of a reduction of 26.3 per litre, which took effect on April 1, and the ACCC, in its weekly report on fuel prices, said that by Thursday average prices for unleaded petrol in the capital cities had dropped by between 7 and 25 per litre as compared with the day before. According to the ACCC, the average price of unleaded in Melbourne was $2.41 on Wednesday, April 1, compared with $2.59 on March 31, the day before the excise cut came into effect. The commission warned retailers to pass on the full cuts promptly to customers.

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The ACCC expects fuel wholesalers and retailers to pass on the reduction in excise to consumers promptly and is closely monitoring fuel prices and market behaviour, the commissions report read. Related Article Petrol prices Police called, traffic chaos as desperate motorists fight for free petrol We wrote to fuel companies this week to set out our expectations and seek information about their approach and timelines on passing on the reduction in excise in full. NRMA spokesman Peter Khoury said the governments moves appeared to have taken some of the pressure off drivers. But a fresh spike in the global oil price on Friday could spell much more serious trouble for Australian motorists.

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The only way were going to get relief full sustained relief at the bowsers is for the war to end right and the Strait [of Hormuz] to reopen, and we appear to be going further from that, rather than closer, Khoury said. There was traffic chaos in Melbournes west on the public holiday when motorists jammed roads as they rushed to a petrol giveaway stunt at Liberty petrol station at Leakes Road in Truganina, with the giveaway eventually shut down by police. The promise of free fuel causes traffic chaos in Truganina. Nine News But motorists who spoke to this masthead on Friday  who were paying for their petrol  were determined to push ahead with their Easter holiday driving, despite the still elevated price of fuel. Filling up his tank at $2.28 a litre in North Melbourne cost David Mathews $130, but he had his eyes on another set of numbers: the 800-metre footrace at the Stawell Gift on Monday.

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The middle-distance runner from Moonee Ponds was filling up before heading to Halls Gap to compete in the annual competition. Melbourne motorist David Mathews fills up on Friday before driving to Halls Gap to compete in the Stawell Gift. Eddie Jim Mathews said he had noticed fuel prices fall after the federal government temporarily halved the fuel excise to 26.3 per litre. Its been handy, he said. Its good given the uncertainty at the moment, but its probably not good policy in the long term as the government will have to make [the lost revenue] up somewhere else. Karthik Modur fills up his car in North Melbourne on Friday. Eddie Jim

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Also filling up at the bowser was Karthik Modur who was heading to Albury for the long weekend. He said he did consider cancelling given the cost of fuel, but a non-refundable Airbnb booking meant he and his partner decided to stick to their plans. The slightly lower pump prices due to the reduced excise also helped. Its great that the government has been able to help us out. Its a global event that is out of our hands, but this is something that Australia has been able to do to help its citizens, he said. It would be great if it could last until the war ends. Christian Lale-Demoz fills up in Kensington on Friday. Eddie Jim Also sticking to his plans was Christian Lale-Demoz, who was going camping in Apollo Bay with his family. I have noticed a fall [because of the excise cut] but it is still well above what it was before that war, he said. But short term it will keep things going, so it will make a difference. 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 PoliticsFederalRoad safety Border Force blitz: Truckies visas axed in nationwide freight crackdown Rob Harris April 3, 2026  10:45am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Border Force officers have uncovered unlawful drivers, cancelled visas and launched fresh investigations into trucking companies as part of a nationwide compliance blitz, amid warnings labour shortages are fuelling risky migration pathways into the industry. The week-long operation, led by the Australian Border Force and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, swept NSW, Victoria, South Australia and Queensland roads. More than 200 trucks were pulled over for roadside checks targeting visa breaches, worker exploitation and safety risks. Border Force and National Heavy Vehicle Regulator officers targeted unlawful freight drivers during a nationwide crackdown. Australian Border Force The timing of the crackdown  as freight volumes surged in the lead-up to Easter  underscores mounting concern within the federal government about the risks posed by unlawful drivers and fatigued operators on the countrys busiest roads. Breaches were exposed at driver and employer level alike, as agencies stepped up enforcement in sectors heavily reliant on migrant labour.

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ABF officers cancelled three student visas after identifying breaches of work conditions and issued a further three notices signalling potential cancellations. Nine drivers were formally counselled over their visa obligations. In Victoria, officers stopped a heavy vehicle driver who had been living and working in Australia unlawfully for more than 12 years, highlighting what officials say are entrenched compliance gaps. The joint operation reflects growing concern about the intersection of migrant worker exploitation and road safety. In long-haul freight, cost pressures and tight delivery windows can lead to risky behaviour. Industry pressures are intensifying: road freight demand is projected to grow by 77 per cent between 2020 and 2050, while Australia is already short more than 26,000 drivers. Estimates from the International Road Transport Union in 2024 put the gap closer to 28,000, as ageing drivers retire and fewer young Australians enter the industry. That shortage has fuelled aggressive recruitment of overseas drivers, particularly from India. Migration agents promoted Australia as a land of opportunity and highlighted expanded visa pathways in regional areas.

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Census data shows Indian migrants have been among the fastest-growing cohorts, helping to fill chronic labour gaps in the freight sector. Border Force officers detain an unlawful freight driver during a nationwide crackdown. Australian Border Force Under strengthened federal laws, employers found to be exploiting migrant workers face penalties of up to two years imprisonment and significant fines. In detailed safety checks, NHVR inspectors examined work diaries, fatigue management practices, mechanical standards, permits and load security  key factors in preventing crashes, particularly during peak holiday periods when freight and passenger traffic intersect. Employers were also caught in the sweep. Five businesses were found to employ unlawful non-citizens or workers without the correct visas, and another five are under investigation for potential breaches. New inquiries have been launched in several states.

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ABF commander John Taylor said officers would continue rolling out random roadside checks on major freight routes and regional corridors. You will never know where these actions will occur and when they will pop up, he said. If you seek to exploit visa settings or workers, expect to be detected and dealt with. Related Article Immigration Clean up the rorts: New rules to crack down on dodgy visa agents Assistant Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs Julian Hill said the operation was aimed at protecting lawful operators and vulnerable workers. Most transport operators do the right thing, and they deserve a level playing field, he said. This operation targets the small minority who cut corners by exploiting workers or ignoring visa rules.

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NHVR chief operating officer Paul Salvati said the compliance push was critical to maintaining safety in an industry that underpins national supply chains, particularly during high-demand periods such as Easter. Further joint checkpoints, mobile patrols and surveillance operations are planned in coming months. Authorities are foreshadowing sustained enforcement efforts to stamp out unlawful practices in the freight sector. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter.
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PoliticsWATrains Zempilas laments Australind trains absence as fuel prices bite Hamish Hastie April 4, 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

Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas has taken aim at the Cook government for a delay in restarting the Australind rail service, with testing of the new trains ongoing despite past assurances they would be ready when the Armadale line reopened last year. With fuel prices skyrocketing because of the war in Iran, and Transperth rail services chockers, Zempilas said a direct rail route from Perth to Bunbury would have been handy to have before Easter. The new Australind train will be covered in a yellow and orange livery. When its open, it will provide a very valuable and important connectivity to a very significant population base, both ways in Western Australia, he said. We know there are delays from time to time, but this seems a very significant one, he said.

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Its something that would have been very handy at this time and, again, it speaks to the competence and delivery of this state government with a range of projects that dont seem to fit into their priority basket. I would ask the state government, if theyre close to being able to get this operating again, make it the priority that West Australians want it to be. They want to be able to use that service, and it should be available. The state is building six new Australind rail cars as part of the $1.6 billion Metronet railcar manufacturing program taking place at French train builder Alstoms Bellevue factory. The designs were first announced in 2020, and at the time former Premier Mark McGowan expected them to be delivered in 2022-23. That timeline blew out, but as recently as last year, trains were expected to be ready for the reopening of the modernised Armadale line, which occurred in October.

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Related Article Infrastructure Why this 100-metre Perth city bridge has taken two years to fix At the reopening, Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said the trains would be ready soon, and while they have been spotted in testing, there is still no confirmed date when the service will restart. Saffioti unveiled the completed yellow and orange livery on one of the new trains last week. WA Premier Roger Cook acknowledged the project was delayed and attributed it to ongoing testing. During the election campaign, we committed to re-energising the Australind by getting new carriages, more frequent services, and we also utilised our made in WA plan to ensure that those trains are built in Western Australia, he said.

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The trains have been completed, and they are undergoing testing as we speak. We did say that wed bring it on in the first quarter of 2026, but we want to make sure that we get it right, and we want to make sure its completely safe for passengers. Well be making an announcement very shortly about the recommencement of the Australind trains. In January 2025, the state announced it would purchase two additional three-car train sets for $80 million.
MOSCOW, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Russian forces carried out seven strikes on Ukrainian military-linked targets over the past week in retaliation for Ukrainian attacks on civilian facilities in Russia, and seized control of seven settlements, the Russian Defense Ministry said Friday.

Overnight, Russian forces launched a large-scale strike using air- and ground-launched long-range precision weapons, as well as attack drones, targeting Ukraine's military-industrial complex and energy infrastructure supporting Kiev's military operations, the ministry said.

It added that six group strikes were conducted during the week, hitting fuel, transport and port infrastructure used by Ukrainian forces, as well as military airfields, facilities involved in the production and pre-launch preparation of long-range attack drones, and temporary deployment sites for Ukrainian troops and foreign fighters.

The ministry also said Russian forces had taken full control of the Luhansk region. 
TEHRAN, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Iran's semi-official Mehr News Agency reported Friday that a U.S. Black Hawk helicopter was struck by a projectile in Iranian airspace while involved in a search for the pilot of an American fighter jet that Iranian forces said they shot down earlier in the day. 
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By Claudia Savage, Press Association

Funding of 1 million has been announced for 13 community and voluntary organisations across the island of Ireland.

The Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) has confirmed the awards totalling more than 850,000, through the PeacePlus Change Maker Funding Programme.

The 13 newly funded initiatives cover a broad range of themes, including youth development, arts and cultural exchange, environmental stewardship and sport.

In Northern Ireland, funded projects include environmental restoration along Lough Neagh and Inishowen rivers, crossacommunity youth programmes through sport in Antrim, and arts initiatives in Londonderry tackling racism and social inclusion.

In the Republic of Ireland, projects range from community integration programmes in Monaghan to digital and creative skills for young women in Dundalk, and intergenerational natureabased initiatives linking children and older people in Donegal.

SEUPB chief executive Gina McIntyre said: I want to congratulate all 13 organisations receiving support through the PeacePlus Change Maker Funding Programme.

Each has developed a thoughtful, communityacentred proposal that places crossacommunity and/or crossaborder engagement at its core.

These projects reflect the leadership, resilience and creativity that exist across our region, and address a local need identified.

Chief executive of the Special EU Programmes Body Gina McIntyre (Liam McBurney/PA)

I encourage other groups to explore this opportunity and apply before June 30.

The Change Maker fund is designed to be flexible, accessible and wellasupported, empowering grassroots organisations to help build relationships, confidence and connection where it is needed most.

The Change Maker Funding Programme provides flexible grants of up to 100,000 euro designed to support peopleatoapeople projects that build meaningful relationships, strengthen local connections and encourage co-operation across traditional community divides.
KUWAIT CITY, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Kuwait said a power generation and water desalination plant was struck in what it described as an "Iranian attack," causing material damage to parts of the facility.

In a statement on social media platform X, Kuwaiti Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy spokesperson Fatima Abbas said the incident occurred in the early hours of Friday. Technical and emergency teams were immediately deployed to contain the impact and maintain operational stability, she noted, adding that coordination is ongoing with relevant authorities to secure the affected site.

Earlier, Kuwait Petroleum Corporation reported that a drone attack targeted the Mina Al Ahmadi refinery on Friday morning, causing fires in several operational units.

The incidents came amid heightened regional tensions following joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran that began on Feb. 28. Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks on Israel and neighboring Gulf countries hosting U.S. military assets. 
Sean McCarthaigh

An employment tribunal has ruled that the Westmeath co-educational school where teacher Enoch Burke worked did not penalise an employee who made a series of protected disclosures highlighting alleged irregularities, including fraudulent pay claims and data protection breaches.

The former head of facilities, Siobhan Rogers, at Wilsons Hospital School in Multyfarnham, Co Westmeath, claimed she had been demoted, isolated in her role, subjected to ongoing inappropriate behaviour, and had many of her duties removed, in breach of the Protected Disclosures Act 2014.

The Workplace Relations Commission heard the school accepted that Rogers made multiple disclosures during her employment, but denied that they constituted protected disclosures under the legislation.

Wilsons Hospital also rejected the claim that she suffered any form of detriment after making such disclosures.

Rogers told the WRC that her role was to ensure the boarding element of the schools operations ran efficiently and profitably.

However, she claimed she discovered various irregularities almost immediately after starting work in the school which she raised with the principal.

They included alleged irregularities with the payslips of her predecessor and fraudulent timesheets of staff.

The WRC heard that the complainant also raised concerns about potential data protection breaches, including the unauthorised removal of files.

In December 2023, Rogers said she reported her belief that a school fuel card was being used for staff members private vehicles.

She acknowledged that the various issues were referred by the principal to the schools board of management with her assistance.

Rogers also recounted how she alerted the principal to how the schools phone banking system was registered in the name of a single individual rather than Wilsons Hospital.

She also discovered that a contractor had been overpaid, despite still seeking money for unpaid invoices for work during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Rogers claimed she had highlighted over 20 such irregularities in the course of her duties.

The WRC heard that Ms Rogers regarded the appointment of an independent third party to oversee facilities in the school in May 2024 as a demotion as she had previously reported directly to the principal.

She claimed she felt sidelined from any further investigation of the matters she had uncovered and was excluded from board meetings on such issues.

Rogers said her views were not sought by her new line manager, who instead sought assistance from the persons implicated by her disclosures.

She claimed meetings with this individual were irregular and held at unusual times.

The WRC heard that at one meeting, she was instructed to place her phone in a drawer so there could be no covert recording, while the individual also scanned the room, checking for covert listening devices.

Rogers said she disagreed with a claim made by him that much of the blame for the irregularities lay with a former colleague at the school.

She claimed that her line manager suggested that the person in question may have groomed her.

Rogers told the WRC that she found the context, tone and subject matter of the meeting to be deeply uncomfortable, oppressive and profoundly unprofessional.

In evidence, the individual denied isolating or criticising her but admitted he was concerned that their meetings might be subject to covert recording

Rogers said the schools treatment of her left her with no option but to resign in order to preserve her well-being.

Rogers said the school had made no effort to meet her to discuss any of the issues she had raised before she left Wilsons Hospital.

Counsel for the school, Mark Curran BL, claimed several of the alleged disclosures were never formally reported and merely constituted discussions between work colleagues of matters arising in the normal course of their duties.

Curran said the appointment of the other individual in May 2024 was to allow the principal to focus on educational matters and they replaced the principal as Ms Rogers line manager.

The school acknowledged she was no longer invited to board meetings but said it did not represent a diminution of her status.

It also pointed out that she had left a voicemail before leaving Wilsons Hospital, expressing that it had been a pleasure to work with her new line manager and offering him future assistance if required.

In his ruling, WRC adjudication officer Brian Dolan said it was clear that Ms Rogers reported relevant wrongdoings within the meaning of the Protected Disclosures Act and they were not interpersonal grievances.

Dolan said the complainant was precisely the type of person the legislation seeks to protect from penalisation.

However, he ruled Rogers was not demoted as she had retained her title, salary and duties after the appointment of her new line manager which was to allow the schools principal to focus on the administration of education.

The WRC official said there was a significant conflict of evidence about the professional relationship between Ms Rogers and her new line manager.

However, Dolan noted she had not raised any utilised any formal grievance procedure.

Dismissing the claim of penalisation, he ruled that Ms Rogers had not demonstrated that she had suffered any detriment.
By Cillian Sherlock, Press Association

The Minister for Defence had to abandon a trip to Lebanon on security advice from the Defence Forces.

Helen McEntee had been due to meet Irish peacekeepers deployed as part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil), but the visit was called off following the militarys operational advice that it was not tenable.

In its latest update, the Defence Forces said all personnel in Lebanon are well and accounted for amid heightened clashes between the Israeli military and Hezbollah.

All our personnel across these three UN missions in the Middle East, are well and accounted for Chief of Staff Rossa Mulcahy

It comes after a Polish member of Irelands joint battalion with Poland sustained minor injuries from a roadside device, while three Indonesian peacekeepers were killed in other blasts.

On Thursday, Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Rossa Mulcahy said: I can confirm that all our personnel across these three UN missions in the Middle East, are well and accounted for; amid ongoing tensions in the region.

Any developments that may affect their safety are monitored in real time and appropriate actions are taken.

McEntee said: I will continue to work closely with partners to enhance force protection, contingency planning and ensure the mission can operate effectively in an increasingly volatile environment.

Ireland remains steadfast in its commitment to peacekeeping and to supporting stability in Lebanon.

The cancellation of Ms McEntees trip presented an opportunity the Defence Forces was able to exploit to pull off its first personnel rotation in a conflict zone using new strategic reach capability.

Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Rossa Mulcahy (Brian Lawless/PA)

Last Friday, the Defence Forces confirmed it carried out an operation to transport key battalion personnel to UN 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.

The mission involved a young female Air Corps pilot flying the plane into the volatile region to rendezvous with Army personnel who conducted an armoured patrol from UNP 2-45 to Beirut Airport for the personnel and equipment handover.

It was the first such operation using the strategic reach capability of the Air Corps, following the delivery of a C295 transport aircraft last year.

The Defence Forces said it needed to conduct the mission because a civilian air partner had cancelled a planned flight to rotate personnel in and 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 battalion.

At the same time, several communication specialists deployed to work on systems across Unifils area of operations were also due to leave on a cancelled flight.

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

The Defence Forces uses a range of approaches to rotate personnel in and out of overseas bases like Lebanon, including commercial aircraft and chartered flights.

Using its own planes or chartering flights is a complicated process which can take weeks to secure the necessary airport slots and diplomatic clearances in collaboration with the Department of Defence and Department of Foreign Affairs.

As the Ministers trip got cancelled, the Defence Forces were still able to use the slots and clearances it had already obtained to conduct a different flight.

Over the course of five to six days, operations personnel analysed the risks, secured departmental sign-off, and conducted the new flight.

The operation was a success thanks to the increased capability provided to the Air Corps by the C295 aircraft, according to the director of operations and plans at Defence Forces headquarters.

Colonel Denis Hanly said it was a force multiplier, adding that the mission was proof of increased flexibility for the operations team, with the C295 also due to be used for personnel in Kosovo.

Irish Troops in a Mowag armoured personnel carrier at Camp Shamrock (Niall Carson/PA)

We proved the concept  and we can do it again, he said.

The Lebanon mission required ongoing risk analysis and mitigation, technical overwatch from multiple sources, and cooperation between many teams including the Irish Military Intelligence Service.

Col Hanley said securing sign off from Government departments was swift: The doors we pushed opened very easily.

26 personnel flew into the country with around 600kgs of equipment and supplies for deployed troops, while 17 travelled back.

The overall numbers include two pilots and air crew, as well as a medic who travelled on each leg.

They extracted the communications work party, swapped chaplains, and carried out a medical repatriation.

A Statement from Defence Forces Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Rossa Mulcahy on the situation in Lebanon. pic.twitter.com/zCsXTtMUuE  Oglaigh na hEireann (@defenceforces) April 2, 2026

The rotation was carried out while ongoing combat operations were still happening in south Lebanon, with strikes around Beirut visible the night before landing at the airport.

Troops from Camp Shamrock travelled in a heavily armoured convoy of Mowag personnel carriers to Beirut Airport in order to be there before the plane landed.

Col Hanly said: We wanted a Ryanair turnover  as quickly as possible, no hugs or high fives.

The handover, which involved unloading the equipment and supplies before taking off again, took 30 minutes  and the operations director said it could be done faster.

The convoy took close to four hours to return to Camp Shamrock, which is almost double what it would normally take because of the increased risk in the region.

Col Hanly, who gained specific experience around force protection of aircraft and airfields in Afghanistan, said there was a calm confidence throughout the operation.

We wanted a Ryanair turnover  as quickly as possible, no hugs or high fives Colonel Denis Hanly

He said it has allowed the Defence Forces to refresh leadership and key capability personnel as well as bring vehicles used by Unifil peacekeepers back into service.

Many of the personnel who were brought over were not present for the first weeks of the heightened conflict and are now returning to austere field conditions.

Col Hanly paid tribute to the courage and strength of those deployed in Lebanon, adding that he did not currently have concerns for the overall supplies at the camp  but referenced measures like 30-second showers and food preservation as restrictions that can be used in times of shortage.

He said there are significant clashes across the entire area of operations for the Irish personnel, with significant formations operating in the region.

Of ongoing concern is Israeli strikes on bridges over the Litani River, limiting access to Unifils area of operations.

Minister for Defence Helen McEntee (Liam McBurney/PA)

He said there had been no evidence of Unifil being specifically targeted in the Irish area of operations but added that events need to be fully investigated.

Despite last weeks operation, a number of the personnel who had been due to return on leave were unable to do so because of the changing flight plans but remain on stand-by to return.

Col Hanly said the latest figures show there are 1.3 million people displaced in Lebanon, including 300,000 children  with 1,300 fatalities and 4,000 injuries.

With the next rotation due in May, Col Hanly said the Defence Forces is not resting on its laurels.

He said he had spoken to the new battalion leader and that planning for the next rotation is at an advanced stage.

A member of the Irish battalion at Camp Shamrock (Niall Carson/PA)

On a longer term, The Defence Forces is actively planning for the conclusion of the Unifil mission and withdrawal from Lebanon.

The UN Security Council mandate for the mission expires on December 31, followed by a 12-month drawdown and ultimate liquidation.

After May, there will also be a rotation of Irish personnel in November  which is expected to have a larger logistical footprint to deal with the end of the mission.

There will still be a requirement for a heavy security footprint, but the personnel will likely be dealing with multiple convoys carrying Irish equipment as well as force protection as the installations are collapsed.

Col Hanly said the Defence Forces is awaiting UN guidance on the logistics of the withdrawal, but there remain concerns over how UN liquidity problems and cuts to manpower may affect it.
Members of Taugheen Community Council have celebrated the official opening and blessing of the newly renovated kitchen at Taugheen Community Centre, marking an important milestone for the local facility.

The refurbishment project was made possible through funding from Pobal under the Community Centre Investment Fund (CCIF) Category 1 scheme, which supports the enhancement and refurbishment of community centres across Ireland. The funding aims to ensure community facilities remain safe, modern and suitable for the wide range of activities they host.

The newly refurbished kitchen was officially blessed by Fr Sean Flynn, who joined members in marking the occasion and recognising the centre's importance as a hub of local life. Representatives from Mayo County Council also attended the event, including Patsy OBrien, Richard Finn and Damien Ryan. Michael Burke was unable to attend.

The works were carried out by the main contractor, Patrick Hession Construction and his team, painter Leo and plumber Michael Heneghan. James Flatley carried out electrical work for Michael OBoyle Electrical.

Taugheen Community Council also thanked secretary Samantha Moran and treasurer Loretta Heaney, along with other members of the community council, for completing the CCIF grant application and managing the paperwork throughout the process. Their work was instrumental in securing the funding and helping bring the project to completion.

Pictured are Taugheen Community Council at the official opening of Taugheen Hall on Sunday, November 28, 1993. Council President Pake Barnacle, Backfox, performed the official opening and a mass was celebrated in the Hall by Father Dennis Carney before a capacity attendance.

The original kitchen was officially opened and blessed on November 28, 1993 when Taugheen New Hall was opened. The hall was built on the site of Taugheen NS (1880-1940). The old school served as a community centre for the next 52 years. The Taugheen Community Council, under the chairmanship of Father Dennis Carney, undertook the project of building a new community centre.

Further extensions of an upgraded Taugheen playschool and meeting room were officially opened in January 2009.

The current Community Council continue to maintain and enhance facilities internally and externally. The community centre plays an important role in the locality. It is used by Taugheen Playgroup on a daily basis and hosts dance classes, keep fit classes, Ceilis, card games, meetings and many other events on an ongoing basis.
A Claremorris councillor has urged Mayo County Council to grant planning permission for a proposed McDonalds in the South Mayo town.

The planning application for the fast food chain is currently on hold following objections from residents and requests for further information from the council.

McDonalds are seeking to open their second restaurant in the county and develop a drive-thru outlet in Claremorris.

The proposed site is located along Knock Road, adjacent to the Silverbridge Plaza Shopping Centre.

Cllr Richard Finn told a meeting of Castlebar Municipal District that council management should impress on planners the benefits of approving the planning application. He received the support of his fellow councillors with his proposal seconded by Cllr Patsy OBrien.

I cannot stress the importance of such a brand wanting to come to Claremorris, said Cllr Finn.

He said an international brand who wants to invest in the area should be supported.
Cyclists young and old are being invited to take part in a High Nelly charity cycle in support of the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundations Sunflower Childrens Hospice.

The leisurely jaunt will take place on Saturday, April 25 beginning at 11am from the church in Westport, travelling along the scenic Greenway to Nevins in Newport.

Connect with a big part of Irish history and raise funds for a special cause by hopping on your own High Nelly, or one supplied by the organising group as High Nelly bicycles and outfits can be supplied for those who do not have one.

Participants are encouraged to gather sponsorship, either online at www.idonate.ie or with sponsorship cards that will be made available.

Organisers promise plenty of craic along the way and are welcoming cyclists of all ages and abilities to get involved while supporting an important cause.

The return cycle to Westport is optional, and transport will be available for participants who prefer not to make the journey back on two wheels.

The event is being organised by Martin and Willie, the High Nelly Cycle Revivers, who can be contacted for further information at 087-2589974.

Willie Creighton from the High Nelly Cycle Revivers said the event is about community spirit as much as it is fundraising.

We want this to be a really enjoyable day out for everyone  a relaxed cycle along the Greenway with plenty of laughs and great company. Whether youre a seasoned cyclist or just dusting off the saddle for the first time, wed love to see you there supporting the Sunflower Childrens Hospice.
When The Plough and the Stars was first performed 100 years ago, it caused great controversy. For some performances, there was as much shouting and roaring in the stalls as there was on the stage.

That was because the play, the story of a group of characters in a Dublin tenement in the lead up to, and during, Easter 1916, touched a nerve in early post-independence Ireland. It got right under the skin of those with a romantic idea of how the struggle for independence had played out. In doing that, it managed to unite those who ended up on either side of the Treaty. It was, one might say, a bonfire of their pieties.

To mark the centenary of its first production, the play has been back on the Abbey stage in recent weeks. It might not be causing controversy in 2026 Ireland, but there are plenty of todays pieties challenged by it. That is a change from when I was a young man, and that contrast interested me when I went to see it last week. It proves that every staging of the play must be assessed in its own context.

If Synge was a great playwright of rural Ireland, Sean OCasey is the definitive playwright of working class Dublin. Both writers annoyed those  particularly cultural nationalists  who had definite views of how the Irish should be seen. In the language of our times, many sought to cancel the two playwrights because they did not sufficiently advance the national cause.

OCasey challenged the settled view in multiple ways. The story of Ireland has long been told as that of an ancient rural people fighting back  and often losing out  against an alien oppressor. That is the west of Ireland story we have all been reared on.

OCasey had a different story to tell, of an urban people in a port city, shaped and formed by many influences, oppressed as much by a native capitalist class as they were by outsiders. William Martin Murphy  of 1913 Lockout ill fame  was many things, but he was no Englishman.

Much of the literature of that period focused on the fabled past. OCasey in contrast was a socialist writer. His depiction of those who lived in Dublin tenements at the beginning of the 20th century was therefore realistic and not romantic. His underlying premise was to show what poverty does to people, and much of that is ugly. He didnt shy away from depicting it because he wanted to highlight it, wanted to change it.

The centrality of his female characters certainly went against the current of his times, highlighting how women bear the greatest burdens. His heroes were not fantastical mythical characters from Irelands imagined past. He makes his point by showing how amid the most abject poverty, true nobility  the type that doesnt come from titles or money or ancient fame  can still shine through. In their response to disaster, it is the women who are the heroes. In The Plough and the Stars, the hero is a Protestant and orange working class woman  Bessie Burgess  whose son had volunteered for the British army. I am not sure if her character would make it into the plays of 2026.

OCaseys great work is set in the period from 1916-23. The Plough and the Stars is the last of his trilogy of plays about those revolutionary times in Ireland. The first, The Shadow of a Gunman, was set during the War of Independence. The second, Juno and the Paycock, was set during the Civil War.

OCasey was initially a nationalist and a great Gaelic Leaguer, but as time went on he saw the tension between socialism and nationalism. Socialism to him was a project to emancipate the poor. Nationalism was about flag waving and  as those speeches of Pearse made quite clear  fundamentally bloodthirsty. He disagreed with James Connollys decision to focus on national independence over socialist struggle. When it came to the choice, OCaseys banner was the flag of the working people, the plough and the stars.

Why all the controversy when The Plough was first staged? By 1926 the new state had sanctified Easter 1916 as the great foundation story  a straightforward tale of heroism and sacrifice. The play jarred with this glorious myth.

One scene in particular drove many wild. While various characters in the play are in the pub, a voice seemingly from outside the window delivers segments of the speeches of Pearse. For the words of Pearse to be presented in a pub, in the midst of drunken debauchery, was too much for the nationalist pieties of 1926. The scene was made much worse  to 1926 eyes  because one of the characters in the pub was a prostitute.

The perceived offensiveness of the scene triggered many of the protests, but the challenge in the play to the audiences of 1926 went much deeper.

The play highlighted what the reality of Easter 1916 and all that followed meant for the people most directly impacted by it. It is hard to imagine how brave that was in 1926. It shows in all its brutality what dying for Ireland really meant. And it showed that through all the fine talk of Ireland and her ancient heroes, the poor die of tuberculosis and of neglect, and the women must pick up the pieces. The play is a full frontal attack on the idea that dying for a nationalist flag ever did anything for those in most need  for real people, not mythical ones. In fact by co-opting those to its cause who would gain least from it, it made their lives worse. No wonder it made those audiences in 1926 uncomfortable.

What struck me as interesting though was how the plays impact has changed so much in my lifetime. Had I gone to see The Plough and the Stars 25 years ago, the ideas in it would have seemed obvious to me and many others. That obsessively focusing on nationalism to the detriment of all else is a dangerous idea. That dying for Ireland and resorting to violence to achieve political ends is something to be absolutely avoided rather than lauded or worse, celebrated. That trying to gain virtue by wrapping the green flag around you should generate alarm not applause. That, as John Hume would have put it, you cant eat a flag. That would all have gone along with an appreciation of how OCasey managed to make all those points while not taking away from the reality of what it meant for Ireland to be unjustly controlled by the British.

25 years ago it was completely uncontroversial to point out all those things out. The plays arguments seemed obvious then, in a context when it was plain that the Troubles had been a sectarian bloodbath, and not, as so many seem to think now, a valiant anti-imperial struggle.

There are  and should be  many sides to every story. But just right now, in 2026 Ireland, in a context where nationalist feeling once again runs rampant, the challenge that T he Plough and the Stars presents to our pieties feels timely again.
Crossmolina

Lotto

There was no winner of Crossmolina Deel-Rovers GAA Club lotto jackpot on Saturday, March 21, in Hineys when the numbers drawn were 3, 4, 19 and 24. No punter matched three numbers and three tickets were drawn; Frank Hefferan, Rakestreet, Crossmolina; Michael Griffin, Mullingar; Peter and Loretta Gill, Mullenmore, Crossmolina and they won 50 each. The jackpot in the latest draw held on March 28, was 4,650.

Kilmurry 25 card results

Best of 20 games 1st Patrick Kilroy and Richard Devers, 2nd a tie Jimmy Caden and Martin Garrett, Liam Garvey and Vincent Crowley, 3rd Paddy Finan and Anthony Granaghan. Raffle winners were; 1st Breege McNamara, 2nd Martin Garrett and 3rd Tom OMalley. Hampers were won by 1st Frank McDonnell and Pakie Hefferon, 2nd Darragh Sheridan and Mary Keane.

Volunteers needed for Foroige

Volunteers are needed for Foroige in Crossmolina and surrounding areas. If you are interested in supporting a young person, mentoring is an enjoyable way to spend your time and have a positive impact in a young persons life. Foroige Mentoring Programme is seeking volunteers in your community. Call or WhatsApp Mary on 086 047 1420 to express your interest in volunteering and to hear more information on the recruitment process.

Social Dancing

Step it Out social dancing will be held in Crossmolina on Sunday, April 12, from 7-9pm with dancing to Carmel McLoughlin.

Holy Week ceremonies 2026

On Tuesday, March 31, Mass of Chrism will be held in St Muredachs Cathedral, Ballina, at 6.30pm; Wednesday, April 1, Stations of the Cross in Crossmolina at 7pm; Holy Thursday, April 2, Evening Mass of the Lords Supper in Crossmolina at 8pm; Good Friday, April 3, Liturgy of the Passion Crossmolina at 3pm, Liturgy of the Passion Keenagh at 5pm, Stations of the Cross, Eskeragh at 12 noon, and Stations of the Cross Kilmurry at 12 noon; Holy Saturday, April 4, Easter vigil in Kilmurry at 6pm, and Crossmolina at 8pm and confessions at 12 noon; Easter Sunday, April 5, Mass in Eskeragh at 9am, Keenagh at 10.15am and Crossmolina at 11.30am.

Holy Week

As we accompany Jesus through these highs and lows of Holy Week, we are meant to find ourselves in his life and to see Christ in our life too. Each year we read the exact same readings, and yet, we dont read them the same way. Why? Because although the stories from Scripture dont change, we ourselves are not the same people reading them. Since last years Holy Week, weve had a whole year of growth and change and new joys and sorrows. There may be a piece of this familiar story that we hear in a different way, a new insight that we gain, a new way that this time in Jesuss life resonates with our own life.

Cycle, Walk and Talk

Cycle, Walk and Talk takes place on April 12, at 12.30pm. It is hoped to get children and parents to do a 10km route; walk is the Convent loop. Any funds raised will go towards a 2nd picnic bench on the Convent loop.

Bake Sale

Crossmolina National School Bake Sale will be held in the Town Hall on April 4 and 5 after Mass. The organisers will be serving tea and coffee if people want a cuppa and a chat. Competition entries welcome for: Best Tasting Treat; Best Decorated; Best Look Alike with judging to take place on April 4.

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Ardagh

Easter ceremonies

Holy Week ceremonies in Ardagh Church are as follows: Holy Thursday, Mass of the Last Supper at 8pm followed by Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament until 10.30pm. Good Friday, Liturgy of Our Lord's Passion at 3pm which is also a day of fast and abstinence. Holy Saturday, Blessing of Easter candle and holy water at 8.30pm, and finally, Easter Sunday Mass will be celebrated by parish priest, Fr Pat Munnelly at 11am.

Enrolments

Ardagh National School is currently accepting applications for pupils for the 2026/27 school year. Parents/guardians may contact the school at ardaghnationalschool@gmail.com or by phone on 096 71559 to request an information pack. Knockanillo National School is also accepting applications for the school year. Full details by contacting the school on 096 72128 for enrolment forms.

House calls

Parish Priest, Fr Pat Munnelly, will undertake his monthly house calls to parishioners tomorrow, Wednesday, April 1, starting at 11am. Parishioners are asked to note the change of day and date.

Trocaire Boxes

Parishioners are urged to return their Trocaire Lenten Boxes on Holy Thursday/Good Friday to Ardagh Church.

Easter greetings

Parish priest, Fr Pat Munnelly and members of Ardagh Pastoral Council, extend Easter greetings to everyone both at home and abroad.

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Knockmore

Knockmore GAA presents Songo Bingo

Knockmore GAA presents Songo Bingo on Easter Sunday night, April 5, in the Great National Hotel, Ballina. It promises to be a great night for young and old. Tickets costing  25 are on sale in the clubrooms, Corcoran's shop, the club bar and from committee members. A most enjoyable night is assured with prizes galore to be won.

St Patrick's Day performance

Special thanks and well done are extended to the children from Lisaniska NS who played traditional music after 11am Mass in Christ the King Church, Knockmore, on St Patrick 's Day and to Fiona McHugh's dancers who also performed. Congratulations to all involved.

Congratulations

Congratulations to Fr Brendan Hoban on his new book 'For the Record' and to the publisher Padraig Corcoran. It is a beautiful edition that traces nine centuries of history and tradition in the Killala Diocese. Limited copies are available in the Parish Office, Ballina, costing 20.

Knockmore GAA lotto

The numbers drawn last week were 3, 18, 31 and 34. Weekly winners were Pat Kelly and Brendan Coyne. Season ticket winner was Frances Reape.

Conn Rangers lotto

The numbers drawn on March 16, were 16, 18, 21 and 33. Weekly and season winners were; Mary Bourke, P Brogan Jr, Megan McDonagh, Carmel McLoughlin, Cian Horgan and Nathan Coldrick. Lucky dip winner was Alma Connick.

Currabaggan School online lotto

The numbers drawn last week were 3, 7, 17 and 20. The 25 weekly winner was Olivia Timlin.

Thank You

A sincere thank you from Sr Breeda, Medical Missionaries of Mary, Drogheda for all the used stamps passed in to the Church in Knockmore and received by them. They are a great source of income for their Missionary work with the poor in Kenya. Every stamp collected is of value and much appreciated.

Wed in Knockmore

Congratulations to Amy O'Boyle, daughter of Martina and Sean O'Boyle Tavanaghmore, Knockmore and John Gibbons, who were married in a beautiful cermony in Christ the King, Church, Knockmore on Saturday, March 14. The ceremony was performed by Fr Michael Reilly PP, Knockmore, and was attended by a large number of family, relatives and friends many of whom travelled long distances to be present for the occasion.

Sympathy

Sympathy is extended to the family of the late Ivy Matterson (nee McAndrew), Rosscahill, Galway and formerly of Runagry and Harrow, Middlesex, UK, whose death took place last week. Her Requiem Mass was celebrated in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Mulranny, on Thursday, March 19, and she was laid to rest afterwards in the nearby cemetery.

Ivy was beloved wife of Michael and mother of Philomena, grandmother to Jarlath and Ciara and sister of Michael, Gertrude and Bridget, a mother-in-law, aunt, cousin and friend and will be dearly missed by all of them.

Ivy was predeceased by her parents Paddy and Bridget McAndrew, her sister Mary, brothers Johnny, Tommy, Peter, Martin and Vincent. May she now rest in peace.

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Ballycastle

Easter ceremonies

Easter ceremonies are as follows: Holy Thursday, Evening Mass of the Lord's Supper in Belderrig at 6pm and Ballycastle at 8pm; Good Friday, Celebration of the Lord's Passion in Belderrig at 6pm and Ballycastle at 3pm, Stations of the Cross in Ballycastle Church at 12noon on Good Friday; Holy Saturday, Easter Vigil in Belderrig at 7pm and Ballycastle at 8pm; Easter Sunday, Mass in Belderrig at 10am and Ballycastle at 11.30am.

The late Brian Walsh

The death occurred last week of Brian Walsh, 35 Seaview, Ballycastle, and Glenurla, Ballycastle. He was predeceased by his dad Anthony. Sympathy is extended to his fiancee Katy, son Brian, daughter Cora, mother Margaret, siblings Susan (Garvin), Maura (Healy), Anthony, Declan, Cathriona and John, nieces, nephews, aunties, uncles, extended family, neighbours and his many friends. May his gentle soul rest in peace.

Daffodil Day

Thank you to all who donated and to all who helped in any way on Daffodil Day in Ballycastle. The amount raised was 2,278.

Drink Tea for MND

A yearly fundraising initiative to support Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association will be held in the Community Hall Ballycastle on Sunday, April 12, from 12 noon-3pm - 'Drink tea for MND". If you can't make it on the day you can to donate to this worthy cause:

https://drinkteaformnd.ie/fundraiser//chrissietigheannehealy.

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Bonniconlon

Recent deaths

Your prayers are requested for the happy repose of the souls of Jimmy Rafter, Bofield and Sarah Ellis (nee Ginty), Ardnaree, Ballina, daughter of Laurence and the late Mary Ginty, Carralavin. May they rest in peace.

Volunteers

Bonniconlon Village Enhancement is currently welcoming new volunteers. Contact Siobhan on 087 612 9678 for details.

Lotto

The numbers drawn in the lotto held on March 21, were 17, 22, 28, 36. 40 prizewinners were Ann McKenzie, Carracrum; Shay McDonnell, Carralavin; Breege Igoe, Culleens; Stephen Crean, Culleens; and Paddy Ruane.

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Moygownagh

Annual 25 Drive

Moygownagh GAA annual 25 Drive will be held on Good Friday, April 3, in Moygownagh Community Centre with 1000 in prizemoney.

Community Games

Moygownagh Community Games committee thank everybody for supporting the recent church gate collection for Mayo Community Games.

Craft Evening

Moygownagh Connect Cate are holding a craft evening with Jamie in the Learning Forum on Thursday, April 30, at 7.30pm.

Women s Group

Moygownagh Womens Group meeting will take place tomorrow, Wednesday, April 1, in the Learning Forum at 8pm.
BEIJING, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Chinese authorities have launched a new campaign to crack down on illicit intermediaries involved in illegal and borderline-legal activities in the financial sector, as part of a drive to maintain regulatory order and protect consumers.

The campaign, coordinated by the Ministry of Public Security and the National Financial Regulatory Administration, will target illegal deposit and loan intermediaries, unapproved online lending services, and illicit insurance agents, among others, according to a meeting held on Thursday.

Authorities vowed to deepen investigations into criminal networks and pursue those behind the operations. They also called for improved financial services alongside stronger law enforcement to root out illegal activities in the sector.

In a previous round of crackdowns from June to November 2025, police investigated more than 1,500 cases and broke up over 200 criminal gangs, with nearly 30 billion yuan (4.35 billion U.S. dollars) involved. 
Allentown, PA (18103)

Today

Partly sunny and still fairly pleasant. A later afternoon shower is possible but most will stay dry for the day..

Tonight

There might be an early shower; otherwise, mostly cloudy.
DUBAI, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Twelve people were injured Friday in Abu Dhabi's Ajban area after shrapnel fell following a successful air defense interception, authorities said.

The incident occurred when local air defense systems intercepted incoming projectiles, sending debris into the Ajban neighborhood, the authorities said. The city has been on heightened alert amid rising tensions in the Middle East, following recent missile and drone attacks targeting the United Arab Emirates and other Gulf countries.

Those injured included six Nepalese nationals and five Indian nationals with minor to moderate injuries, as well as one Nepalese national who sustained serious wounds.

Authorities urged the public to rely only on official sources and avoid sharing rumors or unverified information. Emergency services responded quickly to the scene, providing medical care and securing the affected area. 
TASHKENT, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Uzbekistan's Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov said on Thursday that Uzbekistan supports the five-point initiative for restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and Middle East region proposed by China and Pakistan.

He made the remarks during a phone conversation with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, according to Saidov's social media post.

During the phone call, both sides emphasized the importance of resolving the Middle East crisis through dialogue and diplomatic efforts.

They also exchanged views on the situation along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, noting that ongoing efforts are being made to reduce tensions. 
Facing the Heat in South Africa

The exhibition and book brings together a decade of documentary photography, research and activism, to illuminate SAs deepening climate crisis.

The exhibition is currently on display until 6 May at the Wits Origins Centre, while the book is available at the Centre and at selected bookshops.

A Decade of Climate Evidence

Professor Vishwas Satgar, a scholar and climate justice activist, began documenting climate-related events in 2014, at a time when South Africa was entering one of its worst recorded droughts. Ten years ago I realised we started living on a new planet, he says, referring to global temperatures surpassing 1C above pre-industrial levels.

Over the next decade, he travelled extensively, photographing extreme weather events and their aftermath. His archive includes images of drought-stricken towns, flash floods, wildfires, and storm damage across the country. He also documented the social consequences of these events, from rising food prices to collapsing local systems.

These photographs form the core of the exhibition and, according to Satgar, should be understood as more than documentation. These photographs of unnatural climate disasters are evidence from a crime scene, he says.

A Crisis Beyond Government

While the exhibition highlights the scale of the climate crisis, it also directs attention to its underlying causes.

Southern Africa is heating at twice the global average. With the failure of the UN multi-lateral process to rapidly phase out fossil fuels, the world has lost the opportunity to prevent a 1.5C overshoot. South Africa and the region have to brace for 3C of heating. Satgar points to South Africas continued reliance on coal and fossil fuels as a major driver of emissions, alongside what he describes as inadequate political leadership.

He says that by now "South Africa should have developed a bottom-up national climate risk assessment and put in place a societal driven response strategy, as part of post normal leadership and politics to ensure serious adaptive capacity.

The powerful have to be told that the more than 500 dead in the Durban Rain Bomb and 100 in the Umtata flood are on your watch. How many more humans and more than humans must die because of failing leadership?"

From Documentation to Action

Alongside images of destruction, Facing the Heat in South Africa also documents forms of resistance, including protests, community-led initiatives, and campaigns for climate justice. These efforts, Satgar suggests, point towards possible pathways for adaptation and transformation.

The exhibition ultimately asks the public to confront their own position within the crisis. By presenting climate change as both immediate and local, it challenges people to move beyond awareness and consider action.

The project - both the exhibition and the book, he says, calls on all of us to account for how we each contribute to the worsening climate crisis.

It's not enough for us to merely to point to fossil fuel capital and the state. We need to own the problem and solution in our everyday lives, he says.

To complement the book and exhibition, a range of public activities are planned to ensure broad awareness.

This includes 250 school children who have been invited to visit and engage with the exhibition, at no cost. The exhibition will also travel in book form into local communities. About 400 copies of the Facing the Heat book will be donated to schools, university libraries as well as community resource centers and organisations.

Proceeds from book sales will be given to the Climate Justice Charter Movement to scale up its transformative activism.

[Watch] the official opening and book launch featuring a panel discussion with Prof. Satgar, moderated by Mandla Nkomfe (Deputy Chairperson, Ahmed Kathrada Foundation), alongside the discussants Prof. Francois Engelbrecht (Climatologist, Wits) and Jessica Ngwenya (Lead Campaigner, Climate Justice Charter Movement).

Origins Centre - Operating Hours

Monday to Friday: 09H00 to 17H00

Saturday and Public Holiday: 09H00 to 16H00

Sundays: Closed

Click here to book your tickets!

Stay in touch via @cjcm_chartersa or @witscjcm
BAMAKO, April 3 (Xinhua) -- The Malian army has destroyed a training camp located 20 km north of Markala in the Segou region, the general staff of the Armed Forces said on Friday.

According to a statement, airstrikes carried out on Wednesday destroyed a training camp, killing around 50 individuals who were undergoing training.

Security sources said they were believed to be members of the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims, which is highly active in the area.

A large quantity of military equipment, including improvised explosive devices, was found at the site, the general staff said.

The army said it had "successfully dealt with" a column of vehicles and motorcyclists spotted about 45 km southeast of Kidal on Thursday. The group was allegedly involved in planting improvised explosive devices and operating drones. Around 10 vehicles and several motorcycles were destroyed, and several individuals, including some leaders, were killed.

The general staff said the operations to track down and destroy armed groups are ongoing. 
President of Xinhua News Agency Fu Hua meets with Carlos Raul Vasquez Corrales, Peruvian ambassador to China, in Beijing, capital of China, April 3, 2026. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

BEIJING, April 3 (Xinhua) -- President of Xinhua News Agency Fu Hua met with Carlos Raul Vasquez Corrales, Peruvian ambassador to China, in Beijing on Friday.

Fu said that this year marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Peru. Standing at a new historical starting point, Xinhua News Agency is ready to join hands with Peruvian media to tell the stories of China-Peru friendly cooperation and shared prosperity on the new journey, jointly promote the building of an independent discourse system of the Global South, jointly strengthen multilateral exchange mechanisms, and continuously achieve new breakthroughs in China-Peru cooperative communication, he noted.

Noting that Peru and China are both ancient civilizations and that historically, Chinese people have made significant contributions to Peru's national development, Vasquez expressed readiness to actively promote exchanges and cooperation between the two sides in areas such as media and think tanks, and to contribute to the continuous deepening of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. 
PART ONE | PART TWO

The systematic dismantling of public health infrastructure now underway in the United States is not an aberration. It is not the product of one mans ignorance, one administrations malice, or a temporary rupture in an otherwise sound institutional order. Yet the dominant media narrative has treated it as precisely thata shocking departure, a catastrophe that arrived without warning. What is missing from that reporting is history. Without it, the present crisis cannot be explained, its depth cannot be measured and the social forces capable of reversing it cannot be identified.

The agencies now being gutted, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration, the National Institutes of Health, and globally, the World Health Organization, were not the automatic products of civilizational progress. They were built under specific historical conditions, won through specific social struggles and they have always been vulnerable to reversal under conditions of broader social crisis. Understanding what is being destroyed today requires understanding how and why it was built.

It is in this context that the career of Dr. Stanley Plotkin demands serious attention. Plotkin, widely revered as the godfather of vaccines, is 93 years old. In the March 2, 2026 edition of STAT News, journalist Helen Branswell traced the arc of his career and recorded his despairing assessment of the present moment, in a profile titled, A titan of vaccine development sees his fields achievements slip away. Plotkins verdict was unsparing: that the fields achievements are slipping away, that vaccine nihilism is rising, and that he does not know how to counter it. His longtime colleague Walter Straus noted that Plotkin is watching his lifes work dismantled, in some cases repudiated, on specious grounds.

Dr. Stanley Plotkin, holding his book on vaccines. [Photo by Stanley Plotkin]

Branswells profile is a work of genuine sympathy for a scientist who has earned it. But sympathy without analysis has its own political function at a moment of crisis. It renders Plotkins despair moving rather than explicable, leaving the reader with grief but no framework for understanding why this is happening or what would need to change. In this the STAT piece is not an exception to the broader media failureit is its most accomplished expression.

For nearly seven decades, Plotkins work has been driven by a deep conviction in medicine as a transformative social force. As a 15-year-old growing up in the Bronx, he read Sinclair Lewiss Arrowsmith and Paul de Kruifs Microbe Hunters, books that shaped his dedication to biological science and vaccinology. Reflecting on his origins in a recent Q&A with the World Socialist Web Site, Plotkin explained the animating conviction of his career: It struck me that science could be a social mission changing peoples lives.

Today, however, that lifelong mission is colliding with a brutal political reality. The systematic destruction of public health protections, driven by the fascistic agenda of the Trump-Kennedy administration, threatens to undo the work of generations of researchers. Faced with this regression, Plotkin bluntly warned the WSWS: The decrease in support of science will result in fewer prevention or cures. That is obvious.

Plotkins grief is entirely legitimate, and his scientific achievementsmost notably the rubella vaccine that eliminated the disease in the United Statesare of genuine historical magnitude. He sees the demise of institutions that were themselves historically specificbuilt during a particular moment when ruling elites, under particular pressures, found it expedient to fund the scientific and public health infrastructure he spent his career inside. That moment has passed. What replaced it is what we are now witnessing.

This report traces the science Plotkin built, the history that made it possible, andunavoidablythe ideological limits of the worldview that leaves one of its foremost champions without the political tools to defend it. The defense of public health, to include vaccines, is a political struggle.

Rubella: The disease medicine failed to see

For more than two centuries, the medical establishment fundamentally misunderstood rubella. Friedrich Hoffmann made the first clinical description in 1740; the name rubellafrom the Latin for little redwas coined in 1866 by Henry Veale, an English surgeon observing an outbreak in India.

By 1938, Japanese researchers Hiro and Tosaka had confirmed viral transmission, yet the pathogen itself would remain uncaptured for another two decades. The disease was considered so benign that popular magazines promoted German measles parties, encouraging parents to expose their daughters before they reached childbearing age. The medical profession did not fear rubella because its catastrophic damage was invisible: it struck the developing fetus in the womb, leaving the presenting patient apparently well. The real victims were unborn children and the women who carried them. When World War II broke out, the mobilization of troops created conditions for mass contagion. In 1939 and 1940, a severe rubella epidemic swept through the crowded confines of Australias wartime army training camps. Young soldiers carried the infection home on leave, transmitting the virus to their families and the wider community.

In early 1941, a 50-year-old ophthalmologist from Sydney named Norman McAlister Gregg noticed an unusually high incidence of infants presenting at his clinic with atypical congenital cataracts. The medical dogma of the era held that congenital defects were strictly inherited, not caused by environmental infections and that the placenta was an impenetrable barrier to disease.

Greggs breakthrough came because he heard what the medical establishment had trained itself not to hear. Overhearing a conversation in his waiting room between two mothers of cataract-affected infants, he caught a detail both women mentioned: they had suffered from German measles during pregnancy. Investigating the records of every affected infant he could identify, Gregg established that 68 of 78 children with congenital cataracts had been exposed to rubella in the womb.

Greggs 1941 paper revolutionized the study of birth defects, establishing for the first time that an environmental viral agent could cause congenital malformations. The medical establishments response was dismissive. An editorial in The Lancet in 1944 suggested that Gregg had not adequately proven causation, reflecting a broader professional skepticism that the placenta could be breached by infection. Overseas medical audiences proved equally resistantwhen the Australian pediatrician Sir Lorimer Dods traveled to the United States in 1947 to present Greggs findings, he later wrote of watching the assembled physicians: You could see them all doubting.

The resistance persisted until a University of Sydney statistician, Oliver Lancaster, fully vindicated Gregg in 1951, demonstrating mathematically that epidemics of deafness in Australia tracked precisely with rubella outbreaks nine months earliera correlation extending back to 1879, meaning congenital rubella had been causing preventable damage for generations without being recognized.

The lifelong human toll of the disease was documented with clinical precision in a 60-year follow-up study of Greggs original patients. The consequences of congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) were not passing childhood afflictionsthey were permanent alterations of the body that accumulated across a lifetime. When 50 of the original cohort were reviewed in 1967 at the age of 25, 48 were deaf, 26 had cataracts or retinopathy, 14 had cardiac defects and five had intellectual disabilities.

By their 60-year review in 20002001, the damage had continued to evolve. Sixty-eight percent showed aortic valve sclerosis. Twenty-two percent had developed diabetesnearly double the expected rate for their age group. Eight of 11 women had experienced early menopause. New cataracts had developed in three subjects over the preceding decade; eight had glaucoma. The virus, contracted in the womb 60 years earlier, was still making itself felt.

The social consequences were stark. By the time they reached 60, only eight of the subjects were still working; many had been forced into early retirement or lived on pensions, and nine had never married. Yet reflecting on their lives, these survivors expressed satisfaction that, because of the vaccine, todays young Australians do not have to cope with the problems they had to overcome.

Despite Greggs discovery in 1941, two more decades would pass before the virus was isolated, and nearly another decade after that before a vaccine was ready. The gap was catastrophic. In the spring of 1963, a massive rubella epidemic erupted in Europe and spread to the United States in 1964 and 1965.

The thousands of afflicted infants left in the epidemics wake revealed that CRS was far more extensive than Gregg had observed in 1941. Beyond the core destruction of the optic lens, the cochlea and the heart, the virus caused systemic damage throughout the brain, lungs, liver, spleen and bone marrow, producing encephalitis, intellectual disability, pneumonia, and hepatitis.

Plotkin, who was practicing pediatrics in Philadelphia during the epidemic, recorded its human cost in a 2006 retrospective. Those of us who were practicing pediatrics or obstetrics during those years remember with poignancy the many tragedies we witnessed as families struggled with decisions about therapeutic abortions and severely damaged infants, he wrote. The numbers bore out the memory: at the height of the epidemic, Plotkin calculated that 1 percent of all births in Philadelphia bore the viruss damage.

Science as social inheritance: the cell culture revolution, 19491962

The eventual elimination of congenital rubella cannot be understood outside the broader revolution in mid-century virology. As the WSWS has documented in its account of the measles vaccine, the 1949 breakthrough by John Franklin Endersdemonstrating that poliovirus could be grown in non-neural human tissue in laboratory culturewas the methodological key that unlocked modern vaccinology.

Enderss innovation was not merely an individual triumph but a conceptual revolution that remade the fieldestablishing that viruses need not be cultivated in living animals, that they could be studied, weakened and eventually controlled in glass.

John Franklin Enders and Thomas Weller

Science is a social and institutional inheritance, not a series of isolated individual discoveries. It was no coincidence that one of the scientists who isolated the rubella virus was Dr. Thomas Huckle Wellera student of Enders, his co-recipient of the 1954 Nobel Prize, and the direct carrier of his methodological legacy. The transmission of technique across generations, sustained by the publicly funded institutions of the postwar era, made the rubella vaccine possible long before any single researcher sat down to make it.

For more than two decades after Norman Gregg identified rubellas catastrophic effects on the fetus, the virus itself remained invisible to science, making vaccine development impossible. Then, in late 1962, two separate teams of researchers independently cracked the problem simultaneously, publishing their results in the same volume of the same journal.

At the Harvard School of Public Health, Weller and his colleague Franklin Neva cultured the virus in human amnion cells, detecting its presence through characteristic cytopathic changes.

Working simultaneously at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research in Washington D.C., Paul Parkman, alongside Edward Buescher and Malcolm Artenstein, isolated the virus by a different method entirely. Recognizing that rubella spread easily through military barrackswhere young men from isolated rural communities were crowded together with no prior immunityParkmans team collected throat washings from infected soldiers at Fort Dix, New Jersey. They then demonstrated the viruss presence in African green monkey kidney cells, using a technique of viral interference: a second virus, ECHO-11, failed to produce its usual cytopathic effect in cells already occupied by rubella, revealing the invisible pathogen indirectly.

The timing of this dual isolation was a critical, life-saving development. It arrived just before the catastrophic global rubella epidemic of 19631965. For the first time, researchers and doctors had the serological tools to accurately diagnose rubella infection, allowing them to confirm the disease in pregnant women and study the pathogenesis of the virus.

Paul Parkmans life embodied the ethos of a public-spirited science that is now under systematic attack. The son of a postal clerk in the small town of Weedsport, New Yorkhis father raised turkeys to finance his medical educationParkman went on to build a career defined by his refusal to treat scientific discovery as a commercial asset.

When Parkman and his colleague Harry Meyer developed the first licensed rubella vaccine, they assigned their patents directly to the U.S. Department of Healthnot to Merck, not to a private firmso that the vaccine could reach as many people as quickly and affordably as possible.

Reflecting on his career in a 2002 retrospective, he wrote: With the exception of safe drinking water, vaccines have been the most successful medical interventions of the 20th century. As I look back on my career, I have come to think that perhaps I was involved in the easy part. It will be for others to take on the difficult task of maintaining the protections that we struggled to achieve. We must prevent the spread of this vaccine nihilism, for if it were to prevail, our successes could be lost. Dr. Paul Parkman died in May 2024 at the age of 91long enough to watch his warning become prophecy, long enough to see the vaccine nihilism he feared take hold in the very institutions that had once celebrated his work.

Hilary Koprowski and the Wistar: the institutional conditions of discovery

Dr. Stanley Plotkins rubella vaccine did not emerge from isolated genius. It required specific institutional conditionsa particular laboratory, a particular director and a particular moment in the postwar funding of science.

Born in Warsaw in 1916, Hilary Koprowski was a polymath who completed his medical degree at the University of Warsaw and simultaneously studied piano at the Warsaw Conservatory of Music, later earning a further diploma at the Accademia di Santa Cecilia in Rome after fleeing the 1939 Nazi invasion. Koprowski and his wife made their way through Rome and Portugal to Brazil, where he worked for the Rockefeller Foundations Yellow Fever Research Service before joining Lederle Laboratories in New York in 1944.

At Lederle, Koprowski developed the worlds first live oral polio vaccine, which he tested first on himself in 1948 and later, in 1950, on a group of children at Letchworth Village in New York. Yet the medical establishment and the federal government ultimately backed the competing vaccines developed by Jonas Salk and Albert Sabin. It was Sabins oral vaccine that achieved global licensurea result that, in the words of a colleague reflecting after Koprowskis death, left him deeply disappointed because it cost him the Nobel Prize.

In 1957, Koprowski took over as director of the Wistar Institute of Anatomy and Biology in Philadelphiaa facility he later described as little more than a moribund anatomic museum known for breeding laboratory rats and displaying anatomical specimens. He transformed it completely. He cleared the museum, renovated the laboratories and built a biomedical research center of international standing. His gift was atmospheric as much as scientific: he minimized bureaucracy, demanded interdisciplinary exchange and drew researchers from across the world who found in Wistar an environment that, as one colleague recalled, facilitated the practice of science and was never, under Koprowski, boring.

Dr. Stanley Plotkin at work in his laboratory at the Wistar Institute, where the RA 27/3 rubella strain was isolated, attenuated, and prepared for human trials in the mid-1960s. [Photo by Stanley Plotkin]

Plotkins entry into this environment was a calculated move. Facing the military draft following his medical internship, he joined the Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) at the CDCand when offered a list of public health service assignments, chose the one at the Wistar Institute, not for its anthrax research but for its director. I knew that Hilary Koprowski had taken over at the Wistar Institute, and my reasoning was that if I went to the institute, I could get into his laboratory, Plotkin recently recalled. He walked into Koprowskis office, asked to join his polio research, and was accepted. The rubella vaccine, though neither man knew it yet, had found its home.

The 196465 rubella epidemic

The global rubella pandemic swept the United States in 1964 and 1965, infecting an estimated 12.5 million Americans. For weeks after exposure, most adults experienced only a fleeting rash and mild fever. The full horror revealed itself months later, when the babies began to be born.

The epidemic resulted in 11,250 fetal deaths and miscarriages, 2,100 neonatal deaths and 20,000 infants born with CRS. In Philadelphia alone, Plotkin calculated that 1 percent of all births bore the viruss mark.

The 196465 epidemic also precipitated a social and political crisis that reshaped American law and the lives of women. Faced with the terrifying prospect of giving birth to severely damaged infants, women exposed to rubella began to demand control over their pregnancies and access to therapeutic abortions, directly precipitating some of the first legal abortion reform in the United States.

This clash between medical necessity and laws criminalizing abortion culminated in 1966 in the case of the San Francisco Ninenine physicians sued by the California State Board of Medical Examiners for performing abortions on women exposed to rubella during pregnancy. The medical establishment rallied in their defense: the deans of 128 medical schools across the country publicly supported the accused doctors, and the state ultimately dropped the charges in 1970.

The epidemic was also a case study in how a public health crisis falls unequally along class lines. The ability to secure a safe, legal abortion when exposed to rubella was overwhelmingly determined by wealth and social position. Women of means, with access to private physicians, could generally obtain the procedure; for poor and working-class women, the same medical necessity was routinely denied.

Those with private physicians could navigate hospital therapeutic abortion committees to secure safe procedures under a psychiatric or medical guise. For working-class women relying on subsidized hospital outpatient clinics, that same choice was denied by the identical committees. Historical records from the period documented that for every publicly supported patient permitted to terminate a rubella-exposed pregnancy, nine privately paying patients received the procedurethe same disease, an entirely different outcome, determined entirely by income.

The epidemic laid bare with brutal clarity what the absence of a vaccine meant in practice. Vaccines had already broken the back of polio, were driving smallpox toward eradication, and had begun eliminating measles and diphtheria from entire generations. The work underway at the Wistar Institute carried on that history, and the rubella epidemic had just made the stakes undeniable.

To be continued
US President Donald Trump fired Attorney General Pam Bondi Thursday, announcing on his social media platform that she will be transitioning to a much needed and important new job in the private sector, to be announced at a date in the near future.

Bondi confirmed that she was leaving the administration, while pledging undying loyalty to Trump and promising to fight on his behalf in her new position, although, like Trump, she left the job undefined.

Bondi is the second top-level internal security official dismissed by Trump in a month, following the firing of Kristi Noem as secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. The twin actions suggest that the administration is in deep crisis over Trumps plans to establish himself as a president-dictator, unanswerable to the law, the courts or Congress, let alone the American people.

At least three factors have been cited in accounts of Trumps growing discontent with Bondi. The first, and most obvious, is her handling of the Epstein scandal, which blew up in Trumps face and still threatens his political survival.

It was Bondi who claimed a year ago that she had Epsteins client list sitting on my desk, only to backpedal furiously, eventually claiming, along with FBI Director Kash Patel, that there was no client list and that the Epstein case was closed. As victims of Epsteins sex-trafficking enterprise came forward, however, and the names of billionaire clients began to surface, this cover-up collapsed.

Congress passed a bill requiring the release of all Justice Department files on Epstein, which Trump reluctantly signed into law, but the implementation of the release has been a further scandal, as it was revealed that there were millions of files that had been withheld from Congress, with systematic redaction of Trumps name and the names of other wealthy and prominent men in Epsteins circle.

At a hearing in February before the House Judiciary Committee, Bondi responded to questions about Epstein with personal attacks on the representatives asking them. She also refused to turn around and look at a group of Epstein victims who were attending the hearing to press for greater disclosure of the crimes committed by Epstein and his clients, and of the subsequent government cover-up.

Attorney General Pam Bondi arrives back to the witness table after a break as she testifies before a House Judiciary Committee oversight hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026. [AP Photo/Tom Brenner]

Bondi has been subpoenaed by the House committee investigating the Epstein cover-up and is still scheduled to testify on April 14, although she will now do so as a private citizen rather than as the representative of the Trump administration.

The second reason for Bondis departure is her failure to weaponize the Justice Department as an instrument of Trumps vengeance against his most hated enemies, particularly those who investigated his first administration or brought lawsuits or criminal cases against him after he left the White House in January 2021.

It was not for want of trying. Trump demanded that Bondi prosecute former FBI Director James Comey, New York state attorney general Leticia James, Senator Adam Schiff and many others, and Bondi followed his orders. She fired several US attorneys when they balked at filing concocted criminal charges, but grand juries refused to indict Comey and James, although multiple investigations are continuing.

A third reason for Bondis firing is the lack of success on the part of the Justice Department in legal cases brought against the illegal and unconstitutional actions taken by the Trump administration since he reentered the White House last year. Many of the budget cuts, mass firings and other attacks on federal workers have been reversed under court order, despite intervention by the Supreme Court to narrow the scope of lower court injunctions.

The new year has brought one legal debacle after another, including the Supreme Court decision overturning Trumps imposition of massive tariffs on nearly every US trading partner, a court order reversing his takeover of the Kennedy Center, another court order rescinding budget cuts to National Public Radio and the Public Broadcasting Service, and an injunction issued by a Republican-appointed judge freezing construction of Trumps gigantic new ballroom, an addition to the White House that would be larger than the entire preexisting structure.

On Wednesday, Trump took Bondi with him as he attended oral arguments before the Supreme Court on his executive order to do away with birthright citizenship, a key provision of the 14th Amendment to the Constitution. As it became clear that nearly all the justices were likely to rule his order unconstitutional, as they peppered Justice Department Solicitor General John Sauer with questions and objections to his argument, Trump stormed out, with Bondi in his wake.

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche will take over as Acting Attorney General. He was Trumps personal lawyer, serving as the top attorney during Trumps corruption trial in New York City, when he was convicted on 34 felony counts of falsifying documents to cover up his payment of hush money to porn actress Stormy Daniels.

Press reports suggested that Lee Zeldin, a former Republican congressman and current administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, was a strong possibility as a permanent replacement, but during his first administration, Trump kept acting officials in their position for months, even years, in order to avoid Senate hearings and keep these officials on a short leash.

Not that Blanche will need any whipping to do Trumps bidding. In addition to his record as Trumps personal lawyer, he acted as the point man in protecting Trump from the Epstein scandal; going to meet Epsteins collaborator, Ghislaine Maxwell, in prison and obtaining her agreement to exonerate Trump of any involvement in Epsteins crimes. As a reward, Maxwell was then moved to a minimum-security facility, despite serving a 20-year sentence on child sex trafficking.

Blanche attended the fascistic Conservative Political Action Conference last week, and during one interview, endorsed sending agents of Immigration and Customs Enforcement to polling stations during this years mid-term elections. Why is there an objection? he asked, dismissing concerns that the presence of ICE agents might discourage voters from going to the polls.
KABUL, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Two commuters were killed and 13 others sustained injuries as a passenger bus veered from the road in eastern Afghanistan's Ghazni province on Friday, provincial police spokesman Khalid Sarhadi said.

The deadly mishap took place on the main road in Qarabagh district early Friday morning, the official said, adding that efforts are underway to search for a missing boy.

Blaming reckless driving for the accident, Sarhadi said an investigation into the accident is underway. 
New Zealand is currently experiencing a spike in COVID-19 cases, with 50 people hospitalised with the coronavirus in the first week of March and 82 in the second week. Test kits are not freely available, so there is no reliable data on the number of people who have the virus.

New Zealand Health Minister Simeon Brown with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon [Photo: Facebook/Simeon Brown MP]

Since July last year the Ministry of Health has not provided updates on the number of people dying each week from COVID. It reports there have been 5,630 COVID-related deaths since the pandemic began, up from around 4,500 in December 2024. In other words, COVID is linked to around 1,000 deaths per yeartwice as many as influenza.

The vast majority of these deaths occurred after the previous Labour Party-led government, led by Jacinda Ardern, caved in to the demands of big business and abandoned its elimination strategy, which had kept New Zealand almost entirely free from COVID-19 in 2020 and 2021. The virus spread rapidly in 2022, infecting millions of people and overwhelming hospital emergency departments.

The media, the National Party-led government and the entire political establishment have almost stopped talking about COVID, leading fewer people to get regular booster vaccines. While they do not stop the spread of COVID, vaccines can significantly reduce the severity of the virus.

According to official data, nearly 30 percent of people aged over 18 have not received any boosters following their initial vaccination course. Among people over 50 years old, who face greater risks of severe disease from infection, 43.1 percent have not received a second booster.

Auckland University COVID modeller Michael Plank and vaccinologist Helen Petousis-Harris wrote on March 17 that the current wave likely reflects a combination of waning immunity, increased indoor contact in schools and workplaces, and the continued evolution of variants that can partially evade existing immune protection.

The ongoing public health crisis should be addressed by mounting an information campaign on vaccines, offering free COVID tests, and promoting masking, social distancing and air filtration in businesses and public buildings.

None of these steps are being taken. Instead, the government agency Health NZ has released new guidelines aimed at discouraging people from getting regular boosters.

People over the age of 30 are still eligible for a free dose every six months, but Health NZ changed its guidelines on March 11 to say that boosters are not generally recommended for healthy adults under 65. People aged 65 to 75 are now advised to get a booster once a year. Only people aged over 75, or who have serious underlying conditions, are advised to continue getting six-monthly boosters.

According to Newsroom, These updates led some pharmacists to assume the new recommendations meant eligibility for the vaccine had changed, leading to some people seeking boosters being turned away.

Professor Helen Petousis-Harris told the Science Media Centre she was concerned that people may be deterred from getting vaccinated, including those who face higher risks from COVID. She added that for people under 65 years old, getting regular boosters reduced the risk of getting Long COVID.

The debilitating conditionwhich can impact multiple organs including the lungs and brainaffected 185,000 people in New Zealand during the 12 months ending July 2025, according to the Ministry of Health. The risk of developing Long COVID increases with each infection.

The government and media, meanwhile, are actively spreading disinformation about the supposed risks of vaccination.

On March 10 a 1,058-page report was released on the second phase of the states Royal Commission of Inquiry into the response to COVID-19. According to Stuff, it broadly endorsed the former governments actionsboth the initial elimination strategy and its abandonment in favour of what was, essentially, a policy of mass infection. The first phase of the inquiry released its report in late 2024, which also justified the dropping of all public health measures.

Health Minister Simeon Brown, however, denounced the previous government for maintaining lockdowns for too long and spending too much money on the public health response. He added that the inquiry found health officials advice relating to applying a two-dose vaccine mandate to 12-to-17-year-olds due to myocarditis risk was not made sufficiently clear when the mandates were introduced.

In mid-2021 the regulatory agency Medsafe approved two vaccine doses for teenagers, with mandates applying only to a small number working in specific occupations. In December that year, the governments Vaccine Technical Advisory Group told ministers that a second dose for this group may add an unnecessary risk of myocarditis.

This media is now attacking Labour leader Chris Hipkins, who was the minister for COVID-19 response in 2021 and 2022, for not publicising and acting on the advice. One article by Stuff provocatively asked: Did the previous government know that their Covid vaccine mandate posed a risk to teenagers, and keep it anyway?

The New Zealand Heralds Ryan Bridge declared on March 27 that there were about 30,000 teenagers who had not yet had their second dose at the time that the [previous] government reportedly knew that there was a risk to their health from having it.

Foreign Minister Winston Peters, leader of the right-wing NZ First Party, told the Herald: It is an outrageous situation where many tens of thousands of children and teenagers were exposed to the known risks of having two vaccine doses yet the public, and more importantly the parents, were not told.

All these statements are deeply misleading. Myocarditis (inflammation of the heart) is a very rare complication from the COVID-19 vaccine; all the scientific evidence demonstrates that young people face a much greater risk of developing myocarditisand many other severe and potentially fatal conditionsfrom COVID-19 infection.

A study published by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in April 2022, based on data from millions of children and adults, concluded: The incidence of cardiac outcomes after mRNA COVID-19 vaccination was highest for males aged 1217 years after the second vaccine dose; however, within this demographic group, the risk for cardiac outcomes was 1.85.6 times as high after SARS-CoV-2 infection than after the second vaccine dose.

For this teenage cohort, myocarditis or pericarditis occurred in approximately 50 people per 100,000 after COVID-19 infection, compared with 22 people per 100,000 after a second dose of the vaccine.

According to Health NZ data, 6,661 children and teenagers have been hospitalised with COVID and 28 have died of COVID-related causes.

The media and politicians have buried these facts. The government is preparing to follow the criminal policies of the Trump administration in the US, and other governments, which are restricting access to life-saving vaccines. While it starves the healthcare sector of funding, placing profits ahead of lives, the ruling class is working to undermine basic public health principles.
On March 19, a Chinese postdoctoral assistant research scientist at the University of Michigan (U-M) jumped from an upper story of the G. G. Brown Laboratory on the North Campus and died. Campus sources and the Chinese Consulate in Chicago report that the researcher was questioned by federal agents the previous day.

G.G. Brown Building on the University of Michigan's North Campus in Ann Arbor.

The name of the research scientist has not been officially released, but according to a source in the University of Michigan Postdoctoral Researchers Organization (UM-PRO), the name of the victim is Danhao Wang. This tragic event is being covered up by the local media and the university, to the point of refusing to release even the name of the deceased.

Danhao Wang

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement condemning the actions of US law enforcement. A spokesperson declared:

The heartbreaking death of a Chinese postdoctoral scholar, who took his own life after being subjected to hostile questioning by US law enforcement personnel, calls into question once again the impact and legitimacy of unwarranted US interrogation and harassment targeting Chinese researchers and students.

The ministry said that these actions poison the atmosphere for people-to-people exchanges between the two countries and continue to create a serious chilling effect. It demanded that the US carry out a full investigation, give the family of the victim and the Chinese side a responsible explanation, and stop discriminatory enforcement.

All available evidence points to Wang being a victim of a vicious campaign against Chinese scholars being conducted by the Trump administration and the Republican Party, with the complicity of the Democratic Party and the U-M administration. Wang was only the latest Chinese researcher to be targeted by the US government for prosecution on the basis of fabricated charges of research espionage and the smuggling of toxic materials.

The prior federal prosecutions of Chinese researchers Chengxuan Han, Yunqing Jian, Xu Bai, Fengfan Zhang, and Zhiyong Zhang at U-M, and Youhuang Xiang at Indiana University (IU) were part of a politically driven, xenophobic campaign orchestrated by the Trump administration and the US national security apparatus. The FBI and Department of Justice have criminalized routine scientific collaboration, including by citing Chinese scholars for smuggling harmless, universally used laboratory materials. These scientifically illiterate prosecutions, which lack any genuine public safety basis, have been enabled by the collaboration of the U-M and IU administrations. They have involved coerced plea deals, months of federal detention, and deportations.

The events following Wangs death reveal an effort to manage the fallout and suppress the political implications of the tragedy. On March 20, the U-M Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department sent an internal email to its faculty and staff, stating, We are reaching out to share the sad news of the death of an assistant research scientist employed in the lab of Zetian Mi, who fell from an upper story of the GG Brown building last night. Professor Zetian Mis laboratory is known for its research into semiconductors, nanomaterials, and optoelectronics.

On March 30, the Chinese Consulate General in Chicago confirmed the details of the case. A spokesperson for the consulate stated that it had lodged stern representations to the relevant departments of the US government and relevant universities on this case many times. The consulate denounced the US for having generalized the concept of national security to carry out political manipulation, unprovoked investigation and harassment of Chinese students and scholars.

By March 31, Chinese-language media outlets had named U-M as the site of the tragedy and confirmed the victims affiliation with Zetian Mis research group. Yet U-M and the US press remain silent.

U-M students, faculty and staff must demand answers from the administration and the federal government. Has there been any official report from the university regarding the death of this researcher? How have university officials facilitated these interrogations? What other laboratories have been investigated?

The role of U-M acting president Domenico Grasso must be scrutinized. A week after the death of Wang, at a March 26 hearing of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce titled US Universities Under Siege: Foreign Espionage, Stolen Innovation, & the National Security Threat, Grasso boasted of the universitys collaboration in the witch-hunting of Chinese researchers and its role in persecuting opponents of American imperialism and Trumps drive to dictatorship. Grassos testimony exposed the university administration as a willing enforcer for the national-security apparatus, helping to frame up Chinese scientists and attack democratic rights to protect institutional funding and status.

Grasso said:

As an engineer and an army veteran, who currently holds a top secret security clearance, Im deeply committed to protecting our nations security and ensuring that the university continues to support the research talent and partnerships that help make Michigan special.  Housing some of the worlds greatest minds makes the University of Michigan a potential target of threats, such as research espionage, unauthorized technology transfer, and foreign talent recruitment programs. That is why the university has established a comprehensive program to safeguard our research from Americas adversaries.  Safety and security is a team effort, and at Michigan, we know how important it is to be a team player. [Grassos emphasis] We stand committed to protecting the interests and security of the United States. This commitment is illustrated by our decision to end a relationship with a university in China that is seen as a potential threat to Americas interests. We made this decision after discussion with this committee and the House Select Committee on the CCP.

Grasso pointed to the bipartisan character of the anti-Chinese witch-hunt, telling the committee:

We have a special bond with this committee as three of our close Michigan friends and neighbors, chairman [Tim] Walberg (Republican) and congresswomen [Lisa] McLain (Republican) and [Haley] Stevens (Democrat) serve on it. We look forward to continuing our dialogue with this committee to ensure that the interests of Michigan and of the nation are protected from both known threats we face today and those that may occur in the future.

The tragic death of this young scientist must not be swept under the rug by U-M administrators and politicians of both parties. The student and faculty unions and other organizations at U-M and IU were largely silent during the persecutions of Han, Jian, Bai, Zhang, Zhang and Xiang.

The Socialist Equality Party and the International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) have defended these researchers from the start. We call on students, researchers and campus workers to demand:

A full, independent investigation: University and federal authorities must release all information regarding the harassment and interrogation of this researcher.

The outing of the agents involved: The federal agents who conducted the hostile interrogation that apparently precipitated this tragedy must be publicly identified and held accountable.

An end to the anti-China witch-hunt. All investigations, surveillance and harassment of Chinese scholars based on unscientific, fabricated claims of national security threats must cease immediately. All pending charges against targeted researchers, including Youhuang Xiang, who faces sentencing on April 7, must be dropped.

Halt the drive to war. The persecution of Chinese nationals is the domestic front of the imperialist war drive against China. Workers and students must oppose the militarization of society and the xenophobic campaigns that enable it.

We call for the immediate formation of an independent committee of U-M campus workers, researchers and students to investigate this death. The perpetrators of the campaign against Chinese researchersfrom the interrogators to the officials in the Trump administration, the members of Congress and the U-M officials who have incited this hysteriamust be held to account.
Speaking at a closed Easter lunch at the White House on Wednesday, US President Donald Trump declared that the federal government should stop paying for daycare, Medicare and Medicaid, all of which, he indicated, must be sacrificed for imperialist war.



Dont send any money for daycare, Trump said, because were fighting wars. He went on, You gotta let states take care of daycare and they should pay for it too ... Medicaid, Medicare, all these individual things, insisting that Washington had to concern itself with only one thing, military protection.

He added that the federal governments role was to guard the country, before dismissing Social Security, which serves more than 70 million people; Medicare, which covers about 68 million; and Medicaid and CHIP (the Childrens Health Insurance Program), which together cover more than 75 million people, including about 36 million children, as little scams.

The remarks, delivered in a setting where Trump evidently felt free to speak more openly than usual, were a blunt threat against programs on which millions of workers and their family members depend. Capitalist politicians generally avoid such direct attacks on Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security because these programs remain deeply embedded in the lives of working people who have paid into them for decades. Trump, however, stated with unusual candor the real priorities of the ruling class.

The significance of the remarks lies not only in their content but in the circumstances under which they were made. The Easter lunch was closed to the press, and video of the event was briefly posted by the White House and then deleted. In contrast to Trumps later scripted primetime address on Iran, the lunch exposed a more direct statement of policy: Social spending is to be gutted, while war spending is treated as the only indispensable function of the state.

Bloomberg reported Thursday morning that Trump is preparing to release a Fiscal Year 2027 budget plan on Friday centered on a massive defense buildup, partially paid for by cuts to domestic agencies. The administration, which is demanding $200 billion for the current illegal war on Iran, is also advancing a $1.5 trillion defense budget proposal for FY2027, up from the roughly $1 trillion level reached last year.

Trumps remarks confirm in the most brazen possible way the Marxist analysis of the state. The capitalist state is not a neutral institution standing above society. It is an instrument of class rule, defending the interests of the financial oligarchy at home and imperialist predation abroad. Under conditions of intensifying global war, deepening economic crisis and a national debt that has now passed $39 trillion, the ruling class is seeking to offload the burden onto the working class through cuts to healthcare, childcare and every other social program, while funneling ever larger sums into the military and domestic police forces, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Trumps attacks on social spending followed his latest racist salvo directed against Somali Americans and immigrants. At the same event he declared, Somalia is just terrible, describing it as the worst country anywhere in the world, and saying Somalis were low IQ people, adding, I can generalize. He tied these slanders to his denunciations of daycare spending, autism funding and supposed fraud, while also demonizing Los Angeles and the state of Maine.

Trumps racist attacks, a component of the mass deportation operation, are made to divide workers along racial and national lines so that the financial oligarchy can loot the wealth of society while he establishes a dictatorship to protect himself and his fellow billionaires. Trumps attacks on immigrants and his racist lies are the pretext for establishing a police state, while slashing programs relied on by all workers and their families, regardless of immigration status.

None of the reactionary political and religious figures assembled at the luncheon objected to this open racism. The event instead proceeded seamlessly from Trumps filthy denunciations of immigrants to his blunt description of the predatory aims of US imperialism. Speaking about Venezuela and Iran, Trump boasted, We could just take their oil, later adding, Were controlling now 59 percent of the oil in the world, a line that drew applause from the assembled guests.

The remarks stripped away the propaganda that the US wages war for democracy, human rights or the liberation of women. Trump said plainly what American imperialism is after: resources, strategic domination and profit.

The composition of the gathering underscored its fascist political character. Vice President JD Vance was present, as were right-wing religious figures including Franklin Graham and Paula White, along with Erika Kirk, the widow of fascist Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk. Trump singled her out repeatedly, thanking Charlie and Erika. Turning Point USA is continuing to host events on college campuses with Trump administration officials, following the assassination of its racist founder.

After Trumps remarks, Paula White-Cain, Trumps spiritual adviser and a televangelist, led prayers over Trump in language that cast him in a Christ-like martyr role. Jesus taught us so many lessons, she said, before telling Trump, No one has paid the price like you have paid the price.

God always had a plan, she continued. On the third day he rose, he defeated evil, he conquered death, hell and the grave, and because he rose, we all know that we can rise. And sir, because of his resurrection, you rose up because he was victorious, you were victorious. And I believe that the Lord said to tell you this, because of his victory, you will be victorious in all you put your hands to, she added.

Catholic Bishop Robert Barron, also in attendance, appeared to clap after White-Cains comments.



White-Cain has been politically close to Trump for years. At the Easter lunch her function, along with that of the other Christian nationalist charlatans, was to use religious imagery to glorify the president, binding Christian fundamentalism ever more openly to the capitalist state.

Franklin Grahams prayer was even more explicit. Invoking the Book of Esther, Graham said the Persians, the Iranians wanted to kill every Jew and destroy them with an atomic fire. Grahams rhetoric erased the fact that Israel is the only state in the Middle East with a nuclear arsenal.

The embrace of Christian nationalism extends well beyond the White House Easter lunch. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has used official events to insist that America is a Christian nation in our DNA. He has made Pentagon prayer services, where he prays for overwhelming violence against Americas enemies, into a regular feature of the top leadership of the US war machine.

The elevation of Christianity as state doctrine goes hand in hand with attacks on Muslims, immigrants and political opposition. It is a central ideological component of the turn toward dictatorship.



The infusion of Christian nationalism into the state is part of the ruling classs turn away from science, reason and the Enlightenment, and toward the Dark Ages. While Trump and Hegseth threaten to bomb Iran into the Stone Age, it is the American ruling class and its financial oligarchy that are dragging humanity toward the abyss of barbarism.

The Democratic Party has responded with its typical cowardice and complicity. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer attacked Trumps Iran policy not as an illegal war or a war crime but as one of the greatest policy blunders in the history of our country, complaining that Trump had failed to articulate objectives or address kitchen table problems. The Democrats, a party of Wall Street and the CIA, object not to imperialist war itself but to its management by Trump, which they fear will provoke a mass response from below.

Whatever their occasional squawking, the fact is that the Democrats provided the funding that has allowed Trump to wage an illegal war against Iran. The financial mechanism for the assault was prepared in advance through the bipartisan military aid structure built around Israel. Funds made available under the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act were reprogrammed for the replacement of weapons expended in combat operations carried out at the request of and in coordination with Israel, including munitions used in Operation Midnight Hammer, the assault on Iran last summer.

In other words, the war against Iran is already being retroactively financed through the military appropriations framework backed by the Democratic Party under Biden. The war machine on which Trump relies is funded on a bipartisan basis.

The fight to preserve social programs for workers and end US imperialism cannot be left to the Democratic Party. The Democrats have worked with the Republicans to create this situation and continue to fund the state apparatus that wages war abroad and prepares austerity and repression at home. The way forward is the intervention of the working class, the social force that produces societys wealth and the only revolutionary class in capitalist society.

Workers in the United States, Iran and throughout the world have no interest in being driven into war against one another while housing, healthcare, education and childcare are slashed. The fight to direct the wealth created by society toward the needs of all requires a socialist and anti-capitalist perspective, since there can be no serious struggle against war except through the fight to end the dictatorship of the oligarchy and its economic system, which is the fundamental source of war.
The unavoidable conclusion that must be drawn from the speech delivered on Wednesday night by Donald Trump is that the American president is a political criminal. If one grants that there exists a moral boundary, even in the realm of imperialist geopolitics, between the generally sinister pursuit of capitalist great power interests and fascist bestiality, the leaders of the US government have passed over it. The names of Trump, Vance, Hegseth, Rubio and Miller will live in perpetual infamy alongside those of the Nazi ringleaders of the Third Reich: Hitler, Goering, Himmler, Von Ribbentrop and Goebbels. The judgment of history will be merciless.

But that judgment will be delivered not only against individuals, but also, and more profoundly, against the social class that raised them to power and in whose interest they have committed their monstrous crimes against the people of Iran. Herein lies the significance of Trumps Wednesday night rant. It exposed the irreversible political and moral putrefaction of the American ruling class.

Trump is not the first president to commit crimes. His predecessors have ordered the invasions of countries, the overthrow of governments, and the torture and assassination of individuals identified as opponents of American interests. But some attempt was made by previous administrations to provide at least some legal and democratic justification, however threadbare, cynical, deceitful and hypocritical, for their actions. The contempt for domestic and international lawand, along with it, the repudiation of any adherence to democratic principlescould not be openly embraced as the bases of state policies. When criminal acts were exposed, they were excused, with formal expressions of regret, as unfortunate departures from official enforcement of legal norms.

That stage has passed. Trumps speech was remarkable for its lack of disguise. He chose words that exposed with unvarnished bluntness the deliberately genocidal aims of American actions. Were going to bring them back to the Stone Ages, where they belong, he declared. He threatened that the United States would strike each and every one of their electric generating plants very hard and probably simultaneously. He boasted of the decapitation of the leadershipTheyre all deadand then added, with the coarse self-assurance of a Mafia don, We have all the cards. They have none.

Trump threatened the destruction of the material foundations of social life for an entire country, explaining that Irans oil sector had thus far been spared only because its destruction would not give them even a small chance of survival or rebuilding.

What found expression in these remarks was not simply the pathology of an individual, but the essential character of a social layer that has become habituated to criminality and no longer feels compelled to apologize for it.

For 35 years, since the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, the American ruling class has conducted foreign policy with a sense of impunity. The existence of the USSR, which emerged out of a socialist revolution of the working class and which had played a decisive role in the defeat of the Third Reich, imposed a certain level of restraint on the conduct of imperialist foreign policy. But the Stalinist dissolution of the Soviet Union removed all those restraints. The ruling class was enthralled with the belief that the application of violence provided the solution to all the problems of the capitalist system. As the Wall Street Journal proclaimed after Operation Desert Storm: Force Works.

The road to Trumps speech runs through the initial invasion of Iraq in 1991 and the 1999 bombardment of Serbia. It continued, in the aftermath of the 2001 invasion of Afghanistan and the 2003 assault on Iraq, through the vast machinery of torture and abuse exposed at Abu Ghraib and in the CIA black sites, through waterboarding and the whole lexicon of enhanced interrogation invented to give bureaucratic respectability to sadism. It runs through the 2011 bombing of Libya, where the destruction of a state and the public degradation and murder of Gaddafi were greeted in Washington by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton with the chilling gloat, We came, we saw, he died. And it runs, above all, through Gaza, where genocide has been elevated into policy, starvation into strategy, the obliteration of hospitals and refugee camps into a recognized instrument of war.

Gaza has established a new norm. That is one of the most critical political facts of the present period. For more than two years the world has watched the methodical destruction of an entire people, carried out with the full backing of the United States and the connivance of all the imperialist powers. Tens of thousands have been killed. Whole families have been wiped out. Civilian life has been shattered with a coldness that has stunned millions. The lesson drawn in ruling circles has not been that such crimes are intolerable. It has been that they are permissible. The conclusion reached in Washington, London, Berlin and Paris is that the old restraints no longer apply, that any act, however monstrous, can be normalized provided it is carried out with sufficient force and supported by a sufficiently brazen propaganda apparatus. Trumps speech belongs to this new political environment. It is the language of a ruling class that has learned from Gaza that mass murder can be conducted in broad daylight and without apologies.

The assault on Iran has given this new norm its fullest and most terrible expression. Measures that were first applied against a territory inhabited by 2.5 million people are now being used on a vast country with a population of more than 90 million. On February 28, 2026, the United States and Israel launched nearly 900 strikes in 12 hours against Iran, timing the attack to coincide with ongoing nuclear negotiationsa deliberate act of perfidy that mocked the very concept of diplomacy. The opening salvo killed the supreme leader, decapitated the senior military and political command, and struck targets across at least 26 of Irans 31 provinces.

What has followed is a sustained campaign of devastation: over 11,000 targets struck within the first month, more than 300 hospitals and medical facilities damaged or destroyed, tens of thousands of residential buildings reduced to rubble, schools obliterated, cultural heritage sites defaced, desalination plants wrecked and a nuclear power station repeatedly bombed. The wars most horrifying single atrocitythe destruction of an elementary girls school in Minab, which killed more than 170 childrenwas met not with contrition but with indifference. The operation was christened Epic Fury, a name chosen to celebrate savagery.

For decades, one has been subjected to the moral lectures of petty-bourgeois journalists and academics, whose principal historical occupation has been to discover, in the conduct of the Bolsheviks and above all of Leon Trotsky, proofs of the supposedly sinister essence of Marxist amoralism. They have filled libraries with denunciations of revolutionary violence, meditations on the authoritarian impulse, and pious reflections on the alleged contempt of Marxists for ethical restraint.

Student youth and workers are instructed to believe that the central moral problem of the modern age lies in the intransigence of those who sought to overthrow capitalism. Yet these same circles, when confronted with the actual barbarism of imperialism, display remarkable forbearance. Their categorical condemnations dissolve into nuance. Their moral fervor wanes, and their hostility to violence becomes exquisitely selective. They find endless reserves of moral outragewhich has not subsided even after the passage of more than a centuryover the Russian Revolution of 1917. But they are mute when the United States incinerates a society, when Israel buries children beneath rubble, when torture is systematized, when police execute the poor and the dispossessed in American streets. The class content of morality emerges here with extraordinary clarity.

Marxism has always insisted that morality is not an eternal commandment hovering above society, equally binding upon all classes regardless of their material interests and social position. Morality has a history. It has a class basis. The ruling class, no less than its intellectual retainers, speaks endlessly of universal principles, a rules based order, while defending a socio-economic system sustained by exploitation, war and repression. What is now unfolding before the eyes of the world is the real morality of the bourgeoisie, stripped of its democratic ornamentation.

In the age of the historic democratic revolutions of the 18th century, the bourgeois Enlightenment based its morality on the second categorical imperative articulated by Kant: So act that you use humanity, whether in your own person or in the person of any other, always at the same time as an end, never merely as a means.

Reformulated in the true spirit of Trumpian fascism, the moral principle that guides the capitalist ruling class is: Act always to maximize the power and profit of the oligarchy, treating human beings, whole peoples, and even civilization itself, as disposable assets in the exercise of American force.

This is the morality of a class whose wealth rests upon financial predation and social ruin. It is the morality of political leaders who regard entire populations as raw material upon which force may be exercised with utter ruthlessness.

A government that brutalizes populations abroad will employ the same methods at home. Methods developed in imperialist war find their counterpart in domestic life. The murders of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti, carried out by federal agents, belong to a broader pattern of state violence that long predates the invasion of Iran: the epidemic of police killings, the militarization of local departments, the transformation of entire working class neighborhoods into internal security zones, the routine presumption that the lives of the poor are expendable. The violence of the American state is not divided into separate compartments, one external and the other domestic. It arises from the same source. A ruling class that maintains its wealth through fraud, theft, speculation and war governs by illegal coercion when Constitutional norms become a hindrance.

The degeneration of political life is inseparable from the oligarchic structure of American society. There cannot be extreme concentrations of wealth without corresponding concentrations of power. The rule of a tiny financial aristocracy above the rest of society corrodes and destroys every democratic institution. The courts, the legislature, the media, the universities, the police, the intelligence apparatus, the parties of governmentall become instruments through which a parasitic elite secures its interests. Under such conditions, criminal methods are inevitable. A society governed by billionaires, corporate predators, military-intelligence operatives and political swindlers acquires the character of those who dominate it. To describe such a society as ruled by criminals is a statement of political fact.

And yet the process of decay does not proceed without generating its opposite. The ruling class has moved far along the road of moral disintegration, but broad sections of the population have not followed it to the same destination. The United States was founded 250 years ago in a revolution that overthrew despotic colonial rule and proclaimed the equality of man. Its existence was upheld in a Civil War that abolished slavery.

The words of Jefferson and Lincoln still live in the collective consciousness of the population of the United States. Democratic impulses, a sense of justice, an instinctive revulsion against cruelty, a hatred of lies and brutalitythese remain deeply rooted among workers and young people. These sentiments are being activated and intensified by the escalation of the class struggle. The conflict between the criminality of the oligarchy and the moral consciousness of the masses is assuming an increasingly explosive character. Every boastful threat, every act of state violence, every public glorification of devastation widens the gulf between the ruling elite and the population over which it claims the right to rule.

Notwithstanding Trumps atrocities, the Iranian people will not submit to American imperialism. They will continue to resist, and it is the responsibility of the American and international working class to come to the defense of the Iranian people. The power of the working class must be mobilized to stop the bombing of Iran and force the end of this illegal war.

The working class and youth must draw from the war the necessary conclusions. It is not enough to be appalled. Horror, left to itself, exhausts itself in impotent frustration or isolated episodes of individual resistance. What is required is the development of a mass working class socialist movement, which is guided by an internationalist socialist program, infused with genuine revolutionary morality, and opposed in every respect to the depravity of the ruling class.

Such a morality has nothing in common with the smug sermonizing of the academies or the selective outrage of hypocritical liberalism. It arises from the struggle against capitalist exploitation and oppression. It is a morality of open class struggle, grounded in solidarity, in truthfulness, in the defense of the oppressed, in uncompromising hostility to cruelty and domination, in the conviction that human beings cannot be treated as expendable objects in the service of profit and power. Within it are contained the highest principles of civilization and the deepest aspirations of humanity.

This is the answer to the old slanders against Marxism. The real amoralists are not the revolutionary socialists, but the ruling classes and their accomplices, who arm, finance and implement genocide. The criminality of the American ruling class and its international collaborators is being exposed before the eyes of the world. Against that criminality there must be mobilized a force guided by a higher social principle and a higher moral conception. That force is the international working class. Its struggle for socialism is not merely politically necessary. It is the indispensable expression of all that is humane, decent and emancipatory in modern civilization. The survival of humanity depends upon its victory.
The government-funded Australian Broadcasting Corporations flagship television public affairs program, Four Corners, this week produced an episode, titled Campus Chaos, that purported to expose the causes of the job destruction and pro-corporate restructuring wracking the countrys 39 public universities.

National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) leaders urged union members to watch and share the program and even hosted online watch parties. NTEU New South Wales state division secretary Vince Caughley sent an email to all members saying: Four Corners is shining a light on the crisis in our universities.

It did nothing of the sort. From the start to the finish, the show amounted to a whitewash of the true roots of the restructuring, accompanied by the destruction of some 4,000 jobs nationally over the past 18 months.

Most glaringly, there was not a single mention of the Albanese Labor governments Universities Accord report, released in 2024. That document set out the blueprint for what is taking placethe total subordination of the tertiary education sector to the teaching and research requirements of the corporate ruling class and the development of a war economy.

In fact, the episode promoted those centrally responsible for the imposition of the Accord agenda. That is, Education Minister Jason Clare and the NTEU apparatus itself. The NTEU bureaucrats and their supporters have opposed and blocked any unified fight by university staff against the restructuring and job cuts, as have the officials of the other main campus trade union, the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU).

Four Corners focussed on the destructive course closures and job losses at three universitiesUniversity Technology Sydney (UTS), Australian National University (ANU) and the University of Wollongong (UoW). But Four Corners hid the fact that the managements at these institutions each succeeded in ultimately substantially pushing though their plans, slightly modified, with the help of voluntary redundancies agreed to by the NTEU.

Striking educators at UTS, November 2025

In the latest instance, the UTS management announced in February that it will axe 121 academic jobsabout 10 percent of the universitys academic workforceon top of around 200 professional staff positions. UTS will no longer offer undergraduate public health degrees and will cut teacher education and international studies courses, thus slashing health, humanities and education options for students.

That announcement came after the NTEU had diverted the anger and opposition of UTS staff and students, voiced at protest rallies, into a failed appeal to the Labor governments Fair Work Commission for more time for consultation on the restructuring plan.

Four Corners, echoing the NTEU, falsely depicted the job cuts at UTS and ANU as the product of artificially-concocted financial deficits. Only one fleeting reference was made to fact that the level of federal government funding for domestic student enrolments has halved from 80 percent to 40 percent since the Hawke Labor government of the 1980s reintroduced student fees.

That statistic points to the reality of the systemic under-funding of universities of successive governments, Labor and Liberal-National Coalition alike, for decades, forcing the universities to rely on corporate sponsorship and exorbitant fees charged to international students.

Since taking office in 2022, the Albanese government has intensified the financial pressure on universities by cutting international student enrolments, as part of a wider reactionary push to blame immigrants for the cost-of-living and housing affordability crises.

Labor also has continued the previous Coalition governments Job-ready Graduates (JRG) scheme, which has hiked fees for three-year undergraduate humanities students to more than $50,000, while stripping the universities of about $1 billion a year for teaching them.

In interviewing Clare, Four Corners said nothing about the slashing of international student numbers and permitted him to dodge the question of why the Albanese government has maintained the JRG regime.

Data has shown that new university enrolments by students with low socioeconomic backgrounds have dropped by 10 percent since the JRG regime was introduced in 2020. Yet Four Corners allowed Clare to again offer the excuse of referring the issue to Labors still-to-be-established Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC).

To divert from Labors record, as its headline item, Four Corners reported: Australias universities are paying external consultants and contractors an estimated $1.8 billion a year without disclosing which firms they are hiring and what the money is being spent on.

The program further disclosed that 12 of the 14 universities it surveyed had members of their governing councils who had substantive roles as consultants from firms such as Ernst & Young, PwC, KPMG, Deloitte, McKinsey, and Boston Consulting Group.

But Four Corners presented this corporatisation of the universities as something unknown, and even as an alarming revelation, to Clare and other Labor government representatives. Clare claimed that he was stunned by the news, saying it was shocking because we invest a lot of money in our universities.

Labor senator Tony Sheldon, an ex-Transport Workers Union bureaucrat who chaired an NTEU-backed federal parliamentary inquiry into university governance, described the $1.8 billion figure as shockingly high.

The truth is that the hiring of corporate consultants to reshape universities along corporate lines is inextricably bound up with Labors agenda, spelt out in the Universities Accord report. Its core axis is a radical transformation of universities to satisfy the employment and research demands of the corporate elite and preparations for war.

That includes funnelling students into courses to meet the skill shortages designated in employer-government national priorities. Among these is the AUKUS military pact, which involves spending hundreds of billions of dollars to acquire US and UK nuclear-powered attack submarines, long-range missiles and other hi-tech weaponry designed for use against China.

The Accord report called for skills coalitions of education providers, industry and trade union partners and a shift to micro-credential courses tailored to meet the needs of employers and work integrated learning to embed students in industry throughout their courses.

One of the models that the Accord report promoted was the University of South Australia partnering with the South Australian state Labor government, the Australian Industry Group and the defence industry to develop university degree apprenticeships to support AUKUS and the construction of nuclear-powered submarines.

The report proposed to tie funding to universities negotiating mission-based compacts with ATEC to deliver Australias future skills needs in such national priority industries.

The NTEU and CPSU share Labors pro-business and militarist agenda. The NTEUs submission to the Accord panel called for a higher education sector that provides the graduates with the necessary skill sets for future productivity.

For years, despite claiming to oppose the corporatisation of universities, the union apparatuses have suppressed educators hostility to this transformation. They have blocked any unified mobilisation against it while pushing through enterprise agreements that enable such restructuring and promoting deadly illusions that Labor-majority federal and state parliamentary inquiries will stop the assault.

In order to fight this reactionary agenda, university workers and students need new forms of organisation. That means forming rank-and-file committees, independent of the trade unions, that can link up with workers in struggle in Australia and worldwide through the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees. This is part of a broader necessary struggle against capitalism itself and its program of ever-greater corporate wealth and plunge into barbaric and catastrophic wars.

To discuss these issues and how to form rank-and-file committees, please contact the Committee for Public Education (CFPE) the rank-and-file educators network:

Email: cfpe.aus@gmail.com

Facebook: facebook.com/commforpubliceducation

Twitter: CFPE_Australia
NHS FightBack calls for the dropping of all charges against 31-year-old Dr. Rahmeh Aladwan under the Terrorism Act (2000) and the Public Order Act (1986). The charges against the National Health Service (NHS) trainee surgeon, for opposing the genocide in Gaza, are a fundamental attack on all healthcare workers and their rights to freedom of political expression, protest and free speech.

Dr. Aladwan, of Palestinian heritage, has worked in the NHS for seven years with a spotless employment record. She has been targeted relentlessly by Zionist lobby groups and the British state, based on groundless claims that her opposition to Zionism and pro-Palestinian activism pose a risk to patient safety.

She was formally charged last week, after police arrived at her home in Gloucestershire and arrested her for breaching bail conditions. It was the fifth arrest of Dr. Aladwan, following an extraordinary campaign of intimidation and harassment led by Zionist lobby groups, police agencies and the Starmer Labour government.

Dr Rahmeh Aladwan being handcuffed and arrested at home in Gloucestershire, March 26, 2026 (screenshot from video) [Photo: x/Jvnior]

Political interference

Last September, the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) declined to suspend Dr. Aladwan. It found the allegations of antisemitism against her did not meet the threshold for suspension and concluded that there was no risk to patients and no evidence that her conduct undermined public confidence, affirming that her political views did not impair her fitness to practise.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting intervened, seeking to overturn the initial MPTS decision. In a blatant act of political interference, he described Dr. Aladwans social media posts against Zionism and the genocide in Gaza as sickening comments with no place in the NHS, declaring action needs to be taken to root the evil of racism out. He told Jewish News, I have no confidence in the ability of our medical regulation system to keep patients safe, and I am taking urgent advice on next steps.

On November 25, Dr. Aladwan was suspended by the MPTS for 15 months, pending the outcome of a General Medical Council (GMC) Fitness to Practise investigation. The tribunal now claimed that patients could be discouraged by her statements from seeking treatment and that her social media posts may impact on patient confidence. No patient complaints were submitted against her.

Last week, as the Crown Prosecution Service moved to charge Dr. Aladwan under the Terrorism Act, Streeting announced plans for new laws to bypass medical regulators. Following a review commissioned by Starmer and led by Lord Mann, the most significant overhaul of the GMC in 40 years is being planned. The GMC will have new powers to challenge tribunal decisions and give the Professional Standards Authority increased authority to intervene in cases deemed insufficiently robust. Presented as measures to tackle misconduct, their real aim is to target healthcare workers who oppose war and genocide by branding them racist or antisemitic.

Charged as a terrorist for opposing a genocide

The charges against Dr. Aladwan have no political or moral legitimacy.

She has been charged with four counts under the Terrorism Act (2000) for inviting support for a proscribed organisation (Hamas), and two counts under the Public Order Act (1986) for stirring racial hatred. These relate to public speech and social media posts in 2025 against Israels genocide in Gaza and supporting the right of Palestinian armed resistance, a right recognised under international law, including the United Nations Charter.

While Dr. Aladwan is being branded a supporter of terrorism, Israels genocide has killed more than 100,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children. It has decimated Gazas health system, destroying hospitals and ambulances, assassinating medics and aid workers, and killing 1,700 Palestinian healthcare workers.

Enabled by the US and European powers, Israels renewed war on Lebanon has killed at least 38 paramedics, doctors, nurses and other health workers since March 3, while 13 medical and ambulance centres have been bombed. An Israeli missile strike on a health centre in southern Lebanon on March 14, killed 12 medical workers.

These genocidal methods are now being used by the United States against the Iranian people, in a war of aggression targeting civilian infrastructure, destroying apartment blocks, power and desalination plants, mosques and schools, starting with the February 28 bombing of an elementary school in Minab, killing over 170 children.

This is state terrorism inflicted by the US and Israel, with B-52 bombers flying from the Royal Air Force Fairford base in Britain. Starmer, Defence Minister John Healey and British generals have made clear that massive spending cuts will be needed to boost military spending and to get Britain battle-ready. Should NHS workers have no right to oppose this?

Health workers targeted

A growing number of NHS workers have been targeted for their opposition to the Gaza genocide:

Dr. Ellen Kriesels, a consultant paediatrician at Whittington Health NHS Trust, was suspended following her arrest in December 2025, over two social media posts criticising Zionism.

Dr. Nadeem Crowe, an emergency medicine doctor, was suspended by the Royal Free London in August 2024, for posts expressing solidarity with Gaza and opposing the destruction of its healthcare system.

Dr. Rehiana Ali, a consultant neurologist with two decades of NHS service, was arrested again in February this year. After an interim suspension in December 2024 was lifted by the MPTS last July, a further complaint by the Campaign Against Antisemitism led to a new 18-month suspension.

The European Legal Support Centre (ELSC), working with Forensic Architecture, has documented 964 incidents between January 2019 and August 2025 targeting pro-Palestinian speech and protest in Britain. These include censorship, legal threats, arrests, workplace sanctions, harassment, and professional repercussions. Healthcare workers are among those affected.

NHS FightBack does not endorse all of Dr. Aladwans views. Her claim that repression of pro-Palestinian activism in Britain and its support for the war on Iran reflect Jewish supremacy is disoriented and false. It inverts the relationship between Zionism and imperialism and obscures the class character of the British state. Israel would not exist, and its genocide in Gaza could not have proceeded for weeks, months and years without imperialisms backing.

As David North, chairman of the International Editorial Board of the World Socialist Web Site, explained in a recent lecture on the Iran War: the Israel-centric narrative detaches the conflict from any coherent historical, geopolitical, socioeconomic and class analysis of its origins, causes, and aims. It essentially abandons imperialism as an analytical framework. If the central problem is Israeli influence, then the solution is to remove that influence and replace it with a good foreign policy that defends genuine All-American [or British] interests. Foreign policy becomes a matter of hygieneof purging a foreign contaminant from an otherwise healthy body politic.

These are critical questions confronting all those seeking to oppose imperialism and Zionism. But the cynical claims that Dr. Aladwans views threaten patient safety are groundless. As she stated in response to such accusations, No jew has been harmed by anti-genocide, pro-Palestine healthcare workers. We are not Israeli or Jewish supremacists. We see everyone as EQUAL.

Over 100 healthcare professionals and dozens of organisations signed a protest letter to Streeting last year, initiated by Health Workers Against Censorship, opposing his vilification of NHS staff. Signatories protested that Streetings comments had placed many hard-working staff at increased risk of vexatious complaints and legal warfare, simply for expressing solidarity with their colleagues in Gaza or for advocating the preservation of life and adherence to international law.

Health workers protest in London against Gaza genocide October 28, 2023

The letter emphasised that anti-Zionism is a protected philosophical belief under the Equality Act 2010, and that Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights safeguards freedom of expression, including political speech.

Appearing at Westminster Magistrates Court on March 27, Dr. Aladwan pleaded not guilty to all charges against her and was released on conditional bail. She is due to appear at the Old Bailey on April 24, 2026.

NHS FightBack calls on healthcare workers everywhere to take a stand. Publicise Dr. Aladwans case, challenge the wave of disinformation, protest outside the court and organise workplace meetings. Pass resolutions calling for the dropping of all charges and disciplinary proceedings and demanding her immediate reinstatement. The attack on Dr. Aladwan is an attack on the entire NHS workforce and must be fought on that basis.

Send statements of support to NHS FightBack. Subscribe to our newsletter and join the fight to build a rank-and-file movement of health workers globally against austerity, war and the destruction of public health.
The uproar over the abrupt dismissal of Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) music director Andris Nelsons early last month shows few signs of subsiding. This episode, the subject of big media attention in Boston and among music lovers elsewhere, raises fundamental issues about the state of classical music and culture more broadly in the United States.

Andris Nelsons [Photo by Alexander Bohm / CC BY 4.0

The Latvian-born Nelsons, music director and chief conductor in Boston for the last 13 years, has won a devoted following among the BSO musicians as well as the concert-going public. This did not concern the orchestras Board of Trustees when it fired Nelson via an email announcement sent to the press and to BSO subscribers on March 6. The musicians, without whom the BSO would, of course, not exist, found out about it at the same time.

The email announced that the board, led by president Chad Smith and chair Barbara Hostetter, had taken the decision to make Nelsons a lame duck until the expiration of his contract in 2027 because, beyond our shared desire to ensure our orchestra continues to perform at the highest levels, the BSO and Andris Nelsons were not aligned on future vision.

Nelsons said the parting of the ways was unexpected and not sought by him. The musicians were angry and, as the initial shock subsided, in a fighting mood. The following night, while Nelsons was still conducting in Vienna, they registered their disquiet by entering the stage en masse, instead of slowly tuning up as usual before the concert. They held an urgent meeting and issued a statement on behalf of the players committee the next day. We strongly oppose the decision by the Board of Trustees to end the appointment of Maestro Nelsons, the musicians said, as reported in the Boston Globe and elsewhere. The musicians believe in Andriss vision for the future.

Nelsons received what was called a heros welcome when he returned to conduct the orchestra about two weeks after the announcement that his contract had not been renewed. The general sentiment among the musicians was summed up by one who spoke anonymously: It felt like we were being asked to invest in something thats been artistically bankrupted without a concrete plan for its recovery. Their explanation for everything was, basically, were running deficits. ... What theyre saying is the first and best way to balance the budget is to get rid of Andris.

A few days earlier, when Nelsons returned to Symphony Hall, 95 orchestra musicians assembled on the steps in wintry weather to demonstratively display their support. Principal oboist John Ferrillo wrote about the atmosphere, according to the classical music blog Slipped Disc: Why is the pain of this so deep? Why does the act of last week feel like such a violation? This is OUR house, my familys house, that has been violated.

The public also registered its opposition. A petition organized by a former BSO subscriber, George Whiting, rather modestly appealed to the board to meet with members of the community. The ones who are impacted the most, in this case the musicians and audience, are being affected by a small group of people who behind closed doors decided they werent going to renew Andris contract, he told the Boston Globe. Its pretty obvious how upset people are.

The Globe, the voice of the citys economic, political and social establishment, registered its concern in a lengthy editorial. It read, in part:

The orchestras musicians, and now patrons, have taken every opportunity to show their displeasure with a recent decision by the BSOs Board of Trustees to part ways with conductor Andris Nelsons, who has been at the podium since 2013. More than blindsiding the distinguished cadre of musicianswho found out about the boards decision to jettison Nelsons only moments before the press release hit patrons and the publicit has been the continuing failure of the board to explain how declining to renew Nelsons contract is going to fix the orchestras longstanding fiscal woes. A candid, public explanation of what the board thinks Nelsons did wrong is the least the community is owed. Or is it that Nelsons, whose recordings with the orchestra have garnered two Grammy awards this year, is merely collateral damagea human sacrifice to the gods of change for the sake of change? And what, by the way, is plan B? What wunderkind will the BSO Board of Trustees find willing to take over a job where the current occupant has been so disrespected?

The Globe was reacting to the musicians outrage. The players committee had stated that Chad Smith no longer has the trust or buy-in of the musicians. What especially provoked the concern of the Globe editors was that the class struggle had erupted in the hallowed halls of Bostons Symphony Hall. The whole corporate model of multi-millionaire boards of trustees running the musical field was called into question by the arrogance of the board and the furious reaction of the musicians.

The Boston symphony was founded 145 years ago. With one of the oldest histories in the US, it is among the most renowned orchestras. Boston, along with the orchestras in New York, Philadelphia, Cleveland and Chicago, was long considered one of the Big Five, the ensembles that set the pace and led the field. While other orchestrasin Los Angeles, Minneapolis, San Francisco and elsewherehave certainly laid claim to greatness in recent years, the Big Five label has not lost all of its historical luster.

To some extent, as the Globe suggested, Nelsons is collateral damage, a scapegoat for the ongoing problems of the symphony. The BSO board has refused to spell out its alleged differences with Nelson, but it has pointed again and again at fiscal problems. BSO president and CEO Smith issued another email in the face of the uproar. In hollow corporate language, the board reaffirmed its decision, acknowledged the musicians anger, and promised to rebuild trust. The Board of Trustees emphasized the financial crisis facing the orchestra, pointing to a steep decline in the audience for classical music, as well as $90 million in deferred maintenance costs for Symphony Hall.

Nelsons is not merely a scapegoat, however. As the Globe discussed in a subsequent article, the orchestra board and management have been pushing for change, for what they call modernization of the orchestra. To the extent that they have any program, it is to hollow out the orchestras offerings and use identity politics to appeal to broader sections of the upper-middle class. They say nothing about the evisceration of federal funding, either agreeing with it or accepting it as inevitable. They are silent on the elimination in the last few decades of public education in music and all of the arts. As far as they are concerned, the orchestra must pay its own way, even if that means minimizing the importance of the classicsnot only of the 18th and 19th centuries, but of the 20th as well.

To the extent that their vision for the future is not aligned with Nelsons, it is their view that he is dragging his feet on these issues. It is significant that one of the complaints about Nelsons is that when asked, in 2017, whether classical music had a sexual harassment problem, he responded, quite reasonably, No many things are artificially exaggerated or made too important. This was just as the MeToo movement was being heavily promoted by the ruling class.

But this is more than an issue of personalities. While the details are of some interest, there is no huge mystery about what is taking place in the field of classical music. As the WSWS explained just two months ago (Twilight at the Met: Capitalisms Contempt for Culture), institutions like the Metropolitan Opera (and the BSO) are being transformed by the crisis of decaying capitalism.

We wrote:

New York Citythe world capital of financialized capitalism, home to the Wall Street banks and hedge funds that have looted trillions from society and presided over levels of inequality that almost defy comprehensioncannot apparently muster the resources to support its own opera company.

The composition of the ruling class has changed, reflecting the deepening of the crisis of its system. These institutions have always depended upon the wealthy. Todays oligarchy, however, has no way to defend its system except through an orgy of financial speculation and war against the working class at home and all over the world.

Culture is one of the first items to be sacrificed. There is no money for symphony orchestras but there are trillions of dollars for war and to bail out the same elements who inhabit the boards of trustees of such institutions as the BSO.

Trump is the most depraved example of a broader trend. He takes a sledgehammer to culture, whereas the BSO board, undoubtedly including, if not dominated by, supporters of the Democratic Party, has slightly different methods. They are backed by different factions of the same ruling eliteventure capitalists, private equity vultures and tech titans.

The BSO struggle recalls the bitter battles of the Detroit Symphony strike of 2011-12 and of the Minnesota Orchestra several years later. At least for the moment, issues of pay and benefits have not been raised, but the issues are, if anything, posed even more sharply by the crisis at the Met Opera and the Boston Symphony, taking place at a time of developing world war and the dangers of dictatorship.

BSO musicians and all those concerned with the fate of classical music must concern themselves with these political issues. The defense of culture cannot be entrusted to the ruling class. It requires a new perspectivegenuine change and not honeyed phrases about change from the alleged progressives leading the BSO.

Professionally trained musicians are part of the working class, and their fate is bound up with that of the working class as a whole. They must reach out to other sections of workers and youth. A common struggle against decaying capitalism will bring new audiences and new talents to the field of culture. Only the socialist reorganization of economic life can provide a future for art, music and all the conquests of human civilization.
On Monday, the Health Finance Commission presented its proposals for the future of the statutory health insurance system (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung, GKV). Its report, which the experts drafted on behalf of the government, amounts to an open declaration of war on the working class. The media is downplaying the explosiveness of the social attacks and presents the measures as a necessary adjustment and the rescue of the health insurance funds.

Summer 2021: Nursing staff from Vivantes and the Charite in Berlin fight for better working conditions

The report, with its 66 proposals, is a horrific catalogue of benefit cuts and higher co-payments for those with statutory insurance, as well as new and greater unreasonable demands on an already overburdened nursing staff.

Benefit cuts: Sick pay disbursed by the health insurance funds, which starts after six weeks of continuous illness, is to be reduced by 5 percent from the previous 70 percent to 65 percent of gross salary. With this, the Commission wants to save 1.3 billion on the backs of those who are too ill to work.

The already applicable maximum entitlement period for sick pay of 78 weeks, or around one and a half years, is to be applied more strictly than before. It is the governments answer to Long COVID, since in Germany, more than 1.5 million people now live with either Long COVID or ME/CFS (myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome), many of them incapable of working for months or years due to the severity of the disease.

The Commission further proposes abolishing the free co-insurance of spouses who do not work themselves or are only marginally employed. This is intended to save the health insurance funds 3.5 billion. This measure will also hit working class families in which one partnerusually the womancannot work because of child-rearing responsibilities or caring for relatives. For about 2.5 million families, this will mean they will have to raise additional insurance costs of several hundred euros a month.

Cynically, the expert commission wants to achieve a strengthening of the labour market and higher employment with this measure, suggesting that the non-working partners are simply lazy. It is reminiscent of the hypocritical moral sermons of the chancellor and his ministers that the population simply have to work more again and give up old habits.

Co-payments: All types of co-payments by the insured are to be raised. Patient co-payments for medications alone (currently between 5 and 10) are to be increased to 7.50 to 15 per medication. For seniors and the chronically ill, these co-payments can add up to considerable sums. It is said that social hardships are to be cushioned, but a possible exemption from these costs is tied to complex bureaucratic hurdles.

Co-payments of the statutorily insured for dentures, glasses and artificial hip and knee jointsalready high sumswill rise further because many special allowances will be cancelled. This includes an allowance for outpatient treatments, for example, a cataract operation.

Also, laboratory tests for health check-ups are only to be paid by the insurers if their urgency has been proven. Hygiene surcharges for outpatient procedures, only recently granted, are to be abolished again. All this will inevitably further increase the already high out-of-pocket expenses for patients.

In general, only evidence-based measures are to be financed; in other words, the health insurance fund should generally only pay for services that bring something. Page after page lists items such as price moratorium, abolition of flat rates or cancellation of reimbursement without proof of benefit, etc. Everything that does not provide proof of benefit in writing is to be cut. In the case of hip or knee operations, the patient is to be compelled to undertake a second opinion as to whether it is necessary at all.

In reality, this increases the pressure on the statutorily insured. For even more people than before, new glasses, braces or a dental crown, hearing aid or pain-free knee will thus become an unaffordable luxury.

A new sugar, tobacco and spirits tax is also to be levied, which has been particularly highlighted in the media and welcomed as a preventative measure. However, this new consumption tax will hit people on low incomes particularly hard.

Those with statutory insurance are in the future to pay for themselves appointments for the early detection of skin cancer, as well as for consultations about organ donation. The special promotion of medicines for rare diseases (Orphan Drug Privilege) is to be abolished. Such proposals make clear that the Commission is not concerned at all with the financing of health but solely with the health of finances.

Burden on nursing staff: In future, health insurance companies are no longer to co-finance care relief measures in hospitals or nursing homes. This includes strategies, techniques and personnel structures that relieve nursing staff of non-nursing or administrative tasks. They were introduced to appease striking nurses who took action up and down the country against the intolerable nursing emergency and for a living wage. The relief measures, which are partly co-financed by the health insurance funds, are now to be abolished again.

Doctors are also being targeted. The surcharges for doctors from the Appointment Service and Remuneration Act (TSVG) are to be abolished again. The TSVG was a reform intended to motivate doctors more strongly to accept statutorily insured patients more quickly, among other things, through financial incentives. The new measure will put doctors under further pressure. Even today, according to the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians, more than 40 million specialist appointments are not remunerated.

The austerity screw is being tightened particularly on psychotherapists. This is not just a proposal but already an agreed fact: From April 1, 2026, fees for psychotherapeutic services are to be reduced by 4.5 percent nationwide. The central association of the statutory health insurance funds had even demanded a 10 percent reduction. In the expert commissions catalogue of measures, there are further proposals, such as a reduction in surcharges for short-term therapies.

Welfare recipients: To save costs, the Commission also proposes that the state should in the future pay the insurance for citizens allowance (Burgergeld) welfare recipients from tax revenues. So far, they have been paid by the health insurance funds, i.e., from the contributions of wage earners, potentially saving the Statutory Health Insurance system (GKV) 12.5 billion.

However, the Merz government has already made its priorities clear with the abolition of the citizens allowance. Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil, who is also chairman of the Social Democrats (SPD), just recently announced a frontal attack on all social gains. And his boss, Chancellor Friedrich Merz (Christian Democrat, CDU) has made clear: We can no longer afford the welfare state.

Thus, it will ultimately boil down to social assistance recipients having to make do with third-class insurance.

With all these and other measures, the Commission states, more than 42 billion could be saved next year alone and almost 64 billion over five years (by 2030). This is supposedly unavoidable, as the deficit of the health insurance funds cannot be plugged otherwise. For many measures, there is simply no money there.

The Commission even openly admits that its proposals endanger lives. It categorises its measures into three categories: A*, A and B. Category B comprises savings which, according to the report, are accompanied by uncertain or potentially negative effects on the quality of care. These targeted deteriorations alone are supposed to yield savings of 7.5 billion by 2030. What is certain is that the two tiers of the healthcare system are drifting even further apart.

The claim that the health insurance funds are empty is a provocative lie. A super-rich layer is enriching itself immensely. The number of billionaires in Germany alone has increased almost sixfold in the last 20 years, from 30 to 170. If the working class had a determined, capable party and its own fighting organisations (instead of the trade unions, which are mere junior partners of the capitalists), then it would be easy to force high earners who are privately insured, shareholders, CEOs and the super-rich to pay contributions into the statutory funds, which as a pay-as-you-go insurance should be financed by everyone. Then there would certainly be no financial problem.

But Germany is governed in the interests of the bankers, oligarchs and business associations, and the government is on a war course. Militarism dominates, whose goal is to make society fit for war (SPD Defence Minister Pistorius). Germany is to take on responsibility in Europe and around the whole world (Klingbeil, Merz). For this, money is plentiful. According to a decision by the government, supported in both chambers of parliament, additional funds of 1 trillion have been approved for rearmament, the Bundeswehr (Armed Forces) and the renewal of military-related infrastructure alone.

Of the 10 professors and business economists who make up the Commission, none is dependent on the statutory health insurance funds, nor is Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU). As a minister (according to the website parlamentjobs.de), she receives a gross monthly salary of just under 21,400, to which various allowances and surcharges of over 10,000 monthly are added. It is easy for all these decision-makers to insure themselves and their families privately.

Minister Warken politely thanked the Health Finance Commission for its toolbox and promised to make it the basis of the most comprehensive financial reform of statutory health insurance to date by the summer. Its implementation will, at the same time, be a test for another, fateful commission report: the Pensions Commission is already in the starting blocks to crack open pension payments, the largest item in the federal budget.

The proposed savings are in reality much higher than the current funding gap would require. The financial volume ... far exceeds the projected funding gap, writes the Finance Commission. Politicians thus have a large margin of discretion and can decide which recommendations are to be implemented.

However, the government is determined to go as far as possible. It deliberately avoided calling the intended social cruelties by their name when forming the coalition. Their implementation is ultimately a question of class struggle, to which the capitalist class is more and more determined.

The first statutory social insurance system, which Reich Chancellor Otto von Bismarck introduced 140 years ago, was a reaction to the international growth of the socialists; in Germany, it was the Social Democracy and its trade unions. Bismarcks goal was to take the sting out of the impending class struggle. The continued payment of wages in the event of illness was also only introduced after the Second World War in order to pre-empt a social revolution. Previously, in 1956-1957, 45,000 metalworkers in Schleswig-Holstein had taken strike action for 114 days, the longest strike in West German history.

When Bismarck introduced the very first welfare state, Rosa Luxemburg analysed the function of this social reform in the capitalist state. She wrote: It does not operate as a restriction of capitalist property, but on the contrary as its protection. Or, economically speaking, it does not constitute an intervention in capitalist exploitation, but a standardisation, an ordering of this exploitation.

This standardisation of exploitation means that a small part of the entrepreneurs revenues does not flow directly into profit, but together with the workers contributions feeds the pension, health and long-term care insurance funds. This short-term renunciation of profit by the capitalists is in the long-term interest of the entire bourgeoisie. But the ruling class is in a deep crisis today. Under the pressure of globalisation, trade war and war, it is more and more dispensing with financing this tried and tested means of dampening the class struggle.

This makes clear that the situation is ripe for the struggle of the working class. The current situation not only requires it, but it also makes it possible: the ruling class and its government are by no means omnipotent.

The policy of social devastation can, however, only be stopped if an independent, socialist mass movement is built within the working class, allying itself with the international working class. For this, it needs a new, international and socialist party. The goal must be to tear the healthcare system from the clutches of capitalisms profit logic, to expropriate the private hospital corporations and the pharmaceutical industry without compensation and place them under workers control. Healthcare is not a commodity. It is a fundamental social right!
In a nearly unanimous vote, Nexteer Automotive workers in Saginaw, Michigan rejected a concessions-laden contract backed by the United Auto Workers. According to UAW Local 699, workers rejected the deal by 96.2 percent, with 98 percent of production workers and 82.8 percent of skilled trades workers voting down the UAW-backed deal.

The vote was a staggering rebuke to UAW President Shawn Fain and the Local 699 leadership, which attempted to ram through a contract that would pay $19 an hour to new hires, expand the hated two-tier wage and benefit system, and impose higher out-of-pocket health care expenses for workers hired after May 2021.

The 1,300 workers at the former General Motors plant manufacture steering systems for some of the most highly profitable models in the US, including the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra, the Ford F-150 and Dodge Ram pickup trucks.

In discussions with WSWS reporters during the voting on Wednesday, Nexteer workers explained why they opposed the sellout deal pushed by the UAW apparatus. In the videos below, two workers described the crushing impact of the decades-long stagnation of wages and the sharp rise in fuel and food prices, which has been exacerbated by Trumps criminal war against Iran. Underscoring the political radicalization of workers over the deeply unpopular war and vast social inequality gripping America they expressed support for a common struggle by workers in the US and around the world against the transnational corporations.

The defeat of the sellout was powerful, but it is only the first step. The International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees calls on Nexteer workers to throw the bargaining committee that negotiated this deal out, replace it with a rank-and-file committee consisting of the most trusted and militant workers to prepare strike action to win the non-negotiable demands workers need: Including living wages, the abolishing of the two-tier system and health care coverage fully paid by the company for all workers. At the same time, workers at GM, Ford and Stellantis must back this decisive struggle by refusing to handle all scab parts.

For more information on building rank-and-file committees, fill out the form below.
US President Donald Trumps threat to bomb Iran back to the Stone Age has met with no reaction in the European media, or at best a shrug of the shoulders. Trumps threat to destroy the livelihood of a country with 90 million inhabitants and a 5,000-year-old culture was not deemed worthy of protest by any of the editorial writers and commentators who otherwise cant keep their mouths shut about Russian President Putin.

A first responder assist an injured man following a US-Israeli strike that hit a residential building in Tehran, Iran, Saturday, March 28, 2026. [AP Photo/Sajad Safari]

Trump made the threat several times in his tweets and, on Wednesday, also in a televised address to the American people. We are going to hit them extremely hard over the next two to three weeks. We are going to send them back to the Stone Age, he said.

There is no doubt that Trump means this threat seriously. The only question is how far he will go. As far as using nuclear weapons? That cannot be ruled out.

Since the start of the war, Israel alone has dropped over 6,500 bombs on Iran; the number of US bombs is likely to be even higher. Thousands of people have already been killed, tens of thousands injured. The destruction of oil fields, nuclear power stations, energy and water supplies threatened by Trump, and the destruction of hospitals, schools and industrial facilities that has already begun, would condemn millions more to starvation, disease and death.

It is not only Trumps actions, but also his language that is reminiscent of the Nazis genocidal policies. Shortly before the start of the war of annihilation against the Soviet Union, Hitlers propaganda chief Goebbels wrote in his diary: It will be a massive offensive on the grandest scale, probably the most powerful that history has ever seen Bolshevism will collapse like a house of cards. We are on the verge of an unparalleled triumph.

Yet none of this is deemed worthy of comment by the opinion-makers in the newsrooms. They did report on Trumps Stone Age threat, in some cases even in the headlines. But outrage or dissent? None whatsoever. At most, they are concerned about the consequences for oil prices, share prices and the future of NATO.

The F.A.Z., the mouthpiece of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, even sought to detect a sign of moderation in Trumps inflammatory speech. After the harsh rhetoric of recent days, Donald Trump comes across as relatively tame in his first live address on the war in Iran, it claimed. Relatively restrained, relatively brief, but above all with relatively little new information.

The German tabloid Bild quoted Trumps threats at length and without criticism, and accused him of keeping his further strategy, particularly regarding the 440 kilos of uranium suitable for nuclear bombs, vague.

The Swedish newspaper Dagens Nyheter noted with relief that Trump did not repeat the threat to leave NATO in his speech. In fact, nothing new was said at all, it wrote.

The Polish Rzeczpospolita concluded: The US Presidents late-night address was nothing groundbreaking. Neither regarding the war against Iran, nor oil prices, nor the future of NATO.

The Austrian Standard called Trump President Haphazard and accused him of failing, in his weakly droned-out speech, to rally his own people behind him, unite his international partners, set out concrete strategic goals and threaten to send in ground troops.

The Estonian Postimees even compared Trumps speech to a failed April Fools joke. The Belgian paper La Capitale also quipped: Do you know why newspapers no longer publish April Fools jokes? Because with Donald Trump, every day is 1 April.

Silence in the face of a capital offence amounts to consent. This applies not only to the media, but also to official politics. European governments are complicit in Trumps war crimes.

Three days after the war began, German Chancellor Merz sat in the Oval Office and assured Trump of his support. Ramstein and other military bases in Germany, which are indispensable for US warfare, are available for use without restriction. Israels security remains a German national interesteven after the genocide in Gaza, the attack on Iran and the bombing and occupation of Lebanon.

This position is also supported by the Greens and the Left Party. The Left Partys parliamentary group leader in the Bundestag (Germanys Federal Parliament), Soren Pellmann, played down Trumps speech: Many announcements, little substance. According to Pellmann, there is a lot of hot air behind Trumps threats. After all, he did not announce the deployment of ground troops and did not threaten to withdraw from NATO again, he said.

British Prime Minister Starmer yesterday invited 40 countries to an online meeting on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, in which Germany and France also took part. In addition to diplomatic and political measures, military action was also discussed. The European powers are preparing to occupy the Strait of Hormuz with their own troops.

This is why they do not condemn Trumps Stone Age threat. They are not kowtowing to the criminal in the White House, but are themselves preparing similar crimes. The normalisation of war crimes is the inevitable by-product of the militarisation of foreign policy in the struggle for the imperialist redivision of the world.

This did not begin with the recent war against Iran. It is now becoming clearer why the Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei (Socialist Equality Party, SGP) and its youth organisation, the IYSSE, became the target of a vicious smear campaign by the bourgeois press over ten years ago for criticising the far-right historian Jorg Baberowski. Baberowski had declared in Der Spiegel at the time that Hitler was not vicious, and had justified war crimes at a gathering at the German Historical Museum.

He stated there that in order to participate in the wars against the Taliban in Afghanistan and the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, one must be prepared to take hostages, burn down villages, hang people and spread fear and terror, just as the terrorists do. Otherwise, one should keep out.

At the time, the IYSSE established a direct link between Baberowskis propaganda for war crimes and the German governments plans to rearm Germany as a major military power. Almost all the media and professors rallied behind Baberowski, while the IYSSE received strong support from students and their representatives.

Ten years and several wars later, legal consciousness in the media has sunk so low that even Trumps call to bomb a country of 90 million people back to the Stone Age is accepted without batting an eyelid.
KUWAIT CITY, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Kuwait Petroleum Corporation said Friday that a drone attack targeted the Mina Al Ahmadi refinery early in the morning, causing fires in several operational units.

In a statement released by the Kuwait News Agency, the company confirmed that emergency and firefighting teams were immediately dispatched to contain the fires and prevent further spread.

No injuries were reported, and precautionary measures were taken to ensure the safety of personnel and protect facilities, according to the statement.

Meanwhile, the Kuwait National Guard said radiation levels remain normal nationwide, dismissing social media reports of a potential radioactive leak, adding that monitoring is ongoing around the clock in coordination with relevant authorities.

The refinery had been hit by similar drone attacks last month, which also caused fires in certain units without resulting in casualties.

The incident came amid heightened regional tensions following joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran that began on Feb. 28. Iran has responded by launching missile and drone attacks at Israel and neighboring Gulf nations home to U.S. military assets. 
NASAs Space Launch System (SLS) rocket carrying the Orion spacecraft and four astronauts lifted off from Launch Complex 39B at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday at 6:35 p.m. EDT, beginning the Artemis II mission, the first crewed flight to the vicinity of the Moon since the Apollo 17 mission in December 1972.

NASA's Artemis II moon rocket lifts off from the Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad39-B Wednesday, April 1, 2026, in Cape Canaveral, Florida. [AP Photo/Chris O'Meara]

The Artemis II mission is an enormous international effort involving thousands of skilled engineers and scientists at NASA and its various contractors. It has been in development, in various forms, since the Constellation program which began in 2005. And there is no small amount of personal courage from the crew themselves as they travel to the Moon and back through hard vacuum.

The crew consists of NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman (commander), Victor Glover (pilot) and Christina Koch (mission specialist), along with Jeremy Hansen (mission specialist) of the Canadian Space Agency. Wiseman is a naval aviator and test pilot, who took part in Expedition 40/41 onboard the International Space Station in 2014, spending 165 days in space. He also served as chief of the astronaut office before being assigned to this mission. Glover, another military pilot, flew on the SpaceX Crew-1 Dragon spacecraft to the ISS for Expedition 64/65 in 2020-21.

Koch is an electrical engineer with experience in remote field stations in Antarctica and has a specialization in designing instruments for extreme environments. She spent 328 days on the ISS in 2019-20, which included a spacewalk with fellow astronaut Jessica Meir. Hansen, a former Royal Canadian Air Force fighter pilot, is a rookie astronaut and the first astronaut whose inaugural spaceflight will take him to the Moon since Bill Anders of Apollo 8.

Artemis II is also a welcome development amid a world dominated by the ongoing criminal war against Iran launched by the Trump administration, the murder of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by the fascistic Immigrations and Custom Enforcement (ICE) Gestapo and the vast growth of social inequality and dictatorship under capitalism.

At the same time, the mission is largely overshadowed by these same developments. The war in Iran, a new front in the many wars globally of American imperialism, has cost thousands of lives and destroyed tens of thousands of structures, including historical sites dating back thousands of years. Costs of fuel and other basic necessities have skyrocketed as the supply chain issues caused by the war continue to intensify. And the growth of dictatorship in the US becomes ever more stark, with Trumps deployment of ICE to airports only the latest in a series of measures to suppress social opposition to the administrations fascistic policies.

The 10-day mission will not land on the Moon but serves as a test flight for a proposed landing by the Artemis IV mission, currently slated for 2028. In between, the Artemis III mission is scheduled to test rendezvous and docking with SpaceXs Starship HLS and Blue Origins Blue Moon, both still under development, and the new Axiom spacewalk suit.



In lieu of a lunar landing, which the Orion spacecraft cannot carry out, the crew has begun a variety of tests of the entire SLS. The errors so far encountered include a brief communications dropout approximately 51 minutes into the flight, a fault light on the toilet system (subsequently resolved in coordination with mission control), a closed crossover valve on the spacecrafts water tanks, and a single latching current limiter failure similar to those observed repeatedly during the uncrewed Artemis I mission in 2022. None of these anomalies prevented the mission from proceeding.

The current milestones include the perigee raise maneuver, bringing the Orion into a high Earth orbit, and the successful completion of the critical translunar injection burn, sending the four to the Moons orbit. They are currently on course to travel within 6,000 miles of the lunar surface on flight day six, surpassing the distance record set by Apollo 13s emergency free-return trajectory in 1970. The spacecraft will then return to Earth and splash down off the coast of the western United States.

It is worth noting that while many breathless media reports, and NASA itself, note that the orbit will take humans farther from Earth than anyone in history, this is not a significant technical accomplishment since all of these missions go the same approximate distance, with minor variations forced by the orbit chosen. The one selected for Artemis II is a particularly conservative one that doesnt require significant maneuvers at the Moon.

The low points of the mission, on the other hand, have not been technical but the litany of reactionary and nationalist sentiments surrounding the launch. Trump posted on Truth Social that, America doesnt just compete, we DOMINATE, and the whole World is watching. Numerous media commentators are placing identity politics front and center, focusing solely on the fact that Koch and Glover will be the first woman and first black person, respectively, to enter lunar orbit. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, the billionaire SpaceX-linked entrepreneur appointed by Trump, framed the mission explicitly in terms of competition with China, stating, Competition can be a good thing. We certainly have competition now.

Isaacmans comments parallel the underlying political position of the American state during the Apollo era, which was driven not primarily by science but by great-power rivalry and closing the missile gap. As the WSWS noted when Artemis I flew in 2022, the US space program only came about in response to the Soviet launch of Sputnik in 1957. There was a very real need to demonstrate that American capitalism was capable of meeting and exceeding the achievements of the worlds first workers state, degenerated as it was, established by the October Revolution in 1917.

The major difference between now and then, however, is that in the 1960s, American capitalism was at its post-war apogee. US manufacturing dominated the world economy and the country was capable of dedicating enormous resources to the space program. A great deal of genuine innovation and technical development went into the space race, and which resulted in a variety of advances for everyday life.

Today, the goals of the space program are guided solely by geopolitical and economic conflict. Trump and Isaacman are above all concerned with Chinas expanding lunar and space exploration program, including its Tiangong space station, lunar probes, and Mars rover. Developments in rocketry are primarily designed around updating US nuclear launch capabilities.

Moreover, the enormous $93 billion price tag is primarily designed to feed into the corporate sector. Boeing and Lockheed Martin have each received approximately $15 billion, Northrop Grumman received roughly $6 billion, and the remainder went to a network of contractors operating on cost-plus contracts that reward schedule slippage and cost overruns.

Each SLS launch costs approximately $4 billion. Only two rockets have been built, with a third in production, and the entire system will almost certainly be discarded in favor of commercially produced launch vehicles, most likely Elon Musks Starship, which is still prone to exploding during or even before launch.

And there is nothing technically groundbreaking about the Space Launch System. It is a smaller Saturn V with solid rocket boosters attached and RS-25 engines salvaged from decommissioned space shuttles. The Orion capsule is a scaled-up Apollo Command Module. The entire mission architecture, including a free-return lunar trajectory to be followed by future crewed landings using a separate lander, directly replicates Apollo. The 14 years required to develop this system is almost twice the time elapsed between Alan Shepards suborbital flight in 1961 and the first Moon landing in 1969, when all of the underlying technology had to be invented from scratch. This reflects the bureaucratic and profit-driven character of the program, not the demands of genuine scientific exploration.

A further concern is the unresolved heat shield problem carried over from Artemis I. During that mission, portions of the Orion heat shields char layer broke away in fragments rather than ablating as designed. NASAs own 2024 Inspector General report acknowledged this finding and noted the agencys stated commitment to understanding the root cause. What the agency chose to do instead of fixing the underlying problem before flying a crew was to alter the reentry trajectory, a change that, according to publicly available analysis, actually subjects the heat shield to higher total stress over a shorter duration. Four peoples lives depend on how well that heat shield performs.

The Artemis project also reflects the narrow focus of the bourgeoisie towards securing a human presence in space as part of the military buildup against Russia and China. While there are certainly pro forma comments about the expansion of space exploration, the actual science missions being carried out by NASA are slowly being starved. The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, now fully assembled and on track to launch as early as fall 2026, will be the last major astrophysics observatory for the foreseeable future.

Named for NASAs first chief of astronomy, Roman will have a field of view 100 times larger than Hubbles, capable of imaging a billion galaxies and conducting a census of exoplanets. It is expected to generate science on dark energy, dark matter and planetary systems. After Roman, however, there is nothing scheduled. The next major astrophysics mission, the Habitable Worlds Observatory, is currently slated to launch in 2040.

That human beings are returning to the Moon is welcome. There is a tragic element, however, in the fact that our collective capacity to scientifically and rationally understand the world well enough to leave Earth, travel to other stellar objects and safely return, is subordinated to national competition, military positioning and private profit.
Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, China's lead person in the China-Canada Economic and Financial Strategic Dialogue, meets with Canadian Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne, the Canadian co-leader of the dialogue, in Beijing, capital of China, April 3, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling)

BEIJING, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and Canadian Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne on Friday agreed in Beijing to hold a China-Canada Economic and Financial Strategic Dialogue in the second half of this year.

He, China's lead person in the dialogue, called on the two sides to follow through on the important common understandings reached between the leaders of the two countries, deepen cooperation in areas such as economy, trade and finance, and foster the stable and sound development of China-Canada economic relations.

Champagne, the Canadian co-leader of the dialogue, said that Canada places high importance on its relations with China and stands ready to work with the Chinese side to advance economic and financial cooperation to deliver more practical outcomes.

The two sides also jointly met with representatives from the China-Canada Financial Working Group and Roundtable with Financial Institutions, welcoming institutions from both countries to do business in each other's markets. 

Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, China's lead person in the China-Canada Economic and Financial Strategic Dialogue, meets with Canadian Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne, the Canadian co-leader of the dialogue, in Beijing, capital of China, April 3, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling)
Akbar Novruz



On Thursday, two of the world's most powerful energy companies signed a document that said something significant about where they think the future of energy production lies. TotalEnergies, the French integrated energy company, and Masdar, the UAE's clean energy champion, agreed to form a $2.2 billion joint venture to build solar, wind, and battery storage projects in nine Asian countries. The countries range from Japan to Indonesia, from South Korea to Singapore. And, in a somewhat quieter manner, from Azerbaijan.

For a country that has built its current identity and virtually all of its export earnings on oil and gas, the inclusion is not accidental. Rather, it represents the latest in a series of steps that, collectively, begin to outline the contours of a country in transition: from hydrocarbon exporter to clean energy exporter, from pipeline route to green electricity route, from fossil fuel-based economy to...well, to something rather more complicated, and arguably more sustainable.

The joint venture will operate on a 50/50 basis and will be based at Abu Dhabi Global Market. It will function as the sole platform for both firms onshore renewable energy activities in the nine markets. The joint venture will have a portfolio of 3 GW of currently operational assets and 6 GW of projects in advanced development stages, which are set to come on line by 2030. It will have 200 personnel from both firms.

Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Chairman of Masdar, framed the deal in explicitly strategic terms: "Asia will be the main driver of global electricity demand growth in this decade," he said at the signing. "The partnership with TotalEnergies will accelerate our development on the continent by opening up new opportunities to provide competitive and reliable energy solutions." Patrick Pouyanne, TotalEnergies' chairman and CEO, described it as a chance to "combine the strengths of our two companies to secure significant positions in these markets and create more value than if we were acting alone."

"Masdar embodies this approach. We are a pioneer in the development of renewable energy in Central Asia and the Caucasus, and proud to have an expanding portfolio in the most promising, emerging markets of the Asia-Pacific region"- Sultan Al Jaber, Chairman of Masdar

What Azerbaijan brings to the table?

The involvement of Azerbaijan in this project stems from the country's exceptional potential for renewable energy, which has so far remained underutilized. Azerbaijan's technical potential for renewable energy has been estimated at 135 GW onshore and 157 GW offshore in the Caspian Sea, according to the country's and IEA's assessments. To better understand the potential for growth in this country, it must be noted that the total electricity-generating potential of Azerbaijan is 7 GW, and its technical potential for renewable energy is 135 GW onshore and 157 GW offshore in the Caspian Sea.

The potential for growth in this country is enormous, considering the difference between its potential and its actual installations so far. Masdar has already invested heavily in this country. Garadagh Solar Power Plant, a 230 MW plant near Baku in Azerbaijan, which was inaugurated in 2023 and is the biggest solar plant in the Caspian region, was constructed in collaboration with the country's government. Further Masdar projects are underway: a 445 MW solar plant in Bilasuvar, a 315 MW facility in Neftchala, and a 240 MW wind farm spanning the Absheron Peninsula and Garadagh districts. Saudi Arabia's ACWA Power, meanwhile, is constructing a 230 MW wind farm in Khizi-Absheron and has signed agreements for a 1 GW onshore wind farm and a 1.5 GW offshore wind farm with battery storage. BP's Shafag project is building a 240 MW solar plant in the liberated Jabrayil region.

The challenge is not just to produce clean electricity. It is to deliver it to the market. And here, Azerbaijan has made arguably its single most important gamble. In December 2022, Baku signed an agreement with Georgia, Romania, and Hungary, with a 2.3 billion commitment from the European Commission to fund the project, to build the Black Sea Submarine Cable: a high-voltage cable running underwater from Anaklia, a Black Sea port on Georgia's coast, to Constan?a in Romania, where it directly connects to the EU electricity grid.

The cable, which has the potential to supply up to 1.3 GW in the first phase, or the power requirements of a million European homes, will enable Azerbaijan to supply clean and green energy directly to the European Union. A study by the Italian engineering consultancy CESI, undertaken in November 2024 in Baku in the wake of the COP29 conference, has confirmed the viability of the project. The cable project has entered the marine survey stage. A memorandum of understanding has been signed by Siemens Energy and the joint venture company. The operational date has been targeted for 2032. Azerbaijan aims to export up to 4 GW via the corridor in a phased manner and reach a capacity of 25 GW by 2037.

Key facts about the Black Sea Cable project:

Route: Anaklia, Georgia ? Constan?a, Romania - 1,195 km total (1,100 km underwater). The world's longest submarine electricity cable of its kind.

Capacity: Phase 1 - 1.3 GW. The capacity of the cable in the future is up to 6 GW. Azerbaijan plans to export 4 GW in phases. The capacity may reach 25 GW by 2037.

Partners involved: Azerbaijan - AzerEnerji, Georgia - Georgian State Electrosystem, Romania - Transelectrica, Hungary - MVM. The joint venture - Green Energy Corridor Power Company. The headquarters of the joint venture - Bucharest.

Finance: The European Commission has allocated 2.3 billion euros for the financing of the cable. The World Bank has provided a $35 million loan for the preparatory work. The EU has designated this cable as one of the five flagship projects.

The challenge in the project: The route of the cable in the Black Sea is close to the Ukrainian conflict zone. There are also the issues of the presence of free-floating mines in the region, the safety of the cable-laying vessel, and the political instability in the region. According to the IEEE, there are only two companies in the world able to lay such a cable - Prysmian and Nexans.

The Black Sea cable is but one direction in which Azerbaijan is seeking to pursue its goals. The presidents of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan signed a strategic partnership for green energy development and transmission in Central Asia at COP 29 in Baku. The three countries formed a joint venture called Green Corridor Union, connecting the grid operators of the countries. The Asian Development Bank and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank signed memoranda of understanding with respect to the project. Azerbaijan is located at the western end of this route, connecting Central Asia's renewable energy to both European markets via the Black Sea and Middle Eastern markets via the South Caucasus.

Of course, there is tension in all of this. Azerbaijan's oil and gas industry still generates more than 90 percent of its export revenues and half of its gross domestic product. Azerbaijan is both increasing its gas exports to the EU and planning to increase its gas production by a third by 2030, while at the same time positioning itself as a clean energy leader. The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace has noted, for instance, that Azerbaijan's Paris Agreement targets are "relatively unambitious, aiming for a 40 percent emissions reduction by 2050 without specifying a date for net-zero emissions."

But the investments are real, the infrastructure is being built, and the partnerships being forged  with Masdar, ACWA Power, TotalEnergies, BP, the European Commission, the World Bank, the ADB  carry a weight that rhetoric alone cannot account for. What is being built in Azerbaijan is not a clean energy revolution in the activist sense. What is being built in Azerbaijan is more pragmatic and, in a different sense, more interesting: a hydrocarbon state building the infrastructure to be indispensable to its neighbors and partners long after the oil and gas are gone. The pipeline state is building cables. The gas state is building wind farms. And the state connecting East and West is becoming, incrementally and by design, a state connecting East and West in a corridor for something green.
Several European countries are blocking U.S. access to airspace and bases for Iran-related operations.

And Trump is not happy about it.

Produced by Xinhua Global Service
ATHENS, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Friday reshuffled his cabinet after several government figures were implicated in a farm subsidies scandal involving millions of euros.

The reshuffle in the wake of the scandal left key portfolios unchanged, government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis said in a televised statement, according to state broadcaster ERT.

Margaritis Schinas, former European Commission vice-president, was appointed rural development and food minister, while Evangelos Tournas took over as climate crisis and civil protection minister. The responsibilities of outgoing Deputy Health Minister Dimitris Vartzopoulos will be redistributed within the ministry.

Vartzopoulos and two former ministers were among those named in the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) investigation.

The changes came shortly after two case files from the EPPO were submitted to the Greek parliament, concerning 11 lawmakers, as well as former ministers and other officials.

EPPO's probe centers on alleged interference in subsidy allocations over several years, with suspected fraudulent payments made to ineligible farmers.

The cases related to the management of OPEKEPE, Greece's former agency responsible for distributing EU farm subsidies. Proceedings to lift the officials' immunity from prosecution are expected to begin next week.

EU prosecutors have also requested that five former lawmakers be included in the investigation. All those implicated are members of the ruling New Democracy party.

In June 2025, a similar case led to the resignation of five senior officials and triggered another cabinet reshuffle. Investigators said subsidies were granted to ineligible farmers using falsified documents between 2019 and 2021. Two party officials also resigned last year after being named in the case.

Opposition parties have called for the dismissal of the ministers and snap elections. They could also table a motion of no confidence against the government in the coming weeks. 
Olandria Carthen has been working intentionally to build a lasting empire.

Before her fame, Carthen was already setting a new standard within her family. The Decatur, AL, native became the first to graduate from high school and college. As

AFROTECH

previously reported, she earned her bachelors degree in logistics, materials, and supply chain management from Tuskegee University in 2022.

It was her mothers work ethic that was her inspiration to reach the finish line. Her mother, Felicia, gave birth to her first child at 15. She went on to have more children, and to support them, she put her own studies on hold and worked at places such as McDonalds.

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I always admired her work ethic as we were growing up. Imagine three kids, a single parent, one paycheck  We never went without  Even with me with the college thing, having to figure out how Im gonna get my education  I had to get creative. I started sending out letters, working for my old landlord, and cleaning out houses for extra cash to be able to pay towards my books and things like that. Seeing how my mom got creative when it came to stretching that dollar, it made me get creative when I found myself in those tough moments, Carthen told AFROTECH



.

Shout out to momma Felicia, she added.

Carthen is attaching herself to another first: entrepreneurship. She worked as an associate sales specialist at Otis Elevator in Houston, TX, after graduating from college. She was inspired by the Black entrepreneurs in the city and found that many times when networking, she was the only one working a nine-to-five. This observation motivated her to own her own business one day and pushed her to meet her daily sales goal until she was better positioned for that chapter.

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Carthen officially left her post at Otis Elevator in July 2025  the same month Season 7 of Love Island USA came to an end  to be more intentional with her growing brand and platform that now includes more than 4 million followers across social media.

First entrepreneur in the family. This is a first because were all nine-to-five people, regular town folk  which is fine, but I guess [Im] the first person to actually step out and bet on myself and my family and show my family, Hey, this could be you too, and Im willing to help you get there,' she said.

Carthens aspirations are also supported by a team that includes a business manager and a lawyer. She is also signed to the United Talent Agency, Variety reports. At the start, she intentionally kept things lean, working with just a manager and PR team for nearly six months, focused on one goal.

If you [were] outside of the show, no one really knew who Olandria truly was. I wanted to build Olandria the brand first  I [want to] be on billboards, I [want to] be back on my TV screens, however that looks. Whether thats a commercial, whether thats another reality show. Whether thats me being a part of a movie or a show, she expressed.

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Carthen also teases the launch of her own body care line, which may include items like body oils.

Even when you guys met me on the screen, I was always shining. I dont play about being ashy. Thats one thing I dont play about, she said. Definitely in the works of trying to get that off the ground. Be on the lookout.

As the first in her family to carve this path, Carthen is navigating her journey without a close example to follow. While she credits her parents as strong influences, she noted that she ultimately had to define her own version of a role model. That process, she added, involved reflecting on her core values and writing down what she wanted to build for herself and others. That is why education remains central to her focus. Her first event after exiting the villa was at her alma mater.

Education has been the driving force behind [anything] and everything that I did, and I [want to] kind of pour that love back into our community and back into the atmosphere, she said.

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Education also remains central in some of her partnerships. She amplified HBCUs in her partnership with Microsoft, as

AFROTECH

previously reported. Now, she is teaming up with McDonalds First Job Confessional, a program that aims to shed light on the value of that first job and how those early experiences can build skills that shape long-term success.

Joy Silmon, a McDonalds owner-operator, also understands the power of a first job. Her foray into the business dates back to when she was 11 at one of her fathers McDonalds restaurants in Paterson, NJ, according to information shared with AFROTECH



. The self-proclaimed Queen of the Drive Thru earned skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and customer service, and observed how to run a business, lead with consistency, and the importance of teamwork and investing in employees.

Photo Credit: McDonalds

Those shifts were teaching me more than I realized  the multitasking alone prepared me for every role I took on after college in ways I couldnt have anticipated, Silmon told AFROTECH



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.

In a full-circle moment, Silmon owns nine McDonalds restaurants across Austin, TX, and Dallas, TX, which employ 550 employees.

I get to give my crew that same first job experience that shaped me. Thats what First Job Confessional is all about  proving that where you start can take you further than you ever imagined, Silmon said.

If you have a first job confessional, McDonalds would like to hear it. If you are in the following cities, you are encouraged to participate: Pittsburgh, PA (April 23) and Chicago, IL (July 28  29).

You can find more information on McDonalds website.

The post Olandria Carthen Recounts How Her Mothers Early Sacrifices Drive Her Own Work Ethic Today  We Never Went Without appeared first on AfroTech.







The post Olandria Carthen Recounts How Her Mothers Early Sacrifices Drive Her Own Work Ethic Today  We Never Went Without appeared first on AfroTech.
Tekashi 6ix9ine, the rapper who was serving time for violating his supervised release, was recently released, and he opened up about getting a surprising autograph while he was behind bars.

6ix9ine, whose real name is Daniel Hernandez, had Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro sign his SpongeBob SquarePants figurine that he had with him in his cell.

Oh, by the way, while you open that, look! he said in a video clip shared to his Instagram on Friday, April 3, as he showed off the figurine. Maduro signed it. Maduro, second of April, Venezuela.

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The MALA rapper was filmed exiting the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn by celebrity jeweler Vobara.

Fresh OUT THE FEDS $2,200,000 on the neck. GOD IS THE GREATEST. MY LORD AND SAVIOR, 6ix9ine captioned the video. @vobara we did ittttttt MADURO SINGNED MY JAIL HOUSE SPONGE9INE.

Earlier this year on January 3, Maduro was captured by U.S. operatives after a military operation in Caracas, Venezuela. Hes currently being held in the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn awaiting trial on federal charges including narco-terrorism and drug trafficking, according to a statement from the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs.

6ix9ine was sentenced to three months behind bars in January after admitting to violating the terms of his supervised release. He was ordered to report to the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn in early January, marking the second time in just over a year hes been sent back to prison for similar violations, according to ABC7 New York.

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The outlet also stated that the rapper had previously served about six weeks in late 2024 after pleading guilty to multiple violations, including traveling without permission, missing drug tests and testing positive for methamphetamines.

Read More From Globe

This story Rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine Brags About Getting Nicolas Maduros Autograph on SpongeBob Toy Behind Bars first appeared on Globe. Add Globe as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Gist

On April 1, the next royal wedding date was announced.

Princess Annes son Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling will tie the knot in a private ceremony on June 6.

Because they are marrying in a church, the couplewho have both been married beforeneeded special permission to wed.

Princess Annes son Peter Phillips is set to marry Harriet Sperling on June 6, but ahead of saying I do, the couple needed special permission to get married, according to reports.

Both Phillips and Sperling have both been married before, and this is the second wedding for each. As such, ahead of their private ceremony at All Saints Church in Cirencester, they needed to have the sign off from a local vicar for the ceremony to go ahead. Per The Sun, the couple have the vicars permission.

Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling at Wimbledon on July 9, 2025

Credit: Getty

Phillips married Autumn Kelly in 2008, the first of Queen Elizabeths grandchildren to tie the knot. Their divorce was finalized in 2021 and they share two daughters, 14-year-old Savannah and 13-year-old Isla. Sperling was previously married as well, and she has a teenage daughter, Georgia. Phillips and Sperling began dating publicly in May 2024, and in August 2025 announced their engagement. Per Hello!, the pair currently live on the Princess Royals estate Gatcombe Park, which is just a 20-minute drive away from where they are to exchange vows in two months time.

Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling on July 11, 2025

Credit: Getty

When King Charles and Queen Camilla wed in 2005, both had been married before, so instead of being married in a church, they married in a civil ceremony at the Windsor Guildhall. There was later a church blessing given by the Archbishop of Canterbury.

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Since 2002, the Church of England has accepted that under certain circumstances a divorced person may remarry in a church, but, as was the case with Phillips and Sperling, the decision resides with the local minister of the church or chapel, per Hello!.

Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling on January 1, 2026

Credit: Getty

When Phillips proposed to Sperling last summer, he did so with a diamond ring by Pragnall, a British jeweler that made Phillipss late grandmother Queen Elizabeths engagement ring in 1946a sweet way to include her after her death at age 96 in 2022. Sperlings ring features a large center diamond and two smaller side diamonds, and it remains to be seen what the NHS nursedubbed the new royal style icon by Vanity Fairwill wear for her wedding day.

While former royal butler Grant Harrold said that Phillips and Sperlings wedding wont be as large-scale as other royal weddings, there will still be excitement surrounding the event, per Marie Claire.

However, its still a royal wedding, and well still have the family out togetherso there will be a lot of interest and media attention, he continued.

Harriet Sperling and Peter Phillips on July 12, 2024

Credit: Getty

Following Andrew Mountbatten-Windsors shocking arrest in February, The royals will be wanting some good news because theres been so much negativity recentlythey need something positive, Harrold said. It is a reason to celebrate, and they will want this to be picked up as a positive piece of news, despite it being a more private engagement.

Read the original article on InStyle
One city in New York was ranked among the top 10 best places to celebrate Easter.

Easter is a major holiday in the Empire State and across the country, both in religious practices and consumerism. An expected 80% of Americans will celebrate Easter this year, and consumers are predicted to spend around $25 billion, according to the National Retail Federation.

Though it is a major nationwide holiday, a new WalletHub study revealed that Easter celebrations can look different depending on where you are.

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The best cities for Easter cater to the religious nature of the holiday by offering plenty of opportunities for Christians to attend services, and they also provide the resources for people to have a great time with their family regardless of religious affiliation," WalletHub Analyst Chip Lupo said. "That means lots of places to get some sweet treats or dine out, as well as good weather conditions and nice open spaces for Easter egg hunts.

To determine the best places to celebrate Easter in the United States, WalletHub compared 100 of the largest U.S. cities across 11 metrics, ranging from candy and chocolate stores per capita to the citys Christian population.

Here's what to know about NY's rank.

What NY cities are ranked as the best places to celebrate Easter?

Brothers D.J., Jayden and Karter Reynolds look through the eggs they found at the Easter Egg Hunt held at Edgerton Park in Rochester on March 29, 2026. The event was sponsored by Barbers from Dream Cuts, Brothers & Sisters Unisex Salon, Sweet Ida Maes Pantry, and Tenth Ward Tigers Youth Sports.

Two New York cities were ranked among the 100 best cities to celebrate Easter.

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Buffalo fell among the top 10 best places to celebrate Easter, ranking at No. 5 with an overall score of 55.54. The Nickel City ranked No. 2 for the Easter observers rank, No. 39 for the Easter traditions rank, No. 49 for the kids' Easter rank and No. 46 for the Easter weather rank.

Buffalo also has the second-most churches per capita and has the fifth-highest percentage of Christian population.

New York City ranked at No. 86 with an overall score of 38.37. The Big Apple tied with Las Vegas and Honolulu for the most candy and chocolate stores per capita.

WalletHub's top 10 best cities to celebrate Easter

Birmingham, Alabama Pittsburgh New Orleans Las Vegas Buffalo Orlando, Florida Atlanta El Paso, Texas St. Louis Albuquerque, New Mexico

How WalletHub assessed best places to celebrate Easter

To determine the best cities to celebrate Easter, WalletHub compared 100 of the most populated U.S. cities across four dimensions: Easter observers, Easter traditions, kids' Easter and Easter weather.

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The Easter observers category analyzed these factors:

Share of Christian population

Churches per capita

The Easter traditions category analyzed these factors:

Google search interest for "Easter Celebration."

Cost of restaurant meal

Brunch restaurants per capita

Candy and chocolate stores per capita

Flowers and gift shops per capita

The kids' Easter category analyzed these factors:

Share of children aged nine and younger

Acres of parkland per capita

The Easter weather category analyzed these factors:

Difference between forecasted and normal temperatures on Easter.

Forecasted precipitation for Easter

Data used to create the ranking was collected as of March 3, 2026, and the information was sourced from multiple entities, including the U.S. Census Bureau, the Association of Religion Data Archives, the Trust for Public Land, Yelp, Google, Numbeo, and AccuWeather.

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 Madison Scott is a journalist with the Democrat and Chronicle who covers breaking and trending news for the Finger Lakes Region. She has an interest in how the system helps or doesn't help families with missing loved ones. She can be reached at MDScott@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Buffalo ranks among top 10 U.S. cities to celebrate Easter
TEHRAN, April 3 (Xinhua) -- The Iranian army confirmed that its air defense systems shot down a U.S. A-10 "Warthog" attack plane on Friday over Iran's southern waters near the Strait of Hormuz, with the aircraft crashing into the Persian Gulf.

The announcement, published on the army's website, came shortly after Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps said that it had downed a U.S. F-35 fighter jet in central Iranian airspace earlier in the day.

Later Friday, Iran's semi-official Mehr News Agency reported that a U.S. Black Hawk helicopter was also hit by a projectile in Iranian airspace while searching for the pilot of the downed U.S. fighter jet.

The United States has not officially commented on Iran's claim yet.

On Feb. 28, Israel and the United States launched joint attacks on Tehran and several other Iranian cities, killing Iran's then Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, along with senior military commanders and civilians. Iran responded by launching waves of missile and drone strikes targeting Israel and U.S. assets in the Middle East. 
When Carolyn Payne and husband Richard Robinson bought their oceanview condominium on Royal Palm Way in May 2025, they were looking for a new locale and a change from their home in Chatham, Massachusetts.

This is our first place in Palm Beach. My husband used to live in Tampa and I used to live in Miami, and we both were looking for a place that would be someplace different, Payne says.

When I lived in Miami, I used to come up to Palm Beach and spend weekends as a getaway, so I knew Palm Beach a little bit, and we thought this would be a nice place to be, she says.

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But the time has come to change it up again.

Caroline's a bit of a rolling stone, Robinson says. She's studying French right now and we travel a lot. We just came back from the Cayman Islands.

They were scuba diving, which they both enjoy, adds Payne.

Moving has more to do with our lifestyle, and we're regrouping back to the New England area, Payne says.

As they regroup, they have put their two-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath condo  No. D-2 at 100 Royal Palm Way  on the market. Recently renovated with 2,240 square feet of living space, inside and out, the apartment is priced at $6.449 million. The condo is listed through agent Ashley Copeland of Brown Harris Stevens and will be sold with covered parking for one car.

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The One Royal Palm building is directly across the street from the ocean on the corner of South Ocean Boulevard and Royal Palm Way. Built in the late 1960s, the curvilinear building has six floors with 39 units. A block to the west is South County Road, while Worth Avenue is four blocks to the south.

We can just walk to a restaurant or shops, Payne says. And we can see the water and watch the boats go by, so it's been fun.

From the second-floor apartments front door, the dining area and the living room are to the north. The primary suite is to one side, with the kitchen, breakfast area, powder room and a bedroom suite on the opposite side.

One wall of the oceanview living room comprises a bank of sliding-glass doors.

The formal dining area is at one end of the living room.

The living room, main bedroom and breakfast area all offer ocean views across Midtown Beach, as does the covered balcony. Completing the layout is an laundry area.

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The couple worked with Albright Construction of Lantana on their renovations. A key part of the remodeling project was flip-flopping the kitchen and guest bedroom.

To me, you only spend a certain amount of time in the bedroom, especially if you're in a place that's as beautiful as this, and then you want to be in a place where you're looking out at the ocean and all that's going on around you, Payne says.

In condominium No. D-2 at 100 Royal Palm Way in Palm Beach, a major renovation put the kitchen where the guest room once was to give the breakfast room an ocean view. The two-bedroom condo is listed for sale at $6.449 million.

With warm oak cabinets, the kitchen has a center work island.

Now we have a huge kitchen with oak cabinets, state-of-the-art appliances and Taj Mahal (marble finishes)," she says. "It's a beautiful room. We can sit there and look out at the ocean  and it's just a wonderful place to be.

Robinson says the renovations have made the apartment more livable. Carolyn had the very ingenious idea of putting in a powder room, he says, and we also created the den.

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In the living area, meanwhile, they installed a custom bar finished with Cristallo marble and featuring a wine fridge.

Like the new powder room, the other bathrooms were finished in marble during the renovation. Closets throughout have custom-fitted fixtures.

Sliding-glass doors in the primary bedroom open onto the covered balcony.

Bathrooms in the condominium have marble appointments.

They tore out carpeting and replaced it with oak flooring. The plumbing is new as is the electrical wiring.

The air-conditioning system and the hot water heater were replaced within the last five years, and the impact-resistant sliding-glass doors were already in place when they bought the apartment.

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The buildings gym is just across the hall from the couples front door. Its kind of become another room for us, Payne says.

With a swimming pool and patio area, the building also has an on-site manager and door personnel.

Fronting Royal Palm Way, the condominium building has a distinctive serpentine silhouette.

While the couple are returning to their primary home, they are leaving Palm Beach with a heavy heart, Payne says.

I love the warmth and the beauty of the ocean, and its a really nice building," she says. "The people are very friendly. The maintenance staff has been wonderful. If anything needs to be done, the services are top notch. Anything, I mean. You're a little  well, you're a lot  spoiled.

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To see more photos of unit No. D-2 at 100 Royal Palm Way, click on the photo gallery near the top of this page.

For more than 20 years, Christine Davis has written about Palm Beach real estate in the "On the Market feature in the Palm Beach Daily News.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: A renovated oceanview Palm Beach condo is listed at about $6.45M
PHILADELPHIA  Jewish people were a very small minority in Colonial America, said museum adviser Josh Perelman, but they played an outsize role in the fight for freedom.

A senior adviser for content and strategic projects at the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia, Perelman recently gave USA TODAY a tour of the museum ahead of its exhibit, "The First Salute," opening April 23, which highlights the role of a tiny Jewish community  and a tiny Caribbean island  in the Revolutionary War effort.

Jewish people had first permanently settled in the New World in 1654, coming from Amsterdam to live in New Amsterdam, the Dutch colony that would eventually become New York City. Others came from Brazil, where they'd enjoyed some measure of self-determination while it was under Dutch rule but, when the colony came under Portuguese rule, decided to leave rather than face forced conversion to Christianity, persecution or worse.

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Many of America's earliest Jewish families had surnames like Lopez, Rodriguez and Gomez from their roots on the Iberian Peninsula, from which they were expelled in 1492 by order of the Catholic King Ferdinand II of Aragon and Queen Isabella I after the horrors of the Spanish Inquisition.

"As Isabella and Ferdinand were waving goodbye to Christopher Columbus, they were waving goodbye to the Jews, too," Perelman said, "by kicking them out of the country."

Like so many others before and after them, Perelman said, Jewish people came to America because they saw it as a land of opportunity, a place to start anew, and a place where they could determine their own future.

New Amsterdam, old prejudices

"There are mythologies about Jews that exist to this day," Perelman said as he walked through the museum steps from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. "But Jews are no different than any other minority. Not one is a monolith."

Josh Perelman of the Weitzman Museum points to some of the Americas' earliest Jewish settlers. Many families had Spanish surnames, he noted, pointing to their Iberian origins.

The Jews who landed in New Amsterdam found it wasn't so immediately welcoming. Peter Stuyvesant, the governor and a strict Calvinist, considered Jewish people "hateful enemies and blasphemers," and warned that if they were allowed to stay, then "we cannot refuse the Lutherans and the Papists."

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Jewish leaders  and those who valued their skills as merchants and traders  advocated successfully for them to stay in New Amsterdam, but under the conditions that they not worship publicly. Jewish people were also forbidden from owning real estate, serving in the militia, opening shops or holding public office. They were to take care of their own, Perelman said, so they did, forming their own mutual aid groups and community organizations.

"There was this confrontation," Perelman explained. "Would this New World be a monoculture, or an open society with diversity and heterogeneity?"

Soon, there would be Jewish communities in Newport, Rhode Island; Savannah, Georgia; Charleston, South Carolina; and Philadelphia, as well as in New York.

A dispute over economics turns to war

In the pre-industrial Old World, wealth meant owning land, so Jewish people were relegated to "lower" professions like finance, mercantilism and trade. They brought those skills and connections to the New World, settling in cities with busy ports. Philadelphia, with its Quaker tradition of religious tolerance, New York and Newport were particularly hospitable to Jewish people.

An exhibit inside the Weitzman Museum shows Jewish migration patterns to the Americas during the Colonial period.

"In many ways, Jews enjoyed more freedom here than in Europe," Perelman said, and while antisemitism was a reality in America, it wasn't the violent, virulent antisemitism of the Old World. Jews here "felt a greater sense of agency, and they were able to navigate through it without the fear of violent reprisal."

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The American Revolution began as a series of grievances over taxation, representation and self-determination that evolved into more high-minded ideas about liberty, Perelman noted.

"One of the more remarkable aspects of it is that you see these ideas about liberty gestating and coming to live," he said. "Something that is a revolution, and is revolutionary."

Josh Perelman of the Weitzman Museum shows a letter that includes a Hebrew prayer for the country, written in 1789 by Jacob Cohen of Richmond, Virginia.

The island that helped arm a revolution

St. Eustatius is a small island in the Caribbean that, according to the U.S. Naval Institute, served as "the arsenal of the American Revolution," an 8-square-mile Dutch outpost that became a way of eluding British blockades once war broke out, with ships bringing gunpowder and munitions to the Continental army, facilitated by Jewish traders and merchants.

Jewish traders' connections "became invaluable to supplying the Continental army with gunpowder, munitions and clothing," Perelman said. "Their networks of family and trading put them in places like Amsterdam, Paris and the Caribbean" that were out of reach for the British military, crucial because there was no munitions industry in the colonies.

A display at the Weitzman Museum shows reproductions of letters between Moses Seixas a leader in Newport, Rhode Island's Jewish community, and George Washington, in which the first President affirmed the promise of religious freedom.

In 1781, British forces led by Gen. John Vaughan and Adm. George Rodney seized the island, and Rodney's first order of business was to imprison all the Jewish men on the island, stripping them of their wealth and deporting them, even exhuming graves to plunder them, drawing widespread condemnation. But Rodney, an inveterate gambler, lingered too long on the island  giving French forces the opening they needed to reach the Americans with much-needed aid.

A plea from Gen. Washington: 'Send for Haym Salomon'

Haym Salomon was born in Poland but arrived in New York in 1775, joining the Sons of Liberty and establishing a brokerage house, working alongside Robert Morris, a Philadelphia merchant, to secure and manage funding for the Revolutionary cause. Salomon, though, was captured by the British, accused of being a spy.

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During his captivity, Salomon, who was multilingual, served as a translator between British and Hessian forces  convincing some of them to desert or turn to the American side. Arrested again in 1778, Salomon escaped to Philadelphia, where he worked alongside Morris again, securing money for the Continental army, even donating much of his own money to the cause. At Yorktown, Congress and Gen. George Washington found themselves low on funds to pay troops; Washington told Morris, "Send for Haym Salomon," who got the financing, and turned the tide of the war's final battle.

But Salomon, for all his efforts, is often overlooked in historical accounts, wrote historian James A. Percoco in Battlefields.org. He died penniless in 1785.

The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History is steps away from the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall in Philadelphia.

A risk worth taking

Jewish people in America, Perelman said, saw their efforts to support the American Revolution as "a risk worth taking," and for many of them, the risk paid off. Washington, as the new nation's first president, reiterated the guarantee of religious freedom. After a 1790 visit to Newport and meeting one of its Jewish leaders, Moses Seixas, Washington wrote that the new nation's government should give "to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance."

By leveraging their skills and connections, Jewish people were "participating side by side [with the Founding Fathers]" in the Revolutionary cause, including about 100 Jews who fought with the Continental army.

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"Like everyone else, they had to choose between the status quo, or risk everything, their lives and their livelihoods for these aspirational ideals and an uncertain future," Perelman said. "Most of them in the colonies and in the Caribbean believed in those ideals."

(This story was updated to clarify a quotation from Josh Perelman.)

Phaedra Trethan is a national correspondent for USA TODAY, writing about history and Americana. Contact her by email at ptrethan@usatoday.com, on X @wordsbyphaedra, on BlueSky @byphaedra, or on Threads @by_phaedra.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How a Jewish minority and a tiny island helped America win its freedom
The United States Submarine Veterans (USSVI) Tri-State Base will meet April 11. The gathering will take place at King's Restaurant, 785 Middleway Pike, Inwood, according to a community announcement.

The event will begin with lunch at 11 a.m., followed by a business meeting.

Ceremony to honor new Holland Club members

A highlight of the meeting will be a ceremony to induct new members into the Holland Club. This recognition is for individuals who have reached 50 years since their submarine qualification date, according to the announcement.

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Additionally, Dianne Klopp of Honor Flight  Top of Virginia will be the guest speaker.

The Tri-State Base includes members from West Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania. The group meets monthly, rotating locations among the states. They engage in community projects and participate in various veteran-related activities.

Navy veterans who qualified on a submarine are encouraged to attend. Spouses and friends are also welcome, and there is an auxiliary to support the group's projects.

For more information, visit ussvi-tri-statebase.org or contact Commander Stephen Leon at 240-415-8673 or tristatebase@gmail.com, or Glen Sherrard at 304-676-8417 or gsherrard274@gmail.com.

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This story was created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at https://cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct/.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: TriState Submarine Veterans invite members to April 11 meeting
NEED TO KNOW

A 3-week-old mountain lion cub named Crimson was rescued after being abandoned in Southern California

Crimson is receiving care at the Oakland Zoo, including bottle-feedings every three hours

The zoo plans to introduce Crimson to another rescued cub, Clover, as part of his long-term rehabilitation

A 3-week-old mountain lion cub is getting a second chance at life after being rescued and transported to Oakland Zoo for around-the-clock care.

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According to a press release from the California zoo, the male cub, now named Crimson, was found alone in Southern California.

Biologists made multiple visits to the cub's den and tracked activity there using GPS and cameras to confirm that the cub's mother wasn't returning to care for the baby animal. Wildlife officials ultimately determined the cub had been abandoned after he began vocalizing frequently and lost about 10% of his body weight. Officials noted that they monitored Crimson closely before intervening.

Rescuers with the National Park Service and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) brought the baby mountain lion to the Los Angeles Zoo on Wednesday, March 25. The zoo's veterinary staff conducted a full medical evaluation, including blood tests, a CT scan, and a physical examination.

Crimson the mountain lion at the Oakland Zoo

Credit: Oakland Zoo

Although he was determined to be in "overall good health," the cub was missing multiple toes on one paw, which the care staff believed was an injury the cub sustained in the wild.

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On March 27, Crimson was flown north by Flying Tails Animal Rescue and transferred to Oakland Zoo's veterinary hospital, making Crimson the facility's 33rd mountain lion rescue.

Now in intensive care, the tiny cub is being bottle-fed every three hours as the zoo's staff works to replicate the care he would have received from his mother in the wild. "Although his health appears good at this time, he is at a delicate stage," officials note. "The zoo will monitor him closely as he grows."

Crimson the moutain lion cub being bottle-fed at the Oakland Zoo

Credit: Oakland Zoo

Because mountain lion cubs typically stay with their mothers for up to 18 months to learn survival skills, Crimson cannot be released back into the wild. Instead, the zoo hopes to eventually introduce him to Clover, another rescued cub currently in its care.

"I've had the privilege of witnessing countless rescues," said Oakland Zoo CEO Nik Dehejia. "There is something so deeply moving about watching our team pour themselves so completely into a single life."

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.

For now, the focus remains on helping Crimson grow stronger. When he is "larger and more robust," the staff will arrange an initial introduction with Clover.

Read the original article on People
Two people were arrested after $1 million in stolen merchandise - including items from ALO and SKIMS - were seized in massive retail theft bust in Van Nuys.

Hannah Noto, 25, and Jude Bigay, 26, were arrested Wednesday after search warrants were served in North Hills, West Los Angeles, Sunland and Van Nuys.

According to the Los Angeles Police Department, the two suspects admitted to their involvement in defrauding multiple clothing companies through an e-commerce scheme then selling items on the popular livestream shopping platform Whatnot.

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Police said 55 pallets of stolen commercial and train cargo were found at a warehouse in the 16700 block of Stagg Street in Van Nuys, which including items from the brands Edikted, ALO, SKIMS, Ariat, Milwaukee, Ninja, Dyson, Duracell, and more.

Noto and Bigay booked in the Van Nuys Jail for receiving stolen property.

"This case underscores the importance of interagency collaboration in combating large-scale cargo theft and preserving the integrity of commercial supply chains," said LAPD in a statement. "The investigation is ongoing, and further arrests are expected."
NEED TO KNOW

The Los Angeles Police Departments (LAPD) Cargo Theft Task Force recovered $1 million worth of stolen clothing and other train cargo on Thursday, April 2

The haul included items from Edikted, Alo, SKIMS, Ariat, Milwaukee, Ninja, Dyson, Duracell and more brands

Hannah Noto of North Hills and Jude Bigay of Sunland were arrested and charged in connection with the $1 million theft

The Los Angeles Police Departments (LAPD) Cargo Theft Task Force recovered $1 million worth of stolen clothing and other train cargo on Thursday, April 2.

The LAPD announced the recovery of stolen items in a release shared on X, confirming that two arrests were made in connection with the theft on Wednesday, April 1.

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"Detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department's Commercial Crimes Division - Cargo Theft Task Force, in collaboration with the Union Pacific Railroad Police, BNSF Police, Los Angeles World Airport Police, Los Angeles District Attorney's Office - Bureau of Investigation, and HSI's Cargo Theft Group, executed search warrants in North Hills, West Los Angeles, Sunland, and Van Nuys," the release read.

Investigators arrested Hannah Noto of North Hills and Jude Bigay of Sunland in connection with the robbery.

"The two suspects admitted to their involvement to defraud multiple clothing companies through an e-commerce scheme, then selling the stolen property on a popular live-streaming shopping platform, called Whatnot," the LAPD release alleged.

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

Police then obtained a search warrant for a warehouse on the 16700 block of Stagg Street in Van Nuys, Calif., where "over 55 pallets of stolen commercial and train cargo was discovered," per the release. The haul included items from EDIKTED, ALO, SKIMS, Ariat, Milwaukee, Ninja, Dyson, Duracell, and more. The massive amount of clothing items are estimated to be worth $1 million, per LAPD.

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Noto, 25, and Bigay, 26, were booked into the Van Nuys Jail on felony receiving stolen property charges. Both have since been released, according to jail records reviewed by PEOPLE. Noto's next court date is on April 22, while Bigay is due to appear in court the following day, on April 23.

"This case underscores the importance of interagency collaboration in combating large-scale cargo theft and preserving the integrity of commercial supply chains," the LAPD added. "The investigation is ongoing, and further arrests are expected."

This is the second major cargo theft scheme unveiled in the Los Angeles area in recent months. In March, detectives with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office (LASD) found and seized approximately $7 million in stolen goods from 36 companies, including JB Hunt, Amazon, Sony, LG, T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, Dollar General, Family Dollar, Costco, Wolff Shoes, Monster Energy and Disney, per LASD. $1 million in cash was also recovered.

Read the original article on People
A 20-year-old man who threatened to carry out an attack on a high-speed German Inter City Express (ICE) in western Germany was remanded in custody on Friday.

An investigating judge issued an arrest warrant for the man in Aachen on Friday afternoon. He is to be remanded in custody, the Public Prosecutors Office announced.

The arrest warrant cites suspicion of attempted murder, grievous bodily harm and violations of the Explosives Act, among other things.

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On Thursday evening, the assailant threatened to carry out an attack on a crowded ICE train en route from Cologne to Frankfurt and detonated two explosive devices.

At least 12 people sustained minor injuries in the incident on Thursday, shortly before the long Easter weekend. According to the Public Prosecutors Office in Dusseldorf, the motive remained unclear the following day. Investigators are considering various possible motives as they assess the incident.

A spokeswoman for the Public Prosecutors Office said there is evidence that the man can be classified as belonging to the far-right spectrum.

On the other hand, there are also indications that the man suffers from a mental illness, she said. The exact sequence of events has yet to be established.

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Federal police officers detained the assailant at Siegburg station that evening. He is alleged to have first thrown the lit objects on the ICE train then retreated to the train toilet.

Other passengers detained him there until the emergency services arrived. The train was evacuated.

A police statement said that one person had presumably suffered a blast injury.

A spokeswoman for the federal police also spoke during the night of "minor, superficial skin injuries" among those affected. However, most of the approximately 180 passengers escaped with nothing more than a fright.
The Wisconsin Examiners Criminal Justice Reporting Project shines a light on incarceration, law enforcement and criminal justice issues with support from the Public Welfare Foundation.

Gov. Tony Evers announced Friday that he had signed two executive orders to begin offering commutations, a reduction of a criminal sentence by the governors authority to grant clemency.

Even though Evers has granted a record number of pardons, a form of forgiveness that reinstates some rights, during his tenure  over 2,000  he has not granted any commutations. The last Wisconsin governor to offer a commutation was Republican Tommy Thompson, who issued seven commutations in addition to 202 pardons. Thompson was governor from 1987 to 2001,

Its time for Wisconsin to join red and blue states across our country and finally move our justice system into the 21st Century by reforming our criminal justice and corrections systems to improve public safety, reduce the likelihood that individuals will reoffend when they enter our communities, and save taxpayer dollars in the long run, Evers said in a statement. Issuing official grants of forgiveness through pardons has been one of the most rewarding parts of my job as governor, and Im looking forward to restoring the commutations process in Wisconsin for the first time since Tommy Thompson was governor..

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Members of WISDOM, a non-profit faith-based organization that works to end mass incarceration, say Evers told them in 2023 that he would begin issuing commutations. Subsequently, the organization and other criminal justice advocates have been pressing Evers administration to offer commutations and to create a structure to process applications.

Prior to Evers announcement, there was no process in place for those in the criminal justice system, either in prison or community supervision (parole, probation or extended supervision), to apply for a commutation. There was only a process to apply for a pardon, but to be eligible for a pardon the applicant had to complete an entire sentence, including incarceration and community supervision, and avoid any criminal charges for five years.

Evers ran for office in 2018 on a commitment to reduce the prison population in Wisconsin, but after a dip during COVID, the number of people in prison population has remained steady at over 23,000. Advocates have said commutations would enable Evers to address the high prison population by offering it to worthy residents, especially those who committed crimes as youth, have been incarcerated for a considerable number of years, and are good candidates to return to society.

In his announcement, Evers called on lawmakers to take more steps to reduce the prison population.

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Wisconsin cannot wait for criminal justice reforms, Evers said. As our prison population continues to skyrocket, increasing costs to taxpayers on overtime and other resource needs, the Legislature must start working toward making long-term justice and corrections reforms a priority, including efforts to help stabilize our states prison population that our institutions already are struggling to accommodate. For years, Ive asked the Legislature to work with me to invest in behavioral and mental health services, treatment and diversion, and reentry programmingthese are evidence-based and data-driven policies we know will help keep our communities safer while continuing to ensure dangerous individuals remain in our institutions. My administration will continue doing what we can as long as I am governor, but we cannot do it alonethe Legislature must get serious about this issue.

The governor noted in his order, Executive Order 287, that commutation promotes rehabilitation by providing a system that rewards the positive efforts of incarcerated individuals who demonstrate personal growth and a commitment to change with the possibility of a second chance to contribute to society, become productive members of their communities, make amends, and improve their lives and those of the people around them.

Additionally, the order noted, the granting of commutations can also encourage incarcerated individuals to be accountable, take responsibility, make amends, and seek forgiveness for their actions that have harmed other individuals and the community.

Advocates have said the possibility of a commutation is an incentive for those incarcerated to be model residents, to strive to improve themselves with job skills, and address behavioral issues to be better prepared for life outside of prison.

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Evers said there will be categories of individuals ineligible for commutation, including those who have committed sexual assault, physical abuse of a child, sexual exploitation of a child, trafficking of a child, incest and soliciting a child for prostitution.

Executive Order 287 will create a Commutation Advisory Board comprised of 14 members, including the Governors chief legal counsel or a designee and others who have experience or expertise in the fields of reentry services, victim rights, corrections, and related areas and who are otherwise able to provide a valuable perspective on reduction of criminal sentences.

The governors second executive order, 288, creates a juvenile life sentence commutation process for individuals who were tried as adults and sentenced to life imprisonment for a crime committed in their youth.

A growing body of neuroscientific and psychological research has demonstrated that an individuals brain, behavior, and personality undergo significant changes throughout their teen years and into their twenties, said the governor. He noted in a press release the U.S. Supreme Court decision Miller v. Alabama, which found that a mandatory life sentence without parole for juveniles is unconstitutional, in part because they are not fully accountable for their actions due to brain development and maturity.

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Individuals who commit a crime in their youth therefore possess increased potential for rehabilitation, a diminished degree of culpability, and a lower chance of reoffending once they have reached maturity, said Evers.

Since 2022, there has been legislation offering adjustments of life sentences for people who were sentenced as adults when they were under age 18, but that legislation has failed to gain traction. With SB 882, the most recent example, one issue has been apparent confusion over the number of those eligible, with the number cited by Sen. Jesse James (R-Altoona), the legislations sponsor, reportedly differing from the number advocacy groups were reporting.

Advocacy groups welcome order

Beverly Walker, an official with WISDOM and also with Integrity Center who led the organizations advocacy for commutation, and Sherry Reames, a WISDOM volunteer who also worked on commutations, said in statements that Evers order would address conditions created by Wisconsins sentencing policies, including prison overcrowding, that especially affect Black, brown, indigenous and poor communities.

Today, Gov. Evers took action to advance justice in Wisconsin, said Walker. This marks a significant shift forward.

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Gov. Evers decision to restore the commutations process will promote redemption and provide hope for people who have made great strides with their personal growth and development. said Reames. This is an important first step, but much work remains to be done.

Reames, who is also a member of the group MOSES, said WISDOM would closely monitor the implementation of the commutation process and help ensure it is inclusive.

If Governor Evers and future Wisconsin governors boldly move the commutations process forward in the coming months and years, this would begin to reverse the harm caused by decades of over-incarceration and provide hope and opportunities for many people, she said.

Marianne Olesson, co-executive director of EXPO of Wisconsin, one of the advocacy groups that has been pressing for commutations, called Evers orders Friday an important and long-overdue step toward a more just, humane, and credible legal system.

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By signing Executive Orders 287 and 288, Governor Evers has reopened a pathway for review, redemption, and second chances for people currently serving sentences, including a process specifically recognizing the unique potential for growth and rehabilitation among youth sentenced to life in prison, Olesson said. The new process includes eligibility criteria, review by a Commutation Advisory Board, consideration of institutional conduct and rehabilitation, and opportunities for survivor and victim input.

Olesson said opportunities for people in the justice system to demonstrate theyve changed are important.

A justice system that allows no meaningful path for review, even in the face of growth, accountability, and years of demonstrated change, is not a system rooted in true public safety or human dignity, she said. Restoring commutations acknowledges that people can evolve and that redemption must be more than just a talking point. We applaud his commitment and we are grateful.

The Wisconsin State Public Defenders office also praised the orders.

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For the first time in a generation, thousands of Wisconsinites written off by the states legal system will have a clear path to returning home, Public Defender Jennifer Bias said in a statement. For the many Wisconsinites who have done the hard work of redemption and are ready to come home, this is a chance to start anew. For our state, this is an opportunity to heal the scars left by decades of over-incarceration. Governor Evers is taking a bold and necessary step forward.

This report has been updated with additional comments received after publication from leaders of WISDOM.
An Iowa nurse who has repeatedly faced allegations of stealing from patients is now facing disciplinary charges from the Iowa Board of Nursing.

Jessica Renee Williams, 48, of Des Moines is charged by the board with pleading guilty to, or being convicted of, a crime that is either related to the profession of nursing or is a crime that would affect the licensees ability to practice nursing; and with failing to notify the board of a criminal conviction within 30 days. A hearing on the matter is scheduled for June 30, 2026.

As is customary with licensing boards in Iowa, the board has not disclosed any of the alleged circumstances that gave rise to the charges or indicated where or when they are alleged to have occurred.

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The board approved the charges against Williams six months ago, in October 2025, but they were made public by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing only this week.

The case marks the second time Williams has faced disciplinary charges related to allegations of criminal conduct. In 2018, the board charged Williams with pleading guilty to, or being convicted of, a crime that is either related to the profession of nursing or is a crime that would affect the licensees ability to practice nursing.

In that case, the board alleged that Williams was working for a temporary-staffing agency at an Iowa nursing home when she falsely documented giving a patient a prescribed narcotic when in fact she took the drug while working in the facility. As a result of that case, Williams agreed to have her license placed on probation for one year.

In 2023, police alleged Williams used a patients credit card at a Walmart store in Altoona. Store surveillance-camera video allegedly showed Williams using the card to buy $160 worth of groceries for herself, and police said she later used the card on Chumba Gold Coin, which authorities described as a gambling website. Police alleged that at first Williams denied having the victims card, but later returned it and said her husband previously had possession of it.

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After pleading guilty to unauthorized use of a credit card, Williams was sentenced to two years of probation.

Williams continued to work as an Iowa-licensed nurse, and in 2025 she was criminally charged with stealing $8,300 in jewelry and $300 in cash from a different woman for whom she was serving as a live-in caretaker. Police alleged Williams was later captured on surveillance-camera video pawning the victims jewelry at an EZ Pawn store.

Court records show that after being charged with felony second-degree theft, Williams agreed to plead guilty to a reduced charge of misdemeanor third-degree theft. In August 2025, she was sentenced to two years of probation.

Because the 2025 theft constituted a violation of the terms of her 2023 probation, Williams was also charged with a probation violation. That charge was later reduced to contempt of court, and Williams pled guilty, according to court records.

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Earlier this year, Williams filed a motion for post-conviction relief, asking a judge to set aside her 2025 conviction for theft, alleging the victim in the case had been dishonest and had fabricated evidence against her.

As part of her court filings, Williams asked that she be awarded damages for her pain and suffering, the loss of her $93,000 per year job, and for the risk she faced of losing her nursing license. The court is expected to take up that matter on Aug. 17, 2026.

Williams declined to comment on the matter when contacted by the Iowa Capital Dispatch.
By Byron Kaye

SYDNEY, April 3 (Reuters) - Since Australia banned children from using social media in December, lawmakers from Spain to Malaysia have expressed interest in following suit, while U.S. courts have found tech firms negligent toward young users.

This global spotlight on the first such ban on people under 16 using popular apps appears to have encouraged Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's government to ramp up enforcement this week of what it was touting as successful cooperation with industry two months ago, tech policy experts say.

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In getting more aggressive with apps such as Instagram and TikTok, Albanese's centre-left government is pleased with the overseas interest - at least eight countries have said they want similar curbs - but keen to counter the news that many teens are still scrolling on their phones, experts say.

'WHOLE WORLD'S WATCHING'

"The whole world's watching Australia in this experiment, and therefore it looks like weak government to back down or pretend that the failures in reasonable efforts aren't happening," said Jeannie Paterson, co-founder of the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Ethics, who regularly advises government on tech policy.

A spokesperson for Communications Minister Anika Wells said she had not toughened her stance due to global attention, declining to comment further.

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A month after the ban took effect, the government reported in mid-January that social media platforms had deactivated 4.7 million suspected underage accounts, prompting industry participants to expect a grace period of up to a year on enforcement of the ban.

The British and Canadian governments and some U.S. lawmakers have sounded out the Australian authorities on the social media ban - a policy overwhelmingly backed by parents but opposed by the multi-trillion-dollar industry that must comply with it.

Those signs of progress, however, have been undermined by a series of headlines about minors staying on social media.

On Tuesday the government said it was investigating Meta's Instagram and Facebook, TikTok, Alphabet's YouTube and Snapchat for possible breaches of the law, gathering evidence for possible legal action.

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The eSafety regulator had previously said it would only take enforcement action in cases of systemic noncompliance.

In its first comprehensive compliance report, the regulator said nearly one-third of parents reported their under-16 child still had at least one social media account. Among those, two-thirds said the platform had not asked the child's age.

Angela Flannery, a former general counsel for the government's Communications Department who now advises the private sector, said, "The government is quite heartened generally by the number of other jurisdictions that are looking at imposing restrictions on the under-16s globally."

But given Tuesday's "disheartening" report on compliance, Flannery said, "They probably want to be seen to be taking action to keep encouraging other jurisdictions to enforce or to enact similar bans."

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Meta and Snap said they were committed to complying with the ban, TikTok declined to comment and Alphabet did not respond to a request for comment on the government action.

META, GOOGLE LOSE IN U.S. COURTROOMS

The eSafety report said complaints about cyberbullying and image-based abuse - problems the government said the ban would fix - were unchanged, while parents reported being unable to notify platforms that their underage children still had accounts. Minors who failed an age test were being prompted to repeat the test until they passed, the regulator said.

The ban requires platforms to take "reasonable steps" to keep under-16s from having an account or face fines of up to A$49.5 million ($34 million).

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Communications Minister Wells said the problem was not parents or kids failing to comply but Big Tech undermining the government's policy.

Also likely emboldening Australia to go after platforms, say people familiar with the ban's rollout, were a U.S. trial verdict last week ordering Meta to pay $375 million in penalties for safety lapses that allowed child exploitation on Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, and another decision finding Meta and Google negligent for designing social media platforms that are harmful to young people.

"The court cases in New Mexico and California have helped the court of public opinion," said Julian Sefton-Green, a professor of new media at Deakin University who is advising the commissioner's two-year study on the ban's impact.

"They're jury decisions, that social media is liable for the well-being of young people, so I think the government's going to take heart from that."

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Rob Nicholls, a researcher of regulation at the University of Sydney, said the lawsuits may prompt platform redesigns that comply with the Australian ban by focusing on protecting minors.

"The effect of that design change will be to reduce access for under-16s," he said. "If you've got to do it to avoid litigation in the States, you may as well do the same thing around the world."

($1 = 1.4531 Australian dollars)

(Reporting by Byron Kaye in Sydney; Editing by William Mallard)
JERUSALEM, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Israel's Channel 12 News and other Israeli media outlets on Friday reported that the pilot of the U.S. fighter jet that was shot down in Iranian airspace was safely rescued.

The outlets added that the fate of the navigator who was on the jet was unknown.

The channel also reported that the Israeli military has canceled strikes in the area in Iran, where searches are being conducted for the navigator, citing a senior Israeli official.

Israel's state-owned Kan TV News reported that Israel is assisting the United States with intelligence in locating the jet's crew.

Earlier in the day, Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps said that the aircraft was hit by advanced air defence systems operated by its aerospace division.

The development came amid heightened regional tensions following joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran that began on Feb. 28. Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks on Israel and U.S. military assets in neighboring Gulf countries. 
Police have released new details about the possible human remains found along a creek over the weekend in Wilmington, Delaware.

Officers were called to the Ravine Road in the Highland Woods neighborhood around 5:22 p.m. Sunday after a possible human skull was discovered.

In an update Thursday, investigators said it appears the skull had been there for a long time, saying it showed signs of "prolonged environmental exposure."

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A further search of the area uncovered another bone of unknown origin, police said.

The remains were turned over to the Delaware Division of Forensic Science for further testing and analysis.

The identity of the individual whose remains were found has not yet been confirmed.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact Detective Bruhn at Thomas.Bruhn@newcastlede.gov or 302-395-8120


Artemis II commander Reid Wiseman is raising his two kids as a single dad following the tragic death of his wife, Carroll.

"Carroll Taylor Wiseman, 46, passed away May 17 in Friendswood, Texas following a five year battle with cancer," her 2020 obituary in the Virginian Pilot says.

Reid Wiseman is one of the four crew members who have embarked on the Artemis II lunar mission. They are traveling farther than any human beings have ever journeyed away from Earth. "Reid Wiseman is a 27-year Navy veteran, a pilot, a father, an engineer, and a Baltimore native. He was selected as an astronaut by NASA in 2009 and served as Flight Engineer aboard the International Space Station for Expedition 41 from May through November of 2014," NASA explained.

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Wiseman posted a selfie with his two daughters before the flight, writing, "I love these two ladies, and Im boarding that rocket a very proud father."

Reid Wiseman's Late Wife Carroll Worked as a School Nurse, Her Obituary Says

Carroll Wiseman worked as a nurse, her 2020 obituary says.

"Carroll, a native of Virginia Beach, was the daughter of Waller and Anne Taylor. She was a graduate of First Colonial High School, James Madison University, and Virginia Commonwealth University," her obituary reads.

"Upon graduation as a pediatric nurse practitioner, Carroll worked at Childrens Hospital of the Kings Daughters (CHKD) and as a school nurse in Patuxent River, MD and later in Friendswood, TX," reads the obit.

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"Reids hometown is Baltimore, Maryland. His late wife, Carroll, dedicated her life to helping others as a newborn intensive care unit Registered Nurse," NASA wrote.

Reid Wiseman's Daughter Snuck Cookies Into His Luggage

In addition to her parents, Carroll "is survived by her husband, CAPT G. Reid Wiseman, USN, her two daughters, Ellie and Katherine, her sisters Catherine Taylor and Susan Taylor (Jonathan), her brother Robert Taylor (Jennifer), all of Virginia Beach, and seven nieces and nephews," her obit reads.

NASA's bio for Wiseman also discusses this reality. Carroll "is survived by their two children. Despite a long list of professional accolades, Reid considers his time as an only parent as his greatest challenge and the most rewarding phase of his life. When faced with a challenge in his personal or professional life, Reid often seeks guidance from books by experts in the subject, and maintains a growth mindset towards learning and collaborative solutions," the space agency wrote.

Wiseman posted on Instagram that one of his daughters snuck cookies into his luggage. "When you are packing for the Moon and discover your daughter snuck some cookies she made into your luggage. My heart cant take it! " he wrote.

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According to the Baltimore Banner, while Carroll was sick, Reid "stepped back from active flight duty to serve in the astronaut office, first as a deputy, then as chief. But he returned to the flight rotation in November 2022, and soon after, NASA invited him on a bold new mission: a crewed voyage to the moon."

He has prepared his daughters for the risks of space travel.

I went on a walk with my kids, and I told them, Heres where the will is, heres where the trust documents are, and if anything happens to me, heres whats going to happen to you, Reid Wiseman said at a NASA news conference, according to the Banner. Thats just a part of this life.

Reid Wiseman's Family Includes His 83-Year-old Dad, Who Is Also Dealing With Cancer

NASA astronaut Reid Wiseman greets friends and family after walking out of the Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building before heading to pad 39B for the Artemis II launch aboard the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket at the Kennedy Space Center on April 1, 2026 in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Wiseman and NASA astronauts Victor Glover and Christina Koch, and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen will journey around the moon aboard the Orion spacecraft for more than nine days before splashing down in the Pacific. (Photo by Paul Hennessy/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Wiseman's 83-year-old dad also has cancer.

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I wanted to stay alive to see it, Bill Wiseman said of the Artemis launch. He spoke in an interview with the Baltimore Banner.

According to the newspaper, the family has suffered a series of tragedies that has him thinking about his own mortality. "His mother died after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. His wife died of cancer. Now his father's health is faltering," the Banner reported.

Related:

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Apr 3, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
A Waukesha woman died April 1 in a rollover crash in Fond du Lac County, according to a news release from the Fond du Lac County Sheriff's Office.

Jacqueline Rutelle, 30, the sole occupant of the vehicle who was pronounced dead on scene, was identified by the office on April 2.

At 11:52 p.m. April 1, the Fond du Lac County Sheriff's Office received a 911 call from a passing motorist reporting a single-vehicle rollover crash at the intersection of County Highway W and County Highway BB in the Town of Ashford.

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Deputies from the Fond du Lac County Sheriffs Office responded to the scene, along with personnel from the Campbellsport Fire Department, Campbellsport Ambulance, Campbellsport First Responders, Wisconsin State Patrol and City of Fond du Lac Ambulance (Intercept).

A preliminary investigation indicated that the pickup truck driven by Rutelle crashed after failing to negotiate a curve on Highway BB, the release said. The truck left the roadway, fell down an embankment, struck a culvert then overturned onto Highway W.

The crash closed the intersection for about three hours, police said.

A GoFundMe was created by Rutelle's family to help with funeral costs.

The incident remains under investigation, the sheriff's office said.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Authorities identify Waukesha woman who died in rollover crash
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  In accordance with California law, the City of San Diego is taking steps to begin an implementation plan that allows housing to be built near transit centers.

This comes after Senate Bill (SB) 79 has become state law, requiring cities to approve certain housing developments within a one-half-mile radius of transit stopsincluding bus and train stops. For San Diego, the only qualifying spots are Trolley Stops, according to an initial analysis from the City Planning Department.

The city shared that certain areas may be exempt from the rules due to barriers, canyons and freeways, the city shared. According to the city, the laws requirements are already generally aligned with city policy and efforts to address housing affordability.

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After passing an ordinance, the city will be able to begin implementation or exempt certain areas. The law takes effect in the city on July 1, but the city shared some areas may not be eligible for implementation.

A map by the City of San Diego reveals many areas within one-half-mile from a trolley stop may be exempt from the phased implantation.

A map by the City of San Diego showing areas within one-half-mile of a trolley stop. (City of San Diego)

A map by the City of San Diego showing areas within one-half-mile of a trolley stop and areas taking effect on July 1. (City of San Diego)

Some, like former La Mesa City Councilmember Colin Parent, have criticized the possible map.

The @CityofSanDiego is proposing to exempt itself from almost all of SB 79, Parent said in a post on X.

California Governor Gavin Newsoms Press Office reposted Parents social media post, sharing cities must meet the states housing goals.

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The City of San Diego has made significant progress in advancing housing production  and we appreciate their efforts, a spokesperson from Newsoms press office shared to FOX 5/KUSI. We expect San Diego, and all cities, to implement SB 79 in a manner that meets the moment and is consistent with that progress. The bare minimum isnt going to cut it, nor will efforts that slow progress toward building more housing near transit and expanding access to affordable options.

As part of SB 79, cities must submit their alternative plans to the California Department of Housing and Community for approval, the governors office added.

City leadership maintains they are complying with the law and taking their own efforts to address housing affordability.

Compliance is what our hard-working pro-housing dept is doing, Councilmember Joe LaCava said on social media. Even facing HCD interpretations and rumored state amendments. For better or worse, its the law and we are complying.

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San Diego City Council is still in the early stages of addressing SB 79 implantation. The city confirmed the San Diego Planning Commission will review the proposed implementation plan on April 16.

Following review, the plan will head to city council to adopt an ordinance allowing phased implementation.

Phasing the implementation of SB 79 would allow the City to fully evaluate where additional homes should be allowed and provide opportunities for the public to share their thoughts on how to best implement SB 79, a spokesperson for the City of San Diego shared.

In the upcoming months, the planning commission will consider factors such as fire safety, climate change resistance, equal distribution across the city, historic resources and neighborhood scale.

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Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
In an effort to curb lawsuits from political opposition, Republican lawmakers gave final approval on April 2 to a bill to make it harder for all Tennesseans to challenge the constitutionality of new state laws. The bill now goes to Gov. Bill Lees desk.

House Bill 1971 repeals a provision Republicans passed eight years ago, aimed at ensuring Tennesseans can sue the state to challenge unlawful or unconstitutional bills passed by the legislature before they suffer harm.

Since then, many new laws passed by the Republican-controlled legislature have been challenged  and held up  in court.

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Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti  whose office has to defend new laws in court  requested lawmakers repeal the measure and replace the barriers removed in 2018.

Virtually every piece of legislation results in litigation these days, Skrmetti told The Tennessean late last month.

House Bill 1971 removes citizens right to sue the state over whether a new law is constitutional before actually suffering harm. If signed into law, citizens seeking to mount a constitutional challenge would have to prove actual damage had been done in order to have standing for a lawsuit.

Tennessee Sen. Jeff Yarbro (D) during a Senate State and Local Government Committee meeting at Cordell Hull State Office Building in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026.

Sen. Jeff Yarbro, D-Nashville, said the bill makes state government decisions unreviewable by the citizens and by the courts.

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This is not conservative, Yarbro said. Conservatives used to not trust power. I didnt want concentrated power in some centralized government. But whats happening right now is centralized power in a centralized government that cant be checked.

Senate Republicans narrowly approved the measure in a vote of 18 to 13 on April 2. It squeaked through the House with just 56 votes on March 30.

It now goes to Gov. Bill Lee for his signature. The governor could veto the bill, but unlike many states, Tennessee requires only a simple majority to override the governors veto.

Sen. John Stevens R-Huntingdon, staffer, Rhett Pratt and Sen. Ken Yager, R-Kingston, walk by the Tennessee state Capitol during the third day of special session at the capitol on Jan. 29, 2025.

From the beginning, Republican bill sponsor Sen. John Stevens, R-Huntington, has said the bill is aimed at shutting down abusive, politically motivated lawsuits from left-wing groups. Majority Leader Jack Johnson said that it would prevent courts from being bogged down in deciding theoretical disagreements.

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If this law remains in place and advocacy groups  both left and right  are able to get injunctions against a statute we pass, the people of Tennessee are not going to know how to comply with the law, Stevens said. That is not a system of government that people are asking for.

More: At AG's request, GOP leaders back bill to block challenges of new laws

Republicans argued that if people remained able to challenge the legality of the legislatures actions, their lawmaking work would not be permenent.

As long as [the law] remains in place, I have to assume that groups like Every Town for Gun Safety could come into Tennesse courts and could begin to unwind legislation that we have passed that protect the rights of the Second Amendment? asked Sen. Brent Taylor, R-Memphis.

Sen. Brent Taylor, R-Memphis, walks to the Senate Chamber before the first day of the Tennessee legislative session at the Tennessee Capitol in Nashville on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026.

Democrats argued that the American system of separation of powers empowers the courts to check the power of the legislative branch.

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We have three branches of government for a reason. If a citizen truly believes that something is unconstitutional or an action will be harmful, I dont think that we should try to make it harder for them to do that, said Senate Minority Leader Raumesh Akbari, D-Memphis.

When a law is challenged, judges have discretion to grant an injunction only if proper proof is offered, Akbari noted.

Its not like Oprah  you dont get an injunction, you dont get an injunction, you dont get an injunction, Akbari said.

To stand here and vilify the potential actions of a jduge who we confirm and we vote for and say that they will just arbitrarily grant injunctions to undo the laws that we pass as a legislature, I think, is really not fair, Akbari said.

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The bill doesnt block lawsuits against the state altogether, but it would stop lawsuits like those that have halted the rollout of certain Republican-backed measures

Stevens pointed to two ongoing lawsuits that the bill would have prevented: Phillips v. State challenging Tennessees abortion ban, and the challenge by Memphis officials of Gov. Bill Lees deployment of the National Guard there.

The people will not accept being ruled by the judiciary, Stevens argued. Our system works because the people have a say in the laws that govern their lives. The legislative process gives everyone the opportunity to have a voice in how their day-to-day lives are regulated.

Tennessee state Sen. John Stevens makes notes before recess at his desk in the Senate Chambers in Nashville, Tenn., at the end of the legislative session on Wednesday, May 5, 2021.

The bill survived a rocky road to the Senate Floor, initially failing in the Senate Judiciary Committee before senators called it back up for a vote.

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Both ends of the political spectrum united in opposition to the measure. A powerful coalition of conservative groups including Beacon Impact, Institute for Justice, the Goldwater Institute, Pacific Legal Foundation, and Americans for Prosperity Tennessee lobbied against the bill, saying that it would undermine Tennesseans ability to safeguard their constitutional rights  to hold the government accountable.

Heres how they voted

The following senators voted no:

Sen. Raumesh Akbari, D-Memphis

Sen. Richard Briggs, R-Knoxville

Sen. Heidi Campbell, D-Nashville

Sen. Rusty Crowe, R-Johnson City

Sen. Bobby Harshbarger, R-Kingsport

Sen. Sara Kyle, D-Memphis

Sen. London Lamar, D-Memphis

Sen. Adam Lowe, R-Calhoun

Sen. Charlane Oliver, D-Nashville

Sen. Mark Pody, R-Lebanon

Sen. Page Walley, R-Savannah

Sen. Bo Watson, R-Hixson

Sen. Jeff Yarbro, D-Nashville

Sen. Kerry Roberts, R-Springfield, voted present.

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Vivian Jones covers state government and politics for The Tennessean. Reach her at vjones@tennessean.com.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Bill limiting constitutional challenge of state laws goes to Lee
Investigators have charged a man with murder after a body found in the woods was identified as a missing woman.

Diaja Benson, 30, disappeared after she left her home on Feb. 14 in Dawson County. Her body was found weeks later during a multi-agency search near Lanier 400 Parkway in Forsyth County.

On Thursday, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation announced Loron Spaulding, 35, has been arrested and will be charged with Bensons murder.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

The U.S. Marshals Service took Spaulding into custody in New Jersey in connection to Bensons death. He is currently being held there while awaiting extradition back to Georgia.

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Another tragic loss in our community reminds us just how fragile life is. Im proud of the hard work our deputies put in as they worked to find Diaja and bring her killer to justice. Dawson County Sheriff Jeff Johnson said.

TRENDING STORIES:

Once returned to the state, authorities say they plan to book Spaulding into the Forsyth County Jail on malice murder and other charges.

The GBI is leading the active investigation at the request of the Cumming Police Department.

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Investigators are asking anyone with information to contact the GBIs Regional Investigative Office in Cleveland at 706-348-4866. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the GBI tip line at one-800-597-TIPS (8477) or the See Something, Send Something mobile app.

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As news emerged this week presaging Donald Trumps dismissal of Pam Bondi, one of his motivations reportedly related to her handling of the Jeffrey Epstein investigative files.

While the new acting attorney general, Todd Blanche, insisted he had never heard the president say that anything that happened to her had anything to do with the Epstein files, its clear the issue has dogged Bondi throughout her tumultuous tenure.

Indeed, Trump had repeatedly vowed his administration would release all Epstein documents  a promise that served as political manna for conspiracy-minded members of his rightmost base. Many ultra-conservative Trump supporters believe that Epsteins abuse of teen girls was part of a sprawling sex-trafficking network of the global elite.

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Epstein counted numerous rich and powerful men as associates, including Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and, at one point, Trump. The president, who ended his friendship with Epstein in 2004 before the late sex traffickers sex offense conviction, has maintained that he did not engage in any wrongdoing related to him or in general. The former Prince Andrew has denied wrongdoing.

Related: Epstein accusations and pressure from the boss: Bondis time as Trumps chief enforcer

The full Epstein dossier was not released by Bondi, as promised, spurring consternation from survivors and Congress members  and presenting a political liability for Trump. Congresss Epstein Files Transparency Act (EFTA), which Trump signed despite his complaints that the Epstein controversy was a hoax, did little to quell ongoing backlash.

Bondis justice department repeatedly missed the EFTAs disclosure deadlines  and faced accusations that some documents were withheld. Survivors and Congress members calls for transparency and justice grew louder.

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Then came a congressional subpoena requiring that Bondi testify on 14 April, drawing still more attention to the handling of these files by Trumps justice department. The president announced in a 2 April Truth Social post that Bondi was out as attorney general, praising her as a Great American Patriot and a loyal friend and saying she will be transitioning to a much needed and important new job in the private sector, to be announced at a date in the near future.

For some observers, Bondis ouster  which as of press time has not thwarted the subpoena  might seem like an opportunity for long-awaited accountability. Others, such as victim advocates and records experts, have voiced concern that Bondi is just one cog in a system that has failed survivors and subverted truth.

Spencer Kuvin, an attorney with Goldlaw who has represented numerous Epstein victims, is among them. Shortly before Bondis exit, Kuvin expressed skepticism about the efficacy of a subpoena, saying: Given Attorney General Pam Bondis well-documented history of combative and evasive exchanges with Congress, there is little reason to expect that this subpoena will suddenly produce transparency.

If past is prologue, we are more likely to see deflection than disclosure. That is deeply troubling, because the public  and more importantly, the victims  deserve straightforward answers about how and why the Epstein files have been handled the way they have, he added. At this point, confidence in a candid and complete accounting is, unfortunately, very low.

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After Bondi was booted, Kuvin continued to voice concern.

This isnt just about one official  its about a pattern of evasion. When the truth is delayed, deflected or buried, trust erodes. The public is still waiting for real accountability in the Epstein matter, he said. This moment underscores a larger problem: when those in power fail to be forthcoming with Congress and the American people, consequences eventually follow.

Dr Ann Olivarius, founder of the law firm McAllister Olivarius and a longtime womens rights attorney, said that before the firing that she had no expectation of truth, accountability or remorse during Bondis congressional testimony and that she expects more defiance on her part.

Related: Bondi firing a reminder that even ultra-loyalists get dumped by Trump

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For Olivarius, Bondis firing pertains more to image than accountability. Bondi was fired not because of what she did as much as how she looked doing it. She had an impossible task to begin with, and she executed it with less panache and flashy belligerence than Trump would have liked, she said.



She committed the cardinal sin of looking flustered and weak, and optics always wins for Trump.

Annie Farmer, a survivor of Epstein and his imprisoned accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell, said in a statement that Bondis departure was not a panacea.

This is not about a single person; it is about a government and judicial system that has repeatedly failed Epstein survivors, Farmer said. Regardless of who holds power, survivors deserve accountability, transparency, protection from retaliation and assurance that those who enabled Epstein, Maxwell and others will be investigated and, if appropriate, prosecuted.

As to whether things will change under a new attorney general, some public records veterans expressed lukewarm reactions.

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Roy Gutterman, who directs the Newhouse Schools Tully Center for Free Speech at Syracuse University in New York, was asked about public records litigation in the Epstein files matter. American Oversight filed suit in September to compel the disclosure of records related to the Trump administrations review of Epstein files; the non-partisan watchdog is seeking an emergency order to force the release of these records in advance of Bondis testimony.

The release of more materials probably will not be the silver bullet that some folks are looking for. It does not seem like any of the releases thus far help put this puzzle together and I would be surprised if anything in this part of the litigation would get much released in time for the hearing or yield that piece of the puzzle that puts everything together and answers all the questions about the decision-making, Gutterman said before Bondis firing.

I would think that the attorney general will stand by every decision made on the release and not waver, regardless of what may or may not ultimately be revealed. Officials will probably stand by the invocation of [Freedom of Information Act] exemptions and other decisions they made regarding the documents as well.

After news of Bondis departure emerged, Gutterman said he had the same thoughts regardless of who the AG is.

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The news website Radar Online, which filed suit nearly nine years ago over the FBIs failure to disclose Epstein files after a public records request, remains in litigation to obtain documents.

On 2 April, the second circuit court of appeals sent the case back to a lower federal court, to consider whether [Radar]s claims of relief have been rendered moot by the governments release of documents pursuant to the Epstein Files Transparency Act.

The saga continues, a Radar spokesperson said. Hopefully the new AG will take [a] more transparent approach.

Carl Tobias, the University of Richmond School of Laws Williams chair in law, was among those who felt that Bondis leaving could foster transparency.

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The House could now move the subpoena to Todd Blanche, who was actively involved, but Trump may appoint him AG, he said.

Her ouster could provide accountability and transparency, because the nominee will have to be confirmed by the Senate, and the judiciary committee [SJC] has many experienced, savvy members who will ask searching questions about the Epstein issues.

If the nominee does not answer, members of SJC and the Senate could vote no.

Chioma Chukwu, executive director of American Oversight, said the organization was heartened to see that Congress, in rare form, exercised their powers to conduct oversight by subpoenaing Attorney General Bondi.

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That was the impetus for us going to court, Chukwu said, pointing to Bondis prior appearances before Congress that yielded more conflict than information. We knew that the only way to have a meaningful deposition of the attorney general would be to have the documentary evidence, the incontrovertible evidence that she cannot deny.

As for whether Bondis replacement would do better with transparency, Chukwu said: We are not naive. We have no illusions that this Department of Justice is going to transform as a result of Bondis ouster.

Bondi was just serving the interests of the president and doing what she believed he was asking of her, and, nevertheless, he discarded her, Chukwu said. Todd Blanche, the current No 2, has made very clear that his loyalties remain with the president.

Despite these challenges, Chukwu said we want people to keep hope alive, saying that the Trump was particularly susceptible to public pressure.

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That is where we tend to see a lot of movement from this administration, Chukwu said. I know that that will be the case here when it comes to the Epstein investigations.



What will happen with Bondis subpoena remains to be seen.

Robert Garcia, the ranking member of the House committee on oversight and reform, said in a statement that Bondi will not escape accountability and remains legally obligated to appear before our committee under oath. She must answer for her mishandling of the Epstein files and the special treatment she has given Ghislaine Maxwell.

James Comer, the House oversight and reform committee chair and a Trump ally, seems to think that Bondis deposition is not a done deal at this point.

Since Pam Bondi is no longer attorney general, Chairman Comer will speak with Republican members and the Department of Justice about the status of the deposition subpoena and confer on next steps, an oversight spokesperson said.

Anna Betts contributed reporting
The wait is nearly over.

The owners of Brilla Coffee, an award-winning farm to cup establishment with a popular location in Holden, said they are getting closer to announcing an opening date for their Gardner location at 25 Main St., commonly referred to as the Bullnose Building in the downtown area.

Chair City residents have been eagerly anticipating the opening of the restaurant, which will offer a full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu, since it was first announced in March 2024, over two years ago.

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Yes, it has been awhile for sure, said Alexis Vallejos, who will own the store with his wife, Osiris. But my wife and I are working very hard on the details, and we are excited to be able to be in the city of Gardner soon.

Renovations on the interior of the shop, which will be located on the first floor of the property with an entrance between the buildings famed lion sculptures in front, have been ongoing, according to Alexis.

But the biggest delays have been coming from things outside of our control, such as the building owner working with National Grid to get the transformer and the power connected, he said, adding that another reason for the delay is the fact that second and third floors of the longtime vacant building, which was purchased by Candor Realty in 2022, are also being renovated. Which is very exciting for the city, as well.

Pictured in their former Northborough location, Osiris and Alexis Vallejos own Brilla Coffee and are from Nicaragua. The Gardner store is expected to open in the coming months.

Brilla Coffee 'much closer' to opening in Gardner

Although the official opening of the restaurant is definitely much closer, Alexis was hesitant to give an exact date yet.

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Because as soon as I say (a date), something will happen, he said with a laugh. But I would like to say that we are definitely looking forward to opening, probably within the next couple of months or sooner.

Alexis said that if everything falls into place, the shop could be open in time for the summer months.

More: Ice cream season in Gardner; stands open now and more on the way

That will be a great time to be able to offer the city what they expect from Brilla Coffee, he said. We are very excited to be a part of this community.

Restaurant sign could soon appear on building

The couple recently filed for their sign permit, according to city officials, so residents should not be surprised to see a Brilla Coffee sign displayed at the property in the coming weeks.

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The couple, who are third-generation farmers from Nicaragua, recently appeared on CBS Boston television to discuss their business, which offers wholesale roasted coffee to local cafes, restaurants, coffee shops, retail stores and supermarkets. During the March 22 Weekend Wakeup segment, Alexis mentioned that their new Gardner location would be open within a couple of months.

The owner of Brilla Coffee said the franchise's newest location at 25 Main St. in downtown Gardner could be open within a few months.

More: How granola started everything at Giacomo's Gourmet Foods in Hubbardston

The couple, who operate Brilla Coffee locations in Holden and Natick, moved to the area about 20 years ago. They opened their first shop in 2019 and were awarded the honor of Best Local Coffee Shop in 2022 and 2023 by the Best of Central Mass. Community Choice Awards.

This article originally appeared on Gardner News: Brilla Coffee in Gardner MA nears opening date in Bullnose Building
Democracy "kills" and the people of Burkina Faso must "forget" it, the country's military ruler has said in an interview aired on state television.

Capt Ibrahim Traore, who seized power in a coup three years ago, suggested most Africans do not want the system of democracy and that Burkina Faso had its own, alternative approach, without giving details.

Traore initially pledged to restore democratic rule to the West African country by July 2024, but two months before this deadline, the junta announced it would extend its rule for another five years.

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In January, the authorities announced a ban on all political parties as part of a plan to "rebuild the state".

In Thursday night's interview, Traore said: "People need to forget about the issue of democracy. Democracy is not for us.

"Look at Libya, this is an example close to us," said the 38-year-old, who casts himself as a revolutionary leader standing up to Western imperialism.

Libya was ruled autocratically for four decades by Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, who oversaw a brutal regime while also providing Libyans with subsidised housing, free education and free healthcare.

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He was killed during a rebellion assisted by Western military intervention. The north African country has since failed to hold elections and is split between two rival administrations, along with numerous armed groups.

"Wherever they [Western powers] try to establish democracy in the world, it's always accompanied by bloodshed," Traore said in his interview.

While there has been a spate of military takeovers in recent years, most African countries do still hold regular elections, even if some are criticised as being rigged in favour of incumbents. Two military leaders - in Gabon and Guinea - have organised elections which they have gone on to win.

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Traore also addressed the dissolution of political parties, saying he considered them to be divisive, dangerous and incompatible with the revolutionary project.

"The truth is, politics in Africa  or at least what we've experienced in Burkina - is that a real politician is someone who embodies every vice: a liar, a sycophant, a smooth-talker," he said.

The junta leader did not propose an alternative system, but said: "We have our own approach. We're not even trying to copy anyone else. We're here to completely change the way things are done."

He emphasised building a new system rooted in sovereignty, patriotism and revolutionary mobilisation, with traditional leaders and grassroots structures playing a central role.

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In a wide-ranging interview, he also emphasised the importance of economic and military self-reliance, as well as hard work, saying that working six- or eight-hour days would not enable Burkina Faso to catch up with richer countries.

Traore has suppressed dissent during his rule, cracking down on the opposition, media and civil society groups. His government has even been accused of punishing critics by sending them to the front-lines of the war against Islamist militants.

Despite this, Traore has gained a huge following across the continent for his pan-Africanist vision and criticism of Western influence.

Burkina Faso, like its junta-led neighbours Mali and Niger, has moved away from working with Western countries, especially France, in its fight against Islamist militants, which have waged a decade-long insurgency in the region.

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All three have instead turned towards Russia for military assistance, but the violence has continued unabated.

On Thursday, a report by Human Rights Watch (HRW) said more than 1,800 civilians have been killed in Burkina Faso since Traore seized power in 2023.

The publication attributes two-thirds of the killings to the military and allied militias, with the rest blamed on Islamist militants.

Additional reporting by Omega Rakotomalala

You may also be interested in:

[Getty Images/BBC]

Go to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent.

Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica

BBC Africa podcasts
For years, California leaders accused oil companies of price gouging.

Instead, a six-month-long CBS News California investigation revealed a complicated reality shaped by state policies, refinery closures, and global supply risks that uniquely impact California's isolated fuel market.

What CBS News California Investigates found:Why California gas costs more: Higher taxes, labor and business costs, combined with environmental programs, regulations, and the state's unique fuel blend, drive up baseline prices.



The political narrative is shifting: After failing to prove price gouging  and grappling with the impact of two shuttered refineries  state leaders are now publicly acknowledging the need to incentivize oil companies to stay.



Why refineries are leaving: Rising costs, increasing regulations, long-term policy uncertainty, and shrinking returns



Why global conflict matters: California's growing reliance on overseas refining is increasing volatility  and validating long-standing industry warnings that outsourcing refining increases the risk of price spikes. $6 per gallon

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California drivers pay the highest gas prices in the nation. As the conflict in the Middle East increases gas prices globally, California gas continues to be the most expensive in the nation, rising above $6 a gallon.

Last time gas hit $6 a gallon in California, Gov. Gavin Newsom began accusing oil companies of price gouging. California's supermajority Democratic legislature held a taxpayer-funded "price gouging" special session, culminating with legislation that was intended to cap oil company profits and force them to open their books.

More than two years later, state officials say they found no evidence of illegal price gouging. Instead, two refineries shut down, taking nearly 20% of the state's refining capacity.

California is now outsourcing to Asian refineries to make more of California's special gas blend. Environmental standards aren't as strict in Asia, and the refiners have to ship the gas back to California halfway around the world. In addition to increased pollution, transporting gas across the Pacific can take weeks, which agency heads and oil industry executives agree leads to delays and supply volatility, increasing the risk of price spikes during local refinery outages or global shortages.

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The current Middle East conflict is highlighting the concern, as China has already stopped exporting fuel due to shortages in Asia. Meanwhile, the oil industry argues that proposed regulatory changes could make it more expensive for oil companies to continue refining in California, ultimately incentivizing outsourcing more refining.

Why gas already costs more in California

Even before recent refinery closures and the global conflict, California drivers paid the highest gas prices in the nation for several reasons.

Roughly 45% of the cost of every gallon of gas is made up of costs that are consistent across the country. That includes the global price of crude, which is higher for everyone right now, and an 18-cent federal tax that drivers pay in every state.

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However, the remaining 55% of each gallon of gas includes California-specific costs.

Distribution and refining costs, which are more expensive in California, account for roughly 28% of every gallon.

California's special gas blend tacks on roughly 10-15 cents per gallon to refining costs. Then there's a 61-cent state excise tax and roughly 2 cents attributed to underground storage fees.

California's cap-and-trade tacks on roughly 23 cents to every gallon, and the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) adds another 14 cents.

On top of that, there are state and local sales taxes.

At $6 per gallon, that adds up to an additional $20 every time you fill up an average-sized tank.

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Here's a current breakdown of California-specific costs per gallon:

Sales taxes (2%)

State sales tax: 2.25% averageLocal/special district taxes: 1% average

State climate programs (10%)

Cap-and-Trade: 23 centsLow Carbon Fuel Standard: 14 cents

Base taxes and fees (15%)

State excise tax: 61 centsUnderground storage fee: 2 cents

Refining (13%)

CA special gas blend 10-15 cents

Distribution (15%)

Federal tax (5%)

Crude oil costs (40%)

UC Berkeley economist Severin Borenstein says there's also something harder to explain  a persistent "mystery surcharge." That unexplained gap first appeared around 2015, following a major refinery outage, and has remained ever since.

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While regulations and taxes set the baseline, Borenstein says price spikes are often driven by supply disruptions, especially in California's isolated fuel market.

Refiners point to higher operating costs in California  from labor to energy  and say much of the added cost occurs after fuel leaves the refinery, at the distribution and retail level.

Borenstein notes that this was true before the mystery surcharge appeared in 2015.

Price gouging

For years, state leaders blamed oil companies for high gas prices and launched a taxpayer-funded price gouging special session in 2023.

The session culminated in two new price-gouging laws. One law created new oversight, requiring oil companies to open their books and giving regulators more visibility into refinery profits and operations. Another capped refinery profit margins during price spikes, though that law has since been paused.

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But after two years, state officials say they found no evidence of illegal price gouging.

California's Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot said the state identified factors behind price spikes, but stopped short of blaming oil companies for price gouging.

"We've identified certain dynamics that were creating those price spikes," Crowfoot said.

Pressed on whether there was proof of price gouging, Crowfoot added that he would not "be in a position to point a finger."

That marks a shift from years of political messaging that placed primary blame on the oil industry.

CBS News California Investigates reached out to the Governor's Office and the California Air Resources Board, which regulates many of the policies the oil industry opposes. Both declined interview requests.

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The administration instead pointed to Crowfoot, who emphasized the state is trying to balance affordability with long-term climate goals.

Refiners argue those policies could backfire.

Tolly Graves, manager of the Chevron Richmond refinery, said profit caps ignore how volatile the business is:

"Those good months are the only way we make a profit if you cap the good months but don't support the bad ones, it creates an unviable business," Graves said.

Why refineries are leaving

Following the price gouging session, two major refineries  Valero in the San Francisco Bay Area and Wilmington Phillips 66 in the Los Angeles area  have shut down, taking hundreds of jobs and nearly one-fifth of the state's gasoline production with them.

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That loss tightens supply in a state that already operates as what experts describe as an "energy island"  with no major pipelines bringing in gasoline from other states.

Fewer refineries mean less in-state production and more pressure on prices, especially during outages or high demand.

Inside the Richmond Chevron, one of California's remaining refineries, industry leaders pointed to the cost of doing business in the state.

"California is a tough place to do business for refiners," Graves said.

Every day, the Chevron refinery produces enough gas for one in five cars in Northern California and about 60% of the jet fuel from Sacramento to San Jose, which costs more to make in California than anywhere else.

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Graves said higher labor, energy, and regulatory costs all contribute to higher production expenses that are ultimately passed on to drivers.

California's cleaner-burning, special blend of gasoline also requires specialized production.

"Only a handful of refineries outside of California can actually make California gasoline," said Brian Hubinger, senior manager of Chevron government affairs. He noted that production of the special blend "took billions of dollars of investment."

Those requirements, combined with long-term uncertainty about the state's transition away from fossil fuels, have made it harder for companies to justify continued investment.

"It costs us hundreds of millions a year just to stay in business," Graves said. "Things have to change for us to be willing to invest in a refinery in California."

Growing reliance on foreign fuel

As refining capacity declines, California is increasingly turning to overseas refiners, particularly in Asia, to make California's special blend.

While they can produce California's low-carbon gas, overseas refiners don't have to adhere to the same strict environmental standards as California's refineries. In addition to local pollution, the gasoline they produce is shipped across the ocean, which environmental agency heads acknowledge is also worse for the environment.

"There is less pollution associated with the gasoline that's produced in California," Crowfoot said.

Additionally, tankers coming from Asia can take weeks to arrive in California, creating new vulnerabilities. That delay means any disruption  from refinery outages to global conflicts like the war with Iran  can quickly tighten supply and drive up prices.

Asia is currently struggling to supply its own markets. China, in particular, has already restricted exports.

Still, energy analysts note global markets tend to adjust over time  even if short-term disruptions can lead to temporary price spikes.

"If a refinery has a problem they didn't anticipate, that's going to spike prices, that's going to hurt Californians, and it's going to be three weeks before we can get resupply from somewhere else," said Andy Walz, president of Chevron.

A shift in the political conversation

After years of focusing on oil companies, state leaders now say the conversation is evolving.

"I've been talking about this for years, OK? What it took was two refineries to close, and then they said, 'Oh, maybe they're not price gouging,' " Walz said.

Lawmakers are now weighing how to balance climate goals with the need to maintain a stable and affordable fuel supply to power the present.

"That was probably the beginning of the shift when that report came back and Gov. Newsom couldn't prove that there's price gouging," state Senator Brian Jones (R-San Diego) said.

California has temporarily suspended a new price gouging law that would have capped how much oil companies can make during price spikes. Though refineries say it's still on the books, and they warn that proposed changes to California's Cap-and-Invest program could make it cheaper to refine gas overseas rather than here at home.

"I think if the voters figure out that the problem is policy, they're going to say, 'Hey, I shouldn't be paying this much. Why is Nevada a dollar cheaper?' Walz said. "Voters can change that outcome."

The debate now isn't just about who's to blame, but how California manages the transition without driving up costs in the short term.

For commuters like Sirena Lopez, who drives two hours each way for work, the impact is immediate.

"There was one time I filled up about $100 and I was like I don't know what I'm doing right now," she said.

Even as prices rise, demand remains steady and drivers continue to feel the strain.

As California pushes toward a cleaner energy future, the key challenge ahead is not just reducing emissions, but ensuring fuel remains reliable and affordable in the meantime.

The governor appoints agency leaders and helps shape California's energy and environmental policies  decisions that directly impact gas prices.

With a new governor set to be elected, those policies  and the cost of gas  could soon change.

Supreme Court expresses skepticism over Trump order to end birthright citizenship

JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon weighs in on Iran war's economic impacts

Hawaii doctor's son testifies that his father confessed to trying to kill his stepmother
JERUSALEM, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Israel's Channel 12 News and other Israeli media outlets on Friday reported that the pilot of the U.S. fighter jet that was shot down in Iranian airspace was safely rescued.

The outlets added that the fate of the navigator who was on the jet was unknown. 
The Chicago-area weather forecast had severe weather Thursday evening, including a Tornado Warning for the far north suburbs.

Most of the Chicago area was at a Level 3 risk, with a Level 2 risk for Northwest Indiana and parts of Illinois near the Indiana border.

A Severe Thunderstorm Warning was issued for parts of Cook, Kankakee and Will counties until midnight.

A Severe Thunderstorm Warning was issued for parts of Lake and Porter counties in Indiana until 12:45 a.m.

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A Tornado Warning was issued for Lake and McHenry counties in Illinois Thursday evening but has since expired.

Several Severe Thunderstorm Warnings were issued across the Chicago area, and they have also expired.

ABC7 AccuWeather meteorologists said parts of the area had a tornado risk of 10%. The main tornado threat was along and west of Interstate 39. The main chance for severe weather was from 3 to 9 p.m.

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago has issued Overflow Action Alert due to the storms, asking Chicago-area residents limit water usage to absolute necessities.

The storms led to a Ground Stop at O'Hare and Midway airports Thursday evening, with extensive flight delays and cancellations.

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The FAA also said there was a Ground Delay at O'Hare Thursday evening, following an earlier Ground Stop Thursday morning.

Chicago airport delays, cancellations as of 11 p.m. Thursday

- O'Hare: 754 cancellations, average delays of 70 minutes

- Midway: 20 cancellations, average delays of 37 minutes

For real-time information on Chicago flight delays, click here.

Thursday's Chicago White Sox home opener against the Toronto Blue Jays was postponed to Friday due to the weather, the team announced Wednesday.




BEIJING, April 3 (Reuters) - China's market regulator met with major food delivery platforms this week, ordering them to strengthen food safety measures ahead of new regulations taking effect in June.

The State Administration for Market Regulation instructed Meituan, Taobao Shangou and JD.com to strictly comply with regulatory requirements and fulfil their responsibility for food safety, according to a statement on the regulator's website.

Food delivery platforms must promptly conduct self-inspections and rectifications, exercise strict control over vetting, management and delivery processes, and encourage food delivery riders to participate in safety supervision, the regulator said.

(Reporting by Ethan Wang and Ryan Woo;Editing by Tomasz Janowski)
Just five days before Iran claimed to have struck a U.S. F-35 stealth fighter, a Chinese social media account shared a detailed tutorial that explained how such an attack could be carried out.

The video, posted on March 14 by an account named "Laohu Talks World," explained how Iran could use affordable systems to find and attack America's most advanced fighter jet. The video was watched tens of millions of times. On March 19, Iran said its air defenses had hit a U.S. F-35A during a pre-dawn mission over central Iran, forcing it to make an emergency landing.

The timing was so striking that it was described as prophetic in Chinese online circles. However, this is not the only example.

A wave of civilian expertise

Since the Operation Epic Fury started, more Chinese civilians with science, technology, engineering, and math backgrounds have been sharing military analysis online to help Iran counter U.S. airpower. These posts include technical explanations of weapons and tactical advice, and are shared without pay or official support.

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This trend shows a new kind of informal, decentralized knowledge sharing during wartime. Some contributors seem to have real technical expertise with military equipment and are using open-source information to help a country facing one of the world's most powerful air forces.

F-35 vulnerable to low-cost systems

The main idea of the tutorial, that Iran could use cheap systems to fight a fifth-generation stealth fighter, has some technical support. The F-35 Lightning II is built to avoid radar detection using its shape, special materials, and hidden weapons bays. However, stealth does not make it invisible, and its limits are well known.

Electro-optical and infrared sensors, known as EO/IR systems, do not use radar signals. Since these sensors are passive, they do not set off the radar warning systems on stealth aircraft. The F-35 has its own infrared sensors, but it may not react quickly enough if an enemy locks on at close range.

Chinese military analysts said the March 19 event matched what would happen with an EO/IR intercept. They pointed out that the aircraft probably did not get a radar warning before it was damaged.

Historical echoes

In 1962, China created a method to shoot down U.S. U-2 spy planes by keeping radar off until the plane was overhead, then turning it on briefly to fire.

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Chinese analysts have also talked a lot about using a similar method against fifth-generation aircraft, turning on air defenses only after a stealth plane has passed and attacking from behind, where it is easier to detect.

At the start of Operation Epic Fury, Iran used fake radar systems to attract Israeli attacks to false targets, while hiding their real systems. This closely follows the same strategy.

Beijing's public posture

Beijing has maintained an official distance from the conflict, although there have been reports claiming it sold offensive drones and components to Iran in the period preceding the strikes.

The spread of civilian tutorials is different because it is unofficial, unpaid, and completely public. It is not clear if the Chinese government sees this grassroots military support as a problem or as something quietly allowed for strategic reasons.

What is clear is that Chinese platforms have not tried to remove the content, which is still widely available.
Good Friday begins a holiday weekend in Philadelphia, leading up to Easter Sunday on April 5.

Here's what you need to know about city closures, services and parking holidays this weekend.

Are government offices closed on Good Friday?

Yes, government offices in Philadelphia are closed Friday, April 3 in observance of Good Friday.

Per the Philadelphia website, these offices and services include:

Health centers

Department of Licenses and Inspections district offices and License and Permit Center at the Municipal Services Building

Marriage License Department

Philadelphia Parks and Recreation facilities and gated parking lots

Free Library of Philadelphia branches

Philadelphia Parking Authority Executive Offices and Violations Branch at 9th and Filbert Streets

US Pres. Bush between 2 lif size Easter bunnies during White House Easter egg roll. In front of Bush is Marshall Bush, the President's grand-daughter. April 16, 1990. Pope John Paul II, standing in his open car, waves to people as he arrives at St. Peter's Basilica to celebrate an outdoor Mass on Palm Sunday. March 31, 1985 Couple wearing crazy easter bonnets in Easter Day Parade, NY. March 26, 1989. US Pres. Bush blows his whistle to start the beginning of annual White House Easter Egg roll. April 16, 1990. Bulgarians light candles from the candle of an Orthodox priest during the mass in the Alexander Nevsky cathedral in Sofia, April 26, 1997. The Bulgarian Orthodox Church celebrates Easter Sunday, a month after western Christians. President Clinton, standing above a giant Easter Bunny, waves to children as he starts the annual White House Easter Egg Roll on March 31, 1997. Soviet woman chooses traditional Easter Eggs outside St. George's Cathedral in Lvov, Soviet Ukraine. April 16, 1990. Pope John Pual II leads the Good Friday procession of the cross. March 29, 1991. An actor playing the part of Christ takes part in an annual procession celebrating Ascension Day, in Bruges. May 4, 1989. Jirina Petraturova (65) paints flowers on a huge Easter egg in the midst of Prague Old Town Square during traditional Easter activities April 8, 1998. Easter falls on April 5 this year. Hop back in time with these photos of the holiday through the years.



Above, women at work decorating chocolate Easter eggs at a Bedford confectionery works in England. The eggs are filled with berries and have a Coronation design. At the Belle Meade Country Club's annual Easter egg hunt on April 16, 1965, Carole Nelson, sitting on the ground, Edward Jackson and Bill Bailey meet the Easter bunny played by John Bransford Jr. A giant Easter egg is carried to Middlesex Hospital circa 1931. A woman wearing a rabbit outfit is writing 'Easter Greetings' on a large easter egg circa 1937. An open air Easter church service in a quarry held by Black US 5th Army troops in the Anzio area of Italy on April 9, 1944. Interior of the Moravian Church in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, at the Easter dawn service circa 1948. Bethlehem is famous for an annual music festival and a Bach choir. The town was founded in 1741 by Moravians and has the Central Moravian Church and Moravian College. The congregation of the famous 12th Century Chartres cathedral in north-west France light candles at the Easter service circa 1955. A Romanian woman demonstrates the art of egg painting particularly associated with Easter in Sibiu on April 18, 1999. These throwback Easter scenes are hopping with nostalgia 1 of 18 US Pres. Bush between 2 lif size Easter bunnies during White House Easter egg roll. In front of Bush is Marshall Bush, the President's grand-daughter. April 16, 1990.

Does the PPA ticket today, Good Friday?

Yes, the Philadelphia Parking Authority will still issue tickets on Good Friday as it is not listed as a parking holiday.

Does the PPA ticket on Sunday, Easter Sunday?

No, the PPA does not ticket on Easter Sunday as it is a parking holiday across the city.

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Kaitlyn McCormick is a Philadelphia-based reporter writing all things trending, breaking and city-related for USA TODAY's Philadelphia Metro Connect Team

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Does the PPA ticket on Good Friday? What's open today in Philly
A rumor that Israel opened a "sewage dam" into Gaza's main river, flooding both the river and Gaza's coastline with wastewater, spread on social media in March 2026. The claim spread alongside a video showing a brown plume, seemingly sewage water, fanning out into the Mediterranean. We are unable to verify the veracity of the claim with a primary source.

Prior reporting on a similar claim from 2015 indicates that it is unlikely the claim is real or that such dams even exist in Gaza.

Gaza is currently suffering from a wastewater crisis due to Israel's destruction of most of the territory's infrastructure, including all of its wastewater treatment facilities. This has led to the accumulation of sewage in tent encampments, and that sewage can stream out towards the sea and create plumes similar to what's seen in the video. Examples of such plumes can be seen in Google Maps satellite images.

Snopes will update this report if additional information surfaces. We have reached out to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, the U.N.'s main humanitarian body for Palestinians and Palestinian refugees, as well as to the Instagram account of a Palestinian journalist who appeared to be the source of the video, and await responses.

In March 2026, a post (archived) from the account of Turkish media company TRT World spread across Instagram. The post claimed that Israel opened a "sewage dam" into Wadi Gaza, the territory's main river, filling it and Gaza's coastline with wastewater. Attached to the post was a video of what appeared to be brown wastewater flowing out to the sea and forming a discolored plume of sewage along the coastline.

The full text of the post read:

Israel opened the sewage water dam into the Wadi Gaza stream, polluting the river and causing untreated waste to mix with seawater, effectively polluting the coastal environment as the sewage flows through the valley and into the Mediterranean. The Wadi Gaza is a seasonal wetland and waterway, and the only significant surface water source in Gaza.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DWg3I4hDpEV/

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Posts repeating the claim from TRT World accounts on other social media channel, such as TikTok (archived) and Facebook (archived), spread on those platforms, too. The claim and video were also widely viewed on X (archived). Snopes readers sent emails asking whether the claim was true.

Previous news reporting about a similar claim found no such sewage dam a decade ago, and we found no evidence that Israel has built one since then. However, Snopes could not independently verify with primary sources that the 2026 claim is false. Therefore, we have not rated this claim.

Snopes has reached out to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, the U.N. humanitarian agency that supports Palestinians (Gaza is a Palestinian territory) and Palestinian refugees, by email in an attempt to verify the claim's veracity. We have also messaged TRT World as well as the Instagram of a Palestinian journalist named Hatem Hany, who appears to be the original source (archived) of the video, to seek verification of the claim about the dam. We will update this story if and when we receive a response.

While the specific claim that Israel opened a sewage dam into Wadi Gaza was unproven as of this writing, the rumor tapped into verifiable reports that Israel's near-complete destruction of Gaza's infrastructure has worsened the territory's ongoing wastewater sanitation crisis. Satellite image evidence shows that plumes of wastewater frequently fan out across swaths of Gaza's coastline, often with no connection to Wadi Gaza.

Previous sewage dam claim debunked

In 2015, news outlets Al Jazeera and AFP reported on heavy rainfall that made the Wadi Gaza breach its banks and flood Gazans' homes. Both news agencies initially reported that Israel had opened dams that resulted in parts of Gaza flooding.

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Al Jazeera later retracted its article. In its retraction, Al Jazeera said there were no dams of the type that could be opened in southern Israel.

AFP then fact-checked its original story, coming to the same conclusion that such dams did not exist. Julie Trottier, a Belgian hydrology expert, reportedly told AFP at the time that the terrain in southern Israel was not suited to the construction of a dam.

Snopes did not find recent evidence or reporting of any such dam existing or opening in 2026. Social media posts spreading the rumor did not feature any images or videos of these dams.

Gaza's wastewater crisis

Plumes of sewage in the seawater off of Gaza's coast, such as those seen in TRT World's video, are real, and they commonly occur without the release of outside waste into Gaza's main river. The situation has significantly worsened since the Israel-Hamas War began in 2023 because of Israel's blockades and bombardment of Gaza, according to reports from the BBC and the UNWRA.

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In August 2024, the BBC reported on Gaza's sewage contamination, including with satellite images and photos of streams of sewage flowing out to the sea and creating brown plumes in the water. These streams appeared to begin in tent encampments and were entirely disconnected from Wadi Gaza.

Google Maps satellite imagery dating to 2026 (without a specific month) provided evidence confirming the images in the BBC's article. This can be most clearly seen off Gaza's seaside Al-Shati Camp, where it appears a stream of water that flows out to the Mediterranean and discharges into a brownish plume that is clearly a different color from the seawater around it. That stream, which is in the photo below, appears whitish as it rushes out to sea.

A satellite view of a portion of Gaza's coastline in which building have been wiped out and tents are clearly visible on the beach. Running through the middle of the tent encampment is what appears to be a rushing white stream that empties into the sea. The seawater is brownish where the stream meets in, and the plume of brown water extends outwards, clearly discolored from the rest of the surrounding water.

(Google Maps)

Similar plumes also are visible in other places (such as these two locations west of Gaza City) where streams from camps or roads can be seen snaking toward the sea and discoloring portions of the coastal water. The most recent Google Maps satellite imagery of the mouth of Wadi Gaza available at the time of this writing did not show a visible plume.

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The UNRWA noted in its March 31, 2026, situation report that part of what makes living conditions in these encampments dire is "water and sewage accumulation," implying that the camps do not have the means to discharge enough sewage to keep it from accumulating.

But even if the camps could flush away their human waste, there's no infrastructure in Gaza to treat that waste before it would flow out to sea. Researchers with United Nations University, a research and training institute of the U.N., reported in January 2026 that there are "no functional wastewater or desalination treatment plants" remaining in Gaza. This aligns with a September 2025 report from the U.N. Environment Programme finding that "none of Gaza's wastewater treatment facilities are currently operational."

Prior to the Israel-Hamas War, Gaza already struggled from a persistent water crisis, wastewater treatment included. In a September 2018 report, researchers from RAND, a research organization, said enough sewage water flowed from Gaza into the Mediterranean Sea daily to create "extreme health security risks" for Gaza, Israel and Egypt. The researchers noted a 5-year-old boy in Gaza died after swimming in seawater polluted by sewage in July 2017.

At that time, there were four wastewater treatment facilities operating in Gaza, based on the previously mentioned U.N. Environment Programme report. Between 2018 and 2020, two new wastewater treatment facilities went online in Gaza, which "helped to limit volumes of wastewater entering the sea."

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Prior to those two wastewater treatment plants going online, the report said, minimally treated wastewater, as well as the remaining 25% of wastewater not captured by the territory's sewage system, was regularly discharged into the sea.

The UNRWA reported on March 31, 2026, that its teams do attempt to collect and safely dispose of solid waste in its emergency shelters and their surrounding areas. However, what it doesn't collect is unlikely to be treated at all before entering the sea, since the territory now has no facilities that can treat it.

Gaza has suffered from an electricity crisis since October 2023, according to the U.N. and data it collects from the Gaza Electricity Distribution Co. A story from Al Jazeera said that as recently as March 29, 2026, Gazan residents were still living without reliable access to electricity.

Sewage flow from Gaza into the Mediterranean was already posing "extreme health security risks" when the territory had four operational wastewater treatment facilities on a fluctuating power supply. It's likely the issue is far worse now, with zero such facilities and without reliable access to electricity, even without any open dams upstream to flood Wadi Gaza with outside sewage.

Sources:

"ARTICLE RETRACTED." Al Jazeera, 25 Feb. 2015, www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/2/25/article-retracted. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.

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Efron, Shira, et al. "The Crisis of the Gaza Strip: A Way out Gaza's Water and Sanitation Crisis: The Implications for Public Health." RAND, 26 Sept. 2018.

"Gaza - Google Maps." Google Maps, maps.app.goo.gl/Kr2m3LLnPFg4enZd8. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.

"GAZA / ELECTRICITY CRISIS." UNifeed, UN, 6 Mar. 2025, media.un.org/unifeed/en/asset/d333/d3334996. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.

"Gaza Strip Electricity Supply." United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs - Occupied Palestinian Territory, www.ochaopt.org/page/gaza-strip-electricity-supply. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.

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"Israel Sewage Dam - Google Search." Google.com, www.google.com/search?q=israel+sewage+dam&sca_esv=dba3b81a402183e1&sxsrf=ANbL-n4mUKX6yBHBA2KmfncIJUYueg5iZg:1775161934515&ei=TtLOaYKRH5_fp84Pgcm0uAM&start=0&sa=N&sstk=Af77f_cbOt-y3wcDQy8qxeT8KEyCwZhCcQ4BYWT9sc_cQEkLvTcc6TmUSUKW3RJWqP0rATMRmLvY-6An-wOZ7fsbtjcfSejfnJMseeLEsHdet-CcBHsw42jJmiM62zH6oSaD&ved=2ahUKEwiC8JnEgdCTAxWf78kDHYEkDTc4ChDy0wN6BAgKEAQ&biw=2560&bih=1271. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.

Maram Humaid. "Living in the Dark: Gaza's Struggle for Electricity." Al Jazeera, 29 Mar. 2026, www.aljazeera.com/features/2026/3/29/living-in-the-dark-gazas-struggle-for-electricity. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.

Nour, Ahmed. "Diseases Spread in Gaza as Sewage Contaminates Camps and Coast." Bbc.com, BBC News, 26 Aug. 2024, www.bbc.com/news/articles/c2kjzk75eplo. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.

Sarsour, Amal, and Nidhi Nagabhatla. "Breaking Point in the Gaza Strip: The "Cracking" of the WASH-Health Nexus since October 2023." United Nations University, 25 Jan. 2026, unu.edu/publication/breaking-point-gaza-strip-cracking-wash-health-nexus-october-2023. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.

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United Nations Environment Programme (2025). Environmental Impact of the Escalation of Conflict in the Gaza Strip: Second assessment of environmental damage and recommendations for recovery and reconstruction planning. Nairobi. https://wedocs.unep.org/20.500.11822/48536. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.

"UNRWA Situation Report #215 on the Humanitarian Crisis in the Gaza Strip and the Occupied West Bank, Including East Jerusalem." United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the near East, 31 Mar. 2026, www.unrwa.org/resources/reports/unrwa-situation-report-215-humanitarian-crisis-gaza-strip-and-occupied-west-bank. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.

Ward, Hazel, and AFP. "Gaza Floods: Dispelling the Myth about Israeli "Dams."" Yahoo.com, Internet Archive, 27 Feb. 2015, web.archive.org/web/20160913181212/www.yahoo.com/news/gaza-floods-dispelling-myth-israeli-dams-153701865.html. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
NEW YORK  Assemblywoman Claire Valdez Thursday picked up the endorsement of Sen. Bernie Sanders in the Democratic primary for the 7th Congressional District seat held by Rep. Nydia Velazquez.

The progressive lawmaker joined Mayor Zohran Mamdani in backing Valdez, a former union organizer and low-wage worker, over Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso in the deep-blue districts June 23 primary election.

Claire has the experience and vision we need to take on the oligarchy and fight for unions, Medicare for All, and affordable housing, Sanders said. In my view, Congress needs more voices who come from Americas working class. Im proud to endorse her campaign for Congress.

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Valdez, who like Sanders calls herself a democratic socialist, credited Sanders with inspiring her to get into politics.

Three things made me a democratic socialist: low-wage jobs, the labor movement and Bernie Sanders runs for president, said Valdez, 36. His political revolution changed my life.

Valdez also announced that her campaign raised $750,000 from mostly grass-roots donors in the first quarter of 2026, which ended Tuesday.

Her campaign said it netted the cash from more than 11,000 donors, with an average contribution of about $50. She vows not to take funds from corporate entities or political action committees.

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Reynosos campaign didnt immediately respond to questions about his Q1 fundraising numbers.

He boasts the endorsement of Velazquez to succeed her after more than three decades representing the district that snakes through parts of northern Brooklyn and western Queens, along with the Working Families Party and several powerful Democratic lawmakers.
By Giulia Paravicini, Ange Kasongo and Clement Bonnerot

KINSHASA, April 3 (Reuters) - Democratic Republic of Congo is in talks with the Trump administration about receiving deportees from other countries, two government sources in Kinshasa told Reuters, in what would be the latest of several such agreements reached in Africa.

The discussions, also described by three U.N. sources and two diplomats briefed by U.S. officials, underscore Washington's growing reliance on so-called third-country deportations to speed up removals of migrants who entered or remain in the United States without authorisation.

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The arrangements are often negotiated quietly, with limited public detail on their scope or terms.

The talks with Congo are coinciding with an effort by the Trump administration to implement a peace deal between Congo and Rwanda and an agreement ensuring U.S. access to Congolese critical minerals.

LEGAL EXPERTS CRITICISE THIRD-COUNTRY DEALS

The United States has sent third-country deportees to African countries including Ghana, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea and Eswatini, drawing criticism from legal experts and rights groups over the legal basis for the transfers and the treatment of deportees sent to countries where they are not nationals.

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Some of the migrants have been forced home despite receiving court-ordered protection in the U.S. meant to prevent that from happening.

The talks with Congo have not yet resulted in an agreement and key details remain unresolved, the Congolese sources said. It is not yet known when the first deportation flights might take place, how many migrants could be involved or their nationalities.

It is also unclear what Congo, if anything, would receive in return for accepting deportees.

A source at the U.N.'s International Organization for Migration familiar with the discussions told Reuters the plan could involve migrants from South America, including Venezuelans.

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A State Department spokesperson said Washington had "no comment on the details of our diplomatic communications with other governments."

A spokesperson for Congo's presidency did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

(Reporting by Ange Adihe Kasongo in Kinshasa, Giulia Paravicini in Nairobi and Clement Bonnerot in Dakar; Writing by Clement Bonnerot; Editing by Robbie Corey-Boulet and Alison Williams)
A container ship declaring itself to have a French owner has passed through the Strait of Hormuz, according Marine Traffic data analysed by AFP Friday.

The Maltese-flagged Kribi belonging to the French maritime transport group CMA CGM crossed the strait -- which has been virtually blocked by Iran since early in the Middle East war -- to exit the Gulf on Thursday afternoon, the maritime tracking website showed.

It appears to be the first known transit by a major European shipping group since March 1, when Iranian attacks against ships near the Strait of Hormuz, in retaliation for US-Israel strikes, reduced crossings to a trickle.

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The ship was off Muscat, Oman, early Friday, still broadcasting the message "owner France" on its transponder system in the field usually used to give the destination.

The vessel's navigation data showed it crossed via a new Iranian-approved route through its waters, dubbed the "Tehran Toll Booth" by leading shipping journal Lloyd's List.

At least two vessels have paid to use the corridor around Larak Island just off Iran's coast, a Lloyd's List Intelligence analyst said in a briefing on Thursday.

The few commercial vessels transiting through the waterway with their transponders on since the start of the war have passed close to Larak Island, according to maritime data analysed by AFP.

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Most of the transits made since March 1 have been ships coming from or heading to Iran, with some linked to the United Arab Emirates, India, China or Saudi Arabia.

In peacetime, around 20 percent of the world's crude oil and liquefied natural gas passes through the chokepoint.

In early March, vessels began displaying links to China while sailing or anchoring in the Gulf region in a effort to signal political neutrality and reduce the risk of being targeted by Iran, according to analysts.

Beijing expressed "gratitude" on Tuesday after three of its ships passed through the strait, including two container ships on Monday belonging to state-owned shipping giant Cosco.

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The war broke out on February 28, when the United States and Israel began bombing Iran, prompting Tehran to retaliate with strikes across the region and by severely restricting access to the Strait of Hormuz.

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The county of Ventura will pay $3 million to settle a lawsuit brought by a former employee who says she was sexually and racially harassed by her boss, former County Executive Officer Mike Powers.

The county and the former employee agreed on a settlement in February but the county refused to release the financial terms or other details until after the agreement was finalized. The Star requested the settlement agreement under the California Public Records Act, and the county provided it on April 2. The signatures on the document indicate that the agreement was finalized on March 26.

The county does not admit any wrongdoing in the agreement and states that it categorically denies any and all of the claims and allegations in the lawsuit. However, the agreement states, the county has been forced or may be forced to incur significant fees and costs as a result of plaintiffs lawsuit and therefore wishes to avoid incurring any additional litigation expenses.

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The county spent about $506,000 defending itself against the lawsuit, said County Counsel Tiffany North, the countys top attorney.

The $3 million settlement includes $1.26 million to the law firm that represented the woman in her suit. Of the remaining $1.74 million, $244,000 will be paid immediately to the former employee and $1.5 million will go to purchase an annuity that will pay her total of $1.8 million in monthly installments over nine years.

Story continues below.

The settlement will be paid partially from the county's general fund and partially by the county's insurance policies, North said. The exact breakdown is not clear yet, she said, but generally, the county is on the hook for the first $1 million in legal fees and settlement costs and various layers of insurance will pay the rest.

Woman said she suffered harassment, retaliation

The former employee is identified in court papers as "Jane Roe" and her name is redacted in the copy of the settlement agreement provided by the county. The Star does not identify accusers in sexual harassment cases unless they choose to be identified.

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She reported directly to Powers, who held the top job in county government for 11 years. She claims he sexually harassed her starting in 2019, touching her and kissing her against her will on two occasions. She also says he discriminated against her based on her Mexican-American heritage, by calling her nicknames she considered racist and derogatory.

Story continues below.

According to her lawsuit, Powers retaliated against her after she rejected his advances. The suit claims that in early 2020, about a year after he first kissed her and told her he loved her, Powers called her into his office and told her he would "destroy" anyone who tried to harm him or his career.

The suit states that Powers then began to ignore the woman professionally, exclude her from meetings and telling other county employees that she was "going rogue" in her duties. During this period, she began to hear rumors around the office that they were having an affair.

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In July 2021, the lawsuit states, Powers had a closed-door meeting with the woman about his upcoming performance review with the Ventura County Board of Supervisors. The lawsuit claims he was "angry, red and shaking" and demanded to know if there was anything that might come up in his evaluation. The woman thought Powers was asking if she'd filed a complaint against him.

At that point, she had not made any complaint. Two months later, a county human resources manager saw Powers refer to her by amending "Pico Rivera" to her first name, a nickname the woman considered to be a reference to her Mexican-American heritage. She is not from Pico Rivera.

The human resources manager approached the woman about Powers' remarks, and she told the manager about his alleged harassment. In January 2022, she filed a complaint with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing.

The county hired an outside law firm to investigate Powers' conduct. After five months, the firm delivered a report that concluded that the allegations were likely true.

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The Board of Supervisors voted in March 2022 to place Powers on leave and ban him from entering county facilities. Powers retired two days later, saying he wanted to spend more time with his family.

Suit against Powers remains alive

Powers' accuser sued Powers and the county in Ventura County Superior Court in June 2022. In addition to the claims of harassment, discrimination and retaliation, she accused Powers of defaming her by claiming she had fabricated her allegations and that she was the one who pursued him romantically.

The defamation claim was only against Powers, not the county, and that part of the lawsuit remains active. Powers and the former county employee were unable to resolve the matter during a March 12 court-ordered settlement conference, according to court filings. The case is scheduled for a jury trail in July.

Powers has denied all of the allegations against him. He did not respond to requests for comment regarding the county's recent settlement with his accuser.

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There are two other lawsuits pending against the county related to Powers' conduct and his resignation. One was filed in February 2023 by woman who worked for the Ventura County Health Care Agency. She claimed that Powers "improperly flirted with her and sexualized the work environment, and that Powers and Bill Foley, a former director of the Health Care Agency, discriminated and retaliated against her.

That lawsuit is still pending against the county and against Foley, but on March 16 the woman dropped Powers as a defendant.

Powers is also suing the county for claims including wrongful termination, invasion of privacy and infliction of emotional distress. In that lawsuit, which was filed in March 2023, he said he was forced out of his job without the opportunity to defend himself.

In addition to the $506,000 the county spent defending itself against the Jane Roe lawsuit, it has spent about $392,000 on its defense against the former Health Care Agency employee's claim and $45,000 on its defense in the lawsuit brought by Powers, North said.

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Tony Biasotti is an investigative and watchdog reporter for the Ventura County Star. Reach him at tbiasotti@vcstar.com. This story was made possible by a grant from the Ventura County Community Foundation's Fund to Support Local Journalism.

This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Ventura County to pay millions for harassment claim against ex-CEO
Cuba has begun releasing prisoners after saying it would free 2,010 as a "humanitarian and sovereign gesture" while facing continued pressure from the US.

More than 20 inmates emerged from La Lima prison in eastern Havana, crying and hugging relatives who had been waiting for them all morning, AFP reported.

Those freed will include foreign nationals, young people, women and those aged over 60, a statement from the Cuban embassy in the US said on Thursday.

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Since returning to the White House, US President Donald Trump has made clear his desire to change Cuba's Communist leadership and has blocked oil shipments to the island, causing severe fuel shortages and widespread blackouts.

Last week, a Russian-owned tanker carrying an estimated 730,000 barrels of crude oil became the first to dock in one of Cuba's ports since early January - something Trump said he had "no problem" with.

Cuba holds hundreds of political prisoners behind bars, according to Human Rights Watch, with government critics subject to harassment and criminal prosecution.

Eligibility for the release was based on "a careful analysis" of offences, along with "their good conduct while in prison, the fact that they had served a significant portion of their sentences, and their state of health", the embassy said.

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It said the release was taking place "in the context of the religious celebrations of Holy Week, which is a customary practice in our criminal justice system".

Among the first to be let go from La Lima was Albis Gainza, a 46-year-old who had served half a six-year sentence for robbery, AFP reported.

Cuban opposition outlet 14ymedio reported that 41 prisoners had been released from the Toledo 2 Forced Labor Prison in south-west Havana, citing the president of the Spanish-based human rights group Prisoner Defenders.

Six common criminals were freed from El Tipico prison in the eastern city of Las Tunas, along with "dozens more" of prisoners from nearby forced labour centres, it reported.

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It is the second time this year that Cuba has announced a prisoner release. In March, 51 prisoners were set free after talks with the Vatican.

In 2025, Cuba released 553 people in a deal brokered by the Vatican and the US.

Trump's rhetoric concerning Latin America has pivoted focus towards Cuba since the US seized Venezuela's former President, Nicolas Maduro, in a raid on Caracas in January.

Freed prisoners were seen waving their release papers as they departed on Friday [Reuters]

Venezuela's interim government has also released political prisoners since - a key US demand - though a prisoner rights group says only a third of those promised had been let go.

Venezuela had been providing Cuba with oil under highly preferential terms, something the US stopped while threatening tariffs on products from nations found to be sending oil to the Caribbean island - exacerbating an existing energy crisis.

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Cuba's Communist government, led by President Miguel Diaz-Canel, has been in talks with the Trump administration to try to find an agreement to end the impasse.

But both sides have publicly set out a number of political and economic red lines that would make finding common ground hard.

Trump has repeatedly suggested that the US could "take" Cuba by force and install a friendlier regime.

Last week, the World Health Organization warned that severe fuel shortages meant that Cuban hospitals were struggling to maintain emergency and intensive care services.

The island has also suffered from rolling blackouts that have left millions in darkness and seen rare shows of public dissent.

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Russia said on Thursday that it would send a second oil tanker, laden with enough oil to keep Cuba's economy going for a few weeks.
Three-wheeler drivers queue for fuel at a petrol station in Mogadishu, capital of Somalia, April 2, 2026. Since the United States and Israel launched airstrikes against Iran on Feb. 28, the conflict has pushed up international oil prices. As a result, fuel prices across Somalia have more than doubled.(Photo by Hassan Bashi/Xinhua)

MOGADISHU, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Abdulkadir Sharif pulled his tuk-tuk to the curb and scanned the street, where two similar three-wheelers sat nearby, out of fuel, their drivers leaning against the frames with nowhere to go.

"I see two to three tuk-tuks every day that have run out of fuel and are parked along the roadside. Drivers tell me that due to the lack of fuel, they cannot continue their journeys," Sharif said.

Since the United States and Israel launched airstrikes against Iran on Feb. 28, the conflict has pushed up international oil prices. As a result, fuel prices across Somalia have more than doubled.

According to Save the Children, an international aid organization, fuel prices in Mogadishu, the capital of the East African country, surged by 150 percent in March, rising from 0.6 to 1.5 U.S. dollars per liter. The spike is squeezing an industry on which tens of thousands of young Somalis depend to support their families.

With youth unemployment hovering at around 34 percent, according to the World Bank estimates, tuk-tuks have become one of the few available sources of livelihood in the Somali capital.

Many drivers do not even own their vehicles. Instead, they rent them from owners for about 15 dollars a day and keep whatever remains after covering fuel costs. That math no longer works.

Ahmed Mohamud, a tuk-tuk driver who rents his vehicle, said his daily fuel bill has doubled while his earnings have fallen sharply.

"I used to earn 15 to 20 dollars after paying fuel and rental fees, but now I make only seven to 10 dollars. I also used to spend about eight dollars on fuel for the whole day, but now it has doubled to 16 dollars for fuel alone," Mohamud said. "If this continues, I don't think I will be able to carry on."

He is not alone. Sharif said some of his fellow drivers have already left the business.

"Some of my friends who used to drive rented tuk-tuks have now quit. Fewer people are using our services, and this has affected us, but we have no choice but to be patient," he said.

The crisis has rippled beyond the drivers. Residents who once relied on tuk-tuks for daily transport said they can no longer afford the higher fares.

"I have stopped using tuk-tuks because they have become too expensive. A trip that used to cost one dollar now costs two to three dollars, and this is because of the war in the Middle East," said Hassan Mohamed, a Mogadishu resident and former regular user.

Fuel sellers, caught between frustrated drivers and a global market beyond their control, have also borne the brunt of the anger.

"Drivers complain about the prices all the time, but we do not control them. They depend on market changes," said Malin Hassan, a fuel dealer in Mogadishu.

The frustration boiled over on March 11, when hundreds of tuk-tuk drivers blocked Maka Al-Mukarama Road, a major artery leading to the presidential palace, demanding government intervention.

The protest led to the arrest of Saadia Moalim Ali, a female driver and university graduate who had turned to driving tuk-tuks after failing to secure formal employment. The case drew national attention and underscored the desperation of Somalia's young transport workers.

Somalia imports most of its food, and about 6.5 million people, nearly a third of the population, face acute food insecurity amid drought and economic strain, according to the United Nations. Rising transport costs are now feeding into food prices, further limiting access to basic goods for already struggling families.

For young Somalis like Mohamud, the tuk-tuk is more than just a job. It is proof that hard work could still put food on the table. But as fuel costs rise and passenger numbers decline, that reality is becoming increasingly harsh for many drivers. 

A staff refuels a three-wheeler at a petrol station in Mogadishu, capital of Somalia, April 2, 2026. Since the United States and Israel launched airstrikes against Iran on Feb. 28, the conflict has pushed up international oil prices. As a result, fuel prices across Somalia have more than doubled.(Photo by Hassan Bashi/Xinhua)

Three-wheeler drivers queue for fuel at a petrol station in Mogadishu, capital of Somalia, April 2, 2026. Since the United States and Israel launched airstrikes against Iran on Feb. 28, the conflict has pushed up international oil prices. As a result, fuel prices across Somalia have more than doubled.(Photo by Hassan Bashi/Xinhua)

Three-wheeler drivers queue for fuel at a petrol station in Mogadishu, capital of Somalia, April 2, 2026. Since the United States and Israel launched airstrikes against Iran on Feb. 28, the conflict has pushed up international oil prices. As a result, fuel prices across Somalia have more than doubled.(Photo by Hassan Bashi/Xinhua)
Easter weekend is when people start to pack the Salt River. However, within the past week, two people had to be rescued.

Paddleboarder Tasha Waisner has travelled down the famous East Valley River countless times, but her most recent visit was almost her last.

I've never experienced any injury like this in my life, said Waisner.

On Saturday, she was behind a group in Pinball Alley, a notorious stretch of the Salt River known for intense rapids. Waisner said the person in front of her fell off her paddleboard, causing Waisner to fall off hers. When she grabbed onto her board, her back hit a rock, ripping her board away from her and pulling her shoulder out of its socket.

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" I felt the pop and the rip at the same time," she said. Just ripping, searing, debilitating pain."

Another group of paddleboarders, including Nick Campasano and Bradley White, was nearby and rushed to help.

I saw the panic, and as she went through, you could see her knees bounce and hitting the rocks, Campasano said.

White had a throw rope with him. He and others were able to attach it to two trees that Waisner was able to use to pull herself to safety. Soon, the Maricopa County Sheriff's helicopter arrived and airlifted Waisner to an ambulance. She later learned she had dislocated her shoulder and may need surgery.

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While I was standing there waiting to be airlifted out, four people wiped out during that time, she said.

A day earlier, another rescue unfolded in the same stretch of river. A woman paddleboarding with her dog fell off and became trapped when her ankle leash snagged on a tree. Another group that was there helping paddleboarders stepped in.

When we saw her, she was already starting to go under, and she was holding on to her dog, said Zachary Walker

They helped keep the woman's head above water and got the leash off her ankle.

These frequent river-goers said they make dozens of trips each year and warn others about the risks.

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Zero ankle leashes. That's how people die.

Sgt. Rob Marske with the sheriffs office said that advice aligns with official guidance.

It is recommended to not wear a leash when you are paddleboarding in a body of water with a fast-moving current just for that exact reason, Marske said.

While leashes can be useful on lakes, Marske said, in a river, they can become dangerous if caught, potentially dragging a person underwater.

Waisner said she is grateful to those who helped save her.

Im grateful and lucky," she told 12News.

She and others are urging visitors to prioritize safety while enjoying the river.

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I really want you to go home at the end of the day. This is a beautiful place, but it's not really that beautiful if you don't get to see it the next day, Walker said.

The sheriffs office also recommends wearing life jackets for all river activities, including kayaking, tubing, and paddleboarding.

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A series of voting rights groups and top Democrats have sued President Donald Trump in two separate lawsuits that aim to block his new restrictions on mail-in voting, alleging they amount to an unlawful power grab.

The ACLU and other civil rights organizations are representing the voting rights groups, which include the League of Women Voters of the United States, in one lawsuit filed April 2 that argues Trump's order will exclude "potentially millions of eligible U.S. citizens" from voting.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-New York, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-New York, along with Democratic organizations, filed a lawsuit April 1. They argue that the changes to voting "imminently threaten to disenfranchise lawful voters and plainly exceed the Presidents lawful authority."

"No Kings" protesters gathered 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 . See moments from the protests across the nation. See the signs protesters created.



The Roebling Suspension Bridge near Cincinnati stands tall in the background while a protester holds a sign that reads "Elvis forever Trump never," at a protest against President Trump and his administration's policies on March 28, 2026. Over 700 people participated in a "No Kings" protest on Coastal Highway in Rehoboth Beach on March 28, 2026. A woman holds a sign with a drawing of a glass of iced coffee that reads "I like ICE in my coffee not my streets," at a protest against President Donald Trump and his administration's policies at the Roebling Suspension Bridge in Convington on March 28, 2026. The 'No Kings' rally in Somerville on March 28, 2026, opposing policies of the Trump administration. "No Kings" protesters on Coastal Highway in Rehoboth Beach on March 28, 2026. Over 1,000 people gathered at University Town's Center for a 'No King's' protest on Saturday, March 28. This marks the third nationwide "No Kings" day of action protesting the Trump administration. The 'No Kings' rally in Somerville on March 28, 2026, opposing policies of the Trump administration. The 'No Kings' rally in Somerville on March 28, 2026, opposing policies of the Trump administration. A man wears three different "No Kings" signs on the back of his hat at the Covington protest against President Donald Trump and his administration's policies on March 28, 2026. Signs range from poignant to funny to critical at 'No Kings' protests 1 of 9 "No Kings" protesters gathered 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 . See moments from the protests across the nation. See the signs protesters created.



The Roebling Suspension Bridge near Cincinnati stands tall in the background while a protester holds a sign that reads "Elvis forever Trump never," at a protest against President Trump and his administration's policies on March 28, 2026.

"Only Democrat politicians and operatives would be upset about lawful efforts to secure American elections and ensure only eligible American citizens are casting ballots," White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson told USA TODAY in a statement.

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"President Trump campaigned on securing our elections and the American people sent him back to the White House to get the job done," she added.

The Justice Department didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

Trump signed his executive order March 31, which directs the U.S. Postal Service to create "uniform standards" to prevent the service from transmitting mail-in ballots of people who are not approved to vote. The service would provide each state with a list of "enrolled" voters.

The voting rights groups and Democrats say that Trump is violating the separation of powers laid out in the U.S. Constitution by attempting to exercise power that belongs either to Congress or to the states.

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The Constitution says states will set the times, places and manner of holding elections for members of Congress, but also that Congress may pass a law to alter those regulations, except for on the locations of Senate elections.

Trump for years has spread baseless claims that he actually won the 2020 presidential election, despite numerous audits and reviews confirming that Joe Biden won that election. Since re-taking office in 2025, Trump has repeatedly attempted to cast doubt on U.S. elections and pushed to take control of election processes that are largely run by states.

President Donald Trump holds up an executive order to limit mail-in voting in the Oval Office of the White House on March 31, 2026 in Washington, DC.

In a Feb. 2 appearance on "The Dan Bongino Show," Trump said Republicans should "nationalize" voting and "take over the voting in at least  many, 15 places."

For weeks, Trump has pushed unsuccessfully for Congress to pass the SAVE America Act, which would require proof of citizenship to register to vote and photo ID to vote, and would make states hand over their voter rolls to the federal government while creating a program to remove noncitizens from them.

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Contributing: Zac Anderson, Joey Garrison, Zachary Schermele  USA TODAYThis story has been updated with additional information.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump's order to restrict mail-in ballots triggers Dem, ACLU lawsuits
A metal detectorist who uncovered a rare early medieval silver-gilt finger ring with a runic inscription in a Lincolnshire field has described the experience as "a once-in-a-lifetime" moment.

Rafal Wesolowski, 49, from Boston, unearthed the artefact in a field in Quadring in South Holland in May 2024.

"I didn't know exactly what it was, but I knew immediately it was something special," he said.

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Archaeologist Dr Lisa Brundle described it as one of "the most significant" archaeological finds ever recorded in the area.

The find was reported to the Portable Antiquities Scheme and has since been declared treasure [Lincolnshire County Council]

Wesolowski said he first became interested in metal detecting through his love of history.

"I've always felt drawn to that world, and metal detecting felt like a way to touch real history with my own hands, not just read about it in books."

Recalling the discovery, he said: "You always dream of finding something amazing, but you never truly expect it to happen.

"I remember standing there in the field, holding it in my hand, thinking 'how is it possible that I am the first person to touch this again after more than a thousand years'?"

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"For me, the idea that someone over a thousand years ago might have worn this ring, not just as jewellery, but as something meaningful or protective, is incredible."

'Still a mystery'

Wesolowski said he had reported the find to the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS), and experts from the University of Nottingham had confirmed its early medieval date and importance.

According to the reference in the PAS database, the ring, which features 16 runic characters running from left to right, dates back more than 1,000 years.

"The full meaning of the runes is still a mystery, but specialists think they may include a personal name and the word ring," Wesolowski said.

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According to the entry, It forms part of a very small number of known early medieval finger rings with runic inscriptions, including an example from Kingmoor, Cumbria.

Dr Lisa Brundle said the artefact was part of an exceptionally small group of inscribed early medieval rings known from Britain [Lisa Brundle]

Brundle, who is finds liaison officer for PAS at Lincolnshire County Council, said the ring "would have been a treasured possession".

She said the item bore a rare runic inscription, possibly including the personal name Udnan, as identified by experts in Nottingham.

"This places the piece within an exceptionally small group of inscribed early medieval rings known from Britain," she said.

Other artefacts found at the same location by Wesolowski, including a late AngloSaxon buckle, indicated the presence of a previously unknown early medieval archaeological site in the area, Brundle added.

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"Together, these discoveries point to a community of considerable status and may even suggest the presence of a literate elite living along the fenedge landscape."

Brundle said it was hoped the artefact, which has since been declared as treasure by the Coroner in Lincoln, could be acquired by Lincoln Museum, where it could "enrich our understanding and appreciation of the early medieval past".

Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North.

Download the BBC News app from the App Store for iPhone and iPad or Google Play for Android devices

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Pam Bondi ranks among the countrys worst attorneys general, but it appears she was fired for not being bad enough.

President Donald Trumps displeasure didnt owe just to her embarrassing bungling of the Epstein files. By many reports, he was livid over her lack of success in prosecuting his enemies.

The list is long: Former FBI Director James Comey, New York Attorney General Letitia James, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, and six members of Congress who reminded U.S. troops of their duty to disobey illegal orders. Judges and grand juries trashed Bondis attempted persecutions.

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Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland, ranking Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, called her out at a hearing in April.

Youve turned the peoples Department of Justice into Trumps instrument of revenge, he said.

She disgraced, demoralized and depopulated the DOJ as if she meant to destroy it.

She brought our nations rule of law to its knees, said Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif.

Laying off corruption cases

Career attorneys walked out over the political scheme to drop corruption charges against New York Citys former Mayor Eric Adams, so he would be a Trump ally on deportations.

Bondi purged others because they had prosecuted Trumps insurrectionists of Jan. 6, 2021, had been assigned to the several other investigations of him, or because their loyalty to him was in doubt. She demoted an executive for failing to remove portraits from the Biden years.

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DOJ lawyers should owe loyalty to nothing but the Constitution. Bondi owed loyalty to no one but Trump  for whom it wasnt enough.

Bondi cut off the American Bar Associations access to judicial nominees for the first time in 72 years, depriving the Senate of an independent opinion on their qualifications.

She leaves behind a proposed rule to prohibit state Bar groups from opening investigations of DOJ lawyers like herself, despite a federal law that specifically subjects them to state jurisdiction of ethical standards.

A case for disbarment

That is where Bondi finds herself  exposed to disbarment in Florida, where she holds her only law license, for systematically violating the Code of Professional Responsibility that supposedly governs all Florida lawyers. If she isnt disbarred, its hard to imagine who should be.

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The Bar rejected a well-founded complaint against her last year on the premise that it doesnt go after lawyers while they occupy federal constitutional office. Soon, shell be out.

Nothing in its published rules stated such an exception, but in December, its Board of Governors asked the Florida Supreme Court to approve one. The new rule is pending. Its an insult to the public interest. The court should reject it.

However, thats moot now for Bondi. Trump went out of his way Thursday to say she would return to the private sector.

Jon May, the Boca Raton lawyer who filed the first complaint against her, said Thursday he will file another with the Bar, significantly revised to include a wealth of new examples of professional misconduct. The Bars closure letter last June acknowledged he could refile once the above-named lawyer no longer serves in such a position.

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Mays original complaint to the Bar was co-signed by Lawyers Defending American Democracy, Democracy Defenders Fund, and Lawyers for the Rule of Law, along with 70 prominent legal ethics professors, former judges and lawyers.

They included former Florida Supreme Court chief justices Barbara Pariente and Peggy Quincy and a former president of the American Bar Association, Martha Barnett. Their complaint cited lawyers who quit the DOJ or were fired by Bondi for refusing unethical orders.

A henchman-in-waiting

Bondis interim replacement, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, is one of the presidents former personal attorneys, as Bondi herself was during his first-term impeachments. Thats not encouraging.

Blanche helped Bondi purge the DOJ of lawyers who worked on cases against Trump.

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There is not a single man or woman at the Department of Justice who had anything to do with those prosecutions, Blanche boasted to the Conservative Political Action Conference.

Among the lessons the Senate should learn from Bondis 14 misspent months at the DOJ: No presidents personal lawyer should ever be attorney general. Another is that whoevers chosen should disclaim under oath loyalty to anyone or anything other than the Constitution.

Trump is reported to be leaning toward EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, who has been energetically renouncing every critical environmental protection he can lay hands on, including the EPAs authority to regulate climate-altering greenhouse gases.

He voted as a member of Trumps so-called God Squad to waive environmental regulations affecting oil and gas drilling in the Gulf. As attorney general, Zeldin could do even more harm.

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Its ironic that Bondi was only Trumps second choice for A.G. His first, former Rep. Matt Gaetz, was too toxic to be confirmed. He could hardly have done worse.

____

The Sun Sentinel Editorial Board consists of Opinion Editor Steve Bousquet, Deputy Opinion Editor Dan Sweeney, editorial writers Pat Beall and Martin Dyckman, and Executive Editor Gretchen Day-Bryant. To contact us, email at letters@sun-sentinel.com.

___
Lansing  A federal district judge has issued an order that further cements Michigan's one-party consent rule for recorded conversations.

U.S. District Judge Linda Parker ruled that a Project Veritas employee's recording of a conversation in which the other participants were not aware of the recording did not violate Michigan's eavesdropping law because the employee was physically present for the conversation and considered a party, even if she wasn't speaking.

Michigan has long been known as a "one-party consent" state, meaning that at least one person in a recorded conversation must be aware that it is being recorded. But the federal case before Parker had challenged that law at different times throughout its nine-year duration.

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The court concludes that defendants interpretation of the statute is correct," Parker wrote. "As other district judges have observed, courts considering 'the scope of the one-party consent rule have concluded that a person whose presence is apparent in the midst of a communication is considered a party, whether or not that person actually participates verbally in the communication.'

However, the judge ruled against Project Veritas in granting summary disposition on allegations of trespassing and fraud related to its employee's 2017 undercover investigation into the American Federation of Teachers in Michigan.

The nearly decade-old case in Michigan has been watched closely because of the serious challenge to the state's recording rules.

The Michigan Press Association noted in a statement Tuesday that, while other issues remain in the case, the March 30 decision at least ends "a lengthy journey for the current state of Michigan law pertaining to the Michigan Eavesdropping Statute."

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"With this ruling, the court conclusively upheld Michigans long-standing one-party consent rule, clarified the definition of a 'party' for purposes of the one-party consent rule, and concluded one of the most closely watched Michigan Eavesdropping Statute decisions in recent Michigan history," the association said in a statement Tuesday.

The case Parker ruled on involved a 2017 lawsuit between the American Federation of Teachers Michigan and the nonprofit Project Veritas, a group that did undercover reporting work for largely conservative causes.

The AFT filed suit against Project Veritas to prevent it from publishing information that an AFT intern obtained while working for the union. AFT alleged the intern, Marisa Jorge, was an operative for Project Veritas who had obtained information by recording conversations without consent.

Jorge's attorneys have argued she operated within the state's eavesdropping law, which allows for one-party consent recording, by obtaining audio and video from conversations she was present for. The AFT argued that state law allows those who are "participants" in conversations to record without permission of all parties, but not mere "observers."

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Last week, Parker sided with Project Veritas' interpretation of the law. But the judge withheld judgment on two other issues, indicating there is an open question of whether Jorge owed the federation a duty of loyalty in terms of non-disclosure or whether her conduct was in violation of the federal wiretapping statute. Those issues remain unsettled.

Earlier in the nine-year case, in March 2019, Parker had ruled that Michigan's law prevents any person present or not present in a private conversation from recording it without consent from all parties. But that decision was in conflict with a 1982 Michigan Court of Appeals opinion that found the eavesdropping outlawed in statute involved situations where a third party listened into or recorded a conversation unbeknownst to the participants in the conversation, such as wiretapping or the bugging of a location.

Because of that conflict between her decision and the state appellate ruling, Parker in October 2020 attempted to certify the question to the Michigan Supreme Court in order to gain some clarity and finality on the debate. But the high court declined to take up the question.

eleblanc@detroitnews.com

Want to comment on this story? Become a subscriber today. Click here.

This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Federal judge upholds Michigan's one-party consent recording law
A Florida fertility clinic accused earlier this year of making a mistake that led to a couple giving birth to a baby not biologically related to them is closing its doors, according to an announcement on its website.

The Fertility Center of Orlando was sued by the couple, Tiffany Score and Steven Mills, after Score was implanted with an embryo after undergoing in vitro fertilization treatment at the clinic in March 2025 and gave birth that December. The baby she gave birth to appeared to be a different race than Score and Mills, who are both White, and testing showed she had "no genetic relationship" to either parent, reported the USA TODAY Network in Florida.

The couple said in the lawsuit that they developed an emotional bond with the baby, but believe she should be "united with her genetic parents," and worried that another woman could be carrying their biological child. The couple said in a post on social media that the mix up led to a "healthy baby girl whom we love more than words can express," the USA TODAY Network in Florida reported.

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Previously: Florida mom sues IVF clinic for giving birth to another couple's baby

The clinic, which is operated by IVF Life, said in a statement on its website that after "thoughtful consideration," it will be closing its operations. The statement gave patients a recommendation for where to seek future fertility care, and said they "will continue to see many of the same trusted and familiar faces who have been part of your care team."

The clinic didn't say when it would close or give a reason for closing, but said patients have until April 15 to arrange transfer of "cryopreserved specimens." It did not immediately respond to an inquiry from USA TODAY on April 3.

The center previously said in a statement obtained by the USA TODAY Network that it was cooperating with an investigation to determine "the source of an error that resulted in the birth of a child who is not genetically related" to the couple.

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"Our priority remains transparency and the well-being of the patient and child involved. We will continue to assist in any way that we can regardless of the outcome of the investigation."

More: Judge in Florida embryo mixup case calls latest development a 'curveball'

An attorney for Score and Mills said in a court hearing on March 30 that the couple found out IVF Life was selling the clinic when it sent letters to all its patients, the USA TODAY Network in Florida reported. The judge on the case, Margaret Schreiber, called the news of the sale a bit of a curveball and wanted to know if the new owners will assume liability for the cost of testing being done to determine the biological parents of the baby born from the embryo mix up. Robert Terenzio, an attorney representing IVF Life, said he assumed responsibility would remain with IVF Life and the doctor who runs it, Milton McNichol.

Terenzio did not immediately respond to an inquiry from USA TODAY on April 3.

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Attorneys have said that testing to determine who the baby's biological parents are is underway, the Network reported.

Contributing: Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Florida fertility clinic closing after couple sued over embryo mix-up
People released from New Jersey prisons in recent years are committing fewer new crimes than they did a decade ago, state corrections officials announced this week in a new report on recidivism.

The department tracked the 4,174 people freed from state custody in 2021 and found that 6% of men and 2% of women returned to prison within three years for convictions for new offenses.

Thats a 50% drop from 2013, when 12% of men and 4% of women were reincarcerated for committing new crimes within three years of their release, according to the report. The states prison population has fallen over that time, with about 13,000 people now in state prisons compared to about 23,000 in 2013.

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Those numbers dont show the full picture of recidivism, though, because parole violations balloon recidivism rates.

People who break the conditions of parole  such as by failing drug tests, violating curfew, or skipping mandatory check-ins with parole officers  are considered recidivists too. About 700 of the 1,059 people who recidivated after leaving prison in 2021 were technical parole violators, meaning they got in trouble for flouting parole restrictions rather than committing new crimes, officials wrote.

Factoring them in, 45% of people released from state prisons in 2021 were rearrested, 29% were reconvicted, and 25% were reincarcerated, the reports researchers found. In comparison, 31% of those released from prison a decade ago were reimprisoned.

Former Gov. Phil Murphy tried during his final year in office last year to change the states costly practice of reincarcerating technical parole violators but failed.

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Corrections officials also found that more than half of those released in 2021 who recidivated within three years did so in the first year after their release. People who participated in work-release programs had the lowest recidivism rates, officials wrote.

Victoria Kuhn, the departments commissioner, credited prison reentry programs and educational, vocational, mental health, addiction, and social services with reducing recidivism rates.

Public safety is most effectively strengthened when rehabilitation is at the heart of our mission, she said in a statement.

Still, the report suggests policymakers should tweak rehabilitation and reentry services to further cut recidivism rates.

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Parole and probation violations are a significant contributing factor to recidivism and reincarceration, the report says.

This underscores the importance of tailoring rehabilitation programs, support services, and reentry strategies to address the specific needs and circumstances of different gender groups who are under supervision at release, the report says.

There is room for further improvement, especially, in services meant to smooth the transition back into the community during the first few months to a year after someone leaves prison, officials wrote.

The transition from the highly structured environment of prison to the freedom of society can be overwhelming, leading some individuals to revert to criminal behavior or violate the conditions of their parole, they wrote.

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The department is required by state law to report annually on recidivism rates. Wednesdays report was the 15th it has issued since the law passed in 2009.

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(This story has been updated to add new information.)

A flood warning was issued by the National Weather Service Green Bay at 10:44 p.m. April 2. This warning applies to Oconto County.

The NWS said the warning is in effect for the Oconto River until 10 p.m. April 5.

The weather service said the river was at 8.9 feet at 10 p.m. April 2 and at 9 feet floodwaters can spread into a public campground in Oconto. The river is expected to crest at 9.5 feet before falling below flood stage on April 5.

What is weather forecast for Oconto?

The forecast calls for a 90% chance of rain tonight, April 3, with new rainfall of 0.5 to 0.75 inch possible.

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Some of that precipitation could be freezing rain, leading to possible power outages and tree damage.

On April 4, more rain is likely before 1 p.m. and then a slight chance after 4 p.m., with new rainfall of 0.1 to 0.25 inch possible.

It will be mostly sunny on April 5.

The highs and lows will be:

April 3: 42/32

April 4: 43/27

April 5: 45/29

See weather radar for Oconto County

What to do during a flood warning

If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.

Use a battery-operated radio or television to get the latest emergency information.

Do not walk through floodwater. Just 6 inches of floodwater can sweep you off your feet if it is moving swiftly.

Turn around, don't drown; do not drive into a flooded street. Cars can be swept away by 2 feet of moving water or there may be unseen damage to the road. If you come to a flooded area turn around and go another way. Most flood-related deaths are caused by people driving through water.

Watch out for fire hazards.

Move to higher ground.

Stay alert, turn weather notifications on.

Do not allow children to play in flowing water. Waters can hide rocks, trees and debris.

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This weather report was generated automatically using information from the National Weather Service and a story written and reviewed by an editor.

See the latest weather alerts and forecasts here.

This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Flood warning issued for Oconto County
One of the less noticed features of the Virginia Way is the long-running tendency of the commonwealths leaders to conduct their decision-making behind closed doors. While the Virginia Freedom of Information Act presumes all government business is by default public and requires officials to justify why exceptions should be made, too many Virginia leaders in practice take the opposite stance, acting as if records are by default private and the public must prove they should be handled otherwise.

In this feature, we aim to highlight the frequency with which officials around Virginia are resisting public access to records on issues large and small  and note instances when the release of information under FOIA gave the public insight into how government bodies are operating.

Richmond withholds full spending data, seeks $5,732 fee for public records

Richmond officials have yet to comply with a local law requiring financial data to be posted online  and when The Richmonder requested the records, the city quoted a $5,732.40 fee to provide them.

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A few hours before responding to the Freedom of Information Act request  weeks after it had been submitted  Mayor Danny Avulas administration released a less detailed subset of the requested information. It did not include the names of companies receiving public funds or specifics on what the city has been purchasing

The payment register, required under a 2015 ordinance passed by the city council, is intended to give residents a clear idea of how tax payer dollars are spent by allowing them to track where money is going. The practice stopped during former Mayor Levar Stoneys tenure.

Avulas administration told The Richmonder that technical and staff challenges have made publishing the full data too burdensome, and pointed to the partial release as a step toward improving transparency in the meantime.

The Richmonder reporter Graham Moomaw told The Mercury that as of last week, hed asked the city for suggestions or ideas on how the cost estimate could be lowered since the breakdown they gave me was pretty bare bones.

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By the time of this publication, hed yet to hear back so he does not have a follow-up FOIA planned just yet.

Public records requests draw steep fees in some Hampton Roads localities

The Virginian-Pilot asked seven local governments in the Hampton Roads region what types of FOIA requests residents submitted last year and whether those requests were fulfilled. The newsroom also sought copies of FOIA logs and descriptions of the information requested.

While some localities provided the records free of charge, others quoted fees that together approached $40,000.

The highest estimate came from Norfolk, where a local spokesperson defended the cost by pointing to efforts to work with The Pilot to amend the request.

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Still, the wide range of responses illustrate how local governments vary in their capacity to handle requests, depending on staffing and technology, and how some may use flexibility in FOIA law to avoid fulfilling requests by attaching high cost estimates.

Sen. Danica Roem, D-Manassass, has for several years carried legislation aimed at reining in FOIA fees by capping what localities can charge based on staff salaries. A former journalist before entering office, Roem has advocated for the bill as it advanced through the legislative process each year, though it has not yet become law.

Virginia health department redacted details of billing error that affects medicine access for HIV/AIDS patients

After over-billing rebates for HIV/AIDS medication, the Virginia Department of Health now owes repayment to a pharmaceutical company and has applied for financial assistance to address the issue. But when WTVR sought additional details last month, the agency declined to elaborate.

A February 2025 letter from Gilead Sciences, the drug manufacturer, could shed light on the situation, but VDH released the information heavily redacted. The agency cited a discretionary FOIA exemption intended to protect economic development information when defending the redactions to WTVR.

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However, a member of the Virginia FOIA Council said it is unclear whether that exemption applies, while the Virginia Coalition for Open Government said it does not.

As of last month, VDH told WTVR that it has not finalized the amount of rebates mistakenly paid in prior years and is continuing to work with Gilead to resolve matters.

The error comes as clinics and organizations serving low-income HIV/AIDS patients have also lost federal funding that supports medication access and wraparound services such as housing assistance.

Have you experienced local or state officials denying or delaying your FOIA request? Tell us about it: info@virginiamercury.com
By Portia Crowe

DAKAR, April 3 (Reuters) - Burkina Faso's military leader, who seized power in a coup in September 2022, told journalists that "people need to forget about democracy" and that "democracy kills", the latest sign he aims to rule for the long term.

Ibrahim Traore's military government had originally committed to organising an election in 2024. But a year after the coup, he said there would be no elections until the country -- which has struggled for more than a decade to contain Islamist insurgencies linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State -- was safe enough for everyone to vote.

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When asked about elections during a roundtable with journalists aired on state television on Thursday night, Traore said his administration was focused on other challenges.

"People need to forget about the issue of democracy," he said. "We have to tell the truth: democracy isn't for us."

Invoking the example of Libya, where he said outsiders tried to "impose democracy", he added that "democracy kills."

Traore's government dissolved all political parties in January, after earlier suspending political activities. Before the coup, the country had more than 100 registered political parties, with 15 represented in parliament after the 2020 general election.

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Neighbouring Mali and Niger, also led by military rulers who took power in coups, have similarly dissolved political parties.

Islamist insurgencies in all three countries have killed thousands and displaced millions over the past decade.

Earlier on Thursday, Human Rights Watch published a report indicating that Burkina Faso's military and its allies have killed more than twice as many civilians as Islamist militants have since 2023.

The government did not respond to requests for comment from Reuters about the report.

(Reporting by Portia Crowe; Editing by Robbie Corey-Boulet and Ros Russell)
CAIRO, April 3 (Xinhua) -- The U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict entered its 35th day on Friday, as U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that the United States can "easily" open the Strait of Hormuz "with a little more time," while Iran said it shot down several U.S. aircraft in a single day and rejected a 48-hour U.S. ceasefire proposal.

The following is an overview of the latest developments in the crisis affecting much of the region and beyond.

The United States

-- Trump said that the United States can open the Strait of Hormuz with a little more time. "With a little more time, we can easily OPEN THE HORMUZ STRAIT, TAKE THE OIL, & MAKE A FORTUNE," he wrote in a post on Truth Social.

-- Latest U.S. intelligence assessments show that roughly half of Iran's missile launchers are still intact and thousands of one-way attack drones remain in Iran's arsenal more than one month after the United States and Israel launched massive strikes on Iran, CNN reported on Thursday.

-- The White House said Trump has been briefed about the downing of a U.S. fighter jet in Iran that has triggered a major search and rescue operation for the crew.

-- Over 100 U.S. international law experts said in a letter released on Thursday that the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran may violate international law and amount to "war crimes," noting that there was no evidence Iran posed an imminent threat that could ground a self-defense claim.

Israel

-- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the Israeli air force has destroyed 70 percent of Iran's steel production capacity, calling it "a tremendous achievement that deprives the IRGC (Islamic Revolution Guard Corps) of both funding sources and the ability to produce large quantities of weapons."

-- Israel's Channel 12 News and other Israeli media outlets reported that the pilot of the U.S. fighter jet that was shot down in Iranian airspace was safely rescued, yet the fate of the navigator on the jet was unknown. The Israeli military has canceled strikes in the area in Iran, where searches are being conducted for the navigator.

Iran

-- Iran has rejected a U.S. proposal for a 48-hour ceasefire, which was delivered to Iran through a "friendly" country on Thursday, the semi-official Fars news agency reported Friday, citing an informed source.

-- The Iranian army confirmed that its air defense systems shot down a U.S. A-10 "Warthog" attack plane over Iran's southern waters near the Strait of Hormuz, with the aircraft crashing into the Persian Gulf. The announcement came shortly after IRGC said that it had downed a U.S. F-35 fighter jet in central Iranian airspace earlier in the day. Later Friday, Iran's semi-official Mehr News Agency reported that a U.S. Black Hawk helicopter was also hit by a projectile in Iranian airspace while searching for the pilot of the downed U.S. fighter jet.

-- Yadollah Rahmani, governor of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province, called on residents in tribal and rural areas to assist authorities in locating "enemy pilots."

-- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said the wreckage of a drone downed the previous day in southern Iran could be new evidence of some regional states' "direct participation and active complicity" in the U.S. and Israeli "aggression and crimes" against Iran.

-- The death toll from U.S.-Israeli attacks on the B1 bridge in Iran's northern Alborz province on Thursday has risen to 13, all civilians, including four women, the official news agency IRNA reported Friday. The bridge is one of the highest bridges in the Middle East and among the most complicated projects in Iran. It was targeted twice with missiles on Thursday, and the attacks also wounded 95 people, IRNA said.

Lebanon

-- An explosion inside a United Nations position near the Adaisseh area in southern Lebanon wounded three peacekeepers, two of them seriously, said the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

-- The U.S. Embassy in Lebanon warned that the security situation in Lebanon is "volatile and unpredictable" and urged its citizens to leave the country while commercial flights remain available.

-- Five people were killed and 15 others wounded in separate Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon and the Bekaa region on Friday, bringing the death toll from March 2 to 1,368 and the number of wounded to 4,138.

-- The Loyalty to the Resistance bloc of Hezbollah warned Israel that any attempt to impose a buffer zone in southern Lebanon would fail and would be met with continued attacks by the resistance using rockets and drones.

The United Arab Emirates

-- The Abu Dhabi Media Office confirmed that two fires broke out at the Habshan gas facilities in Abu Dhabi after debris fell from a successful air defense interception, resulting in one Egyptian national being killed during the evacuation and four others sustaining minor injuries.

-- Emirates Global Aluminium said its Al Taweelah site, one of the world's largest aluminium production complexes, sustained significant damage from recent Iranian missile and drone attacks, forcing the facility to halt operations. Early assessments indicate that a full recovery of primary aluminium production could take up to 12 months.

Iraq

-- Iraq extended the closure of its airspace for one week, citing security concerns amid heightened regional tensions following U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran. The closure, which covers all arriving, departing, and overflying aircraft, runs from noon local time (0900 GMT) Friday through noon April 10, the Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority said.

Kuwait

-- Kuwait said a power generation and water desalination plant was struck in what it described as an "Iranian attack," causing material damage to parts of the facility.

-- Kuwait Petroleum Corporation said that a drone attack targeted the Mina Al Ahmadi refinery early in the morning, causing fires in several operational units.

Egypt

-- Egypt has brought four new natural gas wells online in the Mediterranean Sea and the Western Desert as part of efforts to boost domestic energy output and curb its growing reliance on imports. The additions come as Egypt grapples with soaring energy costs stemming from the regional conflict.

Jordan

-- The flow of natural gas from Israel's Leviathan field in the eastern Mediterranean to Jordan resumed amid heightened regional tensions that have driven up global oil prices and disrupted energy supply chains.

Turkiye

-- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in a phone call with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, that his country does not approve of attacks on Iran and also does not endorse Iran's retaliatory actions against regional countries.

Erdogan told Putin that Turkiye continues contacts with all parties with a focus on peace and stability to prevent the war from spiraling further out of control, according to the statement. 
A former U.S. Air Force Master Sergeant pleaded guilty this week to federal crimes in a scheme that defrauded the Air Force of $37 million and involved channeling bribes to a public official nicknamed the "Godfather," federal prosecutors said.

Texan Alan Hayward James, 51, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, bribery, and conspiracy to rig bids in the District of Hawaii and elsewhere.

U.S. Department of Justice officials said in a statement Thursday that from at least 2016 until 2025, James, who was responsible for drafting IT contracts for U.S. Air Force installations across the Pacific, inflated the materials and labor costs in those contracts.

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James then collaborated with co-conspirators to wire funds to various shell companies and pay false salaries and perks to individuals nicknamed "The Godfather" and "The Godmother." In one instance in 2023, he paid for a co-conspirator's all-expenses-paid, two-night stay at a luxury resort on the North Shore of Oahu.

"Through this bid-rigging scheme, the defendant not only stole from American taxpayers and harmed companies seeking to compete honestly for government contracts, he also ultimately harmed essential military services designed to keep our nation safe by diverting resources away from other services," said U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson for the District of Hawaii.

According to federal prosecutors, James tracked the excess funds from government contracts in ledgers. Various amounts were sent to shell companies, and James directed those companies to make payments or provide "salaries" to himself, his own family members, and the family members of another co-conspiratorpayments which he tracked using a series of code names.

James nicknamed himself "Al Capone" in the ledgers. His parents had the code names "Capone M" and "Capone D."

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Other code names in the ledger included the "Godfather" and the "Godmother." Annual payments varied from approximately $10,000 to $200,000.

The recipients did not include work required by the contracts, despite receiving "salaries" or payments from co-conspirator companies related to those contracts.

James' attorney had no comment.

James agreed to pay restitution of at least $1,451,656.80 to the U.S. government.

White House reacts to F-15E fighter jet downed over Iran

Early details on F-15E fighter jet downed in Iran

Supreme Court expresses skepticism over Trump order to end birthright citizenship
A former New Jersey middle school teacher arrested last month for raping one of her students sobbed as a judge determined she would remain jailed until her case is resolved.

In video footage of a Gloucester County Court bail hearing, accessed by Us Weekly, Ashley Fisler can be seen covering her mouth with her hands in shock as Judge William Ziegler announced he feels the married former educator poses a risk to the community at large.

Fisler, 36, could then be seen wiping tears from her eyes and pouting as the judge spoke in her hearing on Wednesday, April 1. She was also seen rocking back and forth, comforting herself.

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Fisler has been charged with six counts of first-degree sexual assault of a minor, one count of second-degree endangering the welfare of a child and one count of second-degree official misconduct.

Fisler was arrested after the victim reported the allegations to police on January 23. The victim, who is now an adult, said that they were sexually assaulted six times by Fisler while they were a student in her class at Orchard Valley Middle School.

Married Former Kansas Teacher Accused of Grooming and Having Unlawful Sexual Relations With Student, 17

He turned 14 in 2021 during the alleged sexual abuse.

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Investigators said they obtained 7,500 pages of incriminating text messages between Fisler and the victim, which confirmed the sexual nature of their relationship.

She allegedly had sex with the student in her car and her classroom in the school.

Fisler allegedly maintained contact with the child after the rapes and asked him to talk about the sexual encounters he was having with girls his own age.

She also offered to buy him a sex toy and groom his private parts, according to the texts, police said.

In a message the teen sent on January 2, 2025, he told Fisler, I have to try really hard to rebuild the things you broke inside of me. You destroyed things inside of me. You stripped me of my innocence.

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Fisler, who left teaching in 2023, has not entered pleas to the charges she faces.

Married HS Gym Teacher Arrested for Sexually Assaulting Student: You Cant Tell Anybody

The New York Post reported her lawyer, Rocco Cipparone, argued that texts showed the alleged victim in this case was no babe in the woods.

Hes not texting like a kid  his texts are as graphic and direct as any Ive seen from an adult, Cipparone said. Im not saying hes not the age he is, but this is not a babe in the woods scenario that [the prosecutor] is creating from a risk and a danger perspective.

She is due back in court on May 14.

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Each first-degree charge she is facing carries a maximum of 20 years in prison, while she could face a maximum of 10 years in prison for each second-degree charge.

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
A former Cincinnati Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent has pleaded guilty to lying to the feds.

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Samuel Saxon, 47, pleaded guilty on Wednesday to a felony count of lying to a federal law enforcement officer investigating his domestic violence arrest, according to our news partner WCPO in Cincinnati.

The federal charge was connected to an alleged domestic violence incident that occurred in Dec. 2025.

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As previously reported by News Center 7, Saxon allegedly put a woman in a chokehold, causing visible injuries on her neck in their Corryville apartment complex.

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Saxon pleaded not guilty to domestic violence, strangulation, and felonious assault charges on Dec. 12, according to WCPO-9.

The prosecutors office said a witness who saw the entire incident told officers what happened. The victim in this incident didnt cooperate with authorities.

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The witness said she saw a man dragging the victim into an apartment in a chokehold and heard the woman screaming. The screaming continued once they went into the apartment, WCPO-9 reported.

Officers found the victim with bruises on her chest.

Saxon was suspended from his position as the Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Cincinnati region at ICE.

Online jail records indicate that Saxon is in the Butler County Jail on a federal hold without bond.

No sentencing date has been set.

He faces up to five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years probation upon release.

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FALL RIVER  A former teachers assistant was arraigned in Fall River District Court on April 2 on an assault and battery charge involving a student at Westport Elementary School, including allegations she dragged a third-grader through a hallway.

Bethany Bronhard, 44, of Westport, had a pre-trial hearing set for May 14.

Bronhard was placed on administrative leave pending an investigation by Westport school officials following the alleged incident on Nov. 5, 2025, according to a Westport Police report. School officials told police they had also contacted the state Department of Children and Families. She no longer works for the schools, according to a school official contacted April 2.

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Westport Police were contacted by school officials on Nov. 7, 2025 regarding the allegation.

Bethany Bronhard, 44, of Westport, had a pre-trial hearing set for May 14.

Fall River school board wants answers: Aguiar responds to 'misinformation' regarding Westport Elementary incident

Police shown video footage from security cameras

School officials showed police two videos taken from security cameras inside the elementary school.

Police said one showed Bronhard dragging an 8-year-old third-grade student down a hallway by the feet.

Police said the video showed the student running down the hallway away from Bronhard and the students classroom. Bronhard is seen chasing the student who lies down on the floor. Bronhard is seen holding the student by both legs and dragging the student on the students back three-quarters of the way down the hall back to the classroom, police said.

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The second video showed the student running down the hallway after leaving the bathroom a little later the same morning, police said. Bronhard is seen picking up the student with her arm under his and across the students chest, then moving her arms to be under the students armpit area to carry the student back to the classroom, police said.

Police said Bronhard was the student's assigned one-to-one teaching assistant.

The student has a medical condition, his parents told police, according to the police report. Police said the students parents wanted to move forward with pursuing charges against Bronhard.

Principal Kevin Aguiar resigns one month after incident

Just one month after the incident, veteran Fall River School Committee member Kevin Aguiar announced his resignation as principal of Westport Elementary School, after facing allegations of covering up evidence of a disabled student being inappropriately handled by a Westport School Department staff member.

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Aguiar's attorney denied allegations that Aguiar did not properly investigate the matter.

This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Westport teachers aide arraigned for allegedly assaulting third grader
Fox News chief national security correspondent Jennifer Griffin revealed that the American crew member still stranded in Iran after his fighter jet was shot down has already been missing for somewhere in the neighborhood of 15 hours as of Friday afternoon.

Anchor Trace Gallagher asked Griffin to walk him through the latest developments at the top of the 3:00 p.m. hour.

Trace, weve just learned that there was enemy fire during that rescue of one of the crew members who was successfully rescued after the F-15E was shot down in the southwest province of Iran. This is the first we have learned that there was, in fact, enemy fire that targeted at least one aircraft, if not as well as a helicopter that was part of that rescue mission. It would be incorrect to say, however, that another plane or helicopter was brought down during that rescue mission. That is not accurate, began Griffin, who continued:

So what we have learned in the meantime since we first started reporting this hours ago, is that the F-15E was flying late at night, Thursday night. It was dark out. It was late night Eastern Time when it was shot down. That was, it was still dark in Iran at the time. It was early morning hours, but still dark when those pilots did have to eject. One of the crew members was rescued and is undergoing treatment right now. The U.S. military was responsible for that rescue. Weve seen visuals of special operations helicopters, Pave Hawks, that were being refueled over that area. Once it was light out, they, we understand, were part of the search and rescue for the missing crew member, as well as the one that was rescued.

And very quickly, Jen, just the timeline here. So youre saying that this happened Thursday night U.S. time, meaning that this missing pilot has been missing for the better part of maybe 12, 14 hours. Is that a fair assessment, Jen? followed up Gallagher.

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I would say longer than that. If it was late night our time, you know, were coming up on, I would say, yeah, maybe 15 hours missing, replied Griffin. But again, it was early hours in Iran. Iran is seven and a half hours ahead of us, Eastern Standard Time. And so it went down in the dark, but we did see visuals of a daytime search and rescue as they were continuing to look for the missing crew member, Trace.

Watch above via Fox News.

The post Fox News Jennifer Griffin Reveals Stranded American Soldier Has Already Been Missing for 15 Hours first appeared on Mediaite.
Everyone loves free gas, but a recent promotional stunt in Australia proved that giving away fuel on a massive scale can quickly turn into a logistical nightmare. A $100,000 fuel giveaway in Melbourne caused such an intense frenzy among motorists that local police were forced to step in and shut the entire operation down after less than an hour.

A $100,000 Stunt Gone Wrong

The event, organized by a group called RS Rewards, took place at a petrol station in Truganina, Victoria. The premise was that customers would pull up to the pump and get your tank filled for free. However, given the current state of the economy and high pump prices, the promise of free liquid gold brought out an unmanageable crowd.

Aerial footage of the scene showed massive lines of cars completely gridlocking local intersections, with some motorists waiting for nearly an hour just to get close to the station.

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Reporting directly from the chaotic scene, 9 News journalist Jack Ward described what was happening: Police have just shut down a free fuel stunt here in Truganina this morning. RS Rewards were offering $100,000 worth of free fuel to motorists, and as you can see behind me, people went crazy.

Read More: Why You Need to Avoid the EPAs New E15 Fuel Waiver As Feds Water Down Gas

Drivers were clearly desperate for the fuel. One motorist interviewed by 9 News admitted he rolled up to the line with his gas gauge already sitting below empty. Just as the line finally started to move, his car completely died. To make things even more crazy, in a bizarre moment, a group of people dressed in full Easter bunny costumes had to help physically push his stalled station wagon toward the pumps.

Other drivers were frustrated after waiting for almost an hour, only to be turned away when authorities deemed the massive traffic jam too dangerous. One driver admitted that the the current economy made the wait entirely worth the risk.

Shut Down After Just 57 Minutes

The event organizers quickly realized they had massively underestimated the publics appetite for free fuel. Billy Beasley, a representative for RS Rewards, admitted that the situation outgrew their plans much faster than anticipated.

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It got a little bit out of hand. We didnt expect this many people to show up, Beasley explained to reporters. We got roughly 57 minutes in, I think, and then the police came and shut it down. Its completely fair enough. Some people were saying that we apparently shut down the East Link. Thats not good, and I dont condone that.

Despite the premature end to the promotion, they still gave away tens of thousands of Aussie dollars worth of gas.

Organisers admit they were not prepared for this sort of turnout today, Ward added in his report. They say more than $70,000 worth of fuel has been put into vehicles.

The organizers are reportedly going to host another giveaway in the future, though they have promised that the logistics and crowd control will look very different next time around.
A container ship indicating French ownership by the shipping and logistics giant, CMA CGM, has reportedly become the first vessel with Western European ties to cross the Strait of Hormuz since the start of the Iran war.

The Maltese-flagged CMA CGM Kribi, belonging to the worlds third-largest container line, sailed eastbound from waters off Dubai on Thursday afternoon.

Ship tracking data showed the vessel broadcasting its French ownership as it transited the Iranian coastline, navigating the approved corridor between the islands of Qeshm and Larak.

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The ship had remained idle in the Gulf since early March, like many other non-Iranian vessels, after the conflict sharply curtailed commercial traffic.

CMA CGM, majority-owned by the Saade family, is understood to have coordinated the transit with Iranian maritime authorities.

The vessel is believed to be heading toward Pointe Noire in the Republic of Congo as part of a service linking India, the Middle East Gulf and Africa. Its passage follows earlier successful transits by Chinese-linked ships.

The news could encourage other carriers to resume operations if the corridor proves reliable in the coming days.

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Related

Iran in talks with Oman

On Thursday, Iran's deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi also announced that the country is drafting a protocol with Oman to secure traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iranian state media.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) are allegedly seeking to charge tolls starting at $1 per barrel and considering payment settlements in either Chinese yuan or stablecoins.

There are purportedly discussions about requiring ships to submit detailed data to IRGC-linked intermediaries for approval, with access determined by a country ranking system.

LNG tanker attempts first transit

In another development, an LNG tanker has entered the Strait of Hormuz in what would be the first transit of its kind since the conflict began.

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The Sohar LNG vessel, which is not carrying cargo, changed course toward the Qalhat LNG export terminal in Oman and began moving eastward through the waterway on Thursday, according to ship tracking data.

If completed successfully, the passage would represent the first LNG tanker movement since the war started.

The attempt highlights the gradual return of different vessel types to the region.

While container ships have led recent test transits, energy carriers such as tankers and gas vessels had largely avoided the maritime chokepoint because of heightened risks and the suspension of standard insurance coverage.
French President Emmanuel Macron and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung agreed on Friday to work together to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz and ease global economic uncertainties caused by the Iran war.

Macron told Lee at the start of the meeting that the two countries can play a role in helping to stabilise the situation in the Middle East, including the Strait of Hormuz, according to South Korean media.

At a joint televised briefing afterward, Macron underscored the need for France and South Korea to cooperate to help reopen the strait and de-escalate Middle East animosities, while Lee said the two affirmed "their resolves to cooperate to secure the safe shipping route in the Strait of Hormuz."

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The two leaders did not take questions and did not elaborate on how they would help reopen the strait, the narrow waterway between Iran and Oman through which about one-fifth of the worlds oil passes.

French President Emmanuel Macron speaks at a press conference in Seoul, 3 April, 2026 - AP Photo

Lee said he and Macron also agreed to expand cooperation in technology, energy and other areas. South Korean and French officials also signed agreements to cooperate on nuclear fuel supply chains, jointly invest in an offshore wind project in southern South Korea and to collaborate on critical minerals.

The summit in Seoul came as US President Donald Trump slammed allies for not supporting the US and Israeli military campaign.

In a speech on Wednesday, Trump said Americans "dont need" the strait but the countries who do "must grab it and cherish it."

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"Let South Korea, you know, we only have 45,000 soldiers in harms way over there, right next to a nuclear force, let South Korea do it," Trump said. "Let Japan do it. They get 90% of their oil from the strait. Let China do it."

Macron has said reopening the Strait of Hormuz through a military operation was unrealistic.

South Korean officials have said they were in contact with Washington on the issue and that Seoul wasnt considering paying Iran transit fees to secure fuel shipments through the strait.

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The United States stations about 28,000 troops in South Korea, not the 45,000 stated by Trump. The US troop deployment in South Korea is meant to deter potential aggressions from North Korea.

US President Donald Trump speaks about the Iran war from the Cross Hall of the White House, 1 April, 2026 - AP Photo

Warning from Iran

Meanwhile, Iran warned the UN Security Council against any "provocative action", ahead of a scheduled vote on a draft resolution on the Strait of Hormuz that ended up being postponed.

"Any provocative action by the aggressors and their supporters, including in the UN Security Council regarding the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, will only complicate the situation," Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said.

Araghchi was speaking ahead of a scheduled Security Council vote on a draft resolution mandating a force to protect shipping through the Strait of Hormuz Friday.

A man walks along the shore as oil tankers and cargo ships line up in the Strait of Hormuz, 11 March, 2026 - AP Photo

It was later announced that the vote was postponed, with no new date scheduled.

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The 15-member body was set to vote on a draft resolution brought by Bahrain on authorising the use of "defensive" force to protect shipping in Hormuz from Iranian attacks, according to the official programme.

The Strait of Hormuz, a shipping lane vital to global energy flows, has been all but shut since the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran on 28 February.
Beaver Valley gas stations held off as long as they could, but in the last few days, they raised their prices to more than $4 per gallon for unleaded fuel. As of April 3, most stations were at $4.19 or higher.

GetGo in East Rochester, April 3, 2026.

On April 3, the national average was $4.091, and the average in Pennsylvania was $4.117, according to AAA.

The Marathon gas station on Third Street in Beaver, April 3, 2026.

Diesel prices are also rising, topping $6 per gallon April 3 at many service plazas on the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

BP station on Ohio River Boulevard in East Rochester, April 3, 2026.

Why are gas prices surging?

AAA says crude oil prices have been surging while surpassing $100 per barrel as the conflict in the Middle East goes on and the Strait of Hormuz remains closed to most commercial traffic.

New high gas prices coming?

This is the first time since 2022 that the national average price has been above $4 per gallon. According to AAA, the national gas price average has increased by 10 cents in the last week and $1 in the last month. Gas prices are expected to continue to rise in the near future as motorists plan spring and summer road trips.

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AAA reported the highest national average level it had seen was $5.061 on June 14, 2022.

As of the afternoon of April 3, only a few stations in the Beaver Valley were advertising gas prices below $4, including Munchies in Industry and the Shop 'N Save Express in Brighton Township.

This article originally appeared on Beaver County Times: What to expect as gas prices top $4 per gallon in the Beaver Valley
MADISON  "My 400-year veto is here to stay, lawmakers. Just fund our public schools and get over it."

That's how Gov. Tony Evers concluded his message vetoing a bill that sought to undo the 400-year extension of revenue limit increases to local schools he enacted with the creative use of his partial-veto authority three years ago.

The debate over Evers' "400-year veto" stretches back to the 2023-25 state budget, which included a measure to increase districts' state-imposed limits on how much revenue they are allowed to raise each year by $325 per student. Evers, a former public school educator, used his powerful partial veto authority to extend that provision for 400 years  meaning school districts may raise revenue by that amount each year until 2425.

Gov. Tony Evers vetoed the words and numbers in red, creating a $325-per-student increase in school funding each year until 2425.

The state Supreme Court upheld the move last year.

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Republican lawmakers then sought to undo the governor's move by passing a bill that would strike the $325-per-pupil adjustment from revenue limit calculations starting in the 2027-28 school year.

The back-and-forth came as Wisconsinites saw their property tax bills skyrocket last year, prompting a new focus from lawmakers to lower them.

Lawmakers and Evers passed a new state budget in 2025 that included no new funding for schools. That contributed to the spike in property taxpayers' bills because, without state funding, the burden to fund schools shifts to property tax revenue.

Evers and Republican legislative leaders have said they'd like to dip into the state's projected $2.5 billion surplus to provide some form of tax relief, but have yet to reach an agreement on how to do that. Evers is committed to a deal that includes more school funding to alleviate local property taxes, while Republicans in the state Senate have pushed hard for tax rebates.

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In his Friday veto message, the governor said he rejected the GOP bill to undo his funding mechanism because he objects to repealing it "without providing any investments in Wisconsin's 800,000 kids in public schools, giving K-12 school districts some certainty in future state budgets, or doing anything to help lower property taxes for working families and seniors across our state."

"Republican lawmakers, who have to run under fair maps with a voting record of rejecting $7 billion for K-12 public schools over the last four state budgets, all know that my 400-year veto didn't raise Wisconsinites' property taxes  it's just a heckuva lot easier for them to blame me than it is to tell the truth," he wrote.

In a statement, Joint Finance Committee co-chair Rep. Mark Born, R-Beaver Dam, chided Evers for keeping the 400-year veto in place.

"Governor Evers reckless vetoes are to the detriment of those in our state who will continue facing too-high and climbing taxes," Born said. "Lets be clear: Republicans will try again. We will continue fighting to send more money back to those who have overpaid."

Jessie Opoien can be reached at jessie.opoien@jrn.com.

(This story was updated to add new information.)

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Gov. Tony Evers blocks effort to undo '400-year veto' on school funds
JERUSALEM, April 3 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli military has canceled strikes in the area in Iran, where searches are being conducted for the second crew member aboard the U.S. fighter jet that was shot down in Iranian airspace, Israel's Channel 12 reported Friday, citing a senior Israeli official.

Earlier in the day, various Israeli media outlets reported that the pilot of the fighter jet was safely rescued. The outlets added that the fate of the navigator who was on the jet was unknown. 
MADISON  Gov. Tony Evers on Friday vetoed bills that would exempt Wisconsinites from paying state income taxes on tips and some overtime pay, arguing the measures fail to provide comprehensive, permanent relief.

"Meaningful tax relief for working people is a serious undertaking, and I have been clear from the get-go that my expectation is that when we provide tax relief, it should be real, responsible, and targeted to the middle class," Evers wrote in his veto message. "We must also stay well within our means by still ensuring our tax policy changes are sustainable and will not force us to cut services or raise taxes down the road."

Both Republican bills passed the Legislature with some Democratic support.

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Under one, cash and charged tips would be exempt from the state income tax. The provision would cover tax year 2025 through tax year 2028.

Under the second, workers could deduct up to $12,500 in overtime pay for single filers and up to $25,000 for joint filers. While the federal version of the overtime provision is set to sunset after tax year 2028, this bill had no expiration date.

Evers himself included a measure to eliminate the state income tax on cash tips in his 2025-27 state budget proposal. Like many of the governor's initial proposals, Republicans on the Legislature's Joint Finance Committee removed it early in the process and did not revisit it at the time.

The governor said he also vetoed the GOP tips bill because it tied the policy to its federal counterpart. He said he is against "effectively ceding control over the direction of state policy to Congress."

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In vetoing the overtime exemption, Evers said he objects to "changing the tax code in a way that will treat Wisconsin workers who earn similar wages differently just because of their classification as salaried or hourly workers."

A salaried worker who earns $35,000 per year should not pay a different amount in taxes than an employee who earns the same wage by working hourly, he argued.

The state also "should not incur such a large fiscal impact for the small share of workers who earn overtime pay, while Wisconsinites across our state are working hard but still can't afford rising costs," Evers wrote.

"It is unbelievable that, when the State of Wisconsin is sitting on billions of surplus dollars, Governor Evers vetoed hundreds of millions in tax cuts, which would have reduced taxes on overtime income and cash tips," said Joint Finance Committee co-chair Rep. Mark Born, R-Beaver Dam, in a statement. "Republicans believe Wisconsinites know how to spend their money better than government does. Governor Evers made his position clear: he knows better than you do."

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Earlier this week, U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, the Republican gubernatorial frontrunner, said he would sign these bills into law if elected. Evers is not seeking reelection to a third term.

"Madison has taken far too much from working people for far too long," Tiffany said in a statement. "Whether youre a food server, bartender, nurse, firefighter, machine operator, or construction worker, you should keep more of your paycheck, and as governor, I will make sure of that."

Evers' veto message pointed to a recent Wisconsin Policy Forum report that found the state's tax burden has hit record lows in recent years and is in the bottom 16 nationally.

Jessie Opoien can be reached at jessie.opoien@jrn.com.

(This story was updated to add new information.)

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Gov. Tony Evers vetoes 'no tax on tips' and overtime bills
The quiet stretch of highway along Interstate 64 in Hampton, Virginia has seen its share of accidents. But few stories cut as deeply as the death of a one-year-old boy named MaKhai, a tragedy that has left a family shattered and resurrected hot-button subjects about youth, responsibility, and the deadly consequences of impaired driving.

According to Virginia State Police, the crash happened late on the night of March 23. Behind the wheel was MaKhais 14-year-old mother. Authorities say she was driving under the influence, without a license, and without properly securing her child in the vehicle. At some point along the interstate, the car veered off course, struck a guardrail, crossed lanes, and slammed into a concrete barrier.

The impact was catastrophic.

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MaKhai suffered critical injuries and was rushed to the hospital, where he fought for three days before succumbing. He was just days away from his second birthday.

A Collision of Circumstances

Family members say they are still struggling to understand how such a situation unfolded. The teenagers relatives reportedly did not know where she got the car or why she was driving so late at night with her infant son.

Image Credit: WTKR News 3/YouTube.

The young mother remains hospitalized, facing multiple charges including DUI, driving without a license, and child restraint violations. Authorities say more charges could follow.

At the heart of this story is not just a crash, but a collision of circumstances that reflects a broader and troubling reality. Impaired driving remains one of the most persistent killers on American roads.

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Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that in 2022 alone, over 13,000 people were killed in alcohol-impaired driving crashes across the United States. That accounts for roughly one-third of all traffic fatalities.

Virginia mirrors that national pattern. State data indicates that hundreds of lives are lost each year in DUI-related crashes, with young drivers and passengers among the most vulnerable.

What makes this case especially haunting is the drivers age. Fourteen. Barely a teenager. Still navigating childhood yet placed in a situation with life-and-death consequences. Experts often point to a mix of factors in such cases, including lack of supervision, social pressures, and exposure to adult behaviors too early.

Not an Isolated Tragedy

Image Credit: WTKR News 3/YouTube.

This is not an isolated tragedy. It comes just weeks after a mom in South Carolina was accused of driving under the influence and causing a crash that killed her 8-year-old daughter and injured four others.

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Also weeks before that, a 10-year-old girl died on from injuries she sustained after the driver of a pickup truck she was riding in crashed into a partially frozen creek in Kankakee County last week. The driver was driving while intoxicated.

These incidents, while different in detail, share a common thread. Drivers intersecting with impaired judgment and regrettable access to automobiles.

Back in Hampton, the grief is raw and immediate.

Family members describe MaKhai as a joyful child, full of laughter and energy. Videos shared online show moments of innocence that now feel painfully distant. His grandmother, speaking through tears, described the loss as something that has taken her world.

Image Credit: WTKR News 3/YouTube.

There is also a complicated emotional layer. Anger exists, but so does restraint. Some relatives have expressed that while they struggle with what happened, they cannot bring themselves to hate the young mother. It is a reflection of the tangled reality of family, where love and grief often sit side by side.

A Stark Reminder

The circumstances of little MaKhais senseless loss underscores the importance of prevention. Proper child restraints, strict enforcement of licensing laws, and early education about the dangers of impaired driving are safeguards that can mean the difference between life and death.

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In the United States, the legal driving age varies by state, but in Virginia, teens can apply for a learners permit at 15 years and 6 months, and a full drivers license at 16 years and 3 months under certain conditions. This graduated licensing system is designed to ensure young drivers gain supervised experience before earning full driving privileges.

This tragedy on Interstate 64 is a stark reminder that the consequences of impaired driving ripple far beyond the driver. They reach into families, communities, and futures that will never unfold.

And in this case, they took a child who never had the chance to grow up.

If you want more stories like this, follow Guessing Headlights on Yahoo so you dont miss whats coming next.
Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler and his murderous regime were known for grandiose and reckless schemes, but few were as ambitious as a railway with gargantuan trains designed to link Germany with far-flung destinations.

Streamlined luxury trains with a swimming pool and 196-seat cinema on board were to race to India, along with spartan carriages attached for slave labour. Meanwhile freight trains as long as cruise ships were to plunder conquered territory like the Ukraine.

Hitler's plans for the scheme at the height of World War II sent engineers at the Henschel rail plant reeling when they were asked to present their calculations for a "standard locomotive" in 1943.

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They came up with dozens of broad-gauge locomotives powered by electricity, steam turbines or diesel-electric traction motors. They were to be 42 metres long, 6 metres wide and 7 metres tall.

The monstrous double-deck trains were designed to achieve speeds of up to 250 km/h, or as fast as a modern express. They needed multiple engines producing up to 36,600 horsepower.

The national Reichsbahn railway company was involved in the planning alongside established engineering companies like Krauss-Maffei, Borsig and Krupp.

Hitler's super-train was intended to eclipse everything that had gone before and the dictator brushed aside the concerns of the experts. They pointed out the incompatibility with the existing network, the immense costs and the absurd timeframe.

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The project was a personal favourite of the Fuhrer which meant top priority and absolute secrecy. Above all, Hitler ignored any technical or economic reservations.

For his definitive book on the topic, author Anton Joachimstaler spoke in 1980 on the topic with Hitler's former architect Albert Speer, who served a 20-year jail term for his Nazi involvement. He was released in 1966.

Speer said the project was so top secret that the dictator had not discussed all the details with him.

When shown documents, Speer expressed doubts that the trains would ever reach the planned speed of 250 km/h and said laconically, "But he was like that, once he got something into his head it had to be carried out until the bitter end."

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Although 1.43 metres was the recognised standard distance between the rails or gauge for railways, Hitler suggested a width of 4 metres before the experts managed to "negotiate down" to 3 metres. According to these plans, passenger trains were to reach a length of 600 metres, and freight trains as long as 1.2 km.

Even in April 1943, shortly after Germany's disastrous defeat by Russia's Red Army at Stalingrad, Hitler defended the railway plans as "essential for the war effort."

Like his plans for a bombastic, neo-classical world capital named "Germania" drawn up by Speer, the new railway was to be built after a projected WWII victory led to German world domination.

The railway was designed to link Berlin with Moscow, Bucharest and Istanbul and on to India and Vladivostok in Russia. Blueprints were drawn up and detailed scale models of trains and stations built.

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The double-decker first class and even second class carriages were to be sumptuously furnished with wooden panelling, fine carpets and leather armchairs.

Despite Nazi subjugation of countries along the rail routes, the express trains would carry 20-millimetre anti-aircraft guns for protection.

The broad gauge meant passengers had four times the space of ordinary railway carriages and the tall dining room of restaurant car was of ocean liner proportions. Up to 4,000 passengers could be carried in one train.

The interior of the trains also revealed the cruel double standards of the Nazi regime. For "German compatriots" and travellers from allied countries, the trains were literally moving palaces on rails.

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Other railway carriages at the rear set aside for the transport of forced labourers were cramped, with only wooden bench seats to sit and sleep on. These workers were to be transported into the heart of the Reich to toil for the war effort.

Palatial stations were to be built along the route, including a bombastic domed terminus in Munich. Forced labourers would build the foundations, with completion planned to follow a German victory.

By mid-1943 however, Nazi Germany was starting to lose the war badly. But engineers were still fine-tuning the details, surveying the route and carrying out material tests but the dream of the broad gauge railway was being shattered by reality.

The project kept some 100 civil servants and 80 engineers occupied right up until the final days of the war. For them, the work had one advantage, they did not have to go to the front and fight the enemy.

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And so they carried on planning, even though they were well aware that this railway would never run, as it was also technically impossible to build.

It would have meant reconstructing every single part of the existing rail network since the rails and bridges at the time would simply collapse under the weight of the massive trains.

Added to that, the resources needed to build thousands of kilometres of track on special concrete sleepers, hundreds of bridges and tunnels, and thousands of locomotives and carriages were simply not available during wartime.

Construction never began in earnest. All that remains of Hitler's super-train today are detailed models, artist impressions and books full of plans and maps.

Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler planned to build a a 3,000 mm gauge railway, with trains up to 7 metres high, 6 metres wide, and half a kilometre long, featuring amenities such as restaurants, cinemas, swimming pools and more. It was to link Berlin with cities as far away as Vladivostok. Yuri Smityuk/TASS via ZUMA Press/dpa

Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler planned gargantuan trains designed to link Germany with far-flung destinations including Moscow. picture alliance / dpa

Hitler's former train wagon. The dictator planned to construct a broad-gauge railway with double-decker wagons, linking Berlin with cities worldwide after the dictator assumed Germany would emerge victorious from World War II. Armin Weigel/dpa

Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler, here seen with Benito Mussolini in 1938. Hitler planned to build a monstrously large railway to connect the most important cities in Greater Germany with trains 7 meteres high and carrying up to 4,000 passengers. DB/dpa
One of Democrats best House pickup opportunities this fall could end up endangering their 2028 presidential odds.

Democrats are optimistic that they can finally win Nebraskas purple 2nd District, especially after Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) opted not to seek reelection.

But the current Democratic frontrunner, state Sen. John Cavanaugh, would have to give up his state legislative seat if elected to Congress  and his replacement would be picked by the governor. That risks handing the GOP a filibuster-proof majority that could draw new congressional maps to make the seat safely Republican, or get rid of the states split electoral college setup that has yielded Democrats one electoral vote in recent presidential elections because their candidates carried the district.

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It is the paradox of Nebraskas 2nd District: A win this year could cost Democrats in 2028 at a much larger scale.

Cavanaugh, along with many Democrats, say they are confident the party can flip legislative seats this fall so that losing his seat would not change the balance of power, citing both the national political environment and anger at Republican legislators who have gone against the will of the states voters in recent statewide referendums. But others  including several of Cavanaughs Democratic primary opponents  argue the risk is too great.

Ive spent the last 20 years trying to build political power, and now we are creating this unforced error of allowing a state legislator who is needed desperately  at least to give us a fighting chance to stop them from doing bad things, said Crystal Rhoades, clerk of the Douglas County district court and former county party chair who is one of Cavanaughs primary opponents.

Democrats are one seat short of the votes needed to block legislation in the states unicameral legislature. Last year, they were joined by a single Republican, state Sen. Merv Riepe, to block a near-total abortion ban as well as efforts to redistrict the state to make the 2nd District safely Republican. In 2024, Republicans similarly came up short on efforts to get rid of Nebraskas split Electoral College vote system, which could swing the presidency in a close election.

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Kamala Harris win in Nebraskas 2nd District in 2024 meant that if she had won Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania she would have won the presidency; but if Nebraska did not split its electoral votes, she and President Donald Trump would have been tied with 269 electoral votes under that scenario.

If Republicans pick up seats in the legislature and keep the governors mansion this November, they would have another shot at taking away Democrats opportunities in Nebraska ahead of the 2028 elections. Its a scenario Democrats are eager to prevent.

Were targeting about five seats across rural Nebraska this time, said Jane Kleeb, chair of the Nebraska Democratic Party. Were prepared that we might lose [Cavanaughs] seat. So that means we have to pick up a few more this cycle.

Democrats' path to breaking the filibuster-proof majority isnt easy. Riepe is the only Republican up for reelection this cycle who represents a district Harris won in 2024. There are two Republican-held seats where Harris lost but independent U.S. Senate candidate Dan Osborn prevailed two years ago. Beyond that, Democrats will have to win in deeper red territory.

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The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee is investing in the state for the first time in several cycles.

Cavanaugh, in an interview, expressed optimism about the partys chances, pointing to strong candidates across several districts.

I have worked myself to try to bring resources to Nebraska to help us flip races in past elections, and I think when we do invest, we win. But the key is to have good quality candidates that match their district, and we have that, Cavanaugh said.

He noted much of the talk about the risks of him giving up his seat was coming from his primary opponents, and argued voters are more focused on issues affecting their everyday lives.

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Voters are consistently concerned about holding Donald Trump accountable, about affordability, about the ACA tax credits and the cost of gas and groceries, Cavanaugh said.

Seven sitting state senators have endorsed Cavanaugh, a sign they arent concerned that losing his seat would jeopardize the partys legislative agenda. He has led in publicly released internal polls, and has also racked up endorsements from labor unions and the Congressional Progressive Caucuss political action committee.

The people who are affected by both the state and the national legislation are the ones who are supporting him, and the people who have served beside him know that he can do it, said state Sen. George Dungan, who represents a purple district covering northeast Lincoln and is among Cavanaugh's endorsers.

But not everyone is convinced Democrats can pull off legislative flips this year. One Nebraska progressive who is not involved in the 2nd District race, granted anonymity to speak candidly, said it was delusional to expect the party to pick up enough seats to regain the 17-vote filibuster while giving up Cavanaugh's seat.

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In Omaha, past Republican attempts to dismantle the district have led Democrats to rally around the concept of their blue dot within a red state.

The level of passion and energy around the blue dot and the split on electoral vote and Nebraska-2s role in that was huge. People would get blue dot manicures, and their dogs were wearing blue dot bandanas, said Denise Powell, who is also running in the primary and previously ran a PAC supporting women candidates in Nebraska.

Both Powell and Rhoades have sought to highlight how Cavanaughs candidacy poses a risk to the blue dot, and their campaigns have signaled to outside groups that they would like to see advertising on the subject. Powell said she hopes Nebraska Democrats are able to flip several legislative seats this year. But she doesnt want to count on it.

We're a red state, and it is really hard, even with great candidates doing all the right things, she said.

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this report misspelled Merv Riepes name
Human remains have been found aboard a cargo ship struck by Iran while transiting the Strait of Hormuz last month, the vessel's owner said Friday, after three crew members were reported missing following the attack.

US-Israeli strikes on Iran late February prompted Tehran to respond by effectively closing the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial artery for global oil supplies.

The Thai-flagged Mayuree Naree was struck in March while travelling through the strait after departing Khalifa port in the United Arab Emirates.

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"Certain human remains were found within the affected area of the vessel," a statement from transport company Precious Shipping said Friday, adding it could not yet confirm the identities or the number of individuals.

Twenty Thai crew members returned home in mid-March, while three of their colleagues were missing and presumed trapped in the damaged engine compartment.

A search was carried out under "challenging conditions" as the vessel's engine room had been flooded and damaged by fire, the company said.

Thailand's foreign ministry said it was "saddened" by the development and that families of the missing crew had been informed.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said in March they had struck the Mayuree Naree, as well as a Liberia-flagged vessel, in the strait because the ships had ignored "warnings".

pk/sjc/abs
All through 2025 and into the first weeks of this year, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement reported that the number of immigrants it detained rose and rose. Then, the lights went out.

ICE has delayed publication of key data that allowed the public to track many aspects of immigration detention since the partial government shutdown started over six weeks ago, defying a congressional mandate to release this data twice a month.

The last time the agency updated the numbers was Feb. 12, just days before the partial shutdown began over the funding of its parent agency, the Department of Homeland Security. This puts it among the three longest delays between releases.

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More: Track the latest immigration data with USA TODAY's immigration tracker

After previous negotiations fell through, congressional Republicans on April 1 announced a plan to end the partial shutdown by funding all of DHS, except for ICE and Border Patrol, but the deal had not been finalized as of April 2.

DHS has not updated several dashboards since President Donald Trump took office in 2025. So, this data, ICEs Detention Statistics, has become an important tool to see how the new immigration-enforcement policies are playing out. It shows how many people are held in detention, the facilities they are held in, and how long they stay in the system.

People may underestimate how much usefulness comes from this ICE detention data. It's only a small part of the bigger puzzle about how the DHS conducts its enforcement, said Ariel Ruiz Soto, a senior policy analyst at the Migration Policy Institute. But it does give us a significant sense into the detainee population.

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This dataset gives a way to cross-check whether agents are targeting people with no criminal record. It also provides information about detainees that can help immigrant advocates contest detention conditions.

USA TODAY combined every spreadsheet available on the Wayback Machine going back to 2021 with current data on ICEs website, along with a few additional datasets, to show how things are changing under the Trump administration and beyond.

The data reveals that ICE is detaining people at a record level. The detention population reached over 70,000 people in late January, about 80% higher than a year ago.

But beyond the number of people detained, a significant shift has been in who is targeted. As illegal border crossing attempts on the U.S.-Mexico border plummeted at the tail end of the Biden administration and dropped further under Trump, enforcement efforts have shifted toward the interior of the country.

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That has meant ICE agents cast a wider net with controversial tactics to meet high arrest quotas, like arresting people at immigration hearings, in worksite raids and through racial profiling.

As a result, the share of detained people with no criminal record has ballooned, accounting for about 42% of the total detained at the end of the first year of the administration. That number was 6% a year ago. These immigrants include those whose only violations are for immigration laws, such as visa overstays and reentry after deportation, some of whom are awaiting their immigration hearings.

It had become the most reliable method of transparency of data on ICE detention that we had, and now we are flying in the dark for a month, Ruiz Soto said.

Historically, it was published roughly every two weeks, with some delays at the end of fiscal years when a final report is made. Ruiz Soto said the current delay is significant.

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A DHS spokesperson blamed the shutdown in an email statement, saying that DHS and ICE do not have the resources to publish new detention data. The agency did not respond to questions about when this dataset or other immigration dashboards that stopped updating before the shutdown are expected to be published. It also did not respond to whether it would use funding already approved from Trump's signature bill that gave DHS more than $170 billion.

"When the government shuts down, even a partial shutdown like were experiencing now, reporting falls behind. Without a funding agreement, these requirements lapse," said Rep. Henry Cuellar of Texas, the top democrat on a House subcommittee that oversees DHS funding. Cuellar received a pardon from Trump in 2025 in a federal corruption case.

The administration has come under pressure that mounted after the deadly shootings of two U.S. citizens in Minnesota, eventually leading to a shakeup at the agency, including the departure of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem for the newly confirmed Markwayne Mullin.

Before going on spring recess, lawmakers were debating over a plan to end the shutdown that started in mid-February, with Democrats demanding ICE reforms before funding the parent agencys annual budget  including banning masks and raids without a judicial warrant while expanding the use of body cameras. The negotiations are ongoing in the House and the Senate, but no deal has been reached yet.

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In the meantime, immigration enforcement has continued as ICE was given almost $75 billion from Trumps signature bill in 2025. Much of this money will likely go toward hiring more deportation officers and expanding its network of detention facilities.

Detaining a record of people requires more facilities to hold them. ICE is setting up new detention centers across the country. All but five states have one. As of Feb. 5, ICE reported holding immigrants in 220 facilities, which is roughly double the number at the start of 2025. That includes local jails, which are sometimes used to hold immigrants, too.

Recently, ICE has also been buying warehouses across the country to convert them into detention centers, though it hasnt actually outfitted them or detained anyone in them yet. So far, the agency has spent over $1 billion, USA TODAY previously reported. Many of the site plans face community resistance. In one Georgia town, local officials cut the water and sewage to the warehouse and threw down legal roadblocks. A federal judge ordered a temporary halt to construction for a Maryland site.

Although detention is meant to be nonpunitive, advocates and lawyers have criticized the conditions at these facilities, such as a lack of health care, exposure to extreme heat, and unsanitary conditions.

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From January 2025 through March 2026, ICE has reported 46 deaths in detention. Of these, 14 came in the first quarter of 2026, on track to surpass last years death count. According to an American Civil Liberties Union report that examined deaths in earlier years, the vast majority could have been prevented through proper medical care.

USA TODAY is tracking all these numbers when they become public while collecting other data, too. For more data, including deaths in detention and deportation numbers, along with notes on how we compile it, visit the new Immigration enforcement tracker here.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: ICE delays publishing key immigration data. How to track it.
Monroe County commissioners have formally notified a local property owner that they may sue him to obtain 2.1 acres of his land for an $8 million bridge project near Stinesville.

The commissioners posted a public notice to inform Thomas Scott King that if he does not respond to the notice or accept the offer by April 10, we shall file suit to condemn the land.

Eminent domain is the governments power to take private property for public use, such as a road, so long as the property owner is justly compensated. If the county initiated an eminent domain action in court, a judge would decide whether the county can acquire the land.

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A county official said the county needs the land to replace the bridge on Mt. Tabor Road over Beanblossom Creek, near North Bottom Road.

County needs more land for bridge realignment

The Monroe County Highway Department plans to replace this bridge on North Mt. Tabor Road over Beanblossom Creek, near North Bottom Road.

Highway Director Lisa Ridge said the project will eliminate the sharp curve immediately south of the existing bridge. The realignment will shift the bridge onto the King property.

The bridge will be longer, and the roadway (will be) raised to meet state requirements for construction in a floodway, Ridge said via email.

She said the Kings have not responded to phone calls or visits to the home, which prompted the county to post the public notice. Ridge said the Kings have picked up a package at the clerks office, and if they accept the proposal, we will not need to have eminent domain.

Officials disclose purchase offer for land tied to bridge project

She said the county has proposed paying about $16,000 for the roughly two acres it needs  about $8,000 per acre. According to local property records, the largely wooded property was most recently assessed at $890 per acre for tax purposes, but Ridge said the countys proposed amount is based on an appraisal of the portion of the property to be acquired.

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She said the county estimates the project to cost $8 million, which will be paid exclusively with local tax dollars. She said she expects the bridge to be constructed in 2027 or 2028.

Ridge said the bridge is on the countys five-year replacement plan, which it generates through bridge inspections. She said a traffic count estimates about 600 people use the bridge daily, but she said the area also floods frequently, forcing motorists to find alternate routes.

This is another reason for the replacement, she said.

Road and bridge to remain open during construction

Ridge said construction would take one construction season, or about eight or nine months.

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The intent is to maintain traffic over the existing bridge while the new bridge is constructed, she said.

Ridge said, though, that there may be short closures when the new road is tied into the existing road.

Boris Ladwig can be reached at bladwig@heraldt.com.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Monroe County warns landowner over eminent domain in bridge replacement
Two Planned Parenthood clinics in Indianapolis will close Friday after federal funding cuts, and Indianas attorney general has filed an appeal to block state funding to the organization should a federal ban expire.

Planned Parenthoods Great Northwest, Hawaii, Alaska, Indiana, and Kentucky chapter posted a statement on its site that it would merge three Indianapolis health care centers into one.

The remaining Georgetown Road location on the northwest side of Indianapolis will have additional appointment availability and services, including advanced and complex gynecological care and pain management options for patients with long-acting reversible contraception.

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That leaves eight brick-and-mortar clinics statewide with one virtual center.

The move comes as federal funding was halted under the 2025 Reconciliation Act. In 2022, Indiana also banned most abortions and requires them to be performed in hospitals now.

The health care entity is also fighting a move by the state to further reduce its funding by blocking Medicaid payments for cancer screenings, birth control, wellness exams, pregnancy tests and sexually transmitted disease services.

Planned Parenthood did not respond to multiple emails and phone calls seeking comment.

State data shows Indiana paid Planned Parenthood $1.6 million in 2025 and $1.7 million in 2024 for Medicaid services.

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The federal freeze is set to expire on July 4 unless Congress acts.

State law impact

Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita filed in July 2025 to lift a permanent injunction involving state funds.

Indianas House Enrolled Act 1210, approved in 2011, bars state agencies from contracting with or giving grants to any organization that performs abortions, or has a facility where abortions are performed. The law exempts hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers.

Planned Parenthoods Hoosier chapter filed suit then and won a permanent injunction in 2013, with U.S. District Court Judge Tanya Walton Pratt ruling that using the ban to deny Planned Parenthood Medicaid funding and reimbursement is unlawful because it would deny patients a free choice of medical provider.

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But the nations highest court overturned that logic in 2025 when it agreed with attorneys arguing that federal Medicaid law didnt spell that out.

Pratt denied Rokitas request to vacate the injunction on March 24, calling it premature. Planned Parenthood has argued against the move.

Pratt said the federal prohibition on funding is set to expire July 4 and that information about whether another federal prohibition has passed during the intervening period could affect how this case proceeds.

She also said there was no detriment to the public interest if it reserves judgment on the motion to vacate until the parties and the court have more information.=

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Rokitas office has now appealed the case to the Chicago-based 7th Circuit Court of Appeals.

It argued that the state has an ongoing injury because it is barred from enforcing a state law designed to prevent indirect state subsidization of abortion.

The office also noted the state law in question is much broader than the federal Medicaid freeze.

Indianas law has no time limit and also impacts state funding. States pay a portion of all Medicaid costs though the federal government foots the majority of the bill.

The attorney generals office also said the Indiana statute bars state agencies from entering into a contract or providing grants to Planned Parenthood.

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Moreover, to the extent any doubt exists as to whether Planned Parenthood still requires the injunction after the 2025 Reconciliation Act, that doubt supports the injunctions vacatur, a state court filing said. Planned Parenthood cannot claim to be aggrieved by the vacatur of an injunction that no longer affects it.

No appeals hearings have been set. Planned Parenthood has until April 13 to respond.

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More than 100 experts on international law have signed an open letter expressing "profound concern" about what they see as serious violations of international law by the US, Israel and Iran in the Middle East war.

They say the US-Israeli decision to attack on Iran was a clear breach of the United Nations Charter, which prohibits the use of force outside of self-defence or when authorised by the UN Security Council.

The experts point to "alarming rhetoric" being used by officials, including US President Donald Trump's threats to "obliterate" Iran's power plants.

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In response, the White House said Trump was making the entire region safer and dismissed what it described as "so-called experts".

In the letter, the experts also took issue with Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth's statement that "no quarter" should be given for enemies.

Denial of quarter in conflict means refusing to spare the life of anybody, even those who surrender or are wounded.

In international law, say the signatories, it was "especially forbidden" to declare that no quarter will be given, a prohibition also set out in the Department of Defense's own law of war manual.

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The signatories include:

Jonathan Tracy, a former US Army judge advocate

Harold Hongju Koh, a former legal adviser at the US state department

Oona A Hathaway, a professor of international law at the Yale Law School and president-elect of the American Society of International Law

They say: "We are gravely concerned that the conduct and threats outlined here are causing serious harm to civilians... and that they risk degrading the rule of law and fundamental norms that protect every nation's civilians.

"Public statements by senior officials indicate an alarming disrespect for the rules of international humanitarian law accepted by states, and which protect both civilians and members of the armed forces."

Israeli security forces a inspect the site of an Iranian strike in Petah Tikva on 2 April [Getty Images]

The White House accused the Iranian authorities of "maiming and killing Americans, acting as the primary state sponsor of terror and brutally murdering its own people for merely speaking out against its oppressive rule" for the past 47 years.

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Trump, it insisted, was "making the entire region safer and more stable by eliminating Iran's short- and long-term threats to the United States and our allies".

The war is reported to have claimed thousands of lives:

The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency says that 1,606 civilians, including at least 244 children, have been killed in Iran since the start of the conflict

Lebanon's health ministry has said 1,345 people have been killed in Israeli strikes since 2 March

Missile attacks on Israel launched from Iran and Lebanon have killed 19 civilians since the start of the war, according to Israeli emergency services

In the Gulf states that have come under Iranian attack, local authorities have reported at least 24 people killed, most of them security personnel or foreign workers - including 12 in the UAE, seven in Kuwait, two each in Oman, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, and one in Bahrain

Tom Fletcher, the UN's humanitarian chief, told the BBC Radio 4's Today programme on Friday that "somewhere along the way" international law had been "thrown aside".

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"The rules are very clear and very strong," he added, but the problem was "enforcement". He described the war as "reckless".

The experts' letter also highlights the attack on a primary school in the Iranian town of Minab on the war's first day, reported to have killed at least 168 people including 110 children.

The US Department of Defense has said it was investigating the attack, which a growing body of evidence has suggested was probably the result of a US strike.

One theory believed to be part of the investigation is that the school, next to an Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps base, could have been hit as a result of outdated intelligence.

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The experts' letter says the strike "likely violates international humanitarian law, and if evidence is found that those responsible were reckless, it could also be a war crime".

The letter has been published in Just Security, an online journal based at New York University School of Law.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Iran shot down two U.S. military planes in separate attacks Friday, with one service member rescued and at least one missing, in a dramatic escalation since the war began nearly five weeks ago.

It was the first time U.S. aircraft have been downed in the conflict and came just two days after President Donald Trump said in a national address that the U.S. has beaten and completely decimated Iran and was going to finish the job, and were going to finish it very fast.

One fighter jet was shot down in Iran, officials said. A U.S. crew member from that plane was rescued, but a second was missing, and a U.S. military search-and-rescue operation was underway.

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Neither the White House nor Pentagon released public information about the downed planes. In a brief telephone interview with NBC News, Trump declined to discuss the search-and-rescue efforts but said what happened would not affect negotiations with Iran.

No, not at all. No, its war, he said.

Separately, Iranian state media said a U.S. A-10 attack aircraft crashed in the Persian Gulf after being struck by Iranian defense forces.

A U.S. official who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss a sensitive military situation said earlier that it was not clear if the aircraft crashed or was shot down or whether Iran was involved. Neither the status of the crew nor exactly where it went down was immediately known.

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Those incidents came as Iran fired on targets across the Middle East on Friday, keeping the pressure on Israel and its Gulf Arab neighbors despite U.S. and Israeli insistence that Irans military capabilities have been all but destroyed.

Second service member's status unknown

Neither the White House nor the Pentagon released public information about the downed planes. But the Pentagon notified the House Armed Services Committee that the status of a second service member from the fighter jet was not known.

In an email from the Pentagon that obtained by The Associated Press, meanwhile, the military said it received notification of an aircraft being shot down in the Middle East, without providing more details.

Irans attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure and its tight grip on the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the worlds oil and natural gas transits in peacetime, have roiled stock markets, sent oil prices skyrocketing, and threatened to raise the cost of many basic goods, including food.

Downed jet could mark a new level of pressure on the US

Prior to word of the rescue, social media footage showed American drones, aircraft and helicopters flying over the mountainous region where a TV channel affiliated with Iranian state television said earlier that at least one pilot bailed out of the fighter jet.

An anchor urged residents to hand over any enemy pilot to police and promised a reward.

It was the first time the U.S. has lost aircraft in Iranian territory during the conflict and could mark a new level of pressure on the U.S. military.

Throughout the war, Iran has made a series of claims about shooting down piloted enemy aircraft that turned out not to be true. Friday was the first time that Iran went on television urging the public to look for a downed pilot.

Iranian state media said in a post on the social platform X that the military shot down a U.S. F-15E Strike Eagle. The aircraft is a variation of the Air Force fighter jet that carries a pilot and weapons system officer.

Alan Diehl, a former investigator for the Air Force Safety Center, said the Strike Eagle has an emergency locator beacon in a survival kit that can be set to activate automatically or manually.

Iran targets a desalination plant and a refinery

News about the downed planes came after Iran attacked Kuwaits Mina al-Ahmadi oil refinery. The state-run Kuwait Petroleum Corp. said firefighters were working to control several blazes.

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Kuwait also said an Iranian attack caused material damage to a desalination plant. Such plants are responsible for most of the drinking water for Gulf states, and they have become a major target in the war.

Also sirens sounded in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia said it destroyed several Iranian drones and Israel reported incoming missiles.

Authorities in the United Arab Emirates shut down a gas field after a missile interception reportedly rained debris on it and started a fire.

Activists reported strikes around Tehran and the central city of Isfahan, but it was not immediately clear what was hit.

In Lebanon, where Israel has launched a ground invasion in its fight with the pro-Iranian Hezbollah militant group, an Israeli drone strike on worshippers leaving Friday prayers near Beirut killed two people, according to the staterun National News Agency

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More than 1,900 people have been killed in Iran since the war began on Feb. 28 with U.S. and Israeli strikes. In a review released Friday, the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data, a U.S.-based group, said it found that civilian casualties were clustered around strikes on security and state-linked sites rather than indiscriminate bombardment of urban areas.

More than two dozen people have died in Gulf states and the occupied West Bank, 19 have been reported dead in Israel and 13 U.S. service members have been killed.

More than 1,300 people have been killed and more than 1 million displaced in Lebanon. Ten Israeli soldiers have also died there.

Iran keeps a chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz

World leaders, meanwhile, have struggled to end Irans stranglehold on the waterway, which has had far-reaching consequences for the global economy and has proved to be its greatest strategic advantage in the war.

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The U.N. Security Council was expected to take up the matter Saturday.

Trump has vacillated on Americas role in the strait, alternately threatening Iran if it does not open the strait and telling other nations to go get your own oil. On Friday he said in a post on social media that, With a little more time, we can easily OPEN THE HORMUZ STRAIT, TAKE THE OIL, & MAKE A FORTUNE.

Spot prices of Brent crude, the international standard, were around $109, up more than 50% since the start of the war, when Iran began restricting traffic through the strait.

___

Mednick reported from Tel Aviv, Israel. Associated Press writers Jon Gambrell in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Sylvie Corbet in Paris, Sarah El Deeb in Beirut, Tong-hyung Kim in Seoul, South Korea, and Will Weissert, Michelle L. Price, Lisa Mascaro and Ben Finley in Washington contributed.
WASHINGTON, April 3 (Xinhua) -- One crew member from a U.S. F-15E fighter jet downed in southern Iran on Friday was rescued by U.S. forces while the search and rescue mission is ongoing for the two-member crew aircraft, CBS News reported, citing U.S. officials.

U.S. President Donald Trump has been briefed on the incident, said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.

It is the first known U.S. warplane downed inside Iran since the United States and Israel launched massive attacks on Iran on Feb. 28.

The incident also marks the fourth F-15 lost during the conflict. Kuwait mistakenly shot down three jets days after the war began. All six crew members ejected and survived. 
In a maze of plywood artists' studios built into a Dublin warehouse, author and filmmaker Seanan Kerr stitches together a career that -- until recently -- had little guarantee of stability.

That all changed in 2022, when Ireland began paying 2,000 practising artists, including Kerr, a no-strings-attached guaranteed weekly stipend of 325 euros for three years.

For the 45-year-old, who is also a performer, the groundbreaking scheme was nothing short of "radical".

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"It's almost unbelievable it even happened," he told AFP in his tiny, box-like workshop amid piles of books, sketches and scribbles.

The "Basic Income for the Arts" (BIA) initiative is a first for Ireland, and unique in Europe, attracting interest from other nations such as Germany and Finland.

The scheme "sets Ireland apart in how we support our artists," Ireland's Minister for Culture, Patrick O'Donovan, said last month.

Framed as "recognition, at government level, of the important role of the arts in Irish society," the government has declared the pilot a success.

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It was made permanent in February, and the government set aside around 18 million euros for 2026 to fund 2,000 artists from September for three years.

- Freed for 'total creativity' -

The benefits recorded in the culture ministry's data include increased productivity and reduced anxiety among participants.

Those chosen for the stipend can earn extra money on top, and pocket more than the average unemployment benefit of about 250 euros a week.

"Giving artists freedom to just take the money, do what you want, allows them to step into a mindset of pure, total creativity," Kerr said.

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"It's allowed me to rebuild my sense of self as an artist, and set myself up for the future," he said.

Being able to afford a morning coffee, buy clothes or attend artists' workshops gave him "a basic level of decency", he said, before heading out to a poetry night.

In another of the box spaces which can be rented for between 150-300 euros a month, Kieran Guckian, 42, a landscape artist, said he was "excited" to apply before a May deadline.

"Everyone's always doing little side gigs, I teach and do workshops," he said.

"Having that basic income would free me up for more studio time," he added, glancing at half-finished canvases.

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-'Precarity' -

While many hail the scheme as transformative, some worry its limited scale casts a shadow over its promise.

In a light-filled artists' studio complex in central Dublin, Caelainn Hogan, a journalist and author who has been building a reputation for her writings, described the scheme as "life-changing", but shared conflicting feelings.

The 37-year-old found out she was pregnant six months into the pilot payments.

"That was frightening as a writer, as someone without financial security," she told AFP.

Her last payment was in February, and with over 10,000 artists expected to apply in May her chances of being selected again in the future are slim.

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Once they have determined the eligible candidates, they are all anonymised before a software using a randomised process selects the winners -- a kind of high-tech lottery.

"I'm raising a child and want to continue creative work, but even if I got lucky again it would only last for three years," said Hogan.

"That's precarity, not sustainable support," said Hogan. Arguing the scheme could be extended to all eligible artists, she warned of a divisive two-tier system of haves and have-nots.

With rents in Dublin among the highest in Europe, Hogan also blasted politicians "boasting about supporting artists" while overseeing a housing crisis.

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- 'Social dividends' -

Across town, visual artist Day McGee, who lived in a subsidised studio-apartment during the pilot, will soon be moving out to a friend's spare room.

The "stability" of the payments helped Magee, 33, stage a first solo show and secure writing commissions.

The BIA "was a temporary chance to live," Magee said. "Now I don't know if I can continue leading a normal adult life."

Government research indicates artists are three times more likely to live in deprivation than others.

Even big names suffer precarity, said Carla Rogers of the National Campaign for the Arts.

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"You might have a great run performing on a West End stage only to come home to couch-surf," she told AFP.

The NCFA also hopes payments will eventually reach all eligible artists.

The scheme can pay for itself, generating around 1.39 euros for every euro invested according to the government's own research, Rogers said.

"It's a financial investment that pays social dividends: creativity fuels culture, tourism, and communities," she said.

O'Donovan has hinted the scheme may be expanded, but with the lottery oversubscribed many will be disappointed.

"Not all eligible applicants will receive funding," a government spokesperson told AFP.

pmu/jkb/jj
By Maya Gebeily and Ahmed Tolba

BEIRUT, April 3 (Reuters) - Israel pounded Beirut with airstrikes on Friday that the military said had targeted militant "infrastructure" in Lebanon's capital, as the U.S. warned that Iran may target universities in the country as the Middle East war rages.

Israel has invaded southern Lebanon and pledged to raze all Lebanese villages in the border area in a fight against Iran-backed Hezbollah militants that has become the most violent spillover of the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.

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Israel also has frequently struck Beirut, particularly its Hezbollah-controlled southern suburbs. Earlier on Friday, Israel's military warned residents to leave seven neighbourhoods in the southern suburbs, warning of impending strikes.

Reuters reporters heard three loud blasts echoing across the city on Friday around sunset, a time when many Christians in the country were marking Good Friday despite the escalating hostilities.

Lebanese media outlets said the strikes had hit the southern suburbs. There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties.

Israel's military said it was "striking terror infrastructure in Beirut", without providing details.

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US WARNS OF ATTACKS ON UNIVERSITIES

Israel has pledged to occupy southern Lebanon up to the Litani River as part of a "security zone" it says is aimed at protecting its own northern residents.

More than a million people have fled the area as well as other parts of the country. Families fleeing Israeli strikes said they were exhausted by repeated rounds of conflict.

Israel launched its campaign after Hezbollah fired into Israel on March 2 in solidarity with Iran after the U.S. and Israel began joint strikes against Iran. The conflict has spread with Iranian strikes against Israel, U.S. bases and Gulf states.

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This week, Iran warned it would retaliate against U.S. universities in the region after its universities were struck in attacks. Taking security precautions, the American University of Beirut moved classes online on Monday and Tuesday.

On Friday, the U.S. embassy in Beirut warned that "Iran and its aligned terrorist militias may intend to target universities in Lebanon".

The embassy repeated a warning for U.S. citizens to leave the country.

UN PEACEKEEPERS INJURED

Some 1,368 people have been killed in Israeli strikes and about a fifth of Lebanon's population has been displaced. Sources told Reuters last week that more than 400 Hezbollah fighters had been killed since March 2.

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At least 10 Israeli troops have been killed in southern Lebanon in the same period, the Israeli military has said.

Tens of thousands of Lebanese have remained in their homes in southern Lebanon, even as Lebanese troops have withdrawn from the area to avoid confronting Israeli troops. Israel has issued evacuation orders covering around 15% of Lebanese territory.

They include around 9,000 Lebanese Christians living in a cluster of border towns, who told Reuters they were determined to stay despite the advancing military operations.

Also on Friday, three peacekeepers with the U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon were injured, two seriously, in an explosion inside a U.N. position in south Lebanon near the border, UNIFIL's spokesperson said, without blaming any party.

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Israel's military said the explosion was caused by Hezbollah rocket fire from an area north of the UNIFIL position, near Al-Aadaissah along the border. There was no immediate comment from Hezbollah or authorities in Lebanon.

Three UNIFIL peacekeepers from Indonesia were killed earlier this week. The U.N. has not said which party was responsible. In early March, Israeli tank fire wounded three Ghanaian peacekeepers with UNIFIL. Israel voiced regret over that incident.

(Reporting by Maya Gebeily in Beirut and Ahmed Tolba in Cairo;Writing by Rami Ayyub; Editing by Emelia Sithole-Matarise and David Gregorio)
Iranian and American forces were racing each other early Saturday to recover a crew member of the first US fighter jet to go down inside Iran since the start of the war.

Tehran said it had shot down the F-15 warplane, while US media reported American special forces had rescued one of its two crew members, with the other still missing.

Iran's military also said it downed a US A-10 ground attack aircraft in the Gulf, with US media saying the pilot was rescued.

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The war erupted more than a month ago with US-Israeli strikes on Iran that killed supreme leader Ali Khamenei, triggering retaliation that spread the conflict throughout the Middle East, convulsing the global economy and impacting millions of people worldwide.

US Central Command did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the loss of the F-15, but White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said: "The president has been briefed".

President Donald Trump told NBC the F-15 loss would not affect negotiations with Iran, saying: "No, not at all. No, it's war."

- 'Valuable reward' -

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A spokesperson for the Iranian military's central operational command said "an American hostile fighter jet in central Iranian airspace was struck and destroyed by the IRGC Aerospace Force's advanced air defence system".

"The jet was completely obliterated, and further searches are ongoing."

An Iranian television reporter on a local official channel said anyone who captured a crew member alive would "receive a valuable reward".

The US military has announced the loss of several aircraft during Iran operations, including one tanker that crashed in Iraq and three F-15s shot down by Kuwaiti friendly fire.

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Retired US brigadier general Houston Cantwell -- who has 400 hours of combat flight experience -- said key goals for downed pilots include determining their location and figuring out how to communicate.

"My priority would be, first of all, concealment, because I don't want to be captured," he told AFP.

- Blown-out windows -

Fresh strikes meanwhile hit Israel, Iran, Lebanon and Gulf countries -- and large blasts rocked northern Tehran, an AFP journalist said. Israel said it had launched a wave of strikes in the Iranian capital, alongside parallel attacks in Beirut.

Strikes by all sides have increasingly targeted economic and industrial sites, raising fears of wider disruption to global energy supplies.

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In the area around a bridge west of Tehran that was targeted by the United States, an AFP reporter saw a villa and residential buildings with blown-out windows -- but no military installations.

According to the martyrs foundation of Alborz province, cited by the official IRNA agency, the attack killed 13 civilians and wounded dozens.

- Ex-FM urges deal -

Writing in the US journal Foreign Affairs, Iran's former foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, said Tehran should make a deal with Washington to end the war by offering to curb its nuclear programme and reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for sanctions relief.

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Iran has virtually blocked the key waterway since the war began, where one-fifth of the world's oil and natural gas normally passes.

Of the few ships that have managed to cross, most have had links to Iran, with 60 percent of commodity-bearing ships crossing the strait either coming from Iran or heading there, an AFP analysis of maritime data showed.

Iranian military spokesperson Ebrahim Zolfaghari warned that Iran would increase its own attacks on energy sites in the region in response to threats from Trump of attacks on infrastructure.

A drone attack on a refinery owned by Kuwait's national oil company on Friday sparked fires, while a separate Iranian attack damaged a power and desalination complex.

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Bahrain said four of its citizens sustained "minor injuries" as a result of shrapnel from an intercepted Iranian drone.

And one person was killed and four others injured after a fire at a gas complex in the United Arab Emirates caused by falling debris from an intercepted attack.

- Bridge destroyed in Lebanon -

The Israeli military said Friday it had struck more than 3,500 targets across Lebanon in the month since fighting with Iran-backed Hezbollah began.

It added that it would attack two bridges in Lebanon's eastern Bekaa region "in order to prevent the transfer of reinforcements and military equipment".

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Lebanese state media later reported that Israel destroyed one bridge in the region.

Lebanon's health ministry said Thursday that 1,345 people had been killed -- and 4,040 wounded -- since the start of the war.

Hezbollah has so far not announced its losses.

bur-wd/sst
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has arrived on a surprise visit to the Gulf region.

She landed in Saudi Arabia this afternoon on a flight from Rome, the Italian news agency ANSA reported on Friday.

The visit had been kept secret until her arrival for security reasons. Meloni is the first Western head of government to visit since the US and Israel launched attacks against Iran at the end of February.

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In addition to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar were named as further stops on her two-day trip. Energy supply is expected to be among the topics discussed.

As in many other countries, there is great concern in Italy that energy supplies could become scarce and prices could rise even further if the war continues.

Meloni has been in power since October 2022 in a coalition of three right-wing and conservative parties.

The US and Israel have been attacking Iran since February 28, while Iran is carrying out retaliatory strikes against Israel and countries in the region that have a US military presence.

Iran has all but blocked its Strait of Hormuz, a vital channel for global oil transport, sending energy prices soaring worldwide.
By Kentaro Okasaka and Kantaro Komiya

TOKYO/OSLO, April 3 (Reuters) - Three Omani-operated tankers, a French-owned container ship and a Japanese-owned gas carrier have crossed the Strait of Hormuz since Thursday, shipping data showed, reflecting Iran's policy to allow passage for vessels it deems friendly.

Iran initially shut the Strait - a route for about a fifth of global oil and LNG flows - after U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran at the end of February led to a widening conflict. Later, it said it would permit transits by ships with no U.S. or Israeli links.

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Oil and commodities markets are keen for signs traffic is resuming. Several tankers and container ships have managed to escape the blockade in previous weeks but activity was swiftly followed by days of complete paralysis.

A container ship owned by France's CMA CGM transited the Strait on Thursday, the day that French President Emmanuel Macron said that only diplomatic efforts, not a military operation could open the Strait.

The French vessel changed its Automatic Identification System destination to "Owner France" before entering Iranian waters, signalling its nationality to Iranian authorities.

OMAN MEDIATED TALKS BETWEEN IRAN AND THE U.S.

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The vessels appear to have switched off their AIS transponders during the crossing because their signal disappeared on vessel-tracking data.

Two very large crude carriers and one LNG tanker operated by Oman Shipping Management also exited the Gulf on Thursday, according to MarineTraffic and LSEG data.

Oman, which mediated talks between Iran and the United States before the attacks, has criticised the launch of strikes while the talks were ongoing.

Japan's Mitsui O.S.K. Lines said on Friday that the LNG tanker, Sohar LNG, which it co-owns, had crossed the Strait, making it the first Japan-linked vessel and the first LNG carrier to do so since the conflict began.

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Its spokesperson declined to tell Reuters when the passage occurred or whether negotiations were required.

As of early Friday, around 45 ships owned or operated by Japanese companies remained stranded in the region, according to Japan's transport ministry.

Another Mitsui-owned LPG tanker, Green Sanvi, left the Gulf via Iran's territorial waters earlier on Friday, according to the shipping data.

The India-flagged ship signalled its destination as "India ship India crew".

Also, Panama-flagged Danisa, a very large gas carrier, left the Gulf via the same route, heading to China, the data showed.

(Reporting by Kentaro Okasaka and Kantaro Komiya; Additional reporting by Katya Golubkova in Tokyo and Nerijus Adomaitis in Oslo; Editing by Tomasz Janowski and Barbara Lewis)
A federal judge has ordered a new trial to determine whether a young man shot by an Oklahoma City police officer in 2019 should receive monetary damages.

The judge ruled the officer's attorney had made an improper argument that could have swayed the jury and decided to dismiss the original verdict from March 2025. Jurors at the time decided not to award Lorenzo Clerkley any damages in his lawsuit against police Sgt. Kyle Holcomb.

Clerkley was 14 when Holcomb shot him twice after police received a 911 call about a possible home burglary in southeast OKC. Clerkley and friends had actually been playing at the abandoned house with non-lethal airsoft guns, the sounds of which Holcomb said he thought was "a cap gun" as he approached the home in body-worn camera video released after the incident.

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Clerkley had climbed out of a window near where Holcomb was standing on the other side of a tattered wooden fence. Holcomb, with his handgun pointed through a hole in the fence, yelled orders for Clerkley to show his hands and "drop it" and then almost instantaneously fired four shots, striking the boy in his hip and thigh.

The case drew citywide attention after then-Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater declined to charge Holcomb and cleared him to return to active duty. The prosecutor said the officer's body camera footage showed that Clerkley "had an object in his hand that appeared to be a firearm" and that Holcomb's use of deadly force was lawful. But a federal civil court judge acknowledged that questions remain to this day about what really happened in the moments before the shooting.

Daniel Smolen, Clerkley's lead attorney, argued during a week-long trial that Holcomb had used excessive force and had violated Clerkley's Fourth Amendment rights under the U.S. Constitution.

Previous coverage: Jury decides in favor of OKC police officer who shot teenage boy in 2019

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Holcombs lead attorney Steve Geries, during his closing argument to the jury, asked that Clerkley be awarded nothing, suggesting that if other officers heard about a different outcome, they might hesitate to shoot in high-stress situations while on duty and wind up dead.

If this jury finds against Kyle Holcomb, every law enforcement officer in this state is going to hear about it, Geries told the jury. And when those officers get in that situation and have to hesitate because they fear what this jury does, then those officers are going to end up wounded or dead.

But Judge Charles Goodwin, who presided over the case in Oklahoma City federal district court, swiftly told the jurors that they should disregard Geries' "improper" suggestion, calling it "unfounded and immaterial."

Charles B. Goodwin is a judge in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma.

Defense requested retrial after attorney's remarks

Four weeks after the trial ended, Clerkleys attorneys requested a new one, claiming that Geries remark, delivered with high volume, emphasis and passion, was highly prejudicial and truly outrageous, likely swaying the jury.

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Without a shred of evidence, defense counsel told the jury that  if they found Holcomb liable  they would have police officers blood on their hands, Clerkleys attorneys wrote. This was wholly improper.

In response, Geries contended his statement was an isolated one and that any prejudice that might have been caused was cured after Goodwin objected to the statement and told the jury to ignore it. But in an order filed Tuesday, March 31, Goodwin agreed that Geries statement had been extraordinarily prejudicial.

This was an extreme example of an attorney asking the jury to decide a case based on sympathy  the common concern for the safety of the men and women working for police agencies across the state  rather than an impartial assessment of the evidence in the case, Goodwin wrote. The Court cannot in this instance find that no influence occurred simply because only one improper statement was made.

Geries did not return phone calls by publication time Thursday.

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Tensions in the case largely centered on what Holcomb claimed to have seen in Clerkley's hand, and whether what he saw justified the use of deadly force.

Clerkley maintained at the time of the shooting, during subsequent interviews with police and during the 2025 trial that he did not have a gun when he was shot. When he was detained within minutes of the shooting at the house, he had no weapon in his possession.

"I didn't have a gun, and I wasn't doing anything wrong," Clerkley said during the trial. "As an officer, you're supposed to protect and serve, and I wasn't doing anything wrong for him to use deadly force on me."

Laura Neal, one of Clerkley's attorneys, had asked the jury to award him $10 million in damages.

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Holcomb and his lawyers, however, argued that Clerkley was holding an object that "looked like a Glock replica," which "does not look like a toy gun." Holcomb, when asked about his thought process during the moment of the shooting, was adamant that Clerkley had what he believed to be a real gun and that Clerkley gave him no other choice but to shoot.

Geries reiterated Holcomb's account during his closing arguments, while also telling the jury that Holcomb was "an important part of many people's lives" as a husband and father.

He sat in the witness stand, having every tiny detail of everything he did, every decision he made, put under a high-powered microscope, from the time he left to drive to the scene until the very end of the scene  everything, Geries said in court last year. It was excruciating, yet he remained professional.

Sgt. Holcomb is the kind of officer that should make Oklahomans and Oklahoma City proud," Geries continued. "He's the kind of officer that a citizen hopes for when they are forced to dial 911. That's the guy you want.

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Goodwin wrote that he believed the weight of the evidence in the case reflected "a close decision" when presented to jurors. Both sides presented body-worn camera footage, with lawyers also pointing to statements made that were inconsistent, Goodwin wrote, with trial testimonies from both Holcomb and Clerkley.

But information presented in court by both parties "did not plainly resolve the question" of whether Clerkley had some sort of gun in his hand when confronted by Holcomb, or if Clerkley had pointed a gun at Holcomb when the officer shot him, the judge said.

Because the jury was presented with a close decision, Goodwin wrote, the Court finds that the jury deliberations were subject to influence in a way that would not be the case if the evidence had strongly favored one side or the other.

Goodwin vacated the 2025 verdict and judgment, moving for a new trial on the next scheduled jury docket. A notice to lawyers states all parties should be prepared to begin trial on May 12.

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Smolen told The Oklahoman that Goodwin had "made the correct decision" based on Geries' conduct.

The inappropriate arguments advanced during the closing argument by the City of Oklahoma City are universally prohibited by federal district court across the United States, as they are highly prejudicial to the justice process and have no place in the courtroom," Smolen said in a statement Thursday. "Juries who are faced with such arguments are inherently tainted and cannot objectively participate in the deliberation process. We are looking forward to retrying this case at the earliest possible date, and ultimately obtaining justice for Lorenzo Clerkley and his family.

A spokeswoman for the Oklahoma City Police Department could not comment on the case due to in-progress litigation.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: New trial ordered in civil case of OKC officer shooting 14-year-old
A man is facing charges connected to a suspected robbery in downtown Indianapolis last month, but his family says investigators have it wrong.

The incident happened around 2 a.m. on March 7, near Washington and Pennsylvania streets. Police say cameras show Lamonte Thomas and Jamar Thomas surround a man and grab at his waist.

According to court documents, the man told investigators he believed the other men were trying to get his gun. During the confrontation, the man told police he shot Jamar Thomas, 45, who died from his injuries at Eskenazi Hospital on March 24.

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Lamonte Thomas was subsequently charged with robbery, criminal confinement and battery.

But now, the Thomases' relatives are sharing a different narrative about what happened that night. They say a man with a gun was threatening to "kill anybody" and tell 13News Lamonte Thomas was protecting people that night.

The family is now calling for investigators to be transparent.

"I just want justice," a woman said at a news conference Thursday. "I know the type of man that I was with. I spent every day with him of August of 2024. It was never a day I did not spend with this man. He was a hard worker. He got off work, still worked, and he never complained. Never complained. I just...I just want answers."

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IMPD released a statement to 13News, reiterating what they say the surveillance video shows. The statement also says police turned over all evidence to prosecutors who made the final decision about criminal charges.

13News also reached out to the prosecutor's office, but have not yet heard back.

Online court records show Lamonte Thomas made his initial court appearance on March 10. Jail records show he is still being held at the Marion County Jail.
How to know if a digital marketing agency is good

Have you ever gotten nervous before a big purchase? When youre buying an expensive product  say, a new car  its easy to feel worried about the quality of that product. What if there ends up being something wrong with it? How can you be sure that its good?

Its not just buying a product that can bring on this feeling, though. When evaluating professional services, many wonder how to know if a digital marketing agency is good. Maybe youre considering a specific partnership, but youre having doubts. Or maybe you just want a guideline to go by before you start researching options.

Below, WebFX shares several indicators of a quality marketing agency.

1. They assign you a dedicated account representative

Something youll often see with low-quality agencies is that when you want to talk to them about something, theyll throw you into a generic support line queue. That kind of impersonal approach makes it hard to talk to someone whos directly involved with your account.

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An indicator of a good marketing agency is that they assign you a dedicated account representative. That representative is only responsible for a few different clients, so they have the time to get to know each one personally. That makes it way easier to talk to them about whats happening with your marketing.

2. They dont rely too heavily on automation

When you evaluate a marketing agency, make sure that it assigns actual humans to manage your marketing. Some agencies try to cut corners by automating as much as they can, to the point where they have automated programs fully running all of your ad spend and data analysis.

A good agency will take a human-first approach. Theyll have actual marketing experts making campaign decisions, assessing your data, creating your content, and more. That doesnt mean that any automation is bad  it can actually be really helpful. But you want big, important decisions in the hands of actual people, not machines.

3. They have a lot of marketing experience

The reason human marketers are so important is that they have a lot of marketing experience. That experience informs all the decisions they make regarding your campaigns. Of course, not every agency meets this requirement equally.

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If you want high-quality marketing results, you should look for an agency that has many years of experience in the field. An agency thats only been around a short while hasnt really proven itself yet and may still be learning the ropes. That doesnt mean newer agencies are inherently bad  it just means a more experienced agency is a safer bet, and it will probably produce more reliable results.

4. They give you full ownership over all accounts and data

Not all marketing agencies are completely honest. Some of them behave unethically, and one way they might do that is by keeping all your campaigns and data somewhere they have ownership over. That means if you ever try to leave for another agency, you wont be able to take any of your campaigns with you. Youll have to start from scratch.

When you evaluate a marketing agency, one of the things you should check for is whether they give you full ownership over all your campaigns and data. For example, if they create an account for your business to better monitor your search traffic, they should give you ownership over the account.

5. Their own marketing is high-quality and effective

Imagine you visit a marketing agencys website, only to find that its poorly put together, with badly written content that doesnt rank in search results. Thats not exactly a glowing endorsement of their skills. If they cant even create good marketing campaigns for themselves, how will they do so for you?

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One strategy for choosing a digital marketing agency is to find one that has a stellar marketing strategy for itself. You want an agency that has a clean, functional website, plenty of pages ranking high in Google search results, an engaging social media presence, and so on. If they can do all of that for themselves, they can do it for you.

6. Theyre transparent with their processes

One sure sign that youre not choosing the right digital marketing agency is if they refuse to be transparent and open with you. If they promise to fix your marketing but then proceed to do all of it behind closed doors without letting you in on what theyre doing, thats a giant red flag.

A good agency will be very transparent and honest about how theyre handling your campaigns. In addition to giving you any information you ask for, reputable agencies will send you regular reports on what theyve done with your campaigns and what results theyve driven. That gives you peace of mind about the state of your marketing.

7. They drive a significant profit for their clients

When you evaluate a digital marketing agency, one of the biggest considerations you may have is cost. And of course, thats a good thing to consider. You want to make sure their price is within your budget. Arguably, the more important consideration, though, is whether they drive a profit.

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It might seem like a less expensive agency is always better, and sometimes it is, but thats not always the case. Even if an agency costs a lot, its worth it if it drives so much revenue for your business that you receive a high return on investment (ROI). In other words, focus on the ROI when deciding if a particular agency is a cost-effective option.

8. They have plenty of positive reviews

There might not be any better indicator of a good marketing agency than positive reviews. If you want to know what kind of treatment to expect from an agency, just look at how theyve treated their other clients. Check out some different review sites to see what people are saying about them.

Are the reviews largely negative, or an even mix of good and bad? In either of those cases, the agency youre looking at may not be worth it. But if you find an agency with a huge number of positive reviews, thats a great sign. Every agency will have a few negative reviews, of course, but the key is finding one where the consensus among clients is overwhelmingly positive.

This story was produced by WebFX and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
The University of Wisconsin system's top boss is in a stalemate with the board overseeing him.

Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman said in a recent letter to the board president that he had been told to resign or be fired. He said he not been given any substantive reason or reasons for the boards finding of no confidence in my leadership" and refused to step down.

UW Board of Regents President Amy Bogost has said little about the matter, both publicly or to Rothman.

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News of the dramatic clash between broke this week after the Associated Press published the letter.

Here's what to know:

Why is the board unhappy with UW system President Jay Rothman?

It's unclear. Rothman said he was not told why the board wants him out. In his letter, he said Bogost told him each board member had their own perspective.

Bogost did not respond to a call and text message from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. In a statement provided by a UW system spokesperson, she said she wouldn't comment on personnel matters.

"The Board is responsible for the leadership of the Universities of Wisconsin and is having discussions about its future," the statement said.

How did the skirmish between the UW president and UW Board of Regents start?

In the letter to Bogost, Rothman recounted a meeting he said he had recently had with Bogost and board Vice President Kyle Weatherly. He said he had been surprised to be told that an unidentified majority of regents had lost confidence in him.

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Rothman said the boards preferred path was for him to announce his exit effective at the end of 2026. But he said Bogost told him if he didn't resign, the board would fire him.

Rothman met March 31 with two other board members, Regents Ashok Rai and Jack Salzwedel. In an April 1 letter to the men, he said any board conclusion that it would not back him would be at best, an after-the-fact rationalization of a decision that clearly has already been made.

The board met behind closed doors April 1 to discuss ongoing personnel matters. The next day, the AP published Rothman's letters.

What happens next?

The board could meet as soon as Easter weekend to fire him, according to Rothman's April 1 letter.

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Rothman said the regents made it clear he would not be allowed to address the board.

Can the UW regents fire Rothman?

Rothman has a "limited appointment." Under state code, these appointees serve at the pleasure of the board and can be fired at any time.

Faculty members with tenure, for example, have more rights. The board must go through a more extended process to fire professors.

State code said "wherever possible" three months notice of termination should be given if the appointee doesn't simultaneously another university appointment, which is true in Rothman's case. Often, this means a leader no longer works in the office and transitions to other duties.

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Rothman has said he found the processs being used to terminate him "nearly (if not completely) indefensible."

Were there previous public hints of a rift?

Rothman previously floated his resignation in 2023 when the board narrowly struck down a deal he had negotiated with the state Legislature over campus diversity efforts. Bogost, then the vice president, and the board president at the time voted against his plan.

Rothman wrote in a text to a different board member he was pretty sure about what he needed to do next. Not happy about that, he continued, but I just lost my credibility to lead.

The board later reversed its vote.

When did the board last meet privately to discuss Rothman?

Under state law, the board can meet privately to discuss the president's employment, though any vote to fire him would need to happen during an open public meeting.

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Before the April 1 meeting, a review of meeting minutes show the board last met in executive session to discuss Rothman's job performance last September and October.

Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman could face firing by the UW Board of Regents if he doesn't resign.

What have politicians said about this?

Democratic Gov. Tony Evers appointed most of the board members, though he said he wouldn't be getting involved in the personnel matter.

"Its not that Im not concerned about it," he told reporters in La Crosse April 3. "You hate to have it happen this way, but at the end of the day, thats something the Board of Regents will take care of."

Both lawmakers overseeing the Senate and Assembly committees on universities were disappointed in the board's handling of the matter.

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Sen. Rob Hutton, R-Brookfield, said in a statement it was "the latest example of how politics within the Board of Regents is counterproductive to the UW Systems best interests." He suggested the board focus on reducing bureaucracy, consolidating more two-year campuses and making college more affordable.

Rep. Dave Murphy, R-Hortonville, said he spoke with Rothman after the news broke April 2. He said Rothman told him he was disappointed the board wouldn't give him a straight answer.

Murphy, too, said the lack of transparency was "appalling."

"I think they're just stonewalling," Murphy told the Journal Sentinel.

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Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, and Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu, R-Oostburg, didn't return requests for comment.

Who is Jay Rothman?

The board hired Rothman as president in 2022, putting the UW system for the first time under the direction of someone who is almost entirely an outsider to the world of public higher education.

A Wausau native, he had been chairman and CEO of Milwaukee-based Foley & Lardner since 2011. He joined the firm in 1986. He holds a bachelor's degree from Marquette University and a law degree from Harvard. He has a background in business law, practicing in the areas of mergers and acquisitions, capital markets and corporate governance.

The board was controlled by Democratic appointees at the time of Rothman's hire. Wisconsin Democracy Campaign records show Rothman, at the time of his hire, had given more than $77,000 in campaign donations to candidates for state office, primarily to Republicans.

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Rothman currently earns $600,943 annually.

Why does this matter?

The UW system president isn't as public-facing as a chancellor but holds significant sway over the direction of the state's public universities. Chancellors report to the president. The president reports to the board.

The board often follows the president's recommendations. Serving on the board is an unpaid, volunteer position, whereas the president is a (more than) full-time job.

UW-Madison is searching for its next chancellor. Jennifer Mnookin leaves in mid-May to become Columbia Universitys next president.

(This story was updated to add new information.)

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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: What to know about UW President Jay Rothman's standoff with regents
MOSCOW, April 3 (Reuters) - The Kremlin is pushing Russians to use state-backed messenger service MAX, but some are wary about the service and say they do not want to download it at all.

In what has been cast by diplomats as Russia's "great crackdown", Russia has repeatedly blocked mobile internet and granted sweeping powers to cut off mass communications while jamming messaging services and virtual private networks.

In their place, Russia has aggressively promoted MAX, which casts itself as a "national messenger" and is owned by a company whose boss is the son of one of Putin's top aides.

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'I TRY TO USE IT AS LITTLE AS POSSIBLE'

For some Russians, the corralling is a step too far.

Irina Matveeva, a saxophonist in Moscow, installed MAX because she needed it to communicate with her students.

"But I am not happy with this situation," Matveeva told Reuters at the Rhythm & Blues Cafe in Moscow where she plays in the "Good Gollys" band. "I try to use it as little as possible."

Matveeva said the blocking of Telegram was confusing and annoying, and described the frustrations of switching between different messaging apps while grappling with VPNs and internet jamming.

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Ten other Russians expressed similar scepticism about MAX. Another two said they enjoyed using it and had largely forgotten Telegram and WhatsApp, which are partially jammed in Moscow.

OFFICIALS CHAMPION 'NATIONAL MESSENGER'

Russian officials say a national messenger is needed because hostile intelligence services have penetrated foreign messaging applications such as Telegram and that Moscow has to ensure security with a push towards a "sovereign" internet.

MAX's owner, VK, did not reply to a request for comment. It said on March 26 that MAX had added 107 million users since it was launched a year ago, and that the app was used across the world including Russia and former Soviet states, as well as Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East.

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Opposition activists say Russian security services have access to data on MAX and that artificial intelligence scans the data to watch for potential threats to the state - and even to understand domestic opinion and dissent.

One Russian who gave his name only as Danil said he was happy to support a domestic messenger and that he used MAX without concern.

But others are perturbed after years of enjoying the relative freedom of messaging.

"I intentionally ask my inner circle not to download it because Telegram is closer to me," Olga Kravets said.

Russians have a long history of quietly resisting censorship, from sophisticated satire under the Tsars to the clandestine publishing and copying, or "samizdat", of banned poetry and literature in the late Soviet period.

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APPS 'SHOULD BE A PERSONAL CHOICE'

One Russian said that she was forced to download MAX because the state service portal known as Gosuslugi - which administers everything from passports and driving licenses to university entrance and hunting permissions - demanded a confirmation number be sent to the app.

"I kept it on my phone to use it in case everything else is shut down. But I do not plan to use it," said Anna, who refused to give her second name given the sensitivity of the situation.

Denis Kuskov, the head of the TelecomDaily information portal, said he felt it was wrong to demand the entire population downloaded MAX before the app was working perfectly.

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He was not installing it for now.

"Not because I am afraid to do so," he said. "But because I believe that installing an app or ordering a service should be a personal choice."

(Reporting by Ekaterina Maksimova and Evgeniy Matveev; Writing by Guy Faulconbridge; Editing by Andrew Heavens)
MOGADISHU, April 3 (Xinhua) -- The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and the Somali National Armed Forces have captured a senior al-Shabaab commander during a joint operation in the southern region.

The AU mission said the suspect, identified as Salaad Cusmaan Macalin, also known as Sahm, was apprehended on Thursday on the northwestern outskirts of Mubarak.

"Initial interrogation findings indicate that one of his associates, identified as Ismaaciil, a Kenyan national, had volunteered for a suicide mission as part of a planned attack," AUSSOM said in a statement.

AUSSOM said 40-year-old Salaad was captured while scouting defensive positions in preparation for an attack.

He was accompanied by a group of fighters, including 17 foreign militants recently deployed from al-Shabaab's command center in Jilib, Middle Juba region, while another individual linked to the group, identified as Salman, managed to evade capture during the operation.

The suspect joined al-Shabaab in 2009 and is considered an influential operational leader involved in planning and executing militant activities, particularly in Mogadishu and surrounding areas.

AUSSOM Sector One Commander Jackson Kayanja commended the joint forces for the successful operation, praising their vigilance and professionalism.

Kayanja also urged local leaders and communities to actively support security forces in countering terrorist threats and strengthening stability across Somalia. 
A new lawsuit has been filed challenging a recently enacted Florida law that mirrors the language of the federal Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE America) Act  President Trumps self-described No. 1 legislative priority.

The lawsuit, which was filed in federal court by the Elias Law Group on behalf of the states NAACP branch and the Florida Alliance for Retired Americans, pointed to a lack of data supporting concerns of ballots submitted by people who are not U.S. citizens in the state.

There is scant evidence of noncitizens voting in Florida elections and no evidence at all that noncitizen voting has had a material effect on any Florida election, the attorneys wrote in the complaint.

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Similar to the federal bill, the new state law, which Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) signed Wednesday, would revise Floridas election code to require voters to present proof of U.S. citizenship in order to register to vote or remain on the Florida voter rolls.

DeSantis said the new law strengthens the security, transparency, and reliability of the states election system in a Wednesday post on the social platform X, echoing the concerns of Republican U.S. lawmakers about non-U.S. citizens voting in elections.

In Florida, we will always stand up for election integrity and hold accountable the bad actors who would subvert our electoral processes, the governor wrote.

The law groups chair, Marc Elias, called DeSantis every bit as unhinged as Trump ahead of the signing ceremony in a post on X on Wednesday.

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Elias Law Group partner Abha Khanna called the law, which would not go into effect until after the 2026 midterm elections, a form of voter suppression in a Wednesday press release.

Governor DeSantis just signed one of the worst voter suppression laws in modern American history, Khanna said in the release.

If this law goes into effect, the number of eligible Florida citizens who will be disenfranchised will be far, far greater than the number of ineligible voters who will be prevented from casting a ballot, Khanna continued. Courts across the country have rejected these kinds of laws, and this one should meet the same fate.

The SAVE America Act passed the U.S. House in February, but it has been unable to overcome the Senates 60-vote threshold.

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The new Florida law could also run counter to a recent executive order signed by Trump restricting the use of mail-in ballots.

Trumps executive order asks that states send in approved ballot lists 60 days before an election. Florida law allows voters to register up to 29 days before an election.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Make sure to hop to the liquor store before Sunday, because Easter is a "dry" holiday in Tennessee.

The Volunteer State is among the minority of states in the United States that prohibit liquor and wine sales on Easter Sunday. Liquor stores will be closed on April 5, according to the Tennessee state code title 57-3-406.

Despite the sale blackout period, Tennesseans are not restricted from buying all alcoholic beverages. Beer is still fair game to buy after church at the grocery store. All that to say, make sure to stock up ahead of the holiday.

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Here's what to know about the state's alcohol sales mandates and what other states have a liquor sales blackout on Easter Sunday.

Why can you buy beer, but not wine, on Easter?

It's a legal technicality that allows beer to be sold on Easter in Tennessee

In the Tennessee code, "alcoholic beverages" are defined to include "alcohol, spirits, liquor, wine, high alcohol content beer, and every liquid containing alcohol, spirits, wine, and high alcohol content beer and capable of being consumed by a human being," according to Tennessee code 57-3-101.

"Beer" is a separate term in legal jargon that constitutes a product "made from the normal alcoholic fermentation of malt or other cereal grains, sugar, or fruit ingredients used to make cider," according to Tennessee Code 57-5-101(b). It cannot have more than 8% alcohol by weight.

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The law that specifies retail blackout dates for wine and liquor specifically uses the word "alcoholic beverages," so selling beer is still OK because it's decidedly not included in that category.

When can you not buy alcohol in Tennessee?

Alcohol sales are prohibited on Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving and Christmas in the Volunteer State, according to the Tennessee Code title 57-3-406.

Additionally, retailers in Tennessee are not allowed to sell or dispense an alcoholic beverage between 11 p.m. and 8 a.m. Monday-Saturday. On Sunday, hours are further restricted. Stores can only sell between 10 a.m. and 11 p.m. on regular Sundays.

Of course, this law only applies to retail stores, not bars or breweries. It also cannot restrict when Tennesseans consume an alcoholic drink.

Are bars open on Easter in TN?

Bars and restaurants may serve booze on Easter in Tennessee, according to law firm Adams and Reese.

What states limit alcohol sales on Easter?

Some states, including Tennessee, limit the sale of alcohol on specified holidays, including Easter. Others just don't sell any liquor on Sundays, which would include Easter.

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Here are some of the states where you'll want to buy your booze before Easter Sunday, as sales might be restricted. Note that in other states, liquor sales on Sundays can vary on a county-by-county basis.

Delaware does not allow alcohol of any kind on Easter.

Kansas does not allow alcohol of any kind on Easter.

Mississippi does not allow alcohol sales on Sundays.

North Carolina does not allow any liquor sales on Sundays; however, you can buy beer and wine after noon.

Tennessee allows beer, but not liquor or wine sales, on Easter

Texas prohibits retail liquor sales on Sundays, but you can buy wine and beer after 10 a.m.

West Virginia retailers cannot sell liquor on Easter Sunday.

When is Easter 2026?

This year, Easter is on April 5. The last time that happened was back in 2015, and we wont see it on that date again until 2037, according to the Census.

Allison Kiehl covers trending and breaking news from Knoxville for the Tennessee Connect Team. Email: allison.kiehl@knoxnews.com

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Support strong local journalism and unlock premium perks at knoxnews.com/subscribe.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Are liquor stores open on Easter Sunday? Not in Tennessee. Here's why
The Piqua City Commission will consider three proposed utility rate adjustments during a public meeting on Tuesday, April 7.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

The proposal includes tiered changes to electric, water, and wastewater rates based on a recent cost-of-service and rate study.

The study, conducted by Sawvel & Associates and city staff, evaluated operational needs, capital investment requirements, and financial policies.

TRENDING STORIES:

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The findings were used to determine if current rates align with the actual cost of providing services while maintaining system reliability.

The proposed electric rate adjustment includes changes to the residential kilowatt-hour rate and the fixed customer charge.

For a household using 750 kWh per month, the estimated monthly impact is approximately $7 in 2026, $6 in 2027, $2 in 2028, and $1 in 2029.

Electric base rates in the city were last adjusted in 2015.

City officials noted that even after the four-year adjustment period, Piquas residential electric rates will remain lower than current AES Ohio rates and below the statewide utility average.

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To help maintain overall affordability, the city identified opportunities to lower water and wastewater rates.

Beginning in 2026, the monthly base rate would decrease by $1.23 for water service and $3.80 for wastewater services.

Wastewater rates would see additional decreases of $1.00 per month in both 2027 and 2028.

These reductions are intended to minimize the budgetary impact for customers who receive all three city-owned utilities.

The Energy & Utility Board unanimously recommended approval of the adjustments following a review of the proposals.

This citizen board serves in an advisory capacity to the City Commission regarding the operation and management of Piquas municipal utility systems.

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Piquas utilities are structured as locally controlled, not-for-profit enterprise funds.

The electric, water, and wastewater funds each operate independently from one another and the General Fund.

Each service is funded specifically by the utility payments made for that respective service.

The first reading of the proposal is scheduled for the April 7 meeting at the Municipal Government Complex, 201 W. Water St. If the adjustments are approved, the new rates would take effect in June 2026.

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The post A Lone Wolf Outsmarted Hunters in the Black Forest and Then Vanished appeared first on A-Z Animals.

Quick Take

The Black Forest wolf evaded hunters for nearly a month.

The inability to track and cull the wolf living in the Black Forest led officials to decide against renewing the permit for its culling.

The majority of the 180 reported encounters were non-threatening .

There are only four wolves that call the Black Forest home.

It is not uncommon to see wolves in various parts of Germany. Typically, these wolves are more afraid of people than people are of them. But one wolf, known as GW2672m, showed atypical behavior. He was not afraid of people or dogs. Consequently, after multiple reports of close encounters, a permit was issued to cull the wolf.

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For nearly a month, the hunt was on for GW2672m. To the surprise of many, the wolf proved to be more resourceful than expected. Consequently, the Black Forest wolf evaded the cull, and his current whereabouts remain unknown.

Wolf Evades Being Culled After Eluding Hunters in the Black Forest

Over the last decade, a few wolves have started calling the Black Forest their home. One particular wolf living in the Black Forest emerged early in 2026, in and around Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany. At first, the sighting was a novelty. But after weeks of reports of the wolf getting uncomfortably close to residents and their dogs in and around Baden-Wurttemberg, totaling more than 180 in all, officials took action to calm fears. Officials announced that the wolf, known as GW2672m, would be culled.

In January 2026, officials announced that a permit would be issued to kill GW2672m. While the majority of the wolfs encounters with people were categorized as non-threatening, many believed that as GW2672m was getting more comfortable in the presence of people, those encounters would change.

GW2672m, similar to this wolf, had over 180 close-encounter reports in and around the Black Forest, prompting officials to issue a permit for his culling. Menno Schaefer/Shutterstock.com (Menno Schaefer/Shutterstock.com)

Beginning on February 18, 2026, the permit became active. Professional hunters were hired to track and kill GW2672m. However, this meant the hunters had a lot of territory to cover to find one wolf. The Black Forest region is over 2,320 square miles. With just a small number of wolves known to pass through the Black Forest and an even smaller number that call it home, finding any wolf, let alone GW2672m, would be like finding a needle in a haystack.

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As March approached, the reports of GW2672m sightings decreased dramatically. As the permit deadline approached, no one could locate GW2672m. Because of this, the wolf avoided being killed, and conservationists rejoiced at the news.

Why Officials Did Not Renew the Hunting Permit

GW2672m frequently approached people walking their dogs in and near Baden-Wurttemberg, near the Black Forest. This left many feeling uneasy about how comfortable the wolf had gotten around people. But as March approached, GW2672m disappeared. This left many wondering if the permit that had been executed by officials earlier in 2026 would be renewed.

After GW2672m evaded hunters for the duration of the permits active period, officials did not renew the permit for his culling. Richard Juilliart/Shutterstock.com (Richard Juilliart/Shutterstock.com)

The permit, originally issued on February 18, 2026, was only active until March 10, 2026. Because GW2672m was not seen in the early part of March, officials did not see the need to extend the permit. They believed that GW2672m was seeking a mate during mating season. With no known female wolves in the Black Forest, officials concluded that GW2672m may have been tracking dogs in heat. This led him to approach dogs and their owners uncomfortably closely.

Despite GW2672m making his presence known in Baden-Wurttemberg, he did not attack anyone. This likely also had some influence over the permit not being renewed beyond its original March 10 expiration.

What Caused Wolves to Become Extinct in Germany?

Wolves have been a part of the Earths landscape for thousands of years. For some of that time, the canines coexisted with humans. Depending on the culture, some feared wolves, while others revered them.

Wolves were nearly eradicated from Germany by the end of the 1800s, with the last wolf being killed in 1904. Richard Juilliart/Shutterstock.com (Richard Juilliart/Shutterstock.com)

Over time, cultures that found wolves troublesome managed to reduce wolf populations to a fraction of their former numbers. In some regions, the wolves went extinct. One of those places was Germany, where wolves were declared extinct by the early 1900s.

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Germany viewed wolves as a threat to livestock. Consequently, through legal programs, the wolves were systematically killed throughout the 19th century. The last wolf known to be killed on German soil was in 1904. At that time, wolves were considered extinct in the country.

Wolves Have Returned to the Black Forest in Small Numbers

After wolves went extinct in Germany, it took over a century for the first pair to return to the country at the end of the 1990s. These wolves would eventually lead others in the countrys northwestern region to enter and form packs.

The Black Forest region in the southwest portion of the country did not see a return of wolves until much later. The first known wolf to return to the Black Forest did not do so until 2015.

There are only four wolves that call the Black Forest home. Michal Ninger/Shutterstock.com (Michal Ninger/Shutterstock.com)

Over the years, there has been excitement over wolf sightings in the region. In 2023, many wondered if a pack was forming, given the appearance of a female wolf in trap camera footage that clearly showed she was actively nursing. This did not come to pass, as no pack was found the following year.

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Today, there are only four individual wolves known to be living in the Black Forest. While GW2672m made his presence known over the last several months, he has now retreated to the depths of the forest, or perhaps even crossed country lines, and has not been seen for over a month.

Are Wolves Legal to Hunt in Germany?

Until December 2024, wolves were considered strictly protected due to their status as an endangered species in Europe. That month, the Council of Europe decided to ease the protections on wolves, classifying them as protected. This opened the door for countries across Europe to take action and allow wolf hunting, should they please.

Beginning in late 2025, Germany passed an amendment to the ban on hunting wolves, allowing them to be hunted with a proper permit. These permits allow wolves to be hunted between July 1 and October 31.

Between July 1 and October 31, wolves can legally be hunted in Germany. ambquinn/Shutterstock.com

Conservationists have sounded the alarm on allowing wolves to be hunted throughout Germany because wolf populations have not rebounded at the same rate across the country. In the Black Forest region of southwest Germany, only four known individual wolves call the territory home. Conversely, in northwestern Germany, there were 54 known wolf packs at the start of 2025. There is a staggering difference in population between the two regions.

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This discrepancy in wolf populations in Germany is being recognized throughout Europe. Because of this, wolf populations have not been deemed recovered. Yet, as conservationists point out, politicians are deeming whole countries as recovered due to the political pressure they face from farmers and ranchers who continue to lose livestock as wolf populations grow. Conservationists argue that if Germany implemented wolf deterrents that have proven successful in countries like Austria and Switzerland, livestock losses would be significantly reduced.

The Role of Wolves in Livestock Loss

There is no denying that in regions where wolf populations are returning, there is a greater risk to ranchers and farmers livestock. Due to livestock losses in recent years, some politicians and those who rely on livestock for their livelihoods welcome the change in law allowing the hunting of wolves.

As the wolf population has increased in Germany, so have the livestock killings and injuries caused by them. Rudmer Zwerver/Shutterstock.com (Rudmer Zwerver/Shutterstock.com)

In Germany, grazing livestock face far more losses than larger livestock. In particular, sheep and goats are most often targeted by wolves, accounting for 91.1% of livestock losses in 2024. While these numbers have steadily increased since wolves began coming back into Germany at the beginning of the 2000s, it was not until more recent years that several thousand livestock were killed or injured throughout the country each year. Those figures include:

2022: Approximately 4,400 livestock killed or injured

2023: Approximately 5,700 livestock killed or injured

2024: Approximately 4,300 livestock killed or injured

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Farmers, ranchers, and herders are reimbursed for losses proven to be caused by wolves. This accounted for $27.2 million in reimbursements in 2024. With the option to hunt wolves from July to October, many believe the number of wolf attacks will decrease, and therefore, less money will need to be paid.

In countries around the world, wolf populations are increasing thanks to conservation efforts that have allowed them to return to their ancestral lands. The return of wolves has sparked debates about the need for their conservation and whether population control measures are necessary. These very arguments led to a single wolf being hunted in the Black Forest, despite there being no evidence of attacks. Fortunately, for the wolf, he escaped. However, if located during Germanys hunting season, he or one of the three other wolves that call the Black Forest home may not be as lucky.

The post A Lone Wolf Outsmarted Hunters in the Black Forest and Then Vanished appeared first on A-Z Animals.
A man was flown to a hospital after an oxygen tank exploded in Washington County.

Washington County dispatchers said emergency crews were called to the 100 block of Bench Avenue in Canton Township at 6:50 p.m. on Thursday.

Canton Township Volunteer Fire Company said an oxygen tank exploded at that location.

Dispatchers said a man in his late 70s was flown to a Pittsburgh area hospital with burns.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
(Left: Kevork Djansezian / AP file, Right: Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call via AP Images)

In a Friday post on X, Ret. Lt. Gen. Russel L. Honore ripped Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseths reckless and outrageous rhetoric amid the Iran war, surmising it may be what gets these pilots tortured or killed.

Axios reporter Barak Ravid reported Friday that one of the two U.S. crew members from an F-15 jet shot down over Iran by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps air defense system had been rescued by American special operations forces. The search for the second remains ongoing.

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Before the @WhiteHouse tries to whip up more war fever over these downed US fighter pilots in Iran, its worth noting that under international law, Iran is entitled to shoot down an American fighter jet and detain the pilots as prisoners of war (POWs), holding them until the end of hostilities, wrote Honore on Friday afternoon.

Which is why @DeptofWar recent no quarter rhetoric was so reckless and outrageous, and why it may be what gets these pilots tortured or killed, he continued, referring to Hegseths mid-March promise of no quarter, no mercy for our enemies.

Draft Oped ; Iran War . Rules of Engagement; Before the @WhiteHouse tries to whip up more war fever over these downed US fighter pilots in Iran, it's worth noting that under international law, Iran is entitled to shoot down an American fighter jet and detain the pilots as  Russel L. Honore' (@ltgrusselhonore) April 3, 2026

According to the International Committee of the Red Cross, no quarter means refusing to spare the life of anybody, even of persons manifestly unable to defend themselves or who clearly express their intention to surrender during wartime.

Honore went on to mimic the thought process of Iranian leadership as they continue to hear Hegseths comments: Iran: So, youre announcing to the world that you do not recognize international humanitarian laws of war.'

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Prayers Up For our Pilots and the Rescue Teams, he concluded. We Need A Ceasefire Now! Follow The International Rules of War.

The retired generals comments come at an already touchy time for Hegseth, as CNN senior political reporter Aaron Blake shared new, brutal polling of the Secretary of War on Friday.

35% approval, 65% disapproval. Thats -30, he wrote on X. 76% of independents and 26% of GOP-leaners disapprove.

The post May Be What Gets These Pilots Tortured or Killed: Retired Gen. Rips Hegseths War Rhetoric as Reckless and Outrageous first appeared on Mediaite.
You may be paying less in state income tax, but your property taxes could keep going up.

The Georgia Legislature tackled both and more into the wee hours of the morning before adjourning for the year.

Channel 2s Richard Elliot reported on Channel 2 Action News at 6:00 p.m. that lawmakers wanted to give taxpayers a break, and they did for the most part.

For instance, a married couple making about $100,000 a year is now paying around $4,000 a year in state income tax.

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Next year, if Gov. Brian Kemp signs the bill passed by lawmakers, that will go down about $500. And it would be even more of a tax break in the years after that.

But dont expect any breaks on property tax yet.

Lawmakers celebrated the end of a rough and tumble legislative session in the wee hours of Friday morning. And soon, Georgia taxpayers could be celebrating, too.

Lawmakers approved a cut in the state income tax rate and an increase in deductions, which could save you money in the long run.

Atlanta resident Michael Smalls likes the idea, but he says he doesnt mind paying taxes to help the community.

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If Im going to save some money, awesome. Yes, of course. You know, like, if someone says theyre going to cut my income tax, and its going to be less. Yes, thats great, he said.

Lawmakers failed to put a 3% cap on property tax increases, though they did put a cap on how much counties can assess your house at.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

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MOSCOW, April 3 (Reuters) - Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia's powerful Security Council, said on Friday that Moscow should drop its "tolerant attitude" towards Ukraine's possible EU membership.

"The EU is no longer just an economic union. It can transform, and rather quickly, into a full-blown military alliance, one overtly hostile to Russia, and in some ways worse than NATO," Medvedev said.

"Its time to drop the tolerant attitude toward our neighbors joining what is now a military-economic European Union."

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Medvedev said that he did not believe the United States would leave the NATO military alliance but that Washington could make symbolic moves such as cutting the number of U.S. troops deployed to other NATO members.

Medvedev said, though, that the obvious divisions within NATO could push the EU towards becoming more than simply an economic union.

(Reporting by Marina Bobrova; Writing by Anastasia Teterevleva; editing by Guy Faulconbridge)
Early reports indicate that the pilot of a US F-15 fighter aircraft downed over Iran was rescued - which, if confirmed, would be the latest in the long history of US combat search-and-rescue missions over decades.

The search operation is ongoing deep inside Iran for a second crew member, according to CBS, the BBC's US partner.

Combat search and rescue (CSAR) missions are considered among the most complex, time-sensitive operations that US and allied militaries prepare for.

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In the US, elite units of the air force are specially trained for CSAR missions and are often pre-emptively deployed near conflict areas where aircraft could be lost.

What is Combat Search and Rescue?

Put simply, CSAR missions are military operations aimed at finding, aiding and potentially rescuing personnel in need, including downed pilots and isolated troops.

In contrast to conventional search-and-rescue efforts - which could take place during humanitarian operations or after disasters - CSAR missions occur in hostile or contested environments.

In some cases - as in Friday's reported recovery effort in Iran - the operations may happen deep in enemy territory.

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CSAR missions are often conducted by helicopters, with refuelling aircraft in support and other military aircraft on hand to conduct strikes and patrol the area.

A former commander of a pararescue jumpers squadron told CBS News that a rescue operation like the reported one in Iran would involve at least 24 pararescue jumpers scouring the area in Black Hawk helicopters.

They added the team would be prepared to jump from planes if needed, and once on the ground their priority would be to contact the missing crew member.

Upon locating them, the pararescue jumpers would deliver medical aid if necessary, evade the enemy and get to a place where they can be rescued, according to CBS News.

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"Harrowing and massively dangerous is an understatement," the former commander told CBS News.

They added: "This is what they train to do, all over the world. They are known as the Swiss Army knives of the Air Force."

Verified video that emerged from Iran on Friday appeared to show US military helicopters and at least one refuelling aircraft operating over Iran's Khuzestan province.

The missions are extremely time-sensitive, as enemy forces would likely be deployed in the same area to try and locate the same US personnel the CSAR teams are trying to rescue.

Iranian officials have urged citizens to find the missing US crew member alive and are offering rewards for their capture, according to state media.

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Speaking to the BBC Radio 4 's Today programme, Laurel Rapp, director of the US and North America programme at Chatham House said that capturing the crew member would be a "huge prize" for Iran and would offer them a "very powerful bargaining chip".

[BBC]

Former US Marine Corps Special Operations specialist Jonathan Hackett told the BBC's World Tonight programme that a US rescue team's priority would be to look for signs of life.

"They're trying to work backwards from the last point they knew that person was, and fan out based on the speed that person could move under different circumstances in this really difficult terrain," Hackett said.

Hackett said this type of reported rescue would be a "non-standard assisted recovery mission", where indigenous groups in the area could have been previously contacted with the aim of creating contingency plans that could be activated to help with any rescues.

The history of CSAR missions

Airborne, wartime rescue missions have a long history, dating back to World War One pilots conducting impromptu landings in France to rescue downed colleagues.

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The US military's pararescue units trace their lineage back to a 1943 mission in which two combat surgeons parachuted into then-Burma - now Myanmar - to help wounded soldiers.

The world's first helicopter rescue took place a year later, when a US lieutenant rescued four soldiers from behind Japanese lines, according to Smithsonian's Air & Space Magazine. The incident also marked the first operational use of a helicopter in combat.

Formal search-and rescue units were first established in the US in the immediate aftermath of the conflict. But modern CSAR began during the Vietnam War.

One mission, known as Bat 21, led to the loss of several aircraft and multiple US casualties while attempting to recover the pilot of an aircraft shot down behind North Vietnamese lines.

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The war required a vast expansion of CSAR missions with increased scope and complexity. The experience helped the military refine tactics and procedures that have helped form the foundation of rescue operations since.

Thousands of rescue missions in Southeast Asia helped shape modern combat search and rescue operations [Getty Images]

The US Air Force's pararescue teams

While each US military branch has their own limited CSAR capabilities, the US Air Force has the primary responsibility for finding and rescuing military personnel.

This work is primarily conducted by what are known as pararescue jumpers, part of the military's broader special-operations community.

The official pararescue motto is "These Things We Do, That Others May Live", and their work is considered part of a broader promise to US service members that they will not be left behind.

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These personnel are highly trained as both combatants and paramedics, and go through what is widely considered one of the hardest selection and training pipelines in the US military.

The selection-and-training process - which takes approximately two years from start to finish - includes parachute and dive training, as well as basic underwater demolition, survival, resistance and escape training, and a full civilian paramedic course.

They also received specialised courses in battlefield medicine, complex recovery operations and weapons.

On the ground, these teams are led by specialised Combat Rescue Officers, who are responsible for planning, co-ordinating and executing the recovery missions.

Recent US rescue missions

Pararescue teams deployed extensively throughout the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, conducting thousands of missions to rescue US and allied troops that were wounded or required extraction.

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In 2005, air force pararescue teams were involved to recover a US Navy Seal who was wounded and seeking shelter in an Afghan village after his team was ambushed and its other three members killed - an incident later made into the film Lone Survivor.

Missions to recover downed US pilots have been rare in recent decades.

In 1999, the pilot of an F-117 stealth fighter shot down over Serbia was found and recovered by pararescuemen.

In a highly publicised incident in Bosnia in 1995, US pilot Scott O'Grady was rescued in a joint air force and Marine Corps CSAR mission after being shot down and evading capture for six days.
April 3 (UPI) -- The leader of Myanmar's military junta, Min Aung Hlaing, was elected president of the country Friday by the country's parliament.

Min Aung Hlaing, 69, stepped down as the country's commander in chief earlier this week. In that position, he oversaw the killing of thousands of civilians, a coup that overthrew democratically elected leaders and genocide of Rohingya people.

The election is the first since the 2021 military coup and is seen as an attempt to legitimize the military leaders by giving them civilian titles.

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The new government isn't expected to make many changes.

The Special Advisory Council for Myanmar, a pro-democracy organization, said the generals were ditching their uniforms but without any change to the power structure. They called it a cynical "rebrand" designed to deceive the world into believing they were seeing a transition to civilian rule.

"A confected title and a costume change won't fool anyone," Yanghee Lee said.

Yanghee Lee, a former U.N. Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Myanmar, said it was a "puppet government" and called on governments around the world not to recognize it.

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"His ascension to the presidency would formalize the same violent system that has already caused immense suffering, deepened social fractures and undermined democracy and human rights," said the ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights, a group of regional lawmakers, in a statement.

Min Aung Hlaing was elected the country's 11th president by a vote of 584-155. The two other candidates on the ballot -- U Nyo Saw and Nan Ni Ni Aye -- were elected first and second vice presidents, respectively.

Min Aung Hlaing appointed a loyal subordinate earlier this week to commander in chief, former intelligence chief Gen. Ye Win Oo.
The controversy between Vladimir Putin and Nikol Pashinyan has become a notable episode in the current dynamics of Russian-Armenian relations, but its significance goes far beyond the bilateral dialogue. In a broader context, it reflects the increasing complexity of the geopolitical configuration in the South Caucasus, where the interests of Russia, the West and regional players intersect.

Against the background of what is happening, it is important to take into account that Moscow and Yerevan have been building close economic and energy ties for a long time. Russia remains Armenia's key partner in a number of areas: natural gas supplies are carried out on preferential terms, and trade between the two countries is showing steady growth, exceeding the $6 billion mark. The re-export factor also plays a significant role, thanks to which Armenia is integrated into broader trade and economic chains.

Thanks to Russian re-exports, Armenia demonstrated the highest economic growth rates in the world during the first three years of the war in Ukraine. However, last year Yerevan actually refused to re-export Russian gold and precious stones to the UAE. As a result, Armenian exports to the UAE fell by almost 70 percent. And this is a big loss, considering that in 2024, imports from Russia more than doubled, and exports to the UAE increased by almost 7 times. After investigations of re-export schemes were published in the Western media, Yerevan decided to abandon such an instrument of economic growth.

In the context of a gradual "divorce" from Russia, Armenia is increasing its trade turnover with the European Union. In 2025, the foreign trade turnover with the EAEU countries amounted to $ 8 billion (a decrease of 37 percent), with the EU countries - $ 2.5 billion (an increase of more than 7 percent). In addition, the issue of the "Electric Grids of Armenia", operated by Samvel Karapetyan's company, as well as the issue of the Russian concession for Armenian railways, are on the agenda of the Armenian authorities. Armenia is striving for change in both directions.

At the same time, by paying a visit to Moscow, Nikol Pashinyan wants to show that he is not going to break off relations. At a meeting with Vladimir Putin, the Armenian Prime Minister said this: Yerevan knows that membership in both the EAEU and the EU is impossible, but it will combine these two agendas as long as possible. When it becomes impossible, Armenia will make a decision.

Meanwhile, Moscow, apparently, would like Yerevan to decide now. At the meeting, Putin persistently explained to the guest that membership in the two structures was impossible not even for political reasons, but for economic reasons. He also recalled the significant difference in the price of Russian gas for Europe and for Armenia. While gas prices in Europe already exceed $600 per 1,000 cubic meters, Russia sells gas to Armenia at $177.5 per 1,000 cubic meters, Vladimir Putin pointedly reminded.

In 2025, the trade turnover between Russia and Armenia amounted to 6.4 billion dollars. For comparison, it is 4.9 billion with Azerbaijan. These figures were announced by the Russian president at a meeting with Pashinyan.

Economists do not dispute that the traditional and close EAEU market is more interesting and important for Armenia. When we talk about the EAEU market, we mean, first of all, the Russian one. And here the issue of priorities arises for Armenia. It is a difficult choice between economic and political interests. The trend towards diversification of Yerevan's foreign policy is becoming more and more noticeable. Armenia is stepping up contacts with Western countries and institutions, which is perceived as part of a broader strategy of balancing between different centers of power. This process, in turn, inevitably leads to discussions about the future of allied relations with Russia and the limits of a possible maneuver in foreign policy. Pashinyan is acting cautiously, trying not to burn down old bridges until new ones are built. Maintaining the balance would be beneficial for Armenia, but it could be disadvantageous for Russia and the European Union themselves. In any case, the rhetoric of the parties at the meeting makes it clear that Moscow does not intend to share its former ally with anyone on equal terms. This is geopolitics. As they say, nothing personal.

How the processes will develop will become clear after the parliamentary elections in Armenia. Will current trends continue? It depends on the domestic political context. If Nikol Pashinyan retains power, the western trend will become even more noticeable. If pro-Russian forces come to power, Yerevan will begin to restore relations with Moscow in full.

In the logic of competition between the West and Russia for influence over Armenia, there is an increase in political tension in the country, and foreign policy rhetoric is becoming part of the domestic political competition. In this sense, the dialogue that took place in Moscow can be considered not only as an element of interstate relations, but also as a factor influencing electoral processes. Noteworthy here is Vladimir Putin's diplomatic remark that Russia "has a lot of friends in Armenia... and there are many political forces that are pro-Russian." And Russia would like them to have the opportunity to participate in the elections. "Some, I know, are in prison, despite the fact that they have a Russian passport."

Let's explain that we are talking about Russian businessman Samvel Karapetyan, against whom a criminal case has been opened in Yerevan under articles on calls to overthrow the government and financial fraud. Karapetyan came to Yerevan from Moscow to organize a campaign in support of the Armenian church and made anti-government appeals. The party he created nominated Karapetyan as a candidate for prime Minister, while the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia does not allow a citizen of another country to participate in plebiscites. Despite this, Karapetyan is campaigning and presenting an election program.





There is an opinion that Samvel Karapetyan is a creature of Moscow. The fact that the Russian president put in a good word for him confirms these assumptions to a certain extent. And it is particularly noteworthy that this was done publicly, and not in a one-on-one conversation between the two leaders.

Anyway, the upcoming elections in Armenia are already being viewed by external actors as a tool of the geopolitical game. And not only Moscow has its own interest here. In mid-March, the head of EU diplomacy, Kaya Kallas, stated that the European Union, at the request of Armenia, would send a special rapid reaction group to assist in countering hybrid threats ahead of the elections in the country. No one doubts that "countering hybrid conditions" involves taking measures to prevent the victory of pro-Russian forces in the elections.

So June will be hot in Armenia. Including on the foreign policy front.

As for Putin's remark, Pashinyan responded to it no less diplomatically, saying that only those citizens who exclusively have an Armenian passport can participate in the elections, "that is, with all due respect, according to the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia, people with a Russian passport cannot be either candidates for deputies or candidates for Prime Minister.ministers."

In the geopolitical game, the European side is more restrained than the Russian side. This is not due to the "Nordic" disposition, but to the current policy of Yerevan. Yerevan is leaning towards the Western vector, and the EU does not need to try very hard. Hence, the West's failure to use the traditional instrument of democracy and human rights in its relations with Armenia. Not because these rights are not violated in Armenia, but because there is no need to use the tool, since Yerevan is already following the course needed by the West.

Nevertheless, despite the great geopolitical game, the wishes and interests of external players, Armenia has before its eyes the example of Azerbaijan, which has proved that only a course towards an independent and balanced foreign policy can bring success. Baku consistently builds pragmatic relations with various centers of power based on national interests and aspirations for sustainable development. Such a model of behavior in the context of increasing geopolitical turbulence is becoming an important element of the regional balance.

The established peace has also opened up an opportunity for Armenia to assert its sovereignty, to become a self-sufficient unit that does not seek any external associations. Yerevan's all-too-visible pro-European aspirations are forcing it to slow down relations with Russia, just as in the old days Armenia's pro-Russian policy knocked Western interests out of the country's foreign policy field.

Nikol Pashinyan values relations with Baku. And on occasion, it definitely demonstrates. This can be seen from the map of real Armenia pinned on the lapel of his jacket even at official meetings, and, most importantly, from the unequivocal rejection of the Karabakh movement. He loudly announced the latter in Moscow. During the dialogue with the President of the Russian Federation, the Armenian Prime Minister stated that the established peace has a positive impact on Armenia's relations with Russia. Thus, the opening of a direct railway connection with the Russian Federation "strengthens our traditional economic ties, and this strengthens our ties within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union."

The ongoing controversy between Moscow and Yerevan is not an isolated diplomatic episode and should be viewed through the prism of the current dynamics of geopolitical processes. The growing global rivalry around the South Caucasus is becoming more noticeable as its geopolitical importance increases. Under these conditions, Yerevan's relations with Moscow will affect the region in the same way as Yerevan's relations with Brussels. Therefore, our neighbor must be very attentive. And do not forget to look at Azerbaijan from time to time. Baku has a lot to learn.
RABAT, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Morocco foiled 73,640 illegal immigration attempts toward Europe in 2025, the interior ministry said Friday in a report.

Moroccan authorities busted more than 300 migrant trafficking networks in 2025, the report said, adding that the North African country continued in 2025 to face "constant and growing migratory pressure in an unstable regional environment".

A total of 13,595 migrants were rescued at sea while heading in flimsy boats to Europe, and 4,372 irregular migrants have benefited from voluntary returns to their countries of origin, with respect for their rights and dignity and in coordination with their diplomatic missions, the report said.

Morocco has become an important crossing point for migrants, mainly from Sub-Saharan Africa to Europe. 
Heres what youll learn when you read this story:

The French military accidentally discovered what has become the deepest shipwreck found in French waters.

After an initial sonar reading, remotely operated vehicles inspected the shipwreck, dated to the 16th century.

Experts plan to further investigate the site, including the cargo on the well-preserved deep-water wreck.

Routine sonar investigations of the French seafloor led to the accidental discovery of a 16th-century shipwreck roughly 1.5 miles off the coast of Ramatuelle. The wreck, nestled 8,200 feet underwater, is the deepest shipwreck ever discovered in France. This depth has also makes it one of the most well-preserved, free from salvaging and looters.

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According to a translated statement from the Maritime Prefecture of the Mediterranean (a French governmental agency), a routine military operation to inspect the countrys seabed led to an unusual sonar reading in 2025. A joint team from the French Navys Expert Center for Human Diving and Underwater Intervention and the Department of Underwater and Submarine Archaeological Research used the A18D deep-sea autonomous underwater vehicle to get an initial visual look. That led to a second remotely operated underwater vehicle checking out the site and mapping it out with detailed photography.

The sonar detected something quite big, so we went back with the devices camera, then again with an underwater robot to snap high-quality images, said Thierry de la Burgade, deputy maritime prefect, according to Agence France-Presse.

What they found was a ship over 98 feet long and 23 feet widelikely a 16th century merchant vessel with a load of ceramics on board. The color images show at least 200 earthenware pitchers now trapped under sediment. The globular pitcherswith pinched spouts and ribbon handlesinclude the monogram IHS (a Greek symbol representing Jesus Christ) and geographic pattern that may be inspired by plant life.

These pitchers are characteristic of the well-documented Ligurian productions of the 16th century, the agency wrote about a region that is now northern Italy. The team also found around 100 yellow plates, along with shipboard equipment of anchors, cannons, and two cauldrons.

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The wreck (named Camarat 4 due to its geographical position) has sat undisturbed since its demiseat the time, there was no way for a salvage mission to have taken place at this depth, and no looting had taken place in the centuries following.

Camarat 4 is a remarkable discovery due to its depth, its unprecedented nature, and the opportunity it offers to study a virtually intact 16th-century complex, the team wrote.

Thanks to the cargo load, experts believe the ship was sailing southwest from what was then the Liguria region (and is now northern Italy) when it went down. Its the deepest shipwreck ever found in French territorial waters, said Arnaud Schaumasse, head of the culture ministrys underwater archaeology department, according to AFP.

The French agencies plan to create a digital 3D model of the ship, and hope to return to the site to sample artifacts.

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This represents a unique research opportunity, the team wrote. Exploring at the sites surroundings, comprehensive photogrammetry of the wreck, and targeted sampling of artifacts constitute the initial research perspective, which will be carried out with the assistance of a panel of experts.

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Neighbors, community leaders and business owners are calling for the Indianapolis Department of Public Works to change the way they are approaching a major project.

It wasn't a typical service at the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church on Thursday, April 2. Prayers and conversation filled the room on how a local bridge could potentially separate people instead of bringing them together.

"This will be... a devastation for all our community," church pastor Ronald Covington Sr. told 13News.

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The 16th Street Bridge was opened in the late 1940s, and according to DPW officials, has not seen a significant rehabilitation effort since then. The bridge connects the downtown to Speedway and Haughville.

13News visited the bridge Thursday and noticed several areas of dilapidation, including a concrete rail post that seemed to be leaning outward, with chunks of concrete already visibly falling off. Underneath, large pieces of the bridge are missing, exposing sections of rebar.

DPW says work is set to begin June 1 and will require the entire bridge to be closed. Officials say the bridge's condition is classified as "fair," the second lowest classification for a bridge.

Given the historic bridge must be preserved and maintained in its original form under Indiana law, DPW says they are working to address the significant concerns.

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A spokesperson for DPW told 13News that no one involved in the project, including engineers, thinks it would be safe to do a partial opening, adding that doing so under the bridge's current conditions would endanger drivers and construction workers.

Community leaders aren't buying it.

"The alternative is to partially keep the street open, that's the only alternative that we're going to accept," Covington said. "Not only is it possible, it can be done."

At the meeting, some business owners who have previously raised concerns also weighed in, saying it could disrupt business.

District Councilor Vop Osili (D-District 8) also works in architecture. He says he's also asking those questions.

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"If it's a matter of safety, provide the levels of concern," Osili said. "If it's a matter of cost, be able to provide that as well. But let's not just say that we can't do something. Let's try and see what is possible."

The Indianapolis Board of Public Works is set to meet 1 p.m. next Wednesday, April 8 at the City-County Building.
Nevadans are losing millions of dollars each year to cryptocurrency scams, and much of the fraud is aided by the hundreds of largely unregulated bitcoin ATMs, state lawmakers heard last week.

Crypto kiosks  also called cryptocurrency ATMs or bitcoin ATMs  often look just like bank ATMs and are located in grocery stores, convenience stores and other places where youd expect to see a traditional ATM. The kiosks allow people to convert cash into cryptocurrency like bitcoin or ethereum.

Cryptocurrency is designed to be anonymous and instantaneous, which makes it an ideal vehicle for scammers,who extort or convince victims to deposit their cash into a crypto kiosk and transfer it to the scammers digital wallet, never to be seen again by the victim.

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Getting your money back after falling for a crypto scam is almost impossible, said Jessica Pedron, the associate state director of AARP Nevada.

Pedron last week implored lawmakers in an interim legislative committee meeting to pass consumer protections specific to the growing crypto kiosk industry. In December, the Nevada Secretary of States Office warned that cryptocurrency scams are on the rise.

Nationwide, $246.7 million in crypto kiosk scam losses was reported in 2024 by the Federal Bureau of Investigations Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). People aged 60 or older accounted for $107.2 million of those losses.

IC3 fielded nearly 11,000 complaints related to crypto kiosks  a 31% increase from 2023.

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The scams typically involve a stranger reaching out to the victim via phone, email or social media. Sometimes the scammer will claim to be tech support from a bank or local law enforcement. Theyll fabricate a story about how the victim needs to secure their funds or pay off a fine lest they or a loved one get arrested.

Sometimes folks are so scared of these scammers that a(n actual) police officer will try to stop them and say Maam, this is not legitimate. We do not have a warrant out for your arrest or what have you. And they refuse to believe it.

Pedron said in one case an older woman deposited thousands of dollars of her retirement into a convenience store crypto kiosk, one $100 bill at a time.

The convenience worker felt bad for her and pulled her up a seat, she added, so she could deposit her entire life savings into a crypto ATM.

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Nevada has 447 bitcoin kiosks, 336 of which are in Southern Nevada, according to a public listing by Bitcoin Depot.

We have so many of these just in Clark County, said Pedron. As far as regulations, protections, (and) putting those in place, Nevada has not done that.

Nevada licenses some crypto kiosk operators as money transmitters, according to the states Financial Institutions Division, but regulations specific to the industry have not passed the Nevada State Legislature.

AARP recommends states pass legislation or regulations that establish daily transaction limits, require specific warnings about scams, help victims get refunds after being defrauded, and cap kiosk transaction fees (which are often significantly higher than comparable industries).

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Were not anti-crypto, Pedron told lawmakers. Folks are very much into these investment tools, but we find it is one of the top methods of fraud. Not just for seniors  for everybody  but seniors are particularly vulnerable.

There are legitimate crypto businesses, she continued, and some are willing to be proactive but standardization and protections for Nevadans are needed.

Some states have already taken action. According to AARP, at least 11 states passed crypto kiosk legislation last year, and Indiana outright banned them this year.

AARP quoted one Indiana Republican legislative leader saying he could think of no legitimate reasons, no substantial legitimate reasons to warrant the kiosks.
The post Newly Identified Lucys Hunter Was a 15-Foot Crocodile Lurking in Ancient Ethiopia appeared first on A-Z Animals.

Quick Take

Lucys Hunter was a massive crocodile that lived alongside early human ancestors in ancient Ethiopia.

The predator likely ambushed animals, including early hominins, at rivers and lakes.

Fossils revealed unique features that identified it as a new species.

The discovery highlights the dangers early humans faced in their environment.

More than three million years ago, in the area that is now Ethiopia, our early human ancestors lived in a landscape that consisted of rivers, wetlands, and scattered woodlands. However, new research has revealed that danger lurked in the water. Australopithecus afarensis, the species best known from the famous fossil known as Lucy, shared this habitat with a large ambush predator nicknamed Lucys Hunter. Keep reading to learn more about this discovery and what it meant for our ancestors.

Who Was Lucy?

The iconic Lucy is perhaps one of the best-known and most remarkable fossil finds in the world. She belongs to the species Australopithecus afarensis, an early branch of our human lineage that lived in East Africa approximately 3.9 to 2.9 million years ago. Lucy is the most complete skeleton ever found for such an ancient hominin, consisting of about 40% of the body. She was discovered in 1974 in Hadar, Ethiopia, within the Afar Triangle, which has yielded hundreds of important fossil discoveries. Due to this, Lucy has become vital for helping scientists understand how early human ancestors lived and evolved.

Lucy was an ancient hominin who lived in Africa more than 3 million years ago. Procy/Shutterstock.com (Procy/Shutterstock.com)

Australopithecus afarensis was a small-bodied hominin with relatively short legs, long arms, and a small skull. Australopithecus afarensis showed traits that reflect upright walking and an ability to climb. This hints at a lifestyle that was still at least partially arboreal. However, it also showed that the ability to walk on two legs came before the increased brain size that is typical of modern humans. Its estimated that female Australopithecus afarensis were approximately 3 ft 5 in, and males were larger at around 4 ft 11 in.

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These early hominins lived in and around grasslands, woodlands, rivers, and lakes. Rivers, in particular, were a vital part of their survival as a main water source. However, this would also bring Lucy and her species into close proximity with predators that had adapted to live in the same space. Australopithecus afarensis were not dominant in their environment and were vulnerable to predation by large carnivores.

The Crocodile of Hadar

A recent study has revealed that one of the most formidable predators that our early ancestors would have faced was a massive crocodile, which has been called Lucys Hunter. The species  Crocodylus lucivenator  was identified from fossilized remains at Hadar. These consisted mainly of fragments of skulls, teeth, and jawbones.

It is estimated that Crocodylus lucivenator was 12 to 15 feet long and weighed between 600 and 1,300 pounds. This is a size comparable to Nile crocodiles. However, it differed from modern-day Nile crocodiles because it had a large, prominent hump on the top of its snouta feature also found in some other species, such as the American crocodile. Based on the behavior of modern species that possess the same hump, its thought that males may have used it to attract females. The species also had a longer, more extended snout. This feature is more similar to those found in modern crocodiles than to those of crocodiles that lived during the same time period.

Crocodylus lucivenator was a similar size to the modern-day Nile crocodile. Gaston Piccinetti/Shutterstock.com (Gaston Piccinetti/Shutterstock.com)

Lucys Hunter lived in the rivers and lakes of Hadar, as well as in other suitable wetland habitats. It was a powerful apex predator that likely relied on stealth rather than speed, waiting for unsuspecting prey to approach the waters edge before attacking. Its large body and strong jaws meant that it would have been powerful enough to seize prey  including Australopithecus afarensis  and drag it into the water. However, fossil evidence also shows that these crocodiles fought among themselves. One specimen had partially healed bite marks on its jaw, suggesting it survived the encounter. These injuries are also consistent with territorial and competitive behavior observed in modern crocodiles.

What This Discovery Tells Us About Early Human Landscapes

The discovery of Crocodylus lucivenator is a particularly important one. This is because it offers a clearer picture of what life may have been like for our early human ancestors. As Crocodylus lucivenator was such a fierce ambush predator, it made accessing water a great risk for Lucy and her species. Rather than being an occasional danger, this threat was likely a constant part of daily life.

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This discovery also shows that our ancestors lived in a dynamic landscape with several different environments. The wetland habitats that Crocodylus lucivenator lived in would also have supported a wide range of animals. All of these animals would have been drawn to the same locations to access water. This concentration of prey would have provided reliable hunting opportunities, helping sustain such a large predator.

Although there were several other crocodile species alive at the same time, there is no evidence to suggest that they lived in the Hadar region at the same time as Crocodylus lucivenator. Therefore, researchers think that it was the most dominant predator in the area. However, Crocodylus lucivenator was not the only predator early hominins faced; land-based predators such as lions, hyenas, and leopards also roamed the area. Still, it may have been one of the most dangerousespecially in and around water.

The post Newly Identified Lucys Hunter Was a 15-Foot Crocodile Lurking in Ancient Ethiopia appeared first on A-Z Animals.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un petted puppies and kittens with his delighted daughter as they toured a new Pyongyang housing district, state media said Friday.

The Hwasong area, formerly mostly farmland, is a newly developed residential district with about 40,000 housing units built through a series of projects launched in 2022 under Kim's orders.

It is part of a broader construction push in the capital and across the diplomatically isolated, poor country aimed at improving living standards after years of Western sanctions and state-controlled economic policies.

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Streets of the district were "brimming with the joy and excitement of citizens who greeted the auspicious event of moving into new houses", Pyongyang's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said.

Accordingly, "various service bases to contribute to improving the wellbeing of the inhabitants are stepping up the preparations for inauguration," it said.

Kim, with his teenage daughter Ju Ae, visited a pet shop in the district, where he said: "Households rearing pets are increasing in the capital city and local areas nowadays.

"I saw to it that a new shop was built to sell pets and various accessories and offer the specialized service."

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Images released by state media showed a visibly delighted Ju Ae watching cats with her father and petting one perched on a tower while Kim sat just behind her.

In another photo, Kim cradled a white puppy as officials looked on with broad smiles, while Ju Ae sat beside him watching.

"Referring to the production of various kinds of pet-care tools, feed and veterinary medicines, he (Kim) stressed the need to take measures to increase production in the future," KCNA said.

Kim and his daughter also visited a musical instrument store, with state media images showing the duo looking at guitars and saxophones.

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Properly managing and operating the leisure facilities would "serve as a valuable foundation for the development of socialist civilisation", Kim said, according to KCNA.

The North Korean leader and his daughter also visited a hair salon, and said welfare amenities were "essential" for "ensuring a cultured and hygienic environment and highly civilized living space in the formation of urban districts."

He called for "steadily improving the quality of service on the principle of fully meeting the aesthetic tastes", and "creating a new Korean-style service culture".

In February, South Korea's national intelligence service said that Pyongyang appears to have started the process of designating Ju Ae as leader Kim's successor.

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This perception has been stoked by a string of recent high-profile outings including watching a test of nuclear-capable rocket launchers, firing a pistol and trying out the country's new battle tank in large-scale military drills.

Kim ordered the shops to open for the Day of the Sun, the April 15 birth anniversary of his grandfather and national founder Kim Il Sung, KCNA said.

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A notorious Southern California killer who was condemned to death for his role in a 2002 murder-for-hire plot that claimed the life of a 44-year-old Orange County man has died in prison at age 50, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation announced.

Armando Macias, a Lancaster resident, was just 35 when he agreed to help kidnap and kill David Montemayor, according to a news release from the Orange County District Attorneys Office.

Montemayor, a Buena Park resident who was expected to take over his familys business in Rancho Dominguez, was targeted by his sister, Deborah Perna, who was upset that their father planned to give her brother control of the company where she worked as an office manager.

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Believing her brother was also stealing from the family business, Perna asked a coworker, Edelmira Corona, if her friend would kill him.

Corona and Perna solicited the help of gang member Anthony Navarro, 44, Canyon County, who recruited three members of a San Fernando Valley gang to kidnap and murder Montemayor in the murder-for-hire plot, prosecutors said.

On Oct. 2, 2002, Macias and two other gang members, Gerardo Lopez and Alberto Martinez, kidnapped Montemayor at the family-run business and drove the married father of three toward his Buena Park home, where they believed he kept thousands of dollars in cash.

Armando Macias, 50, a resident of Lancaster was condemned to death for his role in a 2002 murder-for-hire plot in Orange County. He was found dead in his cell on April 2, 2026. (CDCR)

Despite having only one arm, Montemayor was able to escape the vehicle about one mile from his home.

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As the victim ran for his life, Macias fired his weapon at the fleeing victim, executing him by shooting him in the head, investigators said. Lopez also fired at the victim.

With Martinez behind the wheel, the trio became involved in a televised police pursuit that ended with their arrest.

Hes my father: Alleged stalker of Fleetwood Macs Lindsey Buckingham speaks out

On April 2, Macias, who was sentenced to death in 2011, was found unresponsive in his cell at California State Prison, Sacramento, around 7 a.m., CDCR officials said. Prison staff initiated life-saving measures and requested an ambulance, but the 50-year-old was pronounced dead by paramedics at 8 a.m.

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No information was released about a possible cause of death, and officials did not say whether Macias showed any obvious signs of injury.

SACs Investigative Services Unit is investigating the incident, a CDCR news release stated. The Sacramento County Coroner will determine his official cause of death.

Martinez and Navarro also received death sentences for their involvement in the plot, while Perna and Lopez were sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Corona pleaded guilty to manslaughter and faced a maximum sentence of 22 years in prison.

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.
The results are in for the impact of Edmonton's 2023 targeted ban on single-use plastic items. Even the most hardened cynic has to admit the bylaw made a world of difference.

The CBC shared statistics related to the three-year-old rule in the Canadian city that outlawed polystyrene plates, cups, and containers.

On the bag front, the Alberta city added surcharges of 25 cents on paper bags and $2 for reusable ones while forbidding plastic bags  although shoppers are allowed to bring their own for free.

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Edmonton sampled residential and commercial trash from before the rules took effect and from a month in early 2026 to assess the changes.

The number of single-use bags fell by around 80%, and straw and utensil waste fell by 26%.

"The data shows we are seeing significant amount of reduction of single-use items from our landfills, which is great for the environment, but it's also great for the financials of the city because that means you're not creating more landfills," said Mayor Andrew Knack. "That's a very costly endeavor."

While those items showed fantastic progress, the whole picture wasn't as rosy. Cup waste rose by 5% in the business areas, and it only fell by 1% in residential trash.

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The city noted that its population rose 12% over the last three years, which, alongside lax regulation and consumer habits, could explain the stagnation in combating cup usage.

One discouraging data point was the rise of takeaway container use. In both business and residential areas, waste was up over 75%. That could relate to a change in consumer preferences toward carry-out, which might require proactive steps by eaters to address.

Still, the results showed that plastic bag bans work, as do ones on plastic cutlery. That could not only reduce plastic waste and slow the plastic pollution crisis but also help protect consumers from microplastic exposure.

Finding ways to reduce the risks from plastic takeaway containers should be next on the docket for the city and restaurants. For cups, the solution seems a little more straightforward.

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While Edmonton ward councilor Anne Stevenson wants to lead with incentives and education around them, the success of the bag surcharges is undeniable. It could be the next step for disposable cups.

"The evidence to me seems to suggest that putting a price incentive on those single-use items has a dramatic impact on usage," Stevenson told the CBC.

Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips to save more, waste less, and make smarter choices  and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD's exclusive Rewards Club.
An Ohio State spokesman last week confirmed that the university is investigating an arrangement 20 years ago in which sexual predator Jeffrey Epstein paid a prominent gynecologist $100,000 a year.

But the university declined to comment further. And the gynecologist, Mark B. Landon, didnt comment beyond his original statement denying any knowledge of Epsteins illegal activities.

Landon said he was paid to advise on potential biotech investments. But he didnt respond to follow-up questions asking for details about his consulting.

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The university investigation is ongoing, and Dr. Landon continues to cooperate fully, Ohio State spokesman Ben Johnson said in an email. Given the ongoing investigation, Im not going to comment further at this time.

Landon is connected to Columbus billionaire Les Wexner, who had a long relationship with Epstein.

As with other wealthy people whose names repeatedly appear in Epsteins communications, Wexner denies that he knew anything about Epsteins global sex-trafficking ring. It is estimated to have exploited at least 1,000 underage girls and young women.

Wexners denials come despite the fact that the two lived a stones throw from each other in New Albany, his team provided security for Epsteins house, the two men socialized together  and the fact that Epstein had power over Wexners finances for 16 years. Wexner, who built a fashion empire, said he was naive and conned by Epstein.

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In a February deposition to a congressional panel, Wexner denied that he and Epstein were even friends.

On March 30, accusers of Epstein filed a lawsuit in New York State Supreme Court against Wexner claiming that he helped fund Epsteins crimes.

Wexner is a prolific donor to Ohio State, former chairman of its board of trustees, is on the board of Wexner Medical Center, and his long-time personal lawyer is the current chairman of the university board of trustees.

Ohio State has a history of controversy when it comes to sexual abuse. Hundreds of students were abused over decades by a team doctor before it acted.

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It now faces growing calls from many of those survivors for Wexners name to be removed from campus buildings because of his relationship with Epstein. So far, the universitys administration and the board of trustees have resisted them.

Johnson, the Ohio State spokesman, didnt answer a question asking whether the university is investigating Wexners involvement with Epstein.

My wifes doctor

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In his congressional deposition, Wexner was asked about his relationship with Landon, who chairs the obstetrics and gynecology department at Ohio States Wexner Medical Center. Wexner described Landon as my wifes doctor, and said that Landon delivered their children.

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In the early 2000s, Landon received quarterly checks for $25,000 from the New York Strategy Group, one of several businesses Epstein ran out of a building at 457 Madison Ave. in New York, according to a Palm Beach Police report from 2006.

Also operating out of the building was the Ghislaine Corporation, which is likely named after Ghislaine Maxwell, an Epstein accomplice who is serving a 20-year federal prison sentence. Other than Epstein, she is the only person to be convicted in Epsteins sprawling conspiracy to traffic women and girls to the rich and famous.

In February, Landon issued a written statement after files containing his name became public. He denied any knowledge of Epsteins predatory machine.

I did not provide any clinical care for Jeffrey Epstein or any of his victims, Landon said. I was a paid consultant for the New York Strategy Group regarding potential biotech investments from 2001 to 2005. I had no knowledge of any criminal activities; I find them reprehensible and I feel terrible for Epsteins victims.

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Emails released by the Justice Department show that Epstein was billing the Wexners for the money he was paying to Landon.

An entry from April 2005 said, FYI: On the Dr. Landon quarterly payments, we (New York Strategy Group) billed LHW/Abigail as we have in prior years, one said.

Even so, in his February deposition, Wexner said that in 2005 he was unaware of any biotech consulting Landon did for Epstein.

Landon was paid by Epstein on your behalf to consult on biomedical investments. Is that correct? a questioner asked.

Wexner responded, I just heard about that. I didnt know that till maybe, I dont know, the last few days.

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Then Wexner was asked about Epsteins many victims.

Okay. So, with you knowing doctor Mark Landon, are you aware as to whether or not doctor Landon ever was paid to render medical services to any, the alleged victims of Jeffrey Epstein? the questioner asked.

No, Wexner replied. The fashion magnate also said he never introduced Landon to Epstein.

The Epstein files so far made public dont show Landon rendering any clinical services on Epsteins behalf.

They do show other gynecologists caring for women or girls. Some show Epstein was involved in that care and even sponsoring it.

Hi Kim we need to get a girl who works for Jeffrey an appt with a gynecologist today or tomorrow, says a 2015 email by Lesley Groff, Epsteins longtime assistant. I keep calling around and no one is available until next week Jeffrey is asking if Eva can help Can you let me know ASAP?

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Eva appears to be Eva Dubin, a Swedish beauty queen who dated Epstein in the 1980s and later became a doctor. Her name appears frequently in the Epstein files, but like so many others, she said she knew nothing of Epsteins criminal conduct, the New York Times reported in February.

Inactive corporation

At least in some cases, Epsteins payments to Landon came from the heart of his inner circle. The Epstein files contain receipts for Fedex packages sent to Landons Columbus home by Darren K. Indyke.

Indyke was Epsteins longtime personal lawyer and served as executor of his estate. CBS News reported that Indyke was involved in almost every aspect of Epsteins business and personal affairs and was paid millions of dollars for his services

But when Indyke was deposed by Congress earlier this month, he, too, denied any knowledge of Epsteins criminal activity. Indyke made the claim despite the fact that he continued to represent Epstein after Epstein in 2008 pleaded guilty to procuring a minor for prostitution.

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As for the New York Strategy Group, the entity on whose behalf Indyke paid Landon, few details appear to exist online about what it actually did.

The New York Department of State lists it as an inactive limited liability corporation that made its first filing in 2000. It filed four biennial statements before filing articles of dissolution in 2015.

But in terms of its investment activities, nothing seems to exist online in the business press or in terms of marketing materials or other information. Its possible that it managed investments only for those in Epsteins world, and so had no need to advertise itself.

In the light of the lack of detail  and after so many have denied knowing anything about Epsteins criminal conduct  Landon was asked to provide some particulars about his consulting in order to support his claims.

Dr. Landon is not currently giving interviews, Johnson, the OSU spokesman, said on the doctors behalf.

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A Union County restaurant owner is asking for public support after a fire destroyed his restaurant Wednesday, April 1.

Owner Kashif Jones said the massive fire had very intense flames that ripped through the iconic Crabbae restaurant in Kenilworth. The damage has rendered the space unusable, he said.

Police responded to the reported structural fire at the restaurant, located on the 300 block of South Michigan Avenue, at about 5:06 p.m.

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Jones said he was already on his way to the restaurant when he heard the building was on fire.

A few of his employees, along with several customers who were eating in the dining area, were in the restaurant when the fire broke out, he said.

When he arrived, he said he felt defeated. Jones said the restaurant was recently remodeled.

Officers said they saw an active fire in the rear of the building and immediately began evacuating patrons and staff to a safe location. Additional responding personnel secured the area and assisted with traffic control to ensure the safety of both emergency responders and the public.

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The Kenilworth Fire Department, along with mutual aid from neighboring departments, responded and extinguished the fire, authorities said.

The fire originated in the rear exterior area and caused significant damage to the kitchen, with extension into the first and second floors, police said in a social media post.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, according to officials. The fire was brought under control without serious injuries.

A nearby residence sustained minor exterior damages due to the fire but remained structurally sound, officials said. All occupants were safely evacuated.

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South Michigan Avenue was temporarily closed between Vernon Avenue and Lexington Avenue to allow emergency crews to operate within the area safely, according to police.

Crabbae Restaurant in Kenilworth

A GoFundMe established by Jones has raised more than $12,000 as of Friday afternoon toward a $500,000 goal.

Crabbae isnt just a place to eat; its a community, a culture, and a source of income for families who depend on it every single day, Jones said in the fundraiser.

The Kenilworth location, which opened in 2021, made NJ.coms 2025 list of the top 99 restaurants in the state. Crabbae was recognized for its unique approach to seafood dining, featuring a menu of nontraditional dishes.

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A former Newark correctional officer, Jones became a self-taught chef after a Jersey Shore crabbing trip. He describes his restaurants cuisine as Asian-Caribbean-American and has a third location in West Orange.

The seafood joints first location, a small takeoutonly kitchen, opened in Maplewood in 2020, he said.

As repairs continue at the Kenilworth site, Jones will work from the original location to support himself and his staff.

This isnt just about me  its about every cook, server, and team member who shows up with passion and pride, said Jones. Were asking the world to stand with us, to believe in us, and to help us turn this setback into a powerful comeback.

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Jones said he hopes repairs can start soon and that the community can once again visit the seafood spot.

I believe this means a lot to our community, said Jones. I feel like they are going to support it and were going to be back open as soon as possible.

Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Pam Bondi did almost everything Donald Trump asked. It wasnt enough.

Bondis ouster as attorney general Thursday continued a string of unceremonious departures for the occupants of Trumps most perilous Cabinet post. All have one commonality: Failure, in Trumps eyes, to sufficiently use the Justice Department as a shield from legal scrutiny and a sword against his political enemies.

Against that troubled history, the role will fall to another  perhaps EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin or Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche  with the same Sword of Damocles dangling above. One of the crucial questions that person will face: How far will you go to avoid Bondis fate?

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Trumps second term has been marked by an unprecedented assertion of executive power. But that hasnt translated into the cascade of criminal prosecutions Trump has long demandedagainst his enemies. Thats, in part, because the Justice Departments work on criminal prosecutions is at the mercy of grand juries and the courts, which dont answer to Trump.

Bondi went further than her predecessors to give Trump what he wanted. After Trump publicly pressured her in September, Bondi installed a hand-picked prosecutor to engineer criminal cases against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James. But a federal judge quickly dismissed both, finding that the maneuvering violated federal appointment laws.

Other cases that Trump has demanded  the prosecution of several congressional Democrats who urged the military to disobey illegal orders, charges against his longtime nemesis Sen. Adam Schiff and pardoned members of the Jan. 6 committee  have stalled or failed to get past the starting line.

Trump has openly vented about his Justice Departments reluctance to bring more charges against his adversaries, worried that it damages his credibility with his MAGA base. His complaints echo similar frustrations he lodged against Bondis predecessors William Barr, who refused to countenance his false claims of election fraud, and Jeff Sessions, who declined to intervene in special counsel Robert Muellers investigation of Trumps links to Russia.

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Trump was kinder to Bondi on her way out, describing her as a great American patriot and a loyal friend before suggesting she would resurface in the private sector in the near future. But his praise for her was notably bereft of specifics other than noting that her tenure coincided with a drop in the national murder rate. The White House pointed to Trumps statement when asked whether Trumps frustration over the stalled prosecutions contributed to her ouster. The Justice Department did not respond to a request for comment.

Bondi, who claimed the AG role after Trumps first choice, Matt Gaetz, dropped out of the running over lack of Senate support, ingratiated herself to Trump by becoming an avid spokesperson against the criminal charges he faced in 2023 and 2024. She also defended him in the 2020 impeachment trial over his efforts to pressure the Ukrainian government to investigate Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton. But she never fully won over Trumps MAGA base, a reality that kept her on tenterhooks for much of her tenure.

Bondis ouster wasnt only about things she didnt do. She also damaged her own cause: hyping the release of the Epstein files within days of her confirmation, only to pull back months later, saying the files would not be released, generating a fervor among Trump loyalists who have long clamored to expose the details of Epsteins sex trafficking operation.

Trump opposed their release but reversed himself when it became clear Congress was going to force his hand  and hes since endured months of relentless scrutiny about his relationship with Epstein, some details of which have been newly aired in the files.
DAR ES SALAAM, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Tanzania has completed a preliminary assessment of the economic impact of the ongoing Middle East tensions, with Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba saying that the country is taking decisive steps to protect its development agenda.

Speaking during a question-and-answer session in the National Assembly on Thursday, Nchemba said the conflict, alongside earlier tensions in Eastern Europe, has triggered widespread global disruptions affecting trade, supply chains, financial markets, and key sectors such as aviation and mining.

Nchemba said initial government assessments indicate immediate increases in fuel and insurance costs, as well as potential disruptions in global financing flows relied upon by both the government and private sector.

To cushion the economy, he said the government will prioritize domestic resource mobilization, aiming to reduce reliance on volatile international markets.

A key focus will be the mining sector, which Nchemba described as a strong and growing source of domestic revenue.

Nchemba also highlighted Tanzania's vast untapped mineral potential, with only 16 percent of the country having been surveyed geologically.

The government will continue monitoring developments, he added, pledging to keep parliament informed as the duration and full impact of the conflict remain uncertain. 
Donald Trump has threatened to drastically escalate the war on Iran by destroying the countrys bridges and electric power plants, despite warnings that such attacks could be seen as war crimes.

The 79-year-old president posted the unhinged threat to the Middle Eastern country in a late-night Truth Social message amid mounting concerns that he has no real plan to end a deeply unpopular conflict that has already caused a global energy crisis.

Our Military, the greatest and most powerful (by far!) anywhere in the World, hasnt even started destroying whats left in Iran, Trump wrote.

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Bridges next, then Electric Power Plants! New Regime leadership knows what has to be done, and it has to be done FAST!

Donald Trump sent the social media threat to Iran at 10:41 p.m. ET. on Thursday. / Annabelle Gordon / Annabelle Gordon/Reuters (Annabelle Gordon)

Trump had already warned in another Thursday Truth Social post that Iran must make a deal BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE, AND THERE IS NOTHING LEFT OF WHAT STILL COULD BECOME A GREAT COUNTRY!

The president made the threat while sharing a video of U.S. airstrikes targeting a bridge connecting Tehran and Karaj.

The biggest bridge in Iran comes tumbling down, never to be used again, Trump added. Much more to follow!

Trumps threats came as dozens of international law experts signed an open letter raising concerns that U.S. strikes on Iranincluding attacks on civilian infrastructure for no clear military purposecould amount to war crimes.

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The letter cites comments Trump made last month suggesting the U.S. might attack Iran just for fun. It also points to remarks from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth claiming the U.S. does not fight with stupid rules of engagement and Trumps comment in January that I dont need international law.

Trump has frequently issued deranged threats toward Iran as part of a flailing pressure campaign to force Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow shipping passage through which one-fifth of the worlds oil supply passes.

This has included threatening the obliteration of Irans energy infrastructure while giving seemingly arbitrary deadlines for the country to meet the presidents demands. Last month, Trump said he would once again hold off attacking Irans energy infrastructure while issuing a new 10-day deadline for Tehran to reopen the Strait, set to expire after April 6.

During a low-energy primetime address to the nation on Wednesday, Trump delivered vague updates about the conflict, which has now dragged on for more than a month, again suggesting the war would end within a few weeks without explaining how that would actually be achieved.

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Trump also warned that the U.S. plans to attack Iran extremely hard over the next two to three weeks in order to bring the country of 90 million people back to the Stone Ages, where they belong.

The war on Iran is becoming increasingly damaging for the president politically, which could have devastating knock-on effects for Republicans in Novembers midterm elections.

The conflictand Irans closure of the Strait of Hormuzhas sent oil prices soaring well above $100 a barrel and caused gas prices to soar across the U.S.

A CNN/SSRS poll released this week found that just 31 percent of Americans approve of Trumps handling of the economy, the lowest rating in either of his terms, as tens of millions of Americans already struggling with a cost-of-living crisis face further financial hardships due to the war.

Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth have been heavily criticized for their handling of the Iran war. / Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

The Daily Beast has contacted the White House and the Pentagon for comment.
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The Pentagon has invited more than 3,500 employees to attend a Good Friday service at its in-house chapel. Except its only for Protestants, not Catholics.

Just a friendly reminder: There will be a Protestant Service (No Catholic Mass) for Good Friday today at the Pentagon Chapel, reads a Friday email sent by Air Force leadership, a copy of which was shared by an employee.

I guess so the Catholics know their kind aint welcome, said this employee, who requested anonymity to speak about internal communications. Its so ridiculous.

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A Pentagon spokesperson confirmed it is not hosting another, separate religious service for Catholic employees.

The Protestant service is the only service scheduled in the Pentagon chapel today, they said in a statement.

The Pentagon Memorial Chapel is a 24-hour interfaith space that employees can use for prayer and reflection, and that is used for religious services.



Late Friday, a Defense Department official emailed with more of an explanation for the No Catholic Mass email: the chaplain offices priest was away.



There was no Good Friday Catholic Mass scheduled today as the Pentagon Chaplain Offices priest is not in town, said the official.



The official noted that Catholic churches dont hold Mass on Good Friday, but do hold a Liturgy of the Lords Passion service in the late afternoon or evenings. They did not respond when asked if the liturgical service had been scheduled for Friday and then canceled because the priest was away, versus no service being planned.



The confusion over Good Friday services comes as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, a far-right evangelical Christian, has tried to infuse his religious views into Pentagon activities.

Also in the news: Tankers Pass Strait Of Hormuz On First Day Of U.S. Blockade, Data Shows

Last May, he brought his Tennessee pastor and controversial spiritual advisor Brooks Potteiger to the Pentagon to lead a prayer service, during which he hailed President Donald Trump as a divinely appointed leader. Hegseth said at the time he wanted to make his prayer service a monthly tradition.

Political Updates

This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Support fearless, unflinching journalism that holds power accountable and relentlessly pursues the truth. Become a HuffPost member today.
A Montgomery County gym employee is recovering in the hospital after being stabbed multiple times during a violent confrontation on Thursday at a Planet Fitness in Wyncote, according to police.

Authorities said the employee was stabbed by a former gym member who had been banned from the business.

Police and emergency medical crews were called to the Planet Fitness at Cedarbrook Plaza on South Easton Road just after 12:30 p.m. The victim was rushed to the hospital with lifethreatening injuries.

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At last check, both the victim and the suspect remained hospitalized. Police said charges will be filed immediately once the suspect is released.

The stabbing prompted the gym to close, with visitors arriving to find a sign reading "closed due to an unexpected emergency."

Video from the Citizen app showed the immediate aftermath as sirens sounded at the scene.

Police said the suspect had been banned on Wednesday, related to an unpaid bill, but returned to the gym twice on Thursday and caused a disturbance. Investigators said it was during the second visit that the altercation escalated and the employee was stabbed multiple times.

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"I might have to switch gyms now after hearing that," said George Kanattu of Cheltenham Township.

"It's a little scary. I thought it was more of a secure safe place," he said.

Police said the suspect was apprehended a short distance away within the same shopping center and was taken to the hospital in unknown condition. Neither the suspect nor the victim has been identified.

"This is blowing my mind. This has never happened before," Tene Bullock of Cheltenham Township, who has been a member of the gym for a few years.

In a statement, the gym said, "We are saddened by the incident that took place at our Cheltenham location. Our thoughts are with the team member as they recover. We appreciate local law enforcement's quick action, and the franchise owner is fully supporting them in their investigation."

Kanattu said he was told the gym will reopen on Monday.
PLUMSTED  School administrators have cut staff, closed a middle school and eliminated a high school academy to balance the school budget.

They also hiked local local taxes year after year and increased classroom sizes, but this rural school district remains in trouble, Superintendent David Ytreboe said.

With the district facing a nearly 6% tax hike this year, the superintendent hopes a bill presented by state Sen. Alex Sauickie of Jackson can help bring relief to Plumsted and rural schools like it across New Jersey.

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"Nothing from the state (to date) has shown us that we're going to be able to continue to survive (as a school district), that no matter what we do and no matter what difficult decisions we make, we seem to be always on the losing end of the equation," Ytreboe said.

Plumsted schools' tentative budget for the 2026-27 school year anticipates a 5.8% tax increase. School officials cite too-low levels of state aid and a nearly $570,000 increase in health insurance costs for staff as part of the problem.

New Egypt Middle School closed in 2024 to cut costs for the ailing Plumsted Township School District. Now middle schoolers attend class in New Egypt High School.

The budget problem, in fact, goes back years and started when Trenton began reducing financial support to the district, Ytreboe said.

The student population in the district is approximately 1,150, according to district figures.

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"Since 2019 we have lost $6.8 million in state of aid," he said. "And our district, being a rural community, it's relying on state of aid to balance a budget."

Those cuts forced the district to lay off 80 teachers and staff members, cut five administrators and close the district's only middle school in 2024, the superintendent said. Now, seventh and eighth grade students attend class within the high school.

District officials have failed to sell or lease the middle school to other organizations, Ytreboe said.

"We're the only Ocean County high school that is a (grade) 7 through 12," he said.

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The district also eliminated one of its five high school academies, one that served students interested in television production and communication, Ytreboe said.

"We've tried to do everything," he said. "We've raised taxes 9.9(%), 19.2(%), this year 5.75(%). And it's just keeping us afloat. It's not helping us get into a better financial situation."

Students and teachers are feeling the pinch, with large class sizes and extra work.

"It's a shame," said Lynn Pryzbylkowski, who teaches in the township's high school and leads the school-to-work program for senior students. "The middle school students really do need their own building for their age group, or (need) the high school kids to be separate. But we're making it work, because we know that's what we have to do."

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Pryzbylkowski said classes have been consolidated and she has taken on more students. Advanced Placement courses have been reduced, clubs have been cut and many class trips eliminated, she said.

"It's been hard, because we're on a shortage of teachers," she said. "We don't have as many as electives as everybody else (in surrounding districts), so we're trying to keep those electives going.

New Egypt Middle School closed in 2024 to cut costs for the ailing Plumsted Township School District. Now middle schoolers attend class in New Egypt High School.

"Do we have all the extras? No, we don't," she said. "But our kids are still successful with the basics that we're teaching them and going on to college and getting into good schools and doing great things. But we're not giving them the extra (curricular activities that other schools provide)."

Christina "Tina" Quattrone was a teacher at the middle school before it closed. Now she teaches middle schoolers in the high school, where her son is a freshman. Since the layoffs, class sizes are up to 28 or 29 students each, she said.

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"Class sizes have been gigantic," she said.

Teachers are challenged to manage seventh and eighth grade classes with so many students, she said. In addition, she has to share space with other staff.

"Because now we're at the high school, there's not a lot of room for everybody," said Quattrone. "Myself and two other special ed teachers share a little office. Pretty much all of my teaching materials are living in my basement."

Plumsted's financial situation has also lead administrators to cancel all capital and security projects, Ytreboe said.

Protected land restricts new tax revenue

Raising school taxes is a hardship on the township's 8,000 or so residents, the superintendent said. Few businesses operate in this rural community. Also, much of Plumsted's land is protected from the kinds of commercial and residential development that could lower the tax burden on existing homeowners, he said.

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"It makes it unique 14% of our land is owned by the federal government (through Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst), and then 20% of our land is protected under farmland preservation," Ytreboe said.

Also, the Pinelands  a protected, environmentally sensitive ecosystem where construction is severely restricted  covers 53% of the township.

A bill proposed by New Jersey Assemblyman Alex Sauickie of Jackson and Assemblywoman Aura Dunn of Mendham, Morris County, could help school districts in rural towns, like Plumsted. Assembly bill A-4860 would provide additional state aid to schools in the Pinelands and Highlands areas of New Jersey, because development restrictions in these towns prevent the tax base from growing.

"The current (school) funding formula has the local municipalities and school districts making up gaps in school funding by raising property taxes," Sauickie said. "Well, the problem with it like Plumsted, is they're incapable of doing that in a fair way."

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These Pinelands and Highlands communities safeguard the state's drinking water supply through their development restrictions, so they should be rewarded rather than punished by the funding formula, he said. The bill would help rural schools in Sussex, Morris and Burlington counties, but also Ocean County school districts, according to the two Assembly sponsors.

In Ocean County, the bill would help public schools in Jackson, Lacey and Little Egg Harbor, Sauickie said.

"In the case of Plumsted (schools), under this bill, they would get an additional $3.1 million annually to accommodate the fact that they can't otherwise make it up in property taxes, because they're forbidden to (grow the tax base) by law," he said.

Plumsted Board of Education President Ashley Raywood said a 6% cap on state aid increases this year has also hurt the district. In prior year when Plumsted's school aid was cut, the state did not cap the decreases, she said.

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"We were expecting to get the (state) funding that we were entitled to, and then it just didn't work out that way," Raywood said.

Administrators have done their best to keep the district running, but the situation is not ideal, she said.

"We're working with the bare minimum, as far as teachers and programs," the board president said. "We have class sizes of 25 students.

"I know firsthand, that that's not best practice," she said. "If we had the adequate funding that we were entitled to, we could lower those class sizes and provide better education for our students."

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Amanda Oglesby is an Ocean County native who covers education and the environment. She has worked for the Press for more than 18 years. Reach her at aoglesby@gannettnj.com or 732-557-5701.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Plumsted schools' hopes hang on NJ bill for Pinelands, Highlands
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX)  Two arrests have been made in connection with a fatal vehicle versus pedestrian crash that took place in December of last year.

On the evening of Dec. 11, 2025, Grand Junction Police Department (GJPD) officers responded to a report of a vehicle striking a pedestrian in the crosswalk at the intersection of North Seventh Street and Paterson Road. The pedestrian, later identified as 63-year-old Gary Descheene, was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to the Mesa County Coroners Office, an autopsy determined that Descheene died from injuries received in the crash.

Jacob Morton, left, and Kari Frederick

On Wednesday, the Grand Junction Police Department (GJPD) arrested Jacob Morton, 21, and Kari Frederick, 54, after an investigation determined that the two drivers were racing on Patterson Road when the crash occurred.

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Both were booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility without incident and are facing charges of engaging in a speed contest and reckless driving.

Morton also faces the following additional charges:

Vehicular Homicide (DUID)

Vehicular Homicide (Reckless Driving)

The Grand Junction Police Department recognizes that events like this have a profound impact on our community, stated the GJPD in a press release. We urge all road users, including drivers, motorcyclists, cyclists, pedestrians, to obey traffic laws and remain vigilant to help prevent tragedies on our roads.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WesternSlopeNow.com.
A photographer on a flight over Greenville, Texas, captured an especially good look at one of the U.S. Air Forces RC-135V/W Rivet Joint aircraft with its usual paint scheme completely stripped off. Instead, much of its skin is seen covered with a green-colored protective coating. The airliner-sized, C-135-based Rivet Joints are powerful multi-purpose intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft that can scoop up details about an opponents air defenses and other assets from their electronic emissions, as well as intercept communications chatter.

Dylan Phelps took the picture of the naked Rivet Joint, seen at the top of this story, while flying over Greenville Municipal Airport, also known as Majors Field, at the tail end of a recent trip across the middle of the United States. Phelps flew in a Cessna 182 piloted by Curt Lewis.

L3Harris has a facility at the airport in Greenville where the Air Forces Rivet Joints and other RC-135 variants routinely go to receive upgrades, as well as undergo higher-level maintenance. L3Harris performs similar work there on a variety of other large U.S. military special mission and VIP planes. This kind of work also often involves stripping and repainting the aircraft.

A stock picture of a Rivet Joint wearing its standard paint scheme. USAF/Staff Sgt. William Rosado

Rivet Joints are perhaps the most sophisticated airborne surveillance and reconnaissance platform in the world, Jon Rambeau, President of L3Harris Integrated Mission Systems, told reporters at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) in the United Kingdom last July, according to FlightGlobal. The aircraft gets a full tip-to-tail refresh every four years  thats the airframe as well as all the technology that resides inside it.

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With its paint stripped off, the sheer volume of antennas that dot the top of the Rivet Joints fuselage really stands out. Not visible from this particular viewpoint are the arrays of additional antennas underneath the aircraft. The RC-135V/Ws also carry additional systems in their elongated noses and chipmunk cheeks on either side of the forward fuselage. The Automatic Electronic Emitter Locating System (AEELS) is one of the things that has been contained inside the cheek fairings, at least in the past.

Another stock picture of an RC-135V/W, offering a view of the additional antennas that line the bottom of the fuselage. USAF

The Air Forces current fleet of 17 Rivet Joints are the latest iterations of RC-135 variants that first entered service in the early 1960s. The United Kingdom is currently the only other operator of the Rivet Joint, with the Royal Air Force (RAF) flying three of these aircraft. The image from Greenville underscores how, despite the age of these assets, they continue to get new capabilities, as exemplified by the multiple high-bandwidth satellite communications terminals now seen on their spines.

Specific details about their capabilities are classified, but the RC-135V/Ws are known to be able to detect, geolocate, categorize, and monitor a variety of different signals and whatever is transmitting them. As such, the aircraft can gather valuable intelligence about the capabilities of those emitters, which can include air defense radars and command and control nodes, as well as just map out their locations. In this way, the jets provide information that is invaluable for creating so-called electronic orders of battle detailing an opponents force posture during peacetime, as well as in the lead-up to a major campaign. Rivet Joints can then continue to provide that kind of support during combat operations, helping keep tabs on changes in an enemys disposition on the battlefield.

As noted, Rivet Joints can also intercept communications chatter. In addition to onboard signals and electronic warfare specialists, the crews of the jets typically include linguists to allow for immediate analysis of those intercepts, as well as signals data. The RC-135V/Ws also have extensive communications and data-sharing suites so they can send intelligence collected to other nodes for further exploitation in near real time. The jets are also capable of passing information directly to forces engaged in tactical operations.

An unclassified US Air Force briefing slide giving a general overview of the roles and responsibilities of the members of a typical Rivet Joint crew. USAF

With their complete standoff surveillance suite, Air Force RC-135V/Ws serve as the backbone of U.S. airborne electronic intelligence collection capabilities, and are in consistently high demand as a result. Rivet Joints are currently among the array of ISR assets supporting ongoing operations against Iran. The aircraft also played a key role in the lead-up to the capture of Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro in January, as well as the execution of that operation.

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The Rivet Joints capabilities continue to evolve, as underscored by the pairing of an RC-135V/W with one of the Air Forces new EA-37B Compass Call electronic warfare jets. You can read more about the EA-37B, which is also now taking part in operations against Iran, here.

The synergistic integration of Rivet Joints intelligence gathering with Compass Calls electronic warfare capabilities has proven to be a game-changer on the modern battlefield. Were not simply flying sorties; were creating a new paradigm, Air Force Capt. Jasmine Harris, a member of the 38th Reconnaissance Squadron, said in a statement at the time. By refining tactics, techniques, and procedures, were ensuring our forces maintain a decisive advantage in the electromagnetic spectrum.

This level of sustained, continuous integration has never been conducted before by these two assets, Air Force Capt. Wesley Ballinger, also from the 38th, said, as well. Both assets complete specific actions in the kill-chain, and now the kill-chain is being refined into a faster, robust, and more lethal tool.

USAF

As it stands now, there is no firm plan for a replacement for the Rivet Joints, at least that is publicly known. The Air Force has said in the past that it expects the RC-135V/Ws to continue flying at least through 2050.

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Overall, the RC-135 is an unmatched capability, L3Harris Rambeau also said at RIAT last year, per FlightGlobal. While some of the Rivet Joint capability could be integrated on a business jet-size platform, there are some things related to physics and the distance between point A and point B that have to be on a larger aircraft.

At the same time, the Cold War-era aircraft are aging, and the Air Force has faced challenges in sustaining them in the past. Questions have also been raised about their survivability in future conflicts, especially in a potential high-end fight in the Pacific against China.

Regardless, the RC-135V/W fleet looks to have decades more service ahead of it, and the aircraft will continue to make trips to Greenville for upgrades in maintenance.

Special thanks again to Dylan Phelps for sharing the picture of the Rivet Joint stripped of its paint with us.

Contact the author: joe@twz.com
(Photo by George Wilson/NurPhoto via AP)

Two U.S. military HH-60W helicopters deployed in a high-risk search-and-rescue mission over Iran were struck by Iranian fire as they sought to recover aircrew from a downed fighter jet.

A U.S. official confirmed to NBC News that the helicopters were involved in efforts to locate crew members from an F-15E Strike Eagle shot down over Iranian territory. Despite coming under fire, the official said, all service members aboard the helicopters were reported safe. One F-15E crew member was rescued by the team, while the fate of the second remains unclear as U.S. forces continue an intensive recovery effort.

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The F-15E was brought down on Friday, according to U.S. and Israeli officials, marking the first known loss of an U.S. combat aircraft in hostile territory since the conflict began last month.

Open-source imagery circulating online appeared to show U.S. helicopters and C-130 tanker aircraft operating over Iranian territory. Major networks, including NBC and CNN, shared the following clip of a C-130 refuelling both helicopters in the air:

A further video circulating reportedly recorded in Iran from the ground appears to show one helicopter taking small arms fire from individuals identified as local police, per analyst @OSINTTechnical, as it flies across a field during the mission. The clip was retweeted by New York Times journalist Christiaan Triebert.

Footage of Iranian police firing small arms at a pair of USAF HH-60Ws searching for the downed F-15E crew earlier today. pic.twitter.com/9SwhyhY1Aw  OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) April 3, 2026

At roughly the same time the F-15E was downed, a separate U.S. Air Force A-10 Warthog crashed in the Persian Gulf region near the Strait of Hormuz. The pilot of that aircraft was safely recovered.

The post Rescue Helicopters Hit by Iranian Fire During Daring Mission to Find Downed Pilot first appeared on Mediaite.
A study has found that the tiniest microplastics can severely compromise kidney health and function.

What's happening?

In a study published in the journal Cell Biology and Toxicology, researchers discovered that lower levels of nanoplastics  extremely small microplastics that measure less than 1 micron or 0.001mm in diameter  may not result in immediate toxicity to kidney cells.

However, "higher burdens can compromise overall cell health and function, causing changes to the cell shape, survival and cell regulation," first author Hayden Gillings, a PhD candidate in Nanoplastics and Health at Flinders University, said in a university release.

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The experts also found that particle size and polymer composition matters, as some combinations led to significant cellular changes in relatively low concentrations.

Why are microplastics concerning?

This study adds to the growing body of research investigating the health impacts of microplastic exposure. Another study tied exposure to polystyrene microplastics to the possible development of chronic kidney disease in mammals, for instance.

Scientists have also found potential links between microplastic exposure and health problems like cancer, neurodevelopmental disorders, and Parkinson's disease.

Meanwhile, microplastics are all around us, including in our air, water, food, and bodies. One study found that 90% of worldwide salt brands are polluted with them, and another discovered them in nearly 90% of samples of protein-rich foods, including tofu and chicken.

What's being done about microplastics?

Microplastics are small, and they're everywhere, so it's difficult to remove them from the environment. However, scientists have had success with a few methods. For instance, one team discovered that egg whites can be used to remove these tiny plastic particles from water.

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The only way to keep new microplastics from entering the environment is by limiting the amount of plastic we use altogether. Some governments, such as in the United Kingdom and France, are moving in the right direction with policies that ban plastic cutlery for most take-out foods.

You can help by taking simple actions, such as investing in a reusable water bottle or bringing your own takeout containers when dining out.

Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips to save more, waste less, and make smarter choices  and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD's exclusive Rewards Club.
Gaza City  Its a small space, covered with a worn-out metal sheet roof and tarpaulins. Mohammed al-Jadba is working on the walls, using stones from the rubble of his destroyed house and mud to fill the gaps.

It almost looks like a home, but isnt quite one yet.

Mohammeds old home  in Gaza Citys Tuffah neighbourhood  was once a four-storey building. But Israels genocidal war on Gaza has left it, and the area around it, resembling the aftermath of an earthquake.

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The 31-year-old has been living with his family of 10 in tents beside the rubble of their old home since the October ceasefire.

After a rainy winter that left his family wet and cold, he has decided to use what he can to build a more permanent shelter. In the absence of construction materials, such as cement, because of Israeli restrictions on imports into Gaza, he is forced to use mud and whatever he can salvage from his old home.

I said I want to make a place  a small space, a room and a bathroom, thats it, Mohammed tells Al Jazeera, adding that the experiment has quickly grown into something much bigger than he had imagined.

I built one room, I liked it  so I said, Ill build another  then a living room, a kitchen, a bathroom  I thought, Oh God, what have I gotten myself into?'

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Mohammed has been working on the small house for four months. He describes collecting iron, window frames, and door frames from his old house.

The mud sticks everything together  but Mohammed soon faced a problem, a lack of straw, which is necessary to mix into the mud and make it more durable.

Straw isnt available in the markets and hasnt entered through the crossings for a long time, he says.

Mohammed soon found an alternative  human hair. He began collecting it from barbershops, and the subsequent mix of mud and hair, along with the stones extracted from the rubble, formed walls that proved to be stronger than expected.

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Mohammeds motivation was not only to find shelter, but to secure a minimum level of safety, as gunfire continues daily from Israeli forces stationed about one kilometre (0.6 miles) away from them.

His mother was injured about a week ago by a bullet that pierced their tent, and she was taken to hospital, prompting him to accelerate construction.

The tent is dangerous; it neither protects nor shelters, he says. My mother was injured, and months ago, our neighbour was killed by a bullet that pierced her heart while she was sleeping.

Mohammed knows that the structure he is building is not a permanent solution. But, with the reconstruction Gaza so desperately needs still absent, he has few other options.

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Anyone following whats happening in Gaza knows that reconstruction is a very distant dream  even a lie, he says in frustration.

If rubble removal alone will take five years and hasnt even started yet, what about reconstruction?

Mohammed al-Jadba mixes hair with mud to make it stronger  the straw that is normally used for the task is unavailable in Gaza [Abdelhakim Abu Riash/ Al Jazeera]

Delayed reconstruction

The United Nations estimates that it will cost $70bn to fully reconstruct Gaza, which has been devastated by Israeli bombing and deliberate demolition.

UN figures show that 92 percent of residential buildings in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed in the war, which began in October 2023.

An urgent $20bn is needed within the first three years just to initiate basic recovery and restore essential services, such as water, health, education, and transport infrastructure.

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Despite those estimates, no large-scale reconstruction has taken place, largely due to continued Israeli restrictions on the entry of construction materials and heavy machinery.

Palestinians in Gaza have instead focused on partial reconstruction, using what they can find until they are able to import more durable materials.

Partial rehabilitation is a non-structural intervention  we are not rebuilding destroyed structures, but making partially damaged homes habitable and protecting residents from the rain, cold, and wind, said Muath Humaid, a project engineer and coordinator working on projects implemented in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

We didnt choose this model because it is the best, but because it is what is available, said Humaid. In Gaza today, real reconstruction materials simply do not exist  no cement and no steel in sufficient quantities.

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According to Humaid, the UNDP has worked on more than 230 housing units, benefitting more than a thousand people. However, implementation has not been without challenges, as teams were forced to rely on whatever materials were available locally, rather than the ideal requirements.

Doors were sometimes made out of wood, aluminium  depending on what we could find, he said.

He also pointed to a severe cash liquidity crisis that has increased costs.

At the beginning of the project, cash withdrawal fees reached 30 percent  meaning a significant portion of the funding was lost before purchasing any materials, he said.

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While these interventions have improved conditions for some families, Humaid stresses they remain temporary.

Partial rehabilitation reduces suffering, but it is not a solution  the real solution starts with allowing the entry of reconstruction materials and implementing actual rebuilding projects.

The scale of the crisis remains severe, with more than 213,000 families living in tents and widespread damage during winter storms.

Residents of Gaza are looking for temporary solutions until real reconstruction can take place in the devastated Palestinian enclave [Abdelhakim Abu Riash/Al Jazeera]

Unsustainable solutions

Among those benefitting from partial rehabilitation is 55-year-old Abdel Nasser al-Jalousi from Khan Younis.

Abdel Nasser recently returned to his heavily damaged home after months living displaced with his 16-member family between various areas of Gaza.

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When he returned to Khan Younis after the ceasefire, he found that his home had been damaged, but was still standing.

The house had no doors, no windows, no lights, no bathroom, no furniture  just completely empty, exposed rooms standing on columns, nothing but a damaged, abandoned structure, he tells Al Jazeera.

But without the proper materials or tools to rebuild, Abdel Nasser was stuck. It was only when the UNDP came in to help with a partial rehabilitation project that he was able to find a temporary solution.

Tarpaulins have been used as a substitute for walls, doors, and room partitions in his house, as well as a way to seal open spaces and repair kitchens and bathrooms.

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I now have a door made of tarpaulin  everything used to be completely open, Abdel Nasser says.

He is thankful to the UNDP for providing a solution amid the limited options that exist in Gaza, but stresses that the materials used will not be a long-term fix.

Tarpaulins dont last with rain and sun  and wood deteriorates, he says. So you end up replacing them every season, which creates an endless cycle of costs.

What further complicates matters is the widespread destruction of basic infrastructure during the war, leaving even partially standing homes in severe hardship.

There is no electricity, no proper connections  no sewage network. When it rains, the house turns into a lake, he says, describing how water accumulates inside.

All of this is because there are no construction materials or real reconstruction, which would allow us to properly rebuild and fix our homes.

Those problems mean that, for Abdel Nasser, living in a damaged home is only marginally better than living in a tent.

This is not reconstruction  these are patchwork, temporary fixes, he says.

For him, the real solution is clear, but remains out of reach. Reconstruction requires political will from states and donors, as well as massive resources, equipment, and engineers to rebuild Gaza.

We have to stay hopeful  thats how life is, he says, before adding in a more grounded tone: Everything is tied to the political situation.




By Yuliia Dysa and Max Hunder

KYIV, April 3 (Reuters) - A large-scale daytime Russian strike killed at least two people in Ukraine on Friday, officials said, in what President Volodymyr Zelenskiy denounced as an "Easter escalation," as Moscow shifts tactics to avoid Ukrainian air defences.

Since the beginning of the war more than four years ago, Russia has mainly carried out major drone and missile strikes at night. In recent weeks, it has repeatedly sent hundreds of drones and missiles during the daytime, setting a record for the number of weapons used in one such strike on March 24.

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On Friday, drones struck residential and civilian infrastructure in central Zhytomyr and Kyiv regions, killing one person in each, their governors said on the Telegram app.

"Essentially, the Russians have only intensified their strikes, turning what should have been silence in the skies into an Easter escalation," Zelenskiy said on X.

On Friday evening, the governor of the eastern Donetsk region, Vadym Filashkin, said a Russian bomb strike killed three people in Kramatorsk, a frequent target in four years of conflict.

Kramatorsk is one of the heavily defended cities in the "fortress belt," seen by Russia as a key target in its slow advance westward through Donetsk region.

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Earlier this week, Zelenskiy proposed a halt in strikes for Easter holidays, and said Ukraine would reciprocate if Russia stopped attacks on the energy sector. Moscow rejected the idea.

"The purpose of these daytime strikes is clear. Russia is deliberately trying to increase the number of civilian victims, disrupt life, spread fear, and damage Ukraine's infrastructure," Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said on X.

STRIKE HITS VETERINARY CLINIC

Ukraine has destroyed 515 out of 542 drones and 26 out of 37 missiles launched by Russia since Thursday evening, Ukraine's Air Force said on Telegram.

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"We can see that the enemy is using new routes, new drones which they are constantly modernising, and new tactics," Air Force spokesman Yurii Ihnat said on state television on Friday.

In the Kyiv region, a veterinary clinic was damaged in the strike alongside private houses, residential and administrative buildings. Around 20 animals were killed, Governor Mykola Kalashnyk said.

In Zhytomyr region, 18 buildings - including houses - were destroyed and over 100 were damaged, authorities said.

Poland has scrambled fighter jets even though there was no record of Polish airspace having been violated, its military said.

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In the northeastern region of Kharkiv, two people were killed, and over two dozen others were injured in missile, bomb and drone attacks over the past 24 hours, according to the region's Governor Oleh Syniehubov.

"The current series of strikes has been perhaps the most intense since the start of the war and certainly the heaviest since the beginning of the year," Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov said.

(Reporting by Max Hunder, Yuliia Dysa; Editing by Daniel Flynn, Sharon Singleton, Ron Popeski and Andrea Ricci)
JAKARTA, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Three teenagers were killed in a traffic accident involving two motorcycles and a car in Bantul regency, Indonesia's Yogyakarta Special Region, early Friday, local police said.

The accident occurred on the Yogyakarta-Wates Road in Sedayu district when two motorcycles, reportedly riding against traffic, collided with a minibus traveling from the opposite direction, according to Rita Hidayanto, a public relations officer of the Bantul Police.

The first motorcycle struck the front of the car, causing the vehicle to lose control, while the second motorcycle then hit the car's left side, resulting in a chain collision.

Two riders, aged 19 and 18, were pronounced dead at the scene, while another victim, aged 17, died at a hospital, the officer said.

The surviving rider sustained serious injuries and is receiving intensive treatment. The car driver and passenger were unharmed. 
The Russian military launched powerful air attacks on Ukraine, battering the nation with missiles and drones on Good Friday, 1,500 days since Moscow began the war.

Hundreds of Shahed combat drones and dozens of missiles against our cities and towns, President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote in a social media post after a telephone conversation with Pope Leo XIV.

Zelensky said this was Russias response to his offer of a ceasefire over Easter, though churches in Ukraine, as in Russia, mark Easter next week, in line with the Orthodox calendar, on April 12.

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At least one person was killed and another injured in the area surrounding Kiev.

The attacks, carried out in broad daylight, also caused power cuts in the Ukrainian capital that is home to 3 million, plus in other areas, local electricity suppliers said.

Earlier, the Ukrainian Air Force said the Russian military deployed more than 500 drones and 37 missiles overnight and during the day. Most of the missiles were intercepted in time, though there were strikes at 20 locations.

In a precautionary measure, the Polish army also scrambled its own interceptor jets, a statement said.

Russia earlier attacked Kharkiv where four missile strikes were recorded overnight, Oleh Syniehubov, the military governor of the Kharkiv region, wrote on Telegram.

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Drones were also deployed, he said. In the morning, the police reported five people injured and damage to residential and office buildings.

Ukraines second-largest city, which had a population of 1.4 million before the war, lies only about 40 kilometres from the Russian border.

The Ukrainian General Staff said Friday marks the 1,500th day of the large-scale Russian invasion, launched by Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 24, 2022.

Crimea training flight crash

A Russian Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jet crashed during a training flight over the Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea, which Moscow annexed in 2014.

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The crew were able to eject safely, the Russian Defence Ministry said. The aircraft was not carrying any ammunition, Interfax news agency reported.

Russia has several air bases in Crimea, where Ukrainian attacks have already struck aircraft and air defence systems.

The Su-30 is a two-seater multi-role fighter which was initially developed in the Soviet Union.
The Russian military launched powerful air attacks on Ukraine, battering the nation with missiles and drones on Good Friday, 1,500 days since Moscow began the war.

Hundreds of Shahed combat drones and dozens of missiles against our cities and towns, President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote in a social media post after a telephone conversation with Pope Leo XIV.

Zelensky said this was Russias response to his offer of a ceasefire over Easter, though churches in Ukraine, as in Russia, mark Easter next week, in line with the Orthodox calendar, on April 12.

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At least one person was killed and another injured in the area surrounding Kiev.

The attacks, carried out in broad daylight, also caused power cuts in the Ukrainian capital that is home to 3 million, plus in other areas, local electricity suppliers said.

Earlier, the Ukrainian Air Force said the Russian military deployed more than 500 drones and 37 missiles overnight and during the day. Most of the missiles were intercepted in time, though there were strikes at 20 locations.

In a precautionary measure, the Polish army also scrambled its own interceptor jets, a statement said.

Russia earlier attacked Kharkiv where four missile strikes were recorded overnight, Oleh Syniehubov, the military governor of the Kharkiv region, wrote on Telegram.

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Drones were also deployed, he said. In the morning, the police reported five people injured and damage to residential and office buildings.

Ukraines second-largest city, which had a population of 1.4 million before the war, lies only about 40 kilometres from the Russian border.

The Ukrainian General Staff said Friday marks the 1,500th day of the large-scale Russian invasion, launched by Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 24, 2022.

Crimea training flight crash

A Russian Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jet crashed during a training flight over the Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea, which Moscow annexed in 2014.

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The crew were able to eject safely, the Russian Defence Ministry said. The aircraft was not carrying any ammunition, Interfax news agency reported.

Russia has several air bases in Crimea, where Ukrainian attacks have already struck aircraft and air defence systems.

The Su-30 is a two-seater multi-role fighter which was initially developed in the Soviet Union.

Pope reaffirms solidarity with Ukraine

The Vatican said that Pope Leo XIV reaffirmed his solidarity with the Ukrainian people during the telephone call with Zelensky.

He underlined the urgency of providing the population with the necessary aid and noted the importance of humanitarian initiatives such as the release of prisoners.

The pope reiterated his hope that, with international commitment, "hostilities may cease as soon as possible and a just and lasting peace may be achieved, the statement said.
KHARKIV, Ukraine, April 3 (Reuters) - Russian forces maintained a day-long barrage of drone strikes on Kharkiv, Ukraine's second largest city, on Thursday, injuring at least two people, local officials said.

Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov posted reports on Telegram throughout the day and well into the evening, noting strikes in four city districts. One city official said there had been at least 20 impacts from drones.

Public broadcaster Suspilne reported new explosions in the city after 2 a.m. (2300 GMT).

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Terekhov said some of the strikes triggered fires and two people were injured in an evening attack, including an eight-year-old girl.

Reuters Television footage showed firefighters spraying water on a smouldering residence struck by a drone. Parts of the facade were badly damaged and furniture and fixtures in apartments were smashed.

Further south, in the city of Zaporizhzhia, regional governor Ivan Fedorov said a Russian attack damaged a high-rise apartment building and a local business. No injuries were reported.

Over the border in Russia's Belgorod Region, regional Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said 13 people were injured in a series of drone attacks, 11 of them in the village of Shebekino, just inside the border.

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In Moscow, Mayor Sergei Sobyanin wrote on Telegram that air defence units had downed a Ukrainian drone which was heading for the capital well after midnight. Two other drones had been intercepted on Thursday.

(Reporting by Vitalii Hnidyi, Writing by Ron Popeski; Editing by Bill Berkrot and Kim Coghill)
San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie is set to go to China and South Korea later this month.

His first international trip since taking office, Lurie says the trip is meant to promote tourism and expand ties with San Francisco's sister cities.

"We are leaning into our arts and culture. We have said it's driving our economic recovery. We want to go tell our great sister cities of Shanghai and Seoul all about San Francisco," Lurie said.

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But there's also another item that could be discussed when the mayor is in China: will pandas return to the San Francisco Zoo?

MORE: Could US-China trade war jeopardize plans to bring pandas to San Francisco Zoo?

Former Mayor London Breed first made an agreement to bring the pandas here to San Francisco back in 2024.

Now, with Lurie's trip to Asia in just a few weeks' time, ABC7 Eyewitness News wanted to know if the pandas are still going to be coming.

We caught up with the mayor outside the Asian Art Museum on Thursday.

"We are in dialogue about it. We are making sure our zoo is ready to host those pandas. So we'll have more conversations about that," Lurie said.

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The mayor will travel with several other prominent business and cultural leaders from the city.

MORE: Here's how much it could cost to host pandas at San Francisco Zoo, report says

That includes Soyoung Lee, the director and CEO of the Asian Art Museum.

During our visit to the museum, Lee showed us the museum's latest special exhibition by a renowned Japanese artist, Chiharu Shiota.

Officially opening on Friday, Lee says the exhibition is an example of the type of cultural exchange that's uniquely San Francisco, one that she hopes the Lurie's upcoming trip will inspire more of.

"The whole mayor's team and all of us in the arts and culture in the city are deeply committed to continuing our roles in that cultural and economic exchange," Lee said.

Lurie is set to leave for China on April 17.

If you're on the ABC7 News app, click here to watch live
Good Friday has arrived, bringing a long weekend for some  but not all  Florida students.

Meanwhile, students in six counties are still waiting for their spring break.

Today, April 3, is Good Friday. It'll be a normal school day for students in 18 of the state's 67 counties.

Each individual district decides when to schedule school holidays.

Here's what you should know.

Spring break, Good Friday overlap for students in 2 Florida counties

Students in two Florida counties started their spring break on Monday, March 30. Included in the break is Good Friday on April 3.

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Special note: Links to school calendars often change. Here's a state list of homepages for each Florida school district.

When is Good Friday 2026?

Good Friday will be on Friday, April 3.

When is Easter 2026?

Easter follows Good Friday, and will be celebrated Sunday, April 5.

Schools open in 18 Florida counties on Good Friday

There will be school on Good Friday, April 3, for students in 18 of Florida's 67 counties, although three plan for early release:

Alachua: School in session on Good Friday, April 3

Baker: Early dismissal on Good Friday, April 3

Bradford: School in session on Good Friday, April 3

Calhoun: School in session on Good Friday, April 3

Dixie: School in session on Good Friday, April 3

Gilchrist: Early release on Good Friday, April 3

Holmes: School in session on Good Friday, April 3

Lafayette: School in session on Good Friday, April 3

Monroe: School in session on Good Friday, April 3

Nassau: School in session on Good Friday, April 3

Okaloosa: School in session on Good Friday, April 3

Orange: School in session on Good Friday, April 3

Osceola: School in session on Good Friday, April 3

Seminole: School in session on Good Friday, April 3

Union: School in session on Good Friday, April 3

Volusia: School in session on Good Friday, April 3

Wakulla: School in session on Good Friday, April 3 with early release; spring holiday Monday, April 6

Washington: School in session on Good Friday, April 3

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Special note: Links to school calendars often change. Here's a state list of homepages for each Florida school district.

Florida students in 49 counties won't be in school on Good Friday. See list

There will be no school on Good Friday, April 3, for students in 49 of Florida's 67 counties:

Bay: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Brevard: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Broward: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Charlotte: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Citrus: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Clay: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Collier: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Columbia: No school on Good Friday, April 3

DeSoto: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Duval: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Escambia: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Flagler: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Franklin: No school Good Friday, April 3, through Monday, April 6, for Easter break

Gadsden: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Glades: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Gulf: No school Good Friday, April 3, through Monday, April 6, for Easter break

Hamilton: No school on Good Friday, April 3. Spring break runs from April 6-10

Hardee: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Hendry: No school Good Friday, April 3, through Monday, April 6, for Easter break

Hernando: No school for "long weekend" Friday, April 3

Highlands: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Hillsborough: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Indian River: Spring break runs from March 30 through Good Friday, April 3

Jackson: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Jefferson: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Lake: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Lee: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Leon: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Levy: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Liberty: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Madison: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Manatee: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Marion: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Martin: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Miami-Dade: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Okeechobee: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Palm Beach: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Pasco: Spring break runs from March 30 through Good Friday, April 3

Pinellas: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Polk: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Putnam: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Santa Rosa: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Sarasota: No school on Good Friday, April 3

St. Johns: No school on Good Friday, April 3

St. Lucie: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Sumter: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Suwannee: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Taylor: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Walton: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Is Good Friday school holiday in Florida? See schedule for each county

Alachua: School in session on Good Friday, April 3

Baker: Early dismissal on Good Friday, April 3

Bay: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Bradford: School in session on Good Friday, April 3

Brevard: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Broward: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Calhoun: School in session on Good Friday, April 3

Charlotte: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Citrus: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Clay: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Collier: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Columbia: No school on Good Friday, April 3

DeSoto: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Dixie: School in session on Good Friday, April 3

Duval: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Escambia: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Flagler: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Franklin: No school Good Friday, April 3, through Monday, April 6, for Easter break

Gadsden: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Gilchrist: Early release on Good Friday, April 3

Glades: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Gulf: No school Good Friday, April 3, through Monday, April 6, for Easter break

Hamilton: No school on Good Friday, April 3. Spring break runs from April 6-10

Hardee: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Hendry: No school Good Friday, April 3, through Monday, April 6, for Easter break

Hernando: No school for "long weekend" Friday, April 3

Highlands: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Hillsborough: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Holmes: School in session on Good Friday, April 3

Indian River: Spring break runs from March 30 through Good Friday, April 3

Jackson: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Jefferson: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Lafayette: School in session on Good Friday, April 3

Lake: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Lee: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Leon: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Levy: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Liberty: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Madison: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Manatee: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Marion: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Martin: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Miami-Dade: No school on Good Friday, April 3; teacher planning day

Monroe: School in session on Good Friday, April 3

Nassau: School in session on Good Friday, April 3

Okaloosa: School in session on Good Friday, April 3

Okeechobee: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Orange: School in session on Good Friday, April 3

Osceola: School in session on Good Friday, April 3

Palm Beach: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Pasco: Spring break runs from March 30 through Good Friday, April 3

Pinellas: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Polk: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Putnam: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Santa Rosa: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Sarasota: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Seminole: School in session on Good Friday, April 3

St. Johns: No school on Good Friday, April 3

St. Lucie: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Sumter: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Suwannee: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Taylor: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Union: School in session on Good Friday, April 3

Volusia: School in session on Good Friday, April 3

Wakulla: School in session on Good Friday, April 3 with early release; spring holiday Monday, April 6

Walton: No school on Good Friday, April 3

Washington: School in session on Good Friday, April 3

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Special note: Links to school calendars often change. Here's a state list of homepages for each Florida school district.

Florida students in 6 counties still waiting for their spring break

Students in six counties are still waiting for their spring break, which won't arrive until later in April:

Dixie: April 13-April 17

Gilchrist: April 13-April 17

Hamilton: April 6-April 10

Lafayette: April 13-April 17

Levy: April 13-April 17

Suwannee: April 13-April 17

When will 2025-2026 school year end in Florida? See list by county

Alachua: Last day of school for students June 2

Baker: Last day of school for students May 22

Bay: Last day of school for students May 28

Bradford: Last day of school for students May 28

Brevard: Last day of school for students May 27

Broward: Last day of school for students June 3

Calhoun: Last day of school for students May 27

Charlotte: Last day of school for students May 29

Citrus: Last day of school for students May 29

Clay: Last day of school for students May 29

Collier: Last day of school for students May 29

Columbia: Last day of school for students May 27

DeSoto: Last day of school for students May 28

Dixie: Last day of school for students May 29

Duval: Last day of school for students May 28

Escambia: Last day of school for students May 22

Flagler: Last day of school for students May 28

Franklin: Last day of school for students May 28

Gadsden: Last day of school for students May 22

Gilchrist: Last day of school for students May 28

Glades: Last day of school for students May 28

Gulf: Last day of school for students May 29

Hamilton: Last day of school for students May 22

Hardee: Last day of school for students May 28

Hendry: Last day of school for students May 29

Hernando: Last day of school for students May 29

Highlands: Last day of school for students May 22

Hillsborough: Last day of school for students May 29

Holmes: Last day of school for students May 29

Indian River: Last day of school for students May 29

Jackson: Last day of school for students May 28

Jefferson: Last day of school for students May 22

Lafayette: Last day of school for students May 22

Lake: Last day of school for students May 29

Lee: Last day of school for students June 1

Leon: Last day of school for students May 22

Levy: Last day of school for students May 29

Liberty: Last day of school for students May 28

Madison: Last day of school for students May 21

Manatee: Last day of school for students May 28

Marion: Last day of school for students May 28

Martin: Last day of school for students May 28

Miami-Dade: Last day of school for students June 4

Monroe: Last day of school for students May 29

Nassau: Last day of school for students May 27

Okaloosa: Last day of school for students May 28

Okeechobee: Last day of school for students May 28

Orange: Last day of school for students May 27

Osceola: Last day of school for students May 28

Palm Beach: Last day of school for students May 29

Pasco: Last day of school for students May 29

Pinellas: Last day of school for students May 28

Polk: Last day of school for students May 28

Putnam: Last day of school for students May 29

Santa Rosa: Last day of school for students May 28

Sarasota: Last day of school for students May 27

Seminole: Last day of school for students May 27

St. Johns: Last day of school for students May 29

St. Lucie: Last day of school for students June 2

Sumter: Last day of school for students June 2

Suwannee: Last day of school for students May 22

Taylor: Last day of school for students May 29

Union: Last day of school for students May 22

Volusia: Last day of school for students May 28

Wakulla: Last day of school for students May 27

Walton: Last day of school for students May 29

Washington: Last day of school for students May 22

Why aren't school calendars same for all Florida counties?

The decision on what days schools should be closed is made by individual school districts.

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Cheryl McCloud is a journalist for the USA TODAY Network-Florida's service journalism Connect team. You can get all of Floridas best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://tcpalm.com/newsletters.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Is there school on Good Friday in Florida? See list by county
There are times when a dam has a purpose and then times when that becomes a burden. Dams effectively store water for flood control, irrigation, and other functions. However, dammed rivers disrupt the natural habitat of existing fish and wildlife.

"Rivers are a transport system, and if they are to fulfill their ecological function, they need to move water, sediments, nutrients, and living beings," explained researcher Askoa Ibisate in a EurekAlert news release.

Fortunately, European Union policies have encouraged the restoration of rivers with disused dams. The Olloki dam in Spain's Basque Country is one such case under a study performed by fluvial geomorphology geographers.

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The research group monitored 1,800 stones in the Leitzaran River between 2016 and 2022, embedding a code inside the stone samples. They distributed them at three points in the river: upstream, downstream, and at a control site. They then scanned the river from bank to bank with a detector.

"When the device detects a code, it informs us which stone it is and gives us the GPS coordinates," Ibisate explained.

The process enables researchers to understand the function of rivers and their sediment flow, providing a better prediction of the demolition of dams. The researchers discovered that some stones in the river traveled over 5 miles.

"We didn't think the sediments would move so much," Ibisate stated, "and the other experts in the field were also surprised."

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There are roughly 500,000 dams in the United States, and 85% are over 50 years old and no longer serve a purpose. However, around 900 dams were removed by 2015, and an additional 50 to 60 per year thereafter.

The continued effort to remove disused dams restores the natural water flow of rivers necessary for wildlife to flourish. Salmon, sturgeon, and other migratory fish can travel up and down the river during their lifecycle. Also, the free-flowing rivers improve water quality, leading to a healthier ecosystem for both people and nature.

How often do you worry about the quality of your drinking water? Never Sometimes Often Always Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Nine months after US airports allowed passengers to pass through scanners without taking off their shoes, rescinding the stringent policy after almost two decades, a top senator claimed the reckless move could put passengers in danger.

The policy amounts to a potentially catastrophic security deficiency, according to Tammy Duckworth, Democrat for Illinois, and ranking member of the Senate commerce, science and transportation (CST) aviation subcommittee.

In a letter to Ha Nguyen McNeill, deputy administrator of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Duckworth cited news reports that some scanners cant scan shoes.

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Related: Travelers no longer required to take off shoes for security at US airports

The new shoes-on policy was introduced by the former Department of Homeland Security (DHS) secretary, Kristi Noem, last July, ending a rule that came into effect after shoe bomber Richard Reids failed attempt to take down a flight from Paris to Miami in December 2001 with explosives in his shoes.

He was later sentenced to three life terms plus 110 years in prison.

Duckworth, who lost both legs and partial use of her right arm in 2004 when her Black Hawk helicopter was hit by an RPG during the second Iraq war, said in a statement that Noems decision was a reckless act that was likely without meaningful consultation with TSA.

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The TSA and DHS did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Noem also mulled relaxing restrictions on the volume of liquids airline passengers are allowed to bring on flights as hand-luggage. Most remain in place, but medically necessary liquids, gels, and aerosols in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces are now allowed if they are first declared.

Duckworth recently re-introduced a bill making it easier for parents to travel through airports with breast milk and breastfeeding supplies after some were found to be dumping the supplies before passing security.

In a statement on Friday, Duckworth said the DHS inspector general conducted covert testing that reportedly found some TSA full body scanners cant scan shoes, adding that the office of inspector general had determined that the policy move inadvertently created a new security vulnerability in the system.

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At a minimum, TSAs failure to swiftly implement corrective action warrants the immediate withdrawal of Secretary Noems reckless and dangerous policy that increases the risk of a terrorist smuggling a dangerous item onto a flight, the senator wrote in her letter to TSA.

The demand to reinstate the shoe policy comes as US travelers face long lines to clear security at airports after a record-long partial government shutdown. Hundreds of TSA workers have left the agency since the shutdown began, though missed paychecks have been paid retroactively.
This week, as wait times at American airports stretched beyond four hours in some cases, I got a text message from a fellow Kansan who was worried about flying this week.

OK. It was my mom.

She clipped and texted a bit of a New York Times article that explained why wait times were so short at the first airport on her trip: Kansas City International.

Even during a negotiating impasse in Washington  one that froze the pay for Transportation Security Administration employees  passengers flying out of Kansas City experienced wait times below 10 minutes, with peaks of no more than 30 minutes, according to an airport spokesman interviewed by the Times.

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The TSA lines at airports in Houston, LaGuardia and Atlanta, meanwhile, have been the lead stories on the network TV morning news shows. Lines snaked through lobbies and hallways.

So, how did Kansas City get so lucky as to have both a new airport and short wait times?

Turns out that its not luck, but privatization of airport security.

The Times article explained that Kansas City is one of 20 airports nationwide participating in the Screening Partnership Program. If you have flown into Orlando, San Francisco or Sarasota recently, your security was handled by a private company  not TSA.

According to the TSAs website, the program contracts security screening services at commercial airports to qualified private companies. These companies run screening operations under federal oversight and must comply with all TSA security screening procedures. Airports submit a two-page application posted on the TSA website followed by a 60-day review period.

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I wonder how many applications from restless airports are awaiting review after this delay in TSA funding.

After I read the excerpt of the article that my mom sent along, I noticed her text message. Her words were more newsworthy than any article I have read this week.

They should privatize all TSAs at airports, my mom wrote.

That comment shook me  especially because it came from my mom, a liberal voice in my life who is a reliable Democratic voter. This must be Bizarro-America if my mom is calling for privatization.

Of course, we live in Double-Bizarro-America. One where thousands of federal workers charged with sensitive security jobs come to work without pay. One where the federal government periodically lurches to a stop after government funding bills fail. One where the president rallied U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to airports where they couldnt do much to help.

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The Super-Double-Bizarro-America of 2026 might be giving us political vertigo. A topsy-turvy gravity is sending liberals tripping into unfamiliar corners of the room, urging the privatization of what we all considered a fundamental federal government job: the person behind the X-ray machine inspecting your toiletry bag in neon relief.

During the past 50 years (and particularly during the past 10 years), conservative politicians have aimed to convince America of a grand idea: Defenestrate the federal government. Its a backlash to FDRs New Deal that continues as we approach its 100th anniversary.

Chant the slogans along with me. Drain the swamp! Starve the beast! Smaller government, more freedom!

Conservatives carry this aversion into nearly every realm of governing, save for defense.

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Its like giving palace keys to a graffiti artist. Like giving a Rolls Royce to a demolition derby driver. Like giving a cupcake to a 2-year-old in a high chair. This is going to get messy.

A response from conservatives might blame Democrats for not negotiating more urgently. Or, they might point to airport security privatization as the long-term solution, like my mom suggested.

By bringing her, an ardent foe of conservative ideology, around to a point of view that erodes the federal government even a little bit, their strategy gains ground.

Maybe its not a winning strategy at the November midterm ballot box, if voters remember the discomfort of the airport lines and associate them with Republicans.

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However, its certainly a recipe for other conservative objectives: whittling down the impact of the federal government, nudging Americans toward greater privatization, and ensuring that Americans keep considering the supposedly dark specter of illegal immigration.

The thinking goes: Sure, we might lose the battle. Voters might blame us as airports descend into gridlock. But if we can make everyday Americans become 10% more skeptical of the government, we win the ideological war.

With my phone in my hand and my moms text message waiting for an answer, I stood in my kitchen wondering what to write back. (If only I would have had this column at my fingertips.)

Instead, I typed out a few words that I hoped would sum up that I understood her frustration and the political tactics that landed us here.

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Desperate times call for desperate measures, I typed and hit send.

Eric Thomas teaches visual journalism and photojournalism at the William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Kansas in Lawrence. Through its opinion section, Kansas Reflector works to amplify the voices of people who are affected by public policies or excluded from public debate. Find information, including how to submit your own commentary, here.
(Refiles to clarify in paragraph 14 memoranda of understanding have been agreed, but not signed yet)

By Heejin Kim and Joyce Lee

SEOUL, April 3 (Reuters) - South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and French President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday they planned to boost defence cooperation and work together to address the economic and energy crises triggered by the war in Iran.

Macron arrived in South Korea on Thursday for a two-day state visit after also visiting Japan, and held a summit in Seoul on Friday.

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It is the first state visit by a French president since 2015 and French officials have said the trip aims to strengthen France's strategic and economic role in the region at a time of "strong international and regional tensions."

"President Macron and I agreed to share policy-related experiences and strategies in order to jointly address the economic and energy crises triggered by the Middle East war," Lee said after the summit.

The leaders also confirmed their commitment to bolstering energy security including by collaborating to secure safe maritime transport routes through the Strait of Hormuz, he said.

Like other Asian economies, South Korea relies heavily on energy imports, including through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has effectively shut down the waterway in response to U.S.-Israeli attacks that began on February 28, driving up energy prices and stoking fears of a global recession.

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Macron said on Thursday that it would be unrealistic to launch a military operation to force open the strait, after U.S. President Donald Trump challenged U.S. allies to work towards reopening it.

DEFENCE TIES

Macron said after Friday's summit that the countries, both major arms manufacturers, would strive to boost their defence ties.

"What we want to do is give this cooperation a contemporary dimension," Macron said, citing joint exercises and more cooperation in production and in critical military capabilities.

"On both sides, we want to equip ourselves with greater strategic depth in military production."

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Lee also said the countries will further expand cooperation in security fields such as aerospace and defence.

South Korea and France signed a number of preliminary agreements to cooperate in sectors including critical minerals, semiconductors, quantum technologies, nuclear energy and wind power, Lee's office said.

The countries also aimed to increase bilateral trade to $20 billion by 2030 from $15 billion in 2025, Lee said.

Lee highlighted memoranda of understanding agreed between South Korea's state-run Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power and French companies Orano and Framatome, saying this would help secure fuel supplies for Korean nuclear power plants and lay the foundation for joint entry into the global nuclear market.

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LUNCH AND K-POP

The two leaders had lunch after their summit, accompanied by government officials and business executives from both countries. K-pop boy band Stray Kids including member Felix, who has been named an honorary ambassador to France, attended, as well as the heads of Samsung Electronics and Hyundai Motor Group.

On Thursday, a banquet attended by the leaders and their wives was served by chef Son Jong-won, who was on Netflix's popular "Culinary Class Wars", the Blue House said. Signed CDs from top K-pop acts like BTS, Stray Kids and G-DRAGON were also prepared as gifts for France's First Lady Brigitte Macron.

The French president also delivered a speech and answered questions from students at Yonsei University in Seoul after the summit, and attended a business forum alongside Prime Minister Kim Min-seok.

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Macron wants to boost French exports to South Korea and attract Korean investment into Frances industrial and technology sectors, according to the Elysee.

($1 = 1,505.8000 won)

(Reporting by Heejin Kim and Joyce Lee; Additional reporting by Gabriel Stargardter, Eduardo Baptista, Camille Raynaud, Jihoon Lee and Joyce LeeEditing by Ed Davies and Kim Coghill)
The question of what kind of gun should be issued to aircrew for survival, should they be brought down for whatever reason, potentially behind enemy lines, is one that air forces have long grappled with. The highly specific demands of the role, coupled with the fact that the gun needs to be compact enough to fit in a cramped cockpit (and in many cases, on the aircrew themselves), mean that there have been a wide variety of solutions to the problem, some more successful than others.

Of course, for an aircraft as extraordinary as the U.S. Air Forces SR-71 Blackbird spy plane, it would make sense that a highly specialized aircrew survival weapon might be developed for it.

A pair of SR-71 Blackbirds sitting idle in their hangars on the flight line at Beale Air Force Base, California, at dawn. U.S. Air Force

Thanks to a recent social media post from firearm manufacturer Smith & Wesson, our attention was drawn to just such a weapon, although many questions remain about the degree to which it was actually fielded.

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For an in-depth video tour of the Blackbirds front and rear cockpits, follow this link to our previous article, and watch the video below.

With the world of historic firearms being particularly subject to counterfeits and other kinds of imitations, we should also be cautious about whether all of the claims about it stack up.

According to Smith & Wesson, however, in March 1967, the Air Force placed an order for 30 special Model 41 pistols for SR-71 Blackbird pilot survival kits.

In March 1967, the U.S. Air Force ordered 30 special Model 41 pistols for SR-71 Blackbird pilot survival kits.



Equipped with threaded 5-inch barrels, slide locks, sound depressors, and extra magazines, they were designed to give downed pilots a quiet way to defend themselves. pic.twitter.com/Tvjm0S6N9T  Smith & Wesson Inc. (@Smith_WessonInc) March 26, 2026

The manufacturer describes the gun as coming equipped with threaded five-inch barrels, slide locks, sound depressors, and extra magazines. In this case, sound depressor seems to be a reference to a suppressor  a device to reduce the acoustic intensity of the gunshot.

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The result was designed to give downed pilots a quiet way to defend themselves or forage behind enemy lines.

Before looking at just why this is such a surprising choice for an aircrew personal defense weapon, its worth looking at the basic Model 41 pistol in more detail.

Smith & Wesson introduced its semi-automatic Model 41 pistol after World War II, and it was tailored primarily as a competitive target firearm.

Prototypes began to be tested in 1947, and after a long period of refinements, the Model 41 went on sale in 1957. The gun quickly established itself as a popular choice, especially for competitive shooters, and, although its manufacture was briefly ended in 1992, it soon returned to production, and the last examples were only completed in 2025.

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As for the Model 41 pistol in military hands, Smith & Wesson did develop a no-frills version, known as the Model 46, specifically for the Air Force. In 1959, the service selected the Model 46 for basic marksmanship training. A 10-year production run followed, but it doesnt seem to have found any commercial uptake.

A standard Model 41 pistol. The gun weighs 44.32 ounces, has a width of 1.7 inches, a height of 5.6 inches, and a 10-round capacity. Smith & Wesson

Considering the iconic nature of the SR-71 and its dramatic missions, its more than a little surprising that the Blackbird Model 41 isnt better known.

Last year, however, a reference to a special version of the Model 41 appeared on Smith & Wesson Forums. A post on the forum describes the gun as being delivered to the Air Force with suppressors and extra magazines, and issued as part of the SR-71 pilot survival kits.

The post explains that the unusual attachment seen in one of the few photos of the weapon is a factory-fitted Oxford white-dot illuminated sight, a cutting-edge innovation for its time, installed by Olympic gold medalist Art Cook, who was responsible for precision military modifications under contract.

The same post draws attention to an undated auction lot on the website of the Wyoming-based LSB, a well-known gun-broker, which details one of these Blackbird Model 41s sold for $5,404. The gun is described by LSB as a Model 41 .22 LR SR-71 Pilot Survival Pistol 1967 with the serial number 78009.

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The auction posting provides more detail on the Art Cook-installed sights, described as extremely rare. It notes that Cook, a gold medalist in smallbore rifle at the London Olympics in 1948, was known for high-level precision firearms work for U.S. military contracts during the Cold War and developed custom mounts for the Oxford sight used in these pistols.

Perhaps most relevant in this context is the fact that the gun in question was auctioned together with factory and historical documentation. The factory letter from Smith & Wesson historian Roy Jinks confirms the government contract details and was included with a copy of the original factory invoice documenting the 1967 sale to the Air Force.

Also part of the sale was a copy of the original serial number list for the contract batch of 30 pistols and further original S&W historical paperwork related to the contract order.

The provenance of the pistol is further underscored, LSB says, since it came from the collection of Kevin Williams, a respected firearms historian and author of U.S. General Officer Pistols: A Collectors Guide.

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LSBs assessment was that the auctioned gun was an extraordinary example of Cold War weapons history, while Cooks involvement, paired with the factorys precision and the pistols purpose-built configuration, makes this one of the most unique .22 pistols ever issued by the U.S. government.

While the description of the special Model 41 as a quiet, accurate, and discreet sidearm paired with the most advanced aircraft of its era might be accurate, it still seems surprising that an adapted target firearm would be selected for SR-71 crews (which comprised a pilot at the front and a Reconnaissance Systems Officer, or RSO, behind them).

An SR-71 crew. National Archives

A pistol chambered in a .22 Long Rifle has some advantages. The very low recoil makes it easy to control, its ammunition is cheap and widely available, and it is typically far quieter than other calibers, especially when loaded to reduce sound signature. It is also light and has a low muzzle flash.

The Air Force did procure some other smaller-caliber firearms for its pilots, including the M6 aircrew survival weapon, first issued in the 1950s, and combining a .22 Hornet rifle barrel with a .410 bore shotgun barrel in an unusual over-under configuration.

Today's gun comes as a tool of survival. The M6 Aircrew Survival Weapon. The foldable Shotgun/Rifle hybrid chambered in .410 bore and .22 hornet FMJ was designed by Ithaca shortly after WW2 but found continued use even into Vietnam. It's stock also allowed for easy ammo storage. pic.twitter.com/nkMg3tB3LS  Doc Strangelove (@DocStrangelove2) December 18, 2021

The predecessor to the M6 was the M4 survival rifle, developed from the Harrington & Richardson bolt-action M265 sporting rifle, adapted to a sheet metal frame with a telescopic wire buttstock and a detachable barrel, again chambered for .22 Hornet ammo. The M4 and M6 were both intended for the killing of game for food under emergency survival conditions.

Overall, the .22 caliber is hardly an obvious choice for a personal defense weapon. It has limited stopping power compared to common defensive calibers like 919mm, and even less potent ones of the era, and may not consistently penetrate deeply enough to reach vital organs, especially through clothing or at odd angles.

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It seems likely, then, that the gun was primarily intended to help SR-71 crews defend themselves clandestinely if their aircraft went down.

This is supported by the claim by Smith & Wesson that the special Model 41 was designed to give downed pilots a quiet way to defend themselves. It is also in line with the much higher likelihood that SR-71 pilots and RSOs, were they to eject, would find themselves operating deeper behind the lines than most downed aircrews.

There are also accounts suggesting that the Blackbird survival kit included either an Air Force version of the Smith & Wesson Model 12 or a Colt Aircrewman (based on the civilian Cobra). Both of these were lightweight aluminum revolvers, chambered for .38 Special, with much more stopping power than a Model 41. Confusingly, they both carried the designation M13.

Mach 3+ Cowboys



The Blackbirds survival kit included a very rare aluminum gun!



Yes, you read it right! The gun was made of aluminum to keep it lightweight. My Father, Col Richard (Butch) Sheffield, former SR-71 Reconnaissance Systems Officer (RSO), told my husband, Rodney pic.twitter.com/KWLEdxNmVo  Habubrats SR-71 (@Habubrats71) November 21, 2024

At this point, it seems there is considerable evidence that the Air Force did buy a batch of special Model 41 pistols for SR-71 Blackbird pilot survival kits.

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There is no evidence immediately available suggesting that Blackbird crews took these weapons on their remarkable Mach-3 flights over and around some of the most hostile airspace ever seen. What we do know is that, with no SR-71 being brought down by enemy action in the course of over 3,500 operational spy flights, their crews never had to call upon sidearms of any kind.

A pilot from the 9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing sits in the cockpit of an SR-71 Blackbird prior to a flight. U.S. Air Force

We have reached out to Smith & Wesson and the National Air and Space Museum to try to get to the bottom of this intriguing story. If any readers know more about these pistols and whether they were actually issued to aircrew, let us know in the comments below, or shoot me an email.

Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com
This file photo taken on Dec. 28, 2025 shows Min Aung Hlaing showing his inked finger after casting vote at a polling station in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar. Min Aung Hlaing on Friday secured more than half of the votes in Myanmar's Union Parliament, winning the country's presidential election. (Photo by Ei Mon Kyaw/Xinhua)

NAY PYI TAW, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Min Aung Hlaing on Friday secured more than half of the votes in Myanmar's Union Parliament, winning the country's presidential election.

The Presidential Electoral College of Myanmar, comprising all representatives of the Union Parliament, convened on Friday to elect the president, with 584 representatives in attendance.

During the voting session, Min Aung Hlaing, a presidential candidate nominated by the Pyithu Hluttaw (Lower House) representatives, received 429 votes. U Nyo Saw, representing the group of military representatives from both houses, obtained 126 votes, while Nan Ni Ni Aye, nominated by the Amyotha Hluttaw (Upper House) representatives, secured 29 votes.

Under the country's electoral system, the Presidential Electoral College votes to select the president from among three vice presidents

On Tuesday, Min Aung Hlaing, Nan Ni Ni Aye, and U Nyo Saw were elected the country's vice presidents. Union Parliament announced on Thursday that the three vice presidents have passed the scrutiny of presidential candidate qualifications. 
The prime minister's cost-of-living adviser has said the government should consider extending the fuel duty cut, after a rise in petrol prices caused by the US and Israel's war with Iran.

Lord Walker joined calls for Sir Keir Starmer to keep the 5p cut in place past September, when it is scheduled to expire after more than four years.

"I think given where we are, we do need to be thinking and talking about extending it or enlarging it," the Labour peer told BBC Radio 4's Today programme on Friday.

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Sir Keir has previously said the planned rise would be kept "under review in light of what is happening in Iran".

The reduced tax rate for petrol and diesel was introduced by the previous Conservative government after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine pushed prices up in 2022.

Fuel costs have spiked again after Iran effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz in response to attacks from the US and Israel. About one fifth of the world's oil and gas passes through the vital shipping lane.

Lord Walker, who is also the executive chairman of Iceland supermarkets, noted that the Australian government had recently "taken a 14p per litre cut to their fuel tax".

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He also suggested there might be a case to be made for bringing down the rate of fuel tax in the UK to reduce costs for businesses and consumers.

Countries are responding to the energy crisis caused by war in the Middle East in a variety of ways.

Ireland has cut taxes on petrol and diesel, Australia has halved fuel duty for three months and Slovenia has become the first EU member state to introduce fuel rationing.

Meanwhile, Egypt has told shops, restaurants and cafes to cut energy use by closing early.

On Wednesday, Sir Keir said that dealing with the economic consequences of the Iran war would "not be easy".

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So far, the Labour government has announced extra money to help people who use heating oil.

A new energy cap - the highest a provider can charge customers for each unit of gas and electricity - also took effect on 1 April.

But bills are forecast to rise sharply when the next energy cap takes effect in July due to the jump in oil prices since the beginning of Middle East conflict.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves said any additional support would be targeted at "those who need it most".

A Treasury spokesperson said: "We have the right economic plan for a more volatile world, taking a responsible approach to supporting working people in the national interest.

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"Fuel duty is frozen until September and we're enabling targeted support for those facing higher heating oil costs. We're also acting to protect people from unfair price rises if they occur and to bring down food prices at the till."

Lord Walker is the latest politician to suggest the fuel duty cut should remain past September.

Some Labour MPs have privately questioned why Sir Keir has not committed to ditching the increase, and opposition parties have called for further cost-of-living support to offset the spike in oil prices.

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The Conservatives, Reform UK and the Lib Dems have all argued that the war in Iran means the chancellor should keep the cut in place.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has said she is predicting Sir Keir will be forced to announce "another humiliating U-turn". She has also called for cuts to taxes on energy bills.

Instead of waiting until September, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said the government should introduce an emergency 10p cut to fuel duty immediately.

Reform's Treasury spokesman Robert Jenrick has also urged the government to halve VAT on petrol for three months.

The Green Party of England and Wales said the government should make plans to cover potential energy bill rises of up to 300 per household.

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The SNP wants energy policy to be devolved to the Scottish Parliament in Holyrood, and has argued that Scottish independence would help reduce bills.

Plaid Cymru has said long-term investment in renewable energy would help protect people from price hikes.
A 17-year-old high school student was arrested after reportedly bringing a gun to school and running from police in Northern Ohio.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Officers responded to Elyria High School on Thursday, just before noon, about a potential threat involving a student, according to a police spokesperson.

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The Student Resource Officer (SRO) found the student inside the school gym. That student ran out of the school building and off the campus property.

The SRO called for backup and chased the student. Elyria police officers and Lorain County Sheriffs deputies responded and caught the suspect, the police spokesperson said.

The school was on lockdown as a precautionary measure. A police K9 found a handgun believed to have been tossed by the student. The lockdown was eventually lifted.

During the investigation, a 17-year-old student admitted to bringing a handgun onto school property and running from the SRO, the police spokesperson stated.

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The teen is facing several felony charges, including tampering with evidence, carrying concealed weapons, illegal conveyance or possession of a deadly weapon in a school safety zone, and obstructing official business.

The 17-year-old suspect was transported to a juvenile detention facility.

The incident remains under investigation.

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WORCESTER  The number of students in Worcester Public Schools with autism has nearly doubled in the past five years, leading to concerns in the district about being able to provide adequate space and care for those students.

During the 2020-2021 school year, the district reported that there were 599 students in city schools whose primary diagnosed disability was autism. That number has grown to 1,085 students, according to the School Department.

"The number of students identified with autism has nearly doubled," Worcester Special Education Director Tammy Murray said during a School Committee meeting Thursday, April 2. "If you look at the percentage increase of students over time, the largest increase was during the 2022-2023 school year, where the number of students increased by 19.7%. We believe this may have to do with students returning after COVID-19 and requiring more support. However, we are not certain."

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The rise within Worcester Public Schools is not unusual relative to other districts, with Murray noting that Worcester has a lower percentage of students with autism than Boston Public Schools and is similar to Springfield Public Schools.

She said, "In Springfield, 27.6% of students have disabilities, 19.4% of students have the disability category as autism. Boston Public Schools has 23.6% of students with disabilities, and 20.8% of students identified with autism as the primary disability. Worcester's overall percentage of students with disabilities is lower than both districts and our percentage of students with autism is lower than Boston and comparable to Springfield."

A majority of students with autism in Worcester are part of the district's SAIL program [Specialized Approaches to Individual Learning], which classifies students into three different tiers, with Tier 1 for students that require less additional support and Tier 3 for students that require the most amount of additional support. The tier placements are reevaluated each year. Students can be placed between certain tiers depending on their individual needs.

Worcester currently has 106 students in Tier 1; 140 students between Tier 1 and 2; 170 students in Tier 2; 31 students between Tier 2 and Tier 3; and 181 students in Tier 3. Additionally, 98 students with autism are enrolled in preschool and have not been placed in a tier yet.

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A vast majority of the students are at the elementary level, with over 80% of all students in the SAIL program in preschool or elementary school. As those students progress through Worcester Public Schools, accommodations will need to be made at the middle and high school levels to support the number of students coming to those schools, according to school officials.

"If you look at the increase over each year, we are seeing a bubble and so we have to plan for the future that these elementary students may end up at the middle school and high school level, and are going to require additional classrooms," Superintendent Brian Allen said Thursday night, April 2.

Parents concerned about services for their children

During the public comment portion of the meeting, several parents spoke about the challenges their children face in a district struggling to keep up with the demand for services.

Sonia Rodriguez, who said she was speaking on behalf of all parents, said that her grandson, a 6-year-old student with autism and additional medical needs, is set to be moved to a new school as part of the SAIL program. She said she is concerned about the program's ability to meet her grandson's needs.

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"I was taken aback at what I saw going on. It was evident that more help was needed as children were jumping off tables and running around, and there were two to eight staff members for every child," Rodriguez said. "I strongly believe that my grandson would not have to be moved if there was someone in his present class that has specific training for working with students on the spectrum. My big ask is for more funding for special education, more training for paraeducators so that the know how to work with our children on the spectrum."

Nelly Medina, a parent of a Worcester Public Schools student on the autism spectrum, said that the SAIL program does not meet the needs of all students and that the district has been unwilling to work with parents to address their concerns.

"Students on the autism spectrum are funneled into SAIL programs that may not meet their individual needs and parents who advocate for their children are labeled as difficult," Medina said. "Under Superintendent Brian Allen's administration, there appears to be an expectations for parents and caregivers like myself to conform, rather than collaborate with us."

Middle and high schools will need to prepare for increase

District D School Committee member Alex Guardiola said during the meeting that as the city undergoes a realignment process, consideration about the best places for students with disabilities needs to be a primary consideration.

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"Do we currently have enough classroom space? As we continue to grow as a district as a whole, how do we start thinking about classroom space?" Guardiola said. "When we talk about realignment, I think this has to be part of that conversation. We need to be mindful that we have the space for this program specifically."

At-large School Committee member Maureen Binienda said that while the district likes to place high school students in the SAIL program at a "hub" school, the sheer volume of students potentially coming into the high school level that will require services might require the district to more evenly distribute high school students with autism in the future.

"The high schools could have large numbers of students with autism as well and the challenge of them being in one high school, I know you like the hub model, it would seem like we would have to spread those students, given how crowded our high schools are at this particular time," Binienda said.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Students with autism population in Worcester has doubled since 2020
"Anyone who leaves their home does so against their will," one of the Radwan terrorists said. "You can't tell them you don't want to come."

Hezbollah Radwan Force terrorists captured last week by the IDF's Givati Brigade revealed that their organization is facing a sharp decline in morale, and operatives feel that "Hezbollah is sending us to die...to avenge Ali Khamenei."

In an interrogation session with the IDF's Unit 504, one of the operatives explained that "morale is on the floor. No one has the strength to go out and fight."

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Both operatives noted that they were worn out after a year and a half of war, referring to Hezbollah's involvement in the 2023-2025 Israel-Hamas war. They also both said that the official purpose they were given for Hezbollah's involvement in the current war was to avenge the death of Iran's former supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a targeted strike at the outset of the war.

Operatives do not want to join Hezbollah's war effort

"Anyone who leaves their home does so against their will," one of the Radwan terrorists said. "You can't tell them you don't want to come."

Asked to expand on why people did not want to join the fight, the terrorist explained:

IDF ground operation in southern Lebanon. Image released April 3, 2026. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)

"If I were at home and they called me to war, I wouldn't come. Why? First, I just got out of a war. Not even a year and a half has passed. Second, my whole body - there's nothing healthy in it. Third, why should I prevent my children and my family from being with me?"

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Another terrorist was asked about the treatment he got from his commanders, and told the IDF interrogators that "it's like sending an animal [to war]. He doesn't care about it. He doesn't tell it, for example, how it will eat, how it will sleep - any kind of communication. Who am I supposed to speak to? What am I supposed to do if I am injured? It's [like] a dog sending a dog into battle."

"Why does he send you, then?" asked the interrogator.

"To die," the operative responded. "And you don't have the ability to refuse or say no...What matters to [the commander] is that I operate, and that it's recorded so he can be promoted in rank."

IDF captures Hezbollah terrorists during Lebanon raids, destroys Radwan Force infrastructure

The IDF's Givati Brigade captured several Hezbollah terrorists from southern Lebanon and took them in for questioning on Monday evening.

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The capture occured during an operation to locate weapons in the area; IDF troops discovered several armed Hezbollah Radwan Force operatives active at an anti-tank missile launch point.

Once identified, the Hezbollah fighters surrendered, evidently due to the "expanded IDF activity focused on eliminating terrorist infrastructure in the area," according to the IDF report, which added that troops confiscated "a large amount of weapons and gear" from their persons.

The operatives were immediately interrogated by Israeli security officials upon their arrival in Israeli territory, according to the IDF report.

IDF extends current round of fighting for reservists and regular army combat soldiers

Reservists who are being called up to relieve those recruited at the start of Operation Roaring Lion or earlier will have their service extended by an additional 9 weeks, the IDF announced on Friday.
Houston police say they are searching for suspects after a group of thieves broke into a construction services company overnight and made off with multiple pieces of heavy equipment.

The break-in occurred early Thursday at Ameco, a company that provides large-scale oil & gas services and construction projects in southeast Houston. Investigators say the suspects went to extreme lengths to access the property - crashing through multiple layers of fencing before attempting to steal several large vehicles.

According to Ameco Chief Operating Officer Dan Rich, surveillance video shows a black SUV ramming an outer fence. Several individuals then ran onto the property and tried to drive off with some of the largest trucks on site, with varying degrees of success.

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"They feel a little violated, right? Honestly, it's our livelihood we support projects with, and to come in here and see it stolen - it's not a good feeling," Rich said.

While the suspects attempted to steal larger construction trucks, they were unsuccessful. One became stuck on the fencing, and another broke down as the thieves ran over a concrete barricade with the truck, causing significant damage.

"They took one of the semi trucks, ran it through the fence onto the neighbor's property, tore it all up - and tore up the fence here," said Ameco employee David Jones.

Police say the thieves stole several smaller Kubota vehicles. One of those was later tracked via GPS to a nearby home at the corner of Lenore and Bliss streets.

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Officers detained multiple people at the location and arrested the man who was driving the stolen vehicle. However, a man who lives at the house says he is not involved.

"Somebody was trying to sell the equipment, and we don't do that stuff here, so they took off, and they caught him," Victor Acosta said. "It was a guy we don't even know going through the neighborhood."

Ameco employees who identified the stolen property disagree with Acosta's version of events, but their focus right now is on finding the missing equipment. Another truck was tracked to a nearby motel, and employees say another may have been spotted driving down the highway several hours later.

It is estimated that the damage to equipment alone is at least $100,000. That doesn't include broken fencing and other non-construction equipment that were damaged.

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Rich says the theft raises concerns about a growing trend targeting construction equipment.

"It's similar to chop shops for vehicles. Now they're going after construction equipment - you can take them, disguise them on a project, and nobody would recognize it," he said.

The thieves also tried to get away with some unusual items. They even loaded another truck with a used microwave and a bag of chips from the company's kitchen, but they damaged that vehicle, and it could not be driven off the property.

Rich says surveillance footage from the scene will be turned over to prosecutors. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Houston Police Department.
A non-profit environmental and social justice organization filed three separate lawsuits, two in state court and one in federal court, contesting matters in connection with the industrial park along the Ascension Parish west bank.

The lawsuits alleged the public was not informed concerning the state's agreement with Hyundai, a public notice was not published and that historic sites, including the burial grounds of enslaved people, were not protected, according to a news release on behalf of the plaintiffs.

Rural Roots Louisiana filed the suits against Louisiana Economic Development, the Port of South Louisiana and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Louisiana Bucket Brigade was also a plaintiff in the first two suits, while Mt. Triumph Baptist Church was a plaintiff in the third.

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Attorneys alleged in the first suit that state law required that the public be informed of large incentive packages and tax rebates like the one provided to Hyundai for the steel mill project. The plaintiffs have asked the court to declare the agreement null and void.

The second lawsuit alleged a public notice must be published in the official journal of the state when an agency incurs debt. The plaintiffs have asked the court to rule that the port must provide notice to the public and stop the issuance of bonds until it meets its requirements.

"It appears that Louisiana Economic Development and the Port of South Louisiana either don't know the law or are ignoring the law," Rural Roots President Ashley Gaignard said in the release. "The failure to take the most basic legal steps when so much public money is involved raises questions about the state of Louisiana's competence to manage such a huge project with complex financing."

The third lawsuit alleged the corps was derelict in its statutory duty to protect the burial sites of enslaved people. The plaintiffs have asked the court to stop all activities at the site until the cemetery can be located and a plan made to preserve and protect it.

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Following the announcement, LED Secretary Susan Bourgeois responded with a statement, which was published by WBRZ and Louisiana First News.

"The state followed all laws and established processes in securing this project, and we are confident in the cooperative endeavor agreement," Bourgeois said in the statement to the Baton Rouge media outlets. "These types of claims from organizations and individuals trying to halt progress in this state does not change the fact that this project went through appropriate channels. It is both unfortunate and ironic this small audience continues to try and limit opportunities for the very same citizens they claim to champion."

Michael Tortorich is a journalist for the USA Today Network in Louisiana.

Gonzales Weekly Citizen and Donaldsonville Chief, part of the USA Today Network of Louisiana, cover Ascension Parish and the greater Baton Rouge area. Follow at facebook.com/WeeklyCitizen and facebook.com/DonaldsonvilleChief.

This article originally appeared on Gonzales Weekly Citizen: Three lawsuits filed over industrial park on Ascension Parish west bank
If public schools want to challenge state accountability measures like Tennessee's controversial third-grade retention law in the future, they may soon have to raise private funds to do so.

Republicans are quickly pushing through a bill that would bar school districts from using any public money, whether from state or local governments, to sue the state over oversight laws.

When school districts fail to meet accountability standards  the response should be improvement on how to address accountability measures, and not litigation, said House Education Committee Chair Mark White, R-Memphis.

State Rep. Mark White and State Rep. John Gillespie speak with each other prior to a round table with President Donald Trump on the Memphis Safe Task Force inside a hangar at the Memphis Air National Guard Base on March 23, 2026.

The measure would bar Memphis-Shelby County Schools from suing over a coming state intervention bill. Both the House and Senate have passed different versions of a bill authorizing a state takeover of MSCS, but its been awaiting reconciliation in a conference committee for more than a month.

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Tennessee Comptroller Jason Mumpower released an interim audit report identifying $1.1 million in potential waste and abuse by the district, a total that amounts to less than 1% of the districts budget.

House Bill 664 is headed to a floor vote next week. A companion bill has already passed the Senate along party lines.

Republican lawmakers have passed a number of controversial accountability standards for school districts over the last decade, including:

Rating schools with A-F letter grades based primarily on test performance

Retaining third graders who cannot read proficiently on state tests

Tying K-12 school funding to academic proficiency

Establishing annual public accountability hearings for low-graded schools

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Lets dont use our state tax dollars to challenge things that we are putting in place, and we think on the Education Committee are worth it when it comes to accountability, White said.

Public schools are funded with public dollars, and barring use of public funds for a lawsuit would effectively disarm all public school districts from challenging state accountability laws, argued Rep. Gloria Johnson, D-Knoxville.

Rep. Gloria Johnson, D-Knoxville, discusses SB2571 with Rep. John Gillespie, R-Memphis, during a House session at the Tennessee Capitol in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 22, 2024.

Sometimes, I can tell you, this body gets it wrong, said Johnson, a former teacher with nearly three decades of classroom experience.

School boards are elected by their constituents to do what is in the best interest of their districts. Districts are funded by local tax dollars and state funding, noted Rep. Jody Barrett, R-Dickson.

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I just have a really hard time with us constantly closing the door to the courthouse when we dont have any control over the tax dollars collected there, Barrett said.

Barrett said if local districts want to file a lawsuit to protect the interests of their district, the state should not stop them.

And if we believe in what were doing here when it comes to accountability measures, Barrett added, then we should be willing to stand up for it in court.

It's not the only bill that seeks to make new state laws more difficult to challenge in court. Republican lawmakers in both chambers approved a bill limiting constitutional lawsuits against the state.

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Vivian Jones covers state government and politics for The Tennessean. Reach her at vjones@tennessean.com.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: TN schools could be barred from suing with state funds over testing
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla.  Toilet plumbing problems, email glitches and issues phoning home: Astronauts are just like us!

The four crew members who launched Wednesday on NASA's 10-day Artemis II mission around the moon have already overcome several challenges during their first day in space.

Shortly after they reached orbit around Earth, the crew members  NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Christina Koch and Victor Glover and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen  experienced a loss of communications with ground controllers. During the brief dropout, NASA was unable to receive data from the crew members or their Orion spacecraft. The astronauts seemed to be able to hear Mission Control, but not the other way around.

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The issue was resolved quickly, and NASA officials said ground teams are investigating what caused the glitch.

There were no issues with the vehicle itself, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said Wednesday at a post-launch news briefing. Comms with the crew have been restored. Were actively working the issue.

The crew members also reported a blinking fault light while they tested their onboard toilet Wednesday.

Called the Universal Waste Management System, the toilet on the Orion capsule is designed to vent urine overboard and store feces until the crew's return. It is separated by a door on the capsule's floor to allow some privacy. A similar toilet has been tested on the International Space Station.

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Mission managers worked with the astronauts to assess the problem overnight, and NASA confirmed early Thursday that the crew was able to restore the space toilet to normal operations.

Had it not been fixed, the backup plan was for the crew to use what NASA calls "collapsible contingency urinals" to collect urine in bags. The toilet would still have been used for fecal collection.

The Earths horizon from NASAs Orion spacecraft as it orbits during the first hours of the Artemis II flight. (NASA YouTube) (NASA YouTube)

A third issue that cropped up may feel the most relatable to many people on Earth: While the astronauts were setting up their computers, they requested tech support from Mission Control. The culprit? Microsoft Outlook.

I also see that I have two Microsoft Outlooks, and neither one of those are working, Wiseman, the missions commander, radioed to the ground.

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Mission controllers were eventually able to gain remote access to the computers and bring Outlook back online for the astronauts.

A view over the shoulders of NASA astronauts Victor Glover, left, and Reid Wiseman, the pilot and the commander, respectively, inside the Orion spacecraft. (NASA) (NASA)

With early glitches solved, the Artemis II astronauts completed a major milestone Thursday evening: a key engine burn that put them on a trajectory to fly around the moon.

The maneuver, known as a translunar injection burn, lasted just under six minutes. Orion's main engine fired, boosting the capsules velocity enough to send it out of Earth orbit.

The crew is now on trajectory to fly around the moon for the first time in 50 years, Mission Control said after the burn was complete.

A view of the Earth from NASAs Orion spacecraft as it orbits the planet. (NASA) (NASA)

It was the last engine burn of that magnitude on the Artemis II mission, since the spacecraft's path relies heavily on the gravitational pulls of Earth and the moon. Now that the translunar injection is complete, the astronauts are on an irreversible journey around the moon.

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The burn came after the astronauts got some sleep Thursday, with their wakeup call coming at 2:35 p.m. ET. They awoke to the song Green Light by John Legend and messages from NASA employees and members of the teams that helped them get to space. Glover thanked them for the kind words.

Roughly a couple of hours after that, mission managers in Houston met to decide whether to go through with the translunar injection burn.

The team polled go.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Tribal gas stations in Washington are experiencing a significant surge in business as drivers seek lower prices amid rising fuel costs.

A spokesperson with the Tulalip Tribe told KIRO 7 that demand for gas at its stations has been brisk over the past few weeks.

The lower prices at these locations are the result of state fuel tax refunds and sometimes federal excise tax exemptions provided to tribes. These financial incentives allow tribal stations to offer fuel at rates significantly lower than the current state average.

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Tanya Burns, Chief Administrative Officer with the Tulalip Tribe, said the past several weeks have seen a major increase in customers at the tribes fueling locations.

Its been tough for everyone; its been hitting our wallets pretty hard, Burns said. While she did not provide specific volume figures, she noted the change has been significant.

The lower prices are tied to specific tax policies regarding tribal land. According to the Washington Policy Center, an independent non-profit that analyzes state policy, tribal gas stations receive a refund on state fuel taxes. The IRS also grants tribes exemptions on federal excise taxes for fuel. These tax advantages increase purchasing power when the tribe secures its fuel supplies.

Burns attributed the tribes ability to offer lower prices to smart buying, we have flexibility and strong supplier relationships, as well. The price difference between tribal and non-tribal stations can range from 30 cents to 40 cents per gallon, or more, depending on location.

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Current price data highlights the gap between tribal stations and the state average. AAA reported the Washington state average for a gallon of regular fuel was $5.37 as of April 3. In comparison, GasBuddy records show the Tahoma station in Fife at $4.80, the Tulalip Market in Marysville at $4.85, and Angel of the Winds Fuel in Arlington at $4.69. High costs for diesel fuel have driven even more traffic to tribal pumps. The statewide average for diesel is nearly $6.74, while many tribal locations offer it for less.

Burns, who owns a diesel vehicle, described the current market as difficult for many drivers.

As someone who owns a diesel myself, being asked to pay $6 a gallon is kind of unreal, said Burns.

The savings are particularly relevant for independent business owners and commercial drivers. Burns noted that operators of heavy machinery are increasingly turning to tribal stations to manage their expenses.

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If youre someone whos supporting your family by operating your dump truck, if thats your own business, for example, thats someone whos coming and trying to fit themselves into our fuel station and not a normal truck stop because, like I said, every dollar counts, she said.

Burns added that another convenience store and gas station may soon be under development by the Tulalip Tribe as it continues to expand to meet customer demands.
A week after President Donald Trump urged Sydney Gruters to run for an open GOP-held congressional seat in Florida, the former executive director of the state's New College Foundation and wife of Republican National Committee (RNC) Chair Joe Gruters declared her candidacy.

"As a working mother of three, I see firsthand how much pressure rising prices are putting on families across Southwest Florida," Sydney Gruters said as she launched her campaign on Thursday. "From groceries and gas to housing and insurance, too many families, seniors and veterans are being stretched thin. Im running for Congress to protect our conservative values and fight for the people of this district and give them a strong voice in Washington."

With Trump's support, Gruters is considered the clear frontrunner to succeed retiring longtime GOP Rep. Vern Buchanan, her former boss, in Florida's right-leaning 16th Congressional District, which stretches from Tampa's eastern suburbs south to Bradenton. Republicans currently control the House 218-214 and will be defending their fragile majority in this year's midterm elections.

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Trump, in a social media post on March 24, emphasized that Gruters would "fight tirelessly."

Rnc Chair Bets On Secret Weapon To Defy Midterm History, Protect Gop Majorities

Now-President Donald Trump is joined by Sydney Gruters at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida, in 2022. (Fox News)

"Should she decide to enter this Race, Sydney Gruters has my Complete and Total Endorsement. RUN, SYDNEY, RUN!" the president declared.

Read On The Fox News App

While her husband, a Florida state senator and top Trump supporter in the Sunshine State, is well known nationally as he steers the RNC, the 44-year-old Sydney Gruters is well known in her district and very familiar with Congress.

Scoop: House Gop Campaign Arm Launches Maga Majority Program To Boost Trump-aligned Candidates

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Gruters served as Buchanan's operation director for a decade (2007-2017) and later as district director to GOP Rep. Greg Steube (2019-2023) in the neighboring 17th Congressional District.

Rep. Vern Buchanan, seen attending a House Ways and Means Committee hearing on May 13, 2025, is retiring instead of seeking re-election in the 2026 midterms.

In-between her two congressional stints, she served in Trump's first administration as state director for Florida and the U.S. Virgin Islands in the Department of Agriculture.

Prior to launching her congressional campaign, Gruters finished up her tenure as vice president of advancement and executive director of the New College Foundation.

Gruters took her position at the small liberal arts state college in Sarasota soon after Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis installed a conservative board of trustees at the school. The one-time progressive-minded college subsequently created a classical education curriculum, which emphasizes liberal arts and Western teachings. Last autumn, the college was among the first to sign on to Trump's education compact, which offers schools federal funding for backing his education priorities.

Newly elected Republican National Committee chair Joe Gruters is interviewed by Fox News Digital at the RNC summer meeting, on Aug. 22, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia

As she launches her congressional bid, Gruters is also backed by Maggie's List, a political group that works to elect conservative women to Congress.

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Click Here To Download The Fox News App

Three other Republicans, as well as three Democrats, are also running to succeed Buchanan.

Joe Gruters, in a statement to Fox News Digital, said he's "incredibly proud of Sydney as she launches her campaign, and its an honor to see her earn President Trumps support. As always, the RNC remains neutral in Republican primaries, so any support I offer will be purely in my personal capacity."

Trump won 57% of the vote in the district in his 2024 presidential election victory. And Buchanan grabbed nearly 60% of the vote as he won re-election. But the seat may be refigured ahead of this year's midterms, as the GOP-dominated Florida legislature meets in a special session later this month to deal with congressional redistricting in the red-leaning state.





Original article source: Trump-backed wife of RNC chair launches bid for Congress as GOP defends slim House majority
SINGAPORE, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Singapore will enhance household support measures and roll out targeted aid for hard-hit sectors as part of newly announced steps to cushion the impact of the Middle East conflict on its import-dependent energy system.

In a video address on Thursday, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said he had convened the Homefront Crisis Ministerial Committee to coordinate the national response. The committee is chaired by Coordinating Minister for National Security K. Shanmugam, with Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong serving as adviser.

"For now, we have been able to manage the immediate disruptions," Wong said, adding that refineries and chemical companies were scaling back production and sourcing crude oil and feedstock beyond the Middle East.

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) importers are securing alternative supplies from global producers, Wong said. Singapore will deepen cooperation with Australia, which accounts for more than one-third of Singapore's LNG supply, and work closely with New Zealand to keep supply lines for essential goods and food open.

Existing support measures, including additional rebates to offset higher electricity costs announced in the fiscal 2026 budget, will be enhanced, with some brought forward. Additional targeted support will be provided for severely affected sectors.

Wong said the impact is likely to persist even if a ceasefire is reached soon, as damaged energy infrastructure could take months to return to full capacity. 
As the Iran War stretches past its first month, time is running out for President Donald Trump to wrap up his four-to-six-week war on schedule, as he considers an unclear ground campaign that experts warn would be very costly in lives, money, and materiel.

While the air campaign against the Islamic Republic has been largely successful in damaging Irans naval and missile capabilities, the regime remains in power and has withstood the U.S.-Israeli onslaught.

Iran refuses to capitulate or reopen the Strait of Hormuz for most shipping traffic, while gas prices stand at $4 a gallon stateside, adding to the American publics overwhelming opposition to the war. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has asked for an additional $200 billion in funding for the war, which costs roughly $11.3 billion a week, on top of a $1 trillion military budget.

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Trump said Wednesday that the strikes so far against Iran have been successful, positing that two to three more weeks of military operations would bring them back to the Stone Ages, where they belong.

We are on track to complete all of Americas military objectives shortly, very shortly, he said in a primetime address to the nation Wednesday night.

Trump has vacillated on whether to order a ground invasion, previously declaring he is not afraid to do so, while also denying the idea of putting troops anywhere. However, a Friday report from the Wall Street Journal suggested that 10,000 more troops would be sent to the Middle East, on top of the 7,000 Marines and paratroopers already deployed.

While Trump did not bring up land operations in the country, both he and his administration have refused to entirely rule out a ground war.

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Our adversary right now thinks there are 15 different ways we could come at them with boots on the ground. And guess what? There are, Hegseth said at a Tuesday press conference.

On the same day, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that the U.S. is prepared to unleash hell against Iran. Its the job of the Pentagon to make preparations in order to give the Commander in Chief maximum optionality, she said in a statement to The Washington Post.

Jennifer Kavanagh, director of military analysis at Defense Priorities, thinks the chances of some kind of ground operation are high, at 85%, describing the possibility as horrific.

Even if you intend to do a limited operation, you dont know if its actually going to be limited. If things go wrong, it could end up being significantly longer, Kavanagh told Salon.

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Among them are an operation to seize Kharg Island, Irans key oil export facility in the Strait of Hormuz, take control of coastal islands near the Iranian mainland, and even a daring raid to acquire Irans supply of 60%-enriched uranium.

I think the ultimate goal here is to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Thats the problem that this invasion has created, that the president now needs to fix before you can leave and claim any sort of victory, Kavanagh said.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has vowed that the Strait will reopen one way or another.

The strait will reopen either with Irans consent or through an international coalition including the U.S., Rubio said on Monday.

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However, Kavanagh offers little hope that the very costly operations will actually find success.

Start your day with essential news from Salon.

Sign up for our free morning newsletter, Crash Course.

Kavanagh pointed to flaws in each possible operation. Seizing Kharg Island and the islands near the mainland would require an amphibious landing on a contested shoreline, among the hardest operations a military can attempt, and one that Iran is almost certainly prepared for.

Theyve already seeded the area with mines, anti-tank mines, anti-personnel mines, and at least in these islands, they are very close to the mainland, Kavanagh said. They can just fire artillery and drones from the mainland. These forces will be basically sitting ducks for artillery and drone fire, she said, noting the extreme logistical and operational challenges, and warning that the risks of U.S. casualties are extremely high.

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Trump has signaled his desire to take the oil in Iran via an operation on Kharg Island, which he said U.S. forces could take very easily.

(Photo by Contributor/Getty Images) A general view of Tehran with smoke visible in the distance after explosions were reported in the city, on March 02, 2026.

My favorite thing is to take the oil in Iran, but some stupid people back in the U.S. say, Why are you doing that? But theyre stupid people, he told the Financial Times on Sunday. Maybe we take Kharg Island, maybe we dont. We have a lot of options, Trump said. It would also mean we had to be there [in Kharg Island] for a while.

A raid to seize the enriched uranium, in what Kavanagh speculates is an attempt to embarrass Iran into submission, would face a slew of problems.

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A small team would be needed to extract the uranium, assuming it could be found in a single location. Then it would need to be mechanically excavated from deep underground in the middle of hostile territory and could weigh 1,000 pounds. Scientists may need to be deployed with the troops to dilute the uranium to render it safe. It would then need to be airlifted or transported away.

Even if all goes well, it wouldnt signal the end of Irans nuclear ambitions.

They can reconstitute their nuclear program at a later date, Kavanagh said. To me, these options are high cost and very low reward.

Instead, she says the U.S. and Israel should walk away from military operations and focus on reopening the strait through negotiations.

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Trump has touted the success of his negotiations with Iran as often as he has warned of its looming destruction. He previously reported having good talks and great progress with Iran, which the country has denied happening. Yesterday, he said that Iran asked for a ceasefire, which the country also denied. Irans leadership is now apparently reluctant to restart negotiations, since it has been attacked twice by the Trump administration during talks.

Trita Parsi, co-founder and executive vice president of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, said that Iran has leverage in negotiations, thanks to its control of the strait, and called Trumps handling of Iranian relations a massive miscalculation.

They were forced into this situation because of the fact that Trump refused to accept diplomacy, refused to accept the offers on the table, and kept on insisting on Irans capitulation, Parsi told Salon. Its just not possible for that regime to capitulate and survive.

He also dismissed any notion that a ground war would be a cakewalk and said it would be extremely costly, even under the best circumstances.

This war is as far from necessary as it can come. It was a war of choice, Parsi said.

The post Trump is considering a ground war in Iran. Experts say he should walk away appeared first on Salon.com.
Donald Trump wants Congress to help the artificial intelligence industry by passing a law that blocks state efforts to regulate the technology. But his latest plan is getting a frosty reception on Capitol Hill.

The president recently unveiled a proposal urging Congress to enact legislation that would preempt state AI laws. Unlike previous attempts by Republicans to block state rules, the plan also includes guardrails on how the technology affects electricity costs, kids safety, free speech and copyright. The new White House proposal is being hailed by the tech lobby, which fears a growing patchwork of tougher state AI rules that it says would stymie growth.

But any attempt to pass a federal AI law will require bipartisan buy-in. And key lawmakers  including multiple Democrats seen as sympathetic to the tech sectors worries about state AI laws  are dismissing the Republican proposal as a partisan play that ignores Democratic concerns and lets the AI industry off the hook, even as voters sour on the technology.

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The resistance on Capitol Hill raises fresh doubts about whether Congress can pass any national laws for the rapidly advancing technology as states move ahead on their own.

New Jersey's Rep. Josh Gottheimer, a pro-business Democrat and co-chair of the new House Democratic Commission on AI, immediately criticized the White House plan as a half-measure that lacks key consumer protections. And in an interview with POLITICO, he blamed the Trump administration and House Republican leaders for rejecting earlier efforts to bring the parties together on AI  including a bipartisan task force that GOP leaders declined to renew this Congress.

Leadership in the House disbanded the AI committee, and they're going it alone, really turned over the keys largely to the White House, Gottheimer said. And they've not encouraged a bipartisan process here.

Rep. Sam Liccardo (Calif.), a Democrat from Silicon Valley who maintains close ties with the tech industry, also said the debate over AI regulation has become rapidly partisan  to the point that he is now considering stepping back from the issue.

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I'm convinced we're going to get nothing done if this continues on its path of being deeply divisive, Liccardo told POLITICO. So I'm certainly happy to talk to folks who are part of that effort, but I don't think that's where I'm going to focus my energy."

At least one key Republican worries the window is narrowing to pass the presidents plan for an AI law without effective outreach to Democrats.

From a political standpoint, this needs to be bipartisan, Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-Calif.) told reporters. We're going to need 60 votes in the Senate no matter what we do.

Obernolte, who is widely seen by the tech lobby as the Republican best situated to strike an AI compromise with Democrats, called the White Houses blueprint a very helpful guide book for Congress. But he suggested Democrats remain unlikely to view Trumps AI plan favorably  were at such a level of partisan division right now  and said he would have liked to see GOP leadership create a bipartisan panel to address the technology this session.

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I think that would have sent the appropriate message for the urgency of getting some of those priorities across the finish line, said Obernolte. He warned that Congress is running out of legislative runway to get this done this year.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) told POLITICO he has yet to be presented with any proposals on AI, and has not spoken with anyone from the White House about its new AI roadmap. And even some Republican leaders are acknowledging that outreach to Democrats has so far been limited.

We're working right now amongst Republicans, but Democrats are well aware of what's going on, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) told POLITICO. I would hope they know that there's an AI revolution out there, and that China is trying to exceed what we're doing  and if Democrats don't want to be a part of it, why would they want China to win?

Old tensions, new obstacles

The complaint that the White House and top Republicans are ignoring bipartisan interest in AI regulation as they work to steamroll opposition to a ban on state rules is not new.

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Many lawmakers remain upset by last summers unsuccessful effort to ram through a moratorium on state AI laws. And even some tech lobbyists have said that a December executive order targeting states that pass new rules needlessly politicized the issue and poisoned the well for a compromise.

A White House official, granted anonymity to discuss sensitive negotiations, told POLITICO that the administration continues to have productive conversations with legislators on the objectives outlined in the national AI framework.

David Sacks, a venture capitalist now serving as a top science and tech adviser in the White House, had previously indicated that the AI framework was well-received on Capitol Hill and that Congress could pass a version of it within a few months. But few people share his rosy assessment.

I don't take any of this very seriously. I don't know that folks are taking it very seriously, a senior staffer from a Democratic lawmakers office, granted anonymity to discuss sensitive talks, told POLITICO.

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The tech right is used to operating with brute force under Trump  executive orders and super PACs, said Nu Wexler, a tech consultant and former staffer at Google, Facebook and Twitter. Passing a bipartisan bill requires a different skillset.

Senate Commerce Committee ranking member Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) told POLITICO in late March that talks with the White House are, for now, at that conceptual level, citing a conversation with the Office of Science and Technology Policy head Michael Kratsios several weeks before the road maps release.

Tony Samp, principal AI adviser at lobbying and legal firm DLA Piper, noted that unlike other Democrats, neither Cantwell nor Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) publicly denounced the framework. They appear to be keeping their powder dry for negotiations, at least for the moment, and may want to see what legislative text emerges before ruling anything out, said Samp, though he added that the political environment is unfavorable for any bipartisan action right now.

Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) has also expressed an openness to a national AI law that preempts state rules and includes substantive guardrails. But even he told POLITICO last month that he doubts a bipartisan deal can be brokered anytime soon.

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Other key Democrats  including Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.), who co-chairs the House Democratic Commission on AI  continue to come out in opposition to the administrations approach. A number of provisions are good, Lieu said in a post on X this week. But I cant support and I believe Congress wont support preemption of states without federal standards.

Its possible that provisions resembling Trumps AI proposal find their way onto the GOPs must-pass budget bill, which could be the partys last chance to advance partisan legislation. But with Congress bogged down over funding for immigration enforcement, a record-long partial shutdown and military operations in Iran, the Democratic staffer said finding a spot in the package would be a knife fight.

I don't know that this will be the thing they want to put in there, the staffer added.

Opposition to Trumps AI proposal is so intense that many lobbyists and outside advocates are already looking to next year, when Democrats are expected to take back at least one legislative chamber. And progressives like Sean Vitka, executive director at progressive advocacy group Demand Progress, are already starting to worry that Democrats  particularly those on the new House commission  are prepping their own preemption push for when theyre in charge.

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This commission seems designed to signal that some Democrats, a faction of corporate-aligned Democrats, are open for business and want to get a head start on ensuring Big tech voices know that they still have friends in Congress ahead of the midterms, Vitka said.

Cheyenne Haslett contributed reporting to this story.
WASHINGTON  NATOs secretary general is heading to the White House next week as President Donald Trump lashes out over European allies refusal to join the U.S. and Israels war with Iran.

Both NATO and the White House said Thursday that Mark Ruttes travel was planned long in advance. He has often sought to tamp down Trumps long-simmering ire toward the trans-Atlantic alliance, and his practice of refusing to criticize the U.S. and insist there is no larger NATO issue has in turn angered some of his European counterparts.

Trump is again vowing to reassess U.S. membership in NATO once the Iran war is over, calling it a paper tiger in a recent interview with The Telegraph.

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Trumps main issue right now is NATO members refusal to show courage and lead the fight in clearing the Strait of Hormuz so oil-bearing ships can once again safely pass. He has also expressed anger that the United Kingdom, Spain and France have declined to allow the U.S. unfettered use of their airspace and military bases for attacks on Iran.

This is the worst crisis NATO has faced in 77 years, said Ivo Daalder, a former U.S. ambassador to NATO and a senior fellow at Harvard Universitys Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs.

There is a growing realization on the part of Europeans that they need to put themselves in a position where they are less and less dependent on the United States, Daalder said.

While Trump cant unilaterally withdraw the U.S. from NATO, a move that Congress would have to approve, he could take steps to diminish the alliance and weaken it as a deterrence, particularly against potential threats from Russia.

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Trump has long had it out for NATO, having declared it obsolete during his first term as he pushed his America First policies.

Children play in a snowy residential area in Nuuk, Greenland, on Jan. 26. (Ina Fassbender / AFP via Getty Images) (Ina Fassbender)

During his second term, he has gone much further, shocking allies by saying he might use military force to take Greenland. There was so much concern that Danish soldiers were sent to Greenland with explosives, prepared to blow up two critical airport runways should Trump choose to follow through on his threats, according to two European officials. It didnt happen. The Danish government declined to comment on the precautionary measures, which were first reported by the Danish outlet DR.

Trump walked those comments back at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, this year, but during his time there he pressured Denmark and Europe to hand over what he called a piece of ice.

Western diplomats say the episode was a watershed for U.S. allies, who concluded that America could no longer be fully trusted as a reliable partner. The rift over the war against Iran and Trumps bullying over trade have only reinforced NATO members perception that they must steer their own course and wean themselves off of U.S.-made weapons and technology.

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The U.S.-NATO relationship was already strained by divisions in the approach to ending Russias war in Ukraine. While Europe sees helping Ukraine beat back Russia as the top security priority, Trump bluntly said as recently as last week, Ukraines not our war.

Trump halted direct military aid to Ukraine when he returned to the White House last year and has appeared to side with Russia in peace talks, which raised concerns in European governments that they could no longer dismiss his criticism of NATO as mere rhetoric. His actions showed that the U.S. was unwilling to support the alliance against its main threat  Russia, according to Western officials.

The U.S. also eased sanctions on Russian oil to counter rising prices after Iran blockaded the Strait of Hormuz despite Europes insistence that the pressure on Moscow should be increased to help end the Ukraine conflict. The Trump administration has also made it clear that U.S. weapons Ukraine urgently needs will be diverted if necessary to fight the war in the Middle East.

I do think something fundamental has broken in the alliance, and it will be very hard to restore, not impossible, but very difficult, Daalder said.

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Rutte, who has the increasingly difficult task of holding the 32-nation alliance together, is well known for lavishing praise on Trump  even having once referred to him as Daddy. Sometimes referred to as the Trump whisperer, Rutte has been both applauded and criticized for his approach to handling Trump.

Even though the U.S. kept NATO allies in the dark ahead of the war in Iran, Rutte has publicly defended the U.S. military operations, saying what Trump is doing would make the whole world safer.

If Iran would have the nuclear capability, including, together, with the missile capability, it will be a direct threat, an existential threat, to Israel, to the region, to Europe, to the stability in the world, he told CBS News in an interview last month. So the president doing this is crucial.

But Rutte has also acknowledged his personal approach to Trump hasnt always been well-received.

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I hear the criticism, obviously. Im not deaf, he said in a recent interview with Reuters.

Trumps comments about NATO allies reluctance to get involved in the Iran war, particularly to secure the Strait of Hormuz, have prompted some public spats within the alliance.

The countries of the world that do receive oil through the Hormuz Strait must take care of that passage, Trump said in an address to the nation Wednesday night after he told the Telegraph, which asked whether hed reconsider U.S. membership: Oh yes, I would say [its] beyond reconsideration. I was never swayed by NATO.

Not long after, Finnish President Alexander Stubb posted a message on X that hed spoken with Trump, writing: Constructive discussion and exchange of ideas on Nato, Ukraine and Iran. Problems are there to be solved, pragmatically.

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Lithuania and Estonia publicly extolled the importance and value of the U.S. as members of the alliance. Others were less pragmatic.

The threat of NATOs break-up, easing sanctions on Russia, a massive energy crisis in Europe, halting aid for Ukraine ... it all looks like Putins dream plan, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said.

Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer shake hands at a news conference at Chequers, near Aylesbury, England, on Sept. 18 at the conclusion of Trump's second U.K. state visit. (Leon Neal / AP file) (Leon Neal)

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said, NATO is the single most effective military alliance the world has ever seen, and it has kept us safe for many decades, and we are fully committed to NATO.

Starmer has been a lightning rod for Trumps personal attacks. Trump has dismissed him as not Winston Churchill for the U.K.s reluctance to involve itself in the war. Starmer dismissed the attacks this week, saying, Whatever the pressure on me and others, whatever the noise, Im going to act in the British national interest in all the decisions that I make.

And thats why Ive been absolutely clear that this is not our war or we are not going to get dragged into it, he said.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
NEED TO KNOW

President Donald Trump joked during an Easter event at the White House on Wednesday, April 1, that he would let Vice President JD Vance take the fall if negotiations to end the war in Iran were to fall apart

Vance told the president that U.S. talks with Iran were "going good"

Iranian officials have denied engaging in substantial negotiations with the U.S.

President Donald Trump joked during an Easter event at the White House on Wednesday, April 1, that he plans to hold Vice President JD Vance responsible if negotiations to end the war in Iran ultimately fall apart.

Hes working on the deal, right? Hows that moving? Is it OK? The big deal? Trump, 79, asked Vance, 41, in front of administration officials and supporters. A video of the event, which was closed to the press, briefly appeared on the White Houses website and YouTube channel before it was deleted.

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Vance, responding to Trumps question from the audience, said talks with Iranian officials were going good.

You see it happening? Trump asked.

Uh, were gonna brief you, too, Vance replied.

So, if it doesnt happen, Im blaming JD Vance, Trump said to laughter. If it does happen, Im taking full credit.

I think it has to happen, Trump added. I think theyre desperate.

In a televised address from the White House on Wednesday evening, Trump said the war in Iran, which began in February with an attack from the U.S. and Israel, was nearing completion. He touted the U.S. and Israels military action in Iran as an overwhelming success, while also threatening to escalate the conflict if a deal to end the war is not reached quickly.

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Were going to hit them extremely hard over the next two to three weeks, Trump said in the 19-minute address. Were going to bring them back to the stone ages where they belong. In the meantime, discussions are ongoing.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed the American people directly in a letter ahead of Trumps speech.

Today the world stands at a crossroads, Pezeshkian wrote. Continuing along the path of confrontation is more costly and futile than ever before. The choice between confrontation and engagement is both real and consequential; its outcome will shape the future for generations to come.

Earlier on Wednesday, The New York Times reported that U.S. intelligence agencies have surmised in recent days that the Iranian government is unwilling to engage in substantial talks to end the fighting because it believes itself to have the upper hand in the war.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

In an interview with Al Jazeera on Tuesday, March 31, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said he had received messages from Trumps Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, but that does not mean that we are in negotiations.

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There is no truth to the claim of negotiations with any party in Iran, he said, adding that Iran has never had a good experience negotiating with the U.S.

We do not have any faith that negotiations with the U.S. will yield any results, Araghchi told the outlet. The trust level is at zero.



Read the original article on People
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has firmly stated that the Senate will not vote to leave NATO, despite President Donald Trumps recent contemplation of withdrawal.

Schumer took to X on Wednesday and highlighted that State Secretary Marco Rubio sponsored a bill in 2023 that requires a two-thirds vote of the Senate for the U.S. to withdraw from NATO.

Thank you to @SecRubio for sponsoring the bill in 2023 requiring a two-thirds vote of the Senate to make sure clueless presidents couldn't act on a whim, wrote Schumer.

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This move was made to ensure that the decision to leave the alliance would not be made impulsively by any president.

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The Democratic leader also highlighted a 2023 post by Rubio, then a senator, in which he celebrated the bill's passage.

I can promise this: The Senate will not vote to leave NATO and abandon our allies just because Trump is upset they wouldn't go along with his reckless war of choice.



Thank you to @SecRubio for sponsoring the bill in 2023 requiring a two thirds vote of the Senate to make sure https://t.co/fBbuwwrN8v  Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) April 1, 2026

NATO Tensions Rise, Exit Unlikely

Schumers post was in response to Trumps statements about potentially withdrawing from NATO, revealed in an interview with The Telegraph. The president has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the alliance, particularly their refusal to support the U.S. in its ongoing conflict with Iran.

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However, markets and prediction odds suggest that a full U.S. withdrawal by 2027 is still a low-probability risk.

Trending: This Startup Thinks It Can Reinvent the Wheel  Literally

Meanwhile, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte is set to visit Washington next week for a previously scheduled trip, confirmed by the alliance and White House officials.

In December, analysts at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace said that the president's push for higher European defense spending is accelerating a shift toward regional production and greater procurement independenceparticularly in Northeastern Europe's expanding defense-industrial hubspotentially impacting major U.S. military contractors.

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Defense stocks that could find themselves in the crosshairs of Trump's NATO stance are RTX Corp., General Dynamics Corp., Lockheed Martin Corp. and Northrop Grumman Corp..

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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 As Trump Threatens NATO Exit, Schumer Reminds Marco Rubio Of His Own Law Blocking Any Quick Withdrawal 'Couldn't Act On A Whim' originally appeared on Benzinga.com
President Donald Trump has expressed frustration and disappointment with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer  and is pondering making additional changes to his Cabinet.

"He's very angry and he's going to be moving people," an administration official familiar with the dynamics told POLITICO. That official and three other people with knowledge of Trumps thinking around his Cabinet were granted anonymity to discuss the unresolved personnel issues.

The additional potential moves follow the ouster of Attorney General Pam Bondi Thursday and former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem last month.

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No final decisions have been made on Chavez-DeRemer and Lutnick  and Trump has contemplated firing people and then backed off before.

Should Trump proceed with a larger set of Cabinet changes, it could represent a major attempted reset for an administration confronting an ominous political landscape.

The potential high-level shuffling, a second, senior official said, is focused on Cabinet officials Trump feels have underperformed or who have generated too much negative attention.

In a statement, Taylor Rogers, a White House spokesperson, said Chavez-DeRemer and Lutnick are both doing a great job standing up for American workers, and they continue to have President Trumps full support.

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A third White House official reached out to POLITICO on behalf of Lutnick saying they hadn't heard anyone suggest changes at the Commerce Department. "Everyone is thrilled with the job Howard has done  on trade deals, pharmaceuticals, Japan, tariffs, all of it....Hes also taken a hard line on Canada from day one, which POTUS appreciates."

But the second White House official said that Lutnick is on thin ice." However, that official cautioned the president has pondered and moved off the idea of removing him before and has yet to go through with it.

That same official suggested that Chavez-DeRemers future is under discussion.

The White House also sees opportunity to gain ground on its most crucial electoral issue by further shuffling the Cabinet.

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The first administration official suggested ousting Lutnick would help the president be able to say Im making changes on the economy.

The Labor Department directed a request for comment to the White House. The Commerce Department did not return a request for comment.

The potential additional departures, along with Noem and Bondi, would mark the most substantive remake of the Trump Cabinet that has been remarkably stable over the last 15 months, particularly compared with the volatility of the presidents first term.

And theyd be made with an eye toward retaining Republican dominance across Washignton in November.

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A fourth person who works closely with the White House said house-clearing is on Trumps mind over fears that executive appointments may be hard to confirm next year  especially if Democrats gain more seats in the midterm elections.

Chavez-DeRemer has been under investigation by the Labor Departments inspector general for allegations that include drinking alcohol while working and having an affair with a security officer. In addition, the inspector general is probing whether her staffers inappropriately used official events as a way to facilitate her personal travel.

Chavez-DeRemer has denied any wrongdoing, and the White House has previously defended her.

Lutnicks potential demise has been a perennial Washington parlor game. Though a long-time friend of Trump, the Wall Street power broker has few allies beyond the president and has been long rumored to be on the chopping block. Considered an abrasive, polarizing figure by his critics, the Commerce secretary has earned a reputation for pitching half-baked ideas to the president that others have to come in later and clean up after.

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Trump, too, has voiced his own frustrations over Lutnicks family benefiting from their ties to the administration, POLITICO reported in February. (Cantor Fitzgerald, where Lutnicks sons work, has denied any conflicts of interest, even as it acknowledged its record year.)

Lutnick also faced bipartisan calls to resign earlier this year when his name surfaced in the Epstein files, even as many of the Commerce secretarys foes shrugged at the revelations. Lutnick has not been accused of wrongdoing in connection with Epsteins crimes.

Trump met with Lee Zeldin, the head of the Environmental Protection Agency, on Tuesday to discuss last years California wildfires and the potential of his stepping into Bondis role, according to a fifth person close to the White House who is familiar with discussions.

Trump on Thursday named Todd Blanche to the role of acting attorney general, and a third administration official called Blanche the lead horse.

Eli Stokols, Nick Niedzwiadek and Ben Johansen contributed to this report.
Washington  President Trump's budget proposal for fiscal year 2027 asks Congress for $1.5 trillion in defense spending  a 42% increase  while cutting nondefense spending by $73 billion, or 10%.

The White House released the 92-page budget request on Friday, accompanied by several summaries of the administration's key priorities across the executive branch.

The proposed increase for the military comes as the U.S. is spending billions of dollars for the war in Iran, and the White House is preparing to ask Congress for a supplemental spending package to cover the cost of the conflict. The president's 2027 budget serves as the starting point for negotiations with Congress over annual spending bills that lawmakers aim to finalize later in the year. The spending levels that Congress ultimately sets can substantially differ from the president's proposal.

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"This amount exceeds even the [Ronald] Reagan buildup by approaching the historic increases just prior to World War II, a level that recognizes the current global threat environment and restores the readiness and lethality of our forces," a White House summary of the military portion of the budget proposal states. The increase in defense spending would cover a 5 to 7% pay raise for troops, provide $65.8 billion for new ships and resupply critical munition stocks, which have been depleted in the war with Iran. It also supports the building of a "Golden Dome," a space-based system of missile defense sensors and interceptors.

The White House says the president wants to pair the defense increase with a 10% reduction in nondefense spending, partly through shifting some federal programs and responsibilities to state and local governments.

"Savings are achieved by reducing or eliminating woke, weaponized, and wasteful programs, and by returning state and local responsibilities to their respective governments," the White House summary says.

The budget aims to "end weaponization of the Department of Justice" by eliminating nearly 30 grants the administration says are duplicative, fail to reduce crime or "weaponized against the American people." It proposes a $481 million increase to support hiring more air traffic controllers and enhancements to aviation safety, as well as $605 million for National Guard mobilizations in Washington, D.C.

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The president's proposal calls for $768 million in cuts to the refugee resettlement program, and $819 million in cuts to the Unaccompanied Alien Children program.

It also calls for $5 billion in cuts to the National Institutes of Health, saying NIH "broke the trust of the American people," and $356 million in cuts to the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, which helps the U.S. prepare for and respond to public health emergencies.

While it boosts air traffic control and aviation safety spending, the president's budget also calls for $52 million in cuts to the Transportation Security Administration by beginning to privatize screening at smaller airports.

The president voiced his desire to shift more spending to states during an Easter luncheon at the White House this week, insisting the federal government's responsibilities include the military and war, not programs like daycare for young children.

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"The United States can't take care of daycare  that has to be up to a state," the president said on Wednesday. "We can't take care of daycare, we're a big country. We have 50 states, we have all these other people, we're fighting wars. We can't take care of daycare. You've got to let a state take care of daycare, and they should pay for it, too. They should pay. They have to raise their taxes. But they should pay for it. And we could lower our taxes a little bit to them to make up for, but we, it's not possible for us to take care of daycare, Medicaid, Medicare, all those individual things. They can do it on a state basis. You can't do it on a federal. We have to take care of one thing  military protection."

White House reacts to F-15E fighter jet downed over Iran

Early details on F-15E fighter jet downed in Iran

Supreme Court expresses skepticism over Trump order to end birthright citizenship
Todd Blanche, whom President Donald Trump named to temporarily lead the Justice Department after Pam Bondi was ousted Thursday, has held two critical positions in his last two jobs.

Most recently, he served for more than a year as deputy attorney general, the No. 2 spot overseeing the departments daily operations. But just as crucially, he was also Trumps personal attorney.

Blanche helped Trump survive multiple criminal cases between his terms in office, defending him from prosecutors and appearing by his side during his conviction in New York in a hush money case. The president has said he did nothing wrong.

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Blanche, 51, a Denver native, is a very talented and respected Legal Mind, Trump said in a Truth Social post announcing the move.

Blanche has other attributes that appeal to Trump. He projects confidence, commands broad respect, has an understanding of the mission at hand and is a skilled public communicator  something Trump values deeply, according to a person close to the White House who has knowledge of Trumps discussions.

Bondi, on the other hand, struggled in the spotlight, the person said.

A longtime loyalist who was on Trumps legal team during his first impeachment, Bondi also wasnt delivering results on some of his key priorities, including the investigations into his political foes.

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Its not clear whether Blanche will have better success; the Justice Department efforts to prosecute Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, former FBI Director James Comey, New York Attorney General Letitia James and six Democratic lawmakers have so far been blocked by the courts or turned down by a grand jury.

Blanche has of late been taking on more of a public-facing role, including at a Justice Department news conference and with appearances on right-wing podcasts. He also recently appeared at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), where he told the crowd that no one who worked on the investigations into Trump  more than 200 people in all  was left at the FBI or the Justice Department.

There is not a single man or woman at the Department of Justice who had anything to do with those prosecutions, he said.

Within days of Blanches comments, three fired FBI employees sued, citing his comments at CPAC as evidence that the firings were illegal. The Justice Department didnt comment on the lawsuit.

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His public comments about the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the Salvadoran man the Trump administration wrongly deported to El Salvador last year, are being used by Abregos attorneys. They said they believe Blanches public comments about the case could establish that Abrego was hit with criminal charges as punishment, rather than a genuine desire to prosecute him for alleged criminal misconduct.

Blanche started his career working for the Justice Department, including in the office of the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York.

After more than a decade at the Justice Department, he became a criminal defense attorney and eventually left his firm to represent Trump, then the former president, who was facing three different criminal cases in three different courts. Blanches aggressive and highly litigious approach helped draw the cases out, which worked to his clients benefit after Trump was re-elected.

Blanche was Trumps lead attorney when he stood trial in 2024 on charges of falsifying business records related to a hush money payment. The seven-week trial ended with Trump convicted on all 34 counts, but Trump was spared any penalty after he won the election. He is appealing the conviction with a different attorney.

Donald Trump and Todd Blanche on May 21, 2024 in NYC. (Michael M. Santiago / Getty Images) (Michael M. Santiago)

Blanche also represented Trump in two federal criminal cases. One was in Florida, where he was being prosecuted on charges that he improperly kept classified documents after he left the White House and then lied to investigators about it.

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That case was eventually dismissed by U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, who found that special counsel Jack Smiths appointment was illegal.

The other was the federal election interference case, which Smith brought against Trump in Washington. That case and a Justice Department appeal of Cannons decision were dropped after Trump was re-elected.

Bondi said on X that Blanche was amazing and that shed work directly with him on the transition.

Mimi Rocah, who worked with Blanche in the Southern District of New York, was initially hopeful about his tenure as deputy attorney general, saying in 2024 that he believes in the vision of the Department of Justice to do the right thing, in the right way, for the right reasons.

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Shes no longer hopeful. Rocah told NBC News on Thursday that Blanche had shown in his role as deputy AG that he is willing to act more as Donald Trumps defense attorney than a justice official who defends his employees, seeks justice and tries to uphold the rule of law.

I expect nothing different from him in this elevated role, she added.

Stacey Young, a former Justice Department official who founded the group Justice Connection, which seeks to highlight Trump administration changes to the Justice Department, said that Blanche has never stopped seeing himself as Donald Trumps personal lawyer and that he used his position to illegally fire career employees, smear whistleblowers and attack the judiciary.

Time and again he has shown that his guiding star is fealty to the president, not upholding the rule of law, Young said.

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Like Bondi, Blanche has been embroiled in the public battle over the Justice Departments handling of its review of the case against Jeffrey Epstein, the politically connected sex offender who died by suicide in federal lockup while he was awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges in 2019.

After some of Trumps supporters accused the Justice Department of covering up for Epstein by announcing in July that it wouldnt prosecute anyone else in the case or release any more information, Blanche announced he was going to personally interview Epsteins convicted co-conspirator, Ghislaine Maxwell.

Epsteins convicted co-conspirator, Ghislaine Maxwell. Blanche announced he was going to personally interview her. (House Committee On Oversight And Government Reform / via AP) (House Committee On Oversight And Government Reform)

In the interview, Maxwell said shed never seen Trump behave inappropriately when he was friends with Epstein. She was subsequently moved to a lower-security facility. Blanche defended the move as necessary for her safety.

Blanche also took the lead on the Justice Departments release of its Epstein files after Congress passed the Epstein Files Transparency Act. He announced in December that the Justice Department would release hundreds of thousands of files, and then it released only a small fraction of that amount.

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The department made public more files at the end of January. Millions were withheld, most of which Blanche said were duplicates, but about 200,000 were held back or redacted for various legal reasons.

The laws co-authors, Reps. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., and Ro Khanna, D-Calif., have said thats potentially a violation of the act and that most of that information should be released. Blanche has said hes complying with the law.

During a podcast appearance, Blanche was asked about Epstein and the many conspiracy theories that have swirled. He said he wasnt a conspiracy theorist himself, but he spoke about the beauty and importance of them.

When I say Im not a conspiracy theorist, its because if you prove one right, then its not a conspiracy theory; its totally true, he said.

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After Trumps announcement Thursday, Blanche took to X to thank Bondi for her leadership and friendship and Trump for the trust and the opportunity to serve.

We will continue backing the blue, enforcing the law, and doing everything in our power to keep America safe, his post said.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Washington - A U.S. fighter jet was shot down over Iran and search-and-rescue efforts have so far recovered one of two crew members who ejected, a U.S. official told Reuters, in the first known incident of its kind in the nearly five-week-old war.

The Pentagon and U.S. Central Command did not respond to requests for comment.

The prospect of a U.S. pilot being alive and on the run inside Iran raises the stakes for the U.S. in a conflict that, according to opinion polls, has struggled to win popular support among Americans.

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It also presents a challenge to the U.S. military, which faces the twin goals of trying to save the life of an American behind enemy lines while safeguarding anyone involved in perilous rescue missions.

The incident comes over a week after U.S. President Donald Trump said in the Oval Office that Iran's military had been defeated to the point that "we literally have planes flying over Tehran and other parts of their country. They can't do a thing about it."

Two Blackhawk helicopters involved in the search effort were hit by Iranian fire but made it out of Iranian airspace, two U.S. officials told Reuters. In a separate incident, an A10 Warthog fighter aircraft was hit and crashed over Kuwait, with the pilot ejecting, the officials said. The degree of any injuries among the crew of the aircraft remained unclear.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump had been briefed, without confirming any details.

An F15 fighter plane comes in to land at RAF Lakenheath at sunset on January 07, 2026 in Mildenhall, England.

More: Iran downs U.S. fighter jet, raising stakes in war

Iranian hunt for downed crew

Iranian officials called on civilians to be on the lookout for survivors and have flooded social media with images that purport to show wreckage from the aircraft.

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Two U.S. officials said the aircraft was an F-15E fighter jet, which has two seats, one for a pilot and the second for a weapons systems officer. It was unclear which of the two was recovered, and the U.S. official who confirmed the recovery did not offer any details on how it took place.

U.S. air crews undergo training for what to do if they go down behind enemy lines, called Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape training, or SERE, but few airmen are fluent in Persian and staying undetected while seeking rescue will be a challenge.

William Goodhind, a forensic imagery analyst with Contested Ground, said images of the plane's tail fin seen in photos posted on social media are consistent with that of an F-15E Strike Eagle, which carries two crew.

The governor of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province said anyone who captured or killed the crew "would be specially commended," Iran's semi-official news agency ISNA reported.

Trump's threats and war toll

The incident follows threats this week by Trump to bomb the country back to the "Stone Age," including by attacking Iran's energy infrastructure and desalination plants, as he presses Tehran to end the war on U.S. terms.

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So far, 13 U.S. military service members have been killed in the conflict and more than 300 have been wounded, according to the U.S. Central Command. No U.S. troops have been taken prisoner by Iran.

While Trump has repeatedly sought to portray the Iranian military as in tatters, Reuters first reported on U.S. intelligence showing that Iran retains large amounts of missile and drone capability.

As of last week, the U.S. could only determine with certainty that it had destroyed about one-third of Iran's missile arsenal. The status of about another third was less clear, but bombings likely damaged, destroyed or buried those missiles in underground tunnels and bunkers, Reuters sources said.

The U.S. and Israeli war on Iran has spread across the Middle East, killing thousands of people and hitting the global economy with soaring energy prices that are fuelling fears of inflation in countries around the world.

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The war is unpopular with Americans, with two-thirds believing the U.S. should work to end its involvement in the conflict quickly, even if that means not achieving the goals set out by the Trump administration, a Reuters/Ipsos poll showed this week.

Reporting by Phil Stewart and Idrees Ali; Additional reporting by Gram Slattery in Washington, Catherine Cartier in Beirut and Aaron McNicholas in London; Editing by Daniel Wallis, Andrea Ricci, Edmund Klamann, Mark Porter and Bill Berkrot

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This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: U.S. fighter jet shot down over Iran, search underway for crew member, officials say
University of Connecticuts continued evaluation of small programs with low enrollment are troubling several university professors who say that the review process lacks transparency, may impact majors, and contributes to fears of wider cuts at the flagship university.

The Provosts Office began reviewing the programs in 2024 to evaluate where programs can be consolidated, suspended or consolidated.

Since 2024, the university has closed, consolidated or suspended more than 10 programs, according to inform

A report to the UConn Board of Trustees Academic Affairs Committee over the next several years says the consolidations are expected to significantly reduce the overall program portfolio resulting in an overall reduction of 34 programs.

Rather than a consultative process, working with faculty and instructors in the classroom this is a kind of a top-down process where the university administrators make decisions and demand information, said UConn political science professor Jeremy Pressman and a member of UConn-AAUP. They didnt start the process by turning to the people who have the most direct experience in the classroom with these particular programs.

Stephanie Reitz, spokesman for UConn, said academic program decisions at UConn are made through a shared and transparent governance process in which faculty, department heads, deans, the Provosts Office, and the Board of Trustees all play an important role in reviewing and approving program actions.

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The Provosts Office began reviewing the programs in 2024 to evaluate where programs can be consolidated, suspended or consolidated.

Since 2024, the university has closed, consolidated or suspended more than 10 programs, according to information from UConn.

The evaluation process is occurring as UConn hired a higher education consultant firm to create a new budget model that UConn-AAUP members fear could result in cost-cutting measures including faculty layoffs as it faces budget challenges and federal cuts to universities.

But university officials have said Kennedy & Company, the higher education consultant, has been hired to create a new budget model, not to develop cost-cutting measures.

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Kennedy & Company is supporting the university with the development of a budget model that is more modernized, equitable, and strategic with the goal of simplifying the budget process, increasing transparency, and building incentives to create innovative and efficient strategies, Reitz said. While the new model will not solve the current budget challenges, it will provide information to guide decision making in the longer term.

Reitz said the program reviews are part of an ongoing, cyclical process to ensure academic excellence, alignment with student demand and workforce needs, faculty expertise and research priorities and the efficient use of university resources.

Reitz said such reviews are standard practice at universities nationwide and the programs affected had no students enrolled or very few.

Small programs can be efficient

But UConn-AAUP President Valerie Duffy, a professor in allied health sciences and Pressman said the cuts to the programs are problematic.

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Theres an assumption that because things are smaller, somehow theyre worse or inefficient, Pressman said. And that assumption is just wrong. Small programs can be efficient. A small program can be meaningful to the people who are in it.

While agreeing that some program closures were warranted, Duffy said a small program does not mean low quality.

It may mean right sized based on need, Duffy said. Small also does not mean inefficient.

Reitz said each program submitted teach-out plans that detailed the number of students in the program, if any; along with other relevant information and how they would be accommodated to complete the program.

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Pressman said Its not clear why this process is necessary.

Theyve provided no evidence it provides any budgetary savings, he said. They provided no evidence that its safe for the educational, intellectual mission of the university to do this. Its just been sort of dropped on us.

Pressman said the flagship university has breadth.

If we want to be considered a flagship university where top researchers want to come, where students think theyre going to get a great education, then we have to maintain that breadth, he said. And breadth requires programs small and large.

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The UConn Board of Trustees Academic Affairs Committee Feb. 10 meeting included a summary report on the low completion program evaluation.

The summary report said that suspensions and closures are more common at the graduate level, reflecting the greater growth in graduate programs over the past several years.

Consolidations are more common at the undergraduate level where units are seeking to streamline curricular offering for students, the report said.

The closed programs included the following: Graduate Certificate in Global Health; Graduate Certificate Obesity Prevention and Management; Graduate Certificate in School Law; Graduate Certificate in Addiction Sciences and B.S. in Applied Mathematical Sciences, BS in Mathematics-Physics; M.A. in Politics and Popular Culture ; MA and PhD in Medieval Studies ;Graduate Certificate in Life Story Research; Graduate Certificate in Survey Research; Survey Research and Data Analysis MA; and Graduate Certificate in Occupational Safety and Health.

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The university also suspended the Graduate Certificate in Dementia Care; Graduate Certificate in Pain Management; and Financial Technology MS (including accelerated pathway).

Interactive nature of decision making

Pressman and Duffy said they were concerned about the lack of transparency in the process.

Universities thrive because of the interactive nature of decision making, Pressman said. Universities are not corporations.

Duffy said UConn is building the workforce for the future.

And some of these programs are under accreditation standards, she said. And when youre not engaging the faculty and you make decisions, theyre not good decisions. Clear communications of why the cuts, closures, and consolidations could help all get behind a common mission.

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Duffy and Pressman said they were also concerned about wider cuts to the university, which they say could impact the quality of education at the university.

Cuts will mean  bigger classroom sizes, less teaching assistants, less small classes, less mentored research with faculty, less independent studies, less capstone project or honors thesis, Duffy said. Faculty have to teach more with less time and energy to write grants, contribute to the creation of new knowledge, and outreach to the community.

Asked if more programs evaluated are planned for closure, Reitz said that additional program actions are still in development within academic units and moving through UConns shared governance process and as a result the university is not able to provide a comprehensive or finalized list.

It is important that we allow the shared governance process to fully play out before speaking to potential outcomes, since proposals may evolve as they move through review and approval, Reitz said.

She said actions on programs will be made public through the universitys Board of Trustees materials and discussions.
BISHKEK, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Kyrgyzstan has dispatched over 100 tons of humanitarian aid in the form of food and medicine to Iran, the Ministry of Emergency Situations said on Friday.

The shipment, ordered by President Sadyr Japarov, comprises 66 tons of food, including flour, canned meat, and vegetable oil, as well as 63 tons of essential medicines. It has been loaded onto several heavy-duty trucks and prepared for transport to Iran, the ministry said in a statement.

The aid is intended to support affected civilians, the statement added.

Civilian casualties and damage are mounting in Iran amid ongoing hostilities. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said last week that at least 20 of Iran's 31 provinces have recorded casualties. 
Russian strikes killed 14 people in Ukraine on Friday, officials said, as Moscow launched the latest in an increasing number of daytime barrages.

Moscow has been firing aerial broadsides at Ukraine throughout its more than four-year invasion, mostly at night, but in recent weeks it has stepped up daytime attacks.

The Russian military used more than 500 drones and dozens of missiles in its salvo on Friday, according to the Ukrainian air force.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of intensifying attacks ahead of Catholic Easter on Sunday, "turning what should have been silence in the skies into an Easter escalation".

Images from Ukrainian emergency services showed damaged residential buildings, with a block of flats ripped open and rubble strewn on a street.

The attack killed one person and left eight wounded in the capital region of Kyiv, said regional governor Mykola Kalashnyk.

"Unfortunately, animals were also affected by the attack -- approximately 20 animals died due to damage to a veterinary clinic," Kalashnyk added.

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Some residents of the capital sheltered in the metro or in basements, AFP reporters saw, but many people sat in cafes unfazed by the attacks and despite blaring air raid sirens.

In the Kyiv region, "a drone struck a residential building in Obukhiv, and another attack occurred between a kindergarten and a school in Vyshneve, damaging homes," said Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko.

Three people were killed in Ukraine's northern Sumy region, while attacks on the northwestern Zhytomyr region and central Dnipropetrovsk regions killed two others, according to the authorities.

Russian strikes on the frontline regions of Kharkiv, Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia killed eight people, local officials said.

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- Easter truce? -

The barrage prompted emergency power outages in several regions, operator Ukrenergo said.

"This is how Moscow responds to Ukraine's Easter ceasefire proposals -- with brutal attacks," said Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga.

Zelensky said earlier this week he was ready for a truce over the Easter holidays, but the Kremlin said it had not received "clearly formulated" proposals.

Ukraine has accused Russia of prolonging the war to capture more territory, and says Moscow is not interested in peace.

Russia denies targeting civilians.

Talks between the two warring parties, mediated by the United States, have been stalled by the war in the Middle East.

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In comments to reporters, including from AFP, published on Friday, Zelensky said he had invited an American delegation to Ukraine to relaunch negotiations with Moscow.

"The delegation will do everything possible in the current conditions -- during the war with Iran -- to come to Kyiv," Zelensky said.

"The American group can come to us and, after us, go to Moscow. If it does not work out with three parties, let's do it this way," he added.

US President Donald Trump's envoys have been engaged in three-way shuttle diplomacy with Ukrainian and Russian teams in a bid to end the war.

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But these have stalled as Washington has been occupied with the aerial campaign on Iran it launched in late February.

Amid the Middle East war, Ukraine has sought to leverage its expertise in fighting off Russian drones similar to those Iran has been using in retaliatory attacks across Gulf nations.

Last week, Zelensky visited several Middle Eastern countries and signed defence agreements with Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

He also suggested Ukraine could help unblock the Strait of Hormuz, whose effective closure by Iran has rattled the global economy.

He did not specify how Ukraine could contribute, but cited Kyiv's experience in restoring passage through the Black Sea, which Russia had blocked at the beginning of its invasion.

burs/jhb
A pair of U.S. military planes involved in the U.S. military operation against Iran went down and two crew members were rescued, with search and rescue operations ongoing for a third crew member, according to a U.S. official and media reports.

The U.S. official said one of two crew members on an F-15E fighter jet that went down in Iran amid the ongoing war had been rescued. The status of the plane's other crew member was unclear. Rescue operations are ongoing, according to The New York Times and CBS.

The New York Times, Reuters and other outlets reported on April 3 that Iran shot down the plane.

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Additionally, an A-10 Thunderbolt attack plane  commonly known as the Warthog  crashed and the lone pilot was rescued, multiple news outlets reported, including The New York Times and ABC News, citing U.S. officials.

An F-15E Strike Eagle jet carries two service members  a pilot and a weapons system officer. It is designed to strike targets both in the air and on the ground. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement to USA TODAY that President Donald Trump has been briefed on the fighter jet.

Trump in an April 3 interview with The Independent declined to say what he would do if the missing F-15E crew member is captured or harmed.

"Well, I can't comment on it because  we hope that's not going to happen," Trump said.

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Trumps national security team convened at the White House on April 3, a senior White House official told USA TODAY. The president received updates on the situation throughout the day.

Smoke rises following an explosion, after Israel and the U.S. launched strikes on Iran, in Tehran, Iran, February 28, 2026. People gather at the site of a destroyed building at a school where, as the state media reports, several people were killed in an Israeli airstrike, following strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran, in Minab, Iran in this screengrab obtained from a social media video released on February 28, 2026. Iranian state media reported on February 28 that Israel struck a school in southern Iran, resulting in 40 deaths. Smoke rises following an explosion, after Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz said Israel had launched a pre-emptive attack against Iran, in Tehran, Iran February 28, 2026 in this screen grab taken from video. Iranian people run for cover in Tehran, Iran, on February 28, 2026, as explosions are heard after a reported strike and Israel announced it had launched a "preemptive strike" on Iran, with sirens sounding in Jerusalem and phone alerts warning of an "extremely serious" threat. Smoke rises following an explosion after the U.S. and Israel reportedly launched an attack against Iran, in Tehran, Iran, February 28, 2026, in this screen grab taken from video. A graffiti on a wall reads" Down with the U.S.A", after Israel said it launched a pre-emptive attack against Iran, in Tehran, Iran, February 28, 2026. People run for cover following an explosion, after Israel said it launched a pre-emptive attack against Iran, in Tehran, Iran February 28, 2026. A plume of smoke rises after an explosion on February 28, 2026 in Tehran, Iran. After explosions were seen in the Iranian capital, the office of the Israeli Defense Minister issued a statement saying it had launched a preemptive strike against the country. A plume of smoke rises following a reported explosion in Tehran on February 28, 2026. Two loud blasts were heard in Tehran on February 28 morning by AFP journalists, and two plumes of thick smoke were seen over the centre and east of the Iranian capital.



Israel's defence ministry announced it had launched a "preemptive strike" on Iran as sirens sounded in Jerusalem and people across the country received phone alerts about an "extremely serious" threat. U.S. President Donald Trump pumps his fist after disembarking Air Force One at Palm Beach International Airport in West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S., February 27, 2026. Hours later, Trump made live comments about the military strikes he launched against Iran. A plume of smoke rises over Tehran after a reported explosion on February 28, 2026, after Israel said it carried out a "preemptive strike" on Iran as sirens sounded in Jerusalem and phone alerts warned of an "extremely serious" threat. A plume of smoke rises following a reported explosion in Tehran on February 28, 2026. Two loud blasts were heard in Tehran on February 28 morning by AFP journalists, and two plumes of thick smoke were seen over the centre and east of the Iranian capital. Israel's defence ministry announced it had launched a "preemptive strike" on Iran as sirens sounded in Jerusalem and people across the country received phone alerts about an "extremely serious" threat. Buildings inin Tehran stand after Israel and the U.S. launched strikes on Iran, February 28, 2026. Iranians try to clear a street amid heavy traffic in Tehran, Iran, on February 28, 2026, as explosions are heard following a reported strike and Israel announced it had launched a "preemptive strike" on Iran, with sirens sounding in Jerusalem and phone alerts warning of an "extremely serious" threat. Smoke rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted the southern Lebanese area of al-Qatrani on February 28, 2026. Lebanon's foreign minister said on February 24 his country feared its infrastructure could be hit by Israeli strikes if the situation with Iran escalates, after Israel intensified its attacks on Tehran-backed Hezbollah Anti-riot police stand in front of state building that is covered with a giant anti-U.S. billboard depicting the destruction of a US aircraft carrier in downtown Tehran on a main street in Tehran on February 21, 2026 in Tehran, Iran. In recent weeks, the United States had moved vast numbers of military vessels and aircraft to Europe and the Middle East. The US and Israel proceeded to launched strikes on Iran on February 28, 2026, Latest photos capture US and Israeli strikes against Iran 1 of 16 Smoke rises following an explosion, after Israel and the U.S. launched strikes on Iran, in Tehran, Iran, February 28, 2026.

The war with Iran began Feb. 28 when the United States and Israel launched a joint attack on the country, killing its leader, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, within hours. Thirteen American service members have been confirmed dead in the war  seven killed in Iranian attacks on U.S. bases in the region and six when their KC-135 aircraft crashed in Iraq. More than 300 U.S. service members have been wounded.

More than 3,000 Iranians have been killed in the war, according to estimates by a U.S.-based human rights group.

According to CENTCOM, the U.S. military has flown more than 13,000 combat flights, struck more than 12,300 targets and destroyed more than 155 Iranian vessels since the war began.

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Trump said in an April 1 primetime speech on the Iran war that the U.S. was "on track to complete all of America's military objectives shortly, very shortly" but that major operations would continue in the coming weeks.

"We're going to hit them extremely hard over the next two to three weeks," he said. "We're going to bring them back to the Stone Ages where they belong."

Iran has been "beaten and completely decimated," Trump said.

"Their ability to launch missiles and drones is dramatically curtailed and their weapons, factories and rocket launchers are being blown to pieces," he said. "Very few of them left."

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Yet U.S. intelligence assessments indicate Iran still maintains a significant number of drones and missile launchers, according to CNN.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 1 crew member rescued after US F-15 fighter jet goes down in Iran
US citizens traveling to Hong Kong are being warned that refusal to hand over passwords or access to their personal devices is now a criminal offense.

The US Consulate General in Hong Kong and Macao issued a warning that the Hong Kong government has changed the rules relating to the National Security Law on March 23.

The change applies to everyone in Hong Kong, including residents, visitors and travelers transiting through the airport.

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It is now a criminal offense to refuse to give the Hong Kong police the passwords or decryption assistance to access all personal electronic devices, including cellphones and laptops, the statement said.

The new rule makes it illegal to refuse police requests for passwords or assistance in gaining access to personal electronics, including cell phones and laptops.

Refusal to comply is now a criminal offense and can lead to up to a year in jail and a fine of up to HK$100,000, or $12,760 USD.

Those who provide false or misleading information could face up to three years in jail, the BBC reported.

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In addition, the Hong Kong government also has more authority to take and keep any personal devices, as evidence, that they claim are linked to national security offenses, the Consulate General noted.

The travel process is now intensified for anyone carrying smartphones, laptops or other personal electronic devices  including people simply passing through Hong Kong International Airport.

U.S. citizens traveling to Hong Kong may be required to hand over passwords to their personal electronic devices. Michael Ho Wai Lee/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

On its TravelGov account, the U.S. State Departments Bureau of Consular Affairs doubled down on the message, stressing that the rule even applies to U.S. citizens abroad, even if theyre just passing through.

The consulate said U.S. citizens should contact American officials if they are arrested or detained and advised travelers to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates and alerts.

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Its unclear how the new rule will be enforced or how frequently it will be done, but travelers should be aware of the risks before traveling to or through Hong Kong.

Refusal to comply with the new rule can result in up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $12,760 USD. Cheng Xin/Getty Images

Urania Chiu, a law lecturer in the UK researching Hong Kong, told Reuters that the new implementations are in conflict with fundamental liberties, including the privacy of communication and the right to a fair trial.

The sweeping powers given to law enforcement officers without any need for judicial authorization are grossly disproportionate to any legitimate aim the bylaw purports to achieve, Chiu said.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong authorities said that the changes are being implemented to ensure that activities endangering national security can be effectively prevented, suppressed and punished, and at the same time the lawful rights and interests of individuals and organizations are adequately protected.

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A Hong Kong government spokesperson added that the provision will not affect the lives of the general public or the normal operation of institutions and organizations.

The National Security Law was introduced in Hong Kong in 2020 amid pro-democracy protests the year prior. Authorities claim that the laws, which target certain acts such as terrorism and secession, are necessary for stability, though critics say theyre made to stop any dissent.
Preparations are under way in Hungary for a visit by US Vice President JD Vance after Easter, just days after the country's parliamentary elections.

On Friday, Budapest police published a long list of road closures in the Hungarian capital for next Tuesday and Wednesday.

The US vice president intends to meet Prime Minister Viktor Orban in Budapest and deliver a speech on the "rich partnership" between the two countries, according to the White House.

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The visit is particularly controversial because parliamentary elections are due to take place in Hungary just a few days later, on April 12.

According to polls, the right-wing populist Orban, who has held office since 2010, could lose to challenger Peter Magyar. Observers view Vances visit as an attempt to boost Orbans election campaign.

Orban has long maintained good relations with US President Donald Trump and shares many of his political views. He has visited Trump several times at his residence in Mar-a-Lago, Florida.

In February, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio paid an official visit to Hungary.
(This story has been updated with new information.)

The University of Wisconsin Board of Regents asked the system president to resign, which he refuses to do because he said he's been given no reason why.

Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman said the board was prepared to terminate my employment despite all that has been accomplished," according to a letter obtained by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

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Rothman, in his March 26 letter to UW Board of Regents President Amy Bogost, said Bogost and Vice President Kyle Weatherly requested Rothman meet with them in late March. He was surprised to learn in the meeting that an unidentified majority of the board had lost confidence in his leadership. There had been no previous discussion and no specifics leading to the board's conclusion, he said. At their meeting, he wrote, Bogost said each regent had their own perspective on the matter.

UW System President Jay Rothman discusses the 2025-27 budget request during an interview at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel newsroom in Milwaukee on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024.

Since to date you have not provided any substantive reason or reasons for the Boards finding of no confidence in my leadership, I am not prepared, as a matter of principle, to submit my resignation, Rothman wrote.

Rothman said an ultimatum was given: announce his resignation for the end of 2026, resign with 120 days notice as required in his contract, or the board would fire him.

The board met in a closed-door meeting April 1 to discuss ongoing personnel matters.

Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman, shown here in a 2017 file photo, said he is being asked to step down.

Bogost did not immediately return a call and text message. In a statement provided by a UW system spokesperson, she said she wouldn't comment on personnel matters.

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"The Board is responsible for the leadership of the Universities of Wisconsin and is having discussions about its future," the statement said.

The Associated Press first reported on Rothman's letter.

Rothman met with two more board members, Regents Ashok Rai and Jack Salzwedel, where he said he learned the board was prepared to meet over the Easter weekend to fire him. He asked to appear before the board, and said he was not offered the opportunity.

"I find this process to be nearly (if not completely) indefensible from a Board governance perspective," he wrote in an April 1 letter to Rai and Salzwedel.

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Rothman took over as UW system president in 2022 with no higher education experience. He previously led Foley & Lardner law firm in Milwaukee.

In Rothman's letter to Bogost, he listed two pages worth of accomplishments, including securing the largest state operating budget increase in two decades, eliminating financial deficits at campuses ahead of schedule, closing many of the two-year branch campuses and launching a direct admissions program.

"If the foregoing list is not sufficient evidence of my leadership in driving bold and transformative change, I really do not know what is," Rothman wrote.

Rothman previously floated his resignation in 2023 when the UW Regents struck down a deal with the state Legislature over campus diversity efforts. The board later reversed its vote.

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This story may be updated.

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: University of Wisconsin system president told to resign or be fired
Volunteers who have donated their time to help a humpback whale which got turned around off Germany's Baltic coast have received death threats now that it looks like the giant mammal might not survive its ordeal.

Regrettably, since it became clear that the animal could not be saved, hostility towards those involved in the rescue operation has been on the rise  even to the point of death threats, said Till Backhaus, environment minister for the north-eastern Mecklenburg-Vorpommern region where the whale is currently stranded, according to a statement.

"Of course, I understand that the situation is very emotional for people," Backhaus continued. "But I do not accept that staff members are being threatened in their private lives."

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If statements constituting a criminal offence are made, whether on social media, via notes left in letterboxes or by email, such behaviour will be reported to the police, he added.

The days-long saga to guide the animal back to deeper waters began on March 23, when the whale was first spotted stranded on a sandbank off Germany's Timmendorfer Strand resort.

The 12- to 15-metre animal managed to free itself a few days later after rescuers dug a channel in the surrounding sand using a floating dredger.

But instead of moving west towards the Atlantic, its natural habitat, it was spotted heading east and repeatedly got stuck in shallow waters again.

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Meanwhile, according to the state ministry, the whale is being monitored around the clock by the water police and a whale-watching team on land. Fire brigade personnel have been repeatedly spraying the animal with water throughout the day.

We will continue to look after the animal  right to the end," he added.
A federal lawsuit filed Thursday accuses the leaders of the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife of attempting to silence a member of the citizen panel that oversees the agency in retaliation for her ongoing criticism of their administration.

Director Kelly Susewind and Deputy Director Amy Windrope targeted Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Lorna Smith, manufacturing allegations about her conduct to incite an investigation by the governors office, according to the lawsuit. The complaint contends that the probe has harmed her reputation and could lead to her removal.

I have been outspoken, Smith said in a statement. The Commission cannot operate effectively and wisely if commissioners feel bullied or are hesitant or afraid to speak or vote freely.

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The suit also accuses Susewind and Windrope of making defamatory statements and unfounded allegations against attorney Claire Davis and the wildlife advocacy group she leads, in an alleged rebuke for her critical comments and numerous lawsuits the group filed against the department

What happened here was about using the machinery of government to go after people engaging in protected speech, said Francisco J. Santiago-Avila, science and advocacy director for Washington Wildlife First, at a Thursday news conference. Washington Wildlife First wants to see Susewind removed from his leadership post.

Alicia LeDuc Montgomery, attorney for Davis and the wildlife group, described the actions to reporters as state-sanctioned repression. The conduct should be concerning to Washingtons attorney general and governor because those offices are being asked to give cover to the defendants unconstitutional retaliation, she said.

Smith, Davis and Washington Wildlife First filed their lawsuit in U.S. District Court in western Washington.

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Susewind, who has served as Department of Fish and Wildlife director since August 2018, and Windrope are the only named defendants.

I am unaware of the litigation and we cant comment on active litigation at this time, Susewind said in a statement.

Old wounds, new chapter

Thursdays lawsuit is the latest flashpoint in a multi-year drama involving the commission, which is often a battleground for groups fighting over how far the state should go in protecting wildlife or allowing for hunting or fishing of various species.

It arrives days before the expected completion of an investigation ordered by Gov. Bob Ferguson, looking at whether Smith and other commissioners violated open meetings and public records laws in the course of a months-long debate ahead of a November 2021 vote to ban hunting of black bears the following spring.

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Sportsmens Alliance, an Ohio-based organization, opposed the decision. Convinced commissioners misbehaved throughout the process, it sought their emails, texts and other communications to figure out if they failed to follow state law. The group went to court and eventually received thousands of records last year.

Susewind is a hunter, and Thursdays lawsuit says he egged on those angered by the spring bear hunt decision. This resulted in ongoing verbal attacks at public meetings and online of Smith and other commissioners who voted for the ban.

The governor quietly hired an investigator in June 2025 to sort out if any government transparency laws were breached. This report was expected last fall, but the contract has been extended three times. It is now due April 13.

Ferguson first acknowledged the investigation in August after Susewind asked for it. The lawsuit points to a May 2025 memo by a Fish and Wildlife Department lawyer as fueling the probe and the department leaders campaign to quell the voices of Smith and Davis.

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Susewind had Thomas Knoll Jr., a criminal justice legal liaison, review public records generated from the hunters groups request and provide an independent assessment of potential inappropriate conduct. Susewinds move was unusual, as the commissioners oversee his department and he answers to the panel.

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Knoll concluded the behavior of Smith and Commissioner Melanie Rowland posed serious risks to the department, especially when it comes to avoiding a conflict of interest and favoritism.

The report also scrutinizes a former commissioner, Tim Ragen, who Ferguson chose to replace on the panel last year. Washington Wildlife First wanted to see Ragen kept on the commission.

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Knoll expressed concerns about Smith and Rowlands tight relationship with Davis, at one point saying they appeared to have each other on speed dial. He hinted at collusion between them.

The lawsuit says the memo is rife with false, misleading, inflammatory, and defamatory allegations.

It accuses Susewind and Windrope of directing Knoll to produce a document that could serve as a vehicle to chill the plaintiffs speech and motivate the governor to get involved. The suit alleges that the agency leaders knew an investigation would cause reputational, financial, and emotional harm to the plaintiffs, especially if it became public.

In addition to seeking damages, the plaintiffs hope that the lawsuit spurs the full commission to exercise its authority to investigate Susewind and act.

Weve asked the commission to remove him based on this broader pattern of mismanagement and behavior, including this most recent effort to target certain commissioners based on their viewpoints or criticism of his administration, Santiago-Avila told reporters.
Islamabad, Pakistan  At the start of this year, Pakistan had more imported liquefied natural gas (LNG) than it could use. Demand had been falling for three straight years, from a peak of 8.2 million tonnes in 2021 to 6.1 million tonnes by late 2025, as cheap solar panels flooded the market and factories cut back.

The government quietly sold excess gas shipments to other countries and shut down domestic gas wells to prevent pipelines from bursting under the pressure of oversupply. Gas that could not be diverted would be pushed into household networks at a financial loss, adding billions to an already crippling debt pile in the energy sector.

Then the war came. On February 28, the United States and Israel launched hundreds of strikes against Iran in an operation named Epic Fury. The strikes targeted Iranian missiles, air defences, military infrastructure and leadership. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in the opening assault.

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Iran retaliated by firing hundreds of missiles and drones across the region, and as a result, traffic passing the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow waterway through which roughly a fifth of the worlds oil and gas passes, almost came to a halt.

The energy consequences were immediate. As a part of its retaliation against US-Israeli attacks, on March 2, Iranian drones hit Qatars gas facilities at Ras Laffan Industrial City, the worlds largest LNG export complex.

Qatar, the worlds second-largest LNG exporter after the United States, halted all production and declared force majeure, a legal term meaning it was released from delivery obligations due to circumstances beyond its control.

The conflict escalated further on March 18, when Israel struck Irans South Pars gas field, the largest in the world, off Irans southern coast.

Gasfield

South Pars and Qatars North Field sit above the same underground reservoir, meaning the attack threatened both countries gas production simultaneously. Iran struck Ras Laffan again in retaliation.

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QatarEnergy said that the hit had forced it to cut LNG production by 17 percent, with repairs expected to take up to five years.

Brent crude, the industry benchmark, was priced at more than $109 a barrel on Thursday,

Oil prices on Thursday climbed to $109 a barrel, while European gas prices jumped 6 percent in a single trading session.

For Pakistan, which secures nearly all its imported gas from Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, and holds no emergency reserves, the shift from surplus to shortage happened almost overnight.

A system built on imports

Pakistan meets its daily gas needs from three main sources. The bulk, about 2,700 million cubic feet per day, comes from domestic gas fields that have been in slow decline for years.

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The rest comes from imported LNG, supplied by Qatar under long-term contracts, adding roughly 600 million cubic feet per day when shipments flow normally.

The third source is bottled LPG, used mainly by households in rural areas not connected to the pipeline network. Pakistan gets more than 60 percent of its LPG from Iran, a supply also disrupted by the conflict.

Pakistan began importing LNG in 2015 when domestic production could no longer meet demand. Today, imported LNG powers roughly a quarter of the countrys electricity, with the power sector its largest consumer.

Qatar and the UAE together account for 99 percent of Pakistans LNG imports, according to energy analytics firm Kpler.

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Of that, Pakistans LNG supply is dominated by two long-term government-to-government agreements with Qatar, one spanning 15 years and the other 10. Together, they cover nine shipments a month.

QatarEnergys liquefied natural gas (LNG) production facilities, amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Ras Laffan Industrial City, Qatar March 2, 2026. [Stringer/Rueters]

From glut to scarcity

Monthly cargo data from Pakistans energy regulator, OGRA, reflects the impact of the war. The country received between eight and 12 LNG shipments a month through 2025 and into early 2026, with 12 arriving in January alone. In March, the month the war began, only two shipments arrived.

Prices have been affected too. According to data compiled by researcher Manzoor Ahmed of the Policy Research Institute for Equitable Development (PRIED), on February 13, state-owned entities Pakistan State Oil and Pakistan LNG Limited procured eight combined cargoes at an average cost of $10.47 per MMBtu, totalling $257.1m.

MMBtu is the standard international unit used to measure and price natural gas and LNG.

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By March 12, the two cargoes that did arrive cost $12.49 per MMBtu, a 19 percent increase in a month, reflecting tightening global conditions even before the wars full impact.

Pakistan had already been consuming less gas. Its share of Asian LNG markets fell from roughly 30 percent in 2020 to about 18 percent in 2025, driven largely by the rapid expansion of solar power. Millions of Pakistanis, frustrated by high electricity costs and frequent blackouts, have installed rooftop panels in recent years.

By 2025, the country had 34 gigawatts of solar capacity, with an estimated 25 gigawatts feeding into the national grid. Overall electricity demand from the grid fell nearly 11 percent between 2022 and 2025.

Gas-fired power plants built to run on imported LNG were left underutilised, especially during daylight hours.

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Of course, solarisation helps manage daytime demand, reducing the need for running thermal power plants, said Haneea Isaad, an energy analyst at the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA), who has tracked Pakistans gas sector for years.

But the contracts with overseas gas suppliers still needed to be adhered to  so Pakistan kept buying and paying, she told Al Jazeera.

Ahmed of PRIED pointed to two compounding challenges. First, the nature of Pakistans gas supply contracts were such that the government had to buy LNG even when demand collapsed, he told Al Jazeera.

Second, rapid solar growth and suppressed grid demand were underestimated, and their effect on overall planning was not accounted for, the Islamabad-based analyst added.

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LNG consumption dropped by 1.21 million tonnes in 2025 alone. With no large storage capacity, surplus gas was pushed into domestic pipelines at a loss.

The resulting circular debt in the gas sector now stands at 3.3 trillion rupees, approximately $11bn. By January, Islamabad was negotiating to offload 177 unwanted gas shipments projected through 2031, a liability of $5.6bn.

Isaad of IEEFA said the surplus was predictable.

Pakistans energy planning has mostly been bound by long-term contracts with very little flexibility, she said. Once considered necessary for energy security, these rigid contracts, she added, have become a financial albatross in a market increasingly prioritising flexibility and low-cost generation.

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She described the governments pre-war response, diverting excess cargoes, as reactive crisis management that prioritised short-term fixes over better forecasting and procurement flexibility.

Supply shock

Qatars LNG shipments to Pakistan have stopped almost completely since March 2. Of the eight shipments scheduled that month, only two arrived. The six expected in April are unlikely to reach the country.

At a public hearing of the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority, Central Power Purchasing Agency chief executive Rehan Akhtar said LNG supplies were under force majeure, though coal imports from South Africa and Indonesia remained unaffected.

Men load solar panels on a rickshaw (tuk tuk) at a market, in Karachi, Pakistan March 26, 2025. [File photo: Akhtar Soomro/Reuters]

Officials have warned of near-zero LNG availability in the coming months, even if the war ends quickly. LNG accounts for more than 21 percent of Pakistans power generation.

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With Pakistans LNG supply completely halted after Qatars declaration of force majeure, LNG plants are effectively out of the running order, Isaad said.

The government has responded by restoring domestic gas production that had been deliberately curtailed during the surplus period.

Isaad said Pakistan had been holding back roughly 350 to 400 million cubic feet per day of domestic gas to accommodate LNG imports.

There will also be the option to rely on other power generation sources such as imported coal and hydropower, she added. But, she warned, even with hydropower, imported coal and restored domestic gas production covering some of the gaps left by LNG, there might still be an energy shortage.

For now, mild weather and increased solar output have provided temporary relief.

So far, Pakistan has somehow miraculously survived any prolonged energy shortages in the power sector through a combination of mild weather and a pre-existing reduced reliance on imported LNG, Isaad said. But peak summer months may be a different story.

Summer pressure

With an energy crisis looming, Pakistan is bracing for a few hours of daily planned power cuts this summer, alongside other energy conservation measures and higher electricity costs.

According to the National Electric Power Regulatory Authoritys State of Industry Report 2025, peak electricity demand last summer exceeded 33,000 megawatts.

Winter demand currently stands at about 15,000 megawatts, partly because solar panels now generate between 9,000 and 10,000 megawatts daily, reducing reliance on the grid.

Furnace oil, the main backup fuel, now costs 35 rupees per unit, about $0.12, and its price has more than doubled since the Strait of Hormuz disruption.

Analysts say the burden will fall unevenly. Consumers reliant on grid electricity will face both higher bills and outages, while industries dependent on gas will see production disruptions. Those with rooftop solar and battery storage will be best insulated.

Isaad is blunt about the options before Pakistan. Returning to the spot market might not be feasible, given the dire financial consequences, she said. Even if it does, competition with wealthier nations may once again price Pakistan out. Furnace oil could be another option, but that will be prohibitively expensive to run.

The only option the government may be left with is load-shedding [planned power blackouts], probably around two to three hours daily.
Here are the latest developments in the Middle East war:

- Man killed in Syria -

Syrian state media said Israeli fire killed a man in the Qunietra province in the country's south near the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.

State news agency SANA said the man had been killed in an attack by "an Israeli tank", while state television said a car was targeted.

- One killed at UAE gas site -

One person was killed and four others wounded after a fire at a gas complex in Abu Dhabi, caused by falling debris from an intercepted attack, the government media office said.

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It said in a post on X that the person killed was Egyptian while those hurt were two Egyptians and two Pakistan nationals.

- Trump briefed on downed plane -

President Donald Trump has been briefed about the downing of a US warplane in Iran that has triggered a major search and rescue operation for the crew, the White House said.

- Lebanon university warning -

The US embassy in Lebanon, where the Tehran-backed Hezbollah militant group is at war with Israel, said that Iran and allied groups could seek to target universities in the country.

- Iran hunts US pilot -

Iranian authorities urged people living in the rugged southwest of the country to search for the crew of a downed US fighter jet, as state TV broadcast images of what was said to be the mangled remains of the plane.

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The New York Times quoted US and Israeli officials confirming the Iranian claims to have shot down a jet, while other major American outlets reported that US forces had rescued one of the two crew members.

- Trump seeks $1.5 tn defence budget -

Trump asked lawmakers to approve a massive $1.5 trillion defence budget for 2027, as the United States faces rising costs from its war with Iran and mounting global security commitments.

The proposal would lift Pentagon spending by more than 40 percent in a single year -- the sharpest increase since World War II.

- UN peacekeepers wounded -

The United Nations force in Lebanon said a blast at one of its positions had wounded three peacekeepers, two of them seriously -- the third such incident in a week.

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The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) is deployed in the country's south near the border, where Israel and Hezbollah have been at war for a month and where Israeli troops are carrying out a ground invasion.

- 'Immediate ceasefire' urged -

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan called for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East war during a phone call, the Kremlin said.

"It was noted that intense military action is leading to serious negative consequences not only regionally but also globally, including in the areas of energy, trade, and logistics," it added.

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- Fresh strikes on Beirut -

Fresh strikes hit Beirut's southern suburbs as the Israeli army said it was targeting "terror infrastructure", hours after having issued an evacuation warning for the area.

An AFP correspondent heard explosions as the state-run National News Agency reported strikes on the area, a Hezbollah bastion that has largely emptied of residents since war erupted last month.

- Tankers cross Hormuz -

Three tankers, including one co-owned by a Japanese company, crossed the Strait of Hormuz by hugging close to Oman's shore, a rare transit route as Iran maintains a chokehold on the key war-torn passageway.

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Their passage was notable because they sailed close to the Omani Musandam Peninsula to the south of the waterway, maritime traffic data showed Friday.

- Italian PM visits Gulf -

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni began a surprise visit to Saudi Arabia as part of a Gulf tour to boost "national energy security", a government source said.

The source said Meloni would meet with officials from Saudi Arabia, as well as from Qatar and United Arab Emirates on what had been a hitherto unannounced trip.

- Easter mass cancelled -

All masses in Dubai have been cancelled because of the war, two Catholic churches in the United Arab Emirates posted on their websites.

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- Ukraine offer -

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in remarks made public Friday said his country could help unblock the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking to journalists, including AFP, he cited Kyiv's experience in restoring passage through the Black Sea, which Russia had blocked at the beginning of its invasion of Ukraine. But he did not provide details.

- Kuwait plant hit -

A Kuwaiti power and desalination complex was damaged by an attack from Iran, the electricity and water ministry said.

An AFP correspondent in Kuwait City said there had been no disruption to power or water services.

- Gas complex shut -

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A fire caused by falling debris from an intercepted attack forced the suspension of operations at the Habshan gas complex in Abu Dhabi, the government media office said.

- 3,500 targets -

The Israeli military said it had struck more than 3,500 targets across Lebanon since fighting with the Iran-backed Hezbollah militants began.

burs-sbk/jj
The Trump administration on Friday asked lawmakers to boost defense spending by 42% while cutting all other spending by 10% for fiscal year 2027.

The request will face strong headwinds on Capitol Hill, where appropriators rejected a similar ask last year. Democrats have already panned it as morally bankrupt, while Republicans will be especially wary of redirecting cash to the military as the war in Iran raises prices ahead of elections.

The White House is suggesting enacting $350 billion of the $1.5 trillion defense spending via the reconciliation process, which requires support from almost all GOP members. Proposed cuts elsewhere would affect the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund; the Internal Revenue Service; a pair of housing programs; and the Minority Business Development Agency.

Deficit hawks meanwhile slammed the decision to exclude debt projections, which the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget called astonishing.
BANGKOK, April 3 (Xinhua) -- A vast majority of Thais were concerned over the new government's ability to manage the economic fallout from a prolonged geopolitical conflict that drives up energy costs, a survey showed on Friday.

According to an online poll conducted by the King Prajadhipok's Institute, 82.1 percent of respondents reported having "little to no confidence" in the capacity of the incoming administration to handle looming economic shocks if the Middle East conflict drags on.

Among 1,528 respondents sampled between March 30 and April 2, only 12.8 percent expressed confidence in the Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's government, while 5.1 percent were unsure.

A separate poll by the same institute revealed how the public wants the government to handle the energy crisis.

Overall, 39 percent of respondents said they preferred a limited hybrid approach: simultaneously implementing temporary price freezes and directing state funds toward highly affected groups, such as low-income earners, farmers, and the transport sector.

Another 30.7 percent favored a blanket, temporary energy price freeze for the public, while only 11.1 percent supported letting market mechanisms dictate prices while focusing purely on long-term measures.

Despite the potential drain on state coffers, the public appeared highly tolerant of aggressive energy subsidies, showed the survey conducted via interviews with 2,000 adults nationwide between March 27 and 30.

When asked if they would accept diverting funds from other state policies this year to manage short-term energy costs, 38.6 percent said the trade-off is acceptable because energy prices directly impact the vast majority.

Another 25.3 percent agreed, but they insisted on strictly restricting such spending to brief crisis periods. 
The White House posted and then rushed to delete an hour-long recording of an event with President Donald Trump that captured him lashing out at the Supreme Court after justices signaled expressed skepticism about his birthright citizenship case.

The president privately hosted a group of MAGA pastors and religious allies Wednesday for an Easter luncheon at the White House. Trump made several bonkers remarks during the event, which was never meant to be seen by the public, as the White House quickly deleted the footage from its official pages.

The footage, however, was saved online by Business Insider reporter Bryan Metzger.

Trump ranted before MAGA faith leaders at an event that was supposed to be focused on the story of Jesus Christ. / The White House

While he thought the cameras werent rolling, the president let it rip about his true feelings about Supreme Court justices, including his own appointees, after he stormed out of oral arguments at the court earlier that day.

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Republicans, judges, and justices, Trump began. They always want to show that theyre independent.

The president stormed out of the high court just as quickly as he arrived. / KENT NISHIMURA / AFP via Getty Images

I dont care if Trump appointed me, I dont care, if it doesnt make any difference to me. Im voting against him! Trump said, visibly annoyed.

Cause they want to show their independence, you know, stupid people, complained Trump.

He also insulted French President Emmanuel Macron, whom he is trying and failing to get to commit to fully supporting his war with Iran.

Trump implied that Macrons wife, Brigitte Macron, gets physical with him.

I called up France, Macron, whose wife treats him extremely badly, and hes still recovering from the right to the jaw, he said, soliciting laughs from the faithful audience.

Donald Trump risks further alienating himself from some of the U.S.'s biggest allies with his mockery of French President Emmanuel Macron. / Yoan Valat/Pool via Reuters

At one point during the private Holy Week event, Trump appeared to take credit for sales of one of mankinds oldest texts, the Bible.

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So, Bible sales are now at the highest number in many decades, he said. And church attendance among young people nearly doubled compared to five years ago, just five years ago.

Trump has frequently claimed his favorite book is the Bible. / BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI / AFP via Getty Images

Trump then once again likened himself to a king, as he complained about the delays his ballroom vanity project is facing after a federal judge ordered construction to halt on the multi-million dollar project.

I cant get a ballroom approved. Its pretty amazing, right? If I was a king, wed be doing a lot more. Im doing a lot, but I could be doing a lot more if I was a king, he lamented.

The East Wing was demolished in October to make way for the president's vanity project. / Kevin Lamarque / REUTERS

During the faith-focused event, the president also offered a candid glimpse into why he aligns himself with unsavory figures.

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You know, were not supposed to be seduced that way, right? But I am. When someones nice to me, I love that person. Even if theyre bad people, he confessed. I couldnt care less. Ill fight to the end for them.

The Daily Beast reached out to the White House for comment.
On the Friday, April 3, 2026, episode of The Excerpt podcast: In Big Bend, Texas, residents across party lines are voicing strong opposition to the Trump administrations plans for a new border wall, arguing it would disrupt communities and threaten a beloved region along the Rio Grande. USA TODAY National News Reporter Lauren Villagran traveled to Big Bend and joins The Excerpt to share their concerns.

Hit play on the player below to hear the podcast and follow along with the transcript beneath it. This transcript was automatically generated, and then edited for clarity in its current form. There may be some differences between the audio and the text.

Podcasts: True crime, in-depth interviews and more USA TODAY podcasts right here

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Dana Taylor:

In the run-up to the 2016 presidential election, perhaps nothing divided Republicans and Democrats more than the idea of a border wall stretching along America's southern border with Mexico.

Donald Trump:

I would build a great wall, and nobody builds walls better than me, believe me. And I'll build them very inexpensively. I will build a great, great wall on our southern border, and I will have Mexico pay for that wall. Mark my words.

Dana Taylor:

More than a decade on, those sentiments have now shifted sharply during the second presidency of Donald Trump.

Bill Ivey:

Do Democrats want the wall or do Republicans want the wall? I hadn't found either side that wants a wall. So it's a unified consensus. And I mean, I would say best I can tell from people I've talked to, 99.9%. I haven't found anybody yet that wants a wall down here.

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Dana Taylor:

That was Starlight Theater restaurant owner, Bill Ivey, a three-time Trump voter and Texan through and through. It turns out that NIMBYism runs deep in the Big Bend region of Texas, a place where the majestic Rio Grande swirls its way through jagged canyons. For many here, Republicans and Democrats alike, the idea of a Big Ben border wall is now being met with a resounding, not in my backyard. Hello and welcome to USA TODAY's The Excerpt. I'm Dana Taylor. Today is Friday, April 3rd, 2026, 2026. USA TODAY National News Reporter Lauren Villagran traveled to Big Bend, Texas to listen to the concerns of those who feel threatened by the president's plan to spend billions on a border wall in the region. So good to have you back on The Excerpt, Lauren.

Lauren Villagran:

Thanks, Dana.

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Dana Taylor:

Lauren, as I mentioned, you were just there speaking with people in the area. What's the mood in Big Ben right now?

Lauren Villagran:

Well, Dana, it is fired up is how I would describe it. I don't think I met a single person in four days in the region who didn't have something to say about President Donald Trump's plans to build a border barrier in that region.

Dana Taylor:

Opposition to the construction of the wall has turned into a mission for people like wedding photographer Anna Claire Beasley. Let's listen to some of what she shared with you regarding her concerns about the wall.

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Anna Claire Beasley:

Well, what I've said is that there's not a crisis right now, but there will be if this wall is built. And if this goes through without them consulting with local law enforcement and taking a really informed approach and listening to local voices because yeah, there's just so many what ifs. Are they going to be building roads throughout the park for this detection technology? What is that dust going to do to our night sky, which is one of the main reasons that people come here. I do a lot of astrophotography. That's something couples get so excited about. What happens when that's gone?

Dana Taylor:

Lauren, how did this bipartisan drumbeat of opposition to a border wall in the Big Ben region begin?

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Lauren Villagran:

So President Trump, upon taking office in 2025, did send indications that he intended to continue border wall construction. Then last year when he signed into law, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, that bill gave more than $45 billion for border barrier construction. Now, the local Big Bend Sentinel, a local newspaper, began a drumbeat of stories on the contracts being issued and the plans being announced by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. And many people, Dana, told me that at first they didn't really believe that anything was going to happen. Trump, as you know, has been talking about a border wall since at least 2015. That was one of the big promises of his 2015 campaign. And he did build hundreds of miles of border fencing, though much of it was replacement fencing. In February, the plans became increasingly real as contractors began showing up on the ground and landowners, Dana, began receiving eminent domain notices. Essentially, the federal government saying, "We're going to strike a deal with you to take part of your land or else."

Dana Taylor:

Before her departure, former Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem launched an official color-coded smart wall. What is that and how is it being used?

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Lauren Villagran:

Well, Dana, it's not 100% clear. DHS and U.S. Customs and Border Protection has begun using this language smart wall. I believe it does refer to the technology that is deployed at the border, everything from hidden in ground sensors to drones and infrared lighting. But at the end of the day, a physical barrier is still part of it. Now, what is being considered in the Big Bend sector, which stretches over 517 miles of the US-Mexico border is a variety of physical barrier and border security technologies.

Dana Taylor:

Where does border patrol stand on this issue? Do they see a need for a 30-foot border wall in the Big Bend region?

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Lauren Villagran:

Officially, CBP, including Border Patrol, tells me that plans are not firm and that the agency is listening to constituents in the region. More unofficially, local elected officials who have met directly with local Big Bend sector border patrol leadership say that both leadership and agents on the ground are not in favor of a 30-foot steel barrier through most of the sector. That's because there are natural barriers of these sprawling mountains and canyons. In some places, the river is wide, and the desert is extreme, extreme weather, it's huge, and they say that that is a natural barrier to illegal crossings. Dana, I looked at the data and the Big Bend sector, which represents one quarter of the US-Mexico border routinely has the lowest level of crossings. In fiscal 2025, when there were more than 237,000 illegal crossings or migrant apprehensions along the whole border, the Big Bend sector represented just 1%.

Dana Taylor:

Of course, President Trump, as we've noted, has been promising to build a border wall since his first run to be the Republican presidential nominee. We mentioned that it's going to cost billions of dollars, this stretch of the wall. Is this the last stretch of the wall to be built, and is all of that money coming from US taxpayers?

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Lauren Villagran:

Yeah, it's definitely coming from US taxpayers. Trump's promise that Mexico would pay for it never did pan out. This is not the very last stretch of border fencing to be erected. There are plans all along the border for new fencing in areas that previously had none. For example, there is a mountain in El Paso, Texas, right at the US-Mexico border that is getting additional physical barriers. The agency is looking at physical barriers in the Rio Grande Valley and in other parts of the border. But locals here say that the Big Bend is one of the largest and last completely untouched landscapes. We were there and there was nothing obstructing the view into Mexico. The mountains that are on the US side of the border stretch deep into Mexico, making approaching the border in most of the sector quite difficult.

Dana Taylor:

You asked restaurant owner, Bill Ivey, who, as I mentioned, is a three-time Trump voter, what he would say to the president if he were to visit his restaurant. Let's listen to that.

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Bill Ivey:

I'd say, "Get in the car, let's go look around." That's what I'd tell the president, "Come on, let's go look around. I want to show you something." And hopefully Air Force One would fly over and they could look out windows on both sides of that plane and you're going to see nothing but mountains and desolate desert and country that you can't walk through. So the other thing I would say, "Use your common sense." I mean, this is not a political thing. It's common sense.

Dana Taylor:

Lauren, he said it's not a political thing, but is President Trump at risk of losing support in this part of Texas?

Lauren Villagran:

I don't know how people will vote in the midterms. Of course, the president is not on the ballot, though it's often believed that voters will punish a sitting president if they don't like the policies in play. I think people in the area, both Democrats and Republicans and folks who repeatedly told me they're not very political or not activists at all, are all very motivated around this one issue. And frankly, they're incredulous that the government would try to spend billions of dollars to build a wall through an area that is considered a tourist gem of Texas. There is the Big Bend National Park, but there's also Big Bend Ranch State Park, which is owned and paid for by Texas taxpayers. And photographer Omar Nellis and I drove through the parks and it's clear why this region attracts tens of thousands of people every year. The really stunning desert vistas and the Rio Grande runs green and blue in some places. There's wildlife and camping. And the towns of Terlingua between those two parks and the border town of Presidio really rely on those tourism dollars for their survival.

Dana Taylor:

What do critics point to as the potential environmental threats that come with constructing a border wall here?

Lauren Villagran:

So the Trump administration has recently walked back its plans to build a physical barrier inside the national park and inside most of the ranch state park. That being said, folks in the area are still very committed to their anti-wall activism because they worry that bringing in man camps, floodlighting, and construction that would have an upriver around Presidio headed west toward El Paso, Texas, could fundamentally change the ecosystem in the area, creating flood concerns as well as interrupting the flow of wildlife over the border.

The other thing, Dana, is that in terms of tourism, there's all these outfitters in the region. And visitors from all over the country go to take canoe trips and kayak trips down the Rio Grande. And those folks wonder, will they have access to the river? I can tell you living in a border city like El Paso, Texas, residents here do not have access to the river now.

Dana Taylor:

Well, Mike Davidson has worked as a river outfitter and a guide in Big Ben for 49 years. You asked him if he was surprised by the way people from different political parties have come together on this issue. Here's part of what he shared with you.

Mike Davidson:

No, I don't guess it really does because it's an issue that hits all sides. There are ways to mutually agree on politics. Anybody that has moved here and requires to make a living in any respect depends on tourism. And maybe when you voted, you didn't think that it was going to affect your livelihood down the line, but yes, it does.

Dana Taylor:

Lauren, what would Trump voters who support the president's efforts to stem illegal border crossings like to see the administration do here?

Lauren Villagran:

I mean, there's a number of very conservative people in this region, and they all say that border security is a top priority. What they would like to see is less invasive border security, things like drones or infrared lighting, additional checkpoints or manpower. They are not in favor of a physical barrier, and they say the border patrol does already have the tools to guard the border without building a 30-foot steel barrier.

Dana Taylor:

Eminent domain, as you mentioned, is on the table here for Donald Trump. Can you briefly explain what that is and how that threat is going over in Texas?

Lauren Villagran:

Yeah, so the federal government can't just immediately come on a property. There is a process for that. And landowners in the region that have land along the border, this is Texas and the land is privately owned, need to give permission to the feds to survey the property and ultimately make an offer. The federal government is supposed to make a fair market value offer, but eminent domain means the federal government does have the right to take the land. I know from locals that the Army Corps of Engineer landmen are supposed to be in the region reviewing the titles to borderland property. And I also know that a coalition working in the region is trying to organize landowners, many of whom oppose construction of the wall in their backyard.

Dana Taylor:

Lauren, after spending time in Big Bend, Texas, is there one story that sums up the way Texans feel about the president's plans to build a wall that potentially cuts through Big Bend?

Lauren Villagran:

I was personally touched by the story of Denise Carrera. She is a woman from Presidio, Texas at the border, born and raised, and she left, like many young people do from this very small town to go to Dallas where she worked for a decade. But she told me, Dana, that living in the big city, she struggled to see the moon at night and that she had to use an app to try to find the moon. She had grown up with the darkest night skies and had learned since she was little about the Milky Way and the galaxies.

And truly when you're in Presidio or some of these tiny places in this region, you can't find them at night. There's almost no light. And she told of coming home to Presidio in part to get back to that rural calm. She has some remote work now that allowed her to do that. And she burst into tears thinking about how she might lose the ability to see the stars at night should the border wall and the construction begin there.

Dana Taylor:

Lauren Villagran is a national news reporter for USA TODAY. Just incredible reporting. Thank you so much, Lauren.

Lauren Villagran:

Thanks, Dana, for having me.

Dana Taylor:

Thanks to our senior producer, Kaely Monahan for her production assistance. Our executive producer is Laura Beatty. Let us know what you think of this episode by sending a note to podcast@usatoday.com. Thanks for listening. I'm Dana Taylor. I'll be back Monday morning with another episode of USA TODAY's The Excerpt.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Big Bend, Texas, residents push back on Trumps border wall | The Excerpt
WASHINGTON  A legal battle is playing out in California between Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and Democrats who say the Republican gubernatorial candidates seizure of more than 650,000 ballots is a political stunt that undermines public trust in voting.

Bianco, a staunch supporter of President Donald Trump, denies that. He says hes just doing his job in investigating allegations brought by a conservative citizen group in Riverside County in a special election in California in November 2025.

Voting rights experts across the political spectrum say the case could have nationwide implications as other Trump supporters and conservative activists push similar  and largely unfounded  accusations of electoral irregularities in an effort to get law enforcement to investigate them.

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In an exclusive March 31 interview with USA TODAY, Bianco said the publicity surrounding his investigation has prompted elections and law enforcement officials  and conservative groups  to contact his office to see how they can launch similar inquiries.

Trumps second term saw aggressive immigration and trade moves, federal downsizing, and assertive foreign interventions in Venezuela and Iran. President Donald Trump has doubled down on an aggressive immigration agenda, emphasizing record-low levels of illegal border crossings and a sweeping expansion of enforcement. In his February 2026 State of the Union address, Trump highlighted a ninemonth period in which, he claimed, zero illegal aliens were admitted into the U.S.a statement that fact-checkers noted conflated admission with release on parole, though data does show no parole releases during that period. The administration has also promoted major enforcement gains: significant declines in illegal crossings, a dramatic reduction in interior releases, expanded deportation operations, and tightened border controls, according to a February 2026 White House summary of its immigration actions. More broadly, the administration continues implementing executive actions that restrict entry at the southern border and increase immigration enforcement nationwide, including policies tied to TrumpOs 2025 proclamation invoking federal authority to suspend certain entries. [whitehouse.gov] President Donald Trump has intensified his tariffdriven economic strategy in his second term, expanding duties across global partners while positioning tariffs as a central tool to bolster U.S. industry. Despite broad tariff hikes, the U.S. trade deficit surged in late 2025, reaching a record goods shortfall even as the administration sought to curb imports and revive domestic manufacturinga goal undercut by a decline in factory employment during the same period. President Donald Trump has undertaken an unprecedented downsizing and restructuring of the federal government during his second term, marked by aggressive workforce reductions, major agency overhauls, and expanded executive authority over civil service rules. Federal workforce cuts accelerated sharply in 2025, with estimates showing reductions ranging from 220,000 to more than 300,000 employees through voluntary departure incentives, pressure campaigns, buyouts, and targeted firingsNresulting in the smallest federal workforce share recorded since the 1930s. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) was created at the start of President Trumps second term to drive sweeping federal workforce reductions. DOGE spearheaded mass buyouts, layoffs, and restructuring across agencies, including the rollout of the Deferred Resignation Program and guidance encouraging the firing of probationary employees. Its initiatives contributed to a net loss of more than 150,000 federal workers early in Trumps second term, with broader governmentwide workforce reductions continuing into 2026. Elon Musk was appointed to lead DOGE and initially served as the public face of Trumps governmentshrinkage agenda. However, his influence declined significantly after he stepped away from the department and entered a public feud with President Trump. Many DOGE staffers left government during this period, and DOGE became associated with controversial actions including the dismantling of USAID and alleged improper access to agency data. Musk originally claimed DOGE would identify $2 trillion in government savings, but the departments website later estimated only $215 billion, a figure analysts say was overstated. President Donald Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill, signed July 4, 2025, reshaped federal tax law by extending lower individual tax rates from the 2017 TCJA, increasing standard deductions, and adding new temporary deductions for tips and overtime. The law also phases out cleanenergy incentives and cuts programs like Medicaid and SNAP, with the Congressional Budget Office projecting a $4.1 trillion increase in deficits over 10 years due to the package. President Trump has aligned many social policies with the goals of Project 2025, targeting reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ protections, DEI programs, and genderaffirming care. His administration has signed executive orders eliminating transgender protections, removing DEI offices across federal agencies, and directing schools to deny funding if they allow transgender girls to compete in girls sports. He has also pursued efforts to defund Planned Parenthood and restrict reproductivehealth accessthough not all proposed measures have succeeded. Trump has moved aggressively to remake federal cultural institutions, ordering the removal of what he calls antiAmerican ideology from museums, national parks, and research centers. Actions include restoring Confederate statues, removing slaveryrelated exhibits and NativeAmerican history signage from national parks, and pressuring institutions like the Smithsonian and Kennedy Center while installing political allies onto boards. Civilrights groups warn these moves risk erasing critical historical truths and reversing decades of social progress During his second term, President Donald Trump has systematically dismantled diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs across the federal government. Executive orders have eliminated DEI offices and policies, with agencies placing all DEIrelated staff on administrative leave and shutting down DEI programs entirely. His administration also removed DEI departments at major cultural institutions such as the Smithsonian and National Gallery of Art in early 2025. Trump has framed DEI initiatives as antiAmerican ideology, directing agencies and cultural institutions to strip references to DEI, sexual orientation and gender identity from rules, grants, and regulations. These moves reflect a broader cultural agenda aimed at reversing equityfocused policies across education, federal agencies, and the arts sector. On January 3, 2026, President Donald Trump ordered a largescale U.S. military operation in VenezuelaOperation Absolute Resolveresulting in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. U.S. forces conducted coordinated strikes across northern Venezuela to suppress air defenses before extracting the pair, who were flown to New York to face narcoterrorismrelated charges. The Trump administration framed the action as a lawenforcement mission with military support, asserting inherent presidential authority, while Venezuela and several regional governments condemned it as a violation of sovereignty. In late February and early March 2026, President Donald Trump announced that the United States had begun major combat operations in Iran, launching strikes alongside Israel targeting Iranian leadership, military infrastructure, and missile capabilities. The joint assault targeted highlevel officials, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, and was framed by Trump as necessary to eliminate imminent threats and prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Trump second term marked by turbulent moves. See photos 1 of 14 Trumps second term saw aggressive immigration and trade moves, federal downsizing, and assertive foreign interventions in Venezuela and Iran. President Donald Trump has doubled down on an aggressive immigration agenda, emphasizing record-low levels of illegal border crossings and a sweeping expansion of enforcement. In his February 2026 State of the Union address, Trump highlighted a ninemonth period in which, he claimed, zero illegal aliens were admitted into the U.S.a statement that fact-checkers noted conflated admission with release on parole, though data does show no parole releases during that period.

There are a lot of people reaching out to us from other states, from other counties than Riverside saying the same thing's happening here, Bianco said. We have former poll workers saying that there is massive fraud going on  but nobody is looking into it.

Hans von Spakovsky, a former Justice Department official who is now an elections expert with the organization Advancing American Freedom, which advocates for conservative policies, supported Biancos efforts to investigate the claims of a ballot differential.

Anytime there is a discrepancy in ballot totals, it should be investigated to find out whether there were any mistakes, errors, or intentional misconduct in the election, von Spakovsky told USA TODAY.

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In fact, election officials themselves should be conducting a comprehensive election audit, he said. Their failure to do so, resulting in the sheriff having to step in, is evidence of their incompetence or unwillingness to investigate potential wrongdoing.

But Pamela Smith, who heads the voting rights group Verified Voting, said Biancos two separate seizures of hundreds of boxes of ballots in March seems more like an attention grab than an effort to actually determine whether there was any kind of miscount.

This is somebody who's running for office in California, and probably more people know his name today than they did a few weeks ago, Smith told USA TODAY.

'There's recourse through normal channels'

Voters overwhelmingly passed Proposition 50, a ballot measure to redraw congressional districts in Democrats' favor, 64%-36%, in the election in question. In Riverside County, it was 57%-43%.

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The state certified the election, and no one questioned its outcome until January. That's when Bianco says he was contacted by a conservative activist group called the Riverside Election Integrity Team (REIT) that had done its own audit of the vote.

Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco speaks while announcing his candidacy for Governor in Riverside, Calif., Feb. 17, 2025.

County records show the registrar of voters initially logged in the receipt of 611,000 mail ballots, according to Bianco, citing the group's audit.

"But when you add up the yes and the no votes, it comes up to 657,000" ballots, Bianco said. That adds up to a 46,000 vote difference "in the number of ballots compared to the number of votes reported."

"There's no explanation for why it's different," Bianco said. "So we started looking into it."

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More: Heres why California AG clashes with Riverside sheriff over ballots

Bianco's allegations have been disputed by county election officials, who say the real discrepancy was only 103 ballots. They said such claims were based on a misinterpretation of unofficial versus certified ballot totals.

Smith said Bianco is comparing apples and oranges.

The lower number comes from preliminary ballot intake logs that are unofficial and incomplete, she said, and dont take into consideration things like late-arriving ballots, provisional ballots and cured ballots with questionably matching signature issues resolved. The higher number, according to Smith, includes all of those into one complete, verified  and officially certified  vote total.

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"There are a variety of reasons why they come in later, that wouldn't be included in the initial count," Smith said. "If you collaborate with the county, they can walk you through all that."

Even if such a discrepancy existed, Smith said, the United States  and especially California  have a multilayered system in place for checking election results that Bianco could have used to verify the results.

More: After an epidemic of jail deaths, this CA sheriff is running for governor

That includes post-election audits, "ballot accounting and reconciliation procedures" and recounts that can focus on one specific precinct  or the whole state, she said.

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"So if they say they had questions about a particular set of numbers, they could have had the election official do a recount," Smith said. "There's recourse through normal channels."

Instead, Bianco got Riverside County Superior Court Judge Jay Kiel to sign a series of warrants beginning in mid-February authorizing the sheriff to seize the ballots tied to the November election. His department initially seized about 1,000 boxes of ballot materials, including 650,000 ballots from the Riverside County Registrar of Voters, and later seized another tranche after California Attorney General Rob Bonta, a Democrat, told him to cease and desist.

The court also ordered the appointment of a special master to oversee a ballot count, Bianco said. Bonta, the attorney general, has disputed that, saying the warrant didn't appoint a special master to conduct such a recount.

A voter casts their vote regarding Proposition 50 at Indian Wells City Hall in Indian Wells, Calif., on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025.

Revisiting elections in Georgia and Arizona, too

California isn't the only place where fights  and investigations  over ballot counting are taking place.

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The FBI on Jan. 28 seized 656 boxes of election materials in Fulton County, Georgia, from the 2020 presidential election, widening President Donald Trumps latest quest to recast his election loss as the product of fraud. Federal authorities also subpoenaed records from the Arizona Senate last month relating to its recount of Maricopa Countys 2020 ballots.

The group whose complaint led to the Riverside County investigation, the Riverside Election Integrity Team, has ties to a right-wing group, United Sovereign Americans  members of which have filed lawsuits claiming election fraud or voter registration errors in states across the nation.

The Trump administration's top elections lawyer, Harmeet Dhillon, chief of the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division, is cheering on local officials like Bianco for questioning the results of elections and claiming fraud.

Its very refreshing to see local law enforcement take action on these types of issues, Dhillon said on Newsmax March 28. Too often everyone runs to the federal government, asks us to be the police of everything, but actually this type of thing should be investigated by local law enforcement. So I look forward to seeing what the sheriff and lawyers there find out.

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More: Trump pushes 'country-saving' voter ID bill. Here's why Dems oppose it

California state officials respond that Bianco is acting beyond the bounds of his autohrity.

This is not normal behavior for any sheriff  and for good reason, the office of Secretary of State Shirley Weber, a Democrat, said in a statement to several news outlets. They are not elections officials nor equipped to handle these types of investigations.

In his State of the Union address Feb. 24, Trump declared that the cheating is rampant in our elections. Referring to Democrats' opposition to the SAVE America Act voter ID bill, he said: The reason they dont want to do it ... is because they want to cheat. Theres only one reason.

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Democrats like California Rep. Pete Aguilar, who chairs the House Democratic Caucus, said in response that Trump and the Republicans are the ones trying to cheat to gain the upper hand in elections.

"Donald Trump and Republicans are attempting to take over free and fair elections. Again," Aguilar and other House Democrats said in a March 19 post on X. "They know its the only way they can win."

Putting the ballot investigation 'on hold'

On March 30, Bianco issued a statement saying his investigation was "on hold" because of the politically motivated lawsuits and court filings" that have challenged its validity.

And on April 1, a media coalition including USA TODAY Co. and its Riverside County newspaper The Desert Sun asked a Riverside County judge to unseal the search warrants in Bianco's now-paused investigation so the public can understand the basis of the investigation that led to seizing the ballots.

On Tuesday, in what Bianco said was his first interview since announcing the hold, he told USA TODAY he wants to proceed with the investigation. Bianco said in a follow-up interview April 2 that "an attorney involved in several states across the country" told him other electoral districts have discovered similar anomalies, including a 35,000 to 45,000 differential in mail-in ballots.

Bianco did not immediately respond to questions about the identity of the lawyer and about specifics of their allegations. But he said he suspects its a fault in the voting machines, as opposed to intentional fraud. He said state officials are arguing that he lacks the authority to inspect the machinery or even count the ballots.

Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco addresses supporters of US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump during a rally in Coachella, California on October 12, 2024. (Photo by Frederic J. BROWN / AFP) (Photo by FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images)

"Other people are finding this anomaly, too, between the votes counted and supposedly the number of total ballots," Bianco said. "In California, they have passed laws that make it illegal to inspect the voting machines. Tell me how that is even close to transparency  and showing the public that we are open and transparent in our safe and secure elections  when there are laws that say no one, absolutely no one, can ever investigate the validity of the machines?"

California has no such law, but it does have legislation under consideration in Sacramento that would prohibit election officials from permitting a federal government agency or its employees to inspect a voting system machine or device unless authorized by a federal court order. Existing California law does require the election official of any county or city using a voting system to inspect the machines or devices at least once every two years.

Kiel, the Riverside County judge who approved Bianco's request to seize the ballots, has said he would not approve a special master to oversee the case until other legal challenges are resolved, Bianco told USA TODAY.

You have all of these politicians that are filing lawsuits trying to bankrupt the county of Riverside and the Sheriff's office now to keep us in court, to keep this from happening because they're trying to stop a legal investigation, Bianco said.

So now we're just in limbo land, he told USA TODAY, because of a, I don't want to say a technicality, but a court process.

USA TODAY has reached out to the judge for comment.

Who is Chad Bianco?

Known for his blunt rhetoric and big social media presence, Bianco has become a leading candidate in the California gubernatorial race, in part thanks to a fractured Democratic field that includes eight candidates.

Bianco, 58, was first elected sheriff of Riverside County, a vast, arid and politically diverse county just east of Los Angeles, in 2018.

Bianco, who is running on issues such as public safety and election integrity, oversees a department that polices unincorporated parts of the county with a roughly $1 billion budget, managing 12 patrol stations, five jails and the coroner's bureau.The 30-year veteran of the sheriff's office has been a vocal supporter of stricter voting requirements such as voter ID laws, in keeping with Trumps SAVE Act voting bill.

Bianco also has acknowledged he was once a dues-paying member of the Oath Keepers, the far-right anti-government militia whose leaders were convicted of violently opposing the transfer of presidential power from Trump to Joe Biden during the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Bianco has said he joined briefly years ago and did not view the group as extremist at the time.

The sheriff also has been reportedly linked to the Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association, which believes county sheriffs should be the ultimate law enforcement authority in the United States, not the federal government. It is considered an extremist group by the Southern Poverty Law Center.

In his USA TODAY interview, Bianco said he has been investigating the elections system since at least 2022 as part of a broader lack of trust in what he calls overly partisan politics in his Democrat-dominated state.

Biancos investigation wasnt political, he said at a news conference at the time, but rather a fact-finding mission to physically count the ballots and compare that result with the total votes recorded.

More: GOP, Dems battle over Trump's SAVE Act. But who will it really help?

'A dangerous precedent'

Bonta, the California attorney general, immediately said the ballot seizure was unprecedented in both scope and scale  and appears not to be based on facts or evidence but on unfounded allegations that have already been refuted by the Riverside Registrar of Voters.

There is no indication, anywhere in the United States, of widespread voter fraud, Bonta, a Democrat, said in his statement. Counts, recounts, hand counts, audits, and court cases all support this.

After the election, local officials had reported only minor discrepancies, a differential of about 100 votes, or about 0.016% of the ballots, according to the county registrar of voters.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta during the Federal Oversight and Accountability Town Hall at Revolution Hall on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, in Portland, Ore.

That finding was in keeping with repeated studies around the country that have concluded voter fraud is extremely rare and almost entirely accidental as opposed to intentional fraud intended to change the outcome.

If Bianco didnt return the ballots, Bonta said, hed seek legal recourse.

Not 'trying to work within the system'

Nina Sheridan, a Bonta spokeswoman, told USA TODAY California officials tried repeatedly to work cooperatively with Bianco, including by asking the sheriff to pursue his concerns by working through the well-established process, overseen by state and local elections officials, of requesting a recount or challenging the results of an election.

Bianco refused, saying it was his constitutional duty to investigate the issues raised by the citizen group. He wasnt trying to change the election results, he said, and the probe was court-approved, lawful and would continue.

By all appearances, this investigation is little more than a fishing expedition meant to sow distrust and undermine public confidence in our elections, the attorneys general office said. This, coupled with the sheriff's willful and open defiance of our offices lawful directives, demands immediate judicial intervention to prevent further abuse of the criminal process.

More: California 'jungle' primary could hand governor's race to Republicans

'Not normal behavior for any sheriff'

The court denied Bontas petition on procedural grounds, directing him to file it in Riverside County Superior Court where the warrants were issued.

Others joined in Bontas effort to shut down Bianco, including the UCLA Voting Rights Project and a lawsuit backed by Xavier Becerra, a former California attorney general who is also running for governor.

In a March 26 filing, Bonta said Bianco had doubled down by seizing an additional 426 boxes of ballots and election materials. A day later, Bonta  after losing an earlier request for an injunction in a lower court  appealed the matter to the California Supreme Court, calling the case an unprecedented constitutional emergency and asking for an immediate stay.

The California Supreme Court justices ordered Bianco to file a brief in the case by April 1, and Bonta to file a response by April 3.

Bianco said Kiel  the judge who issued the warrants  told him he couldn't proceed with the case, including the appointment of the special master, until some of the legal questions are resolved.

We were able to count (ballots) for one day before the attorney general began his cover-up, Bianco said.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: California governor poll leader Chad Bianco seized election ballots
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At 70, landscape artist Anthony J. Petchkis lives with a host of health problems. There was the heart attack that sent him on an ambulance ride from his home in the mountains of New Hampshire to Portland, Maine, for an arterial stent. His cholesterol is stubbornly high. He has diabetes, gout and rheumatoid arthritis. He takes eight medications a day.

Until this year, he at least felt confident insurance would fully cover his medical bills, which he estimates run to several thousands of dollars a year. Then his Medicare Advantage plan dropped him.

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How am I going to pay all these things going into the future? said Petchkis, who lives on about $24,000 a year from Social Security and the sale of the White Mountain landscapes he paints in his Conway studio. Now I seem okay, but six months or a year from now, something really catastrophic could happen.

Petchkis and thousands of other elderly people in New Hampshire lost their insurance and were forced to scramble for alternatives this year, part of a broader phenomenon as Medicare Advantage companies abandoned communities where their plans threatened profits or lost money. Hardest hit were a half-dozen rural states from New England to Idaho.

Medicare Advantage plans - the privatized version of Medicare - surged in popularity in the last two decades as companies enticed enrollees with things like zero-premium plans, gym memberships, allowances for over-the-counter medical supplies and vision and dental coverage.

But over the last year, insurers sharply retreated from the plans in some regions, saying rising health care costs and reduced government reimbursements have hurt profitability. That left Petchkis and millions of other elderly people scrambling to find alternatives.

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The shift highlights one of the risks for Medicare Advantage beneficiaries, especially in rural areas where options tend to be meager: plans are under no obligation to offer coverage year-to-year. When profit margins are threatened, insurance companies can suddenly withdraw coverage. This year the churn reached a peak.

In all, almost 3 million people were forced off Medicare Advantage plans because their carriers pulled out of their counties, according to a recent analysis in the medical journal JAMA. Most affected seniors nationally had other Medicare Advantage options to choose from, but around 30,000 did not, according to a new analysis by KFF, a health research organization.

Petchkis was one of about 77,000 in New Hampshire forced off Medicare Advantage and among a subset who had no viable alternatives. He was forced to enroll in traditional Medicare, which only covers 80 percent of doctor and outpatient services. Because he said he cant afford a supplemental medigap insurance plan to make up the other 20 percent, which would have cost about $200 a month, he worries he will face thousands of dollars in bills if he becomes seriously ill - money he does not have.

Besides leaving elderly patients like Petchkis in the lurch, the sudden withdrawal of Medicare Advantage plans in rural areas shows how the privatized Medicare option - which covers roughly half of all Medicare beneficiaries in the United States - is fraying in some places.

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Seniors on the these plans must deal with cost-containment strategies of private insurance companies; carriers restrict what doctors and hospitals you can see and often require prior authorization before expensive care or drugs are provided. Now odds are increasing that older people also will have to shop for another plan each year.

Rising costs, shrinking profits

Medicare Advantage plans jumped in popularity beginning with legislative changes in 2003 that gave private insurers companies more taxpayer money for each Medicare enrollee they covered. Most plans also include drug coverage, which means seniors dont have to shop for a separate Medicare Part D drug plan. The idea was that encouraging robust competition between private plans would reduce the governments costs, but it has not worked that way, according to annual government advisory reports.

In 2026, Medicare advisers estimate that Medicare Advantage will cost taxpayers $76 billion in overpayments, when compared to the cost of covering beneficiaries under traditional Medicare. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which regulates the program, has slowed annual reimbursement growth in a bid to shrink that overpayment gap. At the same time, the insurance industry says aging boomers are seeking out more costly care - putting a squeeze on profit margins.

The nearly 3 million people forced to find new plans for 2026 represents 10 percent of Medicare Advantage beneficiaries in individual plans, according to the study published in JAMA. Thats a big jump from 2018 to 2024, when the rate of involuntary terminations was below 2 percent each year.

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Medicare Advantage has been growing without stop for the last two decades. A large part of that is it has been extremely profitable for insurers, said Mark Meiselbach, an assistant professor at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and co-author of the published analysis. That story of profitability and growth has kind of shifted.

UnitedHealthcare - the nations largest Medicare Advantage carrier - said last year it would exit counties where it had 600,000 beneficiaries, the largest single reduction among the private plans, citing a desire to reinvigorate profit.

The insurance industry has said that government reimbursements have not kept pace with costs, which are rising sharply through higher prices and greater use of medical services. It says government cost comparisons of Medicare Advantage and traditional Medicare are inaccurate because they fail to account for the full value of Medicare Advantage.

Health plans are focused on shielding seniors from the full impact of those costs and protecting the affordability, benefits and comprehensive coverage 35 million Americans count on through Medicare Advantage, said Conner Coles, spokesperson for the insurance industrys Washington lobbying group, AHIP.

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New Hampshires Carroll County is populated by many retirees like Petchkis, seeking fresh air and spectacular views of the Presidential Range. The county has the highest median age in the state, at 54. WellSense, a nonprofit carrier, pulled its most popular plan out of the county and dropped Petchkis. Now only one Medicare Advantage option remains, also offered by WellSense, but it is not appropriate for most seniors because its designed for residents who also qualify for Medicaid insurance, local brokers and Medicare advisers said.

Elderly residents in the region scrambled last fall to understand their alternatives, which meant comparing supplemental medigap plans and hunting for a separate Medicare prescription drug plan. State Rep. Stephen Woodcock, who represents Conway, said he heard from countless seniors.

Every single day in my email in box I would get 20 or 30 people, saying Tell me what to do. What can I do? Woodcock said. Theres not a damn thing we could do.

WellSense, based in Massachusetts, did not respond to requests for comment.

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Conway health insurance broker Edward Hollum said Medicare Advantage plans had been offering amazing benefits in recent years as they competed for market share. Some allowed a $1,200 annual fitness allowance to be used for lift tickets at the states destination ski areas - plus lessons, he said. Now the plans have mostly pulled out of the state, leaving hardly any options except for the southern tier of counties that border Massachusetts, Hollum said.

This is a horrible, horrible thing that happened here, he said.

Mark Hounsell, 74, a retired plumber who has been active for decades in local and state politics, including a stint as state senator, said he rushed to get a pacemaker in November after learning he would no longer be covered by Medicare Advantage. For 2026, he said he could not afford the cost of a supplemental plan.

An additional $200 a month is not something I can do, he said.

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Hes working at Home Depot part time, at night, to make ends meet. Even so, he said he recently canceled a follow-up cardiologist visit to check on his pacemaker, a trip that can cost hundreds of dollars if it includes tests.

I called and said Im not coming, he said. I cant afford 20 percent of what this is going to cost.

Too good to be true

In Vermont, about 35,000 people lost Medicare Advantage coverage. For residents of the states largest urban area, Burlington and neighboring communities, there are no Medicare Advantage plans offered at all.

Larry Mindell, 78, a retired fitness instructor who lives in Winooski, which borders Burlington, loved his Medicare Advantage plans - with zero monthly premium, vision and dental coverage and rewards that could be spent on over-the-counter medications. But his first one, MVP Health, stopped offering plans in 2025. He and his wife, Peg Allen, switched to BlueCross BlueShield of Vermont, but then it withdrew its Vermont Blue Advantage this year, citing millions of dollars in losses.

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The advantage plans, I was incredulous that they were able to do what they were doing - no premiums, small co-pays, all kinds of rewards, Mindell said. I guess it turned out to be too good to be true.

Mindell was among Vermonters cited in local news coverage last fall about widespread disruption. Since then, Mindell has settled on a traditional Medicare plan (he had no other option) with supplemental medigap coverage. He estimated that he and his wife are paying an additional $5,500 a year in premiums.

BlueCross BlueShield of Vermont, a nonprofit, said it lost $50 million on Medicare Advantage plans covering 35,000 Vermont seniors in 2025. It said the unsustainable losses were due to greater use of medical services by seniors and steps by CMS to slow the growth of reimbursements.

These combined forces made it unsustainable for Vermont Blue Advantage to be able to offer reasonably priced and affordable products to serve as an alternative to traditional Medicare coverage, said Kristina Massari, a spokeswoman for the nonprofit insurer.

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UnitedHealthcare and some other insurance companies further limited exposure to poor-performing counties by throttling new enrollments. In Idaho, United stopped paying brokers commissions and made it difficult for consumers to sign up. Those practices drew fire from Dean Cameron, head of the Idaho Department of Insurance, who accused the company of backing out of commitments.

They shouldnt be able to do these inappropriate actions, which are really harmful to our most vulnerable senior citizens, Cameron said in an interview.

United responded that the plans were still available during open enrollment through Medicare.gov and its own website. It said in an email it ended agent commissions for some plans in Idaho to help preserve the benefits that matter most to current members while supporting the longterm sustainability of these plans amid increasing regulatory and market pressures.

CMS, which regulates Medicare, said it is monitoring trends in Medicare Advantage to protect seniors and preserve long-term stability in the program.

While some insurers have chosen to adjust their service areas for 2026, many beneficiaries remain in their current plan, and enrollment continues to grow, albeit at a slower rate than in recent years, the agency said in an emailed statement.

People who need help finding Medicare Advantage coverage or a medigap supplemental plan can contact a federally funded State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), which operates in every state plus the District of Columbia. The deadline for people who have an existing Medicare Advantage plan and want to switch or move into traditional Medicare is March 31 .

In New Hampshire, Petchkis, who suffered his heart attack just as covid emerged in 2020, is faithfully taking his medication and hoping he does not get seriously ill. Switching to traditional Medicare meant losing vision and dental coverage. A recent trip to a hearing specialist at Concord Hospital gave him a taste of his new financial reality.

He received a bill for the office visit of $135, plus a $55 bill for the hearing test. When he was covered by Medicare Advantage, the bill for the same procedure was a single $30 co-pay. He is applying for financial aid from Concord Hospital in a bid to get his bills reduced or waived. Navigating this new reality has been difficult, he said.

Its wicked confusing, said Petchkis. They shouldnt put old people through this.

CORRECTION: A caption with a previous version of this article misspelled Carroll County.

Related Content
Former WINK News meteorologist Matt Devitt, who was fired in January, is facing a $100,000 lawsuit after the station claims he built a competing weather business while still on the payroll.

Fort Myers Broadcasting Company filed a 60-page lawsuit Monday, March 30, against Devitt and his new business entity, WeatherView Inc.. The station is seeking damages exceeding $100,000 and is asking a judge to halt Devitts independent weather operations.

When reached for comment, an attorney representing Fort Myers Broadcasting Company said, "The lawsuit speaks for itself." The News-Press & Naples Daily News contacted Devitt for comment, but he had not responded as of publication Friday, April 3.

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Here are five things you should know about the lawsuit:

1. Was Devitts firing really a "complete shock"?

That depends on who you ask. The lawsuit makes clear WINK strongly disputes Devitts public account of his termination.

Devitt said his firing Jan. 8 came without warning. The complaint lays out a different timeline, however, pointing to internal discipline in the months leading up to his termination.

In a memo included in the filing, General Manager Jamie Ricks wrote, "Mr. Devitt publicly stated that his termination was a 'complete shock.' That characterization is inaccurate. Over the past year, WINK News and Human Resources met with Mr. Devitt on multiple occasions regarding off-air conduct. He received written warnings, was recently suspended, and acknowledged in writing that he understood continued violations could result in termination."

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The lawsuit also details a three-day unpaid suspension from Nov. 3 to Nov. 5, 2025. WINK says the suspension followed a meeting with station leadership in October 2025, outlining conduct and scheduling expectations.

According to the lawsuit, WINK documented a pattern of attendance issues, including late arrivals, leaving before newscasts ended and extended breaks, along with concerns about communication outside his scheduled hours. The notice also cited an email exchange with a station leader that management viewed as unprofessional.

The complaint states Devitt signed the suspension notice Nov. 3, acknowledging the discipline.

WINK has pointed to that suspension, along with a leadership plan issued in November 2025, as evidence that Devitt had been warned prior to his termination.

2. Was Devitt building a competing weather business while still at WINK?

WINK alleges Devitt was developing a separate weather brand while still employed, using company resources and trying to recruit colleagues.

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"Devitts creation of, and working to develop and build, MTW while he was employed by FMBC is a violation of the Agreement," the complaint states.

Public records show "Matt The Weatherman Inc." was registered as a Florida corporation on April 9, 2024, with Devitt listed as president. A federal trademark application for "WEATHERVIEW" was later filed under that entity, covering forecasting, weather news and broadcast production across digital and traditional platforms.

The filings do not independently confirm when the business became active or whether it generated revenue during his time at WINK.

3. What other conduct does the lawsuit allege?

The complaint goes beyond contract issues and into Devitts conduct outside the newsroom.

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WINK alleges that "Devitt engaged in gambling activities during working hours" and claims he has a "gambling problem."

The filing includes a message from an individual who claimed to have seen him at a casino in January: "im telling you that wasn't a hobby! That was like serious addiction I literally looked at the lady working and said, 'is that who I think it is?' She said yep... does it almost every night on his break...I told her they must not be paying him enough at WINK NEWSbut that BMW you are driving with the Penn State on the back of it might say otherwise... you and I were the only ones in the parking lot parked next to each other...it was 9pmmight want to get a new hobby or addiction. You are a public figurea cherished oneyou can do betterkids look up to you"

The lawsuit also alleges Devitt acted as an expert witness in a legal case without approval, citing a deposition he allegedly gave on Oct. 16, 2025. WINK claims he participated while still serving as chief meteorologist, arguing the outside work violated his employment agreement and conflicted with his duties at the station.

Those claims are allegations contained in the lawsuit and have not been independently verified.

4. Publix hurricane guides added to tension

According to the complaint, Devitt received a written warning in May 2025 over a social media post involving Publix, a major advertiser.

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The warning stated, "On May 20, 2025, you made a public post on your personal social media account that cast Publixone of our stations major advertisersin a negative light. The content of the post was highly visible and widely associated with your role as Chief Meteorologist at WINK. As a result, it has brought unwanted attention to the station and negatively impacted our relationship with an important business partner."

The lawsuit alleges Devitt criticized Publix for no longer carrying WINKs hurricane guides in their Southwest Florida stores. WINK provided a screenshot of a Facebook comment section as evidence, with an individual commenting, "Someone should fund a Matt Devitt Weather hurricane guide and put it right next to the W!nk one in the Publix this season. The screenshot shows Devitt responding to the comment with an image of the Grinch.

A screenshot included in WINK News' lawsuit shows Matt Devitt responding with an image of the Grinch to a Facebook comment about Publix hurricane guides.

The station also cited concerns over Devitts refusal to follow brand standards, alleging he frequently used unapproved weather graphics instead of station-approved designs.

5. What is WINK asking the court to do?

The stations request goes well beyond damages.

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WINK is asking for a permanent injunction that would require Devitt to "stop competing and to take down and/or remove his various social media channels."

The complaint also seeks to recover profits tied to his independent weather efforts.

It further claims Devitts public comments after his firing led to "considerable public backlash and has even resulted in death threats against representatives of FMBC."

What happens next?

The case now moves through the court system in Lee County.

Devitt has continued posting weather updates independently since his firing, including rebuilding his social media presence after his Facebook page was temporarily removed and later restored in February.

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Mickenzie Hannon is a watchdog reporter for The News-Press and Naples Daily News, covering Collier and Lee counties. Contact her at 239-435-3423 or mhannon@gannett.com.

Please support local community journalism and stay informed about Southwest Florida news by subscribing to The News-Press and Naples Daily News; download the free News-Press or Naples Daily News app, and sign up for daily briefing email newsletter, food & dining and growth & development newsletters here and here.

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Why was Florida meteorologist Matt Devitt sued by WINK News?
A tow truck driver allegedly took advantage of a woman who was shaken after being involved in a car crash in Los Angeles by pretending to be helpful. However, the woman later realized that she had been scammed by the tow truck driver.

According to a report by ABC7 Eyewitness News, Brittany Williams was traumatized after being involved in a car crash. But in just a few minutes, a tow truck driver arrived and offered help, stating that he was sent by the police.

Her mind was unable to spot anything fishy at that moment, leading her to fall into his trap. Recalling the incident, Williams said:

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I let him know, Im fine. Im good.

a tow truck with a bunch of items in the back of it

He was like, Listen, let me help you, let him help you.'

He started giving me this story about how he can give me an estimate  theres going to be no charge, accidents like this happen. This is why hes here. The police contacted him.

Signing The Receipt Cost Williams $3,000

The biggest mistake Williams made was signing a tow receipt before the tow truck driver took her vehicle to a tow yard. However, when she tried calling the driver later, the number was disconnected.

Apparently, the tow truck driver wasnt sent by the police or the insurance, and the address of the tow company on the bill did not exist.

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This prompted Williams to reach out to the tow yard over the phone. It turned out that the person speaking did not know the tow truck driver, but confirmed that Williams car was in the yard.

When Williams reached the tow yard with the police to get her car back, she had to pay $3,000 because she had signed the receipt.

LAPD Advises How to Spot Such Scams

Unfortunately, this is a common occurrence. LAPD Lt. Scott Moffitt has cautioned against signing any document after a crash. He said:

All of a sudden they have a friendly face whos willing to help them out. A lot of times theyll be required to sign something. It will usually be a blank invoice or something like that, so I would strongly encourage the public not to sign those sort of invoices or work orders, tow orders.

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How does one know if they are being scammed? Moffitt asked to look out for this sign:

Once a tow truck driver is not willing to bring you the vehicle to where you ask them to send it, that should be an immediate warning sign to you.

He added:

Ask to see the Board of Police Commissioners permit, if youre in the city of Los Angeles, additionally, take a photograph of the tow truck driver. Take a photograph of their license plate, of their truck.

Dont ignore red flags. If you see that their truck doesnt clearly have the name of the company, logo on the side of the truck, that should be a warning flag.

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As for Williams, luckily, her insurance company has determined that the crash was not her fault. However, due to the lack of a vehicle, she is struggling to reach the medical center for dialysis. She said:

A nightmare, a nightmare. Because I was able to get comfortably to my appointments. Now Im having to depend on someone else or transportation to get there and its not easy, its horrible.

Williams revealed that the purpose of getting this story out was to prevent others from getting scammed. She added:

Just want to get this story out so that other people dont get scammed like how I was.
SYDNEY, April 3 (Xinhua) -- A 30-year-old man has been charged with murder over a fatal stabbing in western Sydney on Thursday night.

The police force in the state of New South Wales said in a statement on Friday that emergency services were called to reports of a stabbing in Emu Plains, 53 km west of central Sydney, around 6:45 p.m. on Thursday.

Officers arrived at the scene and found a 58-year-old man with multiple stab wounds to his upper body.

He was treated by ambulance paramedics, but could not be revived.

Police established a crime scene, and a 30-year-old man was arrested.

He was taken to a nearby police station and charged with murder as an act of domestic violence. 
President Donald Trump arrives from the Blue Room to speak about the Iran war from the Cross Hall of the White House on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, in Washington.
Advocates for ideas and draws conclusions based on the interpretation of facts and data.
TOKYO, April 3 (Xinhua) -- A Japanese newspaper has called on the government to make a clear apology and conduct a thorough investigation after a Self-Defense Forces (SDF) member forcibly entered the Chinese Embassy in Tokyo with a knife.

In an editorial published on Wednesday, the Hokkaido Shimbun described the incident as serious and warned against downplaying its implications. The article stressed that the Japanese government has yet to apologize to China, despite the gravity of the case.

According to the editorial, SDF personnel, who are expected to uphold the law, instead violated international norms protecting diplomatic missions. The newspaper criticized the government for treating the matter as an isolated act by an individual, urging authorities not to trivialize the situation.

The editorial also highlighted the need for preventive measures, including stronger education and discipline within the SDF, to avoid similar incidents in the future.

Under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, host countries are obligated to protect diplomatic premises from intrusion, damage, disturbance of peace, or impairment of dignity. The newspaper noted that the Japanese government's delayed response raises questions about its commitment to these obligations and could harm the country's international credibility.

Additionally, the incident has prompted concerns over the adequacy of security arrangements for foreign diplomatic missions in Japan, the editorial added. 
MOSCOW, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke by phone with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday, discussing the escalating military and political confrontation in the Persian Gulf region, the Kremlin said.

The two leaders said the intensified military operations have caused severe disruptions to energy, trade and logistics both regionally and globally, according to a Kremlin statement.

Moscow and Ankara stressed the need for an immediate ceasefire and for drafting a peace agreement that takes into account the legitimate interests of all countries in the Persian Gulf region.

Discussing Ukraine, Putin and Erdogan also underscored their intention to strengthen coordination to ensure security in the Black Sea region.

They further discussed expanding political and economic ties between Russia and Turkiye, as well as advancing joint energy projects. 
Former separatist state minister Artak Beglaryan has once again expressed gratitude to those involved in the 2016 conflict. However, it is important to note that this defense took place on territories that are internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan.

Framing the occupation of foreign lands as heroism is increasingly out of step with current international norms and discourse. While Beglaryan continues to acknowledge these events, the reality remains that the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan is recognized worldwide.

It is a moment to reaffirm that Karabakh is part of Azerbaijan, and that historical speeches or symbolic offices cannot change the facts recognized by the international community.
THE HAGUE, April 3 (Xinhua) -- The Netherlands has overtaken Germany to become the world's largest exporter of cocoa products in 2025, with export values reaching 12.4 billion euros (14.3 billion U.S. dollars), Statistics Netherlands (CBS) announced on Friday.

According to CBS, exports of cocoa products, including chocolate, cocoa butter, cocoa powder and cocoa mass, have nearly tripled from 4.2 billion euros (4.84 billion dollars) in 2020. About three-quarters of Dutch cocoa exports consisted of semi-manufactured products, while the remainder were finished goods such as chocolate last year.

Germany remains the largest destination for Dutch cocoa exports, accounting for roughly 25 percent of the total, followed by Belgium with 13 percent. France, Britain and the United States are also major markets.

On the supply side, 27 percent of cocoa imports originate from Cote d'Ivoire, with additional volumes sourced from Ghana, Cameroon and Nigeria.

Cocoa exports generated around 3 billion euros (3.46 billion dollars) in earnings for the Dutch economy in 2025, CBS said. 
MOSCOW, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Seven people, including one child, were injured after seven carriages of a passenger train derailed in Russia's Ulyanovsk region on Friday.

According to Russian Railways, the derailment occurred at 6:26 a.m. Moscow time (0326 GMT) near Bryandino Station when the train was traveling from the city of Chelyabinsk to Moscow.

The cause of the accident was not immediately known.

Six ambulance teams have been dispatched to provide medical assistance to the injured, and over 100 personnel and multiple recovery trains are working on site to manage the aftermath of the derailment, according to authorities. 
ATHENS, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis reshuffled his cabinet on Friday, government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis said.

Key portfolios remain unchanged, Marinakis said in a televised statement on Greek national broadcaster ERT.

Margaritis Schinas, former vice president of the European Commission, was appointed minister of rural development and food, while Evangelos Tournas was named minister for climate crisis and civil protection. Each will be assisted by two deputy ministers.

The responsibilities of outgoing Deputy Health Minister Dimitris Vartzopoulos will be redistributed within the ministry.

Vartzopoulos, former Rural Development and Food Minister Kostas Tsiaras, and former Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Ioannis Kefalogiannis resigned earlier Friday after being named in an investigation into an EU farm subsidies scandal.

The new cabinet members will be sworn in on Saturday. 
MINSK, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Belarusian gold and foreign exchange reserves decreased by 1.1 billion U.S. dollars in March, reaching 15.2 billion as of April 1, the country's central bank said Friday.

The drop in reserves is due to the decline in global gold prices, the National Bank of the Republic of Belarus said.

Foreign currency assets and monetary gold account for the largest share of Belarusian international reserve assets. The value of foreign currency in reserves was 5.8586 billion dollars as of April 1, down 58.5 million dollars from March, while the value of monetary gold was 7.9814 billion dollars, down 1.0542 billion dollars.

Under the monetary policy targets, Belarus aims to maintain its international reserves at no less than 9.2 billion dollars by the end of 2026. 
WASHINGTON, April 2 (Xinhua) -- Latest U.S. intelligence assessments show that roughly half of Iran's missile launchers are still intact and thousands of one-way attack drones remain in Iran's arsenal more than one month after the United States and Israel launched massive strikes on Iran, CNN reported on Thursday.

"They are still very much poised to wreak absolute havoc throughout the entire region," a source familiar with the intelligence told the U.S. media outlet.

The assessments also indicate that Iran retains a large number of missiles, as well as a significant portion of its coastal defense cruise missiles, a key capability for controlling the Strait of Hormuz, according to the report.

Although Iran's Navy vessels have largely been destroyed, the separate naval forces belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps still retain roughly half of its capabilities, with "hundreds, if not thousands, of small boats and unmanned surface vessels left," according to sources cited by CNN.

The intelligence shows that Iran's use of underground facilities has helped preserve its missile launchers. The country has long hidden its launchers in extensive networks of tunnels and caves, making them particularly difficult to target.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday put the timeline for completing U.S. military operations at two to three weeks. However, a source who has reviewed the intelligence assessments described the timeline as unrealistic.

Israel, U.S. allies in the Gulf, as well as U.S. troops, have continued to face regular missile and drone strikes from Iran. 
Quick Read

After debt payoff, the real risk is lifestyle creepnot relapse into debtwhere rising income without a written budget causes spending to expand to fill the gap, as evidenced by disposable income growing 6.4% while personal savings rates fell from 6.2% to 4.0% over the same period.

This advice works for debt-free individuals with established spending-tracking habits who can scale back without sacrificing future goals, but fails for those lacking an emergency fund, retirement plan, or specific destination for extra income before reducing work hours.

A recent study identified one single habit that doubled Americans retirement savings and moved retirement from dream, to reality. Read more here.

After more than a year of working 50 to 60 hours a week to eliminate debt, a caller to The Ramsey Show recently pushed that to 70 hours a week and then asked Dave Ramsey the question that haunts anyone who has clawed their way out of a financial hole: what happens when I stop fighting so hard?

The answer Ramsey gave is worth examining carefully, because it touches a real financial mechanic that most people misunderstand once the debt is gone.

What Ramsey Actually Said

The caller had been working Baby Step 2 since February of the previous year and told Ramsey plainly: "I don't want to go back."

Read: 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.

Ramsey's response was direct: "When you stretch something to this degree that's never been stretched before, it's impossible for it to return to the same shape." He put a number on the relapse rate: "The number of people that we coach that do what you have done, they go back to being irresponsible doofuses with credit cards, is almost zero." His prescription was equally clear: "Just be intentional, not intense. If you just tell your money what to do, you're going to have money the rest of your life."

Co-host George Kamel reinforced the point: "Your brain and heart, your nervous system, all of that has been reshaped."

This advice is correct. And the financial case for it is stronger than the motivational framing suggests.

The Real Risk After Debt Payoff Is Drift, Not Relapse

The fear most callers in this position carry is binary: either maintain maximum intensity or slide back into debt. That framing is wrong, and it is financially costly.
All Value City Furniture stores across the nation have permanently closed, leaving roughly 10,000 customer orders unfulfilled.

The decades-old, Columbus, Ohiofounded retailer, which operated 126 stores under the Value City Furniture and American Signature Furniture brands, closed its last locations this past week after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in November.

Still, roughly 10,000 customers have yet to receive furniture for which they put down a deposit, Laura Davis Jones, attorney for American Signature, told a U.S. Bankruptcy Court this month, the St. Louis Business Journal reports. That number has dropped from an initial 36,000 unfilled orders, according to the outlet.

Jones added that $55 million worth of ordered furniture has been delivered to customers since the company filed for bankruptcy in November, leaving less than $12 million in claims believed to be undelivered. Customers still awaiting furniture have until April 30 to submit claims through the bankruptcy cases website.

In February, it was reported that over 36,000 customers filed claims totaling over $57 million against American Signature Inc. for undelivered furniture, with total claims expected to rise.

Value City Furniture customers with unfulfilled orders have until April 30 to submit claims through the bankruptcy cases website (Wiki Commons)

Value City Furniture, founded and owned by the Schottenstein family, has a history dating to the 1930s, when it was part of their namesake department store. The standalone retail chain was established in 1948, growing to 28 stores across four states by the 1970s and reaching 13 states by the 1990s, according to the Journal.

The American Signature brand was introduced in 1995 and eventually became the parent companys name in the 2000s, though in its hometown of Columbus, it has always been known as Value City Furniture.

ASI Purchaser LLC, the only bidder for American Signature, acquired the business in February and immediately began liquidating stores. Both ASI Purchaser and the lead liquidation firm, SB 360 Capital Partners, are fully or majority owned by members of the Schottenstein family, a detail that drew objections from the U.S. Trustee's Office and the committee of creditors involved in the case.

The initial purchase price was $147.8 million, including $83.1 million in cash and $64.7 million in assumed liabilities. A settlement with the committee of creditors increased the price by $10.75 million and provided for a larger share of proceeds from real property sales. Creditors would receive 15 percent if property sales exceeded $67.5 million and 50 percent if they exceeded $70 million.

Judge Kate Stickles ruled in a February 4 hearing that the agreement with ASI Purchaser represented the highest and best return on the business, noting that the sale process was conducted in good faith and with sound business judgment despite the lack of competing bids.

American Signature had appointed an independent director in November who, along with his own outside counsel and advisers, negotiated the sale with ASI Purchaser.
Everyone remembers the looseness that defined work during the COVID pandemic. While it brought its share of stress, particularly the constant concern about infection, remote work also rebalanced work-life integration. It became easy to fold laundry, run errands, or start dinner in between tasks, all while sipping iced coffee with a cat curled in your lap.

More from Yahoo Scout Why does Dimon emphasize in-person work for development? What are the productivity impacts of remote work? What is Dimon's stance on remote work policies? How does remote work affect top talent retention?

But that lifestyle has fallen out of fashion for some business leaders, or at least for JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon. In a recent interview on CBS Evening News with Tony Dokoupil, the billionaire said leaders who maintain remote work policies are falling behind, and could be failing their youngest workers.

You could build a company one way and I could build another company one way, he said. But Ill tell you one thing: We would crush you.

JPMorgan reinstated a five-day in-person work policy in the beginning of 2025. Many other firms have instituted similar policies since the end of the COVID pandemic, including Amazon and Google. Today, 65% of U.S. job postings require workers to be fully on-site, according to employment firm Robert Half. Dimon has been particularly vocal about the value of the return-to-office move, saying in an interview last week at the Hill and Valley Forum that remote work breeds rope-a-dope type of politics. But Dimons assertion of the importance of in-person work clashes with the preferences of the majority of U.S. workers, including some of the most talented employees.

Top talents flight from in-person work

A 2025 Gallup poll found that 52% of workers prefer a hybrid work setup, and 26% wish to be fully remote. Just about one in five (21%) prefer to be entirely on-site.

Those preferences are impacting where top talent ends up. Recent research from the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco found that employees who work from home earn, on average, 12% more than workers fully in-office. Much of that pay bump, according to the research, is thanks to the seniority of the remote workers (real estate giant JLL dubbed high-performers who leverage their seniority to override office policies empowered non-compliers). Moreover, a working paper from 2024 found that tech and finance companies that implemented return-to-office policies lost their most skilled and senior employees.

Full-time in-person work is a redline for about a third of U.S. workers, according to a recent study from employment platform Monster. And some workers are even putting money on the line, as many report theyre willing to take a massive pay cut to stay at home, according to a 2025 Harvard study.
JP Morgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon is standing firm on the companys return-to-office policy, even as more employees voice their concerns. Dimon believes that being in the office is essential for junior employees to learn, saying the "apprenticeship model" of banking, where people pick up important details by watching and interacting with others, cannot be replaced by Zoom calls.

This strict approach comes after 2,000 employees signed a petition earlier this year, reacting to the banks move to end remote work for its 300,000 employees worldwide. Although Dimon has apologized for how direct he was with those who disagree, he still believes that real professional growth happens in the office.

The petition from employees describes ending hybrid work as a "step backward" that could hurt the companys reputation and overlook the real benefits of flexible work. These concerns came up even as JPMorgan opened its new $3 billion, 60-story headquarters in Manhattan, showing its strong commitment to office-based work.

Aside from the bigger debate, the new policy has been stressing people out. Some are concerned about higher childcare and commuting costs, and a few have even mentioned forming a union. For many, this change feels like it upsets the balance they worked hard to achieve between their jobs and personal lives.

To help ease these concerns, the bank has offered more childcare support and flexible start times. Still, for employees who are used to the freedom of working from home, these benefits might not make up for the stress and challenges of having to stick to a strict office schedule.

In the end, JPMorgans approach is a major example for other companies to watch. As the bank tries to balance building a strong company culture with meeting employees changing needs, its success may depend on whether people actually want to work in its new skyscraper, not just feel forced to show up.
Many women business owners around the world cant get access to the financing they need. The Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative, a World Bankhoused partnership, estimated that 400 million female entrepreneurs struggle to get loans, and serving them could lead to as much as $6 trillion in added value to the global economy.

Yet across the Asia-Pacific region, banks hesitate to lend to women entrepreneurs. Thats partly owing to stereotypes, but its also because lending criteria werent designed to capture how female-led small and medium-size enterprises operate. As Diana Tjoeng, head of Asia for Sydney-based NGO Good Return, points out, female business owners may lack official identity documents and formal credit histories, even if they have run their businesses for decades.

The specific barrier is capital, says Lisa George, global head of the Macquarie Group Foundation. Without access to capital, its very hard to get social mobility and educational mobility in life.

Earlier this year, the Macquarie Group Foundation committed 1 million Australian dollars ($696,000) to an impact investment fund managed by Good Return, which works to expand access to finance for women-led businesses across the Asia-Pacific region. The two groups have worked together since 2022, when Macquarie took part in what was then a proof-of-concept guarantee fund targeting women-led small and medium-size enterprises in Cambodia and Indonesia.

Good Returns first impact investment fund closed at 1 million Australian dollars. That seed capital, deployed as loan guarantees to local financial institutions, catalyzed 5 million Australian dollars (approximately $3.5 million) in loans to more than 600 small businesses. The fund targets the missing middle, with loans of around $1,000 to $100,000 in size.

Macquarie was really pleased with the results of the first fund, says Shane Nichols, CEO of Good Return. Their team provided pro bono support to us to help us design and structure our new fund.

Tjoeng, Good Returns head of Asia, cites the example of a female farmer in Cambodia, who was able to take out a loan of around $8,000 from a commercial bank without putting up collateral, thanks to a guarantee from Good Returns first fund. The money allowed her to build two greenhouses, adding two cabbage harvests to her rice harvest, and thus increase her income.

Good Returns second fund is structured as an evergreen vehicle: Rather than returning capital to investors at a fixed end date, it recycles proceeds back into fresh loan guarantees on a rolling basis. The organization estimates the model could unlock 50 million Australian dollars ($35 million) in loans to women-led businesses every five years.
Image: Deposit Photos

Subscription fatigue meets its match in Rome, where a court just handed Netflix Italia a 500-per-customer reality check. ($576 US) If youve been paying premium rates since 2017, those price increases without consumer notice or justification might finally boomerang back to your bank account.

Court Delivers Consumer Victory

Rome tribunal voids Netflixs unilateral price increases from 2017 to 2024, ordering refunds and rollbacks.

The Court of Romes Sixteenth Civil Section ruled Netflixs price-changing clauses vexatious and null in a decision that affects millions of Italian subscribers. Those increases in 2017, 2019, 2021, and last November? All deemed unlawful under Italian Consumer Code.

Premium subscribers face immediate rollbacks from 19.99 to 11.99 monthly, while standard drops from 13.99 to 9.99. The court sided with Movimento Consumatori, declaring Netflix lacked predefined justified reasons for raising prices whenever it pleased.

Your Refund Reality Check

Long-term subscribers could see hundreds in refunds, but Netflix has 90 days to comply or face daily penalties.

Continuous premium subscribers since 2017 stand to collect roughly 500 in refunds, with standard users looking at 250. Netflix must notify every affected customerincluding ex-subscribersvia email and registered mail, plus publish the ruling on its website for six months.

The streaming giant also faces newspaper ad requirements in Corriere della Sera and Il Sole 24 Ore. Miss the 90-day deadline? Thatll cost Netflix 700 daily in penalties. Movimento Consumatori President Alessandro Mostaccio isnt messing around, threatening class action if refunds dont materialize quickly.

Streamings European Reckoning

Similar pricing challenges emerge across Europe as regulators scrutinize subscription service tactics.

Netflixs troubles extend beyond Italys borders. Polands consumer protection agency accuses the platform of illegal 2024 price hikes without proper consent, potentially triggering fines worth 10% of annual turnover. Spains FACUA consumer group filed similar complaints over October increases.

A Netflix spokesperson maintained the company will appeal, insisting our subscribers come first and claiming their terms always complied with Italian law. Yet this ruling signals growing European resistance to subscription services treating price changes like seasonal wardrobe updates.

Whether Netflixs appeal succeeds remains unclear, but affected subscribers should monitor their email for official notifications about refunds and price adjustments in coming months.
With less than two weeks left to file taxes, some homeowners are scrambling to get their paperwork together before April 15.

With many reports suggesting that refunds are much higher this year given the Trump administration's new changes, it would be advantageous to file quickly and enjoy a potentially sizable refund.

If youve waited until the last minute, you might have some lingering questions about what you can and cannot claim this year. Katrina Martin, a tax strategist and founder of Wow Tax & Advisory Services and WealthFlow365, a tax and wealth advisory program built for business owners and real estate investors, spoke with Realtor.com to answer some of the most pressing questions.

Question 1: Can I deduct my solar panel purchase?

If you purchased and installed solar panels in 2025, Martin confirmed you can still claim the Residential Clean Energy Credit, which allows you to deduct 30% of the cost of your solar electric system from your federal taxes and notes there are even more savings if purchased for a business with bonus depreciation.

However, under the One Big, Beautiful Bill, this credit has been phased out for homeowner-owned systems purchased after Dec. 31, 2025.

Question 2: How much mortgage interest can I deduct?

When looking at your mortgage interest, you first have to look at how youre filing your taxes.

If you itemize, you can deduct up to $750,000 of mortgage debt for loans on your personal residence that originated after 2017, explains Martin. "If originated before 2017 the cap is $1 million. However, there is no limit on deductible mortgage interest for rental properties.

Question 3: Can I deduct my property taxes?

Martin explains that you can deduct your personal property and rental property taxes each year.

On your personal property you will need to exceed the standard deduction limits, she adds. Given the changes last year, doing so has become easier for some homeowners.

The SALT (state and local tax) deduction limit cap has been significantly increased to $40,000 (up from the previous $10,000). This is a major win for homeowners in high-tax states like New Jersey.

Additionally, you can deduct a portion if you have a home office for your business, says Martin.

Question 4: Can I deduct my HOA fees?

Generally, no. If the home is your primary residence, HOA fees are considered a personal living expense and are not deductible.

But Martin notes there are exceptions.

If you have rental properties, you can fully deduct HOA fees, she explains. If you have a home office for your business, you can deduct the business-use percentage of your HOA fees, if you use the actual expenses method.
On a busy spring weekend in Tennessee, as families load kayaks, string up fly rods or set up tents in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, most visitors arent thinking about aging road conditions and wastewater systems. Instead, theyre thinking about a quiet hike to a waterfall, beautiful views from a mountaintop, or catching fish with their children.

As a business owner in Townsend, a gateway community to the park, my livelihood depends on visitors drawn to Tennessees public lands. When our parks and public lands are well maintained, local businesses like mine thrive, and Tennesseans benefit from a growing tourism economy.

But when park roads close unexpectedly or deteriorating infrastructure limits visitor access, our phones start ringing  and not in a good way. Trips to the mountains are postponed and seasonal employees lose work. All across Tennessee, from the Appalachian Trail to the Shiloh battlefield, the condition of our public lands directly affects small businesses like mine.

Deferred parks maintenance cuts down tourism and jobs

Visitors walk past the gate to Cades Cove Loop on the first day of the federal government shutdown at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on Oct. 1, 2025.

Thats why the bipartisan Great American Outdoors Act of 2020 was so important. It created the National Parks and Public Lands Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF), which provided dedicated funding for long-overdue maintenance within our federal lands. The fund expired last year, and Congress is considering the America the Beautiful Act to extend funding for eight years.

Here in Tennessee, that investment has delivered real results. More than 12.5 million visitors enjoyed national park sites in our state in 2024. Those visitors spent $1.7 billion in gateway communities, supporting over 17,000 jobs and contributing $2.5 billion to Tennessees economy.

Since 2020, Tennessee has received nearly $57.8 million in LRF funding for critical projects. Improvements at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and along the Natchez Trace Parkway have addressed road systems and water infrastructure that millions of visitors rely on each year. The Foothills Parkway rehabilitation project alone is estimated to support around 400 jobs, contributing more than $85 million to the economy and reducing over $25 million in deferred maintenance costs for the park.

But the job isnt done.

America the Beautiful Act would address parks issues

Public lands in Tennessee, including national parks, forests, and wildlife refuges, still face more than $460 million in deferred maintenance. Although the LRF expired last year, the Senate can pass the America the Beautiful Act to extend it for eight more years while strengthening project reporting and transparency. This would allow states like Tennessee to continue addressing critical repairs before problems grow more expensive and disruptive.
A new job perk can sometimes come with a hidden cost.

Justin, calling from Lubbock, Texas, asked "The Ramsey Show" whether a travel credit card made sense for a new job with frequent travel and reimbursement. Personal finance expert Dave Ramsey said the bigger issue was the expectation that employees cover company costs upfront and wait to be paid back.

"Corporate America, you suck," Ramsey said. He called that setup "bullcrap."

The Bill Doesn't Always Go Where You Expect

His first suggestion was simple: ask for a company card so the employer covers expenses upfront. Ramsey said he does not understand why a big company would need you to front them money. "I don't understand why this big company needs you as their bank," he said.

Don't Miss:

Ramsey said the risk is not limited to delayed reimbursement. He pointed to a case involving a man whose company asked him to buy about $12,000 in equipment while traveling in Europe. When he got back, Ramsey said, the office was locked and the company had filed for Chapter 11, leaving him stuck with roughly $11,000 on his American Express card.

He said the danger is often less dramatic but more common. Travel throws people out of routine, leading to unplanned purchases that do not qualify for reimbursement. "You buy crap because you're bored," Ramsey said, warning that a worker might spend $1,000 on company expenses but tack on another $250 in personal spending.

The Trouble Builds Between Charges And Payback

Ramsey said travel can disrupt routines around food, sleep and spending, making it easier to overspend.

Trending: Avoid the #1 Investing Mistake: How Your Safe' Holdings Could Be Costing You Big Time

Co-host John Delony said reimbursement gaps can create trouble. Recalling his college years, he said he once put school expenses on a personal credit card and later got a reimbursement check just as his car needed repairs.

"Life hit me in the gap there," he said. The money went to fixing the car instead of paying off the card balance.

A Cash Buffer Instead Of Credit

If the employer would not cover travel directly, Ramsey said a more controlled fallback was to set up a separate checking account for travel expenses.

With travel costs under $4,000 or $5,000, he said the account should be built to $3,000 or $4,000, then refilled as reimbursements came in.
A dream car can feel like a reward for doing everything right.

For a 21-year-old about to graduate debt-free, that dream looked like a $20,000 Mustang. But a call to "The Ramsey Show" showed why timing mattered.

Caden, a college senior from Lincoln, Nebraska, told hosts Dave Ramsey and George Kamel he was finishing a business degree without student debt after getting help from his parents and working through school.

He said he had about $13,000 in a Roth IRA, another $14,000 in the bank and a full-time job lined up at a $45,000 base salary plus commissions. He said he also planned to sell his Subaru Crosstrek, which he valued at about $13,000, to help fund the purchase.

Don't Miss:

On the surface, the plan fit Ramsey's guidelines: pay cash and keep the total value of vehicles under half of annual income. A $20,000 car would have fallen within that range, especially if Caden replaced his current vehicle.

"There's nothing devastatingly stupid about what you're talking about doing," Ramsey said.

The Mustang Dream Meets A Hard Reality

Caden said his new job would include a company vehicle he could use for personal driving.

"Youve got the company car so this ones going to be sitting around a whole bunch, isnt it?" Kamel said. "Its just kind of a weekend driver essentially."

Kamel said Caden needed to think about other goals, including saving for a house and investing for retirement. He said the $14,000 in cash appeared to be his emergency fund and should be left untouched, saying that it was also not a great time to buy a car.

Trending: Caught With Nothing Saved for Retirement? These 5 GameChanging Tips Could Still Save You

Ramsey said the bigger issue was not whether Caden could afford the Mustang, but how much of his money it would tie up early in his financial life.

"You are parking twenty thousand dollars in something thats not going to go anywhere and it is most of your net worth," Ramsey said.

He said waiting until spring, or possibly longer, would give Caden more time before making the purchase.

"Dont get too attached to this crap," Ramsey said. "Its a car."

Making your first major financial decisions can be tricky. Platforms like AdviserMatch connect individuals with financial advisors who can help balance spending, saving, and investing priorities, ensuring you plan for emergencies, retirement, and big purchases wisely.
Brazil is the second-largest iron ore producer in the world, accounting for 16.7% of global production in 2024. The countrys iron ore production is expected to have increased by 1.9% in 2025 to 437.2 million tonnes (mt). The growth was primarily supported by the strong production from Vale, the countrys largest iron ore producer. Additionally, the gradual resumption of the pelletizing Plant No. 4 and the ramp-up of the second concentrator at BHPs Samarco mine in December 2024 further supported the countrys output.

In 2025, Vale's production reached 336.1mt accounting for 76.9% of the country's output, making it instrumental in driving the country's output growth. The Capanema mine within Vales Mariana Mining Complex commenced operations in September 2025 and will add 15mtpa to the companys 2026 production target. In addition, expansion of the Carajas Serra Sul S11D Project, which is scheduled to start in H2 2026, and ramp up of the Vargem Grande 1 (of the Vargem Grande Mining Complex) will further support output growth in 2026.

The upward production trend was partially offset by the lower run-of-mine (ROM) availability at the Serra Norte, elevated maintenance activity at the Itabira, and a strategic pipeline inspection at the Minas-Rio completed in mid-2024. Looking ahead, Brazils iron ore production is expected to grow further by 5.9% in 2026 to reach 462.9mt, supported by planned increases at Vale, which is targeting a production range of 335mt 345mt in 2026. Expansions at other major mines, including Gerdau Minings Miguel Burnier and CSN Mineracao's Casa de Pedra, will further boost the country's output.

Over the forecast period (2026-2035), Brazils iron ore production is expected to grow steadily at a compound annual growth rate of 3.0% reaching 605.7mt by 2035, supported by sustained mine expansions, efficiency improvements across key producing regions and commencement of new mines such as the Block 8, Jambeiro, Morro do pilar, Joao Monlevade, Serro 2030 and Colomi, Amapa and Bamin Restart projects in 2031.

Brazils iron ore industry continues to face significant challenges, including environmental concerns, infrastructure bottlenecks, and social conflicts, all of which have contributed to stricter scrutiny and operational disruptions in recent years. Nevertheless, the country remains well-positioned for long-term growth due to its vast mineral reserves and ongoing expansion initiatives by major producers. Supported by resilient global demand, Brazils presence as a key iron ore supplier in the global iron ore market is expected to strengthen over the coming years. The Brazilian government is actively updating its mineral policy framework, including a recently launched public consultation to revise the National Mining Plan 2050 for the long-term sustainable development of the sector. Furthermore, in December 2025, the Senates Economic Affairs committee approved a proposal to establish a National Policy for Critical and Strategic Minerals. This policy aims to stimulate domestic processing and secure supply chains, a move that could influence investment and production dynamics in the iron ore industry over the outlook period.
The Iran war and effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz has stranded the majority of Middle East oil exports, putting the regions key oil benchmark under a lot of pressure.

The Dubai crude benchmark--a vital marker for Middle Eastern oil flowing to Asia--used to price ~18 million barrels per day primarily based on crude oil grades from the United Arab Emirates (specifically Upper Zakum and Murban), Oman and Qatar.

More from Yahoo Scout Why are Asian refiners switching from Dubai pricing? What caused Middle East oil prices to spike? How has Strait of Hormuz closure impacted supply? How has Iran war affected Dubai crude benchmark?

According to Reuters, three of the five crude grades that normally underpin the benchmark are now effectively sidelined because they rely on transit through the Strait of Hormuz. That has cut the pool of deliverable crude by roughly 40%, leaving the index far more exposed to sharp price swings.

The Dubai benchmark, alongside Brent and West Texas Intermediate (WTI), is one of the top three primary crude oil benchmarks worldwide. It acts as the benchmark for Middle Eastern oil destined for Asia, serving as a key barometer for the relative value of sour crude oil. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has triggered a wild rally in the price of Middle East crude to nearly $170 a barrel, surpassing Brent's all-time high of $147 record in 2008. This has increased costs for Asian buyers using the Dubai benchmark dramatically.

Dubai prices briefly spiked to nearly $170 a barrel before swinging back toward $130, and these moves have eroded confidence in the benchmark.

"The liquidity of the Dubai benchmark is being threatened and market participants would surely be looking for an update to the methodology," Sparta Commodities analyst June Goh said, as reported by Reuters on Wednesday.

The shift is already underway. Asian refiners are beginning to price U.S. crude against ICE Brent instead of Dubai after weeks of extreme volatility and disrupted Gulf supply.

Japanese buyers have already secured U.S. cargoes priced off Brent, even at steep premiums, marking a clear break from the traditional Dubai-linked system.

The result is a market paying up for alternatives, cutting runs where crude is unavailable, and moving away from a pricing structure that no longer reflects stable, physical supply.

By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com

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The iShares MSCI Global Silver and Metals Miners ETF (NYSEMKT:SLVP) and SPDR Gold Shares (NYSEMKT:GLD) differ most in their underlying exposures -- silver miners versus physical gold -- while also showing sharp contrasts in risk, recent returns, and trading scale.

The iShares MSCI Global Silver and Metals Miners ETF is designed to capture the performance of global companies focused on silver exploration and mining, which can make it more volatile and potentially more rewarding in strong precious metals markets. SPDR Gold Shares, by contrast, offers direct exposure to gold bullion, providing a highly liquid, lower-volatility way to participate in gold price movements. This comparison explores the cost, performance, risk, and portfolio makeup of each ETF for those weighing a precious metals allocation.

Snapshot (cost & size)

Metric SLVP GLD Issuer iShares SPDR Expense ratio 0.39% 0.4% 1-yr return (as of 4/3/26) 155.9% 49.92% Beta 0.98 0.67 AUM $1.02 billion $156.7 billion

Beta measures price volatility relative to the S&P 500; beta is calculated from five-year monthly returns. The 1-yr return represents total return over the trailing 12 months.

Both funds have nearly identical expense ratios, with SLVP at 0.39% and GLD at 0.4%, so cost alone is unlikely to sway most investors between the two.

Performance & risk comparison

Metric SLVP GLD Max drawdown (5 y) (56.18%) (22%) Growth of $1,000 over 5 years $2,538 $2,651

What's inside

SPDR Gold Shares is structured to mirror the price of physical gold, offering investors a straightforward way to gain gold exposure without handling bullion. With over $155 billion in assets under management and more than 21 years on the market, it stands out for its sheer scale and liquidity, appealing to those seeking efficient, direct gold allocation. The fund is classified fully under basic materials, does not disclose individual holdings beyond physical gold, and does not pay a dividend.

SLVP, on the other hand, tracks a basket of global silver and metals mining companies, also landing in the basic materials sector. Its top holdings -- Hecla Mining, Fresnillo Plc, and Industrias Penoles -- can introduce company-specific risks and opportunities not present in a pure commodity ETF. SLVP holds 36 stocks, offering more diversification within mining but with exposure to operational and geopolitical factors impacting miners.

For more guidance on ETF investing, check out the full guide at this link.

What this means for investors

Investing in precious metals can serve different investing goals. Gold is often viewed as a store of value, with little price volatility and an opportunity for capital preservation. Silver, on the other hand, is often less expensive but more volatile, as it is used in several industrial processes including electrical components, solar energy, and electric vehicles.
Smelter workers process copper at the Glogow plant in southwestern Poland, owned by KGHM (Wojtek RADWANSKI)  Wojtek RADWANSKI/AFP/AFP

Thousands of metres beneath the ground, amid suffocating heat, lies one of the keys to Poland's rumbling mining sector -- and the world economy.

Whitish ore, rich in copper and silver, is extracted from the country's depths and exported around the world to fuel technological and energy transitions.

"These are the metals of the future," Ariel Wojciuszkiewicz, a geologist at the PolkowiceSieroszowice mine in the west of the country, tells AFP, noting that copper and silver are "indispensable for electronic equipment, electric cars, and renewable energy installations".

Driven by the rise of artificial intelligence, renewable energies, and global defence needs, demand for these metals is expected to keep increasing in the future, with copper even being referred to as "red gold" and a "barometer" for world economic development.

Poland, responsible for as much as half of Europe's supply, is one of the industry's key players.

Equipped with a helmet and an emergency breathing device, Wojciuszkiewicz leads AFP journalists through the PolkowiceSieroszowice mine -- one of three sites operated by KGHM, the Polish metals giant, which also owns local smelters and companies in the Americas.

The 24-hour operation runs at a constant roar as machines grind rock at deafening volumes, its tunnels stretching for hundreds of kilometres beneath Poland's surface.

The world's second-largest silver producer, the KGHM group also supplies between 40 percent and 50 percent of the copper produced in Europe.

Last year, it ranked eighth worldwide in terms of copper extraction volume, behind global giants such as BHP Group, Glencore Plc and Rio Tinto, according to industry statistics.

Global copper demand, already high, is expected to climb by over 40 percent by 2040, according to a 2025 UN Report.

To meet this demand, "it might take 80 new mines and 250 billion dollars in investments by 2030," the organisation estimates.

The International Energy Agency (IEA), however, predicts that supply will lag 30 percent behind demand by as early as 2035.

- 1,200 degrees Celsius -

Dependence on copper is growing exponentially across the world economy's most innovative sectors.

"We don't realise how much we are surrounded by copper on all sides," Piotr Krzyzewski, KGHM vice president in charge of finance, explains to AFP.

"An electric car contains 80 kg of copper, compared with 20 kg in a conventional one," he notes, while "a wind turbine contains between four and ten tons of copper per megawatt."
Using a chart of sensitivity to gold prices, Lang said that with gold approaching the upper end of the range shown, Donlin has a net present value of almost $24 billion at a 5% discount rate, underscoring what he described as significant leverage to the gold price environment.

Lang also pointed to Donlins projected production profile, saying the mine is expected to average over 1 million ounces a year during its 30-year mine life, with about 1.3 million ounces the first 10 years. He said the projects grade contributes to expected operating costs of less than $1,000 an ounce.

President and CEO Greg Lang said Donlins combination of scale, grade, long life, low operating costs, and significant upside potential sets it apart among gold development projects. Lang said Donlin has about 40 million ounces of reserves and resources at 2.25 grams, which he described as better than twice the industry average. He also emphasized that the known resource footprint represents only a small portion of the overall land package, calling out that the known resource occupies only 5% of our total land holdings.

Novagold Resources (NYSEAMERICAN:NG) used its fiscal 2026 first-quarter earnings call to outline progress on the Donlin Gold project in Alaska, including the formal start of bankable feasibility study (BFS) activities and updates on permitting, community engagement, and liquidity following a recent financing.

Federal permitting is complete and state approvals are nearly finished, with only dam safety certificates pending final engineering drawings (management says this is not on the critical path); the company is also pursuing thirdparty infrastructure and multiple financing avenues, including an LOI for a gas pipeline and potential government/EXIM interest.

Donlin is a very large, highgrade project  about 40 million ounces at 2.25 g/t  modeled to produce over 1 million ounces per year for a 30year life (1.3M in the first decade) with operating costs under $1,000/oz and an NPV near $24 billion at a 5% discount in sensitivity scenarios.

Novagold has formally started the Bankable Feasibility Study for Donlin with Fluor leading a multifirm team, targeting roughly a 1218 month timeline (company expects to complete the BFS in 2027) and bolstered its treasury to $392.5 million via a private placement to fund the work.

Story Continues

Bankable feasibility study team assembled; timeline discussed

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Management said the feasibility effort is now staffed with a mix of internal leadership and external engineering firms. Lang said the company is starting to fill out the Donlin Gold feasibility team, naming Frank Arcese as project manager and describing him as a nearly 40-year industry veteran with experience on large, remote projects.

Lang said Fluor has been hired to lead the BFS, supported by specialty firms including Worley (pipeline), Hatch (pressure oxidation and oxygen plants), and WSP (including power plant work). During the Q&A, Scotiabanks Francisco Bustamante asked whether the clock had started on the previously discussed 12- to 18-month BFS timeline following the award of the engineering contract. Lang responded that it had, adding that Fluor hit the ground running and that, give or take a year, the company expects the work to be wrapped up.

Permitting status: federal complete; dam safety approval remains

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Lang said the federal permitting process has been completed and that state permitting work is nearing completion. He stated that permits are in good standing, and that the remaining Alaska permit relates to dam safety certificates for the tailings dam and other water retention structures.

In response to a question from B. Riley Securities Soundarya Iyer on what remains outstanding at the state level, Lang said the state requires final engineering drawings before approval is granted. He said the design packages have been submitted and that the company expects approval about the time were wrapping up the bankable feasibility study. Lang added that the remaining permit is not on the critical path, while other state permits and federal permits remain in good standing.

Quarterly financial results reflect higher Donlin and corporate spending; treasury boosted

Vice President and CFO Peter Adamek reported a fiscal 2026 first-quarter net loss of $15.4 million, an increase of $6.3 million from the comparable prior-year period. Adamek attributed the change primarily to higher Donlin expenditures following the commencement of BFS-related activities, including hiring for key project roles, as well as higher general and administrative (G&A) spending.

Adamek said the companys share of Donlin Gold expenses was $3.9 million higher than the prior-year period due to the camp remaining open over the winter and increased project activity following Fluor being awarded the lead engineering role in early February 2026. He also noted that, unlike the prior-year period, the quarter reflects NovaGolds 60% interest in Donlin Gold.

G&A expenses rose by $3.9 million year over year, driven by higher professional fees and share-based compensation. Adamek said professional fees were elevated but remained in line with quarterly cadence expectations and are expected to decline through the rest of the year while staying within previously issued 2026 guidance.

On liquidity, Adamek said treasury increased by $277.4 million to $392.5 million at quarter-end, primarily due to closing of a private placement. He said proceeds are intended to fund Donlin activities, support the companys prepayment option on the Barrick promissory note, and meet general corporate purposes. Adamek characterized the balance as robust, saying NovaGold is well-funded to complete the Donlin BFS in 2027 and to exercise its option to prepay the Barrick promissory note later in the year.

Exploration, infrastructure options, and financing themes

On exploration potential, Lang reiterated that known resources are located in the ACMA and Lewis areas, which he described as representing only 3 kilometers of an 8-kilometer gold-bearing system. Asked about exploration priorities, Lang said the company is putting together an exploration plan focused on general reconnaissance work across its land holdings and the area around Donlin, with field timing influenced by remaining snow cover in Alaska. He characterized the effort as a modest program to begin evaluating broader potential.

Chairman Thomas Kaplan expanded on the companys interest in exploration, arguing that the largely unexplored portion of the property is prime real estate. Kaplan said the company believes there is low-hanging fruit to add tens of millions of ounces within the mineralized belt and that partners are aligned on the value of exploration as a multiple expander, while also acknowledging the uncertainty inherent in exploration outcomes.

Lang also highlighted interest in third-party participation in infrastructure, including potential involvement in the projects gas pipeline. He said the company has a non-binding letter of intent with Glenfarne to evaluate natural gas supply from a proposed pipeline that would bring gas from Alaskas North Slope into Cook Inlet and ultimately connect to infrastructure feeding Donlin. Lang described the potential for lower-cost and reliable long-term natural gas as a possible game changer for the project.

On project financing, Bustamante asked whether the recent approval of a large EXIM loan for another U.S. project suggested potential debt financing availability for Donlin. Kaplan said that as the biggest gold mine in the United States, Donlin could attract multiple sources of financing, and he suggested governments could be a very large component. Kaplan said EXIM is very well aware of our project, citing Donlins domestic investment angle and location within Alaskas broader energy context. He also pointed to Japan and South Koreas stated commitments to invest in the U.S. and suggested the projects scale could support financing options including offtake-related structures.

In concluding remarks and responses to shareholder-submitted questions, management emphasized that completing the BFS is the key milestone, while also noting intermediate updates and potential catalysts as study components are completed and infrastructure discussions progress. Kaplan also discussed broader gold market themes, including central bank buying and what he characterized as the remonetization of gold, while reiterating his long-term view on the metal and the companys commitment to Donlin.

About Novagold Resources (NYSEAMERICAN:NG)

Novagold Resources Inc is a mineral exploration and development company headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia. The firm is focused on advancing large-scale precious metals projects through disciplined project management, environmental stewardship and community engagement. Novagold maintains a lean corporate structure while leveraging partnerships and industry expertise to advance its projects toward production.

The company's flagship asset is the Donlin Gold project in Alaska, a 50/50 joint venture with Barrick Gold Corporation.

The article "Novagold Resources Q1 Earnings Call Highlights" was originally published by MarketBeat.
Gold has had a pretty intense time for the past month, ever since the United States-Israel-Iran conflict began.

But Goldman Sachs is standing by its gold bull thesis, even as the precious metal absorbs one of its sharpest pullbacks in recent memory.

In a note to clients, analysts Lina Thomas and Daan Struyven reiterated their year-end target of $5,400 an ounce, Bloomberg reported on April 2.

They pointed to continued central bank buying and two expected U.S. rate cuts before December as the key drivers of a medium-term recovery.

Related: Gold Surges Past $5,340 as US-Israel Strikes on Iran

Gold and Bitcoin: one month of war-driven volatility

Since the U.S.-Iran conflict erupted in late February 2026, both gold and Bitcoin have traded in sharp, sentiment-driven swings.

After the initial highs, gold has shed 6.60% in the past month as equity liquidations and tighter monetary policy expectations weighed on positioning.

At press time, one ounce of gold was trading at $4,676.55 after a 2.2% drop in the past 24 hours and over 16% drop from its all-time high of $5,608, which it reached in January 2026.

Bitcoin has mirrored the risk-off mood, declining alongside equities as institutional investors reduced exposure to volatile assets. However, it has shown signs of more resilience than gold in certain moments.

In the past month, Bitcoin has dropped only 1.8% and has been range-bound between $60,000 and $70,000, with occasional movements above the latter.

At the time of writing, Bitcoin was down 2.4% and trading near $66,852.50, as per CoinGecko. But it is also a 46.9% drop from its all-time high of $126,000 from October 2025.

More News:

The bullish case is intact but bruised

Goldman Sachs ' confidence rests on sustained demand. Goldman expects central bank purchases to average around 60 tons a month once price volatility moderates. This would provide a structural floor that has underpinned gold's multi-year rally.

But the near-term picture is slightly darker.

Goldman flagged "tactical downside risks," warning that gold could fall as low as $3,800 an ounce if the energy supply shock stemming from the U.S.-Iran conflict continues to worsen.

This would be about an 19% drop in price at the current levels.

The bank also addressed fears that some central banks might liquidate gold reserves to defend their currencies, a concern that has circulated since the war began. Goldman dismissed it, adding that Gulf nations are far more likely to sell U.S. Treasuries, given that they predominantly operate dollar pegs.
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Its all about the Benjamins. And the bitcoins, apparently.

Traditional financial firms are pushing deeper into digital assets, and the latest move comes from San Mateo, California-based Franklin Templeton. The asset manager, long established in mutual funds and ETFs, has acquired 250 Digital, a spinoff of venture firm CoinFund. The business will be rebranded as Franklin Crypto and will offer digital asset strategies to institutional investors. Our focus today is institutional, but advisor interest is definitely growing as the market becomes easier to understand and the use cases become more tangible, Sandy Kaul, head of innovation at Franklin Templeton, told Advisor Upside.

The crypto space is still small, with a global market cap of just $2.44 trillion (yes, it does feel weird putting just before a number ending in trillion), but the hype train is barreling down the tracks and TradFi is hopping on board. Franklin is as old school as old school can get, but they want a seat at the table because they believe this asset class is going somewhere, said James Seyffart, senior research analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence.

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READ ALSO: An Effective, Unpopular Way to Help Fix Social Security: $100K Cap and Ground Control to Major Tom: What Can Space Funds Do for Portfolios?

Cryp Walk

With President Donald Trump and Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Paul Atkins championing crypto, TradFi firms have begun rapidly expanding into the market. Franklin has leaned hard into crypto and launched pretty much every crypto ETF under the Sun, Seyffart told Advisor Upside. They havent found the same success as other issuers, but its hard out there. They see a lot of growth potential in crypto and arent showing any signs of slowing down.

Plenty of traditional Wall Street firms have launched spot crypto ETFs in the past two years. Morgan Stanley plans to debut a spot Bitcoin ETF at just 14 basis points, significantly undercutting competing funds. If approved, it would be the first fund of its kind issued by a US bank. T.Rowe Price, another legacy asset manager, updated a filing for a crypto ETF last month, and its expected to have exposure to alternative coins like Dogecoin, Avalanche and Shiba Inu. Firms offering these funds have never seemed more bullish on crypto, blockchain and digital assets in the nine years Ive been covering the space, Seyffart said.
Converting pre-tax 401(k) balances to a Roth account before RMDs begin eliminates the mandatory withdrawal requirement entirely on converted amounts. This approach triggers a tax liability in the year of conversion and eliminates RMDs on converted amounts going forward.

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 withdrawal itself adds to taxable income and can trigger secondary effects. Traditional 401(k) withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income, and for single filers, above $ 34,000, and for joint filers, above $44,000, up to 85% of Social Security benefits become taxable. Separately, 2026 IRMAA surcharges begin at $109,000 MAGI for single filers, adding $1,148 per year in Part B and Part D surcharges at Tier 1, with the surcharge rising to $2,886 at Tier 2 ($137,001 to $171,000). A business owner with modest Social Security income and a $45,000 RMD can cross those thresholds without realizing it, paying an effective marginal rate well above their stated bracket.

Under current law, RMDs generally begin at age 73, with the starting age scheduled to rise to 75 for those born in 1960 or later. The IRS Uniform Lifetime Table assigns a distribution factor of 26.5 at age 73. On a $1.2 million balance, that produces a first-year RMD of roughly $45,283, which counts as ordinary income in the year taken.

A business owner at 58 with $1.2 million in a 401(k) faces a decision most retirement planning frameworks miss: how to legally eliminate required minimum distributions before they begin, not manage them after the fact. Two mechanics make this possible, and they work differently depending on whether the account owner wants to act now or defer the problem.

A recent study identified one single habit that doubled Americans retirement savings and moved retirement from dream, to reality. Read more here .

Business owners can eliminate RMDs before age 73 either by converting to a Roth account before RMDs begin (paying tax now at controlled rates) or by qualifying for the still-employed exception (5% or less ownership) and consolidating old employer plans into the current plan to delay all RMDs until actual retirement.

A $1.2 million 401(k) balance faces a first-year RMD of $45,283 at age 73, which triggers ordinary income taxation and can push Medicare IRMAA surcharges by $1,148+ annually via a two-year lookback rule.

Story Continues

Conversion is generally considered more favorable when the current marginal rate is lower than the expected future rate, or when the conversion amount fits within a controlled bracket. The 2026 federal income tax 22% bracket runs from $50,401 to $105,700 for single filers and $100,801 to $211,400 for married filing jointly. A business owner with $60,000 in other income who converts $45,000 per year stays within the 22% bracket and avoids crossing the first IRMAA threshold at $109,000 for single filers.

The IRMAA trap matters because of the two-year lookback. IRMAA uses income from two years prior to determine Medicare surcharges, meaning a 2026 conversion affects 2028 premiums. A conversion that pushes MAGI from $108,000 to $112,000 costs $1,148 in additional Medicare premiums per person starting two years later, a recurring cost that compounds if the conversion is repeated annually.

A post-SECURE 2.0 option: Roth 401(k)s no longer require RMDs during the account owner's lifetime, effective 2024. Converting or rolling to a Roth 401(k) rather than a Roth IRA can preserve employer plan protections while still eliminating RMDs. Employer plan protections include stronger creditor protection under ERISA in most states, which matters for a business owner with liability exposure.

Strategy Two: The Still-Employed Exception and the Consolidation Move

The second path does not require paying taxes now, as a retirement plan account owner can delay taking RMDs until the year in which they retire, unless they are a 5% owner of the business sponsoring the plan. That last clause is the catch most business owners hit: if they own more than 5% of the sponsoring employer, the still-employed exception does not apply.

The exception applies to owners with 5% or less. A business owner who restructures ownership, brings in partners, or operates through an entity structure where direct ownership falls to 5% or below can qualify. The plan document must also permit the delay, so confirming with the plan administrator is required.

A consolidation approach is also available. The still-employed exception only applies to the current employer's plan. A business owner who rolls old 401(k)s from prior employers into their current plan can consolidate all funds under the exception and delay everything. A business owner with $800,000 in a current plan and $400,000 across two prior employer plans can roll those balances into the current plan. If the still-employed exception applies, all $1.2 million falls under it. Without the rollover, the $400,000 in prior-employer plans generates RMDs regardless of employment status.

Implementation Considerations

Verify ownership percentage and plan document language. The still-working exception requires the plan document to explicitly allow delayed RMDs for working participants who own 5% or less of the business. Check both conditions before assuming the exception applies.

Model IRMAA before converting. If the combined income, including conversion amounts, will exceed $109,000 (single) or $218,000 (joint) based on 2024 income (which determines 2026 Medicare premiums via the two-year lookback), calculate the exact IRMAA tier cost before committing to a conversion amount. The difference between MAGI of $108,000 and $110,000 is $1,148 per person per year in recurring surcharges.

Roll prior-employer 401(k) balances into the current plan before age 73 if the still-employed exception applies or is expected to apply. Once RMDs begin under a prior employer's plan, they cannot be retroactively eliminated by a subsequent rollover.

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.
The country's third largest cruise line has historically been a laggard relative to its peers. But that doesn't mean it will always be that way for Norwegian Cruise Line (NYSE: NCLH). Can this textbook cheap stock become a world-beater?

That's a big question, and I can only counter with some equally large predictions. Here are three things I see playing out in the next nine months for Norwegian Cruise Line and its shareholders.

Will AI create the world's first trillionaire? Our team just released a report on the one little-known company, called an "Indispensable Monopoly" providing the critical technology Nvidia and Intel both need. Continue 

Image source: Getty Images.

1. NCL stock will move higher in the next nine months

It's been a rough start to the year for the cruise line operator. NCL stock declined 16% through the first three months of 2026. Its two larger rivals also ended March with year-to-date declines, but NCL was the worst performer of the three.

I would love to predict that NCL will finally outperform Carnival (NYSE: CCL) and Royal Caribbean (NYSE: RCL), but that has historically been a dud of a wager. Just looking over the past 12 months, Carnival stock and Royal Caribbean shares have returned more than 30%, while Norwegian stock has declined in that time.

NCL still has its charm. It trades at the lowest revenue and earnings multiples. It is growing in the current climate. Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and NCL all have trailing revenue growth in the single digits.

Here's a positive prediction to kick things off in an industry that's become too cheap to ignore: NCL stock will move higher over the nine final months of 2026. It may or may not be enough to push year-to-date results higher, but I think the stock will close out the year higher than it is right now.

2. It will introduce a quarterly dividend

The cruise line industry's post-pandemic recovery is complete. All three major players are now posting record revenue. Only Royal Caribbean is generating record profitability, but give Carnival and NCL time. They'll get there, given how the fundamentals have improved, with customers' willingness to pay more than before for the watery escapes.

Another sign that things are back to normal is that Royal Caribbean reinstated its quarterly distributions in the spring of last year. Carnival followed suit earlier this year. They both currently yield a little more than 2% on a forward basis.

NCL can't bring back a quarterly dividend, since it never offered one before. However, it can't ignore that its two more successful rivals are now appealing to value investors by offering reasonable dividends. As the only one of the three with a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio in the single digits, it can certainly afford to play the payout game. It can still grow its business and pay down its debt. It wouldn't take much from NCL's earnings for it to yield more than its peers. And it would finally have the lead in something valuable beyond just valuation.
Not all profitable companies are built to last - some rely on outdated models or unsustainable advantages. Just because a business is in the green today doesnt mean it will thrive tomorrow.

A business making money today isnt necessarily a winner, which is why we analyze companies across multiple dimensions at StockStory. That said, here are two profitable companies that leverage their financial strength to beat the competition and one best left off your watchlist.

More from Yahoo Scout What makes Abercrombie & Fitch a profitable stock to watch? How do these companies' operating margins compare to industry standards? Why is Getty Images considered a stock to sell? Why is Occidental Petroleum highlighted as a winner stock?

One Stock to Sell:

Getty Images (GETY)

Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: 8.6%

With a vast library of over 562 million visual assets documenting everything from breaking news to iconic historical moments, Getty Images (NYSE:GETY) is a global visual content marketplace that licenses photos, videos, illustrations, and music to businesses, media outlets, and creative professionals.

Why Should You Dump GETY?

Sales trends were unexciting over the last two years as its 3.5% annual growth was below the typical business services company Free cash flow margin shrank by 14.8 percentage points over the last five years, suggesting the company is consuming more capital to stay competitive Diminishing returns on capital suggest its earlier profit pools are drying up

At $0.78 per share, Getty Images trades at 22.1x forward P/E. If youre considering GETY for your portfolio, see our FREE research report to learn more.

Two Stocks to Watch:

Abercrombie and Fitch (ANF)

Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: 13.3%

Founded as an outdoor and sporting brand, Abercrombie & Fitch (NYSE:ANF) evolved to become a specialty retailer that sells its own brand of fashionable clothing to young adults.

Why Are We Bullish on ANF?

Brick-and-mortar locations are witnessing elevated demand as their same-store sales growth averaged 10% over the past two years Collection of products is difficult to replicate at scale and results in a best-in-class gross margin of 62.8% Share buybacks catapulted its annual earnings per share growth to 481%, which outperformed its revenue gains over the last three years

Abercrombie and Fitch is trading at $92.13 per share, or 8.7x forward P/E. Is now the time to initiate a position? Find out in our full research report, its free.

Occidental Petroleum (OXY)

Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: 18.7%

Backed by Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway as a major shareholder, Occidental Petroleum (NYSE:OXY) explores for, develops, and produces oil, natural gas liquids, and natural gas, primarily in the United States and Middle East.

Why Could OXY Be a Winner?
For decades, one company defined what it meant to "dress for success," setting the standard for professional attire and becoming a go-to uniform for women entering corporate America during a period of rapid workforce expansion.

But the same brand that once defined reliability in women's fashion is now navigating a very different reality marked by store closures, shifting consumer behavior, and an industry undergoing rapid transformation.

Known for its power suits and tailored trousers, Ann Taylor is a women's apparel brand founded in 1954 that quickly became the signature professional style. As more women entered the corporate workforce in the 1970s and 1980s, the brand surged in popularity and rapidly expanded into a national retail presence.

Ann Taylor went public in 1991 and launched its sister brand, LOFT, five years later to reach a broader, more casual segment of the market.

Despite its strong legacy, the company has not been immune to mounting pressures across the retail sector. Macroeconomic uncertainty, increasingly value-conscious consumers, and intensifying competition from both online and legacy brands have all contributed to ongoing challenges.

Ann Taylor continues store closures in 2026

Ann Taylor's parent company, KnitWell Group, has recently closed multiple stores nationwide across several of its brands, signaling a continued shift toward optimizing its physical retail footprint.

2026 store closures

LOFT: Closed a store in January 2026 in Durham, North Carolina, and another in March 2026 in Whitehall Township, Pennsylvania, according to The News & Observer and Lehigh Valley Live.

Ann Taylor: Closed a store in January 2026 in Naples, Florida, according to Gulfshore Business.

Chico's: Closed a store in January 2026 in Overland Park, Kansas, according to The Star

Talbots: Closed a store in March 2026 in Short Pump, Virginia, according to WTVR

While the company has not publicly disclosed detailed reasons for most of the closures, at least one LOFT location was confirmed to have shut down due to a decision not to renew its lease, highlighting the key role real estate continues to play in retail restructuring.

The pattern of selective closures points to a strategy focused on profitability per location rather than overall store count, a shift that has become increasingly common across the industry.

Ann Taylor's parent company closes more stores in 2026.Shutterstock  Shutterstock

Ann Taylor's turbulent history and restructuring

Ann Taylor's history shows how quickly even established brands can be disrupted in today's retail environment.

In 2015, Ann Taylor and LOFT were acquired by Ascena Retail Group for $2.16 billion. Just five years later, Ascena filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2020 after continuous declines in sales and foot traffic, issues that were significantly worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The restructuring led to the closure of more than 1,000 stores, according to Business Insider.

Later that year, Sycamore Partners (then operating as Premium Apparel LLC) acquired Ann Taylor, LOFT, and other brands for $540 million, according to a company announcement.

In 2023, the firm consolidated its portfolio under the KnitWell Group, which manages Ann Taylor, LOFT, and Talbots. At the time, the group generated more than $3 billion in annual sales, according to a company announcement.

Today, KnitWell Group operates 3,000 stores across a portfolio of multiple womenswear brands, including Ann Taylor, LOFT, Talbots, Chico's, Haven Well Within, Lane Bryant, Soma, and WHBM.

The move to transition the brands into a privately held portfolio under a retail operator was aimed at prioritizing efficiency, margins, and long-term viability over rapid expansion.

A broader retail industry shift affects Ann Taylor

The challenges facing Ann Taylor are far from isolated. The entire retail sector is undergoing a structural transformation.

According to CoreSight Research, retailers announced 67% more store closures in 2025 compared to the previous year, an acceleration reflecting changing consumer behavior and ongoing economic pressure.

Coverage on more retail store closures:

And the volatility of the broader retail sector is expected to continue. McKinsey & Company's State of Fashion 2026 Report projects low-single-digit growth for the global fashion industry, citing ongoing macroeconomic instability, tariff pressures, and value-conscious consumer behavior, particularly in the U.S.

At the same time, e-commerce continues to gain share rapidly. U.S. online spending reached $1.34 trillion in 2024 and is projected to surpass $2.5 trillion in 2030, according to Capital One Shopping's Online Shopping Statistics 2026 data.

U.S. online sales accounted for 22.3% of global e-commerce spending in 2024, up nearly 1.5% from the year prior.

Yet physical retail is still the preferred format for most consumers. Brick-and-mortar stores accounted for approximately $14.4 trillion of total retail sales of $18.9 trillion in 2025, significantly outpacing e-commerce, according to Euromonitor research gathered by EY.

This contrast shows that stores remain essential but must evolve to justify their existence.

The future of retail

One of the industry's most pressing challenges is the decline in the quality of the in-store customer experience.

According to Forrester, many retailers have struggled to adapt their physical environments to meet rising consumer expectations, particularly as shoppers grow accustomed to the convenience and personalization of online channels.

Experts suggest that retailers must rethink their strategies to remain competitive.

Sharmila C. Chatterjee, a marketing lecturer at MIT Sloan School of Management, emphasizes the importance of combining operational efficiency with customer-centric innovation.

This includes optimizing merchandise assortment, leveraging artificial intelligence and data analytics, reducing wait times, improving return policies, and investing in store design.

"The future of retail is a hybrid of online and offline channels," said Chatterjee in a study. "To keep customers coming back, retailers need to make strategic investments, experiment with new approaches, and, inevitably, engage in some trial and error as they figure it out."

For Ann Taylor and its parent company, the path forward will likely depend on how effectively it balances these investments while continuing to streamline operations. This approach will determine whether legacy brands like Ann Taylor can remain relevant in a rapidly evolving retail landscape.

Related: 25-year-old bagel chain closes all locations, files Chapter 7

This story was originally published by TheStreet on Apr 3, 2026, where it first appeared in the Retail section. Add TheStreet as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Track your investments for FREE with Simply Wall St, the portfolio command center trusted by over 7 million individual investors worldwide.

The updated analyst work keeps B&M European Value Retails central fair value anchor at 2.15, so the headline price target level itself is unchanged. Analysts link this steady 2.15 figure to a mix of confidence in the core business model and more cautious assumptions, with the upgrade framed against tighter valuation headroom and a slightly higher required return. Read on to see how to interpret these moves and keep track of how the story around B&M continues to evolve.

Analyst Price Targets don't always capture the full story. Head over to our Company Report to find new ways to value B&M European Value Retail.

What Wall Street Has Been Saying

 Bullish Takeaways

Kepler Cheuvreux has initiated coverage with a constructive stance, which signals that at least one major broker sees the current set up as attractive relative to its own fair value work.

Peel Hunt has shifted to a more positive view in its recent upgrade, suggesting that its analysts see the risk and reward profile as better balanced than before.

Both Kepler Cheuvreux and Peel Hunt focus on the core business model, with commentary that points to confidence in how the format and customer proposition support the current valuation anchor around 2.15.

 Bearish Takeaways

Even with recent upbeat opinions, analysts reference tighter valuation headroom, which can limit how far they are willing to stretch their price targets relative to the 2.15 fair value anchor.

The slightly higher required return cited in recent work hints that some brokers, including those that are positive overall, still flag execution and macro risks that readers should keep in mind when assessing upside and downside scenarios.

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!

LSE:BME 1-Year Stock Price Chart

We've flagged 2 risks for B&M European Value Retail. See which could impact your investment.

How This Changes the Fair Value For B&M European Value Retail
The acquisition of Arps Dairy marks a fundamental shift from a third-party co-manufacturing model to an owned-facility strategy, bringing 90% of production in-house.

Management attributed historical growth limitations and lost customer relationships to chronic supply constraints inherent in the previous third-party model.

Strategic focus in Q4 was divided between protecting the base business and transparently re-engaging school districts that had previously removed products due to supply shortfalls.

The acquisition provides immediate supply chain control through a 15,000 sq. ft. processing plant while preparing a 44,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art facility for future scale.

A 7-year contract with the fifth-largest U.S. school district (Nevada) serves as a validation of the company's improved reliability and competitive standing in the K-12 channel.
McKinsey estimates that companies will invest approximately $7 trillion in global data center infrastructure by 2030. Further, AI-related capex in the United States accounts for 5% of the GDP. These numbers put into perspective the potential for a chipmaker like Nvidia (NVDA).

However, not everyone is bullish on NVDA stock. Cathie Woods ARK Invest has been actively rotating out of large-cap technology stocks. The ARK funds have offloaded a combined total of over 213,000 shares of Nvidia worth over $37 million.

More News from Barchart

This selling is in sharp contrast to Wells Fargos Overweight rating for NVDA stock with a price target of $265. Wells Fargo believes that Nvidias $1 trillion target for data center revenue is likely to be conservative. This view is backed by the point that the top five cloud service providers will be deploying 22 gigawatts and 25 gigawatts worth of AI in 2026 and 2027, respectively.

With structural industry tailwinds, strong fundamentals, swelling cash flows, and attractive valuations, NVDA stock might continue to create value.

About Nvidia Stock

Headquartered in Santa Clara, Nvidia identifies itself as a global leader in AI and accelerated computing. The technology giant commands a market valuation of $4 trillion and is among the major beneficiaries of the AI-driven global infrastructure spending.

Nvidia operates through two business segments: Compute & Networking and Graphics. Currently, the data center business (within the Compute segment) is the key growth and cash flow driver. Besides data centers, the companys key markets include gaming, professional visualization, and automotive.

With innovation as a differentiating factor, Nvidia has invested $76.7 billion in R&D since its inception. For FY26, the company reported revenue growth of 65% on a year-on-year (YoY) basis to $216 billion. For the same period, operating cash flow was robust at $102.7 billion.

While growth has been healthy and the industry tailwinds are likely to sustain, NVDA stock has remained sideways in the last six months. This seems like a good accumulation opportunity.

www.barchart.com

Clear Revenue Visibility

Its worth noting that companies like Alphabet (GOOG) (GOOGL), Amazon (AMZN), Microsoft Corporation (MSFT), and Meta (META) are expected to spend $700 billion in 2026 towards AI capabilities expansion. Nvidia is a clear beneficiary of this spending.
Make better investment decisions with Simply Wall St's easy, visual tools that give you a competitive edge.

Corning and Meta Platforms have begun construction on a major expansion of Cornings optical cable manufacturing facilities in North Carolina.

The project supports a multiyear partnership to supply next generation fiber for advanced AI data centers across the U.S.

The expansion is intended to increase U.S. based production capacity for fiber used in AI focused data infrastructure.

For investors watching Corning, NYSE:GLW, this new buildout comes as the stock trades at $147.92 with a return of 9.3% over the past week and 63.1% year to date. Over the past year, the stock shows a gain of 255.0% and over three years a gain of 368.4%, with a five year return of 279.1%, indicating that the market has already priced in meaningful expectations around the business.

This expansion, tied directly to a multiyear supply partnership with Meta, illustrates how Corning is aligning itself with AI related data center demand in the U.S. For readers, a key question from here is how consistently this new capacity is utilized and whether similar agreements emerge with other large scale customers over time.

Stay updated on the most important news stories for Corning by adding it to your watchlist or portfolio. Alternatively, explore our Community to discover new perspectives on Corning.

NYSE:GLW Earnings & Revenue Growth as at Apr 2026

2 things going right for Corning that this headline doesn't cover.

Quick Assessment

 Price vs Analyst Target : At US$147.92, the share price is about 14% above the US$129.64 analyst consensus target.

 Simply Wall St Valuation : Shares are flagged as trading 26.7% above estimated fair value, so expectations already look elevated.

 Recent Momentum: The 30 day return of roughly 0.24% suggests the price has held up after a strong prior run.

There is only one way to know the right time to buy, sell or hold Corning. Head to Simply Wall St's company report for the latest analysis of Corning's Fair Value.

Key Considerations

 The Meta backed capacity expansion ties Corning more closely to AI data center demand in the U.S., which could be important given the current P/E of 79.6 versus the industry average of 29.6.

 Keep an eye on how much of the new North Carolina capacity is utilized, revenue growth around optical communications, and any additional long term supply agreements with hyperscale customers.

 Simply Wall St flags two minor risks including a high level of debt, so balance sheet strength matters if capital needs rise alongside this buildout.

Dig Deeper

For the full picture including more risks and rewards, check out the complete Corning analysis. Alternatively, you can check out the community page for Corning to see how other investors believe this latest news will impact the company's narrative.
China, Malaysia ink 26 deals worth 72 mln USD

Xinhua) 08:18, April 03, 2026

A drone photo taken on June 13, 2024 shows the Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park (MCKIP) in Pahang state of Malaysia. (Xinhua/Cheng Yiheng)

YINCHUAN, April 2 (Xinhua) -- A total of 26 cooperation projects worth 495 million yuan (about 72 million U.S. dollars) were signed during the Sixth Belt and Road China-Malaysia Business Dialogue, which opened on Thursday in Yinchuan, capital of northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region.

The deals, covering fields such as economic and trade investment and modern agriculture, mark a significant expansion of bilateral economic ties.

The event drew over 200 government and business representatives from both nations to discuss deepening collaboration under the Belt and Road Initiative, with a specific focus on economy and trade, science and technology, agriculture, culture, and tourism.

China has been Malaysia's largest trading partner for several consecutive years. Recently, the partnership has evolved from standard commodity exchanges to deeper industrial synergy and integrated supply chains.

In his opening address, Ma Hui, deputy head of the International Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, highlighted the dialogue as a vital platform for facilitating party-to-party exchanges between China and Malaysia and advancing pragmatic economic cooperation, urging both sides to seize current opportunities to further deepen and solidify their ties.

Chang Lih Kang, Vice President of the People's Justice Party and Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation of Malaysia, said that this dialogue helps provide crucial stability amid global economic uncertainty. Looking ahead, he emphasized the potential for joint ventures in energy transition and artificial intelligence (AI), noting that Malaysia's emerging AI academic institutions have already drawn heavily on Chinese expertise.

The dialogue highlighted Ningxia's growing international role as an inland open-economy pilot zone. Malaysia is currently the region's largest export market for agricultural goods, with steady demand for cool-climate vegetables, goji berries, and frozen potatoes.

Cultural ties are also booming. In 2025, the number of Malaysian tourists staying overnight in Ningxia skyrocketed by 207.7 percent year on year, making Malaysia the region's top source of international visitors.

The event was co-hosted by the China Economic Cooperation Center, the Malaysia-China Business Council, and the regional foreign affairs office of Ningxia.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Tesla (TSLA) shareholders have had a lot to digest lately. The company's Q4 2025 earnings call was packed with bold promises: from unsupervised robotaxis rolling through Austin to a million Optimus robots a year coming out of Fremont.

But there's something else in the near-term calendar that could meaningfully move the needle for TSLA stock. It doesn't involve a delivery report or an earnings beat. It involves a rocket company.

More News from Barchart

www.barchart.com

Why SpaceX's April 21 Event Matters for Tesla Investors

SpaceX is hosting an analyst day on April 21. According to Reuters, the rocket company has confidentially filed for an initial public offering (IPO) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Two days after the analyst event, analysts will be invited to visit the "Macrohard" xAI data center in Memphis, a facility that sits at the center of Musk's growing artificial intelligence empire.

CNBC, citing sources familiar with the matter, reported that SpaceX could seek a valuation of $1.75 trillion when it eventually goes public, possibly around June. A SpaceX IPO at $1.75 trillion would make it the most valuable company ever to debut on a U.S. exchange.

CNBC reported that China's Alibaba (BABA) raised $22 billion in its 2014 IPO, the largest U.S. offering at the time. SpaceX is reportedly eyeing up to $75 billion, more than three times that figure.

The xAI Connection Tesla Investors Can't Ignore

On Tesla's Q4 earnings call, Chief Financial Officer Vaibhav Taneja confirmed the company has invested in xAI, calling it "a furtherance of our Master Plan IV."

Tesla already uses Grok, xAI's AI model, inside its vehicles. And Musk made clear on the call that Grok will play a bigger role going forward, particularly in managing a large autonomous fleet.

When SpaceX eventually goes public, Musk would become the first person to run two separate trillion-dollar publicly traded companies.

The SpaceX-xAI merger, completed in February, created a combined entity Musk valued at $1.25 trillion at the time.

Tesla's Own Autonomy Story Is Still Unfolding

Back on the Tesla front, the Q4 earnings call left little doubt about where the company's focus is headed.
What Happened?

Shares of casual restaurant chain Dine Brands (NYSE:DIN) fell 6.1% in the afternoon session after KeyBanc downgraded the company's stock to Sector Weight from Overweight, citing concerns about softening sales trends at its Applebee's chain.

The firm expressed a more cautious view for 2026, believing trends had softened recently, partly due to the impact of severe winter weather. KeyBanc also noted that competition in the bar and grill category was likely to increase as brands focused on value amid a more uncertain economic backdrop. The analyst's forecast for Applebee's same-restaurant sales was a decline of 0.5% for the full year, which was below the company's own guidance of 0% to 2% growth.

More from Yahoo Scout How has Dine Brands stock performed recently? What impact did Darden's results have on sentiment? What challenges is Applebee's facing with sales? Why did KeyBanc downgrade Dine Brands stock?

The stock market overreacts to news, and big price drops can present good opportunities to buy high-quality stocks. Is now the time to buy Dine Brands? Access our full analysis report here, its free.

What Is The Market Telling Us

Dine Brandss shares are very volatile and have had 22 moves greater than 5% over the last year. In that context, todays move indicates the market considers this news meaningful but not something that would fundamentally change its perception of the business.

The previous big move we wrote about was 14 days ago when the stock gained 5.1% on the news that peer Darden Restaurants (DRI) reported strong third-quarter results, signaling healthy consumer spending in the restaurant sector.

Darden, a major operator in the casual dining space, posted a 5.9% increase in total sales to $3.3 billion. The company's same-restaurant sales also grew by 4.2%, outperforming industry benchmarks. This strong performance from a key industry player suggested that consumers continued to dine out, creating a positive outlook for other restaurant companies like Dine Brands.

Dine Brands is down 23.3% since the beginning of the year, and at $25.47 per share, it is trading 34.4% below its 52-week high of $38.81 from January 2026. Investors who bought $1,000 worth of Dine Brandss shares 5 years ago would now be looking at only $289.86.

WHILE YOURE HERE: The Next Palantir? One satellite company captures images of every point on Earth. Every single day. The Pentagon wants it. Hedge funds are using it to beat earnings. Youve probably never heard of it.

This is what the early days of Palantir looked like before it became a $437 billion giant. Same playbook. Different technology. If you missed Palantir, you need to see this. Claim The Stock Ticker for Free HERE.
Most people think of Apple as a growth stock. But for investors who got in early, it has quietly become something else entirely  a powerful dividend stock.

The numbers tell a compelling story.

A modest $1,000 investment in Apple (AAPL) back in 2012 has turned into something that now throws off real, growing income every year.

It's not on the back of some aggressive income strategy, either. It's because the Dow 30 heavyweight kept raising its dividend, year after year, while its stock climbed.

That's the magic of yield-on-cost, a concept that doesn't get nearly enough attention. It rewards patient investors in ways the current dividend yield never shows.

Apple is a top dividend stock

Apple first started paying a dividend in 2012.

The annualized payout was just $0.38 per share, and the stock was trading around $20 per share (split-adjusted).

Related: Bank of America revamps Apple price target

A $1,000 investment at that price would have bought roughly 50 shares.

Those 50 shares would have paid just $19 in annual dividends. That's a yield of 1.9% on the original investment. Decent, but not remarkable.

Fast forward to 2026.

Apple's annualized dividend has grown to $1.04 per share. Those same 50 shares now generate $52 per year in dividend income.

That's a yield-on-cost of 5.2%, which is quite exceptional. And that's before counting the enormous appreciation in the stock itself.

In the last 14 years, Apple stock has returned 1,410% to shareholders after adjusting for dividend reinvestments.

It means a $1,000 investment in AAPL stock in April 2012 would be worth more than $15,000 today.

Apple stock dividend ratios investors should know

Current annual dividend: $1.04 per share

Current dividend yield: About 0.4% (based on the current share price)

Yield-on-cost (2012 investors): 5.2%

Dividend growth since 2012: Roughly 174% total increase in per-share payout

Annual dividend expense: $15.3 billion

Free cash flow (2026 estimate) : $137.5 billion

Payout ratio: Approximately 11% (meaning Apple pays out only a small fraction of earnings, leaving plenty of room to keep raising the dividend)

Consecutive years of dividend growth: 13 years and counting

The low payout ratio is one of the most important numbers here. It tells you the dividend isn't being stretched.

Apple earns far more than it pays out, which is exactly what you want from a dividend stock built for the long haul.

Apple just reported record sales in fiscal Q1.Shutterstock  Shutterstock

Apple's business keeps fueling dividend growth

One reason to believe the dividend keeps climbing? Apple just reported the best quarter in its history.
Performance was driven by a 154% annual revenue increase, fueled by a surge in network construction and the subsequent activation of recurring service streams.

The company transitioned to a public listing to unlock the 70% of the market previously inaccessible due to the capital-intensive nature of the Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) model.

Management attributes growth to a 'win-win-win' model that integrates property owners into the revenue chain, increasing their Net Operating Income (NOI) by approximately 200 basis points.

Operational scaling is supported by a flexible model using a centralized call center and contracted installation teams, allowing for rapid geographic expansion with minimal fixed costs.

The 'RevOps' organization, launched in Q1 2026, utilizes an AI-enabled stack to transition from passive exhibiting to proactive, data-driven decision-maker engagement.
ETF Investing Tools

Investors poured $120.7 billion into U.S.-listed ETFs in March, extending what has already been a remarkable start to the year.

That brought total inflows for 2026 to $462 billion after just one quarter. If that pace keeps up, ETFs could pull in close to $2 trillion for the full year, a figure that would easily set a new record.

Flows Stay Strong Despite Market Drop

Flows were broad-based across asset classes. U.S. fixed income ETFs led the way with $40.1 billion of inflows, followed by $38.9 billion into U.S. equity ETFs and $32.3 billion into international equity ETFs. Commodities ETFs were the lone area of weakness, losing $11.9 billion.

What makes the strength of these flows notable is the backdrop. March was a rough month for markets, with U.S. stocks falling about 5% and international equities dropping closer to 8%. Rather than pulling back, investors continued to add money, reinforcing the idea that ETFs remain the default vehicle for deploying capital, even during periods of volatility.

Fee Wars Shake Leaderboard

One of the biggest surprises came from the SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 ETF (SPYM), which pulled in $15.8 billion during the month. That surge pushed it to the top of the year-to-date inflow leaderboard with $26 billion, ahead of the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO), which has gathered $22.2 billion so far this year.

The shift highlights how even small fee differences can matter. SPYM charges 0.02%, compared with 0.03% for both VOO and the iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV). The gap is small, but meaningful for some investors.

Despite the strong flows, SPYM remains much smaller than its peers, with $114.3 billion in assets versus $791 billion for VOO.

Cash-like ETFs also continued to see strong demand. The iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF (SGOV) brought in $8.5 billion, maintaining its position as a preferred parking place for short-term cash. The SPDR Bloomberg 1-3 Month T-Bill ETF (BIL) was not far behind with $6.7 billion of inflows.

Elsewhere, the iShares Large Cap Core Active ETF (BLCR) gathered $4 billion, while the iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF (EFG) added $4.8 billion, pointing to continued interest in both active strategies and international stocks.

Tech and Gold See Outflows

On the other side of the ledger, the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) saw $11.1 billion of outflows during the month, a reminder that even the largest and most popular ETFs can experience significant short-term swings in flows.

The iShares S&P 100 ETF (OEF) also saw heavy redemptions of $9.6 billion. Mega-cap stocks have lagged their smaller counterparts this year, with OEF down 7% through the end of the first quarter compared with a 4.4% decline for the broader S&P 500. That relative weakness likely contributed to the outflows, even though performance was more in line with the broader market during March itself.
As the European markets experience a positive shift, with the STOXX Europe 600 Index climbing 3.92% amid hopes for a shorter Middle East conflict, investors are keenly observing opportunities that may arise from current economic conditions such as rising energy costs and inflation pressures. In this context, identifying undervalued stocks becomes crucial, as these equities might offer potential value when aligned with market trends and economic indicators.

Top 10 Undervalued Stocks Based On Cash Flows In Europe

Name Current Price Fair Value (Est) Discount (Est) Selvita (WSE:SLV) PLN30.00 PLN58.58 48.8% Nordisk Bergteknik (OM:NORB B) SEK11.35 SEK22.55 49.7% Nemetschek (XTRA:NEM) 64.80 129.27 49.9% Haypp Group (OM:HAYPP) SEK120.80 SEK238.56 49.4% Elekta (OM:EKTA B) SEK54.45 SEK107.92 49.5% Demant (CPSE:DEMANT) DKK195.60 DKK385.56 49.3% B&S Group (ENXTAM:BSGR) 5.85 11.66 49.8% Arlandastad Group (OM:AGROUP) SEK40.20 SEK79.34 49.3% Allegro.eu (WSE:ALE) PLN26.59 PLN52.19 49% Airbus (ENXTPA:AIR) 165.14 326.99 49.5%

Click here to see the full list of 183 stocks from our Undervalued European Stocks Based On Cash Flows screener.

Here's a peek at a few of the choices from the screener.

Overview: Demant A/S is a hearing healthcare company with operations across Europe, North America, Asia, the Pacific region, and internationally, and it has a market cap of DKK41.25 billion.

Operations: The company generates revenue from its Hearing Healthcare segment, amounting to DKK22.97 billion.

Estimated Discount To Fair Value: 49.3%

Demant is trading well below its estimated future cash flow value, with a current price of DKK195.6 against an estimated DKK385.56, suggesting it may be undervalued. Despite a decline in net income from DKK2.39 billion to DKK1.55 billion in 2025, Demant's earnings are expected to grow at 11.7% annually, outpacing the Danish market's growth rate of 8.7%. However, the company carries significant debt levels and faces slower revenue growth prospects at 6.7% per year compared to industry peers.

CPSE:DEMANT Discounted Cash Flow as at Apr 2026

Overview: Airbus SE, along with its subsidiaries, is involved in the design, manufacture, and delivery of aeronautics and aerospace products, services, and solutions globally with a market cap of approximately 130 billion.

Operations: The company generates revenue through its primary segments: Airbus Helicopters (8.97 billion), Airbus Defence and Space (13.41 billion), and Airbus, which includes holding functions and bank activities (52.58 billion).
In late March 2026, French authorities foiled a bomb plot targeting a Bank of America branch in Paris, leading banks like Citigroup to temporarily shift staff in Paris and Frankfurt to remote work as a precaution.

The incident has brought Bank of America's physical security and geopolitical exposure into sharper focus, raising questions about operational resilience and risk management across its international footprint.

Against this backdrop, we'll explore how a foiled Paris bomb plot and heightened security concerns may influence Bank of America's investment narrative.

Uncover the next big thing with 31 elite penny stocks that balance risk and reward.

Bank of America Investment Narrative Recap

To own Bank of America, you need to believe in a large, diversified bank that can keep growing earnings through disciplined risk management, digital efficiency, and capital returns. The foiled Paris bomb plot highlights geopolitical and operational risks, but based on what is known today, it does not appear to materially alter the near term earnings or capital return story. The bigger swing factor remains the macro backdrop for credit quality, funding costs, and loan growth.

Against that backdrop, the launch of the Royal ONE credit cards with Royal Caribbean Group stands out as directly tied to Bank of Americas consumer growth engine. It fits with the broader push into higher engagement, rewards driven card relationships that can support fee income and loan growth, alongside the banks investments in AI and digital tools. Together, these initiatives sit alongside share repurchases as key levers for future earnings and valuation.

But while the story sounds appealing, investors should also weigh how rising geopolitical and macro tensions could feed through to credit quality and funding costs...

Read the full narrative on Bank of America (it's free!)

Bank of America's narrative projects $130.6 billion revenue and $36.5 billion earnings by 2029. This requires 6.7% yearly revenue growth and about a $7.4 billion earnings increase from $29.1 billion today.

Uncover how Bank of America's forecasts yield a $61.77 fair value, a 25% upside to its current price.

Exploring Other Perspectives

BAC 1-Year Stock Price Chart

Thirteen Simply Wall St Community fair value estimates for Bank of America span roughly US$50 to US$79 per share, reflecting very different expectations. Against that wide range, the key question is how potential credit quality pressures and funding costs might influence the banks ability to grow earnings and sustain its current capital return profile over time.
Feeder cattle prices (GFK26) have climbed about 6% over the past month, and front-month live cattle (LEM26) are up roughly 8% in early 2026. These moves are already feeding into packers margins and retail prices, raising the stakes for anything that threatens throughput. That is exactly what a weeks-long giant meatpacking strike at a key JBS (JBS) beef plant has done.

The strike has turned a single facility dispute into a focal point for the broader beef supply story even as the company has worked to shift production elsewhere. The walkout is creating headlines and pressure on the ground, but it is also highlighting how much pricing power, scale, and flexibility matter when the system is stressed.

More News from Barchart

Bank of America is leaning into this news rather than backing away. Sticking with a bullish stance, the firm expects JBS stocks post-earnings rally in 2026 to continue as tighter cattle supplies support beef margins.

Can JBS momentum really outlast the strike disrupting its U.S. operations? Or does BofA's optimism run ahead of reality? Lets take a closer look.

JBS' Financial Momentum

Operating in Brazil, JBS is a global meat processor that produces beef, pork, poultry, and value-added food products for customers worldwide. The company carries a market capitalization of around $13.8 billion.

JBS stock sits near the $18 level as of this writing, up 26% year-to-date (YTD) and 23% over the last six months. JBS was first approved for trading on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in May 2025.

www.barchart.com

The forward price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple stands at 9.8 times versus a sector median of 14.8 times. Meawhile, the P/E-to-growth (PEG) ratio of 0.99 times screens well below the groups multiple of 2.1 times, reinforcing a discounted entry point.

The most recently reported quarter for the period ending in December 2025 delivered EPS of $0.39, which fell short of the $0.42 consensus estimate. That result translated into a -7% surprise that briefly tested sentiment around JBS stock.

This miss came even as the company generated sales of $23.06 billion for December 2025, representing 2% year-over-year (YOY) growth. Meanwhile, net income of $415.1 million declined more than 28% YOY as higher costs and pricing pressures filtered through the income statement.
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is included among the 14 Cheap DRIP Stocks to Buy Now.

Goldman Sachs Highlights AT&Ts OneConnect Push into Value Segment

Ken Wolter / Shutterstock.com

On March 31, Goldman Sachs analyst Michael Ng said AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) has introduced OneConnect, a simplified wireless and 1 gig residential fiber service aimed at new customers. He noted that the offering brings service back to the center of AT&Ts strategy. The digital-only product is expected to address common issues in customer acquisition and reduce service inquiries tied to billing complexity and changes. It may also help the company expand in the value segment, particularly among one- to two-line households.

Goldman views the move as positive for AT&T and negative for Apple. The firm also said the impact on Verizon Communications and T-Mobile is likely to be neutral, as any share gains by AT&T could be offset by lower device subsidies across the industry.

On the same day, Reuters reported that AT&T had agreed to invest about $1 billion to improve the Commerce Departments FirstNet system. The agreement is also expected to deliver around $1 billion in cost savings through reduced rates, according to a U.S. government agency.

AT&T was originally awarded the 25-year contract to build the federal emergency network in 2017, following recommendations made after the 9/11 attacks. FirstNet is designed to help first responders, including medical personnel, firefighters, and police officers, communicate critical information on a single network. It is currently used by around 31,000 U.S. agencies.

The agreement was enabled by an executive order issued by Donald Trump in early 2025, which directed federal agencies to review existing contracts, according to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.

AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) operates as a global telecommunications and technology services provider. The company reports through its Communications and Latin America segments.

While we acknowledge the potential of T as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 13 Best Diversified Dividend Stocks to Buy Right Now and 14 Safest Stocks with Highest Dividends

Disclosure: None. Follow Insider Monkey on Google News.
Geopolitical risks and uncertainties around US federal funding continue to pose significant challenges, impacting the company's outlook and order book for 2026.

Margins have declined due to increased costs, including investments in head office and growth initiatives that did not materialize as expected.

The company experienced a downturn in orders in Q2 and Q3, with a 25% drop in North America, which was not fully offset by growth in Asia and parts of Europe.

The financial year 2025 was disappointing for Judges Scientific PLC ( JSCIF ), with significant impacts from US federal funding cuts affecting order intake and performance.

Despite a challenging year, the company remains confident in its long-term demand drivers and business model, emphasizing the importance of scientific instrumentation in academic and industrial applications.

The company maintains a diversified customer base globally, with more than 85% of its revenue being exported, which helps mitigate regional economic fluctuations.

Judges Scientific PLC ( JSCIF ) has a strong buy-and-build strategy, focusing on acquisitions and organic growth, which has resulted in 25 acquisitions over the last 20 years.

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript .

Story Continues

Q & A Highlights

Q: Could you please address why your capital allocation strategy does not include a more substantial share repurchase program, especially since your shares currently seem to trade significantly below their intrinsic value? A: Bradley Ormsby, CFO, explained that while the share price is lower, a buyback would increase leverage and interest costs, making it less beneficial compared to acquisitions, which offer better returns. The company prefers to use capital for acquisitions rather than buybacks unless share prices drop significantly.

Q: Are you still finding good businesses to buy, or is it getting harder? A: Tim Prestidge, CEO, stated that while the current environment is challenging, they are still finding high-quality businesses to acquire. Sellers may be patient due to poor years, but Judges Scientific remains focused on acquiring high-quality businesses rather than lower-quality ones.

Q: Where do you think the biggest business risks are right now? A: Tim Prestidge highlighted geopolitical risks and uncertainties around US federal funding as major concerns. The timing of US funding recovery and the ability to control internal challenges are also significant risks.

Q: If the US doesn't recover and there's no big project, what does normal look like now? A: Bradley Ormsby expressed confidence that the US will recover, emphasizing that the current situation is not expected to be the new normal. The guidance for 2026 does not assume a US recovery, but the company believes in long-term growth drivers.

Q: Have you seen increased competition from Chinese firms acquiring UK scientific companies for IP? A: Ian Wilcock noted increased competition from Chinese companies, particularly in innovation. While this presents challenges, Judges Scientific remains confident in its focus on innovation and market understanding to maintain competitiveness.

Q: What is the likely impact of the conflict in the Middle East, given the number of universities in the UAE and other countries in the region? A: Tim Prestidge mentioned that direct revenue exposure to the Middle East is minimal, but the broader impact depends on the conflict's duration and potential escalation, which could affect energy and supply chains.

Q: Does the ambition for businesses to double EBIT over three- to five-years imply Judges' ambition is for organic EBIT growth well above historic levels of 8%? A: Tim Prestidge explained that the challenge to double EBIT encourages businesses to think big and focus on impactful initiatives, aiming for higher growth than the historical norm.

Q: Knowing organic revenue was not increasing, why were steps not taken in advance during the year to cut costs to match the adjusted revenue, leading to a fall in profit? A: Tim Prestidge and Bradley Ormsby noted that cost actions were taken, including restructuring and headcount reductions. However, the company focuses on long-term growth rather than short-term cost-cutting, which could damage culture and outlook.

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.
La-Z-Boy Inc (NYSE:LZB) is among the best small-cap value stocks to buy according to analysts. La-Z-Boy Inc (NYSE:LZB) team led by the CEO Melinda Whittington presented at the 47th Annual Raymond James Institutional Investor Conference on March 2. The team used the platform to highlight the companys strategic shifts, growth opportunities, and industry challenges.

La-Z-Boy Inc (LZB) Aims for Double-Digit Margins Amid Shift to Retail Sales

RomanR/Shutterstock.com

On strategy, the team outlined La-Z-Boys shift toward a consumer-first business model. As part of this shift, the company plans to expand its retail network to 450 stores across the US and Canada. La-Z-Boy last reported having a retail network of 375 stores, including 16 new locations opened in the past year. The company also acquired 15 retail locations in the Southeast region. La-Z-Boy says new stores break even in their first year and start contributing to earnings in the third year.

Notably, the shift to the consumer-first strategy comes as La-Z-Boy makes more of its sales through the direct-to-consumer (DTC) channels. The company says DTC sales now make up 50% of its revenue, up from 25% a decade ago.

Looking ahead, La-Z-Boy aims to grow its sales at twice the market rate. Moreover, the company targets double-digit operating margins. The company says brand revitalization and distribution transformation will help it improve profitability and market share.

For its fiscal Q3 2026, which ended in January, La-Z-Boy posted adjusted EPS of $0.61, which exceeded the anticipated $0.59. Revenue increased 4% YoY to $542 million and surpassed the consensus forecast of $535.47 million. La-Z-Boy closed the quarter with $306.1 million in cash.

For fiscal Q2, the company guided revenue in the band of $560 million to 580 million. Analysts projected revenue of $590.2 million for that quarter. According to La-Z-Boys management, this guidance reflects a cautious view on macroeconomics.

La-Z-Boy Inc (NYSE:LZB) is an American furniture manufacturer headquartered in Monroe, Michigan. It makes a variety of home furniture, including sofas, upholstered recliners, stationary chairs, and lift chairs. The company operates through wholesale and retail channels and sells its products in the US and Canada.

While we acknowledge the potential of LZB 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.
Expedia (EXPE) is an American online travel conglomerate. Over time, the company has evolved into a massive ecosystem of travel brands, including names like Expedia.com, Vrbo, and Hotels.com. Expedia Group operates through four main segments: Core OTA (Online Travel Agency), Trivago, Vrbo, and its quickly expanding B2B segment that helps provide travel infrastructure to airlines and banks.

Founded in 1996 as a division of Microsoft (MSFT), the company became independent in 1999 and is now headquartered in Seattle, Washington.

More News from Barchart

Expedias Slow Start to 2026

Expedias stock enjoyed a fruitful 2025, gaining 52%, but has faced some pressure in the first quarter of 2026, trading 20% below year-to-date (YTD) and 13% since its quarterly results. This pullback reflects investors' cautiousness regarding the companys outlook. However, despite the dip, Expedia has performed strongly over the years, providing a 36% return in 52 weeks, 71% in two years, and 152% in the last three years.

In comparison to the S&P 500 Consumer Discretionary Index ($SRCD), Expedia has underperformed in early 2026. The benchmark index has declined roughly 9% YTD against Expedias 20% in the same time. This suggests investors be cautious of travel-based stocks, citing global travel challenges.

www.barchart.com

Strong Results on Weak Outlook

Expedia reported stellar fourth-quarter results in February 2026, with revenue touching $3.55 billion, delivering an 11.4% increase year-over-year (YoY). On the other hand, adjusted EPS came to $3.78, jumping 58% YoY and easily surpassing analyst estimates of $3.36 per share.

The report was headlined by its B2B segment, which saw bookings surge by 24% to $8.7 billion, marking its 18th consecutive double-digit quarterly growth. This helped adjusted EBITDA reach $848 million, a 32% spike from the same quarter last year, while margins expanded to 23.9%.

However, despite the strong financial beat, management provided a cautious 2026 outlook, expecting revenue growth at 6-9% with margin expansion capped at 100-125 basis points. This deceleration comes as the company shifts towards reinvesting in AI, machine learning, and B2B expansion. Nevertheless, the company instilled confidence in its cash flow generation by raising dividends by 20% to $0.48 per share, and with $3.1 billion in annual cash flow and a $240 billion travel backlog, it enters its second quarter on high margins.
Manpower Inc (NYSE:MAN) is among the best small-cap value stocks to buy according to analysts. On March 18, Goldman Sachs upgraded Manpower Inc (NYSE:MAN) stock to Neutral from Sell and set a price target of $30. According to Goldman, the revenue headwinds that have weighed on Manpower for years have stabilized. Consequently, the downside risk on the stock has subsided, the firm notes.

Manpower Inc (MAN)s Key Markets Are Stabilizing

Photo by Redd on Unsplash

In Europe, Manpower primarily serves clients in the industrial and manufacturing sectors, offering temporary staffing services. The equity research firm sees bright prospects for Manpower as industrial activities in Europe have improved recently. France, in particular, has seen temporary staffing headcount stabilize after years of contraction. Manpower has around 25% revenue exposure to the French market.

Goldman Sachs also notes that Manpower is less exposed to AI risks, considering that it focuses more on industrial staffing needs than white-collar recruitments. Still, Manpower has recently spoken about strong demand for specialized tech skills in the US and internationally.

In Q4 2025, Manpower reported a 7% YoY increase in revenue to $4.7 billion. The company reported ongoing stabilization in North America and Europe, citing marked improvements in France and Italy. The quarter was also supported by strength in the companys namesake Manpower segment as well as improvements in the Experis and Talent Solutions units. The company exited 2025 with $871 million of cash and cash equivalents.

Manpower Inc (NYSE:MAN) is an American multinational workforce solutions provider. It operates through the namesake Manpower, Experis, and Talent Solutions brands. The company offers a broad array of staffing services, including recruitment services, workforce consulting services, and outsourcing services. Manpower was founded in 1948 and is based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

While we acknowledge the potential of MAN 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: 8 Best Gun Stocks to Buy in 2026 and 8 Cheap Rising Stocks to Buy Now.

Disclosure: None. Follow Insider Monkey on Google News.
After a mixed tech market recently, Microsoft (MSFT) is back in the spotlight. Other Magnificent 7 stocks have pulled back in 2026 as investors rotate into value. But Microsofts AI story remains a beacon. At the start of April 2026, Benchmark analyst Yi Fu Lee kicked off coverage on MSFT with a Buy rating and a $450 price target.

He calls Microsoft a central player in AI, with unmatched data advantages from its Office, Teams, LinkedIn, and Azure platforms. Benchmark views the stocks recent pullback as a chance to buy. Microsoft still sits at the center of the AI trade, and analysts think that makes recent weakness more of an opportunity than a warning sign.

More News from Barchart

The AI Moat Nobody Else Can Replicate

Everyone talks about AI models. But models without data are engines without fuel. Microsoft sits on a treasure trove of 1 billion Windows users, 300 million Office seats, LinkedIns professional graph, GitHubs developer ecosystem, and Azures enterprise footprint. No competitor, not Amazon (AMZN), not Alphabet (GOOG) (GOOGL), nor OpenAI itself, can match this distribution. CEO Satya Nadella put it bluntly last quarter: We are only at the beginning phases of AI diffusion, and already Microsoft has built an AI business larger than some of our biggest franchises.

MSFTs stock performance has been relatively choppy. It peaked above $550 in late 2025 but is around $370 now, which translates to about a 23% loss in 2026 year-to-date (YTD). Moreover, Analysts note it fell below its 50-day moving average after the profit-taking, though its still above long-term support.

That said, Microsofts forward P/E of 22 is now one of the lowest among big tech; many of its peers trade above 40, making it look cheaper by comparison. The consensus 2026 growth outlook also justifies this valuation: Wall Street expects 15% to 18% revenue growth through FY26, Azure 25% to 30%, and Office steady.

www.barchart.com

Benchmarks Bullish Call

Benchmarks latest note has stirred interest. Yi Fu Lee sees Microsofts dip as a buying opportunity. He flags Microsofts massive data ecosystem, e.g., 1 billion Windows users, 300 million Office seats, LinkedIn, and GitHub, as a moat. The $450 target implies about 25% upside from todays price. More importantly, investors seem to have taken a second look at Microsofts pipeline. For example, Bank of America said Microsofts dual advantage in owning both AI infrastructure and end-user apps should sustain 15% to 17% growth.
Quick Read

Microsoft (MSFT) trades at $373 against an average analyst target of $587, implying 57% upside, as capital expenditures doubled year-over-year to $29.88B in Q2 FY2026 while the companys commercial remaining performance obligation surged 110% to $625B in contracted future revenue. Azure grew 39% year-over-year and is guiding 37-38% growth next quarter, with the OpenAI partnership restructuring adding an incremental $250B in contracted Azure purchases.

The selloff reflects investor skepticism about the return timeline on massive AI infrastructure spending despite four consecutive earnings beats and strong revenue growth, while Wall Streets near-unanimous bull rating suggests conviction that the $625B revenue backlog will convert to profits as the capex cycle peaks.

If you're focused on picking the right stocks and ETFs you may be missing the bigger picture: retirement income. That is exactly what The Definitive Guide to Retirement Income was created to solve, and it's free today. Read more here

Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) was last seen trading near $373, while the average analyst price target sits at $587.31. That gap exceeds 57%, a dislocation that demands explanation. The stock has shed 22.8% year-to-date, falling from $484.35 at the start of the year. When a company of this scale trades this far below where 57 analysts think it belongs, the question is whether the market or Wall Street is right.

Microsoft operates across cloud infrastructure, enterprise software, gaming, and artificial intelligence (AI) services. Its Azure platform is one of the most strategically important assets in global technology, and its OpenAI partnership has made it the default infrastructure layer for the AI buildout. The selloff is the story.

Macro Pressure and Capex Anxiety Drove the Decline

The decline is rooted in capital intensity rather than earnings failure. Microsoft has beaten EPS estimates in each of the past four quarters, with surprises ranging from +7.25% to +12.8%. Revenue grew 16.7% year-over-year in the most recent quarter to $81.27 billion. Azure grew 39% year-over-year. None of those numbers explain the pullback.

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Capex jumped 89% year-over-year to $29.88 billion in Q2 FY2026 alone, nearly doubling from the prior quarter. Full-year FY2025 capex reached $64.55 billion, up 45.13%. Free cash flow for FY2025 fell 3.32% to $71.61 billion. A reported hiring freeze in cloud and sales groups and broader big-tech sector rotation round out the narrative, even without an earnings miss.
This article first appeared on GuruFocus.

Microsoft said it plans to invest about $10 billion over four years to expand its cloud and artificial intelligence infrastructure in Japan.

The company will partner with Sakura Internet and SoftBank, the telecom unit of SoftBank Group Corp, to provide graphics processing units and other computing resources. The investment builds on a prior $2.9 billion commitment in April 2024 aimed at boosting hyperscale cloud and AI capabilities.

Microsoft also intends to train one million AI engineers in Japan by 2029 through cybersecurity partnerships. The plan was unveiled during a visit to Tokyo by Vice Chair and President Brad Smith.

The Japan commitment follows similar moves by Microsoft elsewhere in the region. Earlier this week, the company said it would invest $5.5 billion in Singapore and $1 billion in Thailand.
April 3 (Reuters) - Elon Musk is requiring banks and other advisers working on SpaceXs planned IPO to buy subscriptions to Grok, his artificial intelligence chatbot, the New York Times reported on Friday, citing people familiar with the matter.

Some banks have agreed to spend tens of millions of dollars a year on the chatbot and have begun integrating it into their IT systems, the report said.

More from Yahoo Scout How does SpaceX's IPO compare to other mega-IPOs? Which banks are managing SpaceX's IPO deal? Why is Musk requiring banks to buy Grok subscriptions? What is SpaceX's planned IPO valuation and size?

Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America and Citigroup are serving as active bookrunners, or the lead banks managing the deal, Reuters reported earlier this week.

Musk and SpaceX did not respond to Reuters' requests for comment.

JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, Citigroup and Bank of America declined to comment. Morgan Stanley did not immediately respond to Reuters' queries.

The Starbase, Texas-headquartered rocket maker boosted its target initial public offering valuation above $2 trillion, according to a Bloomberg News report a day earlier, setting the stage for what could become the largest stock market listing on record.

The company aims to raise a record $75 billion, which would dwarf previous mega-IPOs such as Saudi Aramco in 2019 and Alibaba in 2014.

(Reporting by Savyata Mishra in Bengaluru; Editing by Bill Berkrot and Mark Porter)
Nike (NKE) released its fiscal Q3 2026 earnings yesterday, March 31, after the markets closed. The stock is trading sharply lower today as the earnings failed to please investors. NKE is having yet another dismal year and is underperforming the markets by a wide margin. Notably, Nike stock peaked in November 2021 but has been sliding since, closing in the red for four consecutive years. The stock is already trading at its lowest levels since October 2017 and looks set to continue its losses even further. Is it time to give up on the sneaker giant after the frustrating underperformance? Lets explore, beginning with a snapshot of the companys latest earnings report.

www.barchart.com

Nike Beat Earnings but Gave a Light Guidance

Nike reported revenues of $11.3 billion for the quarter that ended in February. The sales were flat on a reported basis but fell 3% year-over-year (YOY) on a currency-neutral basis. Its gross margin contracted by 130 basis points to 40.2%, which drove a 35% drop in per-share earnings. Meanwhile, Nike beat on both the top line and the bottom line as markets had quite modest expectations from the company.

More News from Barchart

However, the earnings beat was more than offset by light guidance. The company expects sales in the current fiscal quarter to fall by between 2% to 4%, while analysts were modeling a low single-digit increase. Nike expects sales to decline YOY in the current calendar year as the top line woes look set to extend. While Nike sees gains in the North America market this year, its Greater China business is expected to continue its downward trajectory.

Nikes Sales in China Continue To Fall

Notably, China remains a structural headwind for Nike, as not only is that market not growing as fast as it once used to, but Chinese consumers have increasingly been preferring domestic brands over U.S. rivals, from nearly everything, from food chains to cars and smartphones.

In the fiscal third quarter, Nikes sales in Greater China fell 7%, even as the decline was somewhat lower than Street estimates. In the current quarter, the company expects sales to fall by 20%, though some of the decline is due to intentional actions it took to clean up the marketplace in that region.

Apart from the China sales decline, margin compression has been another recurring story in Nikes earnings. Several factors have been contributing to this margin contraction. First, a focus on wholesale sales is a likely reason for this erosion, as direct sales are invariably high-margin. Second, the company has had to resort to discounting to clear the marketplace inventory, which has negatively impacted margins. The companys turnaround costs under the Win Now plan have also been taking a toll on profitability, including in the form of severance costs. However, these costs are transitory and would help Nike improve its margins structurally over the long term. Along with these issues, President Donald Trumps tariffs have been a challenge, and according to Nike, they shaved 300 basis points off its gross margins in the most recent quarter.
A brand's success in one market can create the illusion of universal appeal. In reality, consumer resonance is often highly localized. What works in one country across pricing, positioning, and product mix does not always translate seamlessly to another.

That is what makes international expansion inherently risky. Differences in consumer behavior, culture, economic conditions, and competitive dynamics all shape how a brand is perceived. Even well-established companies can struggle if they underestimate these factors, because prior success at home is no guarantee of performance abroad.

This makes the latest move by Marks & Spencer particularly notable, not just as a retail expansion, but as a test of whether a legacy British brand can finally translate its appeal to U.S. consumers.

Marks & Spencer returns to U.S. apparel retail

Marks & Spencer has revealed a new collaboration with Nordstrom to launch a curated selection of bestselling womenswear across 30 Nordstrom stores and online, according to a company announcement.

The assortment features over 60 pieces from Marks & Spencer's core collections, marking the first time the retailer's fashion line will be available in physical stores across the U.S.

"Now is the time to build our brand awareness in the U.S. Fashion market and establish ourselves as a globally trusted brand," said Mark Lemming, Managing Director of International at Marks & Spencer in the announcement. "We're delighted to partner with Nordstrom, a partner who shares our values and will support us as we accelerate our growth."

Marks & Spencer's past U.S. expansion attempts

This is not the first time the company has tried to enter the U.S. market.

Marks & Spencer initially expanded in 1988 through the acquisition of Brooks Brothers from Federated Department Stores, later launching standalone stores under its own brand, according to The Standard.

However, the strategy ultimately failed. Misalignment in product assortment, sizing standards, and pricing limited its appeal to American consumers.

By the late 1990s, performance had deteriorated significantly, leading to mounting losses. The company closed its U.S. stores and exited the market entirely in 2001.

A more recent re-entry in a different category proved more successful. In 2022, Marks & Spencer introduced its food range through a partnership with Target, where products like its Percy Pigs gained strong traction, reportedly selling more than 30,000 bags every week, according to Marks & Spencer.

Marks & Spencer partners with Nordstrom to reenter the U.S. market.Shutterstock  Shutterstock

Marks & Spencer's new fashion strategy

Encouraged by its success in food, Marks & Spencer is now taking a more measured, data-led approach to reintroducing fashion in the U.S.

According to company data, 13% of U.S. consumers are aware of the brand's fashion offering, with particularly strong recognition among women aged 25-34. More than 51,000 customers also shop via its U.S. website annually.

Partnering with Nordstrom allows Marks & Spencer to scale efficiently by leveraging an established retail network rather than investing heavily in standalone stores. This "asset-light" wholesale model reflects a broader strategic shift toward building a global presence through scalable partnerships rather than capital-intensive expansion.

The approach has already been tested internationally. In Australia, Marks & Spencer partnered with David Jones, initially launching lingerie before expanding into womenswear and menswear following strong performance.

Why international brands struggle in the U.S.

Marks and Spencer is far from alone in its past difficulties.

Industry experts say many international brands fail in the U.S. not because of product quality, but because they underestimate how differently the market operates.

Advertising and creative strategist Andrea Cerinza notes that European customers tend to be more conservative in their spending, while U.S. customers are more responsive to aspiration, speed, and convenience.

"Breaking into the U.S. market isnt just about translating your website or increasing ad spend," said Cerinza. "It's about translating your strategy, creatively, culturally, and emotionally."

Coverage on more retail business:

Jessica Wong, founder and CEO of marketing and PR firm Valux Digital, says that global brands often hesitate to localize out of fear of diluting their identity.

"Global brands do not fail because they communicate locally," Wong said in Forbes. "They fail because they underestimate how deeply local trust systems shape perception, credibility and long-term success."

Analysts from Harvard Business Review support this view, noting that localization is no longer a surface-level adjustment. Companies need to adapt operations, supply chains, and partnerships at a structural level, even at the cost of efficiency, to compete effectively across markets.

Marks & Spencer's financial performance supports expansion

The U.S. expansion comes as Marks & Spencer shows signs of operational recovery following years of underperformance.

For fiscal year 2025, the company reported:

Revenue growth of 6%

Operating profit increase of 22%

A 5% rise in Fashion, Home & Beauty market share, reaching 10.5%

At the same time, Marks & Spencer continues to streamline its store portfolio. It recorded an 84.4 million ($112.35 million) charge related to its multi-year store rotation program, which includes closures, asset impairments, and accelerated depreciation.

The company plans to reduce its full-line store count from 229 to 180 by 2028, signaling a shift toward a more efficient and modern retail footprint, according to a company announcement.

Nordstrom faces a challenging but evolving retail landscape

The timing of this expansion is complex.

According to McKinsey & Company's State of Fashion 2026 Report, the global fashion industry is expected to see only low-single-digit growth amid macroeconomic instability, tariff pressures, and increasingly value-conscious consumer behavior, particularly in the U.S.

Despite these challenges, some legacy retailers are adapting.

As Fortune retail and leadership expert Phil Wahba noted, competitors such as Macy's, Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom, Belk, and Dillard's have invested in upgrading stores, merchandising, and customer service, efforts that not only support sales but also enhance their value.

These efforts are beginning to show measurable results. Nordstrom recorded a 3.3% increase in year-over-year foot traffic in the first quarter of 2025, according to Placer.ai.

Still, some analysts remain cautious. Department store partnerships can provide reach, but they also limit control over brand presentation, pricing, and customer experience, factors that have historically been critical to success in the U.S. market.

Marks & Spencer's more calculated second attempt

Marks & Spencer's renewed U.S. strategy reflects a more disciplined and informed approach than its earlier expansion, but it is also fundamentally different.

Rather than attempting to establish a standalone retail presence, the company is effectively distributing through established partners, seeking to mitigate the risks that led to its prior exit. However, success will depend on whether the brand can build relevance among American consumers within another retailer's ecosystem.

While the outcome remains uncertain, the combination of improved financial performance, a partnership model, and a deeper understanding of the U.S. market shows that this second attempt is designed for a very different retail landscape than previously.

Related: 77-year-old jewelry giant will close 100 stores, shut 2 brands

This story was originally published by TheStreet on Apr 1, 2026, where it first appeared in the Retail section. Add TheStreet as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Here's the math and due diligence that a potential outright buyer of this business would consider. That gives Oracle an enterprise value of about $520 billion and a market cap of around $415 billion, plus some $108 billion in net total debt. Per Oracle's filings, the trailing twelve-month operating cash flow was $22.3 billion. That's a solid number, more than double what it was in FY2022. But the real question: Where did all that money go? By FY2025, infrastructure spending had jumped from $6.9 billion to $21.2 billion, that left free cash flow at a negative $394 million. And according to Investing.com, Oracle is now contemplating a new capital raise of $45-50 billion through various equity-linked instruments such as common stock and leveraged bond issuances. That would push debt-to-equity even further over the 4.33x level where it currently sits. So this buyer of all that is essentially paying 23x operating cash flow for a company that's recycling every dollar that comes through the door back into the ground.

And the names driving that RPO are not hypothetical. According to AInvest, Meta Platforms Inc. (META, Financial) committed $20 billion; OpenAI's multi-year contract is reportedly valued at about $300 billion per Intellizence reporting. Those are big contractual hooks that provide genuine visibility into revenue. But visibility does not translate to cash flow, and that divide is everything to an owner.

Riding on the coattails of that legacy engine Oracle has entered what is quite possibly the most aggressive capital investment cycle in company history. Q2 FY2026 earnings figures showed a 177% year-over-year increase in GPU-related revenue and cloud infrastructure grew 68% to $4.1 billion. Remaining performance obligations, or RPO, were $523 billion, a mind-bending 438% year-over-year increase. Management estimates about $172 billion of that will roll over in 12 months.

Peel away the AI hype and Oracle is, at its heart, a database and enterprise software company. The installed base runs north of 430,000 customers across virtually every industry on earth, and that base kicks out sticky, high-margin recurring revenue through database licenses, cloud applications and support contracts. Gross margins are 68.5%, operating margins 32% according to the last 10-K report. Those are franchise-worthy numbers.

Oracle Corp. (ORCL, Financial) at $145 per share puts prospective owners in a peculiar position. Here is a business that threw off $22 billion in operating cash flow last fiscal year and yet it generated essentially zero free cash flow. That tension is the thing anyone committing capital here has to sit with and work through. Half a year ago the stock was above $326 at a forward earnings multiple well north of 40x, and Wall Street was cramming as much of the AI infrastructure story into client portfolios as it could. Now it sits 57% off those highs, the multiple has come in to roughly 21.7x forward earnings, and the entire conversation around the name has changed. The market was clearly wrong at $326. The question now is whether it's also wrong at $145, just in the opposite direction.

Story Continues

Today, the company's return on invested capital is around 12.5% while generating approximately $15 billion of after-tax operating profit off an invested capital base of just under $120 billion (net debt plus equity). Fine, but not exactly world-stopping for a software franchise. So long as the cloud buildout actually delivers on contract and CapEx slows to FY2028 maintenance levels of roughly $12-15 billion, and operating cash flow exceeds $30-35 billion with free cash flow turning in the mid to lower ($15-20 billion) range. In that scenario ROIC would tend to 15-17% and the enterprise would trade at 26-35x adjusted free cash flow.

Owner Metric Current Normalized (FY2028E) Enterprise Value ~$520B ~$520B Operating Cash Flow $22.3B $30-35B CapEx $21.2B (peak cycle) $12-15B (maintenance) Implied Free Cash Flow -$394M $15-20B EV / Normalized FCF N/A (negative) 26-35x ROIC (NOPAT / Invested Capital) ~12.5% ~15-17% FCF Yield to Equity ~0% 3.6-4.8%

Source: Oracle FY2025 10-K, author estimates

Attractive? It all comes down to faith in the CapEx-to-revenue conversion. Oracle's share of the cloud infrastructure market remains at about 3%, according to Synergy Research, and Amazon Web Services has a 32% share; Microsoft Corp.'s (MSFT, Financial) Azure accounts for 23%; Alphabet Inc.'s (GOOGL, Financial) Google Cloud has around an 11% slice. Oracle is obviously not in a race for scale. Its secret is specialization: the RDMA cluster fabric for AI GPU workloads won high marks from NVIDIA Corp (NVDA, Financial) and its multicloud strategy roots OCI right into rival hyperscaler ecosystems. That 1,529% increase in multicloud consumption at the October 2025 Financial Analyst Meeting tells you Oracle wants to be a complement, not a combative compute layer to the big three. The bet is whether that niche can generate a 15%+ ROIC at real scale.

And margin math by segment makes that question tangible. During Oracle's October 2025 Financial Analyst Meeting, they broke out non-GAAP gross margins by customer type: legacy enterprise workloads are in the 65-80% range, distributed cloud and cloud native customers fall between 40-60%, and AI infrastructure which is their fastest growing segment at 117% y/y ACR growth only delivers a meager 30-40% gross margins. So the mix shift is hugely important. As AI infrastructure eats a bigger bite of that total OCI revenue, consolidated margins will come under pressure unless Oracle can either reprice contracts or move customers up the stack into higher-margin database and application services.

Oracle: The AI Backlog Is Real -- The Cash Flow Isn't (Yet)

That revenue trajectory is aggressive. During the same analyst meeting, management raised OCI's long-range revenue plan from $144 billion in FY2030 (the previous estimate for September 2025 from Q1 earnings) to $166 billion, raising the five-year CAGR from 71% to 75%. The near-term trajectory isn't easy either: Revenue of $18 billion in FY2026 is expected to nearly double again, approaching $34 billion by FY2027.

Fiscal Year Sept 2025 Estimate Oct 2025 Update FY2025 $10B $10B FY2026 $18B $18B FY2027 $32B $34B FY2028 $73B $77B FY2029 $114B $129B FY2030 $144B $166B 5-Year CAGR 71% 75%

Source: Oracle Q1 FY2026 Earnings (Sept 2025) and Financial Analyst Meeting (Oct 2025)

Magouyrk detailed a typical six-year AI infrastructure deal: $60 billion in total revenue for an annual average of $10 billion against a cost basis of approximately $39 billion, split around 35% land, data center and power versus 65% compute, network and storage. That would leave $21 billion in gross profit, or a 35% gross margin. Now add that to the 68.5% blended gross margin Oracle reports today and you see in real time the dilution risk.

AI Infrastructure Contract (6-Year) Amount % of Total Total Revenue ($10B/yr x 6) $60B 100% Land, Data Center & Power $13.7B ~35% of costs Compute, Network & Storage $25.3B ~65% of costs Total Costs $39B 65% of revenue Gross Profit $21B 35% of revenue

Source: Oracle Financial Analyst Meeting, October 2025 (AI Infrastructure Delivery Example)

Oracle: The AI Backlog Is Real -- The Cash Flow Isn't (Yet)

What other gurus are doing

Ownership situation here is messy. In one of the hedge funds they monitor most closely, David Tepper (Trades, Portfolio)'s Appaloosa Management, whose 28-year record just shy of 28 percent annualized returns is as good as it gets among its ilk, trimmed Oracle over five consecutive quarters. Tepper disclosed holding 2.3 million shares for Q1 2024 through quarterly agency filings that Insider Monkey tracks yet went on to cut back the stake down to zero by Q3 2025. The timing was prescient: Oracle peaked at about $345 not long after his final sale. Tepper's selling seems more a matter of valuation discipline than any specific bearish view on the underlying business. And the stock was priced well above perfection at 40x forward earnings, but Tepper is a value investor who knows when to exit the buffet.

By contrast, Parnassus Investments, an esteemed value fund, has maintained a large stake. In Parnassus's Q3 2025 quarterly letter, the firm noted how well the stock had performed in the last stretch due to cloud services tailwind and that the company remained aboard the AI megatrend according to Parnassus Value Equity Fund (Trades, Portfolio) letter. The Harbor Capital Appreciation Fund (Trades, Portfolio) also established a position in Q3 2025, calling Oracle a cloud infrastructure leader supported by demand and AI innovation and partnerships in its quarterly filing. Oracle Holdings in Q3 2025: There were 122 hedge funds which had Oracle in their portfolios (source: Insider Monkey).

Then there's Larry Ellison. Oracle's founder and CTO controls 40.8% of fully diluted shares outstanding, according to Fintel. And with nearly all of an insider's net worth wrapped up in one illiquid position like this, every capital allocation decision comes with momentous personal repercussions. That alignment does indeed matter, if not independently of the valuation question.

The gap between Tepper and Parnassus is illuminating. Tepper figured the stock was ahead of the economics and dusted off his chips. Parnassus and Harbor identified a franchise trading at a low multiple with strong, strengthening fundamentals, and deployed capital. Both camps can be right. It really depends on time horizon and what the normalized economics truly are once this CapEx cycle peaks.

What has to be true

For an owner to earn a good return on a $145 purchase, multiple things must break their way. Some $523 billion in RPO will need to be recognized as revenue on something like the forecasted timetable. If the construction of data centers falls behind schedule or GPU delivery is postponed even a bit further, revenue recognition recedes even deeper into the future, and negative free cash flow endures longer than anyone cares to contemplate.

And operating margins need to remain above 30% as cloud infrastructure grows. That's not a given. If those cloud revenues are the more hardware-heavy type and margins do get dragged down to 25-27%, normalized free cash flow drops to maybe $10-12 billion, and the enterprise ends up trading at 43-52x normalized earnings. That's a fat price for what is essentially a capital-goods business, however fast it's growing.

There's counterparty risk as well, that's part of it too. OpenAI remains unprofitable and must raise money on a rolling basis to cover a $300 billion commitment. Meta's AI spending priorities can change on a dime at any board meeting. And then there's the question of dilution. If Oracle raises $45-50 billion via dilutive instruments while the stock is this beaten up, per-share economics could take a pretty sizable hit even as total business economics improve.

Who should own this

Owning Oracle at $145 is far from a classic value investment. It trades today on a near-zero free cash flow yield, has a levered balance sheet of 4.33x debt-to-equity with more capital still to raise, and its best-case normalized ROIC lands somewhere in the mid-teens versus the 20%+ territory that franchise software businesses typically generate.

What it does represent is a wager on one of the largest contracted revenue backlogs in corporate history ultimately converting into cash flow at scale, all under a founder with 41% of his personal fortune riding alongside outside shareholders. The recent Q3 FY2026 earnings release provided further evidence that demand is real and the backlog is converting, but it also reinforced the central tension: the capital intensity required to deliver that growth continues to suppress near-term free cash flow.

If free cash flow normalizes at $15-20 billion by FY2028, there is adequate opportunity for owners willing to underwrite the CapEx cycle over three to five years. That would imply a 3.6-4.8% free cash flow yield to equity, fair if not cheap for a company compounding cloud revenue at 60%+ off a ~$16 billion base. The risk remains that the CapEx cycle extends, margins compress, or counterparty concentration creates a revenue air pocket. Size the position appropriately and acknowledge this for what it is: an infrastructure cycle bet, not deep value. The recent earnings did not resolve that questionthey simply moved it from speculation to execution.
Perrigo Company plc (NYSE:PRGO) is among the best small-cap value stocks to buy according to analysts. On March 11, 2026, Perrigo Company PLC (NYSE:PRGO) presented at the UBS Global Consumer and Retail Conference, where CEO Patrick LockwoodTaylor discussed the companys strategy to focus on core businesses and strengthen retailer partnerships. Despite a soft market environment, Perrigo aims to improve financial performance through innovation, geographic expansion, and cost reductions, including a planned 7% global workforce cut.

Perrigo (PRGO) Positioned for Growth Amid Market Challenges

Financially, Perrigo has already achieved $320 million in savings from Project Energize and supply chain improvements. A new twoyear program is expected to deliver $80$100 million annually, with most benefits realized in 2026. The company reported strong U.S. store brand market share gains and expects earnings to be weighted toward the second half of the year.

Operationally, Perrigo has exited noncore businesses like Rare Diseases and Dermacosmetics, while maintaining over 90% service levels in infant formula. Its innovation pipeline has tripled in value compared to last year, strengthening partnerships and boosting performance in Europe.

Looking ahead, Perrigo expects better results in the second half of 2026 and sees 2027 as a key year for strategic acceleration. The company remains focused on core categories, disciplined capital allocation, and maintaining a leverage ratio of 3 or below while continuing its dividend policy.

Perrigo Company plc (NYSE:PRGO) offers overthecounter health and wellness products across the U.S., Europe, and other global markets. It operates through two main segments: Consumer SelfCare Americas and Consumer SelfCare International.

While we acknowledge the potential of PRGO 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: 8 Best Gun Stocks to Buy in 2026 and 8 Cheap Rising Stocks to Buy Now.

Disclosure: None. Follow Insider Monkey on Google News.
Plug Power Inc. shares are down during Thursdays premarket session. The company won a significant contract to supply a 275 MW GenEco PEM electrolyzer system for Hy2gen Canadas Courant project.

This news comes as broader markets experienced a decline, adding pressure to the stocks performance.

Details

Plug Power has secured a Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) contract for one of the largest electrolyzer projects to date.

The project aims to support the production of low-carbon ammonia, leveraging Canadas low-carbon hydroelectric resources.

Don't Miss:

Noatbly, Hy2gen is developing the Courant project as one of North America's largest low-carbon ammonium nitrate facilities, serving the mining industry in Quebec, Central and Eastern Canada, and beyond.

Plug is providing advanced engineering and system design to integrate electrolyzers, optimize plant configuration, and enhance performance. Its PEM electrolyzer technology offers high reliability, efficiency, and operational flexibility.

The hydrogen plant will produce low-carbon ammonia using electricity from the Hydro-Quebec grid, which will then be converted into renewable ammonium nitrate for mining industry explosives.

Plug CEO Jose Luis Crespo said the project reflects growing demand for proven electrolyzer technology for industrial decarbonization.

Trending: What If Tires Didn't Need Air  Or Replacing? This Startup Says It's Possible

Recent Earnings Snapshot

Last month, Plug Power reported a fourth-quarter loss of 63 cents per share, missing the analyst estimate for a loss of 10 cents. Revenue came in at $225.2 million, which beat the consensus estimate of $217.77 million.

Plug projects revenue growth in 2026 that mirrors last years pace. Crespo pointed to expanding demand in material handling and electrolyzers.

Plug Power is slated to provide its next financial update on May 11, 2026 (estimated).

EPS Estimate : Loss of 10 cents (up from loss of 21 cents)

Revenue Estimate: $141.18 million (up from $133.67 million)

See Also: This AI Helps Fortune 1000 Brands Avoid Costly Ad Mistakes  See Why Investors Are Paying Attention

Analyst Consensus & Recent Actions: The stock carries a Hold rating with an average price target of $2.37. Recent analyst moves include:
Much of the recent good news about Rivian has only been tangentially accretive to the luxury EV maker's bottom line, but on Thursday, April 2, Rivian gave investors the best news they could hope for. The company reported delivering more vehicles between January and March than analysts had expected.

On March 19, Rivian and Uber revealed a partnership in which Uber will invest up to $1.25 billion in Rivian and deploy as many as 50,000 autonomous R2 vehicles on its ride-hailing platform in two years.

We couldnt be more excited about this partnership with Uber  it will help accelerate our path to level 4 autonomy to create one of the safest and most convenient autonomous platforms in the world, Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe said.

Last week, analysts at JPMorgan published a note praising the deal as "mostly positive," as the extra cash will come in handy as Rivian navigates what the analysts described as a "seemingly increasingly structurally unprofitable" market for electric vehicles.

Driven by a strong first half of the year, Rivian closed 2025 with an annual gross profit of $144 million as revenue increased 8% to about $5.4 billion, but to JPMorgan's point, much of that profit was driven by its software and services segment, since Rivian's automotive business lost $432 million last year.

Rivian stock jumps after topping industry Q1 delivery expectations

Rivian produced 10,236 vehicles in the first quarter ending March 31, 2026, and delivered 10,365 during the same period, according to its latest 8K filing.

The production and delivery numbers were in line with the company's expectations but topped consensus market estimates of 9,678, according to Visible Alpha as cited by Reuters. Additionally, the company reaffirmed its full-year delivery range between 62,000 and 67,000 vehicles.

U.S. electric vehicle sales were having a record-setting year as buyers flocked to dealerships to take advantage of the government tax credit of up to $7,500 that was set to expire at the end of September 2025.

Related: Rivian and Lucid can operate like Tesla after new legislative win

Once October hit, U.S. EV sales immediately fell off a cliff.

Dealers across all brands sold 74,835 electric vehicles in the U.S. in October 2025, according to Cox Automotive data, representing a 48.9% year-over-year decrease.

Buyers rushed to secure incentives before the deadline, but once it passed, momentum slowed," Cox noted. "Inventories climbed quickly, and pricing shifted upward for both new and used EVs, reflecting a market in transition.

U.S. car buyers purchased 90 different EV models in the third quarter, but only nine sold more than 10,000 units.
ServiceNow, Inc. (NYSE:NOW) is one of the 10 Top Stocks Fund Managers Are Loading Up On in 2026.

ServiceNow (NOW) Expands Partnership With NVIDIA

On March 16, 2026, ServiceNow, Inc. (NYSE:NOW) announced an expanded partnership with NVIDIA at GTC 2026 to govern the Autonomous Workforce. The collaboration combines the companys AI Control Tower with the NVIDIA Enterprise AI Factory to operationalize and monitor AI agents across hybrid environments. These autonomous specialists utilize NVIDIA Blackwell infrastructure and Nemotron models to move beyond simple tasks and coordinate complex, governed enterprise workflows. In addition, the companies are launching a benchmarking framework for voice and multimodal AI.

In a separate event, on the same day, ServiceNow, Inc. (NYSE:NOW) and Carahsoft expanded their partnership to distribute the ServiceNow AI Platform across 10,000+ resellers in the U.S. and Canada. Moving beyond its focus on government IT, Carahsoft is now bringing ServiceNows AI control tower into healthcare, financial services, and critical infrastructure sectors. With this expanded collaboration, ServiceNow, Inc. (NYSE:NOW) bypasses traditional sales motions and reaches customers through trusted local partners.

Founded in 2004, ServiceNow, Inc. (NYSE:NOW) is a leading American cloud-based software company that provides a global cloud computing platform to automate enterprise workflows across IT, HR, and customer service. The companys headquarters is located in California.

While we acknowledge the potential of NOW 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: 11 Best Stocks Youll Wish You Bought Sooner and 15 Set-It-and-Forget-It Stocks to Buy in 2026

Disclosure: None. Follow Insider Monkey on Google News.
Blue Owl Capital moved to limit withdrawals from two of its biggest private-credit funds after investors sought to redeem roughly $5.4 billion in the first quarter.

Investors sought to pull roughly 22% of shares from Blue Owl Credit Income Corp., its flagship $36 billion private-credit fund, and 41% from a smaller, technology-focused vehicle.

Blue Owl said it would honor only 5% of those requests in each fund.

The two funds invest in private loans, or debt made outside of banks, that can take time to sell. That means when many investors want their money back at once, the manager may have to sell assets at a loss, creating a fund run similar to a bank run.

The size of those requests was among the largest seen in the non-traded BDC, or business development company, market and sent Blue Owl shares down sharply. Other publicly traded alternative-asset managers also fell.

Redemption caps slow withdrawals and give funds time to raise cash without dumping loans into a weak market.

Private credit grew rapidly after the 2008 financial crisis as Dodd-Frank pushed banks to pull back from riskier lending. Asset managers stepped in, building a market that more than quadrupled to $1.6 trillion from $357 billion between 2016 and 2024.

AI fears hit first

The biggest pressure showed up in OTIC, Blue Owls $6.2 billion technology-focused fund. Investors have grown concerned that artificial intelligence could upend the software business models many of these loans are tied to.

In the prior quarter, the fund had already faced elevated withdrawals. At the time, Blue Owl allowed investors to redeem 15.4% of shares, well above the usual 5% cap adopted by most firms.

Related: Blue Owl Capital liquidity trap or shadow bank misinformation wave?

The flagship fund also drew an unusually large wave of redemption requests.

Blue Owl attributed the increasing amount of withdrawal requests to heightened market concerns around AI-related disruption to software companies.

Redemption caps may buy time

Blue Owls flagship fund currently holds $11.3 billion in cash, credit lines and liquid assets. Under the 5% cap, it expects to pay out about $988 million this quarter while receiving $872 million in new investments, leaving net outflows of roughly $116 million.

Blue Owl said that in the most recent quarter, 90% of investors chose not to redeem, and a small group made up most of the requests.

We continue to observe a meaningful disconnect between the public dialogue on private credit and the underlying trends in our portfolio, the firm wrote in the letter to investors.
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Socium Advisors, a St. Louis-based Northwestern Mutual private client group, is bringing a Milwaukee firm with $1.6 billion in client assets into the fold.

The addition of Amplify Wealth Partners will boost Sociums total client assets to $4.3 billion, making it one of the largest wealth management firms in Northwestern Mutuals network.

Amplify was founded by Jerod Spaeth, a 20-year industry veteran who first registered with Northwestern Mutual in 2003. Amplify works with high-net-worth individuals and families, as well as business owners. Socium founder and CEO Scott Underwood said the firm was thrilled to welcome Amplify to the team, which will help Socium expand into more states.

Jerod has built an incredible team, with an array of sophisticated clients and an impressive group benefits and retirement plan business in the Milwaukee area, he said in a statement. Im excited about what we will be able to accomplish together.

Spaeth will join Socium as a partner, along with advisors Lauren (Peter) Lanigan, Andrew Hoy, Andrew Hunn and Christopher Young. The move will add 26 financial professionals (including the five partners) to Socium and boost its reach to nearly 45,000 plan participants nationwide.

In total, Socium now has 86 employees; in addition to the new Milwaukee office, Socium has locations in St. Louis, Los Angeles, McLean, Va., Calabasas, Calif., Tacoma, Wash. and Northwest Arkansas.

Socium has grown from $500 million total client assets in 2020 to more than $4.3 billion after the Amplify deal, and clients include executives, attorneys, real estate developers, business owners, entrepreneurs and athletes, among others. In addition to boosting Sociums presence in the qualified plan space, the Amplify deal will allow clients more access to Sociums wealth services, including financial, estate and philanthropic planning.

Socium is run similar to more like a firm with family office services, with a team approach and the specialized services clients expect from their wealth advisors, Spaeth said. The firm also has the scale and resources to allow us to expand our offerings to both individual clients and group plan participants.
Intuitive Machines (LUNR) moved sharply higher as investors circled back to one of the few public companies with a real commercial moon-delivery business. The stocks move appears tied to a broader burst of lunar enthusiasm after the successful Artemis II launch, which pushed space names higher across the board.

Coverage of the rally said Intuitive Machines was one of the stocks benefiting from renewed attention on companies tied to NASAs moon program.

A fresh NASA award gave the rally more substance

On March 24, Intuitive Machines said NASA awarded it a $180.4 million CLPS task order for the IM-5 mission. The company said the mission will use its larger Nova-D lander to deliver seven science and technology payloads to the lunar south pole region, making it the companys fifth CLPS task order and its first mission requiring the larger cargo-class lander.

Intuitive Machines is trying to build a repeatable lunar-delivery and infrastructure business, and IM-5 adds to the case that NASA is still relying on it as one of its commercial moon partners. The company also said the mission will use its lunar landing system, space data network, and autonomous surface operations capabilities, which gives investors a broader platform story than just a single lander contract.

The company is trying to sell a bigger story than one mission

The recent earnings release added another layer to the move. On March 19, Intuitive Machines said 2025 was a transformational year, citing its second lunar mission, expansion into national security space programs, and the acquisitions of KinetX Aerospace and Lanteris Space Systems.

Intuitive Machines is no longer trying to look like a single-mission moon stock. It is trying to look like a broader space infrastructure company with exposure to lunar access, data services, orbital work, and national security programs.

The companys investor materials describe the business across Lunar Access Services, Orbital Services, Lunar Data Services, and Space Products and Infrastructure, which helps explain why a broader lunar theme can move the shares so quickly.

Why the move is getting attention

The rally has a cleaner setup than a random space-stock spike. Artemis II gave the market a reason to care about lunar names again, and Intuitive Machines came into that moment with a fresh NASA award already in hand. That combination is what gives the move more credibility.

More technicals
Founded with the audacious goal of making humanity multi-planetary, Elon Musk's SpaceX has become one of the most anticipated initial public offerings (IPOs) in history. The company is reportedly targeting a valuation as high as $1.75 trillion -- a capital raise that could eclipse Saudi Arabian Oil's record $1.7 trillion debut in 2019.

Indeed, going public could unlock unprecedented capital. But smart investors who grasp the nuances around SpaceX will be able to separate legitimate buy signals from the noise of clickbait headlines.

Will AI create the world's first trillionaire? Our team just released a report on the one little-known company, called an "Indispensable Monopoly" providing the critical technology Nvidia and Intel both need. Continue 

Image source: Getty Images.

SpaceX's advantages are launch dominance and reusability

At its core, SpaceX's value proposition is its ability to reduce the cost of reaching orbit. The company's reusable Falcon rockets have turned what was previously a one-time throwaway expense into a repeatable advantage -- enabling periodic launches for satellites and NASA cargo.

These operational efficiencies create a virtuous cycle: Lower launch prices attract more contract demand, which subsequently funds innovation. While SpaceX's technological moat is impressive, the company's success requires flawless execution given the high-stakes nature of its missions.

Any delays in commercial certifications or hiccups during a launch can stall business momentum -- pressuring post-IPO operating margins.

Starlink is the secret revenue catalyst fueling SpaceX

While rocket launches are great for headlines, Starlink represents SpaceX's most direct path to sustained cash flow. The low-Earth-orbit constellation delivers high-speed internet access to underdeveloped regions -- from rural farms to maritime fleets and disaster zones.

Starlink's subscription model offers more predictable, high-margin revenue that helps offset SpaceX's research and development (R&D) and infrastructure costs.

Smart investors will keep a keen eye on Starlink's subscriber growth and average revenue per user (ARPU) trends as leading indicators pertaining to SpaceX's ability to turn a profit.

What are some alternatives to investing in SpaceX?

Despite an exciting narrative, investing in SpaceX comes with notable risks. Intense regulatory scrutiny from aviation and communications authorities could bring vulnerabilities to future launches or spectrum use.

Perhaps most critically, though, SpaceX's future remains closely designed by founder Elon Musk. The billionaire entrepreneur already spreads his attention across multiple ventures. For instance, SpaceX alone includes xAI and X (formerly Twitter) underneath its umbrella. Each of these platforms have different goals and business models.These dynamics introduce outsize execution and governance risks that public markets might punish if progress is unsatisfactory.
Stellantis N.V. (NYSE:STLA) is one of the 10 Best Car Stocks to Buy in 2026. On March 30, Morgan Stanley analyst Javier Martinez de Olcoz Cerdan reduced the firms price target on Stellantis N.V. (NYSE:STLA) from EUR 7 to EUR 6.50 while maintaining an Equal Weight rating on the stock.

Earlier, on March 19, Citi analyst Harald Hendrikse also lowered the firms price target on Stellantis N.V. (NYSE:STLA) from EUR 8 to EUR 7 and maintained a Neutral rating on the stock. The research firm also added the stock to an upside 90-day catalyst watch.

Stellantis (STLA) Price Targets Cut by Morgan Stanley and Citi

Citi is staying cautious on Stellantis N.V. (NYSE:STLA) due to concerns about profitability in the US and Europe. However, the analyst told investors in a research note that the stock can experience a change in investor sentiment after the stock declined by 39% in 2026.

In other news, on March 19, Stellantis N.V. (NYSE:STLA) announced that owners of its Dodge, Jeep, Ram, FIAT, and Maserati battery-electric vehicles will now be able to use more than 27,500 Tesla Supercharger locations in North America.

Stellantis N.V. (NYSE:STLA) is a leading global automaker with a portfolio of 14 iconic brands. Some of these brands are Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Peugeot, Citroen, FIAT, Dodge, Jeep, Maserati, Ram, and Vauxhall. The company has operations in over 30 countries and serves customers in more than 130 markets around the world.

While we acknowledge the potential of STLA 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: 11 Best American Bank Stocks to Buy According to Wall Street Analysts and 10 Best AI Stocks to Buy for the Next 10 Years.

Disclosure: None. Follow Insider Monkey on Google News.
Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE:TM) is one of the 10 Best Car Stocks to Buy in 2026. On March 24, Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE:TM) announced that it is investing $1 billion in its plants in Kentucky and Indiana. The goal of this investment is to better meet the different needs of customers in the US.

According to the report by Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE:TM), this investment is part of the companys best-company-in-town approach, which allows it to invest and produce locally, support the local community, and offer a wide range of options suited to local demand through a multi-pathway strategy. The company continues to focus on investing and growing its presence in the country.

Toyota Motor Corporation (TM) Invests $1 Billion in Kentucky and Indiana Plants

Image by Admiral_Lebioda from Pixabay

Out of the total $1 billion investment, Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE:TM) said $800 million will go to the Kentucky plant to help prepare the facility for the production of battery electric vehicles and also increase production capacity for the Camry and RAV4 models.

The remaining $200 million will be invested in the Indiana plant to increase production capacity for the Grand Highlander.

Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE:TM) is a Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer that offers a wide range of vehicles around the globe.

While we acknowledge the potential of TM 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: 11 Best American Bank Stocks to Buy According to Wall Street Analysts and 10 Best AI Stocks to Buy for the Next 10 Years.

Disclosure: None. Follow Insider Monkey on Google News.
Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER) is one of Motley Fools high-growth stock picks. On March 26, Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER) entered into a strategic collaboration with Verne and Pony.AI. The trios are joining forces to launch the first commercial robotaxi service in Europe, beginning in Zagreb, Croatia.

Is Uber Technologies, Inc. (UBER) One of Motley Fool's High-Growth Stock Picks?

The companies are working on a commercial robotaxi service that will combine Pony.ais autonomous driving system, Ubers global mobility platform, and Vernes service ecosystem. Pony.ai will provide its autonomous driving solution, with Verne acting as the fleet owner. Uber is to integrate the service into its global ride-hailing network, and Verne will also complement its customer-facing platform.

The trio has already commenced on-road testing in Zagreb using Pony.ais Gen-7 autonomous driving system. Preparations for fare charging are already underway. As part of the strategic partnership, Uber plans to invest in Verne and support future expansion.

According to Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber, the strategic partnership underscores their commitment to making autonomous ride-hailing available to more riders and in more locations.

Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER) is a global technology platform that primarily operates as a ride-hailing service, connecting users with drivers through a smartphone app. It facilitates personal mobility (ridesharing), food delivery (Uber Eats), and freight transport. Uber also invests in autonomous vehicles and future transportation solutions.

While we acknowledge the potential of UBER 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: 8 Best Potash Stocks to Invest in Right Now and 9 Most Undervalued Growth Stocks to Buy According to Analysts.

Disclosure: None. Follow Insider Monkey on Google News.
Quick Read

KeyBanc raised its price target on Crescent Energy (CRGY) to $19 from $15 while maintaining an Overweight rating, viewing the stocks recent 6% pullback as a buying opportunity tied to commodity strength rather than fundamental deterioration.

Crescent Energys expanded asset base following its $3.10 billion Vital Energy acquisition, combined with disciplined execution (three consecutive EPS beats), attractive valuation multiples, and a 4% dividend yield, supports conviction that recent equity weakness disconnects from underlying oil price strength.

A recent study identified one single habit that doubled Americans retirement savings and moved retirement from dream, to reality. Read more here.

Crescent Energy (NYSE:CRGY) received a notable vote of confidence from KeyBanc this week, with the firm raising its price target to $19 from $15 while maintaining an Overweight rating. The call comes as Crescent Energy stock has pulled back 6% over the past week, which KeyBanc characterizes as a clear entry point for investors focused on the underlying commodity thesis rather than near-term noise.

So far this year, shares of CRGY are up a staggering 57.76%, bringing the stock's one-year gain to 20.08%.

Ticker Company Firm Action Old Rating New Rating Old Target New Target CRGY Crescent Energy KeyBanc Price Target Raised Overweight Overweight $15 $19

The Analyst's Case

KeyBanc is resetting its oil price deck after Q1 and sees dislocations for global crude and refined products persisting into summer. The firm characterizes the recent week-to-date selloff in oil and energy equities as a head-fake and buying opportunity rather than a fundamental shift in the supply-demand picture. With WTI crude having surged from $66.96 on February 27 to $104.69 on March 30, the analyst view is that the recent equity pullback is disconnected from underlying commodity strength.

Read: 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.

Company Snapshot

Crescent Energy is a U.S. oil and gas E&P operator focused primarily on the Eagle Ford and Rocky Mountain region, with recent expansion into the Permian through the $3.10 billion all-stock acquisition of Vital Energy closed in mid-December 2025. That deal vaulted Crescent into the top 10 independent U.S. oil and gas producers. Full-year 2025 results showed revenue of $3.58 billion, up 22% year over year, with net income of $167.17 million, a 246% improvement. Production guidance for 2026 stands at 320-35 MBoe/d. CEO David Rockecharlie framed the company's positioning plainly: "2025 was a transformational year, and our value proposition has never been more compelling."
In fiscal 2026, Marvell reported record results with $8.2 billion in net revenue, $2.67 billion in GAAP net income, and $2.47 billion in nonGAAP profit. The fourth quarter alone produced $2.22 billion in revenue and $0.80 per share in nonGAAP earnings, slightly ahead of estimates. The company expects about $2.4 billion 5% in Q1 fiscal 2027 revenue, showing continued momentum.

The stock trades at a forward P/E of 28.96 times, higher than the semiconductor sector average of 21.28 times, which signals investor confidence in Marvells growth story tied to AI demand.

Over the past year, Marvells stock has delivered impressive gains, rising 68% over the past 52 weeks and 24% year-to-date (YTD).

Marvell Technology has established itself as a key player in the fastgrowing AI and data infrastructure space. The company designs and develops advanced semiconductors that power data centers, cloud networks, and AI systems around the world.

For investors looking to follow a similar approach rather than only holding Nvidia, names like Marvell, Nebius Group N.V. (NBIS), and Lumentum Holdings (LITE) represent three distinct ways to invest in the same AIinfrastructure cycle Nvidia is helping to build.

Now that Nvidia has reportedly committed about two billion dollars to Marvell Technology (MRVL), the strategy is becoming clearer. Instead of spreading capital across numerous bets, Huang is choosing a select group of companies that control critical points in the AI supply chain, from highspeed data center infrastructure to optical technology.

Those projections are showing up in the numbers. Fiscal 2026 revenue jumped 65% year-over-year (YOY) to 215.9 billion dollars, driven by data center chips that now account for most of Nvidias sales and generate over 100 billion dollars in annual operating cash flow. That cash is not only fueling buybacks and research spending but also giving Huang the flexibility to take meaningful stakes in other chip and infrastructure companies.

Jensen Huang has spent the past year telling investors that Nvidia (NVDA) is entering an inference inflection, with AI workloads expected to drive up to one trillion dollars of GPU demand by 2027. In fact, Nvidias data center revenue has already climbed more than 13 times since the launch of ChatGPT.

Story Continues

Also, Marvell is advancing on the innovation front. Nvidias recent $2 billion investment deepens its partnership on AI infrastructure and silicon photonics, helping address demand for faster and more powerefficient data connectivity. Marvells new Structera S 30260 CXL switch is another highlight, offering a solution to the AI memory wall by improving bandwidth and enabling more efficient memory sharing across servers. These advances strengthen Marvells position in the AI supply chain.

Analysts remain positive, with 35 on Wall Street giving MRVL a consensus Strong Buy rating and an average price target of $119.53, suggesting about 12.6% upside from current levels.

www.barchart.com

Nebius Group N.V.

Nebius has quickly become one of the most watched names in AI infrastructure, building advanced cloud, compute, and semiconductor technologies that power nextgeneration artificial intelligence systems.

The stock has delivered huge gains, climbing 352% over the past 52 weeks and another 22.5% YTD, showing strong investor confidence in the companys growth path.

www.barchart.com

Its financial performance backs that up. In Q4 2025, revenue jumped a whopping 547% YOY to $227.7 million, while fullyear sales rose 479% to $529.8 million. Also, the company posted $29 million in fullyear net income, a reversal from the previous years loss, signaling stronger cost control and scalability. Notably, its costofrevenue ratio fell from 60% to 30% in Q4, a sign that the business model is becoming more efficient as it scales.

Further, the companys AI cloud arm continues to expand at a rapid pace. It announced plans to build a 310 MW AI factory in Finland, and is set to be one of Europes largest by 2027. Alongside that, the new Nebius AI Cloud 3.5 launch introduced serverless AI capabilities that make it easier for developers to run models and speed up production. These efforts highlight how Nebius is strengthening its position in the AI cloud ecosystem.

Analysts remain highly optimistic. Of 13 analysts covering NBIT, nine rate it as a Strong Buy, one goes with a Moderate Buy, and the remaining analyst rates it as a Hold. And an average price target of $167 suggests a 63.4% upside from current levels.

www.barchart.com

www.barchart.com

Lumentum Holdings

Lumentum has become one of the biggest winners in the AI hardware space, supplying the laser and photonics technology that supports modern data centers and optical networks.

The stock has been a standout performer, jumping 1,110% over the past 52 weeks and up another 108.7% YTD.

www.barchart.com

Valuations are steep, with a forward P/E of 110.95 times compared to the semiconductor sector average of about 21.28 times, showing the amount of optimism priced in toward future growth.

In its most recent results, the company reported $665.5 million in Q2 fiscal 2026 revenue, up sharply from $402.2 million a year earlier, with GAAP net income of $78.2 million. NonGAAP EPS came in at $1.67, and management forecasts Q3 revenue between $780 million and $830 million, with a nonGAAP operating margin of up to 31%. This marks a strong improvement from 2025s losses, supported by new product launches and stronger execution.

And, Lumentum is expanding its production footprint in the U.S. The company announced a new 240,000squarefoot laser manufacturing facility in Greensboro, North Carolina, that will produce advanced indium phosphide (InP) optical devices for major AI data centers. It also partnered with Marvell Technology to demonstrate optical circuit switching for nextgeneration AI infrastructure, a technology that enables faster, more efficient data movement across large AI clusters.

Analysts remain highly positive. Of 21 covering the stock, 14 have given a Strong Buy," two have gone with a Moderate Buy, and the remaining five analysts rate the stock a Hold. Already surpassing the average price target is $728.85, the Wall Street-given high of $1,040 suggests a 36% climb from here.

www.barchart.com

www.barchart.com

Conclusion

If Jensen Huangs investment trail is any indication, the AI infrastructure story is just getting started. Marvell, NBIS, and Lumentum each sit at critical junctions of that ecosystem, connecting the chips, memory, and optics that make large-scale AI possible. These are not speculative moonshots but companies already showing explosive growth and strategic relevance. Given their momentum, shares could still move higher through 2026 as AI deployment deepens and data center spending ramps up. While volatility is inevitable, the direction for these names, at least for now, still looks decisively up.

On the date of publication, Ebube Jones 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
Wednesday was not a good day to be a tobacco stock investor. A report from a major news agency indicated that certain products that were supposed to be fast-tracked by a regulator might just be stuck in the slow lane for longer. With that, many tobacco company shareholders unloaded their holdings. This included Turning Point Brands (NYSE: TPB), which fell by over 14% that trading session.

A reluctant regulator?

Early that morning, Reuters published an article stating that scientists at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are hesitant to authorize oral nicotine products, such as pouches, currently awaiting the regulator's approval.

Will AI create the world's first trillionaire? Our team just released a report on the one little-known company, called an "Indispensable Monopoly" providing the critical technology Nvidia and Intel both need. Continue 

Image source: Getty Images.

Citing three unnamed sources, the news agency added that those scientists are concerned that they pose risks to new users. They are particularly worried about the effect of these tobacco products on children.

At the moment, it's not easy for such goods to win FDA approval. The agency considers whether a certain product might help smokers switch to a less harmful alternative, and these days, nicotine pouches don't seem to fit the bill.

Turning Point currently has new versions of its classic Stoker's line of chewing tobaccos and dips (also known as snuffs) in the regulatory pipeline. Its applications for the next-generation tobacco pouch product line, Fre, are also pending, ditto for its "alternative nicotine delivery systems" acquired from its 2019 purchase of peer Solace Technologies.

Turning Point did not comment on the Reuters story.

A vulnerable business

If the article is accurate, Turning Point and other tobacconists could be in for quite a rough patch. It's hard to grow a business when the path to new product introduction becomes more limited, or even blocked entirely.

Although there are many benefits to "sin stocks," they are always vulnerable to regulatory issues like this one. I'd be cautious on Turning Point and its peers until we get more certainty on the FDA's stance.

Should you buy stock in Turning Point Brands right now?

Before you buy stock in Turning Point Brands, consider this:

The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now and Turning Point Brands wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
By Daewoung Kim

PYEONGTAEK, South Korea, April 3 (Reuters) - Hyundai Motor said on Friday that exports to Europe and North Africa, which typically transit through the Middle East, were being disrupted by the conflict in the region, underscoring growing strains on global supply chains.

The disruption highlights how the conflict is choking key shipping routes, driving up logistics costs, delaying deliveries and adding pressure on the automaker and its suppliers.

Hyundai Motor, the world's third-biggest automaker by sales with its affiliate Kia Corp, warned that even if the Iran war ended soon the impact would linger. Kim Dong-jo, a senior vice president at Hyundai Motor's Global Policy Office, said rebuilding supply chains would take time.

"Even if the conflict ends, it will take a considerable amount of time to rebuild and restore existing supply chains," said Kim, who was speaking at Pyeongtaek-Dangjin Port, southwest of the capital Seoul, where government officials, logistics firms and automakers met to assess the impact of the war.

The meeting took place at the port where cars were lined up on the wharf to be shipped on a giant vehicle carrier, set to carry about 4,900 vehicles and bound for the U.S. west coast.

Kim said rising logistics costs and raw material constraints linked to the conflict were also pressuring parts suppliers and production, adding that Hyundai was working with suppliers and the government to minimise disruption.

Hyundai Motor Group's logistics unit, Hyundai Glovis, said it was currently unable to access some Middle East routes, forcing it to temporarily store cargo at alternative locations until conditions stabilise.

The company said that while routes to North America's west and east coasts have not been significantly affected so far, restricted access to the Middle East and higher fuel costs were hampering operations and efficiency.

South Korea's Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo told the gathering that some shipments were being diverted to intermediate hubs such as Sri Lanka, where they are being held while companies reassess when transport can resume.

Last month, Reuters reported that some used car exports from Japan were unable to enter Sri Lanka as ports became congested with cargo diverted from Dubai amid the Middle East conflict.

South Korea's exports in March posted their strongest growth in nearly four decades, but shipments to the Middle East fell 49%. Auto exports were little changed, as supply disruptions offset strong demand for environmentally friendly vehicles.
The need for green energy is gaining momentum worldwide as humanity gradually shifts away from fossil fuels. It won't necessarily be a fast or smooth transition. Still, as data centers and population growth drive soaring electricity demand, two companies stand out as leaders poised to capitalize on it.

NextEra Energy (NYSE: NEE) and Brookfield Renewable Partners (NYSE: BEP) (NYSE: BEPC) are well positioned to lead the green energy movement now and in the future. Let's have a look at what both companies offer investors.

Will AI create the world's first trillionaire? Our team just released a report on the one little-known company, called an "Indispensable Monopoly" providing the critical technology Nvidia and Intel both need. Continue 

Image source: Getty Images.

NextEra's steady growth

NextEra Energy is already the world's largest electric utility holding company with a current market capitalization of $191 billion as of March 30. In addition to being a regulated utility company, NextEra has an enviable renewables division.

In 2025, NextEra reported 8.2% earnings-per-share growth. The company anticipates maintaining this growth rate through at least 2032. NextEra also set another company record in backlog growth, adding 13.5 gigawatts last year.

NextEra's stock is less volatile than the overall market, with a beta of 0.75. Yet, it trades at a slight premium relative to its utility peers due to its growth prospects. The stock's trailing P/E ratio is over 27 now, and its price/earnings-to-growth ratio is 2.67. The stock, however, is worth the high price of admission, in my view, due to its long-term revenue visibility and attractive dividend yield of 2.73%.

Brookfield Renewable Partners shines bright

Brookfield is another green energy company growing at an impressive rate. In 2025, the company reported $1.3 billion in funds from operations (FFO). This is a 10% year-over-year increase. The company also announced a 5% increase in distributions.

Brookfield issued C$500 million (USD $360 million) in green bonds in January 2026 and, just last week, announced an agreement to acquire Canadian independent renewable energy company Boralex (OTC: BRLXF) alongside investment group La Caisse. This acquisition should help Brookfield further accelerate growth. Additionally, the proceeds from the green bonds are used to fund investments in renewable energy projects that meet the criteria for the 17 Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations.

Both share classes of Brookfield stock are up by more than 40% over the past 12 months. Investors can choose to invest in the company's limited partnership (BEP) or its regular corporation (BEPC). Both classes are based on the same underlying assets but have different tax treatments. Brookfield's strong growth is also supported by a solid annual dividend of $1.57 per share.
CEVA Logistics has completed its acquisition of global heavy-lift and project logistics firm Fagioli Group, a move that expands the companys specialized transport and engineering capabilities, including operations in Houston, Texas.

The acquisition, finalized on Tuesday following regulatory approvals, brings Fagiolis heavy transport, lifting and engineered project logistics operations into CEVAs global network, according to a news release.

Reggio Emilia, Italy-based Fagioli specializes in complex heavy-haul and lifting projects for industries such as oil and gas, energy and large-scale industrial construction.

About 450 employees worldwide will join CEVA as part of the deal, strengthening CEVAs project logistics footprint across Europe, Asia-Pacific and North America. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

Fagioli Group maintains a major U.S. hub in Houston, which serves as a center of excellence for heavy-lift engineering and transport operations, particularly supporting energy and industrial projects along the Gulf Coast.

Record-setting heavy transport project

Fagiolis U.S. division made headlines in 2024 after completing a world-record transport of an offshore wind turbine installation vessel weighing more than 23,000 tons. The vessel was moved using 880 self-propelled modular transporter axle lines from a Texas shipyard to barges before being launched into the water.

The project set multiple world records, including the heaviest weight ever transported on land using modular transporters and the largest number of axle lines used under a single load.

The vessel, known as the Charybdis, is designed for offshore wind turbine installation and was built in Texas to comply with Jones Act requirements for U.S. offshore energy projects.

Expanding project logistics capabilities

CEVA said the Fagioli acquisition strengthens its ability to offer end-to-end project logistics services, from engineering and design to heavy transport, installation and final delivery.

The deal follows CEVAs previous acquisitions of Bollore Logistics and Spedag Interfreight as the company continues expanding its global logistics and project cargo operations.

CEVA Logistics, headquartered in Marseille, France, operates in 170 countries with approximately 110,000 employees and reported revenue of $18.3 billion in 2025. The company is part of the CMA CGM Group, which operates ocean shipping, air cargo and logistics businesses worldwide.

The post CEVA snaps up record-setting heavy-haul firm Fagioli appeared first on FreightWaves.
Energy prices continue to rise, and PECO is proposing a rate increase next year. If you're looking to save on electricity or natural gas costs, consider switching to a third-party energy supplier.

Energy bills include two main components: supply and distribution, also known as delivery.

While utilities like PECO handle distribution, customers are allowed to choose their own third-party supplier for the supply portion - a move that can result in savings of up to 30 percent.

Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware host official websites where residents can compare energy plans and shop among available suppliers.

In Pennsylvania, consumers can use PAPowerSwitch.com to review options.

New Jersey residents can compare plans at nj.gov/njpowerswitch, while Delaware customers can visit depowerchoice.com.

"Every penny counts as energy prices go up," said Dan McCunney of NRG Energy. "Even 3 to 5 percent can make a real difference. For a lot of people, that's enough to make the switch."

McCunney said the process is simple.

"It's real easy," he said. "You go on PAPowerSwitch.com if you're in Pennsylvania, and there are like sites for New Jersey and Delaware as well."

On PAPowerSwitch.com, consumers enter their ZIP code to see a comparison page that includes their current "price to compare." For PECO Energy customers, that rate is 11 cents per kilowatt hour. Shoppers can then select how long they want their plan to last, known as the term length.

Some consumers regularly review and change plans to maximize savings.

"They can switch their plan every three months or six months, or whatever it might be, because they want to make sure they're getting the most savings out of their electricity and natural gas," McCunney said.

Users can narrow results by setting a maximum price per kilowatt hour below their current rate. Fixed-rate plans are often recommended so prices remain stable.

Consumers can also filter for plans with no cancellation fees, enrollment fees or monthly fees, and choose long-term pricing rather than introductory or new customer rates. Do make sure you read the fine print!

Available supplier offers appear as you select your filters.

McCunney says once you choose a new supplier, the switch occurs "usually within the next billing cycle."

Action News searched for a new supplier in zip code 19015 and found great potential savings. Under a fixed, three-month plan, an estimated monthly bill drops from $77.17 with PECO as the supplier to $55.23 with a third-party supplier, a savings of nearly $22 per month, with no additional fees.
Eni has signed a 500m ($579.4m) loan agreement for 15 years with the European Investment Bank (EIB) to convert part of the Sannazzaro de Burgondi refinery in Pavia, Italy into a biorefinery.

The project includes the conversion of the refinerys hydrocracker (HDC2) unit through Ecofining technology and the construction of a pre-treatment plant for waste feedstocks, including used cooking oils, animal fats, and waste from the agri-food industry.

These materials form the main feedstock used by Enilive, Enis mobility-focused business, to produce hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) biofuels.

In February, Eni approved the final investment decision (FID) for converting parts of its Sannazzaro de Burgondi refinery into a biorefinery.

The Sannazzaro facility is set to begin producing HVO diesel biofuels and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from 2028, with annual capacity of about 550,000 tonnes.

The project will use existing utilities and infrastructure at the site while adding HVO diesel and SAF production alongside conventional fuels.

The Sannazzaro deal marks the second biorefining financing agreement between the EIB and Eni, following a separate 500m deal signed in July 2025 for the conversion of the Livorno refinery.

EIB vice president Gelsomina Vigliotti said: This financing represents strategic support for a project with high environmental and industrial value, contributing to the decarbonisation of the transport sector, particularly aviation.

Through this initiative, the EIB aims to strengthen Europes capacity to produce advanced fuels and to promote the circular and sustainable use of resources.

The Sannazzaro conversion forms part of Enilives plan to raise biofuel production capacity to five million tonnes (mt) by 2030, including more than 2mt of SAF capacity.

Enilive currently produces biofuels at biorefineries in Venice and Gela, and at the St Bernard Renewables biorefinery in Louisiana, US, a joint venture where it has a 50% interest.

In 2026, a third Italian biorefinery is due to open in Livorno, with additional plants under construction in Malaysia and South Korea set to follow.

Eni and Q8 also plan to develop a fourth biorefinery in Italy, in Priolo, Sicily, by 2028.

Pure HVO can be used in approved engines and is available at more than 1,600 Enilive service stations across Europe.

Demand for SAF is expected to increase from 2030 as blending mandates under the ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation take effect.

Eni CEO Claudio Descalzi said: This new agreement with the EIB demonstrates the effectiveness and robustness of the strategy we pursue through our businesses related to the energy transition. To deliver a tangible transition towards energy solutions that have an increasingly low environmental impact, it is essential to create businesses that can grow and generate value.
As Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) tightens its financial grip on the world's most critical oil chokepoint with a new toll system, President Donald Trump dismissed the regime's power, declaring the United States entirely insulated from the crisis.

A De Facto Toll Booth

Following a 90% plunge in traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, as reported by CNBC, Iran has established a highly controlled shipping corridor near Larak Island. The IRGC is now charging tolls starting at $1 per barrel of oil, payable in Chinese Yuan or stablecoins.

Vessel operators must undergo rigorous vetting through IRGC-linked intermediaries. Ships are forced to provide cargo manifests and transponder data to prove they have no ties to the U.S. or Israel before receiving a passage permit.

Don't Miss:

Iran's IRGC has imposed a de facto toll booth' regime, reported Lloyd's List Intelligence, noting that Tehrans parliament recently advanced a bill to institutionalize this financial control over the waterway.

BREAKING: The IRGC is now charging tolls, with rates starting at $1 per barrel of oil, on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, paid in Chinese Yuan or stablecoins, per Bloomberg.



The process includes:



1. To pass, ship operators must first contact an intermediary company  The Kobeissi Letter (@KobeissiLetter) April 1, 2026

Totally Independent

Addressing the nation regarding Operation Epic Fury, President Trump projected unbothered confidence, pointing to record domestic energy production as a shield against Irans economic maneuvers.

Were now totally independent of the Middle East, Trump declared. We dont need their oil. We dont need anything they have.

Trending: What If Tires Didn't Need Air  Or Replacing? This Startup Says It's Possible

Despite Iran asserting control over global trade routes, Trump insisted the military campaign has already neutralized the regime. He boasted that Iran has been decimated and its military infrastructure is effectively gone.

A Warning To Allies

These contrasting realities leave oil-dependent nations navigating a precarious geopolitical maze. While countries like China and India have reportedly secured safe transit through direct diplomacy with Tehran, Trump offered blunt advice to nations bearing the brunt of the fuel supply shock.
ReconAfrica CEO talks Kavango West test plans - ICYMI Proactive uses images sourced from Shutterstock

Reconnaissance Energy Africa Ltd (TSX-V:RECO, OTCQX:RECAF, FRA:0XD) earlier this week provided an operational update outlining progress across its Namibia and Gabon assets, with several near-term catalysts expected to shape the companys trajectory.

Chief executive Brian Reinsborough said the company is preparing to commence production testing at the Kavango West well in Namibia, targeting a late April or early May start. He indicated that the scale of the test is significant, covering approximately 340 metres of hydrocarbon-bearing section across six discrete intervals.

Reinsborough noted that this expanded testing scope follows increased confidence in the reservoir, including an uplift in the shallower Hutenberg target to 74 metres.

The company has completed key preparatory work, including procurement and equipment mobilization, and has engaged major oilfield service providers Schlumberger and Halliburton to execute surface and subsurface operations.

Reinsborough highlighted that the test is designed to determine the phase of hydrocarbons present, stating that while hydrocarbons are expected, the production test will clarify whether these are gas, condensate or another form.

He emphasized that the outcome of this test represents a major catalyst, both for the company and for Namibias broader energy sector. Reinsborough suggested that successful results could materially shift the countrys energy landscape, particularly given the advantages of onshore development, including lower costs and shorter cycle times.

In Gabon, the company has initiated a regional 3D seismic reprocessing programme after securing legacy seismic data from the government. Reinsborough said the data, approximately 15 years old, has now been transferred to Houston, with reprocessing work underway by specialist firm DUG. Interim outputs are expected within the coming months, with full completion expected in around six months.

Following the seismic work, Reconnaissance Energy Africa intends to produce a resource report focused on the Loba field, with appraisal drilling targeted as early as next year. Reinsborough indicated that these steps are part of a structured pathway toward potential development.

Overall, the company is entering a period of heightened activity, with multiple data-driven catalysts expected in the near term. The upcoming Kavango production test, in particular, is positioned as a key inflection point that could define the companys next phase of growth.
The U.S. Energy Department has unveiled plans to loan as much as 10 million barrels of crude oil from its Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) located in Bryan Mound.

The department is set to accept proposals from interested companies until 11 a.m. Central Time on April 6. This initiative is a part of a broader agreement with 32 nations under the International Energy Agency (IEA) to release 400 million barrels of oil from reserves to ease supply pressures instigated by the ongoing war in Iran.

Don't Miss:

The oil will be loaned to companies, which will then return it with additional barrels as a premium. The Energy Department assistant secretary of hydrocarbons, Kyle Haustveit, stated that this approach would stabilize markets at no cost to American taxpayers.

SPR Release Fails To Cool Oil Surge

This decision follows the first shipments of crude released from the SPR as part of a targeted 172 million-barrel emergency drawdown. The initial crude shipments began on March 21, the same day the U.S. Department of Energy awarded contracts to eight companies to take 45.2 million barrels of sweet and sour crude from three SPR storage sitesBayou Choctaw, Bryan Mound, and West Hackberry across Texas and Louisiana.

In March, the IEA announced the largest emergency oil reserve release in its history, totaling 400 million barrels. Despite this historic measure, the market response was muted as the oil prices continued to climb.

See Also: What If Tires Didn't Need Air  Or Replacing? This Startup Says It's Possible

As per Goldman Sachs, a 400 million barrel release, even at a record pace of 22.5 million barrels per day, would still leave a supply shortfall of over 10 million barrels daily while the Strait is closed. The move represents about 160 days of sustained drawdown rather than a one-time surge in supply.

At 4:55 AM ET, Brent crude oil was trading 7.47% higher at $108.72 per barrel. After taking a brief breather, oil prices jumped as President Donald Trump on Wednesday stated that the military operations in Iran would continue for two to three weeks.

Image via Shutterstock

Read Next:
Venezuela exported crude oil at a rate of over 1 million barrels daily last month, for the first time in six months, Reuters has reported, citing shipping data.

According to the data, oil shipments from Venezuela last month averaged 1.09 million barrels of crude and fuels daily, with most of it going to India and some getting stored in tanks in the Caribbean, Reuters noted. Venezuela also exported an average daily of 360,000 barrels of petrochemicals and byproducts.

The March export figures are a substantial increase from February, when Venezuela shipped some 737,000 barrels of oil and fuels daily, although petrochemical and byproduct shipments in February were higher, at a daily average of 463,000 barrels.

Venezuela produced an average of 1.1 million barrels of crude daily last month, up from 942,000 barrels daily in February, according to a PDVSA presentation, as cited by Reuters last week. Thats a far cry from the 3 million barrels daily PDVSA was pumping in the 1990s but an improvement on the past few years nevertheless.

The turnaround followed the selective lifting of sanctions by the United States after it removed President Nicolas Maduro from power and took him to the U.S. to stand trial for drug trafficking, while effectively taking over Venezuelas oil industry. Following the takeover, Venezuela also tweaked its oil law to facilitate new investment by oil majors.

The new oil law caps royalty rates at 30% but allows the government to set individual royalty rates for projects based on factors such as investment needs and competitiveness. Following the adoption of the new law, Venezuelas interim president Delcy Rodriguez said she expected fresh oil investments of as much as $1.4 billion this year.

Two of the companies that have already expressed interest in a greater exposure to Venezuelas hydrocarbons are Chevron and Shell, with the latter planning potential investments in natural gas in addition to oil production in the South American country.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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A single mom from Melbourne, Fla., was kicked off her health insurance plan over an unpaid bill  for 5 cents.

Lorena Alvarado Hill is a teachers aide who lives with her mother and, until recently, they were enrolled in a government-subsidized family insurance plan through HealthFirst, according to KFF Health News (1).

Must Read

The plan, purchased through the federal governments health insurance marketplace operating under the Affordable Care Act (ACA)  initially subsidized her premium, which covered the cost of previous scans and appointments (2) .

But then Hill started receiving bills: doctor visits ranging from $200 to $300 and an MRI for nearly $3,000. When she investigated further, she discovered that her insurance had been cancelled for non-payment of premiums.

Thats because her monthly premium went up from $0 to $0.01. Over the following months, her unpaid premiums had accumulated to $0.05. Her insurance was then cancelled, triggering retroactive medical bills.

A growing problem

Hills situation isnt uncommon. About 81,000 subsidized ACA policies were terminated in 2023 for outstanding debts of $5 or less, according to KFF Health News, and nearly 103,000 more were cancelled for debts of less than $10.

Certain life events can trigger a recalculation of a persons health insurance premium, such as getting married, changing jobs or a child turning 26 and no longer qualifying for coverage under a parents insurance. In Hills case, it was because she removed her mother from the family plan after her mother turned 65 and became eligible for Medicare.

Though Hill did receive notification of the change, she thought the one-cent difference was a rounding error. Plus, she says her insurance broker told her the plan was still active.

Stepping back from whats legal, this is just ridiculous, Sabrina Corlette, co-director of the Center on Health Insurance Reforms at Georgetown University, told KFF Health News.

One factor leading to these ridiculous situations is the automation of health billing systems, which flag unpaid premiums (even if theyre only one cent).

The impacts can be severe. It can leave policyholders without coverage  and retroactive medical bills they thought were covered. If those bills are left unpaid, they could be sent to a collection agency, damaging the policyholders credit score.
Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) is one of the 10 Top Stocks Fund Managers Are Loading Up On in 2026.

Merck (MRK) Reports Strong Phase 3 Results for Oral PCSK9

On March 30, 2026, Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) announced positive Phase 3 CORALreef AddOn trial results for enlicitide decanoate, an investigational once-daily oral PCSK9 inhibitor. The study was presented at the American College of Cardiologys 2026 Scientific Session, where Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) demonstrated that enlicitide reduced LDL-C by 64.6% from baseline when added to statins. The therapy performed higher than bempedoic acid and ezetimibe, with 78.2% of patients achieving a prespecified LDL-C goal of less than 55 mg/dL. Enlicitide also showed statistically significant reductions in apolipoprotein B and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. With the safety profile remaining consistent with previous trials, with no serious adverse events, the company is looking forward to launching what could be the first approved oral PCSK9 inhibitor.

In a prior development, on March 25, 2026, Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) entered into a definitive agreement with Terns Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a clinical-stage oncology company, to acquire the company for $6.7 billion. With this acquisition, the company aims to expand its hematology portfolio and further diversify and strengthen its position in oncology.

Founded in 1891, Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) is a global biopharmaceutical leader that provides innovative health solutions through its prescription medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies, and animal health products. The company is based in New Jersey and focuses on multiple areas, including oncology, cardiovascular, infectious diseases, and respiration.

While we acknowledge the potential of MRK 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: 11 Best Stocks Youll Wish You Bought Sooner and 15 Set-It-and-Forget-It Stocks to Buy in 2026

Disclosure: None. Follow Insider Monkey on Google News.
Cathie Wood, founder and chief executive of Ark Invest, is known for making bold moves. The top investor seeks out innovative companies, particularly when they're trading for bargain prices -- and this means she often goes against the crowd, buying a stock when it's out of favor or not on most investors' radar screens. And this means that when a generally popular tech stock falls, Wood is often there to pick it up.

But in recent days, Wood has made a startling move concerning artificial intelligence (AI) stocks -- one that Wood-watchers may not have expected. Let's check out this investing giant's latest trades and consider if we should follow her lead.

Will AI create the world's first trillionaire? Our team just released a report on the one little-known company, called an "Indispensable Monopoly" providing the critical technology Nvidia and Intel both need. Continue 

Image source: Getty Images.

Buying AI stocks on the dip

It's important to note that, though Wood doesn't follow the crowd, she has still been a big investor in the popular area of AI in recent years. But Wood hasn't piled into stocks on the rise; instead, she's opted to pick up AI stocks on the dip or even when certain names have stagnated.

Wood's strategy is a long-term one. She aims to get in on promising companies early along their innovation path and hold on for a number of years to benefit as they develop their technologies and ideally become revenue-generating machines. So Wood isn't particularly concerned about short-term disturbances since she sticks with her investments for the long haul.

Now, let's consider the moves Wood made just last week, amid declines in AI stocks. They concern her flagship fund, Ark Innovation, as well as several other Ark funds. Wood and her team sold shares of six of today's most prominent AI leaders on March 26.

In the Ark Innovation fund alone, Wood sold:

4,189 Alphabet shares

5,707 Broadcom shares

15,696 Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing shares

28,927 Advanced Micro Devices shares

120,936 Nvidia shares

60,348 Meta Platforms shares

Wood also reduced her positions in some of these players in other funds. She didn't close out any of these positions, though, and in Ark Innovation, AMD still is among her top 10 holdings -- with a 4% weighting in the fund, AMD remains a key bet. All of the other stocks mentioned above each account for 1.3% or less of Ark Innovation.

Does this mean Wood is following at least part of the crowd and rotating out of AI -- and that you should follow? Not necessarily.
Recent developments among major industry groups highlight this recalibration. The Estee Lauder Cos. Inc. has returned to growth, with China playing a central role in its recovery, while LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton has streamlined parts of its beauty portfolio to focus on high-end segments aligned with premium consumption trends. These shifts underscore a critical reality: Competing in China today requires far more than scale  it demands precision across product development, brand positioning, and channel strategy.

Domestic brands have strengthened their position significantly, accounting for over 57 percent of market share in 2025. Their rapid rise reflects a deep understanding of local consumers and an ability to respond quickly to shifting trends. Yet many continue to face constraints in fundamental research capabilities, as well as barriers when expanding into international markets. At the same time, global players are accelerating strategic adjustments in China, navigating a market that has become more complex, less predictable, and significantly more demanding.

However, as this top-down vision begins to be implemented, structural tensions across the industry are becoming increasingly apparent.

This shift is reinforced by policy direction. Under the framework of the 15th Five-Year Plan, beauty has been elevated to a strategic trillion-yuan sector integrating advanced manufacturing, biotechnology and consumer innovation. The emphasis on technological advancement, regulatory modernization, sustainability and global expansion reflects a broader ambition  positioning China not only as the worlds largest beauty market, but as a global leader in beauty innovation.

For three consecutive years China has been the worlds largest cosmetics consumption market. In 2025, total omnichannel transaction volume reached 1.1 trillion yuan (about $154 billion), with category growth continuing to outpace overall retail and GDP expansion. Yet beyond these headline figures lies a more fundamental transformation: The formal separation of cosmetics from traditional daily chemical categories signals the industrys transition toward a higher-value model centered on beauty, wellness and scientific efficacy.

As competitive dynamics intensify and consumer expectations evolve, China is emerging as both a testing ground and a blueprint for the next generation of beauty industry development.

The global beauty industry is entering a decisive phase of structural recalibration, with Chinas trillion-yuan market no longer defined solely by scale but by its growing influence over how brands innovate, position and expand globally.

Story Continues

At the consumer level, the transformation is equally profound. The era of traffic-driven growth and viral hero products is giving way to a more rational, knowledge-based consumption model. Chinese consumers are increasingly prioritizing product efficacy, ingredient transparency, and emotional resonance, reshaping demand across categories. The traditional lipstick effect has weakened, replaced by a more selective approach to spending that balances functional performance with experiential value.

This evolution is unlocking new opportunities in specialized segments. Fragrance, in particular, is emerging as a high-growth category, transitioning from a marginal market into a strategic focus area. Consumers are embracing scent as a form of identity and self-expression, driving demand for personalized, scenario-based products. At the same time, efficacy-driven skin care, clean beauty and culturally rooted aesthetics are gaining momentum, each requiring a deeper integration of science, storytelling and localized relevance.

Structural Challenges

Yet the rise of these segments has also exposed one of the industrys most persistent structural challenges: The disconnect between scientific research and market application. While China has made notable progress in research capabilities, the translation of scientific innovation into commercially viable products remains uneven. Conversely, brands with strong market insight often lack the technological depth required to sustain long-term differentiation.

This misalignment is increasingly constraining the industrys ability to scale innovation effectively. As a result, a new form of infrastructure is beginning to emerge  one that prioritizes collaboration across borders, disciplines and industries.

Shanghai is positioning itself at the center of this shift. Long established as one of Asias most important commercial and cultural capitals, the city is accelerating its ambition to become a global hub for beauty innovation. Within this broader urban strategy, areas such as Jingan District are playing a pivotal role, leveraging their concentration of international business, retail ecosystems and policy support to attract global industry players.

Against this backdrop, platforms such as Beauty Hub are taking on more strategic significance  not as isolated initiatives, but as part of a broader effort to build the underlying infrastructure required for the industrys next phase of growth.

Rather than functioning purely as a launch platform, Beauty Hub is positioned as a service-oriented ecosystem designed to address the structural gaps that continue to define the market. Its role spans multiple dimensions  facilitating market entry for international brands seeking to navigate Chinas regulatory and consumer landscape; supporting domestic brands in accessing global resources and distribution networks; and, critically, connecting scientific research capabilities with commercial application.

The Platform Approach

This integrated approach reflects a shift in how value is created within the beauty industry. Growth is no longer driven by individual players operating independently, but by the ability to orchestrate collaboration across the value chain. In this context, platforms that can connect research institutions, brands, supply chain partners and policy frameworks are becoming essential enablers of industry development.

The importance of such infrastructure is particularly evident in the context of cross-border collaboration. For international brands, entering China now requires a far more nuanced understanding of local consumer behavior, digital ecosystems, and regulatory requirements. For Chinese brands, global expansion demands not only strong product propositions, but also the ability to meet international standards in formulation, branding and compliance.

Bridging these gaps requires more than market access  it requires sustained, structured exchange.

At the same time, the integration of scientific research into commercial strategy is becoming a defining competitive factor. Increasing collaboration between research institutions and industry players is helping to accelerate the translation of technological innovation into market-ready products, while also ensuring that R&D efforts are aligned with real consumer needs. This science-to-market model is gradually reshaping how brands approach product development, moving away from short-term trend cycles toward longer-term value creation.

In parallel, sustainability and regulatory evolution are adding complexity. As environmental considerations become more central to both policy and consumer expectations, brands are under increasing pressure to innovate across materials, packaging and supply chains. This again reinforces the need for integrated platforms capable of aligning multiple stakeholders around shared objectives.

Ultimately, the transformation underway in Chinas beauty market is not simply a story of growth, but of structural evolution. As the industry moves toward a model defined by quality, innovation and global integration, competitive advantage will be determined by the ability to navigate complexity  across markets, technologies and consumer expectations.

In this environment, collaboration is emerging as the new currency of competitiveness. The rise of Shanghai as a beauty innovation hub, supported by ecosystem platforms such as Beauty Hub, reflects a broader shift in how the industry organizes itself for the future.

For global and domestic players alike, the implications are clear: Success in the next phase of beauty will depend not only on what brands create, but on how effectively they connect  with consumers, with technology, and increasingly, with each other.

Editors Note: China Insight is a monthly column from WWDs sister publication WWD China examining key developments in that all-important market.

Best of WWD

Sign up for WWD's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Supply chain disruptions caused by the U.S. and Israeli war on Iran have sent ripples across industries, but information technology stands out as particularly vulnerable. Thats because of its expansive growth plans, which need certain ingredients to work out, from energy to helium.

Cheap energy is one of these ingredients, and cheap energy has swung from a perceived surplus into a definite and acute shortage in most of the world as a result of the energy export disruption in the Middle East. Some argue that the U.S. market is insulated thanks to an abundant domestic supply, but that insulation is far from absolute given the export-oriented attitude of gas producers.

This is just the start of Big Techs looming problems, however. Because in addition to disrupting the exports of oil and gas, the Middle East war is also disrupting the exports of critical minerals. Morningstar reported on the issue last week, noting helium and aluminum as some of the minerals/elements whose supply to major chipmakers in South Korea has been disrupted by the war.

The longer this conflict persists, the more likely it is that some of the critical minerals the region produces, that go into other supply chainsfor example, helium in semiconductorsthose start to emerge as a problem too, Capital Economics chief economist Neil Shering was quoted as saying in the report.

Related: Chinese Publication Claims U.S. Has Two Months of Rare Earths Left

The same is true for every other export commodity or product affected by the war, but with helium, the problem appears to be especially noteworthy due to the prominence of the so-called AI race in the media discourse. There can be no AI race without a crucial ingredient, or at least the race is likely to significantly slow down without it.

Helium is the second most common element in the universe. On Earth, however, it is rare but quite valuable. Helium is a totally unreactive gas, which makes it perfect for building a protective atmosphere for the production of fiber optics and semiconductors, per the British Royal Society of Chemistry. It is also a very fast cooler, so it is used as a cooling agent in MRI scanners and other machines, including the Large Hadron Collider, and semiconductor production machinery. Helium has no viable alternative as a cooling agent, either in semiconductor production or elsewhere.

The biggest producer of helium in the world is the United States, which is only to be expected since it is also the largest producer of natural gas, and helium is a by-product of natural gas extraction. It is also because of this that Qatar is the second-largest helium producer in the worldand now its production has been severely disrupted.
April 3 (Reuters) - China's DeepSeek's new model called V4 will run on the latest chips designed by Huawei Technologies, U.S. digital news outlet The Information reported on Friday.

In preparation for V4's launch, Chinese tech giants, including Alibaba Group, ByteDance and Tencent Holdings, have placed bulk orders for Huawei's upcoming chip totaling hundreds of thousands of units, the report said, citing five people with direct knowledge of the purchase.

The next-generation model will likely be launched in the next few weeks, the report said. Huawei Technologies and DeepSeek did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment sent outside normal office hours.

DeepSeek has spent the past few months working directly with Huawei and another Chinese chip designer, Cambricon Technologies, to help rewrite pieces of the model's underlying code, and in testing, the report said, citing two people close to the company.

DeepSeek is also working on two additional V4 variants, each optimized for different capabilities and built to run on Chinese chips, the report said.

Reuters had earlier this year reported that DeepSeek has not shown U.S. chipmakers its upcoming flagship model for performance optimization, breaking from standard industry practice ahead of a major model update.

The lab instead granted early access to domestic suppliers, including Huawei Technologies.

The release of DeepSeek's low-cost models V3 and R1 triggered a global tech stock selloff last year, causing investors to question whether U.S. AI firms needed to spend billions of dollars on AI computing power.

Since then, there has been a great deal of interest in DeepSeek-V4, a next-generation model that has yet to be released.

(Reporting by Sneha S K in Bengaluru; editing by Barbara Lewis and Arun Koyyur)
This article first appeared on GuruFocus.

Microsoft (MSFT, Financials) is still expanding its AI business around the world, and this time it's making a major bet on Japan.The business said it wants to spend around $10 billion over the next four years to build up the country's cloud and AI infrastructure. That's a big jump from its previous $2.9 billion promise, and it illustrates how swiftly Microsoft is increasing its plans in the area.But this isn't just about data centers. Microsoft is also placing a lot of focus on security and capabilities. The corporation wants to train a million people in AI by 2029 and strengthen its collaborations with cybersecurity companies. This shows that it wants to establish a whole ecosystem, not simply infrastructure.There is also a local side. Microsoft is partnering with companies like SoftBank and Sakura Internet to provide processing capacity and help with deployment. This helps keep the investment in Japan's innovation scene.Microsoft has been doing similar things in other parts of Asia, such investing in Singapore and Thailand recently. Together, they lead to a bigger plan: expand AI capacity where demand is rising the fastest.
TOKYO, April 3 (Reuters) - Microsoft on Friday said it will invest 1.6 trillion yen ($10 billion) in Japan between 2026 and 2029 to expand artificial intelligence infrastructure and strengthen cybersecurity cooperation with the government.

The investment includes the training of 1 million engineers and developers by 2030, Microsoft said, which was unveiled during a visit to Tokyo by Vice Chair and President Brad Smith. In a statement, the company said the plan aligns with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's goal to boost growth through advanced, strategic technologies while safeguarding national security.

Microsoft will work with domestic firms including SoftBank and Sakura Internet to expand Japan-based AI computing capacity, allowing companies and government agencies to keep sensitive data within the country while accessing Microsoft Azure services, it said. It will also deepen cooperation with Japanese authorities on sharing intelligence related to cyber threats and crime prevention.

Japans adoption of AI has accelerated since 2024, with around one in five working-age people using generative AI tools, Microsoft said, citing its own data.

Japan faces a projected shortfall of more than 3 million AI and robotics workers by 2040, according to government estimates.

(Reporting by Chang-Ran Kim; Editing by Thomas Derpinghaus)
OpenAI raises $122B at $852B valuation, signalling strong investor appetite for AI Proactive uses images sourced from Shutterstock

OpenAI (Unlisted:OPAI) has completed a significant funding round, securing $122 billion in committed capital at a postmoney valuation of $852 billion.

The ChatGPT-makers funding round was anchored by major strategic partners, including Amazon, NVIDIA, and SoftBank Group, with continued participation from Microsoft.

Other institutional investors and venture firms also contributed, and more than $3 billion was raised from individual investors through bank channels, a first for the company.

OpenAIs shares are expected to be included in several exchangetraded funds, potentially widening access to its equity ahead of a planned initial public offering later in 2026.

In its announcement, the company highlighted revenue growth and user engagement, reporting approximately $2 billion in monthly revenue and hundreds of millions of weekly active users across its services.

The company described the capital as foundational to scaling infrastructure, expanding access, and investing in nextgeneration computing capacity.

Analysts at Jefferies noted the fundraising as a sign of continued investor confidence in AI leaders.

We see OpenAI's raise as just another indicator that capital markets remain very willing to invest heavily in AI (and particularly AI leaders), they wrote.

The firm expects that a large share of OpenAIs funding will be directed toward expanding its data center capacity, reflecting the companys emphasis on the role of increased and more advanced computing power in developing more capable AI models.

Net we believe much of this new funding will flow directly and indirectly to hardware and semiconductor suppliers, in line with our view that hardware/datacenter demand will only continue to grow for the foreseeable future, they wrote.
An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Oracle headquarters sign with

As thousands of Oracle employees awoke on Tuesday to an email informing them they were being laid off, the workers likely didnt know the tech company had been busy trying to hire foreign staff.

According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services data, Oracle filed for roughly 3,126 petitions to employ H-1B workers in fiscal years 2025 and 2026.

Employers must submit the paperwork when seeking to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations like technology.

The Oracle Headquarters on April 24, 2024 in Austin, Texas. Getty Images

Some 436 of those petitions were filed this year alone.

Amazon, which in January said it would axe 16,000 corporate employees, has filed for some 2,675 H-1B petitions during the same two-year fiscal period.

That came on top of news in October that the retail giant was axing 14,000 corporate workers.

News of Oracles attempts to bring in foreign workers sparked outrage among some on social media.

One user on the app Blind, an anonymous forum for verified employees, called the H-1B petitions a slap in our face.

If this doesnt make you angry, maybe you need to read some heartfelt posts on LinkedIn from Oracle employees who are US citizens and have been laid off after working at Oracle for years, the user wrote.

Another commenter posted on the site: Look at all big tech companies, they do massive layoffs then rehire at lower salary.

A third added: Transnational corporations are disloyal to the American state and the nation.

Larry Ellison introduces the Oracle Database In-Memory during a launch event in 2014. REUTERS

Neither Oracle nor Amazon replied to requests for comment.

Companies submit H-1B petitions seeking permission from the U.S. government to hire foreign workers because they cant find local candidates with comparable skills.

Firms have said the program is essential in the race to develop cutting-edge technology, while critics say the program places American workers at a disadvantage.

Companies may also need to submit petitions to renew or extend current H-1B visas.

The Oracle Headquarters on April 24, 2024 in Austin, Texas. Getty Images

The backlash this week came after the company, chaired by billionaire Larry Ellison, informed thousands of workers across the world that Tuesday would be their last day.

After careful consideration of Oracles current business needs, we have made the decision to eliminate your role as part of a broader organizational change, copies of the email viewed by Business Insider stated.

The terminated employees were told they would be eligible to receive a severance package subject to the terms and conditions of the severance plan.

H-1B visas were the subject of an uproar in September after President Donald Trump signed a proclamation that imposed a $100,000 per year fee on some H-1B visa holders. The program is heavily used in Silicon Valley and the sudden news sent companies that rely on the workers scrambling.
Palantirs Neurodivergent Fellowship says outright that the company believes neurodivergent people may have a competitive advantage in the new era we are entering.

It is more than that.

The easiest mistake investors can make is to treat Palantir as yet another viral moment.

Now you can see how these two are connected.

It also fits how Karp has been talking for months. Fortune reported that he has warned AI will destroy some humanities jobs , and Reuters reported in February that Palantirs government business is booming as the company leans harder into surveillance and defense work.

For workers, CEO Karp thinks two types will thrive, "One, you have some vocational training. Or two, youre neurodivergent."

The same company pitching itself as a home for unusual thinkers is also deepening its ties to the Pentagon , constructing tools and AI ammunition related to the battlefield. In recent months, there has been sharp criticism surrounding the AI company's work with Israel , immigration enforcement and military targeting. For shareholders, that creates both upside and headline risk .

That matters because Palantir stock no longer constitutes a simple AI growth story. What it represents is a government-tech , defense-tech and controversy story.

The latest version of that program offers about $5,400 a month and sells itself with a message that is impossible to miss: skip the debt and learn on the job instead.

This is not just a CEO trying to look important with an intriguing soundbite. Instead, Palantir is hiring around this worldview. The data analytics company boasts a Neurodivergent Fellowship and runs a Meritocracy Fellowship , giving high school graduates a pathway into the organization without attending college.

That's a sharp, polarizing way to talk about work, college and the future. But for investors, the bigger point is not the quote itself. It is what the quote reveals about Palantirs business model .

Karp said there are basically two kinds of people who can feel safe in the AI era . No prizes for guessing. According to the billionaire tech leader, those with vocational training and people who are neurodivergent are going to gain the most when it comes to the new AI era.

Story Continues

The posting says these hires will join as full-time employees, work on real software and customer problems, and be judged on merit and impact.

What all of this means in plain English is that Palantir is saying it wants people who think differently and can build fast.

The same goes for the Meritocracy Fellowship. Fortune reported that Palantirs first class drew more than 500 applicants and accepted 22 people. The current version is recruiting again, and the listed pay is about $5,400 per month. That is not just anti-college rhetoric. That is a real recruiting funnel.

For the average reader, the message is simple. Palantir thinks the traditional path consisting of an excellent school, a clean resume, and an office job is now over. For investors, the message is even simpler: Palantir is building a workforce to match its brand.

It wants people who are comfortable working on hard, high-stakes problems, as well as outsiders, builders, and quick learners. That might help the business move quickly. It could also make the company even more divided along cultural lines.

Related: Palantir immigration enforcement bombshell hits just before earnings

There is also a stock-market angle here worth considering.

Palantir shares are trading near $146, giving the company a market value of roughly $432.8 billion. In February 2026, the stock had already fallen more than 15% as Wall Street questioned its sky-high valuation, even after a massive three-year run. The 12-month forward price-to-earnings ratio was 140.5 at that time, and it was warned that Palantir was still priced for perfection. Today, the finance snapshot still shows a very rich P/E of about 395.

That means that every big promise has two sides. A bold hiring plan and bigger government contracts can help the stock make sense. But any mistake, political backlash, or contract dispute can hurt a name that is still worth a lot of money.

Palantirs war ties are a business win and a headline risk

This is where the Palantir story gets more serious.

Reuters reported on March 20 that Palantirs Maven AI systemis now the officialprogram of record for the U.S. military. Maven analyzes battlefield data and helping zero in on targets for precision strikes. It is already the primary AI operating system for the U.S. military, which had carried out thousands of targeted strikes against Iran over the prior three weeks. It's a major cause of celebration for Palantir and its investors because it points to long-term funding, sticky revenue and deeper Pentagon adoption.

It was also reported on March 24 that Palantir and Andurilare combining to manufacture software for Trumps Golden Dome missile shield project, a program costing about $185 billion. Again, the market angle is clear: when Palantir signs more contracts, it becomes more and more successful, and investors rejoice.

But the same war exposure creates headline risk.

In October 2024, Nordic investor Storebrand sold its Palantir stake because of concerns that the companys work for Israel could create risks tied to international humanitarian law and human rights. Reuters said Palantir had agreed earlier that year to a strategic partnership to supply technology to Israel to assist in the war in Gaza. Karp also said publicly that he was proud of the work and expected to lose employees over his support for Israel.

That is not the only issue Palantir is dealing with. In February, Karp defended Palantir's surveillance tools without talking about immigration enforcement efforts that already sparked widespread protests. The same report said that ICE hired Palantir last year to make surveillance systems to help with enforcing immigration laws.

Palantir's ties to war, spying, and national security are both good and bad for the company.

For bulls, those ties mean sticky contracts, higher switching costs, and faster revenue growth.

Critics argue that the company's ties to targeting, surveillance, and controversial state power are becoming too strong.

Related: Palantir just got a headline-grabbing boost from the Iran war

Palantirs reach also goes beyond Israel and Iran.

Ukraine and Palantir started Dataroom in January to use combat data to create AI to stop Russian drones. Ukraine planned to use Palantir to prove Russia committed war crimes. Software companies are no longer just selling office tools, and Palantir is at the center of that change; they are becoming crucial to modern wars.

Palantir CEO makes blunt AI claim as war criticism grows louderPhoto by Roy Rochlin on Getty Images  Photo by Roy Rochlin on Getty Images

What Palantir investors should watch next

In simple terms, Karp's message to everyday readers is this: learn a real skill or be different enough to do something that AI can't do easily.

For investors, the Palantir checklist is more practical and immediately implementable.

First, watch whether Palantir can turn controversy into durable revenue. The story about the Pentagon is interesting. The company's part in missile defense and AI on the battlefield is also getting bigger. The stock has a better chance of making money if those programs do well.

Second, watch the valuation. When a stock trades at a high multiple, there isn't much room for disappointment, and PLTR stock could drop quickly if growth slows down, government spending changes, or the politics turn sour.

Third, watch the headline risk. Palantir's name is getting dragged into some of the most heated hotspots worldwide, like those between Israel and Gaza, Iran, Ukraine, ICE surveillance, and the bigger question of whether AI needs to employed to monitor people on a larger scale.

Even when that work helps Palantir, it can still turn off employees, customers, lawmakers, or common investors on the street.

That is why this story matters.

Alex Karps quote is the hook. But the real story is that Palantir is becoming a more powerful, more political and more controversial AI stock at the same time; great for revenue but, perhaps, bad for sentiment.

Related: Palantir just got access to something highly sensitive

This story was originally published by TheStreet on Apr 3, 2026, where it first appeared in the Investing section. Add TheStreet as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The eyes are a window to the brain  and this outward extension of the central nervous system may reveal early signs of cognitive decline, research suggests.

Two recent and large population studies, one in the United Kingdom and another in Australia, suggest that those who perform worse on simple vision tests have a higher risk of developing dementia more than a decade down the road.

The UK study, which was published in 2024, found that participants with slower visual processing speeds were more likely to develop dementia over the following 12 years.

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The study from Australia, meanwhile, found that deteriorating visual acuity was a significant predictor of cognitive decline over a similar 12-year period.

"A decline in vision can be caused by a range of factors, some of which are treatable. For example, cataracts, or vision decline that can be supported with the correct glasses," said the lead author of the Australian study, neuroscientist Nikki-Anne Wilson at Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA).

"What the research is now showing is that identifying these changes early and addressing them may help reduce the risk of developing dementia."

Watch the video below for a summary of the research:

In light of compelling new evidence, The Lancet's latest Commission on dementia in 2024 identified vision loss in late life as a new risk factor for cognitive decline, contributing to up to 2.2 percent of cases.

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By comparison, untreated hearing loss in mid-life contributes to an estimated seven percent of cases.

Just because an older individual is suffering from hearing or vision loss doesn't mean they are doomed to develop dementia. These issues can be indicative of numerous underlying health problems  so as a diagnostic tool for dementia, sensory tests like these are less than perfect.

At a population level, however, emerging research suggests that wearing hearing aids may reduce the risk of developing dementia, and the same could be true of treating vision issues.

Assessing these sensory issues in older adults could, therefore, be crucial.

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In the 2024 study from Australia, scientists analyzed visual acuity and cognitive decline among 2,281 participants. Their models showed that deteriorating vision significantly predicted poorer problem-solving, memory, and attention scores.

Interestingly, however, social engagement somewhat mediated that association.

Declining vision can be caused by a range of factors. ( studioroman/Canva

"We show for the first time that the relationship between a decline in vision and global cognitive performance may be partly explained by reduced social contact," explained Wilson.

"People experiencing poorer vision may be more likely to avoid social events due to anxiety and this too may impact their cognitive performance. Our findings indicate the importance of maintaining social contact, not only because social isolation is a risk factor for dementia itself but also because it might also help to reduce the impact of other risk factors, such as poorer vision. However, further work is needed."

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In the study from the UK, more than 8,000 participants undertook a vision test, where they had to press a button as soon as they saw a triangle appear on a screen in front of them.

By the end of the study, individuals with slower visual processing speeds were much more likely to have been diagnosed with dementia.

But this wasn't a clinically valuable prediction for the individual. In other words, these tests were not able to identify which individuals would be diagnosed with dementia based on their vision scores alone.

The authors suggest that tests like these could, however, be "integrated into the screening process for dementia risk and early diagnoses alongside other cognitive tests."

A recent study found one in five dementia cases among older people were linked to common vision issues. There's a possibility that addressing these vision problems may in turn mitigate some factors behind dementia.

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Dementia is highly complex, and it's doubtful that any one risk factor contributes to the disease alone.

Related: Your Eyesight Could Be Putting You at Risk of Developing Alzheimer's

Growing evidence, however, suggests that the eyes are very sensitive to the damage of aging in general. Wear and tear that shows up in retinal scans, for instance, is a significant predictor of mortality risk, and it's worth noting that dementia is the most common cause of death in the UK.

In The Lancet's latest Commission on dementia, the authors recommend making screening and treatment for vision loss accessible for all.

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"A clear opportunity for dementia prevention exists with treatment of visual loss," the large cohort of experts concludes.

An earlier version of this article was published in November 2025.

ScienceAlert stories are written, fact-checked, and edited by humans, never generated by AI. Don't miss a story, subscribe here.

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Curiosity and commitment motivated me to run for a seat on the Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin (DFW) board. I took over our family farm after the checkoff was established, and Ive long wondered exactly where that money goes. By serving alongside fellow farmers from a wide variety of backgrounds, I hoped to broaden my perspective on what it takes to move our dairy industry forward.

Nearly one year into my first term, Ive learned: Progress happens when farmers work together toward shared goals. DFW is farmer-funded and farmer-led. With about 5,100 dairy farms statewide, no single operation can make the same impact as a unified group. That doesnt mean we all run the same way. Our 25 directors represent their own farms, neighbors farms, and other farmers in their district and across Wisconsin. This requires listening, collaborating, and committing to represent farms of all sizes and styles while staying focused on long-term impact  not individual recognition.

Farmer leadership ensures checkoff stewardship

Any dairy farmer who is open-minded and invested in the future can lead. The same decision-making skills we use every day to help our cows, employees, and families thrive apply in the boardroom. Ive served on my local school board, the local Dairy Herd Improvement (DHI) board, and on county land conservation and Farm Service Agency boards. Now, through DFW, I get the opportunity to build demand and support an industry that I hope one (or more) of my five children chooses to make their career.

Good governance comes down to accountability. Farmer leadership ensures checkoff investments are used responsibly and strategically. When fresh ideas come up, DFW CEO Chad Vincent asks: Is this a good use of Wisconsin dairy farmer money? Is this driving demand for Wisconsin dairy products? Farmer leadership is how Wisconsin dairy continues to grow demand, trust, and opportunity.

Board service builds appreciation for promotion

Admittedly, my expertise is in caring for my 140 cows and managing farm operations  not developing strategies to boost cheese exports. However, board service has helped me connect the dots between my day-to-day and dairys story. As Ive gotten to know some of the staff like Suzanne Fanning, DFWs chief marketing officer, and Lisa Ramatowski, DFWs vice president of sustainability and export marketing, Ive learned how they use checkoff funds to shape consumer perceptions well beyond Wisconsins borders.

Stepping up to represent our industry gives dairy farmers a voice in an expanding global market. Active leadership on the DFW board exposes farmers to marketing efforts, international growth, and consumer trust initiatives that strengthen Wisconsin dairy and our local economies.

At the beginning of my board tenure, I've definitely learned more than I've contributed. However, I believe more strongly than ever that it's important to step up and share your voice. Whether through DFW, your local town boards, or county committees, get involved. Unified, we can address our common challenges and grow dairy industry opportunities for the generations that follow.

To comment, email your remarks to [email protected] .
I enjoy Europe as much as the next urbanist, but years of living and traveling there never uprooted one of my most unpopular opinions: Streets numbered in sequential order are a wonderful thing for the cities that have them. I was recently in Bogota, Colombia and found that, while the city is as overwhelming as youd expect a Latin American megacity to be, and the transit system is deeply confusing, there is a deep, comforting legibility beneath it all. Most streets are numbered, either as carreras (north-south) or calles (east-west). So most addresses are a simple pair of coordinates that give you a good idea of where a place is in the city. Wherever you are in Bogota, you have a good sense of where everything else is, and how far away it is. They do this even though their local street networks arent always very gridded. The numbers create a larger web of legibility that always orients you, even if your immediate surroundings are confusing.

Salt Lake City and Manhattan are two other famous examples. What New Yorker hasnt appreciated how you can quickly figure how far it is from 100th St 1st Avenue to 14th St & 9th Ave?

Here in the US, the scandal around Cesar Chavezs grave sexual offenses in the 1960s will require the rapid renaming of many streets names for the United Farm Workers leader. Here in Portland, our 39th Avenue was renamed Cesar E. Chavez Blvd in 2009, so many people remember the old name.

Now that the name will almost certainly change again, I ventured a letter to the editor to the Oregonian advocating for returning to 39th Avenue. They had me cut about half of it, so I thought Id share the full thing here. I hope its relevant to you if numbered streets are part of your citys heritage.

Call it 39th Avenue

Jarrett Walker

What should Portland do about Cesar E. Chavez Blvd, which was 39th Avenue until 2009? The understandable first reaction is to rename the street for Dolores Huerta, Chavezs partner in the United Farm Workers (UFW) who has now accused him of raping her in 1966. It feels like a simple way to continue honoring the history of the UFW now that Chavezs name is toxic, by centering a female leader who was probably as important to the UFWs achievements as he was.

But before we do that, we should think for a moment about what streetnames are for. They are for helping people navigate the city. And while Portland is used to a mix of names and numbers, numbered streets do that job especially well, because they tell you where the street is. They reduce the amount of information a person has to know to get on with their lives.

Nobody will go into the streets chanting in defense of numbered avenues, but our city would be much harder to navigate if every avenue had a name instead. Not impossible, bur harder. These costs tend to fall on people we dont think about or hear from: recent immigrants and other newcomers, as well as visitors.

Naming a street for Chavez was obviously a mistake, based on what we know now, but renaming 39th Avenue was a different and equally important mistake, because the existing name was so useful. When we changed it, we made the city measurably less legible, which is to say, less welcoming. Maybe just by a little, but it made a difference.

Theres another good reason to hesitate before naming things for people, and it also applies to putting up statues of people. We can never know when a human hero will disappoint us. Historians dig up new things all the time, changing our view of past heroes we thought we knew. It would be folly to assume that in this moment when everyone is recoiling in horror at the revelations about Chavez, we know everything we will ever need to know to decide who deserves to be honored by a street name.

We should always be reluctant to change street names, not just because its expensive but because it adds to the work that ordinary people must do to go about their lives. Then theres the specific burden on the people living or running businesses on the street. In this case, theres no way to protect them now from a second change of name. Chavez has to go. But out of respect for people on the street who have gone through two name changes, we should at least choose a name that we know wont have to change again, no matter what we learn about history in the decades to come.

Numbered avenues are a good thing, and so are streets named for plants or animals or landscapes. Human heroes may disappoint us, but math and nature never will.
Melbourne-founded fintech Airwallex has appointed Elana Rubin AM as Independent Chair of its Australian board, while former New Zealand Prime Minister Sir Bill English joins as an Independent Non-Executive Director.

Both appointments are effective immediately. Sir Bill was appointed Chair of Airwallex's New Zealand board on 26 March before taking on the additional Australian board role.

The moves signal a push by Airwallex to strengthen its governance and leadership structures across Australia and New Zealand as the company enters what it describes as its next phase of growth.

Who Is Elana Rubin

Rubin brings a long track record in governance roles across the technology, financial services, infrastructure and public sectors.

She is currently a Non-Executive Director of Dexus, a member of the Reserve Bank of Australia Governance Board and Chair of both the Australian Business Growth Fund and Infoxchange.

Her previous roles include Chair of Afterpay, AustralianSuper and the Victorian Managed Insurance Authority, along with Non-Executive Directorships at Telstra and Mirvac.

Rubin described the appointment as an opportunity to contribute to a company she views as well-positioned within the Australian fintech sector.

"The company has demonstrated growth and successfully established itself in global payments and financial infrastructure," Rubin noted. "Australia has a great track record of fintech innovation and Airwallex is well-positioned to help more businesses expand globally and deepen its impact on our economy."

She added that she looks forward to working with the Airwallex team and its stakeholders to ensure the business continues to deliver for its customers.

Former PM Joins The Board

Sir Bill English served as New Zealand's 39th Prime Minister and held the role of Minister of Finance for eight years before becoming PM.

He currently holds Non-Executive Director positions at Wesfarmers and several other organisations, including as Chair of Mount Cook Alpine Salmon, disability services provider Manawanui Support and social investment firm Impact Lab Ltd. He is also a Director of the Paul Ramsay Foundation.

Sir Bill framed his appointment around the practical value Airwallex delivers to businesses.

"Airwallex has built a modern financial platform that gives businesses of all sizes a real edge in how they manage their day-to-day finances," he explained. "From global business accounts to spend management, these tools free up time and capital that businesses can reinvest in growth."

He described the company's financial infrastructure as serving businesses across the economy in both Australia and New Zealand.

Airwallex Co-Founder On The Appointments

Airwallex Co-Founder Jack Zhang positioned both appointments as part of the company's broader evolution.

"Elana and Bill joining Airwallex is an important step in the company's evolution," Zhang observed. "They bring deep governance and business expertise to Airwallex as we continue to expand the company and move into our next phase of growth."

Zhang pointed to the pair's experience as a factor in supporting the company's expansion plans.

"Their extensive experience and insights will be vital as we continue to build the infrastructure and technology to help more Australian and New Zealand businesses grow and expand globally," he added.

He also linked the appointments to Airwallex's commitment to the Australian market.

"Strengthening our Australian leadership with two highly-credentialed leaders reflects Airwallex's long-term commitment to Australia and the company's determination to deliver financial infrastructure to support innovation, competition and global growth for our customers," Zhang noted.

Airwallex's Australian Footprint

Airwallex now serves more than 40,000 Australian businesses, with clients including Qantas, Canva, CultureAmp and Afterpay.

The company facilitates more than $39 billion in payments for Australian customers annually and provides global financial infrastructure for almost 40 per cent of the nation's digital and technology sector.

Founded in Melbourne in 2015, Airwallex holds more than 80 licences across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific. The company is co-headquartered in San Francisco and Singapore with over 2,200 employees across 26 offices.

AI Integration On The Horizon

Airwallex has indicated it is embedding AI across its payments, treasury and spend management workflows as the financial services sector increasingly looks to artificial intelligence.

The company argues this will enable businesses to automate financial operations, optimise working capital and gain real-time insights into their global performance.

Airwallex frames this shift toward AI-enabled finance as playing a role in helping Australian companies operate more efficiently and compete in international markets.

Governance As A Growth Signal

The dual appointments come at a time when fintech companies globally are under increasing scrutiny around governance and regulatory compliance. Adding figures with significant public sector and corporate governance experience to its board may help Airwallex navigate those expectations as it scales.

For Airwallex, which has grown from a Melbourne startup to a platform serving more than 250,000 companies worldwide, the appointments represent a move to match its governance structures with the scale of its operations.
Gyoza at 365 Gyoza Bar (Photo by Denisse Rauda/Stripes Japan)



Gyoza dumplings are beloved by locals and visitors alike. Tiny pockets filled with flavorful ground pork and green onions grilled, steamed, boiled or baked with a side of a soy sauce and spicy sesame oil mixture  whats not to like?

Whenever friends or family visit and theyre wanting to ease into Japanese food, I know gyoza is a crowd-pleaser. I love gyoza and when friends introduced me a few years ago to the town of Utsunomiya in Saitama Prefecture, a short one-hour drive from Yokota Air Base, I knew I wanted to bring my sister for a dumpling shop hop here.

Utsunomiya has established itself as a center of gyoza with various shops serving up a variety of standard and fusion gyoza. Even local attractions have gotten the gyoza treatment, so its definitely a spot youll want to spend some time exploring. Below are a few of the places I visited on my last trip to this quirky town dedicated to delicious gyoza.

GYOZA STREET

(Photo by Denisse Rauda/Stripes Japan)

(Photo by Denisse Rauda/Stripes Japan)

(Photo by Denisse Rauda/Stripes Japan)

(Photo by Denisse Rauda/Stripes Japan)



This small street off the main drag is where youll find a couple of famous gyoza restaurants. There were lines when we visited, so we opted to check out the iconic gyoza streetlamps, gyoza wall art and photo spots there before heading to the gyoza cafeteria in the basement of the nearby Don Quijote.

GYOZA SHRINE

(Photo by Denisse Rauda/Stripes Japan)

Gyoza amulet (Photo by Denisse Rauda/Stripes Japan)



Utsunomiya Futaarayama Shrine is across the street from the big Don Quijote. The Shinto shrine offers a few gyoza-related good luck amulets for purchase. According to the Tochigi Prefecture Tourism & Local Products Associations website, the shrine dates back over 1,600 years and is dedicated to the founder of Utsunomiya. Although its not technically a gyoza shrine, its a good place to visit before devouring plates of gyoza at other places.

Address: 1 Chome-1-1 Babadori, Utsunomiya, Tochigi 320-0026

Website: https://www.visit-tochigi.com/plan-your-trip/things-to-do/1174/

GYOZA STATUE

(Photo by Denisse Rauda/Stripes Japan)



Just outside of JR Utsunomiya Station is a stone sculpture of a goddess of a Venus-looking woman wrapped in gyoza. Its an abstract art piece that makes you think. Its a piece of weird Japan that has no explanation other than to be an unofficial welcome spot to Gyoza Town.

DONKI

(Photo by Denisse Rauda/Stripes Japan)



For more gyoza souvenirs and snacks, make sure you browse the multi-story Mega Don Quijote in the center of the town. I picked up gyoza rice crackers, gyoza potato chips, gyoza keychains and gyoza socks for my gyoza-crazy friend.

Address: 2-3-12 Babadori, Utsunomiya, Tochigi 320-0026

GYOZA FOOD HALL

(Photo by Denisse Rauda/Stripes Japan)

(Photo by Denisse Rauda/Stripes Japan)



In the basement of the Don Quijote is Utsunomiya Gyoza-kai Kirasse, a food hall with about seven local shops serving up their unique gyoza in one spot. Since we visited on a weekday, there were no lines and we were seated quickly. The system here is simple: A staff member seats you and then you go up to the different counters to order and pay for your gyoza. We tried gyoza from four different spots in one sitting, which was an effective way to try many versions of the local star dish. There is an arcade with gyoza-themed photo booths and Gachapon machines, as well as a souvenir store in the basement.

Address: 2-3-12 Babadori, Utsunomiya, Tochigi 320-0026

Mega Donki B1

Website: https://www.gyozakai.com/kirasse/

365 GYOZA BAR

(Photo by Denisse Rauda/Stripes Japan)

(Photo by Denisse Rauda/Stripes Japan)

Food menu (Photo by Denisse Rauda/Stripes Japan)



One important thing to note is that many of the gyoza spots close after lunch and reopen at 5 p.m. for dinner. Since we arrived just after 1 p.m., we found many closed doors but still had a good lunch at the cafeteria under Donki. We killed time enjoying the local sites while we waited for the dinner hour and stopped at 365 Gyoza Bar, just a few blocks from JR Utsunomiya Station. This pub-style gyoza bar has a decent menu with fusion gyoza dishes and some interesting beers and drinks. Since I was driving, I skipped the alcohol and we shared three unique grilled gyoza orders: Super Garlic Gyoza (the menu says to only order with permission from your girlfriend/boyfriend), Coriander Gyoza and Spicy Oil and Potato Gyoza. Essentially, the grilled gyoza were your standard ground pork-stuffed dumplings, except topped with either a lot of garlic, a lot of cilantro or julienned potatoes and drizzles of chili oil. My favorite was the cilantro, but I was disappointed that the flavors werent incorporated into the actual gyoza filling as expected.

Address: 2-1-5 Ekimae Dori, Utsunomiya, Tochigi 321-0964 1F-USH Bldg.

Website: https://tabelog.com/tochigi/A0901/A090101/9017158/

More info:

Utsunomiya walking tour map: https://www.utsunomiya-cvb.org/pamphlet/
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Internal medicine and functional medicine physician Shiv K. Goel discusses the article Why lifestyle matters more than BPC-157 and semaglutide. Shiv explains how the modern longevity boom has trained patients to seek out quick fixes like peptides and weight loss injections while ignoring foundational habits. He shares a compelling patient story to illustrate why optimizing sleep, circadian rhythms, and stress management is far more powerful than any supplement drawer. Shiv argues that tracking endless biomarkers with wearables without understanding a patients personal story only creates anxiety. By prioritizing deep listening and addressing the root causes of metabolic dysfunction, clinicians can offer real solutions rather than just another health care transaction. Discover how aligning your daily routines with your biology is the ultimate biohack for a longer, healthier life.

Partner with me on the KevinMD platform. With over three million monthly readers and half a million social media followers, I give you direct access to the doctors and patients who matter most. Whether you need a sponsored article, email campaign, video interview, or a spot right here on the podcast, I offer the trusted space your brand deserves to be heard. Lets work together to tell your story.

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Kevin Pho: Hi, and welcome to the show. Subscribe at KevinMD.com/podcast today. Welcome back, Shiv K. Goel, internal medicine and functional medicine physician. Todays KevinMD article is Why lifestyle matters more than BPC-157 and semaglutide. Shiv, welcome back to the show.

Shiv K. Goel: Thank you for having me, Kevin.

Kevin Pho: All right. What led you to write this article, and then tell us about the article itself.

Shiv K. Goel: I was inspired by a very real patient encounter I had with a 45-year-old male who walked into my clinic with what I call a peptide shopping list: BPC-157 for joint pain, sermorelin for growth hormone, and semaglutide for weight loss. He didnt come in asking about his sleep, his late-night laptop dinners, or the statins that had quietly been draining his energy for years. He already came in with that whole shopping list of things he had been on. In that moment I realized that he wasnt alone. He was not the only person doing this. He was a mirror of our entire longevity culture, chasing protocols and compounds while skipping the most basic human questions like: What are you eating? When are you eating? How are you sleeping? When are you sleeping, and does that sleep have any quality to it? What is really happening in your life? That contrast between sophisticated tools and neglected fundamentals is what pushed me to write this piece.

Kevin Pho: So in terms of the peptides that particular patient came to you with, where were they getting that information from? Where did they hear about things like BPC-157, for instance?

Shiv K. Goel: You know, Kevin, before people used to use Google. Nowadays we use AI, and you can find all the information on AI. They hear it from the gym, their coworkers, and other sources they touch. They read about which peptide can help with sleep, how to improve their sleep, or they hear the name PT-141, or they hear the name BPC-157. That is how they keep on getting it. Nowadays, because there are so many companies out there under the research label, they have been selling peptides without any guidelines, without knowing if it is really going to help them or not.

Even semaglutide is known by everybody. Even those who are not overweight know about semaglutide and what it is because someone in their friend circle or family has been taking it. If you go to the gym, I think even 20-year-olds know what peptides are now. Ten years ago, nobody knew what peptides were. What surprised me is how far it has gone, like a new revolution has happened. It has become a more modernized approach of taking multiple tools which we think are going to fix the problems we are having without really looking into the root cause of the issue, which is fixing the fundamentals of our lifestyle. Peptides or any medication are just tools that work along with our lifestyle. On paper, that patient is on every kind of medication or peptide and taking all kinds of supplements as well. But they are only going to work when our fundamentals are fixed. If we are really eating on time, sleeping on time, having good sleep, spending time with ourselves in nature, and hydrating, they might work; otherwise, they are not going to work. It is simple.

Kevin Pho: I think a lot of these patients, of course, are looking for quick fixes, right? Sometimes fixing lifestyle doesnt have the immediate results that some people want. But even with taking peptides, from my understanding, there isnt a lot of data supporting the efficacy of many of the peptides that these wellness influencers promote on social media.

Shiv K. Goel: Yes, there is an issue, so it is like a double-edged sword. Yes, I agree that there hasnt been much data about peptides. The second issue is why we do not have much data. It goes both ways because in order to generate data, you have to run large, big trials and studies on it. Because you cant patent peptides, there is no pharmaceutical company that can patent them, and therefore there is no one to make the huge investment needed to study them. Now, peptides like BPC-157, to take an example, are produced by our bodies. It is not something that is foreign to us. It is produced even in our gut and in our system, but not in large quantities, and not in enough quantity. Plus, as we age, the production of those peptides keeps going down. When we are younger, up to the age of 20, we have growth hormone surges. After the age of 19 or 20, it starts to go down. So it is not that they are something foreign to us.

Even if we take them, suppose there is obesity in the younger population now, it doesnt mean that they do not have endogenous peptides which can help us. But if we dont fix our lifestyle, if we do not watch our thought processes, because it all starts in our thoughts I think, and if we are just using them as a tool and thinking that this peptide will cure me, this peptide will fix my lifestyle, this peptide will make me sleep better, or this peptide will take all my worries away, that is where we are lacking. If we do not have our original, normal circadian rhythm, peptides do help. But first of all, not many physicians are involved. What surprised me is that the person had been taking all those peptides, but there was no physician watching it. There was no health care professional involved.

Everybody is just writing prescriptions for peptides nowadays, even medical spa staff, because you do not have to be a physician. Pharmaceutical companies that are selling it without prescriptions or without patient-specific compounding leave you with no idea what it contains because they are not for human use. A lot of times I have seen people producing them in bulk and selling the peptides, but 40 percent of the peptides lose their efficacy once you fail to maintain your lifestyle. So there are a lot of things out there. Even when you are taking it, are you getting the right treatment? Is there any physician involved? What is the dosing of it? Is that dose really effective for you? Everybody is different. Peptides are not one size fits all. A person who is a 70-year-old weighing 150 pounds, a 50-year-old weighing 200 pounds, and a 30-year-old weighing 190 pounds will all have different dosing depending upon their body composition as well. You have to build a proper regimen and protocol for them based on their fat mass and muscle mass, and they have to follow it.

Everything in excess has a side effect. Excess growth hormone can cause issues like acromegaly, carpal tunnel syndrome, and many other problems. So just because it is a peptide doesnt mean it is simply going to be good for us and we can just keep taking it. Instead of helping, sometimes it can cause an issue too. It is very important for each person not to take a shortcut, not to just get it from the market because it has not been approved by the FDA or it is not available for human use. There is a reason for that too. Whenever I prescribe a peptide, I usually go through in detail whether this peptide is really going to help the person or not. Is there something I can do along with that, or before that, which is going to give him a better result? If his sleep is completely off, his hormones are not optimized, or he has a severe deficiency of vitamin D, which 90 percent of people have, that needs to be addressed. Vitamin D is so essential as a precursor for all steroidal hormones. While people are aging, especially women going through perimenopause or menopause, deficiencies can accelerate menopause. We are also aging faster than we should be, all because of our lifestyle of stress and deficiencies. We dont spend any time outside nowadays, as we are always in front of a computer.

Kevin Pho: And some of these peptides are injected, and as you said, they are not regulated. You dont know what you are injecting yourself with, and exactly, sometimes that dose needs to be individualized for the patient. Have you heard of any side effects or real negative effects from people self-injecting peptides that they may have gotten from a compounding pharmacy or whatever? Have you heard stories of really terrible side effects?

Shiv K. Goel: Yes, I have, depending upon which peptide they are taking, because every peptide has a different side effect. If they are taking semaglutide and tirzepatide, I have heard horrible stories of people injecting improper doses. Even a lot of providers dont understand that every person is different when we are dosing it. It is not that if you started one person on 0.5 milligrams of semaglutide, everybody should be on that or on one milligram. It has to be very individualized. A lot of pharmacies nowadays make different concentrations because of cost-effectiveness, so they make concentrations of like five milligrams per ml or 10 milligrams per ml. The whole dose varies.

If people are not educated and are just buying it from those medical spas or those pharmacies, they might think 20 units is simply 20 units. They dont know how much those 20 units equal; it could be two milligrams, it could be one milligram, or it could be 0.5 milligrams. So they come in with severe dehydration, nausea, and vomiting. I had one case of pancreatitis too, which I have seen. A lot of times, people who are diabetic can go into hypoglycemia and have seizures. Growth hormone is another thing I have seen issues with. This is not seen as much with sermorelin because sermorelin acts more like a growth hormone-releasing hormone, so it acts on the pituitary. There is still a negative feedback loop which can prevent issues because, after a certain point, the pituitary wont keep producing growth hormones once you have saturated the receptors. In fact, it can downregulate the receptors.

But people who are taking direct growth hormone, because growth hormone is also a peptide hormone as we know, can experience side effects. It has caused people to have carpal tunnel syndrome, and their migraines get bad. You have to be especially cautious with people who have a family history of malignancy. People who are on multiple things, such as testosterone therapy and growth hormone, have started having BPH. This is normal in most aging people, but that prostatic hyperplasia can turn into malignancy. It is a very real risk. That is why it is important to remember that just because everybody wants to remain looking 30, it doesnt mean it is good for you. Society must embrace that longevity doesnt mean looking young. Longevity means having a quality of life for as long as we can, and that has to be fixed way before we get there.

Kevin Pho: Now, how do you convince patients to adopt a lifestyle route when they are so resistant and insistent on taking these quick fixes? Lets go back to that patient you introduced us to, who brought you all these peptide requests. What happened next? How did you convince that patient that lifestyle changes would be better for them?

Shiv K. Goel: He actually came here because he wanted more peptides. He wanted more BPC-157, he wanted to have CJC-1295, and more semaglutide. But underneath all of that, he was really asking for relief from a life out of rhythm with his own biology. His life was completely out of rhythm with chronic stress, late-night eating, and fragmented sleep. That is what he wanted to fix, but he didnt know what he was doing. We seek alternatives, whether it is peptides or medications, because we know something is not right and we want to fix it.

First, making him realize why he wanted them was key. I asked him if he just wanted the peptides, or if he wanted them because of these issues and wanted to fix them. He realized he wanted them to fix his issues. I explained that we have all kinds of peptides, GLP-1s, CGMs, and advanced biomarkers nowadays, but many people are more anxious and disconnected from their own bodies. They need to understand their own body physiology, why they want these things, and what they are actually trying to get out of it, rather than just hearing or seeing something and wanting it. My argument is that numbers and molecules, whether peptides or anything else, do not heal by themselves. They only make sense when they are woven into a story, your story, your rhythm, and your environment. If that doesnt work, no peptide, no molecule, nothing is going to work.

He had been on those peptides for months, and I asked him if he got better. He wanted to increase the doses and add more peptides. He said he felt a little better, which is a placebo effect. I told him I would prescribe what he wanted, but I wanted him to do three things for the next four weeks, and then we would talk about it next time. I told him if he still thought peptides would solve all the issues, I didnt have a problem prescribing them. When he came back next time, he was able to sleep better. When we did all his blood tests, he was severely deficient in vitamin D. He had chronic adrenal fatigue, and his morning cortisol level, which should be at least about nine or ten, was four. His body was already giving up because semaglutide is not an anabolic medication; it is causing more stress on your body. It decreases your appetite, suppresses your brain receptors, increases your gastric empty time, and increases your insulin level, leading to insulin resistance. Chronic stress also causes insulin levels to go up, so his fasting insulin level was way higher even though he was not diabetic.

When we address a persons whole story and listen to them about why they have been sleeping so late and what is bothering them, we can help them make small lifestyle changes, maybe sleeping one hour earlier. You dont expect people to change their lifestyle immediately. But while they are making changes, I use these medications as a tool, not as a solution. We have to know when to use those tools and when to bring them into action. We shouldnt just keep prescribing them, otherwise they will end up causing more damage to your body than benefit.

Kevin Pho: It sounds like the key, of course, as you wrote in your article, is deep listening and going back to the history and physical. That is the core of treating these patients, not just these quick fixes like peptides.

Shiv K. Goel: Exactly. I think it is very important for a lot of patients to understand that it is not that they dont know what they are doing. They just dont know when to do those things.

Kevin Pho: We are talking to Shiv K. Goel, internal medicine and functional medicine physician. Todays KevinMD article is Why lifestyle matters more than BPC-157 and semaglutide. Shiv, as always, lets end with take-home messages that you want to leave with the KevinMD audience.

Shiv K. Goel: Yes. My message to all my fellow colleagues is not to let the peptide manual replace the patients story. In the article I wrote, the most healing thing in the room is not the molecule; it is the relationship. It is the relationship you build with your patients. Patients may open by asking if you can prescribe BPC-157 or semaglutide, but that is often a doorway into their deeper fears about aging, energy, weight, and time. So practically, that means starting with questions that change everything. Ask what they are eating, what time they are sleeping, and how the quality of their sleep is. Ask what their stress story tells you, what the common stresses in their life are, and how they are feeling. Just start with open-ended questions. Let the story unfold by itself, and then you will realize that these molecules are not always the solutions. They have to work synergistically alongside making changes in their lifestyle.

Kevin Pho: Shiv, thank you again for sharing your perspective and insight. Thanks for coming back on the show.

Shiv K. Goel: Thank you for having me again, Kevin.
The day I handed in my credentials as medical director, I sat in my car in the parking lot for a long time. I had held that role at Methodist Specialty and Transplant Hospital in San Antonio for years. I had built protocols, chaired committees, mentored residents, and managed crises at hours when the rest of the city slept. I was, by every conventional metric, succeeding. And yet there was something accumulating in me that I did not yet have a name for, a slow, quiet erosion of the sense that what I was doing was connected to why I had become a physician in the first place. I drove home that evening, and I did not feel free. I felt terrified.

The decision to leave hospital medicine and open a functional, integrative, and aesthetic medicine practice was not impulsive. It had been building for years, the way most honest decisions build: quietly, then all at once. I had watched the hospital system become something I did not recognize. 15-minute appointments that were really 11 minutes. Documentation requirements that turned patient encounters into administrative performances. Quality metrics that measured everything except whether a person felt well. I was competent at managing disease. I had stopped being sure I was helping people achieve health. These are not the same thing, and the difference, once you feel it clearly, is very difficult to unfeel.

The practical fear of leaving was real and I will not minimize it. I had a salary, a title, and the institutional credibility that comes from a position at a named hospital. Private practice meant building a patient panel from scratch, managing overhead, navigating insurance or choosing to leave it behind, and accepting that the first year would likely be the hardest financial year of my professional life. What I had not anticipated was the loneliness. Nobody warns you about the loneliness of leaving an institution. There are colleagues you have morning rounds with, administrators who know your name, a structure that tells you, each day, where to be and what to do. When you walk away, you walk into silence. There is no rounds team. No departmental meeting. No one to tell you whether what you are building is working. You are, in the truest sense, practicing alone.

For the first several months, I second-guessed myself with a ferocity that surprised me. Not the clinical decisions, those I trusted. The existential ones. Whether a practice built on root-cause medicine, chronobiology, and integrative protocols had a place in a market still dominated by the 15-minute model. Whether patients would pay out of pocket for a physician who wanted to spend an hour with them. Whether the medicine I believed in, slow, longitudinal, rhythm-based, person-centered, was commercially viable or merely idealistic.

The answer arrived not in a financial milestone, but in a conversation. About eight months after opening, a patient came to me who had been seen by six physicians over three years for fatigue, weight gain, and cognitive fog. She had been told, variously, that her labs were normal, that she was stressed, and that she should consider antidepressants. She had not been asked, by any of those six physicians, what time she went to sleep, when she ate her meals, or what her mornings looked like. I asked all of those questions. In 90 minutes. Without a single interruption. We found the answers. Not a dramatic diagnosis, nothing that would have been missed on a standard panel. A chronobiology problem. A cortisol pattern that had been dysregulated by years of irregular sleep and late eating. A hormonal picture that made complete sense once it was seen whole rather than in isolated fragments. She cried in my office. Not from the diagnosis, but from the experience of being heard completely. She said she had not felt, in three years of medical appointments, that anyone had truly tried to understand her. That conversation is why I left.

I want to be careful here not to position hospital medicine as the villain of this story. It is not. The physicians I worked with in hospital systems were some of the most dedicated people I have known. The system they work within, the billing pressures, the documentation burdens, the panel sizes that make true longitudinal care nearly impossible, is the villain. The physicians are doing the best they can within constraints that are genuinely unjust. But the constraints are real, and for some patients, the ones with complex, chronic, multisystem illness that does not fit neatly into a diagnostic code, those constraints mean they will not get the care they need within the current structure. I chose to step outside that structure. It cost me more than I expected and gave me more than I imagined.

The things I know now that I did not know in my hospital office. I know what it feels like to build something from nothing and watch it become real. I know what it feels like to spend an hour with a patient and end the appointment with the sense that something meaningful just happened. I know what it feels like to practice medicine in alignment with what I actually believe, about the body, about time, about what healing requires. I also know what it feels like to carry the full weight of a practice alone. To worry about overhead at 2 a.m. To wonder if the month will close in the green. Both things are true. The freedom and the weight come together.

For me, the trade was worth it. Not because private practice is the right answer for every physician, it is not. But because the alternative, for me, was continuing to practice medicine at a distance from the reasons I had entered it. That day I sat in the parking lot, I was not mourning a job. I was mourning a version of myself that had believed the institution would always be enough. It was not. And leaving was the most honest thing I could have done.

Shiv K. Goel is a board-certified internal medicine and functional medicine physician based in San Antonio, Texas, focused on integrative and root-cause approaches to health and longevity. He is the founder of Prime Vitality, a holistic wellness clinic, and TimeVitality.ai, an AI-driven platform for advanced health analysis. His clinical and educational work is also shared at drshivgoel.com.

Dr. Goel completed his internal medicine residency at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York and previously served as an assistant professor at Texas Tech University Health Science Center and as medical director at Methodist Specialty and Transplant Hospital and Metropolitan Methodist Hospital in San Antonio. He has served as a principal investigator at Mount Sinai Queens Hospital Medical Center and at V.M.M.C. and Safdarjung Hospital in New Delhi, with publications in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology and presentations at the American Thoracic Society International Conference.

He regularly publishes thought leadership on LinkedIn, Medium, and Substack, and hosts the Vitality Matrix with Dr. Goel channel on YouTube. He is currently writing Healing the Split Reconnecting Body Mind and Spirit in Modern Medicine.
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11:50 Sebi Proposes Reintroduction Of Open-Market Share Buybacks The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) on Thursday proposed to reintroduce open market share buybacks.If approved, this will reverse a regulatory move that had phased out the route last year amid changes in the taxation framework. In a consultation paper released for public... Read more >

11:08 Kuwait says its oil refinery hit by Iranian drones File pic Iranian drones targeted Kuwait's Mina al-Ahmadi oil refinery on Friday, triggering fires at the site. Kuwait Petroleum Corporation confirmed the incident in a statement, noting that emergency crews were working to contain the flames. No injuries were reported.Kuwait has three oil refineries, and... Read more >

10:39 Airtel Becomes Second-Largest Telco Globally Bharti Airtel, the country's second- largest carrier, has crossed 650 million customers across global markets to reinforce its second position in terms of customers worldwide.The Sunil Mittal-promoted carrier said Thursday that according to GSMA Intelligence, Bharti Airtel is ranked second... Read more >

10:28 Satellite imagery shows Iran's Qeshm port damaged Satellite imagery, accessed by Reuters, has confirmed damage to port infrastructure on Iran's Qeshm Island following US-Israeli strikes earlier this week amid the West Asia conflict.According to Reuters, citing imagery from the Copernicus Sentinel-2, smoke was seen rising from a port area on the... Read more >

10:19 Abhishek Sharma fined 25% of match fee for showing dissent at umpire decision Sunrisers Hyderabad vice-captain Abhishek Sharma has been fined 25 per cent of his match fees and has also accumulated one demerit point for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct during his team's IPL match against Kolkata Knight Riders. He admitted to the Level 1 offence under Article 2.3 and... Read more >

10:07 Absolutely NO sign of war ending in Middle East There were few signs on Friday that the war in West Asia was easing. Israel reported incoming fire from Iran, while Kuwait and Bahrain also said they were under attack. Iran said eight people were killed while celebrating the end of the Persian New Year near a major bridge that had been... Read more >

09:43 UNSC to vote on Bahrain-backed resolution to secure Strait The United Nations Security Council is scheduled to vote on Friday (local time) on a draft resolution proposed by Bahrain that seeks to authorise member states to use all defensive means necessary to ensure safe transit through the Strait of Hormuz amid the conflict in West Asia, CNN reported.The... Read more >

09:16 Iran still has significant missile capability Despite US President Donald Trump claiming that Iran's missile programme had been destroyed following the US-Israeli military action against the Islamic Republic for the past month, intelligence assessments indicate Tehran continues to retain a significant portion of its missile-launching... Read more >

08:53 Hegseth removes top Army Generals amid war in Iran United States Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has removed the US Army's top uniformed officer, General Randy George, along with two other generals, the Pentagon said, without citing reasons, amid the ongoing US-led military campaign against Iran.Gen George, the 41st Chief of Staff of the Army since... Read more >

00:59 Drizzle in some parts of Mumbai; may be due to western disturbance: IMD File image Some parts of Mumbai, especially the suburbs, experienced drizzle on Thursday, which an official said may have been caused by a western disturbance. None of the observatories in the city recorded any rainfall activity, India Meteorological Department scientist Sushma Nair said. The drizzle... Read more >

00:59 Drizzle in some parts of Mumbai; may be due to western disturbance: IMD File image Some parts of Mumbai, especially the suburbs, experienced drizzle on Thursday, which an official said may have been caused by a western disturbance. None of the observatories in the city recorded any rainfall activity, India Meteorological Department scientist Sushma Nair said. The drizzle... Read more >

00:32 Jeweller gets Rs 5 lakh extortion demand in UP; traders up in arm A jeweller in Bahraich in Mihinpurwa town received a Rs 5 lakh extortion letter bearing the names of gangsters Lawrence Bishnoi and Anmol Bishnoi with a cartridge wrapped inside, police said on Thursday. The letter was thrown at 'Jagdish Jewellers' on Wednesday night. The handwritten... Read more >
Asylum seekers in the UK will now receive vouchers to buy food and clothes, under controversial plans which have come into effect despite months of criticism.

The changes, being introduced under the Immigration and Asylum Act, also include full implementation of a plan to disperse asylum seekers around the country.

Asylum seekers will now get only 10 a week in cash and vouchers worth between 18.95 and 26.54 depending on their age.

Couples get vouchers worth 47.37 plus the cash.

Home Secretary Jack Straw has rejected suggestions that the changes will reinforce prejudice against refugees, after weeks of adverse publicity over begging involving asylum seekers.

The charity Oxfam has condemned the introduction of vouchers as penny pinching because refugees will not be given change if the value of the vouchers exceeds the cost of what they are buying.

The Chief Executive of the Refugee Council, Nick Hardwick, said the vouchers would stigmatise and demean asylum seekers.

The criticisms have been rejected by the Home Office.

Immigration minister Barbara Roche said the moves would benefit genuine asylum seekers.

The genuine refugee seeking asylum wants first of all safety and security, and thats what we are providing, and a level of support while their claim is being determined, Ms Roche said.

The current system had caused problems because 80% of asylum seekers were centred in London and the southeast, she added.

Between February and April the number of people applying for asylum averaged 6,230 a month  32% more than the same period last year.

Courtesy BBC News

In context

The move was one of a number in recent years which critics said was designed to stem the flow of asylum seekers to the UK.

Vouchers were eventually scrapped in 2002.

However, new regulations for asylum seekers were introduced.

They included mandatory smart cards carrying fingerprints and photographs.

Plans to build special accommodation centres for asylum seekers in rural locations were also announced in 2002, sparking protest from residents in some of the areas concerned.

The announcement came just months after a similar institution  the 100m Yarls Wood Centre in Bedfordshire  was severely damaged by fire after detainees rioted.

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A month-long citywide clean-up campaign is underway, featuring mobile themed photo exhibitions in multiple neighborhoods to educate residents on mosquito and rodent control. The exhibitions are held across different areas, such as the park next to Iao Hon Market, the Three Lamps area, Lam Mau Tong, Taipa Flower City Park, and Seac Pai Van. On weekends, consultation booths offer expert advice on pest control. Authorities aim to foster government-led, community-assisted, citizen-participation efforts to improve the citys overall environmental hygiene.

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Travelog

Editors note: Kristian Odebjer wrote a comprehensive travel chronicle as a diary across the Greater Bay Area, published in the AmCham e-Magazine (Jan/Feb 2026). The following is a condensed summary of his journey.

It is a Friday morning in July. I am on a high-speed train departing Hong Kong West Kowloon Station, bound for the first stop of a whistle-stop tour of the Greater Bay Area  a region linking Hong Kong, Macau and nine mainland cities.

With a GDP of US$2 trillion, the GBA rivals economies like South Korea. Long known as the factory of the world, it is now home to tech giants such as Tencent, BYD and Huawei. I wonder if a deeper transformation is underway  and set out to find the regions elusive soul.

Huizhou. My first stop feels rural. At a restaurant called Bamboo Plantation, I am served rice and preserved meat baked inside a bamboo tube the size of a mans leg. I cannot finish it. Later, at West Lake, the midday heat empties the scene of people. A paddle-boat attendant waits idly. The pace here feels far removed from the GBAs reputation.

Dongguan. A slow green train carries me west. Factories dominate the landscape. Dongguan, with over 10 million people, feels industrial and worn. A driver shrugs: Nothing special. Yet underground, the metro tells another story  sleek, modern, forward-looking. I begin to see a region caught between past and future.

Guangzhou. Arriving at Canton Tower, I join crowds along the Pearl River. On a night cruise, neon skylines reflect on the water as Cantopop plays. For the first time, something clicks. Here, amid movement and light, I sense it  the GBAs soul, fleeting but real.

Foshan. In Shunde, a UNESCO-recognized culinary hub, I sit down for dim sum. At 9 a.m., nearby diners celebrate with XO and cigarettes. It is chaotic, convivial, unmistakably local. The soul surfaces again  in food, in noise, in shared space.

Zhaoqing and Jiangmen. Nature returns at the Seven Star Crags, limestone pillars rising from Star Lake. The beauty is striking, though the heat is relentless. Later, a near-empty bus carries me through backwaters toward Jiangmen. Time seems to slow. Heritage streets and Cantonese voices replace the industrial pulse of the east. Development here lags  but identity feels stronger.

Zhuhai and Zhongshan. At the coast in Zhuhai, crowds head for the waterfront. In the distance, the Hong KongZhuhaiMacao Bridge cuts across the sea. Further north in Zhongshan, everyday life unfolds on a city bus  a mother scolding her sons, passengers absorbed in their own worlds. Another glimpse of something human, unpolished, real.

Shenzhen. A new link  the ShenzhenZhongshan corridor  compresses what once took hours into minutes. I arrive in Shenzhen and end my journey at the waterfront, watching families picnic and young people gather. The infrastructure is impressive, but uneven. Core cities connect seamlessly; the periphery still lags.

After three days, the GBA remains difficult to define. It is dense, fast, contradictory  a place where bullet trains and aging buses coexist, where factories stand beside innovation hubs, where landscapes shift from river delta to hills and back again.

But the soul, if it exists, is not found in infrastructure or statistics. It appears in moments  on a river cruise, over dim sum, in a passing exchange on a bus. This journey, compressed and imperfect, suggests that the GBA is less a destination than a collection of encounters.

And perhaps that is the only way to understand it. By Kristian Odebjer

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The Assyrian Maronite Monastery of Saints Peter and Paul in Lebanon

The Monastery of Saints Peter and Paul in Lebanon. Karm El Tin, Metn District, Mount Lebanon -- The Monastery of Saints Peter and Paul, Karm El Tin stands as a witness to long centuries of faith and heritage. Bearing the names of the great apostles, Saint Peter and Saint Paul, the monastery is not merely a place of worship, but a deeply rooted spiritual and cultural landmark in the history of the region. Within its ancient stone walls, stories of the monks who passed through are preserved, and bright chapters of church history in the mountain villages of Mount Lebanon are recalled.

From this quiet site overlooking the surrounding villages and valleys, a message of faith and resilience has emerged, preserving the identity of the land. To learn more about the monastery's history, its secrets, and its spiritual role across generations in the Metn area, Suroyo TV Lebanon's Rania Zahra Charbel interviewed Father Salim Rais, head of the Monastery of Saints Peter and Paul, Karm El Tin.

In its early beginnings, the monastery consisted of only two small houses without a church, before monks expanded it. Bishop Mar Abdallah Qaraali mentions this event in his memoirs, explaining how the monastery later became one of the foundational monasteries of the monastic order. In 1724, it was restored to include around twenty rooms to house monks.

Bishop Mar Abdallah Qaraali wrote in his memoirs: "In 1712, we inaugurated the Monastery of Peter and Paul, which was granted to us by Bishop Habakkuk from the Habakkuk Youhanna family. At the time, it was a small farm with only two houses."

Over time, the monastery became a parish center, until the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord was built on land donated by the Syriac Maronite Mariamite monastic order to the townspeople, and was inaugurated in 2016 in the presence of Syriac Maronite Patriarch Mar Bechara Boutros Rai.

Founder Bishop Mar Abdallah Qaraal also notes that the monastery served as a house for novices and a place of prayer and witness. Nearby, monks built a hermitage dedicated to the Virgin Mary and a church named after Saint Roch, Patron Saint of Plague Victims and Healing. A number of hermits lived in this hermitage, spreading a spirit of holiness in the region.

In the 1980s, the monastery was restored during the tenure of Abbot Mersal Abi Khalil. The monastery church is distinguished by its beautiful stone arch and houses an oil painting of Saints Peter and Paul that was painted in Rome. Its architecture reflects the traditional Syriac Maronite style through its arches and inner courtyard.

Today, the monastery hosts spiritual retreats for monks and novices. It oversees the nearby parish of Saints Peter and Paul as well as the Church of the Transfiguration.

As for Saints Peter and Paul, they are among the pillars of the Church. Saint Peter is considered the head of the apostles, to whom Christ entrusted the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven, saying: "Whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in Heaven, and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in Heaven" (Matthew 16:19). The largest cathedral in Rome was built in his name. Saint Paul, on the other hand, is the apostle of the Word and a key figure in spreading the Christian faith.

In conclusion, it is worth noting that the hermits who lived in this hermitage were attributed with many miracles, including the monastery bell ringing on its own before the death of one of them, and the miracle of blessed water that protected vineyards from locusts, an event reportedly witnessed by the Ottoman governor himself.

Like many monasteries in Lebanon, the Monastery of Saints Peter and Paul, Karm El Tin has played a fundamental role in protecting the land and preserving the identity of the villages. It also served as a center of cooperation between monks and residents in agriculture and daily life.

Despite changing circumstances, the monastery remains a witness to the memory of the place, not only as a religious landmark, but as part of the spiritual and cultural heritage.
Iraqi oil fields once alive with the buzz of workers are nearly deserted. Ports that pulsed with the churn of cargo have fallen still, the din of commerce replaced by the soft rhythm of waves.

A month after the war in Iran started, workers at ports and oil fields in the province of Basra, where almost all of Iraqs crude is produced and exported, have grown accustomed to rockets streaking across the sky, aimed at U.S. air bases and other strategic facilities.

The war is dealing a heavy blow to Iraqs economy. Iraq relies on oil revenues for roughly 90% of its budget, and most of its oil is exported through the Strait of Hormuz.

Unlike other countries in the Middle East touched by the war, Iraq hosts both entrenched Iran-aligned forces and significant U.S. interests, leaving it exposed to attacks from both sides. Since the war started, oil production in southern Iraq, where Basra is located, has fallen by more than 70% and the volume of imported goods reaching the countrys ports has been cut in half. Drone and missile attacks have targeted American companies and military bases. Irans allied Iraqi militias also have struck oil fields and energy infrastructure. Many foreign workers have left.

The Iraqi government should have enough funds to get through mid-May without new oil sales, according to experts, but then it will have to borrow money.

After that, the government would resort to issuing bonds, said Ahmed Tabaqchali, an expert in Iraqs economy. But not without consequences.

Oil production suspended

Across southern Iraq, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has prompted oil fields to scale back production and focus on domestic needs, while oil prices around the globe have risen. Basras Zubair oil field, once producing around 400,000 barrels per day, has seen output drop to roughly 250,000, officials said.

Iran has offered assurances that Iraqi crude can safely transit the strait, said Bassem Abdul Karim, the head of the state-run Basra Oil Company, which oversees production in the province. However, because Iraq lacks its own tanker fleet and depends on chartered vessels, shipments ultimately hinge on whether tanker owners are willing to accept the heightened risks of making the journey. Most are not.

At a degassing station in Zubair, where crude is processed, production has also slowed dramatically. Its quiet now because of the reductions, said chief engineer Ammar Hashim. Of course we are worried.

The downturn in Zubair reflects a broader decline in Basra. Output has dropped from 3.1 million barrels per day to roughly 900,000 across the province, according to Abdul Karim.

Exports are currently completely halted. At the moment, we are considering alternative loading areas, but none are fully operational, he told The Associated Press.

Hundreds of employees from American, British, Italian, French and other international oil companies have left Iraq due to the war. The departures accelerated after a March 6 drone strike hit the Burjisiya complex in Basra, a key logistics hub for Iraqs oil industry used by numerous companies. The attack targeted U.S. oil services company KBR, striking its chemical storage facility.

Another drone struck the British-Petroleum operated Rumaila oil field, prompting some foreign workers there to leave, said Abdul Karim. The field is still operating, he said. On Wednesday, multiple drones attacked a fuel warehouse linked to BP in northern Iraq.

Shipping lanes closed

Umm Qasr, Iraqs primary deep-water port, was once so noisy with imported cargo that it could give you a headache, workers there said.

Now, with the Strait of Hormuz closed, large mother ships bringing shipments to Iraq can no longer get to the port. Instead, they dock in the United Arab Emirates, where the cargo is carried by trucks and then smaller ships to get to Umm Qasr, a costly workaround.

The ports jetties are running well below their former capacity, with volumes halved by the war, according to port director Mohammed Tahir Fadhil.

When the AP visited, just one cargo ship from the U.A.E. had docked.

The threat to shipping lanes escalated after Iran destroyed two tankers on March 11 in Iraqi waters, the Marshall Islands-flagged Safesea Vishnu and the Malta-flagged Zefyros.

Today, our only gateway for goods is the United Arab Emirates, said Farhan Fartousi, director of the Iraqi Ports Company.

Trade disrupted

On Sunday morning, Haidar Abdul-Samad, deputy director of Basras Shalamcha border crossing with Iran, was on the phone with an Iranian official, complaining about electricity cuts that had halted trade, urging a quick resolution. The power cuts followed an airstrike that hit the Iranian side of the crossing.

Such disruptions, local officials say, have become routine.

Before the war, the crossing saw constant movement, reflecting strong familial and commercial ties between Iranians and Iraqis in the area. It is also a key transit point for traders and pilgrims heading to Shiite holy sites in central Iraq.

That morning, trucks were backed up for miles.

Priority is given to food supplies to prevent price increases, Abdul-Samad said. Passenger movement is not at the same level as before; activity has declined due to the war in Iran.

Once electricity was restored, 30-year-old Iranian trader Atefa Al-Fatlawi arrived with her husband and young son. SAMYA KULLAB, BASRA, MDT/AP

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Lawmakers questions on attracting international tourists were addressed by Secretary for Economy and Finance, Anton Tai Kin Ip, who said preliminary figures show over 750,000 international visitors in the first quarter. If trends continue, Macau could see three million international arrivals this year, matching 2019 levels. Tourism chief Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes highlighted collaborations with mainland airlines to connect Macau with longer international routes and the tourism expo next week, which will host over 30 travel professionals from Central Asia to explore new markets.

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Macau Legend Development said it has not abandoned its long-delayed hotel-casino project in Cape Verdes capital, Praia, despite the government reclaiming the site earlier this year, as the company faces mounting financial pressure linked to satellite casino closures.

In a filing to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, the company said it is considering possible actions under legal advice following the loss of the property on Santa Maria islet and along the Gamboa waterfront.

It added that it will take necessary measures to safeguard its interests, including reviewing all available legal options. The company has also set aside HKD32.4 million to cover potential litigation costs.

The dispute escalated in January after Cape Verde authorities took possession of the unfinished development, which had remained idle for years.

Macau Legend subsequently argued that the move lacked legitimate grounds.

The uncertainty surrounding the project has already weighed on its financial performance, as the group reported a net loss of HKD1.57 billion in 2025, more than doubling its loss in the previous year.

The deterioration was largely attributed to the closure of its final satellite casino, Legend Palace, in November, alongside a decline in the book value of its Fishermans Wharf assets.

After the termination of gaming operation in Macau during the year, the executive directors determined that the group will only have one reportable segment, which is the operations at Macau Fishermans Wharf, including hotel and other operations such as licensing income from the shops, provision of building management service, food and beverage and others, the group said.

Satellite casinos, which operated under the licenses of major concessionaires, have been largely phased out in Macau, with nearly all such operations now shuttered.

The company also flagged significant doubts about its ability to continue as a going concern, citing total debts of HKD2.7 billion.

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New Zealand and Cook Islands signed a defense and security pact yesterday, easing more than a year of tension between the Pacific nations over Cook Islands deepening ties with China.

The fraught diplomatic standoff that prompted Wellington to pause millions of dollars in aid to Avarua was hardly a clash of geopolitical heavyweights: New Zealand has a population of 5 million, while Cook Islands has 15,000 people. But the lengthy freeze gripped Pacific observers because it reflected the struggle confronting tiny island nations with close ties to Western countries such as New Zealand and Australia as they seek to balance their traditional alliances with overtures from Beijing.

In the new declaration, Cook Islands pledged New Zealand would be its partner of choice regarding defense and security matters, apparently quashing the prospect, feared by Wellington, of China occupying the role. It resolved ambiguity about the two countries existing ties, New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters said.

Diplomatic spat began over China deal

When Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown inked a comprehensive strategic partnership between his country and China during a visit to Beijing in February 2025, it provoked alarm in Wellington because Brown wouldnt divulge the content of the deal first, a refusal New Zealand officials said could have security implications. Cook Islands is a self-governing country with a 60-year free association relationship to New Zealand, which means its defended by New Zealands military, and citizens can live and work freely in New Zealand.

The links require Cook Islands leaders to consult with Wellington on deals with other countries that might affect New Zealand. Brown defended his decision not to disclose the contents of his pact with China, which he said was unnecessary under his countrys existing accords with Wellington.

New Zealand  which is Cook Islands biggest benefactor  froze millions of dollars in aid over the episode, although it wasnt a large amount of the total funding that Wellington contributes. That aid would now flow again, Peters told reporters during a visit to Cook Islands on Thursday, where he and Brown signed the new agreement.

This declaration seeks to remove previous ambiguity about the nature of the relationship between New Zealand and the Cook Islands, especially as it pertains to defense and security, Peters said.

China yesterday said that the relationship with Cook Islands is not directed at any third party, nor should it be subject to interference or constraints by any third party, and that everybody should respect the autonomy of any Pacific islands.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the two countries have always treated each other on equal footing with mutual respect and pursued common development, Chinas Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said during a daily briefing in Beijing. We are willing to deepen practical cooperation with Cook Islands to continuously enhance the well-being of the two peoples.

Larger powers vie for sway in the Pacific

Cook Islands, an archipelago of 15 islands in the vast South Pacific Ocean, is among many small nations in the region to be courted by Beijing, which has offered aid, loans and deals throughout the Pacific to increase its sway. The sparsely populated South Pacific is considered strategically important and many of its countries, including Cook Islands, have large and lucrative exclusive economic zones, where Brown is exploring prospects for mining of deep sea minerals.

The strategic environment we face is more complex and contested today than at any other point since New Zealand and the Cook Islands formed our free association relationship in 1965, Peters said yesterday.

Cook Islanders hold New Zealand passports, which was partly why the deals with China prompted such dismay about security in Wellington. Brown in October 2024 suggested he would consider the creation of a separate Cook Islands passport, a plan he later shelved after he said New Zealand had bared its teeth over the matter.

Its no secret that our two governments have had a series of serious disagreements since late 2024, Peters said.

Both leaders, however, dismissed questions about what the declaration between New Zealand and Cook Islands meant for Avaruas earlier deal with Beijing, which covered matters such as deep sea mining, infrastructure and educational scholarships but didnt contain explicit security elements. Brown told reporters the agreement with New Zealand didnt affect his countrys other pacts.

But New Zealand would be our first port of call on anything to do with defense and security, Brown said. CHARLOTTE GRAHAM-McLAY, WELLINGTON, MDT/AP

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Macau braces for a five-day holiday as Ching Ming coincides with Easter, but tourism operators say a visitor surge is unlikely.

Daily arrivals are expected to grow steadily, with overall numbers likely to remain similar to a regular weekend.

Tourism operators said the main reason is that mainland tourists largely follow traditional customs during Ching Ming, which limits leisure travel.

Operators noted two key factors behind the restrained increase. First, Ching Ming is traditionally focused on tomb-sweeping and ancestral rituals, and the three-day mainland holiday leaves limited time for leisure trips. Second, although Hong Kong is a major source market during Easter, its five-day break offers many travel options, prompting some visitors to choose destinations further afield rather than Macau.

Operators expect that the local tourism sector will maintain stability during the extended holiday, with steady arrivals supporting the citys ongoing efforts to balance quantity with quality in its visitor offerings.

Meanwhile, the holiday from April 46 is expected to see 2.3 million daily border crossings nationwide, up 11% from last year. Zhuhai Gongbei is projected at 375,000, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge at 152,000, and Qingmao and Hengqin ports at 113,000 each.

According to authorities, they have ramped up inspection lanes, strengthened monitoring, and

Low-pressure trough set to damp holiday weekend

Macau is set to face a soggy Easter and Ching Ming Festival holiday.

From April 36, a trough of low pressure will edge closer to the coast of Guangdong, promising frequent showers, thunderstorms, and gusty winds, the Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau (SMG) announced.

The unsettled weather will dominate the long weekend, with cloudy skies, occasional thundery showers, and heavy rain at times, especially tomorrow, Saturday.

Temperatures will hover between 21 and 29 degrees Celsius, with high humidity of 7098%, signaling the end of winter chills.

Today brings cloudy conditions with a few showers and isolated thunderstorms later, shifting to south-southwesterly winds at force 35 with gusts. Saturday and Sunday are forecast to worsen, with occasional thundery downpours and force 45 southerly winds. These conditions are then expected to ease slightly on Monday.

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The Macau delegation of the Portugal-China Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCILC) confirmed its leadership Wednesday for the 20262028 term, with Carlos Cid Alvares reappointed as president.

Alvares, who was also reappointed Tuesday as CEO of Banco Nacional Ultramarino (BNU), will lead the chambers board as it targets deeper business links between Portugal, Macau, the Greater Bay Area, and mainland China.

Other board members include vice president Rui Cernadas, managing director of PAL Asiaconsult; Treasurer Filipe Cunha Santos, director of InMedia Asia; and Secretary Constantino Mousinho, general manager of Millennium BCPs Macau branch. Directors Betty Chu of Well Link Bank, Carmen Wu of Quinta da Marmeleira, Rui Proenca of MdME, and Lionel Leong round out the board.

Alvares told the MDT, Im happy to see growing interest from Greater Bay cities and all over mainland China in linking with Portugal through CCILC Macau.

This renewed mandate is a shared victory, Alvares said. I thank each member for their trust and hard work. Together, we will continue to build a more dynamic and prosperous platform for ChinaPortuguesespeaking countries cooperation, always with Macau at the heart of this bridge.

Rui Proenca, MdME managing partner, celebrated his reappointment, calling it an honor to further strengthen Portugal-China economic ties and help turn long-standing relationships into tangible opportunities for our business communities.

Looking forward, the chamber aims to partner with Macaus Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute and other groups to channel Portuguese exports  from wine and olive oil to renewable energy technologies  into fast-growing Chinese markets.

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The Chinese Embassy in Portugal has launched a short video competition titled My Story About Traditional Chinese Medicine to promote cultural exchange and raise awareness of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) among Portuguese audiences.

The initiative is open to residents in Portugal and Macau and is co-organized with the Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST) and the Sino-Portuguese Center of Chinese Medicine.

Participants are invited to submit original videos between April 1 and May 31, 2026, sharing personal or community stories that highlight how TCM integrates into daily life. Videos should reflect positive values such as respect for science, preservation of tradition, and the promotion of health.

Submissions must be around three minutes long (maximum five minutes), in at least 720p resolution. Narration may be in Chinese, Portuguese or English, with required subtitles  Portuguese for Chinese or English entries, and English for Portuguese entries.

Entries must be original, with full rights secured for any materials used. AI tools may be used as support, but plagiarism or replication of existing works is strictly prohibited.

Participants must first publish their videos on social media platforms such as YouTube or TikTok before completing an online application form. Winners will be selected based on a combination of social media engagement (40%) and jury evaluation (60%).

Prizes go up to 800, with results announced in late June and an award ceremony in Lisbon.

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Sergei Loznitsas Two Prosecutors is a nightmare of government corruption so perfectly composed that, by the time it reaches its chilling conclusion, you feel nearly as entrapped as its young protagonist.

Alexander Kornyev (Aleksandr Kuznetsov) is a fresh-faced prosecutor who arrives at the Soviet prison in Bryansk in 1937. This is not, you might be thinking, where anyone new to the job should be in a rush to get to. Yet before even the news of his appointment has reached this penal outpost, Alexander turns up with a note, written in blood, from a prisoner he wishes to speak with.

That this note has reached Alexander is nearly as surprising to the prison warden as Alexanders unexpected presence in his office. The first scenes of Two Prosecutors, where a pile of prisoner letters all attesting to brutality and injustice are burned, only hint at how the note has made its unlikely way to the prosecutor.

This is the height of Josef Stalins Great Purge, when suspected dissenters and Bolsheviks were rounded up by the NKVD, the secret police, and sent to prison, to the gulag or to death. It was not exactly an opportune time for a young lawyer hardly out of college to stroll into the belly of Stalins bureaucratic beast and start asking questions.

Where could such an intriguing idea for a story come from? A prisoner, himself. Two Prosecutors is based on a novella by Georgy Demidov, a physician imprisoned for 14 years in Soviet labor camps. He wrote the book in 1969, but it wasnt published until 2009, posthumously.

Two Prosecutors, which debuted last year in competition at the Cannes Film Festival, is Loznitsas first fiction film in seven years. But the sober eye he brings to nonfiction is very much at work in Two Prosecutors, a starkly drawn period drama of bleak absurdism.

Its cunningly, even sinisterly structured. In the first half of the film, we follow Alexanders prolonged entry into the prison. It takes countless series of doors and locks to get through, and each step is watched suspiciously by stone-faced guards. Hes made to wait for hours and urged to reconsider. Do you know where your predecessor is now? hes asked. Every step forward for Alexander into the totalitarian maw is potentially one step further from his own freedom.

When he does finally, stubbornly reach the prisoner, the encounter is equally foreboding. I.S. Stepniak (a tremendous Aleksandr Filippenko) is himself a former prosecutor, a Bolshevik who vividly relates his story and details Stalins crackdown. He isnt seeking personal justice; he wants the truth out. His bruised body is evidence.

Alexanders second passage through the layers of totalitarian bureaucracy goes similarly. He manages to get a meeting with the prosecutor, Andrey Vyshinsky (Anatoliy Beliy), but we long ago knew that Alexanders whistle blow is sure to fall on deaf ears, and he is unwittingly sealing his own fate. The walls are closing in on him. JAKE COYLE, MDT/AP Film Writer

Two Prosecutors, a Janus Films release in theaters, is not rated by the Motion Picture Association. In Russian and Ukrainian, with subtitles. Running time: 118 minutes.

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Throughout history, human societies have established moral codes to live by, which have also provided a powerful ideological force for the maintenance of the existing order. Today, the hypocrisy of the capitalist moral order is being increasingly exposed and challenged by the masses. In this article, Helene Bissonnette explains how morality develops, its hypocritical nature under class society, and the crisis of bourgeois morality today.

[This article was originally published as part of issue 50 of In Defence of Marxism magazine  the quarterly theoretical magazine of the Revolutionary Communist International. Subscribe and get your copy here]

Frankly, these parasites simply had it coming.

These words were written by Luigi Mangione, the alleged killer of the CEO of the insurance company UnitedHealthcare. In response, the American political establishment issued the best joke of 2024: violence can never be used to address political differences.[1]

In the hypocritical, Orwellian language of the great and powerful, this means we must understand that the wars waged by American imperialism in every corner of the planet are not political violence. And neither is the genocide in Gaza, which is fully supported by the American government.

Unfortunately for our moralising leaders, the working class is not as easily fooled as they might think.

At one time, the murder of a CEO might have attracted popular sympathy for the victim. But today, a striking level of sympathy has been expressed for the alleged murderer. A poll taken in December 2024 found that 41 percent of Americans aged 18 to 29 consider this murder acceptable.[2]

Rather than questioning the morality of murdering someone in cold blood, the real question many workers asked was whether it is morally acceptable to make millions of dollars from the deaths of thousands of people whose insurance claims had been rejected? The answer was a resounding: No!

Things are changing. The reality of life under capitalism is changing. Consciousness is changing. And with that, morality is changing too.

What is morality?

Morality can be defined as the set of rules or precepts of human action, and of social life. At school and in church we are taught that morality is timeless and absolute, i.e. the same for every individual, in all places, and at all times.

The Marxist understanding of morality, however, rejects this abstract approach. Rather, it sees morality as something concrete, at root a material question, which is dictated by the evolution of human societies throughout history.

Our ideas about the world are not static, but undergo a constant process of development. Morality likewise changes, evolves, as our conditions and social relations change.

All over the world today, the killing of babies is a shocking and morally repugnant crime. But there is considerable evidence that infanticide was an acceptable practice in many hunter-gatherer societies around the world. Likewise, owning slaves was once considered morally acceptable and even respectable; today it is forbidden in most countries, although it still exists in various forms.

These are not simply differences of opinion between different cultures, which just so happened to decide randomly they wanted to live a certain way. These vastly different moral outlooks reflect changes in the development of society and above all in the development of humanitys productive forces.

Having a large number of dependent children was known to reduce the productivity of mobile hunter-gatherer societies, whilst increasing the number of mouths to feed. In certain conditions this could pose an existential risk to the community as a whole. The practice of infanticide thus reflected the harshness of life at a time when the level of development of the productive forces was extremely low.

The rise and fall of slavery also reflected changes in the economic foundation of society. Most slaves were either captured in war or were destitute individuals, no longer able to support themselves. While falling into slavery was considered a serious misfortune, it was nonetheless preferable to the only other alternative in most cases, which was death. At the same time, slavery played an essential role in the production of a large surplus, upon which the achievements of a number of ancient civilisations were based.

Therefore, to the ancient Hebrews or Greeks, someone who had many slaves was far from being a criminal or even an exploiter. He (and it was usually a he) was perceived as a prominent member of society, who had been blessed with a large household thanks to his courage, acumen, or the favour of the gods.

It is only after slavery became redundant, and indeed an obstacle to further economic development, that masses of people began to object to slavery in general. It is no coincidence that abolitionism became a mass movement at the same time that the working class, that is free wage labourers, was growing rapidly due to the industrial revolution. This illustrates what Trotsky explained: morality is the product of social development.[3]

Ruling ideas

One of the most common moral rules, which seems timeless and inherently right to many, is that one should not steal. In the Bible, this is presented as having literally come down from Heaven, from an eternal authority above society, in the Ten Commandments.

A Capital Execution, Place de la Revolution (c. 1793), Pierre-Antoine Demachy

But this rule is also a product of social development. For most of human existence, there was no private property and inequality, without which the very concept of theft becomes meaningless.

It was the development of agriculture, dating from roughly 12,000 years ago, and the growing ability to produce a surplus, that provided the material basis for the emergence of inequality, private property and, eventually, the division of society into antagonistic classes.

The new social relations resting on the exploitation of the majority, naturally found their reflection in a new morality of the privileged class, which also monopolised the ideological institutions of the time, such as writing, organised religion, etc. When the armed bodies of the state came into being, they were at once the protectors of the property of the rich and the guardians of public order and morals. This has continued to this day.

Class society itself constantly gives rise to immoral behaviour, such as theft, and at the same time the need to explicitly prohibit it. The prohibition, however, can never actually abolish immoral behaviour, because it is a product of objective contradictions, such as inequality. Thousands of years of the teaching of this commandment have not stopped countless acts of theft.

In The German Ideology, Marx and Engels explained:

The ideas of the ruling class are in every epoch the ruling ideas.[4]

The ruling class could not maintain its power over the vast majority if it only had naked force to rely upon. It needs other means, which are principally ideological, and of which morality forms a key component. Morality therefore functions as a tool in the hands of the ruling class.

Moral decay

For as long as society has been split into exploiting and exploited classes, morality has gone hand in hand with hypocrisy. Official morality always purports to establish rules of conduct for all of society, on everyones behalf. But in reality it justifies and maintains the existing social relations, and condemns behaviour that undermines them.

Fundamentally, the morality of the ruling class plays an important part in the social order, by attempting to unite the antagonistic classes. It maintains the illusion that social harmony can be maintained with abstract, universal principles of life. But this is completely false. The morality of the exploiters thus serves to blur and mask the class struggle, in the service of the ruling class.

Thus, when the feudal aristocracy was the ruling class of society, honour and loyalty were important, supposedly universal values, propagated to maintain a hierarchical and stable feudal system. Instead of all men are born equal, the rulers demanded that everyone knew their place in the rigid social hierarchy, which was supposedly ordained by none other than God himself.

Further, the ruling class never really respects its own moral code, and will abandon it without fail if its vital interests are threatened. The same Catholic Church that preached humble submission and gentleness to the majority would think nothing of ordering the massacre of entire towns if they succumbed to heresy.

But if the morality of the ruling class has always been hypocritical, then this raises the question, why is it accepted by the masses at all? If it were simply a question of propaganda or force, it is unlikely that a moral system could take hold within the hearts and minds of the oppressed for centuries. Again, this question relates to social development and to the class struggle.

When a ruling class is moving society forward, when its social order is stable and developing the productive forces, its rule 'makes sense' to all classes, even the oppressed. Likewise, its moral order makes sense, and is seen as a necessary guard against the collapse of all morality and the descent into bestial appetites.

Hence the feudal morality of the Catholic Church was accepted as right by everyone, albeit in different ways by different classes. When breaches of that morality by the ruling class were discovered, they were put down as individual crimes. Dante's Hell is full of kings and popes who transgressed medieval Christian morality; his Heaven is full of individuals, both noble and common, who were thought to have epitomised it. In short, hypocrisy was seen as an error to be cleansed from the moral order, not an intrinsic feature of that order.

However, when the mode of production at the base of society has outlived its usefulness, and the social system based on this mode of production enters into a period of historic crisis, the ruling class is no longer able to maintain its rule in the same way. Its social order no longer makes so much sense, and neither does its moral order. Ted Grant explains:

Amorality is not something new in history. It takes shape usually in a period of breakdown of the old social system, and the transition to a new social system. With the loss of function of the old ruling class, the moral codes pertaining to its rule also break down. And similarly in a period of transition, the new morality based on new relations of production also takes time to emerge.[5]

The period of the decline and collapse of Roman slavery is full of examples of moral disintegration, particularly amongst the ruling class. Under emperors like Commodus and Caracalla, assassinations, mass murder, and all manner of depravity became a common part of public life. It was in this context that millions of people in the Roman Empire, seeking a new set of values, turned to Christianity by the end of the third century.

Despite its origins as an obscure Jewish sect in a far-off corner of the empire, Christianity spread rapidly amongst Roman gentiles (non-Jews). In part, this was because of the fiery rhetoric to be found in the gospels against the hypocrisy and immorality of the elite, such as:

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people's bones and all uncleanness. (Matthew 23:27)

Likewise, the period of the Renaissance in Europe, during the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, was one in which the old feudal order was irretrievably broken, the rule of the aristocracy produced nothing but crisis, and all of its moral institutions were widely seen as corrupt. The intensity of the struggle between the classes, and between the contenders for power amongst the new bourgeoisie, was reflected in the morality (or amorality) of the time. As Trotsky noted:

Corruption was the keynote in Italian politics. The art of governing was practised in cliques and consisted in the gentle arts of lying, betrayal and crime.[6]

Trotsky points out that Machiavelli, who lived during this period of transition, saw the struggle for political power as a chess theorem, in which questions of morality did not exist. Machiavelli is often characterised as an amoral intriguer himself. In fact, he was basing his theory on the actions of the ruling class of the time, including the papacy. By exposing them so openly to the public, it is no surprise that his most famous work, The Prince, was banned by the Vatican.

In the same period in which Machiavelli penned The Prince, Martin Luther nailed his Ninety-five theses to the door of All-Saints Church in Wittenberg. Luther accused the pope and Church of corruption and hypocrisy with the sale of indulgences (forgiveness for sins, which would help the buyer get into heaven), and the accumulation of obscene wealth, accrued from squeezing the masses.

What Luther put forward was not the restoration of the old medieval order, which was impossible, but essentially a new form of Christianity: Protestantism. This led to a different moral outlook from that of the high clergy, implying a more direct and individual relationship to God's words, without redundant intermediaries. This reflected more closely the outlook of the rising class: the bourgeoisie.

The bourgeois may have been conscious that they were acting in their economic interests when they fought the Church, and likewise the peasants when they fought to free themselves from oppression. But the masses were also motivated by a moral revulsion at the entire rotten order, a revulsion which would play an important role in a series of dramatic revolutions, such as the German Peasants War (1524-26), the Dutch Revolution (1568-1648), and the English Civil War (1642-1651).

This moral revulsion is itself a symptom of a revolutionary ferment in society, and is also accompanied by a healthy moral intransigence. This was particularly clear when the French Revolution of 1789-93 unleashed its revolutionary terror against the Monarchy and the Church, leading Robespierre to state:

Terror is only justice prompt, severe and inflexible; it is then an emanation of virtue.[7]

Bourgeois morality

When the bourgeoisie supplanted the aristocracy and became the ruling class, the old, discredited feudal values were supplanted by the supposedly universal reign of liberty and equality before the law.

But abstract and universal freedom concealed the very concrete interests of the bourgeoisie, which needs freedom of trade, free markets and workers who are completely free to sell their labour power to whoever is prepared to pay. These new social relations inevitably found their reflections in a new, bourgeois, morality.

It was within this context that various bourgeois thinkers attempted to rationalise morality, by stripping it of its religious guise. Of these thinkers, Immanuel Kant (1724-1804) and Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832) are arguably the most widely known and referenced today.

According to Kants categorical imperative, for an action to be morally good, we must act only according to that maxim whereby you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law.[8] In other words, before doing something, one should ask oneself what would happen if everyone did the same thing. Would it be good or bad?

For example, Kant tells us that a world where everyone lies would be bad, so no individual should ever lie under any circumstances: the ends never justify the means if the means are immoral in themselves.

On the other hand, Benthams utilitarian theory of morality was concerned with the consequences of an action: the end justifies the means. In this way it is more flexible than Kants categorical imperative.

According to Bentham, utilitarian morality was based on the principle of seeking the greatest happiness for the greatest number.

Take for example the famous trolley dilemma. You are driving a tram which is headed for the track on which there are five people tied, and it will surely kill them. You can actively intervene and switch the tram to a different track, on which only one person is tied.

Should you do nothing, on the grounds that you are not responsible for the deaths of five people as it was not you that tied them to the tracks? Or should you actively intervene and save them, but in the process be directly responsible for killing someone who would otherwise live?

According to utilitarianism, it is simple. You save the five people, because it is the greatest happiness for the greatest number.

However, both utilitarianism and Kants categorical imperative suffered from the same abstract approach to the question of morality. Both simply rationalised the emerging morality of the bourgeoisie into a code, universally applicable to all human beings. And hence, both produce the same hypocrisy that comes with all bourgeois morality.

As it turned out, the positive moral principles that Kant supposedly deduced from his categorical imperative were not fundamentally any different from the liberal bourgeois morality that was taking shape in Europe during his time: respect for individual freedom; equality before the law; rational and moral development for all through education.

Kants name may not often crop up in the news, but it is this logic that politicians are relying on when they make statements like violence can never be used to address political differences. That their absolute principles are constantly flouted in every country, above all by the state, is of little consequence to the ruling class and its paid lackeys in the universities. What matters is that it can hold up these so-called principles whenever it wants to demonstrate the moral superiority of its rule.

The utilitarian argument that such an action or policy is for the greater good is equally common, if not more so, in politics today. But the problem with this is that it is devoid of any content, thus hardly a theory at all. It ends precisely where it should begin: what really is the greatest happiness for the greatest number, and how do we actually bring it about?

As Trotsky argues:

A means can be justified only by its end. But the end in its turn needs to be justified.[9]

One person can justify revolutionary violence in a civil war on the grounds that it secures the revolution, which ultimately leads to more happiness. Another can justify counter-revolutionary violence on the grounds that securing private property ultimately leads to more happiness.

Both are equally utilitarian arguments, and in both cases, the utilitarian theory does nothing to resolve which of the two is right.

In fact, with utilitarianism, you can justify just about anything. This morality is still completely divorced from material reality and the class struggle. As with Kants categorical imperative, it fails to explain the various and contradictory forms of morality that have arisen and fallen with different modes of production throughout history. Instead, as Marx noted about Bentham:

With the driest naivety he takes the modern shopkeeper, especially the English shopkeeper, as the normal man. Whatever is useful to this queer normal man, and to his world, is absolutely useful. This yard-measure, then, he applies to past, present, and future.[10]

This theory is very useful for the ruling class, as it offers enormous flexibility, which they use to justify imperialist wars or massive austerity: yes, there will be suffering, yes, moral rules will be broken, but ultimately, it is for the greater good. Democracy and prosperity will reign once this war or austerity programme has been allowed to run its course, we are told.

In practice, the ruling class regularly uses arguments from both of these seemingly opposing theories at the same time. For instance, US imperialism enshrines the absolute right not to be tortured in law and then maintains torture camps like Guantanamo Bay, claiming this helps to fight terrorism, thus saving lives.

Hypocrisy

Bourgeois morality has therefore always contained hypocrisy at its core. But there are periods when the depth of the crisis, and the intensity of the class struggle, cause the ruling class to openly jettison much of its own moral norms. Trotsky observed in 1940:

No epoch of the past was so cruel, so ruthless, so cynical as our epoch. Politically, morality has not improved at all by comparison with the standards of the Renaissance and with other even more distant epochs.[11]

The same could be said of the period opening up before us. Capitalism is in a deep, historic crisis, incapable of moving society forward; the old political, diplomatic and moral order has been severely undermined; the class struggle is beginning to intensify; and at the same time the ruthlessness, cynicism and hypocrisy of the ruling class is on full display. The crisis of the capitalist system is also expressed as a moral crisis.

Polish anti-Bolshevik propaganda poster, produced in 1920

When Trump says I want Greenland, he is expressing the real outlook of US imperialism, only without the sophisticated language of diplomacy. But we need to be clear: he is no more ruthless or cynical than the rest of the ruling class today.

Liberal governments around the world have claimed to be the greatest defenders of peace, whilst arming and backing the genocidal Israeli regime. And while they regularly condemn the bombing of Ukrainian cities by Russia, even accusing Putin of genocide, they not only condone but actively assist Netanyahu in the bombardment, torture and starvation of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians.

The German ruling class imprisons activists for shouting slogans in support of Palestine, claiming that its Nazi past gives it a kind of moral authority on the question of antisemitism. And at the same time as it congratulates itself on learning the lessons of the past, it is waging a furious rearmament campaign, forcing austerity on the masses in order to strengthen its imperialist domination of Europe.

In a cynical attempt to cover their criminal austerity policies, bourgeois politicians claim to stand up for native-born workers against immigrants, women against trans people, and any other scapegoat they can find.

But what is particularly significant is that the stinking hypocrisy of the ruling class is being recognised on a mass scale all over the world.

A clear example of this is the ferocious attacks by the imperialist establishment on the pro-Palestine movement. Despite vociferous depictions of its so-called antisemitism and violence, the Palestine solidarity movement has grown massively since 7 October 2023.

Millions of people around the world have seen the truth beyond this smear campaign. In fact, governments' support for Israel has been a major source of their unpopularity in recent months, particularly among the youth. More and more people are becoming angry, disgusted by a system in which the ruling elite not only sows violence and hatred, but above all slanders and condemns the people who oppose it.

As Abraham Lincoln once said: you can fool some of the people all the time, and all of the people some of the time. But you cannot fool all of the people all of the time.[12] Morality, a weapon of the ruling class, is becoming a threat to its master.

As the case of Luigi Mangione has revealed, there is already a rejection, to some extent, of the official morality, amongst a sizable layer of the masses. The incredible Black Lives Matter movement in 2020 was also an indication of this. Almost as revealing as the attitude of millions towards Luigi Mangione was the fact that 54 per cent of Americans thought that the burning down of the Minneapolis police precinct was justified after the murder of George Floyd.

There is a widespread and growing sense that the system is unjust, and that we are governed by a self-serving and hypocritical elite. It is a sign that the masses increasingly cannot tolerate the rule of the bourgeoisie, which as a class has outlived its historical function.

The same mood can be perceived in the phenomenon of Trumpism. For years the respectable media, politicians, business leaders, celebrities, etc. have condemned Trump, not simply on political grounds, but above all on moral grounds. He has been described as a liar, a cheat, a philanderer, a misogynist, a rapist, a racist, a traitor to the nation, a dictator and a fascist, no less! In short: Satan with a comb-over. Political analysis has been replaced by demonology. They even tried to send him to jail, and gasped with dismay at the idea that a convicted felon could become president of the United States.

None of these moral attacks succeeded in significantly harming Trumps level of support. In fact, many of them actually helped him! The reason for this is not that 77.3 million Americans enthusiastically support all of Trumps actions. Millions of people, and a significant layer of the working class, turned to Trump because they believed that the people pursuing him were guilty of everything they were accusing him of, and that they were cynically trying to use these moral attacks to defend their power and privileges. And they had good reason to believe that.

Class struggle

It is important here not to see these developments as a sign of moral apathy or immorality on the part of the working class. Rather, they are the product of a deep moral revulsion directed at the old order. As we have already seen in the history of the class struggle, this has revolutionary implications.

As the class struggle intensifies, the moral outlook of the working class increasingly clashes with the official morality of the ruling class. This can be seen when workers go on strike, during which the great abstract principles of human solidarity are completely swept away and replaced by concrete worker solidarity, and hatred of the bosses. There is a morality of the picket line, which is much stronger and more deeply felt than any abstract morality, because it has a clear class content.

Communists base themselves on the highest and clearest form of this proletarian class consciousness. As Trotsky explained, for a communist, that which is good is that which serves to:

... unite the revolutionary proletariat, fill their hearts with irreconcilable hostility to oppression, teach them contempt for official morality and its democratic echoers, imbue them with consciousness of their own historic mission, raise their courage and spirit of self-sacrifice in the struggle.[13]

This is what leads Trotsky to say:

Problems of revolutionary morality are fused with the problems of revolutionary strategy and tactics. The living experience of the movement under the clarification of theory provides the correct answer to these problems.[14]

Violence

One question that is often asked in this regard is: do Marxists advocate violence?

The question of violence is often posed as an abstract theoretical question. Pacifists, for example, oppose violence in general, regardless of the context. They consider non-violence to be a moral standard, obligatory for all and for all time. And the reformist leaders of the working class will often echo pacifist arguments, claiming that revolutionaries are just as bad as the rulers they wish to overthrow, if they ever resort to violence to achieve their ends.

Marxists, however, consider the world as it is, and not as we would like it to be. And the reality is that violence and war are part of the foundations of capitalism.

The capitalist class has many weapons at its disposal to fight both the capitalists of rival nations and the workers of all nations, such as propaganda, diplomacy and deception. But in the end, when the struggle between nations and classes reaches its highest pitch, great historical questions are ultimately decided by naked force.

Hence all the money invested in the police and the military. In the state, the ruling class arrogates to itself a monopoly of violence, which it morally sanctifies through the church, media and school system.

As long as the capitalist system exists, violence will be a fact of life. We fight against that specific violence. The only conclusion that can be drawn is that to put an end to violence and war, we must overthrow capitalism. And in this revolutionary struggle, the question of violence becomes concrete.

For example, in Sudan in 2019, a huge and powerful revolutionary movement overthrew the authoritarian regime of Omar Al-Bashir. The military junta that came to rule in its place could only maintain itself through brutal violence.

In this context, for the objectives of the revolution to be achieved, it would have been necessary to arm the working class and the poor so that they could have fought and defeated the attacks of the counter-revolutionary Rapid Support Forces. In concrete terms, it was a matter of life or death for the revolution.

But the petty-bourgeois leaders of the revolution, who took non-violence as their guiding moral principle, did not want to do that. This left the workers without any defence, to be beaten, raped and killed by the regime. These leaders ultimately sacrificed the revolution on the altar of pacifism. And the consequences were extremely brutal.

Sudan remains caught up in a bloody civil war. This is what pacifism brought to the Sudanese working class: it has led to far greater violence than the violence that the masses would have had to apply to smash the old regime and disarm the counter-revolutionary gangs. Indeed, it is a general historical law that the violence of counter-revolution, which is directed at the majority of revolutionary workers and peasants, is always far more brutal and widespread than the violence of revolution, which has the task of disarming an exploiting minority.

What this shows us is that pacifism is not only useless, but extremely dangerous for a revolutionary movement. Marxism has absolutely nothing to do with it.

We are not for or against violence in general. Our policy is based on the concrete situation before us. For us, the violence used by the oppressor to keep his slave in chains is not the same as the violence used by the slave to break those chains. The state of Israel's violence is not the same as that of the Palestinians.

Pacifists, however, end up putting the violence of the oppressed and the oppressors on an equal footing. To the extent that this is ever taken seriously, the imperialists can only rejoice.

Terrorism

If we have no abstract opposition to violence, does that mean that we advocate the use of violence in all forms, so long as it is generally directed at the overthrow of capitalism?

No. If the emancipation of humanity can only be achieved through a socialist revolution, in which the working class takes power and runs society itself, then only those tactics are effective that help make the working class aware of its role in changing society.

The recent case of Luigi Mangione has aroused enormous sympathy among many young people who regard him as a hero, bringing to the surface enormous class anger that exists in the United States. It has raised an important question: are assassinations and individual acts of terrorism effective means for overthrowing the system?

After the sensation caused by the assassination, US capitalism, of course, remains intact. CEOs, politicians and individuals can be replaced. And once they are replaced, the criminal healthcare system will continue to condemn thousands to bankruptcy and premature death.

Of course, we have enormous sympathy for those who regard Luigi Mangione as a hero, and condemn the hypocritical justice system, which defends the murder of thousands by the ruling class. But while we do not raise abstract moral objections to the alleged actions of Mangione and others like him, we do question their effectiveness.

What history has shown us is that individual terrorism and guerrilla methods, alone and divorced from the class struggle, tend to have the opposite effect to that which is intended. They substitute the actions of a minority, or even just of an individual, for the collective action of the working class. They do not strengthen its unity or level of organisation. Nor do they strengthen workers belief in their ability to overthrow the system.

This kind of tactic sends the message to workers that they should rely on committed individuals to fight in their place. It is precisely the opposite message that must be conveyed.

In addition to this, these methods tend to reinforce the repressive apparatus of the state, which adopts harsher methods to deal with so-called terrorists. These methods therefore ultimately serve to strengthen the forces of bourgeois violence without at the same time creating powerful organisations of the working class to resist their attacks.

Under certain conditions, Marxists could support individual acts of violence or sabotage, linked to the revolutionary struggle of the working class. For example, in the context of revolution and civil war, the assassination of the leader of a fascist gang or a reactionary army would be completely expedient. But to do so in the absence of any revolutionary movement could have the opposite effect.

This is why Marxists cannot simply state in advance and in the abstract, what tactics are or are not permissible at any given moment. Only the living experience of the labour movement in struggle, with the help of theory, can answer this question.

Revolutionary principles

Every revolutionary movement in history has been attacked as a bloodthirsty, immoral danger to society, whether it was the early Christians in the Roman Empire, the working-class Chartists, or indeed communists for more than a century.

In 1917, the Russian masses took power under the leadership of Lenin and Trotsky's Bolshevik Party. The Bolsheviks were demonised. The ruling class launched a campaign of lies and slander to morally condemn them. Communists have been hunted down all over the world, and often massacred for the preservation of order, civilisation and, of course, morality. Subsequently, the horrors of Stalinism provided a golden opportunity for the capitalists to attack the entire edifice of communism, and throw even more mud.

In 1938, Trotsky wrote Their Morals and Ours, in the context of the last Moscow trials. Thousands of old Bolsheviks and others were the subject of false accusations by the Stalinist regime. Many were sentenced to death because they were accused of being Trotskyists and fascist agents.

Why did Trotsky write about morality at that time?

The Beast (Capitalism) (1907), Gabriele Galantara

Because cowardly petty-bourgeois intellectuals, from reformists to anarchists, suddenly invoked great abstract principles of morality to condemn communism en bloc, which they discovered had become immoral.

The petty bourgeoisie, caught between the two great antagonistic classes, is not capable of moral and political independence. Hence it often ends up acting as a transmission belt for the dominant ideology of the capitalists, into the labour movement.

We only need to look at how many prominent lefts, recoiling in fright at the prospect of being called antisemitic by the establishment for opposing Israel, have not only abandoned the Palestinian people, but have joined in the witch hunt against manufactured Left antisemitism.

In recent years, the ruling class has benefited from the adoption of a mentality of moral purity by much of the Left. There has been an obsession with crafting safe spaces and the notion that any organisation of the Left that can be shown to have witnessed immoral behaviour is worthy only of cancellation and liquidation. More time is often spent policing morality than fighting for a new social order. The Left must reject this moralistic dead-end on pain of extinction!

It is absolutely crucial, therefore, that communists remain steadfast in the face of alien-class ideas. As Trotsky observed:

A revolutionary Marxist cannot begin to approach his historical mission without having broken morally from bourgeois public opinion and its agencies in the proletariat.[15]

Everywhere around us, there is constant pressure to submit to the dominant morality and public opinion. Everywhere, we are told that we should not be so extreme; we should not try to recruit people to the revolutionary party; we should not ask for money to fund the movement. In short, we should not dare to organise professionally to overthrow the system.

After all, we supposedly live in a civilised society, in which there are standards of good behaviour. The reformists have completely surrendered to this moral fantasy, in which they believe more than the bourgeois themselves!

Thanks to their opportunism, they respect the rules of the capitalist system and accept not only the bourgeois state, but also bourgeois morality. And by shamefully binding the workers movement to these hypocritical standards, they have disarmed it and led it to defeat on countless occasions.

It is natural that the reformists would want to silence anyone who refuses to abide by their rules. This will always be the case. But we have a duty to uphold our revolutionary principles. We have a duty to defend the interests of the working class, and to completely ignore the opinion of the ruling class and the petty-bourgeois Left.

It is very difficult to resist these pressures alone. Our strength comes from our organisation, from the collective struggle and experience of thousands of Marxists around the world. And there has never been a greater need for such an organisation.

Amidst all the horror and lies produced by capitalism in decline, there is a growing movement for a new form of society, one free from exploitation, inequality, and the hypocrisy that comes with these. In the powerful words of Trotsky:

... to participate in this movement with open eyes and with an intense will  only this can give the highest moral satisfaction to a thinking being![16]

It is to this movement that the communists pledge their lives.

References

[1] J Shapiro, Quoted in He is no hero: Pennsylvania governor rips people praising UnitedHealthcare CEOs suspected killer, Independent, 10 December 2024

[2] Emerson College Polling, December 2024 National Poll: Young Voters Diverge from Majority on Crypto, TikTok, and CEO Assassination, 17 December 2024

[3] L Trotsky, Their Morals and Ours, Pathfinder, 2013, pg 26

[4] K Marx, F Engels, The German Ideology, Progress Publishers, 1976, pg 67

[5] T Grant, Marxism versus New Fabianism  Part Two, The Unbroken Thread, Fortress, 1989, pg 535

[6] L Trotsky, Stalin, Wellred Books, 2016, pg 682

[7] Quoted in R Bienvenu (ed.), The Ninth of Thermidor, Oxford University Press, 1968, pg 38

[8] I Kant, Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals, Hackett, 1993, pg 30

[9] L Trotsky, Their Morals and Ours, Pathfinder, 2013, pg 54

[10] K Marx, Capital, Vol. 1, Progress Publishers, 1971, pg 571

[11] L Trotsky, Stalin, Wellred Books, 2016, pg 3-4

[12] A Lincoln, Speech at Clinton, Illinois, September 8, 1858, Complete Works of Abraham Lincoln, Vol. 3, Lincoln Memorial University, 1906, pg 349

[13] L Trotsky, Their Morals and Ours, Pathfinder, 2013, pg 54

[14] ibid., pg 55

[15] ibid., pg 40

[16] ibid., pg 58
Authorities in Angola and the Democratic Republic of the Congo say existing payment systems in both markets are functional and capable of formalizing financial flows between the two countries, as efforts intensify to deepen economic integration.

The assessment was highlighted during the closing session of the 3rd AngolaDRC Economic Forum on Thursday, where officials underscored the need to shift significant volumes of informal cross-border transactions into formal financial channels to enhance transparency and support trade.

The initiative aligns with broader efforts to strengthen cooperation between banking institutions, including ongoing engagements aimed at enabling Angolan banks to operate within the Congolese financial system, thereby facilitating smoother financial transactions and investment flows.

Officials emphasised that despite strong economic potential between the two neighbouring countries, a substantial portion of trade along their extensive shared border remains informal, limiting revenue mobilisation and financial oversight.

The push to leverage existing payment infrastructure is therefore seen as a strategic pathway to formalise economic activity, improve regulatory visibility, and unlock greater value from bilateral trade and investment relations.
Beijing sees best air quality, heavy pollution nearly eliminated

Xinhua) 09:24, April 03, 2026

BEIJING, April 2 (Xinhua) -- In 2025, Beijing saw its best air quality since monitoring began, with record low annual average PM2.5 concentrations and a record high number of days with good air quality, according to local environmental authorities.

According to the 2025 Beijing ecological and environmental statement released on Thursday, the city's annual average PM2.5 level dropped to 27 micrograms per cubic meter, an 11.5 percent decrease year on year.

The city enjoyed 311 days of good air quality, accounting for 85.2 percent of the year. Only one heavy pollution day was recorded, the fewest ever, indicating that severe pollution days have been nearly eliminated. This progress marks a dramatic turnaround from 2013, when Beijing experienced 58 days of heavy pollution and only 176 days of good air quality.

Since then, Beijing has accelerated its green transformation, including measures tackling coal burning, promoting new-energy vehicles, scaling up the use of green electricity, reducing dust and noise pollution, and supporting the transition of polluting industries.

Today, the environmental improvements extend beyond air quality. The report also shows that water quality continued to improve, with the share of rivers rated Class I to III exceeding 95 percent. Surface water quality in China is divided into five classes, with Class I being the highest quality. Soil quality remained good, and the city's ecological environment continued to improve steadily.

Beijing will continue to push forward pollution prevention and control, strengthen ecosystem protection, and accelerate low-carbon transformation in key sectors, said Liu Baoxian, deputy director of the Beijing Municipal Ecology and Environment Bureau.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Australia Pledges $10 Million for Assyrian School

Melbourne -- The Victoria government has pledged 10 million Australian dollars to help build the "Mar Yusuf Assyrian School" in Melbourne, a long-awaited project that the local Assyrian community sees as essential for preserving their language and culture in the diaspora.

The announcement was made by Premier Jacinta Allan during the Kha Nisan-Akitu celebrations in Melbourne. However, the funding is conditional on the Labor Party winning the 2026 state election, giving the pledge a clear political dimension alongside its community significance.

The school, intended to serve one of the largest Assyrian communities in Australia, is more than just an educational initiative, it has become a symbolic struggle for cultural survival abroad.

The path to realization has been far from smooth. The Hume City Council previously delayed the project after it was revealed that the proposed site lies within an environmentally protected area, the Aitken Hill reserve in Craigieburn. This sparked widespread debate over whether the land is suitable for construction.

The setback has exposed a clear gap between the local council and government. Local officials have accused authorities of making promises to the community without prior coordination with the municipal council.

During tense council meetings, some council members and local residents expressed frustration with how the matter has been handled, arguing that the project was launched with high hopes but without sufficient planning and legal groundwork.

Officials have noted that the proposed site does not meet the requirements for an educational facility, while nearby residents have raised environmental concerns about preserving the protected reserve's natural character.

On the other hand, community representatives argue that the issue goes beyond a specific location, it touches on the broader recognition of Assyrian cultural existence in Australia.

For many, the project's value is not measured in classrooms or buildings, but in what it represents: the continuity of an identity rooted in deep history. Religious and community leaders have stressed that the school would serve as a space to protect the Assyrian language and teach younger generations their heritage, at a time when fears of cultural assimilation in Western societies are growing.

The government's recent pledge has revived hope, but it remains tied to election results, once again placing the project within the realm of political calculations.

The biggest challenge remains: finding a suitable alternative site that meets legal requirements and gains local community acceptance.

For now, the Mar Yusuf Assyrian School project remains caught between two promises, a political pledge of funding and a complex administrative reality that demands a complete rethinking of planning foundations.

In the meantime, Melbourne's Assyrian community continues to hold onto the project not merely as a school building, but as a long-term investment in memory and identity. It is a bet that future generations will inherit not just a new land, but a preserved history as well.
A report released on Thursday, April 2, 2026, by Human Rights Watch alleges that Government forces in Burkina Faso killed more than twice as many civilians as jihadist groups between January 2023 and August 2025.

The report documents at least 1,837 civilian deaths during the period, with over 1,200 attributed to state forces, raising concerns over widespread abuses by both the military and extremist groups linked to al-Qaeda.

Researchers say the violence amounts to possible war crimes and crimes against humanity, citing targeted killings, including an incident in 2024 where government forces allegedly executed 223 civilians in Yatenga province. Jihadist fighters were also implicated in deadly attacks, including one that killed more than 100 civilians.

The report further accuses authorities under President Ibrahim Traore of overseeing a crackdown on dissent and media, limiting information about the conflict. It also highlights alleged ethnic targeting of Fulani communities and reprisals against villages suspected of supporting militants.

The conflict, part of a broader security crisis in the Sahel, has displaced more than two million people and left large parts of the country outside government control, with humanitarian needs continuing to rise.
A group of 12 deportees from the United States arrived in Uganda on Thursday, marking the first transfer under a bilateral Safe Third Country Agreement between the two nations.

The Uganda Law Society confirmed the arrivals at Entebbe International Airport, while the US Embassy in Kampala stated the transfers were conducted in full cooperation with the Ugandan government, though details of individual cases remain undisclosed.

Ugandan authorities described the move as part of a transition phase, with deportees expected to remain temporarily as arrangements are explored for possible relocation to other countries. Their nationalities were not revealed. The development places Uganda among a growing number of African countries, including Ghana, South Sudan, Cameroon and Eswatini, accepting non-national deportees from the US.

Under the agreement announced in August, Uganda agreed to receive certain migrants denied asylum in the US but has maintained it will not accept individuals with criminal records or unaccompanied minors, prioritising those of African descent.
Mumbais roads saw a citywide enforcement drive this week targeting the use of unauthorised beacon (dome) lights and sirens.



The Mumbai Traffic Police said it seized 80 illegal beacon lights and removed three unauthorised sirens over April 1 and 2, following a rise in citizen complaints.



Police said the drive covered multiple parts of the city and included vehicles linked to an MLA, his personal assistant, and other individuals using red, blue and yellow flashing lights without authorisation.



The action comes amid earlier directions from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to curb the use of red beacons on official vehicles.



Traffic officials said motorists were installing dome lights and using sirens without permission. In several instances, other drivers gave way, assuming the vehicles were part of official convoys or emergency services. The enforcement was uniform. Whoever violated the rules faced action irrespective of position, a senior officer said.



Officials said unauthorised beacon lights and sirens can create confusion for road users and may affect the movement of emergency vehicles such as ambulances and fire brigades.



All illegal fittings were removed on the spot and seized as evidence. Violators were booked under provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act. Police said repeat offences could invite stricter penalties, including action against vehicle registration.



Officials said the drive will continue in the coming days, with checks conducted across south Mumbai, the western suburbs and key arterial roads.



Authorities have also asked citizens to report vehicles using unauthorised beacons or sirens through official helplines and social media channels.




The recent BAFTA win for the short film This Is Endometriosis has forced a long-overdue global conversation. For decades, a condition that affects millions of women has been dismissed by society, and often the medical establishment, as nothing more than bad period pain. As Endometriosis Awareness Month draws attention to the issue, health experts argue that awareness is no longer enough. The focus must shift toward systemic clinical understanding and a dismantling of the cultural myths that leave patients suffering in silence.



In India, the scale of the challenge is significant. Researchers at the ICMRNational Institute for Research on Womens Health (NIRWoH) in Mumbai are currently spearheading a multidisciplinary effort to map the disease across the country. Led by Dr Rahul Gajbhiye, the team is driving the Endometriosis Clinical and Genetic Research in India (ECGRI) study. This initiative, spanning 19 sites across five geographical zones, aims to identify the specific genetic and environmental risk factors affecting Indian women.



The myth of the normal cramp



One of the greatest hurdles to early intervention is the cultural normalisation of menstrual distress. In many Indian households, severe pain is framed as an inevitable part of womanhood. Dr Gajbhiye and his team find that this leads to a dangerous normalisation at the community level.



Many girls are told by their mothers or elders that severe period pain is a normal part of womanhood, the researchers note. This advice often causes young women to delay seeking medical help for years. The ECGRI data reveals a worrying trend: 37% of women experience their first symptoms during adolescence, and nearly 77% before the age of 30. Despite this early onset, the critical window for diagnosis is frequently missed.



Distinguishing between typical menstruation and endometriosis is vital. While standard cramps are usually manageable with rest and last a day or two, endometriosis pain is often described as knife-like or unbearable. It frequently starts before the period begins, continues after it ends, and fails to respond to over-the-counter painkillers. If the pain forces a student to miss school or an employee to miss work, it is not normal.



A failure of the system



Even in a medical hub like Mumbai, a diagnosis can take years. The delay is rarely down to a single factor but is rather a failure at multiple levels of the healthcare system.



Primary care gaps: Many patients first consult general practitioners who may misinterpret symptoms as routine menstrual issues or stress.



Diagnostic overlap: Endometriosis symptoms frequently mimic other conditions. Patients are often misdiagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) due to gastrointestinal distress, or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) because of irregular cycles.



Infrastructure: Advanced diagnostic tools and specialised surgical expertise are largely concentrated in the private sector. Public hospitals often lack the multidisciplinary teamsincluding urologists, colorectal surgeons, and pain specialistsrequired for complex cases.



Dr Hrishikesh Munshi, a scientist on the ICMR team, highlights the human cost of these delays. Our ECGRI study shows that every second woman faces at least a five-year delay in diagnosis, and one in three over a decade, he says. During these silent years, the disease often progresses, damaging reproductive health.



The fertility factor



The link between endometriosis and infertility is a primary concern for urban Indian patients. The condition causes internal inflammation and ovarian cysts, which can distort pelvic anatomy and hinder ovulation or implantation. Because of the diagnostic lag, many women only discover they have the condition when they struggle to conceive, at which point their fertility may already be compromised.



While lifestyle factors in cities like Mumbaisuch as high pollution levels, sedentary habits, and chronic stressdo not directly cause the disease, they are known to exacerbate symptoms. Stress, in particular, can worsen pain by altering hormonal pathways and increasing inflammation.



Taking control: Advice for patients



Medical professionals urge women to become their own advocates. If a doctor dismisses your pain, it is essential to seek a second opinion.



Key takeaways for readers:



Identify red flags: Seek help if you experience pain that disrupts daily activities, pain during intercourse, or pain when passing urine or stools.



Track your cycle: Keep a detailed record of pain levels and how they correspond to your period. Note if painkillers fail to provide relief.



Challenge the myths: Pregnancy is not a cure for endometriosis; it may only temporarily suppress symptoms. Similarly, the condition is not restricted to older women; it frequently begins in the teens.



Demand referrals: If primary treatments do not work, ask for a referral to a gynaecologist with expertise in laparoscopic surgery.



Look beyond medicine:



Long-term management should include physiotherapy, stress management, and support groups to help navigate the emotional toll of the chronic condition.



The work being done by ICMR-NIRWoH suggests a move toward a more structured future for endometriosis care in India. However, until the healthcare system and society at large stop viewing debilitating pain as a womans lot, thousands will continue to lose years of their lives to a treatable condition. Recognition is the first step; clinical action must be the second.




Sonora, CAThe Tuolumne County Fire Department (TCFD) is seeking feedback from the public regarding implementing fire and first responder user fees and has put out a survey.

TCFD is considering the move to maintain essential fire protection and emergency response services without increasing taxes.

Your feedback will help guide decisions on funding options, noted the TCFD.

The survey will look at funding challenges, the departments changing roles over the years, the proposed fees, and when or if they should be executed.

More than 80% of the calls TCFD responds to are for emergency medical treatment and rescuenot fires, according to TCFD, adding, These calls now routinely involve advanced services such as the use of automatic external defibrillators, administering life-saving medications, vehicle extrication, lift assists, downed power line hazards, and a wide range of other emergency responses critical to public safety.

Fire officials also argue that while service demands have increased, funding has not kept pace with rising operational costs, including equipment, training, medical supplies, and staffing. Coupled with voters turning down multiple ballot measures for additional funding, property taxes are the major source of revenue, which they say is no longer sufficient or sustainable. To bridge the gap, some California communities have adopted a blended funding model that includes user fees for emergency medical response. TCFD provided this list of how the fees would help:

Recover a portion of the actual cost of providing emergency medical services

Maintain adequate staffing levels to ensure rapid response times

Replace and maintain critical medical and rescue equipment.

Create a more stable and sustainable long-term funding structure.

Some of the survey questions asked include the publics priorities, what options there are to increase funding, like the user fees or increased tourism tax, and the cost and fee model preferences for residents and businesses regarding different scenarios, such as charging for a non-emergency call.

The survey will take about 5 to 10 minutes and will only be used for planning purposes. Click here for the survey.
MADISON, Wis. (AP)  The president of the University of Wisconsin system said in letters obtained by The Associated Press on Thursday that he has been told to either resign or be fired, but has been given no reason and wont step aside.

Jay Rothman, president of the multicampus 165,000-student university system since 2022, said in a letter addressed to the head of the Board of Regents dated March 26 that he has been given no reason why regents want him to leave.

Rothman said he has been told that his options are to resign or retire, and that if he doesnt then the board was prepared to terminate my employment despite all that has been accomplished.

The Board of Regents held a closed emergency meeting on Wednesday night to discuss personnel matters.

The Board is responsible for the leadership of the Universities of Wisconsin and is having discussions about its future, Amy Bogost, board president, said in a statement to AP. We dont comment on personnel matters.

Rothman declined to comment when reached via email on Thursday.

I believe my letter speaks for itself, he said.

In the letter addressed to Bogost, Rothman said he had not been provided any substantive reason or reasons for the Boards finding of no confidence in my leadership.

Because of that, Rothman said, I am not prepared, as a matter of principle, to submit my resignation.

Rothman also refused to resign in a second letter sent to two other regents on Wednesday after he said they urged him to step down during a Tuesday meeting. Rothman said the regents told him if he didnt resign, the board was prepared to meet this weekend to fire him.

Rothman said those regents also could not give a reason for them wanting him to resign or be fired.

I find this process to be nearly (if not completely) indefensible, Rothman wrote.

Rothman said he asked for an opportunity to discuss the situation with the board and was told that would not happen.

Rothmans tenure has been marked by his efforts to increase state funding amid federal cuts, debates over free speech on campus amid pro-Palestinian protests, and declining enrollment leading to eight branch campus closures.

Rothman raised the possibility of resigning in 2023 when the Board of Regents rejected a deal reached with the Republican-controlled Wisconsin Legislature over diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. The board later reversed its vote and approved the deal.

Rothman noted in the March letter that among so many other things, the university will need to replace the chancellor of the flagship Madison campus this year. Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin is leaving to take the job as president of Columbia University.

I do not believe my resignation at this time is in the best interests of either the Universities of Wisconsin or the state of Wisconsin, Rothman said.

Rothman said in the letter that he has devoted his heart and soul to the mission of the Universities of Wisconsin and that he was surprised when told an unidentified majority of the Board of Regents had lost confidence in his leadership.

When I asked you to articulate reasons for the Boards conclusion and apparent lack of confidence in me, you merely noted that each Regent has his or her own perspective on the matter, Rothman wrote. You did not provide any tangible reasons for the Boards determination.

Rothman, the former chair and CEO of the Milwaukee-based Foley & Lardner law firm, was chosen as UW president in 2022. He had no prior experience administering higher education.

His salary as UW president is $600,943.

The Universities of Wisconsin consists of 13 universities and several other branch campuses.

By SCOTT BAUER

Associated Press
The next time the federal government labels a business a supply-chain risk, as the Department of Defense did last month to San Francisco-based AI tools maker Anthropic, the state of California will review that designation and make its own decision about whether to do business with them.

Thats according to an executive order signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday. The order followed a dispute between Anthropic and the Defense Department over contract terms barring the military from using Anthropic systems for domestic mass surveillance and fully autonomous weaponry.

By designating Anthropic a supply chain risk, the Department of Defense effectively barred the startup from competing for certain military contracts and subcontracts. A judge recently issued a temporary injunction to block the designation.

The broader purpose of Newsoms order was to place guardrails on the use of AI by state employees while at the same time encouraging them to accelerate their use of the technology.

Many of the largest AI companies in the world are based in California, and the state also leads the nation in volume of AI regulations.

The order requires state agencies to:

1. Develop recommendations for state contract standards relating to AI and its ability to generate child sexual abuse material, violate civil liberties and civil rights laws or infringe upon legal protections against unlawful discrimination, detention, and surveillance. Help employees gain access to vetted GenAI tools. 2. Update the State Digital Strategy to identify ways generative AI can strengthen government transparency and accountability, improve performance, and make government services easily accessible for every Californian. 3. Develop generative AI for Californians to gain access to government services. 4. Issue guidance on how state employees should place watermarks on AI-generated imagery and videos.

Those mandates come at a time when more than 20 California departments and agencies are working to develop or use Poppy, a generative AI assistant for state employees, and when half a dozen state agencies are testing AI to do things like assist state employees and help homeless people and businesses. They also come as state courts and city governments are increasing their use of the technology.

Newsoms office said President Donald Trump and Republicans in Washington D.C. have rolled back protections or ignored the ways AI can harm people.

Unlike the Trump administration, California remains committed to ensuring that AI solutions adopted and deployed by (California) cannot be misused by bad actors, the governors office said in a press release announcing the order.

At the federal level, Trump has signed executive orders to discourage states from regulating AI and urged federal agencies to adopt AI to do things like reduce federal regulation and accelerate decisions made about Medicare. The White House introduced an AI policy framework last month that the president wants Congress to take up. That proposal takes a light touch approach to regulation and does not address issues related to bias, discrimination, or civil rights.

This is the second executive order signed by Newsom to address artificial intelligence. A 2023 order aimed exclusively at generative AI, the sort that powers systems like ChatGPT and Midjourney, similarly called for more use of AI by state agencies and ordered them to put guardrails in place.

Newsoms handling of AI issues is closely watched by both union leaders, who in February pledged that they will not support his run for president without more worker protections from the technology, and big tech donors, who are pouring money into influencing California politics ahead of midterm elections this fall.

___

This story was originally published by CalMatters and distributed through a partnership with The Associated Press.

By KHARI JOHNSON/CalMatters

CalMatters
WASHINGTON (AP)  Newly discovered fossils have given scientists their first real glimpse of when Earth made a crucial transition from plants and unrecognizably simple animals to the complex creatures that took over the world and would eventually lead to us.

And it happened millions of years earlier than researchers thought.

More than 700 fossils found in southwestern Chinas Yunnan province offer a window into life from 539 million years ago, during the waning end of the Ediacaran period, a time of simple but strange animals that lived two-dimensionally in the oceans, never going up or down, researchers said.

But a study in Thursdays journal Science said many of the fossils in this trove are remnants of more complex animals that lived three-dimensional lives, traveling up through the water and eating. Those are traits that had been thought to only spring to life at least 4 million years later in the Cambrian period, during what was called the Cambrian explosion of complex and recognizable animal life.

This really is the first window we have into how basically the modern animal-dominated biosphere was formed and developed and came through this weird Ediacaran transitional interlude, said co-author and paleontologist Frankie Dunn of the Museum of Natural History at Oxford University. We go from a two-dimensional world, and within the geological blink of an eye, animals have diversified. Theyre everywhere. Theyre doing everything, and theyre changing biogeochemical cycles. Theyve changed the world.

The new finds were a short distance from a United Nations Chengjiang world natural heritage site for other fossils in an exposure along a roadside thats not glamorous, but has different layers where you can literally walk through time, geological time, in a landscape, Dunn said. And one of those areas provides a snapshot where evolution brings forces together.

Complex animals with symmetry developed

In that spot, Dunn said, the group of fossils includes both bizarre examples of life that existed in earlier periods and disappeared, along with early examples of organisms that would evolve into modern animals. Whats important in those more modern animals are that their bodies are mostly the same on the left and right.

Nearly all of the animal life on Earth now have similar features on left and right sides, as well as a head and an anus. Before the fossils discovered in China, scientists saw traces of this symmetric body type in fossil tracks, but not the critters themselves.

Now we know whats making them because we have those fossils for the first time, said study co-author Ross Anderson, also of Oxfords Museum of Natural History.

Help in settling rocks versus clocks debate

Until now, there was a conflict in the field of paleontology. Genetic analysis of how fast traits mutated and evolved suggested that humans and starfish had their earliest common ancestor in the Ediacaran period, but the fossils or rocks werent there to show it happening, Dunn said. It was called a debate of rocks versus clocks, she said.

What our new fossil site tells us is that actually perhaps the rocks and the clocks are in closer agreement than we thought, Dunn said.

Emily Mitchell, a paleontologist at the University of Cambridge who wasnt part of the research, said the new study makes a huge amount of sense because the Ediacaran contains animals, we know there must have been a transitional stage between them and the Cambrian fauna. But until now we didnt really have any evidence of this.

Some outside scientists, such as Jonathan Antcliffe at the University of Lausanne, questioned whether theres enough evidence to call these fossils of complex animals, but most experts contacted by The Associated Press felt they were.

Trying to figure out how and why

Now that scientists know when this life explosion happened, theyve got more questions and some theories.

Im really interested in understanding, not just when it happened, which is interesting, but how it happened and why it happened the way that it happened, Dunn said. So whether there are feedbacks that we can disentangle between Earth and life or between life and life. Once you have Ediacaran on the sea floor, is it inevitable that youll end up with something approaching a Cambrian explosion? Theyre the kinds of questions that I find really interesting.

Life on Earth started 3 billion years ago, but it took another 2.4 billion years before complex animals developed. Then they multiplied, diversified and took over rapidly, Dunn said.

Thats probably because Earth had to build up oxygen levels high enough and evolution had to kick in with genetic changes, said University of California at Berkeley paleontologist Charles Marshall, who wasnt part of the research.

Marshall said, The Cambrian explosion was sudden because of the already rich developmental system that was in place.

What fundamentally changed across this period is the way the animals on the planet interacted with each other, said Duncan Murdock, curator of Oxfords museum, where many of the authors work. Once animals turned up and started eating each other and churning up the sediment, they changed the planet forever. And the planet that we live on is very much built on the foundations from the Ediacaran and Cambrian.

___

Associated Press journalist Siobhan Starrs contributed from London.

___

The Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.

BY SETH BORENSTEIN

AP Science Writer
Illinois School Wins Award After Writing First-in-the-nation Assyrian Language Curriculum

Pioneer Press

In this December 2022 photo, students in the program are shown at a dinner celebrating the approval of the course. From left are Gabriela Sulayman, George Yousif, Crystal Patto, Odisho Lazar, Lina Biram, John Shlimon and Ashley Boudakh. Niles, Illinois -- After Assyrian families in Skokie, Niles, Morton Grove and Lincolnwood spent nearly a decade advocating for an Assyrian language program at Niles Township High School District 219, the program, the first of its kind in the nation, is enjoying robust enrollment and has received a regional award.

The effort to create an Assyrian language curriculum in District 219 initially started in 2015, when members of an Assyrian parent group in the district called Suraye started asking for the language to be offered in schools.

Most of the parents were immigrants who began arriving in the north suburbs in large numbers in the 1980s and '90s after being displaced in the Iran-Iraq War and the Gulf War.

The parent group collected around 700 signatures in a petition to show student interest in taking classes during the school year.

"One of the biggest things we saw was the gap between how many Assyrian students there are in the district and how few opportunities there were to formally learn their language," Ramina Samuel, a school counselor at Niles North High School who helped establish the program, told the Pioneer Press in an interview.

She explained the Assyrian community makes up about 30% of the district and that before the language was offered in public schools, it was primarily taught in churches and community centers.

In 2016 and 2017, the district first offered an introductory Assyrian course during the summer as a general elective, but it did not fulfill the world language requirement.

Samuel joined advocacy efforts for the program in 2018. In 2021, William Sargool -- previously a math teacher in the district and now one of the language program's instructors -- joined the effort and helped create a proposal to the School Board.

However, Samuel explained that she and the other instructors faced obstacles because Assyrian was not then recognized as an accredited language with the Illinois State Board of Education. She said the proposal was not initially approved.

After working with both state and local officials, including showing the list of coursework to ISBE, Assyrian was added to the state's course catalog in 2022. The proposal was then approved by District 219's Board of Education in November of that year.

The following year, the district hired Christine Yousif as its first full-time Assyrian language teacher. With the program established, the next step for educators was to start building a curriculum.

"There is no existing model for teaching Assyrian at a public high school," Yousif said. "So we had to work with what already exists."

Samuel said she and the other educators worked with Assyrian resources from around the world, including reviewing curriculum used at a school program in Australia for reference and consulting with educators in Iraq.

Assyrian is now offered in a four-year sequence at Niles North and Niles West High Schools, both in Skokie, in District 219. It's also offered at Maine East High School in Park Ridge, which is part of Maine Township High School District 207. The D219 educators shared the curriculum with educators in D207.

At Niles West and Niles North, 130 students are enrolled in Assyrian language courses.

Most Assyrian families in the Skokie to Niles area immigrated from Iraq and Syria, with some from Iran, in the 1980s and 1990s after wars in their homelands, Samuel said, adding that she came from Iraq in 2004. However, some Assyrians came to the Chicago area as early as the 1880s.

Samuel added that while the majority of students who take the classes are of Assyrian heritage, it is open to all students.

"The focus is developing everything they're speaking," said Sargool. "A lot of the students do have that prior knowledge and speaking, but we still focus on speaking, listening, reading and writing skills, but while intertwining that cultural piece within whatever unit we tend to be in."

The program was honored in February as the 2026 recipient of the Languages for All award by the Central States Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages. The award honors educators who support student engagement and cultural understanding through less commonly taught languages, according to a Feb. 6 website news item from District 219.

For Samuel, Sargool and Yousif, the recognition speaks to the years of persistence and hard work that went into forming the program in order to help students feel more valued in their language and culture.

"What I hope for students to leave with is empowerment," Samuel said. "I would like for them to leave with an empowered identity where they can be themselves and see their value and what their culture can contribute to society."
One crew member was rescued Friday after an American aircraft was shot down in Iran, according to one U.S. and one Israeli official, who both spoke on condition of anonymity to describe sensitive ongoing military operations.

The rescue occurred as the U.S. military was conducting a search and rescue operation, according to three people familiar who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitivity of the situation. Israel is helping the United States with the operation.

Iranian state media has claimed in a post on X that Irans military shot down a U.S. F-15E Strike Eagle.

According to an email from the Pentagon obtained by The Associated Press, the U.S. military said that it received notification of an aircraft being shot down in the Middle East. The email did not provide more details.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a previous statement that President Donald Trump had been briefed but did not offer any additional information.

The number of crew on board wasnt immediately known.

The war now entering its sixth week is destabilizing economies around the world as Iran responds to the U.S. and Israeli attacks by targeting the Gulf regions energy infrastructure and tightening its grip on oil and natural gas shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. President Donald Trump said U.S. forces will keep hitting Iran very hard in the next two or three weeks.

Here is the latest:

Oracle building in Dubai damaged by drone debris

Authorities in Dubai said the facades of two buildings were damaged by debris from intercepted drones, including one belonging to U.S. tech firm Oracle. No injuries were reported.

Irans Revolutionary Guard has threatened to attack Oracle and 17 other U.S. companies after accusing them of being involved in terrorist espionage operations in Iran.

Previous Iranian drone strikes caused damage to three Amazon Web Services facilities in the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.

365 service members have been wounded in action in Iran war

As of Friday, 247 of the wounded were Army soldiers, 63 were Navy sailors, 19 were Marines and 36 were Air Force airmen, according to Pentagon data available online.

It is unclear if the data includes any of the service members involved in the downing of two combat aircraft reported Friday.

Most of the wounded  200  were also mid to senior enlisted troops, 85 were officers and 80 were junior enlisted service members.

The current death toll remains at 13 service members killed in combat.

Bahrain postpones vote on UN resolution aimed at ending Irans stranglehold on the Strait of Hormuz

The Gulf nation of Bahrain, which holds the presidency of the U.N. Security Council this month, postponed the vote on a resolution aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz that had been watered down significantly because of opposition from Russia and China, two U.N. diplomats said.

The diplomats, speaking on condition of anonymity because council consultations have been private, said the vote will now be held sometime next week.

The Bahrain-sponsored draft resolution that had been expected to be put to a vote on Saturday would authorize defensive measures  not offensive action that Gulf nations and the United States initially supported  to ensure vessels can safely transit the waterway where one-fifth of the worlds oil typically passes.

Bahrain has sought support from all 15 council nations, and the postponement of the vote indicates that the watered-down draft is still not acceptable to Russia and China.

A-10 aircraft hit by Iranian air defenses, second US aircraft to go down in the Middle East

A U.S. A-10 aircraft has been hit by Iranian air defenses, Iranian state media reported, citing Irans Army public relations office.

The Associated Press reported earlier that a second U.S. Air Force combat aircraft had gone down in the Middle East on Friday.

No other information was immediately known including the whereabouts of the pilot. The Pentagon and White House did not immediate comment.

The A-10, also known by the nickname Warthog, is a single-seat aircraft.

 Read more

White House says Trump wont appear before press on Friday

The White House at 4 p.m. EST called a lid for press, indicating the president would not be making any appearance in front of the media for the day.

The call came hours earlier than normal and signaled the president and White House are remaining tight-lipped as the search-and-rescue mission continued.

Trump declines to speak about search for missing crew member

In a brief telephone interview with NBC News, Trump declined to discuss the search and rescue effort.

He was asked if it would impact negotiations with Iran and said, No, not at all. No, its war.

Status of a second service member unknown after F-15E shot down

The House Armed Services Committee has been notified by the Pentagon that the status of a second service member is not known after the downing of the fighter jet.

The panel was told that an F-15 was shot down and one service member has been recovered, according to a congressional aide who spoke on condition of anonymity to disclose the private communication.

The other service members duty status is unknown, the aide said.

That generally means the Defense Department does not know the persons whereabouts and they have gone missing.

- Lisa Mascaro

Second US aircraft went down

A second U.S. Air Force combat aircraft went down in the Middle East on Friday, according to a U.S. official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss a sensitive military situation.

It was not clear if the aircraft crashed or was shot down or whether Iran was involved. Neither the crews status nor where the aircraft went down was immediately known.

The New York Times earlier reported that the second aircraft went down.

Also Friday, a U.S. fighter jet was shot down in Iran and one crew member was rescued.

- Konstantin Toropin

One person killed in fires caused by falling debris in Abu Dhabi

The Abu Dhabi government media office said Friday that one Egyptian national was killed in fires caused by falling debris at Habshan gas facilities, following the interception of an Iranian aerial attack, according to a statement posted on X.

In the same fires, another four expats, including two Egyptians and two Pakistanis, sustained minor wounds, added the statement.

The Abu Dhabi government did not specify whether air defenses had intercepted a missile or a drone.

Significant damage has occurred at the facilities and an assessment is ongoing, read the statement.

Iranian official derides the US after downing US aircraft

Irans parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf mocked the U.S. after his country shot down a U.S. aircraft over southwestern Iran and at least one crew member ejected.

This brilliant no-strategy war they started has now been downgraded from regime change to Hey! Can anyone find our pilots? Please?, Qalibaf wrote on his X account.

Iranian state media has claimed in a post on X that Irans military shot down a U.S. F-15E Strike Eagle.

Qalibaf, doubling down on his mockery, wrote, What incredible progress. Absolute geniuses.

WHO chief calls for urgent support for health systems in war-affected countries

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reiterated on Friday his agencys appeal for $ 30.3 million in immediate funding to support strained health services in Iran and another four Arab countries including Lebanon, Iraq, Jordan and Syria.

This appeal will support essential health services and trauma care, disease surveillance and early warning systems, mass casualty management and national readiness for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear emergencies, he said on the social platform X.

So far, the conflict has killed 3,300, wounded 30,000 and caused the displacement of over 4 million people.

The WHO first launched the appeal on Thursday, explaining that this amount will cover the period from March to August 2026.

Archbishop leading US militarys Catholic chaplains questions whether Iran war is just

Archbishop Timothy Broglio, who heads the Archdiocese for the Military Services, tells CBS News that a case can be made that the Iran war is unjustified.

Broglio was asked during an interview to be aired on Easter Sunday on Face the Nation if the war was justified.

Under the just war theory, it is not, replied Broglio, who then evoked the specter of a threat of nuclear arms.

Its compensating for a threat before threat is actually realized, he said. I would line myself up with Pope Leo, who has been urging for negotiation.

The Lord Jesus certainly brought a message of peace and also, I think war is always a last resort, Broglio added. Im not making a judgment about that, because I really dont know. But I do think that its hard to cast this war, you know, as something that would be sponsored by the Lord.

Israeli official says Israel providing intel for search effort

The official says Israel is assisting with intelligence, but not active in any on-the-ground rescue.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the unfolding operation.

- Josef Federman

Kuwait defends against air attacks

The Kuwaiti army said on Friday that its air defenses had engaged with seven ballistic missiles, two cruise missiles and 26 drones over the last 24 days, according to a statement posted on its official page on X.

The statement added that interceptions were still going on causing in Kuwaiti skies, causing explosions.

Israeli tank shelling kills one in southern Syria

An Israeli tank fired on a car in the southern province of Quneitra Saturday, killing a young man, Syrias state-run SANA news agency reported, without giving further details.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a U.K.-based war monitor, said witnesses said that the man was a civilian and that the attack occurred while he was driving his car on a public road connecting villages near the border strip. There was no immediate statement from the Israeli military.

After the ouster of former Syrian President Bashar Assad by Islamist-led rebels in December 2024, Israeli forces seized control of a U.N.-patrolled buffer zone in southern Syria, which Israel initially described as a temporary move to protect its borders.

The Syrian government says Israel is violating a 1974 disengagement agreement between the two countries and has called for it to withdraw its forces.

Israel reports new missile launch from Iran

The Israeli army says air defenses are being activated and residents instructed to seek shelter in affected areas.

F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet has a 2-person crew

Iranian state media has claimed that Irans military shot down a U.S. F-15E Strike Eagle. The aircraft is a variation of the Air Force fighter jet that carries a two-person crew consisting of a pilot and weapons system officer.

Alan Diehl, a former investigator for the Air Force Safety Center, said the Strike Eagle has an emergency locator beacon in a survival kit that can be set to activate automatically or manually.

The Pentagon has not immediately responded to repeated requests for comment

Israel suspends airstrikes as search for downed US pilot proceeds

An Israeli official says airstrikes have been halted in areas relevant to the rescue effort.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the operation is ongoing.

- Josef Federman

Tehran resident describes projectile overhead and smoke near medical research center

A resident of central Tehran says she was walking home Thursday when she spotted what appeared to be a missile streaking overhead.

I saw it go over my head and I heard the explosion, she said, speaking on condition of anonymity due to media restrictions in Iran.

Then she saw smoke rising from a nearby area of the capital hosting many government buildings, including the offices of Irans Supreme Leader, which Israel heavily struck early in the war. Next to that is the Pasteur Institute, which has played a leading role in Irans health sector for over a century. An Iranian health ministry spokesman confirmed the institute had been struck on Thursday.

The resident said shes also seen least two police stations destroyed in her area of the capital.

- Amir-Hussein Radjy

An explosion in southern Lebanon injures three UN peacekeepers amid fighting between Israel and Hezbollah

The peacekeeping mission known as UNIFIL reminded Israel, Hezbollah and other actors of their obligation to ensure the peacekeepers safety, including by avoiding combat near their facilities and positions.

This has been a difficult week for peacekeepers working near the central part of UNIFILs area of operations, UNIFIL said.

Three U.N. peacekeepers were injured, two seriously, in an explosion of unknown origin inside their position in El Adeisse on Friday afternoon, UNIFIL said. Three UNIFIL peacekeepers from Indonesia were killed earlier this week and others were injured.

Aircraft was shot down, US military says

According to an email from the Pentagon obtained by The Associated Press, the U.S. military said that it received notification of an aircraft being shot down in the Middle East. The email did not provide more details.

Iran accuses the UN nuclear watchdog of siding with its enemies

The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran denounced on Friday what it describes as the U.N. nuclear agencys silence as the US and Israel attacks Irans nuclear facilities.

The Iranian agency accused the International Atomic Energy Agency of not merely inaction but complicity with perpetrators, according to a statement posted on X. It said it has sent a protest letter to the IAEAs director. This historic negligence erodes the IAEAs little remaining credibility, read the statement.

The Iranian government has constantly said that it needs to expand its nuclear plants to meet its electricity needs rather than to build weapons.

Jordan and Israel warn of more air attacks

The Israeli military says air defenses are being activated to intercept the fire.

Jordan, the state-owned news agency says alarms are sounding across the country.

One crew member has been rescued after American aircraft went down in Iran, US and Israeli officials say

One crew member has been rescued after an American aircraft went down in Iran, according to one U.S. and one Israeli official, who both spoke on condition of anonymity to describe sensitive ongoing military operations.

US officials are being informed about the rescue operation in Iran

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson has been notified about the situation with the pilot in Iran, his office said.

The Defense Department has notified the speaker and said it would provide further updates.

The U.S. military has been conducting a search and rescue operation in Iran, according to three people familiar who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitivity of the situation.

Gas tanker affiliated with Japan makes it through the strait

A liquefied natural gas tanker co-owned by Japanese and Omani companies has passed through the Strait of Hormuz, a first passage of a Japan-affiliated vessel through the waterway since the start of the U.S.-Israeli strike on Iran, Japans NHK public television said.

The Japanese shipping company Mitsui O.S.K. Lines said the Panamanian-flagged tanker Sohar LNG, also owned by Oman Shipping Company, crossed the strait Friday and is now out of the Persian Gulf, NHK reported.

The tanker was among 45 Japanese-affiliated ships stuck in the area since the start of the war in the region. Mitsui did not disclose other details, such as the ships destination, citing security reasons, NHK said.

Four US planes had already gone down during the Iranian war

Four U.S. military planes had gone down during the Iran war before Fridays search and rescue operation  three fighter jets hit by friendly fire over Kuwait and a refueling tanker plane that crashed in Iraq following an incident with another U.S. aircraft.

The KC-135 refueling aircraft crashed in Iraq while supporting operations in Iran. All six crew members aboard the aircraft died. U.S. officials attributed the crash to an unspecified incident involving two aircraft in friendly airspace, and said the other plane landed safely.

Separately, three U.S. F-15E fighter jets were mistakenly targeted by friendly Kuwaiti fire. All six crew members ejected safely.

US has launched a rescue operation after Iranian state media says American fighter jet went down in Iran, AP source says

The U.S. military rescue operation launched Friday after Iranian state media said an American fighter jet went down over southwest Iran and at least one crew member ejected.

Israel is helping the United States with the search and rescue operation, according to an Israeli military officer briefed on the information who spoke on condition of anonymity ahead of a U.S. announcement.

Social media footage showed American drones, aircraft and helicopters flying over the mountainous region where the Iranian channel said at least one pilot bailed out of the fighter jet.

It would be the first time the U.S. has lost aircraft in Iranian territory during the five-week war. It was not clear if the jet was shot down or crashed. The number of crew on board was not immediately known.

The Pentagon and U.S. Central Command didnt immediately respond to several messages seeking comment. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Trump has been briefed.

Bahrain cracks down on dissent as Iran war reignites internal unrest

A man detained in Bahrain as the island came under missile attack from Iran vanished for days, until his family was called to a military hospital to retrieve his body, covered in slash marks and bruises. The death of Mohamed al-Mousawi has become a flashpoint in the Sunni-ruled, Shiite-majority country on the wars front lines, where critics say authorities have revived tactics used to suppress Arab Spring protests in 2011.

Bahrain, a monarchy that hosts the U.S. Navys 5th Fleet, has arrested dozens of people for filming airstrikes and demonstrations or expressing support for Iran.

Bahrains Interior Ministry said al-Mousawi was arrested on suspicion of spying for Iran  allegations denied by his family  and that images of his wounds were inaccurate and misleading. A Bahrain government statement said the country is defending its national security and denied any sectarianism, saying authorities have acted lawfully and that independent bodies investigate allegations of abuse.

 Read more

Iranian motorcyclist describes a tale of two cities in wartime Tehran

A woman in her forties says she has made a point of riding a motorcycle around Tehran as a form of civil resistance. Cruising the capitals streets has also shown her two faces of the wartime capital, she said.

Faced with years of protests, Irans Islamic rulers have recently eased enforcement of the mandatory veil and other restrictions on women, including harassing female motorcyclists.

A downtown resident, the woman said she rode uptown to the capitals richest areas, where she found the cafes were packed.

Now Im outside on my motorbike. I stopped by the side of the street. There was an explosion. Several people sitting on chairs by the cafe, looked up, glanced at the sky and started drinking coffee again, she messaged The Associated Press, communicating anonymously for her safety.

In other parts of Tehran, she said, the streets where a building has been damaged and destroyed, or the houses around it, are different. Its like Gaza. Silence. The smell of death.

 By Amir-Hussein Radjy

___

This story has been corrected to replace a headline to show that Trump budget is seeking $1.5 trillion in defense spending.

___

This story has been corrected to show WHO is seeking $30.3 million in immediate funding.

By The Associated Press
A man detained in Bahrain last month as the island kingdom came under missile attack from Iran vanished for days, until his family was called to retrieve his body from a military hospital.

Relatives said Mohamed al-Mousawi, a Shiite Muslim who had previously been imprisoned, was saving money to start a business. His body was returned covered in slash marks and bruising, including on the soles of his feet.

His death has become a flashpoint in the Sunni-ruled, Shiite-majority country on the wars front lines, where critics say authorities have revived tactics used to suppress Arab Spring protests in 2011.

Bahrain, a monarchy that hosts the U.S. Navys 5th Fleet, has arrested dozens of people throughout the war for filming strikes and demonstrations, expressing support for Iran, and on suspicion of spying for it.

They want to make sure nobody challenges the states narrative and silence any voices not telling the story (of the war) how they want it to be told, said Sayed Ahmed AlWadaei of the London-based Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy.

Bahrains Interior Ministry said al-Mousawi was arrested on suspicion of spying for Iran, allegations denied by his family, and that images of his wounds were inaccurate and misleading. Bahrains government said in a statement that the country is defending its national security. It denied any sectarianism, saying authorities have acted lawfully and that independent bodies investigate allegations of abuse.

Signs of torture

Al-Mousawi served about 11 years of a 21-year prison sentence on charges including arson and belonging to a terrorist cell before being released in 2024 as part of a royal amnesty.

A relative and a close family friend, who spoke to AP on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals, said al-Mousawi disappeared on March 19 after attending prayers with two friends who also have not been seen since. Rights groups have long accused Bahrain of enforced disappearances.

On March 27, his family received a call to collect his body. The relative, who saw it at the morgue, said al-Mousawi appeared to have been whipped with cables. He said there were apparent electrocution burns, including behind his knees, and cigarette burns elsewhere on the body.

The AP separately reviewed images of al-Mousawis body, which bore marks described by a total of five witnesses who saw it in person. All spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retribution.

Bahrains Interior Ministry said al-Mousawi had been held by the National Security Agency. As part of reforms following the 2011 protests, the domestic spy service was stripped of its powers to arrest over abuse allegations. But they were restored in 2017 as Bahrain deepened a long-running campaign to suppress dissent.

The Interior Ministry said images of injuries sustained by the deceased are inaccurate and misleading and have been deliberately disseminated to mislead public opinion, without elaborating.

The death certificate from the military hospital said he died of a heart attack. His family said the 32-year-old had no preexisting conditions.

Ahmed Banasr, a forensic expert with the New York-based Physicians for Human Rights, said the wounds in the images were consistent with blunt force trauma. Wounds on the soles of his feet help rule out other explanations, such as a fight or fall.

The findings are highly consistent with alleged torture, he said.

War aggravates long-standing grievances

Al-Mousawi was among dozens of Bahraini Shiites ensnared in a crackdown that critics say has escalated since Israel and the U.S. launched the war against Iran on Feb. 28.

Rights groups see the arrests and al-Mousawis death as a new phase in Bahrains long-running campaign of repression that reached a peak in 2011 as pro-democracy uprisings swept the region. That year, the ruling Al Khalifa family crushed mass demonstrations with help from troops from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Periodic unrest has continued since, with the government casting the mostly Shiite protesters as Iranian proxies. Unlike other Sunni monarchies in the Gulf, Bahrain  like Iran  has a Shiite majority.

It really remains to be seen how far the government is going to go in its crackdown on people, said Maryam al-Khawaja, a Bahraini activist living abroad whose father is jailed in Bahrain. What were seeing right now is definitely a lot more heavy-handed than we have in the past few years.

Bahrain says it targets those who aid the enemy

Bahrains government said its security measures are a direct and proportionate response to Irans attacks.

The individuals arrested include those who filmed military and strategic sites during an active attack on Bahraini territory, those who passed sensitive information, and those who publicly expressed support for a state that had just launched strikes against Bahraini soil, it said.

To present arrests made on the basis of conduct as evidence of sectarian persecution and conflate the two  is a framing that we firmly and unequivocally reject, it added.

Since the wars start, at least 41 people  including migrant workers  have been arrested for sharing images of what authorities described as Iranian aggression, or for expressing sympathy for it. Some are accused of treason  a charge that can carry a life sentence or the death penalty.

Bahrain has tallied more than 600 Iranian drone and missile strikes, which have killed at least two people and struck infrastructure, including a desalination plant, an oil refinery and an aluminum smelter. Iran has also repeatedly targeted the U.S. Navys 5th Fleet headquarters.

Some demonstrators have mourned the killing of Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and celebrated strikes on Bahrain, according to videos seen by AP. They also show firebombs being thrown and cars set ablaze.

A father fears his son could be put to death

The day after the war began, 21-year-old Hussein Fatiil and a friend posted social media videos of themselves waving a poster of Irans supreme leader at a protest outside the U.S. Embassy. Minutes later, plainclothes officers took them away in an unmarked car.

The men resurfaced hours later, calling home from a police station after being interrogated, Husseins father, Naji Fatiil, told the AP.

Three days later, Hussein called his family again and said hed been charged with five offenses, including misusing social media and inciting hatred and treason, his father said.

The charges are extremely serious and exaggerate what happened, he said, adding his son said the protest outside the embassy was peaceful. Now he might be charged with the most severe punishment. All I want is for my son to have a normal life and not be sentenced to death.

By SAM METZ

Associated Press
WASHINGTON, D.C.  While neither country commands broad support, China surpassed the United States in global approval ratings in 2025, with a median of 36% approving of Chinas leadership, compared with 31% for the U.S. Chinas five-percentage-point advantage over the U.S. is the widest Gallup has recorded in Chinas favor in nearly 20 years.

The recent shift reflects a decline in U.S. ratings alongside an increase for China. Median approval of U.S. leadership fell from 39% in 2024 to 31% in 2025, returning to earlier lows, while Chinas approval rose from 32% to 36%.

At the same time, disapproval of U.S. leadership rose to a record-high 48%, while Chinas disapproval rating remained flat at 37%.

###Embeddable###

For the past two decades, Gallup has asked residents of every country polled as part of its annual World Poll to rate the leadership of the four leading economic or military powers  the U.S., China, Russia and Germany.

The latest results are based on Gallup surveys conducted in 2025 in more than 130 countries; they notably predate several major developments in early 2026, including the U.S. withdrawal from 66 international organizations in January and the outbreak of war with Iran in late February.

Approval of U.S. leadership has varied considerably across presidential administrations, from George W. Bushs second to Donald Trumps second. It has ranged from a low of 30% in the first and last years of Trumps first term to a high of 49% in 2009, under President Barack Obama.

While low, Chinas ratings have changed little by comparison, with President Xi Jinping leading that country continuously since 2013. In 2025, approval of China rose to a median of 36%, which is higher than its typical level in the low 30s over much of the past two decades.

Before the most recent survey, China had led the U.S. in leadership approval twice: once during the Bush administration and once during the first Trump administration.

U.S. Ratings Fall Sharply Across Countries

Approval of U.S. leadership declined by 10 points or more in 44 countries between 2024 and 2025, while it increased by a similar amount in only seven. The declines were concentrated among U.S. allies, including many NATO partners.

Germany led the world in declines; its approval of U.S. leadership fell by 39 points, followed closely by Portugal (down 38 points). Several other long-standing U.S. partners  including Canada, the United Kingdom and Italy  also showed substantial decreases.

U.S. standing improved by more than 10 points among Israelis, marking an exception among U.S. allies. Approval of U.S. leadership in Israel, which surged after the October 2023 Hamas attack and then fell sharply in 2024, rebounded to 76% in 2025 after Trumps return to the White House  a 13-point increase, among the highest levels globally.

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These patterns echo the distribution of declines seen at the start of Trumps first term, when approval dropped most sharply among U.S. allies. The current shift is widespread, with large declines spanning many countries and regions.

Overall, Chinas move ahead of the U.S. more broadly reflects a decline in U.S. ratings rather than an increase in Chinas ratings. Approval of Chinas leadership increased by double digits over the past year in 23 countries (versus 44 showing a similar decrease for the U.S.). However, many of Chinas increases occurred in countries where U.S. approval fell, including allies such as the U.K., Spain, Italy and Ireland.

Germany, China Earn Higher Approval Than U.S.

Notably, none of the four major powers rated as part of the World Poll earns majority approval across the world today, although Germany achieved it once, in 2020 under Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Germany  which has ranked as the most positively viewed major power for nine consecutive years in Gallups trend, spanning the chancellorships of Merkel, Olaf Scholz and Friedrich Merz  receives the highest approval in 2025, at 48%. It is followed by China at 36%, the United States at 31% and Russia at 26%.

###Embeddable###

China Leads U.S. in Net Approval, Though Both Are Negative

Looking at net approval  the percentage who approve minus those who disapprove  provides a more complete view of global sentiment toward the U.S. and China.

2025 was only the second year on record in which both Washington and Beijing registered negative net approval ratings worldwide. China's median net approval of 1 was barely negative, while the median net approval of 15 for the U.S. was its lowest on record, marginally below the 13 measured in 2020.

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Net approval of China fell gradually for several years after 2008, but first turned negative in 2020 and has remained negative since. By contrast, net approval of the United States has fluctuated more in line with changes in political leadership.

In 2025, as both approval and disapproval shifted for the U.S. and China, the percentage expressing no opinion reached some of the lowest levels seen in the past two decades. This suggests that global views of both powers are becoming more defined, with more people forming clear opinions in both positive and negative directions.

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More Countries Lean Toward China Than the U.S.

Comparing net approval at the country level reveals which ones lean toward one power over the other in terms of public opinion. The countries and territories most aligned with the U.S.  those that have strong net approval of the U.S. that roughly mirrors their net disapproval of China  span several regions, and include Kosovo, Israel, Poland, Albania and the Philippines.

On the other side, Russia, Pakistan, Tunisia, Singapore and Hong Kong show the strongest relative alignment with China, though notably, their preferences reflect deep negativity toward the U.S. more than strong enthusiasm for China.

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Grouping countries by their relative net approval figures offers a clearer picture of alignment strength. Countries with a gap above 50 points in either direction are classified as strongly aligned; gaps of 30-49 points indicate aligned; 10-29 points, weakly aligned; and 0-9 points, contested.

Despite China's overall lead in net approval, most countries do not have a strong preference for one power over the other. Last year, 8% of countries were strongly aligned with China, compared with 5% strongly aligned with the United States. Alongside the 30% of countries with no clear alignment, another 40% are only weakly aligned to either power: 32% to China and 8% to the U.S.

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Nearly Half of All Countries Hold a Negative View of Both Powers

China leads the U.S. on three leadership approval statistics: global median approval (36% vs. 31%), net approval (1 vs. 15), and relative net approval (54% of countries aligned vs. 16%). Yet Beijings advantage over Washington tells only part of the story.

Nearly half of all countries surveyed last year (45%) delivered negative net approval ratings to both powers, meaning more people disapproved than approved of each. Fewer than one in three countries (29%) gave positive net approval ratings to both. Aside from 2020, when fewer countries were surveyed because of the pandemic, this is the most negative the world has been toward both powers in two decades.

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Bottom Line

The shifting perceptions of U.S. leadership over the past two decades reflect a world that has moved toward a more multipolar order. Many countries, particularly U.S. allies, may be open to balancing relationships across major powers than aligning clearly with one.

For policymakers in some allied countries, this may make alignment with the U.S. more politically sensitive, even as engagement with China appears somewhat more acceptable. For businesses and investors, it signals a less predictable environment, where public sentiment may shape market access, regulation and partnerships.

Stay up to date with the latest insights by following @Gallup on X and on Instagram.

For complete methodology and specific survey dates, please review Gallup's Country Data Set details. Learn more about how the Gallup World Poll works.

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Green Fund grants have helped enhance the health of Campus Lake ensuring people can continue to enjoy the scenic spot. Photo by Amber Eswani

SIU celebrates Earth Month in April with community feed, awards and more

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. Our Power, Our Planet is the theme as Southern Illinois University Carbondale celebrates Earth Month with a variety of special events in April.

During Earth Month, SIU and its sustainability office are focusing on community action, innovation and local solutions rather than relying on political shifts, said Andrew Taylor, sustainability coordinator. We want to emphasize that individual actions can create lasting change. Were inviting everyone to be a part of that change, beginning by joining us in our Earth Month activities.

A community feed, nature walks, a plant symposium and more are planned as the university and community collaborate to mark the month. A popular highlight of the month, the Feeding Our Community event, returns from noon to 2 p.m. on April 15 at the Carbondale Downtown Square Pavilion along Illinois Avenue. All are welcome to attend the free cookout designed to foster community connections and support residents or the region, including unhoused people.

The month culminates with the big Earth Day Celebration at 3 p.m. on April 22, featuring the announcement of the newest Green Fund grant awards. The event takes place in the Student Center Auditorium and all are welcome.

The university has previously awarded almost $3.8 million to a total of 357 unique and diverse sustainability projects designed to foster various goals and initiatives in areas such as energy, water, waste, transportation, food/dining, education and outreach, social equity, research and more. Funded by a student Green Fee of about $10 per semester, the program was adopted in 2009 as the result of a student-led initiative. Students, faculty and staff conceive and execute the Green Fund Grant Program projects and the newest initiatives will learn of their grant awards at the ceremony.

Other awards and presentations will be featured as well, including the Environmental Ambassador Awards, which honor students who volunteer hours toward sustainability efforts. A reception will follow the ceremony.

Other notable activities

SIU and the Carbondale community are sponsoring special activities in April, including:

Saluki Cares Day, April 8, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. in the Student Services building, and Faner Plaza and breezeway, featuring activities to enhance the mental health and well-being of students.

Illinois Indigenous Plant Symposium, April 11, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. in the Life Science III Auditorium.

Service-learning project at Glaciers End in Giant City State Park, April 17, 3-5 p.m.

The Fuller Futures Festival, a five-day festival of programming inspired by the vision and legacy of noted futurist, architect and designer R. Buckminster Fuller, is April 22-26, with events on campus and throughout the City of Carbondale.

Arbor Day campus tree planting, April 22, 9-11 a.m. Volunteers from campus and the community will meet, rain or shine, in parking lot 44 and plant trees on campus.

A pair of special-items collections is planned with household chemicals being collected April 6 at the Banterra Center, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., and medicines, sharps and shreddable paperwork accepted at the Jackson County Health Department, April 25, 8 a.m. to noon.

Find the complete schedule of events online.

Theres still time to submit Earth Month events for the calendar as well. Just complete the online form.

Learn more

Find additional information about SIU sustainability, including the Earth Month complete schedule of events by visiting the Office of Sustainability website, emailing sustainability@siu.edu or calling 618-453-2846.
After the Squeeze (above) by Jaya Smith of Carmi-White County High School was the top winner in the 2D art category of the 2026 Creative Futures online high school art contest sponsored by the SIU School of Art and Design. Other winners were Joel Duncan of Belleville East High School in 3D art and Georgia Hale of Marion High School in the design/digital art category. (Images provided)

Three Illinois high school students win 2026 SIU Creative Futures art awards

by Pete Rosenbery

CARBONDALE, Ill.  The talent and artistic skills of Illinois High School juniors and seniors were on full display at the third annual Southern Illinois University Carbondale School of Art and Design statewide online art competition.

SIU faculty selected the top finishers in each of the three categories in this years Creative Futures art competition. The categories were  2D art (painting, drawing, printmaking and photography), 3D art (ceramics, glass, metals and sculpture), and design and digital art (web/graphic design, industrial design, animation and video).

Travis Janssen, assistant director and associate professor in the School of Art and Design, said the caliber of work with this years submissions was particularly high, especially in the 2D category.

Its exciting to see what subject high school students are selecting for their art, he said. The level of diversity is particularly notable.

Antonio Martinez, associate professor and head of undergraduate studies in the School of Art and Design, said the competition is a wonderful platform that celebrates and promotes the emerging creative talent of high school artists as well as their art teachers within Illinois.

The growing success is owed to high school art teachers who recognize the academic promise of their students, Martinez said. Their students could benefit tremendously in advancing their talents and expertise at SIU's School of Art and Design, whether they choose to major or minor in any of our several academic disciplines.

The competition provided nearly $14,000 in scholarships available for students who attend SIU Carbondale and the School of Art and Design.

Not only is the exhibition an excellent opportunity to connect with potential SIU students, it has also been a good way to connect with art teachers across the state, Janssen said.

The scholarships the students receive represent our commitment in building and supporting future pathways for promising young artists to come to SIU, Martinez said. We appreciate the donors and key stakeholders who have worked on the administrative level with financing and coordinating this initiative.

The online exhibition of the 30 overall finalists is available for viewing through Jan. 10, 2027.

The honored students are:

2D art

First place  Jaya Smith, Carmi-White County High School, Carmi.

Second place  Adelyn Rollins, Pleasant Plains High School, Pleasant Plains.

Third place  Jazmeen Ankrum, Marion High School, Marion.

3D art

First place  Joel Duncan, Belleville East High School, Belleville.

Second place  Kurt Petric, Anna-Jonesboro Community High School, Anna.

Design, digital art

First place  Georgia Hale, Marion High School, Marion.

Second place  Eden King, Pleasant Plains High School, Pleasant Plains.

3D art winner - Joel Duncan 3D art winner - Joel Duncan
NewsVoir Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], April 3: Aparajith Ramnath, Associate Professor at Ahmedabad University's School of Arts and Sciences, has been awarded the Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards 2026 in the Books (Non-Fiction) category for Engineering a Nation: The Life and Career of M. Visvesvaraya. In a moment that highlights the growing relevance of research-led storytelling, the recognition indicates the importance of rigorous scholarship in shaping public discourse. The award recognises Professor Ramnath's work in illuminating the life and legacy of one of India's most influential engineers and situating it within the broader historical and social context of nation-building. The jury acknowledged the book for its depth of research and its ability to expand public understanding of India's institutional and technological history, an area often overlooked in mainstream discourse. In this biography, Professor Ramnath examines the life and legacy of engineer, administrator, and statesman M. Visvesvaraya, whose enduring influence is reflected in the celebration of his birth anniversary as Engineers' Day. The book explores how Visvesvaraya rose to prominence through his engineering accomplishments and broader contributions to governance, policy, and nation-building. Situating his life within a wider historical and social context, the book traces the aptitudes, experiences, and historical contexts that shaped an individual whose influence extended well beyond engineering. It presents a layered understanding of how technical expertise, administrative vision, and historical circumstance converged to shape one of modern India's most influential figures. Built on over seven years of meticulous archival research, the book draws on letters, technical papers, newspapers, and institutional records from India and abroad. It shows how M. Visvesvaraya helped shape not just physical infrastructure, but also the administrative and intellectual frameworks of a young nation. It places his work within the political and economic changes of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This approach provides readers with a nuanced understanding of how technical expertise and governance intersect. The Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards honour the literary and scholarly strength of Engineering a Nation and its contribution to understanding the intersections of engineering, governance, and modern Indian history. The timing of the recognition is particularly significant. As India sharpens its focus on infrastructure, innovation, and state capacity, revisiting the legacy of M. Visvesvaraya offers a valuable perspective. Professor Ramnath's win stands as a reminder that deeply researched non-fiction continues to play a critical role in shaping how India understands its past and imagines its future. For Ahmedabad University, the award means more than an individual achievement. It reflects the University's broader vision towards enabling interdisciplinary scholarship that speaks beyond academia and contributes meaningfully to public conversations. About Ahmedabad University Ahmedabad University is a leading private, non-profit research university offering students a liberal education focused on interdisciplinary learning, practice orientation, and research thinking. The University has been - Recognised by the Government of Gujarat as a Centre of Excellence. - Accredited with 'A' grade by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). - Awarded Leadership and Management Team of the Year at the Times Higher Education Awards Asia 2025. - Awarded a 5-star rating, the highest awarded in the Gujarat State Institutional Rating Framework (GSIRF) for 2021-22 and 2023-24, by the Knowledge Consortium of Gujarat (KCG), Department of Education, Government of Gujarat. - Awarded the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) International Award for Excellence 2024 for its University Centre. - Awarded a 'Platinum Rating' by the Indian Green Building Council for sustainability and green practices. - Recognised by the UGC under Section 12(B) of the UGC Act, becoming one of the very few private research universities to have been awarded this recognition for select research universities. - Recognised as a Highly Commended University for Teaching and Learning Strategy of the Year in the Times Higher Education (THE) Awards Asia 2023. - Awarded the AACSB's Innovations That Inspire Award 2023 for its Foundation Programme. - Awarded Gold Rating by the Indian Green Building Council for achieving the Green Building Standards at its University Centre. The University, established in 2009, is rooted in the vision of one of India's finest educational foundations, the Ahmedabad Education Society, which was founded in 1935 by nationalist leaders. Programmes at the University range from bachelors to doctoral levels in humanities and social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, and management through its 4 Schools and 10 Centres: Amrut Mody School of Management | Bagchi School of Public Health | School of Arts and Sciences | School of Engineering and Applied Science | Ahmedabad Design Lab | Centre for Heritage Management | Centre for Learning Futures | Global Centre for Environment and Energy | International Centre for Space and Cosmology | Sahyog: Centre for Promoting Health | Stepwell Centre for Asian Futures | The Climate Institute | The Institute of Manufacturing and Economy | VentureStudio An urban university, Ahmedabad promotes independent-mindedness and diversity across all dimensions of its activity and helps students mature into critical thinkers who are analytically equipped, practically oriented, and contextually aware global citizens. The University provides a contemporary educational framework that brings liberal arts, sciences, and the professions to engage together in creating new knowledge for addressing complex challenges of the society and in offering majors that merge the boundaries of disciplines to prepare students for the new economy. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same.)
The recent decision by US President Donald Trump to impose a 100 per cent tariff on patented pharmaceutical imports to US is unlikely to cause immediate disruption to Indian drugmakers, as the move largely targets branded medicines while exempting generics and biosimilars, said Siddharth Mittal, CEO and Managing Director of Biocon Limited. In an exclusive interaction with ANI, Mittal said the tariff action is aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing in the United States but does not significantly impact Indian players in the near term. "The recent tariff action by President Trump is clearly aimed at incentivising domestic manufacturing in the US. However, the current framework is targeted at branded and patented drugs, with generics and biosimilars largely exempt, which limits any immediate disruption for Indian players like Biocon," he said. Mittal added that the exclusion of generics provides a cushion for India's pharmaceutical exports, particularly to the US, where Indian companies have a strong presence. "In the near term, the exclusion of generics offers a buffer, ensuring continuity in exports of low-cost medicines that form the backbone of India's pharmaceutical trade with the US," he said, noting that Indian drugmakers command a significant share in the US generics market. However, he cautioned that the move signals rising protectionism in global trade, which could impact the industry in the longer term. "That said, the move does introduce a layer of policy uncertainty. While the direct impact is contained for now, the broader signal is one of increasing protectionism, which industry will be closely watching," Mittal said. The United States has recently announced sweeping trade measures targeting patented pharmaceutical imports and metals, with a 100 per cent tariff applicable to patented drug imports from countries, including India. Mittal also highlighted that the pharmaceutical sector continues to face challenges from rising logistics and supply chain costs amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. "We have seen a rise in logistics and supply chain costs due to disruptions in key shipping routes. Insurance costs have also risen, and longer transit times are becoming the norm," he said. He further pointed out that the ongoing conflict in West Asia remains a key concern for the industry, even though pharmaceuticals are considered an essential sector. "While pharmaceuticals are relatively resilient, any prolonged instability in the region impacts energy prices, shipping routes, and overall trade flows, which in turn affects input costs and delivery timelines," he added. Sharing the outlook for the upcoming financial year, Mittal said, "Looking ahead to FY27, we remain cautiously optimistic. Demand fundamentals for pharmaceuticals--especially generics, biosimilars, and speciality therapies--remain strong globally," he said. He added that India will continue to play a critical role in supplying cost-effective medicines worldwide, though future growth will depend on evolving global trade policies and the industry's ability to manage cost pressures and diversify supply chains. (ANI)
The report says that automobile companies may head towards diversification of energy and calibrate their supply chain due to geopolitical tensions.

The ongoing war in West Asia, involving the US, Israel, and Iran, has invited "incremental uncertainty, especially for the Tier two and Tier three auto component suppliers. The situation also erupts as the companies face challenges in realigning their production process.

However, the brokerage said original equipment manufacturers are facing a limited impact due to the geopolitical tensions. Antique broking expects a four to six quarter demand upcycle with strong industry growth sustaining throughout the calendar year 2026 before normalising during 2027 to 2028.

The Automobile sector in India has gone through structural acceleration in the second half of the financial year 2025-26, influencing trends in March to remain strong, according to brokerage.

"Apr-Aug'25 reflected a phase of affordability challenges resulting in subdued demand. Post the Sep'25 GST rationalisation, the sector has entered a sharp, broad-based recovery phase," the brokerage report said.

"Domestic wholesale volumes grew by ~8-9% YoY in FY26. In Mar'26, Tata Motors, M&M, Maruti, and Hyundai reported YoY growth of 28%, 25%, 11%, and 6%, respectively, in domestic wholesale volumes among listed entities," the brokerage said in its report.

On the commercial vehicles front, domestic volumes rose 12 to 13 per cent in FY 2025-26 over the corresponding year. In Mar'26, Volvo Eicher CV, Tata Motors, and Ashok Leyland recorded YoY growth of 14%, 18%, and 5.5%, respectively, in domestic CV volumes. (ANI)
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal held a meeting with China's Commerce Minister Wang Wentao on the sidelines of the World Trade Organisation's 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14), aimed at strengthening bilateral economic and trade cooperation. Informing about the meeting, the spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in India, in a social media post on Friday, stated that Wang Wentao met Goyal during the conference and expressed willingness to deepen engagement between the two countries. It stated, "China's Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao met with Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce and Industry of India, during the 14th WTO ministerial conference. China stands ready to work with India to fully leverage the role of bilateral economic and trade cooperation as a ballast." The WTO 14th Ministerial Conference was held from March 26 to 30, 2026, in Yaounde, Cameroon, bringing together ministers from across the world to discuss challenges and opportunities facing the global trading system and to shape the future agenda of the WTO. Highlighting outcomes from recent WTO Ministerial engagements, Goyal on Thursday described it as very intense, spanning four days and covering seven critical areas, including WTO reform, fisheries subsidies, investment facilitation, e-commerce, agriculture and broader developmental concerns. Minister Goyal asserted that India is pushing for "preferential access" and the "best possible deal" in its ongoing trade engagement with the United States, underlining that the country is currently in a "very sweet spot" among emerging economies. "Our approach is that India should get preferential access, market access and, having got the best deal compared to any of our competitors or any other emerging or developing economy, we are sitting on a very sweet spot," Goyal said, projecting confidence in India's economic positioning. He added that as the world's fastest-growing major economy, India offers a compelling India opportunity that global investors are expected to increasingly tap. Among the key outcomes, member nations agreed to strengthen the integration of smaller economies into the multilateral trading system, with a focus on improving trade logistics, connectivity and border processes. Progress was also achieved on fisheries subsidies, particularly in tackling overcapacity, overfishing and illegal fishing, with consensus reached and ratified by participating countries. On the sidelines of the WTO Ministerial, Goyal held extensive diplomatic outreach, including 12 multilateral and 24 bilateral meetings aimed at strengthening trade partnerships. (ANI)
PNN New Delhi [India], April 3: Knee replacement surgery has witnessed remarkable advancements over the past few years. Traditionally, it was performed as a uniform procedure, where the entire knee joint was replaced regardless of the extent or location of damage. However, with the evolution of modern orthopaedics, the focus has shifted towards precision and personalized treatment. In this direction, a new technique known as Ala Carte (Modular) Knee Replacement has emerged, which customizes the surgery according to the patient's specific condition. Understanding the "Ala Carte" Concept The term "Ala Carte" refers to selecting individual items from a menu. In knee replacement surgery, it means replacing only the damaged portion of the joint instead of the entire knee. The knee is anatomically divided into three compartments: -Medial compartment (inner side) -Lateral compartment (outer side) -Patellofemoral compartment (front portion involving the kneecap) In many patients suffering from osteoarthritis, the disease affects only one or two of these compartments--most commonly the medial compartment. In such cases, replacing the entire knee may not be necessary. Modular implants allow surgeons to selectively treat the affected area while preserving healthy bone and ligaments. According to Dr. Puneet Mishra, this technique helps preserve the natural structure of the knee while effectively treating only the damaged portion, resulting in better and more natural functional outcomes for patients. However, this approach is not suitable for all patients. It is generally not recommended in inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. How It Differs from Total Knee Replacement In Total Knee Replacement (TKR), all three compartments of the knee are replaced, making it an effective solution for advanced and widespread arthritis. In contrast, Modular Knee Replacement offers a more targeted approach: -Replacement of a single compartment (Partial Knee -Replacement) -Replacement of two compartments (e.g., medial + patellofemoral) This selective treatment helps maintain the knee's natural structure and function. Advantages of the Modular Approach For carefully selected patients, this technique offers several important benefits: -More natural knee function: Preservation of ligaments and bone provides a more natural feel. -Faster recovery: Less invasive surgery leads to quicker rehabilitation. -Reduced pain and blood loss: Minimal surgical trauma results in less discomfort. -Improved mobility: Patients often achieve a better range of motion. -Enhanced lifestyle comfort: Activities like sitting cross-legged or squatting may be easier compared to total knee replacement. Who Is the Ideal Candidate? Not every patient is suitable for this procedure. Ideal candidates typically: -Have arthritis limited to one or two compartments -Have stable knee ligaments -Do not have severe deformity in the knee Dr. (Prof.) Puneet Mishra, Director Orthopaedics - Fortis Hospital Shalimar Bagh Delhi further explains that proper patient selection is one of the most critical factors in ensuring the success of this procedure. A thorough clinical evaluation, along with imaging such as X-rays or MRI, is essential to determine the most appropriate treatment plan. Long-Term Outcomes When performed in the right patient, modular knee replacement delivers excellent long-term outcomes. Its success largely depends on accurate patient selection and surgical expertise. In some cases, if arthritis progresses in the remaining compartments over time, conversion to total knee replacement may be required. However, this is relatively uncommon when proper indications are followed. Role of Robotic Technology Robotic-assisted surgery has further enhanced the precision of this technique. It enables: -Millimeter-level accuracy -Precise implant positioning -Restoration of patient-specific knee alignment This not only improves surgical outcomes but also supports faster recovery and long-term durability. Conclusion Ala Carte or Modular Knee Replacement represents a significant shift toward personalized orthopaedic care. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, surgeons can now tailor treatment based on the patient's anatomy and disease pattern. For many patients, this means less invasive surgery, faster recovery, improved function, and a more natural-feeling knee. Individuals experiencing persistent knee pain are advised to consult an orthopaedic specialist early to determine the most appropriate treatment option. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same.)
VMPL New Delhi [India], April 3: An extremely historic and proud moment was witnessed today at one of the most prestigious platforms of India's democratic system--the Parliament House, New Delhi. Renowned social worker and distinguished contributor to the healthcare sector, Dr. Basant Goel, CEO and Founder of Goel Medicos, was honoured with a commemorative memento by the Hon'ble Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Shri Om Birla. This honour was especially presented during a grand ceremony held on the auspicious occasion of Baisakhi, making the achievement even more special and memorable. A Landmark "First Time in India" Recognition A unique highlight of the event was that this was the first time in India that such an honour was conferred inside the Parliament by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha. This achievement is not only a matter of pride for Dr. Basant Goel but also for the entire nation. This honour represents a recognition of values such as service, dedication, and commitment to society, and highlights the importance of individuals who work selflessly for the welfare of others. Grand Event Details The prestigious program was organized by the Lok Sabha Employees Association in collaboration with the Gandhi Mandela Foundation. The event took place at the GMC Balayogi Auditorium within the Parliament premises, known for its historic significance and dignity. The presence of several eminent personalities, policymakers, social workers, and leaders from various fields added grandeur to the occasion. The atmosphere was filled with enthusiasm, pride, and a deep sense of respect. The spirit of Baisakhi was clearly reflected throughout the event, blending cultural values with modern achievements of India. Dr. Basant Goel's Reaction After receiving the honour, Dr. Basant Goel expressed deep humility and gratitude. He thanked Hon'ble Speaker Shri Om Birla and said: "This honour is a matter of immense pride for me. Being recognized within the Parliament of India is an unforgettable moment in my life. This honour is not just mine, but of everyone who has been part of this journey of service with me." He further added that this recognition motivates him to continue serving society with even greater dedication and commitment. Contribution to Healthcare and Society Dr. Basant Goel is widely recognized as an inspiration in the fields of healthcare and social service. Through Goel Medicos, he has not only provided high-quality healthcare services but has also ensured that medical facilities reach underprivileged and marginalized sections of society. His guiding principle has always been:"Service is the highest duty." He has organized numerous free health camps, provided medicines to those in need, and conducted various initiatives to spread health awareness. His efforts establish him as not just an entrepreneur but a true humanitarian. Significance of Baisakhi Baisakhi is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion, especially in North India. It symbolizes new beginnings, prosperity, and happiness. The presentation of this honour on such a sacred occasion made it even more meaningful. An Inspiring Journey Dr. Basant Goel's success story is a powerful example of hard work, perseverance, and dedication. Starting from a modest background, he has established himself as a successful entrepreneur and a committed social worker through his vision and service-oriented mindset. His journey reflects that with determination and a strong sense of purpose, any individual can achieve great heights. Message to Society and Youth This honour conveys a strong message that individuals who bring positive change in society deserve recognition and appreciation. Dr. Goel's example proves that success is not only measured by financial achievements but also by the impact one creates in society. For the youth, he stands as a living inspiration. His life teaches: - Stay committed to your goals - Be responsible towards society - Balance success with service National Significance The recognition given in the Parliament highlights that India is now valuing individuals who are creating real change at the grassroots level. This "First Time in India" achievement signifies a shift towards honoring service-driven leadership and social impact. Conclusion The honour bestowed upon Dr. Basant Goel at the Parliament is a testament to his dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to social service. Presented on the auspicious occasion of Baisakhi, this recognition is not only a milestone in his life but also a source of pride and inspiration for the nation. This historic moment will be remembered as a landmark achievement and will continue to inspire future generations. Dr. Goel's journey and this recognition remind us all:"When the path of service and dedication is chosen, respect and honour follow automatically." (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same.)
India and Vietnam have significant opportunities to deepen cooperation in investment and the textile sector, a senior Vietnamese trade official said, highlighting the growing economic ties between the two countries. Bui Trung Thuong, Trade Counsellor and Head of Trade Office at the Embassy of Vietnam, told ANI that both nations, particularly regions like Telangana, offer strong potential for business collaboration. "We found that there are huge opportunities between India and Vietnam, particularly in Telangana, for cooperation in terms of business and investment, especially in the textile industry," he said. Thuong added that he was impressed by the craftsmanship and product quality showcased in Telangana. "I was very impressed with the craftsmen from Telangana. It's really high quality, and we found similarities with Vietnam," he noted. He also pointed out that ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly in West Asia, are impacting global supply chains, making closer cooperation between countries like India and Vietnam more important. "Regarding the recent turbulence and war in the Middle East, it really impacts the global value chain. So I think both India and Vietnam should work more closely together, not only in textiles but also in energy. Energy security is very important," he said. India and Vietnam share longstanding trade and economic relations, which have grown steadily over the years. According to government data, bilateral trade between the two countries reached USD 15.76 billion during April 2024 to March 2025, marking a 6.40 per cent increase year-on-year. India's exports to Vietnam stood at USD 5.43 billion, while imports from Vietnam were higher at USD 10.33 billion during the same period. Vietnam is currently India's 20th largest trading partner and the 15th largest export destination globally. At the same time, India ranks as Vietnam's 8th largest trading partner, the 7th largest export market and the 10th largest import source. Key exports from India to Vietnam include frozen bovine meat, fishery products, machinery and equipment, electrical equipment, auto components, pharmaceuticals and APIs, chemicals, ordinary metals, cereals, cotton, animal fodder and gems and jewellery. On the other hand, major imports from Vietnam to India include electronic and telecom equipment, machinery, iron and steel, chemicals, plastic products, steel products, footwear, garments, textile materials, wood, rubber and coffee. The official also expressed hope that the ongoing global tensions would ease soon, restoring normalcy and supporting smoother trade flows. (ANI)
India's fisheries sector has emerged as a major contributor to food security, employment, export earnings and sustainable livelihoods, backed by a record 39,272 crore investment by the Government of India since 2015. According to an official press release issued by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, the sector supports nearly 30 million fishers and fish farmers at the primary level and almost twice as many across the value chain. Ranked the second-largest aquaculture producer globally, India accounts for about 8% of global fish production. Once largely traditional, fisheries have evolved into a commercially significant sector over the past decade, while ensuring inclusive growth for small-scale fishers. This transformation is reflected in output growth, with fish production rising from 141.64 lakh tonnes in 2019-20 to 197.75 lakh tonnes in 2024-25, recording an average annual growth of around 7%. India's seafood exports have recorded strong and sustained growth, expanding at an average annual rate of 7% over the past 11 years. Marine product exports have more than doubled during the period, rising from 30,213 crore in 2013-14 to 62,408 crore in 2024-25, driven largely by shrimp exports valued at 43,334 crore. India's seafood exports span a wide and diversified basket, with over 350 varieties of products shipped to nearly 130 global markets. The United States remains the largest destination, accounting for 36.42% of total export value in 2024-25, followed by China, the European Union, Southeast Asia, Japan and the Middle East, while other markets together account for about 9%. The export mix continues to be dominated by frozen shrimp, which remains India's flagship seafood product, followed by frozen fish, squid, dried items, frozen cuttlefish, surimi-based products, and live and chilled seafood, reflecting both strong global demand and expanding product diversification. Share of value-added products in the seafood export basket has increased from 2.5% to 11%, amounting to USD 742 million in export value. According to the release, to reduce over-dependence on a few commodities and deepen India's presence in global seafood markets, the Government is actively pursuing diversification of the export basket. Under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), the Department of Fisheries supports a wide range of interventions across the value chain, including quality fish seed production, expansion and diversification of brackish-water aquaculture, promotion of export-oriented species, technology adoption, disease management, traceability systems, and capacity building. Investments are also being made to strengthen post-harvest infrastructure, seamless cold-chain networks, modern fishing harbours and fish landing centres. In parallel, the Government is promoting diversified aquaculture focused on high-value species such as Tuna, seabass, cobia, pompano, mud crab, GIFT tilapia, grouper, tiger shrimp (P. monodon), scampi and seaweed, with the objective of expanding India's product portfolio and improving access to premium international markets. To safeguard access to key export markets, India is steadily aligning its fisheries sector with international regulations and sustainability standards. A major focus has been on meeting U.S. compliance requirements, particularly under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), which mandates measures to reduce marine mammal bycatch. Following sustained efforts, including scientific stock assessments and stakeholder consultations, India secured a comparability finding from US authorities in 2025, ensuring uninterrupted seafood exports to the American market beyond the December 2025 deadline, the release said. At the same time, steps are underway to address restrictions on wild-caught shrimp exports through the installation of Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) on shrimp trawlers, with large-scale deployment progressing across coastal states. The government has also strengthened traceability and certification systems, launching a national digital framework to ensure end-to-end tracking, food safety, and compliance with global standards. Together with new rules governing sustainable fishing in India's Exclusive Economic Zone, these measures reflect a concerted push to position India as a responsible and globally compliant seafood exporter. To promote ease of doing business in the fisheries sector, the Department of Fisheries has streamlined several regulatory and import processes. The Sanitary Import Permit (SIP) system has been fully digitised and integrated with the National Single Window System, reducing approval time from 30 days to only 72 hours. SIP requirements have been waived for SPF shrimp broodstock, fish oil, limited R&D samples, and wild-caught fish imports meant solely for value addition and re-export, easing trade operations. Recent legal reforms have further reduced compliance burdens for aquaculture units, reflecting a broader push to make the sector more business-friendly and investment-ready. Over the next five years, the government plans to sharpen India's global seafood strategy by shifting the focus toward higher-value exports, wider market reach and stronger quality assurance. The share of value-added products is targeted to rise, driven by expanded processing facilities, skilled workforce development and improved certification systems. Efforts will also be directed at scaling exports to markets such as the UK, EU, ASEAN and West Asia, alongside building inland export hubs and freshwater supply chains. Enhanced cold-chain networks, digital traceability and compliance frameworks are expected to underpin India's ambition to emerge as a dependable and premium seafood exporter in the years ahead. (ANI)
Taking to his Instagram handle, Johnson described the filming experience as one of the "most fun and pure creative joy experiences" of his career, reflecting on the journey of bringing the beloved franchise back to life for a new generation of audiences.

The upcoming film, produced in collaboration with Sony Pictures, is scheduled for a theatrical release on Christmas Day this year.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DWpEnglj2yy/?img_index=1

Johnson expressed deep appreciation for the ensemble cast that has become synonymous with the modern Jumanji films.

In the long caption, alongside the BTS images from the production, he praised the chemistry and energy brought by co-stars including Jack Black, Karen Gillan, Kevin Hart, and Nick Jonas, who returns as the character "Seaplane."

In addition to the main cast, Johnson acknowledged the contributions of the film's "human heroes," highlighting performances by Alex Wolff, Madison Iseman, Morgan Turner, and Ser'Darius Blain.

He credited them as the emotional anchors of the story, underscoring their importance in grounding the high-stakes adventure.

In a heartfelt tribute, Johnson dedicated the film to the late Robin Williams, whose iconic performance in the 1995 original laid the foundation for the global franchise.

Johnson noted that portraying Dr. Smolder Bravestone has been an "absolute honor," adding that his performance was carried out in Williams' spirit with "deepest respect, love, and joy."

The film reunites Johnson with director and writer Jake Kasdan, whom he described as both a friend and collaborator. He also acknowledged producers Dany Garcia and Hiram Garcia, crediting the production team for steering the franchise's continued success. (ANI)
The actor, who was previously in negotiations to headline the project, will no longer be part of the film due to scheduling conflicts, according to Deadline.

The project had been gearing up for a summer shoot in Los Angeles after securing a California tax credit, but was unable to shift from its planned production timeline. As a result, aligning Gosling's availability with the studio's schedule proved unfeasible, preventing a deal from being finalised.

While no specific reason has been officially cited, Gosling's recent professional commitments appear to have played a key role, as per Deadline.

The actor is currently riding high on the success of 'Project Hail Mary', backed by Amazon MGM Studios, which has grossed over USD 300 million worldwide since its release on March 20, as per Deadline.

Additionally, Gosling had wrapped a lengthy shoot for his upcoming film 'Star Wars: Starfighter' toward the end of 2025.

Details about the film's plot remain under wraps, maintaining the air of mystery surrounding the project. Kwan and Scheinert will produce alongside Jonathan Wang under their Playgrounds banner as part of their overall deal with Universal.

The untitled film is currently slated for a theatrical release on November 19, 2027. (ANI)
The actor was seen dressed in an elegant Kalamkari silk saree, reflecting a classic Indian aesthetic as she participated in the temple rituals.

The visit took place at the revered Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam in Tirupati district, one of the most prominent pilgrimage sites in the country.

Shriya Saran kept her appearance simple and graceful during the darshan.

On the same day, Indian actor and producer Jeetendra Madnani also offered prayers at the temple.

He was spotted in a white kurta set paired with sunglasses, maintaining a composed and understated look during his visit.

Located atop the seventh peak of the Seshachalam Hills, the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple is one of the most revered Hindu shrines in the country.

Dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, also widely known as Balaji, the centuries-old temple draws millions of devotees from across India and around the world every year.The shrine has also seen several celebrity visits in recent days. (ANI)
The Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi on Thursday sentenced Congress MLA Rajendra Bharti and co-accused Raghubir Sharan Prajapati to three years' imprisonment in connection with a Gramin Bank fraud case. Bharti, a sitting MLA from the Datia Assembly constituency in Madhya Pradesh, was also slapped with a fine of Rs 1 lakh, while Prajapati was fined Rs 2.5 lakh. Special Judge (MP-MLA) Dig Vinay Singh pronounced the verdict, convicting both for cheating, forgery, using forged documents, and criminal conspiracy. The court held Bharti guilty of criminal conspiracy under Section 120B of the IPC read with Sections 420, 467, 478, and 471. Prajapati was sentenced to three years imprisonment for forgery with a Rs 1 lakh fine under Section 476 read with 120B IPC, and two years imprisonment for cheating with a Rs 50,000 fine under Section 468 IPC read with 120B IPC. Additionally, Prajapati was sentenced to three years in prison and fined Rs 1 lakh for criminal conspiracy under Section 120B read with Sections 420, 467, 468, and 471 of the IPC. A third accused, Savitri Shyam, mother of Rajendra Bharti, passed away during the trial. The case stemmed from a criminal complaint filed on July 29, 2015, under Section 200 of the CrPC, by Zila Sahkari Krishi Aur Grahmin Vikas Bank against Savitri Shyam and her son Rajendra Bharti. Prajapati was later summoned through a subsequent application. According to the complaint, on August 24, 1998, Savitri deposited Rs 10 lakh in a three-year fixed deposit (FD) at 13.5% per annum in the name of the trust Shri Shyam Sunder Shyam Jan Sahyog Evam Samajik Vikas Sansthan, Mundian Ka Kuan, Datia, MP. Instead of claiming the interest at maturity, she allegedly withdrew annual interest payments of Rs 1.35 lakh from 1999 to 2011, in violation of the FD terms. Reacting to the verdict, BJP spokesperson Ajay Yadav welcomed the court's decision, saying the Congress party has turned into an organisation of corrupt and criminal elements. "It has been established that the Congress party has turned into an organization of corrupt and criminal elements, and instances of corruption involving its leaders continue to emerge. In such a situation, the decision delivered by the court is completely justified. The Congress party should introspect as to why it makes such criminal elements legislators and assigns them responsibilities within the organization. The Congress party has become an organization of criminals in the country's politics. The court's decision is welcomeable, and everyone should welcome it. At the same time, the Congress should take action against such accused legislators," Yadav told ANI. On the other hand, Congress Media-in-charge Mukesh Nayak accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of misusing the constitutional institutions like the court, stressing the matter was around 25-years-old and the decision delivered just before the Rajya Sabha election in the state is about to take place. "This is a nearly 25-year-old case, and a decision is being delivered on it today. The timing of these decisions is also quite unusual, especially when Rajya Sabha elections are due in Madhya Pradesh. While no comments can be made on the court's decision, I would like to say that the kind of political culture the BJP is practicing has made politics heartless, insensitive, and distorted. First, they try to get nomination forms rejected; if that does not work, they attempt changing sides. They then launch various kinds of attacks on a person's character and image. And when that too does not work, constitutional institutions like the Election Commission and the courts are used. This is what is happening," Nayak said. The Congress leader further alleged that a BJP MLA, Prahlad Lodhi, who is an MLA from Pawai, was sentenced to two years, and the speaker of the state Assembly declared his membership null and void, restricted his financial powers, and curtailed his political rights. The Speaker took action following the court's decision, but the high court later granted a stay on the decision. Lodhi successfully completed his full term, and even half of another term is completed, yet the stay has still not been lifted in relation to that matter, he further claimed. (ANI)
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Thursday said that Congress workers are reaching out to people door-to-door to assess the implementation of the government's guarantee schemes, while accusing the BJP of spreading misinformation about the initiatives. Addressing reporters in Bagalkot ahead of the Karnataka by-elections, Shivakumar said that the schemes introduced by the Congress government have gained public trust and are aimed at easing the burden of rising prices. "Congress workers are going door to door to inspect the implementation of guarantee schemes. The BJP is spreading misinformation about these schemes. People are trusting the Congress government and saying, 'We will repay your debt.' The guarantee schemes have been implemented to reduce price hikes," he said. The Dy CM also raised concerns regarding discrepancies found during voter list verification. He said that instances of duplication had been identified, particularly involving students. "During the voter list verification, it was found that some students had voter cards on both sides. A complaint will be filed in this regard, and a special team is working to investigate," Shivakumar added. On Wednesday, Shivakumar expressed happiness over what he described as a strong show of support for the Congress party during his visit to Davanagere, where he also held discussions regarding the upcoming elections. "I am very happy. In Davangere, cutting across party lines, thousands of workers have joined the Congress party today. All the minorities have decided that they will vote in favour of the Congress party, and even other sections have also decided. The contribution of Shamanur Shivashankarappa has been recognised, and they want to pay him respect," Shivakumar said. Praising Shivashankarappa's long-standing role in the region, he added, "For the last 50 years, he has protected Davanagere, built Davanagere. He has helped every section of society, and the Congress party's guarantees have reached every house... I never expected such unity would have emerged. I am very happy." Highlighting the party's organisational strength, Shivakumar further said, "As soon as we came, I could see from the morning, we are very proud that the Congress party has been so well-organised, well-planned, and I thank all sections of the society. They are standing behind the Congress party, and the party will win hands down, higher than what Shivashankarappa had won this election." During his visit, the Deputy CM also conducted discussions with party leaders and workers regarding election strategy and preparations in the constituency. The Election Commission of India (ECI) earlier announced the schedule for by-elections across eight assembly constituencies in six states. The constituencies include Bagalkote and Davanagere South (Karnataka), Rahuri and Baramati (Maharashtra), Dharmanagar (Tripura), Koridang (Nagaland), Ponda (Goa), and Umreth (Gujarat). The Karnataka by-elections will be held in a single phase on April 9, with the counting of votes scheduled for May 4. (ANI)
The Delhi High Court on Thursday issued notice to the Delhi Police on the bail plea filed by Seema Rani Khakha, who is an accused in a case registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The matter came up before Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, who sought a response from the Delhi Police and listed the case for further hearing in May. The court's direction came while hearing Khakha's plea challenging the rejection of her third bail application by the trial court. The bail petition has been moved through advocate Rahul Kumar. According to the plea, the trial court had dismissed her third bail application on February 12, 2026. She has now approached the High Court seeking relief, contending that she should be granted bail in the matter. She is seeking regular bail on the grounds of custody of 2 years and 9 months. It is argued that, as per the Supreme Court order trial must be expedited, but to date, only the victim has been examined. The bail plea said that in the victim's cross-examination, the victim had totally changed her previous statement and given a contradictory statement. Seema Rani Khakha is an accused in the case along with her husband, Premoday Khakha, who was serving as Deputy Director in the Delhi Government at the time of the alleged incident. The case pertains to serious allegations involving a minor victim. As per the prosecution, an FIR was registered by the Delhi Police on August 13, 2023, after a hospital lodged a complaint alleging sexual assault of a minor girl. Following the registration of the case, the police initiated an investigation, which led to the arrest of Khakha. She was subsequently remanded to judicial custody on August 21, 2023, where she has remained since. The allegations in the case state that her husband sexually assaulted the minor, which resulted in pregnancy. It has also been alleged that Khakha played a role in terminating the pregnancy by administering pills to the minor victim. These allegations form a crucial part of the prosecution's case against her. A chargesheet has already been filed by the investigating agency, and the matter is presently at the stage of prosecution evidence before the trial court. (ANI)
Purnea MP Pappu Yadav on Friday hit out at the Bihar government, questioning their presence following a stampede at Nalanda's Sheetla Mata Temple, claiming the lives of eight people. Speaking to reporters, Yadav blamed the mismanagement of temple administration and also highlighted various other stampede incidents in the state. He further accused the temple authorities of exploiting the devotees in the name of god, calling the practice "unethical." "Mismanagement is to blame, and both society and the temple administration are responsible. It feels like there is no such thing as a government--what is happening where, the authorities seem to have no concern. This is not just a one-time incident; a similar incident had also taken place in Jehanabad where there was a major stampede. Such stampedes are being seen repeatedly. The organisers and temple authorities, and the way they operate, along with their attitude towards devotees, there is a tendency of exploitation in the name of faith and God, which is completely unethical," said Pappu Yadav. The Nalanda DM on Wednesday confirmed that eight people died in the Maa Sheetla Mandir stampede; meanwhile, eight were admitted to the hospital for treatment. Speaking to reporters, the official mentioned that out of eight, seven deceased have been identified, whereas 6 lakh, including Rs 4 lakh from the Disaster Relief Fund and Rs 2 lakh from the CM relief fund, have been announced for the bereaved families. "Eight people died in the incident. Eight people have been brought for treatment here. Ambulances were rushed to the spot to bring them here. Rs 6 Lakhs, including Rs 4 Lakhs from the Disaster Relief Fund and Rs 2 Lakhs from CM relief fund, are being provided to the bereaved families. Postmortem is underway. Of the eight deceased, 7 have been identified...All eight injured are stable," he said. (ANI)
The Special Staff of Delhi Police South District arrested a 35-year-old Nigerian national cocaine supplier, following a major drug bust in the Mehrauli area, leading to the recovery of over one kilogram of cocaine estimated to be worth 10 crore in the international market. According to a press release by Delhi police, the team conducted a raid in Islam Colony, Mehrauli, on March 30 and apprehended 35-year-old Nigerian national John Chibuike from his residence. The accused was allegedly supplying cocaine across South and South-East Delhi and had an existing NDPS case registered against him in 2022. DCP South District Anant Mittal informed that the operation was led by Inspector Anuj Kumar under the supervision of ACP Abhinendra Jain. The recovered contraband marks a significant blow to the drug supply chain operating in the capital. A case under relevant sections of the NDPS Act has been registered at Mehrauli police station, and further investigation is underway to trace the wider network and supply links. DCP South District Anant Mittal said, "The action reflects the district's continued crackdown on narcotics under Operation Kavach 13.0." Earlier in March, in a separate incident, Delhi Police arrested three accused, including a woman, in connection with a street-level drug racket in Chuna Mandi, Paharganj. A team from PS Paharganj busted a drug peddling racket operating in the Chuna Mandi area and arrested three accused. The police recovered 34.17 grams of smack (heroin) packed in 210 small plastic pouches, along with Rs 6,000 in cash, suspected to be proceeds of drug sales. Officials said that on March 23, during routine patrolling, the team received specific information regarding the movement of drug peddlers. A team under the supervision of the SHO and ACP, Paharganj, was formed. The team reached the spot and mounted discreet surveillance. During surveillance, the police intercepted a man and a woman whose conduct raised suspicion. A search was then conducted as per due legal procedure in the presence of women police staff. This led to the recovery of heroin and cash from the woman accused. The contraband was sealed on the spot, and all legal formalities were completed. Sustained interrogation revealed the accused's involvement in street-level drug distribution and connections to a wider network. Based on this information, two more associates, including the woman's husband, were apprehended for their role in the illegal trade. An FIR dated March 23, under Section 21 of the NDPS Act, was registered at PS Paharganj. (ANI)
Bihar minister Ram Kripal Yadav on Friday hit out at the West Bengal government over the Malda hostage crisis, stating that the people will remove the government that disregards law and constitution in the upcoming elections. Speaking to ANI, Yadav said that the investigation of the case has been handed over to the National Investigation Agency, which will ensure the central control and greater safety of the officials. "The Malda case involving violence against a judicial officer has been handed over to the NIA, which will ensure central control and greater safety. Right now, even election work in the state is faltering, but I believe this won't last long. In the coming polls, the public will decide, and a government that disregards law and the Constitution will be removed. Local leaders, including ministers, have demanded arrests, calling the incident unfortunate and describing Bengal as a jungle raj, where criminals dominate, and ordinary people feel unsafe," said Ram Kripal Yadav. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Thursday handed over the investigation of West Bengal's Malda district to the NIA, where seven judicial officers, including three women, were held hostage by villagers on April 1. Following a Supreme Court order, CEC Kumar transferred the probe, with the NIA team set to arrive in West Bengal on Friday. The ECI, in a letter issued on April 2, referred to the top court's order and directed the NIA to probe the incident that occurred on Wednesday. According to the letter, the NIA has been asked to submit a preliminary inquiry report directly to the Supreme Court. The case will be heard next on April 6, 2026, with the concerned officials directed to appear virtually. Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court described the incident as a brazen and deliberate attempt to obstruct the administration of justice. A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant expressed concern that, despite prior intimation, the State authorities failed to provide prompt protection, leaving the officers without food or water for hours. The court issued show-cause notices to senior State officials, including the Chief Secretary, Home Secretary and Director-General of Police, asking them to explain their inaction. It directed the Election Commission to requisition and deploy adequate central forces to ensure the safety of judicial officers and the smooth conduct of the SIR adjudication process. The bench also mandated strict security measures at all venues, restricted public entry, ordered an immediate assessment of threat perceptions to the officers and their families, and required compliance reports. It asked senior officials to be present virtually at the next hearing. Meanwhile, the BJP termed the Malda incident "shocking" and alleged a breakdown of the law and order situation. Majumdar questioned whether the provocation by Mamata Banerjee's party led to the situation and urged the Election Commission of India (ECI) to investigate the matter, including whether those removed from voter lists were Indian citizens. The standoff was triggered by mass deletions from the electoral rolls under the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. The incident was part of a broader wave of protests that paralysed Malda throughout the day, as demonstrators staged road blockades across national and state highways and key rural routes in at least five Assembly constituencies. The allegations come amid heightened political tensions in West Bengal, with parties gearing up for the upcoming state Assembly elections. The state will go to the polls in two phases, with voting scheduled on April 23 and April 29, while counting will take place on May 4. In the 2021 Assembly elections in the state held in eight phases, the Trinamool Congress recorded a landslide victory with 213 seats amid an intense contest with the BJP, which jumped to 77 seats. Congress and Left Front drew a blank in the last state polls. (ANI)
The Anti Auto Theft Squad (AATS) East District of Delhi Police has arrested an individual on Friday for illegal possession of arms and ammunition. Acting on specific and real-time intelligence, the police team apprehended the accused before he could carry out any criminal activity. According to the Delhi Police, a special team was constituted for the operation. Based on credible information regarding the movement of a suspicious individual linked to the "Chenu Gang," the police laid a trap and successfully apprehended him. Upon search, one country-made pistol and two live cartridges were recovered from his possession. During interrogation, the accused disclosed that he is an active member of the "Chenu Gang" and provides logistical support to its members. He was in contact with one Shezad, an active robber involved in several recent robbery incidents in Delhi. Shezad was earlier arrested by Shahdara District Police on 22 March 2026 and was sent to judicial custody. Currently, he is on police remand in connection with FIR dated 17 March 2026 registered at PS Krishna Nagar, Delhi. The Delhi Police said that the accused further revealed that he was roaming in the area with the intention of committing robbery at gunpoint, which was successfully thwarted due to timely police action. In this regard, a case vide FIR No. 199/26 dated April 1, 2026, under Section 25 of the Arms Act has been registered at PS New Ashok Nagar, and further investigation is underway. Police are making efforts to trace the source of the illegal weapon and dismantle the supply network. Earlier in January, an active member of the notorious Kapil Sangwan alias Nandu gang was arrested by the Delhi police in connection with an Arms Act case, officials said. According to the Delhi Police, the absconding accused was identified as Manoj Rathee. The arrest was made by a team of the Special Cell of the New Delhi Range (NDR) of the Delhi police. The arrest was made under Section 25(8) of the Arms Act. (ANI)
Telangana Director General of Police (DGP) B. Shivadhar Reddy on Friday visited the famed Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam in Tirupati district, where he offered prayers to Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy. This visit comes days after DGP B. Shivadhar Reddy made a strong appeal to underground Maoist cadres on March 31, urging them to renounce violence, surrender, and reintegrate into mainstream society under the State Government's rehabilitation policy. Recalling the earlier appeal made by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, the DGP, urged them to come out of the underground, return to their families, and embrace a peaceful life within society. DGP stated that, owing to sustained efforts by the Telangana Police over the past two years, as many as 721 Maoists of various ranks from Telangana and Chhattisgarh have surrendered and rejoined the mainstream. This includes four Central Committee members, 19 State Committee members, and 36 Divisional Committee members (DVCMs). The DGP further informed that all surrendered individuals have been extended financial assistance and other benefits under the State Government's comprehensive rehabilitation policy, enabling them to lead respectable lives in their native villages. The release said that DGP B. Shivadhar Reddy made a special appeal to Telangana natives currently active in Maoist groups in other states--Muppalla Lakshmana Rao alias Ganapathi (72), Pusunuri Narahari alias Santosh (57), Vartha Shekhar alias Mangthu (51), Jode Ratnabai alias Sujatha (68), Nakka Susheela alias Rela (51), and Rangaboyina Bhagya alias Rupi (43)--to return and avail the benefits of the rehabilitation scheme. In particular, the DGP assured that the State Government would facilitate advanced medical treatment in Hyderabad for Central Committee member Ganapathi, who is reportedly facing health issues. He also recalled the Chief Minister's personal appeal to Ganapathi during a press conference held on March 7, when 130 Maoists had surrendered. Highlighting the growing confidence in the State's rehabilitation policy, the DGP noted that cadres from other states are increasingly showing willingness to surrender. He urged family members and relatives of those still underground to counsel them and guide them towards a peaceful path. Reiterating that lasting solutions can only be achieved through democratic means in the present context, the DGP B. Shivadhar Reddy once again called upon Maoist cadres to give up violence and become partners in the development. (ANI)
The Court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM), Baripada, has convicted 11 individuals involved in the poaching of a tusker elephant in the Similipal Tiger Reserve. The accused have been sentenced to four years of rigorous imprisonment each, along with a fine of Rs 25,000. This landmark judgment underscores the strong commitment of forest officials and enforcement agencies in safeguarding the rich biodiversity of one of India's premier tiger reserves. The case pertains to the illegal hunting of a tusker within the protected boundaries of Similipal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its majestic elephants, royal Bengal tigers, including the rare melanistic black tigers and diverse flora and fauna. The convicted individuals were part of organised poaching networks that have long posed a threat to the reserve's wildlife, particularly its elephant population. Forest department teams demonstrated exceptional dedication and professionalism throughout the process. From the initial detection of the crime and meticulous coordination with various agencies, to the timely arrests, thorough documentation of evidence, and compelling presentation of the case in court, their efforts were instrumental in securing this conviction. The successful prosecution highlights the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations, community vigilance, and inter-departmental collaboration in combating wildlife crime. This judgment is expected to strengthen enforcement mechanisms and serve as a powerful deterrent against poaching activities in and around Similipal. With this success, authorities have effectively dismantled at least three traditional elephant poaching gangs that had been operating in the region for years. The ruling sends a clear message that violations of the Wildlife (Protection) Act will be dealt with firmly, empowering field staff to intensify protection measures for vulnerable species like elephants. Similipal Tiger Reserve, spanning over 2,750 square kilometres in Mayurbhanj district, continues to face pressures from habitat encroachment and illegal hunting. However, recent initiatives, including the use of AI-enabled cameras, special tiger protection forces, and community engagement, have yielded encouraging results in curbing such incidents. Conservationists and officials hope this conviction will inspire greater public awareness and support for protecting India's natural heritage. As one senior officer noted, "This order brings more power to us to prevent poaching of important wildlife in Similipal." Wide publicity of the verdict is requested so that it acts as a strong deterrent, ensuring that future generations can continue to marvel at the untamed beauty of Similipal. The forest department remains vigilant and calls upon all stakeholders, including local communities and media, to join hands in preserving this ecological treasure. Such decisive actions reinforce the resolve to maintain zero tolerance towards wildlife crimes. (ANI)
The mortal remains of Ujjain-based student Gurkirat Singh Manocha, who was killed in Canada on March 14, were brought back to the city on Friday morning, nearly 21 days after the incident. A large number of residents gathered at his residence in Parshvanath city in the district to pay their last respects. Along with this, public representatives, including Member of Parliament Anil Firojiya and Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, also reached out, paid floral tributes and expressed condolences to the bereaved family. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav told reporters, "It is our duty to stand with every family in our state in times of happiness and sorrow. In this difficult hour, the parents were in deep distress. There were several challenges involved due to the complexities of being abroad, with many different processes to navigate. But with the help of the Government of India, the Madhya Pradesh government made sincere efforts to handle the situation with sensitivity." "The state government worked in coordination and made appropriate efforts, due to which the mortal remains of the family's son could be brought back to us. Although he now resides in the divine realm, there is still a sense of solace that our child has returned home," the CM added. According to information, Gurkirat had gone to Canada for higher education. The incident reportedly occurred in Fort St. John, where a group of youth allegedly assaulted him following a dispute among students and later ran a vehicle over him on March 14. He was rushed to a hospital in critical condition, where doctors declared him dead. His mortal remains were first brought to Ahmedabad airport on Thursday evening, where necessary customs and documentation formalities were completed. Thereafter, the body was then transported by ambulance to Ujjain, reaching his residence on Friday morning. Scenes of grief unfolded at the residence as family members, including his parents, broke down on seeing the body. Locals and public representatives reached the house to offer condolences. (ANI)
Congress leader Udit Raj on Friday questioned Raghav Chadha's indirect jab at the Aam Aadmi Party following Chadha's removal as the party's Deputy Leader in the Rajya Sabha yesterday. Challenging Chadha's stance, Raj asserted that there should be "absolutely no silence" on the matter, noting that "silence makes no sense at all" over this particular issue. The Congress leader further asserted that Chadha must clarify if AAP's decision to strip him of his position was rooted in any internal wrongdoing or unfair practice. "There should be absolutely no silence here. And on this particular issue, silence makes no sense at all. If Raghav Chadha is in politics--and he does raise public issues--then he ought to clarify the matter. If the party has done nothing wrong, he should say so plainly. He must also answer this: who silenced him?" said Raj. Earlier on Thursday, the Aam Aadmi Party sent an official letter to the Rajya Sabha Secretariat informing that Ashok Kumar Mittal will be the new Deputy Leader of AAP in the Upper House, the party stated. Mittal has replaced Raghav Chadha as the Deputy Leader of AAP in the House. Following his removal from the position of the party's Deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha, AAP MP Raghav Chadha on Friday said his silence in Parliament should not be mistaken for defeat. In a post on X, Chadha questioned the reasons behind being prevented from speaking in Parliament. He further alleged that the AAP leadership has formally instructed Parliament to deny him any opportunity to speak during proceedings. "Whenever I get a chance to speak in the Parliament, I raise public issues. And perhaps I raise topics that are not usually raised in the Parliament. But is raising public issues a crime? Have I committed a crime? Have I made a mistake? Have I done something wrong?" said Chadha. "AAP has told the Rajya Sabha Secretariat that Raghav Chadha should be stopped from speaking in the Parliament. Yes, the AAP has informed the Parliament that Raghav Chadda should not be given a chance to speak in the Parliament," he added. Highlighting that he always raised issues of the public in Parliament, AAP MP said that his rights are being taken away, but they should not consider his silence as a defeat. "And the people who took away my right to speak in the Parliament today, silenced me. I want to say something to them, too. Do not consider my silence as my defeat. Do not consider my silence as my defeat. I am that river which becomes a flood when the time comes," Chadha said. Raghav Chadha has been an MP since April 2022. He has made headlines on several occasions for raising public issues in Parliament. (ANI)
Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Friday announced that Parliament will convene a special session on April 16 to take up the Women's Reservation Bill, while also hitting out at the Congress over the FCRA Amendment Bill. On the Women's Reservation Bill, Rijiju said the government is committed to women's empowerment and called for political unity on the issue. "We are convening the Parliament on 16th April. We will take up the Women's Reservation Bill then. Empowerment of women is our commitment. We must come together for the empowerment of women, not play politics," he said in an interview with ANI on the sidelines of the Kerala Assembly elections. On Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan's allegation that the Centre is ignoring concerns of minorities over the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) Amendment Bill, Rijiju, who also holds the portfolio of Minority Affairs, pushed back sharply and alleged that Congress used to treat the minorities, particularly the Muslim community, as its vote bank. "I am the Minority Affairs Minister. Before PM Modi became the Prime Minister, the minorities in the country were being ignored. Congress used to treat the minorities, particularly the Muslim community, as its vote bank. The micro minorities are also being given due importance under our government," he said. Appealing directly to the Muslim community, Rijiju said, "I want to tell the Muslim community that Congress is treating their community as a vote bank, which is harmful for Muslims. Why should they become a vote bank of one party? We are for everybody. Only the illegal FCRA accounts will be affected," he added. Earlier on Thursday, Keralam Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan strongly criticised the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, calling it a "severe" measure which increases anxiety among minority communities. The Bill, introduced in the Lok Sabha on March 25, seeks to amend the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010, with the stated objective of enhancing transparency and accountability of foreign contributions in India. However, CM Vijayan alleged that the Bill views a section of society with suspicion. "The stance on FCRA has already been made clear earlier. This is a country where all its people must be taken into confidence; viewing a section of the population with suspicion is in no way beneficial. However, the current situation in our country is that there is deep concern among certain sections of people, especially among the minority communities. This did not arise at a specific moment; it has been ongoing for some time. The positions taken [by the Centre] have not been ones that alleviate these concerns. Only measures that increase anxiety have come from the government's side, and the aforementioned FCRA is the most severe among them," the Chief Minister said. Polling for the 2026 Keralam Legislative Assembly elections will be held on April 9, with the counting of votes on May 4. The tenure of the current assembly is set to conclude on May 23. (ANI)
Calling the Malda violence "unfortunate and condemnable," Samajwadi Party MP Awadhesh Prasad on Friday held the central government responsible for the incident, while also alleging that the Election Commission of India is no longer impartial or independent. Speaking to ANI, Prasad said, "The Malda violence is unfortunate and condemnable. This is the government's strategy to end democracy. In the last monsoon session, our leader Akhilesh Yadav, along with all the MPs of our party, was prepared to meet the Election Commission. But the Election Commission did not think it was right to meet. Our country's Election Commission is neither impartial nor free. The central government is entirely responsible for this incident." Earlier, a major political storm erupted in West Bengal as seven judicial officers, including three women, were held hostage by villagers in Malda district on Wednesday. The standoff was triggered by mass deletions from the electoral rolls under the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. The incident was part of a broader wave of protests that paralysed Malda throughout the day, as demonstrators staged road blockades across national and state highways and key rural routes in at least five Assembly constituencies. Following the incident, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has started a probe by registering a "preliminary enquiry" into the Malda violence case in which thousands of people on Wednesday blocked the two gates of the Kaliachowk-2 Block Development Office (BDO), holding staff, including seven judicial officers ", hostage" for hours before they were rescued after midnight. The anti-terror agency initiated the preliminary enquiry late on Thursday after the Election Commission of India (ECI) formally referred the matter, sending a letter to its Director General. The ECI's direction to the NIA came following the Supreme Court's order issued on Thursday, asking the poll panel that "a central agency, either CBI or NIA" probe the incident, pointing out the attack "deliberate and calculated" attempt to demoralise the judicial officers and obstruct them from discharging their duty. The apex court had also mentioned specifically that it cannot be tolerated, and also directed the ECI to seek deployment of central forces for the protection of the officers and their families in the state. (ANI)
Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva on Friday criticised the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) following the removal of MP Raghav Chadha from the post of Deputy Leader in the Rajya Sabha, calling the party's move "highly objectionable." "Deciding who to appoint as a leader or sub-leader is an internal decision of any party. AAP has done it too, but the way it has been written to the Rajya Sabha Secretariat that Raghav Chadha should not be allowed to speak is highly objectionable," Sachdeva told ANI. "As a parliamentarian, it is the responsibility of an MP to raise their voice on regional issues or matters that are in the interest of society, which Raghav Chadha has been doing from time to time. Arvind Kejriwal is a coward and a weak person. He cannot tolerate the opposition, whether it comes from outside or from within his own party. Based on Arvind Kejriwal's nature so far, he only likes to run a collective or organised gang," Sachdeva added. Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra also criticised AAP's internal politics, alleging corruption within the party. "Delhi has been looted, Punjab has been looted, and now a fight has broken out among the gang of thieves over the division of the money. If someone has a tongue in their mouth and a spine in their back, they can't last long in Arvind Kejriwal's party. Only the spineless, the corrupt, the commission agents--people who have no existence of their own and only work to take commissions and loot the public--can survive," Mishra said. The development follows Raghav Chadha's removal as AAP's Deputy Leader in the Rajya Sabha, a decision defended by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann as part of the party's normal functioning. "This is regular party functioning... Those who break party lines should be subjected to action," Mann said, adding that it was Chadha's own call on what statement he wanted to make. AAP Delhi President Saurabh Bhardwaj also criticised Chadha, accusing him of prioritising "soft PR" in Parliament over major national issues. "We are all soldiers of Arvind Kejriwal ji, and we have learnt only one thing: 'jo dar gaya samjho mar gaya' (those who are afraid are as good as dead)...Because a small party has very limited time in the Parliament, it is more important to raise the big issues of the country," Bhardwaj said. Chadha, however, defended his record on social media, asserting that he consistently raises public issues such as toll and bank charges, food adulteration, taxation of content creators, and delivery worker concerns. "Whenever I get a chance to speak in the Parliament, I raise public issues. And perhaps I raise topics that are not usually raised in the Parliament. But is raising public issues a crime? Have I committed a crime? Have I made a mistake? Have I done something wrong?" Chadha asked. Following his removal, Ashok Kumar Mittal has been appointed as the new Deputy Leader of AAP in the Rajya Sabha. (ANI)
Delhi Leader of Opposition (LoP) and AAP leader Atishi on Friday questioned her colleague and Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha for failing to raise issues concerning commoners amidst a national crisis and a significant shortage of LPG gas. She alleged that Raghav Chadha was hesitant to support the impeachment motion against the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC). Atishi posted a video on X and said, "Some questions I have for Raghav Chadha. Today, our nation is passing through an immense crisis. There is a grave threat to our Constitution, the West Bengal election is being stolen through the blatant misuse of the Election Commission, yet you are not raising any questions; why are you seemingly afraid to speak out against it?" She further said, "When the TMC and other opposition parties bring forth an impeachment motion against the Election Commission, you refuse to sign it." Shifting the focus to economic grievances, Atishi emphasised, "Today, the most significant crisis facing the common man is the shortage of LPG gas. You are an influential person, so perhaps you do not face these hardships, but a common citizen is struggling even to cook a meal for their child." "Today, everyone in this country must decide whether they stand with PM Modi, or with the Constitution and our democracy," Atishi added. Meanwhile, AAP leader Anurag Dhanda hit back at Raghav Chadha, following the latter's remarks on removal as the party's deputy leader in Rajya Sabha. In an X post, Dhanda stressed that Chadha has been "scared" from past few years and has hesitated to speak against PM Narendra Modi. Earlier in the day, in a direct attack on the AAP following his removal as the party's Deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha, Chadha said his silence in Parliament should not be mistaken for defeat. In a post on X, Chadha questioned the reasons behind being prevented from speaking in Parliament. He said he consistently raises issues affecting the common people and asked whether doing so amounts to any wrongdoing. "Whenever I get a chance to speak in the Parliament, I raise public issues. And perhaps I raise topics that are not usually raised in the Parliament. But is raising public issues a crime? Have I committed a crime? Have I made a mistake? Have I done something wrong?" he said. "AAP has told the Rajya Sabha Secretariat that Raghav Chadha should be stopped from speaking in the Parliament. Yes, the AAP has informed the Parliament that Raghav Chadda should not be given a chance to speak in the Parliament," Chadha added. On Thursday, the AAP sent an official letter to the Rajya Sabha Secretariat informing that Ashok Kumar Mittal will be the new Deputy Leader of AAP in the Upper House, the party stated. Mittal has replaced Raghav Chadha as the Deputy Leader of AAP in the House. Raghav Chadha has also been an MP since April 2022. He has made headlines on several occasions for raising certain issues in Parliament. Last month, Raghav Chadha raised concerns over the practice of "sarpanch pati" or "panchayat pati," where women elected to reserved Panchayat seats often serve as figureheads while real power is exercised by their male relatives. He urged the government to ensure that women representatives in local bodies can exercise genuine authority as intended under the 73rd Constitutional Amendment. (ANI)
Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha on Friday accused All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) President Asaduddin Owaisi of disrupting social harmony, spreading negativity, and nurturing a mindset harmful to society's fabric. "There is no need to discuss Owaisi's remarks. Such people break social harmony, spread negativity, and nurture a mindset that damages the very fabric of society," Sinha said. Sinha was responding to Owaisi's earlier remarks in which he said, "Those who wanted to finish us, listen, we are alive, Miya is alive, as long as the world exists, we won't be afraid." Earlier on Thursday, Asaduddin Owaisi appealed to voters, especially from the Muslim community, to support the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) in the upcoming Assam assembly polls. He also alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government was indulging in unconstitutional and unlawful discrimination. He accused the BJP of discriminatory actions and alleged that the Indian National Congress has also failed to raise its voice effectively on the issue. Addressing a gathering, Owaisi said, "We appeal to all voters, particularly those from the Muslim minority, that in this situation, where the BJP is engaging in unconstitutional and unlawful discrimination, having evicted 50,000 Muslims, and the Congress party lacks the courage to speak out, it is essential that you vote for AIUDF to ensure your voice is heard in the assembly."Owaisi emphasised that supporting AIUDF would help strengthen the representation of minority voices in the state assembly. He urged support for Badruddin Ajmal's AIUDF to safeguard the rights of Muslims affected by alleged demolitions during his two-day visit to poll-bound Assam. "More than 50,000 Muslims' houses have been demolished, leaving them homeless. In such a situation, it is very important to support Badaruddin Ajmal so that the constitutional rights of those people can be protected," he said. Assam will witness a fight between the incumbent BJP-led NDA government and Congress for the 126-seat assembly. The BJP is contesting the elections with Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and Bodoland People's Front (BPF). The NDA will look to secure a third consecutive term, while the Congress aims to defeat the ruling party to return to power. (ANI)
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday hit out at the Congress for allegedly creating an "identity crisis" by allowing infiltrators in Assam. Addressing a public rally here ahead of the upcoming Legislative Assembly polls, the Uttar Pradesh CM lauded the BJP government's efforts in preserving Assam's identity and honouring its culture and warriors. "The Congress created a crisis of identity. This crisis of identity was not limited to any one region. By following a policy of appeasement, they attempted to completely eradicate the Assamese identity. By allowing infiltrators to enter, they created a crisis of identity in Assam," Adityanath said. "When the government was formed in Delhi under PM Modi's leadership and the BJP government came to power in Assam - first under Sarbananda Sonowal's leadership and then under Himanta Biswa Sarma's leadership when the government was formed again here - these governments did not only preserve Assam's identity but also honored Assam's music, culture, the great personalities associated with Assam, their heroes, great heroic warriors. Now development is visible in Assam," he added. In another rally in Barpeta, the CM drew a sharp comparison between NDA and Congress-led governments, stating that while NDA remained committed to "transforming Assam's renaissance" and achieving good and non-discriminatory governance in the country, the Congress-led government allegedly promoted "anarchy, riots and infiltration". "On one hand, the NDA government led by the BJP has worked to advance India's culture, India's traditions, and India's heritage; it is providing security and achieving the goal of good governance, and through service, it is working to deliver the benefits of a non-discriminatory governance plan to every village, the poor, farmers, youth, and women; NDA double-engine government has shown commitment to transforming Assam's renaissance within 10 years, while on the other hand, the Congress-led government, over 60 years, promoted anarchy, riots, and infiltration in Assam, thereby obstructing security here," Adityanath said. Assam is set to go into single-phase elections on April 9 on 126 seats across the state. The counting of votes will take place on May 4. The BJP, in alliance with Asom Gana Parishad and Bodoland People's Front, aims to retain power for the third consecutive time. On the other hand, Congress is challenging the BJP-led alliance with a six-party bloc including Congress, Assam Jati Parishad (AJP), Raijor Dal, CPI(M), CPI(ML), and the All Party Hill Leaders Conference. (ANI)
BJP leader Smriti Irani on Friday hit out at both the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) and the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) while campaigning in Keralam ahead of the upcoming assembly elections, asserting that her party is confident of emerging victorious in the state. Speaking to ANI, Irani expressed confidence and said the people will support BJP candidates and ensure their victory as the UDF and LDF have become the centre of corruption. "Both the UDF and LDF have become the centre of corruption. Seeing the enthusiasm of the BJP's workers, I am confident that wherever development is needed, the people will support BJP candidates and ensure their victory," Irani told ANI. Taking a swipe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who is also campaigning in Keralam, Irani dismissed his allegations against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "Rahul Gandhi is also campaigning in Kerala, accusing the Prime Minister of being compromised. But since the country does not take Rahul Gandhi seriously, why should I?" she said. Defending PM Modi's track record, the BJP leader said his leadership speaks for itself as people value development policies and initiatives, and then judge leaders accordingly. "If people value development policies and initiatives, they will judge leaders accordingly. Narendra Modi has defined his leadership through policy and administrative capacity. Congress's accusations of bias are meaningless - the people themselves have already given a fitting reply to Congress," Irani said. Meanwhile, Congress MP KC Venugopal slammed the ruling LDF government in Kerala, accusing it of repeatedly making misleading claims on poverty alleviation and failing to fulfil poll promises on social welfare measures. Polling for the 2026 Keralam Legislative Assembly elections will be held on April 9, with the counting of votes on May 4. The tenure of the current assembly is set to conclude on May 23. (ANI)
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Thursday arrived at the Thoothukudi Airport to attend DMK campaign rallies ahead of the upcoming Legislative Assembly elections. The Chief Minister recieved warm welcome from a large gathering of supporters at the airport. He will be conducting campaign rallies in the Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari districts. Speaking to ANI, DMK Candidate from Ottapidaran, Ramajayam, hailed the CM's arrival and asserted confidence in the party's victory in the upcoming elections. Highlighting the achievements of the past five years, he expressed optimism that the CM will "secure the support of the people across Tamil Nadu, win in more than 200 constituencies, and assume office again as Chief Minister." Responding to a question about a candidate being fielded against him by the NDA alliance, he stated that over the past five years, the schemes introduced by "Thalapathi" have reached every household. Based on this, he expressed confidence that the people of the Ottapidaram Assembly constituency will cast a large number of votes and ensure his victory. He further said, "As already stated by our leader, people believe that he himself is contesting in all 234 constituencies. Therefore, the people will deliver a massive victory." Earlier on Thursday, Stalin held a roadshow in Coimbatore and campaigned in support of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and alliance candidates, urging voters to back the ruling coalition and replicate its past electoral successes. Addressing a public meeting at the CODISSIA Grounds, Stalin appealed to voters across key constituencies, including Coimbatore North, Pollachi, Valparai, Kinathukadavu and Sulur, to support DMK and its allies in the upcoming Assembly elections. Addressing the rally, Stalin said, "Unlike others who make empty promises, the government deposited Rs 5,000 into women's bank accounts and has now announced Rs 2,000 per month, which has instilled confidence among the public. This election is one of accountability, and the DMK alliance must win all 10 constituencies."Stalin said that Coimbatore holds a special place for him. "Coimbatore is one of the districts I have visited most frequently after assuming office. When we came to power, COVID-19 was at its peak, and I visited and inspected the ESI Hospital wearing PPE kits. Since then, I have been visiting Coimbatore regularly for various government welfare programmes. I consider Coimbatore as my own city, which is why I chose it for the first phase of my campaign," he said. Highlighting the party's candidates, Stalin said leaders who deliver on promises have been fielded in key constituencies. He specifically mentioned Senthil Balaji in Coimbatore South and appealed for votes for Durai Senthamizhselvan (Coimbatore North), Thalapathy Murugesan (Sulur), Sabari Karthikeyan (Kinathukadavu), Nithyanandam (Pollachi), and Kutti alias Sudhakar (Valparai). He also sought support for Congress candidates in Singanallur and Kavundampalayam. The Tamil Nadu Assembly elections are scheduled to be held on April 23, to elect all 234 members, with counting of votes set for May 4. (ANI)
On March 26, Abhishek Prajapati, a payment collection employee, was robbed near the Shastri Nagar Metro station around 5:50 PM. Two men on a bike snatched his backpack containing 10,65,000 at gunpoint.

A case was registered at Sarai Rohilla Police Station.

A dedicated team, supervised by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Sushil Kumar and led by Inspector Vikas Rana, analysed CCTV footage from over 500 cameras across 30 km. They tracked the suspects' Yamaha motorcycle with fake number plates.

Using technical surveillance and local intelligence, police arrested Dev Maggo (24) and Rohit Sharma (34), both from Ankur Vihar, Loni, Ghaziabad.

From the accused, officers recovered Rs 5,51,500 in cash, a country-made pistol, and the stolen motorcycle (previously reported stolen from Bhajanpura).

During interrogation, the duo admitted to committing the robbery due to drug addiction and mounting debts. Dev has four prior cases of theft and snatching.

The swift operation combined CCTV analysis, fieldwork, and informant tips. Further investigation is ongoing.

Meanwhile, in a separate incident, the North-West Delhi District police team successfully cracked a brutal murder case within 4 hours of the incident, apprehending 3 men, including a 18 year old, for the fatal stabbing of a youth in the Shalimar Bagh area.

According to the complainant, on 2 March 2026, a PCR call regarding a stabbing at Haiderpur Nahar was received. The injured, Nikki, also known as Nitesh (20 yrs), was declared dead at Dr BSA Hospital.

According to the North-West District police, during the investigation, it was revealed that following a quarrel, the accused Karan Tarun (18), along with associates Monty (22) and 01 CCL, attacked the victim, with Karan stabbing him multiple times.

Acting swiftly on local inputs and technical surveillance, Shalimar Bagh police have successfully worked out a murder case within 04 hours of the incident and apprehended all three accused.

The accused have confessed to their involvement. (ANI)
As the Puducherry legislative assembly polls near, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that the opposition parties lack a clear vision for developing the Union Territory and are more focused on political control. Sharing an X post, PM Modi alleged that the rival parties want to use Puducherry as an ATM. "While the NDA is working towards BEST Puducherry, the Opposition has no vision for Puducherry's progress. They want to use Puducherry as an ATM and ensure it is ruled by the High Command in Delhi instead of listening to the will of the people," he wrote. https://x.com/narendramodi/status/2040068400937082940 Referring to his recent interaction with BJP booth workers in the Union Territory, the Prime Minister cited a party worker's remark to underscore his criticism of the opposition. "A few days ago, I was interacting with the BJP booth workers of Puducherry. One of our Karyakartas put it very well when he said that the Opposition's agenda is to create a WEAK Puducherry," he added. Elaborating on the acronym, PM Modi said, "By WEAK, he meant: W- Worst Governance; E- End of Development; A- Against People, K- Kill Economy." The Prime Minister also praised the NDA government's performance in the Union Territory under Chief Minister N Rangasamy, highlighting strides made across sectors. "Under the leadership of Chief Minister N Rangasamy, Puducherry has made strides in several areas. The NDA Government's emphasis on social welfare has connected with a wide range of people. Commendable work has been done in strengthening the public distribution system, job creation, filling vacancies, welfare of farmers, youngsters and more," PM Modi wrote in his X post. https://x.com/narendramodi/status/2040068374949245112 He also lauded the massive turnout at his roadshow in Puducherry today and expressed confidence that the people of the UT have decided to re-elect the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government. He held a large roadshow from Ansari Duraisamy Road to Kamaraj Salai in the Union Territory. The Prime Minister called the roadshow "phenomenal" and said the public has clearly decided to re-elect the NDA Government so that we can keep working towards the BJP's vision of creating BEST Puducherry. "Today's roadshow in Puducherry was phenomenal. The people of Puducherry have clearly decided to re-elect the NDA Government so that we can keep working towards our vision of creating BEST Puducherry. What was noteworthy was the presence of our Nari Shakti and Yuva Shakti in large numbers during the roadshow," PM Modi wrote. https://x.com/narendramodi/status/2040068369932763245 The remarks come amid heightened political activity in Puducherry, with the BJP-led NDA stepping up its campaign efforts in the Union Territory. The polling in Puducherry will take place on April 9. The counting of votes will be held on May 4. The current term of the 30-member Legislative Assembly of the Union Territory is set to expire on June 15. In the 2021 Puducherry Assembly Elections, AINRC emerged as the largest party with 10 seats, followed by DMK with six seats, while BJP and Congress won six seats each. The voter turnout was recorded at 84.8 per cent. While in the 2016 elections, Congress had secured a majority with 15 seats, AINRC won eight seats, AIADMK bagged four seats, and DMK got two seats, with voter turnout at 83.6 per cent. (ANI)
All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader Mofakkerul Islam, accused of leading the protests in Malda on April 1 that resulted in the gherao of seven Special Intensive Revision (SIR) judicial officers for over nine hours, was produced before the court on Friday. He was arrested by the West Bengal CID yesterday at Bagdogra airport in Darjeeling district. Speaking to reporters here, Islam said, "I did not say anything provocative. My movement will continue until the names of legitimate voters are registered." Earlier in the day, Additional Director General of Police (ADG) North Bengal K Jayaraman said 35 people have been arrested till now in the Malda hostage incident. "We detained Mofakkarul Islam from Bagdogra airport, for instigating people. He was going to his residence in Ithar. We will not allow any such kind of activity. Will definitely probe if this was pre-planned or not. After this incident, we have given CAPF to judicial officers. So far, 35 people have been arrested," ADG said. Jayaraman reiterated that all the crucial steps will be taken by the police so that there is no further violence. "We will take all steps to ensure violence is not repeated. People can protest, but we will not allow any violence. That's for sure," he said. He added that the officials are making an investigation into why there was a delay in the rescue, and a report will be submitted soon. Meanwhile, Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar cast serious doubts over the timing and intent behind the arrest of alleged Malda violence mastermind Mofakkirul Islam, claiming it was a move to shield him from a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe. Addressing reporters, Majumdar said, "The NIA investigation is going on as per the instructions of our Election Commission and Chief Election Commissioner. Before that, the CID arrested him (Mofakkirul Islam). I have some doubts about this. Whether the arrest was made to actually arrest him or to save him will be known after the investigation. Whether anyone else is involved or not, Trinamool Congress is definitely there. We have shown you all the photos of this Mofakkirul with the Trinamool Congress, its leaders, and Mamata Banerjee. It shows how this man is or was associated with the TMC. He further alleged that by reviving old connections and blaming the BJP, Mamata Banerjee aims to consolidate Muslim votes. "By reviving old connections and blaming the BJP, Mamata Banerjee's plan is to consolidate Muslim votes in this way. Mofakkirul, even after being arrested, is giving messages online on Facebook. Look, if someone goes live on Facebook while in CID custody, it supports my allegation that Mofakkirul was arrested or made to be arrested by the CID so that he could live a comfortable life. Otherwise, if the NIA catches him, the NIA's 'tea' is a bit bitter. Therefore, to save him, 'Didi' (Mamata Banerjee) has taken him with love," Majumdar added. (ANI)
Tamil Nadu BJP President Nainar Nagendran on Friday called K Annamalai's absence from the party's candidates' list a decision "from the High Command." Speaking with ANI, he lauded the list of 27 candidates and expressed confidence in their victory. "A list of 27 candidates has been released by the BJP High Command... All the 27 candidates will surely win this time," he said. "This is a decision from the High Command...," he added. This comes after the BJP released its list of 27 candidates for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, after negotiations within the NDA alliance. The list has sent shockwaves through the state's political circles, after BJP National Executive Member K Annamalai, the aggressive "Singham" of the Tamil Nadu BJP, was not given a candidacy. While senior leaders like Tamilisai Soundararajan (Mylapore), Vanathi Srinivasan (Coimbatore North), and Union Minister L. Murugan (Avinashi) have been fielded, Annamalai's name is nowhere to be found. It comes as a shocker as Annamalai K has made commendable achievements in taking Prime Minister Narendra Modi's policies to the people or taking the party's projects village by village in the state. Earlier in the day, BJP MP Tejasvi Surya described K Annamalai as the "most popular leader of the BJP" and said that Annamalai's popularity will translate into victory for the party candidates across the state. "Annamalai is the most popular leader of the BJP, not just in Tamil Nadu, but he commands a large following all over the country. He has been given the responsibility of campaigning for all the candidates in Tamil Nadu. I am extremely confident that Annamalai's popularity and his campaign all across Tamil Nadu will translate into victory for the BJP candidates all across the state," he said. Meanwhile, K Annamalai said that he will continue to campaign for the upcoming assembly polls despite being absent from the party's candidate list in Tamil Nadu, calling it his "responsibility." Speaking with the mediapersons in Keralam's Kannur after a public meeting here, Annamalai described campaigning in Puducherry, Kerala and Tamil Nadu for the BJP as his "role" in the upcoming elections. "... In this election, my role is to campaign for candidates across Tamil Nadu. Right now, the party has given me the responsibility to campaign in Puducherry and Kerala till the 7th (April). From the 7th to the 23rd, I have to campaign for all BJP and NDA candidates across Tamil Nadu. That is the responsibility given by the party to me. I'll be fulfilling that responsibility," he said. Tamil Nadu will go to the polls in a single phase on April 23, covering a total of 234 constituencies in the State. Counting of votes is scheduled for May 4. The main electoral contest in the State is expected between the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA), and the NDA led by AIADMK. However, actor-turned-politician Vijay will look to turn it into a three-way contest. (ANI)
The Delhi Police on Friday arrested a wanted criminal associated with the notorious Sonu Dariyapur Gang and recovered a pistol along with live cartridges from his possession in a swift operation carried out by the Anti-Auto Theft Squad (AATS) of the Outer North District. The accused, identified as Aryan (22), resident of Prahladpur Bangar in Delhi, had been on the run since March 19, 2026, after allegedly opening fire in the jurisdiction of PS Sultanpuri. He was intercepted and apprehended by the police team near Jeet Farm on Narela Alipur Road. According to police officials, the arrest was made following specific secret intelligence inputs received on March 30 regarding Aryan's movement in the area. Acting swiftly on the information, a dedicated team was formed under the leadership of Inspector Anand Kumar Jha, in charge of AATS. The team included SI Dimpy Gulia, Head Constable Asharam, and Constable Sachin, and operated under the supervision of senior officers of the Outer North District. During the interception, police recovered one sophisticated 32 bore pistol along with two live cartridges from Aryan's possession. Subsequently, a case under the Arms Act was registered at PS Narela Industrial Area, and the accused was formally taken into custody. During interrogation, Aryan disclosed his involvement in a firing incident in Sultanpuri, where he, along with other members of the gang who had already been arrested, had targeted a rival identified as Arun and his associates. Police further revealed that Aryan was planning to procure additional weapons and carry out more criminal activities. He was also allegedly attempting to lure and influence local youths into joining the Sonu Dariyapur Gang, raising concerns over the gang's expansion. Officials stated that Aryan has a criminal background, with two previous cases registered against him under the Arms Act. Police said the successful operation highlights their proactive approach in tackling organised crime and preventing further incidents, reaffirming their commitment to maintaining law and order and ensuring the safety of residents in the national capital. (ANI)
United States Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has requested the immediate retirement of Army Chief of Staff General Randy George, according to sources familiar with the matter who spoke to CBS News. The decision marks a significant leadership transition as the administration seeks a commander who "will implement President Trump and Hegseth's vision for the Army." Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed the departure in a statement, noting that George "will be retiring from his position as the 41st Chief of Staff of the Army, effective immediately." Parnell expressed the Department of War's gratitude for the General's "decades of service to our nation" and offered well wishes for his future. A senior official within the Defence Department further clarified the move to CBS News, stating, "We are grateful for his service, but it was time for a leadership change in the Army." George, a West Point graduate and career infantry officer, previously served as the senior military assistant to Lloyd Austin during the Biden administration and has held his current post since his Senate confirmation in 2023. Under typical circumstances, his four-year term would have concluded in 2027. Stepping into the role as acting Army chief of staff is General Christopher LaNeve, the current vice chief of staff and a former military aide to Hegseth. CBS News reports that LaNeve previously commanded the 82nd Airborne Division and is described by Parnell as "a battle-tested leader with decades of operational experience" who is "completely trusted by Secretary Hegseth to carry out the vision of this administration without fault." The removal of General George is part of a broader restructuring within the military hierarchy. Hegseth has already dismissed over a dozen high-ranking officers, including the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General C.Q. Brown, and Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Lisa Franchetti. According to CBS News, these changes coincide with Hegseth's recent intervention in an Army disciplinary matter, where he overruled the suspension of an aircrew that flew by a celebrity's residence, declaring on social media, "No punishment. No investigation. Carry on, patriots." Despite the timing of these events, a source informed CBS News that the decision to oust George was not linked to the helicopter controversy. George's distinguished career included deployments during the first Gulf War, as well as operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Just days prior to his retirement, he was seen at West Point sharing "experience-driven guidance with cadets preparing to lead" during a scheduled visit. (ANI)
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated India's stance on ensuring safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, amidst escalating tensions in West Asia. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that India stands for free and open commercial shipping and maritime security, in line with international law. Speaking at a media briefing, Jaiswal said that the UK has invited India to talks on the Strait of Hormuz, and India's Foreign Secretary will attend the meeting. He added that India is in touch with Iran and other countries to ensure unimpeded transit and safe passage for Indian ships carrying LPG, LNG, and other products Jaiswal said, "The UK side has invited several countries, which also include India, for talks on the Strait of Hormuz. From our side, the Foreign Secretary is attending the meeting this evening. We are in touch with Iran and other countries there to see how best we can get unimpeded transit and safe transit for our ships, which are carrying products including LPG, LNG and other products. Through this conversation that we have had over the last several days, we have had six Indian ships which have been able to safely cross the Strait of Hormuz, and we continue to be in touch with relevant parties." Regarding the safety of Indian citizens, Jaiswal said, "Approximately 10 million Indian citizens reside in the GCC countries. All of them are safe. Our embassies in all these countries remain in constant contact with them." Eight Indian citizens have lost their lives in the conflict, and one remains missing. "Eight Indian citizens have been casualties in this conflict so far, and one remains reported as missing. Ministry of External Affairs, in coordination with our Ministry of Shipping and all our Indian embassies in the region, we are dedicated to safeguarding the security and interests of our citizens. We are closely monitoring all developments and activities related to the Gulf region, this ongoing conflict, and the Strait of Hormuz," he added. India has also facilitated the exit of 204 nationals from Iran through the land border to Azerbaijan, with more expected to return in the coming days. Jaiswal thanked the government of Azerbaijan for its support He said, "Several of our Indian nationals, 204, to be precise, have been able to leave Iran for Azerbaijan through the land border, and from there, they will be coming back home. Several of them have returned, and others will be returning in the course of the next few days. We are thankful to the government of Azerbaijan for the support that they render for the exit of Indian nationals from Iran through the land border..." Regarding the Bahraini resolution at the UN Security Council, Jaiswal said, "This particular resolution is under consideration in the UN Security Council. We are aware of the resolution. We also know that relevant parties, which means the members of the Security Council, are currently negotiating this particular text. As far as India is concerned, we stand for free and open commercial shipping and for maritime security in keeping with international law. We continue to call for ensuring safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz as a matter of priority. And also, we are closely following all developments in regard to this West Asian conflict. So that is how we look at the Bahraini resolution." India is gearing up for its BRICS presidency, with several meetings lined up in the coming months, the MEA spokesperson said on Thursday. Responding to queries on the Quad Foreign Ministers' meeting, Jaiswal said, "Next month, we are still some distance away. We'll keep you informed well in time as to what we have, what we are planning, so on and so forth." On India's role in BRICS, Jaiswal stated, "We are the chair. We are doing several of these meetings. You would have followed the recent working-level meetings that we've done. We will be organising a series of meetings going into our presidency. We'll keep you updated with the Foreign Ministers' level meeting as also other tracks in which we'll have ministerial interaction." (ANI)
Former senior diplomats expressed disappointment and scepticism over US President Donald Trump's recent statement on Iran, saying it lacked major revelations and was largely a reiteration of existing claims. Ashok Sajjanhar, a former senior diplomat, noted that despite expectations of significant announcements, including a potential ceasefire, Trump's statement fell short. Sajjanhar added that Trump's focus remains on controlling energy resources and reducing China's influence. While speaking to ANI, Sajjanhar said, "Many expected major revelations on the war -- perhaps even a conditional ceasefire -- but none came. Despite America and Israel facing high costs, he avoided any major announcement. Comparisons with Afghanistan don't apply; Iran's geography, influence, and oil significance make it far more critical. Trump's focus remains on controlling energy, moving Venezuela and now Iran out of China's supply chain..." Vidya Bhushan Soni, another former senior diplomat, dismissed Trump's statement as "a damp squib", saying it was devoid of any new information. "President Trump's recent statement was a damp squib... We expected that there would be some kind of a breakthrough news or something which would be out, nothing more. He wanted to talk, and he did talk about his many gains, how he has obliterated Iran. All sheer lies, absolutely nothing new in what he said," he told ANI. In contrast, former diplomat Manjeev Singh Puri saw a glimmer of hope in Trump's statement, suggesting that ongoing talks with Iran could lead to a practical way forward. "There's nothing really new in it, but I want to take a different view. I feel some hope -- maybe there are positive signs. Talks are going on with the Iranians, even though he also warned and threatened them. But the fact that talks are happening means the Iranians are negotiating, perhaps looking for a practical way forward... I hope and pray for India and for the whole world that a way forward is found. I believe the Iranians, despite being an Islamist country, are practical people, " he told ANI. Notably, Trump delivered his first major national address since the commencement of hostilities in late February, praising the American military for a "decisive" blow against the Iranian regime. The US President claimed that the core objective of the campaign was nearing completion. Speaking from the White House, Trump provided an update on the month-long "Operation Epic Fury," which he said was launched against the "world's number one state sponsor of terror." He asserted that over "these past four weeks, our armed forces have delivered swift, decisive, overwhelming victories on the battlefield". Regarding the progress of the military campaign, the US President said, "Tonight, I am pleased to say that these core strategic objectives are nearing completion."The US President, however, said that the US would continue to hit Iran if it did not make a deal. "We will continue till our objectives are achieved. We are going to hit them hard over the next two to three weeks; we will take them to stone age. Regime change has occurred; all their old leaders are gone the new group is less radical. We have our eyes on key targets; if there is no deal, we will hit their electric plants, we have so far not hit their oil but we could do that and they can't do anything, we are unstoppable," Trump said. Trump's speech signals that the US campaign is coming to a definite end, but more strikes are likely over the next few weeks. (ANI)
Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence detected the presence of two sorties of Chinese military aircraft, seven vessels, and two official ships around its territorial waters as of 6 am on Friday (local time). Both sorties entered Taiwan's southwestern and eastern part ADIZ. In a post on X, the MND said, "2 sorties of PLA aircraft, 7 PLAN vessels and 2 official ships operating around Taiwan detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 2 out of 2 sorties entered Taiwan's southwestern and eastern part ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and responded." https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/2039870503737872385?s=20 Earlier on Thursday, Taiwan detected 25 Chinese aircraft, nine vessels, and two official ships operating around itself. In a post on X, it said, "25 sorties of PLA aircraft, 9 PLAN vessels and 2 official ships operating around Taiwan detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 16 out of 25 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern, central and southwestern part ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and responded." https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/2039508112441557057?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)
Bangladesh High Commissioner to India, Riaz Hamidullah, held talks on defence collaboration with Chief of Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi. Hamidullah and Dwivedi deliberated on enhancing bilateral defence cooperation, including joint training initiatives. In a post on X, the Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI) of the Indian Army said, "H.E. Mr M Hamidullah, High Commissioner of Bangladesh to India, called on General Upendra Dwivedi, COAS. During the interaction, they deliberated on enhancing bilateral defence cooperation, including joint training initiatives. They also explored opportunities for deeper collaboration aimed at promoting regional peace and security." https://x.com/adgpi/status/2039652539768123450?s=20 In a post on X, Hamidullah said, "Pleased to meet Gen. Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Army Staff (Indian Army), at South Block; and reflected on Bangladesh-India ties, including defence collaboration." https://x.com/hamidullah_riaz/status/2039701225512595530?s=20 Earlier on March 27, Union Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh underscored the enduring strength of Indo-Bangladesh ties, describing the partnership as strategic and people-focused and both resilient and forward-looking while addressing the National Day Reception marking the 56th Independence and National Day of Bangladesh at the Bangladesh High Commission in the national capital. In his remarks on Thursday, Singh highlighted shared history, deep cultural bonds and India's commitment to cooperation with its eastern neighbour. Addressing Hamidullah, dignitaries and members of the diplomatic community, Singh said Bangladesh's Independence Day "stands as a testament to the spirit of self-determination and the extraordinary resilience" of the Bangladeshi people and also paid tribute to the profound shared legacy of the 1971 Liberation War and reaffirmed India's support for peace, stability and prosperity in the region. "Bangladesh's Independence Day marks a defining moment in our shared history. It stands as a testament to the spirit of self-determination and the extraordinary resilience of our peoples. The Liberation War of 1971 and the immense sacrifices made in the struggle against exploitation, oppression, and hatred remain a shared legacy for India and Bangladesh. These profound bonds of solidarity continue to underpin our bilateral partnership, which is grounded in trust, shared values, and a common commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity in our region," the MoS said. (ANI)
US President Donald Trump warned Iran of potential strikes on its infrastructure, including bridges and electric power plants, saying the US military "hasn't even started destroying what's left in Iran." Trump, in a post on Truth Social on Thursday (local time), signalled a major escalation in the ongoing Operation Epic Fury, which began on February 28. In a post on Truth Social, he said, "Our Military, the greatest and most powerful (by far!) anywhere in the World, hasn't even started destroying what's left in Iran. Bridges next, then Electric Power Plants! New Regime leadership knows what has to be done, and has to be done, FAST! President DONALD J. TRUMP." This comes amid escalating tensions between the US and Iran, with Trump threatening to bomb Iran "back to the Stone Ages" if necessary. Iran has condemned the threats, calling them a strike on civilian infrastructure and warning of consequences for America's global standing. The situation has led to concerns over global energy supplies, with India, a major oil importer, seeking alternative sources, including increased imports from Russia. Hours before this post, US forces targeted and destroyed the B1 Bridge in Karaj (Alborz Province), reportedly the tallest bridge in Iran. Iranian state media has reported at least 8 deaths and 95 injuries from this specific strike, noting that many victims were travellers. Meanwhile, the spokesperson of Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters said that a second US fifth-generation F-35 was struck and downed over central Iran by a new IRGC Aerospace Force air-defence system, as reported by Press TV. The report further said that given the massive explosion on impact and during the crash, the pilot is unlikely to have ejected. Earlier in the day, US CENTCOM said that USS Abraham Lincoln is still continuing flight operations. In a post on X, it said, "USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) continues to conduct flight operations, both day and night." https://x.com/CENTCOM/status/2039861249194803375?s=20 CENTCOM earlier fact-checked the IRGC. In a post on X, it said, "CLAIM: Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) says it downed an "enemy" fighter jet over Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz. FACT: All U.S. fighter aircraft are accounted for. Iran's IRGC has made the same false claim at least half a dozen times." https://x.com/CENTCOM/status/2039805134704660622?s=20 US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth echoed US President Donald Trump's message of sending the Iranians back to the Stone Age. In a post on X, he said, "Back to the Stone Age." https://x.com/PeteHegseth/status/2039520449483145622?s=20 https://x.com/DOWResponse/status/2039515618974580817?s=20 Trump, during his address to the nation, said on April 2, "I've made clear since the beginning of Operation Epic Fury--we will continue until our objectives are achieved. Thanks to the progress we've made, I can say tonight--we are on track to complete all of America's military objectives shortly. We are going to hit them extremely hard over the next 2-3 weeks. We are going to bring them back to the Stone Age." (ANI)
A second US fifth-generation F-35 fighter jet was struck and downed over central Iran by a modern air-defence system of the Islamic Republic's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), with officials saying the pilot is unlikely to have ejected, Iranian state media reported on Friday. According to state media Press TV, citing a statement attributed to the Spokesman of Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters, it was claimed the jet was downed by a new IRGC Aerospace Force air-defence system. It further stated that the impact and crash generated a "massive explosion" that made pilot survival unlikely. "A second US fifth-generation F-35 was struck and downed over central Iran by a new IRGC Aerospace Force air-defence system. Given the massive explosion on impact and during the crash, the pilot is unlikely to have ejected," Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters Spokesman stated as quoted by Press TV. The same claims were made by the Central Headquarters of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), as reported by the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), stating that the advanced stealth aircraft was shot down by the IRGC's modern air defence system from the Lakenheath squadron. "The second US F-35 fifth-generation fighter jet was hit and crashed in the central Iranian sky by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' modern air defence system from the LAKEN-HEATH squadron. Due to the severe explosion of the fighter jet upon impact and fall, it is unlikely that the pilot ejected," PBUH stated as reported by IRIB. Earlier, on March 19, Iran claimed to have become the first nation in the world to strike a US F-35 Lightning 2, one of the most valuable US aircraft and the backbone of the US's fifth-generation warfighting capabilities. Over 19 countries have already flown or are preparing to fly the Lightning 2, which is in great demand both within the USAF and among its allies. A CNN report, citing US defence officials, confirmed that an F-35 did perform an emergency landing after an Iranian surface-to-air missile (SAM) barrage, with the pilot safe and an investigation underway. IRGC said it had successfully hit a US Air Force F-35 stealth fighter jet in central Iran's airspace. According to a statement released by the IRGC on its official news website on Thursday, the jet was struck at 2:50 am local time by the IRGC's advanced, modern air defence systems. "The fate of the fighter jet is unclear and under investigation, and the likelihood of its crash is very high," it said. The IRGC noted that the interception follows the successful downing of more than 125 US-Israeli drones by Iran's defence systems, signalling significant and purposeful upgrades in the country's integrated air defence network. (ANI)
The Bangladesh Government announced a series of austerity measures in response to the ongoing energy crisis, worsened by the conflict in West Asia, which include shortening office hours, closing shops earlier, and reducing government expenditures across various sectors. In a cabinet meeting on Thursday, chaired by Bangladeshi Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, officials approved measures aimed at curbing energy consumption and minimising non-essential spending. The Bangladeshi Government and private offices will now operate from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, while banks will allow transactions until 3:00 pm and close fully by 4:00 pm. Shops and shopping malls are required to shut by 6:00 pm, though outlets selling essentials, eateries, and pharmacies will remain open. Decorative lighting for weddings or other celebrations has been prohibited. The government also decided to cut expenditure on hospitality at meetings and seminars by 50 per cent, reduce domestic training programmes by half, and limit non-essential travel by 30 per cent. In a move to promote greener alternatives, government schools will be allowed to import electric buses duty-free, while commercial electric buses will face only a 20 per cent import duty. Officials stressed that these measures are temporary and necessary to alleviate the impact of the global energy crisis on Bangladesh's economy and public services. Earlier on Thursday, the Ministry of External Affairs said that it has received a request from Bangladesh for the supply of diesel, which is currently being examined by the government amid the fuel crisis in several countries across the world due to the West Asia conflict. Other countries from the neighbourhood, including the Maldives and Sri Lanka, have also approached India. During a weekly press briefing, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiwal, speaking on India's energy assistance to countries in the neighbourhood, said, "India is a major exporter of refined petroleum products, especially to our neighbourhood. We have received a request from the government of Bangladesh for the supply of diesel, which is being examined." Underlining the people-centric and development-oriented approach to relations with Bangladesh, Jaiswal recalled how India has been supplying diesel from the Numaligarh refinery to Bangladesh since 2017 through various modes, which include waterways, rail and later through the India-Bangladesh friendship pipeline. "A sale purchase agreement was signed in October 2017 between Numaligarh Refinery and Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation for the supply of high-speed diesel on mutually agreed terms. It bears mention that whilst diesel exports to Bangladesh have largely continued since 2017, India's refining capacity, our own requirements and diesel availability will be factored in while taking decisions", he said. "We have received requests from several other countries, including Sri Lanka and Maldives and these are being taken to be examined, taking into account our own energy requirements and availability that we have," the MEA Spokesperson further noted. (ANI)
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Friday asked if US President Donald Trump actually wanted to put Iran back in the Stone Age, as there was no oil being pumped in the Middle East back then. In a post on X, he said, "There's one striking difference between the present and the Stone Age: there was no oil or gas being pumped in the Middle East back then. Are POTUS and Americans who put him in office sure that they want to turn back the clock?" https://x.com/araghchi/status/2039781828547014863?s=20 Iran's President, Masoud Pezeshkian, shared an open letter to all Americans saying that Iran has never initiated a war. https://x.com/drpezeshkian/status/2039418009052119190?s=20 He then also termed the attacks on hospitals and pharmaceutical companies as a crime against humanity. In a post on X, he said, "What message does attacking hospitals, pharmaceutical companies and the Pasteur Institute as a medical research center in Iran convey? As a specialist physician, I urge WHO, the Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders and physicians worldwide to respond to this crime against humanity." https://x.com/drpezeshkian/status/2039747584223334677?s=20 Iran's Parliament Speaker, MB Ghalibaf said, "We followed the money. Last week, a handful of bankers and hedge funds met, decided to hold Washington's Iran war policy hostage, then launched a campaign." https://x.com/mb_ghalibaf/status/2039735427448418389?s=20 Earlier, Seyed Majid Moosavi, Iranian General, said that Hollywood has poisoned their minds. "It is you who are taking your soldiers to their graves, not Iran, whom you seek to drag back to the Stone Age. Hollywood delusions have so poisoned your minds that, with your paltry 250-year history, you threaten a civilization over 6,000 years old." https://x.com/smajid_moosavi/status/2039636773630832883?s=20 Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said that the US will now target bridges and electric power plants next. In a post on Truth Social, he said, "Our Military, the greatest and most powerful (by far!) anywhere in the World, hasn't even started destroying what's left in Iran. Bridges next, then Electric Power Plants! New Regime leadership knows what has to be done, and has to be done, FAST! President DONALD J. TRUMP" This comes amid escalating tensions between the US and Iran, with Trump threatening to bomb Iran "back to the Stone Ages" if necessary. Iran has condemned the threats, calling them a strike on civilian infrastructure and warning of consequences for America's global standing. The situation has led to concerns over global energy supplies, with India, a major oil importer, seeking alternative sources, including increased imports from Russia. (ANI)
Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Friday spoke to Pope Leo XIV and exchanged greetings for Passover and Easter. He also discussed the conflicts in West Asia and the Gulf region--particularly Iran and Lebanon and called for cooperation of all world and religious leaders in the fight against anti-semitism. Sharing the details in a post on X, the Israeli President said, "During our call, we discussed the war with Iran, including the ongoing threat of missile attacks by the Iranian regime and its terror proxies against people of all faiths in the region. I recalled the recent Iranian missile attacks on Jerusalem that fell in the area of sites holy to Christians, Muslims, and Jews. The people of Iran also deserve a better future free from this dangerous and violent regime of terror." He added that discussions also took place about the situation in Lebanon, including the importance of the safety and security of Christian communities on both sides of the border. "I emphasized that the Hezbollah terror organization cannot be allowed to continue threatening both the people of Israel and Lebanon, who both deserve a future of peace and stability", Herzog said. He also expressed to Pope Leo XIV the importance of Israel's relationship with the Holy See, the Catholic Church, and Christians around the world and underscored the importance of the cooperation of all world and religious leaders in the crucial fight against antisemitism. "I extended my warmest wishes for the Easter holiday to Christian communities across the Middle East and around the world. We expressed our shared hope for a more peaceful future for people of all faiths across the world, free from the threat of violence and bloodshed", the Israeli President further noted. https://x.com/Isaac_Herzog/status/2040004097995096428?s=20 Citing a statement released by the Holy See Press Office on the call between the leaders, Vatican news reported that Israeli President Herzog and Pope Leo XIV discussed, "the need to reopen all possible channels of diplomatic dialogue was reaffirmed, in order to bring an end to the serious ongoing conflict, with the hope of achieving a just and lasting peace throughout the Middle East." It further noted that the Holy See Press Office note said that attention was focused on the importance of protecting the civilian population and promoting respect for international and humanitarian law. The call between the leaders comes amid the backdrop of Passover and Easter festivities, with the conflict in West Asia in its entered its second month now. (ANI)
The spokesperson of Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters on Friday issued a stern warning, emphasising that any assault on the country's bridges, power plants, or energy facilities will trigger severe retaliatory measures, reported state media Press TV. "Any attack on Iran's bridges, power plants, or energy infrastructure will prompt strikes not only on all US and Israeli assets in the region and occupied territories but also on key holdings of US allies and host nations - harder and more devastating than before," the spokesperson declared. The statement further cautioned nations hosting American military bases, urging them to reconsider their cooperation with US forces. "Countries hosting US bases must force American forces to leave if they want to stay safe," the spokesperson added. This announcement comes amid growing regional tensions, with Tehran signalling it will take an uncompromising stance in protecting its critical infrastructure. The warning also underscores Iran's readiness to expand its countermeasures beyond immediate adversaries to include allied nations and host states of American military installations. The Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, a key component of Iran's defence establishment, oversees major construction and military projects, including strategic infrastructure. Its recent statement serves as a clear message that attacks on Iran's essential facilities will not be tolerated, and that any foreign powers involved could face far-reaching consequences. The US-Israel and Iran war has entered the second month now with ambiguity over when the war would end. Trump administration has repeatedly said that the war will end in weeks and not months but the ground reality remains different. Earlier, a second US fifth-generation F-35 fighter jet was struck and downed over central Iran by a modern air-defence system of the Islamic Republic's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), with officials saying the pilot is unlikely to have ejected, Iranian state media reported on Friday. According to state media Press TV, citing a statement attributed to the Spokesman of Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters, it was claimed the jet was downed by a new IRGC Aerospace Force air-defence system. It further stated that the impact and crash generated a "massive explosion" that made pilot survival unlikely. "A second US fifth-generation F-35 was struck and downed over central Iran by a new IRGC Aerospace Force air-defence system. Given the massive explosion on impact and during the crash, the pilot is unlikely to have ejected," Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters Spokesman stated as quoted by Press TV. The same claims were made by the Central Headquarters of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), as reported by the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), stating that the advanced stealth aircraft was shot down by the IRGC's modern air defence system from the Lakenheath squadron. "The second US F-35 fifth-generation fighter jet was hit and crashed in the central Iranian sky by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' modern air defence system from the LAKEN-HEATH squadron. Due to the severe explosion of the fighter jet upon impact and fall, it is unlikely that the pilot ejected," PBUH stated as reported by IRIB. (ANI)
Taipei [Taiwan] April 3 (ANI) China is increasingly using Taiwan's existing business, cultural, and exchange frameworks as a cover to quietly expand its political influence, according to a Taiwanese academic. These activities, he stated, are carefully disguised as routine interactions, making them harder to detect and counter, as reported by The Taipei Times. According to The Taipei Times, Hung Pu-chao, deputy director of Tunghai University Center for Mainland China and Regional Development Research, pointed to a recent indictment as evidence of a potentially greater and coordinated effort. Xu Chunying, a China-born resident of Taiwan through marriage, has been accused of participating in election interference allegedly directed by China. Xu, who leads the Taiwan New Immigrant Development Association, is suspected of violating Taiwan's Anti-Infiltration Act by facilitating repeated visits by Sun Xian, a Chinese political figure linked to the Revolutionary Committee of the Chinese Kuomintang in Shanghai. Sun reportedly entered Taiwan under legitimate pretences but later strayed from his declared itinerary. Authorities allege that Sun travelled extensively across Taiwan over nearly two decades, meeting members of immigrant communities while promoting Beijing's "one country, two systems" model. Hung emphasised that such operations rely heavily on exploiting Taiwan's open systems, allowing individuals to enter legally and later engage in undisclosed political outreach. Rather than building new infiltration channels, China appears to be repurposing existing legal and administrative processes, making its activities appear routine and legitimate. This strategy enables operatives to blend seamlessly into cross-strait exchanges without raising immediate suspicion, as highlighted by The Taipei Times. The case also exposes vulnerabilities in Taiwan's regulatory framework. While entry procedures are strict, post-entry monitoring remains comparatively weak, creating opportunities for misuse. Hung has urged authorities to strengthen oversight mechanisms and ensure closer scrutiny of individuals whose activities diverge from their declared purposes, as reported by The Taipei Times. (ANI)
China on Monday announced sanctions against Japanese lawmaker Keiji Furuya following his visits to Taiwan amid escalating tensions between Beijing and Tokyo after months of diplomatic strain, according to a report by Uyghur Times (UT). Ties between China and Japan have worsened since November, when Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi indicated that Tokyo might consider military involvement in the event of a Chinese attempt to take control of Taiwan. Beijing, which considers Taiwan part of its territory, has not ruled out using force to assert its claim and has repeatedly cautioned against foreign political engagement with Taipei, the UT report noted. China has previously imposed sanctions on politicians from the United States and Europe for criticising its policies and human rights record. In a statement issued by China's foreign ministry, Furuya, who belongs to Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party and is regarded as a close associate of Takaichi, has been barred from entering mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau, UT reported. The statement accused Furuya of making "multiple visits to Taiwan in defiance of China's strong opposition", claiming that his actions "seriously undermine China's sovereignty and territorial integrity". The sanctions come after his recent meeting with Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te in Taipei earlier this month. During that visit, the 73-year-old lawmaker defended Takaichi's earlier remarks, saying they align with Japan's long-standing policy and are "not problematic", as highlighted in the UT report. Furuya has previously served as Japan's minister in charge of addressing North Korea's abduction of Japanese citizens during the 1970s and 1980s, and has also headed the National Public Safety Commission. Since Takaichi's statements on Taiwan, Beijing has increased economic pressure on Japan and discouraged its citizens from travelling there, further adding strain to bilateral ties, the UT report added. 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 referred to the Strait of Hormuz as a potential "gusher" for the world and spoken about "opening it for the world." In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump wrote, "With a little more time, we can easily OPEN THE HORMUZ STRAIT, TAKE THE OIL, & MAKE A FORTUNE. IT WOULD BE A "GUSHER" FOR THE WORLD??? President DONALD J. TRUMP" https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/116340751005894827 Trump's remarks come amid the conflict of US-Israel and Iran, that has entered its second month now. Earlier on Friday, the spokesperson of Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters issued a stern warning, emphasising that any assault on the country's bridges, power plants, or energy facilities will trigger severe retaliatory measures, reported state media Press TV. "Any attack on Iran's bridges, power plants, or energy infrastructure will prompt strikes not only on all US and Israeli assets in the region and occupied territories but also on key holdings of US allies and host nations - harder and more devastating than before," the spokesperson declared. The statement further cautioned nations hosting American military bases, urging them to reconsider their cooperation with US forces. "Countries hosting US bases must force American forces to leave if they want to stay safe," the spokesperson added. This announcement comes amid growing regional tensions, with Tehran signalling it will take an uncompromising stance in protecting its critical infrastructure. The warning also underscores Iran's readiness to expand its countermeasures beyond immediate adversaries to include allied nations and host states of American military installations. The Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, a key component of Iran's defence establishment, oversees major construction and military projects, including strategic infrastructure. Its recent statement serves as a clear message that attacks on Iran's essential facilities will not be tolerated, and that any foreign powers involved could face far-reaching consequences. The US-Israel and Iran war has entered the second month now with ambiguity over when the war would end. Trump administration has repeatedly said that the war will end in weeks and not months but the ground reality remains different. (ANI)
Five Indians and at least seven others sustained injuries due to falling debris of intercepted missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles in the United Arab Emirate's Abu Dhabi on Friday, Abu Dhabi's Media Office reported The debris of the intercepted vehicles fell in the Ajban area. The details were also shared by the Abu Dhabi Media Office in a post on X, where it noted that total seven Nepalese nationals were also injured--- six of whom sustained minor injuries and one sustained a major injury. It said, "As part of the ongoing follow-up to the previously reported incident in the Ajban area caused by falling debris following the successful interception by air defence systems, authorities confirm that the incident has resulted in minor to moderate injuries sustained by 6 individuals of Nepali nationality and 5 individuals of Indian nationality, and one major injury sustained by an individual of Nepali nationality." The Abu Dhabi Media Office called the public to remain vigilant and obtain information only from official sources and to avoid spreading rumours or unverified information. https://x.com/ADMediaOffice/status/2040030267394675162?s=20 Earlier on Friday, Abu Dhabi Media Office had also informed that authorities were responding to the incident of debris falling at the Habshan gas facilities, following interception by air defence systems. It said that operations had been suspended while authorities respond to a fire and that no injuries were reported. https://x.com/ADMediaOffice/status/2039981297502937545?s=20 Meanwhile, Al Jazeera Breaking reported that Iran's Shahid Beheshti University, Mehrabad airport area were attacked by the US and Israel. It also said that Iran has claimed to have targeted US-linked sites in Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan. US President Donald Trump on Friday referred to the Strait of Hormuz as a potential "gusher" for the world and spoken about "opening it for the world. "In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump wrote, "With a little more time, we can easily OPEN THE HORMUZ STRAIT, TAKE THE OIL, & MAKE A FORTUNE. IT WOULD BE A "GUSHER" FOR THE WORLD??? President DONALD J. TRUMP" The developments come as the conflict between US-Israel and Iran stands in its second month now. (ANI)
In a post on X the MEA said they reviewed bilateral ties and exchanged views on regional and global matters of common interest.

In a post on X, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal wrote, "Secretary (West) @AmbSibiGeorge called on Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Jeyhun Bayramov. They reviewed bilateral ties and exchanged views on regional and global matters of common interest."

"The 6th round of India-Azerbaijan Foreign Office Consultations was also held in Baku, co-chaired by Secretary (West) and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Elnur Mammadov. They comprehensively reviewed the current state of bilateral relations covering areas of mutual interest. The issues discussed included trade, technology, tourism, pharmaceuticals, culture, people-to-people relations and fight against cross border terrorism."

"Secretary (West) also met with Mr Hikmet Hajiyev, Foreign Policy Advisor to the President of Azerbaijan."

The visit also marked the 6th round of India-Azerbaijan Foreign Office Consultations, co-chaired by Secretary (West) and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Elnur Mammadov. They comprehensively reviewed the current state of bilateral relations, covering areas of mutual interest. The issues discussed included trade, technology, tourism, pharmaceuticals, culture, people-to-people relations and fight against cross-border terrorism.

In addition to the consultations, Secretary (West) held a meeting with Hikmet Hajiyev, Foreign Policy Advisor to the President of Azerbaijan. Both sides emphasised strengthening cooperation in sectors such as energy, tourism, and technology, as well as fostering closer cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

The discussions also touched upon strategies to address cross-border terrorism and enhance collaboration in global forums on issues of shared concern. The two sides agreed to hold the next round of Foreign Office Consultations at a mutually convenient date in New Delhi, underlining the ongoing commitment to deepening India-Azerbaijan relations.

Sources noted that the Secretary's engagement in Baku reinforces India's focus on expanding ties with Azerbaijan across economic, cultural, and security domains. (ANI)
NASA has released breathtaking high-resolution images of Earth, captured from the Orion capsule as the Artemis II astronauts continue their journey to the Moon. The space agency shared the images on its official X handle, giving the world a rare perspective of our planet from beyond. https://x.com/NASA/status/2040059770237849635 In its post, NASA said, "Good morning, world! We have spectacular new high-resolution images of our home planet, all of us looking back through the Orion capsule window at our Artemis II astronauts as they continue their journey to the Moon." The images showcase Earth in its full splendour, featuring vivid blues of oceans, earthy browns of land, and even a striking green aurora illuminating the atmosphere. "We see our home planet as a whole, lit up in spectacular blues and browns. A green aurora even lights up the atmosphere. That's us, together, watching as our astronauts make their journey to the Moon," NASA added. The release comes as part of NASA's broader Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon and establish a sustainable presence there. Artemis II is the first crewed mission in the program, following the uncrewed Artemis I test flight that successfully circled the Moon in 2022. Astronauts aboard Artemis II are expected to carry out a series of tests in lunar orbit, helping pave the way for future missions that will include landing on the lunar surface. High-resolution imagery like these not only provides a stunning view for people on Earth but also assists scientists in observing atmospheric and environmental phenomena from space. NASA's social media post has garnered attention worldwide, with followers praising the clarity of the images and the sense of unity they evoke. For many, seeing Earth from the perspective of astronauts serves as a reminder of the planet's fragility and the shared responsibility to protect it. As Artemis II continues its journey around the Moon, the agency plans to release more images and updates, giving the public a front-row seat to this historic mission. (ANI)
Deontay Wilder has claimed that his ex-girlfriend Helen Duncan "injected" his sperm into her after intercourse to conceive his eldest child.

Deontay Wilder claims that his eldest child was conceived in bizarre fashion

The 40-year-old boxer is father to eight children and revealed all in a graphic story about how his eldest daughter Naieya was conceived.

Wilder told Piers Morgan Uncensored: "She injected my sperm in her and ran into the bathroom and locked the door, and that's how we had her - truth be told. She don't even know that I know this."

When an astonished Morgan quizzed Wilder on how he knew about his ex-girlfriend's fertility plan, the former heavyweight world champion replied: "I'm smart."

The boxer went on: "You know, when we was having sex, when I came, I used to c** on her stomach. I used to fold my towel nicely by the bed because I would want to wipe it off her stomach. This particular time, she chose that she wanted to have a baby by me because I was the best thing that ever came into her life.

"So during that time, I did what I had to do. I had a good nut, and I nutted on her stomach. This time, I went and got the towel and tried to wipe it off, and she hit my hand so hard."

Wilder explained that his suspicions were confirmed when he read his ex's journal unbeknownst to her.

Deontay and Helen's daughter was born in 2005 with spina bifida - a defect where the spine does not close completely - and he revealed that his former girlfriend wanted to terminate the pregnancy when she learned of this, although he "felt like she deserved to live".

He said: "I wanted to take up on this opportunity of taking care of a girl that was born with spina bifida - a child that was in need."

Wilder has previously been open about raising Naieya, as doctors initially believed that she would never be able to walk because of the condition.

The American fighter told ESPN in 2017: "My daughter is doing wonderful now. You could never tell that she has spina bifida. She still walks with a limp because she had (five) surgeries when she was a baby.

"She still has to be catheterised, but she still manages to maintain her own. She is a very strong young lady. She will be a very strong woman. She has no choice, with who her daddy is."
The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) on Friday claimed that it attacked an "armed terrorist squad" from the Hamas organisation that was operating near our forces in the northern Gaza Strip. Sharing the details in a post on X, the IDF said, "IDF forces identified earlier today an armed terrorist squad from the Hamas terror organisation, which was operating near IDF forces operating in the northern Gaza Strip in a manner that posed an immediate threat to the forces." It further noted, "Immediately after the identification, the IDF attacked the squad in a targeted manner with the aim of removing the threat; a hit was identified. IDF forces under Southern Command are deployed in the area in accordance with the agreement and will continue to operate to remove any immediate threat" https://x.com/idfonline/status/2040102136688554041?s=20 Meanwhile, the IDF said on Friday that it conducted over 70 strikes across several targets in Iran on Thursday. Sharing the details in a post on X, it said that on Thursday, the IDF completed more than 70 strikes in western and central Iran targeting ballistic missile launch sites and unmanned aerial vehicles. Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday shared operational updates from Iran and Lebanon and informed that Iran's 70 per cent steel production capacity has been destroyed. He highlighted that there is full coordination between the US military and Israeli Defence Forces and also thanked the citizens of Israel for their steadfast support. He made the remarks in a video message which was shared by the Office of the Prime Minister of Israel. "Together with our American friends, we are continuing to crush the terrorist regime in Iran. We are eliminating commanders and bombing bridges and infrastructure. In recent days, the Air Force has destroyed 70 per cent of Iran's steel production capacity", Netanyahu said. Calling it a "tremendous achievement", the Israeli PM said that it deprives the IRGC of "both funding sources and the ability to produce large quantities of weapons." He further noted that in full coordination between him and President Trump, the IDF and the US military, they would continue to "crush Iran". He added that while the Iranian regime is weaker than ever, Israel stands stronger than ever. Sharing operational updates from Lebanon, Netanyahu said in the video message, "In Lebanon, we are continuing to forcefully strike at Hezbollah. We are continuing to expand the security zone and firmly establish it in order to protect the communities of the North." He lauded the citizens of Israel for standing steadfast and following the instructions of the Home Front Command even on Passover Seder night and urged them to continue to do so. The developments come as the conflict in West Asia has entered its second month now. (ANI)
The Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran (AEOI) has accused the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) of "clear complicity" following its failure to denounce military strikes on the nation's nuclear infrastructure, state broadcaster Press TV reported. The Iranian body asserted that the global watchdog's refusal to speak out against recent US-Israeli aggression effectively aligns the agency with the attackers. In a statement shared on social media on Friday, the AEOI revealed that its chief, Mohammad Eslami, has repeatedly contacted IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi. Eslami's correspondence urged the Director General to formally condemn the "illegal attacks" targeting Iranian sites dedicated to peaceful energy production. The organisation warned that "the IAEA's silence on US and Zionist regime's attacks on Iran's peaceful nuclear facilities is not merely inaction but clear complicity with the perpetrators." According to Press TV, the AEOI further claimed that this "historic negligence" continues to undermine the international community's trust and "erodes the IAEA's little remaining credibility." Furthering these accusations, AEOI spokesperson Behrouz Kamalvandi noted that the sites targeted were under official international oversight. Kamalvandi had previously stated that strikes on facilities under IAEA safeguards constitute "a war crime" due to the significant humanitarian and security risks involved. These diplomatic protests follow confirmed reports from Press TV regarding significant physical destruction. The IAEA itself verified that the Khondab Heavy Water Plant suffered "severe damage" and is "no longer operational" after being hit on March 27, the same day an Ardakan-based yellowcake production facility was also struck. The vulnerability of such sites was previously highlighted during a twelve-day conflict last June, during which the Khondab complex also came under fire. Press TV noted that the repeated targeting of these locations has raised alarms regarding regional safety and the potential for a catastrophic release of radioactive materials. Human rights organisations have joined the chorus of concern, warning that such strikes jeopardise global security. They maintain that a humanitarian and environmental disaster resulting from radioactive leaks would likely have devastating consequences that would extend far beyond the borders of Iran. (ANI)
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Friday that it had carried out over 70 strikes across western and central Iran, targeting ballistic missile launch sites and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) belonging to the Iranian Revolutionary Guards. According to the IDF, the strikes were part of an ongoing effort to degrade Iran's military capabilities and reduce threats to Israeli civilians. The targeted sites included launch sites for ballistic missiles, storage facilities for UAVs, and air defence systems. In a post on X, IDF said, "Over the past day: The IDF completed more than 70 strikes in western and central Iran targeting ballistic missile launch sites and unmanned aerial vehicles. The IDF continues to strike nonstop at the fire and defense arrays of the Iranian terror regime across Iran. The Air Force, guided by Military Intelligence, completed more than 70 strikes over the past day in central and western Iran targeting dozens of objectives of the Iranian terror regime. Among the infrastructures that were struck: launch sites where ballistic missile launchers threatening the State of Israel are stored, sites where UAVs of the Air Force in the Revolutionary Guards are stored, and sites of the air defense array." https://x.com/idfonline/status/2040086136555548938?s=20 Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday shared operational updates from Iran and Lebanon and informed that Iran's 70 per cent steel production capacity has been destroyed. He highlighted that there is full coordination between the US military and Israeli Defence Forces and also thanked the citizens of Israel for their steadfast support. He made the remarks in a video message which was shared by the Office of the Prime Minister of Israel. "Together with our American friends, we are continuing to crush the terrorist regime in Iran. We are eliminating commanders and bombing bridges and infrastructure. In recent days, the Air Force has destroyed 70 per cent of Iran's steel production capacity", Netanyahu said. Calling it a "tremendous achievement", the Israeli PM said that it deprives the IRGC of "both funding sources and the ability to produce large quantities of weapons." He further noted that in full coordination between him and President Trump, the IDF and the US military, they would continue to "crush Iran". He added that while the Iranian regime is weaker than ever, Israel stands stronger than ever. Sharing operational updates from Lebanon, Netanyahu said in the video message, "In Lebanon, we are continuing to forcefully strike at Hezbollah. We are continuing to expand the security zone and firmly establish it in order to protect the communities of the North." He lauded the citizens of Israel for standing steadfast and following the instructions of the Home Front Command even on Passover Seder night and urged them to continue to do so. The developments come as the conflict in West Asia has entered its second month now. (ANI)
US President Donald Trump has asserted that the destruction of an American military aircraft will have no bearing on diplomatic discussions with Iran, according to a report by NBC News. Dismissing the notion that the event would impede negotiations, the President stated, "No, not at all. No, it's war. We're in war." These remarks represent the leader's first public response to the loss of an American plane during the hostilities, occurring as combat actions and diplomatic initiatives proceed simultaneously. Trump refused to elaborate on the particulars of the "search-and-rescue efforts," noting the delicate nature of the matter, and expressed dissatisfaction with how the press has reported on the "complex and active military operation." Amidst this diplomatic friction, Tehran has intensified its military claims. Iran asserted it downed an American A-10 aircraft near the Strait of Hormuz, according to Al Jazeera, citing the Tasnim news agency. The report stated the "aircraft was targeted in waters south of and around the strategic waterway," though the "claim could not be independently verified." The "A-10 is a US ground-attack aircraft designed for close air support missions," particularly against ground forces. In a related development, American forces successfully retrieved a crew member from a US fighter jet brought down over Iran, according to CNN. The individual is reportedly alive, "in US custody and receiving medical treatment." While one person has been recovered, the fate of the second crew member remains uncertain as "search and rescue operations were ongoing." Technical details confirmed the downed plane was an "F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet," typically operated by a two-person team. CNN's analysis of images released by Iranian media verified that the wreckage matches an F-15, while The Wall Street Journal cited Iranian state broadcaster IRIB, which first reported Friday that the jet had been targeted. IRIB shared a map circling the region where the hunt for the pilots has been conducted. While the exact crash site remains unconfirmed, geolocated footage from Khuzestan Province showed low-flying aircraft in a formation typical of air-to-air refuelling operations. This marks the first time a US aircraft has been downed over Iran during the current conflict. US outlet Axios confirmed the rescue mission was underway as Iranian media circulated photographs of debris, including a tail fin appearing to belong to the 494th Fighter Squadron based at RAF Lakenheath. Despite the evidence, the US military and White House have not officially commented on the pilots' status. These military losses coincide with a diplomatic breakdown, as negotiations aimed at securing a truce have reportedly stalled after Tehran declined to participate in scheduled discussions, according to The Wall Street Journal. (ANI)
The Iranian military has asserted that its forces successfully targeted and downed a US A-10 aircraft, according to a report by Al Jazeera. This claim follows separate media reports indicating that a second combat aircraft belonging to the US Air Force had crashed in the Middle East on Friday. These combined incidents have significantly heightened tensions across the region as military activities intensify. Despite the specific details provided by Iranian sources, neither the Pentagon nor the White House provided an "immediate comment" regarding the status of the aircraft or the veracity of the claims. Further reports from Al Jazeera, citing the Tasnim news agency, specify that the alleged downing of the US A-10 aircraft took place in the vicinity of the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic maritime corridor that remains a focal point of regional friction. Referencing the army public relations team, the report stated that the "aircraft was targeted in waters south of and around the strategic waterway." While these claims remain unverified by external sources, technical specifications note that the "A-10 is a US ground-attack aircraft designed for close air support missions," intended for operations "particularly against armoured vehicles and ground forces." In a separate development occurring within the Iranian theatre, American forces have successfully retrieved a crew member from a US F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet brought down over Iran, according to CNN. The rescued individual is reportedly alive, in US custody, and receiving medical treatment; however, the fate of the second crew member remains uncertain as "search and rescue operations were ongoing." The downed F-15E, a dual-role aircraft typically operated by a two-person team, was reportedly targeted on Friday. CNN's analysis of images released by Iranian media verified that the wreckage matches an F-15, while The Wall Street Journal cited Iranian state broadcaster IRIB, which first reported the incident and shared a map on X circling the specific region where the search for the two pilots has been conducted. While the exact crash site remains unconfirmed, CNN geolocated footage from Khuzestan Province, showing low-flying aircraft in a formation typical of air-to-air refuelling operations. This incident marks the first time a US aircraft has been downed over Iran during the current conflict. Photographs of debris, including a tail fin, appeared to identify the jet as belonging to the 494th Fighter Squadron based at RAF Lakenheath in the United Kingdom. Despite the evidence of the wreckage and the ongoing search, the US military and the White House have not yet officially commented on the circumstances of the crash. (ANI)
The National Assembly of Pakistan was unable to address an extensive 90-point agenda after opposition lawmakers launched a fierce demonstration against a massive surge in fuel prices, Dawn reported. The legislative session on Friday was disrupted by an outcry over a record-breaking hike of 43 per cent in petrol prices and a 55 per cent jump in high-speed diesel (HSD) rates. The revised prices, which now stand at PKR 458.4 per litre for petrol and PKR 520.35 per litre for HSD, were disclosed late Thursday night. According to Dawn, the government attributed the spike to a global fuel crisis triggered by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. As the opposition launched its protest, Deputy Speaker Ghulam Mustafa Shah was forced to adjourn the sitting without completing any official business. The session was intended to cover a question hour, a calling attention notice regarding solar net metering policies, and several legislative bills. Before the scheduled question hour could begin, the House was filled with chants denouncing the administration. Protesters surrounded the speaker's rostrum and shredded copies of the day's agenda while shouting slogans like "thief government unacceptable" and "looter government unacceptable". Opposition members demanded the floor to debate the price hike, ignoring the Deputy Speaker's assurances that they would be permitted to speak after the preliminary items were cleared. Dawn noted that the chaotic scene prevented any progress on the 90-point schedule. Eventually, PTI's Junaid Akbar was allowed to speak, during which he slammed the administration as "incompetent" and "corrupt". He told the House, "Last night, you saw how this imposed government dropped a petrol bomb on the people." The Deputy Speaker expressed frustration when the lawmaker began criticising a national institution, warning, "If you speak against institutions like this, I won't let the session continue." Following the brief speech, which was excluded from the state television broadcast and the assembly's digital channels, the protest persisted. Dawn reported that the Deputy Speaker remarked, "You cannot dictate the chair like this," before adjourning the House until 5:00 pm on Monday. Earlier in the proceedings, the chair had inquired about a dialogue between the government and journalists who had boycotted the press gallery on Thursday. The media protest was sparked by mass layoffs and the non-payment of salaries across various organisations. A government committee informed the Deputy Speaker that journalists had raised "genuine demands". It was highlighted that some media outlets were terminating staff "unjustly without even serving a notice, and some of them had not paid salaries for the last three months", as reported by Dawn. Further concerns were raised regarding journalists being paid below the minimum wage and the withdrawal of discounts on railway travel. The assembly was urged to have the Information Minister and the Speaker intervene to resolve these pressing media industry issues. (ANI)
An Iranian academic has slammed US President Donald Trump's actions as "war crimes" driven by a desire for media attention and personal gain. Mohsen Farkhani, Assistant Professor at the University of Isfahan, said Trump's strikes on Iran are symbolic and lack strategic value. While speaking to ANI, Farkhani said, "Trump, from the first day of the election, is just looking for some media shows. He is addicted to show(ing) himself. Even those targets that they do aggression in Iran, they are normally some symbolism. For example, a bridge has nothing to do with, for example, missiles, war, nothing. That's a war crime because it's infrastructure." Farkhani believes Trump's actions are driven by a desire to boost his personal narrative, rather than serving American interests. "But since he loves spreading the narratives of himself and his war method, research that's why he's doing such awful acts. He is always trying to make waves of narratives. That's what strategists and academics believe that he's doing. And these narratives are not for the sake of the American people, but for the sake of Trump's family businesses," he added. The academic predicts Iran will emerge victorious, citing its ancient history and resilience. "Iran is an ancient country and knows how to defeat enemies as we did, you know, in past centuries. And therefore I could say that this war will not bring the US to the Stone Age because it is so much older than the US. But it will bring the US to the past 200 years ago that there were too many less stars on this flag, on its flag. And the US, has lost its hegemonic discourse. And in the world, I mean, and Iran causes chain of defeats for the US, but it's by its resistance and also its own technology," Farkhani said. Farkhani criticised Trump's approach to the Strait of Hormuz, saying Trump is "enjoying the ambiguity of strategies" and announcing different scenarios each time. Farkhani argues that since the Strait of Hormuz is in Iran's territorial waters, Iran shouldn't be bound by international laws that the US has already abandoned and asserts Iran's right to control its territorial waters. He points out that the US has exited over 66 international organisations, so why should Iran maintain its commitments? He believes Iran has the right to control its territorial waters and even monetise vessels passing through the strait. "You know, first of all, should say that Trump is enjoying ambiguity of strategies and a kind of ambiguity in his scenarios that he would every time announce. And secondly, the Strait of Hormuz is in our territorial waters. Therefore, why should we still keep and maintain laws that Trump has already exited and abolished them. He has signed exits in the United States from more than 66 international organizations. When America doesn't maintain its commitments to these international orders and laws, then why should Iran keep doing that?," he said. Farkhani added, "While this actually, straight to the foremost, is in our territorial waters, then we have the right to use it also to even monetize actually the vessels. Then therefore, therefore it is not against any kind of international law because also Egypt is doing that and we want to have this right and we want to use this right." Farkhani rules out a ceasefire, saying the US is begging for one. "There would be no ceasefire, there would be no ceasefire and the one is begging for ceasefire is the United States. The people are every day and night in streets in Iran and they just want continuation of the war to establish and to settle the full deterrence and our conditions in the region and against the United States," he said. Earlier on Thursday, US President Donald Trump said that they are going to bring Iran back to the Stone Ages. He said, "We are going to hit them extremely hard over the next two to three weeks. We're going to bring them back to the stone ages, where they belong. In the meantime, discussions are ongoing. Regime change was not our goal." (ANI)
HOKKAIDO, Apr 03 (News On Japan) - An unseasonal heavy snowfall struck Hokkaido, with Kushiro City recording a record 21 centimeters of snow for April, while rising temperatures on April 3rd prompted warnings over falling snow from rooftops.

Eastern parts of Hokkaido were hit by unusual snowfall due to the influence of a low-pressure system.

In Kushiro City, 21 centimeters of snow fell on April 2nd, marking the highest snowfall ever recorded in April, leaving residents busy clearing snow.

Residents expressed surprise at the sudden weather, saying, "I didn't expect it to snow this much," and "This is quite rare."

Conditions shifted sharply on April 3rd as temperatures rose, increasing the risk of snow sliding off rooftops, with authorities urging caution.

Source: TBS
TOKYO, Apr 03 (News On Japan) - A coalition of more than 40 countries, including the United Kingdom and Japan, issued a joint statement regarding the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has effectively blocked, calling for the restoration of stable maritime operations along one of the worlds most critical oil shipping routes.

An online meeting involving over 40 nationsincluding France and Italywas held on April 2nd, after which British Foreign Secretary David Cooper announced a coordinated statement emphasizing the need to ensure safe and uninterrupted passage through the strait.

The statement called for stronger international diplomatic pressure, including efforts through the United Nations, urging Iran to allow vessels to pass without obstruction and to fully reject the imposition of transit fees on ships attempting to navigate the strait.

Amid these developments, Iranian media reported that Irans deputy foreign minister said Iran and Oman are working to establish a framework to monitor vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. The official stressed that the initiative is intended to ensure safety, not to restrict navigation.

French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking on April 2nd, addressed calls from some quarters to reopen the strait through the use of force, stating, "Such proposals are unrealistic and not an option we support."

Macron also responded to remarks made by U.S. President Donald Trump, who had suggested in a speech that countries importing oil should be responsible for securing the strait, emphasizing the need to achieve a ceasefire as quickly as possible and to pursue a diplomatic resolution.

He further criticized Trump, saying that "he should not make contradictory statements every day."

Source: TBS
TOKYO, Apr 03 (News On Japan) - An AI-powered service that allows users to easily search for lost items is gaining traction across Japan, as railway operators and other transportation services adopt new technology to streamline the recovery process.

Rows of umbrellas in various colors and shapes, numbering in the hundreds and nearly overflowing from shelves, represent just a fraction of the lost property collected. According to the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Departments Lost and Found Center, both the number of items and their total value reported to police in Tokyo in 2025 reached record highs.

Amid this surge, Keio Corporations lost and found office continues to receive a steady stream of visitors. People arrive to reclaim a wide range of items, from bags and graduation certificates left behind on the last train to umbrellas and part-time job uniforms mistakenly forgotten.

To handle such cases more efficiently, a web-based search service called find, powered by AI, has been introduced, enabling users to locate lost items with ease. The service is now being adopted more widely.

Akiko Tokaichi, a public relations representative at find Inc., said the platform is already in use across approximately 3,500 locations nationwide, primarily within transportation networks, with around 10,000 lost items registered daily.

The system works by having station staff or on-site personnel photograph found items using smartphones and upload the images to the platform. Meanwhile, individuals who have lost belongings can access the service online and input details such as white towel handkerchief with a heart pattern.

Once the information is submitted, AI automatically cross-references the inquiry with registered items based on their features and descriptions. Items with a high likelihood of matching are identified, and operators then provide responses to the individual.

This process eliminates the need to call stations or visit in person, allowing users to search through vast amounts of data simply by entering details on their smartphones. The service is available 24 hours a day.

Users have praised the system for its convenience, noting that it reduces the burden on busy station staff while remaining simple and intuitive to use.

By the end of 2025, a cross-search service will also launch, allowing data sharing among approximately 20 companies, including Japan Taxi, enabling users to search lost items across multiple operators.

Furthermore, starting April 1st in the new fiscal year, the service will be introduced at JR East, with plans to expand availability to JR companies nationwide by 2026.

The lost item search service, which is spreading primarily among transportation providers, aims for further evolution. Tokaichi said the goal is to make the system usable in any location where lost items occur, with improved accuracy by prioritizing results based on the likelihood of a match.

As the technology continues to develop, the days of feeling helpless after losing something valuable may soon become a thing of the past.

Source: FNN
Jamie Lee Curtis has spoken tearfully about the deaths of her close friends Rob Reiner and Michele Reiner.

Jamie Lee Curtis has spoken tearfully about the deaths of her close friends Rob Reiner and Michele Reiner

Describing the impact of their killings on her family in an emotional podcast appearance, Jamie, 67, reflected on the murders while appearing on IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson, hosted by Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson.

Jamie explained Rob Reiner, 78, and Michele Reiner, 70, were the godparents of her daughter Annie Guest, 39, and that their deaths in December 2025 coincided with Annies birthday.

The couple were killed in their home, with the LA County Medical Examiner later confirming they died from multiple sharp force injuries and ruling the deaths a homicide.

Their son Nick Reiner, 32, was arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder the following day, and is due to appear in court on April 29.

If convicted, Nick faces life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty.

His siblings, Romy Reiner, 28, and Jake Reiner, 34, have not attended court hearings since the incident.

Jamie said: Rob and Michelle are her godparents.

She added: My beautiful daughter who loved (the Reiners)  as we all did  managed to be able to metabolise her grief and sadness, as we all have had to do.

Jamie also described the events surrounding Annie giving birth to her first child the week after the deaths, saying it represented life on lifes harshest terms and and life on lifes most beautiful, perfect terms.

Speaking previously to Variety, Jamie said: Our ONLY focus and care right now is for their children and immediate families and we will offer all support possible to help them. We have lost great friends. Please give us time to grieve.

She added: (Were) numb and sad and shocked about the violent, tragic deaths of (their) dear friends.

Rob Reiner built a celebrated career as both an actor and director, gaining early fame in All in the Family before moving behind the camera.

He directed acclaimed films including When Harry Met Sally, Stand by Me and A Few Good Men. Known for his versatility across genres, Rob earned widespread critical and commercial success, with multiple award nominations.

His work helped define modern American cinema, balancing popular appeal with strong storytelling and memorable performances across decades of filmmaking.
KANAGAWA, Apr 03 (News On Japan) - Fresh tuna, glistening in vivid red, is served in unlimited portions, but resort hotels in Japan are beginning to feel the strain as escalating tensions involving Iran push up costs across the supply chain.

At a hotel known for its signature buffet, the manager expressed concern over rising procurement costs, noting that prices have increased by around 500 yen per kilogram since April.

A major factor behind the surge is the deepening crisis involving Iran, which has contributed to instability in energy markets. Footage showing flashes lighting up the night sky was posted on social media by U.S. President Donald Trump just before 10 a.m. Japan time, with the Wall Street Journal reporting that the video depicted a bunker-buster bomb strike on a large Iranian ammunition depot.

While the United States maintains a hardline stance and continues negotiations with Iran, Iranian state television reported that parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf rejected Trumps demands, and newly released footage appeared to show an American early warning aircraft destroyed in an Iranian attack, further heightening tensions.

Against this backdrop, the program visited Miura City in Kanagawa Prefecture, facing the Pacific Ocean, on March 31st, where a resort hotel known for its natural hot spring spa is already feeling the effects of the crisis.

One area impacted is linen services, including sheets, pillowcases, and towels that are replaced daily in guest rooms. The hotel relies on cleaning processes that use heavy oil, and service providers have approached the hotel seeking roughly a 10% price increase.

The impact is also being felt in the hotels buffet, a major attraction that offers unlimited fresh tuna sourced from nearby Misaki Port, one of Japans leading tuna landing sites. According to the manager, procurement costs for tuna have risen by around 25%, largely due to higher fuel costs affecting fishing vessels.

The buffet serves approximately 50 kilograms of tuna per day, and with prices expected to rise by about 500 yen per kilogram in April, the hotel faces an additional daily burden of roughly 25,000 yen for tuna alone.

While the hotel does not currently plan to raise accommodation fees, the manager indicated that adjustments may become unavoidable, including potentially reducing the variety of tuna cuts offered at the buffet.

Source: FNN
BlinkLab company, a leader in AI-powered digital diagnostics for neurodevelopmental conditions, has announced it has been selected as technology partner for a landmark national autism screening and capacity-building initiative in Morocco.

This initiative is the first and most comprehensive of its kind worldwide, positioning Morocco as a leading example for the international community, says a press release issued by the Australian Company.

BlinkLab has develop a cutting-edge Dx1 technology, an AI-powered, smartphone-based diagnostic aid designed to detect early signs of neurodevelopmental conditions, primarily autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children as young as 18 to 24 months.

The technology acts as a digital biomarker assessment that uses a smartphones camera and AI to monitor facial reflex responses to stimuli while a child watches a video. This flagship technology will be integrated into Moroccos nationwide early screening campaign for autism.

Scientific studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of BlinkLabs non-invasive digital approach in enabling rapid, standardised, and objective detection of autism-related neurometric features.

The program is implemented in line with internationally recognised standards and approaches, including those acknowledged by World Health Organization (WHO).

The autism screening initiative includes the establishment of a Center of Excellence for Autism Research, Education and Training. Dr Henk-Jan Boele (BlinkLab Managing Director & CEO) and Prof Abdeslem El Idrissi (BlinkLab Scientific Board) will join a consortium of experts for the Center.
On Thursday, South Sudan signed with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)a five-year-finance reform agreement worth $5 million, signaling a decisive pivot towards economic self-reliance and stronger national ownership of fiscal reforms.

Under the arrangement, the government will contribute approximately $1 million annually, marking a departure from reliance on donor funding to a government-led and financed reform framework.

The initiative seeks to strengthen public financial management systems, enhance service delivery, and build institutional capacity across government structures, including at sub-national levels such as states and counties.

Officials say the program will improve financial oversight and accountability, while the UNDP has described the move as a significant milestone in the evolving partnership, highlighting the governments commitment to funding and driving its own development priorities.
The US Army is considering the creation of a network of regional drone training centers in Africa aimed at strengthening the capabilities of partner forces facing shared security challenges, with the first such facility to be established in Morocco, the defense-focused outlet Stars and Stripes reported.

The initiative is expected to begin next month in Morocco during the annual African Lion military exercise, according to remarks by Gen. Christopher Donahue, the US Armys senior commander for Europe and Africa, cited by Stars and Stripes.

African Lion, cohosted by the United States and Morocco, will take place in April and May across Morocco, Tunisia, Senegal and Ghana. The exercise will involve more than 10,000 troops from around 20 countries, according to US Africa Command (AFRICOM).

This years edition will include a pilot drone training module for 16 participants, the outlet said.

Donahue said the planned regional centers would focus not only on equipment and field training but also on developing shared problemsolving approaches tailored to Africas cultural, environmental and operational contexts.

The general made the comments at the opening of the African Land Forces Summit in Rome, hosted by the US\ Army Southern European Task Force, Africa. The threeday conference brings together US, African and European military officials as well as industry representatives to strengthen regional security cooperation and discuss emerging technologies, according to Stars and Stripes.

The initiative comes as many African countries seek to expand the use of unmanned aerial systems to counter terrorism, illicit trafficking, poaching and border threats, while often facing budget constraints that limit access to advanced intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.

As a first step, two specialized drone courses will be tested in Morocco during African Lion. One will focus on integrating drones into military planning, while the second will provide handson training on multiple drone systems. The courses are expected to last eight to ten days, according to a US command statement cited by Stars and Stripes.

In recent years, the media has reported Moroccos implementation of several dronerelated procurement and development initiatives as part of efforts to modernize its armed forces.

The kingdom has acquired combat and surveillance drone systems from foreign partners and has also outlined plans to develop a domestic military drone industry, according to publicly reported statements and official announcements.

African Lion, launched in 2004, has grown into the largest US-led multinational military exercise on the African continent and is a central pillar of US-Moroccan defense cooperation.

The exercise is held within the framework of a 20202030 U.S.Morocco defense cooperation roadmap, which aims to deepen collaboration in training, interoperability and regional security preparedness.
Underwater robots boost marine resource development in Dalian

10:01, April 03, 2026 By Liu Hongchao ( People's Daily

An engineer controls an underwater robot. (Photo from the official account of the information office of the Dalian municipal government on WeChat)

In the waters north of the Manhua terminal in Suoyu Bay, Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning province, gentle waves lapped against the quay.

Not far offshore, researcher Yuan Guoliang from the Liaoning Underwater Robot Engineering Research Center was fine-tuning a piece of equipment. With a light tap, an orange underwater robot slipped quietly into the sea. On a nearby screen, underwater piles and seawall details came into sharp view, while real-time data on water quality and sediment flowed back to shore.

This scene contrasts starkly with past practices. "Years ago, we had to wear heavy diving suits and work in cold water. At best, we could operate for four or five hours a day, and it took a whole team to assist," said Ma Yongxiang, head of a local seafood company.

Harvesting abalone and sea cucumbers once relied on perilous manual dives amid strong currents, high pressure, and poor visibility. "Few youth want such grueling work today," Ma noted.

"Necessity drives innovation," said Fu Xianping, dean of the Information Science and Technology College at Dalian Maritime University and director of the Liaoning Underwater Robot Engineering Research Center.

After years of development, the center has created the Haiying (Sea Eagle) series of underwater harvesting robots. Equipped with customized grippers, the robot can accurately identify and pick up sea cucumbers and abalone, and store them automatically. Operators control the system from a shore-based station, watching live video feeds of the seabed. Once the task is complete, the robot returns to the surface on its own -- no divers required.

At a Dalian aquaculture farm, a Sea Eagle robot collected samples with unprecedented efficiency. "We now cover more than 40 sites daily versus just 3-4 manually," Ma observed from shore. Such progress overcame daunting challenges: murky waters, unpredictable currents, and unreliable data transmission long hindered underwater robotics.

Working underwater is never easy. Coastal waters are often murky, with strong currents and very low visibility. Data transmission is also difficult, making real-time control a challenge. These factors have long constrained the development of intelligent underwater systems.

To tackle these challenges, the research center brought together more than 80 experts from different fields. After two years of work, the team developed an optical imaging model for turbid water and introduced a new imaging method based on light polarization, significantly improving underwater visibility.

For communication, the team designed a high-speed data transmission system using visible light arrays, enabling multiple robots to operate in coordination. They also built an integrated system linking underwater, surface, and low-altitude equipment, improving overall sensing and coordination in complex marine environments.

Photo shows a Haiying underwater robot. (Photo from the official account of the information office of the Dalian municipal government on WeChat)

Today, the Haiying and Hai'ou (Sea Gull) robot series developed by Fu's team are widely used in Dalian's marine industry. Their sensors monitor parameters such as temperature and salinity at different depths, while onboard cameras track the growth of marine life and help assess health conditions. Equipped with robotic arms and harvesting tools, they can carry out precise and efficient operations.

Bridging cutting-edge technology and practical applications, a public innovation platform for smart ocean information technology was launched in 2025. Led by Dalian Maritime University and Zoneco Group, and supported by the Liaoning Underwater Robot Engineering Research Center, the public innovation platform for smart ocean information technology aims to speed up the application of new technologies.

Its innovations are already being widely applied. The Hai'ou I robot has been deployed at the construction site of northeast China's first submarine cable with a 630-square-millimeter cross-section, carrying out real-time underwater supervision to ensure safety. The Hai'ou II robot assists in offshore drilling platform installation and pipeline inspections, supporting oil and gas development at sea.

Besides, an underwater robot for Arctic research independently developed by the platform has joined scientific expeditions to the Arctic, supporting the collection of underwater environmental data. Another robot, designed to inspect underwater dam structures, has been delivered to a research institute under China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation, where it plays an important role in water conservancy projects.

Photo shows the Liaoning Underwater Robot Engineering Research Center. (Photo from official account Yanhuaren on WeChat)

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
William Shatner is setting the record straight after a disturbing wave of AIgenerated hoaxes claimed the Star Trek legend was battling terminal illness.

William Shatner has cleared up fake AI rumours spreading about his health online

The 95yearold actor took to X on April 2 to warn fans about the false stories, explaining that he deliberately avoided posting the day before because he didnt want the message mistaken for an April Fools prank.

Shatner said the source of the misinformation was a Facebook page called Beanstalk Functions, which presents itself as a South African eventplanning group but has allegedly been using AI tools to fabricate sensational stories about him.

In his lengthy post, he laid out exactly what had been happening: "I wanted to put this out yesterday but given the day and the possibility that it would look like a joke I waited for today.

There is a page on @facebook that is using AI to create horrible fake news stories about me. The page is by The Beanstalk Functions Group which is allegedly an Event Planner in South Africa. (facebook.com/beanstalkfunct)

They have created stories that say I have stage 4 brain cancer, was in some kind of fight with Erika Kirk and that Im dying.

All their stories are monetized. Most of the stories use an AI image of me. Facebook Support will not remove the page. (sic)"

He continued: Each story is accompanied by a website link in the post that is hosted on @nextjs where some of you may have seen my post to the CEO of that company asking him to remove these fake stories.

None of these stories are true but they apparently seem genuine enough for fans to repost them across social media and send messages of support to me and my family all while the culprits behind the account make money.

This is the downside of AI and yellow journalism.

While can be a wonderful tool in the right hands; it can be used as a weapon in the wrong hands.

If you see a bizarre story about me; unless you see it posted on one of my verified accounts take it with a grain of salt."

To reassure fans, Shatner included a new photo taken by his daughter, explaining that even his own family had been rattled by the rumours.

He followed up with another post describing how the hoax had reached his granddaughter:

"My Daughter came over to tell me her daughter heard that I had brain cancer.

She took this photo and sent it to me to upload to prove I'm not ill.

The people who are ill are those that are spreading these ridiculous stories.

I'm fit as a fiddle.

You don't have to worry."
Morocco has put in place emergency measures to assist and protect its nationals living in or transiting through Gulf countries amid growing instability in the Middle East, Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita said.

Responding to a written parliamentary question, Bourita said Moroccos diplomatic services acted from the outset of the regional hostilities in line with instructions from King Mohammed VI, with the priority of ensuring the safety and protection of Moroccans abroad.

Morocco has condemned Iranian attacks on Arab Gulf nations and showed steady solidarity.

Bourita said a crisis cell was set up at the foreign ministry in Rabat, working in close coordination with Moroccan embassies and consulates across the Gulf region. The cell provides continuous assistance through emergency telephone lines for Moroccan residents and visitors affected by the security situation.

Consular services are also guiding citizens toward the safest routes back to Morocco, particularly following the closure of some airspace in the region, he said.

The minister said the government had taken additional steps to support Moroccans affected by flight suspensions. These included covering accommodation costs for citizens stranded due to cancellations, securing extensions of visas and residence permits nearing expiry through coordination with host countries, and allowing changes to travel dates without additional fees.

Coordination with Saudi Arabian authorities had enabled many Moroccan nationals to leave highrisk areas by land and reach Saudi territory before being repatriated by air to Morocco, he said.
The number of illegal migration attempts to Europe foiled by Morocco in 2025 dropped to 73,640, down 6.4%, Reuters said citing interior ministry data.

During the same year, Morocco over 300 migrant trafficking networks and rescued 13,595 people at sea en route to Europe, it said

The number of migrants who took part in voluntary return programmes to their home countries reached 4372 the same year, the ministry said.

An interior ministry official said voluntary returns attest to Moroccos human-centered approach to managing migration which balances firmness with responsibility.

Despite the drop in interceptions, Morocco was still facing migration pressures.

The drop in interception numbers can be explained in the increasing use of other routes in the central southern Mediterranean and west Africa, the official said.
MIOSHA Recognizes Cintas Westland Facility with MVPP Star Award

The recognition highlights the role of comprehensive safety management systems, employee engagement, and proactive hazard control in reducing injuries and strengthening workplace safety performance.

The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) has awarded Cintas Corporations K15 facility in Westland the Michigan Voluntary Protection Program (MVPP) Star Award, the agencys highest recognition for workplace safety and health.

The MVPP recognizes employers that go beyond regulatory compliance by implementing comprehensive safety and health management systems designed to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses. Participating sites demonstrate strong leadership commitment, active employee involvement, and a proactive approach to identifying and controlling hazards.

MVPP represents the highest level of recognition for workplace safety and health in Michigan, said Kristin Osterkamp, On-Site Safety and Health Program Manager for MIOSHAs Consultation Education and Training Division. This program is about building a culture where safety is part of everyday operations and employees are actively engaged in protecting themselves and their coworkers.

Cintas K15 earned the designation following a comprehensive evaluation that included a program review, onsite assessment, and employee interviews. The Westland facility employs 95 workers and provides contamination control, garment processing, and distribution services to industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and electronics.

According to MIOSHA, only 29 worksites statewide currently hold MVPP Star status. The program emphasizes continuous improvement through a partnership between employers and the agency, with participating sites serving as models for effective safety and health management systems.

Cintas has multiple MVPP Star sites across Michigan and more than 140 Voluntary Protection Program Star sites nationwide, reflecting the companys broader commitment to workplace safety.

MIOSHA established the MVPP in 1996 to recognize employers with safety and health programs that exceed regulatory requirements. To qualify, employers must maintain injury and illness rates below industry averages and demonstrate that safety systems are fully integrated into daily operations.

The agency encourages employers across industries to explore participation in the program as part of efforts to strengthen workplace safety and health.

More information about the MVPP is available at Michigan.gov/MVPP.
Wage Division and OSHA to Host Safety Webinar

Federal agencies partner to provide resources and compliance tools for the 2026 Safety Stand-Down initiative.

Two agencies within the U.S. DOL are partnering to host a webinar on April 8 aimed at helping employers implement safety initiatives for the 2026 Safety Stand-Down.

OSHA will lead the session to support businesses participating in the 20th annual Georgia Struck-by Alliances Safety Stand-Down. The event coincides with National Work Zone Awareness Week and encourages employers to pause operations to focus on injury prevention through education and safety demonstrations.

During the webinar, OSHA staff will provide free compliance assistance resources, information on consultation services and details regarding the Safety Champions Program. Officials will also offer practical guidance on hosting stand-down events and how to register for a workplace safety certificate.

OSHA recommends that employers hold stand-down events during several upcoming national observances, including National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction, Trench Safety Stand Down and National Heat Awareness Day.

Representatives from the Wage and Hour Division will also participate to discuss federal labor requirements. Topics include employer tools for the Family and Medical Leave Act, compliance assistance toolkits and the recently expanded PAID program, which helps employers resolve potential violations under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

The webinar is free to attend, though registration is required.
Sixty-three percent of emerging markets in Africa, Asia, and Latin America now generate more power from solar than the United States, with countries like Pakistan, Morocco, and Kenya leading some of the fastest energy transitions on record.

Global solar capacity surged from 228 GW in 2015 to 2,919 GW in 2025, overtaking nuclear and now supplying roughly 9 percent of world electricity, with projections pointing to 9,000 GW by 2030.

The Strait of Hormuz blockage is the largest oil supply disruption in history, cutting off one-fifth of global oil and gas trade  but a far more diverse energy mix, led by solar, is absorbing the shock.

The effective blockage of the Strait of Hormuz has thrown the worlds continued dependence on fossil fuels into sharp relief. The interruption to the waterway, which accommodates one-fifth of the worlds oil and gas, has thrown global energy markets into turmoil. The blockage represents the single-largest interruption to global oil trade in history. But its not causing nearly as much pain as past oil crises thanks to a much more diverse global energy mix.

There is little sign that the war with Iran will cause the kind of economic pain experienced about a half-century ago, when oil met almost half of the worlds energy needs, the New York Times wrote in a report earlier this month.

To a large degree, you can thank solar energy for the fact that youre not in a 1970s-style gas line. Globally, solar power capacity has seen an exponential rise over the last decade thanks to plummeting costs of the installation and maintenance of photovoltaic energy systems. In 2015, solar power provided just 1 percent of the worlds electricity as 228 total gigawatts. In 2025, that figure has skyrocketed to 2,919 gigawatts, providing about 9 percent of the worlds electricity, overtaking nuclear power.

The energy source is still growing exponentially, and if it continues at current rates, global capacity could hit 9,000 GW by 2030  enough to meet more than 20% of the worlds energy demand, Deutsche Welle recently reported.

Solar has simply become too cheap to fail. In fact, researchers at the Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology in Finland calculated what the worlds most cost-effective energy system would look like, and solar takes center stage in such a scenario. Their modelling shows that a whopping 76 percent of the worlds energy would come from solar, with another 20 percent from wind and the remainder from hydropower, biomass and geothermal.

Related: Is This The No.1 Way To Play the Rare Earth Crisis?

China is leading the charge in solar power deployment both domestically and abroad, and cheap Chinese solar panels have emerged as a primary driver of the global solar boom. At present, more than 80 percent of all solar panels on the planet are made in China. Europe and the United States have also installed enormous amounts of solar energy in recent years, despite a cool-off under the Trump administration. And now the developing world is deploying solar panels at a breakneck pace as well.

A recent Oxford study finds that low- and middle-income countries stand to benefit the most from adopting renewable energies, with potential GDP gains of around 10 percent and low barriers to entry. Accordingly, emerging economies are adding renewable capacities at a breakneck pace, and Brazil, Chile, El Salvador, Morocco, Kenya, and Namibia have already overtaken the United States in their clean energy transitions. All told, 63 percent of emerging markets in Africa, Asia, and Latin America now source more of their power generation from solar power than the United States.

Some countries are pulling off stunningly fast energy transitions, adding solar so rapidly, its become a major source of electricity over the course of years  not decades, reports CNN. Pakistan, for example, has quickly become one of the worlds largest new adopters as small-scale solar battery systems have become both cheaper and more reliable than sourcing power from the national grid.

Indeed, renewables, and especially solar power, have quickly become a critical component of energy security, independence, and autonomy around the world. Wind and solar cannot be embargoed, blockaded, or shut off by a foreign power, David Frykman, General Partner at Stockholm-based venture capital group Norrsken, recently wrote in an op-ed about the latest European energy affordability crisis for Fortune. Every terawatt-hour of domestic renewable generation is a terawatt-hour that no adversary can weaponize.

By Haley Zaremba for Oilprice.com

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The Trump administration is paying TotalEnergies $1 billion to exit U.S. offshore wind projects representing more than 4 GW of potential clean power, redirecting those funds toward oil and gas.

Hornsea 3, set to become the world's largest offshore wind farm at 2.9 GW, connected its first seabed export cable to the UK coast on March 26, a key step toward its 2027 completion.

Europe is making a push for a robust homegrown offshore wind sector at the same time that the United States is gutting its own. The world's largest wind farm, currently under construction in the North Sea, made major progress on March 26 when it successfully connected its first export cable from the seabed to the coast of the United Kingdom. Meanwhile, France plans to auction off 10 offshore and floating wind projects with a combined capacity of 12 gigawatts by 2027 as part of a Made in Europe initiative.

In the UK, the connection of the undersea cable for the massive Hornsea 3 offshore wind project marks a significant milestone for the offshore wind capacity and for European collaboration on making a more independent and autonomous energy industry. The project, which will benefit consumers in the United Kingdom, is being headed by rsted, a company from Denmark, while the cable installation is being carried out by Belgiums Jan De Nul Group. When finished in 2027, the project will have a power generation capacity of 2.9 gigawatts, enough to power 3.3 million homes.

Hornsea 3 will be a cornerstone in achieving the UK governments climate and clean energy targets while increasing energy independence and creating local jobs, Duncan Clark, Head of rsted UK & Ireland, was quoted by Interesting Engineering. It will make a significant contribution towards the UK Governments ambitious target of 50 GW of offshore wind by 2030 and net-zero by 2050.

It will also help to increase the United Kingdom and Europes energy independence, a pressing issue in todays geopolitical climate. In France, the upcoming tenders for offshore wind energy will prioritize local supply chains. We want these bids to be done as much as possible with our technologies, our factories, our employees, said French Finance Minister Roland Lescure. This is a long-term strategy to secure our industrial supply chains, he continued.

Related: Chinese Publication Claims U.S. Has Two Months of Rare Earths Left

The push for homegrown offshore wind comes as a part of the blocs larger energy security strategy, which has been kicked into overdrive by the current global energy crisis reverberating out of the Strait of Hormuz. The current crisis marks the third time in four years that European energy markets have been kneecapped by their dependence on global supply chains to keep the lights on. European leaders are determined to make sure that it doesnt happen again.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the Atlantic, the United States is taking a completely different approach to energy security. Instead of diversifying domestic energy production in the interest of building up resilience to global market shocks, the United States is piling all of its eggs back into the petro-basket. In fact, the Trump administration is paying a French company TotalEnergies $1 billion to abandon offshore wind projects that could have generated over 4 GW of clean power. Instead, that money will be channeled into oil and gas.

When the Trump administration came to power and began setting U.S. energy policy, we said that well have to reconsider, clearly, these offshore wind project developments, says Patrick Pouyane, the CEO of TotalEnergies. However, this doesnt mean that they will be backing off of offshore wind development entirely. To be clear, we dont renounce onshore wind, Pouyane went on to say. We continue to invest in onshore solar, onshore wind, batteries [in other countries].

Few examples more accurately and powerfully capture the growing divide in energy policy between the United States and Europe. While Europe tries to shore up energy autonomy and independence through renewables, the United States is targeting energy dominance through fossil fuels. Some experts say that this play will end up costing United States consumers more per megawatt hour of energy  and end up costing the world in terms of climate-related externalities.

By Haley Zaremba for Oilprice.com

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Oil markets reversed their recent downtrend on Thursday, with oil prices surging after President Donald Trump declared that the U.S. would continue to hit Iran "extremely hard" for the next two to three weeks. Trump warned that he would hit all of Iran's electric generating plants if a deal is not reached, sending the country back to the Stone Age. Trumps bellicosity marks a sudden shift in policy, suggesting that securing the Strait of Hormuz is no longer Washingtons top priority. Brent crude for May delivery was up 7.58% to trade at $108.8 per barrel at 2.50 pm ET, while the corresponding WTI crude contract jumped 11.54% to change hands at $111.70/bbl.

Oil consumers are beginning to bear the brunt of the oil price spike, with the average price of gasoline in the U.S. surging past $4 per gallon for the first time since the summer of 2022. However, oil companies and oil-dependent economies are enjoying a rare bonanza: previously, we reported that the Energy sector is outpacing the other 10 U.S. market sectors by a wide margin, with the sectors nearly 40% gain in the year-to-date incomparable to the -4.5% decline by the S&P 500. Still, oil prices are not high enough for some economies to dig themselves out of their deep holes. According to Alberta Finance Minister Nate Horner, it is "highly unlikely" the recent surges in oil prices will be enough to erase the province's multibillion-dollar deficit for the 202526 fiscal year. Horner says the deficit is likely to narrow considerably from the earlier projection of $4.1-billion, but has emphasized a surplus remains out of reach. The final deficit number will be revealed before the end of June when the year-end fiscal report is tabled. Albertas new fiscal year starts on April 1.

Theres been a lot of napkin math done in my office, he said. Were very interested in this, too. All I can say for sure is that the position will have improved. Is it enough to take us out of a deficit position? Highly unlikely.

Related: Chinese Publication Claims U.S. Has Two Months of Rare Earths Left

Every $1 change in the price of WTI impacts Alberta's annual revenue by approximately $680 million. However, oil prices only surged in late February when US-Israel launched attacks on Iran, meaning Alberta only got to enjoy higher oil revenues for just over a month for the last fiscal year. Previously, Alberta had projected a massive $9.4-billion deficit for the 2025/2026 fiscal year, based on a WTI forecast of US$60.50.

Thankfully, the province might be able to balance its books in the current financial year since it requires oil prices to average $74 and $77 per barrel for the entire year. StanChart has increased its average Brent price forecast for 2026 to $85.50/bbl from $70.00/bbl and for 2027 to $77.50/bbl from $67.00/bbl. However, StanChart has predicted that oil prices will gradually ease as the months and quarters roll on, with Brent crude averaging $78.00/bbl in Q1 2026; $98.00/bbl in Q2 2026, $85.00/bbl in Q3 2026, and $80.50/bbl in Q4 2026.

That said, the budget outlook is mixed for Gulf producers. Saudi Arabia will need some luck to avoid posting a deficit in the current year, with the Kingdom needing a Brent oil price between approximately $90 and over $100 per barrel to balance its 2025-2026 budget, according to IMF and Bloomberg estimates. The high price is driven by massive spending on Vision 2030 projects, public services, and previously lower production levels under OPEC+ cuts.

The UAE is almost certain to post a big surplus in the current year, thanks to a low breakeven oil price of just under US$66 per barrel to balance its budget. The UAEs strategic economic diversification allows its budget to be balanced at lower levels. Similarly, Qatar could be gushing cash for years, with Fitch projecting the countrys fiscal breakeven oil price could fall to around $50 by 2027. Qatar has traditionally employed a conservative oil price estimate to enhance financial flexibility, ensuring that even with lower oil prices, it can manage its expenditures. Oman is also in good standing, with a budget breakeven oil price estimated to be between US$65 and US$80 per barrel.

Unfortunately, Bahrain can only hope to narrow its budget deficit despite the high oil price, due to the countrys high breakeven oil price of $124.9 to $125.7 per barrel, largely due to a high reliance on oil revenues and lower diversification.



By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com

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Soaring jet fuel prices have hit the profitability of airlines, who have started raising air fares and grounding flights to contain the fallout from the Iran war, which has more than doubled aviation fuel prices over the past month.

Oil and jet fuel supplies are constrained as crude and petroleum products are trapped at the Strait of Hormuz, forcing Asian refiners to cut run rates and Asian countries to restrict or ban exports to preserve domestic supply.

Jet Fuel Shock

The product market came under more severe stress than the crude markets as the war dislocated oil and fuel supplies and sent jet and diesel premiums over Brent to astronomical highs.

Nowhere has the stress been more severe than in jet fuel cracks and prices, signaling acute price pain for airlines and consumers going forward.

The specifics of producing and storing jet fuel compared to other fuels made the kerosene market the most vulnerable to the major shifts in physical supply seen over the past weeks, analysts say.

Jet fuel is the most stressed barrel, June Goh, Senior Oil Market Analyst for Sparta Commodities, says, noting that jet fuel has very specialized tank storage requirements and there isnt much of it stored globally, unlike many other products such as diesel and gasoline.

Due to these storage constraints, jet fuel supply was the hardest hit at the start, Goh said at the end of last week.

No alternatives for production and no strategic storage. Some airlines are forced to induce demand destruction. Prices have doubled, the analyst noted.

Related: Chinese Publication Claims U.S. Has Two Months of Rare Earths Left

Even if the Strait of Hormuz were to open unconditionally to all traffic today, the global oil production and refining supply chains would take at least three to six months to normalize to pre-war levels, Goh said in an analysis last week.

The damage is done, and it will take months to return to normal, if normal could be applied to global oil flows from now on. Until some kind of normal returns, the most stressed barrels  jet and diesel fuels  would become even more stressed as Asia reduces refinery runs and exports. while storage, where available, is being aggressively tapped.

A global jet supply crunch is emerging with no clear relief mechanism, James Noel-Beswick, Head of Commodities at Sparta, said in the commodity analytics firms trading outlook for April.

The market is signaling a genuine shortage with limited ability to rebalance as all major arbitrage windows into Europe and Los Angeles are closed despite extreme pricing and U.S. Gulf jet barrels are already stretched, Noel-Beswick added.

Fatih Birol, the executive director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), also noted that jet fuel and diesel are the most stressed barrels in global markets today.

The biggest problem today is the lack of jet fuel and diesel; these are the main challenges and we are seeing it already in Asia, but soon, in April, or maybe beginning of May, it will come to Europe, Birol said this week on the In Good Company podcast hosted by Nicolai Tangen, the CEO of Norways sovereign wealth fund, the worlds biggest.

Airlines Feeling the Pinch

The jet fuel supply crunch is reverberating through Asia Pacific airlines and is already piling pressure on European air carriers, too.

Australias Qantas raised international fares in early March, becoming one of the first major airlines to hike prices.

The more than doubled jet fuel prices are driving up costs across the group, despite hedging, Qantas said.

South Koreas flag carrier, Korean Air, is now in emergency mode in response to soaring costs.

Jet fuel is the highest cost for airlines, and the most damaging episodes occur when fuel prices rise rapidly, and airlines do not have time to adapt their strategy, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said two weeks after the war in the Middle East began.

Rapid changes qualify as shocks and are hard to adjust to, said the IATA.

Airlines in Asia are already grounding flights, while European carriers start to fret about a true jet fuel scarcity going into May and beyond.

We don't expect any disruption until early May, but if the war continues, we do run the risk of supply disruptions in Europe in May and June, and we hope the war will finish sooner than that and the risk to supply will be eliminated, Ryanair CEO Michael OLeary told Sky News on Wednesday.

Ryanair, one of Europes biggest budget airlines, is reasonably well hedged on 80% of its fuel, OLeary said, but noted that it is paying nearly double at around $150 a barrel on the other 20% of fuel supply.

Meanwhile, the biggest European aviation group, Lufthansa, is developing crisis plans depending on the severity of the price surge and fuel crunch, and prepares to ground about 5% of capacity, or about 40 aircraft, a company spokesman told Bloomberg this week.

The jet fuel situation will worsen in the coming weeks, and even if the Strait of Hormuz were to re-open unconditionally to all traffic today, it would take months for oil and fuel markets to return to some semblance of normality.

The market is going to continue to get tighter, Edward Morse, a commodities strategist at Hartree Partners, told the Financial Times.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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The filing builds on site characterization work that began last fall and positions Nano Nuclear for potential first test operations at Illinois by the late 2020s, with broader deployments being explored in Texas, South Korea, and at U.S. federal sites.

Kronos is designed to deliver 15 MW of carbon-free baseload power using meltdown-resistant TRISO fuel, targeting AI data centers, military bases, and remote communities.

Nano Nuclear has submitted a Construction Permit Application to the NRC for its Kronos HTGR microreactor at the University of Illinois, triggering a roughly 12-month formal review before construction can be authorized.

Nano Nuclear submitted a Construction Permit Application (CPA) to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for their Kronos microreactor project at the University of Illinois. The filing marks the latest step in a project weve tracked since site characterization began last fall.

Kronos is a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) engineered for commercial deployment. It delivers 15 megawatts of carbon-free baseload power using meltdown-resistant TRISO fuel and helium coolant. The design emphasizes walk-away safety, autonomous operation during grid outages, and scalability through multiple units. Intended uses include powering artificial intelligence data centers, industrial electrification, military bases, and remote communities.

Nano Nuclear acquired the technology in 2024 from Ultra Safe Nuclear Corp. and positioned it as one of the first commercially ready microreactor platforms.

The University of Illinois partnership targets the first full-scale Kronos research reactor deployment. We detailed the October 2025 launch of geotechnical drilling and site characterization work, followed by a ceremonial groundbreaking. Those steps built on state support from Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and positioned the campus project as the lead effort in Nanos broader commercialization roadmap. The company has since expanded discussions for additional deployments in Texas, South Korea, and at U.S. federal sites.

Related: Why Trump Wants Magnets More Than Gold

Under the NRC process, staff will first review the application package for completeness and docketing. Once accepted, the agency will conduct a formal technical and environmental evaluation. Nano estimates this formal review phase will take approximately 12 months, after which the NRC could authorize construction. The timeline aligns with recent agency efforts to streamline advanced reactor licensing while maintaining rigorous safety standards.

Company executives described the submission as validation of years of engineering and pre-application engagement. Chief Technical Officer Florent Heidet called it a defining moment that separates ready projects from those still in early development.

The milestone keeps Nano on track for initial test operations at Illinois by the late 2020s and supports its goal of factory-built, fleet-scale microreactor production.

By Zerohedge

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Frank Turner has revealed hes deliberately slowing down after the release of his tenth album Undefeated.

Frank Turner says hes holding off on album 11 until the songs come naturally.

The 44-year-old musician finally feels free from the constant cycle of recording and touring that has defined most of his career.

He exclusively told ContactMusic.com: Undefeated was my 10th record, and I genuinely think it's one of the best records I've ever made. I have a luxury right now, which is that I don't need to make another record right now."

Frank explained that hes spent years locked into a relentless rhythm of touring, recording, releasing, but for the first time hes allowing himself to step back and enjoy not having a deadline hanging over him.

Hes still writing, though his recent influences have drifted toward the kind of Trad folkcountry world in both listening and songwriting.

Even so, hes determined not to create an album simply because its expected.

He explained: I don't want to make a record because that's what I do That doesn't feel very artistic to me."

Frank noted that Undefeated itself came together in a sudden burst.

He said: I wrote most of Undefeated in the space of a month then suddenly just went 'blah'!

And, he expects inspiration will strike in a similar way again. Until then, hes not forcing anything: I already have enough fucking trouble writing set list as it is! I can give it some space.

Frank added that he wants to reconnect with writing for its own sake, not for radio play or external expectations.

He said: Writing because I want to write, rather than writing because I have to write Finding that place where the writing is coming from a more kind of natural, honest place."

Part of that shift has come from experimenting outside his usual process.

At his partners encouragement, hes begun writing poetry  something entirely new for him.

He explained: The act of writing without music in mind it's so liberating to write words without having to think about the chord changes underneath them."

Some pieces may eventually become songs, but for now, the freedom is the point.

He concluded: I just find that hugely liberating. So, I want to make sure that I'm writing for the right reasons.

Frank and Bowling For Soup are hitting the road in May, June and July for co-headline tours across Australia and the UK.

Full dates for Bowling For Soup x Frank Turner - Bowl My Bones UK Tour 2026:

June 25 - Margate, Dreamland

June 26 - Southampton, TK Maxx Presents Southampton Summer Sessions

June 27 - Lincoln, TK Maxx Presents Live at Lincoln Castle

June 29 - Glasgow, O2 Academy Glasgow

June 30 - Halifax, TK Maxx Presents Live at The Piece Hall

July 2 - Scarborough, TK Maxx Presents Scarborough Open Air Theatre

July 3 - Llangollen, TK Maxx Presents Live at Llangollen Pavillion

July 4 - Cardiff, TK Maxx Presents Depot Live at Cardiff Castle

July 5 - St. Austell, Eden Sessions
Iraq is trucking oil because its running out of ways to move it. Southern output is slipping, storage is filling, and export routes are under pressure from the war spilling out of Iran. Kurdistan is already largely offline (more than 200,000 b/d gone), and northern infrastructure is being hit again, including fresh drone strikes on the Sarsang field. That leaves Baghdad trying to keep barrels flowing any way it can, even if that means loading trucks and sending crude across Syria. The plan of up to 100,000 b/d via a deal being arranged by SOMO is inefficient, expensive, and exposed, but it prevents the potential shutting-in of fields in Basra as fuel oil backs up and refineries cut runs.

The Sharara pipeline was hit in Libyas southwest, and that location explains the attack. This is not territory firmly controlled by either Khalifa Haftar or Abdul Hamid Dbeibah. Haftars forces are anchored in the east, Dbeibahs authority is in and around Tripoli, and the northwest. The corridor linking Sharara to Zawiya runs through the Murzuq basin, where control is fragmented. Local militias and tribal groups handle security around the National Oil Corporation infrastructure but operate on their own terms.

Politics, Geopolitics & Conflict

The Sharara pipeline was hit in Libyas southwest, and that location explains the attack. This is not territory firmly controlled by either Khalifa Haftar or Abdul Hamid Dbeibah. Haftars forces are anchored in the east, Dbeibahs authority is in and around Tripoli, and the northwest. The corridor linking Sharara to Zawiya runs through the Murzuq basin, where control is fragmented. Local militias and tribal groups handle security around the National Oil Corporation infrastructure but operate on their own terms.

Iraq is trucking oil because its running out of ways to move it. Southern output is slipping, storage is filling, and export routes are under pressure from the war spilling out of Iran. Kurdistan is already largely offline (more than 200,000 b/d gone), and northern infrastructure is being hit again, including fresh drone strikes on the Sarsang field. That leaves Baghdad trying to keep barrels flowing any way it can, even if that means loading trucks and sending crude across Syria. The plan of up to 100,000 b/d via a deal being arranged by SOMO is inefficient, expensive, and exposed, but it prevents the potential shutting-in of fields in Basra as fuel oil backs up and refineries cut runs.

Washington is backing Delcy Rodriguez and reopening the door to Venezuelas oil sector. Lifting sanctions gives her access to funds, allows business with U.S. companies, and signals that Washington will work with the government in place. This follows Maduros removal and the return of diplomatic ties. Additionally, Maria Corina Machado remains part of the political process and is in contact with U.S. officials, but she is not the one being put in charge. The U.S. is choosing access and leverage over a drawn-out transition. Rodriguez gets legitimacy and economic room. Washington gets a foothold in the oil sector and a direct line into how the next phase unfolds.

Russia is claiming it has fully taken Luhansk again, and Ukraine is rejecting it just as clearly. Moscow has made this same claim before in July 2022 and again in 2025, and each time it has come down to how you define control. Russian forces hold almost all of the region, but not all of it. Ukrainian units are still operating along the western edge, and that last stretch has not been cleared despite months of repeated assaults. So this is less about a sudden change on the ground and more about timing. Russia is reinforcing its position ahead of a potential new offensive and trying to lock in its territorial claims, especially as negotiations stall. For Ukraine, holding even a small foothold matters. It prevents Russia from closing the file on Luhansk and keeps the front line active. The reality is likely somewhere in between these two claims. It appears that Russia controls nearly the entire region, but it has finalized the lockdown.

Discovery & Development

Israel is restarting the Chevron-operated Leviathan gas platform after a month-long shutdown, restoring a key export route to Egypt and Jordan, but Karish remains offline despite supplying roughly half of Israels domestic gas, which leaves the system only partially restored; the government is bringing back export capacity first while domestic supply is still constrained, even though industry officials say the security situation has not materially changed and question why Karish was not prioritized, with Leviathans return easing pressure on regional gas flows but not fixing conditions at home, where reliance on Tamar alone has already pushed power costs higher, forced greater use of coal and diesel, and contributed to economic losses approaching $500 million.

Golden Pass has started producing LNG in Texas, and the timing is doing most of the work. QatarEnergy and ExxonMobil spent years building this project, and it is coming online just as global supply has taken a hit. Qatars own exports are under pressure after disruptions at Ras Laffan, and that has removed a meaningful chunk of supply from the market. The U.S. is already exporting at record levels, and Golden Pass adds more volume into a system that is being pulled harder by Europe and Asia. This is not a full replacement for lost Middle East supply, but it shifts the balance. Cargoes that would have come out of the Gulf can now be covered, at least in part, from the U.S. Gulf Coast.

Deals, Mergers & Acquisitions

Eni has exited the acreage it was awarded in Israels 2023 offshore bid round without ever starting work, nearly two and a half years after those licenses were handed out in the weeks following October 7. Eni is the first to leave outright, but the broader picture is the same across that round. Since late 2023, none of the winning groups have moved into drilling, and only one consortium has finalized its contract by early 2025. Over that same period, risk has increased. Security conditions have worsened, and the political cost of operating offshore Israel has become harder to justify. That is now showing up in capital decisions. BP is already looking to exit its position, and Eni has gone further and left entirely. For Israel, the issue is that the acreage was awarded in 2023; it is now 2026, and development still has not started.

SpaceX has confidentially filed for an IPO that could raise up to $75 billion, and the scale is the point, because this is not a market test but a reset of what the market is expected to absorb, with the current benchmark still Saudi Aramcos $29 billion listing in 2019, meaning this would more than double it; the timing also matters, with a likely June window placing it at the front of a crowded pipeline that includes major AI-related listings, concentrating both capital and attention, and forcing investors to price a company that spans launch services, satellite infrastructure, and defense contracts in one offering, so the issue is not demand but how much valuation the market will accept at once and how much capital this deal pulls away from everything that follows.

TotalEnergies has combined its UK North Sea assets with NEO to form NEO NEXT+, keeping a 47.5% stake while moving the portfolio into a standalone operator expected to produce more than 250,000 boed in 2026 and become the largest independent in the basin, a move that is not about expansion but about managing a mature, high-cost system where remaining output depends on tighter control of infrastructure and spending; consolidating the assets allows operators to cut duplication, lower costs, and slow decline, while Total keeps the cash flow and hands off day-to-day operations.
President Donald Trump said the US military "hasn't even started" to destroy what is left of Iran after a month of devastating air attacks and he threatened to strike electrical power plants and more bridges in his latest warning to the regime in Tehran.

"Our Military, the greatest and most powerful (by far!) anywhere in the World, hasnt even started destroying whats left in Iran. Bridges next, then Electric Power Plants! New Regime leadership knows what has to be done, and has to be done, FAST!," Trump wrote on Truth Social late on April 2.

The remarks, without further elaboration, were posted hours after Iran launched new missile and drone attacks at Israel and Gulf states following a previous Trump warning to Tehran that it must "make a deal" before "there is nothing left" of the country.

Trump continued to send somewhat mixed messages about the war, saying on April 1 in a televised address that the United States is close to "finishing the job" in Iran, while warning that US forces will continue to strike the country "extremely hard" for another "two to three weeks."

In that speech, Trump defended the war as necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

Iranian Bridge Hit

In another Truth Social posting, Trump hailed the US strike on a major bridge linking Tehran to Karaj in the Alborz Province that has been described by Iranian media outlets as the highest bridge in the Middle East.

The biggest bridge in Iran comes tumbling down, never to be used again  Much more to follow! Trump wrote.

Iranian officials said eight people were killed and 95 injured in two rounds of attacks on the bridge. The account could not be independently verified.

Iran also reported that the Pasteur Institute, a medical research center, suffered heavy damage in an attack. That report also could not be verified, although the Iranian government released a photo purporting to show the damage.

Irans powerful parliament speaker, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, wrote a defiant message on social media: "Iranians don't just talk about defending their country, we bleed for it. We've done it before, and we're ready to do it again.... Bring it on."

An Iranian military spokesman warned of "broader and more destructive" attacks to come.

Israel Reports Incoming Missiles

Early on April 3, Israel's military said its air defenses were working to intercept missiles fired from Iran as the US-Israeli war with Iran, launched on February 28, moved deeper into its second month.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement that it had "identified missiles launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel."

Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat," it added. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage.

Kuwait also said early on April 3 that its air defenses were responding to missile and drone attacks, saying any explosions heard were from projectile interceptions, as Iran continues to hit US Gulf Arab allies.

US Army Change At The Top

The attacks come as a Pentagon spokesman said General Randy George, chief of staff of the US Army, will be retiring from his position as his service's highest-ranked officer.

"General Randy A. George will be retiring from his position as the 41st Chief of Staff of the Army effective immediately. The Department of War is grateful for General Georges decades of service to our nation. We wish him well in his retirement," the spokesman wrote on X.

There was no indication the move was related to the war in Iran amid complaints from critics of Trump that the conflict is spiraling out of control and creating an energy crisis and economic hardships in the United States and around the world.

US media, citing unnamed US officials, said defense chief Pete Hegseth forced George out -- an almost unprecedented move during wartime -- because he wanted someone who would implement his and Trump's vision for the American Army.

UN Chief: End 'Spiral Of Death'

Meanwhile, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on April 2 called for an end to the "spiral of death and destruction" in the Middle East.

"We are on the edge of a wider war that would engulf the whole Middle East with dramatic impacts around the globe," Guterres told reporters in New York.

Guterres cited the dangers of the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has brought shipping to a near standstill, creating a bottleneck of oil and natural gas tankers, which has led to a global energy crisis.

"When the Strait of Hormuz is strangled, the world's poorest and most vulnerable cannot breathe," Guterres said.

UN OK Sought For Hormuz Action

Separately, the head of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) called for UN approval for the use of "defensive" force to protect the strait from Iranian attacks.

"Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz, prevented commercial vessels and oil tankers from transiting, and imposed conditions on some to pass through the strait," GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi said.

The GCC comprises Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Oman.

"We call upon the Security Council to assume its full responsibility and take all necessary measures to protect maritime routes and ensure the safe continuation of international navigation," AlBudaiwi said.

Bahrain has proposed a draft resolution to allow countries to use "defensive" force to assure free transit through the strait, a measure supported by the United States but one that faces opposition among others within the 15-member Security Council.

"The use of force cannot bring peace. Political settlement is the fundamental way forward," Chinese Ambassador Fu Cong told the Security Council.

The Security Council is set to vote on April 3 on the draft resolution, which has gone through several rounds of adjustments and amendments since being presented by Bahrain.

By RFE/RL

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Trump entered office promising to avoid new wars. The U.S. is now engaged in an expanding conflict with Iran that has spiralled out of control, and the administration has not clearly defined what constitutes success or how the war ends. Further eroding confidence, late on Thursday, in the middle of a war, the U.S. Defense Secretary has forced the resignation of Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George and two other senior officers, Gen. David Hodne and Maj. Gen. William Green Jr., in what is now one of the most significant wartime leadership changes inside the Pentagon in recent years. The markets are already in a state of uncertainty, which Trumps address to the nation did nothing to alleviate. Firing top generals in the middle of a war with no explanation ends up looking like dissent in the ranks and does little to boost confidence. There appears to be a crisis of confidence brewing, and its within the Republican party, as well. Trumps address to the nation only added to the instability. Instead of laying out a clear objective or path forward, he delivered a message of shifting positions and contradictions. He said core strategic objectives have been achieved and that Iran has been effectively neutralized. Then he said bombing will continue for several more weeks and warned that threats to U.S. forces and global shipping remain. There was no definition of what done looks like, no timeline, and no explanation of what still needs to be achieved. Just a rolling mix

Trump entered office promising to avoid new wars. The U.S. is now engaged in an expanding conflict with Iran that has spiralled out of control, and the administration has not clearly defined what constitutes success or how the war ends. Further eroding confidence, late on Thursday, in the middle of a war, the U.S. Defense Secretary has forced the resignation of Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George and two other senior officers, Gen. David Hodne and Maj. Gen. William Green Jr., in what is now one of the most significant wartime leadership changes inside the Pentagon in recent years. The markets are already in a state of uncertainty, which Trumps address to the nation did nothing to alleviate. Firing top generals in the middle of a war with no explanation ends up looking like dissent in the ranks and does little to boost confidence. There appears to be a crisis of confidence brewing, and its within the Republican party, as well.



Trumps address to the nation only added to the instability. Instead of laying out a clear objective or path forward, he delivered a message of shifting positions and contradictions. He said core strategic objectives have been achieved and that Iran has been effectively neutralized. Then he said bombing will continue for several more weeks and warned that threats to U.S. forces and global shipping remain. There was no definition of what done looks like, no timeline, and no explanation of what still needs to be achieved. Just a rolling mix of victory claims and continued escalation. And Hormuz, of course, hangs over it all, with the U.S. oddly fighting a conventional war, while Iran fights an asymmetric wara lesson the U.S. has left unlearned for decades. There is no winner when no one is fighting the same war. Overall, the address attempted to present two versions of reality simultaneously: a war that is effectively finished and a war that still needs to be fought.

Oil surged as it became clear there would be no near-term end to the conflict. U.S. crude spiked above $111 per barrel, while the spread between near-term and future contracts hit the widest level on record, reflecting acute short-term supply stress.

And no one is the wiser after a series of claims and denials. Iran says Trumps claim that it requested a ceasefire is false, even as its leadership signals a conditional willingness to negotiate if guarantees are in place. President Masoud Pezeshkian made a direct appeal to the American public. Trump has also escalated pressure on allies, openly threatening to reconsider U.S. participation in NATO and to cut off weapons flows to Ukraine if European countries fail to take a more active role over Hormuz.
With Brent crude hovering near $100 a barrel and U.S. gas prices above $4 a gallon, analysts warn the standoff could deteriorate further if NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte fails to change Trump's mind during a Washington visit next week.

Spain closed its airspace to U.S. military planes, France blocked weapons flights to Israel, and Britain restricted base access to defensive missions only, prompting Trump to call the alliance a "paper tiger."

Trump told Reuters he is "considering" withdrawing from NATO after European allies declined to send navies to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which handles roughly 20% of global oil supply.

President Donald Trump told Reuters on Wednesday that he is considering withdrawing the United States from the 76-year-old alliance after European allies declined to send warships to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to global shipping.

"Wouldn't you if you were me?" he asked.

Earlier this week, in an interview with Britain's The Telegraph, he called NATO a "paper tiger" and said Russian President Vladimir Putin shared the assessment.

The spat has a straightforward trigger.

The Strait of Hormuz, the narrow chokepoint between Iran and Oman through which roughly 20% of the world's oil flows, has been effectively closed to commercial traffic since the war began. Oil prices have surged in response, with Brent briefly touching $120 a barrel before retreating. The EIA now forecasts Brent will average $79 per barrel for the full year, a sharp revision from its pre-war estimate of $58. U.S. gasoline prices have crossed $4 a gallon.

Trump wants allies to help reopen it, but theyve largely said no.

Spain closed its airspace to U.S. military planes involved in the conflict. France refused to let planes carrying weapons to Israel pass over French territory. Britain allowed American bombers to use its bases, but only for defensive strikes, not offensive ones, prompting Trump to publicly lambast the country's "special relationship." Poland's defense minister said Warsaw has "no plans" to move its Patriot air-defense systems to the Middle East.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio made clear the administration is keeping a ledger. In an interview with Al Jazeera, he called the allies' response "very disappointing" and said the value of NATO, if it only works one direction, is something that will "have to be re-examined."

The energy dimension compounds all of it. Analysts at Macquarie put 40% odds on oil hitting $200 a barrel if the strait remains closed into Q2. Iran has begun laying naval mines in the waterway. The White House, for its part, has responded to the price surge by lifting sanctions on Russian oil, a move that European capitals see as yet another accommodation toward Moscow at their expense.

That dynamic surfaced sharply at a G7 foreign ministers meeting near Paris last week.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas asked Rubio when U.S. patience with Vladimir Putin over Ukraine would run out. Rubio, according to five people familiar with the exchange, responded with irritation. The meeting did not end warmly.

There are reasons to take Trump's NATO threats with some skepticism. He made similar noises during his first term and then praised European leaders effusively at NATO's annual summit in June 2025. A 2023 law co-sponsored by Rubio bars any president from withdrawing without congressional approval, though legal experts say Trump could test that in court. Analysts also note that, as commander-in-chief, he could simply choose not to defend a NATO member under attack, no formal exit required.

"The big question is, let's say there is an actual armed attack on NATO. Would there be a political decision to come to the aid of that ally?" former U.S. ambassador to NATO Ivo Daalder told Axios. For countries that share a border with Russia, that is not an academic question.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, who has managed a working relationship with Trump, is scheduled to visit Washington next week. He has talked Trump down before. Whether the same approach works now, with oil above $100 and European governments actively blocking U.S. war operations, is an open question.

Julianne Smith, the U.S. ambassador to NATO under President Biden, put it plainly: "I do think we're turning the page of 80 years of working together."

By Michael Kern for Oilprice.com

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Cuba will release 2,010 prisoners as U.S. pressure on the island intensifies, with fuel shortages and economic strain mounting under tightened restrictions.

The Cuban government described the move as a humanitarian and sovereign gesture. Those eligible for release include foreign nationals, young people, women, and inmates over 60. Officials said the decision follows a review of conduct, time served, and health conditions.

The release comes as the U.S. escalates pressure on Havana. Since returning to office, President Donald Trump has moved to restrict oil flows to the island, contributing to severe fuel shortages and recurring blackouts across the country.

Cubas energy system is highly exposed to import disruptions. The country relies on foreign crude to sustain power generation, and reduced shipments have translated directly into grid instability and economic slowdown.

A Russian-owned tanker carrying roughly 730,000 barrels of crude arrived last weekthe first such delivery since early Januaryoffering temporary relief. Trump said he had no issue with that shipment, but the U.S. previously has stated that Russian tankers were banned from delivering oil to Cuba. Trump has stated that the broader restrictions remain in place.

The prisoner release is being framed domestically as part of Holy Week traditions, which Cuban authorities say historically include clemency measures. It follows a separate release of 51 prisoners in March after talks with the Vatican.

Human rights groups estimate that hundreds of political prisoners remain in custody, with critics of the government subject to prosecution.

For Cuba, fuel access and power stability remain central to the countrys operating baseline.

By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com

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Europeans must prepare for an extended period of tight oil and gas supplies, the EUs energy commissioner Dan Jrgensen told the Financial Times.

This will be a long crisis . . . energy prices will be higher for a very long time, Jrgensen told the FT, adding that with some critical products the situation was about to become even worse in the weeks to come.

The commissioner said that the crisis hadnt struck yet but also admitted that The rhetoric that were using and the words were using are more serious now than they were earlier in the crisis, adding that It certainly is our analysis that this will be a prolonged situation and countries need to be sure that they . . . have what they need.

Yesterday, Jrgensen told an informal meeting of EU energy ministers that oil and gas prices will not return to pre-war levels soon even if the conflict in the Middle East were to end today. In financial terms, 30 days of conflict have already added $16.2 billion (14 billion euros) to the EUs oil and gas import bill, the commissioner added.

In terms of supply, the situation appears to be most concerning in jet fuel and diesel. Europe is heavily dependent on jet fuel and diesel from the Middle East, so as supply got severely disrupted, prices soared, especially in jet fuel. Diesel prices, meanwhile, hit $200 per barrel this week, after three tankers carrying diesel from the United States to Europe switched routes and are now headed for Africa, Bloomberg reported Thursday. Another tanker that loaded diesel from the UK is en route to Australia, which is also suffering a massive fuel crunch.

We are looking at all possibilities, and its clear the more serious the situation gets, the more, of course, we will also have to look into legislative tools, Commissioner Jrgensen told the FT.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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A container ship owned by French shipping giant CMA CGM, has just transited the Strait of Hormuz in what appears to be the first vessel linked to Western Europe to have successfully braved the critical chokepoint since the war in the Middle East began.

The Malta-flagged CMA CGM Kribi, which openly broadcasts its French ownership, transited the Strait of Hormuz between Thursday afternoon and Friday morning, according to vessel-tracking data monitored by Bloomberg.

Data on MarineTraffic showed that CMA CGM Kribi was in the Oman Gulf as of 12 p.m. CET.

The container vessel departed from offshore Dubai toward Iran on Thursday afternoon local time and stuck close to the Iranian coast. The ship moved through the Iranian islands Qeshm and Larak in the Strait of Hormuz and its signal on Friday indicated it was offshore Muscat in the Gulf of Oman.

The vessel has indeed transited the Strait of Hormuz, two sources with knowledge of the situation told Bloomberg.

French shipping giant CMA CGM, majority-owned by the Saade family, is understood to have coordinated the transit with Iranian maritime authorities, Euronews reported.

Approached by reporters from the Financial Times, France's foreign ministry declined to say if France had played a role in facilitating the passage of the CMA CGM Kribi.

Iran selectively allows certain ships to transit the world's most critical oil chokepoint, through which 20% of daily global oil and LNG passed before the war. Most vessels that have transited the Strait of Hormuz so far have been bound to India, China, Thailand, Pakistan, and other countries in Asia, and have owners in Asia.

The passing of the CMA CGM container ship through the Strait of Hormuz is the first known transit of a vessel linked to Western Europe since the war began at the end of February.

In recent days, France and the UK have been spearheading international efforts to seek diplomatic and international pressure ways to re-open the Strait of Hormuz.

The UK on Thursday hosted a virtual meeting of more than three dozen countries to discuss pathways to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to free vessel traffic.

By Michael Kern for Oilprice.com

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A sanctioned tanker carrying Iranian crude has abruptly changed destination from a port on India's west coast to an import terminal in China, in a move suggesting that India would not be imminently importing its first crude from Iran in seven years.

The crude tanker Ping Shun, which the United States sanctioned last year for dealing with Iranian crude, signaled earlier this week that it was headed to the port of Vadinar on the west coast of India.

However, the latest positioning of the Ping Shun, at least according to its AIS tracker, signals it is currently en route to the port of Dongying in China, per data in MarineTraffic.

The destination could still change in the coming days, but for now it looks like India may not be importing the crude from this particular tanker.

Last month, the U.S. issued waivers on the purchase of Russian and Iranian crude on tankers in a desperate attempt to curb the surge in international crude oil prices.

The state refiners in India, the world's third-largest crude importer, have not shown willingness to buy Iranian crude that has now been unsanctioned by the U.S. for a month, amid concerns about shipping, insurance, and payments, sources with knowledge of the situation told Bloomberg last week.

While refiners, especially in India, are snapping up Russian cargoes, state-controlled Indian and Chinese firms are reluctant to wade into trade with Iranian barrels.

India, which stopped importing Iranian crude in 2019 to comply with the U.S. sanctions, is now scrambling for crude supply as its imports from the other Middle Eastern producers account for about half of all its crude purchases.

However, refiners are hesitant to take on the Iranian crude they have been pitched in recent days, as concerns about the payment, currency, and shipping currently outweigh their willingness to entangle themselves into a trade that could become illegitimate again in just a few weeks.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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India's imports of Russian crude oil jumped by 90% in March versus February, following the major supply disruption in the Middle East and the U.S. waiver of purchases of Russian crude already loaded on tankers.

Following subdued purchases between November and February, India's imports of Russian crude soared last month by 90%, although overall Indian crude imports slumped by 15% due to the de facto closed Strait of Hormuz, The Times of India reported on Friday, citing data from Kpler.

While crude supply to India from Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) plunged in March compared to February, deliveries from one of Africa's top producers, Angola, tripled, although the share of Angolan crude remains small, the data showed.

Some supply from the Middle East did reach India, thanks to Saudi Arabia and the UAE re-routing exports to ports sitting outside the Persian Gulf and not necessitating transit through the Strait of Hormuz. These workarounds, however, are insufficient to compensate the supply lost to the de facto closed critical oil chokepoint.

There are early signs of flows being negotiated on a bilateral basis, with Iran reportedly granting passage to countries such as India and Thailand, Kpler's Fred Asiedu said earlier this week.

This may allow selective access to MEG cargoes, but without consistent tanker movement it is difficult to argue that the Strait is meaningfully open.

Since the U.S. waiver on purchases of Russian crude on tankers, India refiners have snapped up dozens of millions of barrels of the oil as key supplies from the Middle East are trapped.

By the middle of March, India was winning the competition with China to attract Russian crude cargoes with vessels turning mid-voyage away from their previous Chinese destinations and heading for India.

Russia and India are competing for millions of barrels of Russian crude that had accumulated on tankers early this year, when most buyers outside China steered clear of Russian barrels because of the U.S. sanctions and the U.S. pressure on India to slash Russian oil imports.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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Japans JERA and Commonwealth LNG have terminated a deal for the supply of liquefied gas to the Japanese firm, Reuters has reported, citing a filing with the U.S. Department of Energy. Neither company gave reasons for the termination.

The deal was inked last June, for a period of 20 years, for volumes of 1 million tons annually. Commonwealth LNG planned first production in 2029 at the time, but later in the year pushed the start of production forward to 2031. The company blamed the temporary ban on new liquefied natural gas capacity that the Biden administration imposed on the industry in its final year, following a report by an environmentalist that claimed LNG is more harmful than coal for the atmosphere.

The Japanese major, which is the largest buyer of liquefied natural gas in the world, last year presented plans to triple its purchases from the United States to as much as 5.5 million tons annually. That would have been a 10% increase on its current imports from the U.S., making up a third of its total LNG purchases.

The purchases were to be made under long-term contracts, with deliveries starting from 2030. Half of the contracted amount, or 2.5 million tons annually, was part of non-binding agreements. The LNG producers involved in the deals included Cheniere Energy and Sempra Infrastructure, besides Commonwealth LNG.

Japan is urgently seeking to secure as much energy supply as it can amid the ongoing crisis with Middle Eastern supply. As part of these efforts, the government relaxed restrictions on coal power generation for one year, starting this month.

There is increasing uncertainty about future LNG procurement. We believe that it is necessary to increase the operation of coal-fired power plants and save LNG fuel, an official from Japans industry ministry said last month.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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Diana, Princess of Wales has featured in newly broadcast behind-the-scenes footage from a controversial humanitarian trip to Angola months before her death.

Diana, Princess of Wales has featured in newly broadcast behind-the-scenes footage from a controversial humanitarian trip to Angola months before her death

Offering a rare glimpse of her private reflections during the campaign, Diana, who was 36 at the time of her Paris car crash death, travelled to Angola in January 1997 to support a global ban on landmines, a visit that drew political criticism in the UK. Newly aired footage of her on the trip, broadcast by ITV News, shows Diana speaking with journalists during the trip, including Steve Scott, who was then the outlets Africa correspondent.

During the visit, Diana walked through a live minefield wearing protective gear and met victims of landmines, including children who had lost limbs.

The trip became one of the defining humanitarian moments of her public life, even as it sparked debate due to perceived alignment with Labour Party policy at the time, which the then Conservative government criticised.

Steve Scott said: I stood with her on the plane. It was a long conversation. She wanted to talk about her boys and about how much she missed them when she goes away.

Despite the fact that this campaign was very important to her and that she was going to continue working on it, her priority was her boys and that's where she would be, focusing most of her energy going forward.

He added: Once it had sunk in, I just found it very, very sad. A woman who could have made a big difference was now no longer with us. The woman I spoke to about her sons and how important they were to her, suddenly those boys did not have that mother who was going to guide them through life.

Who knows how their relationship might have developed had she still been around?

In the archive clip, Diana addressed the controversy surrounding the visit, saying: I saw it merely as a distraction as I'm not a political figure, I'm a humanitarian figure.

The footage forms part of ITV News Reporting History series, available across ITVX and other platforms.

Dianas work on the Angola trip contributed to global awareness of landmine dangers, with efforts since resulting in the removal of an estimated 100,000 landmines from the country.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, 41, later revisited the site of Dianas walk in 2019 and continues to support landmine clearance efforts as a patron of the Halo Trust.
Oil prices could top $150 per barrel if energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz remain disrupted through the middle of May, according to JP Morgan.

Prices are headed to $120-$130 per barrel in the very near term, the investment bank said in a note carried by Reuters.

At Thursdays close, oil prices surged, with the U.S. benchmark WTI Crude soaring past Brent Crude and settling at $111.50 per barrel. The international benchmark closed at $109 a barrel on Thursday, the last trading day of this week, as markets are closed on Good Friday.

JP Morgans base-case assumption is that the energy flows would ultimately resume flowing through the Strait of Hormuz, where vessel traffic has collapsed since the beginning of March.

Iran selectively allows certain ships to transit the worlds most critical oil chokepoint, through which 20% of daily global oil and LNG passed before the war.

Even if the Strait of Hormuz were to open unconditionally to all traffic today, the global oil production and refining supply chains would take at least three to six months to normalize to pre-war levels, June Goh, Senior Oil Market Analyst for Sparta Commodities, said in an analysis last week.

This week, the UK hosted a virtual meeting of more than three dozen countries to discuss pathways to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to free vessel traffic.

The countries discussed ideas, including sanctions and increased international diplomatic pressure, including through the UN, to send clear and coordinated messages to Iran to permit unimpeded transit passage through the Strait of Hormuz and to comprehensively reject the imposition of tolls on vessels which seek to pass through, said the UK Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper, who chaired the meeting.

Yet, there are no signs of imminent reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, which prolongs the period of choked supply to the market.

Earlier this week, energy consultancy FGE NexantECA said that oil prices could jump to $200 per barrel and even higher if the Strait of Hormuz remains near-closed as it is at the moment for six more weeks.

Last week, analysts at Macquarie Group warned that oil prices could hit a record $200 per barrel if the war in the Middle East drags on through the entire second quarter.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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President Donald Trump said Friday the United States could reopen the Strait of Hormuz and take the oil and make a fortune, framing control of the worlds most critical energy chokepoint as both a strategic and economic opportunity.

The Strait carries roughly 20% of global oil supply. Traffic through the waterway has been severely disrupted as Iranian threats, vessel attacks, and collapsing insurance coverage have curtailed tanker movements. Tanker flows have stalled, and crude and product markets have repriced sharply higher as a result.

With a little more time, we can easily OPEN THE HORMUZ STRAIT, TAKE THE OIL, & MAKE A FORTUNE, Trump wrote on Truth Social, adding the move would be a gusher for the world.

The comments add to a series of mixed signals from Washington on howor whetherit intends to restore flows through the Strait. Earlier statements suggested the U.S. would not take the lead in securing the passage, instead calling on other countries to act.

The operational reality remains unchanged. The Strait is not blocked by a single obstacle that can be cleared quickly. It is a live conflict zone. Missile and drone strikes have targeted tankers, ports, and energy infrastructure across the region. Iran has threatened to continue to strike assets linked to U.S. interests, including energy and logistics networks.

Even after the Strait reopens, flows are unlikely to resume immediately. Shipping insurance, security risks, and physical damage to infrastructure would continue to disrupt the flow.

The market is already pricing that risk. Oil benchmarks have surged, and physical supply disruptions have tightened availability across multiple regions.

By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com

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Operations at the Habshan gas facilities, the biggest gas processing site in the United Arab Emirates, were suspended early on Friday following a fire that erupted after an attack, Abu Dhabi Media Office said.

The Habshan onshore facilities are part of one of the world's largest gas processing plants, which is operated by Abu Dhabi's national oil company ADNOC. The five plants of the vast Habshan Complex have 14 processing trains and 6.1 bscfd capacity, according to the company.

This is the second time operations at Habshan have been suspended following attacks since the war began.

Abu Dhabi Media Office said on Friday that the "Abu Dhabi authorities are responding to an incident of falling debris at the Habshan gas facilities, following successful interception by air defence systems."

"Operations have been suspended while authorities respond to a fire. No injuries have been reported," the media office added.

Apart from hosting the UAE's largest gas processing complex, Habshan is home to oil facilities and is the starting point for the Habshan-Fujairah crude pipeline to Fujairah, the port that sits outside the Strait of Hormuz and can help re-route part of UAE's oil exports away from the de facto closed chokepoint.

Fujairah itself has also been targeted by Iran in several attacks since the war began.

Separately, another Gulf producer, Kuwait, also reported another Iranian attack on Friday. Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) confirmed that the Mina Al-Ahmadi refinery was targeted in a drone attack early on Friday, resulting in fires in several operational units.

No injuries have been reported in the attack, which is the second on the refinery, located 50 kilometers (31 miles) south of Kuwait City. The facility has the capacity to process 346,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil.

Mina Al-Ahmadi was hit by drone attacks on March 20, which caused fires in several units.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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(Photo by Shoji Kudaka/Stripes Okinawa)



on the island. Displayed alongside the banners are foods such as tempura, simmered pork ribs, mochi rice cake and more.

Shiimii, or seimeisai, is a tradition where Okinawans visit their family tombs. It is supposed to take place during seimei period of nijyuu-shisekki, a calendar system that divides a year into 24 seasons. Seimeis season starts around April 5 and ends around April 20, which marks the beginning of the next season, kokuu. In the case of 2026, however, the period is generally considered to end on April 19.

Along with obon, a tradition to commemorate ancestors in late summer, shiimii is a big event for local families on the island.

In a sense, shiimii is like higan, a Japanese tomb-visiting season (on the mainland) around the spring equinox day in March. Locals visit tombs with food and items to offer to their deceased family members for both traditions. For shiimii, families in Okinawa often throw a picnic blanket in front of a tomb and enjoy the food there.

Some locals have their family tombs on military facilities such as Torii Station, White Beach, and Kadena Air Base. You may see them have a picnic at such on-base tombs.

If you have local Okinawans in your family, you may have a chance to join shiimii. If you do, please note that it is also an opportunity to clean family tombs. Before enjoying food, you would sweep the floor, cut grass, and rinse vases with water to put in new flowers and dedicate them to the ancestors. Flowers for shiimii are sold at local supermarkets during the period.

You may expect a tomb visit to be a serious ceremony. But shiimii is more of a relaxed event. Although the mood will be relatively quiet, you will have fun chatting with your family enjoying food and sharing the moment with your ancestors.
WASHINGTON, April 2 (Reuters) - An inspection found 49 violations of detention standards at the largest U.S. migrant detention camp, located in El Paso, Texas, which has faced criticism from immigration advocates opposed to President Donald Trump's crackdown.

The U.S. Immigration and ?Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency's office of detention oversight carried out a congressionally mandated inspection over three days in February; its report was released this week.

The report found 49 "deficiencies" at the $1.2 billion facility, called Camp East Montana. It defined a "deficiency" ?as "any violation of detention standards, policies, or operational procedures, as applicable."

There were 22 deficiencies related to the "use ?of force and restraints," 11 related to "facility security and control" and five related to "medical care," the report said.

The Trump administration has pursued an ?aggressive immigration ?crackdown that has been condemned ?by rights groups and others as being in violation of due process and free speech.

Advocacy groups say it has created an unsafe environment for minorities and raised concerns about racial profiling. Trump has cast the government's actions as an attempt to improve domestic security and curb illegal immigration.

Conditions at ICE facilities have been under scrutiny.

At ?least 14 immigrants have died in ICE ?custody from January 2026 ?through late March, according to the agency. That follows 31 deaths last year, a ?two-decade high.

Of the ?deaths thus far in 2026, at least two took place at Camp East Montana.

Late last year, U.S. Representative Veronica Escobar, ?a Texas Democrat, visited the facility and said detainees there endured foul-tasting drinking ?water, rotten food and inadequate healthcare.
LONDON (AP)  Britain accused Iran on Thursday of holding the world's economy hostage as diplomats from more than 40 countries held talks on ways to press Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil route that has been choked off by the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran.

The U.S. didn't attend the virtual meeting, which came after U.S. President Donald Trump made clear that he thinks securing the waterway is not Americas job. Trump has also disparaged America's European allies for failing to support the war and renewed his threats to pull the U.S. out of NATO.

U.K. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said the talks, which focused on political and diplomatic rather than military means, showed the strength of our international determination" to reopen the strait. The 41 countries represented came from all continents except Antarctica, a reflection of the global tremors from a war that has sparked shortages of fuel and fertilizer and higher prices for food far beyond the Middle East.

We have seen Iran hijack an international shipping route to hold the global economy hostage, Cooper said at the start of the meeting. Cooper said unsustainable spikes in oil and food prices were hitting households and businesses in every corner of the world.

Shipping in the strait has slowed to a trickle

Iranian attacks on commercial ships, and the threat of more, have halted nearly all traffic in the waterway that connects the Persian Gulf to the rest of the globes oceans, shutting a critical path for the worlds flow of oil and sending petroleum prices soaring.

There have been 23 direct attacks on commercial vessels in the Gulf since the war began on Feb. 28, and 11 crew members have been killed, according to shipping data firm Lloyds List Intelligence.

Traffic through the strait has slowed to a trickle, with what remains dominated by sanctions-evading tankers carrying Iranian oil, Lloyds List Intelligence said in a briefing Thursday. It said a murky operation under which Iran vets who can pass continues to operate as Tehran maintains its chokehold over the key waterway.

In a televised address on Wednesday night, Trump said countries that depend on oil flowing through the Strait of Hormuz must grab it and cherish it  because the U.S. would not.

No country appears willing to try and open the strait by force while fighting rages and Iran can target vessels with anti-ship missiles, drones, attack craft and mines.

French President Emmanuel Macron said opening the strait by force is unrealistic.

The reopening of the strait can only be done in coordination with Iran, through negotiations that would follow a potential ceasefire, Macron told reporters Thursday during a visit to South Korea.

France is pushing for an international mission involving European and non-European nations to escort oil and gas tankers through the waterway after the most intense phase of the conflict is over. The British government said military planners from an unspecified number of countries will meet next week to plot ways to ensure security once the fighting ends, including potential mine-clearing work and reassurance for commercial shipping.

The U.K. hopes Thursday's meeting will help isolate Tehran and weaken its desire to block shipping. Cooper said participants  senior officials from countries including France, Germany, Italy, Canada, Japan and the United Arab Emirates  discussed increasing diplomatic pressure over Iran's reckless attacks and tightening economic screws to prevent Tehran profiting from control of the strait.

The meeting also discussed working with the U.N.'s International Maritime Organization to free 2,000 ships and 20,000 seafarers trapped by the conflict, she said.

No concrete measures were announced, however.

The meeting sends a message to Trump

The international effort idea has echoes of the international coalition of the willing that has been assembled, led by the U.K. and France, to underpin Ukraines security after a future ceasefire in that war. That coalition is, in part, an attempt to demonstrate to the Trump administration that Europe is stepping up to do more for its own security.

The urgency of stronger continental defenses has been reinforced by Trumps renewed suggestion that the U.S. could leave NATO. He said Wednesday that the military alliance had treated us very badly.

David B. Roberts, reader in Middle East Security Studies at King's College London, said international coalition-building efforts over Hormuz are definitely linked to the wider Trumpian antagonism toward NATO, that other members of NATO are not pulling their weight.

Without a doubt, this is Britain and France, notably, trying to lead the way, to very visibly show a certain sort of utility to the Trump administration.

Theres also the very pragmatic reality that America is an oil exporter, he added. The immediate pressures about the fallout of the of the energy blockage in the Gulf, they fall on Europe and of course Asia, far more than America.
Kathmandu, Nepal April 3, 2026: The CPN (UML) has been plunged into a fresh wave of internal turbulence following a highly controversial and metaphorical address by its Parliamentary Party Leader, Ram Bahadur Thapa Badal. The speech, delivered during a session of the House of Representatives, has not only drawn fire from the opposition but has also exposed a widening chasm between the partys top brass and the powerful General Secretary, Shankar Pokhrel.

A Sarcastic Congratulations

In a move that caught many by surprise, Badal used his time on the rostrum to satirically "congratulate" the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and Prime Minister, who was former Kathmandu Mayor, Balendra Shah for what he termed a "successfully executed Color Revolution" (Rag Kranti) on September 8 and 9.

Badal further alleged that "invisible forces," "AI algorithms," and a "Deep State" were the true architects of the current political shift, accusing them of turning national heroes into "villains" and "murderers." He raised eight pointed questions to the government, spanning from the "illegal arrest" of former ministers to the "state terror" allegedly being unleashed on students and professionals.

The Internal Backlash

The fallout within the UML was immediate. Senior leaders, including Vice-Chairman Bishnu Paudel and Deputy General Secretary Yogesh Bhattarai, have reportedly expressed strong reservations, viewing the speech as a departure from the partys official diplomatic and political line.

"Such sensitive geopolitical and internal security allegations should not be made without collective party consensus," a senior leader told this daily on condition of anonymity. "It risks portraying the UML as a party governed by conspiracy theories rather than political reality."

Leader Surendra Pandey and other members of the "dissatisfied faction" have also joined the chorus of criticism, suggesting that the speech has alienated the urban youtha demographic the UML is desperately trying to reclaim.

The Proxy War: Pokhrel vs. Paudel

Political analysts suggest that the anger directed at Badal is, in fact, a proxy strike against General Secretary Shankar Pokhrel. It is widely known within the party that Badal was installed as the Parliamentary Party Leader due to Pokhrels decisive backing.

The disgruntled camp alleges that Pokhrel maneuvered the internal selection process to sideline Suhang Nemwang, leaving him without a proposer or supporter to ensure Badals uncontested appointment.

"There is a growing perception that the General Secretary is attempting to 'monopolize' access to Chairman KP Sharma Oli to secure his own succession," says a central committee member. "By attacking Badals performance, the Paudel-led faction is highlighting what they call Pokhrels 'strategic failure' in leadership selection."

Implications for the General Convention

The timing of this friction is critical. As the UML prepares for its next General Convention, the "Badal Episode" has provided ammunition to those who oppose Pokhrels centralization of power.

While Chairman Oli has yet to issue an official statement on the matter, the public dissent from heavyweights like Bishnu Paudelwho has maintained a delicate alliance with Oli while remaining a rival to Pokhrelsuggests that the battle for the partys soul is entering a more aggressive phase.

Whether the party leadership will move to "correct" Badals standing or double down on his narrative remains to be seen, but the cracks in the UMLs monolithic facade are now more visible than ever.
All four on board die in Puebla plane crash in Santa Ana Xalmimilulco

Santa Ana Xalmimilulco, Puebla  All four people on board a plane died as a result of a crash in Puebla Thursday. The plane was seen going down above the town of Santa Ana Xalmimilulco late Thursday morning.

The plane crashed in farmland late Thursday morning minutes after taking off. April 2, 2026.

The plane was located in farmland off a major highway. Emergency responders confirmed three dead at the site of the crash. A fourth person died later in hospital.

The plane crashed nose first next to the San Miguel Quetzalcoatl Industrial Park in the municipality of Huejotzingo. The plane had left the Hermanos Serdan International Airport in Puebla and was en route to the town of Poza Rica in the state of Veracruz when it went down.

According to the government of Puebla, the plane went down a few minutes after taking off from Puebla International. All four on board were killed. A cause for the crash remains under investigation.

In a statement, the Government of Puebla reported following the aircraft accident in the municipality of Huejotzingo, a C172 model plane crashed in farmland next to the San Miguel Quetzalcoatl Industrial Park in the town of Santa Ana Xalmimilulco.

According to preliminary information, the aircraft took off from Hermanos Serdan International Airport bound for Poza Rica, however, the accident occurred minutes later.

Three deaths were confirmed at the scene, while one person was transported for medical attention.

Emergency responders pronounced three dead at the site of the crash. April 2, 2026.

We are working jointly at the site with the State Police, Fire Department, National Guard, municipal authorities, airport personnel and emergency services, Coordinacion General de Proteccion Civil del Estado de Puebla reported.

Authorities are still investigating a cause for the crash. April 2, 2026.

The three deceased at the site have been identified as Paulo Antonio Velez, Marcos Omar Martinez Tavera and Ramses Olin Zaragoza Burgos. The fourth person, Emilio Gil Ramirez, died later in hospital.
Fred Sirieix has played cupid since he was "four".

First Dates star Fred Sirieix

The TV personality sparked relationships at school, and he went on to join a "matchmaking team" when at the Lycee Hotelier de Souillac catering college in Souillac, France.

Fred recalled in the new issue of Heat magazine: "I've been matchmaking people since I was four years old.

"I used to do it at school, then it kind of accelerated when I was 16, when I enrolled in catering college. I was part of this little matchmaking team there - I was like the ringleader."

The 54-year-old star thinks it is "so funny" that his passion for igniting love has come full circle as maitre d'hotel of the First Dates restaurant - where Fred still acts like a schoolboy with 51-year-old bartender Merlin Griffiths.

Fred explained: "Merlin and I, we are the same age, and we are just two old blokes. We come from the same school of training in hospitality. We get on very well from that perspective.

"Also, we like to talk about stuff behind the scenes. We like to ask, 'Is this going to work? Are they going to kiss?'

"We are really like schoolboys."

First Dates first aired in June 2013, and the Channel 4 show still serves up excitement for Fred.

He said: "I don't think I can say it's more exciting, but I'm just as excited as ever.

"We are creating an experience for people. What we want is that in 10, 25, 20 years' time, they're going to remember that as one of the best experiences of their life.

"People come to us with a lot of hope, and we need to deliver both on the matchmaking side, as well as the experience in the restaurant."

Asked why First Dates remains popular, Fred replied: "People like it - it gives them hope. They can relate to it. People get to learn about each other, and they learn about themselves.

"But I think the main thing is that the show has a good heart. That's the reason why I wanted to do it in the first place.

"I don't want to do a show where we're going to laugh at them behind their back - we're very kind with everybody, and that's very important."
Belize national in custody after Chetumal police dog Max confirms large pot shipment

Chetumal, Q.R.  Police dog Max made a large pot bust in Chetumal Friday. Max was traveling with his handler when he confirmed four boxes of illegal substance.

In custody is Belize national Luis Alberto N. Police inspected the wrapped packages after watching him hoist the boxes into the bed of a pickup. As they approached the truck, Max alerted police to the smell of illegal substances.

In a statement, police said Luis Alberto N is facing charges of drug trafficking after being found in possession of four large boxes of marijuana.

During patrols, authorities noticed two parked vehicles and a man carrying a package wrapped in plastic similar to that used for packaging, with both hands.

As they approached the man, canine Max alerted to a black pickup truck, indicating the presence of narcotics.

The incident occurred on Bahia Boulevard in the Zona de Granjas neighborhood. The corresponding inspection was carried out at that location. The following items were seized from him: a black fanny pack, eight small transparent nylon bags containing a dried green herb resembling marijuana and a cell phone.

Police also seized four packages wrapped in transparent and black nylon, approximately 70 centimeters long by 50 centimeters wide and 50 centimeters high, containing a green plant material resembling marijuana, a black Dodge Durango with Quintana Roo license plates and a silver Toyota 4Runner with Belize license plates.

Luis Alberto N, a Belizean national, was arrested for alleged involvement in drug trafficking.
Governor announces first Financial and Technological District for city of Cancun

Cancun, Q.R.  The city of Cancun is set to have its first Financial and Technological District. The district will consist of 100 hectares located several kilometers southwest of the airport.

Governor Mara Lezama says the 100 hectares is state-owned land located approximately five kilometers from the airport. The Financial and Technological District is a project that will attract more growth and development to Quintana Roo, she said.

Lezama made the announcement during the recent 89th National Banking Convention with President Claudia Sheinbaum. Governor Lezama affirmed that Quintana Roo is advancing with economic solidity and is positioning itself to become a new financial and technological benchmark in Mexico and Latin America.

In the company of the Secretary of Finance and Public Credit, Edgar Amador Zamora, the Governor of the Bank of Mexico, Victoria Rodriguez Ceja and the President of the Mexican Banking Association, Emilio Romano Mussali, as well as representatives of the national financial system, the Governor emphasized that Quintana Roo has strengthened its public finances since 2022, improving its credit rating to historic levels.

She explained that international agencies such as Standard & Poors, Moodys, Fitch and HR Ratings have raised the states rating to a double A ratings in 2025. This high rating translates into greater confidence for investment, economic growth and job creation that drive shared prosperity for the people.

Mara Lezama explained that these results have been possible thanks to financial discipline and institutional strengthening.

In three years we reduced public debt by approximately 5.7 billion pesos. The debt-to-income ratio fell from 103 percent to 63 percent and our own revenues grew by 70 percent, she detailed.

Lezama acknowledged the role of banking in the development of the country and recalled that Cancun has historically been an example of collaboration between the public and financial sectors, since its creation as a tourist destination.

She noted that tourism in Quintana Roo currently generates around 20 billion dollars annually.

We receive 28 million visitors and our four international airports handle more than 33 million passengers. Tourism has been an engine of our development and will continue to contribute to Mexicos economic growth.

However, Lezama emphasized the need to diversify the economy, innovate and look toward new opportunities. She said that today, under the leadership of President Sheinbaum, Mexico is experiencing a new stage of transformation in which economic stability, financial responsibility and growth with well-being converge.

The Cancun Financial and Technological District is a project that seeks to take advantage of the strategic location, global connectivity and economic strength to establish a center specializing in financial services, technology and innovation with regional and international reach, as well as investment platforms that strengthen Mexicos competitiveness in the global economy.

Governor Lezama explained that the district will be established in a state-owned industrial park with federal, state and municipal tax and regulatory incentives. These including accelerated deduction schemes for investments in fixed assets and various tax incentives at different stages of the project, to attract national and international capital, with a projected investment of between $1.1 and $1.3 billion USD in the next decade.

Furthermore, the project is estimated to generate between 9,000 and 11,000 direct jobs as well as more than 22,000 indirect jobs. Mara Lezama stated that Cancun is ready to consolidate itself not only as the world capital of tourism, but also as a financial and technological hub of the Caribbean, reiterating that Quintana Roo keeps its doors open to investment and development with shared prosperity.
At the invitation of the Chinese government, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of the Kingdom of Thailand will visit China from April 4 to 11.

China-Arab TV: The Israeli parliament recently adopted a new law introducing death penalty for Palestinians. Countries such as the UAE have expressed strong condemnation, saying such practice is entrenching a system of apartheid. What is Chinas comment? (Similar question from Anadolu Agency)

Mao Ning: China has taken note of the law. All legislation must conform to legal principles such as the principle of legality, fairness and justice, and must not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, nationality or political view. The legitimate rights of the Palestinian people must be respected and protected. Relevant partys actions that escalate tensions and exacerbate confrontation must stop.

China-Arab TV: Yesterday U.S. President Donald Trump posted a video on social media claiming that the U.S. air strikes destroyed an Iranian civilian bridge to pressure Iran into negotiations while the Iranian foreign minister says that destroying civilian infrastructure will not force Iran to surrender. Whats China comment on this?

Mao Ning: The U.S.-Israeli military operations against Iran have no authorization of the UN Security Council and violate international law. China opposes attacks against civilian facilities. Relevant parties should stop the military actions at once, return to the track of political and diplomatic settlement, and avoid even worse humanitarian disaster.

Reuters: Can the foreign ministry provide any more information on the peace talks involving Afghanistan and Pakistan in Urumqi? Is China going to offer any guarantees to keep them from fighting? Are Taliban committing anything on Pakistan demands that they sever ties with anti-Pakistan militants and give verifiable evidence that they will deny them support and sanctities?

Mao Ning: Since the Pakistan-Afghanistan conflict escalated again, China has made mediation efforts in its own way, maintained close communication with both sides via multiple channels and at multiple levels, and created conditions and provided platforms for dialogue between the two sides. Both Pakistan and Afghanistan value and welcome Chinas mediation and are willing to sit down and talk again. This is good. The consultation process is being implemented and advanced steadily. The three sides have had common understandings and agreements on specific matters regarding the process, including media reports. If there is further information, we will release it in due course.

China Daily: Myanmars Parliament today elected Min Aung Hlaing as the new president. Whats Chinas comment?

Mao Ning: China congratulates Mr. Min Aung Hlaing on his election as Myanmars president.

China and Myanmar are traditional friends, neighbors and a community with a shared future. China follows a policy of friendship towards all the people of Myanmar and supports its new government in maintaining peace and stability and pursuing development and prosperity. We stand ready to work together with Myanmar to deliver on the four major global initiatives, promote high-quality BRI cooperation, deliver more results through our community with a shared future, and better benefit the two peoples.

Peoples Daily: The World Data Organization (WDO) was established this week. The launch of the global professional organization in the data sector in Beijing has attracted attention from the media and among the sector. Whats your comment?

Mao Ning: The world is embarking on the intelligent era at an accelerated pace, and the strategic significance of data as a core production factor and innovation driver is becoming increasingly evident. At the same time, global data faces unbalanced development, fragmented rules, and disproportionate distribution of digital dividends. With the tenet of bridging the data divide, unlocking datas value, powering the digital economy, the WDO provides a beneficial platform for deepening international data cooperation and improving global data governance. President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter for the launch of the WDO. It shows the importance and sincere expectations placed on the WDO.

The establishment of the WDO in Beijing fully demonstrates the international communitys recognition on Chinas data development. By 2025, China has the worlds largest total data volume and the second largest digital economy scale, and has led the world in digital infrastructure and application scenario. China is committed to global data governance, evidenced by the Global Initiative on Data Security and the Global Cross-Border Data Flow Cooperation Initiative. As President Xi Jinping emphasized in his congratulatory letter, China will uphold the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, support the role of the WDO, promote digital and intelligent technological innovation, support the healthy development of the global digital economy, and enable the benefits of data to better serve people around the world.

AFP: Another question on the talks between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban. Is China willing to confirm that it requested talks between the Afghan Taliban government and Pakistan? And why was Urumqi chosen as the location and was a Chinese delegation present there?

Mao Ning: I just shared relevant information. If there is anything further, we will release it in a timely manner.

Bloomberg: The U.S. State Secretary accused China of harassing and detaining Panama-flagged ships after the Central American nation canceled contracts with the Hong Kong conglomerate CK Hutchison. Does the foreign ministry have any comment?

Mao Ning: Such accusation is groundless and confuses right and wrong. The U.S.s repeated wrongful allegations only reveal its attempt to take control of the Panama Canal. Who is blatantly undermining the neutrality of the canal and the stability of global supply chains through unilateral bullying and coercive acts? The facts are crystal clear for all to see. Chinas position on issues concerning relevant Panamanian ports is clear and will firmly defend its legitimate rights and interests.

AFP: U.S. immigration officials recently repatriated a Chinese national suspected of drug smuggling and trafficking, which Chinas Public Security Ministry said was the first such cooperation in recent years. Is the Chinese foreign ministry aware of this and can it provide more details of the Chinese nationals repatriation?

Mao Ning: I would refer you to competent authorities for the specifics. I could share with you that China and the U.S. maintain communication and cooperation in such fields as counter-narcotics law enforcement in the spirit of equality, respect and mutual benefit, which has delivered notable results.

***********************************************************

During the Qingming Festival holiday, there will be no regular press conference on Monday, April 6. The regular press conference will resume on Tuesday, April 7. During this period, questions can be submitted to the Spokespersons Office via fax, E-mail or WeChat.
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Its Jobs Day, which means another round of befuddlement over the state of the United States economy. Despite its rocky jobs report for the month of February, the Bureau of Labor Statistics came out Friday with better-than-expected employment projections for March: 178,000 new positions addedalmost triple the amount non-government economists had anticipated. There was also a slight dent in the unemployment rate, from 4.4 percent to 4.3 percent. Even amid cataclysmic energy shocks and relentless spates of white-collar layoffs, the American economic engine appears to be humming along smoothly.

Or, maybe, not so much. As with all Labor Department reports, the rosy top-line numbers require the context of their underlying trendsand those arent looking so pretty. Future revisions will grant us a more thorough sense of what March was actually like, and the impact of the Iran war will soon be more broadly felt as the far-reaching Strait of Hormuz disruptions pile up. Still, a closer examination of Fridays jobs report already reveals some concerning indicators that should give the bulls some pause.

What are the more worrying trends with the economy?

For March, concerns include low wage growth (only 0.2 percent from last month) and a small reduction in average working hours, resulting in lower paychecks. In addition, the factors contributing to the lower unemployment rate arent so cheery. The Black unemployment rate, typically a canary in the coal mine, is nearly twice as high as the white unemployment rate (7.1 percent versus 3.6 percent), and has persistently remained at some of the worst levels weve seen for Black workers since the post-pandemic reopening.

Among unemployed Americans of all races, many have been looking for work for a long while: About two-fifths have been on the job hunt for 15 weeks or more, while another 25 percent have been looking for over half a year. (If theyre not seeing much relief, thats likely because March recorded the lowest hiring rate since the 2020 pandemic shutdown, at 3.1 percent.) Meanwhile, the slight dip in unemployment correlates with a decline in labor-force participation. There are far too many Americans who, frustrated with the frozen job market, have just noped out for the time being.

How does all that square with the boom in new jobs?

The upswing from February requires a little asterisk. A significant portion of that months net job reductions came from striking health care workers, whose work stoppages meant their employers could not include those jobs in the BLS surveys. Tens of thousands of nurses and unionized care workers from particularly populous states (California, New York, Hawaii, Washington) walked off for much of February, agitating for better wages and safer working conditions. Health care has been one of the nations few durable sources of employment throughout the past few years, thanks to demand from older Americans. That meant the lack of complete BLS records in February reflected an especially hard hit to the overall projections. The March surge in health care gigs includes those which have been added back into the broader count.

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And remember: These March numbers are projections that will be overhauled in the not-so-distant future. More recent job-report revisions have given us better hints as to the employment situation under Trump 2.0: December saw a net loss of jobs, even though initial estimates projected a gain, and Januarys strong job gains saw a slight downward adjustment after the fact. When you take all that into longer-term consideration, job growth does not look so robust.

So I shouldnt trust any of these headline numbers?

Its not that you shouldnt trust them, but that you should always keep a few conditions in mind. The BLS remains understaffed thanks to the DOGE layoffsand there may be more chaos to come for the broader Labor Department, if the rumors that Trump may fire Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer turn out to be true. There are fewer people in the bureau, which has offices dispersed across the country, and theyre trying to tackle the same scale of data as they do in normal times. Yet they have to correct for a yearslong decline in employer response rates to BLS surveyswhich does not negate the data overall, but certainly makes preliminary calculations a bit more unsteady and speculative. But thats more an issue of capacity over top-down interference. As long as BLS staffers arent leaking concerns to the financial press, and as long as the bureau is still led by an acting commissioner whos willing to push back against the president in public, you can trust these public servants are doing the best they can with what they have, and that theyll keep updating the data as they need to.

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Some economists turn to payroll company ADP for a second opinion: Its research team does not have the same reach as BLS, but it has enough employment data of its own to make reasonable estimates about the private sector. Its March forecast only adds 62,000 new jobs.

So  what is the economy really like right now?

Looking at factors outside of the jobs report, its apparent that things will be sluggish, and are likely to slow even further. The Federal Reserve will see this report as a sign to keep interest rates elevated for a while yetthus maintaining constraints around private investments, and preventing employers from hiring even more.

As for the geopolitical picture: The Strait of Hormuz, which transmits everything from oil to industrial metals to fertilizer, looks like it will be closed for a while, and the supply shock from that chokepoint, already hitting the Eastern Hemisphere hardest, is going to wreak havoc on future trade in food, energy, electronic and auto parts. (And yes, prices will go up accordingly.) The tech sector is already slamming the brakes on some of its more lavish spending, and private consumer debts are piling up. Things arent giving way just yet. But theyre getting shakier and shakier.
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President Donald Trump fired Attorney General Pam Bondi on Thursday, ending her catastrophic 14-month reign over the Department of Justice. Bondi worked relentlessly to pervert the DOJs mission, immolating decades of hard-won institutional integrity as she refashioned the agency as an enforcement arm of Trumps vindictive agenda. Yet even this subservience was not enough to save her job, as the president found her insufficiently effective as a hatchet woman for his campaign of political retribution.

On this weeks episode of Amicus, co-hosts Dahlia Lithwick and Mark Joseph Stern discussed Bondis corruption of the Justice Department, the abuses that followed, and the embarrassing defeats that prevented her from satisfying Trump. A preview of their conversation, below, has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Dahlia Lithwick: So what will the history books say about Pam Bondi? She is, I would speculate, certainly the worst attorney general in history, someone who makes Jeff Sessions look stellar by comparison.

Mark Joseph Stern: Bondis legacy was atrocious. It is always welcome to see someone so profoundly malicious leave the government, even if she got booted because she wasnt evil enough. This is the woman who abolished the Justice Departments independence from the White House and declared that she would be doing the presidents bidding directly. That is not how the Justice Department has traditionally operated, even under Trumps first presidency. There was a buffer between DOJ and the White House, and Bondi immediately took that away, which led to some of the worst acts of misconduct and abuse in the history of the agency.

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I wont run down the complete list. But under her leadership, the Justice Department prosecuted Trumps political opponents. It violated endless court orders, then slandered judges who called out those violationsIm thinking of the unlawful deportation of Venezuelan migrants all the way through to the unlawful detention of ICE detainees. Bondi egregiously mishandled the Epstein files, illegally withholding vast troves of materials that she had a legal obligation to release. Then she treated Congress with snide hostility when it asked her to answer basic questions about it. She unquestioningly enforced Trumps heinous anti-transgender policies and anti-DEI orders. She persecuted law firms and universities and journalists. This stuff is all absolutely appalling, and it is an unqualified good that shell be out the door.

Related From Slate Amy Coney Barrett Unraveled the Case Against Birthright Citizenship With One Question Read More

Another thing Ive been reflecting on is the structural, systemic damage to the Justice Department that she inflicted. People quit in droves, they were fired in droves. This stuff doesnt get fixed in a day. Attorney General Bill Barr also had no regard for what he was doing to the Justice Department, but looks magisterial in comparison to Bondi. She wrought real reputational harms and wrecked the presumption of regularity to the point where judges are now just saying: I just assume you lie all the time. That stuff isnt coming back on the watch of her successor, or even the next non-ridiculous attorney general whos appointed.

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This news also made me think back to the first time I took my then5-year-old to visit the Supreme Court. I remember him talking to a law clerk who was a friend of ours, and telling her that what he really wanted was for her to put a kid in his preschool in prison. I patiently explained that neither law clerks nor justices get to imprison people sua sponte. Well, MS NOWs Ken Dilanian has reported that to Trump, Bondis cardinal sin was not putting enough toddler enemies into prison. That was her failure. Despite efforts to go after everyone that Trump wanted to see imprisoned, at the end of the day, she wasnt good enough at it. Thats so emblematic of the smallness of Donald Trumps vision of what justice is and what the law is. And I keep thinking that in order to actually get the kind of attorney general he would want, he might literally have to tap a 5-year-old.

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Yes, but even the most competent 5-year-old would still run into the same problems that Bondi did. What ultimately led to her downfall, I think, were the separation of powers and the Fifth and Sixth amendments. She understood the mission, as you said; she did try to go after his political foes. But she kept crashing into the same barriers. She envisioned a Soviet-style government in which the executive branch is the only branch that matters, so it can indict and convict and imprison whoever it wants. The problem was that we still have an independent judiciary, at least in many federal courts. We still have grand juries, which repeatedly did their job and tossed out these prosecutions. We still have a right to trial by jury, a right to counsel, due processall of these basic protections in the playbook that we assume everyone is working from.

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But under Bondi, the Justice Department was not working from that playbook. It did not believe, for instance, in the legitimacy of grand juries, and slandered them for refusing to return indictments. It slandered jurors in criminal trials for refusing to find people guilty for alleged crimes against the government. To this administration, these constitutional circuit-breakers meant to thwart prosecutorial abuse were just an inconvenience to be surmounted. And Bondi embodied that spirit. Unless and until Trump is able to corrupt the entire federal judiciary, though, there is still going to be meaningful citizen input into the criminal justice process. There will still be opportunities for regular people to short-circuit these attempted abuses. And if Trump is using successful political prosecutions as his litmus test, he is setting himself up for a series of failed attorneys general.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced that it has reduced the arrival capacity of the San Francisco International Airport.

Because of this, passengers are being told to expect delays and to get in touch with airline companies regarding updates to schedules.

FAA Cuts Flight Capacity of San Francisco Airport

According to a report by Fox Business, the maximum arrival rates for the San Francisco International Airport have been lowered from 54 flights per hour to 36 flights per hour.

Delays of at least 30 minutes are to be expected for arriving flights, per the FAA.

The changes made to the arrival rates of the airport have been made due to runway safety concerns, as well as runway construction.

The north-south runways are at the center of a repaving project, which means that runways cannot be used for six months.

As Travel Weekly notes in its report, the north-south runways are responsible for nine of the 18 flight-per-hour reductions. The change in rules will apply to the remaining nine.

When Will the North-South Runways Reopen?

San Francisco International Airport Doug Yakel assured that the north-south runways will be reopened by October to help ease the flow of incoming flights.

However, the FAA has no plans to change the minimum arrivals rates even when the repaving project has been completed.

This is because the FAA is no longer permitting the airport's practice of landing two planes at the same time on its parallel runways. These runways are just 750 feet apart, which FAA spokesman Ian Gregor described as too dangerous.

Originally published on Travelers Today
Owner's Statement:

Alberta eligible 3 year old filly, She trained down at our farm all winter. She is ready to go to the racetrack to school and qualify. We are downsizing.
Hey Hey Mama picked up her third Open victory of the year at Miami Valley Raceway on Thursday, April 2.

Firing out from post one in the $50,000 Fillies & Mares Open Handicap Pace, Hey Hey Mama and driver Luke Hanners protected inside position, ceding the lead to last week's winner No Foolin April (Brett Miller). As they approached the quarter, No Foolin April jumped a pile of manure left on the track right before the start, making a quick break and forcing Hey Hey Mama to vacate the pocket and a few fillies behind to scatter. Hey Hey Mama pressed on to the lead while No Foolin April got right back to pacing and settled into the pocket past an opening quarter of :26.2.

As the field neared the half in :55.2, Beautiful Seaside (Tyler Smith) pulled first-over to challenge the leaders. Hey Hey Mama continued to lead the field up the backside with Beautiful Seaside slowly closing in and No Foolin April sitting in the pocket. As they passed three-quarters in 1:22.2, Hey Hey Mama continued to lead by a length and a half, while Beautiful Seaside started to tire from her long first-over trip.

As they turned for home, Hey Hey Mama held a two-length advantage that would soon dwindle as No Foolin April closed in from the outside, but Hey Hey Mama held strong and won by a length in 1:50.3. No Fooling April finished second but was disqualified for interference at the quarter, thus Goo Goo Won (Austin Hanners) was elevated to second and Foxy Hill (David Miller) was moved up to third.

Hey Hey Mama, a six-year-old mare by Downbytheseaside out of Rolluptherim, earned her 23rd lifetime win, bringing her career total earnings over $650,000. A 10-time starter this year, she previously won Open events on Feb. 19 and Jan. 15.

Sent postward as the 5-2 favourite, she paid $7.40 to win.

Hey Hey Mama is owned by trainer Virgil Morgan Jr., along with Odds On Racing of Boca Raton, Florida.

The victory completed a Thursday training double for Morgan, who also sent out the debuting three-year-old pacing filly Tin Roof Rusted, who won a $18,056 maiden race by a nose in 1:54.4.

Drivers Luke Hanners and Tyler Smith each had three wins on the 14-race card.

After 13 weeks at Miami Valley, David Miller (123) has started to tighten his grip on the lead of the drivers standings with a 12-win advantage over Chris Page (111). Luke Hanners (92) sits in third while Brett Miller (90) and Tyler Smith (66) round out the top five.

On the training side, Ron Burke (55) continues to lead the way by 10 wins over Virgil Morgan Jr. (45). Heather France (42) sits in third while Steve Carter (32) and Mike Hitchcock (23) round out the top five.

A reminder to racing fans that there is no racing on Sunday this week to allow everyone to celebrate Easter with their families. Racing will return to the five-eighths-mile oval of Miami Valley on Monday with a post time of 4 p.m.

(With files from Miami Valley Raceway)
Gas prices across the United States are rising fastand for many drivers, the change feels sudden and expensive.

In just one month, the national average jumped by more than 30%, and every state is now seeing prices above $3 per gallon again.

The spike follows the ongoing Iran conflict 2026, which has disrupted global oil supply and shaken markets worldwide.

Experts say one key problem is the Strait of Hormuz. This narrow waterway carries about 20% of the world's oil. When movement there slows down, fuel prices everywhere tend to go up quickly.

As one industry tracker explained, the situation is simple: when supply is tight and demand stays high, prices rise. That's exactly what drivers are seeing today.

Why Gas Prices Are Rising So Quickly

Before we look at which states are hit hardest, it helps to understand what's going on.

The biggest reason is global tension. The recent conflict has made oil harder to move safely. That means less oil reaches refineries, and that pushes prices higher.

Another factor is timing. Spring often brings more travel, which increases demand. When more people want gas at the same time supply is shrinking, prices climb even faster.

Put simply: less oil + more drivers = higher prices.

Top States Where Gas Prices Are Rising the Fastest

Here are some of the states seeing the biggest jumps right now. These increases are much higher than the national average.

1. New Mexico Leads the Surge

In New Mexico, gas prices jumped about 45% in just a month. Drivers are now paying close to $3.79 per gallon. Cities like Las Cruces are seeing even higher prices.

This makes New Mexico the fastest-rising state in the country right now.

2. Oklahoma Sees Big Increases

Oklahoma follows closely with a 41% increase. Prices climbed from around $2.29 to over $3.20 per gallon.According to BusinessInsider, in Tulsa, drivers are already paying near the state's highest averages.

3. Arizona Faces Higher Costs Overall

In Arizona, gas is not only rising fastit's also expensive. Prices jumped about 39%, reaching roughly $4.40 per gallon. Some areas, like Peoria, are even higher.

4. Colorado Climbs Steadily

Colorado saw a nearly 39% increase. Drivers now pay close to $3.83 per gallon, with hotspots like Glenwood Springs going above $4.

5. Mississippi's Sharp Jump

Even states that usually have cheaper gas are feeling the pressure. Mississippi experienced a 38% increase, with some counties reporting prices above $3.60.

6. Tennessee Not Far Behind

In Tennessee, prices rose nearly 38%. Some areas, including Lewis County, are nearing $3.80 per gallon.

What This Means for Drivers

For everyday drivers, these increases add up fast. A full tank now costs much more than it did just weeks ago. Families, commuters, and small businesses all feel the impact.

Experts say the situation may not improve quickly. As long as global tensions continue and supply remains tight, prices could stay highor even rise more.

This idea shows how something happening far away can still affect your daily routine.

Simple Tips to Save on Gas

While you can't control global oil markets, you can take small steps to save money:

Drive smoothly and avoid sudden stops

Combine errands into one trip

Keep your tires properly inflated

Use apps to find cheaper gas nearby

These small habits can make a big difference over time, TPH reported.

The Bigger Picture

Gas prices are more than just numbers on a sign. They reflect what's happening around the world. From international conflicts to shipping routes, many factors play a role.

Right now, the sharp rise across multiple states shows how quickly things can change. It also reminds us that energy prices are closely tied to global events.

For now, drivers in the hardest-hit stateslike New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Arizonaare feeling the biggest impact. And unless conditions improve, the trend may continue.

Originally published on vcpost.com
How constitutional change in Slovakia reshaped identity, democracy, and everyday life.

Zlatica Maarova came home to Slovakia in 2017 after more than 20 years abroad, spent in Belgium, France, Colombia, Singapore, and South Africa. She has three children; one daughter is married to a woman in the United Kingdom and is the mother of three children.

When we returned, she says, the situation in 2017 was much better than today. Not good at all, she explains, but society seemed less polarized and the then legislation was less anti-LGBTI+. Today, even in Bratislava, considered the countrys most open city, tension is palpable, Zlatica says. She recounts the story of a transgender boy whom teenage peers repeatedly assaulted and a gay couple who were physically attacked in a restaurant in the middle of the city. Politicians give courage to those who want to attack, she says.

A major step toward the current atmosphere occurred on 26 September 2025, when the Slovak parliament approved one of the most radically values-oriented constitutional revisions adopted in Europe in recent years. With 90 votes out of 150, the majority inserted into the constitution a series of principles that strictly redefine identity, parenthood, and the states ethical sovereignty. The reform legally recognizes only two sexes, male and female, understood as biologically determined; limits adoption to married couples composed of one man and one woman; and affirms Slovakias sovereign competence in ethical and cultural matters, claiming the primacy of national law over European and international law in these areas.

For supporters, it represents a reaffirmation of the countrys constitutional identity and a defense of the family as a pillar of society. For many others, however, the reform marks a setback for civil rights and a worrying signal for the balance between the rule of law, minority protection, and European integration in this Central European country.

Zlatica Maarova with her family. Photo by Sona Vozarova from the book Theres Something I Want to Tell You.

Peter Jozefik, a Slovak activist, says the constitutional reform is the culmination of a long process that has been unfolding for more than a decade. After 2010, the term LGBT ideology began to appear steadily in Slovak political discourse, he says  first at rallies, then in election campaigns, and finally in legislation. The decisive symbolic turning point came in 2014, when the constitution was amended to define marriage as a union between a man and a woman. Since then, Jozefik argues, the country has continued in the same direction, progressively narrowing the space for recognizing LGBTI+ people.

Today in Slovakia, same-sex couples cannot marry or adopt. One of the few openings came from the European Court of Justice, which ruled that European Union member states must recognize same-sex marriages legally contracted in other EU countries, at least for the purposes of free movement and family life.

In theory, this should guarantee minimal protection at least for Slovak couples married abroad. In practice, Jozefik says, implementation has been chaotic: It depends on the office, sometimes on the individual official. The government presents these rulings as pressure from Brussels, without providing clear administrative guidelines, he says. The result is a legal vacuum that creates uncertainty and, in his view, is not accidental.

The Rule of Law Question

The tightening of civil rights, according to several observers, is part of a broader institutional transformation. Jozefik speaks of a gradual drift: no spectacular rupture, but a thousand small interventions. In the past two years, the criminal code has been amended 11 times. Several revisions have affected proceedings concerning corruption and organized crime. After Prime Minister Robert Fico returned to power in 2023, some provisions weakened or halted cases involving political figures or their allies. Particularly controversial was the revision of rules governing cooperating witnesses, a tool that had previously helped solve mafia-style murders from the 1990s. Other amendments introduced new offenses, such as obstruction of an electoral campaign, and provisions perceived as favorable to individual political figures.

The civil code too is being revised to restrict previously recognized rights: a proposal in the draft code introduced by the government would automatically end a marriage when one partner legally changes their gender.

The emerging picture is one of a gradual weakening of democratic checks and balances, within which the LGBTI+ issue becomes a symbolic battleground.

This interpretation is echoed by Lucia Plavakova, a member of parliament and deputy chairwoman of Progressive Slovakia, an opposition party. She argues that the recent constitutional changes are primarily part of Ficos master plan for dividing the opposition  this time by leveraging Christian Democrats support of value issues. She speaks of a symbolic erasure of same-sex parent families, rendered legally invisible by the exclusive definition of mother and father, and warns that introducing the principle of two biologically determined sexes may have serious consequences for intersex and transgender people.

In Plavakovas view, the reform goes beyond family morality and forms part of a broader strategy that began with campaigns against the Istanbul Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence, as well as the failed 2015 referendum, which conservative groups promoted to limit the rights of same-sex couples, built on alarmist narratives, which deeply polarized Slovak society.

Katarina Medlova, human rights officer at Amnesty International Slovakia, agrees that the constitutional amendment approved last September does not introduce new restrictions on LGBTI+ rights out of nowhere, but consolidates and locks in an already discriminatory situation. Amending the constitution requires 90 votes out of 150, making any reversal much more difficult.

The new constitutional recognition of only two biologically determined sexes risks particularly affecting non-binary, intersex, and transgender people, according to Amnesty, making an already uncertain and often discretionary legal gender recognition process even more complex. The reform also reinforces an exclusive definition of family  mother as a woman, father as a man  and limits adoption mainly to married heterosexual couples. Other families, Medlova observes, do not cease to exist but remain without recognition and are therefore exposed to concrete vulnerabilities in areas such as healthcare, inheritance, and parental responsibility.

Particularly concerning is the clause asserting state sovereignty over national identity and cultural and ethical issues, undefined categories that, according to Amnesty, could be used to challenge the application of obligations stemming from European or international law. Despite warnings from bodies such as the Venice Commission and independent experts for the UN Human Rights Council, the government continued the legislative process, while more than 80 civil society organizations called on the European Commission to initiate infringement proceedings, an indication that the legal and political battle is far from over.

The Birth of a Parents Support Group

Zlatica Maarova, the returnee who spent all those years abroad, is a co-founder of the Association of Parents and Friends of LGBT+ People, a network that today brings together several hundred like-minded members, many of them parents with rainbow children. Zlaticas daughter, married to a British citizen, chose to keep only her British passport to ensure greater protection for her children. Their first child was born in Austria, where both mothers could be listed on the birth certificate. The twins were born in the United Kingdom. In Slovakia, however, the marriage is not fully recognized, and the non-biological mother found herself in a legally fragile position: during the pandemic, she was not entitled to paid parental leave nor full, formal access to medical decision making. Family care benefits were rejected.

Officially she couldnt even go to the doctor, hospital, or kindergarten with the child, Zlatica recalls. In daily practice, doctors and officials are often understanding. But the absence of legal recognition remains.

In 2020  from this personal experience and the experience of another mother, Elena Martincokova and her son Dusan  the Association of Parents and Friends of LGBT+ People was born. The idea took shape during the COVID-19 pandemic, initially online. Two mothers  one from the capital Bratislava, one from Kosice in eastern Slovakia  their husbands, and their children, began exchanging experiences and looking for other parents in similar situations. They then created a Facebook group with strict access criteria: preliminary interviews, verification, and privacy protection.

Today the group has around 400 members, including families from small cities and rural areas. Its main activity is mutual support provided through biweekly online meetings, daily group sessions, and one-on-one conversations between members. The second activity is fostering empathy within society: by organizing online community meetings as well as development and support workshops with professionals. They also hold get-together weekends twice a year, and host discussions, give interviews in media, and participate in Pride events in Slovakia and the Czech Republic.

In 2024, the association published a book, Nieco ti chcem povedat (Theres Something I Want to Tell You), featuring 15 stories from Slovak parents and supporters about their experiences. Two thousand copies were printed, a significant number for the Slovak market, financed through a fundraiser that garnered 12,000 euros. Association members give presentations about the book in bookstores, libraries, cultural centers, and small towns. These are not rallies, but public conversations. Parents who have written stories always take part, and sometimes new testimonies are added.

The most important thing is the sense of belonging, Zlatica explains. When a parent finds out their child is gay or trans, or bi or non-binary, they often feel alone. Here they realize theyre not the only ones. There are many myths in society, such as that bisexual people are promiscuous and unfaithful, or that its just a phase, that transgenderism is just a fad, it didnt exist before. It is hard to listen to this nonsense.

The association defines itself as non-partisan and non-denominational, a strategic choice. In a polarized society, taking a party position could alienate many parents who need support but fear public exposure.

Then there is religion, an unavoidable issue in Slovakia, where Catholicism carries significant social weight. Zlaticas experience from Catholic Colombia is very different. There, queer people benefit from full legal rights, including marriage and adoption. Why not in Slovakia? Zlatica recounts hearing openly hostile sermons toward LGBTI+ people in some churches, making it even harder for many believers to accept their childrens identity. Yet the association also includes deeply religious parents who reinterpret their faith in an inclusive way. They tell us: the core message is love, not exclusion.  Some find more welcoming Protestant communities; one mother switched to the far more queer-friendly Old Catholic Church, while others have left their churches altogether. Others remain in the Catholic Church but with a critical perspective. The association focuses on practical experiences: how to navigate coming out, how to change documents, how to respond to discrimination, where to find an inclusive doctor, psychologist, and so on.

Parents Coming Out

A rarely discussed aspect is the parents coming out. When a son or daughter comes out, parents also find themselves having to explain the situation in their own social circles: at work, among friends, in the neighborhood.

Its always the whole family thats involved, Zlatica says, explaining that the decision affects not only the LGBTI+ person, but also siblings, grandparents, uncles, cousins. The association encourages linguistic normalization: not saying my son is gay as if it were a dramatic confession, but speaking naturally about his partner or her partner. Making the ordinariness of relationships visible is, in their view, a powerful form of cultural change.

After nearly 10 years back in Slovakia, Zlaticas daughter Anna and her wife Florence find it increasingly hard to live in the country, despite no concrete plans to leave due to their work commitments here. Its very sad, Zlatica admits. She was born here. They both work for Slovakia to improve our education system.

This sentiment echoes that of Roman Samotny, head of communications and fundraising for the Inakost Initiative, an LGBTI+ community center in Bratislava. He says a growing number of LGBTI+ people are considering emigrating to the Czech Republic, Austria, or other European Union countries.

Roman Samotny (at left, holding microphone) speaking at a public event hosted by the Inakost Initiative.

Civil societys response to the constitutional clampdown lies first and foremost in daily grassroots work, he says, adding that Inakost was created not thanks to the national government but despite it, with support instead from the municipality and progressive local administrations. In recent years, national public funding has been reduced or denied, even for accredited services supporting victims of violence and discrimination. Today the organization can provide free legal and psychological counseling only through alternative sources of funding, in a context where requests for help  especially from transgender people, a primary target of political rhetoric  have risen following the constitutional amendment and the intensification of hate speech in parliament and the media.

Roman describes a strong impact on mental health: difficulties in changing documents, everyday bureaucratic obstacles, constant pressure on social media, distrust toward professionals who may be homophobic or transphobic, and the high cost of psychotherapy in a country experiencing a slow post-pandemic recovery and high regional inequalities. Like others, he too, situates this phase within a longer process that began around 2013 with organized campaigns against so-called gender ideology, amplified by the language used by backers of the 2015 referendum and by disinformation narratives.

At the same time, he observes a growing fracture: one part of society has become more aggressive and radicalized, but another has grown more aware and supportive, especially after the 2022 terrorist attack on an LGBTI+ venue in Bratislava, when a 19-year-old opened fire, killing two people. Mainstream media now cover the issue more responsibly; some companies openly support the community; and more people, even in small towns, are coming out and organizing local initiatives.

The challenge, Roman says, is to resist a strategy aimed at spreading fear and exhaustion: to prevent people from disengaging, isolating themselves, or emigrating, and to keep alive a community network capable of sustaining, over the long term, a struggle that is not only about identity, but about democracy.

Jacopo Romanelli is an Italian freelance journalist who reports on human rights, transnational repression, and emergencies in Europe and Asia. His work has appeared in The Vietnamese Magazine, Daraj Media, Nikkei Asia, and Balkan Insight, among others.
In an interview published in yesterdays Express, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar revealed the principles guiding her administrations policies. As is usual with politicians, however, there was a notable gap between rhetoric and reality.

Asked about her strong and vociferous support for American President Donald Trump, the Prime Minister explained, The current US government believes in conservatism and capitalism, and that aligns with my views.
On the evening of April 2, audiences in Hanoi witnessed a compelling cultural dialogue as Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw premiered at the Hanoi Academy of Theatre and Cinema. Directed by Duong Thi Thanh Huyen, the production marks a bold reinterpretation of a work first written in 1912.

This production of Pygmalion carries a fresher, more relatable spirit.





Long regarded as one of Shaws most iconic plays, Pygmalion tells the story of phonetics professor Henry Higgins and flower girl Eliza Doolittle. What appears to be a journey of linguistic transformation is, at its core, a sharp dissection of class, prejudice and the human need for recognition.

On the Hanoi stage, that spirit remains intact - but the storytelling has shifted.

This is no longer a faithful reproduction of a European classic. Instead, the play takes on a new vitality, becoming more immediate, more relatable and deeply resonant with contemporary Vietnamese society.

At the heart of this transformation lies the directorial vision of Duong Thi Thanh Huyen. Rather than retelling a canonical work, she reconstructs it within a new cultural context.

It is a delicate undertaking. The line between innovation and distortion is thin. Yet this production finds its balance - preserving the intellectual sharpness, satire and logic of British theatre while infusing it with a distinctly Vietnamese sensibility.

The setting of London remains, and the characters retain their familiar names. But the staging - from scenography and music to lighting and performance style - opens up new layers of meaning.

Language, the central motif of the original, is no longer merely a marker of class distinction. Here, it becomes a mirror reflecting regional diversity, social friction and the lingering prejudices embedded in modern life.

Elizas journey, therefore, is not just about learning to speak correctly. It is about learning to be seen.

And that, perhaps, is what makes the story feel so close to home.

The productions subtlety lies in its approach to cultural adaptation. It neither imposes a forced Vietnamization nor clings rigidly to Western conventions. Instead, it listens, selects and re-creates.
Winter storms unleash chaos through blizzards, nor'easters, thundersnow, and whiteout conditions, burying landscapes under heavy snow and fierce winds. Households that master blizzard winter storm prep shield themselves from hypothermia, power outages, and isolation. Proactive steps turn potential disasters into survivable events, keeping families warm and safe when temperatures plummet.

Building Your Core Blizzard Winter Storm Prep Kit

Nor'easters often strike the East Coast with punishing force, delivering snow rates of 2-3 inches per hour mixed with thundersnowthunder and lightning piercing blizzard clouds. Whiteout conditions erase horizons, halting travel and stranding the unprepared. Start blizzard winter storm prep weeks ahead by assembling a comprehensive kit tailored for 72 hours or longer.

Essential items fill multiple categories:

Food and Water Supplies

Non-perishables like canned beans, tuna, dried fruits, and peanut butterno cooking required.

One gallon of water per person and pet daily; add purification tablets for melting snow.

Powdered milk, instant coffee, and high-energy bars for quick calories.

Lighting and Communication

LED flashlights with extra batteries, plus a hand-crank model that charges phones.

Battery-powered NOAA weather radio for alerts on incoming blizzards or nor'easters.

Whistle and duct tape for signaling rescuers if buried under drifts.

Warmth and Medical Needs

Wool blankets, sleeping bags rated to 0F, and mylar emergency blankets.

First-aid kit stocked with pain relievers, bandages, thermometer, and prescription meds (extra week's supply).

Hand warmers, heavy socks, and thermal underwear for layering.

The American Red Cross recommends storing everything in plastic bins labeled by roomkitchen, bedroom, carfor quick access. Rotate food stock every six months to avoid waste. For infants or seniors, include diapers, formula, and adult undergarments.

Secure your home next. Caulk gaps around windows and doors to block drafts, which steal up to 30% of indoor heat. Trim overhanging branches that could snap under ice loads during thundersnow events, crashing onto power lines. Fill sandbags for basement flooding common in coastal nor'easters. Charge all devices and invest in a solar chargeroutages stretch days in whiteout scenarios.

Hypothermia Prevention: Layering and Early Warning Signs

Hypothermia strikes silently when core body temperature dips below 95F, accelerated by wind chill in whiteout conditions reaching -50F effective temperatures. Blizzards and nor'easters amplify risks as wet snow soaks clothes, conducting heat away 25 times faster than dry fabric. Blizzard winter storm prep demands clothing strategies that trap body heat.

Layer smartly with these principles:

Base layer: Moisture-wicking synthetics or merino wool to pull sweat away. Mid layer: Fleece or down for insulationlooser fit traps air pockets. Outer shell: Waterproof, breathable Gore-Tex jacket and pants with hoods.

Accessories matter most:

Mittens over glovesfingers together retain warmth better.

Balaclava or hat covering ears and neck, where 40-50% of heat escapes.

Insulated boots with thick soles; change wet socks immediately.

Recognize symptoms in stages:

Mild: Intense shivering, numb fingerstoes.

Moderate: Confusion, fumbling hands, slurred speech.

Severe: No shivering, unconsciousness, weak pulse.

Act fast: Move to shelter, remove wet layers, and rewarm gradually. Skin-to-skin contact under dry blankets shares heat efficiently, paired with warm (not hot) broth. Avoid caffeine or alcoholthey constrict vessels. The CDC warns children lose heat twice as fast due to higher surface area, so bundle them first.

Limit outdoor time to 15 minutes in winds over 20 mph. Check neighbors daily, especially elderly living alone. Dry clothes by the fire pit if power failsfrozen gear worsens exposure.

Power Outage Mastery During Thundersnow and Blizzards

Thundersnow packs lightning risks amid heavy snow, while nor'easters topple trees onto transformers, blacking out regions for a week. Whiteout conditions delay repair crews, forcing self-reliance. Designate a "warm room"smallest interior space like a bathroomseal doors with towels, hang blankets over windows.

Critical power outage safety rules:

Generators outside only, 20 feet from openingscarbon monoxide kills 400 yearly.

Unplug TVs, computers, and chargers pre-outage to prevent 90% of surge fires.

Fridge safe 4 hours closed, freezer 48 hours fulleat perishables first.

Heat without electricity:

Layer everyone in hats indoors; conserve body heat.

Use door drafts stoppers and close vents to unused rooms.

Sterno cans or propane stoves for cookingoutside or vented.

Lighting hacks reduce risks:

Battery lanterns over candles; open flames spark 40% of outage blazes.

Glow sticks for kids' roomslong-lasting, non-toxic.

Headlamps free hands for tasks.

Portable power stations run essentials like mini-fridges or CPAP machines for 24 hours. Keep cars off unless warming upfuel stations close in blizzards. FEMA suggests full propane tanks and cash on hand, as ATMs fail.

Driving Defensively in Nor'easters and Whiteouts

Whiteout conditions slash visibility to yards, with nor'easters whipping winds over 50 mph. Thundersnow adds slick ice from supercooled rain. Blizzard warnings mean stay home70% of storm deaths involve vehicles.

Car kit must-haves:

Sleeping bag, towels, extra coats for insulation.

Shovel, ice scraper, traction sand or kitty litter.

Jumper cables, flares, protein bars, and collapsible water bowl for pets.

Stranded protocol:

Pull over, hazards on, trunk facing traffic. Run engine 10 minutes hourly, window cracked 2 inches. Tie bright scarf to antenna; call 911 with mile marker.

Clear tailpipe snow before restarts. Chains or snow tires grip better, but avoid hydroplaning on slush. Apps like Waze show plow progress. Post-storm, inspect undercarriage for salt corrosion.

Home Fortification and Community Prep for Blizzards

Blizzards isolate homes, delaying aid 48 hours or more. Stock pet meds, cat litter for toilet flushes, and board games for sanity. Reverse garage doors to manual mode.

Full home checklist:

Insulate attic hatches to stop heat rise. Stock manual can opener, trash bags for sanitation. Map warming shelters and pet-friendly options.

Nor'easters flood coastselevate valuables. Shovel roofs if drifts exceed 2 feet to avert collapse. Post-outage, boil water 1 minute after restoration.

Communities thrive on shared plans: Neighborhood watches clear drifts together. Apps coordinate supply swaps.

Essential Reminders for Year-Round Blizzard Winter Storm Prep

Blizzard winter storm prep evolves with forecasts. Review kits in fall, drill family monthly. Nor'easters, thundersnow, and whiteout conditions respect no onepreparedness does. Stay informed, layer up, and huddle smart.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is blizzard winter storm prep?

Blizzard winter storm prep involves stocking food, water, batteries, and warm gear before storms hit to handle isolation from heavy snow and winds.

2. How do nor'easters differ from regular blizzards?

Nor'easters track along the East Coast, mixing snow, rain, and coastal flooding with stronger winds than typical blizzards.

3. What causes thundersnow?

Thundersnow happens when lightning forms in heavy snow clouds during intense winter storms, often tied to nor'easters or blizzards.

4. How to stay safe in whiteout conditions?

In whiteout conditions, stay indoors, avoid driving, and use weather radios for updates since visibility drops near zero.
A video capturing touching moments from the couples anniversary celebration in Hung Yen has been widely shared on social media forums.

The celebration marked 70 years together for Nguyen Xuan Cu (born 1941) and Nguyen Thi Chin (born 1942) from Lac Dao Commune, Hung Yen Province.

The ceremony was held on the 4th day of the Lunar New Year of Binh Ngo 2026 (February 20), with the participation of 35 children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren at the familys traditional three-compartment tile-roofed house.

The venue was decorated vibrantly with fresh flowers and red-toned ribbons. On the special day, the grandmother wore a wedding ao dai, while the grandfather dressed neatly in a suit, holding his wifes hand as they walked amid applause from their descendants. He later presented her with a bouquet of gladioli during the ceremony.

The simple yet solemn images moved many to tears.

Mai Anh (born 2000), a granddaughter and the person who posted the video, shared that more than 10 days later she and other family members still felt deeply emotional when thinking about the celebration.

Cu and Chin were engaged in 1956 and officially married in 1963. The engagement day was also when the two families formally established their in-law relationship. Therefore, their descendants later regarded that day as their official wedding anniversary. They have had six children (four sons and two daughters).

Prior to that, the family had organized 40th, 50th, and 60th anniversary celebrations. However, the 70-year milestone was considered especially significant by their children and grandchildren.

This year marks 70 years of our grandparents being together. Our family wanted to organize a commemorative ceremony. It would be more special than previous ones, a chance for the whole family to gather and revisit the beautiful memories of their love story and enduring marriage, Mai Anh shared.

One month before the Lunar New Year, the grandchildren carefully planned the event, from decoration and documentary filming to speech preparation.

After finalizing the plan, during a weekend family gathering, they presented it to their parents and asked for approval.

We prepared everything in detail and showed it to our parents. They wholeheartedly supported us, but we kept the plan a secret from our grandparents, Mai Anh said.

Ngoc Mai (born 2000), another granddaughter who lives with the couple, recalled: Before Tet, Grandpa asked me This year marks 70 years of our anniversary. Are you children planning anything? I replied, We are, but we havent decided on the date yet. Please prepare a poem for Grandma. I truly admire how he remembers every milestone with her.

At around 10 pm on the 3rd day of Tet, the grandchildren gathered to decorate the space. The next morning, seeing the house covered in solemn and elegant shades of red and realizing their descendants intention, the couple were deeply moved.

The anniversary was conducted with solemn rituals similar to an official wedding ceremony. Led by two granddaughters as MCs, the couple offered incense to their ancestors, revisited memories from their 70-year journey, expressed gratitude to their descendants, and cut a cake to celebrate the special day.

Children and grandchildren also delivered speeches, expressing their gratitude and admiration for their parents and grandparents enduring love.

When our grandparents stepped out, holding hands amid the applause of their descendants, our whole family couldnt hold back tears. My grandmother cried a lot, Mai shared.

The sweet love story of Cu and his wife has become a legend within the family, often mentioned by younger generations as a shining example of marital loyalty.

By the age of 21, they officially became husband and wife. Later, he joined the army and was away from home for six years; she stayed home to raise the children and take care of the family. Even so, their feelings for each other never faded, Mai said.

Born and raised in her grandparents' arms and living in the same house, Ngoc Mai understands their affection for each other better than anyone.

Over all these years, she has never seen her grandparents raise their voices at each other. Whenever the grandfather speaks, she often sees the grandmother listen patiently, and vice versa.

The way my grandparents treat each other has taught our generation of descendants a great lesson about love. An enduring marriage is built on respect, compromise, and mutual care, just as they have done for all these years, Mai shared.

Thanh Minh
Vietnam has granted a license for low-Earth orbit satellite Internet services to Starlink Services Vietnam, a unit of SpaceX, with a pilot scale of up to 600,000 subscribers. The company is allowed to deploy four gateway stations in Phu Tho, Da Nang, and HCMC, directly connecting satellites with terrestrial Internet infrastructure.

Entering Vietnam helps Starlink extend its presence in Southeast Asia, following launches in the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Timor-Leste. However, competitive challenges are evident from the outset.

Sources told VietNamNet that the expected monthly fee for Starlink is very high, raising questions about competitiveness of Starlinks services compared to fiber-optic Internet and mobile networks, which are highly affordable in Vietnam.

Starlink is a satellite Internet system developed by SpaceX, operating through a network of thousands of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites.

Unlike traditional Internet services that rely on fiber-optic cables or terrestrial network infrastructure, Starlink transmits signals directly from satellites to user terminals.

To use the service, customers need to purchase a hardware kit that includes a satellite dish, a Wi-Fi router, and a power supply unit. Based on expected pricing for the Vietnamese market, the equipment costs about $350, equivalent to roughly VND9 million.

In addition to the upfront hardware cost, users must pay a monthly fee of $85 (around VND2.2 million) to maintain the service.

In the first year, total costs include $350 for equipment and $1,020 in subscription fees. This brings the total to $1,370, or around VND3435 million for the first year.

From the second year onward, users only need to pay the annual subscription fee of about $1,020 (around VND26 million).

In direct comparison, Starlinks monthly fee of VND2.2 million is about 7 to 10 times higher than fiber-optic Internet services.

This pricing shows that satellite Internet remains relatively expensive compared to average income levels and telecom service costs in Vietnam.

Doan Quang Hoan, Vice President of the Radio and Electronics Association of Vietnam, noted that Vietnam has strong terrestrial telecom infrastructure in both coverage and quality, leaving almost no room for satellite Internet in the mass consumer segment.

According to the Authority of Telecommunications, by April 2025, the country had deployed over 318,000 BTS, covering 99.8 percent of the population with mobile broadband. 5G coverage alone reached 25.5 percent of the population after less than a year of commercialization.

In the fixed Internet segment, Vietnam has 24.4 million subscribers with an average speed of 176.68 Mbps, ranking 33rd out of 155 globally. Notably, 85.1 percent of households use fiber optics, with infrastructure reaching every commune and ward nationwide. In this context, Starlink lacks the advantages in cost and convenience to compete with traditional services.

Starlink "filling the gaps" rather than replacing infrastructure

According to Hoan, the biggest disadvantage of satellite Internet lies not only in high monthly fees but also in terminal equipment costs and complex installation. Users must install satellite dishes and peripheral gear, making the total cost far exceed terrestrial services.

Consequently, Starlink is unlikely to become a mass broadband provider or exert competitive pressure on existing telcos. Instead, its role is viewed as a strategic supplement.

Firstly, the service is particularly useful in hard-to-reach areas such as remote regions and islands, where laying fiber-optic cables is expensive or economically unfeasible. This is the "gap" that traditional infrastructure cannot yet fill.

Secondly, Starlink serves as backup infrastructure for the cases of natural disasters or large-scale network failures. When terrestrial systems are disrupted, satellite connectivity ensures communication remains unbroken.

In terms of applications, Starlink suits specialized sectors such as search and rescue, defense and security, remote education, and maritime industries (shipping, offshore fishing, and oil and gas). Businesses in isolated areas, such as mining, forestry, small hydropower, and trans-mountain transport infrastructure, are potential customers.

Another segment capable of accepting Starlink's high pricing includes premium services like isolated resorts, yachts, or users requiring independent, stable international connectivity.

Overall, Starlink is not entering Vietnam to compete head-on with telecom operators, but to target niche markets where traditional infrastructure remains limited or inefficient.

While the scale may be modest, these areas are strategically important for infrastructure security, maritime economic development, and national connectivity.

In this landscape, Starlink may not trigger a market share battle, but it can still play a meaningful role as a complementary layer, helping build a more flexible and resilient telecom ecosystem.

Thai Khang
According to the roadmap, from June 1, 2026, unleaded gasoline (under current national technical regulations) must be blended and formulated into E10 gasoline for use in gasoline engines nationwide.

The blending and formulation of E5 RON92 gasoline will continue for use in gasoline engines until the end of December 31, 2030.

However, due to energy market fluctuations worldwide, the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) has been promoting the use of biofuel (E10), reviewing conditions to implement the transition roadmap to E10 gasoline in April instead of June, contributing to a 10 percent reduction in mineral gasoline consumption.

Deputy Minister Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan emphasized that promoting E5 and E10 biofuels not only helps reduce emissions compared to traditional gasoline, but also contributes to environmental protection, supports the development of the biofuel industry, creates stable demand for agricultural production, and reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels.

As for concerns that E10 may affect vehicle engines, Dang Tat Thanh of the Authority of Innovation, Green Transition and Industrial Promotion said that during the drafting of Circular 50, the ministry consulted major automakers such as Toyota, Honda and Ford, as well as technical organizations like the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE).

These organizations affirm that E5 and E10 biofuels do not harm engines. On the contrary, E10 has a higher octane rating, helping engines operate more efficiently and reducing knocking, he said.

Key notes for vehicle users

Lo Hai Nam, Head of the Technical Committee of the Vietnam Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (VAMM), warned that with biofuel, if a vehicle is left for too long without use, it will be harder to start compared to using mineral gasoline, due to the water-absorbing characteristic of biofuel.

In addition, biofuel has cleaning properties. With fuel systems using metal tanks, after a period of time, there will be patches of sediment buildup. When using biofuel, a process of cleaning those substances will occur and create small particles, which can cause clogging or slight difficulty during the pumping and suction process.

Manufacturers recommend that users regularly check and maintain the vehicle's fuel system. If this recommendation is followed, this situation can be completely avoided, he said.

The car I am currently using can also run on E20 gasoline, and the manufacturer has committed to this, Associate Prof Dam Hoang Phuc (Hanoi University of Science and Technology) said.

The greatest risk does not lie in the E10 gasoline itself, but in using the wrong fuel standard. Before refueling, consumers need to clearly understand whether their vehicle meets Euro 3, Euro 4, or Euro 5 standards to choose the correct type of gasoline.

One can check right on the fuel tank cap; if the manufacturer writes Euro 5 E20, then the appropriate type of gasoline for the vehicle can be identified.

For vehicles that do not have the E symbol when the fuel cap is opened, which are usually car models that have been used for over 20 years, Phuc said they need more care, especially a check of the entire fuel system.

This is mandatory because even when not using E10 gasoline, the fuel system also needs to be checked and replaced periodically to ensure safety as well as the stable operating capability of the vehicle.

Phuc went on to say that ethanol has cleaning properties, so it can make long-standing sediment in the fuel tank dissolve faster and follow the fuel system into the engine. However, in newer car models, the fuel tank and fuel system have been improved, so sedimentation almost does not occur.

Conversely, with motorbikes, especially older models, this risk may still exist, so users need to be cautious when switching to E10 gasoline.

In fact, using E10 only makes the sediment dissolution process happen faster, rather than E10 gasoline generating sediment itself. Users need to correctly understand the nature of this issue, Phuc emphasized.

Phuc stated that ethanol has water-absorbing characteristics, increasing the water content in the fuel, which can affect the combustion capability of the engine, especially for vehicles using carburetors. Therefore, besides complying with fuel quality standards and regulations, it is necessary to ensure the circulation cycle is fast enough to limit the risk of water absorption.

Tam An
From the Politburos Resolution No. 70 on national energy security through 2030 with a vision to 2045, to Conclusion No. 14-KL/TW on ensuring stable fuel supply and prices, alongside the Governments responses to rising Middle East tensions, Vietnams proactive and anticipatory approach to external energy shocks is increasingly evident.

However, recent developments have not only disrupted global energy prices and supply chains but also underscored the necessity of speeding up policy implementation and improving system resilience.

Structural risks from fossil fuel dependence

Vietnams energy system remains heavily reliant on fossil fuels, particularly coal-fired and gas-fired power generation, while emerging energy sources have yet to scale up quickly enough to compensate. As global supply disruptions intensify, these structural vulnerabilities are becoming more apparent.

Nguyen Quoc Trung, Deputy General Director of the National Energy Service of Vietnam (NSMO), said Middle East tensions have pushed up oil and gas prices due to disruptions along key transport routes, especially the Strait of Hormuz, which handles roughly a quarter of global oil and gas supplies. At the same time, coal-exporting countries such as Indonesia have shown signs of restricting exports to prioritise domestic demand.

With limited room for supply-side intervention, demand-side measures are emerging as the most viable short-term solution. Economist Nguyen Tri Hieu described energy conservation as a regulatory valve that helps stabilise economic activities during periods of price volatility. Cutting energy consumption by 810% could ease pressure on investment in new power capacity while creating additional space for economic growth, he noted.

The power system is also facing mounting pressure from rising electricity demand and the transition process itself. Trung warned that declining domestic gas output and constraints in LNG supply could lead to electricity shortages in southern Vietnam during evening hours, when renewable energy output declines. While impacts may not be significant in 2026, risks could become clearer during 20272028.

At a working session with Vietnam Electricity (EVN), Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son emphasised that electricity demand will continue rising sharply alongside the Governments target of over 10% economic growth in 2026. EVN was urged to ensure stable electricity supply for key sectors such as high-tech manufacturing, semiconductors, artificial intelligence and data centres.

He also called for faster implementation of the revised Power Development Plan VIII, accelerated progress on major power and grid projects, coordinated development between generation and transmission infrastructure, expanded regional cooperation, and increased electricity imports to diversify supply sources.

A wind farm in Huong Linh, home to Quang Tri provinces largest concentration of wind power projects. (Photo: VNA)

Energy transition: From direction to acceleration

Vietnam has long pursued policies aimed at reducing fossil fuel dependence, diversifying energy sources and promoting clean energy development through planning frameworks and regulatory reforms. These strategies reaffirm that energy development must move ahead of economic growth, ensuring security, efficiency and alignment with global green transition trends.

Yet recent geopolitical shocks reveal a gap between strategic orientation and the actual resilience of the energy system, highlighting the need for faster and more substantive transition efforts.

According to Dr Phung Quoc Huy of the Asia Pacific Energy Research Centre (APERC), Vietnams dependence on imported energy could exceed 50% by 2060 without policy adjustments, but could fall to around 8% if transition measures are accelerated. Energy transition is not only essential for achieving net-zero emissions but also a core solution for long-term energy security, he noted.

The transition will require substantial investment, estimated at around 3.6 trillion USD by 2060, demanding appropriate financing mechanisms and policy frameworks. Middle East tensions further underline the necessity of diversifying supply sources.

Do Van Tuan, Chairman of the Vietnam Biofuels Association, stressed the need for a long-term national energy reserve strategy alongside accelerated development of alternative energy sources to reduce import dependence.

Other priorities include diversifying LNG supply, developing a competitive electricity market, expanding renewable energy integrated with storage systems, and building smart grids. In the short term, improving energy efficiency remains the most effective solution.

Nguyen Anh Dung, an energy expert at The Asia Foundation, emphasised focusing on sectors with significant efficiency potential such as transport, construction and industry through electric vehicles, green buildings and technological upgrades.

Over the long term, Vietnam aims to build a diversified energy ecosystem in which renewable energy plays a central role, gas serves as a transitional source, and hydrogen emerges as a future solution.

While Middle East tensions do not alter Vietnams strategic direction, they serve as a practical stress test for the countrys energy strategy. Ensuring sufficient electricity for growth, improving energy efficiency and accelerating policy implementation will be key to strengthening resilience against external shocks and maintaining long-term economic stability./. VNA
In a letter sent on April 1 to Google CEO Sundar Pichai and YouTube CEO Neal Mohan, the group raised concerns about the growing volume of low-quality videos produced by AI tools but labeled as educational, according to Bloomberg.

The signatories criticized what they described as a surge in content creators using AI to mass-produce videos aimed at children - one of the most impressionable and vulnerable audiences online - primarily for profit.

They warned that such content, often referred to as AI junk, lacks substance and may negatively affect childrens cognitive development. According to the letter, exposure to this type of content could shorten attention spans and blur the line between reality and fiction.

Advocates also expressed concern that increasing screen time driven by such videos is replacing real-world activities that are essential for childrens emotional and social development.

There is still much we do not understand about the effects of AI-generated content on children, the group wrote.

Among the signatories is social psychologist Jonathan Haidt, author of The Anxious Generation, who has been at the forefront of global efforts to address the impact of social media and smartphones on young people.

Child advocacy organizations such as Fairplay and the National Alliance for Youth Health, along with the American Federation of Teachers and several schools, also signed the letter.

Responding to Bloomberg, YouTube spokesperson Boot Bullwinkle said the platform maintains high standards for content on YouTube Kids, including limiting AI-generated videos to a small group of vetted, high-quality channels.

He added that parents have tools to block specific channels and that the company prioritizes transparency by labeling AI-generated content. Creators are also required to disclose when videos contain highly realistic AI elements.

However, the advocates argue that such measures may not be sufficient, particularly because young children may not be able to read or understand content labels.

AI-generated videos have become increasingly common on YouTube, especially in content aimed at toddlers and young children. For many creators, automation significantly reduces production costs and effort. Some have even begun sharing tutorials on how to build businesses around producing videos for infants using AI tools.

Bullwinkle countered that mass-producing low-quality content is not a sustainable strategy on YouTube, as the platforms monetization systems are designed to penalize such practices.

Earlier this year, Mohan stated that tackling AI junk and ensuring YouTube remains a safe and enjoyable space is a top priority for 2026. At the same time, the platform maintains that not all AI-generated content is harmful and that, when used responsibly, AI can enable meaningful creativity.

The debate comes amid broader scrutiny of major tech platforms. In late March, a US court ruled that Google and Meta could be held accountable for harm caused to a young user by products deemed addictive.

While both companies have said they will appeal, the ruling has intensified pressure from consumer advocates and lawmakers, who are calling for changes to platform design - including how recommendation algorithms operate.

Du Lam
On March 28, the Gia Lai Investment Promotion Conference 2026 was held as a key event within the National Tourism Year  Gia Lai 2026 opening week.

Speaking at the event, Binh outlined a vision to turn Gia Lai into an artificial intelligence hub, noting that AI is reshaping how economies, education systems, and societies operate.

The question is no longer whether to adopt AI, but who will master it and who will be left behind. Every individual needs to use AI to boost productivity.

He emphasized the need to integrate AI into curricula at all levels, from primary to higher education, with the dual approach of teaching AI itself and using AI as a learning tool. The goal is to cultivate a workforce capable of mastering advanced technologies in the future.

For Gia Lai, he expressed the ambition not only to train talent but also to attract experts from both Vietnam and abroad. He said that FPT will accompany the province in developing key technology pillars, positioning Gia Lai as a pioneering center in the AI-driven development wave.

FPT commits to working alongside Gia Lai to develop strategic pillars in a way that reflects the provinces unique strengths. Gia Lai should not only serve itself but also create value for Vietnam and the world, he said.

As part of the event, FPT signed a cooperation agreement with the Gia Lai Peoples Committee to promote breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation for the 20262030 period. The company will participate in research, consulting, and implementation of technology and innovation initiatives in the province.

Key technology areas identified for collaboration include AI, semiconductors, data, IoT, cybersecurity, quantum technology, robotics, and autonomous systems, as well as technologies supporting energy, environment, and digital transformation.

The two sides also signed a memorandum of understanding to explore investment opportunities in the Long Van Concentrated Digital Technology Zone, with a total estimated investment of around VND613 billion. Additionally, FPT and Gia Lai agreed to study potential education projects in Quy Nhon and Pleiku.

Other technology experts have also repeatedly called on to intensify the training of AI to produce more workers in the field. Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Phi Le, Acting Director of the Institute of Artificial Intelligence Research and Application (AI4LIFE) at Hanoi University of Science and Technology, stressed that Vietnam cannot wait until the university level to begin specialized training, because by then, it might have missed the golden period of many students with the aptitude to become future talents in the field of AI.

Du Lam
The Hanoi People's Committee recently submitted to the City People's Council for consideration the Capital Master Plan with a 100-year vision, which proposes converting the university campus at No19 Le Thanh Tong into a museum space. This proposal is causing many conflicting opinions.

Under the conversion plan, the land plot at 19 Le Thanh Tong is oriented to become the University Museum of the Ho Chi Minh Era, based on the relocation of Hanoi University of Pharmacy and the Faculty of Chemistry of the Vietnam University of Natural Sciences, Hanoi.

During the consultation process, many intellectuals, lecturers, and students requested to maintain the educational function at Hanoi University of Pharmacy. Opinions suggest that complete conversion to a museum could waste intellectual resources while reducing the vitality of a space tied to academic activities.

The university believes the conversion of the school area into a museum needs to be considered cautiously. The school area is a typical architectural ensemble from the early 20th century, associated with the formation of the Indochina University of Medicine and Pharmacy and the University of Indochina, the first higher education center in Vietnam and Southeast Asia.

In terms of academic value, it is linked to training and research activities in which Hanoi University of Pharmacy is the leading center for pharmaceutical training and research in the country. Meanwhile, the units under the University of Natural Sciences hold a foundational role in basic sciences.

The presence of universities here has contributed to forming a knowledge zone in the heart of Hanoi, a crossroads between education, research, and urban life.

According to modern theories on conservation, this is precisely the expression of Genius Loci - the spirit of the place, a value inseparable from living activities. Preserving only the architectural form without maintaining the function will diminish this identity.

Also according to Hanoi University of Pharmacy, the school is not just an architectural monument. Here, thousands of students, lecturers, and scientists are participating in training, and drug development research, contributing to the national health system.

Universities are dynamic ecosystems, not static real estate. Relocating and converting this campus into a museum could disrupt the flow of academic activities, replace a living knowledge space with a static exhibition space, and weaken the interaction between people and place, a university representative said.

Major global universities in the world such as Sorbonne University, University of Paris Cite, University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, and Harvard University typically retain their historic campuses in city centers while expanding elsewhere. A common approach is to preserve academic functions rather than turning old campuses into museums.

Hanoi University of Pharmacy proposed maintaining its current campus for specialized training, scientific research, innovation, and academic ceremonies, while expanding to new facilities to scale up education and modern laboratories.

The university also suggested opening part of the space for public visits, exhibitions, and educational showcases operated by the institution itself and integrated with real academic activities.

If not carefully considered, converting the campus into a museum could erode the true value of the heritage, dismantle a valuable academic ecosystem, and impoverish urban cultural life, the university stated.

Hanoi University of Pharmacy is a public institution under the Ministry of Health, originally the Faculty of Pharmacy of the Indochina Medical College, and has operated independently since 1961. Its campus retains distinctive early 20th-century architecture and is considered a valuable historical heritage site in Hanoi.

Nguyen Phuoc Thang from Hoa Binh University has also called for thorough consideration of the proposal, though he agrees that Hanoi is facing urban infrastructure overloading and restructuring.

He said some countries, instead of relocating all universities to the suburbs, choose a flexible spatial classification that retains their core foundations.

When expansion was needed, Berlin only relocated natural sciences - physics and chemistry - which require vast spaces for laboratories, to the Adlershof high-tech park in the suburbs. For the historic Humboldt University or the massive Charite medical complex, the government remained determined to keep them in the heart of the city. The 'one university, two campus model is suitable for Vietnam.

Thanh Hung
The municipal Department of Agriculture and Environment has issued an operational procedure for the automated weighing software at domestic solid waste treatment plants across the city, marking a new step in the digitalisation of waste management.



Under the plan, the automated weighing system is now operating at four key waste treatment units, including the Northwest Solid Waste Treatment Complex at landfill No.3 operated by the city Urban Environment Company, plants run by Vietstar Joint Stock Company and Tam Sinh Nghia Investment and Development JSC, and the landfill at Da Phuoc Integrated Waste Treatment Complex operated by Vietnam Waste Solutions (VWS) Co., Ltd.



Waste treatment facilities located in the former provinces of Binh Duong and Ba Ria-Vung Tau that previously handled Ho Chi Minh Citys waste are scheduled to implement the automated weighing software from April 15.



Nguyen Hong Nguyen, deputy director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment, said the citys waste treatment complex management board has guided relevant units in implementing the new system and operating procedures.



Under the system, all garbage trucks entering treatment facilities are automatically identified through eTag cards attached to vehicle windshields or headlights, allowing the system to record vehicle licence plates, transport companies and waste sources from transfer stations.



The weighing data are automatically recorded, stored and managed in a centralised digital system for up to 10 years, supporting settlement, inspection, auditing and state management activities.



The automated weighing software will run in parallel with the existing paper-based process until June 30 to ensure a smooth transition.



From July 1, authorities will officially rely solely on data generated by the automated system.



The initiative is part of the citys broader effort to modernise waste management, strengthen supervision of waste treatment operations and enhance environmental protection in line with its sustainable urban development goals./. VNA
Mass catering kitchens provide daily meals for large numbers of people. Illustrative photo: Le Anh Dung.

According to Chu Quoc Thinh, acting head of the Food Safety Authority under the Ministry of Health, the inspections will take place over 15 days starting April 1 and will be conducted without prior notice. The list of targeted facilities is being selected by local food safety agencies in both localities.

The move comes after police uncovered a network involved in slaughtering and distributing 3,600 pigs infected with African swine fever, equivalent to around 300 tons of meat. Hanoi and Ninh Binh have been identified as areas linked to the distribution chain.

Inspection teams will focus on compliance with food safety regulations at mass kitchens and food service providers. The teams include representatives from the Food Safety Authority, the National Institute for Food Safety Testing and local authorities.

Earlier, Hanoi police identified a company as a supplier of meat to several schools, although the full list of affected institutions has not yet been disclosed. The case has raised serious concerns about food safety risks within school environments.

The Ministry of Health warned that consuming diseased pork not only increases the risk of spreading epidemics but also poses long-term health threats, particularly to vulnerable groups such as children, students and workers.

Local authorities have been instructed to intensify inspections and strengthen oversight of mass kitchens. For schools operating boarding or semi-boarding meal services and cafeterias, the ministry has called for greater accountability from administrators, enhanced food safety education and increased involvement from parents and community organizations in monitoring.

Experts note that African swine fever is a highly dangerous infectious disease in pigs, with a mortality rate approaching 100%. The virus can persist in the environment for long periods and spreads through multiple pathways. Meat from infected pigs may also carry harmful bacteria and parasites such as Salmonella.

To prevent contaminated food from entering the supply chain, authorities are emphasizing stricter control measures and proactive supervision, especially in settings that serve large numbers of people daily.

The inspections mark a critical step in restoring public confidence and reinforcing safeguards in Vietnams food system, particularly at a time when concerns over food safety are once again at the forefront of public attention.

Phuong Thuy
Major tech, infrastructure players flock to southern metropolis

One of the most prominent moves came with the signing of a long-term framework cooperation agreement involving Abu Dhabi-based G42 Group whose major shareholders include a UAE sovereign wealth fund, the USs Microsoft Corp, alongside Vietnamese partners FPT Corp, VinaCapital and Viet Thai Group. The pact targets the development of large-scale, AI-ready data centre infrastructure.

The project, with commitments of as much as 2 billion USD, is carried out at the Saigon Hi-Tech Park (SHTP).

Nguyen Ky Phung, Head of the SHTP Management Board, said Evolution Groups planned 500 million USD data centre project is also moving toward licensing at the park.

Separately, the municipal Department of Science and Technology signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation with Accelerated Infrastructure Capital (AIC) to develop an AI data centre at Tan Phu Trung Industrial Park in Cu Chi commune.

The roughly 2.1 billion USD project will be co-run through a joint venture involving AIC, Kinh Bac City Development Holding Corp. (KBC) and foreign investors, with full capital deployment targeted by the end of the first quarter of 2027.

In early March 2026, the Vietnam International Financial Centre in Ho Chi Minh City (VIFC-HCMC) entered a strategic cooperation agreement with a consortium led by VinaCapital and the Global On-Chain Economy Alliance. They will study, develop and operate the Ho Chi Minh City Digital Asset Fund, envisioned as a market-forming vehicle for a regional on-chain financial hub. The fund aims for an eventual scale of 1 billion USD.

Lam Dinh Thang, Director of the municipal Department of Science and Technology, said large-scale data centres, AI, and cloud computing will accelerate digital transformation while laying essential groundwork for smart city development, including the VIFC.

We are committed to accompanying investors, refining special policy mechanisms and fostering an innovation ecosystem to sharpen the city's competitiveness and technological standing in the region, Thang said.

Streamlined administrative procedures, land clearance boost appeal

Administrative reforms have played a key role in unlocking investment. In 2025, the city cut 435 procedures and simplified another 441 linked to production and trade, easing long-standing bottlenecks for businesses and investors.

The launch of a one-stop Public Administrative Service Centre late last year has further improved efficiency. Processing time for investment registration, foreign capital contributions, share acquisitions and project adjustments have been shortened, with more than 80% of procedures now available via an online public service portal that allows remote completion regardless of administrative boundaries.

Following a broader administrative restructuring, authorities are accelerating investment in high-tech urban zones. A sci-tech urban area in former Binh Duong province (now part of Ho Chi Minh City), with a 220-ha core featuring innovation zones and digital education parks, will be surrounded by 1,700 ha of next-generation industrial zones focused on semiconductors, AI and data centres.

Meanwhile, underperforming projects are being reclaimed for higher-value use. SHTP plans to revise its 1/2,000 detailed planning and clear slow-moving sites in the first quarter of 2026, freeing up about 100 ha of clean land for hi-tech and green technology investments. A separate 200-ha science park is expected to begin attracting investors two years after infrastructure work if approved by the Prime Minister.

2026 will be an acceleration phase for SHTP, with a target of attracting 1.6 billion USD in FDI, Phung said, adding that the park will shift its focus toward core technologies, semiconductors, AI, and innovation instead of traditional manufacturing.

Improving transport links is another draw. Key projects slated to become operational in 2026, including Long Thanh International Airport, Ring Road 3, Ben Luc - Long Thanh and Bien Hoa - Vung Tau expressways, will tighten regional connectivity, lower logistics costs and open new industrial corridors.

Bullish FDI outlook for 2026

Ho Chi Minh City is on track to meet or exceed its full-year FDI target by mid-2026. In the first quarter alone, the city attracted 2.9 billion USD in FDI, with another 8.9 billion USD anticipated in the second quarter, Director of the municipal Department of Finance Vu Hoang Thanh told a conference of the municipal Party Committee on April 1.

Truong Minh Huy Vu, Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Institute for Development Research, highlighted a 47% surge in newly established companies, with total registered and additional capital reaching nearly 254 trillion VND, a clear vote of confidence from the private sector.

Looking ahead to 20262030, Vu said institutional reforms, alongside conventional drivers such as investment, consumption and exports, will be critical to sustaining double-digit growth. Key levers include the forthcoming Special Urban Law and the citys master plan.

Tran Luu Quang, Secretary of the municipal Party Committee, noted that strong first-quarter performance, including 8% economic growth, sets a solid foundation for the city to target 1112% expansion in 2026, provided momentum is maintained over the remaining three quarters./. VNA
ConfiDENT, a leading dental practice serving Alpharetta and Cumming, Georgia, announces the addition of Dr. Margi Patel, a University of California, San Francisco School of Dentistry graduate with expertise in restorative, cosmetic, and full-scope general dentistry. Dr. Patel brings a patient-first philosophy and meticulous approach to comprehensive care, further strengthening ConfiDENT's commitment to elevated, personalized dental experiences.

ALPHARETTA, Ga., April 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- ConfiDENT, the trusted dental practice with locations in Alpharetta and Cumming, Georgia, is pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Margi Patel to its team of dental professionals. A graduate of the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Dentistry, one of the nation's most respected dental programs, Dr. Patel brings a depth of clinical knowledge and a refined, patient-centered approach that aligns with ConfiDENT's mission to deliver world-class dental care in a welcoming environment.

Dr. Margi Patel

Dr. Patel specializes in restorative, cosmetic, and full-scope general dentistry, with a strong reputation for delivering comprehensive, detail-driven care that prioritizes both function and aesthetics. Her patients consistently highlight her meticulous attention to detail, gentle technique, and her ability to make even the most complex procedures feel seamless and comfortable. Whether performing a routine cleaning or a complete smile transformation, Dr. Patel approaches each case with the same commitment to precision and personalized attention.

At ConfiDENT, Dr. Patel will join a team long recognized for its investment in advanced dental technology, compassionate patient relationships, and a clinical environment designed to put patients at ease. The practice offers a comprehensive range of services, from general and preventive care to cosmetic treatments, dental implants, and laser therapies and Dr. Patel's broad expertise in restorative and aesthetic dentistry is a natural complement to ConfiDENT's full-service model.

Dr. Patel's guiding philosophy is that dentistry should feel elevated, a clinical experience where precision meets a calm, tailored environment. She believes in creating personalized treatment plans that address each patient's unique concerns, goals, and overall health. This whole-body perspective, informed in part by her background in health and wellness, shapes the thoughtful, patient-forward care she delivers at every appointment.

"I am truly excited to be joining the ConfiDENT team," says Dr. Patel. "This is a practice that shares my belief that dentistry should be about more than teeth, it should be about the whole person. I look forward to building meaningful relationships with patients and helping them achieve healthy, confident smiles in an environment where they feel genuinely cared for."

Patients in Alpharetta, Cumming, and surrounding communities are invited to schedule a consultation with Dr. Patel at ConfiDENT.

More About ConfiDENT

ConfiDENT is a patient-centered dental practice with locations in Alpharetta and Cumming, Georgia. Led by Dr. Cesar Tapia, the practice delivers a comprehensive range of dental services, including general, restorative, cosmetic, and surgical dentistry, using state-of-the-art technology and a commitment to individualized care.

ConfiDENT is known for its welcoming clinical environment, modern amenities, and the genuine attention its team brings to every patient relationship. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit www.confidentsmiles4u.com.

Media Contact

ConfiDENT Dental Practice

(770) 772-0994 | Alpharetta

(770) 406-8264 | Cumming

11550 Webb Bridge Way, Suite 1, Alpharetta, GA 30005

https://www.confidentsmiles4u.com

SOURCE ConfiDENT Dental
By removing institutional barriers, accelerating heritage digitalisation, and forging stronger links with tourism, Ho Chi Minh City is moving beyond preservation to transform traditional theatre into a competitive cultural industry, leveraging the soft power of culture as Vietnam deepens integration into the world.



Building a sustainable ecosystem



Viewing cultural industries as a cornerstone of sustainable development, the city is working to establish a comprehensive ecosystem supporting traditional performing arts.



Authorities aim to elevate traditional theatre into a leading cultural industry by simultaneously upgrading infrastructure and nurturing high-quality human resources. A professional creative environment, combined with tailored incentive policies, is considered essential to encouraging artists to stay dedicated to their careers and renew the value of heritage.



Tran The Thuan, Director of the municipal Department of Culture and Sports, said Politburo Resolution No. 80 has created fresh momentum, allowing the city to allocate appropriate funding and attract investment into cultural facilities.



Tran The Thuan, Director of the municipal Department of Culture and Sports, said Politburo Resolution No. 80 has created fresh momentum, allowing the city to allocate appropriate funding and attract investment into cultural facilities.



However, concerns remain over the shortage of successor talent. Peoples Artist Tan Giao of the Tran Huu Trang Cai Luong (reformed opera) Theatre said limited investment in cultural facilities and modest benefits for artists have forced many performers to leave the profession due to financial pressures, resulting in a shrinking talent pipeline.



Meritorious Artist Le Nguyen Dat, Party Secretary of the University of Theatre and Cinema Ho Chi Minh City, stressed that workforce development must move beyond expanding enrolment towards high-quality training aligned with the realities of cultural industries.



He highlighted the need for closer cooperation between training institutions and professional art organisations so students can gain real stage experience during their studies. Training programmes, he added, should combine professional expertise with modern creative thinking, enabling young artists to preserve national identity while adapting traditional arts to contemporary audiences.



Such an approach, he said, is vital to cultivating a new generation of artists capable of carrying Vietnamese traditional arts onto the global cultural map.



Peoples Artist Ho Van Thanh of the Ho Chi Minh City College of Culture and Arts proposed expanding performances to public spaces. By utilising parks as venues for community-based clubs, traditional arts could thrive in vibrant and low-cost environments with strong public engagement.



The combination of modern infrastructure, improved incentive policies, and systematic training strategies is expected to provide a solid foundation for traditional theatre to strengthen both its cultural vitality and economic contribution.



Positioning Vietnamese identity on global stage



By 2030, Ho Chi Minh City aims to become a regional hub for cultural industries in Southeast Asia, with traditional theatre identified as a defining cultural brand.



To achieve this ambition, the city is implementing priority support programmes under Resolution 80, directing resources toward high-quality productions capable of competing internationally while promoting Vietnams cultural image abroad.



New governance models and expanded international cooperation are expected to help traditional art products access tourism markets and integrate into regional cultural industry value chains.



Peoples Artist Tran Ngoc Giau, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Theatre Association, emphasised that global expansion requires more than individual artistic efforts, calling for a comprehensive professionalisation strategy.



Traditional theatre, he said, must balance authenticity with modern theatrical language to appeal to international audiences. State-commissioned productions of sufficient scale and artistic quality will be essential, combining compelling storytelling and strong visual presentation while preserving the essence of traditional art forms.



At the same time, sending artists abroad for training and participation in regional festivals is emerging as a crucial pathway to international engagement.



Digital technology and social platforms are also becoming powerful tools for cultural export. Meritorious Artist Nguyen Thanh Binh, head of performance organisation at the Ho Chi Minh City Theatre of Hat Boi (classical drama), said the theatre is preparing a comprehensive digitalisation plan in 2026, including virtual performance spaces and 3D archives that will allow heritage to transcend geographical boundaries and reach global audiences more effectively.



Similarly, the Tran Huu Trang Cai Luong Theatre is prioritising the development of a tourism-oriented performance model aimed at attracting international visitors./. VNA
Organisers said 39 tourism businesses directly recruited for approximately 2,200 positions at the event, while another 45 companies carried out online recruitment for more than 2,600 vacancies. The strong hiring demand highlights the industrys accelerating recovery and expansion momentum.

Nguyen Van Hanh Thuc, Director of the citys Employment Service Centre, noted that recruitment needs span a wide range of tourism segments, from travel services to accommodation. The hospitality sector accounted for the largest share of vacancies, including roles such as chefs, service staff, receptionists, customer service personnel, restaurant managers, and food-and-beverage business specialists. Major hotel brands participating in the event included Saigon Riverside Hotel Joint Venture Company, Huong Sen Hotel, Que Huong Liberty, and New World Saigon Hotel.

The job exchange also attracted leading travel operators such as Saigontourist, Vietravel, and Suoi Tien Tourist Area. Several companies announced significant recruitment plans. Vietnam Airlines Labour Supply JSC (ALSUCO) is seeking 150 flight attendants, while Concentrix Services Vietnam Co., Ltd. is recruiting 200 customer service staff for tourism-related applications and 100 employees supporting airline ticketing platforms. Saigon Star JSC plans to hire 50 tour guides.

Ngo Ngoc Van Nhi, a representative of ALSUCO, said successful flight attendant candidates will work for Vietnam Airlines and partner carriers, including EVA Air and China Airlines. Recruits will undertake a three-month training programme in Taiwan (China), receiving a monthly allowance of 500 USD along with fully covered accommodation, meals, and airfare before signing a three-year employment contract. Starting salaries are expected to range between 40 million VND and 50 million VND per month.

Bui Thi Ngoc Hieu, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, speaks at the job fair. (Photo: VNA)

Bui Thi Hieu, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, said the tourism job exchange has been organised annually since 2023 to reconnect labour supply and demand following disruptions to the market. Over time, the programme has developed into an effective recruitment platform, enabling businesses to access qualified workers while expanding employment opportunities for job seekers.

In 2026, participation rose by more than 30% compared with the previous year, with a broader range of job categories and increasingly competitive compensation packages. Beyond addressing immediate labour shortages, the initiative now focuses on improving workforce quality, professionalism, and long-term sustainability across the tourism industry.

As Ho Chi Minh Citys tourism sector enters a new stage of development marked by higher service standards, stronger competitiveness, and deeper international integration, officials emphasised that human resources have become a decisive factor rather than merely a supporting element in ensuring sustainable industry growth./. VNA
At the meeting, Dao Ngoc Dung congratulated the ambassador on her appointment, describing the position as a crucial link in each countrys foreign relations, particularly as ties between Vietnam and Cambodia continue to deepen across multiple dimensions.

He expressed confidence that, with her experience and affection for Vietnam, Ambassador Touch Sopharath would have a successful tenure, leaving a meaningful mark and further strengthening the traditional friendship between the two nations. He also emphasized the importance of effectively implementing cooperation commitments signed under the witness of senior leaders, spanning political, economic and people-to-people diplomacy.

Ambassador Touch Sopharath, for her part, expressed appreciation for the warm and respectful reception extended by the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs. She congratulated Vietnam on the success of its 14th Party Congress as well as its notable socio-economic achievements in recent years.

She also acknowledged Vietnams progress in streamlining its administrative apparatus and voiced her desire to enhance coordination between Vietnams Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs and Cambodias Ministry of Cult and Religion, with a view to effectively implementing bilateral cooperation agreements.

The ambassador proposed increasing delegation exchanges and promoting dialogue and experience-sharing in religious affairs. She expressed hope for continued support from the Vietnamese ministry and relevant agencies to help her fulfill the responsibilities entrusted by the Cambodian government.

During the exchange, Minister Dung noted that both Vietnam and Cambodia are multi-ethnic and multi-religious countries, sharing many similarities in governance and social development.

He expressed agreement with the ambassadors proposals and reaffirmed that Vietnam - Cambodia relations constitute a special partnership, rooted not only in diplomacy but also in closely intertwined development interests.

A stable Cambodia is the foundation for Vietnams development, and vice versa, he said.

According to the minister, bilateral relations in politics, economics and people-to-people diplomacy have continued to strengthen in recent years, guided by the 16-word motto: good neighborliness, traditional friendship, comprehensive cooperation and long-term sustainability, which is increasingly being translated into concrete and effective outcomes.

Minister Dung also shared Vietnams determination to become a developed country by 2045. From 2026 onward, the country aims to achieve double-digit economic growth while maintaining political stability and reinforcing public trust.

In that process, harmoniously addressing ethnic and religious issues is identified as a long-term strategy, contributing to strengthening national unity, he stressed.

He further noted that the two ministries have already signed a cooperation program in religious affairs, focusing on key areas such as institutional development, state management and organizing exchange activities among ethnic minority communities and religious organizations.

The minister called on the ambassador to continue supporting coordination between the two countries in international forums, fostering a unified voice and preventing the misuse of issues such as democracy, human rights or misinformation that could harm national interests.

He also highlighted the importance of promoting people-to-people exchanges, particularly in border provinces, as a foundation for sustaining long-term bilateral relations.

Minister Dung affirmed that Vietnams Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs would continue to work closely with Ambassador Touch Sopharath, creating favorable conditions for her to successfully carry out her mission and contribute to further strengthening the comprehensive partnership between Vietnam and Cambodia.

Hoang Quy
The ceremony, held on the afternoon of April 3, was organized by the Politburo and the Secretariat to present the Independence Order, the Military Exploit Order and the Fatherland Protection Order to key leaders and senior officials of the Party, State, and central agencies who have made outstanding contributions to national construction and defense.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Permanent Member of the Secretariat Tran Cam Tu present Third-Class Independence Orders, Third-Class Military Exploit Orders, and Second-Class Fatherland Protection Orders to individuals.

General Secretary To Lam presented the first-class Military Exploit Order and the first-class Independence Order to top leaders and both incumbent and former senior officials of the Party and State.

State President Luong Cuong and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man awarded second-class Independence Orders and second-class Military Exploit Orders to 10 individuals.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Standing member of the Secretariat Tran Cam Tu presented third-class Independence Orders, third-class Military Exploit Orders and second-class Fatherland Protection Orders to 15 outstanding individuals.

Among those receiving the third-class Independence Order was Minister Dao Ngoc Dung.

Speaking at the ceremony, General Secretary To Lam emphasized that these decorations are among the nations most prestigious honors, reflecting the Party and States recognition of the intellect, courage, responsibility and dedication of officials who have devoted themselves wholeheartedly to the revolutionary cause.

He noted that the awards also celebrate the exemplary moral qualities of leaders who remain steadfastly loyal to the nation, the Party and the people, consistently placing national interests above all else.

The General Secretary highlighted that, regardless of position or circumstance, these officials have demonstrated the stature of high-ranking leaders through strategic thinking, decisive action and a disciplined, scientific working style. They embody the spirit of saying what they do and doing what they say, daring to think, act and take responsibility, without retreating from challenges or avoiding major tasks.

Under the Law on Emulation and Commendation 2022, the third-class Independence Order is awarded to individuals who strictly comply with Party guidelines and State laws, and who either have a long record of service or have achieved outstanding accomplishments with nationwide impact across fields such as politics, economics, society, culture, science, technology or foreign affairs.

Mr. Dung has served as a member of the Party Central Committee in its 10th, 11th, 12th and 13th terms, and as a deputy of the 14th and 15th National Assembly. He holds a masters degree in Public Administration and a bachelors degree in Law.

He began his career working with the Nam Ha Provincial Youth Union and the Central Youth Union, later serving as Secretary of the Yen Bai Provincial Party Committee. He was appointed Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs in 2016.

In February 2025, the 15th National Assembly approved his appointment as Minister of Ethnic Affairs and Religion.

Earlier this year, he was also awarded the third-class Labour Order by the State President for his outstanding contributions to the nationwide campaign to eliminate temporary and dilapidated housing.

Tran Thuong
Next week, the National Assembly will elect the President, Prime Minister and Vice President, while also approving the appointment of Deputy Prime Ministers, ministers and other members of the Government, as well as electing Vice Chairpersons of the National Assembly and members of its Standing Committee.

Nguyen Van Hien, Deputy Chairman of the Office of the National Assembly, provides information on the proposed agenda of the session. Photo: Nhu Y

On the afternoon of April 3, the National Assembly Office held a press briefing on the tentative agenda for the first session of the 16th National Assembly.

Nguyen Van Hien, Deputy Head of the National Assembly Office, said the preparatory session is scheduled for the afternoon of April 5, with the official opening on the morning of April 6 and the closing expected on April 23.

The session is expected to last about 11 working days, divided into two phases - from April 6 to 12 and from April 20 to 23, with contingency days on April 24 and 25.

At this session, the National Assembly will consider and decide on organizational and personnel matters, eight draft laws, one resolution with legal effect, and five groups of issues covering socio-economic development, finance, the state budget, supervision and other important matters. In addition, nine groups of reports will be submitted for deputies review.

For urgent and important matters that need to be submitted at the first session to promptly implement resolutions and conclusions of competent authorities or to address pressing issues arising in practice, the Standing Committee of the National Assembly has requested the Government to urgently prepare dossiers in accordance with regulations.

The Standing Committee will give its opinions during the break between the two phases of the session. If dossiers meet requirements, they will be reported to the National Assembly for inclusion in the second phase.

Regarding the detailed agenda, Hien noted that Party Chief To Lam will deliver remarks at the session. The National Election Council will present a report summarizing the results of the elections for deputies of the 16th National Assembly and Peoples Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term, along with the certification of deputies eligibility.

Personnel work is identified as the central focus of the session, with about two and a half working days allocated to decisions on organizational structure and leadership appointments.

Specifically, the National Assembly will decide on the number of members of its Standing Committee; elect the Chairperson, Vice Chairpersons and members of the Standing Committee; elect the Chairperson of the Ethnic Council, heads of the National Assemblys committees, the State Auditor General, and the Secretary General of the National Assembly who also serves as Head of its Office.

The legislature will also elect the President, Prime Minister, Vice President, Chief Justice of the Supreme Peoples Court, and Prosecutor General of the Supreme Peoples Procuracy.

In addition, it will decide on the structure and number of Government members; approve the appointment of judges of the Supreme Peoples Court; and approve the appointment of Deputy Prime Ministers, ministers and other Government members.

The National Assembly will also approve the list of Vice Chairpersons and members of the National Defense and Security Council.

Under the 2013 Constitution, immediately after being elected, the Chairperson of the National Assembly, the President, the Prime Minister and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Peoples Court will take the oath of office before the legislature.

Personnel preparation has been carried out rigorously

Ta Thi Yen, Deputy Chair of the National Assemblys Committee for Deputy Affairs, speaks at the press conference. Photo: Nhu Y

Providing further details, Ta Thi Yen, Deputy Head of the National Assemblys Committee for Deputy Affairs, emphasized that personnel preparation has been conducted in a rigorous, methodical manner in line with established procedures and under the unified leadership of the Party.

Based on constitutional and legal provisions, the Politburo developed an overall plan for the state apparatus and introduced candidates for key leadership positions. These proposals were then submitted to the Party Central Committee for consideration and feedback before being finalized and presented to the National Assembly for decision in accordance with its authority, ensuring the principle of Party leadership, State management and the peoples mastery.

Yen stressed that the election and approval of state leadership positions at the first session carry great significance. It is a critical step in consolidating top-level leadership, ensuring stability, continuity and smooth operation of the political system immediately after the election.

This process also highlights the role of the National Assembly as the highest representative body of the people and the highest organ of state power, directly deciding on major national issues.

It also institutionalizes the Partys policies into formal decisions of the State.

As the country enters a new development phase with high demands for institutional improvement and economic growth, selecting and approving leaders with strong capability, integrity and credibility will be decisive for implementing socio-economic development goals. This is not merely personnel work but a foundational step opening a new term marked by expectations of reform, action and development.

According to Yen, the National Assembly is expected to elect and approve around 39 key leadership positions at the central level, covering the full spectrum of top state leadership roles.

Tran Thuong
Vietnams new National Assembly is expected to convene next week for its first session of the 16th tenure, structured into two phases. The legislature will dedicate three days to personnel work and another three days to discussing laws and resolutions.

Le Quang Manh, Secretary-General and Chairman of the Office of the National Assembly. Photo: QH

On the morning of April 2, the Standing Committee of the National Assembly reviewed preparations for the upcoming session for the third time.

Presenting the proposed agenda, Secretary General and Chairman of the Office of the National Assembly Le Quang Manh said the session is scheduled to last 11 working days, divided into two phases.

The National Assembly will meet on Saturday of the first week (April 11). An eight-day recess will separate the two phases, allowing agencies to absorb feedback and revise draft laws and resolutions. The session is set to open on the morning of April 6 and is expected to close on April 24.

During the first phase, the National Assembly will focus on organizational and personnel matters. It will also review submissions, verification reports, and conduct discussions in groups and plenary sessions on seven out of ten draft laws and resolutions.

The remaining three draft laws and resolutions will be discussed in the second phase. These include the amended Law on Belief and Religion, a resolution on coordination mechanisms and special policies to improve the prevention and resolution of international investment disputes, and amendments to the Law on Social Insurance. Alongside legislative work, the Assembly will review socio-economic conditions, state finances, budget matters, supervision activities, and other key issues.

Regarding the process for personnel decisions, Le Quang Manh noted that the Standing Committee of the Committee for Deputies Affairs has prepared two options: one without group discussions and another allowing discussions within delegations. The Office of the National Assembly will continue coordinating to finalize proposals for consideration at the preparatory session on the afternoon of April 5.

A review has also identified several urgent issues that may need to be presented during the first session to promptly implement resolutions and conclusions from competent authorities.

These include a resolution on the development of Vietnamese culture, a resolution on the establishment of Dong Nai City as a centrally governed municipality, and special resolutions to institutionalize key Party policies on handling legal violations in land management, science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, and issues related to both private and state-owned sectors.

Tran Thanh Man, Chairman of the National Assembly, delivers remarks. Photo: NA
On the afternoon of April 3, General Secretary To Lam, Secretary of the Central Military Commission, presided over a ceremony to present the Independence Order, the Military Exploit Order and the Fatherland Protection Order to a number of key leaders and senior officials of the Party, State, Government and the armed forces.

General Secretary To Lam presents medals to leaders of the Party and the State.

At the ceremony, General Secretary To Lam awarded the First-Class Military Exploit Order to President Luong Cuong and the First-Class Independence Order to PM Pham Minh Chinh.

He also presented the First-Class Military Exploit Order to Minister of National Defense Phan Van Giang, former Director of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics Nguyen Xuan Thang, Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Quang Phuong, and Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung.

President Luong Cuong and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man presented the Second-Class Independence Order and the Second-Class Military Exploit Order to 10 individuals.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Standing member of the Party Secretariat Tran Cam Tu awarded the Third-Class Independence Order, the Third-Class Military Exploit Order and the Second-Class Fatherland Protection Order to 15 individuals.

President Luong Cuong and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man present Second-Class Independence Orders and Second-Class Military Exploit Orders to 10 individuals.

In his congratulatory remarks, General Secretary To Lam affirmed that the awards represent the profound recognition of the Party, State and people for the outstanding, sustained and exceptional contributions of these leaders to the cause of national construction and defense.

The decorations conferred at the ceremony are among the most prestigious honors of the State. They acknowledge the dedication, intellect, courage, responsibility and lifelong commitment of officials who have devoted themselves wholeheartedly to the revolutionary cause. They also honor the exemplary moral qualities of leaders who remain absolutely loyal to the Fatherland, the Party and the people, steadfast in the face of challenges and always placing national interests above all else.

Each of these leaders, together with the collective leadership of the Party, State, Government, the Central Military Commission, the Central Public Security Party Committee and relevant agencies, has played a vital role in directing, advising and implementing a wide range of particularly important and strategic tasks.

What is most commendable is that, in every position and under all circumstances, they have consistently demonstrated the stature of senior leaders of the Party, State and military: firm political resolve, strategic thinking, decisive action, a close-to-the-ground working style that is scientific and disciplined; words matched by action; the courage to think, act and take responsibility; never retreating from difficult tasks, never avoiding major challenges, and never wavering under pressure, the General Secretary emphasized.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Permanent Member of the Secretariat Tran Cam Tu present Third-Class Independence Orders, Third-Class Military Exploit Orders, and Second-Class Fatherland Protection Orders to 15 individuals.







He expressed his hope that the honored leaders would continue to uphold the nations proud traditions, preserve their noble qualities and remain a source of inspiration and moral support for cadres, soldiers and future generations.

On behalf of the recipients, Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Quang Phuong expressed deep honor and pride in receiving the First-Class Military Exploit Order - a distinguished recognition of his personal journey of service, dedication and contribution.

He affirmed that the honor is not only personal but also a tribute to generations of officers and soldiers of the Vietnam Peoples Army, as well as to the Standing Committee of the National Assembly and the institutions where he has worked, trained and grown.

He added that receiving such a prestigious award is both recognition and a reminder for leaders to continue upholding the qualities of Party members and revolutionary soldiers in the years ahead, pledging to further contribute their experience, knowledge and commitment to the shared cause of the Party, the State and the nation.

Tran Thuong
A virtual seminar has set the stage for business-to-business (B2B) networking between Vietnamese firms and a delegation of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) ahead of the 35th Vietnam International Trade Fair (Vietnam Expo 2026), which is scheduled to take place on April 811 at the Vietnam Exposition Centre in Hanoi.



The April 1 event, organised by the Vietnam Trade Office in India, aimed to prepare information exchange and matchmaking programmes as Indian businesses plan to attend one of Vietnams largest annual trade promotion events.



Addressing the opening session, Trade Counsellor of Vietnam in India Bui Trung Thuong highlighted the steady growth of bilateral economic relations, noting that two-way trade reached approximately 16.5 billion USD last year. However, he stressed that the figure remains modest compared to the substantial potential of the two economies, which are highly complementary in structure.



He said the seminar plays an important role in information sharing, identifying priority sectors for cooperation, and laying the foundation for face-to-face meetings during Vietnam Expo 2026.



According to a representative of the CII, a delegation from the confederation will visit Vietnam from April 7 to 10 to participate in the expo and engage in multi-sector B2B networking sessions. Priority areas of interest include infrastructure, energy, technology, agriculture, logistics, and processing. Through these activities, businesses from the two countries are expected to explore investment opportunities and expand market access.



Representatives of Vietnamese trade promotion agencies provided updates on Vietnams investment climate and introduced proposed support measures to facilitate more effective business matching tailored to the demands of Indian companies during Vietnam Expo 2026.





Trade Counsellor of Vietnam in India Bui Trung Thuong speaks at the event (Photo: VNA)

Delegates emphasised the importance of closer coordination among intermediary organisations to optimise working schedules, avoid overlap, and improve the overall efficiency of networking activities. Several suggestions were put forward, including the organisation of a business forum, sector-specific matchmaking sessions, and field visits.



The seminar was regarded as an important preparatory step, contributing to a more effective and result-oriented set of activities at Vietnam Expo 2026, towards promoting economic and trade cooperation between Vietnam and India in the time to come./. VNA
The 6th Vietnam - Laos Defense Policy Dialogue takes place in Da Nang City.

The dialogue was co-chaired by Nguyen Truong Thang, Deputy Minister of National Defense of Vietnam, and Saichay Kommasith, Deputy Minister of National Defense and Chief of the General Staff of the Lao Peoples Army.

At the meeting, Nguyen Truong Thang emphasized the significance of the dialogue as a key mechanism to implement shared understandings reached by senior leaders of the two countries. It also contributes to the realization of the bilateral defense cooperation protocol for the 2025-2029 period, as well as the 2026 cooperation plan between the two ministries.

Both sides highly appreciated the results of defense cooperation in recent years, affirming that coordination has been carried out closely and effectively across multiple areas. Among the highlights were politically significant activities, including joint organization of major commemorative events of both countries and their armed forces.

Cooperation in border management and protection has continued to be strengthened, contributing to maintaining security and order in border areas and creating favorable conditions for socio-economic development. The two sides have also worked closely in searching for, repatriating and honoring the remains of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts who sacrificed their lives in Laos across different periods.

In addition, both countries have paid attention to promoting awareness and education about the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos, particularly among younger generations in the military.

Looking ahead, the two sides agreed to further enhance practical and effective cooperation in key areas, including increasing exchanges of delegations at all levels and maintaining effective consultation and dialogue mechanisms, especially the Defense Policy Dialogue. They also stressed the importance of timely exchanges on strategic issues and orientations for cooperation.

Both sides committed to promoting existing cooperation models such as exchanges among young officers, women in the military and twinning programs between units. Annual conferences among military regions and border protection forces will continue to be organized, alongside strengthened coordination in border management through joint patrols, information sharing and prompt handling of emerging issues at the grassroots level.

Human resource training and capacity building will remain a priority, with a focus on improving training quality. Efforts to enhance education on the historical significance of Vietnam - Laos relations will also be intensified.

Notably, both sides agreed to accelerate coordination in the search, repatriation and identification of martyrs remains. They also discussed expanding cooperation among the militaries of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia in the context of increasingly complex regional and global developments.

The dialogue also provided an opportunity for both sides to exchange views on regional and international situations, as well as issues of mutual concern.

On this occasion, Vietnam invited leaders of Laos Ministry of National Defense, General Staff and General Political Department to attend the third Vietnam International Defense Expo, scheduled to take place in December, and encouraged Lao defense enterprises to participate in product exhibitions.

Ho Giap
Yesterday, in conversations with parents of school-aged children, one topic kept resurfacing: the case involving nearly 300 tonnes of diseased pork being funneled into markets and school kitchens. The shared reaction was one of anger and deep concern for their children.

That sentiment is understandable. For millions of parents, each morning begins with a quiet trust - that the meals served at school are safe, carefully controlled, and worthy of the responsibility entrusted to the system.

That trust carries even greater weight when, according to the Hanoi Department of Health, the city manages 2,181 public schools, serving more than one million meals every day.

A school meal system of such scale, if properly run, is not merely a logistical service. It reflects the capacity of modern urban governance.

This is why the discovery of a network distributing nearly 300 tonnes of pork infected with African swine fever into public markets - and further into the kitchens of hundreds of preschools and primary schools - is an especially serious and unacceptable case, directly affecting student health.

At the same time, this moment calls for a measured response. Rather than allowing fear to spread unchecked, it should be treated as an expensive lesson - one that exposes vulnerabilities in the school meal supply chain and demands urgent correction.

The kitchen of Cuong Phat Food Company Limited - a unit linked to a ring involved in slaughtering and distributing diseased pork to several schools in Hanoi. Photo: Dinh Hieu

Nearly 3,600 diseased pigs, equivalent to close to 300 tonnes of pork, were transported from various provinces to Hanoi, slaughtered at centralized facilities, and then legalized for distribution into the market. Eight individuals have been prosecuted.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment described the case as severe, revealing gaps in slaughterhouse management, quarantine processes, and enforcement.

In response, more than 2,900 schools in Hanoi have simultaneously reviewed their entire supply chains for boarding meals.

What is particularly concerning is that the contaminated meat passed through multiple checkpoints that should have protected consumers - from transportation and slaughtering to quarantine certification, suppliers, and ultimately school kitchens.

This suggests that the issue is not a lack of regulations, but rather that critical control points were weakened or bypassed.

Still, caution is needed. One case, however serious, should not cast blanket suspicion over a system that delivers more than one million school meals daily in the capital - where most schools, administrators, and suppliers continue to operate in compliance with food safety standards.

During a recent visit to France, one striking observation stood out: nearly all fresh beef, and much of the pork sold on the market, comes with detailed traceability codes.

These allow authorities and consumers to track products back to farms, slaughterhouses, and distribution units.

For cattle, each animal carries an identification tag from birth. For pigs, management is strictly organized by herd batches and slaughter lots. By scanning a code on packaging or labels, one can trace the products journey across key points in the supply chain.

Seen in that light, traceability is not an abstract ideal - it is a practical, proven solution.

The lesson here is not to foster extreme suspicion, but to raise standards of transparency and traceability across the entire system.

First, slaughtering and quarantine processes must be tightened through digital technology. Each batch should carry an electronic identity, linking data from farms to transportation, slaughterhouses, and final suppliers. Quarantine certification should no longer rely solely on ink stamps, but become verifiable, real-time data.

Such data-driven governance creates a powerful safety barrier, reducing the risk of contaminated meat entering the market. With over one million school meals served daily in Hanoi, this is both necessary and achievable.

At the same time, the school meal supply chain must be reorganized to prioritize traceability, compliance history, and actual supply capacity - rather than simply low cost. A supplier competing primarily on price, without robust traceability, cannot be a sustainable choice for student meals.

There is also a need to build a shared data system connecting education, health, agriculture, and law enforcement agencies to monitor school food supply chains. Managing more than one million meals per day cannot continue to rely on paper records, manual sign-offs, and fragmented inspections.

Schools themselves should be granted greater autonomy. When concerns arise about food sources, principals must have the authority to immediately suspend deliveries or contracts pending verification. In food safety management, rapid response often matters more than procedural completeness.

Finally, parents must be engaged as active participants in oversight, not merely passive recipients of information. Supplier lists, traceability documents, menus, and portion details should be made transparent and easily accessible, enabling joint supervision between families and schools.

The case involving nearly 300 tonnes of diseased pork will undoubtedly be handled strictly under the law. But what matters more is what comes after.

The system must be strengthened so that similar violations have little chance of recurring.

After this costly stumble, the hope is that gaps will be swiftly addressed - so that each morning, parents can once again send their children to school with confidence and peace of mind.

Tu Giang
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., April 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- AnswersMD, the premier concierge medicine practice delivering personalized, proactive primary care through a membership model, is excited to announce the official opening of its St. Petersburg office, located on the St. Anthony's Hospital campus. The practice offers 24/7 direct physician access, unlimited visits, advanced diagnostics, executive physicals, house calls, and unhurried appointments free from traditional insurance barriers.

This strategic expansion strengthens AnswersMD's presence across Florida, joining the flagship Tampa location at Bayshore and the Boca Raton office adjacent to Royal Palm Yacht Club. The St. Petersburg office is now welcoming new members and provides the same exceptional concierge experience: same-day or next-day appointments, comprehensive preventive health roadmaps, extended visits, and proactive management tailored to individual wellness goals, all with direct access to board-certified physicians via call, text, or video.

The office is led clinically by board-certified Family Medicine physician Ellen Howard, MD, MPH, who delivers compassionate, patient-centered care focused on long-term health and clinical excellence. Dr. Howard completed her residency at HCA Florida St. Petersburg Hospital and holds unrestricted medical licenses in New York and Florida. Her expertise in preventive care, family medicine, and women's health enhances AnswersMD's ability to serve the St. Petersburg community with accessible, high-quality primary care.

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About AnswersMD

AnswersMD is a concierge medicine practice committed to redefining the patient-physician relationship through personalized, proactive primary care. With offices in Tampa (flagship at Bayshore), St. Petersburg (on the St. Anthony's Hospital campus), and Boca Raton (adjacent to Royal Palm Yacht Club), AnswersMD provides members with unlimited access to board-certified physicians, same-day or next-day appointments, extended visits, advanced diagnostics, house calls, and direct communication via call, text, or video, without insurance hassles or long waits. Founded by Dr. Douglas Shapiro, the practice combines cutting-edge medical expertise with genuine compassion and connection to help individuals and families live healthier, longer lives, with ongoing expansion planned across Florida. For more information, visit AnswersMD.com.

SOURCE AnswersMD
4,425 affordable housing units delivered to date as major 2026 developments prepares to break ground across the Beltline

ATLANTA, April 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Atlanta Beltline, Inc. has reached 79% of its goal to create or preserve 5,600 affordable housing units by 2030, delivering 4,425 units to date within the Beltline Tax Allocation District (TAD). The Beltline and partners delivered 299 affordable housing units in 2025 maintaining strong annual production, while positioning major developments to break ground in 2026. With a growing pipeline, the Beltline is on track to exceed its long-term affordable housing commitment.

"Now more than ever, our city needs access to safe, affordable housing," said Clyde Higgs, President & CEO of Atlanta Beltline, Inc. "For 20 years, the Beltline has been the People's Project, and we remain dedicated to our commitment to create affordable housing with urgency. As we support Mayor Dickens' goal of 20,000 affordable housing units citywide, we are proud of these developments that reflect our commitment to preserve communities and expand housing opportunities  ensuring residents of all income levels can share in the benefits and enhanced quality of life offered by the Beltline."

Since 2018, the Beltline has more than doubled the number of completed affordable housing units along the corridor, with nearly three-fourths of these reserved for people earning 60% or less of the Area Median Income (AMI).

When defining affordability, it means housing costs that allow low- and moderate-income households to meet their monthly rent or mortgage obligations while maintaining sufficient income for essential needs such as food, clothing, and healthcare. In 2025, a household of four earning up to $91,350 annually qualifies as low income in the Atlanta region.

Land Acquisition and Planning Strategy

Investing in land for long-term affordability has guided the Beltline to create equitable, inclusive and sustainable development that meets and exceeds the needs of Atlanta's residents and small businesses. To date, the Beltline has secured 94 acres of land to support the expansion of affordable housing and affordable commercial space along the corridor. Through strategic land acquisition, the Beltline is able to master plan and structure public-private partnerships on adjacent parcels, creating equitable development projects that ensure residents of all socioeconomic status and our local small businesses have an opportunity to thrive.

"We've accelerated our acquisitions over recent years because the communities we work in deserve transformative and community-centered development," said Dennis Richards, Vice President of Housing Policy and Development. "Our dedicated housing team is using our expertise and resources to forge public private partnerships on these properties so that the Beltline achieves our mission of an equitable, inclusive and sustainable Atlanta."

Beltline-owned properties supporting affordable housing and commercial space include:

579 Garson Drive : Expected to close in Q2 2026, this development will deliver 130 units of permanently affordable housing and 8,000 square feet of commercial space, including micro-units for small businesses. Funded in part by a $2 million Beltline loan and over $43 million in equity investment through 4% Low-Income Housing Tax Credit equity, the project is being developed in partnership with Pennrose and Radiant Development Partners, LLC, a minority-owned firm with a groundbreaking expected later this spring.

Expected to close in Q2 2026, this development will deliver 130 units of permanently affordable housing and 8,000 square feet of commercial space, including micro-units for small businesses. Funded in part by a $2 million Beltline loan and over $43 million in equity investment through 4% Low-Income Housing Tax Credit equity, the project is being developed in partnership with Pennrose and Radiant Development Partners, LLC, a minority-owned firm with a groundbreaking expected later this spring. 350 Chappell Road : The 6.3-acre site located in Grove Park and the Historic Westin Heights neighborhoods was awarded 4% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) in February 2025. Supported by $2 million in TAD Increment funding, the project will deliver 218 affordable housing units with 30-80% AMI and is expected to close this year.

: The 6.3-acre site located in Grove Park and the Historic Westin Heights neighborhoods was awarded 4% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) in February 2025. Supported by $2 million in TAD Increment funding, the project will deliver 218 affordable housing units with 30-80% AMI and is expected to close this year. 425 Chappell Road : This 30+ acre site has received rezoning approval from City Council, and the Beltline is working to advance the first phase of development, which will deliver approximately 150 units of for-sale housing and 5,000 square feet of affordable commercial space.

This 30+ acre site has received rezoning approval from City Council, and the Beltline is working to advance the first phase of development, which will deliver approximately 150 units of for-sale housing and 5,000 square feet of affordable commercial space. Murphy Crossing : This site has received rezoning approval from City Council and has completed the Development of Regional Impact review process. The Beltline is now working through predevelopment activities on the first phase of the project with demolition activities expected to complete by the fall.

This site has received rezoning approval from City Council and has completed the Development of Regional Impact review process. The Beltline is now working through predevelopment activities on the first phase of the project with demolition activities expected to complete by the fall. 356 University Avenue : Adjacent to Pittsburgh Yards, this 13.7-acre site has completed rezoning and an RFP for a mixed-income, mixed-use development  requiring permanently affordable housing, light industrial uses, and discounted commercial space. This site is under an open procurement with public announcements anticipated later in the year.

Adjacent to Pittsburgh Yards, this 13.7-acre site has completed rezoning and an RFP for a mixed-income, mixed-use development  requiring permanently affordable housing, light industrial uses, and discounted commercial space. This site is under an open procurement with public announcements anticipated later in the year. Bennett Street: Over the last two years, the Beltline completed a $29 million acquisition of a 3.2-acre assemblage near the intersection of Peachtree Road and Bennett Street in Buckhead, representing the first Beltline land acquisition along Peachtree Road. Existing buildings on the site are vacant and with demolition expected to complete by the fall.

Key Milestones in 2025

The Beltline continues to accelerate progress toward its housing goals through collaborative partnerships, thoughtful planning, and diverse funding sources. This year's housing wins were made possible through this approach. Key milestones along the corridor include:

Brownsville Pointe: Closed in 2025, this mixed-use development along the Southside Trail will include 12 affordable housing units. The project received $700,000 from the Beltline Affordable Housing Trust Fund.

Closed in 2025, this mixed-use development along the Southside Trail will include 12 affordable housing units. The project received $700,000 from the Beltline Affordable Housing Trust Fund. Englewood Multifamily: A groundbreaking was held in September 2025 for this mixed-use development, which will deliver 160 affordable housing units along with neighborhood-serving retail space.

A groundbreaking was held in September 2025 for this mixed-use development, which will deliver 160 affordable housing units along with neighborhood-serving retail space. Oakland Exchange: Announced in February, this public-private partnership will deliver 126 loft-style apartments, with more than 65 percent designated as affordable. The project received $3 million from the TAD Increment Fund and will also include affordable commercial spaces.

Announced in February, this public-private partnership will deliver 126 loft-style apartments, with more than 65 percent designated as affordable. The project received $3 million from the TAD Increment Fund and will also include affordable commercial spaces. The Residences at West End: Received $3 million in Beltline TAD funding to support affordable housing development in the West End resulting in the creation of 154 affordable housing units.

Received $3 million in Beltline TAD funding to support affordable housing development in the West End resulting in the creation of 154 affordable housing units. Waterworks: Opened in December 2025, this development includes 100 studio apartments providing rapid housing for formerly unhoused individuals. The project received $2 million from the Beltline Affordable Housing Trust Fund.

Together, these developments reflect continued investment in long-term affordability contributing to the 5,600 unit affordable housing goal.

Affordable Housing Dashboard Launched

In January 2026, the Beltline launched a new Affordable Housing Dashboard and web-based mobile app to improve access to affordable housing information and strengthen transparency around progress toward its 2030 goal. The interactive platform allows residents, partners, and stakeholders to explore affordable housing developments along the Beltline through an interactive map and search tools that identify units within the Beltline Planning Area. Other features include:

Housing Explorer: Find available, completed, and under-construction affordable housing and apply directly through listings.

Find available, completed, and under-construction affordable housing and apply directly through listings. Zone Lookup : Check whether an address falls within the Atlanta Beltline's planning areas.

: Check whether an address falls within the Atlanta Beltline's planning areas. Housing Metrics: Track affordable housing progress with key indicators.

The launch of this tool underscores the Beltline's commitment to data-driven planning and community engagement as it transitions from a year of strong production into an accelerated 2026 pipeline. By enhancing visibility into affordable housing options and metrics, the dashboard supports both residents seeking housing and partners coordinating future developments.

Partnerships and Tools to Achieve Affordability

The Beltline relies on a range of financial tools  including the Beltline TAD, Beltline Affordable Housing Trust Fund, TAD Increment Fund and the City of Atlanta's Inclusionary Zoning ordinance  to create and preserve affordable housing. Guided by the Beltline TAD Redevelopment Plan and Mayor Andre Dickens' citywide housing goals, the Beltline works alongside partners including Invest Atlanta, Atlanta Housing, the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, Development Authority of Fulton County, and more to expand equitable housing options across the Beltline.

Looking ahead, the Beltline currently has a pipeline of approximately 500 affordable units in active development across the Beltline TAD. These projects reflect the direct impact of the Beltline's financial tools and partnerships in translating policy goals into measurable housing production.

Preserving Affordability for Legacy Residents

Launched in 2020, the Legacy Resident Retention Program (LRRP) helps longtime homeowners remain in neighborhoods adjacent to the Beltline by covering the cost of property tax increases through the 2030 tax year. In 2025, 276 homeowners in neighborhood stabilization areas on Atlanta's Westside and Southside received tax relief through the program. The Atlanta Beltline Partnership has also received a $100,000 grant from FHLBank Atlanta's Heirs' Property Family Wealth Protection Fund to expand estate planning and property protection services. These services include will preparation and tangled title assistance, helping legacy residents legally protect and pass down their homes.

"This program is about stability, helping longtime homeowners remain in their neighborhoods so they can benefit from the new opportunities, healthier living and improved quality of life the Beltline is creating," said Rob Brawner, executive director, Atlanta Beltline Partnership. "It's especially impactful for residents on fixed incomes, and 95% of our participants' income levels are below 80% AMI."

Supported by funders of the Atlanta Beltline Partnership, the foundation arm of the Atlanta Beltline, the program is strengthening generational wealth, ensuring families can remain in their communities while benefiting from the economic growth surrounding them. Since enrolling, participating homeowners have experienced a combined $9.2 million increase in home values.

"Simply put, I still have my house, thanks to the Legacy Resident Retention Program," said Ed Hall, LRRP participant. "My property taxes have soared, but my income has not. What would it mean for my family if this program didn't exist? I'd prefer not to imagine that."

The LRRP is made possible through the generous support of donors, including the Robert W. Woodruff Foundation, Georgia Power, Rocket Community Fund, Delta Air Lines, Bank of America, Tull Charitable Foundation, Google, Truist, Kaiser Permanente, the Annie E. Casey Foundation and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

Additional Homeowner and Renter Resources Available

Through donor-funded workshops led by trusted partners, the Beltline also offers residents guidance on filing homestead exemptions, appealing property tax assessments, managing finances, and buying a home for the first time. Now marking a decade of connecting community members to these critical resources, the Beltline continues to expand access to financial education and housing stability tools. Information on these workshops and additional resources can be found on the Resident Resource Page of the Beltline website.

Media assets are available here.

About Atlanta Beltline

The Atlanta Beltline is the 22-mile rail-to-trail project that is transforming Atlanta's neighborhoods, one mile at a time. The Beltline's vision is to be the catalyst for making Atlanta a global beacon for equitable, inclusive, and sustainable city life. With an additional 11 miles of connector trails, the Atlanta Beltline is one of the largest, most wide-ranging urban redevelopment programs in the United States. In partnership with local communities and organizations, the Beltline is building a more socially and economically resilient Atlanta through job creation, inclusive transportation systems, affordable housing, vibrant public spaces, and community-focused programs that promote health and wellness, resident retention, volunteerism, and advocacy along the corridor. Atlanta Beltline, Inc. is the official implementation agency for the Atlanta Beltline and collaborates with Atlanta Beltline Partnership, the foundation that raises private and philanthropic funds and delivers community programs that are fully supported by donor contributions. For more information, please visit www.beltline.org or follow on social media at @atlantabeltline.

SOURCE Atlanta BeltLine, Inc.
The proposed facility comprisesan initial committed tranche of up to $10 million, and an additional uncommitted accordion tranche of up to $10 million. It remains subject to completion of due diligence, finalisation of documentation and satisfaction of customary conditions precedent, which Coro expects to be completed during the first half of 2026.

The facility is expected to be structured as a senior secured term loan denominated in US dollars. It will fund up to 70 per cent of capital expenditure across a portfolio of contracted rooftop solar and battery storage projects in Vietnam, secured against Coro's Vietnam operating platform, including project assets, contracts, and cashflows.

The move will support the continued rollout of Coro's ventures with existing and new commercial and industrial customers in Vietnam, including the ability to finance battery energy storage systems.

Coro chairman Tom Richardson said, "We are pleased to have reached this important milestone for a significant long-term financing facility. It is a validation of our platform and opportunity set in Vietnam and potentially transformative for the company. The agreed commercial terms provide a strong foundation to support the continued scaling of our Vietnam rooftop solar platform."

Although the identity of the investor was not disclosed, Coro described them as a well-established institutional capital provider with an established track record in financing renewable energy and energy transition infrastructure globally.

Coro Energy to launch BESS Pilot in Vietnam Coro Energy PLC, a Southeast Asian renewable energy developer, on December 3 announced that it has signed a deal with Mobile World Group (MWG) for the delivery of a co-located Battery Energy Storage System Pilot (BESS Pilot) at one of Coro's existing rooftop solar sites in Ho Chi Minh City.

Levanta Renewables and BIDV sign finance deal for Chu Prong wind farm Levanta Renewables announced on April 1 that the company had signed project finance agreements with BIDV for the 50 MW Chu Prong wind farm in Gia Lai province.
In the retail sector, Digiworld Corporation has set its 2026 business targets at revenue of $1.26 billion and after-tax profit of $26.4 million, representing increases of 18 per cent and 20 per cent, respectively, compared with 2025, while continuing to reinforce its position as a billion-dollar company.

To achieve these goals amid ongoing volatility, the company plans to expand its product portfolio, develop a multi-industry distribution network, optimise logistics, and accelerate digital infrastructure solutions, technology devices, and data centre development.

Notably, Digiworld is expected to submit to its AGM on April 22 a restructuring plan under a holdings model, transitioning to a role focused on capital management, investment, and oversight of member units.

Restructuring, diversification, and development of balanced business pillars are a key choice for many companies

According to the company, the new model will enhance governance efficiency, improve risk control, and utilise specialisation within its ecosystem, optimising resources and laying the foundation for a medium- to long-term strategy.

FPT Digital Retail JSC (FPT Retail), has set a target of $2.38 billion in revenue and $62 million in pre-tax profit this year, up 16 per cent and 27 per cent, respectively, on-year.

FPT Retails strategy continues to rest on two main pillars. For the FPT Long Chau pharmacy chain, the company is expanding its healthcare ecosystem, increasing the coverage of pharmacy outlets and vaccination centres, while investing in technology and strengthening its position in specialised drugs, rare medicines, next-generation pharmaceuticals, and prescription drugs.

For FPT Shop, the company is diversifying its product range, pushing into consumer electronics and home appliances, leveraging the trend of AI-integrated devices, and developing digital services and online sales channels.

FPT Retail noted that the 2026 business environment still carries significant uncertainties stemming from geopolitics, trade policies, and supply chain costs.

Domestically, purchasing power is showing signs of recovery but remains uneven. In the ICT sector, demand is expected to remain stable, while AI-integrated products may trigger a new upgrade cycle, despite potential short- to medium-term supply shortages and price increases.

In manufacturing, many companies are opting for a balanced strategy between domestic and export markets.

Southern Fertilizer JSC, for instance, targets 2026 revenue of $92 million and pre-tax profit of $1.68 million, up 11 per cent and 4 per cent, respectively.

The company identifies the domestic market as its core focus, while maintaining exports to Cambodia and the Philippines.

According to Southern Fertilize, the business environment is under pressure amid policy fluctuations in China and prolonged geopolitical conflicts, which have driven up oil and energy prices, thereby increasing input costs and affecting product output.

In the pharmaceutical sector, Central Pharmaceutical JSC No. 3 is focusing on strengthening its financial capacity, with plans to double its charter capital to over $1.38 million.

This will be done through a 2:1 bonus share issuance from equity and a 2:1 rights offering to existing shareholders at a price of $0.40 per share.

The total expected proceeds of approximately $340,000 will be used to supplement production capital, purchase raw materials, and invest in machinery for research and development.

In 2026, the company aims to achieve revenue of $10.08 million and after-tax profit of $264,000, up 17 per cent and 73 per cent, respectively, reflecting expectations for the effectiveness of its expansion strategy.

The overall picture from this AGM season shows that companies are not only pursuing growth but also emphasising restructuring, revenue diversification, technology investment, and the building of balanced business pillars to adapt to a volatile environment.

Policy direction pivotal for logistics development Logistics enterprises in Vietnam are expecting new policy changes to further motivate them. Dao Trong Khoa, president of the Vietnam Logistics Business Association, spoke to VIRs Tung Anh about what will drive the industry ahead.

Industrial parks pivot to sustainable models amid rising ESG demands Sustainable investment in industrial parks took centre stage at a CEO talkshow hosted by VIR and partners at the Phu My 3 specialised industrial park in Ho Chi Minh City.
Xiong'an New Area attracts growing number of enterprises, talent

People's Daily Online) 10:02, April 03, 2026

Xiong'an New Area in north China's Hebei Province is attracting a growing number of companies and talent as it approaches its ninth year.

For Shao Tianlan, founder of Mech-Mind Robotics, the move to Xiong'an comes down to one thing: peace of mind.

His company relocated its headquarters from Beijing in September 2024. "Here, we can focus entirely on R&D and product development without red tape," said Shao, 37.

This aerial drone photo taken on March 18, 2026 shows the Xiong'an Urban Computing Center in Xiong'an New Area, north China's Hebei Province. (Photo/Xinhua)

He credited the new area's supportive policies and services. Once a company submits its needs, he said, staff from relevant government departments follow up in person to handle business registration, tax affairs, banking and talent policy coordination. Many administrative matters can also be processed both in Beijing and in Xiong'an.

That seamless experience is the result of sustained reform by Xiong'an's business environment bureau, which has pushed to consolidate government services into a single point of contact.

To date, the new area has rolled out 278 government service scenarios shared between Beijing and Xiong'an, with 234 administrative items most frequently handled in the capital now accessible in Xiong'an.

In December last year, a dedicated Beijing-Xiong'an integrated services hotline was launched, drawing on a knowledge base of 7,422 entries to offer comprehensive, one-stop support for enterprises and individuals relocated to Xiong'an.

To help attract, retain and develop talent, Xiong'an released 16 measures in late 2023, making it easier for professionals of all backgrounds to innovate, start businesses and settle down in the new area.

The policy package gave Shao the confidence to put down roots. In the year-plus since relocating, his company has hired a number of young professionals with support from relevant departments in Xiong'an.

As a holder of the Xiong'an talent card, an official certificate granted by the local government to qualified professionals, Shao enjoys subsidized housing, a living allowance and free public transport.

"With this kind of all-round, full-cycle support, building my future in Xiong'an is genuinely stress-free," he said.

For Liu Suying, a recent Beijing Jiaotong University graduate born in the 2000s who joined Blue Arrow Hongqing (Xiong'an) Space Technology Co., Ltd. last August, the defining word for life in Xiong'an is "warmth."

The first instance of that warmth came before she even started work. Xiong'an offers free accommodation at designated "talent stations" for young jobseekers attending interviews or exams in the area.

The second came after she joined the company. As a recent graduate, she receives a monthly living allowance of 1,000 yuan ($145).

This reflects Xiong'an's innovative approach to housing. Xiong'an's housing system ensures supply through multiple sources, provides support through various channels and encourages both purchase and rental. New residential developments in the area are required to set aside at least 30 percent of units as rental-only housing.

Cheng Jie, general manager of a local company providing affordable housing rental services, said the company has so far provided 8,898 rental units for relocated talent, new residents and young workers in Xiong'an.

For Lyu Haibo, an employee of Sinochem Holdings, the commute from his office to his home in Xiong'an takes just 10 minutes.

Six months in, he summed up his new life with one word: "relieved."

Work, shopping and exercise are all within a 15-minute radius, he said. A unified smart card covers six cross-city functions, including social security, public transport and tourism across Beijing and Xiong'an.

Education and health care have also put him at ease. "I thought transferring my kids to a new school would be a hassle, but it went surprisingly smoothly," he said.

To support the children of relocated families, Xiong'an launched a one-stop school transfer platform for Beijing-registered residents. Last September, Lyu's two sons were enrolled at the Xiong'an campus of Shijia Hutong Primary School.

His wife still works in Beijing. At first, he would head back to the capital on weekends, but that has gradually reversed. Now she comes to Xiong'an instead.

"The launch of a new customized commuter bus service linking Beijing and Xiong'an New Area makes it even more convenient to go back and forth," Lyu said.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
Boys & Girls Club Teens in Virginia and Oklahoma Awarded Scholarships, Clubs Receive Technology Grants

ATLANTA, April 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Cox Mobile, Cox Communications' mobile phone service, has announced the two $25,000 scholarship winners of its second annual Phone Case Design Contest, held in partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

David from Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula has been named the 2026 Grand Prize Winner. He was selected by a panel of judges from Cox Communications and Boys & Girls Clubs of America, including 2025-2026 National Youth of the Year Ximena and alumnus Mario Lopez.

David from Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula was named Cox Mobile's 2026 Grand Prize Winner. Peyton from Boys & Girls Club of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, was named the nationwide Cox Mobile's Fan Favorite Winner.

Peyton from Boys & Girls Club of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, has been named the nationwide Fan Favorite Winner, selected from over 11,000 voters across the U.S.

David and Peyton will each receive a $25,000 scholarship to support their educational and professional goals. Additionally, David's Club receives a $25,000 technology grant, and Peyton's Club receives a $10,000 technology grant to help provide a safe, creative space for members to explore emerging tools and technology.

Powering Opportunity Through Connectivity

"David and Peyton's vision, creativity, and forward-looking perspective perfectly embody the innovative spirit we champion," said Colleen Langner, EVP and Chief Residential Officer at Cox Communications and a Southeast Boys & Girls Clubs of America Trustee. "Through our partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America, we're connecting creativity with technology in ways that inspire possibility and reinforce how access to technology can unlock opportunity for the next generation."

David's winning phone case design envisions a future where art, technology, and nature grow together toward a sustainable world.

Peyton is a proud member of the Cherokee Nation, and her Fan Favorite design is inspired by her culture and the constant changes we see in technology and the world around us.

Why it Matters

"David represents the determination and drive that Boys & Girls Clubs strive to nurture in every young person, and Peyton's creativity and passion are exactly what we hope to see every day in Clubs across the country," said Chat Hartman, National Vice President of Corporate Partnerships and Engagement, Boys & Girls Clubs of America. "Opportunities like this contest encourage teens to explore their talents, share their stories, and see what's possible for their future."

In addition to being named the Grand Prize Winner, David has also been recognized as the 2026 Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula Youth of the Year.

David and Peyton join a growing group of Cox Mobile Phone Case Design Contest alumni, including last year's winners Gracie and Joshua.

For more information about Cox Mobile's phone case design contest, visit www.cox.com/phonecasecontest.

About Cox Communications

Cox Communications is committed to creating meaningful moments of human connection through technology. As the largest private broadband company in America, we own network infrastructure that reaches more than 30 states. Our fiber-powered wireline and wireless connections are available to more than 12 million homes and businesses and support advanced cloud and managed IT services nationwide. We're the largest division of Cox Enterprises, a family-owned business founded in 1898 by Governor James M. Cox that is dedicated to empowering others to build a better future for the next generation.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of America

For more than 160 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA.org) has provided a safe place for kids and teens to learn and grow. Clubs offer caring adult mentors, fun and friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Boys & Girls Clubs programming promotes academic success, good character and leadership, and healthy lifestyles. Over 5,500 Clubs serve more than 4 million young people through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native lands throughout the country, and serve military families in BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide. The national headquarters is located in Atlanta. Learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of America on Facebook and LinkedIn.

SOURCE Cox Communications
The patient was discharged from the hospital after only 48 hours, surprised the pain almost disappeared just one day after the surgery.

N.T.T.N., a 52 years old resident in Ho Chi Minh City, came to FV Hospital with a dull abdominal pain that had lasted for many months without stopping. The CT scan results showed that T. N.s uterus had several tumours of varying sizes.

Two large tumours (8cm and 7cm in size) along with several smaller tumours scattered throughout the uterus are the cause of chronic pain and severe pain for the patient, according to Dr. Robert Marie Riche, a gynaecological surgeon at FV Hospital.

Dr. Riche (centre) and the surgical team perform the operation using the da Vinci Xi robotic system. Photo: FV

In people over 50, a total hysterectomy is a common option for radical treatment of tumours. However, Dr. Riche decided to pursue a more difficult option: dissecting the fibroids to preserve the uterus as desired by the patient.

Dr. Riche  a French expert with nearly 30 years of experience in Vietnam  is the doctor directly performing the surgery, with the assistance of the da Vinci Xi robotic surgical system  a leading generation of surgical robots in Southeast Asia.

The flexible robotic arm, capable of extending, folding, and rotating 540 degrees, allows doctors to dissect tumours in every corner of the uterus  a significant advantage over open surgery or traditional laparoscopic surgery.

With the robot, I can zoom in on images, adjust viewing angles, and manipulate them precisely down to the millimetre. This helps minimise difficulties and increase accuracy throughout the surgery, Riche said.

Just two days after the surgery, the patient discharged from the hospital in stable condition.

Patient N. happily reported the results which exceeded expectations, saying she felt almost no pain after the first day.

Although the doctor explained the benefits of the minimally invasive surgery method, it was actually better than I imagined. After the robotic surgery, I feel much better., she said.

The patient expressed her joy to Dr. Riche as her health recovered unexpectedly quickly after the surgery. Photo: FV

This was the first robotic gynaecological surgery at FV, performed under the direct supervision of Dr Nguyen Quoc Truong Chinh, director of the Minimally Invasive Gynaecological Surgery Unit at University of Texas Medical Branch (US).

He highly appreciated the surgeon's skill and the excellent coordination of the entire team.

The surgical team worked very professionally and coordinated seamlessly. The operating room meets high standards, equipped with modern facilities, and perfectly suited for robotic surgery. When compared to centres in the US, I don't see much difference, he said.

A new standard for gynecological treatment

Dr. Riche stated that with the rapid development of technology and its outstanding benefits for patients, robotic surgery is expected to become a routine treatment option, from treating endometriosis to gynaecological cancers.

Robotic surgery offers increased chances of preserving reproductive function compared to traditional methods. The surgical process is smoother, recovery is faster, and hospital stay can be shortened to 12 days. Many complex cases that previously required open surgery can now be converted to robotic surgery, he said.

The modern da Vinci Xi robotic system in the operating room of FV Hospital. Photo: FV

At the FV da Vinci Robotic Surgery Centre, this technology is used across a broad range of procedures, including thoracic, gastrointestinal and hepatopancreaticobiliary surgery, urology, and gynaecologycovering conditions such as cancer, complex tumours, and other major surgical indications.

FV Hospital is implementing a policy to reduce the cost of da Vinci Xi robotic surgeries by $1,600 from now until June 15, 2026. For more information, please go to FV Hospital, No. 06 Nguyen Luong Bang, Tan My ward (formerly District 7) Ho Chi Minh City, or contact (028) 3511 3333.

FV Hospital's integrated care model proves comprehensive and effective The intensive care unit (ICU) is often seen as the frontline in the battle for patients' lives, where the collaboration between multiple specialities determines success. At FV Hospital, a multidisciplinary, comprehensive care model has demonstrated remarkable effectiveness in treating critically ill patients.

FV Hospital CFO honoured by UK magazine Women's Tabloid magazine (UK) has honoured Tran Le Quyen, CFO of FV Hospital in the category of Best Emerging Woman CFO in Healthcare 2025. Here she speaks with VIR's Thanh Van about her journey.
The investment loan facility is intended to support Green SM Indonesias operational readiness and service continuity. The facility provides a stable financial structure to underpin the companys disciplined growth approach and support consistent service delivery across its existing urban operations.

The signing builds on earlier cooperation between the two parties, which began with Green SMs market launch in Jakarta in December 2024. Since then, BCA and Green SM Indonesia have collaborated on customer-focused programmes and initiatives to improve service accessibility and raise awareness of environmentally responsible transportation solutions. The singing reflects the maturation of this partnership and BCAs support in Green SM Indonesias operational model and governance standards.

The cooperation also reflects BCAs broader role in supporting business sectors that are adapting to evolve urban development needs, including shifts towards more efficient and forward-looking mobility solutions.

Denny Haryanto, senior vice president of Corporate Banking at BCA said, This agreement reflects our approach to supporting businesses with a long-term outlook. Sustainable transportation is increasingly important to Indonesias urban development. Through this cooperation, we support initiatives that align with long-term economic resilience and environmental responsibility.

Deny Tjia, managing director of Green SM Indonesia said, "The investment loan agreement reflects recognition of the disciplined operating model and long-term development orientation that Green SM Indonesia has pursued since its early stages. The facility further strengthens the companys financial foundation, supporting stable and consistent service delivery across the cities where it operates.

Since commencing operations, Green SM Indonesia has established a presence in several major urban centres, including Jakarta, Makassar, Bekasi, Surabaya, and Bali. These cities face increasingly complex urban mobility requirements alongside rising expectations for cleaner, more responsible transport solutions.

In the Indonesian market, Green SM provides all-electric taxi services that support routine urban travel while reducing emissions and noise. The companys operating approach emphasises reliability, professional service standards, and scalability aligned with city-level transport planning.

Through this agreement, Green SM Indonesia and BCA reaffirm their shared view that the transition to sustainable urban mobility requires not only electric vehicle technology but also sound financial structures, responsible governance, and long-term commitment. The investment loan agreement is a practical step to support that transition in Indonesias evolving mobility landscape.

Green GSM launches all electric taxi fleet in Davao The new service aims to provide sustainable transportation options in the Philippine city.

Vingroup merges GSM and Green Future On February 28, Vingroup announced the merger between Green and Smart Mobility JSC and Green Future Trading and Services JSC.
The two-day, in-person programme aimed to strengthen the capacity of local business support agencies, associations, and consultants. It focused on equipping participants with knowledge of market trends towards sustainability, practical advisory skills in manufacturing, and enhanced capabilities in digital and green transformation.

At the same time, it sought to raise awareness of green productivity, occupational safety, and improved working conditions as key drivers of both productivity and decent work.

The training covered a wide range of topics, including the interlinkages between productivity, digital transformation, green transition, and working conditions; the role of needs assessment in designing SME support programmes; and the introduction of diagnostic tools. Participants were also introduced to evolving market requirements linked to green growth and sustainable development, particularly in relation to regulatory standards, supply chains, and international integration.

Practical solutions were highlighted, focusing on resource efficiency, energy optimisation, waste management, and cleaner production. The programme also introduced the SCORE model in enterprise support, alongside approaches to mobilising resources (financial, human, and technological) and addressing challenges in building local business networks. A key component of the course was guiding participants in developing model support programmes tailored to real business needs.

Beyond technical knowledge and tools, the training also served as a platform for exchange and networking, connecting support organisations, businesses, and experts to foster collaboration and shared learning.

Nguyen Xuan Tho, deputy director general of the Department of Private Enterprise and Collective Economy Development.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Nguyen Xuan Tho, deputy director general of the Department of Private Enterprise and Collective Economy Development, noted the central role of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Vietnams economy.

Vietnam has more than one million enterprises and 5.2 million household businesses, of which 98 per cent are SMEs, the backbone of the national economy and a driving force in innovation, digital transformation, and green transition, he said.

He noted that the Party and government have issued a series of major policies to support these efforts, including Resolution No.57-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in sci-tech and innovation, along with subsequent resolutions aimed at strengthening the private sector.

In this context, professionals within business support organisations, consultants and experts in productivity, digital transformation, and green transition, play an indispensable role. They serve as the bridge between policy and practice, designing and implementing support initiatives that align with both enterprise needs and local development priorities, thereby enabling businesses to overcome challenges and integrate more deeply into global value chains, he added.

Sinwon Park, country director of the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Vietnam, underscored the importance of a people-centred approach. Transformation must be people-centred. Technology and greener production methods are not ends in themselves; they should enhance business competitiveness while improving working conditions, occupational safety and health, workplace cooperation, and opportunities for both workers and managers, she said.

This is the foundation of the ILOs Productivity Ecosystem for Decent Work approach, which links productivity improvements with better working conditions and responsible enterprise development.

The Haiphong training is part of a broader series of five courses being implemented across northern provinces, targeting hundreds of officials from support organisations, consultants, and representatives of manufacturing SMEs.

The initiative falls under the Productivity Ecosystem for Decent Work venture, an ILO-led programme funded by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs and Norway.

The initiative aims to support Vietnam in encouraging sustainable productivity growth alongside decent work, with the Department of Private Enterprise and Collective Economy Development serving as the lead implementing agency in partnership with the ILO in Vietnam.

Over 64,000 businesses enter market in first two months Vietnam recorded a strong wave of market entry in the first two months of 2026, with 64,484 businesses newly established or returning to operation, up 29.4 per cent on year. The figure reflects strengthening business confidence within the corporate community, according to data released by the Statistics Office under the Ministry of Finance on March 6.

Unlocking sustainable finance for Vietnamese enterprises On March 10, international investors, Vietnamese policymakers, impact investing ecosystem enablers, and impact enterprises gathered in Ho Chi Minh City to tackle one of Vietnams most pressing development challenges  attracting global private capital for addressing social and environmental issues.

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.
Pullman Hotels & Resorts appointed David Stanley de Brito as general manager of Pullman Ninh Binh on April 1, marking a key step as the property prepares to welcome its first guests on May 1.

De Brito brings more than 30 years of experience in international hotel and service management, with a career spanning Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. A long-standing member of the Accor network, he has led large-scale projects and pre-opening phases, with particular expertise in positioning hotels in emerging destinations.

Ninh Binh is widely recognised as one of Vietnams most promising UNESCO heritage destinations, drawing increasing interest from travellers seeking nature-led and cultural experiences.

Prior to this role, de Brito served as cluster general manager in Japan for Accor, overseeing a portfolio that included Grand Mercure Ise Shima. He has also held general manager positions across several Accor properties, notably Pullman Vung Tau, where he contributed to strengthening market positioning and delivering solid business performance.

Over the course of his career, he has supervised more than 15 hotel openings, reinforcing his experience in bringing new destinations to market.

David Stanley de Brito, general manager of Pullman Ninh Binh. Photo: Pullman Hotels & Resorts

With 283 rooms, Pullman Ninh Binh is positioned as a new landmark in the city centre, introducing a contemporary hospitality offering to the province.

In his new role, de Brito will lead overall operations and strategic direction, with a focus on shaping the hotel into a leading destination in northern Vietnam for both business and leisure travellers. His remit also includes building a capable team and delivering the Pullman brands approach to dynamic, experience-led stays that encourage connection and contemporary lifestyles.

He holds a Masters degree in International Business from Singapore Business School, along with professional certifications from Cornell University. With extensive international experience and a strong understanding of the Vietnamese market, he brings a global perspective to the development of Pullman Ninh Binh.

Pullman Ninh Binh is set to welcome its first guests on May 1. Photo: Pullman Hotels & Resorts

Commenting on his appointment, de Brito said he was honoured to join Pullman Ninh Binh at a pivotal moment for the destination.

Ninh Binh is a destination with significant potential, and I look forward to working with the team to establish the hotel as a vibrant meeting point for both travellers and the local community, while delivering meaningful and inspiring guest experiences, he said.

According to de Brito, the hotel will offer a range of accommodation options, including spacious rooms and suites designed with contemporary interiors and views overlooking the surrounding landscape.

Pullman Haiphong Grand Hotel officially launched On March 1, Pullman Hotels & Resorts, the pioneering hotel brand established in 1859, officially launched its newest flagship hotel in the north, Pullman Haiphong Grand Hotel.

Pullman Haiphong to host high-end wedding market expo Haiphongs newest 5-star hotel will host a wedding event connecting top-tier vendors, reinforcing the citys rising appeal as a luxury wedding destination.
Nguyen Anh Cuong, deputy director of the Authority of Telecommunications under the Ministry of Science and Technology (MST) made the statement at a media briefing in Hanoi on April 1.

He said that Vietnam was granted a licence for low-orbit satellite internet service to Starlink Services Vietnam, a company owned by billionaire Elon Musk's SpaceX, with a pilot programme accommodating up to 600,000 subscribers and four gateway stations located in Phu Tho, Danang, and Ho Chi Minh City.

Nguyen Anh Cuong, deputy director of the Authority of Telecommunications. Photo: MST

Starlink service for individual users in Vietnam are expected to cost $435 in the first month. This fee includes approximately $350 for the purchase of the terminal equipment and $85 for usage fees.

From the second month onwards, users pay approximately $85, equivalent to about VND2.2 million per month, to maintain their connection.

After Starlink's service was officially licensed by the MST to provide services in Vietnam, some concerns arose about the possibility of this provider lowering prices and directly competing with domestic telecommunications companies.

In response, Cuong said that Starlink Services Vietnam Co., Ltd. has been granted two licences by Vietnams Authority of Telecommunications to provide telecommunications services with network infrastructure for the pilot deployment of telecommunications services using low-orbit satellite technology in Vietnam.

According to the licences, Starlink is allowed to deploy in a pilot phase to 600,000 subscribers, equivalent to only about 2.5 per cent of the total number of existing fixed broadband subscribers in Vietnam.

He added that low-orbit satellite services were less likely to compete with the fixed-line, mobile broadband services that Vietnamese businesses were currently providing.

He explained that Starlink, after being licensed to provide telecommunications services in Vietnam, was responsible for fully complying with all legal regulations on price management and competition as with other telecommunications businesses in the market.

"In cases where businesses adjust prices, especially by lowering prices in a way that shows signs of unfair competition, state management agencies will strengthen supervision and apply legal regulations on pricing and competition to handle the situation, maintaining a fair competitive environment, and encouraging the healthy development of the market," Cuong said.

Starlink will be limited to a maximum of 600,000 subscribers during a five-year pilot phase, which must conclude before 2031. This number reflects both management considerations and the technical limitations of Starlink satellite internet.

Starlink commits to completing the system within one year. The setup is not overly complicated, as it mainly involves importing equipment from abroad to Vietnam, and then proceeding with construction and installation at ground station locations.

"If no problems emerge, the deployment time will only be two to three months. In an optimistic scenario, Starlink service could be available from mid-year," Cuong said.

SpaceX eyes Vietnam for $1.5 billion satellite internet investment Tim Hughes, senior vice president of SpaceX, a global leader in space exploration and satellite communications, revealed plans for a $1.5 billion investment in Vietnam.

Starlink yet to submit application to deploy satellite internet service in Vietnam The Authority of Telecommunications under the Ministry of Information and Communications (MST) has yet to receive a licence application for Starlink satellite internet services in Vietnam.
The information was revealed by the municipal Department of Finance at a press conference on the city's socioeconomic situation on April 2.

TikTok Shop Vietnam, part of Singapores TikTok Pte. Ltd, implements a venture in the information and communication industry with a total investment capital of $125 million. This is one of 10 notable foreign direct investment (FDI) ventures in Ho Chi Minh City in the first quarter of 2026.

Previously, at the launch of Vietnam's International Financial Centre in Ho Chi Minh City (VIFC-HCMC), Tiktok was named as one of six strategic members. The partnership between TikTok and Ho Chi Minh City was discussed at the meeting between Chanida Klyphun, director of Public Policy for Southeast Asia at TikTok, and Nguyen Van Duoc, Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City Peoples Committee, in late 2025.

According to Klyphun, TikTok was evaluating an option to shift three major services currently managed offshore to onshore entities within the VIFC-HCM. The platform submitted applications to establish three companies at VIFC-HCM, in line with the citys digital economy and digital service development strategy.

They include a logistics service provider capable of handling one to two billion orders annually, a digital payment company, TikTok Payment, which serves its 45 million Vietnamese users, and a digital commerce business projected to generate over $10 billion in annual gross merchandise value.

We hope that the city leaders will provide support and create better conditions for the company to accelerate licensing. Thus, new companies can kickstart operations in 2026, Klyphun said.

Another FDI initiative is the Techtronic Tools Vietnam factory developed by Singapores Techtronic Industries Company Pte. Ltd with a total investment capital of $81 million.

In addition, Netherlands MSD Animal Health Vietnam increased its registered capital by $80 million in professional, scientific and technological activities. Singapores SP Vietnam HCMC boosted its registered capital by$67 million in information and communication. Likewise, Singapores Momogi Group Vietnam Co., Ltd. raised its registered capital by $55.4 million in professional, scientifics, and technological activities.

In terms of capital contribution and share purchase, the city recorded five notable transactions in the first half of the year. Accordingly, Indonesias Haryanto Sudarno Kusuma contributed capital of over $1.7 billion to VLD Investment and Financial JSC. Momogi Group Vietnam registered a capital contribution of over $64.3 million to Bibica.

Other notable transactions include Zeit Elevators $41.4 million investment in VGSI Elevator; Kredivo Vietnams nearly $34.4 million investment in Timo Vietnam; and Zhang Shuting and Yang Chao (China) making a combined investment of over $20.2 million in HongYI International Vietnam.

According to the Department of Finance, FDI attraction in the city in the first quarter of 2026 remains a bright spot against a complex regional and global environment.

Total registered FDI, including newly registered capital, adjusted capital, capital contribution, and share purchase, reached $2.9 billion in the first quarter of the year, soaring 220 per cent from a year ago. The results underscore investor confidence in the citys business and investment climate.

The city is aiming to achieve a target of $11 billion in FDI for the entire year.

Ho Chi Minh City advances low-emission private vehicles Ho Chi Minh City Department of Construction, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme, organised a workshop on advancing low-emission vehicles in Ho Chi Minh City on March 31.

Sembcorp gets approval for AI-ready data centre in Ho Chi Minh City Sembcorp Development has received investment approval for a hyperscaled and AI-ready data centre campus in Ho Chi Minh City, through its joint venture with StarMason JSC.
Workday, Inc., an AI platform for managing people, money, and agents, on March 31 announced a strategic expansion of operations into Vietnam.

This expansion is underpinned by an ecosystem of five global and regional partners, all dedicated to meeting the growing local demand for digital transformation.

This expansion marks a deepening commitment to Southeast Asia, fuelled by regional demand for a trusted, user-centric AI platform to manage people, finances, and AI agents. Following the acquisition of Paradox, Workday now has a presence of nearly 300 professionals across its Ho Chi Minh City and Danang offices.

Vietnam is at the heart of the digital acceleration reshaping how businesses in ASEAN grow and empower their people, said Fabio Tiviti, group vice president of Field Strategy & Operations at Workday.

He added that the expansion reflects more than market entry, with the company tapping into Vietnams talent pool to support the next phase of AI-driven innovation.

Through its partner ecosystem, Workday aims to provide local expertise to help Vietnamese organisations scale and unlock enterprise AI. Initial partners include Amaris, Deloitte, FPT Information Systems, Rolling Arrays, and VSOL.

As Vietnamese organisations prioritise growth, the strength of Workdays partner ecosystem combines enterprise-grade platform innovation with deep local expertise, said Rogerio Almeida, group vice president of International Partner Ecosystem at Workday.

Local firms are already adopting the platform. We view Workday as a long-term strategic choice, given its ability to deliver real-time insights and the operational agility needed to lead a people-centric organisation in an AI-driven future, said Nguyen Trinh Thuy Trang, COO of Coteccons.

Workday brings the expertise of supporting more than 11,500 organisations globally to Vietnams evolving business landscape. From its Southeast Asian headquarters in Singapore, Workdays regional presence now spans Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

With a deep pool of local tech talent and a robust partner ecosystem, Vietnam is central to Workdays vision of shaping the future of work across ASEAN and beyond.

German firm unveils $175 million R&D centre plans in Ho Chi Minh City Germany's SAP, the world's largest provider of enterprise application software, on August 7 announced plans to invest more than 150 million (around $175 million) over the next five years into SAP Labs Vietnam, a new research and development (R&D) centre in Ho Chi Minh City.

Sojitz Corporation to expand energy and logistics investment in Ho Chi Minh City Japans Sojitz Corporation is looking to expand its investment in Ho Chi Minh City in the fields of energy, logistics, agriculture, food, and trade.
North Wales Police is urging parents to speak with their children about behaviour in the city centre after officers dealt with a series of anti-social behaviour incidents involving young people over several consecutive evenings.

It follows an earlier update this week in which the Wrexham City policing team reported that two young people had been taken home to their parents after disturbances in the city centre.

The Youth Offending Team was expected to follow up with those involved to determine appropriate next steps.

Separate problems were also reported this week near McDonalds on Regent Street, with police working directly with the restaurant to identify those responsible.

The force said it will take a zero-tolerance approach and work with the Youth Justice team to ensure consequences follow.

Officers are also working alongside local businesses to review CCTV footage to trace other suspects after further reports of antisocial behaviour in the city centre.

NWP Wrexham Town is now urging parents and guardians to speak to their child about where they are spending their time and showing respect for others in the city centre.

A force spokesperson said: Wrexham is a great place to live, work and visit.

With continued investment and success across the city, lets work together to keep it safe, welcoming and enjoyable for everyone.

Spotted something? Got a story? email us at Got a story? email us at news@wrexham.com
Dirty Protest Theatre are leading a range of community conversations for Wrecsam2029 across April.

These Community Conversations offer an opportunity for Wrexhams communities to feed into the 2029 bid and the ten year strategy for the county borough. There is a level of urgency in encouraging the public to attend events and make their voice heard as Wrexham is in the spotlight more than ever.

Dirty Protest Theatre is based in Wrexham but works all across Wales and internationally.

Over the last six months, Dirty Protest has helped facilitate group discussions that are geographical, based on hobbies and interest, grounded in lived experience, careers and aspirations.

They have done this through a varied programme of engagement including sitting around over a brew, holding open space for peoples own questions and aspirations, art based and performance workshops and open mic spaces such as Voicebox Wxm. They highlight how the UK government is putting money into City of Culture; the funding will be going to one of nine places longlisted, so we should all put our voices together for the opportunity of gaining funding for our communities.

Going into April, Dirty Protest has already hosted 15 conversations with 10 left to facilitate. Past conversations have included the Arty Farty Christmas Party featuring Shaggerada Outrageous Drag Act, as well as at St Davids Day celebrations.

Talking to the Artistic Director of Dirty Protest, Catherine Paskell, she discussed how Dirty Protest see the true talent that Wrexham has to offer and all of the creativity that exists across the country borough and so being able to have meaningful conversations to get to the heart of what matters to people is a vital part of how the company operates and to receive the generosity of peoples thoughts, feelings and passions about what they want to see happening across their county borough has been a privilege to be part of.

In April, the following Community Conversations will be taking place:

Public Drop-in: Your Conversation & Creative Discussion about Wrexhams bid for UK City of Culture

The event is open to all, with people welcome to drop in at any point to share their thoughts on what they would like to see celebrated and supported during a year of culture in Wrexham.

When: Saturday 4 April

Where: Ty Pawb, Wrexham

Time: 11am  4pm

Performance, Play & the Spirit of Wrexham: Youth Theatre Day

Young performers across Wrexham County Borough are invited to take part in a performance workshop led by Dirty Protest Theatre. The company  whose plays including works by Katherine Chandler, Mark Williams, Alan Harris and Sian Owen have been performed at Edinburgh Fringe and internationally  will be joined by circus performers, international theatre directors and local culture workers for a creative day at the historic Y Stiwt venue.

The event is aimed at youth theatre groups and young theatre-makers and will combine hands-on performance-making with wider conversations about Wrexhams cultural future, including how the citys UK City of Culture bid could bring more theatre opportunities to the area.

Participants will also get the chance to find out how professional careers in acting, directing, design and theatre-making work, and how Dirty Protest develops new plays rooted in Welsh communities before taking them to wider audiences.

When: Wednesday 8 April 2026

Location: Y Stiwt, Rhosllanerchrugog, Wrexham

Cost: Free

Book online at: https://tinyurl.com/uzuaa3pf

Time: 10am  3pm

Celebrating Wrexhams Cultural Diversity

A community gathering celebrating Wrexhams cultural diversity will bring together multicultural organisations and their members for food, conversation and a hands-on art workshop.

The event aims to ensure the citys different communities are meaningfully represented in Wrexhams UK City of Culture bid, giving people a relaxed space to share ideas about what Wrecsam2029 could mean for them.

As well as shared food, the session will recognise the organisations already shaping Wrexhams cultural life and invite contributions about the future  from wishes and inspirations to practical ideas about how the bid can reflect the full breadth of the citys communities.

When: Thursday 9 April 2026

Where: Ty Pawb, Performance Space & Useful Art Space

Cost: Free

Booking online: https://tinyurl.com/yaes3fh7

Time: 12:30pm  4:30pm

Wrexhams Polish Heritage

Based in one of the original Polish hospital wards, participants will have the chance to share their stories on Penleys Polish heritage and how this has shaped the local community. There will also be the chance to discuss how the areas history can help to shape Wrecsam2029.

When: Saturday 11 April 2026

Where: The Rainbow Foundation, Penley, Wrexham LL13 0GB

Book online at: https://tinyurl.com/28mfrvdn

Time: 10am  12pm

Artists & Creatives Networking Session  Creative Industries Hub

Local artists and creatives are invited to the Open Space discussion to share their thoughts on Wrexhams cultural future.

The event will focus on networking, creative industrial and culture workers, advice on how to get commissions and Wrexhams cultural infrastructure.

When: Thursday 16 April

Where: The Old Library, Queens Square, Wrexham

Who its for: Wrexham-based artists, creatives and cultural workers

Time: 6pm  8pm

Booking: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/wrexham-artists-networking-rhwydweithio-artistiaid-wrecsam-tickets-1985515482256

There will be a final sharing event towards the end of April. All will be invited to come and give feedback on the findings before they are sent off.

Dirty Protest hopes that the community feel motivated to take part in conversations and make the most out of this possibly once in a lifetime opportunity, putting forward what they want out of their city centre and country borough.

Photo Credit: Leon Bowen

Spotted something? Got a story? email us at Got a story? email us at news@wrexham.com
Columbia University School of Professional Studies convenes thought leaders from industry and academia, spanning NASA, IBM, Deloitte, Paramount Global, and its own Scholar Practitioners to explore the enduring value and impact of professional learning

Kicks off with launch of new book: Sustainability Metrics and Management: The Path from Innovation to Routine

NEW YORK, April 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- This spring, Columbia University's School of Professional Studies (Columbia SPS) will host a public thought leadership event program that highlights the value of strategically investing in one's own professional education in order to succeed in today's volatile organizational environment. Because true career agility will only result from preparation, the Frame Your Future 2026 event lineup addresses challenges, such as guiding organizations through technology-driven transformation, and mastering an increasingly intricate risk landscape, that the industry leaders of tomorrow will face. The signature series features industry leaders, faculty, and alumni who will share insightful perspectives and practical solutions to support professional advancement.

Frame Your Future opens with introductory remarks from Columbia SPS Dean Troy Eggers. "The stakes have officially been raised. In a professional landscape reshaped by artificial intelligence and rapidly shifting geopolitics, lifelong learning has become a true force multiplier for accelerating careers, sharpening judgment, and expanding influence across roles and industries," said Dean Eggers. "Now, education cannot be a one-time credential; in the future of work, it's a strategic, career-defining commitment." The slate of thought-provoking events, taking place in some of New York City's most iconic spaces, begins this spring, will continue through the summer, and will return annually. The initial lineup includes:

Frame Your Future 2026 and Columbia SPS uniquely provide access to sophisticated insight and smart analysis through their extensive network of accomplished Scholar Practitioners, business leaders who bring their expertise to the classroom.

In Summer 2026, the series will continue to examine topics including pedagogy in professional education and AI and student support. Details on upcoming events will be shared on the SPS events page.

About the Columbia University School of Professional Studies

As one of the 17 prestigious schools affiliated with Columbia University, the School of Professional Studies (SPS) is committed to supporting a diverse community of faculty, students, and staff while expanding the reach and impact of an Ivy League education so that more students can excel in their careers. Online and around the world, SPS brings together the best and brightest minds to deliver personal, practical, and purposeful educational experiences. Since 2002, the School of Professional Studies and its forebears have administered and developed innovative programs to fulfill a diverse array of inquisitive students' needs and desires. Whether pursuing one of 19 master's degrees, returning for post-baccalaureate credentials, or visiting from another university to accelerate undergraduate or graduate studies, every student at the School of Professional Studies benefits from intentionally designed resources and services that make SPS the place to study, no matter their path.

SOURCE Columbia University School of Professional Studies
A man released from prison earlier this year is now back behind bars suspected of sex trafficking.

The Human Exploitation and Trafficking (HEAT) Unit had investigating suspected sex trafficker Diondrae Parker since he was released from prison in January of 2026.

Since then Parker remained under active supervision by Nevada Parole and Probation following a prior conviction related to a sex trafficking of a child investigation. Despite that related conviction and period of incarceration, detectives allege Parker resumed similar criminal activity, underscoring the ongoing threat posed by repeat offenders involved in exploitation crimes.

Authorities say last month Sparks Police responded to a domestic incident where they developed probable cause to arrest Parker for the alleged crime of domestic battery with substantial bodily harm. Parker was not located at the time.

Three days later Parker was taken into custody by Parole and Probation in connection with that incident. Through coordination with Parole and Probation, police say HEAT detectives were able to gather additional evidence related to their ongoing sex trafficking investigation.

As a result, Parker was additionally booked, while in custody at the Washoe County Jail, on multiple charges, including:

* Sex Trafficking and Living off the Earnings of Prostitution with Force

* Pandering and Attempt to Live off the Earnings of Prostitution

* Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM)

The HEAT Unit is a regional task force comprised of detectives from the Reno Police Department, Sparks Police Department, and Washoe County School Police Department, dedicated to investigating and combating human exploitation and sex trafficking throughout Northern Nevada.

(Reno Police contributed to this report.)
WASHINGTON (AP)  Iran shot down two U.S. military planes in separate attacks Friday, with one service member rescued and at least one missing, in a dramatic escalation since the war began nearly five weeks ago.

It was the first time U.S. aircraft have been downed in the conflict and came just two days after President Donald Trump said in a national address that the U.S. has beaten and completely decimated Iran and was going to finish the job, and were going to finish it very fast.

One fighter jet was shot down in Iran, officials said. A U.S. crew member from that plane was rescued, but a second was missing, and a U.S. military search-and-rescue operation was underway.

Neither the White House nor Pentagon released public information about the downed planes. In a brief telephone interview with NBC News, Trump declined to discuss the search-and-rescue efforts but said what happened would not affect negotiations with Iran.

No, not at all. No, its war, he said.

Separately, Iranian state media said a U.S. A-10 attack aircraft crashed in the Persian Gulf after being struck by Iranian defense forces.

A U.S. official who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss a sensitive military situation said earlier that it was not clear if the aircraft crashed or was shot down or whether Iran was involved. Neither the status of the crew nor exactly where it went down was immediately known.

Those incidents came as Iran fired on targets across the Middle East on Friday, keeping the pressure on Israel and its Gulf Arab neighbors despite U.S. and Israeli insistence that Irans military capabilities have been all but destroyed.

Second service member's status unknown

Neither the White House nor the Pentagon released public information about the downed planes. But the Pentagon notified the House Armed Services Committee that the status of a second service member from the fighter jet was not known.

In an email from the Pentagon that obtained by The Associated Press, meanwhile, the military said it received notification of an aircraft being shot down in the Middle East, without providing more details.

Irans attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure and its tight grip on the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the worlds oil and natural gas transits in peacetime, have roiled stock markets, sent oil prices skyrocketing, and threatened to raise the cost of many basic goods, including food.

Downed jet could mark a new level of pressure on the US

Prior to word of the rescue, social media footage showed American drones, aircraft and helicopters flying over the mountainous region where a TV channel affiliated with Iranian state television said earlier that at least one pilot bailed out of the fighter jet.

An anchor urged residents to hand over any enemy pilot to police and promised a reward.

It was the first time the U.S. has lost aircraft in Iranian territory during the conflict and could mark a new level of pressure on the U.S. military.

Throughout the war, Iran has made a series of claims about shooting down piloted enemy aircraft that turned out not to be true. Friday was the first time that Iran went on television urging the public to look for a downed pilot.

Iranian state media said in a post on the social platform X that the military shot down a U.S. F-15E Strike Eagle. The aircraft is a variation of the Air Force fighter jet that carries a pilot and weapons system officer.

Alan Diehl, a former investigator for the Air Force Safety Center, said the Strike Eagle has an emergency locator beacon in a survival kit that can be set to activate automatically or manually.

Iran targets a desalination plant and a refinery

News about the downed planes came after Iran attacked Kuwaits Mina al-Ahmadi oil refinery. The state-run Kuwait Petroleum Corp. said firefighters were working to control several blazes.

Kuwait also said an Iranian attack caused material damage to a desalination plant. Such plants are responsible for most of the drinking water for Gulf states, and they have become a major target in the war.

Also sirens sounded in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia said it destroyed several Iranian drones and Israel reported incoming missiles.

Authorities in the United Arab Emirates shut down a gas field after a missile interception reportedly rained debris on it and started a fire.

Activists reported strikes around Tehran and the central city of Isfahan, but it was not immediately clear what was hit.

In Lebanon, where Israel has launched a ground invasion in its fight with the pro-Iranian Hezbollah militant group, an Israeli drone strike on worshippers leaving Friday prayers near Beirut killed two people, according to the staterun National News Agency

More than 1,900 people have been killed in Iran since the war began on Feb. 28 with U.S. and Israeli strikes. In a review released Friday, the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data, a U.S.-based group, said it found that civilian casualties were clustered around strikes on security and state-linked sites rather than indiscriminate bombardment of urban areas.

More than two dozen people have died in Gulf states and the occupied West Bank, 19 have been reported dead in Israel and 13 U.S. service members have been killed.

More than 1,300 people have been killed and more than 1 million displaced in Lebanon. Ten Israeli soldiers have also died there.

Iran keeps a chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz

World leaders, meanwhile, have struggled to end Irans stranglehold on the waterway, which has had far-reaching consequences for the global economy and has proved to be its greatest strategic advantage in the war.

The U.N. Security Council was expected to take up the matter Saturday.

Trump has vacillated on Americas role in the strait, alternately threatening Iran if it does not open the strait and telling other nations to go get your own oil. On Friday he said in a post on social media that, With a little more time, we can easily OPEN THE HORMUZ STRAIT, TAKE THE OIL, & MAKE A FORTUNE.

Spot prices of Brent crude, the international standard, were around $109, up more than 50% since the start of the war, when Iran began restricting traffic through the strait.

Mednick reported from Tel Aviv, Israel. Associated Press writers Jon Gambrell in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Sylvie Corbet in Paris, Sarah El Deeb in Beirut, Tong-hyung Kim in Seoul, South Korea, and Will Weissert, Michelle L. Price, Lisa Mascaro and Ben Finley in Washington contributed.
Annual White House event highlights chocolate and candy's American heritage

WASHINGTON, April 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Confectioners Association (NCA) is partnering with the White House to help bring the 2026 Easter Egg Roll to life with chocolate and candy, providing treats from U.S. confectioners to families gathered on the South Lawn.

For generations, chocolate bunnies, jelly beans, and many other treats have been a familiar part of Easter baskets and springtime gatherings across the United States. These time-honored classics reflect the important role that chocolate and candy play in American culture, helping families celebrate special occasions, sweeten everyday moments, and create shared memories.

"The White House Easter Egg Roll and the chocolate and candy that fill Easter baskets are both cherished American traditions," said John Downs, president and CEO of NCA. "For generations, confectionery makers have helped bring Easter celebrations to life across the country, including at special events like the annual White House Easter Egg Roll. The confectionery industry remains a true American manufacturing success story, rooted in more than 250 years of craftsmanship and continuing to innovate the treats that families will enjoy for decades to come."

As part of its participation, NCA is providing chocolate and candy for attendees to collect at the event. NCA also created a family-friendly photo opportunity featuring a life-sized Easter basket display where guests will be able to capture pictures, along with distributing "Sweet Land of Liberty" stickers honoring the confectionery industry's deep American roots.

Additional Background Information:

Chocolate and candy are woven into the fabric of American life as an essential part of our celebrations, traditions, and shared history. For more than 250 years, the confectionery industry has crafted the treats we love, powered economic growth, and strengthened communities across the country. From local manufacturers to iconic brands, confectionery reflects the ingenuity, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit that define America's past, present, and future. More information is available at CandyUSA.com/SweetLand.

American consumers have a unique mindset when they enjoy chocolate and candy that is not present when interacting with other foods. People in the U.S. enjoy chocolate and candy 2-3 times per week, averaging just 40 calories and one teaspoon of added sugar per day, which includes special moments like Easter. Learn more at AlwaysATreat.com.

More information about the 2026 White House Easter Egg Roll is available here.

About the National Confectioners Association (NCA)

The National Confectioners Association is the voice of the U.S. confectionery industry. Our member companies create moments of joy with chocolate, candy, gum, and mints, drive $54 billion in retail sales, and add a little sweetness to life. NCA champions policies that help candy makers and other stakeholders in this unique category thrive while reminding consumers that chocolate and candy are treats. Learn more at CandyUSA.com or follow NCA on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

Media Contact: Carly Schildhaus, [email protected]

SOURCE National Confectioners Association
Celebrating women in dance music, the 2026 Femmy Awards at Miami Music Week honored artists & leaders driving equity and inclusivity.

AceShowbiz - The 2026 Femmy Awards, held during Miami Music Week, solidified their place as a standout event amid the bustling schedule of parties, panels, and mixers. Now in its second year, the ceremony gathered an impressive lineup of women artists, executives, and allies from the dance music world for a night of recognition and celebration.

Taking place on March 26 at the scenic Palm Tree Club, the event benefited from its bayside location and ideal weather, creating an unforgettable atmosphere for attendees. The Femmy Awards, produced by the nonprofit Femme House, honor women and their allies in the dance music industry, aiming to promote equity and inclusivity across the field.

Femme House was founded by LP Giobbi and Hermixalot, who also served as emcees for this years ceremony. The event featured a mix of presenters and honorees, including prominent artists and industry leaders. Notably, techno figurehead Sara Landry prioritized attending the Femmys by rescheduling her keynote speech at the Winter Music Conference to be present for the event.

Among the award recipients were Aluna Francis, honored as Culture Shifter of the Year; Sophia Kearney, named Agent of the Year; DJ Mags Megan Venzin, awarded Best Music Journalist; and Bina Fronda of Ultra Records, who received the inaugural Theresa Velasquez Award for Outstanding Executive. Rising star accolades went to French producer Emjie, further highlighting the events support for emerging talent.

The Femmy Awards were part of a larger series of Femme House activities during Miami Music Week. These included a panel discussion focusing on sustainable career-building, challenging industry norms, and fostering greater inclusivity. The panel featured LP Giobbi, pioneering German artist Anja Schneider, The Circuit Groups global president of live Alicia Karlin, Backlines executive director Hilary Gleason, Spotifys Lisa Ritchey, and artists Suzi Analouge and Emjie.

This insightful panel was followed by the Femme House Changemakers Dinner at the newly opened Mary Lous inside the W South Beach. The dinner welcomed MajestyofDivinity, winner of the Femme House and Insomniac Discovery Project contest, who also performed at the women in dance brunch and served as the official DJ for the Femmy Awards ceremony.

Throughout the packed and vibrant night, MajestyofDivinitys music was a standout element, helping to create moments that moved the crowd to both laughter and tears. These highlights underscored the ceremonys joyful and inspiring tone.

One of the most memorable moments came when Sara Landry, last years Artist of the Year winner, returned to present the same award to longtime indie-dance innovator Tokimonsta.

In her presentation, Landry praised Tokimonsta as an artist who transcends music by crafting immersive worlds. She highlighted the producers 15-year career as a testament to the power of curiosity and self-trust in creating a distinctive sonic identity and lasting impact.

Your journey even in just the last year reads like a highlight reel, Landry remarked, referencing Tokimonstas recent accolades, including Beatport Artist of the Month, performances at EDC Las Vegas and Ultra Music Festival, as well as a critically acclaimed album and tour.

She also recalled their memorable back-to-back performance at the EDSea event last year, describing how Tokimonsta blew her mind with her artistry. Landry applauded Tokimonsta for her dedication to supporting other creatives through Young Art Records and for being a beacon of authenticity that fuels longevity and creativity.

Accepting the award to enthusiastic applause, Tokimonsta expressed her gratitude, smiling warmly at the crowd and embodying the spirit of the night.

Overall, the 2026 Femmy Awards showcased the vibrant energy and talent of women shaping the future of dance music. From the inspiring speeches to the dynamic performances, the event highlighted the ongoing efforts to create a more inclusive and equitable industry.

With Femme House spearheading these initiatives, the Femmy Awards are set to continue growing as a vital platform for recognizing excellence and empowering women and allies in dance music.
This announcement reflects growing momentum in the premium dining sector, where consumer demand for authentic, high-quality experiences continues to rise. Polpo's return to Palm Beach reaffirms its status as one of the Northeast's most notable independently operated fine dining brands, one with a proven, multi-market track record.

Greenwich's Premier Dining Destination Takes Its Brand National

Since its founding in Greenwich, Connecticut, Polpo Restaurant & Saloon has built a loyal following through a simple but powerful formula: exceptional ingredients, traditional Italian-inspired cooking, and genuine hospitality. The restaurant's menu, anchored by prime meats, fresh seafood, and housemade pastas, has set a benchmark for quality in the region.

What began as a single dining room has grown into a brand recognized for consistency, professionalism, and a distinctly personal approach to the guest experience. The establishment has become a trusted venue for both private dining and high-level professional gatherings, attracting executives, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders who rely on Polpo for its combination of quality, privacy, and atmosphere.

A Proven Palm Beach Presence and a Return in the Making

Polpo is no stranger to Palm Beach. The brand previously operated a thriving location there, earning a loyal following among the market's discerning clientele before an unexpected setback: the building that housed the restaurant was sold, resulting in the loss of the lease and the closure of the location. The closing was not a reflection of performance. By all accounts, Polpo's Palm Beach location was a success, but simply the result of circumstances beyond the restaurant's control.

Now, Polpo is preparing to return. A new Palm Beach location is in the works, with details on the address to be announced soon. For the many guests who experienced and loved the original Palm Beach location, the brand's return is a long-awaited occasion.

"Palm Beach has always been a natural home for what we do," said Ron Rosa, Founder of Polpo Restaurant & Saloon. "Our guests there never stopped asking when we were coming back. The answer is: very soon."

A Scalable Brand Built on Enduring Values

The Palm Beach return further validates what hospitality industry observers have long noted: that Polpo's brand equity is not tied to a single address, but to a set of values, quality, authenticity, and owner-led service that can be consistently delivered across locations. The brand's ability to re-enter a competitive market on the strength of its reputation alone speaks to the depth of loyalty it has built over the years.

A Recognized Hub for Business and Community

Beyond its culinary reputation, Polpo Restaurant & Saloon has distinguished itself as a professional and social hub. The restaurant is widely regarded as a preferred setting for business lunches, private negotiations, and networking among professionals in finance, law, and entrepreneurship, a distinction that few independent restaurants achieve.

This organic role as a business-friendly dining environment has contributed significantly to the restaurant's long-term relevance and staying power in a highly competitive industry.

Owner-Led Leadership Drives Brand Integrity

A key factor in Polpo's sustained success is the continued, hands-on involvement of Founder Ron Rosa and his partner Dominique Rosa. Their daily presence in operations, from curating the menu to managing the guest experience, ensures that every visit reflects the brand's founding values.

In an industry where ownership often becomes removed from day-to-day operations as brands scale, Polpo's leadership model stands out as both a point of difference and a driver of quality assurance.

About Polpo Restaurant & Saloon

Polpo Restaurant & Saloon is an independent luxury dining brand with its flagship location in Greenwich, Connecticut, and a forthcoming new location in Palm Beach, Florida, a market the brand previously served with great success. Founded by Ron Rosa, the brand is built on a commitment to premium ingredients, traditional Italian-inspired cuisine, and authentic hospitality. Polpo serves as both a fine dining destination and a trusted gathering place for the professional and business community. Under the leadership of Ron Rosa and Dominique Rosa, the brand continues to grow while staying true to the values that have defined it since its founding.

Media Contact

Country: United States

Media Contact: Victoria Talbot

Company: VP Media

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 315-412-9427

Website: Vicky Press

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2946019/Polpo_Restaurant_and_Saloon.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2946020/Polpo_Restaurant_and_Saloon.jpg

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SOURCE Polpo Restaurant & Saloon
Matthew Lillard reveals he was almost cast as Negan in The Walking Dead, offering a "wicked and funny" take on the iconic villain before Jeffrey Dean Morgan ...

AceShowbiz - Matthew Lillard came very close to portraying one of television's most iconic villains, Negan, on the hit AMC series The Walking Dead. During an appearance on Kristian Harloff's "The Big Thing Podcast," the actor shared that series creator Frank Darabont initially offered him the role, but only for a brief 10-minute window.

Lillard explained that he auditioned multiple times for the part, attending three separate callbacks. Despite his efforts, the production ultimately chose Jeffrey Dean Morgan to play the antagonist-turned-antihero instead. According to Lillard, while Morgan brought a "super badass and masculine" presence to the character, his own approach would have been "more wicked and funny," offering a distinctly different interpretation.

At San Diego Comic-Con, during a "Twin Peaks" event, Lillard recounted a surprising encounter with the The Walking Dead team. The show's creator told him, "You have no idea. You had the part for like 10 minutes." This brief period occurred before Morgan's representatives intervened, confirming that he would accept the role after all.

Lillard reflected on the missed opportunity, noting that had he secured the role, it might have led to another decade of steady work. Instead, the role of Negan grew into a cultural phenomenon, with Jeffrey Dean Morgan becoming a legendary figure within the franchise. Fans continue to celebrate the character, often seen at conventions in multiple Negan costumes.

The Walking Dead premiered in 2010 and ran for 11 seasons on AMC, becoming one of the most influential TV series in the post-apocalyptic genre. Meanwhile, since 2010, Lillard has continued his career with notable roles in the Scream franchise, various animated Scooby-Doo projects, and the Five Nights at Freddy's series.
Misty Copeland responds to Timothee Chalamet's claim that "no one cares about" ballet and opera, defending their profound and enduring cultural significance.

AceShowbiz - Misty Copeland responded thoughtfully after Timothee Chalamet sparked debate by claiming that "no one cares about" ballet and opera. Speaking on a panel on March 8, the retired American Ballet Theatre principal addressed the actors remarks, emphasizing the enduring cultural significance of these art forms.

Copeland recalled their previous collaboration promoting the film Marty Supreme in November 2025, where she appeared in a shared Instagram post wearing a Marty Supreme windbreaker alongside childhood photos of her dancing ballet. She noted the irony in Chalamets remarks given his invitation to help promote the film through the lens of her discipline.

At the launch event for Aveeno and TOGETHXRs The Strength Issue in New York, Copeland acknowledged that ballet and opera may not be as popular or mainstream as movies, but insisted that their cultural impact remains profound. She said, "It's important that we acknowledge that, yes, this is an art form that's not 'popular' and a part of pop culture as movies are. But that doesn't mean it doesn't have enduring relevance in culture."

Highlighting her historic achievement as the first Black principal ballerina at ABT a decade ago, Copeland stressed that popularity does not necessarily equate to cultural importance or meaningful impact. She pointed out that both opera and ballet have endured for over 400 years because of their lasting value.

Further, Copeland emphasized how "access and opportunity" in these traditional art forms can transform lives, a mission she has pursued throughout her career. Her efforts aim to broaden the audience for ballet and opera, ensuring communities recognize their relevance and see reflections of these arts in wider culture.

Regarding Chalamet specifically, Copeland remarked that his acting career and opportunities owe something to the influence of opera and ballet, especially since these mediums have historically shaped performance arts. She said, "He wouldn't be an actor and have the opportunities he has as a movie star if it weren't for opera and ballet and their relevance in that medium. So all of these mediums have a space and we shouldn't be comparing them."

Both Copeland and Chalamet are expected to attend the 2026 Oscars on Sunday, March 15. Copeland will participate in a performance of the Oscar-nominated original song "I Lied to You" from Sinners, featuring artists like Miles Caton, Raphael Saadiq, Buddy Guy, Bobby Rush, and others, along with actresses Jayme Lawson and Li Jun Li.

Chalamet is nominated for Best Actor for his role in Marty Supreme. His fellow nominees include Leonardo DiCaprio for One Battle After Another, Ethan Hawke for Blue Moon, Michael B. Jordan for Sinners, and Wagner Moura for The Secret Agent.

The 2026 Oscars ceremony, hosted by Conan O'Brien, will air live on ABC and Hulu from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles at 4 p.m. PT.
J. Cole reveals the surprising, "hella left-field" rapper he's been obsessed with lately. Hint: It's a Wu-Tang Clan affiliate.

AceShowbiz - J. Cole has openly shared the rapper who has captured his attention outside of his own music, revealing a surprising choice during a recent interview.

While promoting his project The Fall-Off on the YouTube channel Lost In Vegas, the North Carolina rapper discussed the current artist hes been most engrossed in, highlighting longtime Wu-Tang Clan affiliate Killah Priest.

When asked about which MCs beyond the iconic Mount Rushmore of hip-hopsuch as JAY-Z, Nas, 2Pac, and Biggiehes currently listening to, J. Cole responded, The first answer that comes to my mind is somebody that Ive been playing the last monththis one song in particular. And it made me dive back into some of the shit hes been releasing over the years. Its gonna be hella left-field... but Killah Priest.

The rapper admitted that prior to this recent deep dive, he was only casually acquainted with Killah Priests work, mainly remembering the vicious solo track B.I.B.L.E. (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth) from GZAs classic 1995 album Liquid Swords.

However, during his Trunk Sale Tour, J. Cole stumbled upon Killah Priests track NASA Case and was immediately fascinated by the Brooklyn veterans lyrical prowess.

I played this song and this shit ... its crazy. I didnt know what the fuck to expect; I just clicked [on it]. Its nine and a half minutes, he explained. Its not a style thats normally the one I gravitate to. Its super dense, its superIm not even going to say poetic. Its prose. Its like a book, damn near. And hes telling this story.

J. Cole described how the complexity of the lyrics initially made it difficult for him to follow, sharing, Bro, I shit you not, Im listening to it and Im like, I cant exactly follow what hes talking about. Im getting enough, though, to keep me hooked.

It was only after repeatedly listening to the track that he fully understood Killah Priests storytelling and became an instant fan.

I listened to that song, I shit you not, like nine times in a row because every time I listened to it again, the story got clearer and clearer, J. Cole added. And Im like, Oh my God! Is this n*gga an alien?!

He continued, By the time Im done with my ninth listen and I see the concept hes playing with, Im like, Oh my God, is this n*gga from another dimension and he knows some shit we dont know?!

J. Cole emphasized how rare it is for him to repeatedly play someone elses song outside of his own music, saying, Its one of the only songs outside of my album that Im playing cause its so enjoyable and Im so amazed with what this dude did ... Shout out to Killah Priest, man.

Reflecting on his earlier years as a lyrics-obsessed teenager, J. Cole also mentioned rappers Canibus and Royce Da 59 as some of his childhood favorites for their lyrical skill.

Fans interested in hearing the full conversation can find the segment at the 1:19:30 mark on the Lost In Vegas interview video.
Stallone announces a Rambo prequel, "John Rambo," exploring the character's Vietnam origins. He'll executive produce, not star.

AceShowbiz - Rambo fans recently received an update from Sylvester Stallone about the franchises future, though it might not be the return many were expecting. While fellow 1980s action icon Arnold Schwarzenegger has excited audiences with announcements about new projects in the Conan the Barbarian, Predator, and Commando franchises, Sylvester Stallones news about Rambo takes a different direction.

This week, Sylvester Stallone took to Instagram to reveal that he will be involved with a new Rambo prequel titled John Rambo, but not as the legendary character himself. Instead, the project aims to explore the origins of John Rambo, focusing on his experiences in Vietnam and the trauma that shaped him before returning home. Sylvester Stallone shared a video post announcing that he will serve as executive producer on this film, expressing excitement for the upcoming action.

I will serve as executive producer on this origin story, Sylvester Stallone said in the video. I couldnt be more excited, and the action is coming your way. The post included Sylvester Stallone holding a copy of the script, which suggests he is closely connected to the project beyond just lending his name.

For those unfamiliar with film production roles, an executive producers responsibilities can vary widely. In some cases, it may involve significant creative or financial input, such as hiring directors, choosing the cast, or overseeing the projects development. However, it can also function as a vanity credit that helps attract investors or promote the film by associating a well-known name with the production. For example, stars from the Zombies franchise have served as executive producers on sequels without direct involvement in filmmaking.

It remains unclear which category Sylvester Stallones role on the John Rambo prequel falls into, but his personal connection to the character and franchise could mean he has a more active hand in shaping the story. Industry rumors have already pointed to Noah Centineo as a potential actor to play the younger Rambo, with Jalmari Helander rumored to be directing the film.

Despite speculation, Sylvester Stallone has not indicated that he will reprise the role of John Rambo in this prequel. His involvement seems limited to production duties for now, although there remains the possibility he could appear in a framing device or bookend sequence, narrating or reflecting on the story told about the younger Rambo. For the time being, fans should not expect Sylvester Stallones iconic portrayal of Rambo to return on screen in this project.

This update contrasts sharply with the recent wave of nostalgia-driven announcements from other '80s action stars. Arnold Schwarzenegger has openly confirmed his return to classic franchises, including a new Conan the Barbarian film, a sequel to Predator, and even a script for Commando 2. Meanwhile, Sylvester Stallones news feels more like a strategic move to expand the Rambo universe rather than a direct follow-up starring him.

For fans eager for more Rambo action, the prequel promises to delve into the formative events of John Rambos life, shedding light on the psychological scars and experiences that defined his character. This origin story could introduce a younger generation of characters and actors while expanding the franchises mythology.

Until more concrete details are revealed, including official casting and release dates, expectations should remain tempered. Sylvester Stallone may promote the film as its release approaches, but for now, his role appears confined to behind-the-scenes involvement as executive producer.

Sylvester Stallones announcement has sparked conversation among fans and industry watchers alike, raising questions about how the prequel will balance honoring the legacy of the original films with introducing new elements. It also highlights how major franchises continue to evolve through spin-offs and origin stories rather than solely relying on the return of their original stars.

As Hollywood continues to mine the past for popular IPs, projects like the John Rambo prequel demonstrate how studios and creators are exploring fresh perspectives within established worlds. While it may not be the direct comeback fans hoped for, Sylvester Stallones involvement ensures the project maintains a connection to the franchises roots.

What are your thoughts on Sylvester Stallones role as executive producer rather than star in the new Rambo prequel? Do you think a younger actor portraying John Rambo will resonate with audiences? Share your opinions and join the discussion in the ComicBook Forum.
Remembering James Pergola, the cinematographer who captured the iconic look of Baywatch for 145 episodes. He was 93.

AceShowbiz - James Pergola, the accomplished cinematographer and producer known for his extensive work on the iconic TV series Baywatch, passed away at the age of 93. Pergola died of natural causes on February 23 in hospice care in Naples, Florida, according to his wife of 63 years, Virginia Pergola, who shared the news with The Hollywood Reporter.

James Pergola had a long and distinguished career in film and television, contributing to several notable productions before and during his tenure on Baywatch. His early work included roles as a cinematographer and camera operator on feature films such as Gentle Ben, Caddyshack, and Major League. Notably, he served as the cinematographer for the first eight seasons of Baywatch, shooting 145 episodes from the series' inception on NBC in 1989 through its rise as a syndication powerhouse until his retirement in 1998.

In addition to his work behind the camera, Pergola was also a producer on Baywatch for seven seasons, beginning with the shows second season. Veteran underwater cinematographer Pete Romano praised him, stating, "Jim had a lot of experience working on films shooting on and under the water ... he was perfect for Baywatch and brought a calm presence to the hectic shoot days on the water." Romano also highlighted Pergola's collaborative nature, remarking that "he wasn't one to micromanage."

Born in New York City on November 1, 1932, James Charles Pergola faced tragedy early in life when his father, James V. Pergola, a camera operator, was among the 19 victims of a United Airlines crash in Utahs Uinta Mountains in 1937. His father had been a prominent news cameraman, covering major events including the Lindbergh baby kidnapping in 1932 and the Cuban revolution of 1933, as well as lighter assignments such as an Esther Williams aqua ballet in Miami Beach.

Pergola reflected on his father's legacy in a 2009 writing, stating, "I humbly attempted to follow in my father's footsteps, but I could never fill them. He was truly a great man." After his fathers death, his mother Eleanor relocated the family to Miami, where Pergola graduated from Miami Senior High School.

Following service in the U.S. Marine Corps, Pergola began his career in 1955 at Fox Movietone in New York as an assistant cameraman, a path that mirrored his fathers earlier work. He gained experience shooting CinemaScope short subjects and travelogues, then returned to Miami where he operated cameras on various projects, including the 1962 sports-themed film Safe at Home! featuring Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris, and the 1966 comedy Birds Do It starring Soupy Sales. He also worked on popular television series such as Flipper and Gentle Ben, both produced by Ivan Tors.

During the 1970s, Pergola served as a camera operator on films like Robert Clouse's Darker Than Amber (1970), John Milius Dillinger (1973), and Bob Fosses Lenny (1974). His first role as director of photography came with the CBC series Salty (1974-75), co-created by Ricou Browning, known for his work on Creature of the Black Lagoon and Flipper. His debut as a cinematographer on a feature film was the 1977 production Thunder and Lightning, filmed in Naples, Florida, starring David Carradine and Kate Jackson.

Pergola also contributed as an additional photographer on the 1980 comedy Caddyshack, and as a second-unit cinematographer on Paul Newman's Harry & Son (1984) and David S. Wards Major League (1989). His directorial photography credits further include the 1979 Dom DeLuise comedy Hot Stuff, Jerry Lewis Hardly Working (1980), Nobodys Perfekt (1981), the Amy Madigan-led Love Child (1982), Smokey and the Bandit 3 (1983), What Comes Around (1985), and Police Academy 5: Assignment: Miami Beach (1988).

In the 1990s, beyond his work on Baywatch, Pergola shot the television films Forbidden Paradise and White Thunder at Glacier Bay, contributed to the spinoff series Baywatch Nights, and worked on the Hulk Hogan-led series Thunder in Paradise.

James Pergola is survived by his wife Virginia, their three daughters Mary, Susan, and Hollywho worked as a makeup artist on Baywatchas well as his granddaughters Dylan, Katerina, Juliet, Greta, Scarlett, Willow, and Roxy.

James Pergola's legacy endures through his influential contributions to television and film, especially his skillful cinematography that helped define the sun-soaked, action-packed aesthetic of Baywatch, a show that remains a cultural touchstone decades after its debut.
Doctor Who's future is in flux as Disney+ exits. Could HBO be the next streaming home for the Time Lord? Find out the latest.

AceShowbiz - The future of Doctor Who remains uncertain as the beloved BBC series looks for a new streaming home following Disney+'s recent departure. In late 2025, news broke that Disney+ would no longer carry Doctor Who, ending a partnership that had begun in 2023. Although Disney+ continued to support the show through 2026 with Russell T Davies' holiday special, the platform has since stepped away from any further involvement. This has left fans and industry observers wondering where the iconic sci-fi drama will appear next.

In a recent interview with Radio Times, Casey Bloys, the chairman and CEO of HBO & Max Content, addressed whether HBO might pick up Doctor Who. When asked if his team was interested in bringing the series aboard, Bloys revealed that no formal proposals had been made to HBO yet but expressed openness to the idea.

"It has not been presented to us," Bloys said. "As with anything, I would say 'Never say never' - it's just not something that I know about." His comments suggest that while HBO Max does not currently have firm plans for the show, the door remains open for a potential collaboration with the BBC.

This stance aligns closely with remarks made by Lindsay Salt, the BBC's director of drama commissioning, in March 2026. During an interview with Deadline, Salt was cautious not to make any definitive announcements but acknowledged the BBC's eagerness to secure Doctor Who's future. She also praised HBO as excellent creative partners, emphasizing the rapidly changing landscape of television.

"We'll wait and see how we figure it out. HBO have been great partners creatively. There's a lot of stuff that is changing out there," Salt explained.

With Disney+ withdrawing from its investment, the opportunity now exists for another major media company to bring Doctor Who to audiences outside the United Kingdom. The shows latest season concluded on a dramatic cliffhanger involving a regeneration, setting the stage for its next chapter. Ncuti Gatwas portrayal of The Doctor ended with a surprise regeneration, and the finale gave viewers a glimpse of the new incarnation played by Billie Piper. This stunning reveal has generated significant excitement and speculation among fans, building anticipation for the upcoming season.

Currently, Doctor Who is targeting a new release in December 2026. Russell T Davies' eagerly awaited holiday special is expected to debut around Christmas, although an exact date has yet to be confirmed. This special will likely serve as a bridge to the next season, continuing the story of the Doctors newest form.

The potential move to HBO Max could provide Doctor Who with a fresh platform to expand its global audience and explore new creative directions. HBO Max's interest, while not yet formalized, reflects the streaming services ongoing strategy to secure prestigious and high-profile content. Should negotiations between the BBC and HBO Max advance, it would mark a significant shift in the show's distribution and could reshape how fans worldwide access the series.

As the TV industry continues to evolve with shifting partnerships and platform strategies, the future of Doctor Who hangs in the balance but remains full of promise. Fans are advised to keep an eye on official announcements as the BBC and potential streaming partners work to finalize the shows next phase.

Until then, viewers can look forward to the upcoming holiday special later this year, a key milestone in Doctor Who's ongoing journey. The collaboration between the BBC and potential new partners like HBO Max could open exciting possibilities for the legendary series, ensuring that The Doctors adventures continue to thrill audiences worldwide.
Rapper Pooh Shiesty arrested in federal case involving alleged armed robbery, kidnapping, and Gucci Mane in Dallas studio incident.

AceShowbiz - Pooh Shiesty has been taken into custody by federal authorities in connection with an alleged armed robbery and kidnapping incident that involved prominent figures in the hip-hop industry, including rapper Gucci Mane.

The U.S. Department of Justice revealed on April 2 that the Memphis rapper, whose real name is Lontrell Williams Jr., along with his father, Lontrell Williams Sr., and fellow rapper Big30 (Rodney Lamont Wright Jr.), are among eight individuals arrested on April 1. These arrests stem from a violent event that reportedly occurred on January 10 in Dallas, Texas.

According to details shared during a press conference led by Ryan Raybould, the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, three music industry professionals went to a Dallas recording studio for a meeting scheduled by Pooh Shiesty. The meeting was intended to discuss a recording contract, and Gucci Mane was identified by the DOJ as one of the attendees.

Once inside the studio, the situation escalated dramatically. The complaint alleges that Pooh Shiesty brandished an AK-style pistol and coerced one of the victims at gunpoint into signing a contract release. Raybould described the scene as an armed takeover, with the other conspirators displaying firearms and forcibly taking valuable possessions from the victims, including Rolex watches, jewelry, and cash.

One victim was reportedly choked to the point of near unconsciousness during the event, highlighting the severity of the criminal actions involved.

Further accusations in the complaint state that one of the co-conspirators blocked the studios exit to prevent the victims from leaving. Additionally, some of the stolen items were later shown off on social media, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Texas.

At the time of the January incident, Pooh Shiesty was under home confinement following his release from prison in October. He had served more than three years of a five-year sentence related to firearm conspiracy charges.

Pooh Shiesty is signed to Gucci Manes 1017 Records in partnership with Atlantic Records. Upon his release, his single FDO achieved significant success by topping Billboards Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and Hot Rap Songs charts.

The FBI arrested eight of the nine suspects involved in the case on April 1. One suspect remains at large. On the same day, the FBI conducted a raid at Pooh Shiestys family residence in Cordova, Tennessee.

Besides Pooh Shiesty, his father, and Big30, the U.S. Attorneys Office named additional defendants: Kedarius Waters, Terrance Rodgers, Damarian Gipson, Demarcus Glover, Kordae Johnson, and Darrion McDaniel. Each individual faces severe penalties, including the possibility of life imprisonment if convicted.

Representatives for Pooh Shiesty have declined to comment on the allegations. Billboard has also reached out to the U.S. Attorneys Office for Northern Texas for further statements but has not received a response.

This case marks a serious development in the ongoing legal challenges surrounding Pooh Shiesty and highlights the risks and conflicts that can arise in the high-stakes music business.

The investigation and legal proceedings will continue as authorities work to bring justice in connection with the violent January incident.
Remembering Suki Lahav, the Israeli violinist who shaped Springsteen's early sound, including the iconic intro to "Jungleland." She was 74.

AceShowbiz - Tzruya "Suki" Lahav, the Israeli violinist whose brief yet significant tenure with the E Street Band helped shape some of Bruce Springsteen's early sound, passed away from cancer on April 1 at the age of 74.

Suki Lahav played a crucial role during a transformative period for Springsteen and his band, joining them for five months from October 1974 through March 1975. Her violin work is notably featured in the recording sessions of the albums The Wild, The Innocent, and the E Street Shuffle and Born to Run, including the iconic violin introduction to the song "Jungleland."

Lahav first entered Springsteens sphere in 1972 when her husband, Louis Lahav, served as a record engineer on the Greetings From Asbury Park album. Reflecting on those early days, she told the Jerusalem Post in 2007, "We were all young. [Springsteen] wasnt the big star. Not yet. Just a unique artist."

During the 1973 sessions for The Wild, The Innocent, and the E Street Shuffle in Blauvelt, New York, Lahav unexpectedly found herself filling in vocally. When a church choir invited by Springsteen to sing on "4th of July, Asbury Park (Sandy)" failed to appear, multiple overdubs made Lahav effectively a one-woman choir. Despite her vocal contributions, she was not credited in the albums liner notes.

In August 1974, after key members drummer Ernest "Boom" Carter and keyboardist David Sancious left to form the jazz fusion group Tone, Springsteen sought new musicians through a Village Voice ad, looking for a drummer, pianist, trumpet player, and violinist. After auditions, he hired drummer Max Weinberg and keyboardist Roy Bittan, and decided to give Lahav a trial as the bands violinist.

Lahavs first performance with the E Street Band took place on October 4, 1974, at Avery Fisher Hall in New York City. This concert featured an early rendition of the Born to Run classic "Jungleland," with Lahavs haunting violin adding a distinctive texture to the live set and subsequent studio version. She recalled to the Jerusalem Post, "The music was incredible. The lyrics were so rich; some of the most beautiful lyrics didnt ever make it onto record. Everybody knew that he was going to be this big artist. But we were all poor. Bruce was poor. We were all just completely into this thing."

Lahav collaborated closely with Springsteen on a pared-down version of Bob Dylans "I Want You," which became a standout feature in his live shows. Her violin was also central to performances of "Incident on 57th Street," especially during the famed February 5, 1975 concert at Philadelphias Main Point. That show, broadcast on WMMR-FM, became a widely circulated bootleg cherished by fans. Notably, Lahav appeared onstage only for songs requiring violin, and very few images of her with the band have ever emerged.

The final concert of Lahavs time with Springsteen occurred on March 3, 1975, at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C., where the E Street Band shared a double bill with Orleans. Shortly afterward, she returned to Israel with her husband, closing the chapter on her involvement with Springsteens band.

Upon returning to Israel, Lahav achieved great success in her home country. She performed with the Israeli Kibbutz Orchestra and expanded her creative talents by publishing two novels. Additionally, she wrote the screenplay for the 1996 crime film Kesher Dam and composed several hit songs for Israeli artists such as Yehudit Ravitz ("Derech Hameshi"), Rita ("Yemei Hatom"), and Gidi Gov ("Perach").

Tzruya "Suki" Lahav's unique contributions to the early sound of the E Street Band and her creative legacy in Israel endure, marking her as an important figure in both the American rock scene and Israeli arts.
Blake Lively's lawsuit against Justin Baldoni largely dismissed. Key claims of retaliation and breach of contract proceed to trial in May.

AceShowbiz - Blake Livelys high-profile lawsuit accusing Justin Baldoni and his production partners of sexual harassment and defamation has been largely dismissed by a federal judge, significantly narrowing the case just six weeks before it was set to go to trial in Manhattan.

On Thursday, U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman issued a detailed 152-page ruling that dismissed 10 of the 13 claims brought by Lively, leaving only her allegations of retaliation and breach of contract against the producers of the domestic violence film It Ends With Us, as well as a claim of aiding and abetting retaliation against The Agency Group PR. The trial is scheduled to begin on May 18.

Originally filed on December 31, 2024, Livelys lawsuit accused the films director, Justin Baldoni, the production company Wayfarer Studios, and other defendants of subjecting her to disturbing sexual harassment during filming. She also alleged that after she spoke out, the defendants orchestrated an extensive, coordinated online smear campaign aimed at damaging her reputation before she could go public with her allegations.

The complaint characterized the backlash as a well-financed and sophisticated effort to silence and destroy her credibility.

In a notably critical section of the ruling, Judge Liman rejected Livelys claim that Baldonis improvised behavior during a slow-dance scenewhere he reportedly whispered it smells so good while dragging his lips down her neckconstituted a hostile work environment. The judge emphasized that context is crucial in evaluating sexual harassment claims, especially in creative settings.

There is no question that this conduct might support a hostile work environment claim if it occurred on the factory floor or in the executive suite, the judge wrote. But in all sexual harassment cases, the court must carefully consider the social context in which particular behavior occurs and is experienced by its target.

Judge Liman determined that since Baldoni was performing a scene and improvising within the boundaries of the script, the conduct was not beyond what could reasonably be expected between two characters in a slow-dance sequence. The behavior was directed at Livelys character, not at Lively personally. The ruling acknowledged that creative professionals must have some freedom to experiment without fear of being accused of harassment for artistic choices.

Despite dismissing most sexual harassment claims, the judge found evidence supporting Livelys assertions that she was pressured to film a birth scene nude from the waist down, covered by only a thin black fabric, without the protections of a closed set or an intimacy coordinator, violating her contract terms.

Additionally, testimony revealed that Baldoni told crew members that Lively had never watched pornography, a statement the judge noted appeared unrelated to the creative process and singled her out in a potentially sexualized manner. Viewing the facts in the light most favorable to Lively, the court found sufficient evidence for her to reasonably believe she was subjected to a hostile work environment.

However, the sexual harassment claims failed on legal grounds. Judge Liman concluded that Lively was an independent contractor rather than an employee under the statutes she cited. The ruling noted there was no genuine dispute that she maintained extensive control over decisions related to the film and her role, which excluded her from certain employment protections.

The judge validated Livelys retaliation claims, noting that some conduct by Baldoni and his studio partners potentially crossed the line. While the defendants had the right to hire public relations and crisis management firms to defend their reputations, the court warned there are limits to such responses. It stated, There comes a point where the accused stops simply defending him or herself and starts taking action that a reasonable jury could view as retaliation for the fact that the accuser had the temerity to make the accusations.

Livelys attorney, Sigrid McCawley, issued a statement clarifying that the dismissal of most sexual harassment claims was due to Livelys independent contractor status, not the merit of the allegations themselves.

This case has always been and will remain focused on the devastating retaliation and the extraordinary steps the defendants took to destroy Blake Livelys reputation because she stood up for safety on the set, and that is the case that is going to trial, McCawley said. She added that Lively looks forward to testifying and continuing to expose the vicious form of online retaliation to help others recognize and combat it.

Conversely, Baldonis legal team, led by Alexandra Shapiro and Jonathan Bach, celebrated the ruling as a victory. They expressed gratitude for the courts thorough review and dismissal of all sexual harassment claims against the individual defendants, including Baldoni, producing partners Jamey Heath and Steve Sarowitz, and PR professionals Melissa Nathan and Jennifer Abel.

These were very serious allegations, and we are grateful to the Court for its careful review of the facts, law, and voluminous evidence that was provided, the defense lawyers said. Whats left is a significantly narrowed case, and we look forward to presenting our defense to the remaining claims in court.

The legal dispute first came to public attention in late 2024 after a December 21 New York Times article titled We Can Bury Anyone: Inside a Hollywood Smear Machine. The piece revealed that Lively had filed an initial complaint with the California Civil Rights Department against Baldoni earlier that year.

The case has drawn attention for its focus on workplace safety, creative boundaries, and the repercussions of speaking out against alleged misconduct in Hollywood productions. With the trial set for mid-May, all eyes remain on the courtroom as the parties prepare to argue the remaining claims.
Man arrested for trespassing at Nicki Minaj's Hidden Hills mansion. Suspect did not enter home; rapper was not present. Details on the incident and past lega...

AceShowbiz - A man was apprehended early Wednesday for trespassing on the property of Nicki Minajs Hidden Hills mansion in Los Angeles, authorities confirmed.

The Los Angeles Sheriff's Department identified the suspect as 36-year-old Leland Adams. He was taken into custody in Northwest Los Angeles but reportedly did not enter the rappers residence, according to USA Today.

Los Angeles jail records indicate that Adams was booked on a misdemeanor trespassing charge at the Lost Hills station on Wednesday.

TMZ reported that Nicki Minaj was not present at her Hidden Hills estate when the trespassing occurred.

In 2024, Minajs residence became central to a lawsuit involving an assault case. A judge mandated that Minaj pay $500,000 to German security guard Thomas Weidenmuller, who claimed he was assaulted by Minajs husband, Kenneth "Zoo" Petty, during the 2019 Nicki WRLD Tour.

Initially refusing to pay the settlement, Minaj and Petty faced a court order to sell their 11,000-square-foot Hidden Hills property, valued at $20 million, to fulfill the judgment. The sale was averted after they made a last-minute payment to Weidenmuller in January, securing the mansion.

The "Super Bass" artist has also been involved in another legal dispute as of March. Production company 24/7 Productions (USA) Inc. filed a lawsuit alleging that Minaj failed to pay $275,000 for their services during her 2023 performances at iHeartRadios Jingle Ball concerts and the launch of Pink Friday 2 in December 2023.

According to the companys legal representatives, despite numerous attempts over nearly two years to recover the payments, Minaj has not settled any portion of the invoices. Notably, 24/7 Productions continued to work on Minajs Pink Friday 2 World Tour in 2024 even after the payments were missed.

Billboard has reached out to both the Los Angeles Police Department and Nicki Minajs representatives for comments regarding the trespassing incident and the ongoing legal matters but has not yet received a response.
VENICE, Fla., April 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- How can buyers in Venice find affordable housing while still enjoying the quality of life on Florida's Gulf Coast? According to a HelloNation article, Real Estate Expert Peter West of Bishop West Real Estate explains that manufactured homes in Venice Florida present a practical alternative for both seasonal and year-round residents. As traditional single-family home prices continue to climb, this segment of the market offers stability, affordability, and comfort.

The HelloNation article notes that manufactured housing in Venice Florida has become increasingly attractive in a region where median home prices hover around $400,000. With manufactured homes often selling for less than half that figure, buyers are finding entry into the Venice FL mobile home market more achievable. This affordability allows families, retirees, and seasonal residents to secure housing while maintaining financial flexibility for other expenses.

Manufactured homes do more than reduce costs. As highlighted in the HelloNation feature, these homes are frequently part of established communities that include amenities such as pools, clubhouses, and social activities. West explains that this community infrastructure is especially valuable to retirees and seasonal residents who value connection as well as comfort. These neighborhoods, often classified as Florida land lease communities or fee-simple ownership, provide varying levels of investment while still remaining far below the cost of site-built homes.

Ownership models are another key part of the equation. The HelloNation article points out that buyers can either purchase both the home and the land or opt for a land lease arrangement. Each carries different long-term planning considerations, but both options contribute to affordable housing Gulf Coast FL buyers are actively seeking. According to West, understanding these models helps individuals make informed decisions about stability and monthly costs.

Insurance considerations remain important in a coastal environment. However, the article clarifies that modern manufactured homes built after 1994 meet updated HUD standards and Florida wind zone regulations. This makes them more resilient during seasonal storms than many buyers assume. West highlights that insurance carriers now offer policies specifically designed for these homes, giving residents peace of mind without excessive premiums.

Maintenance is another advantage. Manufactured homes typically sit on smaller lots that require less outdoor upkeep, a benefit for snowbirds and retirees who may be away for long periods. Newer models also feature interior systems and finishes comparable to site-built homes, which eliminates much of the stigma once attached to manufactured housing. The HelloNation article points out that these improvements make cost-effective housing for retirees in Venice more appealing than ever.

Market stability has also kept manufactured homes a steady choice in Venice. Even as broader real estate markets fluctuate, availability in this category remains consistent. Buyers who want both community and comfort without taking on overwhelming financial burdens continue to turn to this option. West explains that access to Gulf Coast amenities combined with supportive neighborhood structures make these homes an appealing long-term choice.

By choosing manufactured homes in Venice Florida, buyers benefit from both affordability and livability. West emphasizes that whether through fee-simple ownership or Florida land lease communities, the segment creates a reliable path into one of the state's most competitive markets. The HelloNation article underscores how this option balances cost, convenience, and community.

The full article, titled Manufactured Homes in Venice Offer Smart Affordability, can be read on HelloNation here. Real Estate Expert Peter West of Bishop West Real Estate in Venice shared these insights through HelloNation to help buyers better understand the value of manufactured homes in today's Gulf Coast market.

About HelloNation

HelloNation is a premier media platform that connects readers with trusted professionals and businesses across various industries. Through its innovative "edvertising" approach that blends educational content and storytelling, HelloNation delivers expert-driven articles that inform, inspire, and empower. Covering topics from home improvement and health to business strategy and lifestyle, HelloNation highlights leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

SOURCE HelloNation
Join Soderbergh, Coel, McKellen & art world icons for talks on film & art. See 'The Christophers' early at special screenings.

AceShowbiz - To build anticipation for the upcoming release of The Christophers, the art-driven drama directed by Steven Soderbergh, Neon is organizing a series of conversations that bring together the film's creators and notable figures from the art world.

This special event series will be hosted at the Sothebys Breuer Building and the WSA in Lower Manhattan. It will include appearances by The Christophers stars Michaela Coel and Ian McKellen, screenwriter Ed Solomon, and director Soderbergh. They will be joined by prominent art figures such as Pulitzer Prize-winning critic Jerry Saltz and artist-educator Ajay Kurian, facilitating rich discussions about the intersection of film and contemporary art.

Following these talks, special screenings of The Christophers will be held on April 14 and April 15 across various cities including Austin, Boston, Chicago, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington, DC. These screenings will be complemented by conversations featuring local artists and art experts, further exploring themes from the film.

The conversation series kicks off on April 9 with an event titled "The Art of Making The Christophers." This live discussion features the filmmakers alongside Andrew Goldstein, formerly head of Artnet News, focusing on the creative process behind the film and its portrayal of the lives of working artists.

On April 10, the program continues with "Canvas on the Silver Screen," which includes a sequence of three discussions. The first is a one-on-one conversation between Jerry Saltz and Ian McKellen, delving into the films artistic elements. This will be followed by a dialogue between Ed Solomon and Ajay Kurian on the screenwriting process of The Christophers. The day concludes with a panel titled "Inside the Artists Studio: The Real Dynamics of the Artist-Assistant Relationship," moderated by Kurian and featuring artists such as Jamian Juliano-Villani and Ian Cheng.

The plot of The Christophers centers on estranged relatives, played by Jessica Gunning and James Corden, who enlist the help of a struggling artist portrayed by Michaela Coel to steal and complete the unfinished works of a famous artist, played by Ian McKellen. Neon acquired the film following its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Neon will release The Christophers in theaters in New York and Los Angeles on April 10, with a nationwide rollout starting April 17. Interested attendees can find the full schedule of events on the official Neon website.
Aang masters the elements in Avatar: The Last Airbender Season 2. Follow his journey with Katara and Sokka through the Earth Kingdom toward the epic showdown...

AceShowbiz - The highly anticipated second season of Avatar: The Last Airbender continues to follow Gordan Cormiers Aang as he strives to master all four elements before confronting Fire Lord Ozai, portrayed by Daniel Kim. Season 1 focused largely on Aangs journey learning waterbending under the guidance of Kiawentiio Tarbells Katara.

Alongside Katara and her brother Sokka, played by Ian Ousley, Aang also explored the Earth Kingdom, accompanied by his loyal flying bison, Appa. The live-action adaptation on Netflix has been praised for its faithful depiction of the original Nickelodeon animated series, bringing beloved characters and their elemental powers to life with a fresh perspective.

Season 2 is expected to deepen the storylines as Aang progresses in his training and faces greater challenges. Fans can look forward to more intense action sequences and character development as the team travels through the Earth Kingdom and prepares for the ultimate battle against Fire Lord Ozai.

Additionally, Miya Cech joins the cast as Toph, an essential addition to Aangs group who will play a crucial role in his earthbending education. The series continues to build momentum, keeping audiences engaged with its blend of adventure, friendship, and the struggle for balance in a war-torn world.

With filming of the third and final season recently wrapped, Netflixs adaptation is steadily progressing toward completing this epic retelling of a cherished story, promising an exciting conclusion to the saga.
Kristen Bell reveals how Dax Shepard & their daughters supported her backstage at the 2026 Actor Awards, even on his colonoscopy day. A story of family love.

AceShowbiz - Kristen Bell opened up about the unwavering support she received from her husband, Dax Shepard, during her role as host of the 2026 Actor Awards on March 1. Despite preparing for a colonoscopy earlier that day, Dax Shepard was present backstage, cheering on his wife alongside their daughters, Lincoln, 11, and Delta, 9.

Sharing behind-the-scenes moments on Instagram on March 2, Kristen Bell expressed her gratitude, captioning the photos with a heartfelt message. She emphasized that the demanding job of hosting the ceremony was not something she could accomplish alone. "Thank you @daxshepard for being so continuously supportive and present. You have never not been there to help calm my nervous system when its crunch time," she wrote.

Kristen Bell described the family as her creative fuel, adding, "Our family unit gives me the fuel to be creative and perform and entertain, which I so love to do. I am thankful for the space I can take up, and will always make the same room for all three of you when you need it." This candid glimpse into her personal life showcased the strong partnership between the couple during a high-pressure evening.

Earlier in the evening, it seemed Dax Shepard might miss the event, as he shared on Instagram Stories that he was in the process of prepping for a colonoscopy, which required skipping the red carpet. However, he ensured his presence was felt backstage, offering encouragement to Kristen Bell as she took the stage.

This marked the third consecutive year Kristen Bell hosted the awards ceremony, returning after leading the event in both 2024 and 2025. She has become a familiar face at the event formerly known as the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards. In fact, the ceremony underwent a rebranding this year, now officially titled the Actor Awards.

Kristen Bell has been actively adjusting to the new name, acknowledging the challenge of breaking old habits. In an interview with USA Today published February 26, the 45-year-old discussed the transitional phase, noting, "Renaming it is a big thing to apply to the old processor. Theres been a lot of slip-ups. But we politely correct each other when I say the SAG Awards. Nope, its now called the Actor Awards."

The 2026 Actor Awards ceremony featured a star-studded lineup, with ensemble films One Battle After Another and Sinners leading the pack for the most film nominations. On the television front, The Studio, produced by Seth Rogen, earned the highest number of nominations.

Adding to the evenings prestige, legendary actor Harrison Ford will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his extraordinary contributions to the industry.

For those interested in witnessing the full event, the Actor Awards 2026 (formerly the SAG Awards) aired live on Sunday, March 1, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT exclusively on Netflix. This years ceremony not only celebrated remarkable talent across film and television but also marked a significant evolution in branding and style for the prestigious event.
War Machine was Netflix's 2026 sci-fi hit, but its reign is ending as new challengers top the charts. Discover the streaming battle.

AceShowbiz - War Machine premiered on Netflix on March 6, 2026, and quickly became a streaming powerhouse. The sci-fi thriller starring Alan Ritchson has amassed an impressive 111 million views and over 200 million hours watched, making it the platforms biggest hit of the year so far.

Despite its explosive launch and sustained popularity in the weeks following release, War Machine is now beginning to lose momentum. Streaming data from FlixPatrol reveals the film has slipped to fourth place on Netflixs global top ten chart, signaling a slowdown in viewer engagement.

The race remains led by Cillian Murphys highly anticipated sequel to Peaky Blinders, titled The Immortal Man, which continues to dominate the streaming rankings. Other recent entrants shaking up the list include the Thai crime thriller The Red Line, which has grabbed the second spot, and the third installment of the Indian crime drama Mardaani.

While War Machine may not revolutionize the alien invasion subgenre, its 109-minute runtime provides enough thrills to keep viewers entertained. Critics have pointed out that the film struggles to carve out a distinct identity amid similar sci-fi action movies. However, praise has been directed toward Ritchsons surprisingly layered performance, which helps elevate the films impact.

In a review for Collider, Aidan Kelley noted, "War Machine does indeed struggle to stand out in a crowded subgenre of alien invasion movies, but it also does enough to likely satisfy action and sci-fi fans. There are glimmers of brilliance with Ritchson's surprisingly nuanced performance in the lead role and at least one truly great action sequence, but just about every other aspect falls into 'just fine' territory."

Kelley added, "Is it Ritchson's breakout actioner that will finally put him on the filmmaking map? Maybe not, but it's still a fun enough adventure that streaming fans should find a good amount of enjoyment in."

As of now, War Machine needs roughly 27 million more views to surpass Millie Bobby Browns Damsel and enter the top ten most-watched Netflix films ever. Whether it achieves this feat depends on if the film can regain momentum despite its current decline in rankings.

Regarding the future of the franchise, there is no official confirmation of a sequel yet. However, the trajectory of the movies success makes a follow-up a plausible prospect. Netflix has a well-known pattern of greenlighting sequels to high-performing originals, and the ending of War Machine leaves room for further storytelling.

Writer and director Patrick Hughes shared his thoughts on the possibility of continuing the story. In an interview with ScreenRant, he said, "It's impossible not to, as a writer, to think about. I fell in love with the character of 81, and the universe of sort of everything he's going through. So look, if that call comes in, then yes, I'm ready to pull the trigger."

This hints that if Netflix decides to proceed with a sequel, Hughes is eager to develop the next chapter in the saga. Fans of the film and Ritchsons performance will likely watch closely for any announcements.

To keep up with the latest developments regarding War Machine, including its viewership trends, critical reception, and sequel possibilities, subscribing to dedicated newsletters is recommended. These resources offer data-driven insights ideal for audiences tracking streaming successes.

War Machine is currently available to watch on Netflix in the United States. Streaming audiences can enjoy the intense action and sci-fi elements while staying tuned for future updates on the films performance and potential continuation.
Meghan Markle's As Ever brand celebrates one year of US success. Discover why her popular products are still not available internationally, including the UK.

AceShowbiz - Meghan Markle's lifestyle brand, As Ever, is marking its first anniversary today, having built a strong following in the United States. Since its launch on April 9, 2025, the brands productsranging from wines and jams to flower sprinkles and herbal teashave been highly sought after, often selling out within hours of release. However, despite the brands success, As Ever remains exclusively available to customers within the 50 US states, leaving international fans, including those in the UK, unable to purchase the products.

The decision to limit shipping to the United States has sparked curiosity, especially considering Meghan Markles former ties to the UK as a working royal. Yet, a brand and culture expert has offered insight into why the Duchess of Sussexs products havent expanded to her former home market. According to expert Nick Ede, the primary factor is related to Meghans current public appeal and the competitive nature of the UK consumer market.

"I don't think the UK is a focus for the As Ever brand as it's driven by popularity and at the moment Meghan doesn't have the star power in the UK that she once had," Ede told the Express. He also pointed out that UK consumers might find some of the brands product concepts unfamiliar, such as flower sprinkles, which are less common in the British market.

Additionally, Ede highlighted the saturated nature of the UKs beverage market, noting, "There is such a huge choice of rose wines in the UK from Kylie Minogue to Lady A that another brand just won't drive the volume or demand that they will need to make it a success." This competitive environment makes launching As Ever in the UK a more challenging prospect compared to the US market, where the brand has found a more receptive audience.

Since its inception, As Ever has focused exclusively on American customers. Despite this, the brand has seen steady growth. Although official sales figures have not been publicly shared, data compiled by Newsweek from SimilarWeb indicates that the As Ever website experienced a 36% increase in visits between October 2025 and January 2026. The website recorded 196,831 visits in October, rising to 268,200 in January, with a steady 245,982 visits in December. These numbers point to growing interest and engagement with the brand over the past several months.

Meghan Markle and her team have worked to maintain the availability of many core products, restocking inventory to meet demand. The brands growth, despite its US-only shipping policy, suggests a strong foundation and potential for future expansion. The team behind As Ever has expressed satisfaction with the brands progress during its first year and has plans to continue improving and possibly broadening its reach.

While the initial launch faced some early challenges, Meghan is reportedly eager to learn from these experiences to sustain and enhance the brands momentum. The company has yet to announce any plans to expand shipping to other countries, including the UK, but the brands trajectory suggests that such developments could be considered as it looks toward the future.

In summary, Meghan Markles As Ever brand has thrived within the United States but remains unavailable to UK consumers primarily due to her diminished star power in the British market and the highly competitive landscape for similar products. For now, fans outside the US will have to wait for any potential international expansion, as the brand continues to build its presence and refine its offerings in the American market.
Prince Harry's 3-year dating rule was shattered by Meghan Markle. Discover the royal romance that defied his own protocol, as revealed in his memoir 'Spare'.

AceShowbiz - Prince Harry revealed in his memoir Spare that he had a strict personal rule about the pace of relationships, which he completely discarded after meeting Meghan Markle. Back in 2016, when their romance began, Harry was living a very different life as a full-time working royal residing at Kensington Palace, close to his brother, Prince William.

That summer marked a turning point for the Duke of Sussex. He openly admitted that he had a long-standing guideline: he would only consider taking a serious step in a relationship after dating someone for at least three years. This principle was something he followed rigorously as a young royal bachelor, but it quickly became obsolete when Harry started dating Meghan Markle.

In Spare, Harry explains, The main one was that you absolutely must date a woman for three years before taking the plunge. However, he describes how Meghan was a clear exception to this rule. It was during a trip to Africa that he realized their connection was unlike anything he'd experienced before. He recounts, Meg seemed the shining exception to this rule. All rules. I knew her straightaway, and she knew me. The true me. Might seem rash, I thought, might seem illogical, but it's true: For the first time, in fact, I felt myself to be living in truth.

Just two years after their initial meeting, in 2018, the couple married in a high-profile Windsor wedding, solidifying their bond in a fairy-tale ceremony. This was notably faster than Harrys previously held three-year rule, highlighting how profoundly Meghan altered his approach to relationships.

Since then, their journey has taken many turns. Two years after their wedding, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped back from senior royal duties and relocated to California with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. The couples relationship with the royal family has been complex and, at times, strained.

Despite ongoing tensions, a close friend of Harry has disclosed that he would welcome an invitation to spend the summer at Sandringham, the Kings estate in Norfolk. The Duke of Sussex is scheduled to be in the UK in July for an event connected to the Invictus Games set for Birmingham in 2027. This visit could provide an opportunity for a family reunion.

According to the insider speaking to the Sunday Times, If he was invited by the King, he would get a package of security that automatically kicks in. He'd like an invite to Sandringham. Would he go? It would depend who was there. If the King was to say, 'Come up and spend some time with the family,' he'd love that.

However, a source close to the King has responded cautiously to these sentiments, emphasizing that low trust and bitter experience remain significant obstacles to reconciliation. This source told the Daily Mail that the perception of leaks and public disclosures from Harrys camp regarding family matters continue to hinder progress toward mending relations between father and son.

While the prospect of a reunion lingers, it is clear that unresolved issues around privacy and trust are key barriers. The ongoing dynamic within the royal family highlights the complexities of Harry and Meghans position both within the monarchy and in the public eye.

Looking back, the decision Harry made to abandon his own dating rule after meeting Meghan Markle reflects the profound impact she has had on his life. Their relationship defied Harrys earlier cautious approach and set him on a path markedly different from the one he had envisioned for himself as a younger royal.

From their first encounter in 2016 to their marriage in 2018, and subsequent move to the United States, Harry and Meghan continue to be central figures in a story marked by transformation, challenges, and evolving family dynamics. Their personal journey remains a subject of significant public and media interest as they navigate life inside and outside the royal spotlight.
Bob's Burgers voice actor Eugene Mirman seriously injured in fiery New Hampshire car crash. Rescued by governor and state trooper.

AceShowbiz - Eugene Mirman, the voice actor known for his role on Bob's Burgers, sustained serious injuries after a car accident in New Hampshire on Tuesday.

The incident involved a 2026 Lucid Gravity vehicle that crashed into the Bedford Toll Plaza. According to a press release from New Hampshire police, Mirman was driving the single vehicle involved in the crash.

A State Trooper assigned to Governor Kelly Ayottes security detail was among the first responders at the scene. The trooper discovered the car on fire with a passenger trapped inside. With assistance from Governor Ayotte and other witnesses, Mirman was rescued through a car window while flames engulfed the vehicle.

Mirman, 51, was promptly transported to a local hospital where he is currently being treated for his serious injuries. The police have not filed any charges yet, and the crash remains under investigation.

A representative for Mirman issued a statement to The Hollywood Reporter expressing gratitude for the quick response by bystanders, state police, first responders, and medical staff. The statement said, "Eugene was in a very scary car accident. He wants to thank those who saved him and is grateful to be on the mend. We kindly ask for privacy as he focuses on recovery."

Colonel Mark B. Hall praised the heroic efforts of those who helped during the emergency. He remarked, "Certainly, their actions were heroic in what they did. Without hesitation, they put themselves in danger to render aid to someone who was in need of it."

Following the accident, Governor Ayotte also took to X (formerly Twitter) to thank the trooper and bystanders. She wrote, "I want to thank the Trooper on my security detail and the bystanders who stepped up to help at the scene of the crash for their brave lifesaving efforts today. Joe and I are praying for the full recovery of the driver who was injured today."

Mirman has been a key cast member of Bob's Burgers since the shows first season, providing the voice for Gene Belcher. He has appeared in all 16 seasons of the animated Fox series.

Aside from his role on Bobs Burgers, Mirman has an extensive list of credits including the films Confess and Fletch (2022), as well as animated series like Teenage Euthanasia (2023) and Apple & Onion (20162021). He also lent his voice to The Bob's Burgers Movie in 2022 and appeared in a 2018 episode of The Simpsons.

In addition to voice acting, Mirman is a stand-up comedian. His latest special, Here Comes The Whimsy, was released on Veeps on February 5, which he celebrated via Instagram prior to the accident.
Banned Iranian director Jafar Panahi's covert, Palme d'Or-winning film of resistance. Now streaming on Hulu and Prime Video.

AceShowbiz - It Was Just an Accident is currently streaming on Hulu and other VOD platforms like Amazon Prime Video, offering more than just a film experienceit stands as a powerful statement of resistance. Directed by Jafar Panahi, one of Irans most acclaimed filmmakers, the movie embodies his decades-long struggle against censorship and oppression. Despite being banned from making films in Iran for many years and facing imprisonment for his critical stance toward the countrys religious and political regimes, Panahi persevered in creating deeply compelling cinema.

After the ban on Panahi was lifted, he still worked covertly, shooting It Was Just an Accident in a guerrilla style without official authorization. This risky approach led to further legal challenges but also resulted in one of the most gripping and unforgettable films of 2025. The movie made a surprising splash at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, where it won the coveted Palme dOr. It now arrives on Hulu, having earned two 2026 Oscar nominations for Best International Feature and Best Original Screenplay.

Stream It or Skip It?

The film opens at night with an unnamed man (played by Ebrahim Azizi) driving his pregnant wife (Afssaneh Najmabadi) and their daughter (Delnaz Najafi) down a dark road. Suddenly, the car hits something, and the man stops to move a dying dog off the road. After restarting the car with help, a man named Vahid (Vahid Mobasseri) senses something chilling: the drivers voice and a distinctive limp trigger a painful memory. Vahid believes this driver is Eghbal, nicknamed Eghbal the Peg Leg, a former torturer from his time as a political prisoner.

The next day, Vahid abducts the man, knocks him down, and beats him with a shovel before dragging him to a remote desert. There, Vahid begins burying the blindfolded captive alive. The prisoner denies being Eghbal, but Vahid is convinced, despite admitting he was blindfolded during his imprisonment and can only rely on the voice and the sound of the prosthetic leg. Doubt flickers across Vahids face, prompting him to rescue the man from the grave and lock him in a wooden box in his van as they head back to Tehran.

Once in the city, Vahid seeks help from his friend Salar (Georges Hashemzadeh), who is reluctant to get involved. Vahid explains the deep wounds caused by Eghbaltaking his dignity, wife, and livelihood. Salar directs Vahid to Shiva (Mariam Afshari), a photographer and fellow former prisoner who called Eghbal The Gimp. Shiva, still grappling with trauma, is photographing Goli (Hadis Pakbaten), another ex-prisoner about to marry her fiance Ali (Majid Panahi). Upon learning who is captive, Goli nearly faints and erupts with fury, wanting to confront the man who tormented her.

Yet, uncertainty remains. Nobody can confirm for sure if this man is truly Eghbal. To settle this, they turn to Shivas volatile ex, Hamid (Mohammed Ali Elyasmehr), who confidently identifies the scars on the captives leg and insists he is the torturer they all fear. United in rage and confusion, the group, armed with cameras and conflicting emotions, journeys into the desert. But what comes next is a moral puzzle with no easy answers.

What Movies Does It Echo?

It Was Just an Accident blends the investigative tension of Anatomy of a Fall with the gritty immediacy of Good Time, offering a potent critique of Irans harsh legal and moral systems. The film unfolds over roughly 24 hours, navigating the complex layers of justice, revenge, and conscience among survivors of political violence.

Standout Performance

Vahid Mobasseri delivers a nuanced portrayal of Vahid, embodying every facet of the characters journey with subtlety and depth. His physicality and emotional restraint balance moments of dark humor with intense psychological drama, making his performance a central pillar of the films impact.

Content Note

The film contains no explicit sex or nudity, focusing instead on the psychological and moral struggles of its characters.

Our Perspective

The tense dynamic inside the vanwhere former prisoners debate how to handle the man they believe is their tormentorforms a complex ethical landscape. They wrestle with questions of justice and revenge: Is it right for ordinary citizens to enact brutal vengeance? Can they trust their memories, or the mans denials? What about the possibility of mistaken identity? Should they kill, imprison, or release him? And who is truly responsiblethe individual or the oppressive system that created him?

Panahi masterfully compresses this moral drama into a single day, exploring the psychological toll on Vahid and his companions as they confront their past traumas. While the plots rapid developments may stretch the bounds of believability, they serve as a compelling thought experiment infused with uniquely Iranian cultural elements.

These cultural details enrich the films tragicomic tone. The recurring image of Goli wearing a wedding dresseven as the group pushes the van after it runs out of gassymbolizes how her imprisonment overshadows what should be one of lifes happiest moments. Similarly, the frequent need to bribe officials, depicted through scenes of smiling nurses and security guards wielding wireless credit card readers, highlights everyday corruption in Irans bureaucracy. These moments, while bordering on absurd, mirror the harsh realities Panahi has experienced firsthand.

The films emotional heart lies in its depiction of pervasive trauma. The regimes cruelty has left scars on countless individuals, tangible in their bodies and minds. Panahis lingering shots of the final desert scenes become haunting still lifes, capturing the devastating aftermath of political violence. Though earlier scenes may provoke uneasy laughter, the movies closing moments deliver profound sorrow, leaving viewers with a lasting emotional impact.

Final Verdict

Devastating and thought-provoking, It Was Just an Accident is a must-watch. Its exploration of justice, memory, and morality within a politically repressive context makes it one of the most powerful films available on Hulu today.
Pixar's Hoppers: A sci-fi comedy about beaver eco-activists, hailed as its most engaging film since Coco. Humor, heart, and a fresh twist on Avatar.

AceShowbiz - Hoppers marks Pixar's latest animated release, diving into sci-fi comedy with a unique twist centered on beavers and environmental activism. Directed by David Chong, known for creating the TV series We Bare Bears, this film is already being hailed as Pixars most engaging work since Coco. While Pixar has experienced some ups and downs following Coco, Hoppers stands out by blending humor, heart, and social commentary into a fresh story that cleverly riffs on familiar sci-fi tropes.

Pixars storytelling formula often revolves around exploring feelings through imaginative lenses. From toys in Toy Story to bugs in A Bugs Life, and from monsters to robots, the studio consistently asks: what if these beings had feelings? Hoppers continues this tradition but tackles an underexplored premise  what if the sci-fi technology popularized by James Camerons Avatar actually had an emotional core and a sharper narrative?

Hoppers openly nods to Avatar, acknowledging the parallels between their premises. Both films explore the concept of transferring human consciousness into another species to interact with a natural world under threat. However, unlike Avatar  which has been criticized for its colonialist undertones and simplistic storytelling  Hoppers uses this technology as a jumping-off point for a more nuanced, comedic, and morally complex narrative.

The story follows Piper Curda as Mabel, a passionate 19-year-old animal rights activist determined to save a beloved forest glade from destruction by a new freeway project. The towns mayor, Jerry, played by Jon Hamm, is eager to push through the development, but he faces a hurdle: the permit cannot be granted if the area is home to wildlife. Unfortunately, the forests animals have mysteriously disappeared, leaving Mabel with the daunting task of uncovering the cause before its too late.

Mabels mission takes an unexpected turn when her college professor, Dr. Fairfax  portrayed by Kathy Najimy  invents a revolutionary technology reminiscent of Avatar. This device allows Mabel to transfer her mind into a highly realistic beaver robot, enabling her to explore the forest from an entirely new perspective. While this premise may sound quirky, Hoppers asks audiences to simply embrace the fun and imaginative ride.

Inside her beaver avatar, Mabel encounters King George, a laid-back beaver voiced by Bobby Moynihan, who leads the local mammal community. King Georges relaxed attitude toward natures food chain, particularly his laissez-faire stance on carnivores preying on other animals, initially clashes with Mabels activist ideals. This tension sparks much of the films comedic and dramatic energy as Mabel navigates the complexities of animal society and its parallels to human political systems.

Hoppers doesnt shy away from exploring the challenges and contradictions of activism and politics. Mabels all-or-nothing approach to protecting nature reflects the often messy reality of political engagement, where idealism can collide with practical limits and unintended consequences. The film thoughtfully reveals the layers of animal society, blending adorable moments with sobering reflections on coexistence and conflict.

One of the films most compelling elements is its examination of optimism versus realism. King George believes in the inherent goodness of everyone, while Mabel remains skeptical due to her experiences. Their dynamic illustrates a key message: while its important to strive for a better, more compassionate world, we must also recognize when diplomacy fails and decisive action is necessary. Hoppers doesnt offer simplistic solutions but encourages viewers to engage with these complexities.

Moreover, Hoppers stands out by playfully subverting the tired colonial narrative often associated with Avatar. Rather than portraying indigenous creatures as helpless without a human savior, it presents Mabel as a flawed outsider who makes mistakes and faces consequences for her assumptions and missteps. This self-aware storytelling adds depth and humor, setting the film apart from its sci-fi predecessors.

The creativity of Hoppers shines through its inventive use of sci-fi elements and its willingness to get delightfully weird. The animation style embraces its cartoony potential, allowing for wild plot developments  including a memorable car chase featuring a giant shark, which fits perfectly within the films quirky logic. These moments balance the films more serious themes with lighthearted fun, making it an entertaining experience for audiences of all ages.

At its core, Hoppers is a smart, wacky, and morally rich film that challenges viewers to think critically about environmentalism, politics, and the complexities of empathy. Its a much-needed addition not only to Pixars filmography but to the broader landscape of animated features tackling contemporary issues with humor and heart.

Opening exclusively in theaters on March 6, Hoppers promises a fresh, thought-provoking, and highly entertaining adventure. Its a film that not only entertains but also playfully critiques the status quo  including Disneys own storytelling tendencies  while offering a hopeful vision of a world where understanding and action go hand in hand.
Henry Cavill wants to be a Bond villain, not 007. Discover why the actor may be out of the running for James Bond and his surprising franchise history.

AceShowbiz - Henry Cavill has expressed interest in joining the James Bond franchise again, but this time with a twist: he wants to play a Bond villain rather than James Bond himself. With Daniel Craigs tenure as James Bond ending five years ago after No Time to Die, fans and filmmakers alike are eager to discover who will take over the iconic 007 role next. However, early reports suggest the producers are seeking a younger actor for the upcoming Bond 26, which may have put some top contenders like Cavill out of the running.

Speaking to Heat Magazine (via social media user @nature_dweller), Cavill reflected on his past involvement with the franchise, revealing that he auditioned for the Bond role during the casting of Casino Royale. He lost the part to Daniel Craig but made it clear that it was never a matter of turning down the role. "I didn't turn the role down - it just wasn't the right time," he said. "What actor wouldn't love to be Bond? But at 42, I'd probably be considered a bit old to start now. I would love to be a Bond villain, though. If it was the right character, I think that would be fascinating to explore."

When Cavill originally auditioned for Bond, he was only 22 years oldtoo young for the producers vision at that time. Now, at 42, he finds himself on the older side for the lead role, especially given the direction reportedly favored by the new Bond 26 director, Denis Villeneuve. Sources indicate that the filmmakers want a British male actor in his late 20s or early 30s to headline the next Bond installment, aiming to launch a new era of films with a younger lead who can carry the franchise for years to come.

This approach mirrors past patterns, as several recent Bonds have led multiple films in the series: Pierce Brosnan starred in four movies, while Craig headlined five. For Amazon and Villeneuve, the goal is to establish a fresh, long-running series. This strategy likely rules out a debut Bond role for Cavill, but it opens up exciting possibilities for him to join the franchise as a memorable antagonist.

Playing a Bond villain would be a fitting compromise for Cavill. Many Bond villains appear in just one film, making the commitment less daunting than a lead role that requires multiple sequels. This would allow Cavill to engage with the franchise without a long-term contract while still making a significant impact. Some of the most iconic villains in Bond historysuch as Javier Bardems Silva in Skyfallwere one-off characters who left lasting impressions on fans.

Given Cavills well-established action credentials, the role of a Bond villain suits him well. His portrayal of CIA assassin August Walker in Mission: Impossible  Fallout demonstrated his ability to play a compelling and menacing antagonist. Walker starts as an ally to Ethan Hunt but is revealed to have a darker, more sinister agendaqualities that align perfectly with the classic Bond villain archetype.

Cavill also proved his physical prowess in action sequences, contributing to one of the most memorable scenes in the film: the intense bathroom fight. His experience with high-stakes espionage thrillers, combined with his collaborations with director Guy Ritchie, further cement his credentials for a villainous role in the Bond universe.

As casting for Bond 26 progresses, the choice of villain will be just as critical as the selection of the new Bond. The wrong casting decisions for either the villain or the Bond Girl could undermine the momentum of the franchises new chapter. If the villain role is well-cast, it could elevate the entire film and provide a strong foil to the lead character.

Should the opportunity arise, Cavill could bring a powerful dynamic to Bond 26 and potentially future sequels. Even if he does not secure a role in Villeneuves film, there remains the possibility that he could appear in later installments, fulfilling his ambition to be part of the franchise in a significant way.

Cavills interest in playing a Bond villain reflects a mature perspective on his career and the franchises direction. While he acknowledges that his age might not fit the lead roles current vision, he remains eager to explore a complex antagonist role that could challenge him creatively and delight Bond fans worldwide.

With the Bond franchise poised for a fresh start, the coming months will reveal who steps into the tuxedo and who will face off against 007. Fans can only hope that Cavill gets the chance to bring his unique intensity to the villain role and add a memorable chapter to the legacy of James Bond cinema.
NEW YORK, April 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ --

Why: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces an investigation of potential securities claims on behalf of investors in FLOW (FLOW-USD) cryptocurrency, resulting from allegations that Flow Foundation may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public.

So What: If you purchased FLOW cryptocurrency 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=56767 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action.

What is this about: If you purchased FLOW cryptocurrency on or before December 27, 2025 and held your Flow cryptocurrency through December 29, 2025, please reach out to the firm. There are no out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.

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 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.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Contact Information:

Laurence Rosen, Esq.

Phillip Kim, Esq.

The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.

275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor

New York, NY 10016

Tel: (212) 686-1060

Toll Free: (866) 767-3653

Fax: (212) 202-3827

[email protected]

www.rosenlegal.com

SOURCE THE ROSEN LAW FIRM, P. A.
Andy Cohen advises new Housewives stars on avoiding post-filming drama. Get his crucial tips for navigating reality TV relationships and staying present.

AceShowbiz - Andy Cohen is sharing crucial advice for the newest stars of The Real Housewives franchise as they embark on their reality TV journeys. On the March 2 episode of Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen, the franchise's executive producer addressed a common challenge many Housewives face after filming concludes: reigniting cast conflicts upon watching the episodes back.

During the segment, Cohen cautioned the cast of The Real Housewives of Rhode Island to maintain the peace they have established off-camera rather than allowing past tensions to resurface. "As this season plays out, you're going to hear a lot in confessionals from the other women. Try to stay in the place you are right now with each other," he encouraged the women.

He acknowledged that many veteran Housewives struggle with this dynamic, emphasizing the difficulty of staying present in their relationships amid the pressures of the show. Cohen advised, "This is the thing that a lot of veteran Housewives still have a really hard time with. This is a really hard thing. Just try to stay in the moment we're in, in April of 2026." He further suggested that the cast keep track of unresolved issues to discuss later at the reunion, saying, "But keep a list, and we'll hash it out at the reunion."

The advice was directed to the new cast members Alicia Carmody, Rosie DiMare, Ashley Iaconetti, Liz McGraw, Rulla Nehme Pontarelli, Kelsey Swanson, and Jo-Ellen Tiberi. Additionally, Dolores Catania of The Real Housewives of New Jersey appears in this season as a "friend" of the women.

Cohen also warned the cast about the pitfalls of social media, reminding them that online reactions often distort reality. "Don't believe the comments. Social media is not reality," he said. "It's never as great or as bad as it feels like online."

Encouraging the women to embrace their authentic selves, Cohen reminded them, "Next, we love you for exactly who you are and how you are. Don't change. We cast you all for a reason. Don't change. Stay yourselves." He reinforced their unique position within the franchise, stating, "And don't forget, as a Real Housewife, you are part of a chosen few. Enjoy this ride. There are only just under 200 Real Housewives that have ever existed. You're all famous around the world. You have been chosen. Enjoy this."

Closing with a lighthearted note, Cohen advised, "Maybe don't start a podcast," hinting at the potential complications that can arise from branching out too quickly in the public eye.

The premiere of The Real Housewives of Rhode Island aired on Bravo on a Thursday night, introducing viewers to the cast as they navigate the complexities of their personal and public lives.

Cast members have expressed gratitude toward Dolores Catania, who has played a supportive role in helping the newcomers adjust to the demands of reality television. Newcomer Jo-Ellen Tiberi described Dolores as "like a mama bear," sharing, "Truthfully, anything that we needed - even to this day - she will help."

Jo-Ellen added, "She was just so kind and smart and caring. So it really was nice. It was a little cheat sheet to help us along the way."

Similarly, fellow new cast member Rulla Nehme Pontarelli praised Dolores's presence on the show, stating, "When Dolores and I first met, we completely hit it off. We saw eye to eye. I felt her genuine vibe. I love Dolores. I really do. I feel as though she's brought a lot to the table. She's been very candid. She's been very genuine, speaking from experience."

New episodes of The Real Housewives of Rhode Island are scheduled to air Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on Bravo and will be available for streaming the following day on Peacock, allowing fans to follow the drama and camaraderie as it unfolds.
Cesar Awards delegate confirms Jim Carrey's authentic appearance, debunking impersonator rumors. Details his 8-month French speech prep.

AceShowbiz - The general delegate for the Cesar Awards in Paris addressed circulating conspiracy theories about an impersonator standing in for Jim Carrey during his recent appearance at the event.

Gregory Caulier, the Cesar Awards delegate, issued a statement to Variety on Monday, March 2, confirming that Jim Carreys attendance had been planned since the previous summer. According to Caulier, the actor was deeply moved by the invitation extended by the Academy and engaged in months of discussions leading up to the ceremony.

Caulier highlighted that the actor worked diligently on delivering his acceptance speech in French, seeking advice on the precise pronunciation of certain words to honor the language and the occasion. This preparation spanned over eight months, reinforcing the legitimacy of Carreys presence at the awards.

He further described the company Jim Carrey brought with him, noting that the actor attended the event accompanied by his partner, daughter, grandson, and a group of twelve close friends and family members. His longtime publicist was also present. Among the attendees was filmmaker and longtime friend Michel Gondry, who has collaborated with Carrey on multiple projects, including a film and two television series. Their reunion at the ceremony was warmly received.

Addressing the rumors directly, Caulier dismissed the impersonation claims as a "nonissue" and emphasized his personal memories of Carreys generosity, kindness, benevolence, and elegance throughout the event.

These conspiracy theories gained traction when drag artist Alexis Stone posted images on Instagram on Sunday, March 1, showing prosthetics and a wig resembling Jim Carreys appearance during the Cesar Awards. Stone captioned the post "Alexis Stone as Jim Carrey in Paris," which further fueled speculation online.

At the ceremony on Thursday, February 26, Jim Carrey received the Honorary Cesar award, a prestigious recognition that followed Julia Roberts as a recipient. He appeared in a classic tuxedo and was surrounded by his family during his acceptance.

In his emotional speech, Carrey shared a personal connection to France, revealing that his ancestor, Marc-Francois Carre, was born in Saint Malo approximately 300 years ago before emigrating to Canada. He honored his father, Percy Joseph Carrey, describing him as "the funniest man I have ever known" and praising the lessons of love, generosity, and laughter passed down to him.

During the event, Jim Carrey also made headlines for appearing publicly with his girlfriend, Min Ah, marking a rare occasion of their relationship being seen at a high-profile gathering.

In his acceptance remarks, Carrey expressed heartfelt gratitude, stating, "Tonight with this magnificent honor, this square has come full circle. Thank you to my sublime companion, Min Ah. I love you, Min Ah."

While neither Jim Carrey nor Min Ah have spoken publicly about their relationship, it appears they have been together for approximately three years.

Before his relationship with Min Ah, Carrey was married twice, first to Melissa Womer in 1987, with whom he had a daughter, Jane. They divorced in 1995. He then married Lauren Holly in 1996, but the marriage ended in 1997. Carrey was later linked to Jenny McCarthy, with their relationship ending in 2010.

His daughter, Jane, has been open about growing up with Jim Carrey as her father. During her 2012 American Idol audition in season 11, she reflected on the experience, saying that while life was fairly normal, it was challenging to find her own identity living in the shadow of such a famous parent.

The Cesar Awards appearance, coupled with the rumors and subsequent clarifications, has drawn significant attention to Jim Carreys personal and professional life, reinforcing his enduring legacy and connection to France.

As the Cesar Awards continue to celebrate international cinematic achievements, the incident has underscored the importance of verifying facts amid viral speculation. The Academys official statements and eyewitness accounts confirm that the man on stage was undeniably Jim Carrey, not an impersonator.

In summary, the Cesar Awards delegates firm rebuttal of the impersonation conspiracy provides clarity to fans and observers, reaffirming the authenticity of Jim Carreys honored presence at the event and celebrating his contribution to cinema and culture.
Ivy Queen's Pride Tour: A 12-city U.S. celebration honoring her iconic bond with the LGBTQ+ community. Experience high-energy reggaeton this summer.

AceShowbiz - Ivy Queen is set to embark on her Pride Tour this summer, a 12-city U.S. journey that honors her deep-rooted bond with the LGBTQ+ community. This celebrated Puerto Rican reggaeton icon will kick off the tour on June 4 at Echostage in Washington, D.C., and conclude on June 27 at Vertigo Club in Houston, Texas.

The tour includes stops in major cities such as Los Angeles, Atlanta, Orlando, and Dallas, featuring a mix of intimate club and theater venues designed to deliver high-energy, close-knit performances.

Known for her bold, unapologetic lyrics and steadfast dedication to authenticity, Ivy Queen has cultivated a devoted fanbase spanning multiple generations. A significant part of her audience is the LGBTQ+ community, which has embraced her empowering messages of individuality and strength since she emerged as one of reggaeton's first female pioneers.

The Pride Tour is crafted as a tribute to this community, highlighting Ivy Queen's ongoing commitment to inclusivity and self-expression throughout her career. According to the official press release, the tour is described as "a tribute to a community that has sustained this story since its inception," referencing the roots of her career back in the mid-1990s.

The release further states, "This tour is a statement of identity and pride. No one hides here: the pride of a vibrant community is celebrated without fear. A lover of authentic reggaeton."

Fans attending the tour can expect an energetic setlist featuring some of Ivy Queen's timeless hits such as "La Vida Es Asi" and "Quiero Bailar," alongside fresh material from her recent releases. This year, she has already unveiled two singles: "Flow de Revista," a solo track released in January, and "Cria y Calle," a dynamic collaboration with Boy Wonder CF and Charlee Way that dropped last month.

Tickets for the Pride Tour are currently available for purchase. The full list of tour dates provides fans across the country with multiple opportunities to experience Ivy Queen live and celebrate the vibrant spirit of the LGBTQ+ community.

The Pride Tour not only reinforces Ivy Queen's status as a reggaeton trailblazer but also highlights her enduring dedication to empowering marginalized voices through her music and presence.
Seeking a dark, cerebral mystery like True Detective? Discover the modern manga noir, Lonely Deaths Lie Thick as Snow, a gripping thriller for fans of intens...

AceShowbiz - In 2014, HBO's True Detective reshaped the neo-noir genre by blending existential philosophy with a dark, gripping mystery. The show's first season, highlighted by Matthew McConaugheys portrayal of Rust Cohle, became iconic for its nihilistic tone and "anti" buddy cop dynamic. Its success led fans to seek out similarly intense, cerebral thrillers across various media. For manga enthusiasts, this niche is not new, with seinen titles like Monster, Pluto, and 20th Century Boys by Naoki Urasawa frequently recommended. However, the 2021 manga Lonely Deaths Lie Thick as Snow stands out as a modern, equally compelling noir thriller that captures a similar spirit for readers interested in dark mysteries.

Currently serialized in Kodansha's Magazine Pocket, Lonely Deaths Lie Thick as Snow is set to receive its North American print release on March 3, 2026. Created by writer Hajime Inory? and artist Shota It?, this manga dives into a harrowing crime scene involving multiple victims and explores how the protagonist, Jin Saeki, becomes entwined in the unfolding mystery.

The story begins with a seemingly routine police call about a burglary at an empty mansion. Detective Jin Saeki, young and cocky, expects to find trivial evidence like illicit videos. Instead, he uncovers the chilling remains of 13 children alongside a strange symbol, setting off a nationwide manhunt for Juzo Haikawa, the mansions enigmatic absentee owner. What follows is an intense investigation that drags Jin across Japan and into the darkest corners of human nature and societal neglect.

Lonely Deaths Lie Thick as Snow distinguishes itself through its cinematic art style and realistic storytelling, blending gruesome crime procedural elements with emotional depth. The character designs feature sharp linework and expressive faces, with shading that evokes a palpable sense of dread and malice. Central suspect Juzo Haizawa is portrayed with theatrical intensity, his presence dominating the panels despite his proclaimed innocence. Yet, the story suggests that the truth behind the victims is far more complex and disturbing than it initially appears.

While the manga shares some philosophical undertones with True Detective, it diverges from the latters existential nihilism. Instead, Lonely Deaths Lie Thick as Snow offers a grim social commentary on Japans overlooked issues, particularly the phenomenon of kodokushi, or solitary deaths. Urban isolation means some people pass away unnoticed, forgotten by societya vulnerability that the manga explores through its narrative and characters.

One poignant example is Juzo Haizawas reflections as he mentors children in stealing food, emphasizing the failure of laws intended to protect the vulnerable. This bleak depiction of societal neglect adds weight to the mystery and elevates the story beyond a simple crime thriller.

Volume one introduces readers to the survivor Kanon, who recounts her traumatic experiences, calling Haizawas guilt into question and hinting at darker, broken figures responsible for the atrocities. This narrative complexity makes the series particularly compelling for fans of noir and psychological mysteries.

English-speaking readers will soon be able to experience Lonely Deaths Lie Thick as Snow in print, complemented by a 2024 live-action drama adaptation available on Jme. This cross-media presence highlights the mangas rising prominence among modern thriller enthusiasts.

Early impressions of the manga come from an advance review copy of volume one, graciously provided by Kodansha USA. Readers can find Lonely Deaths Lie Thick as Snow volume one at participating bookstores and online from March 3, 2026.

For those intrigued by noir mysteries that probe the shadows of society and human psychology, Lonely Deaths Lie Thick as Snow offers a dense, thoughtful, and chilling experience. Its blend of graphic storytelling, social critique, and suspenseful investigation marks it as a standout work in the contemporary thriller manga landscape.
Legendary drummer James Gadson, who powered hits for Bill Withers, Marvin Gaye & more, has died at 86. Remembering the beat behind soul & disco classics.

AceShowbiz - James Gadson, renowned drummer known for his work with Diana Ross, Bill Withers, and Marvin Gaye, passed away at the age of 86. His wife, Barbara, confirmed the news, revealing that he had recently faced health struggles including surgery and a serious fall that injured his back.

James Gadson was celebrated not only as a remarkable musician but also as a devoted family man. Barbara described him as "a wonderful man," praising his roles as husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, as well as highlighting his exceptional talent behind the drum kit.

Gadson was a master of various rhythms and styles that shaped the sound of funk, soul, and disco. His distinctive beats powered Charles Wright & the Watts 103rd St. Rhythm Bands hit "Express Yourself," the comforting groove of Bill Withers "Lean on Me," and the dance-floor-ready pulse of the Jackson 5s "Dancing Machine" and Gloria Gaynors "I Will Survive."

In an interview with Modern Drummer, Gadson explained the art behind his grooves, saying, "Most grooves, especially for dance music, are very simple. Even so, to learn them, you have to slow them down." He emphasized the importance of simplifying rhythms to capture a danceable feel, a hallmark of his style that influenced countless artists and drummers alike.

Throughout his career, Gadson was a highly sought-after session drummer, boasting a discography that reads like a roll call of music legends. He recorded with iconic acts such as the Temptations, Barbra Streisand, Gladys Knight, Patti LaBelle, Herbie Hancock, and Leonard Cohen. His versatility spanned genres and generations, working with contemporary stars like Beck, Kelly Clarkson, Justin Timberlake, and Harry Styles.

Questlove praised Gadson on Instagram, highlighting his unique impact: "No drummer has impacted the art of breakbeat drummer (danceable drums) like James Gadson." Similarly, Ray Parker Jr. reflected on their five-decade friendship, stating, "He changed the world."

Born on June 17, 1939, in Kansas City, Missouri, Gadson credited much of his early learning to on-the-job experience. He admitted that his initial attempts at R&B drumming were far from perfect, recalling, "I wouldn't even charge them it was so bad. I felt bad about wasting their studio time." Transitioning from a free-jazz mindset, he steadily refined his craft while playing with Dyke & the Blazers and Charles Wright's band.

Music ran in his family. His father, Harold, was a drummer who initially discouraged Gadson from pursuing music professionally but supported his early musical education by buying cornets for him and his brother to play in their schools drum and bugle corps. As a teenager, Gadson was drawn to singing, performing doo-wop with a group called the Carpets at age 13, although his mother prevented him from going on tour.

His love for funk music deepened during his time in the Air Force stationed in Louisiana, after which he joined his brothers band. There, he expanded his skills by learning piano and singing, ultimately teaching himself drums. Gadson described his dedication in Jim Payne's book The Great Drummers of R&B, Funk & Soul, stating, "When I first started playing drums, I practiced all day and all night - 18 to 20 hours a day."

After switching to drums in his brothers band, Gadson gained experience backing artists touring through Kansas City, including Hank Ballard & the Midnighters, Jimmy Reed, Sam Cooke, and Otis Redding. These opportunities laid the foundation for his later success with Dyke & the Blazers and Charles Wright, where he contributed both as a drummer and vocalist.

Upon relocating to Los Angeles, Gadson was recruited by Motown producer Hal Davis, marking the start of a prolific phase in his career. He recalled his first Motown session for the Jacksons "Dancing Machine," describing how he added an 8th-note hop that impressed the producers and led to his ongoing work with the label. This session became a hit and solidified his reputation for impeccable timing.

Though initially unable to read music, Gadson quickly adapted after being asked by a session contractor if he could read charts, admitting he lied and taught himself to read music at night. This determination helped him become a mainstay in the competitive L.A. session scene, where he played on a string of gold records and worked across multiple genres.

James Gadsons legacy is marked by his signature grooves and the breadth of his collaborations, influencing generations of musicians and drummers. His passing marks the end of an era for a drummer whose rhythms helped define the sound of modern soul, funk, and disco.

He leaves behind a vast musical heritage and the memories of those who admired his talent and character, ensuring that his contributions to music will not be forgotten.
In a recent and viral announcement, Joe Kent resigned as Director of the National Counterterrorism Center. In the letter, he accused the Trump administration of bowing to Israeli lobby pressure on Iran. He also stated that Iran (a nation that regularly proclaims death to America) posed no imminent threat to our nation.

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The reactions were mixed: A sharp rebuke from the White House, praise from Marjorie Taylor Greene, and a podcast appearance with Tucker Carlson. In the end, though, this move by Kent was not principled or patriotic.

Instead, this move displayed a tried-and-true career-advancement strategy of so-called Republicans: betray the Trump administration and reap the rewards of newfound fame. These are people who could never achieve the fame they craved through their actual work. So, they found a shortcut: backstab and undercut President Trump. Ultimately, with the midterms and 2028 looming, there is no more room for this infighting.

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Kent himself is the most recent case study. He is a twice-failed congressional candidate who squandered a Republican seat after primarying the incumbent. Kent then lost two House elections and was handed a lifeline through his government appointment. Then, at an opportune moment, he decided to sacrifice service to the nation in favor of personal brand building.

Unfortunately, Kent is one of many government figures to execute this playbook. Indeed, this class of defectors spans all three branches of the federal government.

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The first group in this class is the Republican members of Congress. For example, Liz Cheney is a carpetbagger who moved her family from Northern Virginia to Wyoming in 2012 to run for Congress. Struggling to build her own brand in her fathers shadow, Cheney then accepted Nancy Pelosis appointment to serve as vice-chair of the January 6 Committee. Specifically, a committee weaponized against President Trump.

Following this newfound fame as a Trump critic, Cheney went on to sign a book deal and then, inexplicably, endorsed Kamala Harris for president. To Cheney, loyalty to conservative values and country meant nothing. The prospect of fame meant everything.

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Similarly, Adam Kinzinger accepted Pelosis appointment to the same January 6 committee. As a newly-birthed Trump critic, Kinzinger then joined CNN as a contributor. Like Cheney, he also endorsed Kamala Harris and even spoke at the Democratic National Convention.

The throughline is that each spent years in Congress, starved for relevance. And ultimately, like Kent, they turned on Trump to give them the recognition their careers never could.

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The second group in this class is executive branch officials. Cassidy Hutchinson was a Special Assistant to the President who served as an aide to Chief of Staff Mark Meadows. However, rather than building a name through humble service and quality work, she turned on President Trump and testified before the January 6 Committee. Following this appearance, she signed a book deal and endorsed Kamala Harris on MSNBC.

Most recently, 250 lawyers fled the DoJ Civil Rights Division under the leadership of Harmeet Dhillon. The same lawyers even signed a letter erroneously accusing Dhillon of weaponizing the division. The common theme is, again, quite clear: These public servants backstabbed President Trump and chose the spotlight over service.

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Finally, George Conway was considered for multiple legal posts in the first Trump Administration, but never received an appointment. Thus, stuck in the bitterness of irrelevance, he co-founded the Anti-Trump Lincoln Project and now is capitalizing on this newfound fame by running for Congress as a Democrat in New York.

The last class of defectors is Article III officials. Retired Judge J. Michael Luttig was interviewed twice by George W. Bush for a Supreme Court appointment and got passed over for Roberts and Alito. Next, U.S. District Court Judge Mark Wolf, appointed by President Reagan, resigned from the bench for the sole purpose of speaking out against the Trump administration. In light of this newfound fame, regular MSNBC appearances and publications in the Atlantic followed.

The issue with this infighting, though, is not lost sleep over the absence of defectors. The real problem is that while these so-called Republicans chase fame and create division, the radical Left continues to wage war on American life.

For example, Senate Democrats have blocked legislation to keep biological males out of womens sports. Additionally, Democrat state attorneys general have filed over seventy lawsuits against the Trump administration -- lawfare designed to override the will of voters. Finally, Senate Democrats blocked DHS funding numerous times, triggering a government shutdown that left TSA officers working without pay and travelers with hours-long airport security lines. Most striking, the price for ending this shutdown is defunding ICE operations.

To be clear, Democrats want to gut the agency protecting Americans from illegal aliens who murdered 18-year-old Sheridan Gorman and 22-year-old Laken Riley, and who raped and murdered Rachel Morin, a mother of five, on a hiking trail in Maryland. That is the real enemy, not President Trump.

Accordingly, the 2026 midterms will decide whether this administration governs for its final two years or whether the Left kneecaps the America First agenda.

In closing, the remedy is quite clear: Stop platforming defectors like Joe Kent and others who seek fame off betrayal. Every minute spent on grifters is time taken away from defeating the Left. Instead, the Right must unite, win elections, and secure conservative victories for decades to come.
As the curtain closes on Act Three of the performative No Kings protests, lets use the intermission to ask the central question: is President Donald Trump some sort of modern king, as claimed by the marching malcontents?

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But what exactly do they mean by king?

Under normal circumstances, the idea of kingship is in the conceptual neighborhood of tyranny, despotism, and autocracy. But oddly enough, President Trumps actions have been distinctly anti-despotic.

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After all, what powermonger would downsize the federal footprint?

Whats more, in driving tax cuts and child tax credits, the President is changing the economic calculus in favor of greater self-determinism -- a concept antithetical to central planning.

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By reducing reliance on foreign manufacturing, President Trump is both unraveling the blackmail power that semi-hostile nations have over the American people and simultaneously creating homeland jobs through repatriation. If the President were a despotic king, he would work overtime to centralize production into the federal apparatus, not release it into the American free market.

Autocratic political systems, such as the 1930s German National Socialists and the communists of the Soviet Union, usurped the private sector by direct take-over or by tools like hyper-regulation. In direct opposition to this hallmark of autocracy, President Trump revoked the EPAs Endangerment Finding, a program entangled in a web of climate change regulations that cost taxpayers an estimated $350 billion per year.

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The leftist regimes in modern-day China and North Korea, like the Soviet communists and socialist Fascists before them, are highly opposed to Christianity and often let loose programs of persecution against the faithful. Both Presidents Biden and Obama made their disdain of Christians manifest by policy and coercion.

Once again President Trump stands in contrariety with his massive undertaking to protect religious liberty, including the formation of The Task Force to Eradicate Anti-Christian Bias.

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Its easy to see that the claims about Trumps supposed autocratic attributes crumble faster than an Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez answer to a foreign policy question.

Since the spittle-laced epithets from liberal lips dont fit a reasonable definition of kingship, a closer look at what they really want from their government should help us understand what all the fuss is about.

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Virginia: The Liberal BLUEprint for America

The ballyhooed actions and policies of the newly-minted governor of Virginia, Abigail Spanberger, provide distinct insights into the question at-hand.

Spanberger wasted little time doffing her moderate campaign mask and, along with Democrat lawmakers, has blitzed Virginia with a full-throttle return to the Obama/Biden program of collectivism-friendly policies.

By mid-March, no less than 25 gun-control measures were passed, including a ban on AR-platform rifles and magazines with a capacity over 15 rounds, along with a so-called red flag law that ostensibly creates a fiefdom of gunphobes influencing whoever should and shouldnt be allowed to have a firearm.

Recent human history is arrayed with patterns of aspiring autocrats disarming their citizenry. Chavez and Maduro did it. The National Socialists in 1930s Germany did it. Castro, the Khmer Rouge, the Bolsheviks, were all highly effective gun control advocates.

But apparently Democrats are immune to this sordid history, so lets move on to cultural Marxism.

With Spanberger and her signet ring at the helm, Virginia democrats passed a bill that directs agencies to use race-based discrimination for discretionary government contracts.

The theme of sculpting societal order by diktat also found purchase in Spanbergers executive order on education. Executive Order 4 gushes with intersectional dog whistles and collectivist programs, like commissioning a listening tour to hear from educators, leaders, students, and parents, basically amounting to taxpayer-funded grievance junkets.

With the stroke of her pen, the Virginia governor barred the purging of voter rolls in the weeks leading up to elections; a move that lines up well with the spirit of elections in Russia and Venezuela. Unsurprisingly, the corporate media hailed the action in their signature Orwellian dialect as strengthening election integrity.

Spanberger also rescinded her predecessors mandate for state and local law enforcement support of ICE efforts to apprehend illegal immigrants with criminal records.

Not done with ICE and sensing the opportunity to cement a California-like legislative supermajority, emboldened Virginia Democrats passed a bill that restricts federal immigration enforcement near polling places. The Bills sponsor, Saddam Salin (D-Fairfax), triumphantly declared that Virginia is choosing the rule of law over fear, transparency over secrecy. Really, Saddam, you call that transparency?

It doesnt take a Rhodes scholar to recognize that the bill is a red carpet for illegal immigrants to vote for Democrats. But strangely, the No Kings crowd doesnt seem to recognize that election fraud is catnip for autocrats.

On the economic front, Spanberger and her Democrat lawmakers are quickly enacting a bacchanal of taxation that includes raising the marginal income tax rate on portfolio and passive income, sales tax hikes on delivery services, increased taxation on dry cleaning, home repairs, landscaping, animal care, and other formerly exempt services, in addition to a de facto carbon tax via the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.

Taxation, of course, isnt simply privation of personal earnings. Said economist F.A. Hayek, Economic control is not merely control of a sector of human life it is the control of the means for all our ends. This, of course, is not a surprise to the governor of Virginia.

In sum, Spanbergers scorched earth leftism is the zeitgeist of 21st century American liberalism and a window into the Democrat blueprint for America.

The placard-carrying and whistle-blowing protesters are far from being concerned about the supposed dawn of a Trumpian autocracy under the punchline No Kings -- its merely Orwellian displacement for how they want us all to be governed -- they want their king. Not a King George, per se, but a ruling coalition of little King George apparatchiks to bring about their Utopian society.

Clearly, the royal shoe of autocratic kingship fits the leftist foot.

And therein lies the answer to our question: if the naked collectivism of Spanberger, Newsom, Walz, and Pritzker is democracy, then perhaps the protestors are right -- President Trump is indeed a king -- a monarch of liberty and champion of the American way of life.

Joachim Osther is a freelance writer focusing on the intersection of culture and Christianity. He holds a masters degree in theological studies from Veritas College and Seminary, is a contributing commentator for The Stream.org, writes book reviews published at American Thinker, and is also an occasional contributor to RaymondIbrahim.com, chronicling the relevance of historical clashes between militant Islam and the West.

Image: Pexels/Chris F
Applicable Birthright Citizenship Law

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Civil Rights Act of 1866

That all persons born in the United States and not subject to any foreign power, excluding Indians not taxed, are hereby declared to be citizens of the United States...

14th Amendment Citizenship Clause

All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.

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Enforcement Act of 1870 (Section 18 -- Reenactment of Civil Rights Act of 1866)

That all persons born in the United States and not subject to any foreign power, excluding Indians not taxed, are hereby declared to be citizens of the United States...

In addition to the above text, there is unchallenged evidence that (i) Congress proposed the Citizenship Clause in the 14th Amendment specifically to lift the provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1866 (including the not subject to any foreign power provision), beyond the reach of statutory change, (ii) Congressional members confirmed even before enactment of the Enforcement Act of 1870 that the reference to jurisdiction in the Citizenship Clause was simply declaratory of, equivalent to, and means the same thing as the not subject to any foreign power provision of the Civil Rights Act of 1866, and (iii) the Supreme Court in the 1884. Elk v. Wilkins case affirmed that the 14th Amendment was intended to constitutionalize the assumption that those born subject to a foreign power were not subject to the jurisdiction of the United States for purposes of the Citizenship Clause. The citizenship clauses described above are equivalent to two sides of the exact same coin. If the United States does not have complete jurisdiction, then the condition as to not subject to any foreign power cannot be met. Congress clearly established two, and only two, tests for the grant of birthright citizenship: (i) birth in the U.S., and (ii) not subject to any foreign power/subject to the complete power jurisdiction of the U.S. There was no test or condition requiring domicile or residence, temporary or permanent. Congress clearly intended to deny birthright citizenship to children of foreigners. No specific exclusion was needed or included in the language as to children born to diplomats, members of invading armies, tribal Indians, and illegal immigrants. They were all foreigners.

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Much of the opposition to the EO is based upon the argument that subject to the jurisdiction thereof means subject to the territorial jurisdiction (laws) of the United States rather than subject to the complete jurisdiction of the United States as declared and intended by the Framers and affirmed by the Supreme Court in Elk. Children born in the United States are not even subject to the asserted territorial jurisdiction, whether civil or criminal. When did any of us learn that a newborn child was named as a defendant in a contract case or indicted for trespass or indecent exposure? The other type of jurisdiction (political jurisdiction), such as power over military service, mandatory allegiance, inheritance, family law, etc.) is the type of jurisdiction over the child of foreigners that the United States does not have.

Truth leads to the conclusion that the intent and meaning of the 14th Amendment, as described and confirmed above, is clear, fully effective, and was not, and cannot be, modified by contrary statute or contrary judicial opinion. It is possible, although highly unlikely, that contradictory information could become available, but, if any contrary evidence surfaces, many questions must be answered in detail, including:

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What references, if any, to the Enforcement Act of 1870 are contained in court decisions cited and briefs filed with the Court which opinions and briefs specifically purport to support Respondents. What are all reasons relied upon by Respondents to conclude that common law prevails or should prevail over all and each portion of Applicable Birthright Citizenship Law described above. What actions occurred between April 9, 1866 and June 18, 1866 indicating that Congress proposed a change in law as to children born in the United States from the not subject to any foreign power limitation on birthright citizenship in the Civil Rights Act of 1866 to an effectively unrestricted automatic grant. What actions occurred between June 18, 1866 and May 31, 1870 indicating that Congress proposed a change in law as to children born in the United States from an effectively unrestricted automatic grant of birthright citizenship to the not subject to any foreign power limitation described in the Civil Rights Act of 1866 and the Enforcement Act of 1870.

Trump v. Barbara oral arguments before the Supreme Court have been completed. The case presents the Court with the opportunity to overrule certain prior decisions (such as the decision in Wong Kim Ark ) and to reestablish the law and its purposes in accordance with the applicable law and the intent of the framers. This writer submits that the EO is lawful in part and unlawful in part. The law clearly and precisely provides that a child born in the U.S. subject to any foreign power is not entitled to birthright citizenship. There is no compelling evidence that the framers intended, or even considered, any change in the intended meaning of the Applicable Birthright Citizenship Law as above described, let alone any change which would have completely reversed the Framers intended meaning. Conflicting opinions and rulings have been based almost entirely on common law rather than upon the simple and specific statutory and constitutional language created to effectuate the Framers declared and repeated intent. Establishment of concepts of domicile and residence and automatic birthright citizenship totally reverse the provisions of applicable law. The words domicile, residents, residence, temporary, permanent, legal, and illegal are not relevant and are not included in the two tests or conditions for grant of birthright citizenship. The provisions of the EO granting birthright citizenship on the basis of domicile and/or residence should be dismissed.

If the Supreme Court ruling fails to confirm the intent and meaning as clearly intended by the Framers, monumental adverse consequences will occur.

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America will lose the right to require children of non-citizens born in the U.S seeking citizenship to comply with all requirements, conditions, and protections of the naturalization process. America would be flooded with lawsuits emanating out of and relating to undefined words and phrases, including but not limited to residence, temporary duration, extent, permanent domicile, presence, allegiance, dual citizenship, absence, legals, illegals, and sojourners. Effects of enabling Congress to make statutory changes in the substance and effect of the Constitution by changing the definitions of undefined terms and phrases. Incentivizing illegal immigration, encouragement of birth tourism, and providing a pathway to subversive activities.

Clearly, the legal concept of birthright citizenship must be restricted for the good of the country.

Image: Pixabay
HANOI, Vietnam, April 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Viettel Group marked the 20th anniversary of its international business operations, highlighting two decades of expansion that have positioned the Vietnamese company among the world's multi-market telecom operators.

Viettel began its international journey in 2006 with its first overseas investment in Cambodia. Over the past two decades, the Group has expanded its presence to 16 countries, including operational markets and representative offices.

Nowadays, Viettel operates telecommunications networks in 10 international markets, holding the No.1 market position in seven countries. The company's overseas operations generate more than USD 3 billion in annual revenue and have maintained average growth of around 20% for several consecutive years.

Financial results released earlier this year also reflect the strong momentum of Viettel's global business. According to audited financial statements from Viettel Global, international operations recorded net revenue of VND 44.27 trillion (approximately USD 1.74 billion) in 2025, representing 25% year-on-year growth and the highest level since Viettel began investing abroad.

Profitability also improved significantly. Net profit after tax reached VND 11.25 trillion (around USD 442 million), up 57% compared with the previous year, while profit attributable to the parent company rose 65% to over VND 9.3 trillion (approximately USD 365 million).

The strong performance has improved the efficiency of Viettel's international investments. By the end of 2025, the capital recovery ratio reached 92%, while the market capitalization of Viettel Global stands at approximately USD 10 billion. Overseas operations have also become a stable source of capital inflow to Vietnam, contributing USD 350400 million in repatriated cash annually in recent years.

At the anniversary ceremony held on March 28, Viettel Global was awarded the prestigious Hero of Labour, one of Vietnam's highest state honors for organizations with outstanding achievements in innovation and productivity.

Speaking at the ceremony, General Phan Van Giang, Member of the Politburo and Minister of National Defence, on behalf of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the State said Viettel's international expansion demonstrates the company's pioneering spirit and its ability to master advanced technologies while transforming from a domestic telecom operator into a global technology enterprise. He added that Viettel's overseas presence also contributes to strengthening cooperation and friendship between Vietnam and its international partners.

According to Lieutenant General Tao Duc Thang, Member of the Party Central Committee and Chairman and CEO of Viettel Group, Viettel aims to continue expanding telecommunications services while developing new areas such as digital technology, high-tech industry, e-commerce and logistics. The Group targets minimum annual growth of 20% in its global operations.

After two decades abroad, Viettel is transitioning from a model focused primarily on overseas investment to a broader global business strategy known internally as "Go Global 2.0." The strategy aims to bring the capabilities of a Vietnamese high-tech industrial and technology group to international markets, contributing to the growing global presence of Vietnam's technology sector.

SOURCE Viettel Group
Many Christians are rejoicing over a court ruling allowing the posting of the Ten Commandments in public schools. As the Tulane Hullabaloo and other news outlets report, the commandments must be displayed in every Louisiana public school and university after the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals struck down an injunction that had blocked the display.

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It is better to see the commandments posted instead of a blank wall. But there is little cause for jubilation. The strictures placed by Louisianas attorney general, Liz Murril, concerning the postings of the commandments make them merely symbolic  a gesture of appeasement directed at Louisianas huge evangelical and conservative Catholic communities.

The posters are in effect announcements proclaiming the near irrelevance of a core foundation of the Jewish and Christian ethic. They demonstrate contempt for and disregard of the persuasive spiritually and intellectually forceful Christian worldview that once dominated America and the West. They are, in short, a politicized and tokenized gesture of condescension from the dominant leftist elites viewpoint that has seized public education for decades.

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Even the visuals are indications that the measure is merely a token. Murril has mandated that the posters be 11 by 14 inches, not to exceed 18 by 24. She has also mandated that the displays not be posted behind teachers desks.

The measurements reduce the visual impact of the posters. Further, the placement to the side of the teacher indicates that the commandments have no special relevance to his teaching, to the education of the children, or to the entire public school system. In short, as the original decision indicates, the display is meant to be entirely passive, and in no way integrated into the public educational system, lest it be regarded as coercive.

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The enterprise certainly indicates that for those in control of Americas public school system, the Ten Commandments are a diminished relic of the past that has stood in the way of the now prevalent educational philosophy of relativism, as the dissenters in the decision clearly articulate. The commandments are seen as inhibiting the autonomy of the individual as well as an antique obstacle to a secularist ideology that requires no reference to transcendence. A new anti-Christian worldview is considered triumphant  a view that prevails in all major law schools, which has filtered down to politics and every other major sphere of influence.

Who among our institutions, including the churches, will defend the Giver of the Law as summarized in the Ten Commandments?

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Who among our educators, politicians, medical personnel, and clergy will proclaim that it was the supernaturally gifted genius of the Hebrew peoples that codified the heart of the divine law into the form of the Ten Commandments given to Moses on Mt. Sinai? Who will defend that Law, which, though simple in form, has been applicable in myriad and infinite ways for millennia? Who will once again promote that Law that informed and guided the legal systems of the Hebrew nation and the institutions of the Christianized West  that Law summarized by Christ, who according to the gospel of Matthew said this?

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.

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The Law is in principle applicable to king and commoner alike  the rule of Law extends to Everyman. All are regarded as equal under the Law. No one is regarded as above it.

That consensus, always frail and always in need of vigilant reform, has been shattered under the sway of ideologies characterized by relativity and dissipated by a diversity agenda designed to consign the Ten Commandments to equivalence to other legal systems.

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The pitfalls of the equivalence arguments were addressed by pastor Abraham Kuyper, who was also prime minister of the Netherlands from 1901 to 1905. He pointed out the dangers of deserting the Jewish and Christian concept of the Law in his Lectures on Calvinism, saying, No political scheme has ever become dominant which was not founded in a specific religious or anti-religious conception. Defending Christian governance, he added, Humanity, without division of states, without law and government, and without rule and authority, would be a veritable hell on earth.

Kuyper, who spoke to the still largely Christianized West of 1898, might today point out just where systems of governments unattached to the Jewish and Christian concept of the rule of Law have become hells on earth.

Were he alive today, he might well look back on the twentieth- and now twenty-first-century fascist and communist ideologies that deliberately forsook the Jewish and Christian ethic characterized by the Ten Commandments and pronounce them as creators of hells on earth.

He might ask once again, just which system of law will the Western nations now choose? Almost certainly he would note that when the Jewish and Christian ethic is jettisoned, a harsher, more authoritarian system of law will be put in place. Certainly, he would note his beloved Netherlands and other European nations once Christian are asking that question today, as vocal and increasingly influential minorities aim for the establishment of sharia law and the establishment of communist authoritarianism.

Kuyper might note that when the law becomes whatever the prevailing and most powerful earthly authority says it is, and punishment is given out according to power without the mercy and love of the Law as profoundly articulated by Christ. Certainly, he would find himself in agreement with Doestoevskys observation concerning anarchists: If there is no God, everything is permitted.

Kuyper also might point to those minorities in Western nations who tacitly or overtly approve of the religious system represented by the penal code of present-day Afghanistan. There, it is now legal under Article 32 to grant a jail sentence of only 15 days for a husband who beats his wife with obscene force (fracture of bones, bruising, and/or open wounds). The penalty is exacted only if the wife can prove the abuse before a judge in a courtroom designed to ensure her invisibility.

As the prime minister pointed out, the Ten Commandments, viewed as odious restrictions by anti-Christian systems of all stripes, are designed to display mercy and love of God, as a means by which the human heart and society are ordered and made functional.

Part of a nations survival is national identity. Western nations need to reclaim their Jewish and Christian identity and, with it, the practice of law as summarized by the Ten Commandments. Those commandments are not a historic relic confined to a poster on a wall. Rather, they have informed and infiltrated the entire legal system and other institutions of the West for centuries.

The answer to the postage stamp approach to the Ten Commandments is difficult but worthwhile. It amounts to the restoration of cultural Christianity, including the Law. Such should be a major effort of the Christian Church, which by and large has deserted its role as the salty preserver of Western civilization.

But a start would be repudiation of the public school system in favor of establishing alternative educational institutions, reflecting and upholding the transcendent nature of the Ten Commandments.

Fay Voshell holds an M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary. She is a regular contributor to American Thinker and may be reached at [email protected].

Image via Pixabay.
Four years ago, the Biden administration was working with the United Kingdom and the European Commission to pay for diminutive comedian Volodymyr Zelenskyys war with the Russian Federation over territories where supermajorities of the population identify as Russian. We were told that the Russian-speaking people of Ukraine belonged to Ukraine and that the only way to preserve democracy was to deny those people a democratic vote to join the Russian Federation. Democracy also apparently requires the installation of a Ukrainian dictator, a complete crackdown on an independent press, widespread censorship of public debate on social media, the denial of religious freedom, and a brutal campaign of press-ganging men into military service to die as cannon fodder for a corrupt Ukrainian regime that launders money from U.S. and European taxpayers into the bank accounts of the Wests political and financial elites.

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Just as globalists in the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and across Old (and increasingly Islamic) Europe turned the Reign of COVID Terror into an opportunity to bilk taxpayers, enrich elites, and grow the totalitarian national security State, the same globalist scum quickly turned the Ukraine conflict into another emergency requiring more taxes, censorship, and public sacrifice. All of a sudden, anything criticizing the official public policies of Western governments was labeled Russian disinformation. If you disagreed with whatever the Wests vaunted experts said, you were dismissed as Putins puppet. Pro tip for information warfare enthusiasts: When government authorities identify dissent as propaganda, thats propaganda!

The COVID propaganda project gave us a chorus of World Economic Forum buffoons posing as national leaders all singing, We must Build Back Better. When that schtick got old  or, rather, when ordinary citizens across the West started to show signs of resistance against their imperial rulers  the Wests globalists turned Ukraines Chief Munchkin into a freedom fighter battling the pernicious authoritarianism of Russias Vladimir Putin. The same yahoos  Biden, Trudeau, Macron, Queen Ursula, and the rest of the WEFs rump-kissing claque  who screeched like wounded cockatoos, Build Back Better, now all huffed in unison, Ukraine! Ukraine! Ukraine! It never ceases to amaze me that the day after Canadas Freedom Convoy protests against COVID vaccine mandates came to an end, the official launch of the new hit television drama, WAR: Ukraine, began. Its almost as if Western globalists yank us commoners along by the leash from one spectacular production of nonsense to the next (just to see how much money they can steal from our pockets when their hands arent busy groping small children).

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Some people in the U.S. and Europe were made to really care about a country that has long been considered so incorrigibly corrupt that other corrupt countries cant help but blush. Lemmings who had been walking around with multiple paper masks over their faces to magically protect themselves from viruses that dont fear masks all of a sudden waved Ukrainian flags with gusto as if they could identify Dwarf-King Zelenskyys money-pit-proto-nation on a map! Nobody wanted to admit that the same ubermenschen from sub rosa groups such as Bilderberg and the Trilateral Commission  who have made a financial killing from green energy and mRNA vaccines over the years  had simply returned to their favorite investment of all: actual killing. War brings new taxes, new regulations, new forms of censorship, new military investment, and new ways to exploit asymmetric information for financial gains. In short, wars bring profits! And what better place for corrupt globalists to make tons of money than to take advantage of the corrupt swindlers putatively governing the traveling circus known as Ukraine!

The United Kingdom (still smarting from its misadventures in the Crimean War one hundred and seventy years ago) demanded that Russia hand back Crimea to its MI6-managed Ukrainian friends. Queen Ursula of the pan-European (and increasingly Islamic) empire demanded that Russia respect the right of Europeans to overthrow any Ukrainian governments that Brussels doesnt like (see the U.S.-E.C.-organized 2014 coup detat in Ukraine, or what Western propagandists still shamelessly call the Revolution of Dignity). BlackRock and other multinational investment firms selflessly volunteered to help finance the war, purchase Ukraines assets on the cheap, and invest heavily in the subsequent reconstruction projects of a destroyed nation. Google and Facebook promised to censor all public debate averse to globalists interests as Russian propaganda.

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Oh my, what a magnificent war! It has had everything globalists adore! It managed to turn a mad midget who plays piano with his penis into Winston Churchill! It justified blowing up the Nord Stream pipelines and forcing Europes peasants into using much more expensive green energy! It excused more government money-printing and spending that conveniently inflated the value of assets owned by the 1% of the 1%! It allowed the titular leaders of European nations to strut about on the world stage as if they were courageous military generals rallying troops on the front lines  while really doing nothing but callously dropping vulnerable Ukrainian lads into a meat grinder that has made the rich wealthier and the poor fertilizer. European elites have demonstrated their virtue and bravery one dead Ukrainian at a time. The whole bloody affair has had all the pomp and circumstance of old, flatulent monarchs dining on beans, broccoli, cabbage, and cheese.

European gentry never wanted a real war  one in which they might risk life and limb. They simply wanted a war that would cause their investment portfolios to fatten up while they prattled on about bravery and sacrifice. How do we know? Because the moment that President Trump began incinerating the mad mullahs of Iran, Europes globalists tucked tail and ranor at least hightailed it to the closest water closet for fresh underpants.

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After cutting off oil production in the North Sea in the name of climate change and banning Russian energy supplies in the name of democracy, Europe depends quite a bit on Middle Eastern oil to stave off economic death. However, Europe is also right now transitioning from a Western to an Islamic civilization. Europes political elites are so afraid of Islamic immigrants that they would rather permit them to rape their youngest daughters than cause a scene. They certainly cant be seen going to war against an Islamic country! Wealthy Europeans dont mind sacrificing the continents peasants to mass slaughter, but they have no interest in seeing a scimitar up close themselves. Yes, yes, best to wear the white feather of cowardice as if it were a symbol of European principle. Americas courageous cowboys will surely save Old Europe from itself!

Exceptmaybe not this time. President Trump is not happy that our so-called NATO allies have refused to support Americas mission in Iran. U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer says, This is not our war. We will not be drawn into the conflict. Starmer wants to decouple from the U.S. and rejoin the E.U. France, Spain, Italy, and the U.K. have now denied the U.S. military permission to use European bases or airspace. Europes NATO members collectively insist that Iran is not NATOs concern.

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To which President Trump has appropriately pointed out that Ukraine is not a NATO member and therefore not Americas concern. Both the president and Secretary of State Rubio believe that if European members of NATO cannot be persuaded to protect their own economic interests in the Strait of Hormuz, then it is time for the U.S. to reconsider its NATO commitments to European security. Allies in name only arent really allies at all. For those of us tired of Europes crusty aristocracy leeching off of American military muscle while habitually grousing, the possibility of cutting off the Old Worlds freeloaders is pleasant news. Americans shouldnt fight for a continent that has no interest in defending itself.

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Image: Thijs ter Haar via Flickr, CC BY 2.0.
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It appears that Donald Trump is about to checkmate two of the most serious enemies of the United States  the Islamic Republic of Iran and the media/Democrat Party coalition.

Trumps carefully worked-out strategy against Iran is even now reaching its climax. To all appearances, U.S. and Israeli forces are poised to carry out a coup de main that will result in U.S. control of Irans economy, along with the destruction of Irans remaining military assets, while putting the mullahs government in an unsurvivable position.

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The airstrikes that opened up this campaign were the most effective in history. Decapitating the Iranian government, the IRGC, and the military immediately put Iran on the back foot. It has never recovered, even to the point that it cannot name an actual successor to Khamenei. (His son is either dead or, taking his Twelver theology seriously, had entered occultation alongside the Mahdi, to remain hidden until Judgment Day.)

There is no sign that Iranian forces are under any kind of unified command. Instead, they are acting independently, adhering to outdated war plans that dont fit current developments at all. That is, when they simply havent been spasming uncontrollably, as in the idiot strikes against the Saudis and the Gulf States, which should aggravate the Sunni/Shia schism for another millennium or so.

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Thanks to this state of affairs, the U.S./Israeli alliance (now isnt that a grand phrase?) has steadily attritted Iranian forces, rendering the air force nonfunctional, annihilating the navy (140+ vessels sunk and counting), and steadily whittling down the number of ballistic missiles and drones to a point where theyre now bothersome but strategically useless.

Iranian propaganda has done its best with this, well aware that the Democrats and the legacy media are their last best hope. Last week, they claimed to have downed an F-35, thus proving the worthlessness of stealth. In fact, the plane was slightly damaged and returned to base with no difficulty. If the Iranian video footage can be trusted (though it looks fake), the plane was directly overhead of the launch site, at the point where even a stealth plane would be visible to radar.

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(Nor is this comparable to the Serbian F-117 Nighthawk shootdown, caused in large part by air staffs insistence that planes fly the same route at the same airspeed and altitude, a practice that has cost a lot of airplanes and lives, as much as it made it easier to write reports. Lets hope theyre not repeating that. No trick at all to shooting a plane down under those circumstances.)

Our Honest MediaTM eagerly attempted to retail that story. Unfortunately, it occurred within hours of an Iranian Yak-130 being downed by an Israeli F-35, which only underlined how complete our air supremacy actually is.

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The sole remaining problem was the Strait of Hormuz, which everyone foresaw. But even here, the mullahs disappointment was apparent. Though the UK, particularly Lloyds, cooperated with the caliphate to the best of its ability, oil prices briefly broke $100/bbl before dropping. Prices are still bouncing around a little, but arent anywhere close to the price per barrel in 2012, which was roughly $150180 in todays dollars, depending on the type of oil. Allahs magic waterway had failed them.

The Trump administration offered the mullahs a list of 15 demands, as compared to the suggestions of previous administrations. This list, which included disbanding the IRGC and abandoning nuclear weapons development, appears to have been intended to be rejected by Iran, which duly occurred. Irans own offer included closing down all American bases in the Mideast and even went so far as to demand reparations.

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Rejection here was automatic, which came as a relief to many, such as Gen. Jack Keane, who had been somewhat concerned (worried would be too strong a word) that Iran would turn to its accustomed diplomatic song and dance act to draw things out. But the dealmaker has seen it all. In truth, this rejection gives him a free hand to do exactly what needs to be done.

That was made clear enough by what was occurring in the background of the diplomatic shuffle. First was the embarkation of the amphibious assault vessel Tripoli Strait-ward, with a full complement of Ospreys, F-35s, and 2,500 Marines. It was shortly followed by the Boxer, similarly equipped. This past Wednesday, it was reported that a detachment of the 82nd Airborne was on its way. Clearly, all these units, trained and equipped for assaults against defended objectives, are intended for something big.

Its apparent that the target will be Kharg Island, the key point  and Achilles heel  of Irans entire oil apparatus. Having no air force or navy, Iran cannot defend the island. Kharg will, barring an act of God, be in U.S. hands by the end of next week, at which time the U.S., in the person of Donald Trump, will have complete control of Irans oil imports and economy. From that point, Iran will have little choice but to wrap things up quickly.

Some questions remain. Who is it in Iran that Trump has been talking to? He asserts that they are serious and in a position to act. Are these the legendary moderates weve been promised for that last half-century? The Islamic Republic has a record of producing such moderates in times of crisis to befuddle and confuse the kaffirs. If they think that this will work with Trump, they have a rude awakening coming

Then theres the matter of the gift these people presented to the U.S.  or to Donald Trump, which is the same thing. Trump played this very close to the vest when announcing it, stating merely that it was very nice and intended for the U.S. as a whole. What it actually comprises and what role it may play in upcoming events remains to be seen. (Most recent news is that it was allowing tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, which is a hell of a gift.)

Two matters of concern remain  matters that must be handled before Epic Fury can be termed a success: Irans nuclear material and the IRGC.

Irans enriched uranium cant be hidden forever, or even for much longer. Its doubtful theyll be able to hide it from the Mossad, which may in fact already have a good idea of where its at. While its possible that the mullahs may pull something along the lines of handing it over to Russia for safekeeping, its far more likely to be picked up over the next few days.

As for the IRGC, it is no longer a paramilitary or security force. It is now an army of occupation, one operating in a hostile and vengeful environment. This suggests it will not have a long or prosperous future, no matter how it turns out over the next few weeks.

If the IRGC does somehow hold out, President Trump could use some of the oil money coming in from Kharg Island to equip and train an Iranian liberation army. Such a force could be staged from the Gulf States or Kurdish northern Iraq. It could easily be supported with air cover and intelligence assets from a friendly Western power if one could be found.

With this conflict, the U.S. media have outdone themselves. They have generally opposed U.S involvement in conflicts since the late 1960s, along with undermining American troops and belittling U.S. victories. But they have never disgraced themselves as they have done over the past few weeks, not even during the Vietnam War.

The media have done little more than act as a conduit for Iranian disinformation and propaganda. A glance at the wire services shows a single positive report on any aspect of the war, while every accusation or claim from Iran receives a headline. When NY Times columnist Brett Stephens asserted this week that the war was going well (and the Times published it), it was treated as a source of shock.

The same can be said for the Democrats. While all this was going on, their primary effort has been to stymie funding for Homeland Security. Think this through: at a time when the country is effectively at war with an aggressive Islamist power, and when we know with near certainty that this state has smuggled agents across the border (under the protection of the Democrats), the Dems have taken it upon themselves to cripple the internal security of the U.S.  with the legacy media egging them on.

There was once a useful term for this, one that has been repeated too often and too loudly. But seriously, this is as close to treason as you can get without a gallows being set up.

They can go no farther. Some kind of High Noon has to occur here. We will need to think about this.

The repercussions of an Iranian defeat will be extraordinary. Cuba, which has likely been awaiting the outcome, can now surrender in good grace. China, with its source of oil under U.S. control, can now shelve its plans for Taiwan and anywhere else it hoped to target. Europe will not have to don the burqa just yet  unless it really wants to. But this is a topic that requires a lot more wordage than we can give it here.

Moltke the Elder once said that no war plan ever survives five minutes contact with the enemy. With that in mind, we will leave it at this: If Epic Fury culminates anywhere close to how its being planned, it will cap the most extraordinary military campaign in modern history, one that will break the mold set in the aftermath of WW II and act as a pattern for conflict in the foreseeable future.

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I thought I was watching a hoax come to life when I saw the tweets show up on my X feed. Conservative commentators were sharing an image. At the top was a large black-and-white photograph of an endless line of African and Middle Eastern men (and one lone woman). The setting, clearly, is Europe. At the bottom left of the photograph, in a little yellow button, is the word love. And underneath is this headline: Why a rise in sexual assaults by migrants is a price worth paying to end racism.

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I mean, you can see why I thought it was a hoax. Who in their right mind would advocate for increased sexual assaults by migrants? After all, day in and day out, American and European news outlets (especially European ones) have stories of these migrants sexually assaulting everyone from babies to old women, assaults that often ended in murder. Here are just some recent examples from America, all of which are names youll recognize:

Laken Riley

Rachel Morin

Kayla Hamilton

Jocelyn Nungaray

Europe has the same problem, which is aided and abetted by officials:

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And of course, England had the child exploitation scandal. In 2013, the British people learned that, starting in the 1980s and continuing for decades, Pakistani gangs were systematically trafficking thousands of British girls in the most brutal ways imaginable, while the authorities looked the other way, for fear of offending the Muslim population.

I dont know about you, but thats not making me feel the love for Third World immigrantsespecially cultures that dont think rape is wrong. But thats not the thinking at AFRU, a site that describes itself this way:

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Shalawam!  AFRU is a Black-led and Black-owned startup that combines art and fashion with lifestyle commentary to create a strong social justice brand that is relevant to folks from all walks of life. We believe in the power of art to spark meaningful conversations, as well as the other way around. We also realize that people dont want to be preached to all the time. Thats why our imprint magazine stitches together light everyday topics with navigation of more difficult intersectional spaces  all while allowing for the kind of messiness that is part of human nature. Our visual and intellectual branding therefore nurture each other in an perpetual spiral of trendsetting justice. Advertisement

Well, its definitely nurturing something when it publishes an essay entitled Why a rise in sexual assaults by migrants is a price worth paying to end racism.

According to the essay, which the entire AFRU staff came together to write, all these sexual assaults are just an unfortunate combination of language gaps and cultural misunderstandings that end up with the first romantic encounter between a Western woman and a refugee being perceived (presumably by the refugee) as quasi-consensual in nature.

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Let me interject here that, for decades, the left, via its feminist branch, has been telling us that consent must be so explicit that the man should ask the woman every step of the way. May I touch your arm? May I hug you? May I kiss you? May I remove your shirt/shoes/pants? May I insert Plug A into Slot A or, if Im into kink, into Slot B? Anything short of that is rape.

Now, though, were being told that if an immigrant from a rape culture decides that grabbing a woman, ripping off her clothes, and doing vile things to her body is romantic, its also quasi-consensual and, therefore all good.

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But theres a bright side to these quasi-consensual, perhaps violent encounters: But increasingly these encounters result in a shared apartment, a mixed-race child, a new surname, and a happy future. And who do we have to thank for this? White women who arent just engaging in fetishism or exoticism. Instead, by accepting these assaults, they are trailblazing a path to the end of racism. (Apparently, black women or other minority women have no such obligation.)

From there, the essay slips into saying its a good thing when white European women bring refugees home to mommy. And while they can help these refugees navigate their new land, they, too, learn wonderful things:

These women often introduce their partners to informal but essential codes: how to navigate bureaucracy, what behaviors signal trustworthiness, how to perform integration in a society obsessed with appearances. At the same time, they absorb the refugees worldview, witnessing firsthand how Western institutions often fail the very people they claim to welcome.

The essay continues in this blah-blah vein, arguing that all these brave white women are a rebuttal to evil right-wingers who keep harping on the immigrants propensity to rape women.

And thats pretty much where the essay ends. Whats so weird about it is the framing. If you want to say that women civilize men, as they always have, and that white women are doing this for refugees with whom they fall in love, say it. But for AFRU to insist that sexual assault against white women is the pathway to love and social integration is, quite simply, obscene. Its a whole new level of racism and misogyny that deserves to be called out.

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This is King Charles IIIs official title: His Majesty Charles the Third, by the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of His other Realms and Territories King, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith. The faith hes officially defending is the Church of England (CoE). However, Charless choice to honor Ramadan this year while ignoring Eastera year of aggressively ascendant Islam in the UKleaves one questioning his fealty to the CoE, and lends fuel to old rumors that hes secretly a Muslim convert.

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Before I begin, heres a fun little bit of history about which faith a British monarch is defending. In 1521, when England was still part of European Catholicism, Henry VIII wrote a treatise entitled Assertio Septem Sacramentorum (Defense of the Seven Sacraments.) There was a Pope Leo on the Papal throne back then, too, the tenth of his name, and he awarded Henry the title of Fidei Defensor, or defender of the faith.

Heres the funny part: Thirteen years later, in 1534, Henry officially broke with Rome, a break largely driven by his desperate need for a son. Katherine of Aragon had given him only a daughter and could no longer have children. Henry needed a new wife, and the Pope would not grant him a divorce; so, he got rid of the Pope. This was made possible by the rise of Protestantism in England. Its a long story...

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Any, the papacy promptly revoked the title Fidei Defensor, only to have Parliament, in 1544, reinstate it, only this time it referred to the CoE, not the Catholic Church.

I mention all this because theres long been speculation that, if Charles took the throne, the new faith the British monarch defended might be Islam.

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All the way back in 2003, Daniel Pipes wrote a widely disseminated post about long-standing rumors that Charles, who was open in his admiration for Islam, might have secretly converted. The introduction to the essay, which has been continuously updated, most recently in 2022, tells the tale:

In a 1997 Middle East Quarterly article titled Prince Charles of Arabia, Ronni L. Gordon and David M. Stillman looked at evidence that Britains crown prince might be a secret convert to Islam. They shifted through his public statements (defending Islamic law, praising the status of Muslim women, seeing in Islam a solution for Britains ailments) and actions (setting up a panel of twelve wise men to advise him on Islamic religion and culture), then concluded that, should Charles persist in his admiration of Islam and defamation of his own culture, his accession to the throne will indeed usher in a different kind of monarchy. Advertisement Charles continues this pattern of admiration and defamation, keeping alive the question of his stealth conversion to Islam. This weblog entry continues to document the topic.

Its worth looking at the post, which offers endless examples of Charless reverence for Islam and disdain for his own country and culture. Even if hes not a convert, you can see where his heart lies. And, indeed, Daniel Pipes is very careful never to say that he thinks Charles is a Muslim. Indeed, he specifically disavows that. Nevertheless, the fact that Charles has such admiration for Islam is...well, unnerving for someone who is supposed to be a defender of the Christian faith.

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An X poster, Dr. Maalouf, doesnt just stop with saying Charles really loves Islam. He thinks hes a convert of long standing:

King Charles announces he wont deliver any Easter message this year.



Back in 1993 he stated: "Islam is part of our past and present. It created a modern Europe. Islam teaches us all lessons that Christianity has lost.



I think its safe to say he converted to Islam long ago. pic.twitter.com/YFz48u9i7a  Dr. Maalouf  (@realMaalouf) April 2, 2026

Whats interesting is that, even as Charles cannot contain his excitement about Islam, hes much less interested in the most important holiday of the faith he ostensibly defends: Easter. This year, a year in which both in the UK and abroad, Islam is feeling its oats in violent ways, King Charles III, the Defender of the Faith, opted not to issue an Easter greeting.

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Admittedly, unlike the British monarchs annual Christmas greeting, the crown does not regularly issue Easter messages, though Charles did so last year. Also, to be fair, on Thursday, Charles and Camilla attended a Maundy Thursday service in North Wales.

The problem is that Charles just seems much more enthusiastic about Islam. On March 2, 2025, he opened Windsor Castles St. Georges Hall to 350+ Muslim guests for an Iftar celebration. Windsor Castle has been the British familys royal residence since the 11th century. It is a very symbolic location.

During the event, Charles once again made obeisance to Islam:

UK: King Charles wont give an Easter message to the British people this year as to not offend the nations Islamic population. Instead he hosted 360 Muslims in Windsor Castle. The Islamic call to prayer echoed through St George's Hall just last month. pic.twitter.com/9e7qCQGGm5  @amuse (@amuse) April 3, 2026

Then, on Shrove Tuesday of this year ( February 17), Charles made sure to wish his Muslim subjects a blessed and peaceful Ramadan.

In other words, Charles is showing no sensitivity toward his Christian subjects, even as he shows increased sensitivity toward his Muslim subjects. This doesnt mean hes a Muslim convert, but it means that his emotional tilt is away from the people that the British crown has led since 1066, and the faith that the British crown has defended since 1521 or 1544 (choose your date). Worse from the perspective of Christians in the UK, he has tilted toward a faith that is completely antithetical toand, indeed, that desires to destroythe Church of England.

No wonder a lot of people are up in arms. Youd think that, by now, Charles would have figured out that, in fraught times, the British monarch should be proudly carrying the CoE banner, and not making nice with its enemies. That he hasnt is just one more symbol of Europes decline.

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The elephant in the room grows bigger after a look at the latest violent crime statistics: blacks are the greatest perpetrators, and the greatest victims, of criminal violence. First, lets look at a new stat, from AFPost on X:

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There have been nearly 19,000 suspected shooters recorded in New York City since 2006.



Only 1.5% were listed as White.



Follow: @AFpost pic.twitter.com/piAdWb5gKw  AF Post (@AFpost) March 31, 2026

That means just 285 suspected shooters were white, while a whopping 18,715 were non-white. When we cross-reference that data with numbers from the city, we see more of the whole picture. The latest report from the NYPD is from 2024, with a few brief and relevant points below:

66.8% of the shooting victims and 64.5% of the shooting suspects are black, despite blacks actually being less of the population (~22%) than both whites (~31%) and Hispanics (~28%).

When we look at murder and other criminal acts of killing, we see that the victims are mostly blacks at 52.5% of the total, and also the majority when it comes time to the suspect population at 53.3%.

The same trend is reflected with rape, robbery, and felonious assault, with only the felony and misdemeanor sex crimes being a bigger problem in the Hispanic community (both as victims and suspects)with blacks coming in second. (Of course, those numbers are based on whats in the computers, and with all that we saw over the last year or so with blacks and Hispanics being labeled as white in the system, I wonder if the discrepancies are actually greater in reality.)

Now, AT routinely receives emails from different internet outfits providing us with new data or story tips, requesting links back to their domains for commercial purposes, which is something we dont do. Anyway, today, I received such an email, telling me that new data was out, naming Jackson, Mississippi as the murder capital of the United States (for the fifth year in a row, actually). The email also included a list of runners-up, saying this:

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Eight of the top ten cities with the highest murder rates are located in red states  a finding that cuts against the frequent political narrative that violent crime is primarily a problem of Democrat-led cities in blue states.

I wrote back to the sender informing her of the why. What else is unique about Jackson? Well, its literally also known as the blackest city in America. The other locales? Birmingham? Memphis? Baltimore? Detroit? Black majority, black majority, black majority, black majority.

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Just yesterday, X exploded with a heartbreaking story out of New York:

VIDEO:

Exact moment New York City mom realizes her 7 month old baby was fatally shot in the head by a stray bullet in a Brooklyn NYC shooting



Lianna Charles Moore was pushing baby Kaori in a bodega when shooting reportedly came from 2 men a Moped#illegal pic.twitter.com/h89tmAnCx1  Just Lookin  (@JustLookingMon) April 2, 2026

Little Kaoris life is the cost of not broaching this subject. Just seven months old, laying in her stroller, shot in the head.

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The cost is also Iryna ZarutskaAustin MetcalfBethany Mageelittle Julian Wood, the victims of Alexander Lamar Banks Jr., including little Harlowand countless others.

At what point are we going to say enough is enough?

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In the words of Winston Churchill, this is a time for victory at all costs. Rarely does history present an opportunity to resolve a long-entrenched conflict and reshape the global order. The Middle East is now at such a moment  and the outcome may determine whether radical Islam declines, expands, or moves westward.

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If the current trajectory continues, the regional landscape will be fundamentally transformed: The Iranian regime will fall or be significantly weakened, Hamas will be disarmed, and Gaza will be rebuilt under an international framework. The ring of fire surrounding Israel  long sustained by Iranian proxies  will cease to exist. Hezballah will be weakened, giving Lebanon a chance to reclaim its sovereignty. ISIS will be further diminished, and Saudi Arabia may well normalize relations with Israel. The Abraham Accords will have withstood the stress test of October 7, and key Gulf states  even those once ambivalent  will continue their transition from radicalism toward economic and geopolitical pragmatism.

Across Europe, Australia, and the United States, radical Islamist networks have increasingly taken root within liberal democracies. A 2017 Pew Research Center survey found that roughly one in six U.S. Muslims perceived at least a fair amount of support for extremism within the community, while a Brookings Institution analysis documented the rise of homegrown jihadist networks across Europe.

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Radical Islamist persistence is reinforced in part by interpretations of canonical texts presented by extremists as divine mandates. Like other Abrahamic religions, Islam contains teachings of charity and justice. However, specific passages have been selectively invoked by extremist groups to justify violence against non-believers and apostates  including calls to fight those who do not believe ... until they submit; the narration that whoever changes his religion, kill him; and the oft-cited hadith describing a time when the stone or tree will say: O Muslim, there is a Jew behind me; come and kill him.

Enter Donald Trump. In his first term, his visit to Riyadh challenged Arab leaders to move away from radicalism, followed by the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab states and signaled a new regional paradigm. What was once unthinkable became a foundation for economic cooperation, tourism, and security coordination. The countries that chose normalization  the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan  did so out of calculation. Integration into the global economy, access to Israeli technology, and alignment against shared threats offered greater benefits than ideological hostility. The Gulf states now prioritize building over fighting. In this environment, ideological warfare is economically irrational.

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Yet Iran continues to anchor the old paradigm, crying, Death to America, death to Israel; exporting revolutionary Islamist ideology; and sustaining proxy networks to undermine Israel and its Arab neighbors.

Then came October 7, when Iran sought to seize a historic opportunity  to destroy Israel and cement regional dominance  but the effort has, so far, failed decisively. Iran did not account for Donald Trump, who has long advocated for confronting the regime, dating back to the 1980 Iran hostage crisis. The response  under a far more assertive U.S. posture  has paired Israels full-spectrum intelligence and military capabilities with overwhelming American power. The result: Irans proxy network has been systematically degraded, its weapons pipelines disrupted, and its military infrastructure targeted, sharply reducing its ability to project power across the region.

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For more than two decades, leaders across the political spectrum have agreed on one principle: Iran must never obtain a nuclear weapon. Yet today, that consensus is being obscured by many Democrats and left-leaning media, whose reflexive opposition to Trump  amplified across major outlets  compels them to obsess over oil prices, market volatility, and near-term disruptions.

If this moment does not culminate in decisive victory over Iran and Hamas, the consequences will extend far beyond the region. If the Iranian regime endures, it will claim victory simply by surviving  demonstrating that even direct confrontation with the United States can be won. If Gaza remains under Hamas rule, the message will be equally clear: Islamist violence can outlast Western resolve  and Israel and the West are, in the end, paper tigers.

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It is far from certain that the West will again produce leadership willing to assume the risks required to confront these forces so directly. If Iran remains a sponsor of terror and Hamas survives as a governing force, the result will not be a return to the status quo, but a revitalization of Islamist momentum that will echo not only in the Middle East, but in the West for decades to come.

Across the Middle East, Africa, and parts of Asia, Christians face sustained persecution  from mass killings in Nigeria to the displacement of ancient communities in Iraq and ongoing repression in Pakistan. Jewish communities face parallel threats globally.

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In the United States and Europe, the warning signs are clear. Synagogues operate under heavy security, attacks like the 2018 Tree of Life massacre in Pittsburgh remain searing reminders, and Islamist-inspired violence  from Orlando to Vienna and repeated assaults in France  has targeted civilians and religious institutions alike. What was once shocking is becoming familiar. At the same time, rhetoric once confined to the fringe is entering mainstream discourse in major Western cities, a sign of eroding boundaries that once held such views in check.

At its core, radical Islamism is a movement that challenges pluralism, opposing religious freedom, minority rights, and ultimately the foundations of modernity. If this chapter of history ends with the decisive defeat of its state sponsors, radical Islamist ideologys appeal will wane  particularly among younger generations. Without Iran to sustain it, and without continued external funding, it will lose momentum.

The United States and Israel have, through sustained military and intelligence efforts, degraded the most visible manifestations of this threat. But the ideology itself will endure. The West now faces a stark reality: The epicenter of radical Islam may lie within its own borders.

Addressing this challenge will not be easy. It will require tighter immigration controls, the removal of individuals who actively promote extremist ideologies, and more effective integration into Western norms. It also requires a firm willingness to confront all who openly espouse hatred for Western values, making clear that constitutional protections are no longer a license to inflame, incite, or undermine the society that guarantees them.

At the same time, the Middle East is shifting in ways few anticipated, as entrenched Islamist ideology gives way to economic and geopolitical pragmatism. The weakening of Iran and its proxies presents a historic opportunity. But whether that opportunity is seized or squandered will depend on decisive outcomes in Iran and Gaza, and on whether the West can overcome its long reluctance to confront radical Islam at home.

Image: Ninara via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Yes. Where are all the blond men?

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And more to the point, where are all the blond men that were common in television and in movies? In fact, it used to be a common sight in movies to have an entire family made up of blond actors.

In Hollywood, nowadays the truth is blond men are an endangered species.

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The unstated fact is that the cocaine-snorting, latte-sipping elites in Hollywood have blacklisted blond men. They are discriminated against. Is it racism? Of course it is, but considering who are the people imposing this variety of racism, there will be no publicity on this from the media hivemind.

But perhaps you think this is hyperbole. If so, go to your television and surf the channels to see if you can spot a single blond man. Or think back on all of the awful movies you sat through in the past five years.

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But I misspoke (miswrote would be more accurate). You do occasionally see blond men in movies -- as villains.

The actors playing Lucius and Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter movies had to dye their hair blond in order to play their parts. That detail was not in the book.

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In Karate Kid, the bully who beats up the kid is blond, as are some of his companions.

In the Back to the Future franchise, the nasty villain is blond, whether as a teenager or as an adult.

In The Addams Family Values, the psychopath is blond (though female).

In the Schreck franchise, the evil Prince Charmin has flowing blond locks.

In Game Night, the really creepy neighbor, though not a villain, is blond.

In The Hunger Games: Snakes and Songbirds, a young President Snow is blond.

In movie Moon Over Parador, Raul Julia had to dye his hair blond (it looked awful on the Puerto Rican actor).

In the pro-Communist propaganda film Havana, Robert Redford, a lifelong leftist, is the good guy and he is blond, but the Cuban dictator, Fulgencio Batista, who was in reality a black man, is portrayed as a blond dictator.

In Star Trek 2: The Wrath of Khan, the entire crew of the villains ship (who were supposed to represent the entire race spectrum of Earth) were all shiny-haired blonds.

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Get the picture? (Pardon the pun.)

The racist campaign in the United States against white people, particularly white men, is the reason not just for the blacklisting of blond males as the leading man in films, but demonizing them as villains when parading them on the screen. I suspect that the bias against blond men is because they supposedly epitomize whiteness.

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It is interesting that blond women are exempt from this racism. They are often portrayed in movies and television shows as partners of nonblond men. In fact, being particularly partnered with a black male in commercials has become a trope (partly to encourage this trend in real life), while the white family doesnt exist in commercials at all, as if the Great Replacement had already happened.

No doubt there are many virtuous reasons for this discrimination, but they have not been voiced, not yet. I, for one, am looking forward to hearing them from our enlightened liberals.

And, for the record, I am not blond.

Though I wish I was.

Armando Simon is a retired psychologist, author of Stories for Lions and Other Felines, When Evolution Stops, and The Transgender Cult: Psychology, Politics, Religion and the Media.

Image: Ludwig Hohlwein
There is a general consensus that schoolkids were happier in the 1980s than they are today.

Significantly so.

Why were students (and people in general) happier in the 1980s?

Why were the rates of depression, mental illness, and suicidal thought so much lower than they are today?

For one thing, educators didn't teach kids to hate their own country and their own race, and that religion, save Islam, is a farce.

Oh, and they didn't routinely try to have sex with them or convince them to switch out their genitalia.

Im guessing that might have had something to do with it. Combine that with the preposterous indoctrination that colleges and universities subject them to, and the embarrassing agenda-first (as well as last, and only) conduct of the mainstream fake news media, and you have a toxic mix that would make nearly anyone want to take advantage of medical-assistance-in-dying (MAID).

But wait, thats not all!

The more recent predominance of computers, cell phones, smart phones, social media, the internet -- and now artificial intelligence (AI) -- has vastly degraded peoples contentment, privacy, dignity, attention spans, self-esteem, and ability to be happily independent.

In the 80s, kids still went outside to play  with other kids. Without multiple cameras and helicopter parents monitoring their every move. Today, most look into a screen to be electronically stimulated and amused, to the tune of many hours each and every day. Biking, exploring, and hide-and-seek have largely been replaced by sheltering in place and exploring the internet. To say that this has deleterious effects on children, and consequently the nation, is an understatement.

Today, many younger folks do not even wish to have children, because they have been told that climate change and other inevitable calamities will make doing so hard on them  and devastating to the planet.

In the 1980s, Ronald Reagan confidently strode forth and told us that it was morning in America. He told us that we could do anything we set our minds to do. After all, he said, we are Americans. It is no wonder that kids were more confident, folks were happier, and the music was more upbeat.

Despite being a very different personality, to put it mildly, President Trump has said essentially the same things. But the usual suspects have been joined by the rogue, run amok judiciary, as well as an ever-increasing number of utterly unhinged individuals, to try to sabotage Trumps administration as they did his last one.

Ronald Reagan set the tone and the table for the Awesome Eighties. His work also paved the way for the prosperous '90s. On more than one occasion he stated, appropriating the lyrics of a 1970s Canadian rock bands song, you aint seen nothing yet.

Well, weve seen a lot since then. Not much of it good. Canada has apparently decided to medically assist itself in dying, and much of the rest of the world has gone crazy.

We in the United States were granted a reprieve, given a rebirth with the election of Ronald Reagan and the onset of the eighties. And there are ties to today. Remember, our hostages, kept for 444 days of the Carter administration, were promptly released on the very day Reagan was inaugurated.

No wonder we were happy. It was morning in America. Conversely, during the Obama-Biden era, it was mourning in America.

Let us hope that President Trump can somehow help return us to those halcyon days, or an approximation thereof, despite the staggering array of evil aligned against him.
OAKWOOD, Ga., April 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Wayne-Sanderson Farms, the nation's third-largest poultry producer, today announced the promotions of Aaron Leach to Chief Commercial and Supply Chain Officer and Michael Crump to Chief Operations Officer, effective April 1, 2026. Both executives have been longstanding members of the company's senior leadership team and will continue to report to Kevin McDaniel, President and Chief Executive Officer.

Left to right: Aaron Leach, Chief Commercial and Supply Chain Officer, and Michael Crump, Chief Operations Officer.

"These promotions recognize the significant contributions Aaron and Michael have made to the organization and reflect our confidence in their leadership," said McDaniel. "With their deep expertise and proven strategic vision, they are well positioned to accelerate long-term growth and further strengthen our ability to deliver exceptional value to our customers."

As Chief Commercial and Supply Chain Officer, Aaron Leach will lead the sales, marketing, research and development, and supply chain functions. He most recently served as Senior Vice President of Supply Chain and General Manager of the Prepared Foods Business Unit. Leach joined Wayne-Sanderson Farms in 2005 and has held several roles, including Director of Financial Planning, Director of Strategic Planning, Senior Director of Supply Chain, and led the integration of the Wayne Farms and Sanderson Farms merger.

As Chief Operations Officer, Michael Crump will lead operations and live production across the company's 24 facilities in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina and Texas. He will also oversee the engineering function. He previously served as Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Fresh Business Unit. Crump joined Wayne-Sanderson Farms in 2014 as Senior Director of Fresh Operations.

Additional leadership appointments include David Gadd as Senior Vice President of Retail Sales, Randy Meyers as Senior Vice President of Commercial Sales, and Craig Watkins as Vice President of Supply Chain. All three will report directly to Leach, further aligning the company's sales capabilities while strengthening execution across the end-to-end supply chain.

About Wayne-Sanderson Farms

Wayne-Sanderson Farms is an industry leader and the nation's third-largest poultry producer, serving customers, consumers and communities with integrity, leadership and responsible farm, workplace and business practices. With a diverse portfolio of products, a strong operating culture and an industry-leading workforce of more than 27,000 people and over 2,000 farm partners, Wayne-Sanderson Farms owns and operates 24 fresh and further-processing facilities across Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina and Texas. Wayne-Sanderson Farms produces affordable, high-quality poultry products for retail, foodservice, restaurant, industrial and institutional segments under the brand names of SANDERSON FARMS COVINGTON FARMS, NAKED TRUTH, BUFFALOOS, FLY'N SAUCERS, CRISPY FLIERS, PLATINUM HARVEST, CHEF'S CRAFT, WAYNE FARMS, and WAYNE-SANDERSON FARMS. Wayne-Sanderson Farms is proud to be the "Official Chicken of the Southeastern Conference (SEC)." For more information, visit WayneSandersonFarms.com or follow Wayne-Sanderson Farms on LinkedIn, Facebook, X (Twitter) and Instagram.

SOURCE Wayne-Sanderson Farms
Eghosa Ogbebor (Met Police)

A 14-year-old boy was shot dead in Woolwich, south-east London on Thursday, the Metropolitan Police has said.

The boy has been named as Eghosa Ogbebor.

Three teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of murder following the shooting.

Police received reports of a shooting on Lord Warwick Street in Woolwich at about 3.40pm on Thursday.

Two boys, aged 14 and 16, and an 18-year-old man have been arrested on suspicion of murder.

The scene in Woolwich (.)

The force had said in an earlier press release that the victim was a man, but on Friday confirmed he was a 14-year-old boy.

His family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

Detective Chief Inspector Lucie Card said: "Our thoughts remain with the boy's family and loved ones.

"We are aware of the concern that this incident will cause the local community. We have already made three arrests and our investigation continues at pace. An increased police presence remains in the area.

"I would appeal for anyone who was in the area at the time, who has CCTV or dashcam footage of the incident or has information that could help my officers to come forward."

London mayor Sir Sadiq Khan said: "My thoughts are with the family, friends and wider community in Woolwich following the appalling fatal shooting of 14-year-old boy.

"There is absolutely no place for this heart-breaking violence."I remain in close contact with the Met who have been working around the clock - arrests have already been made and an investigation is under way.

"Residents will see an increase in police in the local area."

Anyone with information or footage is asked to call police on 101, quoting CAD 4848/2APR, or independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
The Masters has produced more than its fair share of memorable moments since Augusta National started hosting the first major of the year in 1934.

Here, the Press Association looks at just a handful from the past half-century.

McILROY MELODRAMA

Rory McIlroy endured a rollercoaster back nine on his way to completing the career Grand Slam with a play-off victory over Justin Rose last year. A double-bogey seven after dumping his 90-yard approach into Raes Creek at the 13th looked like derailing the Northern Irishmans chances. However, he produced a contender for the shot of his career at the par-five 15th, hooking a brilliant seven iron around trees from 207 yards out on the left of the fairway to set up an eight-foot eagle chance. While he could only make birdie, it put him back on track.

TIGER CHIPS IN

Tiger Woods' chip-in at No. 16 in 2005. An iconic moment at #TheMasters pic.twitter.com/6TQVsWX6Le  ESPN (@espn) November 10, 2020

Arguably the television moment of Masters history was Tiger Woods chip-in on the 16th in 2005. Up against the collar of rough, he chipped out 20ft above the hole and, over the course of 16 seconds, watched the ball trickle down the slope to the edge of the hole, famously pausing at the side of the hole to show off his sponsors Nike logo before dropping into the cup. The pair of bogeys which followed were consigned to history after Woods won a play-off against Chris Di Marco at the first extra hole.

WOODS WINS AT A CANTER

One week until Masters Monday.Venturi and Nantz instill @TigerWoods 1997 virtuoso performance and Tournament scoring record with a sense of wonder and awe. #cominginapril pic.twitter.com/onzngpTntV  The Masters (@TheMasters) April 1, 2019

No apologies for including Woods again for his record-breaking maiden win at Augusta. He started the final round in 1997 with an incredible nine-stroke lead, shot 69 to break the 72-hole scoring mark with 270, and won by a record 12 shots, becoming the first African-American to win a major. The fist-pump after holing his final putt became a trademark but it was the lingering hug with his father Earl, six weeks after a heart bypass, off the back of the green which portrayed the raw emotion of what was described by television commentary as A win for the ages.

SIX AND OUT FOR NICKLAUS

"For some reason, Augusta always brought out the best in me. On a Sunday afternoon 40 years ago, Jack Nicklaus delivered a Masters memory for the ages. #themasters https://t.co/sDGvOHC2c7  The Masters (@TheMasters) March 29, 2026

Forty years ago Jack Nicklaus won his sixth Green Jacket and the final of his 18 majors. Nicklaus started the final day four off the lead and probably knew, at the age of 46, this would be his last chance. But a back-nine charge thrust him into contention and, tied for the lead, he hit his approach to 12ft at the 17th and holed out for birdie, with a par at the last seeing him come home in 30 for a round of 65, giving him a one-stroke victory over Tom Kite and Greg Norman.

UNLUCKY 13 FOR WET WEISKOPF

If you were taking on the 12th Hole at Augusta, where would your tee shot end up?  pic.twitter.com/8UOh4d31oJ  Sky Sports Golf (@SkySportsGolf) April 8, 2025

For all its glory, Augusta has thrown up plenty of calamities as well. None more so than for poor Tom Weiskopf. In 48 previous rounds, the four-time runner-up had found the water just once at the notoriously tricky par-three 12th. However, in his first round of the 1980 Masters, the American hit five balls into Raes Creek on his way to a 13, equalling the record for the joint highest score at a single hole at Augusta.
Astronauts share spectacular moment as Artemis II breaks out of Earths orbit and heads to far side of the moon

The four crew of Nasas Artemis II mission have shared a spectacular moment as their Orion craft left Earths orbit and started its final push towards the far side of the moon.

During the first public video conference with the crew, Commander Reid Wiseman said they saw a spectacular view as the spacecraft moved away from Earth.

You can see the entire globe from pole to pole... It was the most spectacular moment and it paused all four of us in our tracks, he said.

In what is the first crewed mission to the moon since Apollo 17 in 1972, the four astronauts on the Artemis II mission spent the first 25 hours of the flight circling the Earth after the launch from Cape Canaveral in Florida on Wednesday evening.

The spacecraft is now heading around the far side of the moon and back again.

Nasas Artemis II moon rocket lifts off from the Kennedy Space Centre (Chris OMeara/AP) (AP)

Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen said the crew were glued to the windows to see the phenomenal view.

He said: Humanity has once again shown what we are capable of, and its your hopes for the future that carry us now on this journey around the moon.

Hansen told Nasas mission control that the crew firmly felt the power of those who had worked hard on the Artemis II mission

After spending about a day in Earths orbit, Orion's engines, navigation and life-support systems were checked and given the final approval. The engine burn began pushing the spacecraft thousands of kilometres per hour.

The engine burn, which lasted five minutes and 55 seconds, went flawlessly, Nasas Dr Lori Glaze said afterwards.

Orion is now set to head around 4,000 miles beyond the moon with a lunar flyby on Monday the next major milestone which will send the crew some 252,000 miles (406,000 kilometres) into space before returning to Earth.

The four astronauts on the Artemis II mission spent the first 25 hours of the flight circling the Earth after the launch from Cape Canaveral in Florida on Wednesday evening (NASA)

The current record for the furthest space flight is about 248,000 miles, held by members of the Apollo 13 lunar mission in 1970, which was hit by technical problems.

However, if something does go seriously wrong the astronauts can still turn back using a U-turn which will get them home within 36 hours.

The astronauts will get to see a total solar eclipse on the sixth day of the mission as the spacecraft cruises beyond the moon.

While the astronauts will not touch down on the moon, the Artemis II mission paves the way for a future lunar landing and also lays the foundation to send a crew to Mars.

The mission previously had to be postponed by two months because of hydrogen fuel leaks and clogged helium lines.

Nasa is seeking to return a crew to the lunar surface by 2028, before China plans to in about 2030.
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The Boss is back! Back to Banff National Park that is. Of course, we are talking about the biggest, boldest bear around who just woke up from hibernation and has been spotted for the first time this season.

He's out ready to eat and, soon enough, find a mate (or several). In fact, the clip tells us, he's fathered about 50% of the cubs who live in the park. Let that one sink in for a minute.

It's easy to see why Bear 122 (The Boss' official designation) owns the place. This large-and-in-charge beastie is a huge and very handsome grizzly. The caption gives us another interesting tidbit, "The Boss is up early this year. In 2025, the first confirmed Boss sighting was around April 7, according to Parks Canada." He got out of bed a week early and is ready to start his year.

Nothing better summed up the video than @Shnump with, "He even walks like a boss." It's undeniable. Meanwhile, @westforrest had a different take, "He's so cute." Also correct. Numerous posters commented on his size like @warriors come out to play who noted, "Damn, he's a big boy!" and @Kaylynn who pointed out, "This is right after hibernation! Just imagine his size before his big snooze." How many pounds did he lose? We've got the answers.

Related: Moment Rescued Bear Family Takes First Steps Outside Has Us Crying Happy Tears

Why do bears hibernate?

The basic premise isn't complicated: When there's less food in the winter, bears sleep deeply so they don't need to eat or drink. Otherwise, they would have to somehow find about 90 pounds of food per day all season. Instead of straining the ecosystem, they go down for a long nap.

In order to rest so long without eating, bears have a couple of methods for making it through. First, their body temperature drops ten degrees or so, meaning they need less energy. Additionally, they burn through all the fat they stored up during the fall. Between these two strategies, they go until spring. In the coldest parts of Alaska, a grizzly might sleep seven months out of the year!

So how much weight did The Boss lose over the winter? He probably dropped about 30% of his body mass. Males can weigh up to 1500 pounds, which means he could be nearly 500 down. We can't wait to see him bulked up in a few months!

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This story was originally published by PetHelpful on Apr 3, 2026, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add PetHelpful as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Eugene Mirman, the voice of Bobs Burgers Gene Belcher, has assured fans he is recovering after being involved in a fiery car crash earlier this week.

On Tuesday, the Russian-born voice actor, 51, crashed his 2026 Lucid Gravity into the Bedford Toll Plaza on the Everett Turnpike in New Hampshire. State police said that they received calls that indicated the vehicle had caught fire, and someone in the vehicle appeared to be trapped. Mirman was pulled from the wreckage by a state trooper and bystanders and was transported to the hospital with serious injuries, according to a police press release.

In an Instagram post shared Friday, Mirman spoke out for the first time since the accident, expressing his gratitude for all the well wishes, love and kind messages from friends and strangers.

I am extraordinarily thankful to the heroic people that pulled me from the car and to the warm, kind and talented staff at the hospital that cared for me and got me on the mend! he continued.

I am thankful beyond words to be here and doing relatively alright, all things considered. I dont have my phone, so havent been online much, Mirman added, quipping, I do not recommend my method of decreasing screen-time.

He concluded: I love you all and please take care of yourselves, Eugene. Alongside the post, he shared a photo of himself with a bandage wrapped around one hand, holding a piece of art depicting a coastal scene and the slogan, Life is an adventure.

Mirman is best known for voicing Gene, the upbeat middle child of restaurateur Bob, on the long-running animated sitcom Bobs Burgers. He has also had minor voice roles in Archer, The Simpsons and Teenage Euthanasia.

His agent, Jay Glassner, originally confirmed that he was involved in a very scary car accident in a previous statement to The New York Times.

[Mirman] wants to thank the bystanders, state police, first responders and hospital staff who saved him. He is grateful to be on the mend. At this time, we kindly ask for privacy for Eugene and his family as he focuses on recovering from his injuries, Glassner said.

Eugene Mirman was treated for 'serious injuries' sustained in a near-fatal car crash (Getty Images)

According to authorities, a veteran state trooper who had been assigned to New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayottes security detail arrived at the scene and saw that the vehicle was actively on fire with Mirman still inside.

The trooper, with help from Ayotte and two others, pulled Mirman from the burning vehicle through a window and moved him to safety, authorities said.

Colonel Mark B. Hall of the New Hampshire State Police described the rescue as heroic, saying: Without hesitation, they put themselves in danger to render aid to someone who was in need of it.

No charges have been filed in connection with the crash, and the investigation is ongoing, the police said.
In true Brian Cox fashion, the Scottish actor unleashed a no-holds-barred takedown of President Donald Trump and the patriarchy in a new interview.

The 79-year-old Succession star is not one to mince his words  and he certainly did not hold back when speaking to The Times of London to promote his directorial debut, Glenrothan.

Criticizing what he called the invasive and insidious patriarchy in the United States, Cox argued that more women should be in political power.

I think its an economic thing. In America they dont like women. They wont let a woman be president, not in the foreseeable future, he said, citing Hillary Clintons 2016 presidential loss to Trump.

The patriarchy is so invasive and so insidious, its hard to throw it off. I think the patriarchy is a f***ing mess, and its the patriarchy that got us into the position that were in at the moment, and we dont learn the lessons, Cox continued. I say, give it over to the women.

Brian Cox is well-known for speaking his mind (AP)

Turning his attention to Trump, Cox declared that the president doesnt give a s*** about the people. Hes only interested in the oil.

Theres just sheer f***ing greed motivating him, nothing else. The idea hes liberating people is a nonsense. And its that greed that sort of permeates through society, he added.

The Independent has contacted the White House for comment.

Cox is well-known for speaking his mind. On numerous occasions, he has offered critical assessments of several former collaborators, including 25th Hour co-star Edward Norton, whom he once labeled a pain in the arse; Iron Will co-star Kevin Spacey, whom he has called a stupid, stupid man; and King Lear co-star Ian McKellen, whose acting he has said is not to my taste.

Asked by The Times whether his bluntness has ever cost him friendships or caused problems, Cox laughed: Well, I dont know yet if its caused me problems. I mean, my wife keeps saying, Brian, be careful. Brian, be careful. I think, F*** it, I dont want to be careful any more! Ill be 80 this year. F*** it! Im gonna say what I want to say.

The Emmy-winning actor is preparing to release his first directed movie, Glenrothan, a comedy-drama, in which he also stars, alongside Alan Cumming.

Described by Cox as a love letter to Scotland, the film centers on Donal (Cumming), who after 35 years in the U.S., returns to his family owned whiskey-distillery in the Scottish Highlands to make amends with his brother, Sandy (Cox).

Glenrothan is out in theaters in the U.K. and Ireland on April 17.

This article has been updated to reflect changes made to the original Times reporting.
Tania Warner and daughter Ayla Luca, are Canadian citizens who were detained by ICE. Photograph: Family handout (Photograph: Family handout)

A Canadian woman and her seven-year-old daughter, who were held for nearly three weeks in a notorious detention center by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), were released on Thursday evening after posting a bond of $9,500.

Tania Warner and her daughter Ayla Luca, originally from British Columbia, are both Canadian citizens. Warner moved to the US in 2021 when she married Edward Warner, a US citizen. Very happy to have my family home  its been a whirlwind day, said Edward Warner.

After her release, Tania Warner told CBC News a judge decided that she and Ayla were not a flight risk, though she has been fitted with an ankle monitor. She said her immigration lawyer was able to argue that her documents had been filed correctly and that she is legally allowed to extend her time in the US.

Related: Canadian woman held with daughter by ICE warns all immigrants to lie low

The pair will now face a series of hearings to see if they can stay in the US, or if they will be deported. She and her family have maintained that all her immigration paperwork is up-to-date and that they were detained arbitrarily.

Warner and her daughter were initially taken into ICE custody on 14 March. The family lives in Kingsville, Texas, and were driving home from a baby shower in Raymondville when they were stopped at a checkpoint in Sarita. The pair were apprehended by ICE agents to be fingerprinted but then never returned.

After they were incarcerated, Edward Warner told the Vancouver Sun that ICE officials said she overstayed her visa, though he provided the paper with a copy of a US employment authorization card issued to his wife last year, and it had an expiry date of 8 June 2030.

Though originally held at Rio Grande Valley central processing center in McAllen, Texas, Warner and her daughter, who has autism, were moved to the Dilley immigration processing center in south Texas on 20 March.

While in Dilley, Warner told the Guardian that the treatment of her and her daughter has been horrific from the start. At Rio Grande, no beds were provided and detainees slept on mats with the lights on 24 hours a day, she said.

At Dilley, there was some comfort in having a mattress to sleep on. But she said there was no privacy and ICE agents were constantly pressuring her to self-deport. Theyre abusive, and their tactics are to threaten you and to be so inhospitable that you deport yourself, Warner said.

She said she did not want to have to leave the US. My life is here with my husband. I love him. I dont want to leave. But at the same time, Ive gotten a really ugly taste in my mouth for the United States, she said.

When asked about their case the week they were detained, Global Affairs Canada, the federal ministry that handles consular services and diplomatic relations, said it was aware of multiple cases of Canadians currently or previously in immigration-related detention in the US.

Consular officials advocate for Canadian citizens abroad and raise concerns about justified and serious complaints of ill-treatment or discrimination with the local authorities but cannot exempt Canadians from local legal processes, a spokesperson said. Due to privacy considerations, no further information can be disclosed.

Approached for comment on 20 March, ICE asked for more information about the Warners case. The Guardian provided that information, but nearly two weeks later, ICE has not replied.

Global Affairs and ICE have been contacted again for comment regarding the pairs release.
The cheese products were sold at retailers nationwide (Getty Images)

A California dairy producer is recalling some of its raw cheese products as health authorities investigate an ongoing outbreak of E. coli.

Raw Farm of Fresno, California, said Thursday it is voluntarily recalling more than a half-dozen varieties of its cheddar cheese made from raw milk.

The recalled batches, pictured on the FDA recall notice, carry expiration dates spanning from May 2026 to September 2026. They were sold nationwide, according to the FDA alert.

The company announced the recall after health authorities launched an investigation into an ongoing outbreak of E. coli, which was first announced on March 15.

Interest in and sales of raw milk have been rising in recent years, fueled by social media and growing support from the Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s Make America Healthy Again movement.

Raw milk has not been pasteurized, which kills germs like E. coli, salmonella, listeria and campylobacter.

The FDA provided photos of the products affected by the recall (FDA)

The FDA began investigating cases of E. coli food poisoning among people who had reportedly consumed the company's products last month and previously requested a recall.

In an update last week, the FDA said it was conducting an inspection of the company's facilities but had not found positive testing for E. coli bacteria among the company's products.

Raw Farm reiterated that point in its announcement Thursday and added that it was conducting its recall under protest and in order to chart a path forward.

This voluntary recall is limited to Raw Farm-brand cheddar cheese, and no other products are being voluntarily recalled, the company said.

The recall includes the company's original and jalapeno flavor raw cheddar cheese (FDA)

The recalled products include the following and any batches produced prior to these dates:

8 oz Lightly Salted Cheddar Block with batch code 20251027-2 and expiration date 8/23/2026

80 oz Lightly Salted Cheddar Block with batch code 20251015-4 and expiration date 8/11/2026

16 oz Lightly Salted Cheddar Block with batch code 20251027-4 and expiration date 8/23/2026

80 oz Bag of Original Cheddar Shred with batch code 20260205 and expiration date 5/6/2026

16 oz Jalapeno Cheddar Block with batch code 20251128-1J and expiration date 9/24/2026

8 oz Lightly Salted Cheddar Shred with batch code 20260212 and expiration date 5/13/2026

8 oz Jalapeno Cheddar Block with batch code 20251128-2J and expiration date 9/24/2026

The FDA has the authority to order food companies to recall their products when there is a reasonable risk of serious injury or death, but the agency must first give the company the opportunity to voluntarily comply.

The FDA said last week that nine people, including children, have been sickened in the expanding outbreak.

Of eight people interviewed by health officials, seven reported consuming Raw Farm-brand products, according to the FDA. Two people in 2025 reported drinking Raw Farm milk and five people in 2026 said they ate or were served Raw Farm raw cheddar cheese.

Genetic sequencing of E. coli strains from sick people show that they are all closely related, indicating people in the outbreak share a common source of infection, the FDA said.

The federal government does not allow the sale of unpasteurized milk across state lines for human consumption.

States have widely varying regulations regarding raw milk, with some allowing retail sales in stores and others allowing sale only at farms. Some states allow so-called cowshares, where people pay for milk from designated animals, and some allow consumption only by farm owners, employees or non-paying guests.
An Israeli woman takes a picture of an Iranian missile after a wave of strikes carried out by the Islamic Republic - Amir Levy/Getty Images

Ships believed to be carrying Chinese chemicals for missile fuel have arrived in Iran, raising questions about Beijings support for the regime.

Four sanctioned Iran-flagged vessels have docked at Iranian ports since the war broke out, Telegraph analysis of shipping data show.

Another ship was floating offshore near Iranian waters, according to MarineTraffic, a ship-tracking and maritime analytics provider.

The ships are thought to be carrying sodium perchlorate, a precursor material used to produce solid-fuel propellants for missiles.

The vessels departed from Zhuhais Gaolan port, which is home to some of the largest liquid chemical storage terminals in China.

The Telegraphs analysis, reviewed by experts, suggests that the vessels could have transported enough sodium perchlorate to produce hundreds of ballistic missiles.

It is not clear whether Iran has maintained the capacity to build new weapons after an extensive five-week bombing campaign by the US and Israel.

Miad Maleki, a former US treasury official working on Middle East sanctions, said: Still, its definitely an indication that Iran is desperately trying to resupply, and to address the inventory shortage of rocket and missile fuel.

Right now, they have a desperate need as they engage in a direct conflict. They are using their missiles; it is expected to see a surge in Iran importing these chemicals right now.

US intelligence officials told CNN that up to half of all missile launchers in Iran remain intact despite claims to the contrary by Donald Trump and Israel.

All five ships identified by The Telegraph are part of the state-owned Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Line Group (IRISL), which is sanctioned by the US, UK, EU, Switzerland and other European nations.

Mr Maleki, a senior adviser at the Foundation for Defence of Democracies, a US research institute, said the same ships involved in such shipments had been observed coming from the Gaolan port in the past.

He noted that it would be unlikely for Iran to use sanctioned vessels for humanitarian aid, as goods could easily be transported on non-sanctioned tankers to avoid running into issues along the way, particularly if they had to bunker at foreign ports.

Four vessels  the Hamouna, Barzin, Shabdis and Rayen  have all arrived since March 22, after spending, on average, three weeks at sea in transit. A fifth  the Zardis  appears close to docking, and is floating in waters near Iran with an initial estimated arrival for April 2.

The Hamouna, previously called the Canreach  vessel name changes are used to skirt global sanctions  had the longest journey, departing on Feb 19, about a week before the war began. The vessel then spent five weeks sailing global waters, before arriving in Irans port city of Bandar Abbas on March 26. The vessel was probably delayed because of the outbreak of war.

In early 2025, shipments on two sanctioned vessels in the IRISL fleet  the Golban and the Jairan  carried enough bags of sodium perchlorate to yield anywhere from 102 to 157 missiles, according to Prof Jeffrey Lewis, a leading arms control expert in the US and a professor at the James Martin Centre for Nonproliferation Studies.

The vessels that The Telegraph tracked are about double in size to those two ships, and could potentially stack far more pallets containing sodium perchlorate.

Using the known amounts on the Golban and Jairan as a guide, it can be estimated that Iran, in theory, may have imported enough raw material to produce an additional 785 missiles.

That means Iran could easily continue firing 10 to 30 missiles a day for another month, as estimated by war monitors and analysts.

However, given the continued bombing of Iran by the US and Israel, production facilities may be destroyed by the time the chemicals are delivered, noted Prof Lewis.

But the existence of the sodium perchlorate shipments tells us that Iran is still producing missiles  as long as they are happening, that seems to signal the Iranians have a production capability.

Iran may have also received more than five vessels worth of materials from China in wartime.

Vessels can turn off their automatic tracking systems, stopping the transmission of data, such as vessel position, course and destination, which can make them almost impossible to follow.

Most of the vessels tracked by The Telegraph, for instance, appear to have turned off those systems at some point along their journeys, limiting the amount of open-source positional data available.

For two vessels, the destination port, as reported by the ship itself, was false  claiming to be Vietnam, though ship-tracking data clearly put them in Iran at the end of their journeys.

Other information to help identify sanctioned ships can also be easily spoofed, with infinite new tricks and innovations with respect to ship registries, flags, paint and ownership structures, said Isaac Kardon, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, a DC-based think tank.

Most vessels tracked by The Telegraph arrived in the port city of Bandar Abbas, with only one docking in Chabahar. Upon arrival, cargo could be trucked anywhere in Iran for use.

In April 2025, an explosion hit Bandar Abbas  so powerful that it was felt more than 30 miles away. At least 70 people were killed and more than 1,000 injured.

Reddish smoke billowed over the area, suggesting the burning of a chemical compound., suggesting the burning of a chemical compound.

A source within Irans security establishment later told the New York Times that the explosion had been caused by sodium perchlorate, which is used to make ammonium perchlorate  solid propellant for ballistic missiles.

Three days after the port explosion, the US released new sanctions against Iran and China for their role in a network procuring ballistic missile propellant ingredients, specifically listing sodium perchlorate.

Mr Maleki said: Iran has historically imported these chemicals very routinely, because they need them. They have rockets and missiles that they provide to Russia; they sell to the Russians for the war in Ukraine; they provide to their proxy groups in Iraq.

That China continues to allow these shipments during wartime shows that this is a regular flow, said Mr Kardon. They are exploiting the fact that these are commercial goods, commercial cargoes. They arent shipping the missiles or warheads themselves; anything that is lethal.

Beijing simultaneously maintains implicit backing for Irans like-minded authoritarian regime, and plausible deniability.

Mockups of domestically-made Iranian missiles exhibited outside the Defence Museum in Tehran - Getty Images

This is similar to Chinas approach to supporting Russias wartime production, including supplying machine tools to make the nuclear-capable Oreshnik missile, as previous investigations by The Telegraph have found.

But it is a delicate balancing act for China, given that Iran is attacking the wider Middle East, particularly in the Gulf, where Beijing has invested heavily in infrastructure projects.

Experts say China could go even further, potentially allowing land shipments through Pakistan  a country that has acquired nuclear weapons with the support of Beijing, and one that has become more adversarial to the US in recent years.

Western militaries, including the US, do not have enough physical maritime assets to seize tankers at the pace needed.

We dont have an effective mechanism to limit the flow of these raw materials, whether they are for weapons systems, energy, drug production, said Mr Kardon. Thats a real strategic problem, and China is a little brazen than even I might have expected.

It is also a move that would severely upset China in the midst of wider geopolitical turmoil.

Is the US trying to confront China in the midst of this as well? This is the gamble China is taking, and I guess the answer is no, not really, he said.

Its a cat-and-mouse game. But there are just so many more mice.
Christopher Nolan may have won an Oscar for his atomic bomb epic Oppenheimer, but the directors filmography is loaded with other treasures too.

Titles that spring to mind are likely to include 2014s space odyssey Interstellar, 2010s Inception, and, of course, his beloved Batman trilogy starring Christian Bale as the caped crusader.

Long-time fans of Nolan may also throw Memento into the mix, his 2000 psychological thriller in which Guy Pearce plays a man with amnesia hunting for his wifes killer.

Less spoken about, however, is the 2002 mystery-thriller Insomnia, which is now streaming on BBC iPlayer  giving Brits the perfect opportunity to watch what Nolan called his most underrated film.

Starring Al Pacino and Robin Williams, Insomnia is a remake of a 1997 Norwegian neo-noir thriller by Erik Skjoldbjaerg. It is the only one of Nolans films where he is not credited as the writer.

The film follows a Los Angeles homicide detective who is investigating the murder of a high school girl in a small Alaskan town when he is drawn into a psychological game of cat-and-mouse by the primary suspect. Hilary Swank, Maura Tierney and Martin Donovan also star.

Insomnia was well received at the time of its release in 2002. In a five-star review for The Guardian, film critic Peter Bradshaw called it a magnificent blanc-noir that is pleasingly old fashioned, yet viscerally and sensually modern, delivering an icy, sub-zero burn to the mind.

Al Pacino in 'Insomnia' (2002) (YouTube / Warner Bros)

The film currently has a 92 per cent score on review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, with one reviewer calling it Nolans most underrated movie.

Insomnia deserves to be put right up there with [the] directors classic films. It's even arguably better than some of his later films, said one fan on IMDb.

The director himself called it probably the most underrated of all his films, during an interview for Tom Shones 2020 book The Nolan Variations.

Im very proud of the film, he said. I think, of all my films, its probably the most underrated. [...] The reality is its one of my most personal films in terms of what it was to make it. It was a very vivid time in my life.

It was my first studio film, I was on location, it was the first time Id worked with huge movie stars.

Christopher Nolan called Insomnia his most underrated film (Getty Images)

The film is now available to watch on BBC iPlayer, after it was added this week along with another of Nolans films: The Prestige (2006).

Up next for Nolan is The Odyssey, his starry adaptation of Homers epic poem led by Matt Damon. It is set to be released on 17 July in the UK and the US, made on a reported budget of $250m (218.6m).
Petrol prices are up 16% to an average of 154.5p per litre since the start of the war, according to the RAC. Photograph: Murdo MacLeod/The Guardian (Photograph: Murdo MacLeod/The Guardian)

A cut to fuel duty should be extended to reflect the rise in petrol prices, the governments cost of living champion has said.

Richard Walker, the executive chair of the supermarket chain Iceland, urged Keir Starmer not to raise the levy in September, in light of the conflict in the Middle East.

The strait of Hormuz, a crucial trading artery between the Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, has been blockaded since the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran at the end of February.

A fifth of the worlds oil passes through the strait, and its closure has sent global prices soaring, putting pressure on the world economy.

Fuel duty is frozen until September, when the government will review any rise. Other countries such as Australia have already acted to shield motorists from soaring costs.

Lord Walker, a Labour peer who was given the cost of living brief by Starmer in February, told BBC Radio 4s Today programme on Friday: The 5p fuel duty cut that you allude to is an interesting one. Thats going to expire in September. I think, given where we are, we do need to be thinking and talking about extending it or enlarging it.

Interestingly, the Australian government, I was reading, have recently taken 14p per litre cut to their fuel tax. I mean, this cut is 5p.

The previous Conservative government introduced a 5p per litre cut in fuel duty in March 2022.

The chancellor, Rachel Reeves, said in her budget last November that this would be extended until August, before rates would gradually increase over a five-year period. Starmer has said the planned rise in September would be kept under review in light of the war.

According to the RAC, the latest average price of a litre of diesel at UK forecourts is up 30%, to 185.2p since the start of the war. It said petrol prices had climbed 16% to an average of 154.5p per litre in the same period.

Opposition parties have put pressure on the government to address the cost of living crisis by putting forward their own proposals to reduce bills.

The Conservatives have called for VAT on energy bills to be scrapped for the next few years, while Reform UK has said it would reduce VAT on fuel. The Liberal Democrats said they wanted a 10p cut in fuel duty.
The Otay Mesa detention center in San Diego, California. Photograph: Bing Guan/Reuters (Photograph: Bing Guan/Reuters)

Two California lawmakers conducted an oversight visit on Thursday at Immigration and Customs Enforcements Otay Mesa detention center, an immigrant detention facility that has faced allegations of overcrowding, poor conditions and sexual assaults.

The visit had been previously scheduled. But Mike Levin, a Democratic congressman, told the Guardian he planned to conduct more unannounced visits following a federal court ruling that struck down the Trump administrations policy of forcing members of Congress to announce oversight visits seven days in advance.

Its really critically important that we continue to show up unannounced as often as feasible to make sure that basic human dignity is being adhered to, Levin said in an interview after the visit. Im not one thats just going to take the word of those involved. Im going to go there and find out for myself.

Otay Mesa is run as a for-profit business by CoreCivic, the countrys largest private prison contractor. Located in San Diego near the US-Mexico border, the facility has the capacity to lock up 1,500 immigrant detainees.

Levin cited a long list of humanitarian concerns about the facility, including medical care, food, access to uninterrupted sleep, family visitation and access to legal counsel.

We read all kinds of stories, Levin said. We hear from constituents.

Related: President of Wisconsins largest mosque detained by US immigration agents

Levin said his office has repeatedly had problems with detainees struggling to locate and sign privacy waiver paperwork that members of Congress need to help them with their cases. Sara Jacobs, also a Democratic representative, toured the facility with him.

Some 1,037 detainees were locked up at the facility at the time of the visit, Levin said. The vast majority of the detainees he and Jacobs saw wore blue uniforms, indicating that they had no serious criminal histories or behavioral issues.

The members of Congress toured the medical facilities, the dining hall, the on-site courtrooms and the commissary. The facility appeared clean and the food edible, Levin said.

There have also been allegations of rape and sexual assault at the detention center, and a recent report from CalMatters raised questions about why the San Diego county sheriffs office had declined to investigate seven claims from last year, allowing Otay Mesa staff to handle the cases instead.

Levin declined to comment on the sexual assault allegations until he had a chance to discuss them with the San Diego county sheriff, Kelly Martinez.

CoreCivic is also facing a lawsuit from San Diego county health inspectors who say they were denied entrance to Otay Mesa to conduct a state-required inspection.

The safety, health and well-being of the individuals entrusted to our care is our top priority, CoreCivic spokesperson Ryan Gustin wrote in a statement. We take seriously our responsibility to adhere to all applicable federal detention standards in our ICE-contracted facilities, including our Otay Mesa Detention Center (OMDC).

The Otay Mesa detention center reports all allegations of sexual assault to the San Diego county sheriffs office, Gustin added.

CoreCivic is not a law enforcement agency and OMDC does not conduct criminal investigations, Gustin wrote.

The oversight visit comes as the Trump administration is ramping up detention capacity nationwide, as part of its mass deportation campaign. The number of immigrants locked up in detention centers has surged to more than 68,000 last month, up from about 42,000 in the last month of the Biden administration.
President Trump pictured after his televised address to the nation about progress in the war on Iran on 1 April. Photograph: Getty Images (Photograph: Getty Images)

Re Gaby Hinsliffs excellent piece (Never mind leading the free world, if Donald Trump were your ageing father, when would you take away his car keys?, 30 March), the concern over Donald Trumps age and judgment is fair, but it also feels quite belated. American politics has long recycled elderly men and presented them as vessels of reassurance and national strength. Ronald Reagan was celebrated as decline and confusion were quietly discussed. Joe Biden was defended as the steady hand even as public doubts grew louder. Trump is simply the ugliest culmination of the pattern.

The deeper problem is that the presidency has become a screen on to which a failing political order projects fantasies of rescue. Absurdity is not necessarily a weakness here. It can become part of the appeal. The rambling performance, the repetition, the shamelessness  they all feed a culture that prizes identification over substance. That is why asking whether the system can restrain a visibly unstable strongman, while necessary, still does not go far enough. The same system has repeatedly elevated these figures, then wrapped them in myths of authority. Trump emerged from a political culture that has spent years mistaking decline for wisdom. In that sense, Trump appears less as an exception than as the ageing patriarch of a decaying order, still holding all the cards and determined to impose his legacy on the future.

Dr Georgios Samaras

Kings College London

 Removing Donald Trump from the White House to make the world less dangerous is a welcome idea, but who could do it, and would the replacement be any better? Trump has followed the golden rule of bad management and appointed around him people who are even worse at their jobs than he is.

Jim Hatley

Brighton, East Sussex

 Have an opinion on anything youve read in the Guardian today? Please email us your letter and it will be considered for publication in our letters section.
One of the downed F15s two crew members was rescued by US forces deep inside Iran - USAF/AFP via Getty

The fate of the missing crew member of the US fighter jet shot down in Iran could change the course of the war.

The jets pilot was rescued by US forces deep inside Iran, American officials said on Friday.

The rescue of the missing weapon systems officer would be an astonishing outcome for the US, but could also embolden Washington to keep striking.

With Donald Trump already considering a ground invasion, the sight of rescue planes and helicopters operating over Iran relatively unchallenged could offer encouragement for military planners.

Black Hawk helicopters were seen circling low over the mountain valleys alongside C-130 transport aircraft and reconnaissance drones after the US F-15 plane went down.

The mission to rescue the first crew member, at least, appears to have taken place without any further US casualties.

But the situation could escalate into several possible scenarios if the second crew member is captured by the Iranian armed forces or local militias.

The 1979 hostage crisis may offer a blueprint for this outcome. For 444 days, the fate of American diplomats held in Tehran dominated news coverage, shaped public opinion and contributed to Jimmy Carters electoral defeat.

If Iran broadcasts footage of the airman, Mr Trump would face immediate pressure from Congress, military families, veterans groups and the American public to halt operations and negotiate his release.

Continuing air strikes on Iran may become politically untenable, potentially forcing a ceasefire on less favourable terms.

Negotiated release

The second path involves Iran capturing the aviator but not immediately broadcasting evidence, instead using him as leverage in broader negotiations to end the war.

A captured US service member could be worth far more to Iran than just a ceasefire.

Rather than trading him for one concession, Tehran could bundle its demands  ceasefire, control over Strait of Hormuz transit and tolls, limits on future US military operations and possibly sanctions relief.

Iran has consistently sought to transform its wartime closure of the Strait of Hormuz into permanent peacetime authority.

Its parliament this week moved to formalise toll collection and shipping restrictions. A captured American airman gives Tehran negotiating power it lacked when discussions were purely military.

Mr Trump, facing domestic pressure to rescue the crew member, would have to weigh whether accepting Iranian demands exceeds the political cost of a prolonged hostage situation.

This scenario plays out more quietly: no propaganda broadcasts and staged appearances, just Iran letting it be known it holds an American and is open to a deal.

It provides Mr Trump with a potential off-ramp.

He could frame a negotiated settlement that includes the airmans release as achieving multiple objectives: recovering American service members, degrading Iranian military capabilities and reaching an agreement.

Death and escalation

An aviator killed while being captured or during a failed rescue would flip the entire dynamic. Instead of an off-ramp, it could become a trigger for a ground invasion.

If the weapon systems officer dies and evidence suggests Iranian forces killed him after ejection, or if a rescue attempt fails with American casualties, Mr Trump will face immediate pressure to respond.

Military families, veterans groups and Republican politicians would demand more than continued air strikes.

Mr Trump suggested on Wednesday that the US would hit Iran extremely hard in the next two to three weeks, destroying electrical infrastructure and other critical systems.

But ground operations to seize islands or nuclear facilities, or establish control over parts of Iranian territory require justification beyond strategic objectives.

Iranian media show off part of an F-15 that Tehran claims it shot down

Despite a weakened military, Iran is believed to be well-prepared for a ground invasion.

The Zagros Mountains run 1,000 miles, with peaks above 14,000ft, valleys that funnel attackers into kill zones, and passes where a few defenders can potentially stop entire columns.

And beyond the terrain, there are the people. Local governors are paying cash rewards for captured or killed Americans, and tribal populations with deep traditions of resistance have answered the call.

They know the land  every ridge, valley and ambush point  in ways no invading force ever could.

The local mobilisation is a sign of deep patriotic sentiment among Irans rural and tribal populations, who maintain strong traditions of defending their territory despite often having a complicated relationship with the central government in Tehran.

The situation evokes comparisons to the 1993 Black Hawk Down incident in Mogadishu, Somalia, where a mission to capture militia leaders turned into a protracted urban battle after helicopters were shot down.

That operation, intended to last an hour, resulted in an 18-hour firefight that killed 18 American soldiers and hundreds of Somalis.

Before Friday, Mr Trump could manage the wars timeline and scope. Now the airmans fate determines which direction the war could go next.
Pam Bondi and Donald Trump at an Oval Office event in October. Photograph: John McDonnell/AP (Photograph: John McDonnell/AP)

Good morning.

Donald Trump has been accused of running a misogynistic administration after Pam Bondi became the second woman to be fired from a cabinet already dominated by men.

The US president dismissed the attorney general yesterday amid mounting frustration with her performance, especially over the release of files relating to the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The move came less than a month after Trump ousted Kristi Noem as homeland security secretary after criticism of her management of the department and immigration enforcement.

In a statement, Bondi said she was thrilled about moving to an important private-sector role.

Who will replace Bondi? Trump said Todd Blanche, her deputy, would serve as acting attorney general. Lee Zeldin, a former New York congressman who now leads the Environmental Protection Agency, is said to be a top contender to replace Bondi.

Trump warns Tehran more to follow after strike destroys Irans largest bridge

Donald Trump claimed responsibility for destroying Irans largest bridge, a day after he threatened to bomb the country back to the stone ages if a deal to end the five-week-long war he started was not reached.

The US president shared footage of part of the newly built $400m B1 suspension bridge between Tehran and Karaj collapsing on to the causeway below amid a rising plume of black smoke.

Eight people were killed and 95 wounded, according to Irans state media. The middle of the 446ft-high bridge was struck twice. Later imagery showed a clear gap at the heart of what had been one of Irans premier infrastructure projects.

How badly has Iran been affected? At least 1,900 people have been killed and 20,000 injured in Iran since the start of the war, according to a rough estimate by the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

Artemis II astronauts rocket towards the moon after breaking free of Earths orbit

The four Artemis astronauts have fired up their spacecrafts engine to break away from Earths orbit and zoomed towards the moon, a milestone that commits Nasa to the first crewed lunar flyby in more than half a century.

With enough thrust to accelerate a stationary car to highway driving speed in less than three seconds, the Orion capsule engine blasted the astronauts on their trajectory towards the moon, which they will loop as part of the 10-day Artemis 2 mission.

The burn lasting just under six minutes, beginning a three-day voyage taking humans out of Earths orbit for the first time since 1972.

What have the astronauts been doing? They spent their first hours in space performing checks and troubleshooting minor problems on the spacecraft that has never carried humans before, including a communications issue and a malfunctioning toilet.

In other news 

A federal judge has thrown out the majority of Blake Livelys claims against Justin Baldoni. In a court ruling yesterday, Judge Lewis Liman dismissed 10 of the 13 claims in her lawsuit against her co-star and director of the domestic violence film It Ends With Us.

A Canadian woman and her seven-year-old daughter who were held for nearly three weeks in a notorious detention center by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) were released yesterday evening after posting a bond of $9,500.

An investigation by Canadas national broadcaster has found that a big Quebec producer has been diluting its maple syrup with cane sugar and selling the product to grocery chains.

Stat of the day: Maryland man sentenced to 20 years for pet crematorium scam

A Baltimore County man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison after being found guilty of defrauding pet owners through his fake crematorium business, returning rocks and sand to grieving victims instead of ashes.

Culture pick: The Drama review  Zendaya and Robert Pattinsons controversial wedding film delivers on its promise

A womans confession on the eve of her nuptials causes uproar in this insouciantly offensive provocation from the director of Dream Scenario. The Drama offers us a provocation, a jeu desprit of outrage, a psychological meltdown that is more astutely articulated than in many another more solemnly intended film. And it gives us what it promises in the title.

Dont miss this: Pope Leos first Easter: one year in, what do Catholics think of pontiff?

As Leo marks his inaugural Easter as pontiff, almost a year after his predecessors death, some Catholics are still trying to work out what kind of pontiff he is. The feast  the most important in the churchs calendar  comes against the backdrop of war in the Middle East sparked by the US-Israeli strikes in Iran.

Climate check: Why thousands of New Yorkers swap gas for induction stoves in clean energy push

A New York pilot scheme is replacing gas stoves with electric induction models in public housing, offering residents a safer and cleaner way to cook after years of disruption from gas supply issues. The pilot is part of a wider $32m plan to install induction stoves in 10,000 apartments. Advocates say the switch could cut emissions and reduce harmful indoor air pollution, though the technology has become an unlikely flashpoint in the US culture wars.

Last Thing: Sex at arms length? Male octopuses use specialised arm to mate, scientists find

Sex may seem an intimate act, but scientists have shed fresh light on how octopuses manage it at arms length. Male octopuses use a specialised arm called the hectocotylus to place a package of sperm inside the females reproductive system.

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The wheat harvest in Pakistan, one of the biggest importers of Gulf fertilisers. Photograph: Bloomberg/Getty Images (Photograph: Bloomberg/Getty Images)

The world has become well versed in the importance of the strait of Hormuz to the worlds energy flows, but attention is increasingly turning to its vital role in another market  the fertiliser on which harvests depend.

A third of the global trade in raw materials for fertiliser passes through the maritime choke point, which is also the route for 20% of shipments of natural gas, which is required to make it.

The waterways near-total shipping blockade is a food security timebomb, the head of the International Rescue Committee, David Miliband, said this week, adding: The window to avert a massive global hunger crisis is rapidly closing.

Fertilisers are the No 1 issue of concern today, according to the World Trade Organization, while the UN World Food Programme says the total number of people facing acute levels of hunger could hit record numbers this year if the destabilising conflict continues.

So how worried should we be?

The Gulf is also home to some of the worlds largest fertiliser factory sites and international organisations are sounding the alarm that a prolonged transport shutdown could disrupt production and increase costs.

About 16m tonnes of fertilisers were transported by sea from the region in 2024, according to the UN conference on trade and development (Unctad). After Russia, Egypt and Saudi Arabia, Iran is the fourth-largest global exporter of urea, the most widely used nitrogen fertiliser.

The Middle East is also the source of about 45% of the global trade in sulphur, a key raw material for fertiliser manufacture, as well as for producing various metals and industrial chemicals.

But since Iran began threatening to attack shipping, only a trickle of vessels carrying ammonia, nitrogen and sulphur, vital ingredients in many synthetic fertiliser products, are transiting the strait to their destinations.

The Qatar Fertiliser Company (QAFCO), which is the worlds largest single site for urea exports and the supplier of 14% of the worlds urea, has been offline for almost a month since Qatar closed its gas plants after Iranian strikes.

Doha does not have an alternative route for exporting urea other than through the strait of Hormuz, while it also relies on shipments through the channel for food imports for it and the neighbouring United Arab Emirates.

Roughly half of global food production depends on synthetic nitrogen fertiliser. Without it, crop yields would tumble, pushing up prices of household staples including bread, rice, potatoes and pasta, and would also make animal feed more expensive. Some of the worlds poorest countries are among the most vulnerable to fertiliser price rises.

Farmers are facing a double shock because of surging prices for fertiliser and fuel, according to the UNs Food and Agriculture Organization. The agency also fears a lengthy closure of the strait could limit global supplies.

Prices have already jumped in the month since the conflict began, bringing back bad memories of soaring fuel and fertiliser prices after Russias invasion of Ukraine in 2022, as well as the global fertiliser crisis of 2008 that was sparked by high oil prices.

Egyptian urea prices, which are a benchmark, have risen by more than 60%, reaching $780 (586) a tonne, up from about $484 in late February, according to the CRU Group, a consultancy that tracks commodity prices.

The costs of different types of fertiliser  including diammonium phosphate (DAP), urea and potash  have not yet hit the levels seen in 2022, to the surprise of some analysts, although they caution that prices remain under pressure.

How high they go is partly dependent on when Hormuz reopens. In the meantime, the fertiliser market is in paralysis waiting for the conflict to end, said Chris Lawson, the vice-president of market intelligence and prices at CRU.

Supply disruption has been bad and people are still scrambling for product, but it is not as bad as it potentially could have been.

Lawson added that some fertiliser buyers have also decided to wait it out if they can, in the hope that prices drop again whenever the conflict ends and normal trade resumes.

Related: Global food supplies could be badly hit if Iran war drags on, says fertiliser boss

For now, the worlds fertiliser plants could soon max out their storage facilities and have to curtail production if they continue to be unable to transport away their produce or receive new raw materials.

A US move to try to minimise the economic consequences of the Iran conflict by loosening sanctions on Belarusian companies that produce potash  a key ingredient in fertiliser  as well as the suspension of sanctions on Russian oil, are not expected to increase global fertiliser supplies, according to analysts.

This is because Russia continued to export fertiliser to countries outside Europe and North America and has little spare capacity to ramp up production to meet higher demand.

The impact of the fertiliser price increases for different nations is partly dependent on their reliance on fertilisers imported from the Gulf, as well as the timing of the conflict in relation to the agricultural cycle.

While many European and North American farmers had already bought most of the fertiliser required for the imminent spring planting season, the timing of the latest fertiliser price rises is putting particular pressure on large importers, including Australia, where the majority of fertiliser shipments arrive between April and June.

There are also growing worries about the impact of extended shipping disruption on India, the worlds second-largest user of fertiliser after China, where the sowing season for major crops including rice and wheat is approaching. India depends on imports of the raw materials to produce fertiliser, such as liquefied natural gas, as well as the finished product.

While the Indian government subsidises fertiliser for the nations food producers, any disruption to supply could reduce food production and push prices higher.

Indias less affluent neighbours, including Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Bangladesh, are almost all dependent on imports of Gulf fertiliser. African nations including Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya and Sudan are also reliant.

The worlds least developed economies have the least capacity to absorb price shocks, and increased costs for fertiliser, fuel and food can quickly put pressure on household budgets and public finances.

Food prices have not yet risen on global commodity markets, given the Middle East is not a major exporter of wheat and other crops, as Russia and Ukraine are. However, the longer-term effect on supplies and wholesale costs could be serious if the wars upending of trade routes is not resolved for months.
The logo of the French television news channel CNews, displayed on a tablet screen in Paris on March 26, 2019.

The Paris prosecutor's office said on Friday it had opened an investigation into French news channel CNews for possible hate speech after alleged racist comments about Bally Bagayoko, the newly elected Black mayor of Parisian suburb Saint-Denis.

At the centre of the case is CNews, the rolling news channel controlled by French tycoon Vincent Bollore's Vivendi group, which critics have likened to Fox News for its opinion-driven format and polarising tone.

Media watchdogs and opponents accuse the channel, as well as other outlets in the Bollore group such as the Journal du Dimanche newspaper, of near-constant coverage of immigration and security, which they say fuels far-right narratives.

Bagayoko, the first Black mayor of Saint-Denis, an impoverished and diverse suburb north of Paris, lodged a complaint on Wednesday, alleging the comments made by panelists on the channel on March 27 and 28 constituted racist slurs, the prosecutor's office said in a statement.

Contacted by Reuters, CNews had no immediate comment. It told AFP the controversy was "baseless" and denied any racist comments were made. The mayor also could not be immediately reached for comment.

Read moreBlack mayor faces abuse as France confronts racism in public life

Separately, the prosecutor opened an investigation into possible cyberbullying targeting the mayor, who is a member of the far-left France Unbowed party, due to his skin colour.

Under French law, racial slurs are punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to 45,000 ($52,000), while cyberbullying is punishable by an up to two-year jail term and a fine of up to 30,000.

(FRANCE 24 with Reuters)
Protesters on the Right and the Left are calling for the removal of American troops from German soil - Craig Stennett/Getty

Is it right for American troops to still be stationed in Germany more than 80 years after the end of the Second World War? Their presence has long inflamed passions on sections of the German Left, but some on the Right are now also turning against them.

Co-leader of the populist Alternative for Germany (AfD), Tino Chrupalla, reignited this debate at a regional conference of the party last weekend. He was keen to remind supporters that there was more to the AfD than its anti-immigration stance. Its official programme demands the withdrawal of all remaining Allied troops from German soil. Keen to move the AfD on from being a one-issue party, as he put it, Chrupalla told delegates: Lets start implementing this with the removal of US troops from Germany.

The slogan Ami, go home! (Ami being a kind of German equivalent of the term Yankee) has been used by German political activists since the 1950s, but the sentiment stems from a deep-seated pacifism and anti-Americanism thats traditionally associated with the German Left. Now the Right-wing AfD has adopted it.

Going down this route highlights once more that its DNA as a political party and movement diverges fundamentally from the conservative, transatlanticist mainstream that developed in West Germany after the Second World War and which dominates politics in Berlin to this day.

Currently, about 38,000 US troops are stationed in Germany, mostly in the west and south of the country, at military installations such as Ramstein air base. Thats a direct consequence of the Second World War when Allied troops from the US, Britain, France and the Soviet Union occupied and ran the defeated country.

The emerging Cold War added further layers of complexity when Moscow and Washington decided to place nuclear weapons on East and West German soil, respectively. As part of Natos nuclear sharing arrangements, whereby Germany does not develop its own atomic bombs but stands ready to deploy those of the US, about 20 American atomic weapons remain in Germany to this day.

JD Vance, the US vice president, called in on American troops at Ramstein air base last year as his plane was refuelled en route to Maryland - Kenny Holston/Getty

This situation has always riled parts of the German Left. The West German authorities, from the 1950s onwards, tried to crack down on communists and socialists protesting against the presence of American soldiers with graffiti, placards and street demonstrations. Konrad Adenauer, the first West German Chancellor, had worked closely with Washington in order to rearm his country quickly despite the recent horrors of Nazism, war and genocide.

He saw a strong US military presence as a guarantor of American commitment to Western European security against the Soviet Union. In 1950, when communists had scribbled Ami, go home on the walls and houses of Bremen, Hermann Wolters, the port citys senator, himself a former communist, dryly remarked that the activists had forgotten to add the words Ivan, come in.

But the vast majority of West Germans tolerated and even welcomed the presence of Allied soldiers in the early post-war years. There was an economic miracle bringing back prosperity and stability to a country that was on its knees politically, economically and morally.

The Americans had contributed significantly to recovery through the Marshall Plan, giving West Germany $1.4bn in aid  amounting to about 3 per cent of its GDP. In addition, many Germans, especially women, were taken with the brash, casual, unperturbed demeanour of the US troops. Hildegard Knef, the German actress, wrote in her memoirs that the shoulders of the GIs were as wide as wardrobes and their pert bottoms as narrow as cigar boxes.

Anti-American sentiment in West Germany only became more mainstream from the late 1960s, fuelled by the Vietnam War and a new, Left-leaning class of young intellectuals coming of age politically. Now, Ami or Yankee go home slogans became ubiquitous in student protests and marches. This began to merge with the growing peace movement and hippie culture, whereby America was no longer equated with freedom and prosperity but with militarism, exploitative capitalism and imperialism.

The new anti-Americanism penetrated deep into some of Germanys political institutions, including the centre-left Social Democratic Party (SPD), which had huge internal battles over its stance towards the US and its stationing of weapons and personnel in Germany. In the 1980s, a young firebrand with wild, curly hair, then the deputy leader of the SPDs youth wing, ranted against an aggressive-imperialist Nato whose plans to station more weapons in Germany should be vehemently opposed by the progressive democratic forces of this country. That was Olaf Scholz, the future chancellor of Germany, talking.

Meanwhile, the West German centre-Right, including under Helmut Kohl, the conservative chancellor, stayed staunchly transatlanticist in outlook. Indeed, Kohl banked heavily on American support for German reunification, which was opposed by many European leaders, most notably Margaret Thatcher.

There was a brief flirtation with anti-Americanism on the Right-wing fringes when a party called The Republicans made some inroads into state parliaments and supplemented its anti-immigration manifesto with statements equating Americanism with the negative effects of economic globalisation. But it never really caught on with the conservative side of the political spectrum.

So why is the AfD running with an anti-American theme now? Part of the answer may lie in the fact that the party continues to enjoy disproportionately strong support in the former East German regions, which had a very different occupation and post-war experience. This began with the end of the war itself. While many West Germans describe a professionally conducted conquest in 1945, followed by generous aid in rebuilding the war-ravaged country, many East Germans remember brutal violence.

It is estimated that up to two million women were raped by Red Army soldiers. Then there was no Marshall Plan, but rather high reparations payments that ranged from goods taken from ongoing industrial production to be shipped east to peoples watches being stolen from their wrists.

East Germans didnt spend the Cold War under Natos protective shield but fearing the American-led alliance as an overwhelming military force that might push the world to the brink of a Third World War. Here, a related but different form of pacifism emerged, one reinforced by state propaganda, which portrayed American interventions in the world as sheer imperialism.

In contrast to the West German lands, the East German territory was cleared of foreign troops after reunification. The last Soviet-Russian soldiers left in 1994. Their departure was a huge operation that was financially supported by the German government. Under the Two Plus Four Agreement, which regulated the reunification process, Nato troops cannot be permanently stationed on former East German territory.

Chrupalla is from East Germany and shares many of the sentiments of people with a similar upbringing. He is deeply sceptical of Nato and has even questioned Germanys membership in previous years, arguing that Europe has been forced to implement Americas interests. We reject that. The western branch of the AfD, represented by co-leader Alice Weidel, sees this slightly differently. They have reluctantly, and only to a degree, embraced Donald Trumps America as a useful ally while publicly trying to keep a lid on the deep differences that run through the AfD on Nato, the US partnership and Russia.

About 38,000 American troops are stationed at bases in Germany - Sean Gallup/Getty

However, even the western branches of the AfD share a general anti-Americanism that goes beyond the current Trump administration. The general election manifesto last year asserted that while good relations with the US are of significant importance, the geopolitical and economic interests of the USA diverge increasingly from those of Germany. This was followed by a statement rejecting further stationing of American weapons in Germany. Russia, meanwhile, is described as a reliable supplier and guarantor of affordable energy with whom relations should be extended.

The anti-American course Chrupalla was marketing last weekend as a means of moving the AfD out of the one-issue image of an opposition movement and towards a governing party may actually backfire if the main aim is to find a way into power any time soon. Chrupalla eyes up 2029 as the year of the new Germany. Thats when the next federal elections are scheduled. But in Germanys coalition-based system, the AfD will need a partner, even if it becomes the largest party. Highlighting the starkest differences between itself and the centre-Right may not be the most effective realpolitik strategy.

Regardless of the AfDs internal nuances, Chrupalla has once more made it clear that the party carries a strong and enduring anti-American strand in its political makeup, which makes it a fundamentally different movement from the older Christian-conservative parties of the CDU and the CSU, which are currently running the country together with the SPD.

While there is much overlap on the Right on the core issues of immigration and the economy, when it comes to foreign policy and Germanys self-image as a modern post-war state, the gulf running through the Right of Germanys political spectrum remains wide.
Glen Baxter in his studio, January 2022. Photograph: Antonio Parente/Courtesy Flowers Gallery, London (Photograph: Antonio Parente/Courtesy Flowers Gallery, London)

The genius of the cartoonist Glen Baxter was the happy result of a childhood in postwar Leeds  periods of dreariness interspersed with trips to the local cinema to watch black-and-white cowboy B-movies, and afternoons spent reading Boys Own annuals and the adventures of Dan Dare in Eagle comics  combined with an artistic education influenced by Magritte and Andre Breton.

Glen, who has died aged 82, was celebrated in Britain and the US for his cartoons, which appeared in publications including the New Yorker and the Observer, as well as being a staple of the humorous greetings card rack, and he was hailed in Europe as a master surrealist. He embraced the influences of his youth by pastiching the macho cowboys and heroic spacemen from the pages of his comics, but his characters, whether wearing tweed, a 10-gallon hat, or perhaps even a wimple, would find themselves in bizarre, pop art-inspired settings, accompanied by the deadpan, witty captions that became his trademark.

In childhood, Glen had struggled with a bad stammer. His embarrassment was exacerbated by the regular errands his mother would send him on; his panic and inability to form the right words would often mean he returned with the wrong item, or visited the wrong shop altogether. It was then, he said, that he embraced surrealism. At art school, he resisted being compartmentalised into the fashions of abstraction. He loved the collages of Max Ernst, and found that by using coloured pencils he could recreate the soft quality of the colours of his beloved Boys Own.

Born in Leeds, West Yorkshire, Glen was the son of Charlie Baxter, a welder, and his wife, Florence (nee Wood). A precocious artistic talent was evident from nursery school, and after attending Cockburn high school in Beeston, he studied painting and lithography at Leeds College of Art, graduating in 1965. He moved south to Leytonstone, east London, where he taught briefly at a local primary school, and then at the V&A in 1967.

In the late 1960s, he grew disillusioned with the world of art and began writing poetry and working with alternative theatre groups in London, writing scripts and performing.

In 1970, he met Carole Turner in Islington, where he was teaching at the local Starcross school. In the same year, Glen submitted a collection of poems and short stories to Adventures in Poetry, a magazine edited by Larry Fagin at the Poetry Project in New York City. He was quickly invited to New York to read his poetry at St Marks church on the Lower East Side, a famous bohemian venue.

He met artists and film-makers who encouraged him to show drawings alongside his poetry, and in 1974, Glen had the first exhibition of his artwork, at the Gotham Book Mart gallery. In the same year, the gallery published his work in two little magazines, Fruits of the World in Danger and The Handy Guide to Amazing People. An early patron was the American writer and illustrator Edward Gorey, who bought 10 of Glens drawings and once said of him that Mr Baxter betrays all the ominous symptoms of genius.

Back in London, Glen worked part-time at Goldsmiths, University of London, while continuing to develop his writing and drawing style. Upon returning from another trip to the US in 1978, he began to experiment with combining words and images in the format that he became renowned for. His first illustrative work appeared in 1979 with a collection, Atlas, published in Amsterdam by De Hermonie (in black and white, because colour printing was too expensive).

The following year, the Institute of Contemporary Arts in London exhibited a small selection of his work, which was reviewed favourably by the Guardian and the Times, and attention snowballed.

Collections of his work included The Impending Gleam (1981), Jodhpurs in the Quantocks (1986), The Collected Blurtings of Baxter and The Further Blurtings of Baxter (both 1994), The Wonder Book of Sex (1995), Blizzards of Tweed (1999) and Trundling Grunts (2002). In 2016, the New York Review of Books published Almost Completely Baxter: New and Selected Blurtings.

When Bob Gottlieb, editor-in-chief at Alfred A Knopf, Glens American publishers, took over as editor of the New Yorker in 1987, he urged Glen to submit cartoons for publication. Thus began an association with the magazine that would last until his death.

Glen later found great success with greetings cards and merchandise including ceramics and even wristwatches. The Chris Beetles Gallery in London, of which I am a director, hosted the launch of Glen Baxters Gourmet Guide in 1997, as well as the exhibitions Blizzards of Tweed (1999), Trundling Grunts (2002) and, most recently, The Chaotic Cortex: The Surreal Worlds of John Glashan and Glen Baxter (2024), in which his work appeared alongside that of Glashan, the great Observer cartoonist. Between 2012 and 2025, Glen held exhibitions at the Flowers Gallery in London.

He is survived by Carole and their five children, Zoe, Harry, Jo, Giles and Gaby.

 Glen Baxter, cartoonist, born 4 March 1944; died 29 March 2026
Hours after firing Pam Bondi as attorney general  and with reports that more Cabinet members could be on the chopping block  President Donald Trump has saddled his vice president with a title that became an albatross around the neck of his predecessor Kamala Harris for most of her time in office.

Trump took to social media on Friday to reiterate his desire to have Vice President JD Vance lead a nakedly political effort to harass state and local governments in places that did not vote for them in the 2024 election under the premise of cracking down on federal benefits fraud.

In a bizarrely worded post to Truth Social, Trump wrote that Vance was now in charge of FRAUD in the United States as he announced the veeps new role, calling the problem massive and pervasive.

The job he will be doing, in conjunction with many great people within the Trump Administration, will be a major factor in how great the future of our Country will be, Trump said.

He added that Vances focus will be EVERYWHERE, but stressed that the administrations efforts would be targeted primarily in those Blue States where CROOKED DEMOCRAT POLITICIANS, like those in California, Illinois, Minnesota (Somalia beware!), Maine, New York, and many others, have had a free for all in the unprecedented theft of Taxpayer Money.

President Donald Trump just gave Vice President JD Vance a new politically charged role (Getty)

The president also claimed, without offering evidence, that the supposed amount of federal funds lost to fraud is so large that if Vances efforts are successful they would literally allow the U.S. to balance its budget, and said law enforcement agencies had already started raids in Los Angeles, the largest city in the largest state led by a Democratic governor and potential 2028 presidential candidate.

Good Luck JD! Trump added.

Trump had already signed an executive order last month putting Vance in charge of what press secretary Karoline Leavitt called anti-fraud task force which will investigate fraud across the country, and his explicit declaration that Vance should be henceforth known as the administrations fraud Czar appears to ignore the history of the way the Russian-language term has traditionally been used in conservative media and political circles as a pejorative against Democratic administration officials to imply such officials are unaccountable and power-hungry.

Vances predecessor, former vice president Kamala Harris, was saddled with the unofficial Border Czar moniker during her time in office across hundreds of television segments on Fox News and Newsmax, with the conservative networks pegging her work addressing migration from South and Central America to border security even though the latter subject was never in her policy portfolio.

Her Biden administration colleague, former Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry, was similarly dubbed the Climate Czar by commentators who mocked his frequent international travel and cast him as an out-of-touch elitist working to force green mandates on working-class Americans.

Vice President Kamala Harris conferring with a US Border Patrol officer along the Mexico border in Arizona in 2024 (Reuters / Pool)

During the Obama administration, then-Fox News host Glenn Beck made a habit of using a chalkboard to illustrate the dozens of administration officials  most of whom were low- to mid-level advisors  who he referred to as czars working on what he described at the time as a wide-ranging Marxist plot to undermine the United States from within.

While Vance is ostensibly being tasked with leading federal efforts to crack down on benefits fraud, the administrations focus on the subject has been largely a function of political imperatives, either to punish Democratic-led jurisdictions or sandbag Democratic politicians perceived as enemies to the president  or potential rivals to the vice president in future elections.

In January, Vance announced that the White House was creating a new assistant attorney general position at the Department of Justice for the specific purpose of fighting what he described as fraud in places such as Minnesota, where a right-wing YouTube influencers viral video about Somali-run health care businesses led the Department of Homeland Security to surge thousands of immigration enforcement officers and agents to conduct roving patrols that resulted in two innocent Americans being gunned down.

President Donald Trump just gave Vice President JD Vance a new politically charged role (Truth Social)

There have been some high-profile cases of public benefits fraud in the North Star State in recent years, such as one in which the nonprofit Feeding Our Future was charged with submitting fraudulent documentation to obtain roughly $250 million in Covid-19 pandemic aid during the Biden administration.

Federal prosecutors have also alleged that at least half more of the roughly $18 billion in federal funds that supported 14 Minnesota-run programs since 2018 may have been stolen from federal programs supporting child nutrition, housing services and autism services.

The sprawling case has become politically and culturally fraught, as Somali Americans make up 82 of the 92 defendants charged so far, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for Minnesota. But Trump has capitalized on that fact to target the Somalia diaspora in Minnesota, which has the largest Somali population in the U.S., as well as the state's Democratic leadership  including Governor Tim Walz, who was the Democratic Partys 2024 vice presidential nominee.

Trumps announcement that the Vance-led fraud force would be targeting California next could give Vance a perch upon which to attack one of his possible 2028 presidential rivals, Gov. Gavin Newsom, and other prominent Democrats who could end up vying for their partys presidential nomination two years from now.

A White House fact sheet released last month on Trumps executive order said there was strong reason to believe large-scale fraud is a problem in California, Illinois, New York, Maine, and Colorado on account of what the order called insufficient safeguards and weak oversight.

Illinois, New York and Colorado are also home to possible Vance rivals, such as Governor J.B. Pritzker, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Governor Jared Polis, respectively.
Indie rock artist, Snail Mail, pictured during a gig at the Hare & Hounds, an independent music venue in south Birmingham. (Credit: Sam Frankwood)

Its no secret that the situation of Britains music venues has grown increasingly fraught, made worse by the Covid pandemic, the cost-of-living crisis, and shifting trends in alcohol consumption.

Thats why, when Labour pledged to reduce business rates for pubs and music venues by 15 per cent back in January, many business owners across the country breathed a collective sigh of relief.

But, after the changes finally came into effect earlier this week, just how positive are the UKs grassroots venues feeling about the future?

Punk project, Total Con, perform at The Lughole as part of its Noise Annoys Fest in 2025. (Credit: Instagram / Alex Brown / @aroutinesearch)

Adam Regan, owner of the historic Hare & Hounds in south Birmingham, told The Independent that the new rates relief left much to be desired, even while he feels confident that his business is in a good place.

Lets just say that the extra 15 per cent discount after the initial rates increase isnt enough, Mr Regan said. It feels like a token gesture that most people saw through immediately.

British post-punk band Warmduscher,perform at the Hare & Hounds. (Credit: Sam Frankwood)

The 15 per cent rates relief was announced after Labour was met with backlash for scrapping the 40 per cent reduction implemented post-Covid, as part of their autumn budget in 2025.

In an open letter addressed to the government in December, the Music Venue Trust (MVT) described the possible repercussions of Labours decision as chilling.

Its statement warned: Smaller arenas in towns and cities across the UK will teeter on the edge of closure, potentially resulting in thousands of jobs losses and hollowing out the cultural spaces that keep places thriving.

The effectiveness of the 15 per cent rate as been dismissed by some critics, including shadow chancellor Mel Stride who branded it a temporary sticking plaster that would only delay the pain for a few, while thousands of businesses despair as their bills sky-rocket.

Support must be permanent, he told parliament in January.

According to the MVTs annual report published that same month, more than half of the UKs grassroots music venues failed to make any profit in 2025, while 30 venues permanently closed their doors and a total of 6,000 jobs  representing almost 20 per cent of the total workforce  were lost across the sector.

This transpired in spite of a rise in the number of people attending gigs at grassroots level by 13 per cent, a total of 21 million fans.

Mr Regan said that while established venues might be able to weather the storm, smaller music establishments would struggle unless some changes are made very soon.

Hardcore band Cannonball during a performance at The Lughole earlier this year. (Credit: Instagram / Alex Brown / @aroutinesearch)

The Lughole, a community-led performance space based in Sheffield, made headlines last month when bailiffs stormed into the venue mid-gig, demanding payment for a debt that the Lugholes founders have consistently disputed.

Alex Dev, secretary at the Lughole, estimates that the venues operating costs have risen by around 25 per cent over the past three years. While the Lughole is yet to be told whether they have qualified for the 15 per cent rates relief, he believed their effects would be significant.

We strongly welcome the introduction of this relief, he told The Independent. This level of reduction would have a meaningful and immediate impact on our financial sustainability.

However, he said there was much more the government could be doing to support grassroots music venues, such as making the 1 ticket levy mandatory for arena and stadium gigs.

The initiative has been supported by major stars including Harry Styles, Katy Perry, Sam Fender and Coldplay, all of whom got their starts in grassroots venues. However, the levy remains voluntary; the MVT has called for the whole industry to adopt it.

Grassroots venues are where artists learn their craft, create scenes, take risks, and change culture, Mr Dev said.

Without them, the evolution of music itself is at risk.
(Greta Bellamacina)

A secret library, the best book shops and a bar with student union prices: poet and actor Greta Bellamacina knows all the best spots for embracing Londons literary side. Here, she names her favourite spots and shares some hidden gems.

Home is 

I live in the countryside in Kent, with my husband Robert and our children Lorca, Lucian and Ersilia. I grew up in north London, so the countryside is new for me. I come into town most days. My train comes into Victoria, so Pimlico has become my new London village. On Upper Tachbrook Street I have my dry cleaner, my cobbler and the fabulous Italian cafe Ben Venuti, which has become my local.

Where do you stay in London?

I like the rooms at the Chelsea Arts Club; it feels like staying at a long-lost aunts house. Its timeless and somehow unpretentious  and the bar has student union prices.

Where was your first flat?

On Camden Road, opposite the skate park. We had no money and we decorated the flat with things we found on the street.

Where would you recommend for a first date?

The Holly Bush pub in Hampstead. Its at the top of the hill, with hardly any phone reception. The ceilings are really low and there is always a fire burning. There isnt much space, so you have no choice but to huddle together. Its the perfect spot for a winter date, because when you step back outside the view of London in the mist is always heart-stopping.

Which shops do you rely on?

Hatchards on Piccadilly for the wonderful rare books curated by Richard, who sits on the top floor at his very public desk and welcomes you with new books and gossip. Choosing Keeping, in Seven Dials, for thank-you cards and stationery. The antique dealers on Flask Walk in Hampstead for the occasional piece of furniture. Retromania in Pimlico for vintage; its quite a special shop as its also a Fara charity shop and nothing is too expensive. And I love Santa Maria Novella in the Piccadilly Arcade for the lily water and the pomegranate soap.

Whats the best meal youve had?

Sentimentally, I love Lemonia in Primrose Hill; we went there throughout my childhood. We recently took the children for a late Sunday lunch of calamari, hummus and cheese saganaki. Our waiter had been there since I was a child and the room never changes. It always feels like a homecoming.

What would you do if you were Mayor for the day?

I would like one continuous long dinner table that runs down all of the roads in London and I would invite everyone to dinner. I would put microphones in the trees and speakers in the streets to amplify the bird song.

Who is the most iconic Londoner

Virginia Woolf  I used to live next to her house in Fitzroy Square. I would walk past every day and think about her there, writing behind the window.

Where do you go to have fun?

I love a middle-of-the day cinema screening, maybe at the Prince Charles Cinema or the Curzon Soho. I also love a theatre restaurant; my favourite is J Sheekey. You can feel the ghosts of the West End stage in the booths.

Whats your biggest extravagance?

Tights, hundreds of them. I tend not to wear trousers, so I have drawers and drawers full of red, white and lacy tights.

Whats your London secret?

The London Library  it looks like a townhouse from the front but inside its a maze of books, with desks that look out on to St Jamess. I go there to write and to think.

What are you up to for work?

Ive been all over the place this year. I was just in Madrid filming Florian Zellers new movie Bunker, alongside Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem, then I went to Wales to make a sitcom called The Golden Valley. Now I am working on my new non-fiction poetry and prose novel, Incarnadine, and finishing my masters at Cambridge.

Greta Bellamacina and Robert Montgomery (Greta Bellamacina)

Whos your hero?

My husband, artist Robert Montgomery  he has a quiet optimism in everything he makes and believes in the goodness of strangers.

What do you collect?

I collect the paper camellias that come free with the bags when you buy a Chanel lipstick. I stick them on my dressing room mirror.

Whats your favourite work of art?

The warped window of St Martin-in-the Fields church in Trafalgar Square, by Iranian artist Shirazeh Houshiary. Its as though God or a saint melted the classical window.

Greta Bellamacinas poetry collection, Who Will Make the Fire, is out now (Cheerio, 12.99) She is also a model at Viva London
Humans leave Earth orbit for first time since 1972 as Artemis II heads to the moon

NASA's Artemis II mission achieved a significant milestone Thursday night, as its astronauts successfully fired their engines, propelling them out of Earth's orbit and onto a trajectory toward the moon.

This crucial trans-lunar ignition occurred 25 hours post-liftoff, setting the three American and one Canadian astronauts on a path for a lunar fly-around scheduled for early next week. The Orion capsule departed Earth's orbit precisely as planned, now pursuing the moon nearly 250,000 miles (400,000 kilometers) distant.

"Ladies and gentleman, I am so, so excited to be able to tell you that for the first time since 1972 during Apollo 17, human beings have left Earth orbit," announced NASAs Lori Glaze at a news conference, confirming the engine firing was flawless.

Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen described himself and his crewmates as being "glued to the capsule's windows" as they watched Earth recede, marveling at the "phenomenal" views.

The three American and one Canadian astronauts are on a path for a lunar fly-around scheduled for early next week (NASA)

Humanity has once again shown what we are capable of, and its your hopes for the future that carry us now on this journey around the moon, he said.

NASA had the Artemis II crew stick close to home for a day to test their capsules life-support systems before clearing them for lunar departure.

Now committed to the moon, the Artemis II test flight is the opening act for NASAs grand plans for a moon base and sustained lunar living.

Commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Hansen will dash past the moon then hang a U-turn and zip straight home without stopping on land. In the process, they will become the farthest humans have ever traveled from Earth, breaking the Apollo 13 distance record set in 1970. They also may become the fastest during their reentry at flights end on April 10.

Glover, Koch and Hansen already have made history as the first Black, the first woman and the first non-U.S. citizen to launch to the moon. Apollos 24 lunar travelers were all white men.

To set the mood for the days main event, Mission Control woke up the crew with John Legends Green Light featuring Andre 3000 and a medley of NASA teams cheering them.

We are ready to go, Glover said.

Mission Control gave the final go-ahead minutes before the critical engine firing, telling the astronauts that they were embarking on humanitys lunar homecoming arc to bring them back to Earth. The capsule is relying on the gravity of Earth and the moon  termed a free-return lunar trajectory  to complete the round-trip figure-eight loop. The engine accelerated their capsule to 24,000 mph (38,000 kph) to shove them out of Earth's orbit.

With this burn to the moon, we do not leave Earth. We choose it, Koch said.

The next major milestone will be Mondays lunar flyby.

Orion will zoom 4,000 miles (6,400 kilometers) beyond the moon before turning back, providing unprecedented and illuminated views of the lunar far side, at least for human eyes. The cosmos will even treat the Artemis II astronauts to a total solar eclipse as the moon temporarily blocks the sun from their perspective.

While awaiting their orbital departure earlier Thursday, the astronauts savored the views of Earth from tens of thousands of miles high. Koch told Mission Control that they can make out the entire coastlines of continents and even the South Pole, her old stomping ground.

NASA is counting on the test flight to kickstart the entire Artemis program and lead to a moon landing by two astronauts in 2028. Orions toilet may need some design tweaks before that happens.

The so-called lunar loo malfunctioned as soon as the Artemis crew reached orbit Wednesday evening. Mission Control guided astronaut Koch through some plumbing tricks and she finally got it going, but not before having to resort to using contingency urine storage bags.

Controllers also managed to bump up the cabin temperature. It was so cold earlier in the flight that the astronauts had to dig into their suitcases for long-sleeved clothes.

The contingency urine bags came in handy later in the day. Mission Control ordered the crew to fill a bunch of the empty bags with water from the capsules dispenser. A valve issue arose with the dispenser following liftoff, and NASA wanted plenty of drinking water on hand for the crew in case the problem worsened. The astronauts used straws and syringes to fill the pouches with more than 2 gallons (7 liters) worth before pivoting to the moon.
We Are China

Smart technology improves rice seedling cultivation efficiency in E China's Jiangxi

People's Daily Online) 10:33, April 03, 2026

Tech-savvy farmers calibrate multi-layered vertical racks that can rotate 360 degrees at a rice seedling factory in Hengshi town, Nankang district, Ganzhou, east China's Jiangxi Province. (People's Daily Online/Zhu Haipeng)

At a rice seedling factory in Hengshi town, Nankang district, Ganzhou, east China's Jiangxi Province, tech-savvy farmers monitor the growth of rice seedlings cultivated on multi-layered, 360-degree rotating racks.

In recent years, Nankang district has promoted factory-based seed production and seedling cultivation, while helping agricultural enterprises and cooperatives upgrade technology and equipment.

At the same time, agricultural technicians provide targeted, hands-on guidance to train a new generation of skilled farmers and young agricultural technicians, offering the talent and technical support needed to boost efficiency, improve quality, and help farmers reduce costs and increase incomes.

A tech-savvy farmer calibrates multi-layered vertical racks that can rotate 360 degrees at a rice seedling factory in Hengshi town, Nankang district, Ganzhou, east China's Jiangxi Province. (People's Daily Online/Zhu Haipeng)

Tech-savvy farmers calibrate multi-layered vertical racks that can rotate 360 degrees at a rice seedling factory in Hengshi town, Nankang district, Ganzhou, east China's Jiangxi Province. (People's Daily Online/Zhu Haipeng)

Tech-savvy farmers calibrate multi-layered vertical racks that can rotate 360 degrees at a rice seedling factory in Hengshi town, Nankang district, Ganzhou, east China's Jiangxi Province. (People's Daily Online/Zhu Haipeng)

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
Viktor Orban (left) could be defeated by a former loyalist, Peter Magyar. Composite: Guardian Design/AFP/Getty Images/EPA (Composite: Guardian Design/AFP/Getty Images/EPA)

Hungarians go to the polls on 12 April in Europes most consequential election of the year, with Viktor Orban, the countrys illiberal prime minister and global far-right icon, facing possible defeat, after 16 years in power, by a former loyalist, Peter Magyar.

What is the story and why does it matter?

The EUs longest-serving leader, Orban has since 2010 turned Hungary into what he calls an illiberal democracy, declaring himself Europes defender of traditional Christian family values against an onslaught of western liberalism and multiculturalism.

His four successive governments have comprehensively eroded the rule of law in Hungary, packing the courts with judges loyal to him and turning up to 80% of the countrys media in effect into a propaganda machine for himself and his far-right Fidesz party.

He has become the EUs disruptor-in-chief, battling with Brussels  which has suspended billions of euros in funding  over policies including on justice, migration, LGBTQ+ rights and, more recently, aid for Ukraine, which, along with sanctions against Russia, he has consistently blocked (including the latest 90bn loan).

Orban is the EUs most Moscow-friendly leader, continuing to buy Russian oil and gas and to meet Vladimir Putin since Russias full-scale invasion. Recent allegations that Budapest shared confidential EU information with the Kremlin have sparked EU outrage.

Orban has inspired like-minded EU-obstructive leaders such as Slovakias Robert Fico and the Czech Republics Andrej Babis, and boosted nationalist challengers such as Frances Marine Le Pen and the Netherlands Geert Wilders.

In short, this months election will have consequences far beyond Hungary, a country that accounts for just 1.1% of the EUs GDP and 2% of its population but has, under Orban, come to play a role on the international stage out of all proportion to its size.

Who are the key players and what are their platforms?

Orban, 62, has been endorsed by Donald Trump, Italys Giorgia Meloni, and Alice Weidel of Alternative fur Deutschland. US vice-president JD Vance visited Budapest to campaign for him this week and on Friday Trump posted that I AM WITH HIM ALL THE WAY!

He was an anti-communist youth leader during the cold war and  with funding from his subsequent arch-enemy, the philanthropist George Soros  briefly researched the concept of civil society in European political thought at Oxford.

His Fidesz partys 2010 supermajority enabled him to rewrite Hungarys constitution and pass laws consolidating executive power, curbing NGOs and media freedoms, and severely weakening judicial independence.

This year, Orban has run a classic populist campaign. He has sought to frame the vote as a choice between war or peace, telling voters they can preserve Hungary as an island of security and tranquility by electing him, or drag it into chaos and war by choosing Magyar, whom he paints as an agent of Brussels and Kyiv.

Polls suggest voters are more concerned with domestic issues such as healthcare and the economy, which has stagnated for the past three years. Food prices have risen to near the EU average while Hungarian wages are the third lowest in the bloc.

Magyar, 45, formerly a Fidesz disciple and loyal member of Orbans inner circle, burst into the limelight two years ago after his ex-wife, Judit Varga, resigned as Orbans justice minister when it emerged that Hungarys conservative president, Katalin Novak, a key ally of the prime minister, had pardoned a man convicted in a sexual abuse case.

Magyar, a former diplomat who trained as a lawyer, distanced himself from Fidesz, accusing it of corruption and propaganda, and launched his Tisza (Respect and Freedom) party. It won 30% of the vote in the June 2024 European elections in Hungary, finishing second to Fidesz.

Magyar has pledged to return Hungary to a pro-EU orientation, end its dependence on Russian energy, restore an independent public media and judiciary, boost the economy, halt huge Orban-era corruption, sanitise public procurement and unlock frozen EU funds.

How does the election work and who is likely to win?

Since 2010, Orban has made hundreds of changes to electoral rules, including nearly halving the number of parliamentary seats to 199 and creating 106 unevenly sized single-member constituencies (the remaining MPs are elected proportionally using party lists).

The result is a Fidesz-friendly system, with far fewer votes needed to win in pro-Fidesz districts. Orban has also made it easier for the mostly pro-Fidesz Hungarians living in nearby countries to vote, and handed policy sweeteners to mostly loyal voter groups such as pensioners.

This means Tisza, which has an 8-12 percentage point lead among decided voters in most polls (although pro-government pollsters put the ruling party ahead), may need a six-point win over Fidesz to secure a majority.

Polling averages put the opposition party on 50% of the national vote and Fidesz on 39%. However, up to 25% of respondents are undecided, and experts warn that national polling does not reflect the complexities of Hungarys gerrymandered constituencies.

Fidesz is more popular among retirement-age voters, polls suggest, leading Tisza by 50% to 20% in some polls, while Tisza is strongly ahead among under-40s and urban voters. Turnout could reach record heights of more than 80%, pollsters say.

What could happen?

Broadly, observers see three possible outcomes: a Magyar majority that Orban accepts; a Magyar majority that Orban does not accept; or an Orban majority. All would come with consequences.

For the reasons outlined above, Hungarys elections can be categorised as free but not fair, and the chances of an Orban victory cannot be excluded. If he wins, he would almost certainly double down, conflict with the EU would intensify and domestic authoritarianism would increase.

If Orban loses, especially by a narrow margin, he could contest the result. That would place the EU in an entirely unprecedented position and, despite likely opposition from Orban allies, could eventually lead to the suspension of Budapests voting rights.

A Magyar victory acknowledged by Orban would certainly ease EU-Hungary relations, although the opposition leader is hardly a progressive, and Hungarian policy on hot-button issues such as immigration is unlikely to change much.

Domestically, moreover, unless Tisza wins a supermajority (133 seats), it is unclear how much a Tisza-led government would be able to do: Orban has ensured many laws need a supermajority to be changed and has stuffed all major state institutions with loyalists.
An oil painting by Raja Ravi Varma has become the most expensive work of modern Indian art ever sold at an auction after fetching Rs1.67bn (13.4m) at a sale.

The 19th-century work, Yashoda and Krishna, was sold at Saffronarts Spring Live Auction in the city of Mumbai following competitive bidding, surpassing its pre-sale estimate of Rs800mRs1.20bn (6.5m -9.78m).

It broke the previous record of over Rs1.18bn (9.62m) set by MF Husains Untitled (Gram Yatra).

Painted in the 1890s at the height of Varmas career, the composition depicts a domestic scene drawn from Hindu mythology.

Yashoda, the foster mother of the infant god Krishna, is shown milking a cow while the child reaches for a goblet of milk behind her.

The scene has been described as transforming an everyday moment into something that suggests participation in a larger sacred narrative, and is widely regarded as one of the artists most significant works.

The painting was acquired by Cyrus S Poonawalla, managing director of the Serum Institute of India, who said in a statement: I am privileged to have the opportunity to acquire, preserve, and care for the iconic Raja Ravi Varma painting Yashoda and Krishna.

This national treasure deserves to be made available for public viewing periodically, and it will be my endeavour to facilitate this going forward, he was quoted as saying by NDTV.

Despite that pledge, questions remain about how frequently the work will be accessible to the public. Reflecting this uncertainty, a member of the Travancore royal family, Pooyam Thirunal Gouri Parvathi Bayi, told The Hindu: It remains to be seen how the collector will ensure that this work is able to be seen and appreciated by art lovers.

The sale marks a sharp escalation in valuations for Indian art, with the final price significantly exceeding expectations.

Minal Vazirani, president and co-founder of Saffronart, told the outlet: Great art has a way of reaffirming its timeless value. The record-breaking sale of Raja Ravi Varma's work not only underscores the strength of the art market, but also sets a new benchmark as the highest-value work of Indian art ever sold. At Saffronart, we are proud to have facilitated this landmark moment. It is not just a milestone for the market, but a powerful reminder of the enduring cultural and emotional resonance of Indian art.

Varma, born in 1848 in Kilimanoor in present-day Kerala, is often described as a foundational figure in modern Indian art.

Known for combining European techniques of oil painting with Indian themes, he produced thousands of works, many inspired by epics such as the Mahabharata and Ramayana. His portrayals of deities such as Lakshmi, Saraswati and Vishnu helped shape widely recognised visual representations of Hindu mythology.

Although he gained prominence among aristocratic patrons across India, Varma also sought to broaden access to art. In 1894, he established a lithographic press in Bombay to reproduce his paintings as oleographs, allowing wider circulation of his work. These prints remained influential well into the 20th century and inspired later popular visual culture, including illustrated comic series.
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Federal authorities are reportedly investigating whether an air traffic controller at LaGuardia Airport was forced to leave their console to use an emergency landline in the moments leading up to a fatal collision between an Air Canada Express jet and a fire truck.

The inquiry is one of several critical questions being pursued by the National Transportation Safety Board, The New York Times reports, as it attempts to reconstruct the events of March 22. The crash, which resulted in the deaths of two pilots, occurred when the aircraft struck a Port Authority vehicle as it was landing.

The collision marked the first fatal incident at the Queens airport in more than 30 years.

Sources familiar with the investigation told The NYT that officials were looking into whether the use of a crash phone  a dedicated landline often located at a distance from active workstations  affected the controllers ability to monitor the runway during a pivotal window of time.

The staffing of the tower has remained a central point of the investigation. Federal Aviation Administration regulations require a minimum of two controllers for the overnight mid shift and the NTSB confirmed that two were present in the control room at the time of the crash.

Two people were killed when an Air Canada jet crashed into a fire truck at New York Citys LaGuardia Airport. An air traffic controller could be heard on radio yelling at the driver of the vehicle to Stop, stop, stop, truck 1 stop, truck 1, stop (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Third and fourth controllers were also on-site in other parts of the building, though their specific roles during the emergency remain unclear, according to The NYT.

The NTSB is currently reviewing data from the aircrafts cockpit voice recorder and the fire trucks electronic data recorder. Investigators are also examining the possibility of communication interference, specifically whether a blocked radio transmission  caused by two parties transmitting at the same time  muted the controllers last-second instruction for the truck to stop.

Beyond the radio transmissions, investigators are analyzing the physical environment, including whether the drivers line of sight was compromised by the taxiway's awkward angle or light pollution from the terminal. The board is also assessing how weather-related delays pushed a high volume of traffic into the late-night shift, potentially straining a crew accustomed to lower activity levels.

The crash happened while six fire trucks were responding to a United Airlines flight reporting a strange odor. What started as a routine request for help at the gate became a full emergency less than six minutes before the crash, when the United pilots grew concerned that passengers may need to evacuate on the taxiway.

The wreckage of Air Canada Express CRJ-900 on the runway after the crash (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Radio recordings from the night indicate the controller was managing half a dozen other aircraft in the minute before the collision. Shortly after granting the fire convoy permission to cross the runway, the controller appeared to recognize the conflict and issued a command to stop, but the lead vehicle and the landing Air Canada jet collided seconds later.

David Riley, a former controller, told The NYT that managing multiple roles at once can compromise a controllers situational awareness.

Theres no such thing as multitasking, Riley said.

No passengers on the aircraft or firefighters in the convoy sustained fatal injuries. The boards final report, which will determine the probable cause, is not expected for another 12 to 18 months.
The Kribi is a Malta-flagged container ship owned by French logistics company CMA CGM

Iran has allowed a French-owned ship through the Strait of Hormuz, a day after Emmanuel Macron mocked Donald Trump and accused the US president of changing his mind all the time.

The Kribi, a Malta-flagged container ship owned by French logistics company CMA CGM, became the first Western vessel to exit the Persian Gulf since the start of the war with Iran.

Tehran has all but shut the strait since the start of the conflict, while letting through some ships from countries such as China, Pakistan and the Philippines.

Tracking data showed the Kribi sailing close to Irans coastline via a route that appeared to have been approved by Tehran. It is unclear whether the vessel paid a fee.

Iran is believed to be running what shipping analysts have called a toll booth, charging vessels up to $2m (1.51m) to pass through the choke point, through which about a fifth of the worlds oil normally transits.

The French crossing came hours after Mr Macron launched his sharpest attack yet on Mr Trump after his American counterpart had taunted him over a viral video showing Brigitte Macron shoving him in the face last year.

Speaking at a White House lunch, Mr Trump said Mr Macrons wife had treated him extremely badly and joked that the French president was still recovering from the right to the jaw.

Mr Macron hit back on Thursday, saying the remarks were not elegant, nor up to standard. He also accused Mr Trump of wildly inconsistent rhetoric over Iran. He warned the US president could not keep contradicting himself and changing his mind all the time.

The French president rejected Washingtons drive for allies to join a military effort to reopen the strait and called such an operation unrealistic.

It is not our operation, he said, pointing out that the US and Israel had launched the war without consulting allies and were now complaining about a lack of support.

Mr Trump has said the United States could easily reopen the strait to international trade with a little more time.

In a post on Truth Social, he said: With a little more time, we can easily OPEN THE HORMUZ STRAIT, TAKE THE OIL, & MAKE A FORTUNE. IT WOULD BE A GUSHER FOR THE WORLD???

Mr Macron hit back at Mr Trump on Thursday, saying the remarks about his wife Brigitte were not elegant, nor up to standard - Abaca Press/Alamy Stock Photo

Mr Macron was once known as the Trump whisperer, with the pair seemingly getting on well, such as when the US president was invited to the reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral.

But his response laid bare the increasingly public rift between Paris and Washington, with Mr Trump lashing out at one of the few Western leaders willing to publicly challenge his handling of the war.

Even Mr Macrons domestic opponents rallied behind him. Manuel Bompard, the coordinator of France Unbowed, said Mr Trumps comments were absolutely unacceptable.

Marie Durrieu, a researcher who studies humiliation in international politics, said that Mr Trump was using mockery as a strategic tool to assert dominance.

However, he warned that such a tactic often backfired with the humiliated side turning the tables to its own advantage.

As the row deepened, the war in Iran showed little sign of easing.

Iran shot down a US fighter jet for the first time on Friday. Two crew members ejected, reports suggested, triggering a race by both sides to find the stranded American airmen.

One of the crew members was rescued in an operation involving two US military helicopters and low-flying refuelling aircraft, and the other had not been found on Friday.

The loss of what is suspected to be a prized F-15 fighter aircraft will probably put further pressure on the Trump administration and its execution of the war, while handing the Iranian regime a propaganda gift.

Britain, meanwhile, condemned an overnight drone strike on Kuwaits Mina al-Ahmadi refinery, which provides jet fuel for the UK.

Sir Keir Starmer reiterated Britains support for Kuwait, while London said earlier this week that it was deploying an air defence system to the country.

Kuwait is the UKs primary supplier of imported jet fuel, providing 4.1 million tonnes  38 per cent of the countrys imports each year.

In Washington, Mr Trump also ramped up his call for a larger war chest, sending Congress a proposal for a $1.5tn defence budget next year, a huge increase driven in part by the cost of the Iran conflict.

Meanwhile, diplomatic pressure is also growing. Pope Leo XIV spoke on Friday with Isaac Herzog, Israels president, and separately with Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, urging peace in the Middle East, the protection of civilians and the reopening of diplomatic channels.

Britain convened talks with around 40 countries on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, with France, Germany, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, and India among those taking part.

The UK-led discussions are focusing on diplomatic and economic pressure to force Iran to restore free passage, with military planners expected to meet next week to examine options including mine-clearing and a naval reassurance force.

Mr Zelensky said on Friday that Ukraine was ready to help unblock the strait, pointing to Kyivs success in restoring shipping routes in the Black Sea after Russias blockade. He said reopening the water corridor would require drone interceptors, military convoys and electronic warfare.

We stand ready to help with this, he said.

Mohammad Javad Zarif, Irans former foreign minister, has proposed a wider bargain, suggesting Tehran could place limits on its nuclear programme and reopen the strait in exchange for the lifting of sanctions.

While the proposal appears far from official policy in Tehran, it is one of the clearest signs yet that elements of the Iranian establishment are looking for a way out.
Images of the alleged downed aircraft were circulated widely on social media

US special forces entered Iran on Friday night to rescue a crew member of a downed fighter jet.

Iran shot down a US F-15 over its airspace, the first fighter jet destroyed by enemy fire since the war began.

Two crew members ejected, reports suggested, triggering a race between Iran and the US to find the stranded American airmen.

One was rescued in an operation involving two US military helicopters and low-flying refuelling aircraft, which were targeted by light weaponry.

Both helicopters were hit by Iranian fire, with one trailing smoke as it returned to Iraqi territory, but they landed safely, officials said.

The whereabouts of the remaining US airman were unknown on Friday night, as Iranian media broadcast images of local militia fanning out in a search operation.

Broadcasts offered a $60,000 bounty for his capture as Iran claimed a propaganda victory in shooting down the US jet.

Reports also surfaced late on Friday of a US A-10 Warthog, a close air support attack plane, crashing near the Strait of Hormuz. US officials said the pilot had been rescued.

Donald Trump declined to say what he would do if the missing airman was harmed.

In an interview with The Independent, he said: Well, I cant comment on it because  we hope thats not going to happen.

The incident occurred as the US and Israel continued to hit targets across Iran on Friday after Mr Trump pledged to bomb the country back to the Stone Age.

Shahid Beheshti University in Tehran, one of the Islamic Republics most prominent institutions, was struck during air strikes on the north of the Iranian capital, state media reported.

Peace talks collapse

Mr Trump has escalated the war on Iran in recent days, repeatedly striking civilian targets such as bridges and medical institutions.

Tehran has called the attacks a crime against humanity and retaliated by hitting targets across the Gulf and in Israel. It hit a desalination plant in Kuwait early on Friday that is essential to providing drinking water to the countrys civilian population. An oil refinery that supplies jet fuel to the UK was also struck.

In response to the attack, Sir Keir Starmers office said that Britain would deploy its Rapid Sentry air defence system to the country to help protect British and Kuwaiti interests.

Peace talks aimed at ending the conflict collapsed on Friday, with reports that negotiators in Pakistan had hit a dead end.

It follows Mr Trump sending Iran a 14-point plan to end the war that was deemed unrealistic by the regime, whose negotiating position has strengthened since it exercised control over the Strait of Hormuz.

However, the US president said peace negotiations would not be affected by the plane being shot down, NBC news reported.

Asked whether the talks would suffer, Mr Trump said: No, not at all. No, its war. Were in war.

Reports of the downing of the US fighter jet surfaced on Friday morning. Images of the wreckage suggest it was a US F-15E fighter jet of the type normally based at RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk.

An ejection seat believed to have come from the downed fighter jet. The image was released by Iranian state media

One photograph, which has not been verified, showed the text US Air Forces in Europe on the jets tail fin.

The F-15 is not as advanced as the new F-35 fighter jet, but it is believed to have been widely used for offensive operations over Iran in the past few weeks.

Iranian state media posted an unverified photo that showed the text US Air Forces in Europe written on the tail fin of a jet

If the downed jet flew from a UK base, it may raise difficult questions for Sir Keir, who has said that British bases are only being used by the US military for defensive operations.

Shortly after reports of the jet being downed, the anchor of an Iranian TV channel told viewers: If you capture the enemy pilot or pilots alive and hand them over to the police, you will receive a precious prize.

An on-screen message separately urged the public to shoot them if you see them, referring to footage of US search and rescue aircraft in the area.

The US lost three fighter jets in the first days of the war to friendly fire from Kuwaiti air defence systems, but it is the first time Iran has downed a US military jet since the war started on Feb 28.

The loss of the jet and the search for the missing airman is a blow to the Pentagon, which has claimed air superiority over Iran.

Mona Yacoubian, the director of the Middle East programme at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, told The Telegraph the incident could lead to an escalation of the war.

If there are images that are broadcast of US fighter pilots taken hostage, captured as prisoners, thats going to elevate the challenges in the US domestically, because now youre going to have this conflict brought home even more personally, into peoples living rooms, on their computer screens, she said.

Elsewhere, an Egyptian citizen was killed and four people injured after debris from an intercepted attack fell on Abu Dhabis Habshan gas facilities.

Significant damage has occurred at the facilities and an assessment is ongoing, Abu Dhabis media office said.

New strikes on Israel

In Israel, missile salvos from both Iran, and Hezbollah in Lebanon sent people running for shelters, a daily occurrence for the past five weeks.

Iran fired three salvos of missiles at Israel on Friday, targeting the central and Haifa regions of the country, with cluster munitions that scattered over wide areas. Some damage to property was reported.

There appears little obvious prospect of hostilities coming to an end quickly. The Wall Street Journal reported that mediation efforts led by regional powers including Pakistan had reached a dead end.

Iran has told mediators that it is unwilling to meet US officials in Islamabad in the coming days and considers US demands unacceptable, the newspaper reported.

It added that Turkey and Egypt were looking at alternative sites to host the talks, such as Qatar or Istanbul.

Iran allowed a French ship through the Strait of Hormuz on Friday. The Kribi is a Malta-flagged ship owned by French logistics company CMA CGM.

It is one of a number of ships that Iran has allowed to pass in recent days. They belong to nations that have either played no part in the war or which have moved to prevent the US using their airspace or bases.

The move came a day after Emmanuel Macron openly criticised Mr Trump.
An oil refinery in Kuwait where jet fuel bound for the UK is produced has been struck by Iranian drones.

The Mina Al-Ahmadi plant was targeted by a malicious drone attack overnight, causing fires at several operational units, Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) confirmed on Friday, as the Iran war goes on.

Kuwait is the UKs primary supplier of imported jet fuel, providing 4.1 million tons  38 per cent of the countrys imports  each year.

The attack came after the RAF confirmed on Thursday the deployment of its drone-targeting Rapid Sentry air defence system to Kuwait.

Rapid Sentry air defence systems have been deployed to Kuwait - Jessica Eglon/MoD/PA

On Friday, hours after the incident, Sir Keir Starmer spoke to the countrys crown prince on the phone and condemned the reckless attack.

While the exact quantity of UK jet fuel produced at Mina Al-Ahmadi is not known, it is one of the largest refineries in the Middle East, with a capacity of 346,000 barrels per day.

The strike marked the third time the refinery had been attacked since the US and Israels war with Iran began in February.

A power and water desalination plant in the country was also hit overnight, resulting in material damage to some components, according to officials.

Kuwait relies on desalination, which removes salt from seawater, for 90 per cent of its drinking water and Iran previously targeted a desalination plant on Monday.

Irans hold on the Strait of Hormuz has forced the price of oil to surge in recent weeks.

Jet fuel prices have surged to more than double what they were last year  standing at an average of $195 (147) a barrel last week, according to the International Air Transport Association.

Earlier this week, Michael OLeary, the Ryanair boss, told Sky that disruptions to the airlines flights could start as early as May if the war continues.

Kuwaits largest oil refinery at the Mina Al-Ahmadi complex, which was struck by Iranian drones - AFP via Getty

On a phone call with Sheikh Sabah al-Khaled al-Sabah, the Kuwaiti crown prince, Sir Keir reiterated that the UK stood with Kuwait and its allies in the Gulf.

The Prime Minister also discussed the deployment of the UKs rapid sentry air defence system to Kuwait, which he said would protect Kuwaiti and British personnel and interests in the region, while avoiding escalation into wider conflict, according to a Downing Street readout of the conversation.

The system is designed to defeat drone threats and fires lightweight multirole missiles (LMMs).

With a range of up to five miles, the Rapid Sentry short-range air defence (Shorad) system is operated by the RAF Regiment.

The 34 Squadron RAF Regiment is currently deployed across the Middle East, with personnel operating in Iraq, Kuwait and Cyprus, contributing to regional security and the protection of UK forces and assets.

However, The Telegraph previously reported that there were concerns about available stockpiles of LMMs.

On Thursday, the RAF confirmed plans to procure more of the missiles to enhance UK force protection and support regional partners.

No injuries were reported in the latest attack on the refinery plant.

Industry sources told The Telegraph it may not have been producing export oil because of the restrictions imposed by Iran on the Strait of Hormuz and may not have been fully operating due to previous strikes.

A KPC spokesman said: Air quality is being closely monitored, with no negative impact recorded to date. KPC remains fully committed to the highest standards of safety, ensuring operational continuity and the protection of people and assets.
Rep. Zooey Zephyr, D-Missoula, attends a meeting of the House Judiciary Committee in the Montana State Capitol in Helena, Mont. on Monday, May 1, 2023. (Thom Bridge/Independent Record via AP, File) (Thom Bridge/Independent Record)

Montana's Governor Greg Gianforte has signed into law a controversial bill that legally defines sex as binary, based solely on an individual's reproductive system. The legislation, enacted nearly a year after its passage through the state Legislature, officially amends numerous sections of Montana law to include new definitions for "male," "female," "sex," and "gender."

This move comes after a similar 2023 law, Senate Bill 437, was twice ruled unconstitutional. The previous iteration was first struck down in June 2024 due to an unclear title, and again in February 2025 for violating the equal protections clause of the Montana Constitution.

The new bill's relationship to these prior legal challenges remains a key point of interest.

What does Senate Bill 437 say?

The bill defines sex as whether someone is male or female, as distinguished by their reproductive system. Specifically, the legislation defines those categories based on a persons primary sexual anatomy.

It defines a female as an individual who naturally has, had, will have or would have but for a congenital anomaly or intentional or unintentional disruption a reproductive system that uses the ova ( or egg cell ) for fertilization. In the same way, the law defines a male as someone with a reproductive system that uses sperm for fertilization.

While the definitions are largely similar to the 2023 bill, SB 437 removes references to sex markers in a persons chromosomes.

It also adds definitions of man, woman, father and mother based on the definitions of male and female.

Rep. Zooey Zephyr, D-Missoula, stands on the steps of the Montana State Capitol during a rally, in Helena, Mont., April 24, 2023. (Thom Bridge/Independent Record via AP, File) (Thom Bridge, Independent Record)

The bill states that the term gender must be considered a synonym for sex  as defined in the new legislation  and may not be considered synonymous with a persons gender identity, experienced gender, gender expression or gender role. The term gender identity, if used in state law or rules, may not be considered a substitute for sex or gender.

In essence, supporters of the new law say they want categories of male and female to be cemented and consistent  not evolving or subjective based on how a person identifies.

These new definitions apply anywhere in Montana law that mentions the words sex, gender, male, female, man, woman, father or mother  more than 60 sections governing a wide range of topics.

What concretely does it change and for whom?

The bills wide reach changes laws that govern drivers licenses, marriage licenses and the states anti-discrimination protections, which apply, among other arenas, to workforce and labor disputes. It also touches less obvious laws, including those that govern the representation of men and women on certain state boards and commissions and local precinct committees.

Missoula Democrat Rep. Zooey Zephyr, a transgender woman, told MTFP Friday the law discriminates against every aspect of trans peoples lives. It also erases intersex, nonbinary and Two Spirit people from cradle to grave, she said.

Plaintiffs in the lawsuit challenging the similar law passed in 2023 argued the legislation deprived them and other Montanans of legal recognition and protection from discrimination. Among other examples, plaintiffs said they would be put at risk every time they had to produce a drivers license where the listed sex did not match their appearance  whether applying for housing or being carded at a bar. Zephyr said the 2025 bill is essentially the same.

Residents applying for drivers licenses or marriage licenses are now required to include their sex as defined by the new state law. For people who do not identify with their sex assigned at birth, opponents have argued the legislation would require Montanans to misgender themselves or disclose private information.

Changing identity documents to align with a persons gender identity used to be easier in Montana under the administration of former Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock. But many of those policies have shifted since the governors office changed parties in 2021. In recent years, there have been multiple Montana court cases related to how the state treats sex designations in identity documents  such as drivers licenses. Another recent case has challenged a law restricting transgender residents access to public bathrooms and locker rooms.

Who supports and opposes it?

The bill passed the Montana Senate and House in April of last year largely on party lines, with almost all Republicans in support and all Democrats opposed.

While introducing the bill on the Senate floor last March, Sen. Carl Glimm, R-Kila, the bills sponsor, said the definitions are similar to those President Donald Trump proposed at the federal level. In February 2025, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued guidance defining sex as binary and defining male and female based on reproductive systems.

Glimm told MTFP the bill is a commonsense measure that Montanans support because it has become necessary to have a definition for male and female in state law.

In our culture, its gotten to where that is not clear, he said. It becomes a fuzzy line for some, so we just need to have clear definitions in law so that its clear what were talking about when we talk about a male or female.

Other supporters of the bill included the conservative advocacy organization Montana Family Foundation, whose representative Derek Oestreicher said the definitions were needed to ensure consistency across legal and medical documents and government records.

Opponents said the bill is unnecessary, discriminates against transgender, nonbinary, intersex and other gender non-confirming people and requires people to misgender themselves or risk penalties.

Zephyr told MTFP the bill will contribute to a systemic erasure of trans, nonbinary, intersex and Two-Spirit people from public life.

The Republicans design bills like this to do two things, Zephyr said. Make life hard for trans people in their continued crusade to make it hard to exist as an LGBTQ person in the state of Montana. The other impact, Zephyr continued, is to bring up the boogeyman of trans people as a distraction to the growing resentment of Republican policies in this state and this country.

Zephyr said Montana Republicans fixation on regulating trans people echoes the actions of far-right Republicans in Congress and President Trump. One example, Zephyr said, is Trumps recent request to add restrictions on transgender athletes and a ban on gender-affirming surgical care for minors to the SAVE America Act, legislation that would increase documents required for voter registration.

Is it likely to stick?

Both Glimm and Zephyr said they expect the bill to be challenged in court.

The Helena-based nonprofit Upper Seven Law, which represented plaintiffs suing the state over the 2023 version of the sex definition law, notified a Missoula state District Court this week that it will seek permission to file a supplemental complaint to include the new law, said Rylee Sommers-Flanagan, the firms executive director. That request, along with the complaint, will be filed on or before April 6, she said.

If the judge allows the complaint to move forward, Upper Seven will request a preliminary injunction or temporary restraining order to halt SB 437 during litigation, Sommers-Flanagan said. If the judge does not allow the supplemental complaint, Upper Seven plans to immediately file a new complaint against SB 437 in district court, she said.

This is a second attempt at almost exactly the same thing Montana courts already determined violates the state constitution, Sommers-Flanagan said. Its a disappointing use of state resources.

The Legislature isnt in session. Why wasnt the bill signed until this month?

SB 437 was technically passed by both chambers of the Legislature in mid-April, 2025. But the bills progress was then stalled by procedural hurdles  apparently by political design  that blocked its path to the governors desk.

Every bill passed by lawmakers must be signed by the president of the Senate and the speaker of the House before being transmitted to the governor. The bills legislative paper trail shows that it was signed by Senate President Matt Regier within a few days of clearing its final vote. But then, according to the legislative record, the bill sat, and kept sitting, on House Speaker Brandon Lers desk.

In August, nearly four months after the bill passed its final chamber, a spokesperson for House Republicans said the ongoing cooling period was intentional.

Leadership has chosen to hold the bill to prevent it from being immediately tied up with ongoing litigation over a similar measure passed last session, spokesperson Joey Grewell said in a then-press release. He added that SB 437 would ultimately be signed into law, but did not forecast a specific date.

The legislative record shows that Ler signed SB 437 on March 24, 2026. It was transmitted to Gianfortes office and signed by the governor the same day.

Todd Everts, the director of legal services for the Legislature, told MTFP in an email this week that the Legislatures joint rules only describe the steps a bill may take after passing both chambers. In the email, Everts highlighted the word may in bright yellow.

The rule determining when a bill proceeds to the governors desk, Everts said, is discretionary.

What happens next?

Sommers-Flanagan said there may be a fight over the request to add SB 437 to an existing lawsuit. If the complaint moves forward, Sommers-Flanagan said she expects the case could advance relatively quickly. She said adding the complaint to the active case is more efficient, though Upper Seven would have been prepared to challenge SB 437 regardless.

Glimm said right now the law is passed and in effect, so he shouldnt have to bring a similar bill next session. However, the courts are not staying in their lane on this issue, he said.

Zephyr said the 2027 session will depend on the makeup of the Legislature following this years election. This fall, 125 legislative seats are up for election.

If Montana echoes the rest of the country, weve seen a pretty deep exhaustion with Republican policies. Hopefully the 2027 Legislature will be the year that the MAGA faction of the Republicans finally stop trying to use LGBTQ people as a boogeyman and actually take governing seriously, she said.
A large bear was seen wandering through the Southern California community of Fillmore, causing quite a scare recently. This bear appeared in a residential neighborhood on Wednesday, and residents were subsequently warned to stay away from the bear.

According to the video below, the area where the bear was seen is located near the Los Padres National Forest, where the creature was first spotted on Tuesday night. After this initial sighting, the Ventura County Sheriffs office communicated with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife about this situation as it unfolded, with the latter stepping in to safely remove the bear from this residential area.

In this footage, workers from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife can be seen removing the bear from this residential area after tranquilizing the creature. Because this bear was so big, it took several people to carry it.

Related: Rare Up-Close Video of Grizzly Bear's Face Has People in Awe

According to several local residents who were interviewed in this video, this bear was not causing any problems; mostly, it was just wandering around, likely looking for food.

Social Media Is Adamant That Nothing Should Happen to This Bear

A brown bear resting on a guard rail on the side of the road.Image via Shutterstock/artfotoxyz (Image via Shutterstock/artfotoxyz)

Viewers on social media had a lot to say about this one. Many social media users expressed relief that this bear was unharmed and praised the kids who were interviewed in this footage for noting that this bear was not bothering anyone: I love what the kids said. The bear was just minding his own business, not hurting anyone. They better not kill this bear.

However, some viewers on social media were even more adamant that wild bears should never be harmed: They need to stop killing the bears! Stay away from them and leave them alone! Some social media users remarked that it was good that the authorities chose to tranquilize this bear instead of harming it: Thank you for tranquilizing and moving this bear instead of killing it.

While others had a different take, focusing on the reasons as to why this bear might have wandered into this neighborhood: The bear is hungry, if that was you, wouldnt you want food? Wouldnt you want someone to give you food? Especially if you have kids, you would try to provide them with food.

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Shop workers are facing a surge in violence and abuse as crime on Britains high streets becomes increasingly organised and aggressive, a senior Marks & Spencer boss has warned.

Thinus Keeve, the retailers director, urged ministers and Londons City Hall to take stronger action after large groups of teenagers used social media to organise link-ups before descending on shops.

In a statement on the companys website, Mr Keeve said: Without a government seriously cracking down on crime and a Mayor that prioritises effective policing we are powerless.

We need a stronger, faster and more consistent police response, using tools that already exist to target repeat offenders and crime hotspots.

And we need far greater transparency on crime so the true scale and impact is understood and can be used to target resources.

Sir Sadiq Khan (PA Wire)

He added that M&S chief executive Stuart Machin has written to the Home Secretary, while he has contacted London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan directly over the issue.

The warning comes after chaotic scenes in Clapham, south London, where teenagers arranged to gather via apps such as TikTok and Snapchat before flooding into shops. Around 100 officers were deployed on Tuesday, according to the Metropolitan Police, with five people assaulted, including four officers.

Elsewhere, Greater Manchester Police confirmed a 48-hour dispersal order is in force across Rochdale town centre until 11.30am on Saturday after reports of youths harassing staff and causing damage to businesses on Wednesday.

Inspector Meena Yasin, from GMPs Rochdale district, said: We have implemented this order to provide further powers for officers in the area to robustly deal with anti-social behaviour, and to protect people and businesses.

Mr Keeve, in his statement  headlined Retail crime chips away confidence in our High Streets  said: It is becoming more brazen, more organised and more aggressive.

Its a clear ask: support our police. Help them show up in our communities when and where we need them.

Give them the resources they need to tackle crime effectively and ensure they work with retailers to consistently use the tools weve developed to share data and help them actively target offenders.

This is not complicated. The capability exists. The data exists. The investment has been made. Time is up, we need to deal with this now.

Writing in the Daily Telegraph, he said he had seen the hurt among staff and customers following attacks.

Too many are dealing with theft, intimidation and verbal and physical abuse as part of their daily reality, he wrote.

It impacts well-being, and it drives people out of the industry.

When stores become unsafe, were not just failing retail workers, were failing the next generation of the workforce.

Sir Sadiq condemned the Clapham disorder as utterly unacceptable and said further arrests were expected as officers continue reviewing CCTV and bodyworn footage.

He warned the culprits will face the full force of the law and said police are working with social media firms to clamp down on viral online content which promotes violence and theft.

Sir Sadiq said: Not only did they spread fear in the local community, but assaulting and intimidating hard-working retail staff and police officers are serious offences.

The Metropolitan Police said they are taking a zero-tolerance approach to any form of criminality, increasing patrols in hotspot areas and considering the use of dispersal orders.
Twenty three years after his career-defining success in the Grand National, Jimmy Mangan is eyeing another momentous victory on Merseyside with his latest stable star, Spillanes Tower.

The County Cork handler shot to prominence in 2003 after saddling the heavily-backed Montys Pass to win the Aintree spectacular under a then fresh-faced Barry Geraghty, sparking scenes of not old wild celebration in the famous winners enclosure but also back in the trainers home village of Conna, where signs commemorating the success still remain.

It does seem a long time ago in fairness, said Mangan.

Montys Pass had been over the course having been second the year before in the Topham, so I knew he could jump the fences and we had great confidence in him.

Barry Geraghty and Montys Pass winning the 2003 Grand National (Phil Noble/PA) (Phil Noble)

That confidence was evident in the betting, with Belfast-based bingo hall owner and gambler Mike Futter  leader of the five-man Dee Racing Syndicate that owned Montys Pass  backing him at odds of 66-1 early in the new year and continuing to do so until he went off at 16-1 on the day.

The then 10-year-old delivered in spectacular fashion, bounding 12 lengths clear of the chasing pack on his favoured good ground to give Mangan the thrill of his life and earn his owners a small fortune in the process.

A local syndicate owned him and they sold him to the syndicate in Belfast, which was headed by Mike Futter, said Mangan.

They were prepared to travel to Cheltenham and Liverpool. We knew we had a National horse all right after that run (in the Topham).

Jack Kennedy and connections after winning the Betfair Cotswold Chase with Spillanes Tower during Festival Trials day at Cheltenham (Nigel French/PA) (Nigel French)

We went over to Cheltenham, and he was fifth in the Mildmay of Flete Chase, and a fortnight later we went back to Liverpool. He was a tired horse for the Topham Trophy, and he finished second to a horse of Willie Mullins (Its Time For A Win).

I said to the lads that day back him for the Grand National next year  well come back and win it.

They backed him before the weights came out from 66-1 all the way down to 16-1. Everything went to plan on the day.

The trainer added: I think he (Futter) won over 1million sterling the year he won it. It was an unreal day.

It is a measure of how much the National has changed over the subsequent two decades that with a rating of 139 Montys Pass would not even make the cut these days, while his preference for a fast surface would also be an issue.

Jimmy Mangan kisses his Grand National hero Montys Pass (Haydn West/PA) (Haydn West)

In fact, Mangan feels ground conditions may even have cost his charge a second National success in 2004, when he finished fourth behind Amberleigh House while conceding upwards of a stone to the three that finish in front of him.

Mangan said: In 2004 I told Barry Geraghty he was in super form, better than last year I said. He finished fourth behind Amberleigh House, who was third behind us the year before.

I said to Barry afterwards has the weight beaten him and he said no, the over-watering of the ground did. Monty wanted it like the road.

In the village I come from the signs are still up Home of Montys Pass, so hopefully they can put another one up!

The horse tasked with delighting the Conna faithful is a multiple Grade One winner who provided Mangan with his first winner in Britain since Montys Pass claimed Aintree glory when landing the Cotswold Chase at Cheltenham in January.

The undoubted star of a string that barely reaches double figures, the JP McManus-owned eight-year-old was subsequently an eleventh hour withdrawal from the Gold Cup after the connections had well-publicised misgivings about the Prestbury Park ground.

While waiting on the green light from his owner, Mangan feels his charge is more than capable of making his presence felt in the worlds most famous steeplechase provided the Aintree turf is deemed suitable.

Everything is good and at the moment the plan is to go to Liverpool, he added.

Im looking forward to having another go at the National  hed be a classier horse than Montys Pass, no doubt about it.
Dr. William Long was one of two SC State alumni who recently provided a podiatry workshop for SC State students at the university's Engineering & Computer Science Complex.

Dr. William Long credits SC State with shaping his career and fueling his commitment to service and expanding opportunities in podiatric medicine.

ORANGEBURG, S.C. -- Dr. William Long reflects on his time at South Carolina State University with pride because the longstanding institution instilled in him a faith that he could excel at any level he chose.

The Spartanburg, S.C., native graduated from SC State in 1999 with a biology degree and never forgot the love and encouragement that Dr. Judith Salley, chair of SC States Department of Biological and Physical Sciences, poured into him and other students.

Confidence, culture and preparation set the foundation

It was just the confidence coming out of a historically Black college. I was a biology major with Dr. Salley. She always stressed to us that our degrees at SC State are just as good as any other degree. Her putting that confidence in me as I matriculated throughout my career just helped, Long said.

He has maintained a successful career as a podiatric surgeon who is the owner of Upstate Podiatry Group PA, a podiatry clinic specializing in foot and ankle care with eight offices across the Upstate, including Simpsonville, Spartanburg, Greer and Laurens.

Long said landing at SC State provided him with the fertile ground from which to build his skills.

And just being around positive Black people. That was the main thing. My high school, Spartanburg High School, was probably 70 percent white. So a lot of times in my advanced classes, Id be one of two or three Black people in the class, he said.

Long said he was no longer considered an exception to the rule at SC State, where he felt welcomed and Black excellence surrounded him.

That was amazing. That really was life transforming. My roommate was my high school valedictorian. I picked up things from him by watching his study habits. My whole experience was just wonderful, it really was, he said.

While at SC State, Long was also the recipient of the U.S. Coast Guards Minority Officer Recruiting Effort Scholarship.

That was a full scholarship. Everything was taken care of, and that took a huge stress off my family, he said.

Long received his Bachelor of Science degree in biology from SC State before serving eight years of active duty in the U.S. Coast Guard. While stationed in Charleston, South Carolina, Long was selected to supervise the Maritime Homeland Security Office Department in response to the horrific events of 9/11.

He later earned his Master of Arts from The Citadel and his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine from Temple University. Long completed his four-year foot and ankle residency at the University of Pennsylvania Presbyterian Medical Center before returning to the Upstate.

From student to surgeon: Giving back and leading change

It was a journey that has allowed him to give back to his community  and alma mater  in a number of ways.

We try to donate every year. I truly believe in that. You have to lift as you climb and also remember where you came from. It was South Carolina State that provided the foundation. I always remembered what Dr. Salley said, Long said.

Once I transitioned into podiatry, I started working to get laws passed, he said, including the passage of legislation that allows podiatric physicians to perform ankle surgery in South Carolina, which had been one of a few remaining states that had not allowed such procedures.

I became the first podiatrist to do ankle surgery in South Carolina, said Long, who is also on the American Podiatric Medical Association Board of Trustees.

The physician has worked on that national platform to increase student recruitment among historically Black colleges and universities.

Part of that effort helped land him at SC State on March 2 for a Discover Podiatric Medicine seminar, a project that introduced students to the podiatry field through a partnership between SC State and Temple Universitys School of Podiatric Medicine.

We have a really big push to recruit now from historically Black colleges. We need to because I promise you that the majority of the Blacks that are in podiatry that are doing great graduated from an HBCU, Long said.

Weve even discussed to the point where we may try to open up the first historically Black podiatric medical school. We may do this at Johnson C. Smith University. Their president, Dr. Valerie Kinloch, is open to it.

Thats why I want to build that strong relationship at South Carolina State because thats my alma mater. If were going to do a lot of things, we definitely need to pull South Carolina State in this, as well, he said.

Long said being a podiatric surgeon provides an opportunity to make a difference in the communities he serves, particularly among African Americans, who tend to see higher amputation rates.

I just think its our obligation as physicians to reach back. Im not trying to get accolades for it. Its about preventive medicine. I give my patients my personal cell phone. If theyre ever admitted to the hospital, or something going on, they can call me, he said, noting that all it takes is one person to make an impact.

Investing in the future of SC State and health care

Long foresees a bright future for SC State.

South Carolina States doing a great job right now. Im loving the fact that Im getting more mailers and things like that for donations, the surgeon said.

I love the fact that the campus is growing. That is a real thing. You want to have the facilities for the students, so I love seeing that. I definitely want to see more students going into medicine, specifically in podiatry, but, if not, just in medicine in general, he said.

How will Long help support that?

I really think that we do better when we are seeing Black physicians as far as growth. Personally, I would love to have something where we can have scholarships for different podiatric medical schools that are specific to South Carolina State. Thatll be something that Ill be working on, Long said.
Storm Dave will bring strong and disruptive winds to areas in the UK on Easter Sunday as it continues to deepen, the Met Office has warned.

Heavy snow and gale-force winds are forecast for northern parts of the country, with weather warnings in place for Scotland, Northern Ireland, north Wales, and parts of northern England.

The Met Office has issued a danger to life amber wind warning for northern parts of England, southern Scotland and northwest Wales, where gusts of up to 70mph are expected. The warning is in place until 3am on Sunday.

Gusts of 50 to 60mph are expected widely across all warning areas, with 60 to 70mph winds possible in exposed locations. Heavy snow will accompany the winds in northern Scotland, where blizzard conditions are forecast.

Yellow and amber weather warnings put in place for wind and snow across northern England, Wales and Scotland (Met Office)

The Met Office chief meteorologist Chris Bulmer, said: Storm Dave will bring a period of very strong winds, with the strongest gusts most likely in the Amber warning area. People should be prepared for impacts with disruption to travel likely and possible power cuts.

Wind speeds will peak at different times as the deep area of low pressure moves across the north of the UK.

Temperatures will be in the low single figures for parts of the UK on Sunday (The Met Office)

A yellow wind warning is in force until 7am on Sunday for areas in North East England, North West England, South West Scotland, Lothian Borders, Strathclyde, Wales, and Yorkshire & Humber.

Storm Dave will batter parts of the UK over Easter weekend (PA Wire)

Storm Dave is forecast to bring winds of 50 to 60 mph to these areas, with gusts of 60 to 70 mph forecast in some locations.

The rest of Scotland is under a wind warning from 6pm on Saturday until midday on Sunday, where winds of up to 80 to 90 mph possible in exposed areas.

With a number of weather warnings issued, be sure to stay updated and check the latest info  https://t.co/QwDLMfRBfs



Stay #WeatherAware pic.twitter.com/ZzvZx09fJK  Met Office (@metoffice) April 2, 2026

A snow warning is in place for Grampian and Highlands & Eilean Siar, where snow of up to 5 to 10cm could accumulate in areas over 200m in elevation. The warning is in force until 3am on Sunday.

A wind warning is also issued for Northern Ireland until 3am on Sunday, with strong gusts of 50 to 60mph expected fairly widely.

Storm Dave will bring cloud, rain, and winds (PA)

Met Office weather forecast

Sunday

Storm Dave will clear away to the northeast tomorrow morning, leaving sunshine and showers across the UK for Easter Sunday. The showers look particularly heavy and blustery in the north.

Outlook for Monday to Wednesday

After a frosty start Easter Monday will be mostly fine. Breezy in the west. Rain arriving in the north and west thereafter. Meanwhile, warm sunshine developing further south and east.
Gulf states have called for the UN Security Council to authorise the use of force to secure the Strait of Hormuz against Iranian attacks after the vital shipping lane was effectively shut by Iran, disrupting global energy supplies.
Latest: Mikel Arteta (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Mikel Arteta has defended the number of Arsenal players who withdrew from international duty.

Of the 23 Premier League players to pull out of international duty for the most recent set of fixtures, almost half were Arsenal players.

Five of those came after the Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City, while another five then withdrew after initially joining up with their national squads.

With Martin Odegaard not involved in Norway's matches against the Netherlands and Norway, it made it 11 Arsenal players on the sidelines.

Bukayo Saka was one of 11 Arsenal players to drop out of international duty (The FA via Getty Images)

That has drawn criticism but Arteta has defended the dropouts.

Speaking ahead of the Gunners' FA Cup trip to Southampton on Saturday, Arteta said: We have very good relationships and communication with most of the national teams.

Certainly with Thomas [Tuchel]. Weve been extremely supportive all the time. When you have to communicate the state and the moment of every player, we are always very honest.

In the end there was a medical decision that has to be made. It was clear what the conclusion was.

When a player is fit and available, he has to play. It makes us very proud that we have that many players in the national team and the players are desperate to play with the national team.

We are fully supportive of that. When we can do it, we do it.

Asked if any of the players who withdrew would be available, Arteta said: You will see. I continue the speculation, so you can judge it afterwards. If what I say was right or if I need to delete and write something else.

Arteta has confirmed Noni Madueke escaped serious injury while playing for England.

Madueke suffered a knee injury in last week's friendly against Uruguay and was seen leaving Wembley with a brace on his left leg.

Noni Madueke suffered a knee injury playing for England (The FA via Getty Images)

But scans have confirmed the injury is not as bad as first feared.

Arteta said: It looked really bad. Noni was really worried, especially after what happened in his other knee a few weeks out and he was out for six weeks. But no, its nowhere near that injury. That was really good news.

Asked if Madueke will only be out for a matter of days, Arteta said: I think so.

Odegaard has not played since February 22 due to a knee injury and lost his race against time to recover in time to feature at Wembley in the final against City.

But the Arsenal captain is now closing in on a return as he looks to play his part in the run-in.

Jurrien Timber could also bolster Arsenal's options, having missed the last two matches with a groin issue.

Arteta said of the pair: "Those are in contention to possibly be in the squad."

Eberechi Eze's calf injury ruled him out of the Carabao Cup final and he remains unavailable.

Asked for an update on his progress, Arteta said: Ebs is out. With Ebs I cannot put a finger [on how long hell be out], I dont know, because he's a special character.

Piero Hincapie limped off during Ecuador's draw with Morocco, picking up an issue that saw him return to Arsenal straight after that match.

Hincapie, who has established himself as first-choice at left-back, has been ruled out of the Southampton game with what is believed to be a hamstring issue.

Arsenal fans will hope for better news for the rest of the withdrawals.

Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka briefly joined up with the England squad but pulled out the following day.

Tuchel said he did not want to take any "risks" with their fitness, indicating the issues were not serious. The pair are both likely to be rested against Southampton even if they are fit.

That could be the same for William Saliba and Gabriel, who did not fly out to the USA to join up with the France and Brazil squads respectively.

Martin Zubimendi pulled out of Spain duty with discomfort in his right knee and Leandro Trossard has been managing a hip injury, but neither are believed to be major issues.
Ed Miliband is understood to be resisting the development of Rosebank, the UKs largest untapped oil field - Jamie Lorriman for The Telegraph

Ed Miliband is expected to block fresh oil drilling in the North Sea despite growing pressure to resume production to combat the energy crisis sparked by the Iran war.

The Energy Secretary is understood to be resisting the development of Rosebank, the UKs largest untapped oil field, estimated to contain up to 300 million barrels of oil.

He is against new drilling licences despite concerns over impending fuel shortages, surging oil prices and diminishing stocks.

Despite growing pressure from opponents and his own Cabinet, including Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, Mr Miliband has also delayed a decision on a licence to drill at the Jackdaw gas field, which it is estimated could produce the equivalent of 6 per cent of the UKs future gas supply.

The move delays the decision until after the May local elections, which could trigger a Labour leadership battle where he has been mooted as a potential contender. On Friday, Mr Milibands aides dismissed as unfounded suggestions that he was minded to approve Jackdaw.

Kemi Badenoch this week pledged to cut 200 from energy bills by drilling for North Sea oil and gas - Paul Reid/Getty Images

Any block on North Sea drilling puts him at odds with not only Kemi Badenoch, who this week launched a Get Britain Drilling campaign, and Nigel Farages Reform, but also the SNP, whose leader, John Swinney, on Thursday reversed the nationalist partys opposition to further oil and gas exploration in the North Sea.

Mr Swinney said the Iran war had changed the balance of the arguments. Speaking at a Holyrood election hustings, the Scottish First Minister said energy security had to be taken into account when deciding whether developments such as Rosebank oilfields and the Jackdaw gas project were allowed to proceed.

Robert Jenrick, Reforms Treasury spokesman, told The Telegraph: Keir Starmer needs to grow a backbone, overrule Ed Miliband and open up both Jackdaw and Rosebank immediately. It is completely mad that we are choosing not to exploit our own resources in the middle of an energy crisis.

There is also a growing split within Labour. Unions led by the GMB have been vocal in their calls for the Government to give the go-ahead to both fields.

The Chancellor has also indicated that she supported increased drilling in the North Sea, saying this week she would be very happy to support extraction at Rosebank and Jackdaw because of the positive effect on jobs and tax revenue.

Anas Sarwar, the Scottish Labour leader, said he believed the licences should be approved. Asked whether he believed Mr Miliband, who is seen as hostile to fossil fuels, was doing a good job, Mr Sarwar said: Yes, but theres work to do.

He added: We made a commitment before the election that we would honour licences that were granted. The licences then have come into question  we should honour those licences.

Sir Keir Starmer has refused to comment on the Jackdaw scheme, citing the fact that it is a quasi-judicial decision for Mr Miliband.

However, Downing Street is said to be acutely aware that public opinion on further drilling has been shifting as a result of the crisis in the Middle East.

Data analysed by The Telegraph show that diesel and petrol stocks were at their lowest level on record just weeks before the Iran war began.

At the end of January, Britain had 2,426,000 tons of petrol and diesel in stock, according to figures from Mr Milibands department, down 12.5 per cent year-on-year and the lowest level for a January since records began in 2006.

Before the 2024 general election, Labour said it would not issue new exploration licences, but would not revoke existing licences and would manage current oil and gas fields for their entire lifespan.

The price of oil whipsawed this week as Donald Trump gave conflicting messages about when the Iran war would end.

Brent crude rose as high as $119 on Tuesday, close to its highest level since the conflict broke out, after the US president suggested he wanted to seize Kharg Island.

Prices then fell below $100 after Mr Trump said Iran had requested a ceasefire, only to end the week at $109 after he gave little clarity on the war in an address to the nation.

However, Mr Miliband has insisted that approving new drilling licences would not lower bills for UK consumers.

Last month, he said: If there is one lesson we must learn from this crisis, it is that we cannot keep being on this fossil fuel rollercoaster. The best thing we can do is clean homegrown power.

He doubled down on his position this week, telling ITV News that people who say new exploration licences will somehow create huge amounts of energy for us were just wrong.

Before the election, he said that allowing the Rosebank oil project to go ahead would be an act of climate vandalism.

The Jackdaw project has been awaiting Mr Milibands approval since 2024, after the High Court ruled that a previous licence was invalid because it had not taken into account the carbon emissions generated from burning the gas it produced.

Mr Miliband insists that approving new drilling licences will not lower bills for UK consumers - llumescrita

One source close to Mr Miliband dismissed the suggestion he was minded to approve the development based on the fact that he did not consider it incompatible with the Governments carbon reduction commitments.

He doesnt have the full information currently, so it is categorically incorrect to say he is minded a particular way, one adviser told Politico.

A separate source said it was pure speculation and gossip, while another said: We do not recognise this unfounded speculation. We cannot comment on live planning decisions, and these decisions will be made in an appropriate and timely manner, after the last governments plans were found to be unlawful.

However, a decision has been delayed until the May elections take place, after the Offshore Petroleum Regulator for Environment and Decommissioning, which is overseen by Mr Milibands Department of Energy Security and Net Zero, submitted new technical questions to the fields potential operator.

The delay could put Mr Miliband in a more favourable position for any potential leadership challenge, with Labour expected to suffer badly at the polls.

The latest YouGov polling shows the Green Party ahead of Labour by one percentage point, at 19 per cent to 18 per cent, with Reform four percentage points ahead of the Tories, at 23 per cent to 19 per cent.

There has been speculation that Mr Miliband could contest the leadership if Sir Keir were ousted, as a potential rival on the soft left of the party to Angela Rayner.

On Thursday, Sir James Dyson, the billionaire inventor, attacked Sir Keirs government over its policies on North Sea oil and called for it to reconsider fracking in the face of the energy crisis caused by the Middle East war.

However, Tessa Khan, the executive director of Uplift, which campaigns against further drilling in the North Sea, said Jackdaw would have zero impact on our energy bills and do precious little to increase gas supply.

She said: Even in the most optimistic scenario, and assuming none of its gas is exported, Jackdaw would provide just 2 per cent of UK gas demand over its 9 to 12-year lifetime.

The Rosebank oilfield would do even less. The reality is that, after 50 years of drilling, the UK has already burnt most of its gas. We need this government to learn the lesson of the last five years  and to be urgently thinking about mass solar power, heat pump and insulation programmes to free us from our dependency on gas.
Adam, an inmate at HMP Dartmoor, first noticed something was wrong when he saw neon-yellow signs being put up around the prison.

The Do not enter signs indicated the presence of radon gas  a dangerous and toxic radioactive substance linked to increased risk of lung cancer.

Staff were reassuring and said it could be contained. But monitors soon started being fitted in every cell and in communal areas, like the kitchen, where Adam worked seven days a week.

Some six months later, in December 2023, dozens of prisoners in F wing  which housed those vulnerable due to their age and ill health  were suddenly moved out.

And over the next few months, the headcount would go from around 650 prisoners to just over 100 after government officials decided that radon exposure levels were too high. By August 2024, the last remaining prisoners had been evacuated.

Adam, who had been moved out in January 2024 to Stafford, was one of those who received a personal letter titled Exposure to Radon from His Majestys Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS). A radiation protection adviser had assessed that Adam had been exposed to five times the annual safe limit of radon gas, the letter said. He was also warned he may experience loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, breathlessness or coughing up phlegm with blood in it.

HMP Dartmoor was closed in 2024 due to the radon scare (PA Archive)

Officials knew it was dangerous and couldnt care less

Adam, not his real name, is now one of around 750 former inmates and staff who have joined a class action lawsuit against the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), seeking at least 60,000 each in compensation for being put at risk. Nearly 100 claims have been submitted so far.

Among them is a former NHS staff member who believes his exposure to radon at Dartmoor has caused an unexplained drop in his fertility. There is also a former senior prison officer who worked at the site for 18 years but left after completely losing trust in HMPPS due to the lies told about radon. And there are former prisoners crippled by health anxiety who fear their health problems are linked to the gas.

Lawyers said they have also been approached by families of three people who died after spending time at Dartmoor, one prisoner and two officers.

Former inmates have now told The Independent of their anger at being sent to the category C mens jail as the government scrambled to find cells during a growing national overcrowding crisis, despite chiefs previously being alerted to unsafe radon levels.

The ageing Victorian prison, owned by Prince Williams Duchy of Cornwall, is built on granite bedrock, which can emit the naturally occurring radioactive gas.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched a criminal investigation into how prison leaders handled the radon scare following claims they may not have evacuated quickly enough.

The HSEs completed report is with its legal department for review, but the outcome, which could include criminal charges or censure by the body, is yet to be published.

Mladen Kesar, solicitor at Kesar and Co, who is leading the legal action, said: This is about putting humans in a dangerous situation where the public authority knew it was dangerous and couldnt care less whether that had any consequences for their health, including for their own staff.

The claims, which are dependent on ongoing legal aid funding to get to court, threaten to expose a litany of failings in the MoJs handling of the environmental crisis. Mr Kesar and his team say the government knowingly put hundreds of prisoners and staff at risk  gambling with their health in a scramble for space.

Antonia Romeo was in charge of the MoJ when it renewed the lease at Dartmoor (UK Home Office)

Shockingly, the government is still paying around 4m a year for the unusable prison after officials signed a 100m 25-year lease in 2022, despite measurements from 2020 showing the prison had unacceptably high levels of radon.

Under the terms of the lease, taxpayers must also foot the bill for 68m worth of improvements to the unusable site, and officials have splashed a further 1.2m on radon mitigation efforts. The lease has a break clause that allows the MoJ to exit Dartmoor at any time after December 2033, having given five years notice.

The fiasco has been condemned by the governments public spending watchdog as a catastrophic failure, while civil servants desperate for prison space have been accused of acting in a blind panic.

Antonia Romeo, who was recently appointed by Sir Keir Starmer as the new cabinet secretary, was the most senior civil servant in the MoJ at the time. Gary Badley, the civil servant whom the MoJ named as the person responsible for lease negotiations, was subsequently put in charge of renovations and maintenance for the whole prison estate.

Radon is a colourless, odourless natural gas, formed when small amounts of uranium in rocks and soils decay.

It can build up in indoor areas and, while it can be controlled through ventilation, it is known to increase a persons risk of lung cancer, with more than 1,100 deaths from the disease attributed to radon each year in the UK, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

According to Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, the chair of the public accounts committee, the decision to evacuate prisoners from Dartmoor only came after the health watchdog more or less told the government to move people out because the radon levels breached health and safety regulations.

Now the MoJ is carrying out 42 investigations at sites across the prison and probation estate, including at 15 other prisons.

Staff told not to worry about minimal exposure

One male former NHS worker, who worked in prisons for five years, first heard about radon when detectors were installed in his office in 2023.

There was no formal notification via anyone, really, he said. He remembered a full staff address in early 2024 by lead prison governor Steve Mead, just after the new lease with the duchy had come into effect. It was made clear there wasnt a plan to close the prison, but that mitigation measures were due to be put in place.

The Victorian prison, owned by the Duchy of Cornwall, is built on granite bedrock (PA Archive)

We were repeatedly told we were only exposed to flash exposure  emphasising that it was minimal, he said. Findings have since shown that this was wholly untrue.

Some staff felt the governor was trying to be as transparent as possible with the little information he was given. Others said they were kept in the dark.

The process of shutting parts of the prison was described as ad hoc and all over the place, as site safety teams experimented with how they could lower the levels of toxic gas.

A mammoth task was then undertaken to assess the radon exposure risk for each prisoner and identify who needed to be moved out first. Former staff described the governors as being completely overwhelmed by the process.

My blood tests look similar to those sterilised by radiation in mines

While working at Dartmoor, the former NHS staff member said he experienced an unexplained drop in his fertility. Over the course of three tests from 2021 to 2023, despite fathering children before, his fertility started to decline. At that time, everything was normal. We had a full sexual health screening. Everyone else was all cleared. All they could tell was that it was my fertility that was the issue.

He has since done his own research into the potential effect of radon gas on fertility, and he believes his blood test results are similar to those of people who have been sterilised by radiation from working in mines.

He said: There is always that niggling doubt now. If Ive been exposed to levels of radiation that have likely sterilised me, that would indicate that Ive been exposed to levels of radiation that will lead to other medical complications in the future as well.

A former prison officer said his concerns were laughed off and decried (Getty/iStock)

Fears laughed off and decried

Mark McKay, a former prison officer who served at HMP Dartmoor for nearly 10 years, said there had been an irretrievable breakdown of trust between him and HMPPS over radon.

He remembered that, in 2013, staff had been told the jail had been given a 10-year notice to close. When the lease extension was signed in 2022, it was like a stay of execution, Mr McKay said, adding: I believe that prompted them to do all of the stuff they had neglected to do in that 10-year period, believing the jail would be closed in 2023.

Mr McKay, who was the health and safety representative for the Prison Officers Association (POA), said when extremely high radon readings were recorded in the kitchen, he was told that this was due to water in an irrigation tunnel under the kitchen. Officials thought that, if this were drained, the readings would improve, but this didnt happen, he said.

When I challenged the health and safety manager, she basically said it was nothing to worry about, Mr McKay said.

He said that, when he suggested that prison chiefs do additional readings to get an idea of radon exposure across the whole prison, he was laughed off and decried.

When prisoners were being moved out, Mr McKay recalled one of the governors referring to a prisoner in A wing. They said Oh, hes got to go because weve cooked him, meaning he exceeded his annual exposure level in a matter of days if not weeks.

Radon first detected in 2007 but staff were kept in the dark

Radon monitoring at Dartmoor goes as far back as 2007, with some readings from that time found to exceed the threshold at which the regulations apply, according to a letter unearthed by the BBC.

The prison site is owned by Prince Williams Duchy of Cornwall (PA)

Another former prison officer, Robert Barnett, transferred from The Mount in Hertfordshire to Dartmoor that year. He was there for 10 years and said there was never any mention of the deadly gas.

Now retired and aged 76, a CT scan recently discovered a growth in his lung. It was initially thought to be linked to his contact with a prisoner with tuberculosis in 2013, but tests have ruled that out. Although the cause is uncertain, he fears it could be linked to radon.

Former prisoner Kieran, 31, believes he stayed in cells in some of the areas with the highest readings during his 13 months in Dartmoor.

He said: Its underappreciated that there arent any formal tests to see if you have been exposed [to radon] and what damage has been done. But just the pure fact that it has been linked to lung cancer, thats the huge concern for me and my family.

He explained that during his time at Dartmoor, from October 2021 to November 2022, his breathing got considerably worse.

I never had breathing difficulties [previously], he said. [Now] I wheeze a lot more. I struggle with my breathing  even walking up a hill, it completely takes it out of me. Its such a struggle.

Conditions in the historic prison were horrendous, he said, with cramped cells heated only by a pipe in the floor and limited ventilation.

While some prisoners have received letters explaining their radon exposure, many havent, including Kieran.

Itll be fine, chuck them in

Another prisoner at Dartmoor from September 2021 to January 2023 said he is furious he has been put at risk.

The only inkling we had that there was something wrong was when they started putting alarms in cells, he told The Independent. We were asking, What are these alarms for? But they werent alarms, they were radon detectors.

The inmate, who was held on B wing, fears his exposure could have been heightened by Covid-19 restrictions, which meant he spent even longer locked in his cell each day.

He said: Theres evidence to suggest that the MoJ and relevant authorities were fully aware of the dangerous levels of radon exposure in Dartmoor. And they thought, Do you know what, we are the MoJ and we need prison spaces  itll be fine, chuck them in.

He added: Its very frustrating to know that they deliberately and wilfully put me in harms way with high levels of a dangerous gas.

Prisons minister James Timpson has told MPs that a decision on the future of Dartmoor is yet to be made (Ben Whitley/PA Wire)

Doing the hokey-cokey with prisoners

By December 2023, F and E wings were closed and prisoners were transferred out, but the evacuations were paused in May 2024. In the first week of July, the decision was taken to move men back into the prison over the next few months, with up to 30 prisoners a week coming in.

In a further twist on 17 July, with radon readings on the wing atriums very high, the decision was taken to move everyone out  and by the beginning of August, the prison had no inmates.

One prison officer described the process as doing the hokey-cokey with prisoners. Such was the chaotic decision-making that some inmates were moved in for two weeks before they had to be moved out again, one source said.

Some of the prisoners were old and frail, needing help to get in and out of cells, and so would have been spending large amounts of time locked in with high levels of radon.

While prisons minister James Timpson has told MPs that a decision on the future of Dartmoor is yet to be made, insiders said the site has been stripped, locks removed from cell doors and gas cut off to the empty wings.

A private firm, Sentinel Group Security, took over the prison security last month, tasked with guarding the site from intruders. New security cameras and better wifi have apparently been installed to assist the contractors.

A spokesperson for the company said it had been contracted to provide security services for an initial period of a year, but anticipated this could be extended. They said it had completed its own radon inspection and risk assessment to keep its employees safe.

A HMPPS spokesperson said: We continue to assess safety and feasibility at HMP Dartmoor, and will make a decision on the site in due course.

As there is an ongoing HSE investigation and live legal proceedings, it would be inappropriate to comment further. But we have strengthened radon management across the prison estate in line with regulatory requirements.
The turquoise water and golden sand of Awaroa Bay in Abel Tasman national park, New Zealand. Photograph: Nelson Tasman (Photograph: Nelson Tasman)

The visitor to New Zealands South Island knows what they have to see. Theres a well-trodden circuit. Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook, to gaze at the stars. Queenstown, for a spot of daredevil adventure. The glaciers, Fox and Franz Josef. And then down to Milford Sound, for the fjord, cliffs and waterfalls. Each stop stunning, each one worthy of its place in a tourist trail so long-established they call it the southern loop.

But for those searching for something new, bent less on ticking off the New Zealand icons than on experiencing a region as brimming with natural beauty as its been relatively, and mysteriously, overlooked, there is another destination. Head to the place theyre calling Nelson Tasman.

Related: Incredibly liveable and creatively buzzy: Bret McKenzies guide to Wellington/Te Whanganui-a-Tara

For years, Nelson was somewhere you passed through, regarded as little more than a gateway from the North Island to the South. Travellers might hop on a plane from Auckland, land in Nelson and then set off in earnest. But in their dash southward theyd been missing out on an area that locals believe offers the best of both worlds: the stunning landscapes of the South Island combined with the gentler climate of the North. Nelson Tasman vies with Hawkes Bay for the title of New Zealands sunniest spot and is nicely sheltered by the Richmond and Arthur mountains. I can testify that every day of the February week I spent in the area was blessed with blue skies and warm sunshine.

Given the patchiness of the New Zealand summer, that counts as a plus, but the weather is the least of it. The big draw, as the name suggests, is Abel Tasman national park, named for the 17th-century Dutch explorer who got close enough to New Zealand that cartographers would eventually name the country after a region of Holland, but not so close that he actually set foot on its land. (He withdrew after a clash between some of his men and a group of Maori whod approached his ships in a waka, or canoe.)

Now Abel Tasman is shorthand for a stretch of coast that is surely among the most beautiful in the world. (I first visited 26 years ago and had pined to return ever since.) Mostly accessible only by boat, it combines coves of golden sand and turquoise water, with hillsides teeming with native bush. Day trips are possible but the ache youll feel when you tear yourself away will be too much to bear. Better to give it several days.

Travellers on a budget can do that, thanks to the camping grounds that are dotted along the coastline (from NZ$21 an adult), clean and unfussily maintained by the Department of Conservation rather than a commercial outfit. Those who prefer a roof over their heads tend to go with Wilsons, a family firm with roots in Abel Tasman going back to the 1840s, that runs three- or five-day treks through the park (from NZ$1,740 a person twin share). You progress from one lodge  a cluster of simple wooden cabins  to the next either on water, sea-kayaking from cove to cove, or on foot, hiking on trails that confirm why you made the journey to New Zealand in the first place.

Before long youre in the lushness of the bush, the sounds of insects and birds a constant and unexpectedly loud chorus. Youre under five layers of canopy, introduced to 12 different kinds of orchid, including one that disguises itself as a praying mantis. There are lancewood trees, whose thin, long leaves are so strong, they can be used to patch up broken boots, and the five finger plant, whose shape resembles a hand so perfectly, it seems to salute you in greeting. There are fronds that curl like the top of a double bass; vines lacking only a leaping Tarzan; and trees that have stood for a thousand years. To walk among them is to be reminded of the gorgeousness of the planet we inhabit.

But Nelson Tasman does not end there. A new-ish innovation is the Great Taste Trail, a cycle route completed in 2022 that runs in a 200km loop and which allows you to bike in the countryside, through small, pretty towns and alongside the azure ocean, stopping to sample fresh food and locally produced fruit and wine. You dont have to be an Olympic athlete or even super fit  Cycle Nelson will take you on a guided tour (from NZ$1,000 a person, minimum two people) or simply rent you an ebike (NZ$120 a day)  and nor do you have to do the whole thing: theyre happy to tailor a bespoke trip around you. A favourite stretch is a beach-to-beach route of 64km that takes in orchards, vineyards and sparkling views of Tasman Bay, and that can include an overnight stay among the restaurants and cafes of Mapua wharf. (Besides, who could resist a route that includes a place called Rabbit Island?)

You might stop to see the orange-billed oystercatchers or take a dip in the saltwater swimming baths at Motueka, sectioned off from the surrounding ocean and behind an expansive sand spit, which makes these waters invitingly tranquil. Incidentally, the taste in the Great Taste Trail does not refer solely to treats for the palate: besides the constantly changing landscape, the route also takes in working artist studios and galleries. And if theres an adventurous cyclist among you, theyll love the rugged, gnarly trails of the Kaiteriteri Mountain Bike Park.

Kaiteriteri itself is a delight, with its waterfront cafes and ice-creams, and its from there that you can head out on the water in a distinctive, unexpectedly contemplative way. Waka Abel Tasman is a Maori-owned business that offers trips out in a traditional, double kayak (from NZ$110 a person). Yes, visitors learn to row in unison and stop on a spectacular beach, but the greater emphasis is on Maori language, tradition and ritual, as guides point out the significance of, among things, the small, uninhabited island you navigate past that is, in fact, an ancestral burial ground. In the wrong hands, such activities can often feel awkward, freighted with the risk of cultural condescension, but this is presented as an exercise less in tourist amusement than in Maori pride.

As for places to stay, theres provision for both ends of the spectrum. Kaiteriteri boasts a campsite right by the beach (from NZ$70 a night), while high-end travellers will be drawn to the stunning Lodge by the Beach (from NZ$697 a night), right next to the delightfully named Split Apple Cove and with golden sands of its own. Visitors there, like anyone who spends a few days in Nelson Tasman, will find themselves itching to scrap whatever further travel plans theyd made  and stay a little longer.
Myanmar junta chief Min Aung Hlaing, who led a coup against Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government, has become the country's president after winning a parliamentary vote on Friday.

The presidential vote formalised his grip on political power in the war-torn nation five years after he ousted the Nobel laureates elected government in 2021, which plunged the Southeast Asian country into a civil war. The move marks a nominal return to an elected government but is widely considered to be an effort to keep the army in power.

In a live broadcast of the vote count in a parliament dominated by the election-winning Union Solidarity and Development Party and the military's quota of appointed armed forces legislators, the former commander-in-chief comfortably passed the threshold required to win the presidential vote. The military and its allies hold nearly 90 per cent of the seats in the two-chamber parliament.

File. Myanmar military leader Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing visits a polling station during the final round of general election in Mandalay, central Myanmar, on 25 Jan 2026 (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

The vote was held in the newly renovated parliament building in the capital, Naypyitaw, which was damaged in last year's earthquake. Aung Lin Dwe, speaker of parliament's combined upper and lower house, announced that Min Aung Hlaing won 429 out of the 584 votes.

China was the first country to congratulate the military general on becoming the president. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning on Friday said both nations were traditional friends and close neighbours, jointly building a community with a shared future.

Ms Mao said China follows a policy of friendship towards all the people of Myanmar.

The transition from top general to civilian president follows a lopsided election in December and January that was won in a landslide by an army-backed party and derided by critics and Western governments as a sham to perpetuate military rule behind a veneer of democracy.

Min Aung Hlaing was almost certain to become president after being nominated alongside two loyalists last week. The 69-year-old general has led the military junta in Myanmar for 15 years and was seen as coveting the presidency.

Myanmar's military representatives arrive for a session at Union parliament in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, Friday, 3 April 2026 (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

The general has been sanctioned by several Western nations, including the US, and barred from summits for five consecutive years by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. A court in Argentina last year issued an arrest warrant against him over the Rohingya genocide, while a court in East Timor took up a case alleging war crimes.

After casting his vote inside the heavily-guarded capital of Naypyitaw on 28 December, a smiling Min Aung Hlaing walked up to a gaggle of reporters, where he was asked if he planned to become president following the polls. "I can't simply say that I want to do this or that. I am not a leader of a political party," he said.

On Monday, Min Aung Hlaing stepped down as the chief of Myanmar's armed forces to seek the presidency, while also appointing a staunch loyalist  former spymaster Ye Win Oo  to succeed him as the commander of the military.

"He has long harboured the ambition to trade his title of commander-in-chief for president and it appears his dreams are now becoming a reality," said Aung Kyaw Soe, an independent Myanmar analyst.

Myanmar has been gripped by violence since the military wrested power from the democratically elected government of Suu Kyi, despite her party winning a landslide victory.

Myanmar's military representatives arrive for a session at Union parliament in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, Thursday, 2 April 2026 (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

The country has since been embroiled in a civil war, which has killed thousands of people and displaced millions. The conflict intensified in 2023 after the Three Brotherhood Alliance launched offensives against the army.

Born to a family from Myanmar's south, Min Aung Hlaing studied law before entering the military and rising steadily through the ranks, culminating in his promotion to military chief in 2011. A rigid military leader and considered a ruthless operator, he has also relied on a finely tuned ability to manage the countrys elites, using tactics that include handing important positions to loyalists and punishing political rivals.
A once-lucky winner from London has missed out on millions after they failed to claim their winning ticket.

The ticket was bought in Bexley on October 4 last year, according to the National Lottery. When nobody came forward to claim the life-changing 10 million sum, an extensive search to find the winner began.

But the 180-day deadline has now been hit and, with no winner claiming the exact 10,633,323 jackpot, the money is now set to be donated to charity.

Despite an extensive search for the mystery Bexley millionaire, I can confirm that the ticket-holder did not come forward to claim their Lotto prize and has now unfortunately missed out on this life-changing sum of money, said Andy Carter, the senior winners adviser at Allwyn, which operates for the National Lottery.

However, the money will now benefit Good Causes and add to the 33m raised each week for National Lottery-funded projects, several of which can be found in the Bexley area.

Andy Carter, who led the search for the winner, said the money will now be donated to charity (Lia Toby/PA Media Assignments)

A spokesperson for Allwyn also said that it is very unusual for a prize of this size not to be claimed.

The majority of prizes that would go unclaimed would be the smaller tier prizes, they said

The 10 million prize isnt the only one not to be claimed. At present, there are currently five major National Lottery prizes worth over 3.2 million yet to be claimed.

Three of these tickets are 1 million EuroMillions or Lotto tickets.

The National Lottery says players have supported a number of projects across Bexley, including The Exchange Erith, a community-led arts and crafts organisation and You and Me Happy Family Childrens Disability Trust, which provides inclusive support for disabled children and their carers.

The winner bought the ticket in Bexley in October (Lia Toby/PA Media Assignments)

Saturdays Lotto jackpot, meanwhile, will be an estimated 3.9 million. No player won the top prize on Wednesday night.

The jackpot requires all six main numbers. One player matched five numbers and the bonus ball to win 1 million.

A total of 56 players each won 1,750 after they matched five of the six numbers.

The winning numbers were 7, 16, 23, 27, 35, 40 and the bonus number was 48.
Nearly half of migrants arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers, in the weeks after two U.S. citizens were killed in Minnesota, had no criminal charges, according to new data.

Between January 24, the day Alex Pretti was killed, and March 10, approximately 41 percent of those arrested had no criminal records, according to government data obtained by a FOIA request from the Deportation Data Project and analyzed by The Independent. The Washington Post was the first to report on the data.

The numbers reflect how federal agents continued to arrest a large number of non-criminal individuals even after Trump administration officials said they would adjust tactics.

After the fatal shootings of Pretti and Renee Good, which drew nationwide outrage, President Donald Trump indicated his administrations immigration enforcement tactics would be less aggressive. The president declared it needed a softer touch.

Border czar Tom Homan also announced in a press conference in late January the prioritization are going to be criminal aliens, public safety threats and national security threats.

Last year, less than 14 percent of those arrested by ICE officers had a violent criminal record (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement)

But Homan added that if youre in the country illegally, youre never off the table.

According to the data, one third of those arrested during that time period had a criminal record, while 29 percent had pending criminal charges. The data does not indicate the exact criminal charges of an individual.

The Independent has asked Immigration and Customs Enforcement for comment.

From the beginning of the presidents mass deportation agenda, officials had asserted the worst of the worst were being arrested and deported. During press conferences, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt would display photos of migrants with criminal records. At his State of the Union address, the president shared graphic stories of citizens who were killed by undocumented immigrants.

Border czar Tom Homan also announced in a press conference in late January the prioritization are going to be criminal aliens, public safety threats and national security threats (AP)

But news stories and data found that mostly immigrants with no criminal record were being suddenly removed from their communities.

Among the stories, a U.S. citizen child recovering from cancer was sent to Mexico after her undocumented parents were deported. A five-year-old boy was sent to an immigration detention center with his father after the man was arrested. A mother from Honduras with no arrest record was detained with her four children.

Thousands of other people with minor infractions, such as traffic violations, were also deported from the U.S in the last year.

Overall, less than 14 percent of the nearly 400,000 immigrants arrested had violent criminal charges, internal data obtained by CBS News found.

Many individuals with no criminal records were arrested as a result of the quota policy that administration officials had enacted.

White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, who also serves as a homeland security adviser, set a goal of 3,000 ICE arrests per day last year.

Immigration enforcement officials were put under immense pressure to try to meet the goal, resulting in thousands of arrests of people with no criminal record or pending charges.
Flavio Bolsonaro (left) and Jair Bolsonaro in March 2022. The elder Bolsonaro lost to Lula by only 2m votes that year. Polls suggest the 2026 vote could be similarly close. Photograph: Anadolu/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images (Photograph: Anadolu/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)

He possesses one of the most famous family names in Latin American politics. But when the Brazilian senator took to the stage at a conservative conference in Grapevine, Texas, last weekend it was only his forename that was on peoples lips.

Flavio! Flavio! Flavio! the audience shouted as the 44-year-old politician announced he would run for president in order to fight the radical environmental and woke agendas he claims have made Brazil awful again.

Let me look you in the eyes and tell you: we will win, the surname-less senator said in halting English, read from a teleprompter machine.

The Flavio in question is Flavio Bolsonaro, the oldest son of the disgraced former president Jair Bolsonaro, who is under house arrest after receiving a 27-year jail sentence for trying to overturn the result of the 2022 election.

As the younger Bolsonaro seeks to catapult his family back to the pinnacle of Brazilian politics in this years contest, many believe he is intentionally downplaying his parentage in an attempt to shake off the baggage of a name many associate with anti-democratic tendencies and a coronavirus catastrophe that killed hundreds of thousands of people.

Political analysts have detected a deliberate strategy to reposition the rightwing politician in voters minds by casting him as a supposedly moderate Flavio, rather than a key member of the Bolsonaro clan.

A campaign jingle played at one recent rally and broadcast on the candidates social networks refers to Bolsonaros firstborn as simply Zero Um (Number One) and Flavio, without citing his family name.

Controversially, many Brazilian newspapers have adopted the same style, repeatedly calling the politician only Flavio in headlines  something leftwing opponents consider a cynical attempt to camouflage the politicians hard-right roots.

One social media satirist, the journalist Gilberto Porcidonio, took a poke at the Bolsonarian marketing strategy on Threads, joking:

 Are you going to vote for Flavio?

 Which Flavio?

 The one whose surname they got rid of to make him electable!

Fabiana Moraes, a columnist for Intercept Brasil who wrote recently about Bolsonaros disappearing last name, believed the move was designed to help Bolsonaro sidestep the hugely negative views millions of Brazilians still hold of his father.

Moraes saw many reasons for that dislike, including Jair Bolsonaros misogyny and the failed coup he plotted after losing 2022s election to his leftwing rival Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. But perhaps the biggest cause was Jair Bolsonaros bungled response to coronavirus, which killed more than 800,000 Brazilians, and his delay in buying vaccines.

Brazil was exposed to such an unthinkable level of suffering [during Covid]  and I think this still reverberates, Moraes said.

Flavio Bolsonaro has not entirely abandoned his surname, which many conservatives still revere. Jair Bolsonaro won 58m votes in the 2022 election, losing to Lula by only 2m. Polls suggest the 2026 vote could be similarly close.

Its unquestionable that [this surname] is still a real asset  but at the same time its also the mirror opposite, said Moraes, who believed the tactic was aimed at attracting voters who were neither progressives, nor diehard Bolsonaro fans.

Moraes feared Brazils version of Wall Street, Faria Lima, and parts of the mainstream media had already bought into Flavio Bolsonaros attempt to portray himself as a moderate, by playing down his roots and even using gender-neutral language in contrast to his fathers notorious homophobia.

She was unconvinced by claims newspaper editors were using Flavio in their headlines because it was three letters shorter than Bolsonaro. Jair is much shorter than Flavio and that wasnt the name that appeared in the headlines [when he was president], was it? Moraes said.

Related: Jailed Bolsonaro granted humanitarian house arrest amid failing health

Supporters of President Lula, whom Flavio Bolsonaro looks set to challenge in Octobers vote, have cottoned on to the rightwingers rebranding effort. In recent days, they have set about hammering home the candidates association with what many see as his familys toxic name.

Its Flavio Bolsonaro, not just Flavio. He must carry the surname of the dirtiest family in Brazil, the congresswoman Luizianne Lins wrote on X.

In an interview with the news website Metropoles, the president of Lulas Workers party (PT), Edinho Silva, urged voters to remember what life was like when the father of the politician formerly known as Flavio Bolsonaro held power.

Flavio Bolsonaro is a representative of the Bolsonaro family  We cannot forget what Brazil was like when it was governed by the Bolsonaro family  [or] what Brazil was like when it was left to fend for itself during the pandemic because of a marketing campaign, Silva said.

Moraes believed Flavio Bolsonaros reinvention was also designed to conceal numerous skeletons in his own closet, including longstanding corruption allegations and well-documented ties to a police officer turned hitman called Adriano Magalhaes da Nobrega, and other members of Rios paramilitary underworld.

In 2005, when Flavio Bolsonaro was a state legislator, he awarded Nobrega a medal while he was in prison, and employed Nobregas wife and mother. Nobrega, who was killed by police in 2020, was alleged to have run what the Rio newspaper O Globo called the citys most lethal and secretive phalanx of hired guns.

Bolsonaro paid a similar tribute to Ronald Pereira, a police officer and paramilitary recently jailed for 56 years for involvement in the 2018 assassination of the leftwing politician Marielle Franco.

Bolsonaro has repeatedly denied corruption and links to criminal groups but his rivals are expected to exploit such allegations in the six months remaining before the election.

Bolsonaros speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) gathering in Texas  in which he questioned Brazils voting system and called for foreign pressure to ensure a free and fair vote  appears to have undermined his rebranding push.

Like father, like son  Bolsonarista coup-mongering seems to be genetic, the conservative Estado de Sao Paulo complained in an editorial, although on five occasions the newspaper referred to its subject by his first name.
April 2, 2026: The United States has abandoned its Kurdish allies in Syria. The Americans have agreed to let the new Syrian government assume control. Earlier this year Syrias new leader Ahmad al-Sharaa forced the Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces/SDF out of their territory in northeast Syria and is regaining control over the oil fields and natural gas extraction facilities in Deir ez-Zor and Al-Raqqah provinces. These are expected to be back in production by the end of the year. To complete the repairs and upgrades to the oil and gas facilities will require foreign investment. There must be assurances that the country will remain peaceful to keep the foreign investments coming.

Ahmad al-Sharaa is rebuilding the Syrian armed forces. He believes the key factor is obtaining men who are good Moslems, literate, physically fit, and unquestionably loyal to him. Initially that means only Sunni Moslems who had not served in the Assad military were eligible. There were some other restrictions, like not being able to smoke while on duty. Another aspect of recruit training is the weeklong refresher course on Islam. Al-Sharaa believes the religious indoctrination will ensure that all recruits completing basic training will be loyal. Only 600 of the first batch of 1,400 recruits completed the training. The Shia minority, especially the Alawites, and the Kurds are not eligible for military service. The Assads, who ruled Syria for over sixty years, were Alawite. The Kurds have their own American-backed army and control about a third of Syria. If al-Sharaa wants to control all of Syria, he will have to make a deal with the Kurds. He has already made peace with the United States and all of Syrias neighbors, including Israel. Al-Sharaa is creating new armed forces that will hopefully defend Syria and help maintain order within Syria if necessary. With that degree of internal security, foreign investors will return to help rebuild the economy.

Last year Ahmad al-Sharaa became the first Syrian leader to visit America. He met with the U.S. president and discussed the future of Syrian American relations. Sharaa discussed U.S.-Syrian cooperation suppressing ISIS Islamic terrorists. Sharaa seeks to make peace with all his neighbors. Relations with Russia were resumed, along with plans to restore Russian use of bases at Hmeimim and Tartus. Trade agreements with Russia were restored and Russia is resuming previous trade and business relationships and contracts.

Because of damaged power stations, Syria has frequent rolling blackouts. A drought reduced food production and Russia resumed food exports to Syria. Considering Ahmad al-Sharaas efforts, the U.S. Britain and most other Western nations removed their designation of Ahmad al-Sharaa as an Islamic terrorist.

Ahmad al-Sahara took control of Syria in late 2024 as the Assad government of Syria was driven into Russian exile by an eleven-day offensive organized by Islamic terrorists belonging to Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham/HTS and led by Ahmad al Sharaa. Turkey and Ukrainian special forces helped. This was an unexpected combination that no one inside or outside Syria saw coming.

The Assads had ruled Syria since 1970 and seemed firmly in control until they werent. Thirteen years of war were a factor. Heavy losses among Alawite soldiers who were the backbone of the Assad military was another factor. The Alawites realized that the wars were never going to end unless Assad had no troops to do the fighting. HTS/Hayat Tahrir al-Sham leaders realized this and expected the Alawite troops to stand aside. They did and HTS had its eleven-day conquest of Syria.

HTS does not control the entire country and neither did the Assads. About 40 percent of Syria is controlled by Kurds, who had American support in an U.S. effort to destroy or greatly diminish Islamic terrorist groups in Syria. There were some American troops working with the Kurds and that helped keep the Assads and HTS out of the Kurdish region.

HTS faces its most difficult task in establishing a new government in Syria. There were still several minorities to deal with, including the Kurds and Alawites. HTS had one chance to approach these many minorities with a peace deal and assurances that minorities and their interests would be part of the new government.

The peace and government reorganization was threatened by some HTS leaders who supported Islamic Sharia government or another kleptocracy like the one that made the Assads rich. When the Assads left Syria, most of their $5 billion dollar fortune was stashed in various foreign bank accounts. The Assads may have to give some of that cash to Russia because the HTS government is offering the Russians renewed access to their Khmeimim air base and Tartus naval base in western Syria. There are still a few Russian soldiers at those bases, mainly to prevent looters from trashing the facilities.

In the end, the most difficult task for HTS is to establish a new government and get the economy going. The United States, Britain and Germany negotiated with HTS to establish diplomatic relations and resume foreign aid deliveries.

HTS has a limited number of trusted Syrian officials and needs a lot more to establish a national government loyal to HTS and somewhat resistant to the Middle Eastern culture of corruption. Each minority in Syria wants a fair allocation of government jobs for its people. That is thousands of jobs to deal with. HTS left many current incumbents in their jobs and hoped these men and women would not become a problem.

HTS leaders had little experience running a national government, but many worked in the HTS government that, for over a decade, ruled most of Idlib Province in northwestern Syria. In Syria as a whole there were many different power structures. For example, in Kurdish Syria there is a Kurdish government, but the real power resides with a few Kurdish militia leaders. There are similar situations in other parts of Syria. HTS had to adapt to this rather than trying to eliminate governmental systems that worked for decades. No government was the worst situation and HTS sought to ensure that there was some kind of functioning government throughout Syria. Otherwise HTS was not controlling the country but pretending to.
Ko Wen-je, centre, greets supporters in Taipei on Sunday, after a court sentenced him to 17 years in prison over corruption and political donation cases. Photograph: Cheng Yu-Chen/AFP/Getty Images (Photograph: Cheng Yu-Chen/AFP/Getty Images)

Opposition figure Ko Wen-je put on a defiant display in front of tens of thousands of supporters outside Taiwans Presidential Office, two days after being handed a 17-year prison sentence on corruption charges.

I will not yield! I will not surrender! Ko shouted on Sunday in Taipei, as he turned towards the grand, red-brick Japanese colonial-era building in order to directly address President Lai Ching-te.

We want Lai Ching-te to understand that even if you try to eliminate Ko Wen-je, there are still tens of thousands of supporters behind him, he told the reportedly 80,000-strong crowd.

Kos Taiwan Peoples party (TPP) called on its supporters to gather to fight for judicial justice immediately after the ruling on Thursday last week by the Taipei district court, which saw the 66-year-old convicted of charges including bribery, breach of trust and misappropriation of political donations.

Related: Be prudent about supplying arms to Taiwan, Xi tells Trump in call

Its a message that resonated with those at Sundays rally, with several attendees telling the Guardian of their fears that Taiwans judiciary is being manipulated. The judiciary  one of the most fundamental red lines in our society  has been undermined, says one 49-year-old, who gives his name as Mr Wang.

Within Taiwan, perceptions of Ko remain starkly divided: hes either an unprincipled populist who succumbed to greed, or a maverick reshaping Taiwans political landscape who has been cut down by the ruling Democratic Progressive party (DPP). Whats certain is that Kos conviction has widened the chasm in Taiwans already fractured political landscape, as it struggles to bridge the divide that exists between its main political forces on how to handle the existential threat posed by China.

The Chinese Communist party (CCP), which claims Taiwan as part of China despite never having ruled the island democracy, has seized the opportunity to sow discord, accusing President Lai of manipulating the judiciary to suppress political opponents.

Ko, a former surgeon and two-term Taipei mayor, founded the TPP in 2019, positioning the party as a third way between the pro-sovereignty ruling Democratic Progressive party (DPP) and the Beijing-friendly opposition Kuomintang (KMT). One of three frontrunners in Taiwans 2024 presidential election, 26.46% of voters backed Ko in a race won by the DPPs Lai with 40.05% of the vote.

Authorities arrested Ko just seven months later, accusing him of accepting a NT$2.1m (around $66,000) bribe to approve the illegal expansion of a Taipei mall when mayor in 2020. Ko has denied all charges.

The TPP claims that the ruling party wants to suppress Kos burgeoning populist movement and pressured prosecutors to fabricate the charges.

Taiwans Presidential Office told the Guardian it does not comment on individual cases, but said it: Respects judicial independence.

Growing perception case is politically motivated

Despite Taiwan consistently ranking as one of Asias most free and vibrant democracies, with high trust in public institutions, support for the TPPs claims of political persecution appears strong and growing among sections of society.

Polling conducted by non-partisan thinktank the Taiwanese Public Opinion Foundation (TPOF) in September 2024, a month after Kos arrest, showed only 28.6% of respondents believed the case against him was politically motivated. A year later, that number was 41.7%.

Thats something like a million more people that now believe the case is politically motivated, TPOF research fellow Paul Huang says.

Brian Hioe, a Taiwanese political analyst and founder of publication New Bloom, said that while theres quite a lot of proof of Kos guilt, the TPP has been very good at trying to convince the public theres zero evidence against him.

Tsao Yao-chun, an assistant professor who specialises in anti-corruption research at Taiwans Cheng Shiu University, said: The evidence and legal arguments in this case were exceptionally thorough ... The prosecutors and judges, acting in the interest of social justice and given the significant impact of this case, have already set a powerful anti-corruption benchmark for the public.

One of the TPPs most effective points has been to claim that the severity of Kos punishment is evidence of ruling party interference. Hioe says harsh initial sentences for corruption are common in Taiwan, but they are often significantly reduced upon appeal. Ko may serve a few years in jail, Hioe said, and theres a chance he may even serve no jail time.

Hioe also noted that graft cases are being pursued against several DPP figures, most notably former vice-president and Taoyuan city mayor Cheng Wen-tsan, a case that opened the same month as Kos.

Galvanised or hobbled

At Sundays rally, Ko told the animated crowd his prosecution was intended to undermine the development of this new politics in Taiwan. Yet to be seen is whether the case against its founding father will prove a galvanising force for the TPP, or if it will hobble the party.

Barring a successful appeal, Ko will be disqualified from the 2028 presidential election under legislation restricting individuals convicted of corruption or facing a sentence of 10 years or more from running for Taiwans highest office.

Recognising his partys need for support, TPP chairman Huang reiterated his desire to form a coalition government with the KMT, advocating for deeper cooperation ahead of Novembers local elections. Despite key differences, the parties have already teamed up to block the DPPs proposed NT$1.25tn ($40bn) defence spending package, creating a months-long deadlock in parliament.

If there was a solution to the impasse in Taiwanese politics, it appears further away than ever following Kos conviction. The verdict, Huang says, has only strengthened our conviction that Lai Ching-te must be voted out of office.

Additional research by Lillian Yang
Sister Rita, Sister Regina and Sister Bernadette, who are in their early to late eighties, broke into their convent home with the help of former pupils and other supporters. Photograph: Helena Lea Manhartsberger/Panos/The Guardian (Photograph: Helena Lea Manhartsberger/Panos/The Guardian)

Three nuns who escaped from a care home to return to their convent in a castle close to Salzburg where they had spent most of their lives are a step closer to being able to stay there, sources close to them say.

Sisters Bernadette, Regina and Rita, who are in their early to late eighties, broke into their convent home in Elsbethen last September with the help of former pupils of the Catholic school at which they had taught and other supporters. Their case became a cause celebre, attracting attention from around the world.

The Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF), a Vatican department in charge of religious discipline in the Catholic church, has yet to officially decide on the womens fate and could still take months to do so. However, plans to bring them to Rome are thought to be a positive sign in the nuns favour, bringing the row about their future closer to a resolution.

An aide close to the nuns told Austrian media that the Vatican was in principle in favour of giving the sisters the right to remain in their convent. However, its official ruling is still outstanding.

The sisters have been fighting a campaign by their superior, who accused them of breaking their vow of obedience by leaving the care home into which they were moved in 2023. Provost Markus Grasl, from the nearby Reichersberg Abbey, had said that the convent was no longer suitable for the nuns owing to several flights of stone stairs and other conditions too precarious for their advancing ages.

The trio say they were sent to the care home against their will and they wish to die at their convent, housed in the imposing Schloss Goldenstein, citing the church law of stabilitas loci: the vow of permanence a person entering a holy order is expected to make in return for the commitment towards them from the church.

Local helpers have provided them with round the clock care and security, including refitting locks that had been changed in their absence and reinstalling a stair lift that had been removed.

The nuns, who are of the Augustinian order, had appealed to Pope Leo XIV, a fellow Augustinian, to intervene on their behalf.

To what extent he has involved himself in their case is unclear. But church insiders say he has been made aware of their plight.

Thanks to a donation said to have been made by a private individual or a group of persons who wish to remain anonymous, the nuns are due to travel to Rome within the next two months, accompanied by medical staff, and are expected to have an audience with the pontiff.

A spokesperson for them told the Austrian broadcaster ORF: The three nuns are very happy to be able to travel to Rome. They have never been there before and the journey will be something quite special for them.

Andreas Englisch, a prominent German Vatican-watcher, said in his weekly podcast Vatikangefluster (Vatican Whispering) that a generous donor or donors based in Rome had contacted him directly, but he did not know, or would not divulge, their identity.

He said he believed the nuns could expect a private audience with Pope Leo. I am sure that he will want to receive them, he said.

The nuns built up a considerable following on Instagram and Facebook, posting clips from their daily lives including proof of their fitness to stay in their convent. The posts had helped keep their situation in the limelight. But they reduced their social media output at the end of last year in agreement with the Vatican on the understanding, it has been reported, that this would help their chances of staying in the convent.

The request came in response to a letter the nuns had written to the Vatican in which they had complained of their treatment by Grasl and the Reichersberg foundation, which part owns the convent building with the archdiocese of Salzburg.

Through aides, they told Austrian media they had received an answer in which they were informed that the Dicastery was working to find a just, humane, and sustainable solution to end the row. In return they were asked to seek inner peace and reflection in the spirit of seclusion.

The nuns thanked the public for their sympathy and support at the time, insisting that without the media attention they would have been helplessly exposed to the ruthlessness and arbitrariness of our superior.

The Guardian has contacted a spokesperson for the nuns for comment.
Maria Linda Jade Kilmer, 28, reportedly left her passenger and stranded vehicle on Saturday, got into another persons car and has not been heard from since (Oregon State Police)

An Oregon woman who disappeared Saturday after accepting a ride from another driver when her car ran out of gas has been found safe and unharmed, state police said Friday, after her family publicly pleaded for help in locating her.

Police released no details Friday about the disappearance of 28-year-old Maria Linda Jade Kilmer, offering only thanks to those who provided tips and to law enforcement partners who assisted in the investigation.

Kilmer was last seen on Highway 22 near milepost 15, east of Salem, Oregon State Police prevously said. Investigators say Kilmer had been traveling from Lyons to Salem with a passenger, stopping near Stayton when they ran out of fuel around 9 p.m. Kilmer called her stepmother and sister for help and shared her location on her phone so they could find her, her mother, Carmen Bitzer of Washington, told Oregon Live. But when they arrived, Kilmer was gone, leaving the passenger alone.

The passenger, whom Kilmers family says authorities have asked them not to identify, told them Kilmer left with a person passing by who stopped to offer help.

Maria Linda Jade Kilmer, 28, reportedly left her passenger and stranded vehicle on Saturday. She left with a person who stopped to offer help. (Oregon State Police)

Something is not adding up," Amber Brecht, the womans stepmother, told KATU Wednesday after she went missing. "We realize something is wrong here. Something might have happened that she doesn't want to tell us about, which is fine, absolutely. We don't need to know what's happened. We just want to know that she is safe and alive."

Her sister added that Kilmer left behind her phone, wallet, keys, glasses and medications  items her family says she would never normally abandon.

It doesnt make any sense, her sister Jasmine Humeland told Oregon Live Thursday. My sisters not the kind of person to just leave somebody on the side of the road, and I dont think she would have just gotten into a strangers car.

Adding to the confusion, Brecht said she has received a series of text messages from unknown numbers claiming to be Kilmer, but the messages do not sound like her daughter.
For Iran, capturing an American fighter pilot  on top of downing an F15-E Strike Eagle  represents the ultimate prize - East Anglia News Service

The shock news that a US fighter jet had been shot out of the sky and crashed to the ground in Iran, first came in the most mundane fashion  via a state television broadcast.

A bespectacled female anchor, veiled in black, buzzed on to screens on Friday afternoon to deliver a 36-second message that an American pilot had ejected from their aircraft  a last-resort safety measure to escape a crashing plane.

If you capture the enemy pilot or pilots alive and hand them over to the police, you will receive a precious prize, she thundered, sitting ramrod-straight against a blue backdrop.

A patriotic wartime anthem from the 1980s Iran-Iraq war  used in this conflict to inspire the public to unite against foreign invasion  swelled behind her stern voice, capturing the attention of the masses at home.

Abroad, too, her message caught on like wildfire, as clips of Irans claim suggesting it had downed an enemy US fighter jet emerged on the internet.

An ejection seat believed to have come from the downed fighter jet. The image was released by Iranian state media

Was it true? Was it not? Had Iran really shot down an American military jet, or had it malfunctioned and crashed?

Questions swirled over what really happened, and doubts were valid. Since the US and Israel went to war on Feb 28 against Iran, the latter has  falsely  claimed multiple times that it successfully shot down US fighter jets.

Plus, as with all conflicts, wartime propaganda is often riddled with exaggerations as it seeks to intimidate the enemy.

But then US officials began confirming that one US F-15E Strike Eagle had indeed been shot down on Friday.

After five explosive weeks of war, this amounted to one of the biggest blows for the Americans, acknowledging their first fighter jet to be lost over Iran, with the fate of the crew unclear.

That itself launched yet another frenzy. Did the two-member crew survive, and could the US locate and rescue them before the Iranians find them?

Time was ticking for the airmen, whose whereabouts and status remained unknown.

US helicopters and at least one other fighter jet were scrambled to mountainous south-western Iran to launch an emergency search-and-rescue mission.

Videos of a US C-130 aircraft refuelling HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters at low altitude began to circulate online  footage that appeared to confirm rescue operations were under way.

By then, Iran had returned to the airwaves, claiming it had indeed captured a US pilot, and published images allegedly showing the wreckage of the downed US jet.

In those pictures, jagged shards of metal, some with blackened corners, were strewn on the ground.

Military experts rushed to analyse the images, noting the debris did seem to be from an F-15E Strike Eagle that belongs to the US air forces 494th Fighter Squadron, based at RAF Lakenheath in East Anglia, England.

In just one afternoon, the stakes of war dramatically changed, given the prospect that the American pilots could be potentially alive inside Iran.

For Tehran, successfully capturing an American fighter pilot  on top of downing one of one of the most advanced jets in US military history  would be the ultimate prize.

And a US prisoner of war would provide the Iranian regime with even more leverage, after one of its Iraqi militias kidnapped Shelly Kittleson, an American journalist, in Baghdad.

The US now risked galvanising the wider Iranian public in a new way, uniting against a common enemy after weeks of bombings.

That would, ironically, be the opposite of what the US initially hoped for  that its military campaign and multiple assassinations of regime leaders would prompt a popular uprising against Tehran.

What began solely as a relentless air campaign by the US and Israel has suddenly moved closer to the ground in an unprecedented escalation, with the official mobilisation of Irans population across its provinces.

Images of armed civilians have already circulated online. If well-coordinated with local authorities, this could ripple across Iran with potentially far-reaching consequences.

As the sun disappeared and evening set across the Middle East, there was a glimmer of hope. US and Israeli officials said one of the two crew members had been successfully recovered from Iranian soil.

But Iran continued to seize its moment of glory, with state media crowing: Iranian Forces Foil US Rescue Bid For Downed Fighter Jet Pilot.

Mohammad Ghalibaf, the speaker of Irans parliament, even took to X to mock the US in English: This brilliant no-strategy war they started has now been downgraded from regime change to Hey! Can anyone find our pilots? Please?

Wow. What incredible progress. Absolute geniuses, he added with a pleading face emoji.
Ukrainian emergency teams at work after a fire damaged a residential building following a Russian drone attack in Kharkiv on April 2, 2026.

Ukraine on Friday faced nearly 500 Russian missile and drone attacks that killed at least six people, officials said, the latest in an increasing number of daytime strikes by Moscow.

In a statement posted on the Telegram app Friday, the Ukrainian air force said Russia launched 542 drones and 37 missiles since last night targeting Ukraine's critical infrastructure facilities. Air defence units shot down 515 drones and 26 missiles, the air force added.

The bombardment was the second time in a week that Russia has followed a overnight drone barrage with heavy daytime attacks, a new tactic as Moscow probes ways to penetrate Ukraine's air defences.

"The Kyiv region is once again under a massive enemy missile and drone attack," Mykola Kalashnyk, the regional governor, said.

"We can see that the enemy is using new routes, new drones which they are constantly modernising, and new tactics," air force spokesman Yurii Ihnat said on state television.

Large-scale Russian bombardments cause disruption across Ukraine as many government institutions, public transport services and businesses close during the attacks, which can last many hours.

Read moreRussia's military campaign in Ukraine stalls for first time in more than two years

"The enemy is exerting (pressure) on our population, paralysing the work of certain public institutions, as well as learning institutions," Ihnat said.

In the eastern region of Kharkiv, one person was killed and 25 others injured by missile, bomb and drone attacks over the past 24 hours, governor Oleh Synehubov said on social media.

That included four ballisitic missiles that struck the regional capital, also called Kharkiv, overnight. Authorities only reported one injury from that strike.

Poland scrambles military jets due to Russian strikes on Ukraine

Poland on Friday said it scrambled fighter jets due to Russian air strikes on Ukraine.

"Duty fighter jets have been scrambled, and ground-based air defence systems as well as radar reconnaissance have reached a state of maximum readiness," said the Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces on X.

No violations of Polish airspace were recorded and military aviation operations linked to Russian strikes on Ukraine ended later Friday, said the Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces.

"Activated ground-based air defense and radar reconnaissance systems have returned to standard operational activities," the army wrote on X. "We inform that no violation of the airspace of the Republic of Poland was observed."

Meanwhile Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has invited US negotiators to Kyiv to relaunch three-way talks with Russia, according to comments released Friday.

"I invited the American negotiating delegation to Kyiv. The delegation will do everything possible in the current conditions  during the war with Iran  to come to Kyiv," Zelensky told journalists on Thursday.

(FRANCE 24 with AFP and Reuters)
Sir Keir Starmers cost of living champion has urged the government to consider extending or enlarging the 5p fuel duty cut as the Middle East crisis deepens.

Oil prices, which have a significant effect on the cost of fuel, have soared in response to Irans stranglehold on tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz, pushing up pump prices and piling pressure on the government to abandon a planned increase in fuel duty due in September.

Iceland boss Richard Walker joined mounting calls for ministers to abandon the fuel duty hike.

I think given where we are, we do need to be thinking and talking about extending it or enlarging it, Lord Walker told BBC Radio 4s Today programme.

Interestingly, the Australian government, I was reading, have recently taken 14p per litre cut to their fuel tax. I mean, this cut is 5p, he added.

Iceland boss Richard Walker, pictured with Keir Starmer, joined mounting calls for ministers to abandon the fuel duty hike (PA Archive)

Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced in her November 2025 budget that the 5p-per-litre cut in fuel duty introduced by the Conservative government in March 2022 would only be extended until the end of August, with rates then gradually returning to March 2022 levels over the next five years. However, other countries have already taken action to reduce the impact of price hikes for drivers.

Lord Walker was asked about Tory peer Simon Wolfsons comment that the Treasury must not end up profiting from the Iran war, and could help businesses and consumers by adjusting duty on fuel to help ease immediate cost pressures.

Chief executive Lord Wolfson said the government would be taking higher tax in fuel duty because of the spiking prices, and could balance the books by bringing it down to ensure the tax take remains the same.

Labour peer Lord Walker said: Lord Wolfson is a great guy and very intelligent, and he might have a point there.

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has also called for a 10p cut in fuel duty to help motorists deal with the rising cost of petrol and diesel.

Families are paying more at the pump because of a war they didnt start and dont support, he said.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the 5p-per-litre cut in fuel duty would only be extended until the end of August (PA Wire)

Taking action on petrol and diesel prices, cutting fuel duty now, not by 1p, not by 5p, by 10p a litre, he said, was especially important today as people set off to join families and friends for the Easter weekend  21 million trips  the busiest weekend on British roads in years.

It comes as motoring services company the RAC said the latest average price of a litre of diesel at UK forecourts was 185.2p, up 30 per cent since the war started on 28 February.

Average petrol prices have reached 154.5p per litre, a rise of 16 per cent over the same period.

Prime minister Sir Keir has previously promised to keep a planned rise in fuel duty from September under review in light of whats happening in Iran, and the government has stepped up efforts to help drivers find the cheapest fuel in their area through a price comparison site.

But opposition parties have called for swifter action and have set out their own plans to lower the price of petrol and home energy bills as households face the prospect of energy bill hikes later this year.

The Conservatives have called for VAT on energy bills to be removed for the next three years; Reform UK has pledged to reduce VAT on fuel and scrap green levies on energy bills; and the Liberal Democrats have said a 10p cut in fuel duty should be introduced.

Meanwhile, in the face of growing political pressure to increase North Sea drilling amid concerns over energy security, The Times reported that energy secretary Ed Miliband is expected to approve the Jackdaw gasfield off the coast of Scotland, although he remains opposed to the Rosebank field.
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito was hospitalized for dehydration last month after falling ill during an event in Philadelphia, according to reports.

The 76-year-old justice became unwell on March 20 while attending a dinner hosted by the Federalist Society.

As reported by CNN, Alito was taken to a local hospital by his security detail, where he was evaluated and administered fluids. He was discharged that same evening and returned to his residence in Virginia with his security team.

The Supreme Courts public information office has declined to comment on the matter, which had not been previously disclosed. The lack of transparency regarding the incident is consistent with the court's historical approach to the health of its members.

In June 2020, the public information office similarly declined to reveal that Chief Justice John Roberts had fallen at a Maryland country club, sustaining a head injury that required an ambulance trip to the hospital. That incident only became public knowledge after it was reported by The Washington Post.

While associates of Alito have told CNN that the justice has contemplated the possibility of retirement, a final decision does not seem close (Getty Images)

The March 20 incident occurred during a day-long symposium at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School titled An Examination of the Jurisprudence of Samuel Alito.

The event featured a roster of Alitos former law clerks, legal scholars and attorneys who frequently practice before the high court. Though the symposium was closed to the news media, it was accessible via a public livestream. Alito was not on the official schedule and did not appear at the daytime sessions.

Earlier that day, the Supreme Court had convened to hand down opinions. Alito was not on the bench that morning and was scheduled to be driven by his security detail to Philadelphia. Despite his absence from the daytime symposium, he attended the evening dinner held in his honor, where he fell ill.

The evening prior to the Philadelphia event, on March 19, Alito had attended a separate dinner in Washington, D.C. That gathering celebrated Notre Dame law professor Sherif Girgis, a former Alito clerk who was receiving the Edwin Meese Originalism Award from the Meese Institute for the Rule of Law.

The award is part of Advancing American Freedom, an organization founded by former Vice President Mike Pence.

The incident, which went unrecorded for weeks, reflects previous instances in which the Supreme Courts public information office has declined to disclose hospitalizations involving members of the high court (Reuters)

In the two weeks since the hospitalization, Alito has returned to the bench and participated in oral arguments. Court observers noted that he appeared healthy and engaged during the usual exchange with lawyers at the lectern.

On Wednesday, the same day he turned 76, he was present for arguments concerning birthright citizenship. During those proceedings, Alito expressed more receptiveness than his colleagues to the Trump administrations efforts to end the constitutional principle that anyone born in the United States is a citizen.

Alitos health and future on the bench are of significant political consequence.

Appointed by George W. Bush in 2006, he has been a pivotal conservative voice on the court for two decades. He is most recognized for authoring the 2022 majority opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson, which overturned Roe v. Wade and ended the constitutional right to abortion. He has also been a key figure in decisions that have retrenched voting rights.

If Alito were to decide to step down, the vacancy would offer President Donald Trump a fourth opportunity to appoint a justice to the nine-member court. During his first term, Trump successfully appointed three justices, establishing a 6-3 conservative supermajority.

Close friends of Alito have told CNN that the justice has contemplated the idea of retirement, but that a final decision does not seem close.

Alito remains one of the most consistent votes in favor of the administration's policies when they are challenged in litigation.
The burnt-out remains of Hatzola ambulances in Golders Green (Jamie Lashmar/PA)

Three people have been charged following an alleged arson attack on Jewish community ambulances in Golders Green.

Rehan Khan, 19, and Hamza Iqbal, 20, both British nationals from Leyton, and a 17-year-old boy who is a dual British and Pakistani national from Walthamstow, have been charged with arson being reckless as to whether life would be endangered, police said.

They are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on Saturday.

All three were all arrested on April 1 at different locations as part of a Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) investigation.

Four ambulances from Hatzola, a volunteer-led ambulance service which operates in the Golders Green area, were set on fire in the early hours of March 23.

Commander Helen Flanagan, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, which is leading the investigation, said: Since this appalling attack last week, we have been working continuously to investigate and identify those responsible. The investigation has now reached a stage where three people have been charged and they will now appear in court.

Police said the incident has not been declared as terrorism. Counter-terror police are still leading the investigation due to the circumstances of the incident.

Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams, who leads policing in North West London said: "Since the arson attack, we have put in place an enhanced, bespoke policing plan, which has been focused around vulnerable areas not only in Golders Green, but right across London.

"This has involved a significant number of officers on the ground, with the aim of protecting communities, disrupting offenders, and detecting crime. This activity is ongoing and will continue over the coming days and weeks and includes specialist officers and capability being deployed alongside local officers.

"It is also being supported by highly visible armed police patrols to serve as a deterrent to anyone seeking to cause our communities harm."

Two men arrested on March 25 have been released on bail until late April. Both men, aged 45 and 47, are British.
A fourth person has been arrested in connection with an alleged arson attack on four Jewish community ambulances in north-west London.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) told Westminster Magistrates' Court the individual had been arrested on Saturday morning at the court.

Three individuals charged following the attack appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court this morning, and have since been remanded in custody.

They are Hamza Iqbal, 20, and Rehan Khan, 19, both British nationals from Leyton, and a 17-year-old boy, a dual British and Pakistani national from Walthamstow.

They were charged with arson being reckless as to whether life would be endangered after being arrested as part of a Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) investigation.

Four ambulances from Hatzola, a volunteer-led ambulance service operating in the Golders Green area of north-west London, were set on fire in the early hours of March 23, causing gas canisters stored in the vehicles to explode.

Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said: "Since this appalling attack last week, we have been working continuously to investigate and identify those responsible.

"The investigation has now reached a stage where three people have been charged and they will now appear in court."

Two other men aged 45 and 47 who were arrested last week, and are also British, were released on bail until late April.

The case is not being treated as terrorism but CTP said due to "the circumstances of the incident" the investigation is being led by its detectives.
The president and the PM in September. Trump appeared to impersonate Starmer during an Easter lunch speech at the White House. Photograph: Leon Neal/AP (Photograph: Leon Neal/AP)

Footage has emerged of Donald Trump mocking Keir Starmer by claiming the prime minister said he would have to consult his team before deciding whether to send UK aircraft carriers to the Middle East.

In a new low for UK-US relations, Trump appeared to impersonate Starmer during an Easter lunch speech at the White House.

The US president said the UK should be our best ally but had not been during the Iran war, accusing Starmer of equivocating over sending aircraft carriers.

However, Whitehall sources said Trump had never asked the UK for the vessels and Britain had not offered them.

During his speech, the president said: I asked [the] UK, who should be our best. In fact the king is coming over here in two weeks, hes a nice guy, King Charles.

But should be our best but they werent our best. I said: You have two, old broken-down aircraft carriers, do you think you could send them over?

Ohhh, Ill have to ask my team.

I said: Youre the prime minister, you dont have to.

No, no, no, I have to ask my team. My team has to meet, were meeting next week.

But the war already started. Next week the wars going to be over  in three days.

The remarks were made at a lunch that was not open to the press. It was released by the White House on a social media channel but later deleted. However, it was downloaded and republished by a politics reporter for the US website Business Insider.

During the lunch, Trump also mocked Emmanuel Macron, saying the French president was still recovering from the right to the jaw and claimed that Macrons wife, Brigitte, treats him extremely badly.

Trump has repeatedly hit out at the UK over its decision not to authorise the use of military bases for the initial strikes on Iran, as well as the move to hand sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.

Starmer has not retaliated but said he would stick to his position on the war whatever the pressure and the noise.

When asked previously at parliaments liaison committee about the quite rude comments made by Trump about him, the prime minster said: Im utterly focused on what is in the best interests of our country and I am unapologetic about that.

Notwithstanding the pressure that comes from elsewhere, I will remain laser focused on what is in the British national interest.

And a lot of what is said or done is undoubtedly said and done to put pressure on me, I have no doubt about that. I understand what is going on. But I am not going to be wavering on this.

He added: I am the British prime minister and my job is to be absolutely focused on what is in the British national interest. That has served me well in recent weeks and that is the principle that I will continue to adhere to as we go forward taking difficult decisions.

 This article was amended on 7 April 2026 because an earlier version used prevaricating, when equivocating was meant.
March 6, 2026: Earlier this year Thai troops advanced further into Cambodia and seized a compound that had housed several thousand people engaged in scams carried out via audio and video communications. The compound contained a six story building where most of the employees and several hundred slave laborers worked. There were also studios decorated to look like the interior of police stations or banks in various Asian countries as well as Australia and Brazil. The volunteer or enslaved workers use scripts and coerce people to pay fines or extortion for non-existent offenses. The scripts were designed to deceive the victims and worked often enough to keep this scam center in business for years. Those in charge of the operation bribed local officials to ignore foreign demands to shut down the operation from countries, including the United States, where the victims lived.

Similar scam centers also exist in Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, and the Philippines. Chinese gangsters operate these scam centers. Thai military forces had recently moved into this part of Cambodia, forcing several hundred civilians out of their homes temporarily. Several dozen civilians were killed or wounded.

While the scams are directed at individuals in more prosperous nations, the scammers also exploit wealthy and middle class individuals in nations they are operating in. In 2024 thousands of Thailand residents were swindled out of more than $17 billion. Thats 3.4 percent of the national GDP that year.

The scammers also kidnap local women and children to work in the scam centers or be forced into prostitution or as slave labor on fishing trawlers. For several decades local and international law enforcement organizations have been trying to suppress these criminal organizations. There has been some success, but there is apparently an endless supply of Chinese gangsters and greedy locals willing to cooperate in keeping scam operations going.
Donald Trump has mocked Sir Keir Starmer as weak over his response to the war with Iran.

The US president impersonated the Prime Minister, claiming he had told him he had to ask his team about sending two old broken-down aircraft carriers to the Middle East.

Speaking at an White House Easter lunch, Mr Trump said Britain should be our best ally, but had not been during the US-Israeli war with Iran.

The president said: I asked [the] UK, who should be our best. In fact the King is coming over here in two weeks, hes a nice guy, King Charles.

But should be our best but they werent our best. I said you have two, old broken-down aircraft carriers, do you think you could send them over?

Impersonating Sir Keir with a weak voice, Mr Trump added: Ohhh, Ill have to ask my team.

I said: Youre the Prime Minister, you dont have to. No, no, no, I have to ask my team. My team has to meet, were meeting next week.

But the war already started. Next week the wars going to be over in three days.

Donald Trump, speaking at an Easter White House lunch, took aim at Sir Keir Starmer - Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

Sir Keir has faced repeated attacks from Mr Trump after refusing to join his attacks on Tehran and initially denying the US permission to conduct strikes from British military bases including Diego Garcia, in the Chagos Islands.

The Prime Minister has also refused to send warships to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which carries a fifth of the worlds oil and is effectively being blockaded by the Iranian regime. The closure has sent the price of oil and gas surging, and threatens to trigger a global recession.

Mr Trump has said Sir Keir is not Winston Churchill and has reportedly started calling the Prime Minister a loser.

In an exclusive interview with The Telegraph, the US president claimed the King would have stood by him over the Iran war, suggesting he would have taken a different stance to that of Sir Keir.

The King is due to travel to Washington this month for a state visit to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence.

Mr Trump also told The Telegraph that he is strongly considering pulling the US out of Nato. He has criticised allies for not joining his war, and this week told European countries to build up some delayed courage and seize the strait.

Yvette Cooper, the Foreign Secretary, has signalled that Iran could face further sanctions if the waterway remains closed after holding talks with representatives of more than 40 nations.

She said collective action to increase pressure on Tehran was being discussed as she accused Iran of trying to hold the global economy hostage with its stranglehold on the key trade route.

In the face of criticism by Mr Trump, Ms Cooper said that our job is to take decisions in the UK national interest.

She added: Weve taken a different view from the US from early on and we didnt get drawn into offensive action in the Middle East, because we thought that there were real concerns about escalation risks, impact  including on the economy  and also the need for a proper plan.

Ms Cooper ducked a question on whether Washington was still an ally, saying: We want to see the conflict resolved, concluded, as rapidly as possible, because, frankly, thats whats best for the cost of living here in the UK.

Another meeting next Tuesday of military planners will consider how to keep shipping safe for the long-term, Ms Cooper said, including looking at issues such as clearing mines that may have been laid by Tehran.

On Thursday, a UN resolution on reopening the Strait of Hormuz was watered down following opposition from China, Russia and France ahead of an expected vote on Saturday.

The initial draft from Bahrain would have allowed countries to use all necessary means to secure passage, but the final draft authorised only defensive actions, according to The Associated Press.
The US attorney general, Pam Bondi, listens as Donald Trump speaks to the media in the Press Briefing Room at the White House in Washington DC on 27 June 2025. Photograph: Ken Cedeno/Reuters (Photograph: Ken Cedeno/Reuters)

Spring cleaning has begun at the White House.

Donald Trump on Thursday fired Pam Bondi, the US attorney general, dismissing a loyalist who reshaped the justice department but still failed to please a president fixated on prosecuting political enemies and frustrated with the politically explosive release of the Jeffrey Epstein files.

We love Pam, Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social, and she will be transitioning to a much needed and important new job in the private sector, to be announced at a date in the near future.

The president added that Todd Blanche, the deputy attorney general, would serve as acting attorney general. Lee Zeldin, a former New York congressman who now leads the Environmental Protection Agency, is said to be a top contender to replace Bondi.

Bondi will be perhaps best remembered for complying with Trumps public demand last year that federal prosecutors bring criminal charges against his personal enemies, including James Comey, a former FBI director, Letitia James, the New York attorney general, and John Bolton, Trumps former national security adviser. The Department of Justice has continued to investigate other Trump foes.

Trump fires Pam Bondi, a loyalist and ally, as attorney general

During her 14 months as attorney general, Bondi presided over a major purging of career justice department staff, shifted focus away from criminal prosecutions toward immigration cases and spearheaded the defense of Trumps towering stack of executive orders as they faced legal challenges.

Read the full story

Trump polled advisers about replacing Tulsi Gabbard as intelligence chief

Exclusive: Donald Trump has privately asked cabinet officials in recent weeks whether he should replace Tulsi Gabbard, his director of national intelligence, venting frustration that she shielded a former deputy who undercut his rationale for war with Iran, according to two people briefed on the discussions.

Read the full story

Rationale for Iran war questioned after Trump says I dont care about uranium stockpiles

Donald Trump has said he does not care about Irans stock of highly enriched uranium (HEU), arguing it was deep underground and could be monitored by satellite, raising questions about one of the key US justifications for the war.

Read the full story

Trumps White House ballroom wins approval of planning authorities

Donald Trumps White House ballroom project received the approval of Washingtons planning authorities on Thursday, two days after a judge ruled work cannot proceed without Congresss approval.

Read the full story

Republican senators break with Trump on Nato withdrawal as tensions rise

A second Republican senator spoke out in defense of Nato on Thursday, joining Mitch McConnell and the Democrats, after Donald Trump said that he was absolutely considering withdrawing from the alliance after it refused to take part in the joint assault with Israel against Iran.

Read the full story

Trump warns Tehran more to follow after strike destroys Irans largest bridge

Donald Trump claimed responsibility for destroying Irans largest bridge, a day after he threatened to bomb the country back to the stone ages if a deal to end the five-week-long war he started was not reached.

Read the full story

Oil price jumps and markets slide after Trump warning to Iran

Oil prices soared and stocks sank after Donald Trump vowed in a televised speech to hit Iran extremely hard over the coming weeks, knocking hopes of a near-term end to the conflict in the Middle East.

Brent crude prices jumped by 8% on Thursday morning to pass $109 (82) a barrel, reversing Wednesdays drop when hopes of a de-escalation in the Iran war pushed the international benchmark below the $100-a-barrel mark at one point.

Read the full story

What else happened today:

Catching up? Heres what happened Wednesday 1 April.
How Donald Trump's 'toxic' Iran war broke the European Right

Donald Trump thought he could count on Europes populist leaders  but they are turning against him rapidly over the war in Iran.

The US president is already estranged from establishment European leaders after Nato allies rejected his demand that they send warships to the Strait of Hormuz, which led to him threatening to pull the US out of the alliance.

But swathes of the European radical Right have now fallen out of love with a president they once showered with fawning praise, and whose Maga motto they adapted to Mega  Make Europe Great Again.

Mega sources told The Telegraph they harboured no affection for the Islamic Republic but were angry about Mr Trumps embrace of foreign forever wars.

They warned that his toxic foreign policy risked dragging them down with him as his approval ratings spiral and alliances crack.

Swathes of the European radical Right have now fallen out of love with a president they once showered with fawning praise - Jaap Arriens/NurPhoto

The Right in Britain, including Nigel Farage, Reform UKs leader, has also turned away from Mr Trumps war, sending the message that support for the president and the conflict risks political suicide.

It raises questions about the longevity of Trumpism and a possible backlash against Right-wing populism across Europe and the world.

Giorgia Meloni, Italys prime minister, raised eyebrows after her government denied US bombers permission to use an Italian air base in Sicily while in transit to the Middle East this week.

The US-Israeli war against Iran is deeply unpopular in anti-militaristic Italy.

Giorgia Meloni has raised doubts over the legality of the Iran war - Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Ms Meloni is one of Mr Trumps strongest supporters in Europe, but has been weakened by a referendum defeat on judicial reforms a year before she must call fresh elections.

She has raised doubts over the legality of the war, and is distancing herself from a man who calls her a great leader.

This government has been harshly accused of being enslaved to the will of Trump. It is a totally unfair accusation, said Deborah Bergamini, an MP from Forza Italia, one of three parties that make up the ruling coalition.

Ms Bergamini, the partys spokesman on foreign affairs, added: Italy is not at war and does not intend to enter into it.

Marine Le Pen has a more distant relationship with Mr Trump, but he backed the National Rally (RN) leader after she was barred from running in next years presidential elections in France.

He claimed her conviction for embezzlement was another example of European Leftists using lawfare to silence free speech.

That did not stop Ms Le Pen from attacking Mr Trumps erratic war goals and saying that the strikes on Iran had been carried out blindly without considering the impact on fuel prices.

Marine Le Pen hit out at Donald Trumps erratic war goals - Pablo Blazquez Dominguez/Getty Images

I dont see how theyre going to come out of this stronger, a senior RN source told the Telegraph, saying that the US was now bogged down in the conflict.

External interventions do not work, never work, the source added. For the Iranian people, it would be desirable to get rid of the mullahs, but this had to come from the Iranian people themselves.

We do not see, for the moment, any prospect of an end to the conflict or an end to the Iranian regime. It could even emerge, unfortunately, strengthened by this episode.

Last year, the Alternative For Germany (AfD) was in the flush of a full-blown love affair with the Trump administration, which endorsed it before the federal elections.

Elon Musk championed the party, and interviewed Alice Weidel, its leader, on his social media platform.

JD Vance, the US vice-president, later snubbed Olaf Scholz, the then then-Chancellor, in favour of a discreet meeting with Ms Weidel, who led her party to second place.

Alice Weidels AfD party was quick to condemn the war - Sean Gallup/Getty Images

One year on, the relationship has faltered. Ms Weidel has told her MPs to scale back visits Stateside to meet members of the Maga movement, and her party was faster to condemn the war than Friedrich Merz, the German chancellor.

Tino Chrupalla, the AfD co-leader, has said he was extremely disappointed with president of war Mr Trump. Last week, he called for US troops to leave Germany.

If you hit a girls school, thats a war crime  absolutely clear, he said after a US Tomahawk strike on a school in Minab, which killed 175 people.

An AfD source said: The war is now apparently dragging on and costing us lots of money due to increased energy costs. The war is unpopular everywhere in Germany.

Another insider said: Generally speaking, the attempted takeover of Greenland has also worsened the mood towards Trump in the AfD.

Markus Walbrunn, an AfD MP for the state parliament in Bavaria, said: The goal must be to end this conflict as soon as possible and reopen the Strait of Hormuz to international trade.

Polands Law and Justice has ties to Mr Trump stretching back to his first term, when he gave his first major European speech in Warsaw.

It is now in opposition but backed the Trump-admiring president, Karol Narwocki, who is pro-Nato and anti-Russian and won the election last year.

Despite questions over Mr Trumps commitment to Ukraine and the military alliance, Mr Narwocki spoke at the Conservative Political Action Conference this week and has visited the White House to meet the president.

In a rare sign of discord on Wednesday, Mr Nawrockis chief foreign policy adviser criticised the US for failing to consult allies before attacking Iran.

No other prime minister in Europe can boast as friendly a relationship with Mr Trump as Viktor Orban, the leader of Hungary and a darling of Maga conservatives, who drew inspiration from his anti-migrant policies, crackdown on abortion rights and laws declaring there are only two genders.

Mr Orban was alone among EU leaders in endorsing Mr Trump before his re-election. The US president has returned the favour to a truly strong and powerful leader before elections in Hungary later this month.

No other prime minister in Europe can boast as friendly a relationship with Mr Trump as Viktor Orban - Jaap Arriens/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Mr Orbans Fidesz party is running an election campaign based on false claims that Peter Magyar, his front-runner rival, is in cahoots with the EU and Volodymyr Zelensky to drag Hungary into the war in Ukraine.

So the ardently pro-Israel Mr Orban cannot celebrate Mr Trumps war, especially with energy prices a sensitive political issue in Hungary. Instead, he has been largely non-committal.

But even he has risked some veiled criticism, warning against the temptation to put US boots on the ground in Iran.

Mr Orban is the most influential member of Patriots for Europe, the hard-Right political alliance in the European Parliament. He embraced its Mega slogan when it was established after the 2024 European elections.

Viktor Orban has been largely non-committal about Mr Trumps Iran war - Fabrice Coffrini/AFP via Getty Images

Among its members are the AfD, the RN, Ms Melonis coalition partner, The League and the Danish Peoples Party, which was enraged by Mr Trumps demand to buy Greenland.

Anders Vistisen, a Danish Peoples Party MEP and whip for the Patriots, told The Telegraph: As a candidate, Donald Trump promised withdrawal of American troops from conflict zones, and up to a few months ago was boasting of his peace-making efforts around the globe.

That narrative has completely collapsed post his threats on Denmarks territory of Greenland, as well as his attacks on Venezuela and Iran. Just as his former rhetoric of peace is diverging from his current action, so are patriotic European parties diverging from the US president of needless wars.

Spains Vox, and its leader Santiago Abascal, who has met Mr Trump in Washington, was enthusiastic in its initial support for the attack on Irans regime.

He called Pedro Sanchez, the Spanish prime minister, a traitor for refusing to let the US use bases in Spain to attack Iran, but has now fallen silent on the issue.

Patriots for Europe, the hard-Right political alliance in the European Parliament, has denied being split over the war - Pablo Blazquez Dominguez/Getty Images

However, not every Patriots member has shunned the Republican.

Geert Wilders was nicknamed Dutch Trump because of his platinum blond hair and politics. Pro-Israel and anti-Islam, he rejoiced when Ali Khomeini, Irans supreme leader, was killed in the heroic attacks.

Frank Furedi, the executive director of MCC Brussels, an Orban-affiliated think tank, denied that the Patriots were split over the war.

This is less a rupture than a temperature check  most of Europes Right is cold to the war, while Geert Wilders stands as a notable outlier rather than the leader of a faction, he said. Many on the Right view Iran as central to regional instability, yet remain unconvinced that military escalation is the answer.

Europes Maga-adjacent parties are not breaking with Trump, but they are clearly uncomfortable following him here. From Le Pens outright criticism to Orbans studied ambiguity, the dominant tone is caution, not rebellion.

This is loyalty with limits  admiration for Trumps politics at home does not translate into enthusiasm for his wars abroad. Foreign wars are unpopular, economically risky, and electorally toxic.

Geert Wilders is a notable outlier in backing the Iran war - John Beckmann/DeFodi via Getty Images

Pawel Zerka, a senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, said there were traditions of anti-Americanism in Italy, France and Germany, while Poland and the Netherlands were more pro-Nato.

Some leaders needed to navigate Trumpian waters cautiously, staying aligned with Maga ideology but not too close to Mr Trump himself, he said.

This dynamic had played out in the contexts of Mr Trumps Liberation Day tariffs, Greenland and Venezuela, but it might be the most consequential over Iran, especially if the president carries out his recent threat to reconsider US involvement in Nato.

Mr Zerka added: The question for me is whether this war will force Meloni, Weidel and Le Pen to detach themselves even more from Trump, and whether leaders like Nawrocki or Wilders pay the political price of having been too much on Trumps side.
As U.S. and Israeli forces search for an F-15 crew member forced to eject after being shot down over Iran, President Donald Trump isnt yet ready to say what the U.S. will do if the missing crew member is harmed.

In a brief Friday phone interview with The Independent, the president declined to say what his course of action might be if Iranian forces get to the downed airman  the first American aviator to be shot down over enemy territory since an A-10 Warthog pilot ejected into Iraq after being struck by a surface-to-air missile in April 2003, just weeks into Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Asked what hed do if the pilot is captured or harmed by Iranians, Trump replied: "Well, I can't comment on it because  we hope that's not going to happen," and ended the call shortly thereafter.

Trumps hope for the safe return of the missing Air Force officer came as Combat Search and Rescue forces from Israel and the United States were searching for the crew member, hours after they were forced to eject from their two-person fighter over Iranian territory.

Since the F-15 downing, Iranian state television has urged residents to hand over any enemy pilot to police and promised a reward for anyone who does so, while the governor of Irans Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province said anyone who captured or killed the downed aviator would be specially commended.

President Donald Trump told The Independent we hope thats not going to happen when asked what will happen if the missing pilot in Iran is harmed (Getty)

The downed F-15 is the fourth American fighter aircraft  and the sixth military plane  lost since Trump started the massive air campaign against Tehran on February 28. Three U.S. F-15E Strike Eagle jets were downed by friendly fire over Kuwait in March.

One of the planes two pilots was found by Combat Search and Rescue crews shortly after the incident, while the second pilot, a weapons system officer, remains missing. U.S. forces are racing to recover the pilot before Iranian forces can reach them. Israel is helping the United States with the search and rescue operation.

The president has not made any public statements about the shoot-down even as White House officials said hed been briefed earlier in the day, although he has continued to post on Truth Social about the war without referencing Fridays stunning turn of events.

As rescue efforts were ongoing, he took to his Truth Social account to advocate for seizing Irans natural resources once more, writing: TAKE THE OIL, ANYONE?

Trump has not been seen publicly since late Wednesday when he delivered a disjointed national TV address in which he repeated the same justifications for his war with Iran that hes been posting on social media throughout the month-long conflict.

At the time, the president bragged that never in the history of warfare had an enemy suffered such clear and devastating, large-scale losses in a matter of weeks and claimed Irans Air Force, Navy and ballistic missile capabilities were in ruins and gone, respectively.

He also said the U.S. had beaten and completely decimated Iran and was going to finish the job, and were going to finish it very fast.

This video grab taken on April 3, 2026, from UGC images posted on social media on April 3, 2026 show a US aircraft, followed by two helicopters, flying over the town of Zaras in the southern Iran's Khuzestan province (UGC/AFP via Getty Images)

The Iranian state media shared images that purport to show wreckage from the downed aircraft (via REUTERS)

According to The Washington Post, a second aircraft, an A-10, was also hit by enemy fire around the same time as the F-15.

The pilot of that aircraft, which was designed with heavy armor to destroy Soviet-made tanks during the Cold War, managed to maneuver their plane into Kuwaiti airspace and ejected to safety there.

The Post also reported that two helicopters involved in the search for the downed F-15 pilot came under fire and were forced to retreat.

Shortly before the jet was shot down on Friday, Trump posted on Truth Social:

With a little more time, we can easily OPEN THE HORMUZ STRAIT, TAKE THE OIL, & MAKE A FORTUNE. IT WOULD BE A GUSHER FOR THE WORLD??? President DONALD J. TRUMP

Irans attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure and its tight grip on the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the worlds oil and natural gas transits in peacetime, have roiled stock markets, sent oil prices skyrocketing, and threatened to raise the cost of many basic goods, including food.

On Friday, Trump celebrated the bombing of an Iranian bridge, as he warned on social media that there was much more to follow. Footage showed the moment the B1 bridge in Karaj, west of Tehran, was cut in half by the strike on Thursday. The attack killed eight people and wounded 95, Iranian news media reported.

More than 1,900 people have been killed in Iran since the war began on February 28 with U.S. and Israeli strikes, the Associated Press reported. In a review released Friday, the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data, a U.S.-based group, said it found that civilian casualties were clustered around strikes on security and state-linked sites rather than indiscriminate bombardment of urban areas.

On Friday, Trump celebrated the bombing of an Iranian bridge, as he warned on social media that there was much more to follow (AFP via Getty Images)

Trump has threatened further escalation, warning of potential strikes on Irans energy grid if the strait is not reopened. Iranian officials have rejected negotiations under current conditions.

He told NBC News in a separate phone interview Friday that the days events would not have an impact on any ceasefire talks and remarked that the U.S. is at war.

No, not at all. No, its war. Were in war, Trump said.
Images of wreckage published by Iranian state media. Photograph: Press TV/X (Photograph: Press TV/X)

One US service member has been rescued after a US F-15E Strike Eagle fighter was shot down over Iran, prompting a frantic effort to locate its two-strong crew, in the first such incident since the war began almost five weeks ago.

US officials familiar with the situation said one crew member was still missing late on Friday, after Iranian state media released images of a tail fin and other debris accompanied by an initial claim that an advanced US F-35 had been hit by a new air defence system over central Iran.

Aviation experts said the wreckage pictured was in fact from a F-15E, from the US air forces 494th squadron, based at RAF Lakenheath in the UK, though it could not at first be confirmed when and where the pictures were taken. Markings on the wreckage appeared to match those on the tips of the tail fins of Strike Eagles normally based in the UK.

US officials later confirmed off the record that an F-15E had been brought down and the Pentagon was scrambling to find the crew before the Iranians. There was no official comment from the US military about the incident.

The downing of a US fighter jet comes just days after Donald Trump delivered a bellicose national address in which he claimed the US had beaten and completely decimated Iran and the conflict was nearing completion.

We have all the cards. They have none, the US president declared on Wednesday.

The White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, said Trump had been briefed but she did not offer any additional information. In a brief interview with NBC News, the president declined to discuss the search and rescue mission but said the incident would not affect negotiations with Iran. No, not at all, he said. No, its war. Were in war.

Irans semi-official Fars news agency said on Friday that Tehran had rejected a US proposal for a 48-hour ceasefire, citing an unnamed source.

Details of the rescue mission were few but it is likely to have been a high-risk operation with rescue aircraft potentially exposed to fire from the ground. The status of the second crew member was unclear, with rescue efforts continuing as evening fell in Iran.

Subsequent footage filmed in Iran showed a US C-130 Hercules and a HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter flying low in south-west Iran, and at one point refuelling together during their rescue operation.

An Iranian businessman offered to pay a reward worth $60,000 (45,000) to anyone capturing the crew members alive. And a presenter on an Iranian TV channel, based in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province, a mountainous region in the south-west of the country, urged residents to hand over any enemy pilot to police and promised a reward for anyone who did.

That gave a clue to the location of the incident. Geolocated footage of low-flying rescue aircraft indicated planes flying near Behbahan, in the neighbouring province of Khuzestan, around 30 miles from the Gulf coast.

The Iranian parliament speaker, Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf , ridiculed the US, posting on social media: After defeating Iran 37 times in a row, this brilliant no-strategy war they started has now been downgraded from regime change to: Hey! Can anyone find our pilots? Please?

No US troops have so far been taken prisoner by Iran. Thirteen American service personnel have been killed and 300 wounded during a campaign in which more than 12,300 targets in Iran have been bombed by the US alone.

A social media account claiming to be linked to Irans Revolutionary Guards posted a picture of an ejector seat in a desert landscape, which appeared to be consistent with the ACES II type used in F-15Es. Justin Bronk, an aviation expert from Rusithe Royal United Services Institute (Rusi), said: If genuine, it would suggest that at least one of the two aircrew did eject safely.

Irans Tasnim news agency reported that the pilot of the jet had been taken into custody, contradicting Tehrans initial claim that the pilot had probably died in the incident. But nothing then emerged to verify the revised Iranian statement.

The New York Times reported that a second US air force combat plane crashed in the Persian Gulf region on Friday, but the lone pilot was safely rescued.

The A-10 Warthog attack plane went down near the strait of Hormuz at roughly the same time as the air force F-15E was shot down over Iran, according to two US officials. Iranian state media said its air defence system had targeted an enemy A-10 aircraft in southern waters near the strait of Hormuz.

Up to now no US fighter jets had been lost over Iran during the five-week-long conflict, though three F-15Es were shot down by a Kuwaiti air defence system in a dramatic friendly fire incident on 1 March.

The total cost to the US air force of lost and damaged aircraft, which also includes 16 uncrewed Reaper drones, has been estimated at more than $3bn by the specialist news site Airforce Technology. An F-15E cost $31m when delivered in the late 1990s; newer models cost closer to $100m.

Meanwhile, powerful blasts rocked northern Tehran, as Israel said it had launched a new wave of strikes on the Iranian capital and Beirut.

The Associated Press also reported, citing an Israeli official, that Israel had suspended airstrikes in areas relevant to the rescue operation in Iran.

Late on Thursday, the US president reiterated his threat to bomb Irans infrastructure, hours after he claimed credit for an attack on a newly built 136-metre-high (446ft) suspension bridge between Tehran and Karaj that killed eight people and injured 95.

Our Military, the greatest and most powerful (by far!) anywhere in the World, hasnt even started destroying whats left in Iran. Bridges next, then Electric Power Plants! he posted on social media, repeating a threat to destroy Irans electricity network.

Fresh footage on Friday showed that the $400m bridge, on a highway between the Iranian capital and a city to the north-west, had been severed in three places by the bombing, increasing the cost of its eventual repair.

More than 100 international law experts signed a joint statement on the Just Security website warning that statements made by Trump and other senior US officials, and the conduct of US forces raise serious concerns about violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, including potential war crimes.

A particular concern, they said, was threats made by the US to Irans energy infrastructure. International law protects from attack objects indispensable to the survival of civilians, and the attacks threatened by Trump, if implemented, could entail war crimes.

A power and desalination plant in Kuwait was damaged in an attack on Friday, though Iran blamed Israel for the attack. The Mina al-Ahmadi refinery in the Gulf country was also closed after a drone strike from Iran, while the UK announced it had agreed to send a counter drone team to help the country in its defence.

Israeli media reported that the US had told Israel it did not want Irans new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, to be killed because Americans wanted to have at least one senior political figure available who could negotiate a peace agreement.

Irans regime, however, has so far shown little desire to stop fighting. Sirens sounded repeatedly in Israel, as missile attacks from Iran and Lebanon continued but casualty numbers were small, with 12 people treated for physical injuries by the countrys emergency medical service in the past 24 hours.

Israel also carried out fresh strikes on south Beirut after issuing an evacuation order for the area, which has largely been emptied of residents amid repeated raids.
One crew member has been rescued and the search continues for the second pilot after a U.S. F-15 fighter jet was shot down over Iran, the first aircraft downed in Iranian territory since the war began nearly five weeks ago.

The jet, flown by a two-member crew, was shot down by Iranian forces around 6:45 a.m. ET Friday and a rescue mission was quickly launched. One of the pilots, who had ejected before the aircraft went down, was rescued by U.S. forces, two U.S. officials have told CBS News. The pilot is alive and receiving medical attention, officials said.

U.S. forces are racing to recover the second pilot, a weapons system officer, before Iranian forces can reach them. Israel is helping the United States with the search and rescue operation.

An Iranian news anchor has urged residents to hand over any enemy pilot to police and promised a reward for anyone who did. An on-screen TV crawl earlier urged the public to shoot them if you see them, referring to social media footage circulating of what appeared to be U.S. aircraft in the area.

President Donald Trump told The Independent on Friday afternoon that he didnt know what he would do if the pilot was harmed by the Iranians: "Well, I can't comment on it because  we hope that's not going to happen," and ended the call shortly thereafter.

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft was shot down over Iran (File photo) (via REUTERS)

Also on Friday, Iran's air defense system targeted an "enemy" A-10 aircraft in southern waters near the Hormuz Strait, the nation's state media said on Friday. The New York Times reported earlier in the day that a second U.S. Air Force combat plane had crashed in the Gulf region on Friday and its only pilot was then rescued.

Hours after Trump was briefed on the crash of the F-15, the president made no mention of the incident as he took to Truth Social, writing: KEEP THE OIL, ANYONE?

But when asked about it during a brief interview with NBC News, Trump said that the downing of the U.S. fighter jet would not affect any negotiations with Iran.

No, not at all. No, its war. Were in war, he said on the call.

Part of the alleged wreckage of the F-15 jet was shown on Iranian state media (via REUTERS)

As the search for the F-15 jets missing crew continues, Iranian state-linked media outlets reported that helicopters were deployed to find the missing U.S. military member, though there were conflicting accounts about their origin.

The Fars news agency said it was unclear who operated the aircraft, while Tasnim reported they were American and claimed at least one helicopter was forced to retreat after coming under fire. Tasnim also said a U.S. C-130 Hercules aircraft was involved in the operation.

Mizan, an outlet affiliated with Irans judiciary, reported that an American rescue mission was active and published images it claimed showed U.S. aircraft in Iranian airspace.

Iranian officials called on civilians to be on the lookout for survivors, according to Reuters. The governor of Iran's Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province said whoever captured or killed the crew would be specially commended, according to the semi-official Iranian news agency ISNA.

This video grab taken from UGC images posted on social media on April 3, 2026 show a US aircraft, followed by two helicopters, flying over the town of Zaras in the southern Iran's Khuzestan province (UGC/AFP via Getty Images)

The incident could represent a significant political complication for Trump, who suggested in a primetime address to the nation this week that the war was ending and that Iran's military capability had been all but destroyed. He nevertheless said the U.S.-Israeli bombardment would continue for two or three weeks.

Shortly before the jet was shot down on Friday, Trump posted on Truth Social:

With a little more time, we can easily OPEN THE HORMUZ STRAIT, TAKE THE OIL, & MAKE A FORTUNE. IT WOULD BE A GUSHER FOR THE WORLD??? President DONALD J. TRUMP

Irans attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure and its tight grip on the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the worlds oil and natural gas transits in peacetime, have roiled stock markets, sent oil prices skyrocketing, and threatened to raise the cost of many basic goods, including food.

Trump has threatened further escalation, warning of potential strikes on Irans energy grid if the strait is not reopened. Iranian officials have rejected negotiations under current conditions.

Bridges next, then Electric Power Plants! he wrote on social media late Thursday. New Regime leadership knows what has to be done, and has to be done, FAST!

On Friday, Trump celebrated the bombing of an Iranian bridge, as he warned on social media that there was much more to follow. Footage showed the moment the B1 bridge in Karaj, west of Tehran, was cut in half by the strike on Thursday. The attack killed eight people and wounded 95, Iranian news media reported.

A view of the B1 bridge is pictured, a day after it was destroyed by a strike in Karaj, southwest of Tehran, Iran, on Friday (AFP via Getty Images)

Todays incident is the first U.S. or Israeli jet to have been shot down over Iran since the war started. Three U.S. F-15E Strike Eagle jets were downed by friendly fire over Kuwait in March. None of the aircrews were injured.

More than 1,900 people have been killed in Iran since the war began on 28 February with U.S. and Israeli strikes, the Associated Press reported. In a review released Friday, the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data, a U.S.-based group, said it found that civilian casualties were clustered around strikes on security and state-linked sites rather than indiscriminate bombardment of urban areas.

More than two dozen people have died in Gulf states and the occupied West Bank, 19 have been reported dead in Israel, and 13 U.S. service members have been killed. More than 1,300 people have been killed and more than 1 million displaced in Lebanon. Ten Israeli soldiers have also died there.
An American fighter jet reportedly shot down over Iran came from a US Air Force squadron based in the UK, it has been reported.

Unverified open-source footage of wreckage of a jet said to be from a mountainous area in Iran shows what may be the insignia of the 494th Fighter Squadron, based at RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk.

In the images, part of the tail shows a red band and what appears to be a section of the shield of the US Air Forces in Europe. The wreckage is consistent with that of an F-15E Strike Eagle, which operates with two crew members.

A US official has told NBC News that one of the pilots was rescued and is alive.

Aviation experts told The Guardian that the wreckage was in fact from an F-15E and from the 494th squadron.

Iranian media released images of what they claimed were US rescue helicopters (X)

The search

A search by the US military is underway to locate the pilot, according to Iranian media affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), as well as sources who spoke to US media.

A US official told a number of US news outlets that a fighter jet had been shot down over Iran, while two sources told CBS News a search for a downed F-15 fighter jet is underway.

However, footage of the wreckage thats now coming out suggests it might not be an F-35 after all. It looks more like a U.S. F-15E, possibly from the 48th Fighter Wing, which is based in the UK at RAF Lakenheath.

2/ pic.twitter.com/N91nuGtgVQ      (@TheDeadDistrict) April 3, 2026

Images posted on social media that were verified by CBS showed two helicopters and a refuelling plane flying low over Khuzestan Province in the southwest of Iran.

A social media account that claimed to be linked to Irans Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) posted an image of an ejector seat.

A Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) aviation expert told The Guardian that the seat appeared to be consistent with the type found in F-15Es.

If genuine, it would suggest that at least one of the two aircrew did eject safely, he said.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) on Thursday morning denied a fighter pilot had been shot down on an island in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil artery for the worlds oil over which Iran has a stranglehold. It is not clear if the CENTCOM statement referred to the most recent Iranian reports.

An Iranian newsreader on state TV, meanwhile, has said there are rewards in place for anyone who captures the pilot alive.

     :



      

     

       

           

     #_ pic.twitter.com/KkZdRGYmK8     (@IRGCIntelli) April 3, 2026

Disaster for Trump?

If a US jet has been shot down in Iran, then it could present a tricky scenario for President Donald Trump.

He has been openly mocked by Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf since reports of the downed jet emerged.

After defeating Iran 37 times in a row, this brilliant no-strategy war they started has now been downgraded from 'regime change' to 'Hey! Can anyone find our pilots? Please?' a social media post from Ghalibaf said.

Trump campaigned against forever wars during his election bid in 2024, but has taken a hard line on foreign policy matters since his presidency.

He sent US military personnel to decapitate the regime in Venezuela, capturing the countrys president, Nicolas Maduro.

At the outset of the war, Trumps justification for military action in Iran was that this was our last best chance to strike.

Since the war began, oil prices have risen sharply, hurting American consumers at the pump, while Trump and US defence secretary Pete Hegseth have both said a number of times that the US has effectively won. This is despite continued threats of escalation by Trump, as well as suggestions of a deal with Iran.

Trump has even said that Iran cant do a thing about US planes flying over the Middle Eastern country due to air superiority.

A scenario in which potentially two US service personnel are captured alive could provide leverage for Iran as part of a deal over the conflict.

The US public would likely be very concerned about any US military members in the hands of the Iranian regime.

One US official told NBC News that one of the pilots was rescued and is alive.

Iran has played a major role in how successful previous American presidencies have been. Jimmy Carters presidency was largely defined by the Iranian Revolution in 1979 and a lengthy hostage crisis in which 66 Americans were held at the US Embassy.

The crisis culminated in Operation Eagle Claw in 1980, an attempt to rescue 53 remaining embassy staff held captive, but it was unsuccessful and also resulted in the deaths of eight US servicemen.
Timothy Broglio conducts an Easter Sunday mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington in April 2020. Photograph: Jose Luis Magana/AP (Photograph: Jose Luis Magana/AP)

The leader of all Catholic chaplains in the United States armed forces has questioned how righteous the US militarys campaign in Iran is, saying that under the just war theory  it is not.

Archbishop Timothy Broglio, head of the Catholic Archdiocese for the Military Services USA, told CBS News in an interview set for broadcast Sunday that while Iran was a threat with nuclear arms, waging war on the theocratic state constituted compensating for a threat before the threat is actually realized.

The just war theory is a philosophical and legal framework, rooted in the theologies of Saints Augustine and Thomas Aquinas, that is designed to help determine when starting war is morally justifiable  or jus ad bellum  and how it should be conducted, or jus in bello.

It directs that war is a last resort, undertaken only to correct serious wrong, and it requires legitimate authority, right intent, and proportionality in order to obtain peace.

The Lord Jesus certainly brought a message of peace and also  I think war is always a last resort, Broglio told CBS. Im not making a judgment about that because I really dont know. But I do think that its hard to cast this war  you know  as something that would be sponsored by the Lord.

Broglios comments are likely to inflame political divisions over the wars justification, particularly among those who are religious and may generally support Donald Trump. The Trump White House maintains that Irans history of terrorism sponsorship, coupled with its missile program and production of highly enriched uranium, justifies the action.

Democrats, however, described it as war of choice and accuse Trump of sidestepping lawmakers approval.

As the war becomes more prolonged, recent polling from YouGov and the Economist has found Trumps approval rating at 35%.

During a sit-down with Face the Nation recorded in advance of its broadcast, Broglio was asked how he viewed the rhetoric of US defense secretary Pete Hegseth, who has asked Americans to pray every day, on bended knee for a military victory in the name of Jesus Christ.

Broglio said its a little problematic in the sense that Jesus preached peace and spoke of war in terms of being a last resort.

But Broglio qualified his position, adding: They may have information that led them to think that that was the only choice they had.

Broglio said he would line himself up with Pope Leo XIV, historys first US-born Catholic pontiff, who has been urging for negotiation.

Leo has indeed urged Trump and other leaders to find ways to scale back violence in the Middle East  and to find an off-ramp in the war with Iran.

In a homily during a mass on Thursday, the pope said that the Christian mission has often been distorted by a desire for domination, entirely foreign to the way of Jesus Christ.

Broglio said he counseled Catholic service members to do as little harm as you can  and to try [to] preserve innocent lives. He noted that the way conscientious objection is framed in the US military, you cannot object to a specific war or a specific action. You can only object to Im opposed to war.

He added: The question might be, would generals or admirals have space to perhaps, say, Can we look at this a different way?

But having spoken to some of them too, theyre also in the same dilemma.
The ingredient that gives the popular erectile dysfunction drug Viagra its stimulating effect may also be the solution for a rare and deadly genetic childhood disease, German researchers say.

The compound sildenafil helped improve the muscle strength, neurological and metabolic symptoms of six patients living with Leigh syndrome over the course of just months.

The findings offer a glimmer of hope for patients with the degenerative condition, which can cause a loss of motor skills, vomiting, seizures, muscle weakness, nerve damage and impaired respiratory, heart and kidney function.

There are currently no approved treatments for Leigh syndrome and half of children born with the disease die before the age of three, according to the National Institutes of Health.

A new drug could help patients to lead longer and better quality lives. Leigh syndrome affects one in 36,000 children around the world.

The ingredient that gives Viagra its stirring effects has also shown promise in alleviating symptoms of the rare Leigh syndrome, a genetic childhood disease that can be deadly. German researchers said the drug helped patients to walk and think better (AFP/Getty)

While we will have to confirm these initial observations in a more comprehensive study, we are very pleased to have found a promising drug candidate for the treatment of this serious hereditary disease, Dr. Markus Schuelke, a scientist at the medical research university Charites Universitatsmedizin in Berlin, said in a statement.

Schuelke, a lead author of the research, and other researchers are planning a Europe-wide clinical trial to test the drug.

From 500 to 5,000

In the pilot study, patients between the ages of nine and 38 years old took the drug every day for up to seven years, Schuelke told Science.

The participants took either low or medium doses of sildenafil: as low as 0.66 milligrams or as high as up to 3 milligrams.

Thats a small fraction of a dose of Viagra, which comes in doses ranging from 25 milligrams to 100 milligrams.

Viagra works by increasing blood flow to the penis.

Increased blood flow helps treat high blood pressure in the arteries in the lungs  a complication of Leigh syndrome that can affect the lungs, heart and kidneys.

The researchers tested the effect of sildenafil on lab-grown tissue that mimics aspects of the developing human brain. The tissue, seen here, is grown from patient stem cells. The nerve cells are colored in blue and the neural stem cells are seen in red (HHU | Stephanie Le, AG Prigione)

Improved circulation led to an enhanced ability to walk, to understand language and better function in nerve cells, the researchers said.

"For example, in the case of a child undergoing sildenafil treatment, the walking distance increased tenfold, from 500 to 5,000 meters," said Schuelke.

"In another child, the therapy completely suppressed metabolic crises that occurred almost monthly, while another patient no longer suffered from epileptic seizures."

The researchers also tested sildenafil on lab-grown tissue and in animals, finding similar benefits.

It helped rodents and pigs with Leigh syndrome to live longer.

Two of seven pigs with fatal cases of Leigh syndrome survived for more than two months after taking sildenafil. One remained stable for six months.

The number of American children affected by Leigh syndrome is unknown. Symptoms typically start in infancy (Getty/iStock)

Diagnosis discovery

The number of children affected in the U.S. is unknown.

People are diagnosed through MRI scans and blood tests.

Symptoms typically manifest in infancy and early childhood.

Some individuals have a relatively stable course with milder symptoms. Others experience rapid neurological decline and have a shortened lifespan, the Child Neurology Foundation says.

Researchers at Virginia Tech University discovered a signal in the brain that could help identify the disease earlier in January.
Products featured in this Yahoo article are selected by our shopping writers. We will earn a commission from purchases made via links in this article. Pricing and availability are subject to change.

Step out on a walking holiday in the Peak District (Visit Peak District & Derbyshire / Tony Pleavin)

Feel like you could do with more of a leg-stretch than the usual walk to the shops? Look to the brand new King Charles III England Coast Path  officially the longest managed coastal walking route in the world, at 2,689 miles.

The just-inaugurated track, which blends existing pathways with more than 1,000 miles of new trail and skirts the entirety of England, is sure to be abuzz with hikers this summer. But its definitely not the only British walk worth your time.

Below weve rounded up some of the best wanders in the land, whether youve got just a day, a weekend or even a fortnight to stroll

The Cotswolds Way

Tackle the walk to the Tower, in scenic Broadway (VisitBritain)

Do it all: Winding through some of Englands loveliest rolling hillscapes, ancient fort sites and honey-hued towns, the 102-mile Cotswolds Way National Trail links pretty Chipping Camden with historic heavyweight Bath. Youll catch sweeping views over sheep-dotted farmland and the Severn Valley, pass by laneways lined in thatched-roof piles and trod through sleepy woodlands; at times feeling so off the beaten track that its hard to believe youre in the perennially popular Cotswolds. The full shebang takes 12 days to complete on a self-guided journey with Macs Adventure (from 1,405 including B&B accommodation; macsadventure.com).

Do a bit: Only got a day to dedicate? Take in the stretch culminating in majestic Broadway Tower, walking between Chipping Campden and Broadway. You can stay at nearby Dormy House, with its luxe spa and comfy country house environs (from 465, dormyhouse.co.uk).

Hadrians Wall Path

Walk the length of UNESCO-listed Hadrians Wall (VisitBritain /Thomas Heaton / English Heritage)

Do it all: This 84-mile route skirting the north of England between Wallsend and Bowness-on-Solway gives you insight into the full, GOT-style scale of its namesake Roman fortification, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Despite the epic nature, stretching coast to coast, its a fairly gentle walk from which you can strike out to related sites such as Vindolanda and Chesters Roman Fort. It typically takes between six and 10 days for most people to complete; Ramble Worldwide has a seven-night self-guided itinerary from 1,009 (including B&B accommodation; rambleworldwide.co.uk).

Do a bit: If youve just a day to spare, take in the most scenic stretch between Once Brewed and Chollerford, around 12 miles including the Sycamore Gap Tree Memorial, Crag Lough and a number of Roman fortresses and artefacts, as well as picture-perfect sweeping views. Overnight in luxe cabin The Hiddle Hut (two nights 470, thehiddlehut.co.uk), complete with stargazing rooftop window.

The Thames Path

Monkey Island Estate make a great base for wanders along the Thames Path (Monkey Island Estate)

Do it all (kinda): When youre not satisfied with a light stroll along the Southbank, grab your hiking poles and tackle the Thameside route properly. Stretching 185 miles from Kemble in Gloucestershire to the Thames Barrier in Woolwich, the Thames Path takes in highlights like Henley, Windsor Castle and Hampton Court Palace, as well as the thrills of our capitals central core. While few operators offer the complete experience due to length and logistics, you can book a six-night break on the lovely stretch between Marlow and Oxford, taking in cute stops like Abingdon and Wallingford, with Inntravel (from 1,446pp, including B&B accommodation and some dinners; inntravel.co.uk).

Do a bit: Check into Monkey Island Estate (from 230, monkeyislandestate.co.uk ), right in the midst of the River Thames at Bray, so you can head out in either direction to enjoy rural yomps. A floating spa, set in a permanently moored boat, awaits on your return.

The Lake District

The Lake District is enduringly popular with ramblers (VisitBritain/Stefano Carta)

Do it all: The Lake District is numero uno for walkers  and bookworms. With some of Britains best-known poets and writers inspired by the landscapes, little wonder many wayfarers today theme their routes around locations associated with the literary. One topical tour is offered by Headwater (from 1,139pp, including B&B accommodation and luggage transfer; exodus.co.uk), where on a self-guided basis youll visit Beatrix Potters farm, Wordsworths family home and the spot that supposedly inspired Arthur Ransome to pen Swallows and Amazons.

Do a bit: One day is enough to enjoy much-loved Grasmere Circular, most associated with a certain Mr Wordsworth. Trace the River Rothay before taking in the poets grave in St Oswalds Church, his home Rydall Hall and the Wordsworth Museum at Dove Cottage. Close by the Forest Side (from 299; theforestside.com) has elegant food and classically upscale bedrooms to contrast your muddy-boots day out.

South Downs Way

The Alfriston is a cushy base for bookending your South Downs Way walk (VRPR/Pharic Crawford)

Do it all: While it was officially inaugurated in 1972 the South Downs Way covers prehistoric thoroughfares used for millennia  sewing up Iron Age hill forts and Bronze Age barrows. Undulating over the chalky escarpments and ridges of the South Downs, its 100-mile stretch can be walked in around nine days from the start in Winchester to conclusion in Eastbourne  along the way taking in wooded valleys, a sweeping patchwork of farmland and dramatic alabaster cliffs. If you want to up the challenge and do it quicker, South Downs Discovery has a six-day trip where youll average around 18 miles each day (from 920pp, including accommodation; southdownsdiscovery.com).

Do a bit: Pack the most dramatic stretch into a short break by tackling just the 12.5-mile leg between Eastbourne and Alfriston, where chalky cliffs rise theatrically from the sea. At start or end you have cushy The Alfriston Hotel (from 180, thealfriston.com) to look forward to, complete with bedrooms splashed in fun fabrics, a spa and a manicured lawn for summer cocktails.

Orkney Islands

Wow-factor landscapes await in the Orkney Islands (Visit Scotland)

Do it all: Feel like youre journeying to the end of the earth on a guided walking holiday that takes you round some of the most remote islands in the UK. From puffin colonies to ultra-fresh seafood, Europes most important Stone Age village, Skora Brae, to carpets of wildflowers, this will be one of the most memorable  and transportive  walks you ever take in Britain. A seven-day itinerary is available with Explore (from 2,040, including accommodation and some meals; explore.co.uk).

Do a bit: The remote Orkney isles require a three-hour drive, plus 90-minute ferry ride, from Inverness, so arent the most practical for a short trip. But if youre determined, its possible to visit Mainland island for a night, hiking past sea stacks at Yesnaby and North Gaulton, and to the 5,000-year-old Skara Brae. Stay at the Orkney Hotel (from 175, orkneyhotel.co.uk), built in the 17th century as a family home.

Lizard Peninsula

On the route to Lizard Point in south Cornwall (Unsplash / Hadyn Cutler)

Do it all: Despite all The Salt Path scandals the South West Coast Path still reigns supreme as the most iconic place in the UK to walk. Each stretch has its own magic, but theres something especially enthralling about Cornwalls far-flung fringes surrounding Lizard Point, the southernmost spot in mainland Britain. Tracing a waterside route youll pass by glorious golden beaches as well as luminous coves and the iconic figure of St Michaels Mount. A self-guided five-night trip with Headwater (from 1,029 including B&B accommodation; headwater.com) begins in quirky Penzance and carries you to Coverack, home to a serpentine stone harbour and thatched cottages.

Do a bit: Just do a walk around the very tip, from Caribbean-blue Kynance Cove  home to a National Trust car park  to Church Cove on the other side of the peninsula. Youll see windswept headland, creamy crescents of sand and wildflowers that carpet the cliffs in springtime. While here you can also check into the most southerly hotel in mainland UK, Housel Bay (from 115, houselbay.com).

Bannau Brycheiniog

Explore the landscapes of Bannau Brycheiniog (Unsplash / Michael Hamments)

Do it all: Whether you call it Bannau Brycheiniog or the Brecon Beacons, Waless epic national park is ramblers catnip, with its wooded valleys and flat-topped sandstone peaks, steep escarpments and glacial lakes. Asymmetrical peaks create conditions to challenge all levels of walker, and patchwork lowlands with hedgerows and stone walls hint to thousands of years of human habitation. Self-guided package trips within its 520 square miles start with as little as a long weekend; three nights with HF Holidays costs from 399 per person (including B&B accommodation and meals; hfholidays.co.uk).

Do a bit: If youre an experienced walker get the best views in the park on a day-long high-level circuit, Pen y Fan Ridge Walk  breath-taking in more ways than one. For something gentler, pass through woodlands and gorges on the Four Waterfalls Walk, lasting three to four hours. Afterwards, kick back with a pint and dinner at the Felin Fach Griffin, before crashing in one of the cosy rooms for the night (from 185, felinfachgriffin.co.uk).

White Peak Way

The Peak District is waiting for you to tackle its slopes (Visit Peak District & Derbyshire / Tony Pleavin)

Do it all: Carved by dales, alive with clear streams and wind-rustled woodland, the southern corner of the Peak District gleams in emerald green hues through the warmer months. Following the rise and fall of seven dales  soaring across ridges and dropping to underground tunnels  a circular walk along the White Peak Way gives you access to some of its most enhancing scenery. Depending on your fitness level, budget, and inclination to linger at local landmarks such as Chatsworth House and cute towns like Bakewell, the route might take between four and 12 nights; Contours has holidays for whichever length you prefer (from 525pp, contours.co.uk).

Do a bit: See both sides of the district  the limestone-dominant White Peak, and the moody gritstone Dark Peak  on the 12km Great Ridge Loop, starting in Castleton. Its just a three-mile drive from Bike and Boot Peak District (from 84, bikeandboot.com/peak-district), a comfy base with vintage prints and a bar to cheers to your walking success.
April 3, 2026: Two new Russian satellites Luch-1 and Luch-2 have been behaving in a suspicious manner. It was eventually discovered that these satellites were intercepting information flowing through these geostationary satellites to several European countries. This means that Russia now has access to many NATO secrets, including plans to aid Ukraine and disrupt Russian sabotage missions in Europe and intelligence efforts throughout the world. This is surprising because, since 2024, the Russian GLONASS satellite system has been in trouble. The problem is a familiar one, too many GLONASS satellites are ending their service lives, usually seven years, and Roscosmos, the Russian space agency, does not have the money to replace all of the GLONASS satellites. The cash shortage means the program to build improved GLONASS satellites, like GLONASS-K, which is the first GLONASS satellite that is unpressurized and weighs much less at 750 kg while also having a longer service life of ten years. The current GLONASS-M weighs 1,450 kg and has a service life of seven years.

Currently most of the 20 or so GLONASS satellites in service are past their seven year service lives and as expected, operating erratically and starting to fail. Maintaining the worldwide GLONASS satellite network does not have a high priority because Russian personal, commercial, and military satellite navigation users have long used satellite navigation equipment that contained GLONASS and American GPS receivers. This combination provides more accurate location information and a more reliable system because the two satellite systems contain about fifty satellites.

Keeping GLONASS active with a full constellation of 24 satellites with the latest technology is expensive and used to depend on a steady supply of high-tech components only available from the United States and its allies. Imports of those are blocked by Western sanctions for Russias invasion of Ukraine. Recently China has also become a major supplier of electronics needed for navigation satellites. Russia has the option to buy the components it used to obtain from Western countries. Depending on China for components does not solve the fundamental problem that Russia does not have the money to maintain GLONASS. Since the American GPS system began operating in 1993, several other similar systems have appeared. GLONASS went online in 2011 and the Chinese Beidou came online in 2020, at the same time as the European Galileo system. Creating and maintaining these global systems is expensive and only the United States and China have been able to finance continuous operation and upgrades. Galileo, which is paid for by a coalition of nations, has had problems getting coalition members to provide the needed funds. Russia tried to compete but ran out of money.

Multiple global positioning satellite systems increase the accuracy and reliability of the signals, as well as provide redundancy and interoperability in case of disruption of service. Multiple systems can also create problems involving spectrum congestion, signal interference, and coordination complications.

By 2020 it was believed that current anti-jamming efforts were sufficient to keep American military GPS use viable for a while. That was optimistic because improvements in GPS jamming and spoofing technology were introduced more rapidly than expected. Since GPS disruption it has become increasingly obvious that Russia has been regularly jamming or spoofing GPS signals, mainly to hide the exact location equipment that allows GPS tracking. In the last five years there have been thousands of incidents where Russia has been jamming or spoofing satellite navigation signals used by the American GPS, Chinese Beidou, Europes Galileo and Russian GLONASS when used by foreigners. Most of this activity was not obvious jamming but the more difficult to detect spoofing. Russia used this to conceal the true location of key Russian government officials and Russian military units. The spoofing was particularly common for Russian military forces in Ukraine and Syria. Spoofing replaced the actual satellite signal with a false one that rendered smart bombs or planned attacks on targets inaccurate. Spoofing can introduce false signals gradually and sometimes delay a navigation system's realization that it is being deceived. Thats one function of the INS Inertial Navigation System, to act as a monitor for GPS as well as a backup.

Current INS tech relies on receiving an accurate GPS location initially, and periodically thereafter, to keep both GPS and INS location data in sync. GPS depends on continuous satellite signals to operate and the INS is only used to step in and replace GPS when its satellite signal becomes temporarily too weak, or absent. When an accurate GPS signal is achieved, INS goes back into standby mode. Spoofing can now mimic these momentary disruptions and evade detection as a false signal by the INS, which is completely self-contained. This is sometimes a problem for American guided weapons sent to Ukraine that do not have the latest anti-jamming tech installed.

American INS researchers are not the only ones seeking an INS that is accurate and persistent enough to replace GPS for extended periods. INS has long suffered from the inability to provide as accurate a location as satellite navigation systems as the gyroscope and acceleration capabilities now performed by microelectronics of the chip-based INS cannot maintain as continuously precise location as the space satellite-based system can. This is no longer seen as an insurmountable problem, nor is the large cost-difference between GPS and INS tech. Israel apparently feels it is closer to a solution than anyone else.

Meanwhile, spoofing satellite navigation systems has become more popular and practical because they do not require expensive or high-tech equipment. While American weapons and military navigation systems have a backup in the form of unjammable INS systems, these are useless if the spoofing is not detected. American systems are supposed to detect spoofing and revert to INS, but the Americans do not disclose details of how these systems work in order to make it difficult for spoofing systems to be modified to be less detectable. That is one reason why the U.S. has not released detailed information on spoofing incidents because some of them may have evaded the INS spoofing detection tech.

To further complicate the issue there have also been instances where mandatory AIS Automatic Identification System transponders that all large ships must carry are more frequently reporting instances of getting no GPS signal at all. Large ships usually carry two AIS units, in case one malfunctions so AIS failure can be ruled out as a cause. Something outside the ship is manipulating the GPS signal. This demonstrates how it is possible to deceive the unjammable INS and new INS systems are sought that will eliminate that risk by replacing GPS most of the time.

The new INS technology has attracted a lot of attention in the military where backups are always appreciated because, when equipment fails in combat or for commercial transport users like aircraft or ships, its literally a matter of life or death. Meanwhile, the U.S. is building and testing more compact GPS anti-jamming systems for smaller 200 kg UAVs. This is part of a program to equip all American UAVs, even the smallest ones, with more secure GPS. While all UAVs can be flown by the operator, the GPS makes it a lot easier for the operator to keep track of exactly where his UAV is at all times, and sometimes the UAV is programmed to simply patrol between a series of GPS coordinates. If the GPS jams or fails, the operator can usually use the video feed to find landmarks on the ground and bring the UAV back to where it can be seen and landed. Other UAVs have a failsafe system for the GPS. When it is no longer available the UAV turns around and heads back in the general direction of the operator. This is better than just allowing the GPS-less UAV keep flying until it runs out of fuel and crashes somewhere,

GPS reliability threats are coming from a few suppliers like Russia, China, and North Korea. These nations have developed all manner of GPS jamming technology, and over the last decade it has become increasingly obvious that these nations were using new GPS spoofing technology to conceal the true location of senior personnel and mobile combat units.

Developers and users of GPS jamming gear tend to keep quiet about what they do because this sort of thing is illegal in peacetime, especially when civilians experience GPS disruptions themselves. When the United States tests military GPS jamming, it does so at sea or in remote areas and warns nearby civilians who might encounter GPS problems to be aware of the tests and act accordingly. This warning policy has been in use for decades because of the growing number of new electronic equipment designs that could cause problems for civilians if the disruptive effect extended farther than expected.

Other nations are not as secretive in complaining and often the culprit is Russia. In 2018 Finland and Norway went public with their accusations that Russia deliberately jammed GPS signals in northern Finland and Norway from a location near the Russian military bases in the Kola Peninsula on the Barents Sea. The jamming took place as NATO held its largest training exercise since the Cold War ended in 1991. Russia denied any responsibility even though they are known to possess long-range jammers for GPS and other signals. Norway said they had tracked the jammer to a specific location but, when Russia refused to admit any involvement, Norway refused to explain how they tracked the signal because that would provide Russia with information on Norwegian EW Electronic Warfare equipment that might be useful to them.

China is seeking to monetize its Beidou satellite navigation system. Beidou is the Chinese version of American GPS. Beidou finally became fully operational, providing worldwide coverage, in January 2020. There are three competing systems: GPS, GLONASS and Galileo. The full Beidou network was open for business as a world-wide service in early 2020. The American GPS has been operational since 1978 while the Russian GLONASS achieved that status in 1995. Unfortunately, Russia had problems, mostly financial, in keeping GLONASS operational. The European Galileo became operational worldwide in 2020. Each of these systems cost about $10 billion to create and get into service. The American GPS cost $12 billion, mainly because it has been around for so long.

China is determined to do what none of the other three satnav systems have done; become profitable. China has not revealed how they expect to do that and the other three major satnav providers remain silent on the profitability issue. Currently the main reason for building a satnav system is national prestige and an alternative to dependence on the Americans, or any single satnav provider.

China has also invested heavily in trying to obtain favorable press coverage for Beidou and somehow establish it as a preferred satnav service. That has cost over half a billion dollars but has not created any acceptance of Beidou as a superior satnav provider. China has a long-range plan for Beidou that includes adding new features and somehow achieving market dominance by 2040. China likes to announce long range goals like this, then quietly forget about it when the promised future never arrives.

Meanwhile, Chinese state-controlled media have provided a global audience with unprecedented details of this Chinese technological effort. People got their first experience with Beidou in late 2012 when the first few satellites were made available to anyone with a Beidou receiver. China expected Beidou to become a major competitor for the existing global navigation systems, at least with civilian users. China made it clear its initial goal was to grab a major share of the satnav market from the original U.S GPS system and do it by 2030. Progress has been slow so far.

The reality is that China has had a difficult time getting Beidou fully operational. By 2020 worldwide Beidou service was available and the rest of the world was not impressed. Beidou incorporates the best features of the GLONASS and Galileo systems, as well as items planned for the next generation American GPS satellites. With all that, no one has found a way to make a profit, at least not directly. There are plenty of ideas but no one has yet turned any of those ideas into cash. Moreover, there are disputes between the Beidou, Galileo, and GLONASS organizations over who should use what frequencies. Since GPS got into service first no one is contesting the frequencies GPS uses, but the three other players have some problems.

The success of the original GPS satnav system has generated all this competition. But so far these other efforts have found the work much more difficult than expected. A European consortium went forward with Galileo despite growing costs and technical problems. Initially Galileo was to be funded with private money. But the costs climbed beyond the most optimistic estimates of future income, so now Galileo is being paid for with tax dollars, as was GPS and the competing Russian and Chinese systems.

Galileo came about because the Europeans didn't like being dependent on an American system and didn't believe the Russians would be able to keep their GLONASS system viable. Galileo became operational because the European nations were willing to pay for a system that anyone could use without charge. Dual GPS and Galileo receivers cost about 20 percent more than GPS only receivers. Having two separate sets of signals makes for more reliable and accurate receivers. Also, the way Galileo is being set up will provide improved reliability in higher latitudes and in built-up areas.

GLONASS was at full strength in 1996, shortly after the Cold War ended. But the end of the Cold War in 1991 meant the end of the regular financing for GLONASS. Maintaining the system required launching replacement satellites every 5-7 years. By the end of 2002, only seven GLONASS satellites were still operational. However, the Russian economy recovered and provided funds for a series of launches in 2003 that increased the number of active satellites to twelve. That went to 18 by the end of 2007 and Russia had 24 GLONASS satellites in orbit by 2011 with the system again fully operational by 2012. As a result, GLONASS was the first real competitor for GPS. However, GLONASS was not completely functional until 2016 because of delays in building all the ground control stations.

The money for GLONASS is coming from a Russian government that does not want to be dependent on the American controlled GPS system. But the money was only there because of high oil prices. Most GLONASS receivers in use are actually combined GPS/GLONASS receivers. Russia will have to put billions of dollars into GLONASS over the next few years to keep the system fully operational and then spend even more money to maintain the satellite network. The costs of the Ukraine war are consuming the investment capital needed to maintain Russias civilian infrastructure, including GLONASS, its railroad system and oil production. GLONASS is widely used in conjunction with GPS. In other words, many systems, including cell phones that already used GPS added GLONASS and Galileo to provide better coverage and fewer instances where the GPS signal was unavailable.

Beidou is a more restricted system. Services available to anyone are less accurate than other systems though Beidou also has a more accurate military messaging mode that is only available to the Chinese and Pakistani military. China continues trying to monetize its GPS service, which really would make it unique compared to the others, but few nations are willing to pay for a military grade sat nav service provided by China. It will take more than a multi-billion dollar propaganda effort to change global suspicion of Chinese motives and reliability in such matters.

One of the reasons why there are so many global positioning satellite systems is that they have both civilian and military applications. GPS was originally developed by the US Department of Defense to provide precise navigation and timing for its armed forces and allies. GPS also became widely used by civilians for various purposes, such as mapping, geocaching, tracking, and recreation. Similarly, GLONASS, Beidou, and Galileo have dual-use capabilities that can enhance the economic, scientific, and security interests of their respective countries or regions. For example, GLONASS can support Russian oil and gas exploration, Beidou can facilitate China's Belt and Road Initiative, and Galileo can improve European autonomy and resilience in the face of external threats or disruptions.

Use of multiple global positioning satellite systems can also increase the accuracy and reliability of the signals, as well as provide redundancy and interoperability in case of failures or attacks. Having too many systems can also pose challenges, such as spectrum congestion, signal interference, and coordination difficulties. Moreover, some countries may use their systems for strategic or political purposes, such as denying access to rivals or asserting territorial claims. Therefore, it is important to establish international norms and regulations for the peaceful and responsible use of global positioning satellite systems.
As with so much of what Donald Trump says, it sometimes takes a little time to appreciate the full enormity of it, so inured is the world to his excesses.

So it is with his latest incoherent address to the American people, the update on his disastrous war with Iran, and its violent aftermath. Mr Trump, in his habitually vengeful way, laid out his latest tactics: Were going to hit them extremely hard over the next two to three weeks  were going to bring them back to the Stone Ages, where they belong.

It sounds like routine wild Trumpian bombast, the sort of thing that people prefer to take seriously, but not literally. In fact, that was an open declaration that the government of the United States intends to commit war crimes, in what has already been branded an illegal conflict.

This callous, even sadistic disregard for human life has been displayed before. Only a few days ago, Mr Trump mused that if the Iranians didnt do as he demanded, then the American forces would carry on bombing our little hearts out. He also suggested that hed bomb the Kharg Island oil facility  again, essentially a civilian target  just for fun. He even called it an excursion, possibly after mishearing the word incursion during a briefing. We get used to it all, but we should not.

No surprise, then, that Irans tallest bridge, the highest in the Middle East, and obviously a piece of critical civilian infrastructure, was blown to pieces, taking eight innocent lives and many more casualties according to the Iranian authorities. Nor that Tehrans century-old Pasteur Institute, one of the countrys leading public health centres, has been blown to smithereens.

Mr Trump actually makes no secret of his explicit desire to destroy oil facilities, power stations and desalination plants (although these are not as critical to life as they are in the Gulf states). There has been much collateral damage, to put it politely, in the cities of Iran already, including a girls primary school in Tehran, and whatever was hit when a bunker blaster was landed on a munitions dump in Isfahan. That is obviously a clear military target, but it is also plain that the Americans made little attempt to warn civilians or minimise casualties.

If the US were a party to the International Criminal Court, those involved in this campaign would be arraigned before it. The war is being prolonged unnecessarily, and beyond the many points when President Trump said it had already been won. Even now, no one knows when it will end.

Such continuing military operations demonstrate just how confused, as well as illegal and immoral, this war has been, and continues to be. If the war has been won, why is America still fighting?

The suspicion must be that, as with the very genesis of this catastrophe, Mr Trump is supporting Israels desire to degrade Irans economic and industrial base as well as its remaining military capabilities as far as it can. Such has been Benjamin Netanyahus long-term objective.

From the point of view of the American national interest, however, there seems no real point to it, given that theres no prospect of extracting the 400kg of enriched uranium buried somewhere. Mr Trump has, inexplicably, dismissed its importance, even though stopping Tehran from acquiring nuclear warheads was a declared US war aim, and one of the few things that might have commended it to the American people.

Just as there is no intention to recover the uranium, there will be no regime change. If anything, the war has entrenched the power of the Islamic Republics leaders, and made them even more militant. Mr Trump brags that the new leadership is more amenable to his demands, but there is little evidence of it. On Friday, the White House confirmed the president had been briefed about the US F-15E Strike Eagle shot down over Iran. The incident is a propaganda win, with pictures of an ejection seat having been displayed by Tehran, and a bounty on offer for the capture of the one missing crew person.

A deal seems elusive. Iran is now more able to trade its oil, and has taken the global economy hostage by blockading the Strait of Hormuz. Yet Mr Trump has said he isnt going to try to free the waterway, and instead invites Nato and others to clear up the mess  even as he orders fresh sorties on targets, reportedly chosen by artificial intelligence.

It would be encouraging to imagine that qualms among the Pentagon top brass about the conduct of the Iran war were a factor in the sackings of several senior officials in the US Department of Defense, as well as clashes about its warrior ethos. Senior service personnel cannot be entirely happy with the glee the president shows in waging war, nor the transgressing of the rules of war. Nor the way secretary of war Pete Hegseth portrays the Iran campaign as a cross between a medieval (supposedly Christian) holy crusade, a Hollywood movie, and a video game.

Perhaps Mr Trumps unhappy phrase bomb them back to the Stone Ages was buried deep in his memory of the time  but, in any case, he should be reminded that the words are most associated with US Air Force general Curtis LeMay. General LeMay was a US commander during the Vietnam war, and the kind of soldier Mr Trump would have liked. But the carpet bombing of North Vietnam  and with it, the use of napalm and wanton destruction of civilian lives and infrastructure  didnt end well for America.

Then, as now, bombing civilians back to the Stone Age, whether they belong there or not, cannot win victory. On the contrary, asymmetric warfare can still defeat a superpower and its armadas of ships and bombers. Its time to end it.
All new moms are tired, whether theyre human or animal. Taking care of a brand-new baby is exhausting, and sometimes that means a few forgetful moments, like briefly forgetting you even have one! Firebird Farms in Eden, Oregon, raises yaks, and farmer Sophia Weiss says its actually pretty common for new yak moms to forget about their babies, as youll see in this video.

Watch as Sophia pulls up to the middle of a pasture and finds a brand new baby lying all by himself. His mom, Daisy, is nowhere to be found! When Daisy finally comes back for her child, Sophia's scolding is just too cute.

The baby is absolutely adorable and looks like a baby cow. We were expecting to see a mama cow, not a yak! Sophia jokes in the caption, "Has anyone forgotten their child? Yak cows do it on the regular!"

Related: New Goat Mom Forgot Where She Put Her Baby and Runs to Human Mom for Help

SIGN UP to get pawsitivity delivered right to your inbox with inspiring & entertaining stories about our furry & feathered friends

Funny Reactions to the Forgetful New Mama Yak

Viewers left hundreds of comments about the new mama yak forgetting her baby, many of whom were moms who could relate and had "forgotten" their kids, too. @Leisa Castle shared, "I've done that. Got off work, driving home, mind going everywhere, not sure how I drove home, don't remember the trip. Got one block from the house and realized I forgot to go to the babysitter and get my kid. Had to turn around and go back. Lol! Only happened once, though."

@harberb6 said simply, "Awww, new momma problems."

Commenters also noticed something else in the video: Mama Daisy needs a haircut! Like @steven campbell, who joked, "Momma needs her bangs trimmed to see her baby easier! LOL!"

Sophia addressed it in one of the comments. "For everyone commenting on Daisys bangs, she is whats called a 'super woolly' yak. Not all yaks have this much hair on their face. And yes, she is due for a bangs trim. She had her calf before we did her spa day. Still, yaks have a great sense of smell, and I have never seen their hair be the source of them misplacing their baby. Its just a fun part of raising yaks LOL!"

This story was originally published by PetHelpful on Apr 2, 2026, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add PetHelpful as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Farmers want manufacturers of chocolate to back British dairy farming by continuing to source local dairy ingredients - Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

Easter eggs are being made with palm oil rather than British milk, farmers have claimed.

The Telegraph found that only four of the 37 large Easter eggs sold by Tesco online did not contain palm oil or fat. In one store, 11 per cent did not contain palm oil.

Meanwhile, 10 of the 30 large Easter eggs on sale at Sainsburys online store did not have palm oil. At one Waitrose store, it was 10 out of 29.

Palm oil, mainly produced in Indonesia and Malaysia, is attractive to Easter egg manufacturers because its resistance to oxidation gives products a longer shelf life. It is also a cheaper alternative to cocoa butter and dairy fats.

However, farmers have said that the growing use of palm oil in Easter eggs is eating into their business.

Ian Harvey, the chairman of the National Farmers Union dairy board, said: We understand palm oil and some other vegetable fats are often used by manufacturers as cheaper alternatives to cocoa butter and dairy fats, often to reduce production costs.

With the UK dairy sector facing challenging conditions due to a recent downturn in milk price, a significant oversupply of milk and production costs remaining high, we would urge all manufacturers of chocolate to back British dairy farming by continuing to source local dairy ingredients.

Glut of British milk

Muller has cut the price paid per litre from 35.5p to 34.5p at the start of February, while dairy manufacturer First Milk also cut its price by 2p per litre to 30.25p.

At the same time, fertiliser costs have risen by as much as 50 per cent since the Iran war began, which has affected dairy farmers, who require high grass yields to feed their cattle.

Steve Carpenter, a fourth-generation beef farmer from Southampton, said palm oils growing popularity among Easter egg manufacturers was bad for both farmers and the environment.

It is absolutely ludicrous  fresh milk on our doorstep and companies are choosing to ditch it to import palm oil, which is a big player in deforestation. How does this make environmental sense? he added.

Mr Carpenter said there was a glut of British milk because of a lack of demand, adding: Ive heard people having to pull the plug and let it go down the drain.

Gareth Wyn Jones, a sheep farmer from Llanfairfechan and an internet personality whose family have farmed in Wales for more than 370 years, condemned the use of palm oil, telling The Telegraph: Disgraceful behaviour  theres nothing better than milk.

In 2012, the Tory-led coalition government published a statement saying that Britain must take responsibility for its part in the palm oil problem.

It proposed that the UK should set a commitment for 100 per cent of the palm oil used in the country to be from sustainable sources that did not harm the environment or people. By 2019, some 70 per cent of palm oil imports to the UK were sustainable.

A Waitrose spokesman said: None of our own-label Easter eggs have palm oil as an ingredient in the chocolate. We have a very long track record of supporting Britains dairy farmers.

We were the first retailer to found our dedicated milk pool in 1999  many of the farmers are original members and multi-generational, showing long-term business resilience and sustainability. We monitor their costs and pay them a sustainable price that allows them to invest in their businesses.

Tesco and Sainsburys were approached for comment.
Our grandson has been unable to travel by train from Manchester to Luton to support Peterborough United without multiple changes and replacement buses. Photograph: David Levene/The Guardian (Photograph: David Levene/The Guardian)

Artemis II has successfully taken off to begin its journey to the far side of the moon (Report, 2 April). Meanwhile, this bank holiday, our grandson has been unable to travel by train from Manchester to Luton to support Peterborough United without multiple changes and replacement buses. Some direct journeys are still beyond the capabilities of man.

Toby Wood

Peterborough

 Your report (Relief for astronauts as fault fixed on Nasas $30m Artemis II toilet, 2 April) makes me recall hearing on radio that its a crude mission to see the backside of the moon.

Martin Hann

Gillingham, Kent

 Can I add X, formerly known as Twitter to Victoria Paleits list of unnecessary descriptors (Letters, 30 March).

Ron Jacob (formerly known as Ronnie)

London

 In these parts we serve mint sauce with a pie-and-pea (mushy) supper. Yum (Ways to use mint sauce without having to roast a lamb, 31 March).

Kathryn McGlynn

Dronfield, Derbyshire

 I appreciated your Wordsearch in the print edition (2 April) on the theme of sheep. I found lamb and then menu. Was that quite what was intended? Happy Easter!

Anna Watson

London

 Have an opinion on anything youve read in the Guardian today? Please email us your letter and it will be considered for publication in our letters section.
Marmalade will have to be sold as citrus marmalade when Sir Keir Starmers EU reset is implemented - Charlotte Graham

Marmalade, the famous preserve of choice for Paddington Bear, is to be renamed under Sir Keir Starmers EU reset.

The breakfast favourite will have to be sold and labelled as citrus marmalade as a result of Labours planned food deal with Brussels.

The name change is required under a proposed reset agreement with the EU, where Britain will adopt the blocs food regulations in a bid to boost trade and reduce red tape for British exporters.

Brussels has relaxed its labelling rules since Brexit, meaning its legal definition of marmalade has widened to include other non-citrus fruits.

Before Britain left the EU, European regulations incorporated into UK law meant only preserves made from citrus fruits could be sold as marmalade in shops. Other kinds of fruit spreads had to be named jam or equivalent terms in other languages.

The special commercial status for marmalade stemmed from pressure by Britain in the 1970s when it sought to protect the unique status of the famous preserve made from bitter Seville oranges.

According to popular legend, a Spanish ship carrying Seville oranges took shelter in Dundee Harbour in the late 18th century. Trader James Keiller bought the cargo and his wife, Janet, created a new type of jam, distinct from the thick, solid pastes known before.

It was recognised as the first commercial brand of orange marmalade. While the original James Keiller & Sons company ceased to exist in 1992, the brand name has been used by other manufacturers over the years.

Contrary to German linguistic tradition

The British hold on the name marmalade has, however, been a source of friction with other countries. Spain and Italy, for example, commonly use mermelada and marmellata for spreads made from other kinds of fruit, such as plums and figs.

In the face of a backlash in 2004, the EU agreed to relax the rule for producers selling fruit preserves at farmers markets in Austria and Germany.

A German MEP who had been pushing for a change after Brexit said in 2017 that the naming rules were contrary to German linguistic tradition.

Now Brussels has updated its rules to allow all EU countries to market non-citrus spreads as marmalade from June.

However, citrus-based preserves will have to be distinguished as a separate type of marmalade and sold using the new legal name citrus marmalade.

The new name was already set to take effect in Northern Ireland this summer, under the 2023 Windsor framework deal that sees the province align with EU food laws.

But the UK Government has now revealed the updated marmalade decree is among 76 updated EU food-related laws that will also apply in England, Wales and Scotland if its wider food deal is agreed.

A timescale for the rule change has yet to be finalised, but it is likely to take effect by mid-2027, when the wider agreement with the EU will be implemented.

When Labour negotiates, Britain loses

Dame Priti Patel, the shadow foreign secretary, said on X: Labour is now attacking the great British marmalade!

No idea Keir is so desperate to fit in with his EU pals and unpick Brexit, hes now looking to rename British marmalade to align with the EU.

When Labour negotiates, Britain loses big time.

A Labour source said: What is the shadow foreign secretary doing tweeting about marmalade during the Iran crisis? Thankfully the British public can cope with the word citrus being added to jar labels, so they can be exported across the continent.

The name marmalade comes from the Portuguese word marmelos, a quince paste similar in texture to an orange spread popular long before the Keillers commercialised marmalade.

Food historian Ivan Day dates the earliest known recipes for marmelet of oranges - close to what we know as marmalade today - to 1677 in a recipe book by Eliza Cholmondeley.

It has since spawned multiple varieties from thick to thin cut, and flavoured with whisky, Grand Marnier or ginger.

And, of course, there is Paddington, who has reinvigorated global interest in marmalade with a string of hit films.
Guns were left outside the home of Sir Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London - Riccardo Savi/Getty

Armed police guarding Sir Sadiq Khan left a bag of guns on the street outside his home.

The weapons, which included a Heckler & Koch carbine, Glock pistol, Taser and rounds of ammunition, were found by a passer-by in south London.

Five officers have been removed from front-line duties and the Metropolitan Polices directorate of professional standards has opened an investigation.

Jordan Griffiths, a scaffolder, 30, said his girlfriend had seen the holdall sitting by the kerbside on Tuesday evening.

He told The Sun: She went over to it and kicked it to see what it might be. But it was really heavy and didnt move.

It was lucky one of the guns inside didnt go off or else she and our baby, due next month, could have been shot and killed.

The scaffolder took the bag inside, opened it and found the weapons. He added that he had been concerned that the weapons could have ended up in the wrong hands, particularly because that evening gangs of youths had run riot in nearby Clapham.

Mr Griffiths said: I could not believe my eyes and took some pictures as proof of what we had found. I called the police and told them what I had found and within a few minutes they turned up to collect the guns.

He added: When they arrived they were really shocked. They looked through the bag carefully and hurriedly took them away.

I was told they had been left there by one of Sadiq Khans security officers, which made sense as he lives here.

Met urgently reviewing incident

It is understood that the weapons were left in the street by members of the Mets royalty and specialist protection command, which provides Sir Sadiq with 24-hour protection.

In a statement, the Met Police said: At around 9.40pm, a member of the public called police after finding a bag containing Met-issued firearms and a Taser on a street in south London.

Within seven minutes of the call to police, officers arrived at the scene and safely recovered the items. We are urgently reviewing the circumstances of this incident and recognise the concern it may cause.

At this stage it is believed the bag was misplaced by on-duty officers a short time before the member of the public located it.

We recognise the concern this may cause and an internal review was immediately launched into the circumstances.

A spokesman for Sir Sadiq said: This is a very serious incident, which has been referred to the Mets directorate of professional standards. The Met must now take all steps to ensure an incident like this never occurs again.
I discovered it growing at Langdon Beck in Upper Teesdale, and was enchanted by its beauty. Photograph: Oliver Borchert/Alamy (Photograph: Oliver Borchert/Alamy)

I was saddened to read that the grass of Parnassus (also known as the bog star) is close to extinction (UKs smallest bird of prey among 200 species at risk of extinction, study finds, 31 March). It is the county flower of both Cumberland in England, and Sutherland in Scotland.

As a pre-teen, en route to a Scottish holiday in the late 1950s, I discovered it growing at Langdon Beck in Upper Teesdale, and was enchanted by its beauty. That area was championed by the botanist David Bellamy, who led campaigns to protect the unique high moorland flora when the Cow Green reservoir was being planned. He was teaching botany at Durham University when I was a botany student in the 1960s. What a shame that, 60 years later, climate change is probably the cause of its demise.

Jean Wilson

Carshalton, London

 Have an opinion on anything youve read in the Guardian today? Please email us your letter and it will be considered for publication in our letters section.
Iranian state media posted an unverified photo believed to be part of a US air force F-15

Its the nightmare scenario that every combat pilot dreads: being shot down over enemy territory.

That may now be the reality for one American aviator, whose F-15E was blown up over Iran.

The jet is believed to have crashed close to the border with Kuwait, in the mountainous southern region of Iran.

Two pilots are thought to have ejected, but only one has been rescued.

Any rescue attempt for the other would be helped by the pilots training to evade capture.

The missing pilot will have carried out the US air forces survival, evasion, resistance and escape programme, dubbed SERE.

After the trauma of the violent ejection process, which could have broken or dislocated bones, it is this training that even a gravely injured pilot will use to stay alive.

Images of the alleged downed aircraft were circulated widely on social media

Mandatory for aircrews and the special forces, SERE can be traced back to the Second World War, when US aircrews were shot down, and often captured and exploited.

The first stage teaches aircrews how to survive in the immediate aftermath of being shot down, showing them the basics of wilderness survival, constructing shelters, finding safe sources of water, and navigating in austere environments.

In the second phase, airmen learn the art of evasion. Pilots are taught movement discipline, ways to avoid detection and how to use the terrain to hide their movement. Students are also physically pushed to show how fatigue affects decision-making.

Instructors say the goal is not comfort, but staying alive long enough to either be rescued or reach safety.

Those undertaking the course have to be fit and able to do at least 40 push-ups in two minutes, as well as eight pull-ups and 48 sit-ups in the same time. They also need to be able to run 1.5 miles in 11 minutes.

The US aviator is likely to have technology that can relay their location to American forces, who will be preparing the elite Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) team.

This is a very, very dangerous situation the pilot now faces, Chris Ryan, an SAS veteran, told The Telegraph on Friday.

Mr Ryan knows what it is like to be trapped in enemy territory and hunted. He was the only person from an eight-man team who managed to evade capture during the 1991 Gulf War in Iraq after an ill-fated patrol went wrong.

He trekked almost 200 miles, enduring freezing, sub-zero conditions and losing 2st 10lb over eight days to evade Iraqi forces and cross the border into Syria.

The pilots safest option is to go to ground, hide, and stay away from any civilisation, he added. When nightfall comes, they can think about moving. But if they do that during the day, they will be captured.

When the pilot ejected they will likely have compression injuries. They could be walking wounded its very unlikely they will be able to walk a long distance.

Sean Bell, a retired air vice-marshal and Harrier pilot, added that the ejection process could have left the aviator rattled.

Its quite a violent ride. Its not like Top Gun Maverick its a pretty brutal ride, he told Sky News.

Should they be able to move, they will need to think about evading capture. The SERE course gives aviators training on moving without exposing their position.

But even the best training does not always guarantee pilots will be able to successfully evade captors.

It was a fate that was suffered by British pilots John Nicol and John Peters during the Gulf War, when their Tornado GR1 was shot down over Iraq by a shoulder-launched surface-to-air missile in 1991.

The pair were forced to endure seven weeks as prisoners of war, where they were brutally treated by their Iraqi captors.

Mr Nicol, who was a 27-year-old navigator, recounted his trauma in a recent post for the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund.

When I was in captivity, there were times I thought my life might have ended, he said. The worst thing wasnt the torture itself, but the fear of the unknown. I dreaded doors clanking and footsteps because Id be thinking, What are they going to do now?

I can remember sitting in a chair, blindfolded and I knew there were people around me. I could feel the malevolence. But in a way, it was a relief when they started hitting me. Despite the pain, at least I knew what was happening.

This is the phase pilots need to rely on the resistance side of their training and to hold on during interrogation and torture.

Students are deliberately placed in stressful situations and have their discipline, memory control and emotional regulation tested.

The idea is not about winning the interrogation but more limiting its damage, whether thats physically or psychologically.

Sere airmen training

Should the pilot hold out and evade capture, they can expect to be rescued by CSAR staff.

The group, probably flying in a series of helicopters, will look to land next to the pilot before pulling them to safety.

But this will be far from a friendly encounter.

Its quite a traumatic thing, said Greg Bagwell, a retired air marshal. You have to treat the person youre picking up as a bad guy.

You will be bundled in and taken away until youre proven to be the person that you are.

Mr Bell added that the propaganda value for Iran, should the pilot be captured, would be immense.

Imagine now Iran would be able to parade someone on the streets, he said. How would that leave president Trump? Where would that leave the Americans?
The ambulances were set alight in north London

Police have made a sixth arrest over an arson attack on ambulances in Golders Green.

The arrest was made at Westminster magistrates court on Saturday, prosecutor Emma Harraway announced during a hearing.

Hamza Iqbal, 20, and Rehan Khan, 19, both British nationals from Leyton, and a 17-year-old boy, a dual British and Pakistani national from Walthamstow, were charged by the CPS on Friday and expected to appear in court on Saturday.

Two other men, aged 45 and 47, who were arrested last week, and are also British, were released on bail until late April.

They had been arrested as part of a Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) investigation. The case is not being treated as terrorism but CTP said that owing to the circumstances of the incident the investigation was being led by its detectives.

The four ambulances, from Hatzola a volunteer-led service operating in the Golders Green area of north-west London, were set on fire in the early hours of March 23.

Commander Helen Flanagan, head of CTP London, said: Since this appalling attack last week, we have been working continuously to investigate and identify those responsible.

The aftermath of the attack which caused the gas cylinders in the ambulances to explode - Henry Nicholls / AFP via Getty

Hatzola Northwest, the Jewish charity that owned the ambulances, provides free emergency medical care and hospital transfers. It has operated in Golders Green, home to one of Britains largest Jewish communities, since 1979.

The fire, which happened outside a synagogue, caused oxygen cylinders to explode inside the ambulances, smashing the synagogues windows and causing the road to be evacuated. The fire was brought under control and no one was injured.

Shabana Mahmood, the Home Secretary, warned that the abhorrent crime showed anti-Semitism was on the rise in Britain.

History has repeatedly screamed its warning at us. And yet here we are again, in 2026, with the oldest hatred rising once more, she told an event at the Community Security Trust, a charity that protects Jewish people.

Today, Jews in this country are being forced to live a smaller life: they are hiding the signs of their faith. They are fearful as they send their children to school. Even when they attend a hospital appointment.

It is the work of this generation to ensure that the next succeeds where we have failed and eradicates the oldest evil. Doing so requires that we admit to the scale of anti-Semitism.

Sir Mark Rowley, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, said the force would ramp up security for Jewish communities, including deploying undercover specialists to disrupt terrorist or drone attacks.
Plumes of smoke rise over the oil depot tanks hit by joint Israel-U.S. strikes.

Since the start of the U.S.-Israel war with Iran in late February, oil prices have jumped 40% to 55%, often trading above $100 a barrel (hitting $119 briefly on Tuesday) (1).

Thats due to supply disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow passage between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula. This is the main export route for oil from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Iraq, Bahrain and Iran, according to the International Energy Agency. About a quarter of the worlds seaborne oil trade flows through here (2).

Must Read

The skyrocketing price of oil is grabbing headlines  but its not the only commodity thats experiencing a dramatic price increase as the conflict in the Middle East drags on. Three niche commodities are also critical to the economy: tungsten, sulfur and helium. And some are seeing their prices rise even faster than oil.

Tungsten

This metal is almost as hard as a diamond and has the highest melting point of all metals. That makes it useful for a number of applications, powering electronics, computing and telecommunications. Its also the secret sauce for advanced AI chips, handling heat and providing electrical stability for reliable performance (3).

The price of tungsten was already rising, thanks to the insatiable demand for all things AI. But throw in a war, and that price has skyrocketed by 557% since last February  especially since its also used in military applications such as missiles, ammunition and aircraft (4).

Another issue? The metal is also scarce. China produces about 80% of the worlds tungsten supply and has tight export restrictions. More than a quarter (27%) of U.S. tungsten imports in 2024 came from China. After China, the worlds supply comes from Vietnam, Russia and North Korea. Ramping up production on home soil could take years (5, 6).

Read More: 5 essential money moves to make once youve saved $50,000

Sulfuric acid

Sulfur is used to make sulfuric acid, which is necessary for everything from fertilizer to chemical manufacturing to petroleum refining. Electronic-grade sulfuric acid is used to clean silicon wafers during the manufacture of semiconductors, so it also plays an important role in the AI era. Unlike tungsten, sulfuric acid isnt rare, but its price is also rising (7).

A two- to three-month blockage in the Strait of Hormuz would likely become a severe supply shock, especially as freight/insurance stay elevated and Middle East-origin cargoes become harder to execute, according to a March 20 note from S&P Global Energy, as reported by CNBC (8).

China also happens to be the worlds largest producer of sulphuric acid, accounting for about 35% of global production (9). Making the acid is heavily reliant on sulphur, which is a byproduct of oil refining and natural gas processing. That means production cuts to crude (as a result of missile attacks on critical facilities in the Middle East) will also impact the supply of sulphur.

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Helium

This inert gas has the lowest boiling point and melting point of all chemical elements, making it useful for a range of applications that require thermal conductivity (and not just party balloons). Its used in everything from medical diagnostic equipment to nuclear reactors. And, its critical to the production of semiconductors, allowing for precise temperature control to prevent damage during processing (10).

Prior to the war in Iran, there were already shortages of helium, but a prolonged conflict could make a bad situation even worse. Prices have doubled since the start of the war, and spot helium prices could spike by 50%200% in severe shortage scenarios, according to Fitch Ratings (11). Iranian missile attacks have also damaged an industrial center in Qatar that produces about one-third of the worlds helium.

While helium is abundant in the universe, on Earth its mainly produced from natural gas. Though the USA once controlled 95% of the helium production in the world, and currently controls around 40% of it, there are fewer than 15 helium refineries in the country, and only half a dozen large ones, according to the Center for Land Use Interpretation (12). Both China and Russia are ramping up their domestic helium capacity.

What this means for consumers

While Americans directly feel the impact of higher oil prices at the gas pump, the higher cost of tungsten, sulphuric acid and helium may be less obvious. But rising prices driven by geopolitical tensions  and, in some cases, Chinese export restrictions  could have a ripple effect through global supply chains.

Tungsten, for example, is used in car parts and EV batteries, which could lead to shortages and price surges that impact the cost of buying and owning a vehicle. Sulphuric acid is used in fertilizer, which could increase the cost of food production (and your grocery bill). And helium is used in medical devices, like MRI machines, which could lead to higher healthcare costs.

Ultimately, how much the average consumer could bear the brunt of this ripple effect is yet to be seen, and depends on how long the conflict lasts.

What To Read Next

Join 250,000+ readers and get Moneywises best stories and exclusive interviews first  clear insights curated and delivered weekly. Subscribe now.

Article sources

We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see our editorial ethics and guidelines.

The Wall Street Journal (1); International Energy Agency (2); CNBC (3, 8); OilPrice.com (4); Nasdaq (5); Minerals Education Coalition (6); Calpac Lab (7); Market Data Forecast (9); American Chemical Society (10); Fitch Ratings (11); Center for Land Use Interpretation (12)

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
The United States has sent 200 soldiers and several 4.2 ton Reaper surveillance drones to assist Nigerian forces in dealing with Islamic terrorists. Meanwhile, the government is going after Chinese citizens who continue to use Nigeria as a base for economic crimes throughout Africa. The Chinese ambassador in Nigeria assured the locals that China was cooperating in identifying and prosecuting Chinese citizens based in Nigeria and committing crimes. China is Nigerias largest trading partner and that large volume of trade is what brought Chinese gangsters and independent criminal entrepreneurs to Nigeria. China is currently owed over $5 billion by various Nigerian businesses and individuals. Nigeria is the major African exporter of oil and China is one of the top ten buyers.

At the same time, Nigeria has a lot of other problems. At the end of 2024 fighting broke out in central Nigeria, with several dead and many more wounded. Sunni Muslim Fulani raiders continue to attack mostly Christian farmers with abandon. Soldiers are unable to be everywhere at once to stop the raiders. There are similar trouble spots throughout central and northern Nigeria.

Despite the problems in the north, Nigeria is prospering, driven by increasing oil income from oil fields in the south. All sectors of the economy are improving. President Tinubu has been in office since March 2023, and concentrates on his pledges to reduce corruption in the Nigerian government. One of his first acts was to order an audit of the central bank to be followed by an audit of the federal payroll. The current economic crisis has made endemic and epidemic corruption more visible. This is very visible in the oil production industry, which has greatly inflated costs because of corruption. Higher oil prices are canceled by declines in production caused by criminals and corruption. Corruption inflates the cost of everything and reduces the quality of work done by the government, especially when it comes to infrastructure.

Nnamdi Azikiwe, who served as president from 1963 to 1966, was one of the key people in obtaining independence for Nigeria from British colonial rule. What is now Nigeria was a collection of separate kingdoms and tribal territories that Britain got involved with after it outlawed slavery in 1807 and began a decades-long campaign to suppress the slave trade between African tribes and the Americas. Slavery was an ancient custom in most of Africa, but American and European demand for more slaves led to more powerful tribes attacking weaker tribes to capture them as slaves for sale to American and European slave traders.

In 1861 Britain took control of some portions of the Nigerian coast to deal with persistent slaving by inland tribes. Twenty years later Britain had control over more territory and installed a colonial government. This led, over the next 80 years, to Nigerian nationalism and talented men like Nnamdi Azikiwe working for independence. When the 1960s Igbo rebellion broke out, he advised the Igbo government for a few years before switching back to the Nigerian government.

After independence the biggest problem was corruption fed by the growing oil wealth coming from the oil fields in the southern Niger River Delta. It was calculated that about a trillion dollars of oil income was stolen between the 1960s and the present.

Back in 2004, Islamic terrorist violence in the northeast appeared and created some lasting problems. There are still millions of refugees plus substantial economic damage in the northeastern Borno State, where it all began. There seems to be no end in sight because of corruption, but more competent leadership in the security forces reduced the violence. All this was caused by a local group of Taliban wannabes calling themselves Boko Haram. In English Boko Haram means that English Education is forbidden. Most Nigerians abhor the nihilistic Boko Haram and see this group as a threat to peace, prosperity and economic growth.

Boko Haram activity in the capital of Borno State grew for a decade until in 2014 it seemed unstoppable. It took over a year for the government to finally muster sufficient military strength to cripple but not destroy Boko Haram. This did not get much media attention outside Africa, even though in 2014 Boko Haram killed more people than ISIL/Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant did in Syria and Iraq. The main reason for Boko Haram gains in 2014 and 2015 was corruption in the army, which severely crippled effective counterterror efforts. By itself Boko Haram was too small to have much impact on a national scale, but inability to deal with this problem put a spotlight on the corruption that has hobbled all progress in Nigeria for decades.

A new president, a former general who is Moslem, was elected in early 2015 and made progress in changing the armys corrupt culture, but that is still a work in progress even though he was reelected in early 2019. More bad news was expected because of too many tribal feuds and too much corruption creating growing unrest throughout the country, which led to reduced oil income and further disputes over that, etc. This is especially bad down south in the oil producing region, the Niger River Delta. Violence against oil facilities continues. Worse, local politicians and business leaders had taken over the oil theft business.

Northern Moslems want more control over the federal government and the oil money. In northern and central Nigeria there is increasing violence as nomadic Moslem herders move south and clash with largely Christian farmers over land use and water supplies. For the last few years these tribal feuds have killed more people than Boko Haram. The situation is still capable of sliding into regional civil wars, over money and political power. Corruption and ethnic/tribal/religious rivalries threaten to trigger, at worst, another civil war and at least more street violence and public anger.
A father reads a book to three of his children.

For many American families, 529 plans are considered a cornerstone of responsible financial planning.

By mid-2025, Americans held a record of roughly $500 billion in these tax-advantaged accounts designed specifically to fund education expenses, according to Empower (1). But not everyone is convinced these accounts are the best option, including longtime financial planning expert David Blanchett.

Must Read

Blanchett prefers to save money for his four children in regular investment accounts that incur capital-gains taxes when assets are sold. For him, the freedom to decide how the money is ultimately used outweighs the benefit of tax savings (2).

Sometimes flexibility beats tax breaks

The main selling point of 529 plans is that investments grow tax-deferred and withdrawals are tax-free when used for qualified education expenses (3). But that benefit comes with strings attached. Withdraw funds for anything else and youll typically face income taxes, plus a 10% federal penalty on earnings (4).

For Blanchett, that restriction is a dealbreaker. While 529 funds arent locked away, it may not make financial sense to use them if the money isnt guaranteed to go toward education.

Standard brokerage accounts dont carry those constraints, allowing Blanchett  who isnt convinced a degree is necessarily the best way to help his children  to use savings freely for tuition or other priorities, like buying a house or emergencies, without repercussions.

We are actively saving money that we may use for college, he told the Wall Street Journal (2). But not necessarily.

Blanchetts personal experience also shaped his thinking. He and his wife had to pay off more than $400,000 in student debt, and by the time they could start saving, their oldest was close to college age, reducing the appeal of a 529s tax advantages.

Some people in Blanchetts position might have pushed to save sooner, even when they couldnt really afford to. But Blanchett believes securing the parents finances should be the first priority.

The best thing we can do for our kids is to be very stable financially and have lots of emergency savings, he said.

A shifting mindset among parents

Blanchett isnt alone in his skepticism with 529s, as other parents are also reconsidering how  and whether  to prioritize college savings for their children.

A degree is no longer considered a guaranteed path to financial security. Rising tuition costs, crowded graduate job markets and the potential for artificial intelligence to disrupt entire industries are all fueling doubts about higher educations long-term return on investment.

Parents are also increasingly expected to support children in other ways as living costs rise. These competing priorities can force difficult trade-offs, especially as parents juggle their own expenses, including saving for retirement.

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According to a 2024 survey by Northwestern Mutual, nearly three-quarters of parents are considering helping their children buy a home. Among them, 29% say helping with a home purchase is more important than paying for college, while 55% say its equally important (5).

Read More: 5 essential money moves to make once youve saved $50,000

Alternative strategies

A common alternative to 529s is investing through taxable accounts. However, there are other alternatives that parents can also explore.

For example, Lauren Ziminsky told the Wall Street Journal she chose to invest $130,000 earmarked for her two children in a rental property. Ziminsky expects the property to appreciate and plans to use a cash-out refinance to help cover future tuition, or something else if her children dont attend college.

I dont know in 10 years what college is going to mean, she said.

529 plans are evolving, but still limited

529s have become more flexible in recent years, as funds can now be used for a wider range of education-related expenses, including trade schools, K-12 tuition and student loan repayment (6).

One of the most notable recent changes allows unused 529 funds to be rolled into a Roth IRA tax-free for the beneficiary  up to a lifetime limit of $35,000. However, the rollover is subject to conditions: the account must be at least 15 years old, transfers are capped annually, and only contributions made at least five years earlier are eligible (7).

There are also legislative efforts underway to expand 529 uses further. Proposed bills in Congress would allow funds to be used for first-time home purchases, though these measures have not yet passed (8).

Even with these developments, 529 plans remain primarily designed for education spending. For some families, that limitation is enough to outweigh the tax benefits.

What To Read Next

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Article Sources

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Empower (1); The Wall Street Journal (2); Investopedia (3); Legal Clarity (4); Northwestern Mutual (5); Saving for College (6, 7); Lou Correa (8).

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
An overhead shot shows a chaotic arrangement of white and black electrical cords and white extension plugs resting on a light brown wooden floor.

Data from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis shows the price of power is rising, with average energy costs rising from $0.084 per kilowatt-hour in January 2000 to $0.192 in January 2026. Thats a nearly 130% surge in 26 years (1).

There are two culprits behind these rising costs: data centers and severe weather events (2, 3). But if you hear a humming from your appliances, dirty power could be contributing to your higher-than-average bills.

Must Read

In simple terms, dirty power is electricity with disruptions. Whether it's voltage spikes or high-frequency noise (aka harmonic distortion), electricity isnt flowing smoothly through your wiring.

According to Bob Marshall, CEO of the fire prevention company Whisker Labs, harmonic distortion works like sound distortion when you crank up the volume on a stereo system. As Marshall told Kiplinger, When your home has dirty power, your appliance motors vibrate instead of running smoothly (4).

Over time, that excessive vibration makes your appliances work harder than they should, increasing the likelihood of overheating and breaking down early.

Experts like Marshall define the danger zone for harmonic distortion is anything around 6% - 8%. At that point, Marshall says you could be paying $1,000 more in electric costs per year. Not only that, because this issue reduces energy efficiency, you may end up buying a new appliance years before the old one should have died.

How does electricity become unclean?

In part, the rise in dirty electricity distortions coincides with the rise in high-tech products and chargers (5). Every time a device rapidly switches power on and off (think phone chargers or smart appliances), it can inject these wasteful bursts of electrical noise back into your system.

But the increased burden of modern devices arent solely to blame for this phenomenon.

The quality of the utility grid also plays a role in just how clean electricity is. As electricity travels from power plants and transmission lines into homes, there are plenty of opportunities for power degradation.

Data from Whisker Labs tracked harmonic distortion in key locations throughout the U.S., and it found that Chicagos Commonwealth Edison Co. holds the title of the dirtiest dirty power offender. 41.5% of homes connected to Commonwealth Edison Co. had 8% or greater harmonic distortion for at least six months in the year (4).

Public Service Co. of Colorado had the second-highest reports for harmonic distortion at 31.5% of residences, and New Jerseys Public Service Electric & Gas Co. came in third at 15.1%.

But even if you arent in one of these hot zones for dirty electricity, chances are your infrastructure is a bit shabby. The Smart Electric Power Alliance says 70% of lines and transformers in the U.S. are at least 25 years old (6).

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Read More: 5 essential money moves to make once youve saved $50,000

How do you clean up a dirty power problem?

To figure out whether youre dealing with dirty power, start by looking for a few subtle clues from your lights and devices.

For instance, if you notice your electronics running unusually warm or your appliances wearing out faster than expected, that could point to poor power quality.

Another red flag is a stubbornly high electric bill despite trying to reduce your energy usage.

If you want more data on how dirty your energy is, you could pick up a plug-in monitor to measure voltage fluctuations, or look into a smart plug with monitoring capabilities to track energy usage and spot irregularities.

When the issue is inside your home, upgrading older, noisy devices can sometimes make a difference. You might also benefit from enhancing your system with power strips that have built-in filtering or whole-home surge protectors.

But for deeper issues like wiring problems or heavy interference, youll need an electrician to help track down the cause and recommend more targeted fixes.

Issues coming from the grid fall on your utility providers shoulders. Give your provider a call so they can perform power-quality checks and potentially address voltage swings.

Although cleaning up your energy isnt quick or easy, it could be worth the effort and investment to lower electricity bills and keep your appliances healthy for years.

What To Read Next

Join 250,000+ readers and get Moneywises best stories and exclusive interviews first  clear insights curated and delivered weekly. Subscribe now.

Article sources

We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see our editorial ethics and guidelines.

Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (1); Environmental and Energy Study Institute (2); Georgetown University (3); Kiplinger (4); Springer (5); Smart Electric Power Alliance (6)

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Gas prices are displayed at a Shell gas station on March 30, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.

Just a month ago, filling up your tank cost about $2.98 a gallon. Today, that same gallon is over $4  the first time weve seen prices this high since 2022 (1).

This increase was triggered by the ongoing US - Israel war with Iran. Part of this is that Iran has declared the Strait of Hormuz closed to all ships carrying oil, after the US and Israeli forces launched airstrikes on the country. Iran also threatened to set any vessel that tried to pass ablaze and backed those threats up with drone attacks (2).

Must Read

Matt McClain, a petroleum analyst at the gas-saving app GasBuddy, says that prices are bound to go higher if the situation persists. If the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, Ill be happy if they only stayed at $4 a gallon, he says (3).

That's a real hit to the budget of anyone commuting to an office every day. And if your job can be done from a laptop, now could be the right time to ask your boss to let you work from home.

The real cost to commuters

Before the war, the average daily commute cost for US employees had already climbed to $15 and about $5,750 annually  just to get to and from your desk. And some areas are even costlier: For example, it's $12,650 for those based in San Francisco  or nearly $35 a day (4).

Now, with the price of gas rising, some people spend $18 to $19 a day on their commute and that's for those who drive an average car that gets 24.9 miles per gallon (5).

Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy, said in an X post: 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.

This means there's a high chance these numbers will continue to rise, for as long as the Strait stays closed.

Meanwhile, workers who already have remote days are quietly saving real money. An Owl Labs study found that hybrid workers save around $42 per day on the days they work from home compared to days in the office (6).

If you're currently going in five days a week, even two days from home a week can save you a meaningful sum of money.

Read More: 5 essential money moves to make once youve saved $50,000

Why now is a good time to ask

More companies have been pushing for their employees to return to office, following the end of the COVID-19 crisis. But gas prices should have a way of reopening that conversation.

Even workplace consultancy Korn Ferry writes that the "Return-to-office efforts seemed complete  then came an oil crisis in the Middle East. With average gas prices jumping up more than 15% in a week and the cost of filling up a tank exceeding $50, the return-to-office debate appears to be heating up again" (7).

That's your opening.

The International Energy Agency  a global body representing the world's largest oil-consuming nations  also advises people to work from home to reduce gas needed for commuting and to ease the demand for energy in this crisis (8). You aren't only asking for a perk, since you are also following a global energy security protocol.

Korn Ferry's consultant, Dennis Deans, also suggests that managers reconsider which days are critical for in-office work for hybrid workers and plan around them  but they must communicate clearly to the employees that the arrangement is only until gas prices go back to normal (5).

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Your employer likely hasn't read these reports  but you can mention them.

How to make your case

Begin by focusing on whats in it for the company. Employers save an average of $11,000 per year for each remote worker, because they have reduced real estate costs, lower turnover and better productivity (9). Since hybrid settings improve your productivity and add less strain on your pocket, it's basically a win-win for you and your boss.

If they're still skeptical, propose something specific and temporary. You can ask for two or three days home per week for the next 60 days, or at least until the gas price goes down. The clear timeline and conditions provide clarity and structure that are easy to reassess.

One Denver housekeeping company did something similar. They cut required office days and also reorganized routes to reduce the driving distance between their employees homes and the office.

Also, proactively address any concerns your employer may have about reduced in-office days.

Let them know youll be available during work hours.

Agree on where and how best to reach you.

And how your productivity can be measured.

These points should help alleviate concerns about the motivations for your ask.

When gas prices ease, revisit the schedule proactively to sustain trust. And, if this arrangement works for both you and your employer within those 60 days, you may have built a precedent for something more lasting.

What if your employer still wants you in the office?

Some jobs genuinely can't be done remotely and some bosses won't approve this ask, regardless of the rationale. But there are still ways to dull some of the sting to your budget.

Carpooling even one day a week can reduce how much you spend on commuting. If you live close to your co-workers or people that are going your way, you can join them or pull money together to get gas in one car and take it to and from work.

Some employers are also adjusting in different ways. Molly Kenefick, the owner of a petcare company in Oakland, California, said shes dipping into her pockets to raise the gas reimbursement rate to 80 cents per mile for employees who use their car to pick dogs up and back, until gas drops below $5 for a sustained period.

You could throw that suggestion out as well, if it makes sense for your role and your industry.

All in all, it doesn't look like gas prices will drop anytime soon. The Energy Information Administration projects that the prices will continue to rise at least until the second quarter of 2026  and that assumes the Strait of Hormuz situation improves on schedule, which no one can guarantee (10).

What To Read Next

Join 250,000+ readers and get Moneywises best stories and exclusive interviews first  clear insights curated and delivered weekly. Subscribe now.

Article sources

We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see our editorial ethics and guidelines.

CNBC (1); Reuters (2); Yahoo (3); Urban Transport (4); ABC7news (5); Owl Labs (6); Korn Ferry (7); IEA (8); WorkTime (9); Time (10)

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Mercedes-Benz vehicles are assembled inside one of the company's plants.

Trumps auto tariffs appear to be turning into treasure for Alabamas Tuscaloosa County.

At a recent event at the countys Mercedes-Benz plant, company executives promised a $4 billion investment plan by 2030, Made In Alabama reports (1). The luxury car manufacturer also showed off the new GLE and GLS SUV models that this money will help produce.

Must Read

At the center of Mercedes decision is a simple calculation: building cars closer to its customers will help dodge the rising costs of importing them with the current auto tariffs in place.

Mercedes North America CEO Jason Hoff told Reuters that tariffs were on the companys mind, saying that investing more in the local market just makes good business sense in this environment (2).

Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz Chairman Ola Kallenius made it clear this investment was more than a short-term strategy. As he told AL.com (3), If you invest in industrial structures like this in the auto industry, you dont do that for years, you do it for decades.

Kallenius hinted this investment could ramp up production from the 250,000 to 300,000 vehicles the plant currently produces annually to 340,000 vehicles per year.

Mercedes-Benz joins a growing list of foreign automakers that are deciding to double down on their U.S. investments in the wake of Trumps tariffs, as Honda (4) and Hyundai (5) have also announced massive deals to build more cars in U.S. facilities.

Tariffs take $35B out of the auto industry

According to a recent study from Automotive News, the auto industry is paying big time due to Trumps tariffs. Using data from the worlds largest automakers, analysts found these car manufacturers have already collectively paid $35 billion in tariff fees (6).

For Mercedes-Benz in particular, tariffs wiped out about $1.2 billion, contributing to a 57% profit plunge, according to CNBC (7). But thats a comparatively minor hit versus other automakers. For instance, Toyota paid $9.1 billion in the past year due to the U.S. tariffs on auto parts and vehicles (8).

And it doesnt appear that auto manufacturers will see any relief in the near term. Although the Supreme Court overturned some of Trumps tariffs on foreign imports, that ruling reportedly didnt include cars or auto parts (9).

Given these dynamics, it makes sense that more companies like Mercedes-Benz are stepping up their U.S. investments. But what does any of this matter for Americans who may be in the market for a new car?

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Read More: 5 essential money moves to make once youve saved $50,000

American built, but still expensive

It makes sense that car models made in U.S. plants should cost less for local buyers. In reality, however, you probably arent going to see a significant decrease as long as tariffs are still in place.

As Kelly Blue Book (KBB) notes (10), No vehicle made at an assembly plant in the United States is 100% made here. While reinvestment in U.S. plants may have an effect on local employment, its unlikely to dramatically change the costs youll see for new cars. In fact, its quite the contrary: Costs for vehicles are only expected to climb as long as the extra tariff fees are in place.

As of January 2026, KBB found the average price for a new car is $49,191, nearly 2% higher than last year (11). KBB also said the era of paying $20,000 or less for a new car is likely gone forever.

For imported cars, KBB estimates you should prepare for a $5,000 to $8,900 price increase over last year due to tariffs (12). Although U.S.-made cars dont have these dramatic increases, theyre still up $1,600 to $2,000.

And the used car market isnt being spared. Used cars hit an average cost of $26,043 per KBB at the end of 2025, up 3% from the prior year (13).

So, even though tariffs are reshaping where vehicles are built, car buyers shouldnt expect that fact to magically lower costs.

What To Read Next

Join 250,000+ readers and get Moneywises best stories and exclusive interviews first  clear insights curated and delivered weekly. Subscribe now.

Article Sources

We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see our editorial ethics and guidelines.

Made In Alabama (1); Reuters (2, 4); AL.com (3); Hyundai News (5); Automotive News (6); CNBC (7); Car and Driver (8); The Car Guide (9); Kelley Blue Book (10, 11, 12, 13).

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
by Maria Casadei

About 174 million voters will cast their ballot in the coming weeks in Assam, West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Pondicherry. The results will be announced together on 4 May. These elections are crucial for the national balance of power, as these areas tend to be less favourable to Modis ruling party. In Kerala Mamata Banerjee is seeking a fourth term, reaching out to secure the Christian vote.

Milan (AsiaNews)  Voting will take place in April to pick about 800 seats in state assemblies in Assam, West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Pondicherry.

These elections are an important test to measure the strength of Indias opposition parties and the level of support for Indias ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in traditionally less favourable. Areas.

Approximately 174 million people are eligible to vote in the upcoming elections for state assemblies with results set to be released at the same time on 4 May.

In Assam, the main contest is between the countrys two main coalitions: the BJP's National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, and the Indian National Congress (INC), whose campaign has been focused on the rights of indigenous peoples and flood management.

The NDA is running on a platform centred on development and reforms such as the National Register of Citizens (NRC), a highly controversial project aimed at identifying and deporting illegal immigrants.

Elections in Pondicherry are also characterised by a two-way race, with the incumbent party, the All India NR Congress, in alliance with the BJP, is considered the favourite over the left-wing INC-DMK coalition.

In Kerala, the Left Democratic Front (LDF) faces discontent with the incumbent government, while the United Democratic Front (UDF) appears to be on the rise, alongside a BJP that is seeking to expand its hitherto limited presence.

The focus of the election campaign is on the minority vote, especially among Muslims and Christians, who are seen as crucial to victory.

While the Muslim community, mainly present in the northern part of the state, is expected to vote predominantly for the UDF, Christians, around 18 per cent of the population, could be influenced by regional factors, such as the crisis in education, internal tensions within the Syro-Malabar Christian community, and the Munambam land affair, a dispute between the Christian and Muslim communities over land.

According to analysts, the Christian community, historically close to the UDF, could partially shift its vote toward the LDF or the BJP, who have addressed these issues during the election campaign to win over crucial voters.

In West Bengal, current Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of the Trinamool Congress is seeking a fourth term, following her landslide victory in 2021, which she achieved thanks in part to welfare policies such as the Lakshmir Bhandar programme for women and plans to promote rural employment.

In Tamil Nadu, the entry of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, led by Tamil actor Vijay, and the Naam Tamizhar Katchi will complicate the race, although the main contest remains between the two alliances led by the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the opposition All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.

These elections represent the second round of voting held in places where the Special Intensive Review (SIR) process has been completed, a campaign undertaken by the Election Commission of India to verify citizens' identities and update the voter rolls.

This operation has been heavily criticised. The commission has yet to provide explanations for some anomalies that emerged during the review, including a lower sex ratio in most states except Tamil Nadu and a high number of cancellations compared to the estimated adult population.

The SIR factor could have repercussions on the results in West Bengal, where approximately six million people are still ineligible to vote due to "logical discrepancies" in their applications, which are currently being reviewed by court officials.

With the exception of Assam, in the other states where elections will take place, the ruling BJP has less influence, and the elections will be decided primarily over the performance of state governments and local issues.

For this reason, these elections are significant since these states represent the largest bloc of ideological opposition to the BJP in the country.

The results will reveal a lot about the level of political polarisation India has experienced over the past five years and provide insight into the current political power relations in the country.

Party funding is going to have an impact on the outcome of these elections, since a clear gap exists.

According to the latest report published by the Association of Democratic Reforms, between 2024 and 2025, the BJP received up to ten times more money than all other parties, for a total of more than half a billion dollars.

The distribution of donations is also significant: Delhi is the most generous, followed by the states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, West Bengal, and Karnataka.

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In the Philippines, more than six million people joined the Alay Lakad, the nighttime pilgrimage in Antipolo, while in Quezon province, a group of farmers interrelated the stories of the Passion with their own struggle to defend their lands. In Arunachal Pradesh, young people are celebrating the Easter Triduum by praying for religious harmony in India. The World Council of Churches in South Korea called for conversion and shared a prayer dedicated to the painful division between North and South.

Milan (AsiaNews)  Across Asia, Christian communities are celebrating Good Friday today with rites of popular devotion, sacred representations, and significant gestures and words of conversion from the evils of our time.

More than six million Catholics gathered early this morning at the Antipolo Cathedral for the annual tradition of Alay Lakad (walk offering), one of the foremost pilgrimages in the Philippines during Holy Week. The faithful reached the shrine after walking throughout the night from various locations in Metro Manila and Rizal, expressing penance and gratitude.

Known as the Pilgrimage Capital of the Philippines, Antipolo is a key site commemorating the Passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Bishop Ruperto Santos of Antipolo thanked the faithful who took part in the Alay Lakad, emphasising that their observance of the tradition every Holy Thursday is a clear sign of the strong and living faith of the Filipinos.

Maria Lourdes Lim, a mother of four, spoke to AsiaNews about this event, saying that the annual pilgrimage is part of our family tradition to repent, renew ourselves, and love the Lord. Remembering her parents who also performed this gesture from Manila, she added that, The tradition is a form of our love for Jesus.

Likewise, Ryan Villanueva, another pilgrim, noted that participating in the Alay Lakad firmly strengthens one's faith.

Also in the Philippines, but in Quezon province, popular devotion this year provided the opportunity to give voice to the thirst for justice.

In the town of Sariaya, farmers who lost their land after the revocation of their Certificates of Title Assignment (CLOA) turned to the Holy Week tradition of reading the Pasyong Mahal (Passion Love) to find strength to continue their fight to regain their fields.

Danny Carranza, secretary general of the Movement for Genuine Agrarian Reform and Social Justice (Kilusan Para sa Tunay na Repormang Agraryo at Katarungang Panlipunan, Katarungan), told the Philippines Inquirer that this practice is not only a reminder of Jesuss sacrifice, but also a living testimony to their ongoing struggle for dignity and rights.

Since Holy Wednesday, affected farmers in several wards (barangays) in Sariaya, especially those without a CLOA and others fearing the loss of their land rights, have organised the pabasa, or communal reading of the Passion. Coconut farmers also joined in this religious ritual.

The Pasyong Mahal is a text in Filipino that recounts the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and is traditionally sung or read continuously during Holy Week, often until the afternoon of Good Friday.

In India, some 400 young people in the northeastern Diocese of Miao are participating in the third annual Yotuh Pascha in St George's Parish in Deomali.

Your prayers are needed for our country now more than ever, said Bishop George Palliparambil, highlighting the challenges facing the world and the country: war, hatred, social unrest, and religious discrimination, including violence against Christians.

The latter scourge is aggravated by political interests that amplify divisions for electoral gain, threatening the social fabric and peaceful coexistence.

For his part, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi published a post on X today, reiterating the significance of this day for Christians.

Good Friday reminds us of Jesus Christs sacrifice. May this day further deepen the values of harmony, compassion and forgiveness. May brotherhood and hope guide us all, the prime minister wrote.

Finally, in South Korea, the local chapter of the World Council of Churches published a prayer for Easter that mentions the ever-open wound of the separation between north and south.

God, we confess our sin.

Even as we speak of peace, we have deepened distrust and chosen confrontation.

Even as we speak of reconciliation, we have excluded one another.

Even as we speak of coexistence, we have pursued only our own interests.

Even as we speak of life, we have relied on military power and the logic of hostility,

Merciful God, awaken us from this foolishness and turn us back to you,

May the South and the North lay down hostility and move toward peace.

Lead us beyond the armistice toward a true peace system,

and toward the path of a peace treaty.

Let broken relationships be restored.

Let blocked paths be opened, so that exchange and cooperation may begin again.

Teach us to speak words of respect instead of threat,

and to build lasting trust beyond temporary interests.

(Santosh Digal contributed to this article)

Photo: a sacred representation of the Passion of Jesus in a village of the Apostolic Vicariate of Kompong Cham in Cambodia (from the Catholic Church in Cambodia profile).
Today's news: Former Iranian Foreign Minister Zarif urges Iran to declare victory and seek an agreement with Trump on ending the war. Pakistan offers oil tankers Pakistani registration to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. By 2025, renewable energy will reach nearly 50 per cent of global electricity capacity. Tencent Video launches a TV channel for dogs and cats, tapping into a rapidly growing economic niche in China.

MYANMAR

As widely expected, Myanmar's parliament today elected Min Aung Hlaing as the countrys new president. The 69-year-old general has ruled the Southeast Asian nation since overthrowing the elected government of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi in a coup in 2021. His transition from junta leader to head of a civilian-fronted administration comes after elections that analysts say were engineered by the military to maintain their grip on power and exclude Suu Kyi's now-dissolved party. Since the coup, the general has had limited diplomatic contact with many of Myanmar's regional neighbours and has rarely spoken to non-state-controlled media.

WAR IN THE MIDDLE EAST

US President Donald Trump has escalated his threats against Iran, warning that the US military hasn't even started" to destroy what remains of the country's infrastructure after a US strike demolished the nation's largest bridge. Meanwhile, Iranian missiles rained down on Israel and the Gulf states again last night. Former Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif called on Iranian leaders to declare victory and end the war, outlining a plan for how Iran could seek an agreement with Trump on acceptable terms.

PAKISTAN  GULF

The operator of an oil tanker recently stranded in the Persian Gulf received an offer: to safely leave the area by crossing the Strait of Hormuz under Iranian navy escort, on the condition that it change its registration and fly the Pakistani flag. The offer, made by the Pakistani government, was not accepted. Islamabad is contacting major commodity traders to find ships willing to temporarily sail under its flag. The goal is to allow large supertankers to transit and show the success of its diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions in the region.

WORLD

Renewable energy reached nearly 50 per cent of global electricity capacity in 2025, driven primarily by a sharp increase in solar power, this according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). Total capacity reached a record 5,149 GW, an increase of 692 GW compared to 2024. Solar led the way (+511 GW), followed by wind. Renewables have grown much faster than fossil fuels and have protected some countries from energy market shocks. Despite geopolitical tensions, the sector is approaching the global goal of tripling capacity by 2030, although slightly more growth will be needed.

CHINA

Chinese tech giant Tencent Video launched Pet TV, China's first streaming channel specifically designed for dogs and cats. Since 20 March, the channel is available to the platform's VIP subscribers, costing about 25 yuan (US$ 3.60) per month, featuring videos for specific dog breeds. Tencent aims to capitalise on China's growing pet business. A 2025 report by multinational auditing firm KPMG found that the country's urban pet market exceeded 300 billion yuan (about US$ 44 billion) in 2024 and is expected to exceed 400 billion yuan in 2027.

RUSSIA

This summer, Russia plans to regulate cryptocurrency circulation and legalise the sector. On 30 March, the government approved various bills, drafted by the Central Bank, which are expected to be tabled in the State Duma this week. The bills ban cryptocurrency transactions in the country without regulated intermediaries and introduce a series of restrictions for investors.

AZERBAIJAN

A total ban on the import, export, production, storage, sale, and use of e-cigarettes came into effect in Azerbaijan on 1 April. The law was amended to allow the heating of tobacco, but specifies that "equipment intended for vapour inhalation, whether or not containing nicotine," is not permitted. Hefty fines of up to US$ 350 for individuals and US$ 3,500 for companies are also in place.
Gibraltar Contingency Council Conducts Security Review

The Gibraltar Contingency Council (GCC) met yesterday to review the current security environment and assess potential implications for Gibraltar arising from recent global developments.

Co-chaired by His Excellency the Governor, Lieutenant General Sir Ben Bathurst KCVO CBE, and the Chief Minister, the Hon Fabian Picardo KC MP, the Council undertook a detailed assessment of Gibraltars security posture in light of evolving international risks. The GCC noted the heightened tensions in the Middle East, particularly following the recent United States  Israel strikes against Iran. The GCC discussed the potential for wider regional instability and examined any associated risks for Gibraltar. The Council emphasised the importance of maintaining robust situational awareness given the dynamic and unpredictable nature of the current environment.

The ongoing threat posed by the Russian Federation was also considered. The GCC acknowledged continued attempts by Russia aligned actors to undermine Western states through hybrid means, including malicious cyber activity. The Council noted the increased likelihood of cyber operations linked to geopolitical tensions, including pro Russia hacktivist activity targeting UK interests.

The GCC further reviewed the wider security picture across Europe and the Mediterranean. The meeting highlighted Gibraltars enduring strategic importance as a forward operating base for UK defence assets. The Council noted the recent deployment of HMS Dragon to the Middle East via Gibraltar as part of wider UK and allied operations as well as the refitting of RFA Lyme Bay for mine countermeasure operations. Such activities again demonstrate Gibraltars longstanding role in supporting regional security and stability.

The GCC confirmed that, despite the complex global situation, there is currently no specific or immediate threat to Gibraltar and that the threat from terrorism remains at MODERATE, meaning that an attack is possible, but not likely. Nevertheless, the Council agreed that Gibraltars security and contingency arrangements will continue to be kept under constant review. Relevant law enforcement agencies remain vigilant and will maintain close coordination with UK partners.

The public is reminded to remain alert but not alarmed, and to report any suspicious activity to the Royal Gibraltar Police.

The Gibraltar Contingency Council will reconvene as required.
The thousands of people employed on large ships, mostly Filipinos, Indians, and Indonesians, are unable to disembark or be repatriated, while those who were set to leave have suddenly been left without work. Psychological pressure and uncertainty are growing among crews. While the human cost is ignored, business remains the priority, this according to Scalabrinian missionary Father Paulo Prigol who spoke to AsiaNews.

Manila (AsiaNews)  The conflict in the Middle East, in particular the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, is having repercussions not only on global trade and energy markets, but also on the lives of thousands of seafarers. Trapped between job uncertainty and growing psychological pressure, some are stranded in their home countries with no prospect of earning a living or stuck on ships that have suddenly found themselves caught up in a war.

I think the news you read about numbers, problems, oil, war, ships . . . the business side and its effects are clear. Perhaps what is missing is the human and mental cost of it all, said Father Paulo Prigol, speaking to AsiaNews.

The Scalabrinian missionary has been working for years alongside Philippine seafarers, who represent approximately 27 per cent of the staff employed on large ships around the world.

According to the International Maritime Organization, at least 20,000 seafarers are currently stranded on thousands of ships or at risk due to missile attacks and growing instability in the region.

Crews  comprising not only Filipinos, but also Indians, Indonesians, and other Asian nationals  have been among the main victims of the conflict, exposed to war without adequate protection.

Since the start of the conflict, more than 20 attacks on commercial vessels have been reported, resulting in at least 10 deaths, even though only four or five ships pass through the Strait per day, compared to 150 before the war.

In a month, international organisations have received more than a thousand requests for help.

The approximately 2,000 ships in the Persian Gulf are at least supplied with food, water, and fuel by companies based in Saudi Arabia and Oman.

The United Nations has emphasised that many seafarers have no option to leave their ships or be repatriated, while others have seen their departures cancelled or delayed.

Added to this are payment difficulties due to lost earnings and increasing pressure on shipping companies unable to complete shipments  a situation the UN has compared to the Second World War era.

Beyond the numbers and the economic impact, the human cost of the crisis is starkly evident.

When the conflict broke out, many workers were ready to leave, explained Father Prigol, director of several Stella Maris centres providing support to seafarers and their families.

The same day the war broke out, in all our centres, seafarers already at the airport, had to return, the priest said. The dream of providing for themselves, families, etc., was postponed, generating uncertainties, anxiety and mental challenges as the job that was so near, now was so far and uncertain.

Psychological distress has recently become evident in Philippine reception centres and chapels frequented by seafarers.

Two weeks ago, in our Masses and dormitories, we asked more than 300 seafarers: Are you anxious? The great majority said yes, noted the Brazilian-born missionary.

When asked about their willingness to be sent to a war zone, answers were ambivalent. In principle yes, but in practice they expressed a lot of internal, personal conflict: To stay means no job; to leave is risky; how do I explain to my family this situation when I am expected to be the bread winner?

Fear is a constant presence. To the question: are you afraid of going to that area? All of them answered positively, which is mentally challenging and personally conflictual.

The crisis in the Strait of Hormuz has reignited the debate over the crucial, and essential role by largely invisible workers in the functioning of the global economic system. The slogan "no shipping, no shopping" is often used to emphasise the importance of seafarers.

But according to Father Prigol, workers are frustrated because they perceive the gap between statements and reality.

World authorities are very worried about business, making seafarers, the second or third priority. While no shipping, no shopping is true at the moment, their (workers) feeling is that this is just rhetoric to keep business as usual, that business is more important than the human element.

The United Nations has called for greater protection for crews by providing safe corridors, psychological support, and respect for fundamental rights. However, on the ground, the perception remains that the system continues to function despite the risks, once again placing the burden of the crisis on Asian workers.

Photo: a seminar on seafarers' rights in times of war at a Stella Maris centre in Manila.
3 April 2026 08:30 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

On Thursday, two of the world's most powerful energy companies signed a document that said something significant about where they think the future of energy production lies. TotalEnergies, the French integrated energy company, and Masdar, the UAE's clean energy champion, agreed to form a $2.2 billion joint venture to build solar, wind, and battery storage projects in nine Asian countries. The countries range from Japan to Indonesia, from South Korea to Singapore. And, in a somewhat quieter manner, from Azerbaijan.

For a country that has built its current identity and virtually all of its export earnings on oil and gas, the inclusion is not accidental. Rather, it represents the latest in a series of steps that, collectively, begin to outline the contours of a country in transition: from hydrocarbon exporter to clean energy exporter, from pipeline route to green electricity route, from fossil fuel-based economy to...well, to something rather more complicated, and arguably more sustainable.

The joint venture will operate on a 50/50 basis and will be based at Abu Dhabi Global Market. It will function as the sole platform for both firms onshore renewable energy activities in the nine markets. The joint venture will have a portfolio of 3 GW of currently operational assets and 6 GW of projects in advanced development stages, which are set to come on line by 2030. It will have 200 personnel from both firms.

Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Chairman of Masdar, framed the deal in explicitly strategic terms: "Asia will be the main driver of global electricity demand growth in this decade," he said at the signing. "The partnership with TotalEnergies will accelerate our development on the continent by opening up new opportunities to provide competitive and reliable energy solutions." Patrick Pouyanne, TotalEnergies' chairman and CEO, described it as a chance to "combine the strengths of our two companies to secure significant positions in these markets and create more value than if we were acting alone."

"Masdar embodies this approach. We are a pioneer in the development of renewable energy in Central Asia and the Caucasus, and proud to have an expanding portfolio in the most promising, emerging markets of the Asia-Pacific region"- Sultan Al Jaber, Chairman of Masdar

What Azerbaijan brings to the table?

The involvement of Azerbaijan in this project stems from the country's exceptional potential for renewable energy, which has so far remained underutilized. Azerbaijan's technical potential for renewable energy has been estimated at 135 GW onshore and 157 GW offshore in the Caspian Sea, according to the country's and IEA's assessments. To better understand the potential for growth in this country, it must be noted that the total electricity-generating potential of Azerbaijan is 7 GW, and its technical potential for renewable energy is 135 GW onshore and 157 GW offshore in the Caspian Sea.

The potential for growth in this country is enormous, considering the difference between its potential and its actual installations so far. Masdar has already invested heavily in this country. Garadagh Solar Power Plant, a 230 MW plant near Baku in Azerbaijan, which was inaugurated in 2023 and is the biggest solar plant in the Caspian region, was constructed in collaboration with the country's government. Further Masdar projects are underway: a 445 MW solar plant in Bilasuvar, a 315 MW facility in Neftchala, and a 240 MW wind farm spanning the Absheron Peninsula and Garadagh districts. Saudi Arabia's ACWA Power, meanwhile, is constructing a 230 MW wind farm in Khizi-Absheron and has signed agreements for a 1 GW onshore wind farm and a 1.5 GW offshore wind farm with battery storage. BP's Shafag project is building a 240 MW solar plant in the liberated Jabrayil region.

The challenge is not just to produce clean electricity. It is to deliver it to the market. And here, Azerbaijan has made arguably its single most important gamble. In December 2022, Baku signed an agreement with Georgia, Romania, and Hungary, with a 2.3 billion commitment from the European Commission to fund the project, to build the Black Sea Submarine Cable: a high-voltage cable running underwater from Anaklia, a Black Sea port on Georgia's coast, to Constanta in Romania, where it directly connects to the EU electricity grid.

The cable, which has the potential to supply up to 1.3 GW in the first phase, or the power requirements of a million European homes, will enable Azerbaijan to supply clean and green energy directly to the European Union. A study by the Italian engineering consultancy CESI, undertaken in November 2024 in Baku in the wake of the COP29 conference, has confirmed the viability of the project. The cable project has entered the marine survey stage. A memorandum of understanding has been signed by Siemens Energy and the joint venture company. The operational date has been targeted for 2032. Azerbaijan aims to export up to 4 GW via the corridor in a phased manner and reach a capacity of 25 GW by 2037.

Key facts about the Black Sea Cable project:

Route: Anaklia, Georgia  Constanta, Romania - 1,195 km total (1,100 km underwater). The world's longest submarine electricity cable of its kind.

Capacity: Phase 1 - 1.3 GW. The capacity of the cable in the future is up to 6 GW. Azerbaijan plans to export 4 GW in phases. The capacity may reach 25 GW by 2037.

Partners involved: Azerbaijan - AzerEnerji, Georgia - Georgian State Electrosystem, Romania - Transelectrica, Hungary - MVM. The joint venture - Green Energy Corridor Power Company. The headquarters of the joint venture - Bucharest.

Finance: The European Commission has allocated 2.3 billion euros for the financing of the cable. The World Bank has provided a $35 million loan for the preparatory work. The EU has designated this cable as one of the five flagship projects.

The challenge in the project: The route of the cable in the Black Sea is close to the Ukrainian conflict zone. There are also the issues of the presence of free-floating mines in the region, the safety of the cable-laying vessel, and the political instability in the region. According to the IEEE, there are only two companies in the world able to lay such a cable - Prysmian and Nexans.

The Black Sea cable is but one direction in which Azerbaijan is seeking to pursue its goals. The presidents of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan signed a strategic partnership for green energy development and transmission in Central Asia at COP 29 in Baku. The three countries formed a joint venture called Green Corridor Union, connecting the grid operators of the countries. The Asian Development Bank and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank signed memoranda of understanding with respect to the project. Azerbaijan is located at the western end of this route, connecting Central Asia's renewable energy to both European markets via the Black Sea and Middle Eastern markets via the South Caucasus.

Of course, there is tension in all of this. Azerbaijan's oil and gas industry still generates more than 90 percent of its export revenues and half of its gross domestic product. Azerbaijan is both increasing its gas exports to the EU and planning to increase its gas production by a third by 2030, while at the same time positioning itself as a clean energy leader. The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace has noted, for instance, that Azerbaijan's Paris Agreement targets are "relatively unambitious, aiming for a 40 percent emissions reduction by 2050 without specifying a date for net-zero emissions."

But the investments are real, the infrastructure is being built, and the partnerships being forged  with Masdar, ACWA Power, TotalEnergies, BP, the European Commission, the World Bank, the ADB  carry a weight that rhetoric alone cannot account for. What is being built in Azerbaijan is not a clean energy revolution in the activist sense. What is being built in Azerbaijan is more pragmatic and, in a different sense, more interesting: a hydrocarbon state building the infrastructure to be indispensable to its neighbors and partners long after the oil and gas are gone. The pipeline state is building cables. The gas state is building wind farms. And the state connecting East and West is becoming, incrementally and by design, a state connecting East and West in a corridor for something green.
3 April 2026 17:46 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

There is a popular saying in Azerbaijani: Its so absurd it would make a cooked chicken laugh or, in its English alternative,"when pigs fly". Listening to statements from Russian officials, one cannot help but recall this expression. The latest remarks by Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk regarding the TRIPP project (or the Zangezur Corridor) are no exception.

Overchuk claimed that recent regional agreements have "disrupted the regional balance that has existed since the 1828 Treaty of Turkmenchay."

It is difficult to comprehend this Russian obsession with historical stagnation. The world is evolving at breakneck speed, yet a Deputy Prime Minister speaks with pride about a 200-year-old status quo as if freezing time were a diplomatic achievement. Someone should remind Mr Overchuk that when the Treaty of Turkmenchay was signed in 1828, the world was just discovering the steam locomotive. Today, we are discussing Artificial Intelligence and space colonisation. Russia, however, praises a world order from two centuries ago. One wonders why they stopped at 1828 - why not go back to the era of the dinosaurs? In geopolitics, the only constant is change. History is littered with empires that either adapted to change or were swept into the dustbin of history.

Moving further, Overchuk indirectly labelled these transit projects a threat to the sovereignty of Armenia and Iran. To understand the irony here, one must look at Russian political history through an Orwellian lens. In George Orwells 1984, words are deleted from the dictionary to limit thought. Russia hasn't deleted the words; it has simply inverted their meanings.

Consider the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution. It promised a "workers' and peasants' republic" built on justice. Yet, when the Iron Curtain fell, it became clear that Soviet workers and villagers were living in far more miserable conditions than those in the "exploitative" capitalist West. The Bolsheviks also claimed to abolish feudalism, yet they preserved its most extractive mechanismsbiar (corvee labour) and serfdomwell into the 1970s. Under the guise of the state, peasants remained tied to the land, denied passports, and paid in grain rather than wages to ensure they could never leave the village. This was not progress; it was feudalism with a red flag.

We see the same linguistic distortion in the "Democratic Republics" that Russia helped establish during the Cold War. Generally, if a country has "Democratic Republic" in its name and Russia acted as its midwife, you can be certain it is neither democratic nor a republic. More often than not, these states function as corrupt hereditary monarchies.

Now, Overchuk is attempting to frighten Armenian society, suggesting that the TRIPP project is a dagger to their sovereignty. But let us look at the reality of Armenian "sovereignty" prior to Nikol Pashinyan:

Russia guarded Armenias borders with Iran and Turkiye.

Russia controlled Armenias airspace and its primary airport.

Russian companies controlled the generation and distribution of Armenias electricity.

Armenia was entirely dependent on Russian gas, distributed by a Russian monopoly.

Russia operated Armenias railways and dominated its banking system.

In light of these facts, one must ask: What sovereignty is left to lose? Can a country truly be called sovereign when it does not guard its own borders, control its own skies, or own its own financial markets?

On the contrary, the opening of the Zangezur Corridor and the realisation of the TRIPP project will act as a catalyst for Armenian sovereignty, not a threat to it. We are witnessing a clear correlation: as Armenia seeks to normalise relations with Azerbaijan, its genuine independence grows in direct proportion to its distance from Moscow's orbit.

The practical signs of this shift are already visible. Armenia has begun reclaiming its own borders, such as taking over security at its national airport from Russian guards. However, the most significant blow to the "suffocating embrace" is occurring in the energy sector. For decades, Armenia was a captive market for Russian energy, but today it is actively diversifying its lifeline.

A pivotal element of this newfound autonomy is the emerging energy cooperation with Azerbaijan. By opening the door to importing fuel from Azerbaijan, Armenia is effectively dismantling the Russian energy monopoly that held its economy hostage for a generation. This regional integration, coupled with the landmark agreement with the United States to develop modular nuclear reactors, marks a strategic pivot toward total energy independence.

Ultimately, Armenian society must confront a harsh reality: the greatest threat to its statehood is not the TRIPP Corridor, but the reliance on Russia. It was under the rule of the pro-Russian Karabakh clique that Armenia was reduced to a peripheral outpostisolated, impoverished, and so devoid of hope that one in every six citizens felt forced to leave the country.

A new historical reality has emerged on the shores of the Aras River. Armenia now stands at a crossroads: it can either embrace this regional integration and become a sovereign partner in a modern Caucasus, or it can allow Russia to drag it back onto the dustbin of history.
3 April 2026 14:45 (UTC+04:00)

By Ulviyya Poladova | AzerNEWS

Recent developments in the Gulf, particularly the tightening situation in the Strait of Hormuz amid the backdrop of tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran, have accelerated the European Unions search for alternative energy routes.

Contrary to Washingtons expectations, European leaders are pursuing a dual-track approach: seeking stability in the region while simultaneously taking steps to diversify energy supplies. In this context, the South Caucasus, and more precisely, the energy resources of the Caspian basin, has firmly entered the EUs strategic focus.

As a result, the Caspian energy corridor is steadily gaining prominence within the EUs framework of interests. This suggests that the Caspian region is increasingly viewed not only as an energy partner but also as a relatively secure and reliable zone in a volatile geopolitical landscape.

Some sources indicate that, given the growing risks in the Gulf, there are already discussions about the future redirection of energy flows from the region towards the South Caucasus, from where they could be distributed onwards to European markets. Amid rising tensions, particularly surrounding Iran, and the threat of supply disruptions, such projects are no longer seen as distant ambitions but as emerging necessities.

Within this shifting landscape, Azerbaijan is strengthening its position as a reliable energy partner, expanding gas exports to Europe and reinforcing its strategic importance.

Azerbaijan plays a key role in the energy sector, particularly through its oil and gas resources and the infrastructure it has developed to transport them to European markets. The Southern Gas Corridor, which includes the Trans-Anatolian Pipeline and the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline, remains central to Europes efforts to diversify its energy sources.

In early March, President Ilham Aliyev reiterated the countrys ambition to expand its footprint in the European energy market, noting that Azerbaijan has already begun supplying gas to Germany and Austria. As a result, ten EU member states now receive Azerbaijani gas, with further increases expected as new production comes online.

This development is increasingly regarded in Brussels as one of the most viable alternative options for the European Union, even if Azerbaijans overall supply capacity remains smaller compared to that of Gulf producers. The central question, however, remains the stabilisation of the Gulf and the stance European leaders will adopt in their relations with Iran.

Tehran, for its part, has signalled openness to agreements with European, Asian and Arab countries regarding the use of the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian officials have emphasised their control over the strait and suggested the possibility of formal arrangements governing its use.

At the same time, the European Union is working towards ending its dependence on Russian gas by 2027. It is worth recalling that Russia previously accounted for more than 40% of Europes gas supply. While Europe has increased imports of liquefied natural gas from the United States, pricing concerns have limited its long-term attractiveness.

It is known that the European Union is working to completely abandon Russian gas from 2027, renewing its energy sources. It should be recalled that Russia previously supplied more than 40 per cent of Europes gas reserves. At the same time, Europe has imported significant volumes of liquefied natural gas from the United States. However, in terms of price, this has not satisfied Europe in the long term. The recent statements made by Donald Trump have also created somewhat different opinions. His desire to withdraw from the Gulf and the message he has given to European leaders have not been received unequivocally. In fact, Trumps emphasis that he is not interested in Hormuz and that these interests are supposedly more important for Europe has raised a number of questions.

US President Donald Trump has claimed that the US authorities do not need supplies through the Strait of Hormuz. According to him, the restoration of navigation through this strategic route should be handled by those countries that use it to transport oil.

We dont need it. The countries that receive oil through the Strait of Hormuz are obliged to protect this passage. They need to take control of it, Trump said.

The US president also said that the United States has more oil reserves than Russia and Saudi Arabia combined, and is no longer dependent on Middle Eastern energy resources.

Taken together, these signals suggest a growing divergence between Washington and Brussels. While the United States appears increasingly disengaged from the Gulfs strategic energy routes, the European Union finds itself compelled to reassess its position.

As in the case of Ukraine, a familiar pattern is emerging: Europe is being pushed towards a more independent geopolitical and energy strategy. This raises a fundamental questionhow will the EU redefine its policy in the Middle East and the Gulf, and can the Caspian corridor truly become a cornerstone of its energy security?
3 April 2026 14:00 (UTC+04:00)

On April 2, a signing ceremony was held at The Grand for a cooperation agreement between Sea Breeze and Raffle Group, together with Accor Group, for the development of the Swissotel & Raffle Residences project at Sea Breeze. The agreement was signed by the founder and owner of Sea Breeze, Emin Agalarov, co-owner of Raffle Group, a premium real estate developer, Rafail Nuri, and the Vice President of Development at Accor Group, Philippe Bone, AzerNEWS reports.

Today marks another important milestone for Sea Breeze with the signing of an agreement for the development of the Swissotel hotel and Raffle Residences. Construction of the complex with a unique architecture, located next to the future Casino, is set to begin in the near future. I am confident that this project will become one of the landmark developments at Sea Breeze, said Emin Agalarov, founder and owner of Sea Breeze.

We are pleased to collaborate with Sea Breeze and look forward to successfully delivering this project by 2029. This is an important step in the growth of our company, and we are grateful to Emin Agalarov for his support, noted Rafail Nuri, co-owner of Raffle Group.

Accor has long been present in Azerbaijan, where our brands continue to see strong demand. Our strategy focuses on further expansion not only in the capital but also in resort destinations. This agreement marks the entry of Swissotel into the Azerbaijani market. The brand is already well established in several regional capitals, demonstrating consistent performance and strong interest from developers. This move marks an important step in the brands continued growth, commented Philippe Bone, Vice President of Development at Accor.

The project is a 13-storey residential complex designed by Melike Altnsk Architects (MAA), with an architectural concept inspired by the rhythm of the Caspian Sea waves and winds. It will feature 458 residences ranging from 45 to 309 sq. m. All apartments will be delivered fully finished and equipped with kitchen fittings for the convenience of future owners. Corner residences will offer enhanced features, including private terraces with jacuzzis. With its high-quality execution and architectural value, the project is well suited both for residential living and investment purposes.

The complex will operate under Swissotel standards, offering residents premium services including a 24-hour reception, concierge services, housekeeping, and a personalized approach to each residents needs. Adjacent to the residences, a new Swissotel hotel will be developed, offering 150 guest rooms and bringing the brands renowned Swiss standard of service to the resort city.

The infrastructure will include fitness and spa facilities, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, underground and surface parking, as well as premium restaurants, boutiques, and a private beach with direct access to the sea.

The opening of the hotel and residences, located near the Casino, HalfMoon, and Dream Arena concert hall, is scheduled for mid-2029.

Raffle Group is a premium real estate development company founded in 2018. The company focuses on high-quality residential projects, including both urban and resort developments, and aims to create a modern architectural and investment environment in Azerbaijan.

This year, Sea Breeze celebrates its 20th anniversary. Over this time, the project has gone from being an idea for a resort village on the Caspian Sea coast to one of the largest private development and lifestyle projects on the European continent. Today, Sea Breeze is a place where architecture, infrastructure, nature, technology, and culture work together as a single system.
3 April 2026 15:06 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

In January-February 2026, Azerbaijan welcomed 337,300 foreign visitors from 163 countries, marking a slight decrease of 0.4% compared to the same period last year, according to the State Statistics Committee, AzerNEWS reports.

Visitors from the Russian Federation made up the largest share at 23.2%, followed by Turkey (21.1%), Iran (9.0%), Georgia (5.0%), India (4.6%), Pakistan (3.7%), Kazakhstan (3.6%), Saudi Arabia (3.2%), Uzbekistan (2.9%), Israel (2.6%), and China (2.0%). The remaining 12.3% of arrivals came from other countries. Men accounted for 72% of all arrivals, while women made up 28%.

Compared to January-February 2025, arrivals from European Union member states increased sharply by 26.4% to 13,900 visitors. Arrivals from CIS countries rose by 3.4% to 111,100, while visitors from Gulf countries decreased by 10.9% to 55,300. Arrivals from other regions fell slightly by 0.7% to 157,000.

Air transport remained the most popular mode of travel, used by 70.2% of foreign visitors, followed by rail and road transport at 28.4%, and sea transport at 1.4%.

Meanwhile, Azerbaijani citizens traveling abroad increased by 0.8% to 298,700. Turkey remained the top destination, accounting for 37.4% of outbound travelers, followed by Russia (15.2%), Iran (12.5%), and Georgia (9.9%). Air travel was used by 68% of Azerbaijani travelers, rail and road by 30.4%, and sea transport by 1.6%.
3 April 2026 16:13 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Azerbaijan and Turkiye are strengthening cooperation in the tourism sector following the 5th meeting of the Joint Working Group on Tourism held in Antalya on April 2, AzerNEWS reports.

The meeting, co-chaired by Jalil Malikov of the State Tourism Agency of Azerbaijan and Turkish counterparts, focused on expanding bilateral collaboration as well as joint initiatives within international platforms such as the UN World Tourism Organization, the Economic Cooperation Organization, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation, and the Organization of Turkic States.

Discussions covered a wide range of areas, including tourism education, coastal zone management, winter and health tourism, as well as gastronomic tourism and improvements to the legislative framework for sustainable development.

Participants also addressed the creation of stronger public-private cooperation mechanisms, enhanced exchange of experience in regional tourism and cultural heritage management, and the preparation of a Joint Action Program for 2026. The implementation of the 2025 action plan was reviewed, with new priorities identified for the upcoming year.

Special attention was given to Azerbaijans nomination of Lahij for the Best Tourism Village award by the UN World Tourism Organization, as well as the designation of Shusha as the tourism capital for 2026 by the Economic Cooperation Organization.

An invitation was extended to Turkish Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy to attend upcoming tourism meetings in Shusha. Cooperation opportunities related to COP31 were also discussed, with Azerbaijans experience in hosting COP29 highlightedparticularly the inclusion of tourism in the agenda for the first time.

The role of the Azerbaijan Tourism Bureaus representative office in Istanbul was emphasized as a key factor in boosting bilateral tourism ties and facilitating business-to-business engagement.

The meeting concluded with the signing of a cooperation protocol between the State Tourism Agency of Azerbaijan and Turkiyes Ministry of Culture and Tourism, marking a new phase in tourism partnership between the two countries.
3 April 2026 12:25 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

An event dedicated to Science Day has been held at the Central Scientific Library of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS), organized by the Youth Academy, AzerNEWS reports.

Associate Professor Elmir Babayev, Chairman of the Youth Academy, stressed the vital role of science in ensuring sustainable societal development and strengthening innovative potential. He highlighted that encouraging young researchers, training scientific personnel, and expanding international cooperation are among the key priorities.

Later, Head of the Science and Education Department of the ANAS Presidium Office, Doctor of Philology Sarkhan Khaveri, spoke about the history behind the establishment of Science Day and the Academy's role in the country's scientific life, both in the past and present.

He noted that a new phase began at ANAS following a relevant decree signed in 2022 by President Ilham Aliyev, with special attention now being given to youth.

The event also featured presentations on topics such as "The Protection and Development of the Azerbaijani Language in State Policy," "AzerbaijanChina Literary Relations," "Archaeology in the 21st Century," and "Memorial Complexes: An Analysis of the Composition of the Ganja Memorial Complex."

Science Day in Azerbaijan is observed each year on March 27. It was instituted on April 9, 2018, by President Ilham Aliyev, aligning with the 1945 establishment of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS).

Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS) commemorates this day with conferences and scientific events to promote scientific development.

Across the country, the occasion is marked by conferences, exhibitions, academic discussions, and outreach events, reflecting Azerbaijan's ongoing efforts to integrate its scientific community into the global knowledge network and strengthen its innovation-driven future.

The Central Scientific Library of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences is one of the country's foremost research libraries with a rich history dating back to the early 1920s, evolving over a century into an essential scientific information center that supports scholars, students, and the broader public.

Originally formed from early bibliographic efforts and systematically expanded alongside the development of Azerbaijan's scientific community, the library now preserves a vast universal collection of over 1.3 million items in more than 50 languages, including rare manuscripts and valuable historical publications.

Beyond traditional book lending and reference services, the library actively embraces modern information technologies, with extensive digitization projects, electronic catalogs, and participation in global library networks that provide access to international resources and research collaborations.

It also hosts exhibitions, scientific conferences, and special collections such as the Academicians' Library and engages in international partnerships to foster academic exchange and innovation.

The Central Scientific Library bridges conventional scholarly traditions with contemporary research needs.
3 April 2026 17:24 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

Over the past years, Azerbaijan has placed increasing emphasis on culture as a strategic pillar of national development.

The government has introduced initiatives designed to both preserve traditional heritage and embrace modern creative practices.

This focus has been formalized through the "Azerbaijani Culture  2040" Cultural Concept, a long-term strategy that seeks to harmonize the preservation of national identity with sustainable growth and global engagement.

The ongoing touring program of artistic ensembles, spearheaded by the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry, exemplifies the practical implementation of the Cultural Concept.

Within the project, a spectacular concert took place at the Heydar Aliyev Center in Mingachevir, featuring soloists from the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater.

The evening showcased renowned performers, including People's Artist Gulyaz Mammadova, Honored Artists Gulustan Aliyeva and Tural Aghasiyev, along with the theater's other soloists Taleh Yahyayev, Sema Hamzayeva, Atesh Garayev, Mireli Sarizade, Fahmin Ahmadli, and Vugar Aliyev. They were accompanied by Rahimakhanim Gurbanova on piano, Sakhavat Mammadov on tar, Mahir Guliyev on kamancha, and Logman Mammadli on naghara.

The concert program included duets from Uzeyir Hajibayli's opera "Leyli and Majnun", selections from the operetta "The Cloth Peddler", as well as works by composers Muslim Magomayev, Fikrat Amirov, Niyazi, Tofig Guliyev, and Alakbar Taghiyev. Traditional folk songs, mugams, and tasnifs were also performed. The evening concluded with all soloists performing Muslim Magomayev's song "Azerbaijan", with lyrics by Nabi Khazri.

The tour is part of the "Azerbaijani Culture  2040" Concept, focusing on key priorities such as increasing access to culture in regions and creating a unified cultural ecosystem across the country.

The project also aims to strengthen collaboration with regional cultural institutions and creative ensembles, foster experience-sharing, and establish new platforms for artistic innovation.

In addition, the tours provide opportunities for meaningful leisure for local audiences, enhance the cultural appeal of regions, and offer a boost to domestic cultural tourism.

On January 14, 2026, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree endorsing the "Azerbaijani Culture  2040" Cultural Concept, a long-term strategic plan aimed at shaping the country's cultural development over the next two decades, according to Azernews.

The initiative seeks to balance tradition and modernity, preserving national identity while fostering sustainable growth and enhancing Azerbaijan's cultural presence on the global stage.

The Concept envisions a contemporary cultural model that respects national and moral values and ensures structured, long-term development across all cultural sectors. It places particular emphasis on the Azerbaijani language, advocating for its stronger presence in cultural life, deeper development, and increased international visibility and influence.

To realize these goals, the Concept proposes coordinated measures to elevate the status of Azerbaijani in society, including efforts to promote, develop, and support the language as a dynamic and evolving medium of expression. Anticipated results include the growth of the Azerbaijani literary language, the creation of new works in the native tongue, and expanded use of Azerbaijani across digital platforms.

The Concept also highlights the importance of international promotion to extend the language's global reach and enhance its role in worldwide communication. Measures will aim to increase both the quantity and quality of scientific, journalistic, and literary output in Azerbaijani, ensuring it remains a vibrant cultural and intellectual tool.

Coordinated by the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry, the Concept outlines a phased implementation plan divided into three stages: 20262030, 20312035, and 20362040, each with clearly defined objectives and institutional mechanisms to guide progress.
by Derek Neal

I find myself increasingly unable to read anything resembling AI text, that is, anything seemingly preformed, readymade, or mass produced, like an IKEA chair; but even as I write this, I think to myselfwhy an IKEA chair? Why does this object, or rather, this unit of languageIKEA chaircome to me unbidden? IKEA as signifier of anonymous, impersonal and practical furniture, and chair as typical illustrative exampleWittgensteins theory of family resemblances as shown by how the concept of chair functions in language, for examplecombining to form the perfect analogy: IKEA chair is to furniture as AI text is to human writing; and yet, when I visualize an IKEA chair, or rather, when I see myself walking through the showroom in Burlington, Ontario, I see many chairs of all shapes and sizes, some hard and made of wood, some soft and upholstered, some big and roomy, some ergonomic and sleek, and I realize that, in fact, IKEA makes a wide variety of chairs, and perhaps my analogy is flawed.

Maybe I should go further and say that I find myself increasingly unable to read any writing, especially fictional prose, that is written in short, declarative sentences, the purpose of which is to transmit information in a clear and succinct way. Instead, Im reading W.G. Sebald. I drifted away from his novel Austerlitz after 100 pages last summer, but Ive come back to it now, and although I initially had no idea what was happening, something about the prose and the long sentences has possessed meI feel ensnared by the text, trapped in a twisting and turning labyrinth through which I must continue walkingand Im deeply intrigued by the way a character will be narrating something, much like Im doing here, but then, all of a sudden, there will be a pause in the text and the inclusion of Austerlitz said, before the narration picks up again, reminding us that we are not reading the thoughts of the narrator, but the words of another character relayed to us via the narrator. Its as if, right now, in the middle of this essay, I included something like, Sebastian said, which would suggest that the previous words were not mine but were those of someone I was in conversation with, someone named Sebastian

Do you know how in IKEA, Sebastian continued, they have those arrows on the floor, flowing you from one area to the next, until you end up at the warehouse section and then the checkout lanes? Its a bit like that, AI text, in that the direction youre supposed to go is so clearly defined, and you cant move off in a different direction because behind you are more people, all going the same way, and they will crush you if you stop; you will be like a rock that has been ground down to a pebble and washed ashore, powerless to resist the strong current, as you end up at the self-checkout scanning a stainless steel spatula, wondering to yourself if you should purchase a $1 hot dog on the way back to the car.

I knew what Sebastian was talking about because Id just been in IKEA, but, knowing the feeling of being trapped in a current of couples and young families searching for Swedish furniture, Id taken shelter in the cafeteria while my partner moved through the various showrooms. Divide and conquer, I told her. For protection Id brought the Sebald and another book, Stefan Zweigs Chess Story, which I thought might help me better understand Sebald, as in the introduction to Zweigs novella, Peter Gay elaborates on a narrative technique similar to the one used in Austerlitz:

Zweig frequently turned in his novellas to a narrative devicea form of presentation he might have patented, he employed it so frequentlythat I might call a secondary narrator. He tends to enforce the intimacy of his case histories by resorting to a first-person narrator and at the same time keeps this intimacy under control by having the events of his tale largely presented by a third person, who exploits the narrator as the recipient of a fascinating tale.

In Chess Story, this takes the form of the unnamed narrator being told a long story from a Dr. B., in which Dr. B. recounts his imprisonment at the hands of the Nazis and his discovery of a chess manual, which leads him to master chess during his period of isolation. This story goes on for over thirty pages and is told in long paragraphs with quotation marks, leading us to believe that we are reading the quoted speech of Dr. B. However, at the end of the story, the narrator tells us that Dr. B. reported everything in much more detail that I have set down here. In this way, Zweig, as Gay writes, enforces intimacy while keeping it under control: We hear the details of a terrible personal story, but not all of it.

The second instance of a secondary narrator follows a slightly different form. At the beginning of the novella, the narrator learns about another chess masterMirko Czentovicvia a friend. This information is not presented as the quoted speech of the friend, but as narration from the narrator who summarizes the remarks of the friend. When the story transitions back to the narrators complete control, Zweig first introduces quoted speech from the friend, seemingly to remind us that the source of this information has been the friend (not the narrator), then writes, concluded my friend, who had just related Here we have another kind of controlling of intimacythe narrator doesnt mention that anythings been left out of his story, but he also doesnt claim to be reproducing the friends story verbatim, as there are no quotation marks for the majority of the tale.

The question is why a writer would do this. Why must the events of the story be distanced in such a way, why cant the writer simply tell us what happened, in all the detailthe complete truth? In his introduction, Gay connects Zweigs technique to his admiration of Freud. He quotes a letter from Zweig to Freud and notes that Zweig had his own aspiration to be the psychologist to his culture, albeit through fiction rather than psychoanalysis. Seen in this way, Zweigs fictional style begins to resemble a psychoanalytic session with the narrator, who listens, in the position of the analyst, and the secondary narrator, who speaks, in that of the analysand. This analogy also makes the purpose of the narrative technique clearerthe truth cannot be stated directly because it cannot be accessed directly, cannot even be arrived at, but only talked around and approached indirectly. A novel, through its form, is one way to do this, and Zweigs novella is a sort of mise-en-abyme of the form itself: normally the reader would be the listener with the narrator as the speaker, allowing for the reader to interpret the novel and come to some understanding of the truth of both the story and his or her own existence through the process of moving through the text, but here the reader is distanced one step further, meaning the narrator takes the usual place of the reader, while the reader must navigate multiple levels and layers of the story, as the truth becomes knottier and denser. The reader does not just receive the story, but sees themselves receiving it in the figure of the primary narrator.

The reader, however, is only one part of the equation; the writer is the other. Zweig and Sebald both take the Holocaust as their subject, yet they cannot write about it from firsthand experience. Zweig, who was Jewish, left Austria for England in 1935, then went to Brazil in 1940. In 1942, he committed suicide. Sebald was born in Germany in 1944. In Zweigs decision to cast Dr. B., who is captured by the Nazis and held in solitary confinement, as a secondary narrator; and in Sebalds decision to have Austerlitz, who is sent as a small child to Wales from Prague to escape the invading Nazis, as a secondary narrator, one senses that the authors themselves may have felt conflicted about writing an account of the Holocaust in the first person. They werent there, after all.

This dilemma, usually referred to today as standpoint epistemology, or the idea that only a person from a certain community or possessing certain identity traits can write about certain people or experiences, is much contested. It probably reached its zenith a few years ago with the publication of American Dirt, which was the story of a Mexican mother and son fleeing to the United States authored by an American woman; now, with the much discussed vibe shift in the wake of Trumps re-election, there is less cultural focus on who is allowed to write certain types of stories. This is seen by many as a welcome return to a more liberal understanding of art, with creativity and freedom of expression allowed to take precedence over cultural appropriation. In general, I agreepeople should be allowed to write about whatever they want, but I also hasten to add another point: this doesnt mean that the result cant be criticized for a lack of authenticity.

I recall reading an excerpt of a novel set in Europe, written by an American author, which featured a stereotypical European scenethink of characters walking down a winding, cobblestone street, or sitting in a square sipping cocktails for an aperitif. The characters, like those in American Dirt, were not Americans in Europe a la Henry James, but Europeans (or Mexicans, in the case of American Dirt). Yet the scene struck me as completely improbable, and what the Europeans said Id never heard any European say, couldnt even imagine one saying, despite having spent some years there. It was a strange mix of cliche and vagueness, as if a scene had been written and then the details changed at the last momentAmerica swapped out for another country, and names changed to suit the new locality. This also occurred recently, according to an article by Michael Patrick Brady, in another novel where a Lutheran religious context is changed into a Catholic one, leading to a latent Lutheranism lurking beneath a thin Catholic veneer. This is not to say that an American writer should not set their novel in Europe, or that American Dirt should not have been set in Mexico, or that a non-Catholic cant write about Catholicism, but if one does this, there is a responsibility to go beyond both cliche and superficiality. Identities and communities are not selected a la carte but require some sort of commitment, some investment of time and care that allows one to convincingly become part of a community and inhabit an identity.

This is partly what one feels reading Austerlitz, as the narrator listens to Austerlitz recount his story over countless meetings and many years. The narrator has done the work, so to speak, and we trust his account of things, which is also Austerlitzs account. The other thing the secondary narrator achieves, in addition to a sort of humility in relation to the secondary narrator, is a naivety that allows the full force of the secondary narrators story to resonate with both the narrator and the reader. I wrote before that reading Austerlitz was like walking through a sort of labyrinthone presses their hand against a cool, dark wall, groping in the blackness to advance, but there is no way to know how close one is to the center, or, in this case, what awaits them. It is truly astonishing, then, on page 127, when Austerlitz begins to tell of his nighttime excursions to Liverpool Street Station, to which I was always irresistibly drawn back on my night journeys. Austerlitz notes how this station was at one point one of the darkest and most sinister places in London, partly due to its main hall sitting below street level, but also due to the strange behaviour of light in the station, the insane asylum that once stood on the same site, the slums that replaced it, and the bones that were excavated from the ground when the station was built.

Whenever I was in the station, said Austerlitz, I kept almost obsessively trying to imaginethrough the ever-changing maze of wallsthe location in that huge space of the rooms where the asylum inmates were confined, and I often wondered whether the pain and suffering accumulated on this site over the centuries had every really ebbed away, or whether they might not still, as I sometimes thought when I felt a cold breath of air on my forehead, be sensed as we pass through them.

At this point in the narrative, a sort of terror has taken overwe read with bated breathand then, suddenly, we are released, only to discover a newer, greater horror. Austerlitz discovers a hidden door in the station and enters the Ladies Waiting Room, which had obviously been disused for years. All of a sudden there is light and space in the story, which we feel as readerswe can breathe againand Austerlitz tells us that I stood in that empty space beneath a ceiling which seemed to float at a vertiginous height. Then he remembershe sees in his mind his adopted parents in the waiting room and the boy they had come to meet, who is Austerlitz himself. We quickly learn that Austerlitz had been sent there to escape the Nazis, having not known this before (although it can be suspected). We then learn, via Austerlitzs story to the narrator, about Austerlitzs discovery of his own identity, how he tracks down the traces of his family in Prague and then visits the town of Terezin, where his mother had been sent to a concentration camp. What is remarkable about this sequence of events is how we discover this information along with both Austerlitz and the narrator; to truly feel its impact, to understand its truth, we must walk the path just as Austerlitz does and as the narrator does in listening to Austerlitz. We cannot know it as an intellectual truth in advance, but must travel through the labyrinth, must experience the text to arrive at the place of knowledge.

Sebald pushes this technique, at certain moments, as far as it can gowhen Austerlitz finds the maid from his childhood, Vera, she becomes a tertiary narrator, telling stories to Austerlitz which he then repeats to the narrator (But I was particularly anxious, Vera told me, said Austerlitz, not to miss), and at one point, there is even something nearing a quaternary narrator, when Vera begins to recount things Maximillian, Austerlitzs father, had said.

At the end of his introduction to Chess Story, Peter Gay makes a curious claim about Zweig. After articulating the theory of the secondary narrator, he criticizes Zweig for being too reticent, wondering if Dr. B, as a stand in for Zweig, will eventually deal with his trauma and live, or, like Stefan Zweig, defeated by exile and depression, let his past conquer him and die. Gay suggests that Zweig, before committing suicide, might have included his readers more frankly, more openly, about the desperate struggles within him, as if this confessional candor could save him. But what does Gay think Zweig is doing in Chess Story? And what would Gay say about Sebald and Austerlitz?

Sitting in IKEA, finishing this essay in the food court, preparing to head for the self-checkout lane where my partner awaited me, I thought that Gays suggestion was incredibly simplistic, as if one could simply say what was within them in an unmediated way, as if one fully knows what they want to say before saying it. Austerlitz and Chess Story, clearly, are acts of self-discovery just as much as they are artistic creations, and in the writing of these pieces of literature, one imagines that Sebald and Zweig deepened their understanding of both themselves and the world. Simply put, there are no shortcuts.

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3 April 2026 18:39 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

The series of master classes organized by the the Culture Ministry's Scientific, Methodological and Qualification Center for Culture (MEMIM) continues in the regions of the country, AzerNEWS reports.

The latest master class took place in the city of Neftchala.

At the Jamal Ismayilov Children's Art School in Neftchala, master classes were held in piano and tar. The master classes, organized with the support of the Shirvan-Salyan Regional Department of Culture, were actively attended by teachers and students from music and art schools operating in the cities and regions of Shirvan, Bilasuvar, Khizi, Neftchala, and Salyan.

The head of the MEMIM department, Honored Cultural Worker Lala Karimova, gave a speech, noting that master classes play a very important role in the development of musical education in the regions. It was emphasized that meetings with professional musicians create opportunities to improve students' performance skills and interest in the arts, as well as expand the exchange of experience among teachers.

Later, Lala Karimova presented the school library with the book "Asaf Zeynally. Selected Works", compiled by MEMIM.

The piano master class was conducted by the Honored Teacher, Head of the Piano Department at the Bulbul Specialized Secondary Music School in Baku, Zarifa Mammadyarova, and the tar master class by the Honored Teacher, Associate Professor at the Azerbaijan National Conservatory, Aflaruz Mammadov.

The master classes provided detailed information on performance techniques for both instruments, repertoire selection, and stage culture.

Students' performances were also heard and professional recommendations were given. The master classes were met with interest and highly appreciated by the participants.

Media partners of the event are Azernews.Az, Trend.Az, Day.Az and Milli.Az.
3 April 2026 16:51 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

Azerbaijans Deputy Minister of Defense Industry, Hidayat Azimov, has met with a delegation led by Hakan Karatas, Deputy Chairman of Presidency of Defense Industries, during the latters business visit to Azerbaijan, AzerNEWS reports.

According to a statement from Ministry of Defense Industry of Azerbaijan, the meeting focused on strengthening the legal and institutional framework of cooperation between the two sides. Discussions centered on the implementation of provisions outlined in a previously signed Memorandum of Understanding, with both parties exploring concrete steps to advance collaboration.

As part of these efforts, a relevant implementation agreement was signed to facilitate practical cooperation and ensure the execution of joint initiatives in the defense industry sector.

During their visit, Karatas and Azimov also held meetings with the leadership of Turkish-Azerbaijani University and Baku Higher Oil School, highlighting the importance of academic and institutional partnerships in supporting defense industry development.
3 April 2026 11:18 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

The Strait of Hormuz will be closed to the United States and Israel for a very long period, a representative of the Iranian armed forces, Abolfazl Shekarchi, has stated, AzerNEWS reports.

"The Strait of Hormuz will be closed to the Americans and Zionists (meaning Israel) for a long time. Under no pretext will they approach it," he said on state television.

The Iranian authorities have decided to close the Strait of Hormuz to vessels associated with the United States, Israel, and countries that have supported the aggression against the Islamic Republic. During the conflict, several tankers were attacked for passing through the strait without Tehrans permission.

On March 25, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reported that Iran had allowed passage through the Strait of Hormuz for friendly countries, including Russia, India, Iraq, China and Pakistan.

U.S. President Donald Trump has intensified his threats against Iran, asserting that the U.S. military "hasnt even started" to destroy what remains of the country's infrastructure following a U.S. strike that destroyed the largest bridge in Iran.

In response, Iran has announced a series of attacks on various targets across the region, including U.S.-owned steel plants in the United Arab Emirates and an arms factory in Israel.

U.S. Army Chief of Staff Randy George, the highest-ranking officer in the U.S. Army, has resigned from his position, reportedly after being asked to step down by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

Additionally, the United Nations Security Council has postponed its consideration of a proposal to authorize countries to use force to protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, rescheduling the vote from Friday to Saturday.
3 April 2026 17:02 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev said on Friday that Moscow should abandon its "tolerant" attitude toward the accession of its neighbors to the European Union, "including Ukraine", AzerNEWS reports.

"It is obvious that there are powerful contradictions within the alliance, which have been exacerbated by the Iranian campaign. And European political freaks, especially in Brussels, are seriously thinking about creating a full-fledged military component within the EU.

And this changes the picture of the world," Medvedev said in a post on Max.

Furthermore, he also warned that the bloc could turn into "an extremely hostile military alliance, in some ways worse than NATO."

Ukraine has reached 84% implementation of the EUUkraine Association Agreement, marking continued progress in aligning its legislation and policies with European Union standards.

According to the Ukrainian governments Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration on March 16, the countrys implementation level increased from 81% in 2024 to 84% in 2025, reflecting ongoing reforms carried out despite Russias full-scale war.

The report, published by the governments European integration coordination office, outlines Ukraines progress in implementing the provisions of the Association Agreement and the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA).
3 April 2026 15:13 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

A fire broke out at the Habshan gas processing complex in Abu Dhabi after debris from intercepted ballistic missiles fell on the site during an attack on the United Arab Emirates, AzerNEWS reports.

According to the Abu Dhabi Media Center, the debris originated from munitions neutralized by the countrys air defense systems. As a precaution, all operations at the facility have been suspended. No casualties were reported.

The incident comes amid escalating tensions in the region following military operations launched on February 28 by the United States and Israel against Iran, targeting major cities including Tehran. Washington cited missile and nuclear threats as justification for the strikes.

In response, Iran has carried out retaliatory attacks targeting Israel and US-linked facilities across the region, including in Bahrain, Jordan, Iraq, Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Syria, using ballistic and cruise missiles as well as drones.

The escalation has significantly heightened risks to regional energy infrastructure and maritime transport, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil shipments. Ongoing security concerns in the area have contributed to a sharp rise in global oil prices.
Americans need to watch the battles over free speech in Europe because we have leftists here in our own country who want to follow their authoritarian playbook.

The Adam Smith Institute, a classical liberal organization, has put together an Anglo-American team of attorneys who drafted a British Free Speech Bill, which they have published and offered to any party to push forward in Parliament. The bill is drafted to end what they call "Britain's sophisticated censorship framework" including specific repeal of a number of laws allowing censorship and to set out a new standard of free speech.

The bill seeks to "recognize and restore the ancient liberty of free speech, to protect expression by the public". It sets out clear standards for free speech that the government could not interfere with. If passed, it would give the UK something like our First Amendment.

Ironically, it was British author George Orwell, in his novels "1984_ and "Animal Farm" as well as through other writings who was an early observer of the drift against free speech after the Second World War.

https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2026/04/03/uks-censorship-regime-must-end-proposed-free-speech-bill-published/

This comes as some left-leaning local governments in England are trying to end the flying of the flag of England, and even the Union Jack national flag, claiming they are "divisive". The Oxfordshire County Council, run by the Liberal Democrat Party has even threated criminal and civil actions against citizens for displaying the St. George's Cross flag of England or the Union Jack national flag. This comes in response to a Raise the Colors campaign by conservatives, that the county council claims is "an act of intimidation and division."

https://www.zerohedge.com/political/liberal-council-uk-moves-ban-intimidating-national-flags

If the Democrats get back in control, America is going to be facing the same thing.
Where do you stand on the Transgender Issue now that the issue has gotten to the overt point of the open celebration of this lifestyle choice, dictated by certain direct and explicit actions.

87.01% I do not approve of behavior that has within its expressed tenants policies that harm children.11.69% I do support the Trans Community in all its many facets because diversity is at a premium in today's society.1.3% What is a "Children's Drag Queen Story Hour?"
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by Laurence Peterson

History is not rhyming; it is not repeating itself; it is being ignored, dismissed as an inconvenience, perhaps on a uniquely vast scale. Events that have already affected all of us deeply, or will almost certainly do so in the very near future are being passively wished away, perhaps in the hope that we, in a society addicted to convenience, can turn customary inertia into a vital historical force. Markets worth trillions seem to be avoiding collapse on the mere assumption that developments with of the most dramatic import, initiated at an exceptionally rapid rate, in an atmosphere of unprecedented unaccountability, will somehow, against perhaps all indications, work out in the lazily pliable manner we have been conditioned to expect.

I have never been a supporter of what can be called the American-led order. As a socialist, I have worked in the hope of a transition to a radically different society almost all my adult life. I have been impressed, however, by the durability of American institutions, good or bad, to the point that, until rather recently, I have expected the changes I look forward to to originate in other societies. Now all that seems to be up for grabs.

One of my closest friends has a cousin who was snatched up and sent to one of the far-away ICE concentration camps in California, leaving her husband to take care of their three-year old child alone; she faces deportation to a neighboring country in the middle of a mass gang-war (whose misfortunes are to a great extent due to US policies). My relationship with a very close cousin is deteriorating due to disagreements that only remotely touch on politics, like planning a trip abroad; I cannot speak of the apprehensions I have about flights getting cancelled and so on, without mentioning the occasioning factor of obscenely unjust and illegal military actions. A dear friend and I are finding ourselves increasingly negotiating a similarly dicey interpersonal space over much the same thing. And then there are the inevitable economic and financial ramifications that will, very soon, take a severe toll on just about all of us, perhaps resulting in severe recession. A depression or market meltdown of some sort cannot be dismissed on intellectual grounds. Climate disaster nears at a palpably quickening pace. Even the use of atmospheric nuclear tests or employment of a limited nuclear weapon in the Iran conflict is mentioned as a distinct possibility more and more, even amongst mainstream press showing the most lapdog-type tendencies. Which, of course, makes the prospect of a full nuclear one more likely on its own.

If someone had told me, even during the dark, dark days of the George W. Bush administration, that these and innumerable other outright murders, aggressions, crimes, scams (this one is myrecent, mindfavorite), outrages against common decency, negotiations in bad faith, and evasions or even perversions of clearly-stated law (amongst other things) would be raining down on us on a daily basis under a second Trump regime, I, even I, holding so little affection or support for the American way of life and how it is regulated generally, would have responded with complete disbelief. We have reached a point now that simply cannot responsibly be viewed as comparable with American life as the great majority of us have known it. It is incumbent on all of us, for the sake of those closest to us, as well as our fellow Americans, must come to terms with this situation and openly decide what to do about it. Somehow, despite the conditioned inertia and love of simple convenience that has become inbred (and which Trump seems, ironically, to project on the Iranian people and regime when he assumes they will simply capitulate absolutely under any kind of pressure) in Americans over a couple of generations now, we must begin looking closely at distinctly new ways of living, prospering and, yes, suffering with each other. Such things simply cannot be done under the present regime. It must be vigorously resisted. And only the most exceptionally creative means will be required to meet this challenge. The usual stuff simply wont do.

I am composing this piece on Sunday, March the 29th, the day after the so-called No Kings protests took place all over the US and even abroad. It is reckoned that more protests took place yesterday than have ever taken place in one day in the USA, and that more people participated in those protests than on any other day in the countrys history. I have seen the figure of 8 million bandied about. I live in Massachusetts, and attended the states flagship event on Boston Common. One news outlet reported that an extraordinary 180,000 were at the Boston rally. I believe this tally was tainted by the presence of numerous passerby who simply used the park as a transit route to other places. I thought the stationary crowd was smaller than some of last years No Kings events held on the premises, but still impressive, for what my musings are worth.

I left the rally uneasily conflicted: on the one hand, the turnout was alright and the atmosphere enthusiastic, if perhaps less so than at previous No Kings protests, but the crowd was lily white in terms of racial composition, mostly middle-aged or elderly and looked to be disproportionally affluent. But the thing that disturbed me most concerned the fact that the earlier protests, which featured all sorts of speakers and entertainers, were now transformed into proceedings featuring professional Democratic politicians and musicians of notoriety. This was not necessarily because I thought the messages transmitted in the earlier events were more compelling or better presented, but on account of the seeming wholesale takeover of the event by the Democratic Party establishment in Massachusetts. Both US senators spoke, along with the Governor and Attorney General. And they were enthusiastically applauded. I fear the influence of Democratic institutions and, with it, the intrusion of big-money politics can only increase in Indivisibles as the midterms near, and as desperate opposition to Trump grows.

The reason I align myself with Indivisibles and have attended every No Kings event except one is that I have sensed a discernible openness to or even desire on the part of many I have met in thiswhat is it? A movement, even?to adopt stronger left positions, particularly on unions and economic justice issues (antiwar sentiment seems to be lagging; I hope what still exists of antiwar sentiment in the US is being absorbed into Indivisibles, but dont see much evidence of that yet). But this must intensify, and must do so super-quickly. And there was precisely zero evidence of that at the Boston event. No Kings is in a difficult position: it has attracted historic numbers of participants. And it is only considerably larger numbers of participants, particularly in red and less urban states, that will force Trump and his fellow gangsters to look at it with anything but the derision and contempt they with which they have hitherto considered it. But, if that point is reached, the goons will inevitably come out, and the dubious but increasingly effective legal proceedings proliferate. I hope and hope we can, in the words of one of Indivisibles beloved US founding fathers, hang together during the times of singular trial we will face very soon.

***

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Janis Joplin and the Kozmic Blues Band were not the first Tanglewood contemporary performers, but they were the first real hard-rocking act that performed under the famed pavilion.
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HANCOCK  Enrollment has been dropping predictably since Hancock Elementary School stopped accepting school choice students, and next year, the school might have the lowest enrollment of any public elementary school in Berkshire County.

It has just 44 students this year, with all but six hailing from Hancock. Next year, Principal Jay Merselis said he expects just 41.

The experience is smaller, Merselis said. If you're talking about a class that's broken down by grade, like math class, you might end up with one or two kids in a particular grade of math class, whereas a few years ago, it would be double that. The number of kids in the room has not changed overly dramatically, but it is noticeable.

Meantime, Hancock Superintendent Rebecca Phillips is tweaking numbers for a school budget presentation to the Hancock School Committee on Tuesday.

We dont have a ton of wiggle room, Phillips said of the budget.

Phillips said the budget of $1.87 million may still get some fine-tuning. As it stands, it represents a 6.3 percent increase over the current amount, or an increase of just over $111,000.

That includes tuition costs estimated at more than $804,000 for 42 students, including one student who has an out-of-district placement for special education, as well as eight elementary students attending Richmond Consolidated Elementary School. The district also pays tuition for middle and high school students attending a number of schools, including McCann Technical School in North Adams, Taconic High School in Pittsfield, New Lebanon High School in New York and Mount Greylock Regional High School, where Hancock will send 21 students next year.

Phillips said shes uncertain how much transportation will be next year as the bus contract is out for bid now, but this years transportation cost was at more than $100,000.

Hancock combines grade levels in its classrooms, so the school has just four full-time classroom teachers, who are supported by a full-time special education teacher, an art teacher who doubles as the school cook and as a multitiered support system specialist, a part-time physical education teacher, a full-time school nurse, a part-time school adjustment counselor, four classroom aides, and an occupational therapist and speech and language pathologist who both come on a part-time basis.

In February, Phillips testified on a bill that would release school districts in Warwick, Washington and Richmond, as well as Hancock, from paying tuition of incoming school choice students for their high school education. The Joint Committee on Education is expected to report out a recommendation on the home rule petition within the coming weeks.

If that home rule bill is passed by the Legislature, the Hancock School Committee will likely vote to accept school choice students.

When you have a class of eight graduating, which includes some school choice kids, and you're replacing it with a significantly smaller of just Hancock school kids, you can see down the road there being a smaller school if something doesn't change, Merselis said.

I continue to have a large number of people call on a regular basis inquiring about school choice, he said.
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NORTH ADAMS  The Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts has identified four finalists in its search for a new president.

The finalists were selected by the MCLA Presidential Search Committee from the results of a monthslong national search by the firm WittKieffer, according to a statement released by the college. They will participate in on-campus scheduled visits for the weeks of April 6 and April 13.

All finalists will participate in "open campus forums" and meetings with students, faculty, staff and community members, the release said. More details on the schedule and open forums will be shared on the MCLA website's Presidential Search page.

The winning candidate will succeed President James F. Birge, who is retiring after about a decade at MCLA.

These are the finalists:

Dr. David Jenemann serves as dean of the Patrick Leahy Honors College and professor of English and film and television studies at the University of Vermont, where he "oversees recruitment, retention, curricular innovation, and advancement for an interdisciplinary college serving undergraduates from across the university," the release said.

He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota and completed the Institute for Management and Leadership in Education at Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Dr. Michael J. Middleton serves as provost and vice president for teaching, learning, and growth at Ramapo College in New Jersey, where he "provides strategic leadership for academic programs, faculty development, and institutional planning centered on inclusive excellence and student success."

He previously served as dean of the School of Education at Hunter College and dean of the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Massachusetts Boston, according to the release. He holds a Ph.D. in education and psychology from the University of Michigan and an Ed.M. from Harvard University.

Dr. Sherri Givens Mylott serves as vice president of university advancement at the University of La Verne, a private Hispanic-serving institution in California, and as adjunct faculty in the LaFetra College of Education, where she teaches doctoral-level courses on leadership ethics.

She holds an Ed.D. from the University of La Verne, a bachelor's degree in government from the College of William & Mary, and certificates in leadership from Harvard University and nonprofit management from Indiana University, according to the release.

Dr. Diana L. Rogers-Adkinson currently serves as senior vice chancellor for academic and student affairs and chief academic officer for the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. Previously, she served as provost at Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, "where she helped lead the academic integration of three legacy universities, and has held provost and dean roles at Bloomsburg University and Southeast Missouri State University," according to the release.

A tenured professor and published scholar, she holds a Ph.D. from Kent State University.

The board of trustees will take up the recommendation at a public meeting at 5:30 p.m. April 23, in room M218. The appointment will then require approval by the Department of Higher Education, with an anticipated July 2026 start date.

"We designed this search to be as open and inclusive as possible, and the response from our campus community has been tremendous," said Yvonne Spicer, co-chair of the Presidential Search Committee. "MCLA is at an exciting moment in its history, and these finalists are more than ready to meet it. I encourage everyone to attend the open forums, meet the finalists, and share their feedback. Your voices matter in this decision."
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Easter means different things to different people, even with Christians. Some use the day to be solitary and reflective, others make church service and Easter dinner into a huge production, while many get caught up in the bunny, the baskets, and the colored eggs. Ive definitely been guilty of the latter. Especially when my kids were little. But I want this year to be different, for myself and for my family. Maybe you do too.

Prayer is a wonderful way to focus your Easter celebrations on Jesus. Saying an Easter dinner prayer is the perfect way to reflect on the meaning of the holiday with your family and friends.

This year, I want to be gratefultruly gratefulbeyond a mumbled prayer or a meditative moment. I want to kneel in Gods presence, open my heart to what He wants to show me, and pour out my appreciation and gratitude. I want that for my family too. One way we can do that is with prayer and with scripture. Theres something so powerful about praying Gods Word out loud. I invite you to join me in making what Jesus did thousands of years ago matter today in a brand-new way.

Here are some of my favorite Easter dinner prayers that you can use around your own Sunday meal table. Whether you're looking for a short and simple prayer before your Easter meal together or a longer traditional prayer, what matters is your heart and desire to communicate with your loving savior.

A Prayer to Celebrate Easter Dinner with Family

Lord, there are no words to fully show our gratitude for what You did on the cross and in the tomb by dying in our place, taking on our sin, and conquering death to rise again. You did what we could not. In John 1:29, Youre called the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. The world. Thats me. Thats us. You are the sacrifice we could never be. Because of You, we have hope both now and for eternity. We may never understand the kind of love You have for us or fully grasp that it cant be taken away. But we stand on the promises in Romans 8. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? ...For I am convinced that neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. What an awesome God You are. Thank you for everything Youve done and everything Youre still going to do. This Easter, search our hearts and minds and accept our thankfulness for who You are. Amen.

A Prayer of Praise at Easter

Lord, You are perfect and holy and pure. You keep your promises just like Your Word says in Matthew 28:6. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. You always do what You say. You never change. We dont have to worry that Youll be one way today and another tomorrow. You are the constant in our lives. The only One we can count on with no reservations. When we come to You, You never disappoint or let us down. In 1 John 4:18, You are The One who takes away fear in perfect love. You alone have the power to change hearts and minds, to comfort, to walk beside us when we feel alone. Like David in Psalm 150, we praise You, Lord. We praise You in Your sanctuary, in the mighty heavens. We praise You for Your acts of power and Your surpassing greatness. This Easter, let those words be forever written on our hearts. Amen.

A Prayer of Gratitude at Easter

Lord, sometimes we forget that the reason for Your death is our sins. You didnt need to be punished or redeemed. That was all of us. But because You took on what we couldnt through Your death and resurrection, we have life, and we have You. We believe what You said in 1 Corinthians 15:2. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Thank You for being our hope and our help. Were so grateful for the verse in Matthew 28 that tells the women at the tomb Do not be afraid. We can hold onto that instead of living in fear. In Proverbs 18 and Psalm 61, we claim the promise that you are our strong tower. That we can run to You and be safe. We dont deserve Your love, but we want to tell You this Easter that were oh-so-grateful Youve given it. Like David expresses in Psalm 9:1, I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. Amen.

Short Easter Prayers for Kids

Easter Morning Prayer for Kids - Dear God, thank You for this beautiful Easter morning! Thank You for Jesus, who is alive and loves us so much. Help us to share Your love and joy with everyone we meet today. Bless our family, our friends, and our fun times together. Amen.

Prayer of Gratitude for Easter - Heavenly Father, on this special day, we remember Your amazing love for us. Thank You for the flowers, the sunshine, and the Easter eggs that remind us of new life. Please keep us safe and happy as we celebrate together. Thank You for my family, for laughter, and for every good gift from You. In Jesus name, Amen.

Easter Prayer for Blessings - Lord Jesus, thank You for this wonderful day of Easter! Thank You for dying on the cross and then coming back to life for us. Please bless our food, our family, and our friends. Help us to be kind and to help others. May this day be filled with lots of happiness and love. Amen.

Blessings for the Food

Easter Blessing for Family Meal - Blessed Lord, as we gather around this table on the glorious day of Your resurrection, we ask You to bless this food we are about to share. Thank You for providing us with these nourishments and for bringing us together in love and joy. May this meal remind us of Your endless grace and the promise of new beginnings. Let our hearts be filled with gratitude not only for the bounty before us but for Your presence in our lives. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Gratitude and Joy Easter Food Blessing - Heavenly Father, on this joyful Easter day, we come to You with hearts full of thanksgiving. Thank You for the gift of Your Son, and for the hope and renewal that Easter represents. Bless this food to our bodies, strengthening us to do Your work in the world. May our gathering today be a reflection of the love and sacrifice of Jesus, and may we share this love with all around us. We celebrate and give thanks in Your holy name. Amen.

Simple Easter Meal Prayer - Dear God, thank You for this special day of celebration, for the laughter, the fellowship, and the food. We ask Your blessing on this meal, as a symbol of Your love and the renewal that comes with spring and the message of Easter. Help us to remember and live out the lessons of kindness, sacrifice, and hope in our daily lives. Bless our family and friends, near and far, on this blessed day. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Bless Our Time Together

Gracious and Loving God, as we gather here on this beautiful Resurrection Sunday, we thank You for the precious gift of togetherness. In this moment, united in Your living presence, we ask for Your blessing upon our time together. May our conversations be filled with kindness, our interactions marked by understanding, and our shared moments enriched with laughter and joy. Guide us, Lord, to cherish one another, to support one another in times of need, and to celebrate together in times of joy. Help us to remember that every moment we spend together is a gift from You, to be used for Your glory and to spread Your love in the world. May we depart from our time together strengthened and inspired, carrying Your light into every corner of our lives. In Your holy name, we pray, Amen.

Easter Prayer about Forgiveness

Heavenly Father, on this blessed Easter day, as we celebrate the resurrection of Your Son, Jesus Christ, we are reminded of the ultimate sacrifice made for us, offering forgiveness for our sins and the promise of new life. In the light of Your boundless mercy, we come to You with hearts seeking forgiveness, not only for ourselves but also the strength to forgive others.

Teach us, Lord, to let go of grudges, to heal wounds of the past, and to replace bitterness with love. Just as the stone was rolled away to reveal the miracle of the resurrection, help us roll away the barriers in our hearts, making room for compassion, understanding, and reconciliation.

As we bask in the joy of Easter, let us remember the path of forgiveness You have shown us. Guide us to forgive freely, love generously, and live kindly, following the example of Christ. May this season of renewal deepen our understanding of Your grace and inspire us to extend forgiveness to those around us, just as You have forgiven us.

In the spirit of Easter, let us renew our commitment to living in peace with one another, cherishing the gift of forgiveness that brings us closer to You and to each other. In Jesus name, we pray, Amen.

A Prayer to Draw Close to God at Easter

Lord, please dont let us forget how much Youve done Who Youve been in our lives. Youve stayed beside us in our worst moments and rejoiced with us in our best. Dont let that ever change. Were human. We make mistakes. So please keep us close to You. In James 4:8, You say, Come near to God and he will come near to you. Help us to cling to that with our whole hearts. When Im tempted to go my own way, help me not to stray. Lord, like David in Psalm 119:11, I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Dont let us miss the ways Youre working in our lives. Show us what we cant see on our own. Amen.

When I think about what the holiday means to me, Good Friday and Easter walk hand in hand. Through both death and resurrection, Jesus took His past and tied it to my present. Without what He did on the cross and in the tomb so long ago:

I Wouldnt Have a Personal Relationship with God

Jesus answered, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him (John 14:6,7).

Its through Jesus that we gain access to the Father. Hes paved the way and become the bridge that connects us. Our mediator. Our champion. I cant imagine not being able to run to the feet of the Father when I need Him the most.

I Wouldnt Have Salvation

The words it was credited to him were written not for him alone, but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousnessfor us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification (Romans 4:23-25).

Salvation isnt earned, its offered. And even if there were a way to somehow buy our own pardons, wed never be able to afford the price. God knew that, and thats why Jesus took on our debt instead. Out of all the Christian holidays we celebrate, Easter is what brings us true freedom in Christ.

I Wouldnt Have Victory Over Death

Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? (1 Corinthians 15:55)

Because Jesus defeated death, we have the promise of eternity and of seeing people weve lost once again. Theres a certain peace about realizing that our future still lies ahead, and that life is more than just our current struggles. God has a big-picture plan. That gives me hope not only in heaven but also on earth as He walks beside me even now.

No matter how you celebrate, I pray this Easter will be a blessing to your heart. Jesus gift of life is the original gift that keeps on givingall the way into eternity. Take some time this season to deepen your relationship with the One who gave His life for you. I know He wants to draw you close.

Photo credit: Getty Images/GMVozd

Lori Freeland, an encourager at heart, believes everyone has a story to tell and wants to help make those stories as strong as possible. An author, editor, and writing coach, she holds a BA in psychology from The University of Wisconsin and currently lives in the Dallas area. Shes presented multiple workshops at conferences across the country, has experience in developmental and copy edits in various genres, and writes nonfiction, novels, and everything in between. When shes not curled up with her husband drinking too much coffee and worrying about her kids, she loves to mess with the lives of the imaginary people living in her head. You can find her inspirational blog and writing tips at lafreeland.com.
Lesotho hails Chinese medical teams as symbol of people-to-people solidarity

Xinhua) 13:22, April 03, 2026

MASERU, April 2 (Xinhua) -- Lesotho's Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations Neo Matjato Moteane on Wednesday praised China's rotating medical teams as a strong symbol of people-to-people solidarity between the two countries, as the 20th Chinese medical team was inaugurated in Maseru.

Speaking at a reception hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Lesotho, Moteane said the medical teams reflect the spirit of the 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges and represent "a powerful reminder of the enduring friendship and cooperation" between the two sides.

Noting that the collaboration is people-centered and embodies the spirit of compassion and shared humanity, the minister said: "Beyond medical treatment, these teams bring hope, knowledge, cultural exchange, and human connection to the Basotho nation."

He thanked the outgoing 19th team for providing medical services and supporting local capacity building, while welcoming the incoming team.

Yang Xiaokun, Chinese ambassador to Lesotho, called on the new team to carry forward the spirit of Chinese medical missions, which is characterized by "fearlessness in the face of hardship, willingness to sacrifice, devotion to patients, and boundless love."

"China stands ready to further deepen medical cooperation with Lesotho by bringing more advanced medical technologies, training more healthcare professionals, and making even greater contributions to the health and dignity of the Basotho people," the ambassador said.

China has dispatched medical teams to Lesotho continuously since 1997.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Five people have been arrested after a car failed to stop for gardai in Knocklyon in Dublin.

The car then crashed into two cars driven by members of the public at Grange Road in Rathfarnham at 1:40pm on Thursday.

Gardai, with the help of the Garda Air Support Unit, gave chase to the people who were in the car.

They were suspected of being involved in a burglary in Walkinstown a short time earlier.

Four men in their 50s, and 20s are being held at garda stations in the Dublin area - another person arrested, a teenager, has since been released pending further investigations.
People are being asked to take part in the testing of Irelands proposed digital wallet app.

The digital wallet aims to allow people to securely access documents such as birth certificates or driving licences and register for key welfare support, such as the working family payment.

It has also been suggested as an age-verification tool by Tanaiste Simon Harris, who has said children under the age of 16 should not be on social media in the wake of the Grok AI controversy.

The Government is legally obliged, under EU regulations, to ensure there is a digital wallet for accessing public services by the end of the year, and for private services by the end of 2027.

The public testing phase of the wallet is to begin in early April and is seen as critical to ensure it is designed to satisfy user needs and expectations, the Department said.

This testing and consultation phase is an important step in building a digital wallet that genuinely works for people. We want to hear the publics ideas, concerns and expectations Minister Jack Chambers

The first stage, for which people can opt in, gives people the chance to view the design of the wallet, understand its proposed features, provide feedback and sign up for further testing.

The second stage allows people aged 16 or older to download the wallet and test limited functions.

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People can register to be part of the testing phase at gov.ie/DigitalWallet.

Minister for Public Expenditure and Public Service Reform Jack Chambers said the app would make it simpler for people to verify their identity, apply for support and access entitlements, as he launched the public consultation on Friday.

The wallet is designed so that all personal data is fully protected, and the user stays in control of what information they put in the wallet and choose to share, he said.

Only the details needed for a service will be shared, and nothing more.

Big life events, such as having a baby, moving home, or starting a new job often require dealing with several different public service providers.

Ireland Motorist caught driving 142km/h in 100 zone Read more

The digital wallet aims to reduce that administrative burden, making it easier, faster and more secure to access the supports people need.

This testing and consultation phase is an important step in building a digital wallet that genuinely works for people. We want to hear the publics ideas, concerns and expectations.

The publics feedback will directly shape how the wallet looks, how it works, and how it supports everyday life.
Billionaire horse racing owner and philanthropist JP McManus has said a community clean-up initiative, which he co-founded, is helping ease the debilitating issue of loneliness in communities, as well as keeping areas litter-free.

Speaking on Friday, at the 11th annual Good Friday, Team Limerick Clean-Up (TLC)  Europes largest one-day clean-up  Mr McManus said: People get to meet people they havent met and make new friends.

There is a lot of loneliness in our community, and nobody feels it is above them or below them to go out and help with the litter picking.

We take immense satisfaction in seeing what TLC has matured into. There are some people taking part who might not know what they are doing for 364 days of the year, but they know on Good Friday they are going to be out with others litter picking, and its a bit of craic, said Mr McManus.

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There are 400 team leaders, and after the clean-up today, or during the week, they will get together and have a cup of tea and have a hot cross bun, he added.

TLC 2026 was better than ever, with a record-breaking 24,000 volunteers participating across the Treaty City and County, including 94 schools, 42 Tidy Towns groups, 48 sport clubs, individuals and families.

Mr McManus agreed the TLC initiative has also fostered shared ideas and friendships in rural and urban communities, all working with one aim, to keep local environments clean, and help community relations.

No doubt about it, and long may it last, and I think the foundation is there for it to last.

What is nice to see is that it has been taken on board in other parts of the country too now, and someday, maybe Ireland Inc, on Good Friday, will be a day for all the other counties and communities to follow suit, said Mr McManus.

Im so happy that it has grown year on year, its hard to believe that, eleven years ago, when we got together, that it would grow from less than 4,000 participants, to what it is today, he added.

TLC was founded in 2015, by Mr McManus; Irish and Munter rugby legend, Paul OConnell; and Limerick businesswomen Helen ODonnell, in partnership with Limerick City and County Council.

Seeing our numbers rise again this year is very encouraging, were very proud of how TLC has evolved over the last decade, and that comes down to the commitment, support, and pride of our wonderful volunteers, said Mr OConnell.

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Mayor of Limerick, John Moran, said he was immensely proud of all those who participated and were entertained by the Limerick Tune-Weavers musical group and the City of Limerick Pipe Band.

Mr McManus, who is the main supporter of Limerick GAA, said he was also looking forward to the Alliance Division 1A National League Hurling Final, at the Gaelic Grounds, Limerick, between Limerick and Cork on Easter Sunday.

The match is a sell-out in anticipation of the two fierce rival hurling counties clashing to claim the Dr Croke Cup, which Cork have their grip on, having won it in 2025.

When asked if his money was definitely on his native Shannosiders to beat the Leesiders, Mr McManus quipped: I dont have to have any money on to get satisfaction out of beating Cork.

Well, youre only as a good as your last game, but it is all systems go for Sunday, he said.

You're always hoping (for silverware). There is great rivalry between Limerick and any other county (in Munster) that has a hurley not alone Cork; its Tipperary, its Clare, its Waterford.
A woman has been critically injured after she was struck by a lorry in Co Donegal on Friday afternoon.

The victim, who was a pedestrian, was struck by the truck at Station Roundabout in Letterkenny shortly after 3pm.

A Garda forensic team is expected at the scene shortly.

The road will remain closed until Saturday afternoon as a full investigation into the incident takes place.

The woman was rushed to nearby Letterkenny University Hospital, where her injuries are understood to be very serious.

Ireland Four people charged in connection with seizure of drugs worth 7 million Read more

Gardai remain at the scene and are directing traffic on what is one of Co Donegal's busiest roundabouts, serving five different roads.

A Garda spokesperson said, Gardai and emergency services were alerted to a collision involving a pedestrian and a lorry at Station Roundabout, Port Road, Letterkenny.

The pedestrian, an adult female, has been taken to the hospital with serious injuries. The scene is currently preserved, and local traffic diversions are in place.

Donegal County Council has also issued a road warning advising people to expect delays.
Iran fired on targets across the Middle East, sparking multiple blazes at a Kuwaiti oil refinery, while American and Israeli airstrikes hit the Islamic Republic early on Friday as the war neared the end of its fifth week unabated.

Despite claims from the US and Israel that Irans military capabilities have been all but destroyed, Tehran has continued to keep the pressure on Israel and its Gulf Arab neighbours, hitting Kuwaits Mina al-Ahmadi oil refinery in a drone attack.

The refinery has been hit multiple times during the war and state-run Kuwait Petroleum Corp said firefighters were working to control several blazes.

Sirens also sounded in Bahrain, warning of Iranian attacks and Israel reported incoming missiles.



President Donald Trump speaks about the Iran war from the Cross Hall of the White House (Doug Mills/The New York Times via AP)

Activists reported strikes around Tehran and the central city of Isfahan, but it was not immediately clear what was hit.

Irans attacks on Gulf region energy infrastructure and its tight grip on the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the worlds oil and natural gas transits in peacetime, have sent oil prices skyrocketing and are impacting global economies.

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Shipping had flowed freely through the strait before the war, but US President Donald Trump has said it is not now Washingtons responsibility to get the waterway reopened, instead putting the onus on others, saying this week that the countries that depend more on fuel shipped through Hormuz should build some delayed courage and go take it.

The UN Security Council was expected to vote on Saturday on a proposal from Bahrain that would authorise defensive action to ensure vessels can safely transit the strait.

Bahrains initial draft would have allowed countries to use all necessary means to secure the strait, but Russia, China and France  who have veto power on the Council  expressed opposition to approving the use of force.

Speaking on Thursday in South Korea, French President Emmanuel Macron said the American expectation that the Strait of Hormuz could be reopened by force was unrealistic.

Mr Macron said a military operation would take an infinite amount of time and would expose anyone passing through the strait to coastal threats from (Irans) Revolutionary Guard.

He added that reopening of the strait can only be done in coordination with Iran, through negotiations that would follow a potential ceasefire.

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Talks organised by Britain and involving more than 40 countries focused on political rather than military means to secure the strait. The nations, which didnt include the US, urged increased diplomatic pressure on Iran and possible sanctions.

More than 1,900 people have been killed in Iran during the war, while 19 have been reported dead in Israel. More than two dozen people have died in Gulf states and the occupied West Bank, while 13 US service members have been killed.

More than 1,300 people have been killed and more than one million displaced in Lebanon, where Israel has launched a ground invasion in its fight with the pro-Iranian Hezbollah militant group. Ten Israeli soldiers have also died there.
Iran has fired on targets across the Middle East, damaging a desalination plant and setting a refinery ablaze in Kuwait, while American and Israeli airstrikes hit the Islamic Republic as the war neared the end of its fifth week.

Tehran has kept the pressure on Israel and its Gulf Arab neighbours, despite US and Israeli insistence that Irans military capabilities have been all but destroyed.

In a sign that part of Irans theocracy could be willing to negotiate, the countrys former top diplomat published a proposal for ending the conflict in an influential American magazine.

Irans attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure and its tight grip on the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the worlds oil and natural gas transits in peacetime, have hit stock markets, sent oil prices skyrocketing, and threatened to raise the cost of many basic goods, including food.



(PA Grpahics)

Irans ability to wreak havoc in the global economy has proved a major strategic advantage, and world leaders have struggled to figure out how to reopen the waterway. The UN Security Council was expected to look at a new proposal.

Former Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif  a seasoned diplomat with long experience negotiating with the West who remains close to a pragmatic wing of Irans leadership  wrote on Friday that the time has come to end the suffering on both sides.

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Prolonged hostility will cause a greater loss of precious lives and irreplaceable resources without actually altering the existing stalemate, Mr Zarif, who helped negotiate Irans 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, wrote in Foreign Affairs magazine.

The US has presented Iran with a 15-point plan for a ceasefire that includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz, dismantling Irans nuclear facilities and limiting its missile production in exchange for sanctions relief.

But no signs of progress were apparent in the diplomatic effort.



(PA Graphics)

Irans initial five-point counter-proposal aired by hardline state television included recognising Irans sovereignty over the strait, the removal of US bases from the region, compensation for war damage, and a guarantee against further aggression  all things likely unpalatable to the Trump administration.

Mr Zarifs proposal included elements of both of the plans.

Iran should offer to place limits on its nuclear programme and to reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for an end to all sanctions  a deal Washington would not take before but might accept now, he wrote.

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Tehran and Washington were in talks about Irans nuclear programme when the US and Israel began bombing on February 28  the second time under President Donald Trump that the US has attacked while in high-level negotiations.

It is not clear how much to read into Mr Zarifs proposal. While he has no official position now in Irans government, he helped get reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian elected and would likely not have published such a piece without at least some authorisation from senior leaders.

But it also remains clear who in Iran has the authority to negotiate since many of Irans leaders have been killed in the war. Immediately after the piece came out, Mr Zarif wrote he had been torn about it  a sign he may already face pressure at home.



The Mina Al-Ahmadi oil refinery operates in Kuwait (AP)

Kuwaits Mina al-Ahmadi oil refinery came under Iranian attack. The facility has been hit multiple times during the war and state-run Kuwait Petroleum Corp. said firefighters were working to control several blazes.

Kuwait also said that an Iranian attack caused material damage to a desalination plant. Such plants are responsible for most of the drinking water for Gulf states, and they have become a major target in the war.

Sirens also sounded in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia said it had destroyed several Iranian drones, and Israel reported incoming missiles.

Authorities in the United Arab Emirates shut down a gas field after a missile interception reportedly rained debris on it and started a fire.

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Activists reported strikes around Tehran and the central city of Isfahan, but it was not immediately clear what was hit. A day earlier, Iran said the US hit a major bridge, which was still under construction, killing eight people.

More than 1,900 people have been killed in Iran during the war, while 19 have been reported dead in Israel. More than two dozen people have died in Gulf states and the occupied West Bank, while 13 US service members have been killed.

More than 1,300 people have been killed and more than one million displaced in Lebanon, where Israel has launched a ground invasion in its fight with the pro-Iranian Hezbollah militant group. Ten Israeli soldiers have also died there.

With the Strait of Hormuz closed, spot prices of Brent crude, the international standard, were around 109 dollars early on Friday, up more than 50% since the start of the war, when Iran began restricting traffic through it.

The UN Security Council was expected to vote on Saturday on a proposal from Bahrain that would authorise defensive action to ensure vessels can safely transit the waterway.

Bahrains initial draft would have allowed countries to use all necessary means to secure the strait, but Russia, China and France  who have veto power on the Council  expressed opposition to approving the use of force.
A US fighter jet was shot down in Iran and one of two crew members was rescued, officials said, the first aircraft downed since the war began nearly five weeks ago.

The whereabouts of the second crew member was unknown.

It marked a major escalation in the conflict just two days after President Donald Trump said in a national address that the US has beaten and completely decimated Iran and was going to finish the job, and were going to finish it very fast.

The rescue on Friday occurred as the US military was conducting a search operation, a US official and an Israeli official said.



(PA Graphics)

Three people familiar also confirmed that a search had been under way.

All spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitivity of the situation.

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No official details were released and The Pentagon notified the House Armed Services Committee that the status of a second service member is not known.

The circumstances that downed the plane were at first unclear.

But in an email from the Pentagon obtained by The Associated Press, the US military said it received notification of an aircraft being shot down in the Middle East, without providing more details.

Separately, a second US Air Force combat aircraft went down in the Middle East on Friday, according to a US official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss a sensitive military situation.



A damaged factory a day after it was struck in an Iranian missile attack in Petah Tikva, Israel (Maya Levin/AP)

It was not clear if the aircraft crashed or was shot down or whether Iran was involved.

Neither the crews status nor where the aircraft went down was immediately known.

The New York Times earlier reported that the second aircraft went down.

The incidents happened as Iran also fired on targets across the Middle East, keeping the pressure on Israel and its Gulf Arab neighbours, despite US and Israeli insistence that Irans military capabilities have been all but destroyed.

Irans attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure and its tight grip on the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the worlds oil and natural gas transits in peacetime, have roiled stock markets, sent oil prices skyrocketing, and threatened to raise the cost of many basic goods, including food.

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Prior to word of the rescue, social media footage showed American drones, aircraft and helicopters flying over the mountainous region where a TV channel affiliated with Iranian state television had said earlier on Friday that at least one pilot bailed out of the fighter jet.



An Iranian flag hangs from the roof of a residential building damaged by recent US-Israeli strikes in Fardis, west of Tehran, Iran (Vahid Salemi/AP)

An anchor on the channel urged residents to hand over any enemy pilot to police and promised a reward.

It was the first time the US has lost aircraft in Iranian territory during the conflict and could mark a new level of pressure being placed on the US military.

Throughout the war, Iran has made a series of claims about shooting down piloted enemy aircraft that turned out not to be true.

Friday was the first time that Iran went on television urging the public to look for a suspected downed pilot.



A boy who fled with his family following Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon sits inside the van they are using as shelter in Sidon, Lebanon (Emilio Morenatti/AP)

Iranian state media said in a post on X that Irans military shot down a US F-15E Strike Eagle.

The aircraft is a variation of the Air Force fighter jet that carries a two-person crew consisting of a pilot and weapons system officer.

Alan Diehl, a former investigator for the Air Force Safety Centre, said the Strike Eagle has an emergency locator beacon in a survival kit that can be set to activate automatically or manually.

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The Pentagon did not respond to repeated requests for comment.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a previous statement that Mr Trump had been briefed but did not offer any additional information.



A bridge struck by US airstrikes is seen in the town of Karaj, west of Tehran, Iran (Vahid Salemi/AP)

News about the downed aircraft came after Kuwaits Mina al-Ahmadi oil refinery came under Iranian attack, and the state-run Kuwait Petroleum Corp said firefighters were working to control several blazes.

Kuwait also said an Iranian attack caused material damage to a desalination plant.

Such plants are responsible for most of the drinking water for Gulf states, and they have become a major target in the war.

Sirens also sounded in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia said it had destroyed several Iranian drones, and Israel reported incoming missiles.



Iraqi women hold a portrait of Irans late supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his son Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei during a protest in Baghdad, Iraq (Hadi Mizban/AP)

Authorities in the UAE shut down a gas field after a missile interception reportedly rained debris on it and started a fire.

Activists reported strikes around Tehran and the central city of Isfahan, but it was not immediately clear what was hit.

A day earlier, Iran said the US hit a major bridge, which was still under construction, killing eight people.

In Lebanon, where Israel has launched a ground invasion in its fight with the pro-Iranian Hezbollah militant group, an Israeli drone strike on worshippers leaving Friday prayers near Beirut killed two people, according to the staterun National News Agency.

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More than 1,900 people have been killed in Iran since the war began on February 28 with US and Israeli strikes.

In a review released on Friday, the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data, a US-based group, said it found that civilian casualties were clustered around strikes on security and state-linked sites rather than indiscriminate bombardment of urban areas.



Israeli security forces and rescue teams inspect a site struck by an Iranian missile in Petah Tikva, Israel (Ohad Zwigenberg/AP)

More than two dozen people have died in Gulf states and the occupied West Bank, 19 have been reported dead in Israel, and 13 US service members have been killed.

More than 1,300 people have been killed and more than one million displaced in Lebanon.

Ten Israeli soldiers have also died there.

World leaders have struggled to end Irans stranglehold on the strait, which has had far-reaching consequences for the global economy and has proved to be its greatest strategic advantage in the war.

The UN Security Council was expected to take up the matter on Saturday.

Mr Trump has vacillated on Americas role in the strait, alternately threatening Iran if it does not open the waterway and telling other nations to go get your own oil.



US President Donald Trump arrives from the Blue Room to speak about the Iran war from the Cross Hall of the White House (Alex Brandon/AP)

On Friday, he said in a post on social media that: With a little more time, we can easily OPEN THE HORMUZ STRAIT, TAKE THE OIL, & MAKE A FORTUNE.

Spot prices of Brent crude, the international standard, were around 109 dollars (82) on Friday, up more than 50% since the start of the war, when Iran began restricting traffic through the strait.

Former Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif  a diplomat with long experience negotiating with the West who remains close to a pragmatic wing of Irans leadership  wrote on Friday in Foreign Affairs magazine that the time has come to end what he referred to as a stalemate.

The US and Iran have proposed duelling plans, and Mr Zarifs proposal included elements of both in a sign part of Irans leadership might be willing to negotiate.

Iran should offer to place limits on its nuclear programme and to reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for an end to all sanctions  a deal Washington wouldnt take before but might accept now, he wrote.

It is not clear how much to read into the proposal from Mr Zarif, who has no official position in Irans government, but would likely not have published such a piece without at least some authorisation from senior leaders.
Russian strikes killed at least eight people across Ukraine on Friday including in a massive missile and drone attack near the capital, local authorities reported.

Ukrainian officials claim the Kremlin is changing its tactics to increase civilian suffering, shifting to daytime barrages and preparing to target more key infrastructure.

President Volodymyr Zelensky has signalled Kyivs openness to a potential Easter truce.



People remove broken glass from their windows after a Russian strike on a residential neighbourhood in Kriukivshchyna, near Kyiv (Evgeniy Maloletka/AP)

The holiday is celebrated on April 12 in Ukraine and Russia.

Mr Zelensky also said that Ukraine is preparing for a shift in Russian aerial tactics, with intelligence indicating that future attacks will move beyond energy infrastructure.

Russias Defence Ministry said 192 Ukrainian drones were shot down overnight across Russia and occupied Crimea.

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The Kyiv region is once again under a massive Russian missile and drone attack, said Mykola Kalashnyk, head of the regional military administration, in a Telegram post on Friday.

Mr Kalashnyk said one person died and at least eight others were wounded in strikes on three of Kyivs satellite towns  Bucha, Fastiv and Obukhiv.

Earlier in the week, residents of Bucha marked the fourth anniversary of atrocities committed in the town by Russias invading forces.

Obukhiv resident Lesia Podoriako, 37, told The Associated Press she was at work with her child when she learned her building had been struck.

She said: I found out about it through Telegram channels. Then all my friends and acquaintances started calling me, telling me that our building was attacked. I have no words.



President Zelensky signalled Kyivs continued openness to a potential truce on Easter (Evgeniy Maloletka/AP)

The main thing is that everyone is alive and healthy.

Another person was killed in Ukraines northern Sumy region after a Russian guided aerial bomb struck an apartment block, local governor Oleh Hryhorov reported.

Authorities in the Kherson, Zhytomyr, Kharkiv and Donetsk regions also reported casualties from Fridays attacks.

Ukrainian officials highlighted what they said were increased daytime attacks by Russia, which they said could lead to more civilian deaths.

For months, Moscow pummelled Ukraine with night-time missile and drone strikes that could involve hundreds of drones at a time.

Ukraines foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha, said in a post on X that almost half a thousand drones and cruise missiles attacked Ukraine overnight.

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This is how Moscow responds to Ukraines Easter ceasefire proposals  with brutal attacks, Mr Sybiha said.

Mr Zelensky on Thursday signalled Kyivs continued openness to a potential truce on Easter, which falls next week according to the Julian calendar followed by Orthodox churches in Ukraine and Russia.



Russian soldiers fire a grenade launcher towards Ukrainian positions in an undisclosed location in Ukraine (Russian Defence Ministry Press Service/AP)

He told reporters that the proposal had been communicated to Moscow through US channels, adding that the Kremlins response remains unclear.

Mr Zelensky has previously offered a ceasefire for the Easter period  but Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said earlier this week that Moscow wants a lasting peace settlement, not a temporary truce.

Russian President Vladimir Putin unilaterally declared a 30-hour ceasefire last Easter, but each side accused the other of breaking it.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials said Russia was increasingly striking the country during the day, an apparent departure from months of night-time barrages.

Andrii Kovalenko, head of the Centre for Countering Disinformation within Ukraines defence ministry, said that the daytime strikes aimed to increase civilian casualties.

That is why the combined attack is carried out on a working day, using a large number of drones and missiles, Mr Kovalenko wrote on Friday in a Telegram post.

Mr Zelensky told reporters on Thursday that Ukraine is preparing for Russian aerial attacks that could target water systems, logistics and other critical networks.

After months of sustained strikes on power facilities, Kyiv now expects increased pressure elsewhere.



A destroyed car is seen after a Russian strike on a residential neighbourhood in Vyshneve in the Kyiv region (Evgeniy Maloletka/AP)

According to intelligence documents we have received, the Russians will target logistics  railways and other infrastructure. They will also target the water supply, Mr Zelensky said at a press briefing.

Around midday on Friday, Russian forces dropped five aerial bombs on the city of Kramatorsk, in eastern Ukraine.

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At least two people were killed and three were injured, according to a Telegram update by Vadym Filashkin, who heads the regional military administration.

Elsewhere in Ukraine on Friday, a Russian drone strike damaged a bus in the southern city of Kherson, leaving the driver seriously wounded and at least eight passengers hurt, according to regional officials.

Separately, authorities reported sustained attacks on Kharkiv, Ukraines second-largest city, beginning on Thursday and continuing into early Friday.

Drone strikes near the city centre caused several injuries.

Two people later died in hospital, local governor Oleh Syniehubov wrote in separate Telegram updates.

Bohdan Hladykh, head of Kharkivs Department of Emergency Situations, said Russia struck the city at least 20 times during the day on Thursday with explosive drones.



Broken glass is seen on beds at an apartment which was damaged after a Russian strike on a residential neighbourhood in Kriukivshchyna (Evgeniy Maloletka/AP)

Meanwhile, Mr Zelensky told reporters that the battlefield situation has stabilised, with recent intelligence assessments pointing to the most favourable conditions for Kyiv in months.

While fighting remains intense across eastern sectors, Ukrainian forces have disrupted Russian offensives in recent weeks and regained limited ground.

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On Wednesday I received a report from our intelligence and an analysis from British intelligence. I received MI6s assessment of the situation at the front: right now, it is the best situation for Ukraine in the past 10 months, the Ukrainian leader said at a press briefing on Thursday.

Mr Zelensky added that Ukraine has invited US negotiators to visit Kyiv, as part of ongoing discussions on security guarantees and a broader framework for ending the war.

Recent talks have involved senior American officials as well as Nato secretary general Mark Rutte, with Ukraine seeking clearer commitments on long-term defence support and responses to any future Russian aggression.

Two people were hospitalised on Friday following a Ukrainian drone strike on Russias Leningrad region, over 1,100 kilometres (684 miles) from the border, said regional governor Alexander Drozdenko reported, who added that the drones also set fire to an unoccupied building within the Morozov industrial zone.

The settlement of Morozov houses a state-owned plant that makes explosives and components for ammunition, including solid fuel used in Topol-M missile systems.

The plant was put under US, EU and other Western sanctions following Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Twelve people, including at least three Russian soldiers, were injured in a Ukrainian drone strike late on Thursday on Russias Belgorod region, which borders Ukraine, local governor Vyacheslav Gladkov reported.

Four drones were downed during the night on the approach to Moscow, mayor Sergei Sobyanin reported on Friday.

He did not reference any casualties or damage.
Iran has shot down two US military planes in separate attacks, with one service member rescued and at least one missing.

The incidents on Friday marked a dramatic escalation since the war began nearly five weeks ago.

It was the first time US aircraft had been downed in the conflict and came just two days after President Donald Trump said in a national address that the US has beaten and completely decimated Iran and was going to finish the job, and were going to finish it very fast.



A bridge struck by US air strikes is seen in the town of Karaj, west of Tehran, Iran (Vahid Salemi/AP)

One fighter jet was shot down in Iran, officials said.

A US crew member from that jet was rescued, but a second was missing.

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The rescue occurred as the US military was conducting a search operation, a US official and an Israeli official said.



(PA Graphics)

Three people familiar also confirmed that a search had been under way.

All spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitivity of the situation.

No official details were released.



Iraqi women hold a portrait of Irans late supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his son Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei during a protest in Baghdad (Hadi Mizban/AP)

But the Pentagon notified the House Armed Services Committee that the status of a second service member is not known.

In an email from the Pentagon obtained by The Associated Press, the US military said it received notification of an aircraft being shot down in the Middle East, without providing more details.

Separately, Iranian state media said that a US A-10 attack aircraft had crashed into Persian Gulf after being struck by Iranian defence forces.

Earlier, a US official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss a sensitive military situation, said it was not clear if the aircraft crashed or was shot down or whether Iran was involved.

Neither the status of that aircrafts crew, nor exactly where the aircraft went down, was immediately known.

The incidents came as Iran fired on targets across the Middle East on Friday, keeping the pressure on Israel and its Gulf Arab neighbours, despite US and Israeli insistence that Irans military capabilities have been all but destroyed.



A boy who fled with his family following Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon sits inside the van they are using as shelter in Sidon, Lebanon (Emilio Morenatti/AP)

Irans attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure and its tight grip on the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the worlds oil and natural gas transits in peacetime, have roiled stock markets, sent oil prices skyrocketing, and threatened to raise the cost of many basic goods, including food.

Prior to word of the rescue, social media footage showed American drones, aircraft and helicopters flying over the mountainous region where a TV channel affiliated with Iranian state television had said earlier on Friday that at least one pilot bailed out of the fighter jet.

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An anchor had urged residents to hand over any enemy pilot to police and promised a reward.

It was the first time the US has lost aircraft in Iranian territory during the conflict and could mark a new level of pressure being placed on the US military.

Throughout the war, Iran has made a series of claims about shooting down piloted enemy aircraft that turned out not to be true.

Friday was the first time that Iran went on television urging the public to look for a downed pilot.



Israeli security forces and rescue teams inspect a site struck by an Iranian missile in Petah Tikva, Israel (Ohad Zwigenberg/AP)

Iranian state media said in a post on X that Irans military shot down a US F-15E Strike Eagle.

The aircraft is a variation of the Air Force fighter jet that carries a pilot and weapons system officer.

Alan Diehl, a former investigator for the Air Force Safety Centre, said the Strike Eagle has an emergency locator beacon in a survival kit that can be set to activate automatically or manually.

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The Pentagon did not respond to repeated requests for comment.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a previous statement that Mr Trump had been briefed but did not offer additional information.

Meanwhile, world leaders are struggling to end Irans stranglehold on the Strait of Hormuz, which has had far-reaching consequences for the global economy and has proved to be its greatest strategic advantage in the war.



US President Donald Trump arrives from the Blue Room to speak about the Iran war from the Cross Hall of the White House (Alex Brandon/AP)

The UN Security Council was expected to take up the matter on Saturday.

Mr Trump has vacillated on Americas role in the strait, alternately threatening Iran if it does not open the waterway and telling other nations to go get your own oil.

On Friday, he said in a post on social media that, With a little more time, we can easily OPEN THE HORMUZ STRAIT, TAKE THE OIL, & MAKE A FORTUNE.

Spot prices of Brent crude, the international standard, were around 109 dollars (82) Friday, up more than 50% since the start of the war, when Iran began restricting traffic through the strait.
Iran shot down a US warplane on Friday, setting off a search by both sides for surviving crew as the war looked set to intensify with President Donald Trump threatening more attacks on civilian infrastructure.

Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps said it was combing an area near where the plane came down in southwestern Iran. The regional governor promised a commendation for anyone who captured or killed the pilot.

A US military official confirmed that a fighter jet had been shot down and a search was underway.

Iranian news agencies said US helicopters were flying low on apparent search missions and carried videos of residents shooting at them.

There were no confirmed details of the searches or the type of aircraft shot down, which the Iranian military said was an F-35, a single-seater. The Pentagon and US Central Command did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

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The loss underlined the risk still faced by US and Israeli aircraft over Iran, despite assertions by Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that their forces had total control of the skies.

Nearly five weeks after the US and Israel opened the campaign with a wave of strikes that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, there is no sign of an end to the war, which has already killed thousands and threatened lasting damage to the global economy.

On Thursday, Trump posted footage on social media showing dust and smoke billowing up as US strikes hit the newly constructed B1 bridge between Tehran and nearby Karaj, which was due to open this year, and said more attacks would follow.

"Our Military, the greatest and most powerful (by far!) anywhere in the World, hasn't even started destroying whats left in Iran. Bridges next, then Electric Power Plants!," he wrote in a subsequent post.

Despite the pressure, Iran has been able to hit back at Israel and strike Gulf countries allied to the US, which have so far held back from joining the war directly for fear of further escalation.

On Friday, as Trump threatened to hit its bridges and power plants, Iran struck a power and water plant in Kuwait, underlining the vulnerability of Gulf States that rely heavily on desalination plants for drinking water.

Plumes of smoke and fire rise after debris from an intercepted Iranian drone hit an oil facility,  Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Trump urged Iran's leaders to seek peace, saying on social media that Iran "knows what has to be done, and has to be done, FAST!".

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But Tehran has shown no sign of acquiescence, and Trump faces growing pressure to find a quick resolution, with anger building at home and his Republican Party in danger of losing control of Congress during the mid-term elections in November.

Negotiations conducted via intermediaries with new leaders in Iran have shown little sign of progress, and polls indicate most Americans oppose the war.

At the same time, the economic impact has been global, with Iran's grip on the strategic shipping lane in the Strait of Hormuz giving it a chokehold on oil and gas.

Trump has expressed anger at US allies that have refused his calls to help re-open the strait, through which a fifth of global oil and liquefied gas passes in normal times. On Friday, he said reopening it would not be difficult.

"With a little more time, we can easily OPEN THE HORMUZ STRAIT, TAKE THE OIL,& MAKE A FORTUNE," he said on Truth Social.

The US and Israel say they have degraded Iran's military capacity. But Iranian media have issued daily reports of attacks on civilian sites too, including schools, pharmaceutical suppliers, and health facilities. On Thursday, the century-old Pasteur Institute in the heart of Tehran was severely damaged, the Health Ministry said.

World Iran fires on targets across the Middle East while Israel and US hit Tehran Read more

On Friday, a drone hit a Red Crescent relief warehouse in the Choghadak area of the southern Bushehr province.

Over 100 American international law experts said the conduct of U.S. forces and statements by senior U.S. officials "raise serious concerns about violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, including potential war crimes".

For its part, Iran has continued to strike targets around the Gulf.

Kuwait Petroleum Corporation said its Mina al-Ahmadi refinery had been hit by drones. Other attacks were also reported to have been intercepted in Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi. Missile debris landed near the Israeli port of Haifa, site of a major oil refinery
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NationalHeroes Opinion Im hooked on competency porn. I wish our leaders were too Julia Baird Journalist, broadcaster, historian and author April 4, 2026  8:30am

April 4, 2026  8:30am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Isnt it brilliant when you encounter a truly competent person? An efficient nurse, council worker, banker, bureaucrat, baker. Someone who gets stuff done and, by doing so, quietly and regularly improves the lives of people around them. Competence is a rarely trumpeted, often under-rated virtue, which is a shame. Illustration by Simon Letch In fact, the pleasure of watching people who are really good at their jobs, who move through the world with efficiency, precision and skill  on screen as well as in real life  is so strong that it has earned a name: competency porn. Think of Dr Rabinavitch in The Pitt. Or Legally Blondes Elle Woods crushing a witness. Keanu Reeves playing John Wick. Jessica Fletcher in Murder, She Wrote. Dulcie Collins in Deadloch. The journalists in Spotlight. Sherlock Homes identifying a murderer through a speck of dust on a shoe, or a twitch of an eyelid. Then there are TikTokers folding fitted sheets, organising cupboards, vacuuming.

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Its not just individuals, either, but smooth-running, capable teams. TVTropes described it as: The thrill of watching bright, talented people plan, banter, and work together to solve problems. Its not just characters being good at a thing  but specifically about using cleverness and hard work. Related Article Updated

Middle East at war Thats not for us: Trump prepared to exit Iran with Strait of Hormuz still closed Its a delight. And yet when people display incompetence, we rarely call it what it is. We frame it as something else. When the American president bombs Iran without securing the Strait of Hormuz to ensure the passage of oil supplies  and without securing the assent or support of allies  thats not a curious new foreign policy doctrine. Thats incompetent. This war has also shown that when leaders thumb their noses at renewables, and continue to prop up dying fossil fuel industries, that too, even just by the measure of energy security and independence, is incompetent. If Kyle Sandilands publicly bullies a cohost on air, sure, that can amount to misconduct, or an attack, but its also being bad at your job. Breaching community and radio standards serially while on air is also incompetent.

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If an industry leader sexually harasses staff, we label it a #metoo moment, not foolishness from someone who does not have their act together sufficiently to do their job well. Related Article Pop culture I watch people bake and save lives. Am I addicted to competency porn? When the Liberal Party leaders repeatedly skim then ignore reports that tell them they are losing community standing because of their inability to preselect, promote and speak to women, instead of adopting evidence-based measures to fix the problem, thats incompetence. Why not see it as a key performance indicator, and just get it done? When governments of all stripes observe the havoc and horrors the Tasmanian salmon industry is wreaking on the environment, the horrible sliming of the coastline, the disappearance of fish, the rapid degrading of the nutrition and quality of the salmon, as Richard Flanagan outlined so devastatingly in Toxic, and yet refuse to arrest it, this is simply inept. It would be delightful if politicians could understand that what we want from them, more than anything else, is just  hear me out on this  for them to do their jobs well. We dont want reports to languish, experts to be ignored, cans kicked further and further down policy roads.

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One area in which the dangers of ineptitude continue, due to the warping influence of being politicised and easily weaponised, is immigration. The culture wars can both distract us and breed incompetence. When an offensive remark is made  such as Pauline Hanson suggesting there are no good Muslims  or an offensive sentiment insinuated, days and weeks can be lost to dissecting, apologising (or half-apologising), dog-whistling, hen-squawking. Related Article Exclusive

Poll Young people most likely to see political views as dealbreaker for friendship Meanwhile, headlines fly by, full of warning and cautions we can barely comprehend  a polluted ocean, a febrile planet, unfettered AI, new technologies devouring resources and, possibly, our futures. Which is why so many of us wearily agreed with widely respected former Treasury secretary Martin Parkinson when he said we need to avoid culture-wars garbage on immigration. Rather, he said, we should just implement practical measures such as updating the skills test  untouched since 2012  to attract the workers we need. His suggestion was that the test be shaped around the best indicators of success  age and education. Parkinson, who led Labors migration review in 2023, said: It doesnt matter where you are on the big migration or small migration side of the debate, we want to get the best people. The Grattan Institute says that if we improve this test, which affects about 80,000 workers a year, state and federal budgets would benefit by an estimated $84 billion over the next three decades. Sounds sensible, possibly even effective.

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Late last year, the McKinnon Foundations inaugural index, or Dashboard of Democratic Health, found that despite strong majority support for democracy, only about half of us are happy with the way it works. Almost two-thirds think corruption is a problem. Trust in federal politicians was at 35.9 per cent and political parties just 31.2 per cent. Related Article Investigation

Organised crime We handed over billions to organised crime: How official neglect and incompetence fuelled the tobacco war What the McKinnon Index identified would surprise few of us. Australians are hankering for leadership: Australians want leaders who act with courage, competence and vision rather than short-term politics. When asked what one thing could solve the challenges facing Australias governments, the most common answers related to calls for leadership with vision and action (14.7 per cent) and public participation in decision-making (12.7 per cent). This was significantly higher than answers related to reducing Australias immigration levels (7.3 per cent) or fixing the housing crisis (7.1 per cent). There was a strong relationship, too, between trust in government and government effectiveness. Thats the social compact  you deliver for us, we trust in you. There are, after all, are some pretty substantial issues wed like resolved.

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A 2021 OECD report, Drivers of Trust in Public Institutions, analysing data from 22 countries, produced a similar finding. As The Australian Financial Review put it, Competent governments able to deal with complex problems such as climate change, technology regulation, and emergency preparedness score best. A reminder of why public service capability is so critical. The OECD found people wanted policy to be shaped by evidence and factor in future generations. The dream. Competence should be the first thing we demand of our leaders. We shouldnt need to switch on our screens to be thrilled by the sight of someone working hard, well and effectively to solve a problem, without vilifying people, trying to score points or seek glory. Julia Baird is a journalist, author and regular columnist. Her latest book is Bright Shining: how grace changes everything.
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Updated NationalQueenslandMissing person Woman found after going missing in Brisbane River, as fatal incidents mar start of Easter Cameron Atfield Updated April 3, 2026  3:10pm ,first published April 3, 2026  9:58am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Police have found a woman in Bowen Hills, about 12 hours after she was seen entering the Brisbane River from a South Brisbane CityCat terminal in the early hours of Friday morning. The search for the woman was one of several serious events across Queensland going into Easter, which also included three fatal traffic incidents. The woman went into the river near the South Brisbane CityCat terminal, before being found 12 hours later in Bowen Hills. Brittney Deguara A Queensland Police Service spokesperson said officers and emergency services were called to the river near South Brisbane about 2am after reports a woman had entered the water from the CityCat terminal. A police spokesman said the woman was found safe and well 12 hours later at 2pm, at OConnell Terrace in Bowen Hills.

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On the Gold Coast, a 23-year-old Currumbin man was killed following a single-motorcycle crash at Burleigh Heads on Thursday night. A QPS spokesperson said the green Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle lost control on West Burleigh Road about 9.05pm. A Queensland Ambulance Service spokesperson said paramedics treated the rider for significant head injuries before transporting him in a life-threatening condition to Gold Coast University Hospital, where he later died. Police are appealing for information or dashcam vision. Elsewhere, a 58yearold woman died after succumbing to injuries from a traffic incident at Logan late last month. A QPS spokesperson said the woman was walking along Crowson Lane, North Maclean, about 11.40am on Wednesday last week, March 25, when she was struck by an item that had fallen off a ute. She was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries and died on Thursday. Police said the vehicle involved did not stop at the scene, but a Toyota LandCruiser had since been located and the driver was assisting police with their inquiries. Police appealed for witnesses or dashcam footage.

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Another fatal crash occurred on the Sunshine Coast hinterland on Thursday. A QPS spokesperson said a 24yearold Bald Hills man died after the truck he was driving crashed into a tree on Steve Irwin Way at Beerburrum about 10.45am. Emergency crews freed the driver and a passenger who were trapped in the cab. Despite first aid, the driver died at the scene. The passenger, a 21yearold Silkstone man, was flown to hospital in a stable condition. Forensic Crash Unit investigations were ongoing. Ambulance crews also attended several incidents overnight, including a two-vehicle crash in Rockhampton, where four people were taken to hospital in stable conditions, and a house fire at Sunset, in Mount Isa, where no injuries were reported. Get alerts on significant breaking news as happens. Sign up for our Breaking News Alert.
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InspirationEurope This compact European capital is a cultural juggernaut Jenny Hewett April 3, 2026  11:00pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Seven Wonders of Amsterdam During the 17th century, Amsterdam was the most influential trading hub in Europe. Today, its a compact cultural juggernaut that offers everything from world-class art and museums to traditional bars and UNESCO-listed canals. 1 Wander the Canal Belt The junction of the Leidsegracht and Keizersgracht canals on Amsterdams Canal Belt. iStockphoto Dodge flying Dutchmen (and women) on dainty bicycles and pause to watch canal boats slip under the many arched bridges on Amsterdams iconic network of waterways. Built during the 17th century to repurpose urban space, the old towns Canal Belt is UNESCO-listed and spans more than 100 kilometres. Step inside Museum van Loon to see the well-preserved canal house once owned by one of the founders of the Dutch East India Company. The collection includes family portraits, silver and porcelain. See museumvanloon.nl

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2 Get lost in the Rijksmuseum Sign up for the Traveller Deals newsletter Get exclusive travel deals delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up now. Viewers marvel at Rembrandts The Night Watch, on display at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. iStock Tick off the Netherlands answer to Mona Lisa at this museum boasting more than 1 million artefacts, which was built in neo-gothic style in the 1800s. The Night Watch by Rembrandt depicts Amsterdams civic guard and commands its own room. Works by other Dutch greats, including Vermeer, grace the halls here, but dont miss views of the Cuypers Library from the gallery above. The oldest art literature library in the Netherlands features towering bookshelves, a large skylight and its 450,000 objects can be studied by appointment. See rijksmuseum.nl 3 Drink at a bruin bar With their cosy, dark wood interiors, brass fittings and endearing wear-and-tear, Amsterdams oldest drinking holes serve more than just beer and bitterballen. Many of the citys traditional brown cafes have been used as vital gathering places for Amsterdams colourful inhabitants for centuries. Cafe Chris in the Jordaan has been pouring since 1624. Its so old that the flush mechanism for the toilet is located in the common area of the bar rather than in the cubicle.

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Related Article Amsterdam Adult language, adult substances: A canal cruise unlike any other 4 Visit the Oude Kerke Rembrandts wife, Saskia van Uylenburgh, and prominent Dutch composer Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck are among 60,000 people buried under this 700-year-old church-turned-creative hub in Amsterdams historic Red Light District. The oldest building in Amsterdam functions as a space for contemporary art, often with an interactive or audiovisual element. Its heritage medieval stained-glass windows, 25-metre-high spiral staircases and baroque organ form the canvas for some of the citys most edgy art. See oudekerk.nl 5 Stand in Dam Square Dam Square is home to a number of Amsterdams landmarks. iStock

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A dam built in the 13th century on the Amstel River to prevent the then fishing settlement from flooding gave Amsterdam its name. Today, its the cultural heartbeat of the city and home to a number of landmarks, including the 17th-century neoclassical Royal Palace Amsterdam. Book a ticket to view its Citizens Hall, which features a six-metre statue of the Greek god Atlas holding up a globe and a marble floor inlaid with world maps that depict Amsterdam as the centre of the universe, a reference to its global trade power during the Dutch Golden Age of the 17th century. See paleisamsterdam.nl 6 See modern art at Moco Museum Moco museum. Getty Images Had enough of the old masters? A few footsteps from the Van Gogh Museum is this compact collection of contemporary art with pop culture prevalence, albeit presented in a historic villa dating back to 1904. As well as a permanent Banksy exhibition, this multi-level townhouse displays an Elmo chair by American artist KAWS and iconic works from Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Damien Hirst, alongside influencer-worthy digital and immersive art. See mocomuseum.com 7 Drop in on Rembrandt

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Rembrandt House museum, at left. iStock Like many people in the 17th century, Dutch baroque painter Rembrandt is said to have slept sitting up. His box bed, designed for an upright position to supposedly aid digestion, can be viewed among other personal objects and etchings from his art studio in the Rembrandt House Museum in the centre of Amsterdam. The artist lived here between 1639 and 1658, and created many of his masterpieces onsite. See rembrandthuis.nl The writer travelled at her own expense.

Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share License this article More: Europe

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Culture holidays Jenny Hewett is a Sydney-based freelance travel writer who has lived in South-East Asia and the Middle East, and loves nothing more than being among nature and wildlife.
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WorldMiddle EastMiddle East at war US fighter jet shot down over Iran, one crew member rescued Kanishka Singh and Enas Alashray April 3, 2026  5:00pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Washington/Cairo: Iran has shot down a US F15-E fighter jet over the country. One crew member has been rescued, US and Israeli officials say. A search and rescue mission was launched for survivors from the two-person aircraft. A US F15-E Strike Eagle, pictured in January 2026 over North Carolina. 121st Air Refueling Wing White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement that President Donald Trump had been briefed. A pilot or pilots ejected from the aircraft over southwestern Iran, Iranian media claimed on Friday, urging Iranians in the area to help hunt them down.

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The TV channel in Irans Kohkilouyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province initially urged viewers who see Americans to shoot them as soon as you see them. Then it changed the instructions, saying police want Iranians to hand over any downed American pilots alive to security agencies to receive a precious prize. Trump says US hasnt even started destroying whats left in Iran US President Donald Trump has said America hasnt even started destroying whats left in Iran, reiterating vows to increase the ferocity of attacks on its infrastructure, as dozens of countries sought ways to restart vital energy shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. With a little more time, we can easily open the Hormuz strait, take the oil, and make a fortune, Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social on Friday morning (Washington time). It would be a gusher for the world???

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Nearly five weeks after it started with a joint US-Israeli aerial assault, the war in Iran continues to spread chaos across the region and roil financial markets, raising the pressure on Trump to find a quick resolution to the conflict. Loading Trump has stepped up his rhetoric in recent days as negotiations conducted via intermediaries with new leaders in Iran show limited signs of progress. The US military hasnt even started destroying whats left in Iran. Bridges next, then Electric Power Plants, Trump wrote on social media late on Thursday (Washington time), adding that Irans leadership knows what has to be done, and has to be done, FAST! He earlier posted video of the US bombing a newly constructed bridge between Tehran and the major north-west suburb of Karaj. The B1 bridge was scheduled to open to traffic this year. According to Irans state media, eight people were killed and 95 others were wounded in the attack.

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Striking civilian structures, including unfinished bridges, will not compel Iranians to surrender, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said in a statement. Iranian media reported a drone attack on Friday morning on a Red Crescent relief warehouse in the Choghadak area of southern Bushehr province, saying two containers were destroyed. Bushehr, a major port city and key maritime hub, also hosts Irans first nuclear power facility. Iran and its allies have continued to strike targets around the Gulf. Kuwait Petroleum Corp said its Mina al-Ahmadi refinery was hit by drones, setting off fires at operating units, but no injuries were reported, according to the state news agency. Concerns about potential US war crimes raised

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Middle East at war China wants a seat at the Middle East peace table, but without the work More than 100 American international law experts said the conduct of US forces and statements by senior US officials raise serious concerns about violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, including potential war crimes. A letter signed by the experts particularly noted a mid-March comment from Trump where he said the US might conduct strikes on Iran just for fun. It also cited comments from Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth from early March in which he said the US does not fight with stupid rules of engagement. In a speech on Wednesday night, Trump repeated his threats against Irans civilian power plants and gave no clear timeline for ending hostilities. That drew vows of retaliation from Iran, weighed on global share prices and sent oil prices surging on concerns the Strait of Hormuz would remain largely closed. Donald Trump has stepped up his rhetoric in recent days as negotiations conducted via intermediaries with new leaders in Iran show limited signs of progress. AP

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Britain chaired a virtual meeting on Thursday of some 40 countries to explore ways to restore freedom of navigation that did not produce any specific agreement, though participants agreed that all nations should be able to use the waterway freely, one official said. UNSC to vote on Bahraini plan to protect shipping The United Nations Security Council was set to vote at the weekend on a Bahraini resolution to protect commercial shipping in and around the strait, diplomats said, but veto-wielding China made clear its opposition to authorising any use of force. Any military action would be legitimising the unlawful and indiscriminate use of force, which would inevitably lead to further escalation of the situation and lead to serious consequences, Chinas UN envoy, Fu Cong, told the Security Council. A first responder assists an injured boy following a strike that hit a residential building in Tehran. AP

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Iran has in effect shut down the strait, which normally carries about a fifth of the worlds total oil trade, in retaliation for US-Israeli attacks that began on February 28. Tehran offered a competing vision for future control of the strait, and said it was drafting a protocol with neighbouring Oman that would require ships to obtain permits and licences. The European Unions foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, pushed back against Tehrans plan, saying Iran cannot be allowed to charge countries a bounty to let ships pass. International law doesnt recognise pay-to-pass schemes, Kallas wrote on social media. Hegseth fires US Army chief As the US military builds up its forces in the Middle East, Hegseth removed the armys top uniformed officer and two other generals, the Pentagon said without giving a reason.

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General Randy George, who had more than a year left in his term as Army chief of staff, would be retiring, effective immediately, it said. The ouster of such a senior military figure is nearly without precedent during wartime, but the latest of more than a dozen firings of top generals and admirals by Hegseth since he took office last year. General Randy Georges removal comes amid a wider shake-up of senior US military leadership. Getty Images Hegseths former military aide and Army vice chief of staff, General Christopher LaNeve, will take over Georges role in an acting capacity. Reuters, 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.
A CASE in which a man retrieved a bar or stick from the boot of his car and advanced on another driver was dismissed at Carlow District Court after Judge Geraldine Carthy found there was no case to answer due to a credibility issue with the complainant.

Dylan Ovington (21) gave evidence that on 11 December 2023, he was in Baltinglass getting a phone charger before visiting his cousins grave when the incident occurred. As I pulled out, this car flew in front of me while I was sitting there. I didnt know what was going on, he told the court.

He said he recognised the driver, Johnny Molloy (49), who lives near him. He claimed Mr Molloy blocked the road on Church Lane, retrieved a bar from the boot of his car and walked aggressively towards Mr Ovingtons vehicle.

He grabbed a bar from his car boot and came running. I had to reverse back, Mr Ovington said, adding that he drove off before Mr Molloy, of Raheen, Baltinglass, came too close.

He said he then phoned his mother, who advised him to report the matter to the gardai. He claimed he had been scared and had previously received aggressive phone calls from Mr Molloy.

Under cross-examination by solicitor Joe Farrell, the witnesss account was challenged. When asked whether there was any history between the parties, Mr Ovington initially said he had no idea why he had been receiving the calls before acknowledging there was history, yeah.

Mr Farrell pressed him on the point, noting he was under oath. Mr Ovington then offered that he had gone to school with Mr Molloys daughter.

Mr Farrell put it to the witness that his client claimed that Mr Ovington had been behind him in a Volkswagen Bora, flashing his lights. He also put it to him that Mr Molloy alleged Mr Ovington had called him a fat bastard, to which the witness replied it was the other way around, saying the exchange had taken place by phone while both men were in their cars.

When it emerged the two had spoken about sorting things out, Mr Farrell pressed him on what exactly needed sorting if, as he had claimed, nothing was going on.

Mr Farrell said Mr Molloy had told gardai that his daughter and Mr Ovington had been at school together and that she had been put through hell and that his intention in taking the item from the boot had been only to frighten him.

The court also heard that Mr Ovingtons cousin, who was in the car with him on the day, was not present and had not been asked to give a statement.

Mr Farrell put it to Mr Ovington that he had, on occasion, followed Mr Molloys daughter Katy in his car, which he denied, also denying any intimidation, including on social media.

Garda Dillon gave evidence that she received a panicked phone call from Mr Ovington on the day, saying someone was driving after him, followed by a further call from his mother saying her son was being chased by a man named Johnny. She confirmed CCTV was obtained from the area and that on 22 January 2024 Mr Molloy attended Baltinglass Garda Station, viewed the footage and acknowledged it was him.

The court heard that counter-allegations were subsequently made by Mr Molloys daughter on 22 January and by his wife on 28 January, directed at Mr Ovington and another person. No admissions were made in relation to those matters.

Garda Dillon read from Mr Molloys statement, in which he described Mr Ovington following him, flashing his lights and verbally abusing him from his car window. He said Mr Ovington had put his daughter through hell, that she had been unable to attend school and that on one occasion at Dinn Ri, Carlow, he walked up to her and made a gesture mimicking a gun to her head, saying bang, bang.

He has put Katy through hell, Mr Molloys statement read. I pulled out a stick, but I didnt use it.

Addressing the court directly, Garda Dillon said: Judge, can I just say, its over a Snapchat he sent to her that she opened in front of her parents. She became extremely upset and this escalated the whole thing.

Judge Carthy said there was a credibility issue with the complainant, noting that he had stated in direct evidence that there was nothing on social media of any nature regarding Katy.

There is no case to answer here. Dismissed, she ruled.

Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme
CATHERINE Ann Quinlan, who passed away unexpectedly but peacefully in her sleep on Thursday 12 March at her residence in Charleston, South Carolina, USA was a native of Carlow town.

Aged 62, the former Catherine Doyle was daughter of the late Patrick (Paddy) and Grace (nee Smith) Doyle, 30 St Killians Crescent, Carlow. She was one of a family of nine children  six girls and three boys a and is survived by seven siblings.

Having been educated by the Presentation Sisters in Carlow, Catherine went on to work locally, learning the bakery trade at Dunnys Bakery, Castle Street. From that time onwards, Catherine was noted for her baking skills  she also had artistic talents.

Catherine subsequently worked as a barmaid in Archies Bar, Tullow Street, Carlow and in the same capacity in the Seven Oaks hotel, where she spent a long number of years before emigrating to America.

She was intensely proud of her Carlow roots and returned regularly to her native town on holidays, where she would renew acquaintance with family, neighbours and friends.

Catherine emigrated to New York in 1989 with her husband Oliver and son Stephen, following her older sister Olwyn Doyle to the Big Apple. Olwyn was a psychiatric nurse in St Dympnas hospital, Carlow before leaving for the US, where she continued her nursing career.

Catherine loved celebrating St Patricks day and was greatly looking forward to the parade in Charleston. Her sister Christine Keating, St Killians Crescent, had sent her a green t-shirt and hat for the 17 March celebrations. Instead, sadly, Catherines funeral took place on St Patricks day.

In a tribute to his mother during her funeral Mass in Charleston, Stephen Quinlan said Catherine spent many successful years as a chef and banquet manger in several five-star New York hotels.

He continued: She had a gift for fashion and travel and she was happiest on a sunny beach, adding that she adored her little black Schnauzer dog Maxwell to the moon and back. Continuing his tribute, Stephen said Catherine, through hard work and determination, helped build a life in America, one that allowed him to graduate college, pursue a career in hospitality and purchase their first home.

He described Catherine as a strong Irish woman, effortlessly talented in all ways you cannot teach.

Her dreams were always to retire in Charleston near the beach and the sun. Over the past two years, she was blessed with the chance to spend meaningful time here, thanks to the support of close friends, visiting islands, making new friends and creating memories that will be cherished forever. Stephen suggested that laying his mother to rest on St Patricks day was Catherines way of looking down on us and giving one last cheeky wink. He liked to think that Catherine is now walking along the beach with their beautiful Labrador Caesar, who died in June of last year, "soaking up every bit of sun as it sets over Kiawah Island."

Catherine is survived by her son Stephen (Albany, New York), brothers Paul (Kilmuckridge, Co Wexford) and David (Claregalway, Co Galway), sisters Olwyn Reidy (Florida, USA), Christine Keating (St Killians Crescent, Carlow), Anna Egerton (Croydon, Surrey, UK) and Grainne Haughney (Graiguecullen, Carlow).

She was predeceased by her brother Patrick Doyle (Castle Hill, Carlow) and sister Patricia McGettigan (Galway city).

Members of Catherines family in Ireland viewed her funeral Mass in Charleston on webcam.

A celebration of Catherine Quinlans life will take place in Carlow in the coming months.
The Kyrgyz Republic's Cabinet of Ministers has signed an investment agreement with Shenfeng Zet Cement for the construction of a new cement plant in the Chui region.

The agreement, signed on 30 March, covers the development of a clinker production line with a capacity of 3200tpd in the Kyzyl-Oktyabrsky aiyl aimak in the Kemin district. The project represents a total investment of US$137.6m.

The document was signed on behalf of the government by Ravshanbek Sabirov, head of the National Investment Agency, and by Hua Jianfei, deputy general director of Shenfeng Zet Cement.

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The project forms part of ongoing efforts to expand Kyrgyzstans industrial base and strengthen domestic cement production capacity.
Amrize secured two major awards in the Lower Carbon Concrete category at the Slag Cement Associations (SCA) annual ceremony, held 1 April at the American Concrete Institute Convention in Chicago. The accolades recognise the companys leadership in sustainable mix design and material optimisation.

The first winning project involved a collaboration with Meta and the University of Illinois for a data centre in Rosemount, Minnesota. By leveraging Metas open-source AI models, Amrize developed a first-of-its-kind concrete mix that prioritises high strength and reduced carbon load without sacrificing construction speed.

The second award-winning entry featured the ECOtect application for Procter & Gambles Principio project in Andover, Massachusetts. This lower-carbon solution was used to modernise a Gillette manufacturing facility, providing enhanced durability and optimised set times to meet strict sustainability and performance targets.

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Jaime Hill, President of Amrize Building Materials, noted that these advanced solutions are "shaping the future of construction" while supporting American jobs. SCA Director Nick Brimley praised the projects as standout examples of how innovation can effectively lower the built environment's carbon footprint.
For the fourth consecutive year, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga social work students took home top honors at Social Work Day on the Hill, winning a statewide policy presentation competition at the State Capitol on Wednesday, March 25.Organized by the Tennessee chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, Day on the Hill brought together students from 11 universities across Tennessee, giving future social workers a firsthand look at the legislative process and the role advocacy plays in their field.Bachelor of Social Work seniors Justine Hernandez, Tyler Parrott and Alexia Carroll earned the policy presentation award after speaking on legislation they said would harm undocumented K-12 students by allowing local education agencies to deny enrollment or charge tuition.Their presentation in the Tennessee House chambers came before a crowd of state legislators and more than 300 social work students and faculty.Organized by the Tennessee chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, Day on the Hill brought together students from 11 universities across Tennessee, giving future social workers a firsthand look at the legislative process and the role advocacy plays in their field.Associate Professor Bethany Womack said the day combined recognition with direct engagement for UTCs delegation, which included 38 undergraduate and graduate students.The students attended committee meetings and met with lawmakersincluding Tennessee Sen. Bo Watson, who received a bachelors degree in biology from UTC in 1983, and Rep. Greg Martinto discuss issues tied to their coursework and field experiences.Every year our students put together presentations about bills that are going through the legislative process in the General Assembly, Womack said. This year, the winners got to deliver their presentation live to the Social Work Day on the Hill crowd. It was really exciting to get to see that happen in that space.Womack said the experience comes at an important time for students preparing to enter the field.I think the importance right now is advocating in hard times, she said. There are moments where vulnerable populations feel more vulnerable because of policy. That makes it even more important for our students to understand how to use their voices.Clinical Associate Professor and BSW Program Director Harlee Milligan, who received a bachelors degree in social work from UTC in 2017, said experiences like Social Work Day on the Hill help students better understand how policy connects to the work they plan to do.One of the social work competencies is about engaging in policy practice, Milligan said. They got to see a side of social work that not many social workers truly go into, but it informs everything that we do; policymakers and the laws affect the work that we do as social workers.Its really meaningful to see how students grow through this experience. Theyre building confidence, learning how to communicate with policymakers and understanding how they can make an impact.
After a year of steady unemployment, Tennessee began 2026 with a slight decline in its unemployment rate from the previous month, according to data from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development.



The states seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for January was 3.5%, down one-tenth of a percentage point from December. The rate was also 3.5% a year ago. Tennessee continues to outperform the national unemployment rate, which was 4.3% in January.



Throughout 2025, the statewide unemployment rate remained stable, ranging from 3.5% to 3.7% each month.



Over the past year, Tennessee employers added 5,900 nonfarm jobs. The largest increases were in the health care and social assistance sector, followed by state government and then the arts, entertainment, and recreation sector.



Over the month, total nonfarm employment increased by 7,200 jobs, with the largest gains in private education and health services, professional and business services, and financial activities.

TDLWD has compiled a comprehensive analysis of the January 2026 statewide unemployment data.



TDLWD also provides valuable county-level commuter data for Tennessee, offering a detailed look at how people travel to work, showing where residents are employed, how far they commute, and how local labor markets are connected across county lines. By exploring these patterns, employers can better understand workforce availability, identify emerging laborsheds, and make more strategic decisions about business location, expansion, and recruitment.



For job seekers and workers, commuter data provides valuable insight into potential employment opportunities beyond their home county, including typical commute times, remote work trends, and regional job hubs.



Tennessee will release the unemployment data for all 95 counties on Thursday, at 1:30 p.m. CDT.
Lee Universitys cell and molecular biology lab students, led by Drs. Jonathan Cornett and Lori West, will present their SEA-GENES (science education alliance  gene-function exploration by a network of emerging scientists) research as part of the spring session of the Cleveland Bradley County Public Librarys Sassy Science Series. The program will take place on Tuesday, April 14, at noon and will include a 40-minute presentation followed by a 20-minute Q&A session.

Were excited to welcome the cell and molecular biology lab students to continue the spring Sassy Science Series, said Kathy Davini, adult programming coordinator at the Cleveland Bradley County Public Library. This series is designed to make science engaging and accessible, and our partnership with Lee University allows us to offer high-quality programs to the community. Having student presenters for this installment is a unique opportunity, and we look forward to the research and insight they have to share.

The class participates in the SEA-GENES project administered by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, a multi-semester endeavor. The projects goal is to clone all 100 genes from the bacteriophage TChen and perform various tests to see how they behave when exposed to a specific drug or chemical.

Participation in the SEA-GENES program offers our students a valuable opportunity to engage directly in meaningful research, said Dr. West, distinguished professor of biology and assistant chairperson for Lees Department of Natural Sciences. Not only do students deepen their understanding of virus biology, but they also contribute to the broader scientific community, an aspect that makes this experience especially exciting.

This semester, the students were tasked with cloning four of the TChen genes and putting them through the testing process. They will present a poster of their results. Presenters include student groups Anneliese Estes and Jonah Pope, Sam Crowell and Lucas Quezada, and Lily Hartenburg and Ashtyn Stock.

The ability to do research closely alongside our faculty has taught me invaluable technical and professional skills that have cultivated a passion for the work we are doing, said Ms. Stock, a junior biology major with a pre-physician assistant emphasis. Throughout this semester, our cell and molecular biology lab has tested genes to determine if they can kill host bacteria or prevent reinfection by a virus. In the end, we hope to add our knowledge to a database that could one day be used to develop phage therapy for antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

The event is free and open to the public and will be held in the Flex Room of the Cleveland Bradley County Public Library, located at the corner of Church Street and 8th Street.

For more information, visit clevelandlibrary.org.

For more information about TChen or this project, visit phagesdb.org/phages/TChen/ or contact Dr. West at lwest@leeuniversity.edu.




"When you know youre not going to make it, a wonderful thing happens: You stop being cluttered by the feeling that youre going to save your butt."

Being the week we celebrate Easter this year, it is appropriate to recognize John Ripley, who, on Easter Sunday in April 1972 in Vietnam, earned his irrevocable status as a Marine legend.



John was born in Radford, Virginia. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the Marine Corps at age 17. A year later, he received an appointment to the U.S.

Naval Academy.He graduated from USNA in 1962 with a BA degree in electrical engineering and was commissioned as a second lieutenant with the Marine Corps. After completing The Basic School, he deployed with the Marine detachment on the USS Independence, and after completing his sea duty, he joined 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines. In 1965, then-1stLt Ripley was transferred to 2nd Force Reconnaissance Company and deployed to South Vietnam.In 1966, he transferred to 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines and was promoted to Captain, serving as company commander of Lima Company, which became revered as Ripleys Raiders. He was wounded in action but returned to complete his tour.John returned stateside to complete the Amphibious Warfare School and served at Marine Headquarters until 1969, when he became an exchange officer with the British Royal Marines and Special Boat Service. He completed their Marine Commando Course in Lympstone, England, and served in Singapore with the 3rd Commando Brigade, including several months of service with the famous Gurkha Rifles.In 1971, he returned for a second tour in Vietnam as the Senior Advisor to the 3rd Vietnamese Marine Battalion operating along the Demilitarized Zone. Over the course of his two tours, he participated in 26 major operations in the famous Leatherneck Square area of Dong Ha, Con Tien, and Khe Sanh.On Easter morning in April 1972, the North Vietnamese launched their Easter Offensive, a three-pronged invasion of South Vietnam by 120,000 NVA troops and 600 heavy tanks. On that day, Capt Ripleys heroic actions earned him a Navy Cross, the USNs second-highest award under the Medal of Honor.According to his citation:Upon receipt of a report that a rapidly moving, mechanized, North Vietnamese army force, estimated at reinforced divisional strength, was attacking south along Route #1, the Third Vietnamese Marine Infantry Battalion was positioned to defend a key village and the surrounding area. It became imperative that a vital river bridge be destroyed if the overall security of the northern provinces of Military Region One was to be maintained.His citation continues:Advancing to the bridge to personally supervise this most dangerous but vitally important assignment, Captain Ripley located a large amount of explosives which had been pre-positioned there earlier, access to which was blocked by a chain-link fence. In order to reposition the approximately 500 pounds of explosives, Captain Ripley was obliged to reach up and hand-walk along the beams while his body dangled beneath the bridge. On five separate occasions, in the face of constant enemy fire, he moved to points along the bridge and, with the aid of another advisor who pushed the explosives to him, securely emplaced them. He then detonated the charges and destroyed the bridge, thereby stopping the enemy assault.His citation concludes: By his heroic actions and extraordinary courage, Captain Ripley undoubtedly was instrumental in saving an untold number of lives. His inspiring efforts reflected great credit upon himself, the Marine Corps, and the United States Naval Service.Do you get the picture here?Ripley repeatedly, over three hours, moved hand over hand, grabbing the bridge girders overhead to place more than 500 pounds of explosives at critical points under Dong Ha Bridge. He hung from the bottom of the bridge while being shot at by enemy soldiers in order to stop the advance of 20,000 North Vietnamese and 200 tanks preparing to cross the Cua Viet River.In an interview with the U.S. Naval Institute, Ripley said: Im dangling under the bridge and hanging by my arms with a full load of explosives. I would drop down out of the steel, grabbing the flanges of the I-beam; swing sideways, and leap over to hand walk all the way out over the river.Receiving small-arms sniper fire was bad enough, but eventually a tank fired at his position under the bridge, and the round ricocheted near him, exploding on the bank below his position. He recalls, Boy, when that 100mm round went off with me in the steel of the bridge, what a racket.He said he never thought he would survive the ordeal: The idea that I would be able even finish the job before the enemy got me was ludicrous. When you know youre not going to make it, a wonderful thing happens: You stop being cluttered by the feeling that youre going to save your butt.He constantly repeated a simple prayer for courage and clarity: Jesus, Mary, get me there; get me there.That reminds me of another heroic American from an earlier war: Desmond Doss, who, through a night of terror rescuing wounded Americans from the top of Hacksaw Ridge, repeatedly prayed, Lord, please help me get one more man.After placing the final time-fused blasting caps, Ripley managed to get off the bridge just moments before the detonation, which threw him into the air: Im lying on my back, looking skyward, and I can see enormous chunks of this bridge going through the air. It was a tremendous feeling.The resulting logjam of NVA tanks and personnel became easy pickings for U.S. attack aircraft and our warships off the coast. In no small measure because of Ripleys heroic actions, the Easter Offensive failed.In a conversation this week, my friend MG Bill Raines (USA), whom I previously mentioned in a profile when he returned to Vietnam to find the crash site of our friend LtCol Bill Gauntt (USAF), discussed Ripleys actions. Bill also served at a firebase near the Cua Viet River in the DMZ. He says the Dong Ha Bridge was 500 feet long, to put in perspective what Ripley did. He revisited the area on his return with Gauntt because the site of his F-4 crash was just north of the bridge.John Ripley also returned to Vietnam with some of his buddies from L/3/3 Marines in 1997 to visit the Dong Ha Bridge. In 2002, he became the first Marine officer to receive the Distinguished Graduate Award from the U.S. Naval Academy, its highest and most prestigious award. In October 2006, John again returned to Vietnam to help film a documentary of his actions at the Dong Ha Bridge.On 11 June 2008, Ripley became the first Marine to be inducted into the U.S. Army Ranger Hall of Fame.He died four months later on 28 October 2008, but his heroic actions were further immortalized in the 2009 biography An American Knight by Norman Fulkerson.Moreover, on 3 March 2026, Congress passed a bill authorizing Ripleys Navy Cross to be upgraded to the Medal of Honor.His son Tom said his father would want proper credit given to those who supported him, trained him, and served alongside him, especially the 300 men of the 3rd Vietnamese Marine Battalion who fought to hold off the NVA while Ripley placed the explosives on the Dong Ha Bridge. Only 60 of those South Vietnamese Marines survived the battle.Tom says of his dad, He knew nothing great is ever accomplished by the individual, and his actions reflected his personal mantra: Mission first, Marines always. He added, My father resigned himself to, Im probably not making it out of here. I have a job to do. Im a United States Marine. Thats what we do.He said his father embraced this Winston Churchill quote: To each, there comes in their lifetime a special moment when they are figuratively tapped on the shoulder and offered the chance to do a very special thing, unique to them and fitted to their talents. What a tragedy if that moment finds them unprepared or unqualified for that which could have been their finest hour.Col John Ripley: An ordinary man faced with extraordinary circumstances, he summoned the greatest measure of courage to place his life in imminent peril to save others. Your 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
Audit exposes widespread failures, culture of apathy in Memphis-Shelby County schools

House and Senate Republican leaders joined Tennessee Comptroller Jason E. Mumpower on Wednesday to discuss the findings of an interim forensic audit of Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) that uncovered widespread operational breakdowns flagged as waste or abuse.

The audit, conducted by CliftonLarsonAllen LLP (CLA), examined fiscal years 2022 through 2024. It identified nearly 175 deficiencies and observations, spotlighting significant and recurring weaknesses in the districts internal controls, documentation, procurement practices and records management.

Auditors flagged $1,146,000 in transactions consistent with waste or abuse, including approximately $1,112,750 in contract-related spending and more than $33,000 in payroll-related transactions. Notably, CLA has only completed only 25% of its review of MSCS contracts. An additional $1,730,000 in transactions violated district policies and procedures.

The comptroller delivered a blunt assessment of the districts leadership, saying the school district has the "worst management" of any organization he has ever seen in his career.

"It is clear, and again, no surprise, that there is an absolute culture of apathy and carelessness within the membership of the county school system," Mumpower told reporters.

Specific examples cited in the report illustrate the depth of the problems. Employee personnel files were not securely stored. During testing, auditors requested 250 employee Form I-9 records and could not locate 100 of them. The interim report notes that some conclusions could be revised or supplemented as auditors review additional documentation. A final forensic audit report is expected later this year.

"The Board of Education, the leadership of the school system, does not now, and has not ever, exhibited an expectation that things (are) done right. There is a major lack of accountability across the (Memphis-Shelby County) school system," Mumpower said.

MSCS is Tennessees largest school district, with an annual budget of nearly $2 billion.

Legislation is currently pending that would create an oversight board for MSCS. House Bill 662, sponsored by State Rep. Mark White, R-Memphis, authorizes intervention to improve students' academic outcomes and college readiness.

Lawmakers on Wednesday discussed how the city's high crime rate and persistent poor educational performance have held Memphis back for decades. Dozens of schools in the MSCS system received D or F grades in the 2024-25 school year. In January 2025, the Shelby County Commission approved a no-confidence resolution against the MSCS board, citing concerns over student success and the district's trajectory

The House and Senate are expected to work out the final details of the bill in conference committee in the coming weeks.

"Some will try to minimize the partial audit findings, however this historic systemic failure of the Memphis school system doesnt even take in the culture of academic failure," said House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville. "We must right this financial mess, fix the academic failure, and continue fighting crime. Memphis is too important for us to not intervene."

GOP blocks foreign control of TN land, minerals

Legislation strengthening protections against foreign adversaries acquiring property in the Volunteer State now heads to the governor's desk for his signature.

The House this week gave final approval to House Bill 2547, sponsored by House Majority Leader William Lamberth, R-Portland, and Assistant Leader Mark Cochran, R-Englewood.

The bill applies existing restrictions on foreign ownership of agricultural and non-agricultural land to also include the acquisition of mineral rights, such as oil, gas and coal.

"These changes ensure hostile foreign regimes cannot bypass state law to control Tennessee's strategic resources. This closes loopholes so they can't have access to our valuable minerals and water rights," Cochran told the House chamber on Monday.

The legislation also broadens the definition of a prohibited foreign party to include individuals or businesses designated as foreign adversaries by the U.S. Department of Commerce and lowers the ownership threshold that constitutes significant control over a business. The new law will take effect upon Gov. Bill Lee's signature.

Republicans support rural school districts, low-income students

Two proposals by K-12 Subcommittee Chairman Kirk Haston, R-Lobelville, to support small school districts by adjusting their funding and how the state identifies low-income students advanced in the House this week.

House Bill 226 adjusts the current Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement (TISA) formula to provide a one- to two-percent increase for school systems serving fewer than 1,500 students. Specifically, the proposal includes 2% additional funding per student in school systems with 1,001 to 1,500 students, and districts under 1,000 students would see their extra funding weight increase to 6%.

The fact of the matter is, theres just not as many local tax dollars coming into these smaller districts, Haston told the Education Committee this week. Youre looking at 37 districts that are going to be helped significantly by $6.5 million per year annually.

House Bill 226 is expected to be heard in the Finance, Ways and Means Subcommittee on April 8.

House Bill 2485 expands the definition of economically disadvantaged students for TISA funding purposes to include students enrolled in TennCare, or those in a household that receives federal nutrition assistance such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families(TANF), and who are eligible for free or reduced lunch.

The definition of economically disadvantaged students has changed several times over the years, putting student eligibility and related funding in limbo. If approved, this legislation would bring the states definition back to its original form. If the reclassification causes a loss of funding for school districts, the state would temporarily make up the difference through July 1, 2030. House Bill 2485 was placed behind the budget for consideration at a later date.

Tennessee limits digital devices in elementary education

Lawmakers on Thursday approved legislation to ensure students in kindergarten through 5th grade receive a high-quality traditional education.

House Bill 2393, sponsored by State Rep. Michele Reneau, R-Signal Mountain, would minimize unnecessary screen time by requiring school districts and charter schools across Tennessee to adopt a policy prioritizing in-person, teacher-led instruction and non-electronic materials as the primary mode of learning. The proposal prohibits social media use during the day and ensures digital devices can only be used where there is a clear educational benefit.

"Screens tend to encourage skimming and distraction while real learning requires focus, memory formation and deep comprehension," Reneau said on the House floor. "Fundamentally, humans, especially children, learn best from other humans, from teachers with real interaction, discussion, feedback, and relationships that technology simply cannot replicate."

The legislation exempts the use of digital tools for accommodations for targeted instructional support, intervention or remediation, students with disabilities, virtual or hybrid learning environments, teacher preparation and other limited circumstances. The proposal now heads to Gov. Bill Lee's desk for his signature. It will take effect July 1.

General Assembly reins in frivolous out-of-state lawsuits

Tennessee lawmakers this week passed legislation to place reasonable guardrails on the grounds on which a plaintiff, particularly out-of-state entities, can sue the state, while preserving the fundamental rights of Tennesseans to seek justice and hold their government accountable.

House Bill 1971, sponsored by State Rep. Andrew Farmer, R-Sevierville, strengthens liability protections for Tennessee by removing the ability to seek legal action by potential plaintiffs if no injuries or damages have occurred. The proposal is a response to legislation passed in 2018, which created an avenue for out-of-state actors to pursue frivolous lawsuits against policies adopted by the General Assembly.

Weve had out-of-state entities come in and use this law against us to basically entertain a fishing expedition on the policy that we pass, said Farmer. What's happening here is we are getting sued based off the policy and not the fact that weve damaged someone in any way. This bill does not preclude anyone from suing the State of Tennessee. This just brings it back to 2018, to where weve been doing this for over 200 years, and its been operating this way.

House Bill 1971 does not limit any cause of action or grant immunity to the state, but it does require a plaintiff to be negatively affected to have grounds to seek legal compensation.

The proposal now heads to Gov. Bill Lees desk to be signed into law.

Nixing Mx: Bill aligns teacher honorifics to biological sex

Legislation ensuring students are not forced to address a teacher or school employee with an honorific that does not match their biological sex advanced out of the State and Local Government Committee this week.

House Bill 1666, sponsored by State Rep. Aron Maberry, R-Clarksville, adds honorifics like Mrs. or Mr. to the existing state law regarding the use of names and pronouns that dont align with an individuals biological sex.

"We need to make sure we are standing on objective truth. A male is a male and a female is a female," Maberry told committee members. "Our children need to know that and not have those thoughts introduced to them at a young age.

This proposal builds on a 2025 law passed by Tennessee Republicans to ensure students, teachers and school employees are not required to use preferred pronouns if they are not consistent with an individuals biological sex. It also extends the civil liability immunity and safeguards from disciplinary action for refusing to use someones preferred pronouns to include honorifics.

This proposal would apply to any teacher, professor or employee in Tennessee public schools, colleges, universities and state government. House Bill 1666 is expected to be heard in the Education Committee on April 8.

Proposal seeks to help cure physician shortage

Republicans this week advanced a proposal to help alleviate the health care workforce shortage. Sponsored by State Rep. Sabi "Doc" Kumar, R-Springfield, House Bill 2571 incentivizes internationally-trained physicians and surgeons to practice in the Volunteer State by requiring the Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners to issue provisional training licenses if certain requirements are met.

As many as 4,600 U.S citizens went to medical school abroad last year to offshore medical schools," said Kumar. This provides a pathway to attract them to Tennessee to come and practice.

The medical credential would be valid for two years and it may be extended for one additional year to any internationally trained physician who has successfully met all necessary medical criteria and exam requirements.

An Association of Medical Colleges report predicted a nationwide loss of 13,500 to 86,000 physicians by 2036, with 74% of that reduction representing surgeons. Research from the Tennessee Hospital Association shows the state has 264 physicians per 100,000 people, which is short of the national benchmark. House Bill 2571 will be heard in the Government Operations Committee on April 6.

Legislature passes SHIELD Act to protect pediatric clinics

Lawmakers approved a measure this week to strengthen and safeguard pediatric patient care throughout Tennessee.

The Stopping Health Insurers from Excluding Legal Decisions (SHIELD) Act, or House Bill 2243, sponsored byState Rep. Brock Martin, R-Huntingdon, addresses how managed care organizations (MCOs) calculate pediatric quality scores, which are used to determine performance-based payments for providers. Current scoring models include all patients in performance calculations, including when parents make individualized medical decisions, such as forgoing vaccination. Currently, these choices fall outside of recommended care guidelines and result in a quality score reduction. As a result, clinics can face significant financial penalties despite providing quality care.

(House Bill 2243) mandates that when a family makes an individualized decision, the MCO must remove that patient from the quality form denominator, said Martin. "This corrects the math, protects the clinic's operating margin, keeps its doors open, and makes it more likely a physician will treat a patient whose parents have made the decision to potentially not vaccinate them."

The SHIELD Act requires MCOs to remove patients from a clinics quality score calculations when care decisions are made independently by a patients parent or guardian. By correcting this structural imbalance, the legislation protects provider performance metrics and helps ensure clinics are not unfairly penalized.

House Bill 2243 now heads to Gov. Bill Lee's desk for his signature.

Bill allows instruction on nation's Christian heritage

The General Assembly this week approved legislation to ensure students across the state can receive a robust education regarding the nation's history and founding principles.

House Bill 1822, sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Mark Cochran, R-Englewood, authorizes public schools to provide instruction on the religious influences that led to the creation of the United States. The bill does not mandate instruction; it simply gives local school districts the ability to teach certain facts regarding the founding fathers and the nation's religious identity.

"(This legislation) is really just clarifying for our public schools that teaching the historical positive impact of religion on American history is consistent with the First Amendment to the United States Constitution," Cochran said on the House Floor on Monday.

The proposal allows instruction on the religious history of the Pilgrims and the Mayflower Compact, references to divine authority in the Declaration of Independence, the influence of religious leaders, the role of religion in the First and Second Great Awakenings, religious influences on the U.S. Constitution, the role of the Ten Commandments in the American legal tradition, the impact of religion on the civil rights movement and the history of the national motto and pledge of allegiance.

House Bill 1822 now heads to Gov. Bill Lee's desk to be signed into law. It will apply beginning in the 2026-27 academic year.

Briefly

Biological sex: A proposal reinforcing Tennessee's commitment to science and common-sense policies passed the House on Monday. House Bill 1271, sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Mark Cochran, R-Englewood, establishes as state policy that Tennessee recognizes only two sexes: male and female. All rules, policies or procedures from state governmental entities would be required to refer to sex based on immutable biological characteristics. Tennesseans would be able to file complaints with the state Comptroller of the Treasury if they suspect certain entities are non-compliant with this measure. The companion version of House Bill 1271 is expected to receive a final vote in the Senate in the coming weeks.

Academic holiday: House Bill 2167, sponsored by State Rep. Jody Barrett, R-Dickson, was unanimously approved by the Tennessee House of Representatives this week. The proposal requires all public higher education institutions to observe Election Day as an academic holiday, allowing students to vote in general elections without incurring an unexcused absence. The companion version of House Bill 2167 is still advancing through the Senate.

Ending sanctuary courts: A Republican effort to ensure all Tennessee courts cooperate with federal immigration agencies was approved by the House of Representatives this week. House Bill 1707, sponsored by State Rep. Rick Scarbrough, R-Oak Ridge, would require Tennessee courts to cooperate with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and other federal immigration authorities when they are enforcing immigration law. If a judge obstructs or interferes with federal immigration enforcement actions, the judge can be referred to the Tennessee Board of Judicial Conduct. If misconduct is found, it could lead to disciplinary action or removal from office under the Tennessee Constitution. This proposal is part of a comprehensive illegal immigration legislative package proposed by Tennessee Republicans to enforce existing laws, protect taxpayers and close sanctuary loopholes. The companion bill is still advancing in the Senate.

Recourse for coerced gender transitions: House Republicans on Thursday passed legislation to ensure Tennesseans who were harmed after being coerced into medical gender reassignment procedures have a clear path to seek justice. House Bill 1872, sponsored by Deputy Speaker Jason Zachary, R-Knoxville, establishes a private right of action for individuals who believe they were coerced into undergoing gender-related medical treatments and later suffered harm. The bill sets a clear statute of limitations, allowing individuals to bring a civil action within 18 years of the procedure or from the point at which harm is discovered. It defines applicable procedures as those intended to help a person identify with a sex inconsistent with their biological sex. The Tennessee General Assembly in 2023 passed a law prohibiting gender-mutilating chemical and surgical procedures from being performed on children. The U.S. Supreme Court upheld Tennessee's ban in 2025. The bill now heads to Gov. Bill Lee's desk for his signature.

Protecting children: The Tennessee General Assembly this week passed legislation by State Rep. Greg Martin, R-Hixson, to give prosecutors additional tools to hold convicted child rapists accountable in Tennessee. House Bill 1454strengthens existing law by expanding the aggravating circumstances under which prosecutors may pursue the death penalty for the rape of a child. The proposal would allow prosecutors to pursue the death penalty under the following conditions: aggravated rape of a child under four; defendant holds a position of trust over a victim; defendant is a registered sex offender; defendant knows a victim was mentally or physically defective; incest; previous felony or misdemeanor conviction for an offense involving sexual contact with a minor; filming or recording video or photos of the offense; sedating victims with intoxicants, controlled substances; use of a deadly weapon; especially heinous, atrocious or cruel actions or torturing a victim; remuneration to a victim or another person for access to or to silence a victim; or an additional conviction for rape of a child, aggravated rape of a child, aggravated sexual battery, or continuous sexual abuse of a child. House Bill 1454 now heads to Gov. Bill Lee's desk to be signed into law. It will take effect July 1.

Sanctity of Life Day: The House on Monday approved legislation that reinforces Tennessee's commitment to protecting and preserving life. House Bill 1784, sponsored by State Rep. Gino Bulso, R-Brentwood, designates January 22 annually as Sanctity of Life Day in the Volunteer State. The U.S. Supreme Court on Jan. 22, 1973, improvidently issued its ruling in Roe v. Wade, which prohibited states from banning the practice of killing preborn children in the nation. House Bill 1784 honors the lives lost to legalized abortion, recognizes the right to life as the first unalienable right in the Declaration of Independence, and highlights Tennessee's efforts to protect innocent human life. The companion version of House Bill 1784 will be considered by the Senate in the coming weeks.

Pre-K for children of teachers and school staff: The General Assembly on Thursday passed legislation to help school districts across Tennessee recruit and retain high-quality educators. House Bill 2048, sponsored by State Rep. Jake McCalmon, R-Franklin, allows teachers to send their children to their districts voluntary pre-kindergarten program serving at-risk kids if its not already at capacity. Current law already grants eligibility to children of teachers outside of the school district. House Bill 2048 takes effect upon Gov. Bill Lee's signature.

Clarifying expungement eligibility after a pardon: House Bill 2452, sponsored by State Rep. Johnny Garrett, R-Goodlettsville, broadens opportunities for pardoned individuals to clear their criminal records while maintaining safeguards for the most serious crimes. The bill removes the previous limitation that only nonviolent offenses could qualify. Instead, the bill establishes a specific list of serious offenses, including murder, aggravated kidnapping, aggravated child abuse, terrorism, and sexual offenses, that remain ineligible for expungement. The legislation also creates a rebuttable presumption in favor of granting expungement for eligible petitioners, meaning courts are generally expected to approve requests unless there is a compelling reason not to. Judges must still weigh public safety and the interests of justice, including whether the offense was violent, before making a final decision. The bill passed both chambers this week and now heads to the governor's desk for his signature.

Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Act: Legislation allowing Tennessee families to benefit from a new federal education scholarship program now heads to the governor's desk for his signature. House Bill 2187, sponsored by House Majority Leader William Lamberth, R-Portland, creates a framework for Tennessee to participate in the Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Act. Created in 2025 as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill, the Federal Tax Credit Scholarship aims to expand school choice by giving taxpayers a federal tax credit for donating money to scholarship organizations, which then provide financial aid to K-12 students. Tennessee residents are currently unable to participate in the program. House Bill 2187 directs the Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) to participate in the federal tax credit program and identify scholarship-granting organizations (SGOs) operating in Tennessee. The bill establishes the necessary structure so Tennesseans can access scholarships funded by charitable donations. The TDOE will also be required to publish a list of approved SGOs on its website and ensure the state complies with federal eligibility requirements. House Bill 2187 goes into effect upon the governor's signature.

Mercenary rioting: Legislation holding financiers of activism-for-hire accountable for damages, disruptions to critical infrastructure, or other unlawful conduct carried out by demonstrators they compensate heads to the governor's desk for his signature. House Bill 2109, sponsored by House Majority Whip Clark Boyd, R-Lebanon, creates a new legal pathway for victims to sue under vicarious liability when someone pays people to join demonstrations, often referred to as "activism-for-hire" or "mercenary rioting." The practice of activism-for-hire involves paying individuals to participate in rallies, protests and public demonstrations with the goal of creating the appearance of strong support and influencing public opinion. Covered offenses would include rioting, aggravated rioting, disorderly conduct, obstructing a highway, civil rights intimidation, harassment, and disorderly conduct at funerals. The bill takes effect upon the governor's signature.

Penalties for feeding black bears: A proposal to increase public safety and hold people who feed black bears accountable was approved by the General Assembly this week. House Bill 2215, sponsored by State Rep. Fred Atchley, R-Sevierville, would give the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) the ability to partner with local law enforcement agencies to help enforce state wildlife laws, rules and proclamations. Videos of people feeding black bears in downtown Gatlinburg have circulated on social media, raising concerns among law enforcement and community members. The bill prohibits feeding black bears in areas where the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission has specifically banned feeding wildlife. Anyone who knowingly feeds a black bear could be subject to a Class B misdemeanor offense with a minimum $250 fine. Those who unknowingly feed a bear, including by leaving food out or garbage open, could receive a written warning for a first offense or the same minimum $250 fine for repeat offenses. The bill now heads to Gov. Bill Lees desk for his signature.

DCS investigations: The General Assembly this week passed legislation to protect children and caregivers during investigations by the Tennessee Department of Children's Services (DCS). House Bill 2262, sponsored by State Rep. Greg Martin, R-Hixson, establishes a standardized process for assessing child safety and determining the appropriate responses to reports of potential maltreatment. This proposal allows DCS to implement a standardized screening tool to assess the risk of potential child maltreatment by caregivers. Four actions could be taken based on results, including initiating a formal investigation. This process is already available to family members of a child. The bill now heads to Gov. Bill Lee's desk to be signed into law.

Expanding mental health resources: Legislation to establish an evidence-based home-visiting program focused on early childhood mental health was passed by the House of Representatives this week. House Bill 2313, sponsored byState Rep. David Hawk, R-Greeneville, authorizes the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) to collaborate with the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to create and oversee a mental health home visiting program for children from birth to five years old. The program would be voluntary and would require both parents and children to attend psychotherapy sessions and receive access to care coordination, developmental and mental health resources and assessments, as well as fidelity monitoring to ensure compliance with TDH guidelines.House Bill 2313 now heads to Gov Bill Lees desk to be signed into law.

Expediting bond hearings: Legislation expediting bond hearings affecting parental contact, custody or visitation passed this House this week. House Bill 2078, sponsored by State Rep. Andrew Farmer, R-Sevierville, places guardrails on the process a parent undergoes by requiring a judge to hold a bond hearing within 15 days of a complaint to determine whether a child can remain in a home. The bill now heads to Gov. Bill Lees desk to be signed into law.

Canine first responder care: The Tennessee K-9 Emergency Medical Care and Transport Act, or House Bill 1694, sponsored by State Rep. Michele Reneau, R-Signal Mountain, allows emergency medical service personnel (EMS) to stabilize and transport a canine first responder injured in the line of duty. Care may be administered only in the event there are no human patients in need of medical attention, and medical services performed must be limited to stabilization. The legislation does not expand veterinarian practice amongst EMS personnel, but it does provide them with good-faith, civil and criminal immunity to render care without fear of disciplinary action. House Bill 1694 passed the General Assembly and will take effect upon the governor's signature.

Appalachian dialect: The House on Monday passed legislation to recognize the importance of the Appalachian dialect to the culture and history of the Volunteer State. House Joint Resolution 803, sponsored by House Republican Caucus Chairman Jeremy Faison, R-Cosby, urges the Tennessee Secretary of State to include a section on the dialect in the Tennessee Blue Book. The dialect is a grammatical, systematic way of speaking with elements of the languages of the diverse individuals who inhabited the Appalachian region early in our nation's history. House Joint Resolution 803 will now be considered in the Senate.

Driver's education: The House on Monday approved legislation to promote consistency and high standards in driver's education courses. House Bill 2125, sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Mark Cochran, R-Englewood, requires the Tennessee Department of Education to collaborate with the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOS) to develop guidelines for public school districts that offer driver education and training courses. The course must include tips for safe driving and sharing the road, using the driver license manual developed by the TDOS for instruction purposes and the dangers of distracted driving and driving under the influence. House Bill 2125 now heads to the governor's desk for his signature.

Secure storage lockers: The House on Monday passed legislation by State Rep. Clay Doggett, R-Pulaski, to protect county courthouses while preserving the Second Amendment rights of all law-abiding Tennesseans. House Bill 2376will authorize sheriffs across the state to provide secure storage lockers for lawfully carried firearms that are restricted from possession in county courthouses. It is a Class E felony in Tennessee to carry a firearm in any building where judicial proceedings are in progress. The companion version of House Bill 2376 is expected to be considered on the Senate floor in the coming weeks.

Teacher professional development: A proposal to ensure Tennessee teachers are aware of the dangers and benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) advanced in the House this week. House Bill 545 by Assistant Majority Leader Mark Cochran, R-Englewood, would require the Tennessee Department of Education to provide at least one professional development course on the use of AI in the classroom at no cost to teachers in grades 6-12. Educators would be required to take the course by August 1, 2028, or within two years of becoming a licensed teacher in Tennessee. House Bill 545 is scheduled to be heard in the Finance, Ways and Means Committee on April 7.

Attorney fee awards: The General Assembly this week approved House Bill 2429, sponsored by State Rep. Andrew Farmer, R-Sevierville, which clarifies the Tennessee Families Rights and Responsibilities Act by allowing a magistrate to award a legal counselor representing a child court-ordered attorneys' fees. The bill now heads to Gov. Bill Lees desk to be signed into law.

Animal vaccinations: The House on Monday passed legislation to scale back certain responsibilities of the Tennessee state veterinarian. House Bill 2517, sponsored by State Rep. Chris Todd, R-Madison County, specifies that the Tennessee Commissioner of Agriculture and the state veterinarian can recommend, not order, tests or vaccinations of animals in the state to protect their health. They would retain the ability to order tests or vaccines if the purpose is to detect or treat notifiable or monitored diseases. House Bill 2517 now heads to Gov. Bill Lee's desk to be signed into law.

Solid waste disposal: A bill by State Rep. Chris Todd, R-Madison County, declares that it is the policy of Tennessee to plan for sufficient landfill capacity to dispose of unrecovered or unrecycled solid waste. House Bill 2516 also requires municipal solid waste regions to identify where waste will be disposed of and managed for ten years. Plans must be updated and resubmitted to the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation at least once every ten years. The proposal is a response to a report by the Tennessee Advisory Commission of Intergovernmental Relations, commissioned by the General Assembly last year. House Bill 2516 now heads to Gov. Bill Lee's desk to be signed into law.

Vehicular homicide offenders: The House this week approved legislation to strengthen the penalty for drivers convicted of vehicular homicide by intoxication who flee the scene of an accident. House Bill 2014, sponsored by State Rep. Mary Littleton, R-Dickson, requires a person convicted of vehicular homicide by intoxication to be punished as a Range II offender if the person is also convicted of leaving the scene of the accident. Currently, vehicular homicide by intoxication is a Class B felony. The Range II sentence would increase the penalty from approximately four years to between 12 and 20 years. If the offender is sentenced as Range III, it would be no less than 20 years and a maximum of 30 years. The bill now heads back to the Senate for further consideration.

Caregiver support: The House this week approved a proposal to cut government red tape and protect senior citizens and their caregivers. House Bill 1495, sponsored by State Rep. William Slater, R-Gallatin, increases the number of hours limited respite care services can operate without licensure from 12 to 16 per week. It also increases the number of adults that can be served simultaneously from 15 to 20. These services provide temporary relief to primary caregivers from normal caregiving duties and responsibilities. Limited respite care services exempt from licensure are operated by or affiliated with religious organizations. They must be registered with the Tennessee Department of Human Services, not administer medications, and maintain records of adults' attendance. The bill now heads to the Senate for final consideration.

Content creation compensation: Legislation strengthening child labor compensation laws to reflect todays revenue-driven social media landscape passed the General Assembly this week. House Bill 1723, sponsored by State Rep. Ron Travis, R-Dayton, prohibits minors between the ages of 14 and 17 from posting content in exchange for compensation. The proposal requires a parent or other adult with a minor engaged in content creation who earns at least $15,000 annually to maintain financial records until the minor turns 21 and to set aside the minor's earnings in a trust account. House Bill 1723 will take effect July 1.

Biomarker testing: House Republicans on Monday passed legislation to improve insurance costs for patients facing certain diagnoses. House Bill 484, sponsored by State Rep. Brock Martin, R-Huntingdon, would require state-regulated health insurance plans to cover biomarker testing when ordered by a health care provider for diagnosis, treatment, or ongoing monitoring of a patients disease or condition. Biomarker testing helps physicians identify the most effective treatment for a patient and is also used to treat other serious conditions, such as cancer, autoimmune and neurological diseases, cardiovascular disorders, arthritis, and preeclampsia. Currently, insurance coverage for the testing has not kept pace with medical advancements, often leaving patients with delayed care or expensive out-of-pocket costs. The companion version of House Bill 484 is still moving through the Senate.

Open meetings: A bill clarifying which entities are subject to the Tennessee Open Meetings Act, or Sunshine Law, regarding posting meeting agendas was unanimously approved by the General Assembly this week. House Bill 1797, sponsored by State Rep. Susan Lynn, R-Mount Juliet, requires school boards and any other local governing body that makes binding decisions or appropriates funding to make meeting agendas publicly available in advance. Private nonprofit community organizations are not included in this requirement. The bill now heads to Gov. Bill Lees desk for his signature.

Prayer at school board meetings: A bill to codify a school boards right to open its meetings with prayer was approved by the General Assembly this week. The Tennessee Religious Freedom Act, or House Bill 1834, sponsored by State Rep. Rick Eldridge, R-Morristown, would allow school boards to open meetings with a voluntary prayer led by a board member if they choose. The bill does not require anyone in attendance to participate, and no one may be coerced or pressured into participating. The proposal aligns school boards with other legislative bodies that are permitted to open meetings with prayer. The bill now heads to Gov. Bill Lees desk for his signature.

School safety planning: The General Assembly this week passed House Bill 2275, sponsored by State Rep. Debra Moody, R-Covington, to establish a Safe School Design Advisory Board to provide guidance and recommendations on measures to protect students. The board will include members representing a range of relevant disciplines and expertise, with a focus on ensuring schools consider safety best practices when making design or structural changes. The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance will oversee the board. House Bill 2275 now heads to the governor's desk for his signature.

Anti-communism education: The General Assembly this week passed legislation to ensure students are educated on the history of communism and how it conflicts with the founding principles of the United States. House Bill 1805, sponsored by State Rep. Jody Barrett, R-Dickson, directs the Tennessee Standards Education Committee and State Board of Education to recommend grade-appropriate coursework that can be incorporated into the Volunteer States academic curriculum. The curriculum will include instruction on the threat of communism to the U.S. and its allies in the 20th century, communist movement tactics and heinous acts committed by foreign governments under the guise of communism. House Bill 1805 will now head to Gov. Bill Lees desk to be signed into law.

Emergency service consumer protections: The House this week passed legislation to strengthen consumer protections for emergency medical services. House Bill 1061, sponsored by State Rep. Greg Vital, R-Harrison, protects patients from surprise billing by prohibiting out-of-network ambulance providers from charging patients the remaining balance for emergency transport services covered by their health insurance plan. Emergency ambulance services are required by law to respond to 911 calls regardless of a patient's insurance coverage or inability to pay. Because patients cannot choose their ambulance provider during an emergency and providers cannot select which insurance network to join for emergency calls, patients must pay the significant difference between the total charge and the amount covered by their insurance plan. The companion version of House Bill 1061 is still advancing through the Senate.

Cell-phone jamming: A resolution urging the U.S. Congress to allow states to use cell-phone jamming technology in prisons was approved by the House of Representatives this week. House Joint Resolution 863,sponsored by State Rep. Susan Lynn, R-Mount Juliet, highlights the growing problem of inmates smuggling cell phones into prisons to coordinate drug deals, orchestrate violence, and commit fraud or other criminal activities. The resolution emphasizes that jamming systems are the most effective way to stop these illegal activities without interfering with emergency calls. It also requests that a certified copy be sent to President Donald J. Trump and Tennessees federal delegation. The resolution now moves to the Senate for consideration.

Parenting plans: The General Assembly this week unanimously approved legislation to clarify that a childs best interest must remain the paramount factor in custody and parenting schedule decisions. House Bill 590, sponsored by State Rep. Fred Atchley, R-Sevierville, adds that a judge must consider whether a proposed parenting schedule gives each parent meaningful opportunities to participate in the childs life when reviewing the plan. The measure does not create a presumption of equal parenting time but ensures courts evaluate parental involvement when determining custody arrangements. The bill now heads to Gov. Bill Lees desk for his signature.

Abrials Law: The General Assembly approved legislation expanding Abrials Law to ensure children are not returned to abusive situations in child custody cases. House Bill 2127, sponsored by State Rep. Rebecca Alexander, R-Jonesborough, ensures courts review written findings on past abuse or visitation restrictions regarding a parenting plan, whether a placement is temporary or permanent. Since its passage in 2024, the legislature has approved several expansions to Abrials Law, providing crucial protections for victims of child abuse who are entangled in their parents custody battle. The bill now heads to Gov. Bill Lees desk for his signature.

Advocates for human trafficking victims: Legislation to further support children who may be victims of human trafficking was unanimously approved by the General Assembly this week. House Bill 2527, sponsored by House Majority Leader William Lamberth, R-Portland, and State Rep. Mary Littleton, R-Dickson, requires a representative from a nonprofit specializing in combating the commercial sexual exploitation of minors to be included on the multidisciplinary team in cases involving suspected child human trafficking. The proposal also requires members of the Tennessee Department of Childrens Services (DCS) protection teams to complete 15 hours of annual training on severe child abuse and child sexual abuse. DCS must determine whether abuse allegations are substantiated and report findings to the state abuse registry within 90 days, or within 180 days for cases involving a child fatality, with one possible 180-day extension if needed. The bill now heads to Gov. Bill Lees desk for his signature.

Honey producers: A proposal to support local honey producers was approved by the General Assembly this week. House Bill 1825, sponsored by State Rep. Renea Jones, R-Unicoi, increases the annual amount of honey a producer can sell from 150 gallons to 835 gallons without triggering the food manufacturing and inspection requirements of the Tennessee Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. There are more than 24,000 honey bee colonies across more than 2,800 farms in Tennessee, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Census of Agriculture. The bill now heads to Gov. Bill Lees desk for his signature.

Nitrous oxide sales: Legislation banning the retail sale of nitrous oxide products in Tennessee was approved by the General Assembly this week. The Nitrous Oxide Abuse Prevention and Retail Sales Prohibition Act, or House Bill 1644, sponsored by State Rep. Fred Atchley, R-Sevierville, prohibits retailers from selling or offering nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas or whippets. The proposal creates a Class E felony offense for anyone who sells or gives nitrous oxide to another person knowing it will be used for intoxication. Violations carry escalating civil penalties starting at $2,500 for a first offense and $5,000 for repeat offenses, and products may be seized as contraband. Businesses may also have their license revoked for repeat violations. Manufacturers and distributors of nitrous oxide for legitimate medical, dental, and food-related uses, such as whipped cream chargers, are exempt from the legislation. The bill now heads to Gov. Bill Lees desk for his signature. If enacted, the ban would take effect on July 1.

Relative caregivers: A proposal to make it easier for the Tennessee Department of Childrens Services (DCS) to place children with family members when they have been removed from their parents custody was unanimously approved by the General Assembly this week. House Bill 2283, sponsored by State Rep. Michele Carringer, R-Knoxville, removes the requirement that children must have their own bedroom before being placed in the relatives home, unless there are specific safety or medical reasons that would make an arrangement unsafe. A relative caregiver is currently defined as a person within a first, second or third degree of relationship to the parent or step-parent of a child who may be related by blood, marriage or adoption. The bill now heads to Gov. Bill Lees desk for his signature.

Mooring boats: The General Assembly approved a bill this week to deter boaters from anchoring or tying their boats up for extended periods of time along the shoreline of certain Tennessee waterways. House Bill 1786, sponsored by State Rep. Mary Littleton, R-Dickson, creates a Class C misdemeanor for boaters moor a vessel for more than 14 consecutive days along a reservoirs shoreline or within one mile of it; temporarily moor within primary or secondary navigation channels of the Tennessee River system; or block or hinder access to any part of a reservoir with mooring lines. Boats secured at marinas, docks and slips, and those with federal permits are not affected by this legislation. The bill now heads to Gov. Bill Lees desk for his signature.

Deed preparations: The House this week passed legislation that clarifies statutory language by adding that, in addition to licensed surveyors, attorneys licensed to practice in the Volunteer State may prepare deeds when the survey divides property. House Bill 1970, sponsored by State Rep. Andrew Farmer, R- Sevierville, is still advancing through the Senate. If approved and signed into law, it would take effect July 1.

Drivers licenses for released inmates: Legislation to help eligible inmates get their drivers license back at the end of their sentence was unanimously approved by the General Assembly this week. House Bill 1551, sponsored by State Rep. Elaine Davis, R-Knoxville, authorizes the Tennessee Department of Correction to coordinate with the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security to provide drivers licenses to inmates who have or previously had a drivers license and was in good standing prior to incarceration. Current law already allows this process for photo identification. The departments would coordinate to assist inmates in obtaining or renewing a license prior to their release. The bill now heads to Gov. Bill Lees desk for his signature.

Criminal prosecutions of state inmates: The House of Representatives unanimously approved legislation this week to shift the financial burden from counties to cover the costs of prosecuting a state inmate. House Bill 1986, sponsored by State Rep. Rusty Grills, R-Newbern, requires the Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) to reimburse costs incurred by counties during the prosecution of an inmate who committed a crime within the prison or institution in the county. If enacted, the county would provide invoices to TDOC, which must pay the county within 60 days. The companion version of the bill is expected to be heard in the Senate in the coming weeks.

Constable training: Legislation updating the requirements to become a constable in Tennessee was approved by the House of Representatives this week. House Bill 1820, sponsored by State Rep. Lowell Russell, R-Vonore, requires anyone elected or appointed as a constable on or after Jan. 1, 2029, to have graduated from a law enforcement training academy certified by the Tennessee Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission. Current constables who have already completed one full term and are re-elected would be exempt. It also requires candidates to submit a letter from a licensed psychiatrist or psychologist confirming they are free from any mental impairment that would affect their constable duties. The companion bill is still advancing in the Senate.

Protections for Native American children: Legislation proposed by State Rep. Bryan Terry, R-Murfreesboro, to safeguard child custody proceedings involving a Native American child was approved by the General Assembly this week. House Bill 1904 ensures that if the federal Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) is ever repealed, Tennessee will maintain the same procedures and protections for these sensitive cases until the General Assembly can reconvene and establish new state policy. The U.S. Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of ICWA in 2023, and it continues to govern these proceedings today. The bill now heads to Gov. Bill Lees desk for his signature.
The FBI says an Athens, Tn., widow money laundered at least $2.3 million for an online "boyfriend."

In the process, a Minnesota non-profit that provides transportation and home-based services to individuals with disabilities was defrauded of $2.6 million, agents said.

A federal lawsuit filed seeking authority for the government to confiscate the allegedly stolen funds says Linda Winder was used as a "money mule" by a man she knew as Joe Milano.

Agents said the plot was interrupted when a relative of Ms. Winder found an envelope containing receipts for large deposits.

The complaint describes "a fraud scheme involving the laundering of funds stolen from a nonprofit organization victimized in a business email compromise (BEC) that resulted in a loss of approximately $2.6 million. The laundering of these stolen funds was conducted by an individual (or individuals) participating in a role commonly referred to as a money mule. A money mule is someone who transfers illegally acquired money on behalf of or at the direction of another.

"Money mules are often recruited via an online romance or online job scheme. Criminals use money mules to move money electronically through bank accounts. They are asked by the criminal actors to use an established bank account or open a new bank account to receive money from someone they have never met in person. They may also be asked to move physical currency, or to assist the movement of money through a variety of other methods such as wiring the money into a third-party bank account, cashing out the money received via currency or cashiers checks, converting the money to virtual currency (such as Bitcoin), converting the money to prepaid cards (such as debit cards or gift cards), sending the money through a money service business (such as Western Union or MoneyGram) or a money transmitting app (such as Venmo or Zelle), or a combination of these. The money mule may be told to keep a portion of the money being transferred. Money mules add layers to the money trail from a victim to a criminal actor.

"In this instance, the money mule acting on behalf of a person or persons unknown received multiple deposits of tens and hundreds of thousands of dollars over a period of several months, totaling approximately $1.4 million, which she then laundered by transferring to the Coinbase Account, one of many financial accounts used in laundering of these stolen funds and converting to cryptocurrency.

"In October 2023, a family member of Athens, Tennessee resident Linda Winder reported finding an envelope in Winders home containing a series of deposit slips from cryptocurrency kiosks totaling approximately $162,730 worth of Bitcoin. These receipts appeared to have been attempted to be sent by Winder to an individual unknown to the reporting party.

"The family member disclosed that since Winders husband had died in 2017, many individuals had contacted Winder online, identifying themselves as single men, and in 2019 Winder ultimately had begun an online relationship with one such person going by the name of Joe Milano. The family member reported that Winder had wired money to Milano as part of a romance scam and was concerned she was also laundering money.

"The FBI conducted multiple interviews of Winder and her family during which, Winder and family members described a scheme in which Milano gradually coaxed Winder to send him money, initially from her own funds in increasing amounts, before eventually directing Winder to open at least one account at a cryptocurrency exchange. Winder and her family advised that Winder had taken out several personal loans totaling $150,000 and withdrawn approximately $33,000 of her own money for funds which she sent to Milano.

"Separately, Winder acknowledged that she had transacted hundreds of thousands of dollars in person through her Wells Fargo Bank account on Milanos behalf. In fact, the FBI learned that Winder had used accounts at several financial institutions to transfer money received fraudulently from other parties, to include unknown third parties. Winder then forwarded the money at the behest or direction of Milano to her cryptocurrency account or through cryptocurrency kiosks to a cryptocurrency exchange, or to other financial institutions or individuals.

"The FBI believes that over the course of Winders relationship with Milano, between 2021 and 2023, Winder participated in the laundering of no less than $2.3 million.

"Winder used the Coinbase Account, which Coinbase froze due to her suspected fraudulent activity. The FBI requested Coinbase maintain its freeze of the funds in the Coinbase Account. On January 18, 2024, Coinbase complied with the FBIs request and advised the frozen funds in the Subject Address were valued at $249,068.00. On April 15, 2025, Coinbase advised the FBI the value of the funds in the frozen account had more than doubled, to stand at $510,155.96.

"In August 2023, the FBI was notified of a business email compromise of a Minnesota-based nonprofit organization (Victim Company) dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities across the state, to include transportation and home-based services.

"The Victim Company was a significant client of Lyfts rideshare services and was paying Lyft approximately $500,000 per month. Beginning around January 2023 and continuing for several months, an unknown subject (UNSUB) gained access to at least one Victim Company email account. The UNSUB then created the fraudulent email account accountsreceivable@lyftinc.com which was very similar to the legitimate Lyft email account accountsreceivable@lyft.com (lyft.com). The UNSUB created rules within the Victim Companys email accounts to delete legitimate emails from lyft.com, so the Victim Company would only see the fraudulent invoices from the UNSUB via email account lyftinc.com along with the UNSUBs ACH payment instructions.

"At the same time, the UNSUB was sending emails to Lyft impersonating the Victim Company and telling Lyft the delays in remittance were due to waiting to receive state funds, allowing the UNSUB to continue defrauding the Victim Company. Lyft also allowed accounts like the Victim Company that were state programs with federally funded welfare dollars to go into arrears for nine months before addressing non-payment. In August 2023, an employee of the Victim Company noticed an email from lyft.com come into his inbox and immediately disappear. The employee found the email in his deleted emails and then discovered the rule within the email platform created by the UNSUB which revealed the entire fraud.

"In total, the UNSUB defrauded the Victim Company of approximately $2.6 million.

"The FBI identified deposits occurring between March and July 2023 totaling approximately $1.4 million in stolen funds from the Victim Company deposited directly to a Wells Fargo bank account owned and controlled by Winder. Of these funds, approximately $1.165 million were deposited between April and June 2023 into the Coinbase Account. 17. During her initial FBI interview on October 30, 2023, Winder told agents that none of the money in the Coinbase account was hers and that it all belonged to Milano or other individuals.

"Additionally, in July 2023, following the same April to June 2023 time period in which the Victim Companys funds were being transferred from Winders Wells Fargo bank account to the Coinbase Account, $178,046 of those stolen funds were deposited separately to two Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) Federal Credit Union (FCU) accounts in July 2023, also owned by Winder - $163,046 to one (ORNL FCU Account 1) and $15,000 to another Between July and August 2023, approximately $166,550 in cash withdrawals were made from ORNL FCU Account 1.

"In July 2023, the $15,000 in ORNL FCU Account 2 was withdrawn two days after it was transferred into the account. These cash withdrawals from the two ORNL FCU accounts totaled approximately $181,550. 19. In or around the same July to August time period, Winder made cash deposits to cryptocurrency kiosks totaling approximately $162,730, as identified through the cryptocurrency kiosk deposit receipts discovered by Winders family member. Through tracing efforts, the FBI has learned the money deposited into the cryptocurrency kiosks was converted to Bitcoin and transferred to two offshore, foreign-held cryptocurrency accounts and unrecoverable.

"The outstanding cash remaining from the multiple ORNL FCU withdrawals here too consists of the same $1.4 million stolen from the Victim Company which was initially deposited to Winders Wells Fargo account. The FBI has identified a remaining balance of approximately $18,820 of this stolen money that was withdrawn by Winder in cash and is as of yet still unaccounted for. Winder further sought to conceal the nature, source, and ownership, of the proceeds of this specified unlawful activity.

"In at least seven wire transactions to Coinbase, occurring between April 7 and June 30, 2023, Winder masked the purpose of these transactions using untrue st2023); investment purposes three times ($152,750 on April 20, 2023, $148,320 on May 08, 2023, and $163,720 on May 22, 2023; as well as $193,370 as an investment on June 30, 2023); personal expenses ($193,480.87 on June 05, 2023); closing on a home ($127,328 on June 22, 2023). In Winders July 14, 2023, transfer ($150,046) from her Wells Fargo account to one of the two ORNL FCU accounts referenced earlier, switching banks to one closer to home was the explanation provided.

"On June 06, 2025, the seizure warrant 1:25-MJ-144 was served to Coinbase for funds equal to the amount held in Winders frozen Coinbase account. On June 09, 2025, Coinbase confirmed receipt of the warrant and provided the following account balances, then valued at $655,205.79: Bitcoin (BTC) Wallet; 6.03910214 USDC Wallet; 0.047749 Ethereum (ETH) Wallet; 0.00587023 On June 17, 2025, the FBI submitted a request for a direct transfer of funds from the captioned account to the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS). The USMS advised it would deny the transfer of USDC as its value was below a threshold amount for seizure (approximately $0.04).

"On June 24, the USMS provided a wallet address to receive both the Bitcoin and Ethereum cryptocurrency in the Coinbase account. On July 16, 2025, Coinbase successfully sent approximately $20 worth of BTC (.00016805) in a test transfer to the USMS. On July 18, 2025, Coinbase successfully transferred the remaining, outstanding balance of Bitcoin to the USMS, for a total balance of 6.03908019 BTC and approximate value of $712,630 at time of receipt. No further transfers had been made from Winders Coinbase account to the USMS, pending an updated seizure warrant for the remaining Ethereum held in the frozen account.

"On August 28, 2025, the USMS advised the current dollar value of the remaining Ethereum in Winders account stood at approximately $26. 23. Said account is subject to seizure to United States pursuant to 18 U.S.C.  981(b). Said account is also subject to civil forfeiture pursuant to 18 U.S.C.  981(a)(1)(C), on the grounds that the funds contained in the above-listed account constitutes proceeds that are directly traceable to offenses in violation of 18 U.S.C.  1343 (wire fraud) and 18 U.S.C.  1349 (conspiracy to commit wire fraud). The account is further subject to civil forfeiture under 18 U.S.C.  981(a)(1)(A) and 981(a)(1)(C) as it is involved in and contains proceeds that is directly traceable to and facilitated the offense in violation of 18 U.S.C.  1956(a)(1)(B)(i), 1957, and 1956(h) (money laundering)."
Dalton firefighter Douglas Kerns has once again carried his department's reputation to new heights, taking top honors in a race up the 51 floors of Charlotte, North Carolina's VUE tower in the American Lung Association's Fight For Air Climb. Kerns finished first among firefighters in the event, finishing the climb in eight minutes and 55 seconds. He was also recognized as the top individual fundraiser in the event, raising $4,820 to support those fighting lung cancer.

Mr. Kerns has competed in the Fight For Air Climb in Atlanta on an annual basis since 2006. This year, the Atlanta event was cancelled so he and a team of firefighters from Georgia branched out and traveled to Charlotte to race up the stairs there. Mr. Kerns once again continued his tradition of wearing a red mohawk on his fire helmet displaying the names of influential people from his life or past firefighters who fought lung cancer. He's worn the mohawk each year since 2012.

"This year, I dedicated my Climb to Kirk Corsello. He was a former firefighter for the Gwinnett Fire Department and he was a pro cyclist. He died in an accident on Christmas Day trying to help a friend with their dog when a car pinned him up against guide wires that hold up a power pole," Mr. Kerns said. "He was always my toughest competition and he was my friend and mentor. He would take his shirt off of his back to help anyone in need."

The Georgia firefighters group finished second in team fundraising for the event, bringing in more than $5,000 for the American Lung Association.
Federal authorities in the Eastern District of Tennessee have arrested a citizen of El Salvador, who has been deported four times before.

Hector Antonio Amaya Flores is facing a new charge of reentry of a deported alien.

Authorities said Flores was located last Sunday and identified through use of fingerprints.

They said he had prior reentry charges in Virginia and Maryland and on March 23, 2018, was sent back to El Salvador.

He was also deported in 1996, 1997 and 2003.
Mitchell Leach/ Unsplash

A federal judge has declined to approve a proposed agreement between the Internal Revenue Service and several Christian groups that would have limited enforcement of restrictions on churches endorsing political candidates during sermons.

In a ruling issued Tuesday in National Religious Broadcasters v. Bessent, U.S. District Judge J. Campbell Barker of the Eastern District of Texas determined that the requested relief could not be granted.

The case originated in 2024 when National Religious Broadcasters, along with two churches, challenged enforcement of the Johnson Amendment, which bars certain nonprofit organizations from engaging in political endorsements.

Barker, appointed during the Trump administration, pointed to existing precedent, noting that DJA prohibits courts from providing declaratory relief with respect to federal taxes, and emphasized that agreement between the parties did not override those limitations.

Subject-matter jurisdiction is determined by the nature of the claims and parties in the operative complaint, not by consent during litigation, he wrote. The DJA and AIA apply here because plaintiffs claims are in respect to taxes and seek to restrain the threat of tax collection or assessment based on certain activity.

The government cites no authority for its position that its own consent to an injunction regarding a condition for tax benefits creates jurisdiction that the AIA or DJA otherwise denies.

Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council criticized the ruling, stating that Barker regrettably, sidestepped an opportunity, on the 250th anniversary of our nation, to correct a wrong that strikes at the very heart of American freedom.

Fortunately, [the NRB] plans to appeal this decision to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and they will have the full support of Family Research Council in that effort, he added.

Meanwhile, Rachel Laser, president of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, welcomed the decision, saying she was glad that the Johnson Amendment will remain a strong bulwark to stop religious extremists from exploiting houses of worship.

Tax-free giving to charities should fund charitable work, not partisan politics, she said. The court was right to reject the administrations attempt to use the courts to rewrite our laws.

In recent years, some Christian conservatives and churches have advocated for repealing the Johnson Amendment, arguing that it places undue limits on First Amendment freedoms for religious institutions.

The lawsuit was filed in August 2024 by National Religious Broadcasters alongside Intercessors for America, Sand Springs Church and First Baptist Church Waskom, seeking to invalidate the provision.

During the course of the case, the IRS announced in July that it would not revoke tax-exempt status for pastors or religious leaders who endorse political candidates before their congregations.
Assembly of clergy and laity at the 2025 Joint Conference of the United Methodist Church in Nigeria. | Photo credit: United Methodist Church Nigeria (UMCN) website/Joseph Dauda Balassa

A court in Nigeria has ruled in favor of The United Methodist Church in an ongoing legal dispute with the Global Methodist Church over registration status and control of resources.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the High Court issued an order directing the Corporate Affairs Commission to reverse its earlier decision that had renamed the United Methodist Church in Nigeria as the Global Methodist Church in Nigeria.

The judge also instructed Zenith Bank Plc to restore immediate access to the churchs accounts to the UMC, according to reports by The Nation.

In his ruling, Egwuatu found that the Corporate Affairs Commission had violated provisions of the Companies and Allied Matters Act by failing to follow proper procedures for altering the name and trustees of an incorporated organization.

He further stated that members of the denomination must adhere to its established governance rules regarding affiliation and separation, noting that the court does not have authority to override those internal regulations.

A member of an association can associate or disassociate from an association and not [leave] the association by changing the name of the association, Egwuatu said, as quoted by The Nation.

The ruling comes amid longstanding internal tensions within the United Methodist Church over doctrinal issues, particularly debates about same-sex marriage and the ordination of noncelibate homosexual clergy.

For years, efforts to revise the denominations Book of Discipline at the global General Conference failed, largely due to opposition from delegates representing African regions.

Despite those decisions, some progressive factions within the church continued to push for changes, leading thousands of predominantly conservative congregations to separate from the denomination.

At the 2024 General Conference, delegates ultimately voted to remove longstanding language on these issues, prompting church leaders and congregations in Nigeria and other parts of Africa to reconsider their affiliation with the denomination.

In Nigeria, both same-sex marriage and homosexual conduct are illegal, and the government also restricts participation in LGBT advocacy organizations.

In July 2024, John Wesley Yohanna announced that a regional body had voted during a special session to leave the UMC and align with the Global Methodist Church.

However, other Nigerian United Methodist leaders disputed that claim, asserting that only the former bishop and a small minority  about 10%  had departed from the denomination.
Home News Dr. Ben Carson warns of decline in patriotism among youth ahead of Americas 250th anniversary (interview)

Rising from poverty to become a pediatric neurosurgeon and prominent government official, Dr. Ben Carson pointed to his upbringing as proof of the promise of America. As the countrys 250th anniversary approaches, Carson is turning his attention to educating the next generation about the nations history through a new childrens book initiative.

The former secretary of Housing and Urban Development has released a package of childrens books alongside Christian actor Kirk Cameron and conservative activist and athlete Riley Gaines. The Brave Books "America Wins Bundle" aims to promote patriotism, faith and American values amid concerns that younger generations have become disconnected from their nations history.

In a statement provided to The Christian Post, Brave Books noted that, in 2022, the Nations Report Card revealed that only 13% of U.S. eighth-grade students performed at or above the NAEP Proficient level, a 2-point drop from 2018.

Its unfortunately something that happens in a lot of countries before they fall, Carson told CP in an interview. They neglect their history, or they allow their history to be rewritten.

We have an incredible history with this country, from a bunch of ragtag militiamen to the pinnacle of the world in record time, he said. Now that doesnt mean there werent some bad things, too, but the fact of the matter is theres a heck of a lot more good than there is bad and ugly.

The retired neurosurgeon said he hopes the America Wins Bundle"  which includes Carson's Built on Faith, Cameron's Built by the Brave, and Gaines' 1, 2, 3 We Are Free  will provide younger Americans with a balanced understanding of American history and its founding principles.

Here we are coming up on 250 years of sustained liberty under the same Constitution, he said. Thats pretty significant. Nobody else can claim anything quite like that.

Brave Books statement also highlighted a June 2025 Gallup poll showing that only 41% of Gen Z adults said they were proud to be an American. Carson suggested that the decline in historical understanding is contributing to those attitudes.

I think that feeds into the narrative that we are evil, that we cause all the problems for ourselves and for others, Carson explained.

While Carson acknowledged the stain of slavery on Americas history, he disagreed with the sentiment that this means the country is more evil than the rest of the world. The former HUD secretary noted that practically every society has had to contend with the sin of slavery, and that the U.S. fought a Civil War to abolish it.

He expressed concern about certain diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and curricula in education, which he believes are dividing people based on race or other traits.

I think theyre not necessarily bringing people together, Carson said. He added that such approaches sow these seeds of hatred and unfairness and never seem to look at the progress thats being made.

The 74-year-old conservative leader reflected on the changes he has witnessed throughout his lifetime. He remembered seeing Whites Only signs when visiting places like Tennessee as a child, and people explaining to him the importance of paying attention to such signs.

And in the same lifetime, we have black admirals and generals and CEOs of Fortune 500 companies and heads of foundations and university presidents, weve had a black president of the United States, Carson said. That's an incredible amount of progress in one lifetime. We ought to concentrate on what has allowed that to happen.

Speaking to the people who are pushing programs that he believes promote the idea that certain groups will never achieve justice in this society, Carson urged them to open [their] eyes and look around [them].

The same thing my mother used to tell me when I was a kid, he said.

Reflecting on his childhood, Carson recalled how his mother encouraged him to focus on possibilities rather than limitations, despite societal barriers.

Carson was born into poverty in Detroit and raised by a mother who had a third-grade education and couldn't read. Despite these challenges, he developed a love of reading and, years later, earned a scholarship to Yale University.

After graduating from Yale, he earned a medical degree from the University of Michigan Medical School. Carson later served as the director of Pediatric Neurosurgery at the Johns Hopkins Childrens Center for nearly 30 years, assuming the role at age 33 and becoming the youngest major division director in the hospitals history.

As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, Carson said he hopes efforts like the America Wins Bundle" will encourage younger generations to engage more deeply with the countrys history and to better understand the factors he believes have contributed to its longevity.

Its a country for all of us, a country that all of us have played a significant role in developing, and a country in which we should be proud of, he said. And I thank God every day that I was born here.
Home News Franklin Graham cites King David in response to papal war rebuke: 'God does take sides' Former speaker of the Knesset takes issue with interpretation

Evangelist and Samaritan's Purse CEO Franklin Graham cited the Old Testament example of King David earlier this week to push back against Pope Leo XIV's claim that God rejects the prayers of those who wage war.

Speaking during a Tuesday episode of "Piers Morgan Uncensored," Morgan asked Graham to respond to the pontiff, who devoted his Palm Sunday homily to rebuking those who would justify war in the name of Jesus Christ.

"He does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war, but rejects them," the pope said, quoting Isaiah 1:15, when the prophet condemned ancient Judah for its violence: "Even though you make many prayers, I will not listen: your hands are full of blood."

"Oh, I don't know," Graham told Morgan in response. "You know, David, King David, he prayed that God would train his hands how to fight his enemies. We know that God does take sides in history, certainly as it relates to biblical history. God gave great favor to David, great wisdom to David, every time he went into battle."

Graham explained there are just wars, singling out World War II as an example, and went on to claim that the Iranian regime has become "a danger to the whole world." He ultimately blamed Iran for the approximately 70,000 Palestinian deaths in Gaza since October 2023, as well as for the thousands of deaths in Lebanon and Yemen.

"I want peace, I don't want war," Graham said. "I don't support war, but I do believe, at times, there is justification when you're fighting evil. And the Islamic Republic of Iran, I believe, is an evil government. And so I hope there is a regime change. I really do."

When Morgan pressed Graham again to respond to the pope, Graham noted he is not Roman Catholic and that he comes "from a different perspective," though he implied he disagrees with the papal assertion that God rejects the prayers of those who wage war.

"Well, he didn't reject David's prayers, that's for sure," he said. "I think that Pope Leo, maybe he's putting that in a modern context. But if you take it from a biblical context, no question God heard the prayers of King David as he went against his enemies. And God gave him wisdom and guided him and directed him in his hands of war."

When Morgan later asked him to comment on the Christian Zionism debate, Graham said the idea that Jesus Christ cannot return until Jews regather in their ancestral homeland is not in the Bible, though he believes the land promises to Abraham in Genesis remain in effect and that the 1948 establishment of Israel was "a fulfillment of prophecy."

"That does not mean that the government of Israel is doing the work of God or anything like that. I don't believe that. It's a secular government. Most of them in government don't believe in God. So it's a secular country, but it's still a fulfillment of prophecy," he said, adding that he believes many in Israel will someday accept Christ.

Avraham Burg, a native Israeli who briefly served as interim president of Israel in 2000 in his capacity as speaker of the Knesset, was another guest on Morgan's show, and suggested Graham was misapplying the story of King David.

"I cannot tolerate shallowness," Burg told Morgan immediately after Graham's remarks. "He spoke about King David. King David, yes, was a warrior, but he explicitly, in the Bible, was not granted to build the temple for the good Lord because, as the prophet [Nathan] said, 'Your hands are full of blood.'"

"Bloody warriors are not entitled to build the house of God, the house of peace," Burg added, in an apparent reference to 1 Chronicles 22:8. "This is the real King David, not all of these Disneyland images of him."

"Who asked you to sacrifice me... I don't want this alliance with you!"



Former Israeli interim president Avraham Burg responds passionately to Christian Zionism: "Do not interfere with Jewish faith!"



Watch more????



???? https://t.co/qY6MaEMw0j

@piersmorgan | @Franklin_Grahampic.twitter.com/Vxic9ad1XK  Piers Morgan Uncensored (@PiersUncensored) March 31, 2026

Burg, who was raised in a prominent religious-Zionist family but has been an outspoken critic of political Zionism and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, said that while he is not Roman Catholic himself, his heart went out to the pope for his remarks, which he likened to the message Nathan delivered to David. He urged Christians to separate foreign policy from their eschatology.

"Do me a favor," he said. "You want redemption? You want [the] Second Coming of God, of the Messiah? [All that] is good. Keep out of my political scenario. I do not want to die in your Armageddon."

Burg, who also served in the Israel Defense Forces and was among a small group of reserve soldiers and officers who protested the 1982 Lebanon War, added that he has friends and family members "who were killed because of holy wars."

Graham's remarks on Morgan's show echo a prayer he made during an Easter lunch at the White House on Wednesday, when he likened the modern Iranian regime to the ancient Persians in the book of Esther.

Graham compared President Donald Trump to Esther, the Jewish queen who was providentially raised to a position of political prominence to foil Haman's genocidal plot to annihilate the Jews in the Persian Empire.

Yesterday, @WhiteHouse@Franklin_Graham prayed a powerful prayer for the people of Iran:



Let us pray. Father, you tell us in the book of Esther that the Persians  the Iranians  were wanting to kill every Jew  woman, child  and to do it all in one day. But, you raised up pic.twitter.com/i2Ak286xDq  Rev. Johnnie Moore ? (@JohnnieM) April 2, 2026

"Father, you tell us in the book of Esther that the Persians, the Iranians, were wanting to kill every Jew  woman, child  and to do it all in one day. But you raised up Esther to save the Jewish people," Graham said.

"Father, we thank you. Today, the Iranians, the wicked regime of this government, wants to kill every Jew and destroy them with an atomic fire," he continued.

"But you have raised up President Trump. You've raised him up 'for such a time as this.' Father, we pray that you'll give him victory. Father, we pray for our military, that you'd watch over and protect them. We pray for the people of Iran who want freedom, to be set free from these Islamic lunatics," Graham added.

Graham's prayer came hours before Trump delivered an address to the nation providing an update on the war, which has lingered for more than a month, while prompting concerns regarding the influence religion and especially eschatology are playing in the conflict.

Last month, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth drew criticism for invoking the imprecatory psalms against the enemies of the United States during a Pentagon prayer service, asking God to provide U.S. forces with "overwhelming violence of action against those who deserve no mercy."
Home News Illegal teen's alleged assault of multiple female students prompts feds to investigate school district

Quick Summary AI Summary Federal investigation launched into Fairfax County Public Schools over alleged assaults by an illegal teenager.

Israel Flores Ortiz, 19, is accused of sexually assaulting over a dozen female students.

School district to cooperate with federal inquiry and retain an independent firm for a comprehensive review. An artificial intelligence-powered tool created this summary based on the source article. The summary has undergone review and verification by an editor. See Summary

The U.S. Department of Education is investigating a Virginia public school district over reports that a teenager who entered the country illegally sexually assaulted over a dozen girls, allegations that some parents claim the school district attempted to sweep under the rug.

The Department of Education announced Monday that Fairfax County Public Schools is the latest Northern Virginia school division to be under investigation.

According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the teenager accused of assault, Israel Flores Ortiz, from El Salvador, illegally entered the United States in 2024. The DHS reported that Ortiz, who was released into the country under the Biden administration, attended the 11th grade as a 19-year-old.

The federal agency requested on March 16 that Fairfax County keep Ortiz detained, noting that the suspect is accused of groping multiple girls, with reports saying that he allegedly sneaked up on students in the hallways and grabbed them between their legs.

In response to an inquiry from The Christian Post, a spokesperson for FCPS said the safety of [its] students and staff remains a top priority.

According to the spokesperson, the school district received the complaint this week and is reviewing it.

We are prepared to fully cooperate with the U.S. Department of Educations inquiry, the FCPS spokesperson told CP. We are grateful to our law enforcement partners and are continuing to work closely with them as their investigation into this matter moves forward. To maintain the integrity of the ongoing investigation, we cannot share additional details at this point.

In addition to the law enforcement investigation, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid has requested that FCPS retain an independent outside law firm to conduct a comprehensive review of this matter, the representative for the school district continued.

The goal is clear: to establish a definitive understanding of what occurred, when it occurred, and confirm that all policies, procedures, and regulations were properly followed. The firm of McGuireWoods will conduct this thorough, objective, and independent review.

According to a press release last week from the Fairfax Police Department, Fairfax High School alerted authorities on March 5 about reports of multiple assaults at the high school.

Ortiz turned himself in on March 7 and was transported to the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center. The suspect was initially charged with nine counts of assault and battery, but after more victims came forward following his arrest, four additional counts of assault and battery were added on March 25.

Judge Dipti Pidikiti-Smith denied Ortizs request to be released from jail after the student appeared in court on Wednesday. Ortiz is still being held on no bond.

In a statement to 7News, one of the victims mothers said the suspect is a stranger to the girls he is accused of assaulting.

He just sneakily walked up behind them and put his hand in between their legs, the mother said. It was not just a butt smack or a butt grab. It was a groping of a private area. It had been occurring for several months.

Several parents expressed frustration to the local news outlet about how FCPS handled the situation. One mother said multiple parents had called on FCPS to send out a letter addressing the situation before they got one, but another mother claimed that it was a sanitized letter.

They have attempted to sweep it under the rug, another mother said.

Fairfax High School Principal Georgina Aye sent an email to parents on March 12, two weeks after the incidents were reported. The letter addressed the arrest of a student charged with inappropriately touching other students, which the principal said involved the student touching students buttocks while they were transitioning in the hallways.

One of the mothers told 7News that Ortiz's assault against her daughter went further than the letter described. The parents who spoke with the outlet also claimed that the victims have faced bullying at school because of FCPS description of the allegations.

The girls have experienced harassment and bullying from peers at school, including people that they once thought were their friends, and the letter that they sent out, referencing it only as buttocks touching, just adds fuel to rumors that they were just attention seeking, one mother said.

In its statement earlier this week, the Department of Education declared: Virginias experiment with radical gender ideology, race-based admissions systems, far-Left indoctrination, and unlawful discrimination has inflicted immeasurable harm on our students. It must stop.

The department also pointed to investigations it has already opened into five Northern Virginia school districts that allow male students who identify as female to enter girls' locker rooms and bathrooms.

Female students say they witnessed male students inappropriately touch other students and watch female students change in a female locker room. Many female students in the Divisions have reported that they avoid using the restroom at school because the policies make them feel unsafe and uncomfortable, the department stated.
Home News JD Vance announces new memoir detailing 'my way back to faith'

Vice President JD Vance has written a new memoir about his conversion to Roman Catholicism amid speculation that he'll be running for president in 2028.

In an X post on Tuesday, Vance announced that his book, titled Communion: Finding My Way Backto Faith, will be released on June 16.

Ive been writing this book for a long time, and Im honored to finally be able to share the full story with you all, he stated. Vance stressed that Communion details his personal journey and how I found my way back to faith."

A statement by the books publisher, HarperCollins, describes it as an intimate account of why Vice President JD Vance strayed from the Christianity of his youth and what led him back.

In an excerpt of the book shared by the publisher, Vance wrote: The story of how I regained my faith, of course, only happened because I had lost it to begin with.

The interesting question that hangs over this book, and over my mind, is why I ever strayed from the path. Why the Christian faith of my youth failed to properly take root. Im glad I found my way back to the Church, he added.

"I learned much along the way. But if you believe as I do, you know Ive been fortunate and touched by Gods grace. To summarize this book: Im a Christian, and I became a Christian because I believe that Jesus Christs teachings are true."

Vance expressed hope that by sharing my journey I might be helpful to others  Catholic, Protestant or otherwise  who are seeking reconciliation with God.

Jonathan Burnham, president and publisher of the Harper Group, said the book will speak to so many searching for faith, connection and meaning in their lives, adding that Vance's deeply heartfelt story of doubt and regained belief resonates far beyond politics, offering a moving reflection on the questions that define this moment in American public life.

Vances new release comes a decade after the memoir he wrote as a private citizen, Hillbilly Elegy. Hillbilly Elegy was later made into a movie.

The publication of Vances book also comes amid expectations that the vice president will seek the Republican nomination for president in the 2028 election, as President Donald Trump is barred from seeking another term by the 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

The RealClearPolitics average of polls asking Republican primary voters which potential candidate they would support, accessed Thursday, shows Vance leading with 44.9% support, followed by Donald Trump Jr. at 14.5%, Secretary of State Marco Rubio at 12.7%, and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis at 7.6%.

Vance had previously talked about his Catholic faith during an appearance at the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast in 2025, identifying himself as a baby Catholic and the first convert to Catholicism to serve as vice president of the U.S.

What attracted me to the Christian faith and what attracted me to this church, in particular, is the recognition that grace is not something that happens instantaneously, he said. Its something that God works in us over a long period of time, sometimes many years and sometimes many decades.

I think that when I was a kid, my assumption is that grace is something where the Holy Spirit would come in and it would solve all of our problems, he recalled. I think that what the Catholic Church calls me to do is to say that if the stock markets doing OK but people are literally dying and losing years off of their life, then we have to do better as a country.
Home News Judge quashes city's lawsuit against Ohio pastor running church homeless ministry

A judge has permanently dismissed an Ohio citys lawsuit against a pastor who ran a 24/7 homeless ministry at his church property.

Judge James D. Bates of the Court of Common Pleas of Williams County issued a final order earlier this week in the case of Fire Chief Douglas Pool, City of Bryan Fire Department v. Dad's Place and Riehle Rentals, LLC.

At issue was the homeless ministry that Pastor Chris Avell offered at Dads Place in Bryan, which city officials charged was violating several zoning and building requirements.

This included a demand from Bryan Fire Chief Douglas Pool to have the church install a sprinkler system, even though the church could not afford such an exorbitant expense.

In his order, Bates wrote that Bryan Fire Chief Douglas Pool has not identified a specific interest here that would justify shutting down Dad's Place because it lacks a sprinkler system and that his decision to wait years before enforcing the fire code confirms that no such interest exists.

Pool has also failed to prove that the City's fire-code enforcement against Dad's Place is the least restrictive means of achieving the City's interests, Bates continued. Here, there are multiple alternatives to forcing the Church to shut down its ministry for lack of a sprinkler system, any one of which is fatal to Chief Pool's case under strict scrutiny.

The order explained that an injunction would inflict irreparable harm on the Church by shutting down its ministry and that the balance of harms therefore tips decidedly against the injunction.

Chief Pool has failed to prove that the public interest would be advanced by the issuance of a permanent injunction enjoining Dad's Place from continuing to live out its faith by serving the vulnerable population of Bryan, Bates added.

The complaint against the church was dismissed with prejudice, meaning it cannot be refiled, and the lawsuit is permanently concluded.

Jeremy Dys, senior counsel at First Liberty Institute, which helped to represent the church, said in a statement released Thursday that the ruling should put an end once and for all to the citys relentless attacks on Dads Place and Pastor Chris.

All Pastor Chris ever wanted to do was keep the doors of his church open to those in desperate need of temporary shelter, Dys continued. Its past time for the city to end its mean-spirited, three-year campaign of harassment of this church.

In 2023, Avell launched the 24/7 ministry to the homeless at his church. Months later, Bryan city officials filed 18 criminal charges against the church over building code issues.

Although officials agreed to drop the charges in exchange for Dads Place actively working to get the necessary certifications and permits, the church faced additional criminal charges after the city fire chief conducted a surprise inspection in April 2024.

In January of last year, a Bryan Municipal Court Judge ordered Avell to pay a $200 fine and gave him a 60-day suspended jail sentence. However, the Sixth Appellate District on the Court of Appeals of Ohio stayed the sentence.
Home News Trump urges Erika Kirk to sue, says people are 'jealous' of Charlie Kirk's widow

President Donald Trump said Erika Kirk, the widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, should sue those who have maligned her character and spread conspiracy theories about the assassination of her husband at a Turning Point USA event.

Speaking at the Easter Lunch at the White House on Wednesday, Trump said he was delighted to join the countless Christians across the country and around the world in preparing to celebrate the holiday.

As he addressed the room, the president spotted Erika Kirk, and he said, Hello, darling! Wow. Theres a good table. I like that table. Youre doing well, right?

I think you should sue em, Trump told her before addressing the rest of the room. I told her, You oughta sue some of these. Theyre so jealous of Erika. I said, You oughta sue their  I can say it; youre not allowed to say this; you have to be nicer. Sue their a off.

Last month, Trump appointed Erika Kirk to serve on the U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors. The president had initially planned for Charlie Kirk to serve on the board before the TPUSA founders murder.

Following the assassination of Charlie Kirk on Sept. 10, 2025, during an outdoor event at Utah Valley University, conspiracy theories about Erika Kirk and the circumstances surrounding her husbands death have circulated online.

During a town hall with CBS News' editor-in-chief, Bari Weiss, held on Dec. 13, 2025, the widow was asked to address the conspiracy theories. Many viewers inferred that the question alluded to the theories pushed by former TPUSA employee and media personality Candace Owens.

Addressing what she would say, Erika Kirk replied, "Stop. That's it. That's all I have to say. Stop."

Owens has dedicated multiple episodes of her podcast to discussing theories about Charlie Kirks murder, some of which have included foreign involvement from Israel, Egypt or France.

She has also claimed that people at TPUSA betrayed Charlie Kirk and accused the organization of engaging in a cover-up. Earlier this year, TPUSA sent the podcast host a cease-and-desist letter demanding that she cease her disparaging comments about the organization.

On her podcast this week, Owens reacted to a clip of Trump telling Erika Kirk to sue, remarking that the president is fully Jewish now.

Hes just like all of the Israelis, she said. Sue, if your feelings are hurt! Sue! Sue!

Theres something thats just so middle school about this, Owens added. No! We want to know who killed Charlie Kirk. So, could you park aside the lawyers and get information for us, Trump?

While authorities arrested Tyler Robinson in connection with the assassination of Charlie Kirk, some, like Owens, have suggested that there is [nonexistent] evidence against the 22-year-old suspect.

Robinson allegedly fired a shot at the TPUSA founder while he was in the middle of answering a question from an audience member about mass shootings committed by trans-identifying individuals. The suspect is alleged to have murdered Charlie Kirk over his political views, including on issues like transgenderism.

Authorities have also said that Robinson texted his trans-identifying roommate, Lance Twiggs, after the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk, asking him to "look under my keyboard, which investigators say referred to a handwritten note.

Twiggs told the police about a note left by Robinson that he found under a keyboard, which read, I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and Im going to take it.

A preliminary hearing for Robinson is scheduled for May 18. According to a recent court filing, Utah prosecutors overseeing the case against the suspect intend to call Twiggs and the suspects family members to testify at the preliminary hearing.

Robinson's defense team is seeking to postpone the hearing, stating they need more time to review the evidence. Court filings from the defense highlighted the results of a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives analysis that found a damaged bullet jacket fragment recovered during Kirks autopsy could not be matched to a rifle recovered by law enforcement.

While the defense argued that this inconclusive result could be exculpatory, prosecutors have said that the analysis does not undermine the case against Robinson, as the fragments condition is likely the reason for the inconclusive result.
Home News US fighter jet shot down in Iran: 1 pilot rescued, search for 2nd crew member ongoing

Two U.S. officials say an American fighter jet has been shot down in Iran in what was the first such reported incident in the nearly five-week-old military operation.

Citing unidentified government officials, Reuters reported Friday morning that a U.S. F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet was involved and a search-and-rescue effort was underway.

The condition of the two pilots aboard the aircraft was unknown, according to The Wall Street Journal. One crew member was rescued by U.S. forces, according to CBS News.

President Donald Trump was briefed Friday about the situation, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said.

Meanwhile, CBS News reported that Iranian state media has offered a dead or alive bounty for any residents who locate the U.S. service member or members involved in the incident. The broadcast message also urged viewers to open fire on any U.S. aircraft in their vicinity, according to The Associated Press.

Images and video shared on social media by Iranian state media indicated several U.S. military aircraft  reportedly including two Black Hawk helicopters  were seen conducting flyover missions in a possible effort to locate and recover flight crew members, CBS News reported.

Also on Friday morning, Trump threatened to target additional Iranian bridges and power plants.

Trump wrote in a Truth Social post: Our Military, the greatest and most powerful (by far!) anywhere in the World, hasnt even started destroying whats left in Iran. Bridges next, then Electric Power Plants! New Regime leadership knows what has to be done, and has to be done, FAST!

According to Reuters, thousands of people have been killed across the Middle East since the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on Feb. 28. More than 3,500  including over 1,600 civilians and nearly 250 children  have been killed in Iran, according to U.S.-based rights group HRANA.

U.S. officials have confirmed 13 U.S. service members have died, including six who were killed when a military refueling aircraft crashed over Iraq. Seven more Americans were killed in action during the ongoing military operation in Iran.
Trump Title X Betrayal, Paula Whites Jesus Comparison, Matt Gaetz Alien Hybrid Claim

link to download the audio instead. link to download the audio instead. 06:26 06:26

Top headlines for Friday, April 3, 2026

Backlash from pro-life leaders after the Trump administration allowed Title X funding to go to Planned Parenthood, fueling accusations of political betrayal. We also look at the controversy sparked by Paula White-Caine after she compared President Trump to Jesus during a White House Easter event. Plus, former Congressman Matt Gaetz makes a startling claim about being briefed on alleged alien-human hybrid research while in office.



00:11 Trump admin. extends Title X funding to Planned Parenthood

00:59 Paula White-Caine likens Trump to Jesus, stokes backlash

01:45 UFC's Joe Pyfer: 'I almost took my own life' but 'found God'

02:27 Nvidia exec donates $50M to Austin Christian University

03:18 Nigerian court sides with UMC against Global Methodists in case

04:06 Matt Gaetz claims briefing on alien-human 'breeding programs'

04:52 Luke Bryan opens up about growing up in the church
Home Opinion Easter reflection: Can Dr. Kings Commitment Card heal our divided nation?

Sadly, as we prepare to celebrate Easter (Resurrection Day), we once again confront a fractured, divided culture that all too often sets Americans against Americans. Millions of Americans lament this situation, but are at a loss as to how to help address the divisions.

We are observing this weekend the 58th anniversary of the tragic assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a man who employed his Christian faith to bring Americans together to confront the original sin in our American DNA, symbolized by racism and Jim Crow segregation.

As a Baptist minister and devout Christian, he brought his Christian faith to bear against the evil of segregation and racism in our country.

Dr. King called upon all of America to live up to the promises of its founding documents. In his eloquent I Have a Dream Speech, on Aug. 28, 1963, on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, Dr. King proclaimed:

I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.

Then, turning to the personal and familial, he proclaimed,

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

He was indeed calling on all Americans to live up to the standard of our founding documents concerning individual human freedom and dignity.

In all his activities, Dr. King remained committed to nonviolence, in spite of extreme persecution from the Klan, White Citizens Councils and even state agencies. On what became Bloody Sunday, March 7, 1965, as Civil Rights marchers under the auspices of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference prepared to march from the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, to the state capitol in Montgomery, they were confronted by a blockade of state troopers and local police commanded by the notorious Sheriff Jim Clark and Major John Cloud.

When the crowd refused to disperse, Cloud ordered his men to advance as they were cheered on by white bystanders. The police, some of them mounted on horseback, viciously attacked the marchers with clubs and tear gas. These sickening and violent scenes were flashed on TV screens across America (ironically interrupting the showing of the film "Judgment at Nuremberg.")

This police-riot against nonviolent protesters led to the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1965. (Dr. King was not present for this particular march because he was fulfilling his pastoral responsibilities in his church in Atlanta.) Later, on the steps of the state capitol in Montgomery, Dr. King said, The end we seek is a society at peace with itself, a society that can live with its conscience. And that will be a day not of the white man, not of the black man. That will be the day of man as man.

Several years ago, I had the privilege of participating in the annual celebration and reenactment of the Selma march. In taking part in the celebration, I had the further privilege of walking with Taylor Branch and benefitting from his encyclopedic knowledge of the whole movement. (Taylor Branch, the Pulitzer-Prize winning historian, has written the definitive history of Dr. King and the Civil Rights movement in three volumes: 1) Parting the Waters, America in the King Years1954-1963; 2) Pillar of Fire: America in the King Years 1963-65; and 3) At Canaans Edge: America in the King Years(2006).

As we look to Dr. King for inspiration in seeking to bind up the nations wounds, we should remember that there were those who advocated violence, and some of them were from overseas. My dear friend Mark Tooley has brought to my attention that the Soviet KGB actively targeted Dr. King and tried to discredit him both internationally and at home because of his commitment to American religious and democratic ideals. They desperately wanted to supplant Dr. King with black leaders more sympathetic to their views, like Stokely Carmichael (Kwame Ture) and H. Rap Brown (Jamil Abdullah Al-Amin), who declared that violence is as American as cherry pie.

The key to Dr. Kings staying power and his ultimate triumph of nonviolent change, I believe, can be found in the commitment card his followers were asked to sign. It reads as follows:

I hereby pledge myself  my person and body  to the nonviolent movement. Therefore I will keep the following ten commandments: 1. Meditate daily on the teachings and life of Jesus.

2. Remember always that the nonviolent movement seeks justice and reconciliation  not victory.

3. Walk and talk in the manner of love, for God is love.

4. Pray daily to be used by God in order that all men might be free.

5. Sacrifice personal wishes in order that all men might be free.

6. Observe with both friend and foe the ordinary rules of courtesy.

7. Seek to perform regular service for others and for the world.

8. Refrain from the violence of fist, tongue, or heart.

9. Strive to be in good spiritual and bodily health.

10. Follow the directions of the movement and of the captain on a demonstration. I sign this pledge, having seriously considered what I do and with the determination and will to persevere.

All 10 commitments are weighted toward reconciliation. Then it asks for name, address, phone, nearest relative and address. Why? Because people were actually killing marchers. That is how serious it was.

All of us should aspire to live our lives as Christians in such a reconciling posture. Would it make a difference? Absolutely!
Home Opinion Jaden Ivey released by Chicago Bulls. Where is the Church outrage?

On March 30, 2026, Jaden Ivey was reportedly released from the Chicago Bulls after expressing his Christian convictions regarding LGBT ideology and the NBAs public support of that worldview. He lamented the cultural pressure to affirm a lifestyle that, according to Scripture, is sinful.



If true, this moment should give us pause  not only because of what it says about professional sports, but because of what it reveals about our culture.



The irony is hard to miss.



We are living in a time when many on the Left march under banners like No Kings, warning of authoritarianism and labeling their opponents as intolerant, even fascist. Yet increasingly, it is those who hold to historic, biblical convictions who find themselves silenced, marginalized, or removed.



As I argue in The Heart of Apostasy, we are witnessing a form of cultural doublethink, reminiscent of George Orwells 1984  a world where truth is inverted, where disagreement is redefined as harm, and where dissent from approved ideology is treated as disqualifying. In such a climate, you are only labeled a dictator if you refuse to conform.



This dynamic becomes especially troubling when major cultural institutions  like the NBA, NFL, and MLB  serve as platforms for advancing a singular moral vision. Pride nights, public messaging, and organizational alignment with specific ideologies communicate that affirmation is not optional  it is expected.



There was a time when sports offered a temporary escape from the pressures of public life. Today, that space has largely disappeared. Moral questions have become political, and institutions once centered on competition and excellence are now arenas for ideological enforcement.



But the most pressing question is not about the leagues.



It is about the Church.



Where is the Church when a young Christian athlete faces consequences for expressing his faith?



Where is the moral clarity? Where is the collective voice? Where is the willingness to stand?



This is especially significant for the Black Church, which has historically affirmed the authority of Scripture on matters of faith and morality. If those convictions still hold, why the silence?



We have seen calls for boycotts and public protests over other issues. Why not here? Why does the loss of a young mans livelihood for expressing biblical convictions not rise to the same level of concern?



Has the cultural pressure become so strong that even the Church hesitates to speak?



Scripture reminds us in Galatians 1:10 (ESV): For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.



The issue before us is not merely political  it is spiritual.



When the Church begins to measure its voice by cultural approval rather than biblical truth, it loses its prophetic power. And when that happens, the culture does not become more righteous  the Church simply becomes less relevant.



This is what I describe as the heart of apostasy: a gradual departure from biblical authority in favor of cultural conformity.



The path forward is not outrage alone. It is repentance.



Repentance that begins with the people of God. Repentance that restores clarity, courage, and conviction. Repentance that leads to renewal.



May God have mercy on His Church as we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord!



And may He once again raise up a people who will stand firmly on His Word  regardless of the cost.
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Early on Tuesday morning, I was woken up by an unusual series of pings on my phone. Messages appeared on my Signal and WhatsApp; missed calls. None of it made sense to my brain, which was still asleep, or my eyes, half closed. All I could comprehend were a few words, Shelly, kidnapped, Baghdad.

Just a couple of days earlier, I had spoken with Shelly Kittleson, a forty-nine-year-old freelance journalist who has been part of the Coalition for Women in Journalism (CFWIJ), the organization I lead, since its inception. Before CFWIJ was a press freedom support nonprofit, it was a volunteer-based mentorship network; Shelly had always been part of our peer groups. I met her almost a decade ago when I was a correspondent in the Middle Eastwe would often cross paths in Istanbul or Erbil, while covering Iraq and Syria. My first impression of her was that she was driven, gentle, firm, knowledgeable, and somehow the combination of these made her feel safe to be around. Once, in a conversation about the challenges of being a freelancer, I asked why she still did it. I remember she said, Because I believe in it. She meant journalism. She believes in the craft.

Shelly has been covering the Middle East for more than a decade, from the rise of ISIS in the Iraq-Syria region to the Syrian war and the country after the fall of Bashar al-Assad. Throughout, she has been an active member of our CFWIJ community, and has often stayed in touch when she is moving through unusual circumstances. She has informed us at times of receiving threatsand said that, if a story seems too dangerous, shes decided not to pursue it. But the risks to her, as for most journalists today in the region, are part of the ecosystem within which she does her work.

That morning, as I began to grasp the significance of the messages, I got on the phone, confirming details, calling sources who knew about her whereabouts. I spoke to people with whom she had been in contact in the days before she entered Baghdad. Conversations she had about routes, threats, her next move. Members of CFWIJ spoke with Iraqi officials, United States officials, anyone who could provide clarity and help us develop an appropriate advocacy plan.

We received updates as the circumstances unfolded. US consular contacts and officials in Washington acknowledged they were aware of Shellys abduction; diplomatic channels were activated. We consulted with those who have experience in hostage situations, people who understand the mechanics of negotiation. Iraqi authorities, including the prime ministers office, indicated that an investigation was underway. We received CCTV footage before it was made public, showing enough to confirm that Shelly was taken in broad daylight, by men who did not conceal themselves. Sources also indicated that an individual had contacted her and asked her to wait outside a hotel entrance. This appears to have been a setup, as the abductors were waiting for her there, where they forced her into a vehicle.

A suspect was taken into custody: the detainee is the driver of the vehicle. His name is Amir Jabbar Rahim Allah, a member of the Popular Mobilization Forces, Brigade 45Kataib Hezbollah. Iraqi sources have told us that the vehicle used to kidnap Shelly is affiliated with the Popular Mobilization Forces, an Iranian-backed paramilitary group that operates within Iraq. Eventually, the CCTV footage was made public by Iraqi authorities, who underscored that they do not want to be blamed for this.

We know that when Shelly received threats this time, as in dozens of times before, she had weighed her options and arrived at decisions that made sense to her. This is how she has always worked. Over the years, I have come to understand that Shelly knows what shes doing: she has been in the region through various geopolitical and humanitarian evolutions, and built connections and trust with sources. She works with a discipline that might not be dependent on visibility, but she is keen to learn and continue reporting. She is also vigilant about her safety and takes precautions. Just weeks ago, she was in Lebanon, completing a hostile-environment trainingone that she has taken several times before, but she felt it wise to keep herself sharp. She understands that working in these environments requires more than instinct.

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Shelly does often work without formal commissions, which has been noted in some of the coverage about her, as though it is something questionable, for a reporter who has been committed to telling the stories from the Middle East. But some of the best journalists stick around and find unique ways to navigate barriers of understanding, regardless of what they can count on coming through from news outlets. Shellys commitment to journalism, Ive come to find, is unconditional.
Classical music in movies has a unique power to amplify drama, evoke deep emotions, and leave audiences humming long after the credits roll. Famous orchestral music pieces, with their sweeping melodies and intricate arrangements, often become synonymous with iconic film moments. This article explores 15 standout examples where these timeless compositions elevate storytelling, blending centuries-old works with modern cinema magic.

What Are the Most Famous Classical Songs Used in Movies?

Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake": Filmmakers have long relied on classical music in movies to shortcut straight to the audience's heart. In "Black Swan", the ballet's haunting "Dance of the Little Swans" underscores Natalie Portman's descent into obsession, mirroring the fragile beauty and terror of perfection. The piece's delicate strings and urgent tempo create a pulse that feels alive, drawing viewers into the dancer's unraveling psyche. Mozart's "Eine kleine Nachtmusik": This offers a lighter touch in "The Shawshank Redemption". As Andy Dufresne blasts it from the prison's guard tower, the strings' playful elegance defies his captivity, symbolizing fleeting freedom. This serene serenade, composed in 1787, contrasts sharply with the film's gritty setting, making the moment one of cinema's most triumphant. Wagner's "Ride of the Valkyries from Die Walkure": It explodes into "Apocalypse Now". During the helicopter assault on a Vietnamese village, the blaring brass and thunderous percussion propel the chaos, turning a real Wagner opera excerpt into pure cinematic adrenaline. Directors love these pieces because they carry built-in emotional weightno dialogue needed. Beethoven's "Symphony No. 7, second movement (Allegretto)": Provides quiet intensity in "The King's Speech". As King George VI delivers his wartime address, the steady string rhythm builds resolve, reflecting his hard-won stutter-free delivery. Classical music in movies like this doesn't just score scenes; it becomes the emotional core.

Which Movies Use the Most Classical Music?

"The Shining": Certain films weave famous orchestral music so deeply into their fabric that it's hard to imagine them without it. Stanley Kubrick was a master here. Verdi's "Dies Irae" from his Requiem stalks the hotel's blood-red hallways, its choral fury amplifying Jack Torrance's madness. The massive orchestra swells like impending doom, a perfect match for the film's psychological horror. "Amelie": Yann Tiersen's "Comptine d'un autre ete" feels like a contemporary classical gem. Though not strictly traditional, its accordion-tinged piano evokes famous orchestral music's whimsy, scoring the titular character's playful interventions in Parisian lives. The melody's gentle lilt captures joy in the everyday, making hearts swell. "The Godfather Part III": Francis Ford Coppola turned to Bach's "Air on the G String" (from Orchestral Suite No. 3). It plays over a tragic opera house climax, its soaring violin line layering sorrow onto Michael Corleone's regrets. Samuel Barber's "Adagio for Strings" haunts "Platoon", stretching across Vietnam battlefields to mourn the war's senseless lossits slow, aching build is devastating.

These movies showcase how classical music in movies can define genres. A site like classical-music.com ranks such uses highly, noting their lasting impact. Kubrick's choices, in particular, influenced generations of directors seeking that orchestral punch.

Best Classical Piece for Movies

Carl Orff's O "Fortuna from Carmina Burana": Pinpointing the single best is tough, but this often tops lists for sheer versatility. In "Natural Born Killers", it fuels a frenzied montage of violence, the choir's primal roar matching the film's satirical edge. Oliver Stone also deployed it in "The Hunt for Red October" for submarine tension, proving its adaptability across tones. Debussy's "Clair de Lune": Brings ethereal calm to "Ocean's Eleven". As the crew cases the casino, the piano's rippling notes add sophistication, contrasting the heist's slick chaos. It's a reminder that famous orchestral music shines in subtlety too. Handel's "Hallelujah" Chorus from Messiah: Injects pure exaltation into lighter fare. In "Babe", it crowns the piglet's farmyard triumphs; in "Shrek", it twists fairy-tale tropes with humor. These instances highlight why classical music in movies enduresit's universally stirring.

Iconic Classical Tracks and Their Film Magic

Diving deeper reveals even more gems. Here's a breakdown of 15 classical music pieces used in famous movies:

"Swan Lake" by Tchaikovsky ("Black Swan"): Drives ballet intensity with fragile strings.

Drives ballet intensity with fragile strings. "Comptine d'un autre ete by Yann Tiersen ("Amelie"): Captures whimsical romance in Paris.

Captures whimsical romance in Paris. "Dies Irae (Requiem)" by Verdi ("The Shining"): Builds unrelenting horror tension.

Builds unrelenting horror tension. "Brandenburg Concerto No. 3" by J.S. Bach ("Star Trek (2009)"): Fuels epic space exploration.

Fuels epic space exploration. "Messiah (Hallelujah Chorus)" by Handel ("Babe", "Shrek"): Delivers joyful, uplifting energy.

Delivers joyful, uplifting energy. "Clair de Lune" by Debussy ("Ocean's Eleven"): Adds elegant poise to the heist.

Adds elegant poise to the heist. "Air (Suite No. 3)" by J.S. Bach ("The Godfather III"): Deepens emotional family tragedy.

Deepens emotional family tragedy. "Ride of the Valkyries" by Wagner ("Apocalypse Now"): Ignites battle frenzy in helicopters.

Ignites battle frenzy in helicopters. Piano Sonata No. 11 (Alla Turca) by Mozart ("Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls"): Brings comedic flair.

Brings comedic flair. "O Fortuna (Carmina Burana)" by Orff ("Natural Born Killers"): Power chaotic, primal energy.

Power chaotic, primal energy. "Cello Suite No. 1 Prelude" by J.S. Bach ("Master and Commander"): Heightens nautical isolation.

Heightens nautical isolation. "Adagio for Strings" by Barber ("Platoon"): Conveys sorrowful war devastation.

Conveys sorrowful war devastation. "Wedding March" by Mendelssohn ("Four Weddings and a Funeral"): Scores romantic wedding moments.

Scores romantic wedding moments. "Moonlight Sonata" by Beethoven ("The Pianist"): Echoes survival anguish in wartime.

Echoes survival anguish in wartime. "Rhapsody in Blue" by Gershwin ("Manhattan"): Paints urban romance in New York.

Bach dominates with multiple entries, his precision suiting diverse scenes. Mozart's Alla Turca adds farce to "Ace Ventura", while Mendelssohn's Wedding March graces rom-com rituals. Gershwin's jazzy Rhapsody paints Woody Allen's New York nostalgia.

Why These Pieces Resonate in Cinema

Classical music in movies thrives because it transcends language barriers. Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata" in "The Pianist" captures Adrien Brody's Holocaust survival through its brooding piano, each note a lifeline amid despair. J.S. Bach's "Brandenburg Concerto No. 3" launches "Star Trek's reboot with interstellar wonder, its buoyant strings evoking discovery.

In "Master and Commander", the "Cello Suite No. 1 Prelude" isolates Russell Crowe's captain at sea, the lone cello's voice echoing vast oceans. These choices aren't random; composers like these offer raw emotional tools that scores often can't match.

Famous orchestral music also introduces classics to new fans. A Reddit thread on r/classicalmusic buzzes with users sharing favorites like these, sparking playlists and concerts. It's a cycle where film revives symphonies.

Timeless Appeal of Orchestral Scores in Film

The magic lies in contrast and familiarity. Wagner's bombast fits war; Debussy's dreaminess suits intrigue. Over 900 words into this exploration, patterns emerge: strings for intimacy, brass for power, choirs for epic scale.

Directors like Coppola and Kubrick treated these as characters. Verdi's requiem mass in horror? Genius. Tchaikovsky in thrillers? Inspired. Explore these on Spotify or YouTube"Ride of the Valkyries" alone has millions of views tied to "Apocalypse Now".

Explore More Famous Orchestral Music in Movies

Classical music in movies keeps evolving, with new films rediscovering old masters. Stream these pieces standalone to appreciate their origins, or rewatch the films to see the synergy. Famous orchestral music isn't just backgroundit's the heartbeat of cinema's greatest moments. Dive into a symphony hall or your next movie night; the connection awaits.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the most famous classical songs used in movies?

Some of the top examples include Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake" from "Black Swan", Mozart's "Eine kleine Nachtmusik" in "The Shawshank Redemption", Wagner's "Ride of the Valkyries" in "Apocalypse Now", and Beethoven's Symphony No. 7 in "The King's Speech". These pieces deliver instant emotional power.

2. Which movies use the most classical music?

Films like "The Shining" (Verdi's "Dies Irae"), "Amelie" (Yann Tiersen's "Comptine d'un autre ete"), and "The Godfather Part III" (Bach's *"Air on the G String"**) heavily feature famous orchestral music. Stanley Kubrick's works often stand out for their extensive use.

3. Why do directors choose classical music for movies?

Classical music in movies provides timeless emotional depth without words, transcending language barriers. It amplifies drama, like Orff's "O Fortuna" in "Natural Born Killers", or adds whimsy, as in "Amelie". Directors value its built-in intensity.
Meta Platforms CEO Mark Zuckerberg arrives outside court to take the stand at trial in a key test case accusing Meta and Google's YouTube of harming kids' mental health through addictive platforms, in Los Angeles, California, U.S., Feb. 18, 2026. Mike Blake | Reuters

For the last three decades, internet giants have been able to avoid legal exposure for content on their platforms, thanks to a law that differentiates the companies from online publishers. But those safeguards appear to be weakening. Meta and Google , which dominate the U.S. digital ad market, find themselves as defendants in a host of lawsuits that collectively serve to undermine the long-held notion that they have legal protection for what surfaces on their sites, apps and services. Companies like TikTok and Snap are in the same predicament. The unifying aspect of the recent cases is that they're crafted to circumvent Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which Congress passed in 1996 and President Bill Clinton signed into law. Established in the early days of the internet, the law protects websites from being sued over content posted by their users, and allows them to act as moderators without being held liable for what stays up. Last week, a jury in New Mexico found Meta liable in a case involving child safety, while jurors in Los Angeles held the Facebook parent and Google's YouTube negligent in a personal injury trial. Days after those verdicts were revealed, victims of the notorious sex offender Jeffrey Epstein filed a class action lawsuit against Google and the Trump administration over allegations related to the wrongful disclosure of personal information. In that complaint, the plaintiffs argue that Google's AI Mode, which serves up AI-powered summaries and links, is "not a neutral search index," a clear effort to make the case that Google isn't just a platform sitting between users and the information they seek. "The plaintiffs' bar is winning the war against section 230 through systematic, relentless litigation that is causing there to be divots and chinks in its protection," said Eric Goldman, a law professor at Santa Clara University School of Law, in an interview.

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The stakes are massive as the technology sector exits the era of traditional online search and social networking and enters a world defined by artificial intelligence, where models designed by the owners of the largest platforms are serving up conversational chats, pictures and videos that can range from controversial to potentially illegal. The financial penalties to date have been minimal  less than $400 million in damages between the two verdicts last week  but the cases establish a troubling precedent for tech giants that are betting their future on AI. "For so long, tech companies have used Section 230 as an excuse to avoid taking meaningful action to protect users, but especially kids from egregious harms, harassment and abuse, frauds and scams," Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) said in March during a U.S. Senate Commerce Committee hearing tied to the 30th anniversary of Section 230. "It's not that they don't know what's happening or even why it's happening. It's that to do something about it would be to hurt their bottom line. And so long as federal law provides a shield, why even bother?" Meta declined to comment for this story. Google didn't respond to a request for comment. Both companies said they plan to appeal last week's verdicts.

Politicians on both sides of the aisle have proposed all sorts of reforms to Section 230 over the years, and company executives have faced public grilling in congressional hearings over the alleged harms caused by their platforms. President Donald Trump, during his first term in office, supported greater restrictions on social media companies for what he viewed as their bias against him. And Joe Biden, when he was a presidential hopeful in 2020, told The New York Times editorial board that Section 230 "should be revoked" for tech platforms including Facebook, which he said was "propagating falsehoods they know to be false." Nadine Farid Johnson, policy director of the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University, said about legislative efforts that "none of those things have fully come to fruition, in part because they are such complicated questions." But while the issue has stagnated in Washington, D.C., plaintiff attorneys are finding other routes toward holding big tech companies accountable.

Meta Platforms CEO Mark Zuckerberg testifies before Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Carolyn Kuhl at a trial in a key test case accusing Meta and Google's YouTube of harming kids' mental health through addictive platforms, in Los Angeles, California, U.S., Feb. 18, 2026 in a courtroom sketch. Mona Edwards | Reuters

The verdict last week against Meta and YouTube was the first time a jury found social media platforms liable for what plaintiff attorneys alleged was intentionally engineering addiction in minors with their products. The case went after how the platforms were designed, not just what content they carried. Plaintiffs argued that the combination of features like autoplay, recommendation algorithms, notifications and certain filters acted like "digital casinos," leading to serious mental health problems for a young girl who claimed she couldn't stop using the apps. The class action suit against Google, filed last week by a plaintiff with the pseudonym Jane Doe, alleged that the company's AI Mode created its own summaries and links, exposing Epstein victims' personal identifying information (PII), including names, phone numbers and email addresses. Kevin Osborne, the plaintiff's attorney in the case, told CNBC in an interview that the suit was filed after Google declined a request to take down the victims' contact information from AI mode. Osborne said the case has to move quickly because of how fast the information is spreading. "We filed when we filed because we needed to act as soon as possible to get this stuff taken down," said Osborne, a partner at Erickson Kramer Osborne in San Francisco. "People are getting calls from total strangers and death threats. It's a nightmare." Osborne added that the timing was "serendipitous" given Meta's court defeats last week, but he said there's overlap in that they all involve efforts by the plaintiffs to skirt Section 230. Osborne said that in his case, "this is AI mode coming up with its own content and that's something that's not been explored very thoroughly by the courts." Matthew Bergman, one of the lawyers representing the plaintiffs in the Los Angeles case, testified before a Senate committee in March and said the tech industry has relied on overly broad interpretations of Section 230 in order "to evade all possible legal accountability simply because third-party content is found somewhere in the causal chain of their misconduct." Bergman said he looked closely at a 2021 ruling in an appeals court involving allegations about the role a Snapchat feature played in a fatal car crash. The court reversed an earlier decision to dismiss the case under Section 230, citing the plaintiff's allegations that Snap's negligent design incentivized young people to drive recklessly. "I charted a very narrow legal theory that might legally permit certain cases brought by parents to proceed despite Section 230," Bergman told lawmakers. The evidence presented in Los Angeles bolstered the plaintiff's arguments that Meta and YouTube executives knew of their products' design harms and failed to adequately address them. At a press briefing about the case on Monday, Bergman said "the best way to prove our case is through their own documents." In the Google AI Mode suit, the plaintiff also pointed to design flaws related to the public display of personal information. "Google is intentionally furnishing that PII in a way designed, or at least substantially certain, to fuel harassment and fear," the suit says. Osborne expanded on that idea. "Google didn't just provide our client's email address," he said. "They created a link, so when you're reading the content, looking at AI mode, all you've got to do is click a button and you've generated an email directly to the [Epstein] survivor."

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It's not the first time Google has been sued for how its AI interacted with users, an issue that's also created legal challenges for ChatGPT creator OpenAI. Earlier In March, the father of Jonathan Gavalas filed a lawsuit against Google, accusing the Gemini chatbot of convincing his son to carry out a series of missions, including staging a "catastrophic accident." The younger Gavalas then committed suicide at the instruction of Gemini, the lawsuit alleges. And in January, Google settled with families who sued the company and Character.AI, alleging their technology caused harm to minors, including suicides. Last year OpenAI was sued by a family who blamed ChatGPT for their teenage son's death by suicide.

Supreme Court?

Legal experts said appeals in the latest cases could find their way to the Supreme Court, which could determine whether the companies should be protected by law against the claims. David Greene, senior counsel at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, called the verdicts "very preliminary decisions," and said there remains a lack of consensus over whether certain product features are protected by Section 230, or even the First Amendment. "Just labeling something as a design feature means nothing," Greene said. "If it's speech, it's speech and it gets both First Amendment protection and potentially Section 230 protection as well." Farid Johnson of Knight Institute said she's pushing Congress to enact a more measured approach that could let tech companies obtain Section 230 protections as long as they meet certain conditions related to data privacy, platform transparency and other prerequisites. "These questions are only becoming more and more challenging, as the platforms continue to expand their use of generative artificial intelligence, as they are kind of upping their algorithm game," Farid Johnson said. "Our concern is that this becomes a game of essentially whack-a-mole with every new iteration, with every new piece of technological progress that affects the platforms and the people engaging on the platforms." If you are having suicidal thoughts or are in distress, contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 for support and assistance from a trained counselor. WATCH: More litigation to come following Meta ruling, says Harvard Law professor.
As the Iran war pushes jet fuel prices higher, well-heeled travelers are facing hefty surcharges to fly private, sometimes on flights booked months prior, charter brokers and aviation insiders told CNBC.

Vimana Private Jets CEO Ameerh Naran said the firm recently booked a $520,000 flight from Dubai to London on a Boeing business jet for a client. That same trip cost the client $400,000 in 2023. The difference was entirely due to jet fuel prices  which now average about $4.65 a gallon globally  Naran said.

It's yet another ripple in the recent disruptions to air travel.

More customers turned to private air travel during the pandemic to avoid crowds. The option remains popular and has become more important to the aviation sector as wealthier households prop up spending in travel and other sectors.

These deep-pocketed travelers are less likely to get priced out as airfares rise, but they have to navigate unexpected fees as brokers and charters differ on how they pass along fuel costs. Jet fuel prices in major U.S. cities were up more than 80% last month, according to Airlines for America, an industry group, citing Argus data.

Jet charter brokers like Vimana arrange flights with jet operators, which own the planes and buy fuel, on behalf of passengers. Naran said Vimana does not renegotiate contracts and does not reprice flights, but that charter prices have surged quickly.

He advised travelers to book sooner than later, saying any price hikes are likely to be sticky even if the Iran war ends soon.

Larger jet operators are slower to pass along fuel costs to passengers as they buy fuel in bulk and want to avoid alienating customers, according to Naran. However, operators will likely have to pay more at the pump when they replenish their supplies, and some are taking losses by not repricing flights, he said.

"There's a long-term effect, because a lot of companies now will be making losses," he said. "They're not going to renegotiate the contract because they don't want to spoil the relationship with the client, but if they're making a loss today, they've got to recoup it."

Jet charter prices have increased by 5% to 15% on average, with some rising by as much as 20%, since the Iran conflict began, according to charter broker Amalfi Jets' database.
Microsoft's Vice Chair and President Brad Smith (L) and Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi pose before their meeting at the Prime Minister's Office in Tokyo on April 3, 2026.

Shares of Sakura Internet surged as much as 20.2% Friday after Microsoft said it has begun discussions with the Japanese cloud company and SoftBank to develop artificial intelligence infrastructure in Japan.

Microsoft said it plans to invest $10 billion in Japan between 2026 and 2029 to build AI infrastructure, strengthen cybersecurity and train 1 million engineers and developers by 2030.

Sakura Internet, which provides internet infrastructure services using domestic data centers, and Japanese telecommunications giant SoftBank Corp. will partner with Microsoft to provide AI computing resources, including graphics processing units located in Japan.

The announcement came during a visit to Japan by Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith, who met Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

Smith said the investment comes as demand for cloud and AI services grows in Japan. Around one in five working-age people in the country use generative AI tools, compared with the global average of about one in six, according to Microsoft's AI Diffusion Report.
French President Emmanuel Macron (L), his wife Brigitte Macron (back C) and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung (C) and his wife Kim Hea Kyung (R) attend the welcome ceremony at the presidential Blue House in Seoul on April 3, 2026.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and French President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday they planned to boost defense cooperation and work together to address the economic and energy crises triggered by the war in Iran.

Macron arrived in South Korea on Thursday for a two-day state visit after also visiting Japan, and held a summit in Seoul on Friday.

It is the first state visit by a French president since 2015 and French officials have said the trip aims to strengthen France's strategic and economic role in the region at a time of "strong international and regional tensions."

"President Macron and I agreed to share policy-related experiences and strategies in order to jointly address the economic and energy crises triggered by the Middle East war," Lee said after the summit.

The leaders also confirmed their commitment to bolstering energy security, including by collaborating to secure safe maritime transport routes through the Strait of Hormuz, he said.

Like other Asian economies, South Korea relies heavily on energy imports, including through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has effectively shut down the waterway in retaliation for U.S.-Israeli attacks that began on February 28, driving up energy prices and stoking fears of a global recession.

Macron said on Thursday that it would be unrealistic to launch a military operation to force open the strait, after U.S. President Donald Trump challenged U.S. allies to work towards reopening it.
This report is from this week's The Tech Download newsletter. Like what you see? You can subscribe here.

Once considered a taboo sector to funnel money into by venture capitalists, defense tech has seen a remarkable shift over the past few years.

It raised just $869 million globally in 2020, according to deal-counting platform Dealroom  a figure that rose more than tenfold to hit $11.2 billion in 2025.

A lot can change in five years.

Rising geopolitical tensions across the world have led states scrambling to modernize militaries and increasing commercial opportunities for new defense startups.

Russia's war in Ukraine has given rise to a new kind of drone warfare. It also provided a test bed for new defense technology developed by startups, and now tech companies have their sights set on opportunities brought about by the conflict in the Middle East.

Over the past week, defense tech startups in the U.S. and Europe have told reporters at CNBC that they're seeing increased demand and are eyeing commercial deals as a result of the conflict.
One crew member was rescued Friday after Iranian forces shot down a U.S. fighter jet, MS NOW reported.

The U.S. was searching for the second member of the F-15 aircraft's crew, whose whereabouts were unknown, according to MS Now, which cited two U.S. officials.

The Pentagon and U.S. Central Command didn't immediately comment. President Donald Trump has been briefed on the U.S. aircraft going down and the search for the crew, a White House official said.

It appeared to be the first known loss of a U.S. jet in the country since the war in Iran started in late February.

Meanwhile, a second U.S. aircraft involved in the war crashed on Friday, and the pilot was rescued, an official told MS Now.

The downing of the jet comes at a delicate time, when the U.S. has shown few signs of slowing its assault on Iran, and reports of potential peace talks did not yield a breakthrough. Trump told NBC News on Friday that the aircraft being shot down would not affect possible negotiations with Iran.

The war has now gone on for more than a month, and the death toll from the conflict is nearing 5,100 across the Middle East, according to MS NOW. It has suffocated tanker traffic through the critical Strait of Hormuz and threatened supplies of crude oil, fertilizer and other key commodities.

Trump claimed in a social media post Friday that with more time, the U.S. could "easily" open the strait, "TAKE THE OIL, & MAKE A FORTUNE."

Trump also threatened late Thursday to escalate attacks on Iranian infrastructure. He said the U.S. "hasn't even started destroying what's left in Iran," citing bridges and electric power plants.

In remarks on Wednesday, Trump said the U.S. would attack Iran "back to the Stone Ages."

The incident involving the F-15 jet serves as a reminder that even with air superiority, U.S. forces remain vulnerable to Iranian threats, said Justin Bronk, the Senior Research Fellow for Airpower and Technology at the U.K.-based Royal United Services Institute think tank.



"It's not air dominance, there's not a complete absence of threat, and even though [there's] been a very, very effective suppression and destruction of air defenses campaign," Bronk said in comments emailed to CNBC.

"It's almost impossible to, without fully sweeping with ground forces and taking all of a certain area of territory, which in this case would be, you know, huge areas of Iran, it's not possible to completely eliminate," Bronk said.

 CNBC's Azhar Sukri contributed reporting